Reviews with content warning for Grief - Paladin's Grace

If you’re not into “idiots in love” or whatever the trope is called this isn’t the book for you. I came very close to DNFing simply because I was getting very tired of the protagonists continuing to doubt each other’s feelings and self flagellate, but I found that pushing past my annoyance was worth it. Also the infidelity and toxic relationship is NOT between the two protagonists!!!

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distilledreads's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I went into Paladin’s Grace knowing practically nothing about the plot. I genuinely don’t think I read past the first line of the summary, but I was hooked by the premise of a paladin’s god dying and needed to read it. So, imagine my absolute DELIGHT to find out this was a fantasy romance. Kingfisher had me hook, line, and sinker the whole way through and this has become a new favourite series.

I have seen so much praise for Kingfisher online throughout the years, but I don’t read horror, so I never had the opportunity to experience her writing for myself. I am so, so happy I was finally able to change that because I loved the characters she created in this series.

Even though there was an alarming number of severed heads (I was always worried about the severed heads, Stephen), I found this to be the perfect cozy fantasy. I’m not sure if I was just under a rock and missed all discourse about this series, but it is an absolute travesty in my opinion that this series wasn’t dominating the subgenre during the recent surge of cozy fantasy. There is no needless subplot of stalking and sexual harassment, and the treatment of such within the book is handled incredibly well.

Stephen, the paladin MMC, was refreshingly respectful and well-aware when his behaviour slipped from protective to creepy. Grace, the perfumer FMC, was a fierce character self-described as a grey mouse, but watching her confidence grow had me fist-pumping the air.

I lost count of how many times I legitimately laughed out loud while reading Paladin’s Grace. The banter was perfect for me and I loved the foreshadowing that Kingfisher wove throughout the book. The world is intriguing and I can’t get enough.

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jonie_rich's review

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adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This genuinely got weirdly spooky, but it also made me laugh out loud in public. A well rounded book that I genuinely enjoyed. I’m looking forward to continuing the series!

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puck_jay's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny inspiring mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

THE PALADINS ARE ADORABLE AND I LOVE THEM. This was a good book I wish the fandom was bigger.

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mirandalikesbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A wonderful, funny, sweet start to the series. I loved both of the main characters. Stephen has a sturdy practicality that was laced with genuine kindness. And Grace is so unique and intelligent and caring. The vulnerability of both characters made you love them. The thread of their romance - aka the main point of the novel - was my favorite part of the book. And the fact that both characters were in their 30s was refreshing! I love a book that shows that life isn't over when you leave your 20s.

The things that kept this from a 4 star read for me are just some simple style choices. The inner monologue, while oftentimes funny, sometimes was a bit too much talking to themselves. Also the poisoning plot and the beheading plot together felt like a lot going on.

Kingfisher drops lots of breadcrumbs for the rest of the series, and I'm excited to get to it.

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fatherprozac's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I wanted to like this book so bad. I loved the world-building and ate up every little detail. Unfortunately, I loved every character except the two protagonists. I found Grace's inner monologues to be so cringeworthy that I barely finished the book.

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readandplaydk's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This was fine. It was a good palate cleanser -- lighthearted and entertaining. At first, the constant internal dialogue was a little tedious, but I got used to it as the story progressed. I also found Grace to be slightly annoying. I think I've learned that I like a little more edge to my romance! The end of the book was compelling, which might motivate me to continue with the series. Otherwise, I would probably just leave it here.

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