One sentence synopsis
A magic-wielding, free-spirited woman is forced to marry a sorcerer dubbed the Dark Man in exchange for help fighting against evil necromancers.
Favorite quote
“Are you going to turn all the women in my hold into savages?”
“Just the best ones.”
When I first saw this ebook on BookSirens, I signed up to receive it for free because the premise sounded interesting. And then I saw the cover. The cover was so cheesy, that it took me AGES to actually pick this up. But, I had agreed to review it in exchange for them sending me the ebook, so I finally picked it up.
I’m so glad that I got past the horrible cover and gave this book a chance! I was invested in the story of Kesta, a fire-walker from the Fulmer islands, and Jorrun, the ill-reputed Dark Man, from the first chapter! Kesta and Jorrun are forced into a marriage so that the king will agree to help Kesta’s people against invading necromancers. Neither is terribly keen on the match, but Kesta sees it as the only way to save her family and everyone she holds dear. As the story progress, she begins to realize that the loathsome Dark Man may not be as bad as his reputation claims.
I, a woman who doesn’t much care for romance-heavy fantasy, adored the romance in this book. It was the slowest of burns, which I love because I like to torture myself. It was kind-of-enemies to lovers, which is something I’m coming to enjoy. And it was just so well written! The tension, the suspense, the will-they-won’t-they…. ugh! It was perfection.
As for the plot itself, it was clunky in parts, but still well put together. There was a lot of intrigue and action. The fact that it was told through multiple prospective kept it interesting, as well. I was biting my nails waiting to see what happen to not only our MCs, but their allies! I think the most impressive aspect of this book was how you come to care for every single character in this story. You’re, of course, rooting for Kesta and Jorrun, but you still find yourself hoping that Rosa, Kesta’s lady-in-waiting, will make it through. I was wrapped up in the narrative and I didn’t want to leave! I will say that it took me a bit to start clicking with the author’s writing style but, once I was there, I was completely engrossed!
Final thoughts: TERRIBLE cover, plot started off a bit clunky, but a solid fantasy story with one of my favorite romances!
Have any of you read this book? What were your thoughts on it?
Let me know in the comments!
And, as always, happy reading!
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