By: Cait Marie
Blurb
Rowan was finally going to do something right.
Marry for love and for her kingdom. Keep her people safe. Until an archaic law enslaved her to the most feared man in all of Socair, a man who treats her like a pawn and calls her his pet.
But when enemies emerge from unexpected places, she’s forced to realize that being Evander’s property might just be the only thing keeping her alive.
Can she fulfill her blood debt to Bear, even if it means losing Theo forever?
Even if it means sacrificing her heart?
Review
I’ll be honest, I have no idea how to write this review. I’m so in love with this series that I don’t know where to start.
If you’ve been around for a bit, you know I love these authors’ books. But this series… it’s just so perfect. It has all the elements I’ve come to love in their stories, yet somehow more. The characters are so well developed and interesting. The writing flows fantastically, making it easy to get sucked in from the very beginning. The pacing, the build up, all of it is wonderful.
This world they’ve created has intrigued me since I first devoured Winter’s Captive over two years ago. The way they have continued to expand it, with the different kingdoms’ histories, politics, and cultures, has made it an even more enriching experience while reading this series. Their descriptions truly pull the reader in.
But, as always, it is the characters that have consumed me. Rowan is such a perfect blend of her parents. She’s a fighter in every sense of the word. She’s smart, sassy, and not afraid to voice her opinions. Which definitely gets her in trouble in this new, harsh kingdom that does not allow for such behavior, especially from women. Theo is a sweet cinnamon roll, who seems almost too good to be real. Her cousin Davin, while not in the books a whole lot, is hilarious, and I’m hoping for more of him in the future. I adore strong friendships in books with family members. Even the side characters, like Mila, Kirill, and Taras are well written.
Then, there’s Evander. He’s the feared heir of Clan Bear, who’s taken Rowan prisoner to keep her from marrying Theo. He’s broody and mysterious, fiercely protective of those he cares about, and so snarky. Naturally, that means I loved him from the beginning. I might have a problem… Getting to know him more, seeing him and Rowan together, it’s just so, so good.
I cannot recommend this series enough. Tarnished Crown does end in a massive cliffhanger, BUT you don’t have to wait for more! The last two books are now available, and I have every intention of binge-reading them this week while off of school. I’m so ready for Mahle and Madison to destroy me, in the best way, like I know they will.
Functionally Fictional 