Helpful Score: 1
Wow. I enjoyed the first 2 books in this series, but this one took it to a whole new level. It's dark, edgy, and oh so hot. I love this couple. Arek has been a favorite from the beginning. Oddly enough, I had it in my head that Liselle was the lucky girl in this book. I was several chapters in before I realized that couldn't be the case. Had to go look it up. Glad I was wrong. Imhara is hands down my favorite heroine yet in the Light Blade series. I suspect one of my favorites in any series.
This book, being amongst the Na'Reish, was much grittier, darker. I'm not sure I would have seen it as something Griffin could or would write (silly since I'm basing that on 2 books and I don't know her.) Writing Imhara as someone who could bring headstrong Arek to heel was impressive. I pretty much read this book in a day because the dynamic between those 2 was delicious.
I doubt I've said it, but I really like how Griffin writes villains. We aren't forced to sit in their POVs the way many do. If we are with them, it's time well spent. They make you ache to put a Light Blade enhanced dagger in them (by way of Arek's hands will do nicely.)
Overall, our epic plot continues, moving nicely forward with this installment. I care about how the overall plot plays out as much as I care about the individual couples featured. That is certainly not always the case in many series where the overarching plot is clearly secondary to the romantic elements. This series has both.
This book, being amongst the Na'Reish, was much grittier, darker. I'm not sure I would have seen it as something Griffin could or would write (silly since I'm basing that on 2 books and I don't know her.) Writing Imhara as someone who could bring headstrong Arek to heel was impressive. I pretty much read this book in a day because the dynamic between those 2 was delicious.
I doubt I've said it, but I really like how Griffin writes villains. We aren't forced to sit in their POVs the way many do. If we are with them, it's time well spent. They make you ache to put a Light Blade enhanced dagger in them (by way of Arek's hands will do nicely.)
Overall, our epic plot continues, moving nicely forward with this installment. I care about how the overall plot plays out as much as I care about the individual couples featured. That is certainly not always the case in many series where the overarching plot is clearly secondary to the romantic elements. This series has both.
I enjoyed the first book, the second one dragged a bit, but this one? From the get-go it held my attention with multiple things going on. I adored Imhara. She was smart, strong when she needed to be, and gave a little when she needed too. Arek was another strong, enjoyable character. I enjoyed seeing his transformation from angry and bitter to someone loving and trusting. Imhara and Arek's relationship is believable and very well done.
I liked several of the side characters and am curious if they will get their own stories too.
Of note- this is definitely NOT a trilogy even though there are only 3 published books. It looks like these 3 were the only contracted books with a publisher. Book 4 is currently being written and might be self-published; anyway, I signed up for the newsletter so I know when next book will be available. (And I suppose there's a chance it may never be)
Recommended for romantic fantasy fans.
I liked several of the side characters and am curious if they will get their own stories too.
Of note- this is definitely NOT a trilogy even though there are only 3 published books. It looks like these 3 were the only contracted books with a publisher. Book 4 is currently being written and might be self-published; anyway, I signed up for the newsletter so I know when next book will be available. (And I suppose there's a chance it may never be)
Recommended for romantic fantasy fans.
