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sailortrash's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, and Death of parent
Moderate: War
tiredcath's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A gripping novel featuring political drama, fantasy, pining, and on screen battles!
I'm new to reading fantasy, so this took me a little longer to get into. Trying to follow the rules of the world left me rereading passages repeatedly to make sure I understood what was happening.
The selling point for me is the tension Seth Haddon created between Bale and Zavrius. From the start, you understand their relationship and the desire both men had for each other.
I think some of the downfalls come from the actual plot. Some decisions didn't make sense, character choices are a bit... interesting. Again, I'm new to fantasy so perhaps this is just me, but I found a lot of it hard to follow and had to reread paragraphs.
There's a good balance between action and reflection. I liked the side characters and a lot of the ideas.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'm new to reading fantasy, so this took me a little longer to get into. Trying to follow the rules of the world left me rereading passages repeatedly to make sure I understood what was happening.
The selling point for me is the tension Seth Haddon created between Bale and Zavrius. From the start, you understand their relationship and the desire both men had for each other.
I think some of the downfalls come from the actual plot. Some decisions didn't make sense, character choices are a bit... interesting. Again, I'm new to fantasy so perhaps this is just me, but I found a lot of it hard to follow and had to reread paragraphs.
There's a good balance between action and reflection. I liked the side characters and a lot of the ideas.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
tinyelfarcanist's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I'm not gonna lie, this cover won me over. I love the passion in it and I immediately knew I was gonna love it. Sadly, my expectations weren't met. It took me a while to get into it. I didn't like Zavrius at first, although his attitude was probably due to his rocky relationship with Balen.
I've found that my favourite books usually include some of my favourite characters. They can be a make-or-break for me, and I didn't find these memorable enough. As the author's debut novel, I see the potential for future works.
This is about the romance between a king and his bodyguard. I've never read this trope but I was worried about the power dynamics impacting the relationship. This wasn't a problem as Balen constantly disregarded Zavrius's authority.
All older siblings die mysteriously so Zavrius, 5th in line to the throne, is now king. He was never prepared for it, he didn't even want it. I had trouble believing a crown prince over 30 has no heirs or is even married. Seeing Zavrius was the youngest at 22, how is it that none of his siblings had a family?
A twist thrown over there, add betrayal, spicy scenes, and likeable supporting characters, and you get Reforged.
I've found that my favourite books usually include some of my favourite characters. They can be a make-or-break for me, and I didn't find these memorable enough. As the author's debut novel, I see the potential for future works.
This is about the romance between a king and his bodyguard. I've never read this trope but I was worried about the power dynamics impacting the relationship. This wasn't a problem as Balen constantly disregarded Zavrius's authority.
All older siblings die mysteriously so Zavrius, 5th in line to the throne, is now king. He was never prepared for it, he didn't even want it. I had trouble believing a crown prince over 30 has no heirs or is even married. Seeing Zavrius was the youngest at 22, how is it that none of his siblings had a family?
A twist thrown over there, add betrayal, spicy scenes, and likeable supporting characters, and you get Reforged.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Animal death, Gore, Murder, and War
Minor: Homophobia, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment