Confession, I read this a while ago and then life kicked me in the face and reviewing books was very hard. My biggest memory is that I enjoyed reading it so much. I preordered it and I will be attending an in person book launch and an online conversation with Jessie Mihalik and Stephanie Burgis, who also has a book coming out the same day. So the details are fuzzy, but the memory of enjoying Riela and Garrick’s adventure is strong.
Riela is such a fairytale heroine. She grew up on the outskirts of a small village, on the edge of a dangerous forest. Her mother died soon after she was born, and her father raised her on her mother’s favorite stories and legends. And then he died leaving her an orphan, struggling to survive. It took me much longer than it should have to realize this was a Beauty and the Beast inspired romantasy. Garrick doesn’t change form, but he has a beast attitude (even as he exhibits cinnamon roll qualities). He is a ruler who has been exiled through magical means, he lives in a magical castle, and his library is also a character.
A lot of the plot is Riela and Garrick figuring out what’s going on and who Riela really is. Because she’s definitely not an ordinary village maiden. Riela and Garrick are also very horny for each other, but neither trusts the other. They charge ahead and retreat a few times on the intimacy front. Silver & Blood gave me 1980s vibes the way A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane did – a lot of the same dynamics minus a lot of the misogyny.
The book ends as they start off for their next adventure and I can’t tell you anything about that because it’s a massive spoiler. I cannot wait for the next book in the duology.
I received this as an advance reader copy from Avon and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.
