I’m trying to work through my NetGalley review queue this week. The first book I’ve finished was All the Painted Stars by Emma Denny.
This book was provided to me from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Summary
When Lily Barden discovers her friend Jo’s hand in marriage is being promised to the man who wins a tournament. She has only one solution, she cuts off her hair and disguises herself as a knight infiltrating the contest and preparing to fight for Jo’s hand.
But after her conduct at the tournament begins to rub people the wrong way. Lily and Jo must make a dangerous escape. When they find help and safety with a local brewester, they begin to settle into their new freedom. This freedom allow a relationship to blossom. Jo’s past threatens to catch up with her. Both Lily and Jo have to make choices about whether or not love is worth the cost.
Review
This book was very well written, I loved how some of the things introduced in the first part of the book paid off at the end. I want to say that I didn’t read the first book. I probably will go back and read it, but it didn’t effect my enjoyment of this book. I might have missed some references and cameos but the book stood on its own.
It is suggested that readers of this book might also like books by Freya Marske. Who recently wrote Swords Crossed, another queer historical fantasy. While I haven’t read any of Marske’s work from what I know this is a pretty good comparison.
The author admits this book is full of tropes they enjoy and I have to say I’m a fan of most of them as well. From a woman in armor, who doesn’t love that after seeing Chappell Roan. To romantic tropes like only one bed, this book plays with and turns these tropes on their heads in new and interesting ways.
For the spice level I’d say about a one or a two, there are open door scenes but they are narratively appropriate and very much add to the plot and the characters romantic relationships, but are most definitely not the focus of the book.
I’d have to give this book five stars. It is definitely rivaling Godkiller for my favorite book of 2024!
Are you now reading any ARCs? Let me know in the comments.
Amazon: All the Painted Stars
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