Review: Rosemarked

Read if you like: stand-out originality, poisons and healers, sweeping political fantasy, and heartfelt romance.

Rosemarked | Livia Blackburne

Series: Rosemarked

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, High Fantasy
Released: November 7th 2017
Pages: 390
Format: Ebook
Source: Publisher

A healer who cannot be healed . . .

When Zivah falls prey to the deadly rose plague, she knows it’s only a matter of time before she fully succumbs. Now she’s destined to live her last days in isolation, cut off from her people and unable to practice her art—until a threat to her village creates a need that only she can fill.

A soldier shattered by war . . .

Broken by torture at the hands of the Amparan Empire, Dineas thirsts for revenge against his captors. Now escaped and reunited with his tribe, he’ll do anything to free them from Amparan rule—even if it means undertaking a plan that risks not only his life but his very self.

Thrust together on a high-stakes mission to spy on the capital, the two couldn’t be more different: Zivah, deeply committed to her vow of healing, and Dineas, yearning for vengeance. But as they grow closer, they must find common ground to protect those they love. And amidst the constant fear of discovery, the two grapple with a mutual attraction that could break both of their carefully guarded hearts.

This smart, sweeping fantasy with a political edge and a slow-burning romance will capture fans of The Lumatere Chronicles and An Ember in the Ashes. 

This is a slow, incredibly unique fantasy with great worldbuilding. I really enjoyed this book, especially the disease and poisons elements, and the fact that the main characters were a warrior and a healer. I liked their dynamic, too. I thought this was a stand alone, but I'll probably read the next book to see how their relationship develops. This has a lot of great elements too that makes me want to continue: the politics, the war, the different tribes of people, and the memorable characters. I'd definitely recommend it if you want a fantasy that isn't too fast, loud, or violent. This has a good balance of all that, but with slow moments too.

3.5 stars

Poison Dance (Review)

Poison Dance | Livia Blackburne

Published by: Lion's Quill Press
Genre: YA, High Fantasy
Pages: 54
Format: E-book 
Source: Author, for honest review

James is skilled, efficient, and deadly, a hired blade navigating the shifting alliances of a deteriorating Assassin’s Guild. Then he meets Thalia, an alluring but troubled dancing girl who offers him a way out—if he’ll help her kill a powerful nobleman. With the Guild falling apart, it just might be worth the risk. But when you live, breathe, and love in a world that’s forever flirting with death, the slightest misstep can be poison. 

REVIEW

Set in the world of Midnight Thief, a forthcoming title from Disney-Hyperion, Poison Dance tells of James, an assassin. With its leader dead, and power shifting, the Guild he's a part of has become dangerous, and James and his friends have one chance to leave - If he trains a dancer named Thalia to kill, she will give them the means, and enough money, to flee.

I liked James from the beginning. He was different to most male MCs I'd read, acted because of his mind and not because of moronic insta-love (like a thousand males I could mention), and he thought with an unfiltered honesty that I admired. I really began to love him, though, when he showed a softness when it came to Thalia. 

The relationship between James and Thalia developed naturally. It didn't feel forced, rushed, or unfeasible, which was really uncommon and so nice to read. With assassins, caravaners, and a beautiful dancer with a hidden motive for murder, there's never a boring or lackluster chapter (again uncommon, especially for shorts, and even more especially for the genre). 

Well written, with lush descriptions, genuine characters, and a vivid world. I thoroughly enjoyed Poison Dance and am excited to read more of this world in Midnight Thief.

Characters ★★★☆☆

Setting/world building ★★★☆☆

Writing Style ★★★☆☆

★★★☆☆