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Kingdom of Walls #1
Defender of Walls
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
Keep her inside. Keep her alive.
Blake Suttone has a stomach full of grief and no food. A decade of famine has taken its toll on the splintered kingdom, but it is the merchants who suffer most. A wall stands between the hungry and the food, and the kingdom’s defenders stand guard atop it. Desperate times lead to desperate acts, and Blake will do whatever is necessary to ensure her family survives. But a growing attachment to a certain commander was never part of the plan. Now the man protecting the walls seems determined to guard her too.
Commander Harlan Wright was raised on a diet of training and discipline. His mind is calloused and his heart closed. These are not faults in a defender but assets. Harlan’s path is clear, until he meets a merchant girl who pulls him in a dangerous new direction. Blake might be a fighter, but she is fighting a losing battle. As the walls continue to go up, Harlan must choose between head and heart, duty and love.
This is the first book in the medieval dystopian series Kingdom of Walls. If you enjoy high-emotion romance with plenty of action, then this dark star-crossed lovers tale is for you.
Keep her inside. Keep her alive.
Blake Suttone has a stomach full of grief and no food. A decade of famine has taken its toll on the splintered kingdom, but it is the merchants who suffer most. A wall stands between the hungry and the food, and the kingdom’s defenders stand guard atop it. Desperate times lead to desperate acts, and Blake will do whatever is necessary to ensure her family survives. But a growing attachment to a certain commander was never part of the plan. Now the man protecting the walls seems determined to guard her too.
Commander Harlan Wright was raised on a diet of training and discipline. His mind is calloused and his heart closed. These are not faults in a defender but assets. Harlan’s path is clear, until he meets a merchant girl who pulls him in a dangerous new direction. Blake might be a fighter, but she is fighting a losing battle. As the walls continue to go up, Harlan must choose between head and heart, duty and love.
This is the first book in the medieval dystopian series Kingdom of Walls. If you enjoy high-emotion romance with plenty of action, then this dark star-crossed lovers tale is for you.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2021
308 people are currently reading
2604 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Bird
24 books490 followersTanya Bird is a RUBY award-winning author who lives in Brisbane with her hubby, three lively boys, a quirky greyhound, and a lazy whippet. Amid the chaos, she writes across a range romance sub-genres including historical, contemporary, and speculative. She is best known for her dark worldbuilding and high-emotion storytelling. A lover of horses, pancakes, and satire, Tanya dreams of one day attacking her rather long bucket list.
You can find her on Facebook @TanyaBirdAuthor, Instagram @tanyabirdauthor, TikTok @tanyabirdauthor or hiding in the pantry with her stash of chocolate.
Exclusive free reads available at tanyabird.com
You can find her on Facebook @TanyaBirdAuthor, Instagram @tanyabirdauthor, TikTok @tanyabirdauthor or hiding in the pantry with her stash of chocolate.
Exclusive free reads available at tanyabird.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
August 2, 2021
I have a thing for star crossed lovers. It is a tale as old as times and it is indeed timeless for me.
Stand tall and strong, warrior.
Now, I have this affliction where I always have a hard time when reviewing books that I love. And I really love this book.
I mean I cried. So. Many. Times.
I can't promise that this book will give you the same satisfaction like it did me. But I want you to give it a chance.
Stand tall and strong, warrior.
Now, I have this affliction where I always have a hard time when reviewing books that I love. And I really love this book.
I mean I cried. So. Many. Times.
I can't promise that this book will give you the same satisfaction like it did me. But I want you to give it a chance.
July 23, 2022
Have you ever picked up a book and had it feel familiar? Not in the sense that you've read it before, or know what's gonna happen - but in the way you're familiar with a good friend, a favorite place, a nostalgic memory. This book spoke to me from there and it's going to be a favorite for years to come.
Defender of Walls is melancholy in a way that mimics reality, it's happy after scraping you raw, it's life in art, and Bird is one of few authors who can manage this in such a flawless way.
Blake is so vulnerable because of her circumstances but she is the warrior who saved her world.
Harlan is a soldier, strong, tall, undefeated, but he crumbles the moment Blake wormed her way beneath his skin.
I had moments of heartbreak and terror, worry and laughter, hope and despair - and the ending! I didn't think a world so bleak could end in such a burst of color!
Please read this book, and love it, and leave all the stars and more reviews so this author will have even more incentive to keep doing what she does best!
P.S. The love scenes in this book are fade to black so this read is appropriate for readers of... most ages. 😁
Defender of Walls is melancholy in a way that mimics reality, it's happy after scraping you raw, it's life in art, and Bird is one of few authors who can manage this in such a flawless way.
Blake is so vulnerable because of her circumstances but she is the warrior who saved her world.
Harlan is a soldier, strong, tall, undefeated, but he crumbles the moment Blake wormed her way beneath his skin.
I had moments of heartbreak and terror, worry and laughter, hope and despair - and the ending! I didn't think a world so bleak could end in such a burst of color!
Please read this book, and love it, and leave all the stars and more reviews so this author will have even more incentive to keep doing what she does best!
P.S. The love scenes in this book are fade to black so this read is appropriate for readers of... most ages. 😁
November 9, 2021
Very good read ! strong h !
July 6, 2024
Engaging but problematic…
Setting/plot- I loved the medieval-era dystopian dynamics and setting. The plot was good but also discouraging because the lower class was so oppressed. In fact, the oppression was extreme and disturbing, and yet it was all brushed under the rug at the end, as if it’s all okay now that the FMC and her family moved into the higher social strata because the MMC married her. I did not feel satisfied in their attitude at the conclusion.
