A review by keepcalmblogon
A Realm of Ash and Shadow by Lara Buckheit

adventurous 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? No

5.0

A Realm of Ash and Shadow is being compared to the sexiness of Kingdom of the Wicked, and while both stories have their sexiness, AROAAS brings the whole shebang. Kerri Maniscalco better watch her back because Lara Buckheit's Realm of the Forsaken is the home of true deviants. Lara vividly describes an entire universe of gods and monsters, without the frivolous adjectives of some popular authors. If you love stabby heroines, women like Poppy (FBAA) don't hold a dagger to Val, who is more relatable to real world women than most FMCs. I found Val to be messy, and therefore realistic, like Feyre and Nesta (ACOTAR). I cannot even begin to describe how swoon-worthy Gideon and Vemdour are, move over Rhysand and Wrath. Even the side characters are fully fleshed, looking at you Malachi.

AROAAS is going to launch Lara Buckheit up with the great fantasy writers and while Iā€™m waiting for my physical copy to arrive, I will be itching for the sequel. If you like betrayal, found family, a training montage, and a love triangle, I highly recommend AROAAS, not only for the tropes, but because the tropes are packaged in evocative prose and world building with close attention to detail.

5 stars. Period.
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