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A review by analenegrace
Swordcrossed by Freya Marske
adventurous
funny
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was a super interesting standalone from the mind of Freya Marske! It has her clear, dense, world-building writing style but in an entirely new setting from the Last Binding Trilogy. Rather, this book is in an alternative world with clear parallels to our own world, including swearing and certain inventions. While this is sold as a fantasy, and the world certainly feels fantastical, there aren't any traditional fantasy elements like magic or gods. Rather, this is a family story, as both of our characters deal with the weight of their family Houses (businesses) and expectations of them, with one rising to them & taking on too much and one hiding from them rather than facing them.
This story has an engaging plot of betrayal, sleuthing, and saving the day against the backdrop of a sweet romance between two characters immediately drawn to each other but with copious secrets. As the two start an already doomed romance on borrowed time, they fall in love and work together to face their families. Matti and Luca have a great connection, and you can feel their romance grow from attraction to love as we get to know them better!
Similar to all of Marske's books, the first third is somewhat slow as we meet our cast of characters and get introduced to the world she's created, but then the rest fly by as the plot gets underway and our characters fall in love! I adore Marske's writing style and she is an absolute must-buy author for me!
This story has an engaging plot of betrayal, sleuthing, and saving the day against the backdrop of a sweet romance between two characters immediately drawn to each other but with copious secrets. As the two start an already doomed romance on borrowed time, they fall in love and work together to face their families. Matti and Luca have a great connection, and you can feel their romance grow from attraction to love as we get to know them better!
Similar to all of Marske's books, the first third is somewhat slow as we meet our cast of characters and get introduced to the world she's created, but then the rest fly by as the plot gets underway and our characters fall in love! I adore Marske's writing style and she is an absolute must-buy author for me!