Book Review #15
Book Review # 15 ✨
I decided to try a new genre besides romance and this book caught my attention at B&N. I would consider this falling into the “Romantasy” category. I don’t typically go for sprayed edges but the contrast between the white and red is beautiful! This book is about a gladiator who is forced to fight in a royal arena with the goal of becoming a “bloodguard”. This is a title that will allow him privilege and access to care and stability for his sick little sister and poor family. It’s a dual perspective book that goes between Leith (the gladiator) and Maeve, the princess in line for the thrown. Due to the Queen unexpectedly being murdered (her grandmother), her uncle temporarily takes hold of the thrown. This quickly backfires and in order to ensure she becomes Queen, she must marry a bloodguard to secure her spot. This book is full of action and the details the author uses make the scenes super vivid and entertaining. I really really enjoyed this and loved the style of writing. The characters are also very witty. I give it a 4.25 out of 5 - only because there were a couple of chapters where it was hard to follow which character was being described and it stalled a little in the middle. Overall great book! 📕
#romantasy #romancebookrecommendations #romancebooks #bookrecommendations #booksoflemon8
Oh my gosh, fellow bookworms, I just had to share my thoughts on 'Bloodguard' by Cecy Robson! You know how sometimes you pick up a book purely because the cover screams 'read me'? That was totally me with this one. The striking imagery of a sword, crown, and red roses on the pristine white cover immediately caught my eye. It perfectly hints at the intense, royal, and slightly dangerous story within. And don't even get me started on the sprayed edges! The intricate white floral and vine patterns on the red edges are absolutely stunning – it’s details like these that make holding the book an experience in itself. Even the back cover, with its entwined swords and the promise to 'ENTER THE ARENA. SEIZE TWO WEAPONS. NOW TRY TO SURVIVE,' had me hooked before I even flipped to the first page. The internal illustrations, like the hourglass and crossed swords, just add another layer of immersion. Now, let's talk about the book itself. If you're into 'romantasy' – that perfect blend of epic fantasy and heart-pounding romance – then Bloodguard is a must-read. Cecy Robson really knows how to craft a world that’s both brutal and beautiful. The story centers around Leith, a gladiator fighting for his family's survival, and Maeve, a princess thrust into a perilous game of succession. Their journeys are so different yet so intertwined, and I absolutely loved the dual perspective. It gave such depth to their motivations and made me root for them both, even when they were at odds. The gladiatorial arena scenes are incredibly vivid, making you feel every clang of steel and every desperate struggle. The author's descriptions are so rich that I could practically see the gladiator, spear in hand, with red blood splatters on his shoulder, battling for his life. And the political intrigue surrounding Maeve’s claim to the throne? Chef’s kiss! It’s not just about fighting; it's about cunning, strategy, and securing your future in a world that’s constantly trying to knock you down. While some parts might feel a little slower as the plot thickens and character relationships develop, I found it all essential for building up to the thrilling payoffs. The witty banter between characters also added a much-needed lightness to the often-dark themes. Overall, if you’re searching for a captivating fantasy with a strong romantic pulse, incredible world-building, and a visually stunning presentation, Bloodguard by Cecy Robson is definitely one to add to your TBR pile!