Romance- Chemistry began very high. By the end it was okay. Not a huge fan of their affair, especially when they knew it was probably just a fling they would have to walk away from.
I was left with a HUGE question: if Harlan’s mom couldn’t take it being a merchant married to an enforcer, then why do they both think Blake will be okay?
All the same issues exist:
Blake will be living the high life while her countrymen and friends are still being oppressed. And her husband, while not being a bad man as an individual, makes his living as an integral part of the society that exploits the merchants. How is this going to work long term? Does Blake only care about her immediate family being rescued and doesn’t care about the rest of her people? How will she not resent him and everything he stands for?
Big miss on the overall conclusion, imo.
Characters- the FMC was okay. She was kind of rash at times, like when she played killer “football” with the men, and when she climbed the wall. What was her plan once she crossed the wall exactly?
I thought it was RIDICULOUS that her family was on the brink of STARVATION but refused to slaughter their pet duck. Their neighbors and friends DIED of starvation while they were busy babysitting and protecting their duck from starving people who wanted to steal and eat it. They themselves were walking corpses and/or so weak and sick they couldn’t leave bed. I can’t even.
The MMC was nice. I liked him. He seemed to genuinely care about the FMC.
Content-
Language- some swears. A couple f-words (not as a verb).
Substance abuse- one MMC drunken scene that wasn’t cringy.
Spice- one naked sex scene where the curtain is pulled. No explicit or raunchy language. Also, the MMC reflected on how his past sexual experiences had been purely physical and noncommittal.
Cover- fine.
Format- audiobook on Everand.
Narrator- good.
Cliffhanger- No. The next two books feature her sisters as FMCs. But I don’t think I’ll continue this series. One sister is pointlessly snotty to the love interest (who enjoys her “charming” rudeness) and the other sister is too Tomboy-ish for me (like, cringy and rash). From my limited peek at these women, they probably aren’t my style for a relatable FMC…
Setting/plot- I loved the medieval-era dystopian dynamics and setting. The plot was good but also discouraging because the lower class was so oppressed. In fact, the oppression was extreme and disturbing, and yet it was all brushed under the rug at the end, as if it’s all okay now that the FMC and her family moved into the higher social strata because the MMC married her. I did not feel satisfied in their attitude at the conclusion.
Romance- Chemistry began very high. By the end it was okay. Not a huge fan of their affair, especially when they knew it was probably just a fling they would have to walk away from.
I was left with a HUGE question: if Harlan’s mom couldn’t take it being a merchant married to an enforcer, then why do they both think Blake will be okay?
All the same issues exist:
Blake will be living the high life while her countrymen and friends are still being oppressed. And her husband, while not being a bad man as an individual, makes his living as an integral part of the society that exploits the merchants. How is this going to work long term? Does Blake only care about her immediate family being rescued and doesn’t care about the rest of her people? How will she not resent him and everything he stands for?
Big miss on the overall conclusion, imo.
Characters- the FMC was okay. She was kind of rash at times, like when she played killer “football” with the men, and when she climbed the wall. What was her plan once she crossed the wall exactly?
I thought it was RIDICULOUS that her family was on the brink of STARVATION but refused to slaughter their pet duck. Their neighbors and friends DIED of starvation while they were busy babysitting and protecting their duck from starving people who wanted to steal and eat it. They themselves were walking corpses and/or so weak and sick they couldn’t leave bed. I can’t even.
The MMC was nice. I liked him. He seemed to genuinely care about the FMC.
Content-
Language- some swears. A couple f-words (not as a verb).
Substance abuse- one MMC drunken scene that wasn’t cringy.
Spice- one naked sex scene where the curtain is pulled. No explicit or raunchy language. Also, the MMC reflected on how his past sexual experiences had been purely physical and noncommittal.
Cover- fine.
Format- audiobook on Everand.
Narrator- good.
Cliffhanger- No. The next two books feature her sisters as FMCs. But I don’t think I’ll continue this series. One sister is pointlessly snotty to the love interest (who enjoys her “charming” rudeness) and the other sister is too Tomboy-ish for me (like, cringy and rash). From my limited peek at these women, they probably aren’t my style for a relatable FMC…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2021
Huge thanks to Tanya Bird for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in Ms. Bird's new Kingdom of Walls series. This follows our main characters the fiery, Blake Suttone, and the strict, Commander Harlan Wright, as they try to manage forbidden love between class divides and starvation.
As many know, I am a passionate lover of strong female protagonists and this book did not disappoint. Blake and the rest of Suttone sisters are forces to be reckoned with. Blake fights for the rights of her people and doesn't let even the love of her life stand in her way. She is a warrior through and through! This novel was fast paced, angsty, relatable, dark and romantic. Harlan is easily a new book boyfriend even though sometimes he can be infuriating. (In the best way, of course.) I rooted for this couple from the very beginning and the ending left me craving the next book in the series.
Overall, 5 stars from me! I can't wait to read the other books to come in this series. If you like romance and period novels, this is for you!
This is the first book in Ms. Bird's new Kingdom of Walls series. This follows our main characters the fiery, Blake Suttone, and the strict, Commander Harlan Wright, as they try to manage forbidden love between class divides and starvation.
As many know, I am a passionate lover of strong female protagonists and this book did not disappoint. Blake and the rest of Suttone sisters are forces to be reckoned with. Blake fights for the rights of her people and doesn't let even the love of her life stand in her way. She is a warrior through and through! This novel was fast paced, angsty, relatable, dark and romantic. Harlan is easily a new book boyfriend even though sometimes he can be infuriating. (In the best way, of course.) I rooted for this couple from the very beginning and the ending left me craving the next book in the series.
