Review of: Den of Blades and Briars (Broken Kingdoms book 7) by L.J. Andrews

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Dance of Kings and Thieves (Broken Kingdoms book 7) by L.J. Andrews

Blurb

She’s bound to serve her enemy for a hundred years. Now, she’s at risk of killing the man … or falling for him.


After she lands on the losing side of a war, Saga is sentenced to serve Ari Sekundär, the man she despises.

But when Ari is blamed for a tragic assassination, Saga is forced on the run with her reluctant master, and they must work together to survive. Soon hate feels more like passion and disgust more like desire.

What Ari doesn't know is that falling in love with the enemy will have deadly consequences. But how can Saga tell him, if he ever gives his heart to her, it will unlock a hidden secret that can destroy the kingdom…and end her life.

The tale of the Swan Princess reimagined. This compelling New Adult Fantasy continues the bestselling world of the Broken Kingdoms as the first book in the Southern Kingdom. Welcome to a world filled with fae, Vikings, and spicy romance.


*This book contains content that could be triggering to some readers, so check the TW list inside, along with spicy scenes that are for readers 18+*

Rating and Review

Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars

Review:

Background

This was my first 5-star read this year (and of all time), and I somewhat hate it. This book is, unfortunately, problematic, and I tend not to like problematic books for obvious reasons. I had to suspend my disbelief quite a bit with this book because, for the most part, I really enjoyed it; I LOVED it. I know a lot of book reviewers on BookTube and BookTok do a tasteful "closing of the eyes" while reading, and I guess I do too now. I fell in love with Ari and Saga in book 6 of the TBK series, and I just knew I was going to love their books. And I was correct, but I had to try and ignore the fact that Saga is Ari's servant. That's the problematic element to the story. It was difficult, don't get me wrong, but because I loved them so much already, I really wanted to love their story too.

What I Didn't Like:

Let's get onto some of the aspects of this book I didn't like.
  • Some of the fantasy was a little confusing. A lot of the time, I was confused on who controlled or cursed Saga or what curse was placed on her.
  • I realized this series doesn’t have any characters of color. Or maybe it does, but the author hasn't done a good job at describing the different skin colors, but I'm pretty sure every character is white.
  • Technically, this romance is an abuse of power because Saga is Ari’s servant. So…that’s not good.

What I Liked:

Out of the negative. In with the positive.
  • Saga and Ari as characters. This was the first time I became way too attached to characters. I became way too attached to them as separate characters, to the point I loved them too much once they got together. If you fuck with them, you fuck with me, bitch!
  • Saga and Ari’s banter or threats to kill each other. They felt like legitimate enemies.
  • Their progression from enemies to lovers. I thought that was extremely well done.
  • The sex scenes?!?!?! Best sex scenes I’ve read. The smexy one too.
  • The way Saga and Ari loved each other. Their passion was just❤️‍🔥.
  • The love confessions.
  • Learning more about this kingdom.
  • How quick I finished it in 4-5 days. quickest book I’ve ever read. I was madly invested.
  • I just really loved Saga and Ari. I can't explain it well, but I love them so much. Like, they can share me, bitch!

Final Thoughts:

With a tasteful closing of the eyes, I absolutely loved this story. After I finished Book 6, I couldn't keep myself from jumping into this book because I knew for a fact I was going to adore Ari and Saga. And I’m so happy I did. I LOVED their story. so much.  Yes, there are some things objectively wrong with it, like the fact that Saga is Ari's servant. I don't think I'll ever be able to ignore a problematic trope ever again. I think with any book I read in the future, if I find some part of it to be problematic, I won't like it. Besides that, I lived for their enemies to be lovers. I will fight for these characters. I know on Instagram, the author talks a lot about Ari since he’s been around since the start of the series, but SAGA???? I was not expecting to love her as much as I do. I love Ari; don’t get me wrong. I love him so much, but Saga is perfect too. They’re perfect for each other. Their love confessions were a chef's kiss. I just loved, loved, and loved them. so yeah.  This book is easily 5/5.

Thank you for Reading!

Thank you for reading my review! I love you so much, and I hope you stick around for future posts about the other books I've read and will read.

Have you read this book? What did you think of it? Let me know in the comments! Also, let me know of any romance novels or fantasy romance novels you think I should read! I'd love to review them.


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