Wonderful Reads for the Quirky & Discerning Book Lover
Availability:
Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Format:
ebook, paperback, hardcover, audiobook, audio CD
Clean Fiction Edition:
Spring 2022
Reviewer:
ALM
Reviewer Website:
Blurb:
Everyone dreams of marrying a prince—except for me. I am nothing more than a pawn in my adoptive mother’s diabolical plot against the seven kingdoms. I was the chosen tool, her sharpened blade that would cut the deepest into the heart of the Kingdom of Baist. But like all deadly weapons, my wedding is a two-edged sword that could cost me my soul. For I am Rosalie, one of the adopted daughters of Lady Eville, and it is my duty to enter into a loveless and hate-filled marriage with the narcissistic Crown Prince of Baist. My choices and heart are not my own to give. Yet even in the thick of dire situations, beastly vengeance can give way to beautiful attraction.
Review:
When I first read this blurb, I thought that this book was going to be a “villain” book. “Villain” books are not my favorite biscotti, but I decided to try it out anyway with the thought that I would quit reading when evil was being glorified. Needless to say, I finished the book and I am now happy to share it with you.
ACTION: When it comes to the tension in the story, there are a lot of things going on at the same time. Some might find it a bit confusing, but I believe that is the feeling that the author was trying to give. There is not much in the way of actual action scenes, but there are definitely a lot of dangerous things going on. There are also several deaths involved with the story and the way that they are presented might be disturbing to some.
ADVENTURE: The use of magic gives this book its feeling of adventure. There is some traveling that goes on, but the moments of wonder are found both in the use of magic and the interactions between the main character and her magical sisters.
You will also find a nice helping of mystery to keep you reading. I was pleased that I did not directly guess the ending before getting very close to the end.
ROMANCE: From the title I thought that this book would primarily focus on romance, but in actuality the romantic moments were few and far between. I would say that romance was not the main focus of the story, but instead featured the difficulties and mysteries presented to the characters. I will warn that the romance that does happen is a little spicy, but only occurs within the bounds of marriage. It is not too descriptive and has a “fade to black” moment.
RELIGION: There is not much mention of religion past the opening wedding scene.
FINAL THOUGHTS: In this book you will find a main character with unknown loyalties, mysteries that are so twisted up that guessing them is difficult, and a romantic duo that do not fit into the normal mold. I loved Hahn’s take on the traditional story. She took a plot that has been done and over done, and takes it to a new level of interest and intrigue. I highly recommend that if you are looking for a “Beauty and Beast” tale that this one is the one that you should start with.
G - This does not mean for general audiences. This includes action/adventure/intrigue/suspense. May contain more violence/mild language/mature themes.