Overall, 5 stars from me! I can't wait to read the other books to come in this series. If you like romance and period novels, this is for you!
February 22, 2021
When I review a book, I judge in three categories. Do I enjoy it so much I can’t put it down? Do I get so caught up in the story I think about it when I have to put it down? Am I sad when it ends?
Defender of Walls fits every one!
I was so excited to read this book by Tanya Bird, her The Companion series, are by far my favorite books ever.
ThIs is not a book with a strong male figure coming to the rescue of a weak, whiny female. These characters are both fierce and strong in different ways. Ms. Bird brings them together beautifully. She is talented enough to even work a bit of humor into an otherwise grim situation.
This book is to be part of a series, but it could be a standalone book. It comes full circle. It doesn’t leave the reader hanging, waiting for the next book in the series. It will however leave you wanting more, thinking about more and not wanting it to end. Check!
Defender of Walls fits every one!
I was so excited to read this book by Tanya Bird, her The Companion series, are by far my favorite books ever.
ThIs is not a book with a strong male figure coming to the rescue of a weak, whiny female. These characters are both fierce and strong in different ways. Ms. Bird brings them together beautifully. She is talented enough to even work a bit of humor into an otherwise grim situation.
This book is to be part of a series, but it could be a standalone book. It comes full circle. It doesn’t leave the reader hanging, waiting for the next book in the series. It will however leave you wanting more, thinking about more and not wanting it to end. Check!
November 10, 2025
Enemies to lovers forbidden romance. Loved it.
July 31, 2022
3.5 Stars
Defender of Walls is compulsively readable. I couldn't put it down, even when I had troubles with the story. One thing that bothered me was the world building. I thought this was some sort of mythical land, but then one of the characters mentioned being from Ireland and it totally threw me. What country are we in (still don't know)?? The year is mentioned in passing towards the end of the book if I am remembering correctly. Another thing that bothered me was the fade to black love scene (so disappointing). I did like Blake's tenacity and love for her family. She did what she believed was right and cared for everyone. Harlan is at times likeable and unlikable. I did like how he grew as a character to think for himself in regards to his job. Blake's sisters were all amazing and supportive of each other. This story is also way darker than I thought it would be and I enjoyed the extra depth.
Defender of Walls is compulsively readable. I couldn't put it down, even when I had troubles with the story. One thing that bothered me was the world building. I thought this was some sort of mythical land, but then one of the characters mentioned being from Ireland and it totally threw me. What country are we in (still don't know)?? The year is mentioned in passing towards the end of the book if I am remembering correctly. Another thing that bothered me was the fade to black love scene (so disappointing). I did like Blake's tenacity and love for her family. She did what she believed was right and cared for everyone. Harlan is at times likeable and unlikable. I did like how he grew as a character to think for himself in regards to his job. Blake's sisters were all amazing and supportive of each other. This story is also way darker than I thought it would be and I enjoyed the extra depth.
August 3, 2021
This was just alright- didn't light my fire. The tension was great- and I adore true enemies to lovers books, but as great as all that was, I didn't want a fade to black first love scene. That was disappointing.
December 30, 2022
Forbidden romance done really good.
It's clean romance and I don't usually prefer that but here I am in love with this book.
It's clean romance and I don't usually prefer that but here I am in love with this book.
March 31, 2025
I LOVED THIS!!
My bestie read this and loved it, so she sent me a copy (she’s the best bestie) knowing I would love it too!! And, of course, she was SO FREAKING RIGHT!!
I loved these characters!! Especially Blake!! She is one in a million! And Commander Harlan is hot, strong and he is devoid of feelings, or so he thinks. Once he met Blake he found his heart opening to her. All is training to have a closed mind and calloused heart went down the drain when he was with her. And through her he began to see things differently. I loved Harlan and Blake together!! And one of my favorite characters is Garlic the Duck!!
On top of well written characters that pulled you in and wouldn’t let you go, the world building of this medieval dystopian world is FANTASTIC!!! This was such an interesting and unique world and I was completely drawn in!! Everything about this book is ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT and I am awaiting the delivery of book two in the series!!
If you enjoy dystopian worlds with wonderful characters, and a beautiful romance, then I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you check out this book!!
My bestie read this and loved it, so she sent me a copy (she’s the best bestie) knowing I would love it too!! And, of course, she was SO FREAKING RIGHT!!
I loved these characters!! Especially Blake!! She is one in a million! And Commander Harlan is hot, strong and he is devoid of feelings, or so he thinks. Once he met Blake he found his heart opening to her. All is training to have a closed mind and calloused heart went down the drain when he was with her. And through her he began to see things differently. I loved Harlan and Blake together!! And one of my favorite characters is Garlic the Duck!!
On top of well written characters that pulled you in and wouldn’t let you go, the world building of this medieval dystopian world is FANTASTIC!!! This was such an interesting and unique world and I was completely drawn in!! Everything about this book is ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT and I am awaiting the delivery of book two in the series!!
If you enjoy dystopian worlds with wonderful characters, and a beautiful romance, then I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you check out this book!!
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November 14, 2025
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
ִׄ˚ • 𖥔 ࣪˖ ⭑ ₊ ⭒ *ೃ༄
This was a nice medieval dystopian story. Can’t say I’ve read a lot of those, so this was a decent introduction to the genre. The world-building was neat and compact, though there was definitely more potential. I absolutely adored the characters, as well as their protectiveness of each other.
