"When a month-long celebration called the Fest of Bliss begins, Greysen is forced to invite his betrothed to join. Little does Adelaide know this will change her life forever. On her way to the Cromwell palace, she has an encounter with a Fortuneblood – someone possessing the gift of magic. Fortunebloods have been banned from Adelaide's world for hundreds of years, ever since a terrible war sent them into hiding. But now, unbeknownst to her, they are after Adelaide. Adelaide has never been one to question her reality, but she can't deny the strange things that keep happening to her, making her wonder if her life is really as simple as she believed. When she finds out a long-buried truth that may cost her head, Adelaide has to fight to keep it hidden at all costs, finding unexpected allies and new enemies along the way." I got to have the pleasure of having an ARC of this book (ARC= Advanced readers copy) and to tell you I was excited would be an understatement. I read the blurb and became instantly interested. But what do I think of it, now that I've read it? Let's dive into it shall we... Genre So, what genre is this? Fantasy. Enemies to lovers trope.
When is it set? Now when you think of this question, you think, past, present future... but I'm going to have to say... I'm not sure. It's a completely different world, but it's not like Lord of the Rings, where you have to concentrate. Yes, it's different, but it's easy to understand, and I appreciate that. Is this YA/NA etc... It's definitely a YA book. Would I let my 15 year old read this? Yes. Initial thoughts The prologue is a backstory, which is needed in all honestly. We're also introduced to the terms Fortunebloods and Medians. These terms, and others, are well explained and are easy to understand. From chapter one we meet our main characters- Adelaide and Greysen. They hate each other and what the other stands for. Greysen is a player and Adelaide is proper and a lady. They are in an arranged marriage, to unite the kingdoms. Are they happy about this? No! Honestly this books is hilarious! The banter between the characters is fantastic and I found myself laughing aloud often. Now, this is an Enemies to lovers trope... but with a twist. Yes, you end up falling for the characters, but if you think this is your typical enemies to lovers trope, you'd be mistaken. Oh no! See, our girl is not what she seems. And that twist makes this book entirely different.
Likes and dislikes Let's start off with the good parts. Character development: love it. Adelaide starts off as, quite frankly, a spoiled brat (princess here), who struggles with what's expected of her and what she wants. She's stuck up, proper and you wouldn't invite her to a party- she'd probably moan about something. But she's strong and loyal. She protects her heart, but she doesn't want to. Her development is brilliant- she becomes who she truly is and begins to challenge thoughts and behaviors that have been drilled into her from a young age.
She's her own hero. Greysen. Oh greysen... he's the son of a tyrant king. He just wants to have fun, but his father is a literal evil man, who clearly has a God complex and a serious case of toxic masculinity, meaning that Greysen is made to do things he doesn't agree with. He has a big heart and strong morals, but he's afraid of his father and the consequences of his actions. He needs Adelaide in a way that even he doesn't realise. The plot is good, strong, and steady. Its not rushed and is well thought out. Bruna Souza has this great ability of making you hate the characters you're suppose to and love the ones you're meant to. I found myself smiling at the flirting and cringing at one particular brothers moronicness. One thing that I adore is the LGBTQIA+ presence in this book. It's not made into a fantasized and fetishized thing, but done with taste and it comes across as completely natural and normal for the kingdoms; even the tyrant king doesn't bat an eyelid. I appreciate this.
Dislikes: Greysen needs to be stronger. He also need to be more loyal to Adelaide, but I'm hoping book two creates this.
Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who enjoys Shadow and bone by Leigh Bardugo would more than likely enjoy this book. It has essences in it (the magic and epicness of it) that other readers would enjoy.
All ages (from YA) would enjoy this book.
In terms of spiciness it's a 🌶. Very low smut and nothing descriptive at all.
Any trigger warnings needed?
There is one thing that happens at one point, but it's short lived and not descriptive, so I think everyone would be OK with it honestly.
Opinion
I really love this book! It's well thought out, the characters are lovable and relatable and it draws you in.
I think this book could very well become a favourite for everyone.
It's funny, witty, romantic, and you fall for the characters.
When I was asked to read this book, I was asked to give my honest opinion, and I would have done that regardless. But this book genuinely is brilliant and I cannot wait to read the second one!
Rating
I give this book a 4.5/5
That half is purely because I want more romance! Here's hoping book number two has more!
Light Crown by Bruna Souza is available for preorder now and out on kindle on the 30th September 2021.
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