Review #610
I would’ve given this a different title. I also didn’t like the cover but bought them because I like everything else this Rebecca Ross writes.
Upon finishing this book, it could’ve been a standalone. I’m not dying to know anything since it feels complete, but I already own the sequel so I’ll still continue on.
I’d rate this epic fantasy romance a 4.3/5 stars. It felt cozy, slow and calm in a good way. I was settled into it without feeling highly emotive reactions for the characters. They all had a bit bland feelings in general, but it worked. I really liked the first half and honestly didn’t know where it was leading to. I wanted more tension and scenes between her and Cartier.
“How shall I remember thee? As a drop of eternal summer, or a blossom of tender spring? As a spark of autumn’s stirring fire, or perhaps as the frost of winter’s longest night? No, it shall not be as one of these, for these shall all come to pass, and you and I, though parted by sea and earth, will never fade.”
Here are my comments while reading (spoilers incoming):
Only at page 86 did I start skimming since they’re talking about the history of their lands and clans too much. I’m worried that her “knowledge gift” and these flashbacks will create a plot heavy on the past instead of giving her agency in her current life. I’m intrigued about why she saw a vision when she held the book.
After part 1 finished, the book is quite slow and cozy with low emotional substance, but I’m intrigued enough to learn why she has the memories of someone from the past, who her father is, how she will find the stone, what will become of her and Cartier’s blossoming relationship, if she will ever get her cloak, & if she will someone he’ll overthrowing the king.
At the halfway point one of my predictions was wrong. I had guessed that Brienna (AKA Amadine) was the secret future queen, AKA Isolde. I’m kind of glad she’s not.
There are a lot of names and secondary fake identities to keep track of.
After Part 2 things are much more exciting with the stakes raised to a life or death situation. She seemed to bond with both Jourdain and Sean characters too quickly/easily.
So her half brother was killed off way too conveniently and quickly.
At the end, I’m satisfied, though there weren’t any major twists or cliff hangers. It felt like the epitome of cozy since the battle scene was so short and not prominent.