My only gripe is that the romance between Blake and Harlan fell flat. I found it far too rushed and lacking substance. While they were absolutely sweet, the execution of the falling and getting-together phases left much to be desired.
All in all, a decent fantasy read. Will read the sequels later.
ִׄ˚ • 𖥔 ࣪˖ ⭑ ₊ ⭒ *ೃ༄
This was a nice medieval dystopian story. Can’t say I’ve read a lot of those, so this was a decent introduction to the genre. The world-building was neat and compact, though there was definitely more potential. I absolutely adored the characters, as well as their protectiveness of each other.
My only gripe is that the romance between Blake and Harlan fell flat. I found it far too rushed and lacking substance. While they were absolutely sweet, the execution of the falling and getting-together phases left much to be desired.
All in all, a decent fantasy read. Will read the sequels later.
February 20, 2021
Another solid romance from Tanya Bird. Blake and Harlan’s star crossed romance is full of suspense, angst, heartache and love. Blake is a strong willed heroine and Harlan is the perfect blend of a brooding and protective hero. Nothing comes easy for these two in the hard, unforgiving world that Ms. Bird creates but their determination to save those that they love and to save each other keeps you turning the page.
I love the strong female characters Ms. Bird creates in her stories and I’m looking forward to book two with Blake’s older sister.
I love the strong female characters Ms. Bird creates in her stories and I’m looking forward to book two with Blake’s older sister.
February 19, 2025
Riveting!! I was pulled in immediately. This book was absolutely amazing. Filled with adventure, survival, love. Strong FMC. The only thing I hate is that I have to wait for the next book to be delivered.
February 20, 2021
Love this author! All her books are fantastic, and this is the start to what is going to be yet another awesome series. :)
November 7, 2023
This book was a breath of fresh air for me. I absolutely blew through it and loved everything about it. The action and suspense kept me at the edge of my seat and romance story line left nothing to be desired. Five stars!
March 6, 2022
Content Review:
Contained a handful of light swears, two or so F-s and couple of sh-ts. These felt well used considering the military occupation of the speaker.
Steam level felt appropriate and one intimate scene faded to black. Other intimate moments were referenced in hindsight. None of it felt crass or cringe.
The themes these moments carried were positive ones. More on that below.
Cons:
I couldn't place Chadarin on the map. I first assumed it had no relation to our world, until Ireland and Catholicism were mentioned. The use of "Boor" to describe Blake's people had me wondering if Chadarin was located near South Africa. "Warriors" invaded the coast and had no nationality.
Overall, deeper worldbuilding wouldn't have enhanced this romance. However, I would have appreciated more of a glimpse of what was on Harlan's side of the wall. The medieval feel of this book had me picturing a castle-scape with walls between the classes of the town spreading around it. And most of the action took place in the starving merchant district.
Would have also appreciated more on weaponry.
The defenders had a military police feel more than a soldier feel-- not a con!
PROS:
So much HUMOR and a lovely duck!
It was a Fun romance in a dystopian setting. This book hooked me on the first page and crushed my heart on the second. I really want a chance to get to know Kingsley...
The HEA was satisfying and I had many favorite moments between Harlan and Blake. As sad as the book was with its characters always starving and hungry, there were so many cute family moments and girl talk.
Adorable how Harlan came off as curt and awkward around women at first. I loved watching him open up and grow enflamed with Blake despite their pride and prejudice moments! It was a little hard at times to imaging a well-fed soldier would find a starving merchant girl so attractive, but Blake's personality, whit, and skill with a weapon really proved her. The two felt perfect for each other.
Harlan had so many great redemption moments. I loved him from the start and shipped them hard the entire way. There was good camaraderie between him and fellow defenders. And I LOVED how he respected Blake's sisters and family.
I wish the characters physical appearances had been given more, but none of my cons could detract a star from my rating. Everyone felt well fleshed out.
I would read this book again and will be checking out the rest of the series.
POTENTIAL SPOILERS BELOW:
Harlan and Blake made mistakes and often owned them. I enjoyed the risks each took for the other, and a favorite moment was when Harlan approached a nobleman about striking Blake across the face for being "unchaste" and told the noble that the next time he intended to do it to strike him (Harlan) for his part in it.
Another favorite moment was when a girl was to be flogged for a crime and Harlan stepped in to the task, risking Blake's affection for him to spare the girl the scars another defender would have left her with.
I thought more time could've been given to Harlan's lie about Kingsley being exposed. It happened in a great way and he felt fully redeemed, but I wanted to see something more from him.
Overall, I loved this book and couldn't put it down. So many cute moments. So much love for Blake and Harlan and every other character included.
Contained a handful of light swears, two or so F-s and couple of sh-ts. These felt well used considering the military occupation of the speaker.
Steam level felt appropriate and one intimate scene faded to black. Other intimate moments were referenced in hindsight. None of it felt crass or cringe.
The themes these moments carried were positive ones. More on that below.
Cons:
I couldn't place Chadarin on the map. I first assumed it had no relation to our world, until Ireland and Catholicism were mentioned. The use of "Boor" to describe Blake's people had me wondering if Chadarin was located near South Africa. "Warriors" invaded the coast and had no nationality.
Overall, deeper worldbuilding wouldn't have enhanced this romance. However, I would have appreciated more of a glimpse of what was on Harlan's side of the wall. The medieval feel of this book had me picturing a castle-scape with walls between the classes of the town spreading around it. And most of the action took place in the starving merchant district.
Would have also appreciated more on weaponry.
The defenders had a military police feel more than a soldier feel-- not a con!
PROS:
So much HUMOR and a lovely duck!
