Who is this book for?
- Fans of lighthearted, humorous fantasy with a strong romantic element.
- Readers who enjoy subversive takes on classic fantasy tropes and archetypes.
- Those looking for fantasy stories with older, more mature protagonists.
- People who appreciate witty banter and character-driven narratives.
- Fans of T. Kingfisher's other works or similar cozy fantasy authors.
Who is unlikely to appreciate this book?
- Readers seeking a complex, high-stakes fantasy plot with serious themes.
- Those who prefer their romance to be subtle or slow-burn rather than central to the story.
- People who are sensitive to crude humor or sexual references in their fantasy.
- Readers who want tight pacing and concise storytelling without meandering plots.
- Those who dislike the use of modern language or sensibilities in historical fantasy settings.
Things online reviewers enjoyed about this book
- Hilarious and witty dialogue with great banter between characters
- Refreshing take on fantasy romance with older, more mature main characters
- Cozy and heartwarming adventure story
- Strong character development, especially for the female lead Halla
- Interesting magic system with the enchanted sword concept
- Good mix of humor, romance, and adventure elements
- Subverts typical fantasy tropes in clever ways
- Explores themes of law, pregnancy, and consequences in a pre-industrial society
- Features a diverse cast including non-binary and non-human characters
- Charming found family dynamic between the main characters
Things people didn't like as much about this book
- Pacing issues, especially in the middle section which drags for some readers
- Romance feels rushed or underdeveloped to some
- Humor can be over-the-top or juvenile at times
- Plot is fairly simple and predictable
- Some find the main character Halla's personality grating or inconsistent
- Use of singular 'they' pronouns confusing for some readers
- Romance focuses too heavily on physical attraction for some tastes
- Tonal shifts between serious and comedic moments don't always work
- Ending feels rushed or unsatisfying to some
- Length of the book (over 400 pages) feels unnecessary to some readers
