5 out of 5 stars
Books include:
- The Capital – 5 stars
- The Border – 5 stars
- The Sea – 5 stars
Plus two short stories:
- Putting the Romance in Necromancy
- Spring in the Haunted Forest
Likes:
- Everything about the story and characters.
- That all three parts were published at the same time.
Dislikes:
- That the second epilogue was not included in the book.
I loved this series. Hands down the best thing I’ve read recently.
I am so glad that all three parts were published at the same time, because I binged them. I literally read the first two parts in one day, and got started reading the third as soon as I could the next day. The story flows so well from one book to the other, while also having a very reasonable ending points. I didn’t mind the cliffhangers at all because I was able to get the next book right away.
This was my first introduction to A.H. Lee. I’ve never read anything by her in any of her pen names, and I will definitely be going back for more. High fantasy books that balance plot, world building, and romance are like catnip for me. Reading this book made me realize once again why I love high fantasy.
High fantasy allows an author to build whatever kind of world they want. I’m used to books about magic, but not about necromancy. And A.H. Lee managed to make Sairis not only an interesting character but a genuinely good guy. The same with Roland. Knights are usually presented as metaphorically clean and shiny, but she showed the rougher side as well.
I am a fan of ‘opposites attract’ themed stories, and this series pulled it off beautifully. Sairis and Roland’s relationship wasn’t easy, but they ended up with something really great. I am glad that the series allowed them the time and space for their feelings to develop naturally.
One of the biggest compliments I can give to any book is wanting more, even when everything was wrapped up well. I definitely wanted more of Sairis and Roland. I want more of the entire kingdom. I love the world that the story is set in and want to read many more books set in it. Which is why I signed up for A.H. Lee’s email list and got access to the two extra short stories.
Putting the Romance in Necromancy is a prequel story about Sairis leaving for the capital. I never even considered how he found his way to the Tipsy Knave, but it’s a nice story. I don’t think it adds a lot to the overall plot, unlike the second epilogue story, Spring in the Haunted Forest. This story was important. Not for big plot things, but for rounding out the story’s ending. You don’t have to read it, but it filled in some of my lingering questions, as well as showing how things had changed after a year had passed.
I am looking forward to more MM books from A.H. Lee in the future. Hopefully she will keep writing for a long time!
Love is Love Reviews 