It was a Fun romance in a dystopian setting. This book hooked me on the first page and crushed my heart on the second. I really want a chance to get to know Kingsley...
The HEA was satisfying and I had many favorite moments between Harlan and Blake. As sad as the book was with its characters always starving and hungry, there were so many cute family moments and girl talk.
Adorable how Harlan came off as curt and awkward around women at first. I loved watching him open up and grow enflamed with Blake despite their pride and prejudice moments! It was a little hard at times to imaging a well-fed soldier would find a starving merchant girl so attractive, but Blake's personality, whit, and skill with a weapon really proved her. The two felt perfect for each other.
Harlan had so many great redemption moments. I loved him from the start and shipped them hard the entire way. There was good camaraderie between him and fellow defenders. And I LOVED how he respected Blake's sisters and family.
I wish the characters physical appearances had been given more, but none of my cons could detract a star from my rating. Everyone felt well fleshed out.
I would read this book again and will be checking out the rest of the series.
POTENTIAL SPOILERS BELOW:
Harlan and Blake made mistakes and often owned them. I enjoyed the risks each took for the other, and a favorite moment was when Harlan approached a nobleman about striking Blake across the face for being "unchaste" and told the noble that the next time he intended to do it to strike him (Harlan) for his part in it.
Another favorite moment was when a girl was to be flogged for a crime and Harlan stepped in to the task, risking Blake's affection for him to spare the girl the scars another defender would have left her with.
I thought more time could've been given to Harlan's lie about Kingsley being exposed. It happened in a great way and he felt fully redeemed, but I wanted to see something more from him.
Overall, I loved this book and couldn't put it down. So many cute moments. So much love for Blake and Harlan and every other character included.
December 12, 2021
Utterly enchanting! I am beyond thankful I picked this gem up on a whim! I’ve been in such a terrible book slump lately and didn’t know if I was even emotionally capable of getting invested in a new book right now… boy was I wrong. I devoured this book in one day and can’t wait to start the sequel!
There wasn’t much I didn’t absolutely adore about the story. The world building was so well done, and I really felt that I experienced every aspect of the realm alongside the characters. The emotional details throughout the novel were beyond immersive and heart wrenching. There was such a realistic quality of brokenness and a theme of overcoming devastating circumstances that captivated my attention through to the last page!
The characters stole my heart almost immediately, which is actually rather difficult to do. I can be very picky when it comes to main characters in particular, but if given the chance I would be best friends with Blake. It was very refreshing to escape the “chosen one” trope so often seen in stories like this. The thing that made Blake remarkable was her strength of character, bravery, and selflessness. She was just so real and relatable. I loved her sense of humor and quippiness while being balanced with a gentleness and youthful naïveté.
And Harlan… lord above…. I am MADLY in love with him. He is now the standard by which all love will be measured in my head. Yes he was burly and brusque and slow to open his heart, but even in his reticence to become attached he was so protective and loyal and good. I loved that he not only defended, but truly came to value, everything that mattered to Blake. And the life they were able to build together by the end brought me to tears. This is the type of love I’ve wanted all my life, and the type of love I one day hope to experience.
Overall this was a heartbreaking and beautifully woven tale of struggle, survival and love. I highly recommend!!
There wasn’t much I didn’t absolutely adore about the story. The world building was so well done, and I really felt that I experienced every aspect of the realm alongside the characters. The emotional details throughout the novel were beyond immersive and heart wrenching. There was such a realistic quality of brokenness and a theme of overcoming devastating circumstances that captivated my attention through to the last page!
The characters stole my heart almost immediately, which is actually rather difficult to do. I can be very picky when it comes to main characters in particular, but if given the chance I would be best friends with Blake. It was very refreshing to escape the “chosen one” trope so often seen in stories like this. The thing that made Blake remarkable was her strength of character, bravery, and selflessness. She was just so real and relatable. I loved her sense of humor and quippiness while being balanced with a gentleness and youthful naïveté.
And Harlan… lord above…. I am MADLY in love with him. He is now the standard by which all love will be measured in my head. Yes he was burly and brusque and slow to open his heart, but even in his reticence to become attached he was so protective and loyal and good. I loved that he not only defended, but truly came to value, everything that mattered to Blake. And the life they were able to build together by the end brought me to tears. This is the type of love I’ve wanted all my life, and the type of love I one day hope to experience.
Overall this was a heartbreaking and beautifully woven tale of struggle, survival and love. I highly recommend!!
November 28, 2022
This story would have been better if it were some kind of fantasy in a medieval setting or maybe some kind of alternate history.
There was barely any explanation as to what was “dystopian” about it. A dystopia is what happens AFTER the collapse of a modern society. This was hardly that in fact later its indicated it’s the 1300s so its definitely more Alt History than dystopian.
The character were ok but I was always waiting for something better to happen than a boy king throwing a hissy fit (which only come in the LAST third of the book). Basically I was just left wanting more. Or for everyone in the Merchant Borough to just jump on a boat and leave. I mean there was land outside the walls wasn’t there!? It wasn’t all ocean, so Why couldn’t they hunt there for food?
The Meridian part of the TV show/comic W.I.T.C.H. had a better plot and made infinitely more sense. And would have been a better basis for a story like this.
This was just a really nothing to get excited about. It’s a good story in theory but was POORLY executed.
There was barely any explanation as to what was “dystopian” about it. A dystopia is what happens AFTER the collapse of a modern society. This was hardly that in fact later its indicated it’s the 1300s so its definitely more Alt History than dystopian.
