Ratings:
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
If This Book Was a Movie Rating: PG-13
Review:
Eh. Not the most unique book I’ve ever read, but the nuances were relatively interesting and that enemies-to-lovers action kept the whole thing moving.
Frostbloods hate Firebloods and Firebloods hate Frostbloods.
Ruby is a Fireblood, hiding her gift in a land full of Frostbloods. She lives in the snowy mountains with her mother, working as a healer and trying to hide her powers from the rest of the village. But one fateful day, Frostblood soldiers on patrol see our heroine practicing her gift in the woods. They attack, capturing Ruby and massacring the entire village, including her mother. Imprisoned for months, Ruby feels only one thing: a desire for revenge on the Frostblood king who brought about her mother’s death.
Until two mysterious men (an old monk and the young leader of a rebellion) break her out of prison. What do they want from her in return?
To assassinate the king.
Cue conflict montage and character development.
I’ve now read the entire trilogy, and my main overall complaint is that this series is just too trope-filled and thus forgettable. Now, I will be the first to admit I love a good enemies-to-lovers trope, but these books just use waaayyy too many. We have: chosen one, fulfill-the-prophecy, the only-one-to-save-the-world, lost princess, love triangle, plain-girl-who’s-actually-a-supermodel, no parents, underdog-defeats-undefeated-overlord, you get the point. Very cookie-cutter YA fantasy. It all does make more sense and uses fewer tropes in Fireblood (book #2), but Nightblood (book #3) has kinda slow pacing and annoying relationship angst, so it doesn’t really stick the finale.
In terms of characters, I get Ruby is a Fireblood and she’s supposed to be hot-tempered and all, but she gets mad so flippin’ easily. Minor annoyance = tantrum. Actual problem = rage.
That doesn’t get better in the later books, unfortunately.
On the other hand, Arcus, our Frostblood hero, is miles more interesting (and actually has some self-control). He has many other motivations and conflicts rather than just being the love interest, so five good hero stars for you. He probably deserves better than Ruby, but they were pretty cute together so I’ll let it slide.
Good supporting cast, Brother Thistle in particular is like your favorite grandpa, so comfort character stars there as well.
All in all, not the most unique or mind-bending read, but a solid three stars because I know a lot of people would love this style and yes I do love enemies to lovers and Arcus is excellent yes i know i'm not creative ok
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Recommendations If You Liked This Book:
Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian
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