A review by mirroroftoomanybooks
A Rival Most Vial by R.K. Ashwick

funny hopeful 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? N/A

5.0

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review—and I loved it.

The characters stole my heart with their perfectly normal fantasy lives, no need for heavy action or high stakes. It’s an incredibly fun story that goes way beyond the rivals-to-lovers plot between Eli and Ambrose, also including minor situations about friends, getting ingredients and checking cisterns that felt so cozy and interesting I was never bored, even after the main plot ended. 

Rosemond Street is populated by darlings. I could’ve spent much longer there with its found family of shopkeepers. 

But of course the main attraction is Ambrose and Eli, and their insta-hatred caused by business rivalry and personality clash. The way they went about it (in almost childish antics) had me giggling, and then tearing up when we learn more about the characters’ past and insecurities. I rarely cry reading a book, but Ambrose’s childhood made me blubber. 

It's easy to understand why everyone in the Scar adores this (apparently) misanthropic grouch; Ames was my favorite too. He’s a devoted character who cares about helping others through his work and would do anything for his loved ones. There’s a lot of mush under the prickly surface that made me want to squish him until he felt loved. 

Not to say I didn’t like Eli: it would’ve been impossible to dislike his sunny personality. His homesickness for belonging somewhere, finding a calling or even just finding something he can stand doing for long—besides simply missing his family—was very sympathetic. 

The Best Character Award, though, goes to Miss Tomato the Cutest Automaton. 
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