The character were ok but I was always waiting for something better to happen than a boy king throwing a hissy fit (which only come in the LAST third of the book). Basically I was just left wanting more. Or for everyone in the Merchant Borough to just jump on a boat and leave. I mean there was land outside the walls wasn’t there!? It wasn’t all ocean, so Why couldn’t they hunt there for food?
The Meridian part of the TV show/comic W.I.T.C.H. had a better plot and made infinitely more sense. And would have been a better basis for a story like this.
This was just a really nothing to get excited about. It’s a good story in theory but was POORLY executed.
March 14, 2025
was gonna go w 2.5 but i liked it enough to consider reading the rest of the series. i decided not to bc this book concept had so much potential and just fell so flat. genuinely so compelling but deserved to be executed in an epic fantasy as opposed to a romantasy book bc the class commentary was not given its due justice. but ofc i would have that complaint lol. but yeah this disappointed me. it wasn’t ~bad~ just disappointing to the point of being frustrating. the characters were so uninspired like just totally complicit in their and everyone else’s shitty situation for most of the book and all they did was pine after each other and it was annoying bc like damn mount a revolution so u can be together or smth for fucks sake!
August 27, 2021
I stumbled across this book when I'm looking for a new book to read. Surveying for a lighter book to take a rest from the magic worlds that I have been reading for a while. And this book surely didn't disappoint.
I like how the writer put on small fun details, such as the duck and the humour in their conversations. Blake and Harlan's relationship truly made my day. His care and protectiveness towards Blake and her family impressed me. And the scene when Blake admitted to have kill the king just to stop the killing almost makes me cry. Her bravery was spectacular and I love a story with a strong female lead.
Overall: 4.5*
I like how the writer put on small fun details, such as the duck and the humour in their conversations. Blake and Harlan's relationship truly made my day. His care and protectiveness towards Blake and her family impressed me. And the scene when Blake admitted to have kill the king just to stop the killing almost makes me cry. Her bravery was spectacular and I love a story with a strong female lead.
Overall: 4.5*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 5, 2024Rating: 4 Stars
Highlights:
🌟This book is definitely a fantasy, but it also has a super dystopian feel.
🌟The concept of the walls that Tanya Bird created was super interesting, I’m intrigued to see how it plays out through the rest of the series.
🌟Blake’s connection with her family. The strong connection between her and her mother and her sisters was such a great undercurrent for the whole story.
🌟Blake and Harlan’s romance had so many obstacles and a lot of angst, but it was enjoyable to watch them overcome what was before them and realize how much they cared for each other.
🌟Call me crazy, but I really enjoyed the addition of Garlic (and the goats) 😂❤️
CW: Violence/Gore
Highlights:
🌟This book is definitely a fantasy, but it also has a super dystopian feel.
🌟The concept of the walls that Tanya Bird created was super interesting, I’m intrigued to see how it plays out through the rest of the series.
🌟Blake’s connection with her family. The strong connection between her and her mother and her sisters was such a great undercurrent for the whole story.
🌟Blake and Harlan’s romance had so many obstacles and a lot of angst, but it was enjoyable to watch them overcome what was before them and realize how much they cared for each other.
🌟Call me crazy, but I really enjoyed the addition of Garlic (and the goats) 😂❤️
CW: Violence/Gore
November 30, 2021
sweet and satisfying
I never buy books. I read too many, so I’m solely a KU book reader. That said not one piece of me regrets buying this. It’s sweet and romantic. Clean, so those seeking erotica should go elsewhere. I’m definitely buying the series. It feels very Homebound, Bird and the Sword sort of vibe.
I never buy books. I read too many, so I’m solely a KU book reader. That said not one piece of me regrets buying this. It’s sweet and romantic. Clean, so those seeking erotica should go elsewhere. I’m definitely buying the series. It feels very Homebound, Bird and the Sword sort of vibe.
February 13, 2022
perfection as always
I highly recommend all of Tanyas books, the companion series stole my heart and this series is almost equal. I fell in love with Blake and Harlan, I want so much more of them, of this world. I adore all of the couples and fluffy companions in this series but there was a little extra magic here.
I highly recommend all of Tanyas books, the companion series stole my heart and this series is almost equal. I fell in love with Blake and Harlan, I want so much more of them, of this world. I adore all of the couples and fluffy companions in this series but there was a little extra magic here.
August 8, 2024
Didn’t finish after page 76. I was just too frustrated to continue because this was almost a good read. It had great potential. But the author didn’t make the most of the situations she was creating. And the world building was not matching the characters actions so I’m having a hard time being immersed into the story.
So when we first see Harlan and Blake meet, Blake is supposedly starving and afraid. Afraid of the defenders like Harlan. But the author built zero tension during this first meeting. Which is what she needed to do to really pull us in as readers and set the stage for Blake and Harlan to build this unique and intense “star-crossed lovers” relationship. I needed to really feel Blake’s fear during this first meeting. I needed to feel her desperation in being poor and hungry. But instead, Harlan is friendly and helpful to Blake immediately. So then I’m wondering if I’ve read the situation wrong and maybe the defenders are good to the merchants. And then, Harlan shows her where she can find grubs for food, and instead of Blake being intrigued and interested, she’s disgusted at the thought of eating bugs. But if she was truly that desperate and hungry to the point that her brother is risking his life to feed them, shouldn’t she be salivating for the grubs? Or, if not salivating, youd think she’d be desperate enough to at least consider it. It would have made the whole situation more authentic and make her more interesting as a character and make me really feel her desperation. And I’d be more sympathetic to her and her situation.
