By Artemis Whelan
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
I think these standalone romantasies are the best example of what makes this genre unique and likeable. Even more so than the most popular fantasy epics that rely heavily on the romantic aspects, these smaller stories do a fantastic job of balancing the romance within a speculative fictional narrative. I like reading romance books, they are predictable, they are heartwarming and they can be sultry, and they are human stories, so they are relatable. Even if you’ve never been in love, the characters are putting their flaws, their insecurities, their wishes and hopes and dreams on the table. If I can relate to this character, with all their imperfections, and they find love then maybe I can too. I’ve read romances when single and wishing, and I read romances now that i’m happily married and it stirs up all the emotions I feel for my partner. But as much as I love romance novels, I love fantasy more, so a contemporary romance is not enough and so, enter the fantasy elements and I’m hooked right in.
I think this novel perfectly balances the romance and fantasy elements, without sliding into “cozy” territory. The stakes that the protagonist face are high, if not “world altering”, it is life and death. And the underlying inequality between humans and other races plays a big factor in their world. Imryn Dyre is half-goblin / half “godkin”, which means his father was the progeny of one of the many gods in this world. Goblins have been pushed out of their mountain homes over the last few generations, creating a refugee class that makes up one of the poorer, more dangerous areas of the city. Imi, as he’s known to his family and friends, received a scholarship to the prestigious wizard’s school as his godkin side gives him access to unique magic. But, even though he excels at healing magic, when he graduates he is unable to get his wizard’s license (due to thinly disguised racism) and he must take an apprentice position with an established wizard for five years, after which he may get a recommendation for consideration. All Imi wants is to set up a clinic to help the impoverished. He is resigned to his fate which is basically indentured servitude to the noble class. And that is a best case scenario. There are horror stories of apprentices being used and used up and never making it to the end of their apprenticeship.
Without giving too much away, Imi is assigned to an eccentric (and handsome!) wizard Elim Greenwood. It’s unclear at first why Elim needs an apprentice with healing expertise and his experiments seem to be dangerous and balancing on the edge of legality. In any case, the ethical implications may have a long term effect on Imi’s dreams of being a licensed wizard. Add to that, a growing attraction between them that will destroy his apprenticeship if it turns physical. Elim is reckless and holds more than one dark secret, which puts both of them in a precarious position and Imi has to choose between saving Elim and his own future dreams.
The love story between Elim and Imi hits all the right notes. The author does not fall into the usual traps of a miscommunication or separation trope to keep them apart to build up a slow burn. The reasons they hold off is not due to inner monologues of “should I? or shouldn’t I? I love him but I don’t trust him..” The story continues to build around them and their circle of friends and family grows as the book goes on, so we get the impression that their struggle includes others. Even if a character has a small part in this story, the author has given us a rich background and personality that I felt there was a whole novel of adventures that happened off page.
I think that is one of the best things about this book. The world and back story is so rich and detailed. I feel like the author took the time to map out the culture, history and background and this story is just one part of something much larger. it doesn’t mean that our characters are changing the world with their actions, but that they are just one story in a much larger context I read a lot of fantasy where the world seems fantastical, but if you scratch the surface, the world or magic system makes no sense. But I never feel like that here. I want to return to this world and follow another story. If not a sequel, as our story between Imi and Elim come to a very satisfying end, but there are minor characters I want to know more about.
As I started off saying, this is a perfect example of how romance and fantasy can be brought together on equal terms. The sex scenes have just enough detail to make it satisfying, but it’s not overdone and the relationship does not read as a YA with characters aged up so we can have sex scenes.
I gave this novel a 4.25 in Storygraph, rounded to 4 stars for platforms that don’t allow for partial marks. To be fair, I’ve read a few excellent novels lately and had I read this right after reading a poorly written novel I would have probably given a few more points. But it’s all subjective, just trust this is a wonderful mm romance with a solid fantasy foundation from a debut novelist.
