Synopsis
Alchemist. Poisoner. Reluctant queen.
Wren Embervale knows her duty demands a crown, even if it means a strategic betrothal to the influential Lord Darian Devereux. Their arranged marriage promises the formidable army she needs to wrestle her kingdom from the clutches of the tyrannical usurper, Silas. Yet Wren’s heart still belongs to Torj Elderbrock, her soul-bonded Warsword.
Torn between her pragmatic alliance and the visceral pull of her bond with Torj, Wren must navigate a treacherous landscape of courtly intrigue and looming war. As Silas’s shadow alchemy tightens its grip on the midrealms and a creeping poison steals Torj’s strength, Wren’s carefully constructed facade begins to crack . . .
Can Wren play the dutiful fiancée to secure her throne while her body and soul yearns for the warrior who would lay down his life for her? Or will the tangled threads of political necessity leave her kingdom – and her heart – in ashes?
Review
We went from bodyguard and alchemist poisoner enemy-to-lovers to so much more.
Scheuerer writes strong, flawed female characters that every girl who has yearned for more will relate to. Despite there being hulking warrior male protectors, the women take initiative and are their own (s)heroes.
This was over the top with romantasy cliches, but Scheuerer manages to keep it fresh with back-and-forth banter and great friendships. The plot is fast-paced and filled with steamy scenes coupled with longing and many separations throughout the series.
Tal shrugged. ‘I’m just wondering what the fuck happened. You were meant to figure that out years ago.’
‘Consider it figured out,’ Torj bit back, lowering his voice. ‘I love her. I can’t have her, not in the way that I want. End of story.’
‘What a shit story.’
The battle scenes are tense and visual for a romnatasy. I always appreciate it when authors can make me enjoy action as I usually find them repetitive from book to book, scene to scene.
Per usual, I have to mention Kipp, my standout character. A quippy strategist who is everyone’s lady’s man? Sign me up.
I did find the climax and resolution slightly too convenient and I didn’t feel the charged stakes as it was predictable. The epilogue did make up for some earlier rushed scenes which I appreciated, and I know fans of the sequel series will enjoy too.
Overall, a worthwhile finale and an addictive series despite my slight disappointment with book two.
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