Also, why can authors never show us why their characters act out of character. So I get that Harlan is actually acting out of character in helping Blake and I was right in my initial understanding that the defenders aren’t really there to help merchants. They are keeping them oppressed. But so then why is Harlan treating Blake differently? Why??? Harlan tells us that he doesn’t know why he’s treating Blake differently and I hate this trope. It’s the laziest type of writing in my opinion. Like the author couldn’t think of any way to make Blake do something impactful or do anything to make herself stand out to Harlan, so she just has him say, ‘hmm I don’t know why I want to help her. I just do’. It’s just boring. I want the author to show us Blake doing something or being a certain way that would catch Harlan’s eye. Make him take notice. Make his special treatment seem like it is in fact out of character. Because the way we are introduced to Harlan makes it seem like he’s just this nice guy trying to help the merchants. Or at least merchants he thinks are pretty. Because I can see no other reason why he should even care about Blake. When relationships happen this easily, it doesn’t feel earned. When characters have to earn each other’s respect, it makes it so much more meaningful. His gestures toward Blake were so rushed. The author needed to hold back. She needed to build up her story first before rushing haphazardly into Blake and Harlan’s relationship. It takes a skilled author not to rush to the climax and to really build the plot. It would have been interesting to see Blake maybe doing something to help Harlan despite her being afraid or to see Harlan see her doing something really unique or have him see her helping her family or working hard or just something that would make Harlan take an interest, then build slowly from there.
Also, after the two meet they are all of the sudden always running into eachother and finding themselves in the same area interacting together and it feels too unnatural and author contrived. Their interactions needed to feel more organic and real.
So basically the author kept telling us about the dangers of the defenders and how oppressed the merchants were, etc, trying to build this world for us, but then the characters were doing many things that totally contradicted the way I would have imagined they would be acting in the world being told to us. Like Blake’s sister daring to climb the wall to try and cut her brother down, the oldest sister confronting the prince on the street, Harlan being so nice and helpful to Blake so immediately, it all just feels like the author didn’t know exactly how to weave the story in a way that would make it feel cohesive and realistic. There were too many inconsistencies that made it so I couldn’t get a good handle on the type of world the author was trying to build. Maybe I was reading it wrong making it seem like the defenders and the merchants were almost enemies, maybe the merchants weren’t supposed to be afraid of the defenders at all and they did sort of work together. If that’s the case then I guess the characters actions did make sense. But there were things the author would say to make it seem like the defenders were ruthless enforcers of the law oppressing the merchants who broke the law so I don’t think I’m interpreting it wrong. But again, those are the inconsistencies making the story difficult to read.
Mostly though I wanted way more tension between Blake and Harlan. I wanted to really feel their differences and the difficulties that they’d need to overcome in order to develop a relationship. Their relationship just came too easily and felt too superficial.
So when we first see Harlan and Blake meet, Blake is supposedly starving and afraid. Afraid of the defenders like Harlan. But the author built zero tension during this first meeting. Which is what she needed to do to really pull us in as readers and set the stage for Blake and Harlan to build this unique and intense “star-crossed lovers” relationship. I needed to really feel Blake’s fear during this first meeting. I needed to feel her desperation in being poor and hungry. But instead, Harlan is friendly and helpful to Blake immediately. So then I’m wondering if I’ve read the situation wrong and maybe the defenders are good to the merchants. And then, Harlan shows her where she can find grubs for food, and instead of Blake being intrigued and interested, she’s disgusted at the thought of eating bugs. But if she was truly that desperate and hungry to the point that her brother is risking his life to feed them, shouldn’t she be salivating for the grubs? Or, if not salivating, youd think she’d be desperate enough to at least consider it. It would have made the whole situation more authentic and make her more interesting as a character and make me really feel her desperation. And I’d be more sympathetic to her and her situation.
Also, why can authors never show us why their characters act out of character. So I get that Harlan is actually acting out of character in helping Blake and I was right in my initial understanding that the defenders aren’t really there to help merchants. They are keeping them oppressed. But so then why is Harlan treating Blake differently? Why??? Harlan tells us that he doesn’t know why he’s treating Blake differently and I hate this trope. It’s the laziest type of writing in my opinion. Like the author couldn’t think of any way to make Blake do something impactful or do anything to make herself stand out to Harlan, so she just has him say, ‘hmm I don’t know why I want to help her. I just do’. It’s just boring. I want the author to show us Blake doing something or being a certain way that would catch Harlan’s eye. Make him take notice. Make his special treatment seem like it is in fact out of character. Because the way we are introduced to Harlan makes it seem like he’s just this nice guy trying to help the merchants. Or at least merchants he thinks are pretty. Because I can see no other reason why he should even care about Blake. When relationships happen this easily, it doesn’t feel earned. When characters have to earn each other’s respect, it makes it so much more meaningful. His gestures toward Blake were so rushed. The author needed to hold back. She needed to build up her story first before rushing haphazardly into Blake and Harlan’s relationship. It takes a skilled author not to rush to the climax and to really build the plot. It would have been interesting to see Blake maybe doing something to help Harlan despite her being afraid or to see Harlan see her doing something really unique or have him see her helping her family or working hard or just something that would make Harlan take an interest, then build slowly from there.
Also, after the two meet they are all of the sudden always running into eachother and finding themselves in the same area interacting together and it feels too unnatural and author contrived. Their interactions needed to feel more organic and real.
