T. Kingfisher

I borrowed an e-copy of T. Kingfisher‘s Swordheart through Hoopla.

Halla is a housekeeper who has suddenly inherited her great-uncle’s estate… and, unfortunately, his relatives. Sarkis is an immortal swordsman trapped in a prison of enchanted steel. When Halla draws the sword that imprisons him, Sarkis finds himself attempting to defend his new wielder against everything from bandits and roving inquisitors to her own in-laws… and the sword itself may prove to be the greatest threat of all.

This is the second T. Kingfisher book in a row that I’ve read and loved. I imagine I’ll be steamrolling my way through the whole rest of their back-list in short order. I absolutely loved the characters here; their personality and who Kingfisher opted to let them be—older than you’d expect, without perfect bodies, and not adhering to standard expectations of beauty, gender, or behavior.

I had so much fun and laughed often, all while appreciating the intricacies of the story being told. It’s isn’t a sweeping plot or full of action and adventure. It’s actually pretty small when you really stop and think of it. But it was enough to both contain and highlight the story and the characters.

While I realize, of course, that Halla weaponized the appearance of stupidity and was in no way actually stupid. She was somewhat flighty and I thought that did play into stereotypes of women a little. But I also enjoyed watching Sarkis come to terms with and then to admire her for that same quality. All in all, I’m hoping that open ending means there will be a second book. I can’t wait to meet the other two swords (fingers crossed).

Other Reviews:

Review – Swordheart

Book Review – Swordheart by T. Kingfisher

REVIEW: Swordheart by T. Kingfisher

I borrowed an audio copy of T. Kingfisher‘s Paladin’s Grace through Hoopla. It was narrated by Joel Richards.

Stephen’s god died on the longest day of the year…

Three years later, Stephen is a broken paladin, living only for the chance to be useful before he dies. But all that changes when he encounters a fugitive named Grace in an alley and witnesses an assassination attempt gone wrong. Now the pair must navigate a web of treachery, beset on all sides by spies and poisoners, while a cryptic killer stalks one step behind…

I was initially befuddled when I started listening to this book. Not because of anything the book did or didn’t do, but because I had confused which recommendation list I got the title from. I thought it was martial women defending not-fighter men. But that’s very clearly not the case since Stephen is a paladin and Grace a perfumer. Eventually I realized it was fantasy with older hero/heroines, and after that, the book and I got on like a house on fire.

I adored Stephen (38) and Grace (32, I think). They are both emotional basket cases trying to do their best in a world not ready for them. I liked that world a lot and the unvarnished, but sarcastic kindness of The Rats, and the side characters were all a joy in and of themselves.

The writing is marvelous and flatly funny in an often dry way. I have to compliment the narrator, Joel Richards, for bringing it to life in the audio version too. All in all, I went right back to Hoopla and rented another Kingfisher book because I’m a new fan.