Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - Paladin's Strength

It took me a little bit to adjust to Istvhan’s voice/character in this book, because it felt quite different from his portrayal in the first The Saint of Steel book and I was so excited for more of his sassy banter. However, he is really only like that with his fellow paladins, and I have grown to love that subtle difference in character.

It is evident in the first three books, but really becomes apparent in Book #2 and Book #3. The paladins have an intense bond and treat each other with snarky barbs in a way that they don’t treat anyone else. When they’re off on their own, their own insecurities, demeanor, and personalities comes out.

I loved the way the overarching plot that began in the first book was picked up in Paladin’s Strength and we were able to see more of the larger world. Just like Stephen, Istvhan was incredibly respectful and sought explicit consent while being a burly bear of a character that I absolutely adored. Kingfisher does an incredible job of depicting intense passion in a healthy and consenting manner.

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ariep's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious tense slow-paced

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

5.0

I loved loved loved this book! I love the way T. Kingfisher writes, and I think her characters are so fun. The dialogue is spectacular, and the voice actor for this audiobook is a new favorite of mine. I loved how mysterious, adventurous, and often wholesome this story was! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I’m looking forward to reading the next one.

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bookishtraveler's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.25

This 2nd book in the Saint of Steel series has a lot more action than "Paladin's Grace." However, the story is on repeat with the love interests both being flawed and repeating the same "(s)he loves me, (s)he loves me not" romance.
Themes were interesting as always in T.Kingfisher's books: loss of faith, what is faith, friendship, consent, love, and more.

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purplepenning's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious slow-paced

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

4.0

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elly29's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

Overall, I liked it. I liked Isteban and Clara, and I liked the premise, and I liked that it was another romance where two older people who have been broken heal and find love.

I think I enjoyed most the continuation of the world and overarching plot from “Paladin’s Grace,” but with a different set of characters. Steven and Grace were mentioned (the former by name, the latter not so much), and perhaps we have been set up for Galen’s story, which will be book #3. But this was Isteban’s story, and we got to see his backstory and character growth.

Plus, I liked Clara’s powers.

(Does Isteban call her Clare-bear?)

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lilbookbee's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious medium-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? It's complicated

4.5

Lord what am I gonna do when I run out of T Kingfisher romances to read? I will be bereft and my long commutes will become unbearable. I will simply have to perish. 😮‍💨

In the meantime though, I'll be thoroughly enjoying The Saint of Steel books. T Kingfisher doesn't MISS, and this book is certainly no exception. With her brilliantly interesting story telling, and wit that makes me laugh out loud fairly often, I cannot resist the pull of these books. They are so well written, so fascinating, such lovely fantasy stories with romances that are just delightful. I cannot speak highly enough about the body of work in general, but specifically this book.

As much as I adored Grace and Stephen, Istvhan and Clara hold my heart. Their witty banter, kind hearts, and eventual ass-over-tea-kettle type love just had me swooning. I knew I was going to love Istvhan based off his appearances in Paladin's Grace, but it didn't prepare me for just how much I would love him. And Clara, sweet Clara, was just such a perfect match and able to go toe to toe with him in all the best ways. I wanted to SWOON every time he called her "Domina" and I give Clara all the credit in the world for not doing so herself. And getting to get glimpses at Galen, and knowing he is the main paladin in Paladin's Hope was perfect. I have a feeling he may become my new favorite!

I cannot finish this review without singing the praises of the audiobook narrator. He did narration for the two Saint of Steel books I have read, and I've learned he does narration for the third as well. He does a magnificent job giving voice and personality to these colorful cast of characters. He really made an amazing story somehow better.

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kmtaylor002's review against another edition

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adventurous funny

Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

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