So basically the author kept telling us about the dangers of the defenders and how oppressed the merchants were, etc, trying to build this world for us, but then the characters were doing many things that totally contradicted the way I would have imagined they would be acting in the world being told to us. Like Blake’s sister daring to climb the wall to try and cut her brother down, the oldest sister confronting the prince on the street, Harlan being so nice and helpful to Blake so immediately, it all just feels like the author didn’t know exactly how to weave the story in a way that would make it feel cohesive and realistic. There were too many inconsistencies that made it so I couldn’t get a good handle on the type of world the author was trying to build. Maybe I was reading it wrong making it seem like the defenders and the merchants were almost enemies, maybe the merchants weren’t supposed to be afraid of the defenders at all and they did sort of work together. If that’s the case then I guess the characters actions did make sense. But there were things the author would say to make it seem like the defenders were ruthless enforcers of the law oppressing the merchants who broke the law so I don’t think I’m interpreting it wrong. But again, those are the inconsistencies making the story difficult to read.
Mostly though I wanted way more tension between Blake and Harlan. I wanted to really feel their differences and the difficulties that they’d need to overcome in order to develop a relationship. Their relationship just came too easily and felt too superficial.
February 23, 2023
Spartacus for the YA crowd. Only not very interesting. My favorite character was a duck.
October 24, 2022
For some reason I thought there would be a little more supernatural elements to this book. I guess the world is fantasy. The religion is unique to this story. Maybe that's fantasy enough. There's no magic in the first book anyway. The description labels it as medieval dystopian.
Harlan's family lives in the merchant borough of this fantasy kingdom. They run a dress shop, but from what I can tell they don't do much business. I suppose one doesn't need fancy clothes when they can't afford to buy food. From what I gathered it seems like it rains in this fantasy kingdom more often than not. I guess the constant rain is what's driving the famine. Anyway, food is scarce at the very beginning of this story and it only gets worse as the story progresses. Blake's father passed not that long ago from a heart attack (or it was said that his heart failed him). The book begins with her brother dying in a collapsed illegal tunnel. This is where Blake meets Harlan--the commander of the borough.
Harlan can see the grief pouring off of Blake at their first meeting. And well, Harlan isn't unaccustomed with grief since his mother committed suicide. He sees something in Blake that stirs his pity and compassion. And the more opportunities these two have bumping into each other the more feelings begin to develop. But a relationship between a Defender and a Merchant will not end well. These aren't just class lines being crossed. Defenders are used by the king to enforce the rules and punishments. And Blake has a family to think of. It seems the girls are hoping to marry well and by marry well that means perhaps marry a farmer, but I don't know how that would happen when the boroughs never mix or cross over to the other.
I really enjoyed the building of the relationship between Harlan and Blake. They did not have an easy path. As a matter of fact, there was one point where even I was beginning to lose hope for Blake and for their relationship. Tanya Bird did a good job building up the drama and the mountain that needed to be overcome for these two to come together. I did find a few aspects of the overall story to be shallow or not fleshed out completely. It's possible Tanya Bird would know the answer to all of my questions, but as the reader, I was left wondering about a few things I think should have been explained. At the same time, I feel like she ultimately did focus on the parts of the story that mattered the most.
Favorite quotes:
I wanted to keep reading Defender of Walls any time that I had to put it down. Sometimes this isn't the best thing for my family because I find myself getting crabby because all I want to do is read and I actually have wife, mother, etc. responsibilities to see to. Defender of Walls gets 4 Stars. I am looking forward to reading the next book. Have you read Defender of Walls? What did you think? Let me know!
Harlan's family lives in the merchant borough of this fantasy kingdom. They run a dress shop, but from what I can tell they don't do much business. I suppose one doesn't need fancy clothes when they can't afford to buy food. From what I gathered it seems like it rains in this fantasy kingdom more often than not. I guess the constant rain is what's driving the famine. Anyway, food is scarce at the very beginning of this story and it only gets worse as the story progresses. Blake's father passed not that long ago from a heart attack (or it was said that his heart failed him). The book begins with her brother dying in a collapsed illegal tunnel. This is where Blake meets Harlan--the commander of the borough.
Harlan can see the grief pouring off of Blake at their first meeting. And well, Harlan isn't unaccustomed with grief since his mother committed suicide. He sees something in Blake that stirs his pity and compassion. And the more opportunities these two have bumping into each other the more feelings begin to develop. But a relationship between a Defender and a Merchant will not end well. These aren't just class lines being crossed. Defenders are used by the king to enforce the rules and punishments. And Blake has a family to think of. It seems the girls are hoping to marry well and by marry well that means perhaps marry a farmer, but I don't know how that would happen when the boroughs never mix or cross over to the other.
I really enjoyed the building of the relationship between Harlan and Blake. They did not have an easy path. As a matter of fact, there was one point where even I was beginning to lose hope for Blake and for their relationship. Tanya Bird did a good job building up the drama and the mountain that needed to be overcome for these two to come together. I did find a few aspects of the overall story to be shallow or not fleshed out completely. It's possible Tanya Bird would know the answer to all of my questions, but as the reader, I was left wondering about a few things I think should have been explained. At the same time, I feel like she ultimately did focus on the parts of the story that mattered the most.
Favorite quotes:
-"I just think any man who makes you see yourself as the rest of us do is a hero."
-"You don't have to stand tall and strong when I'm around. I've got you."
I wanted to keep reading Defender of Walls any time that I had to put it down. Sometimes this isn't the best thing for my family because I find myself getting crabby because all I want to do is read and I actually have wife, mother, etc. responsibilities to see to. Defender of Walls gets 4 Stars. I am looking forward to reading the next book. Have you read Defender of Walls? What did you think? Let me know!
August 11, 2021
4.5 stars!
**I needed some pick-me-up highly rated romance because a lot of my Aug reads have been dark, depressing, or just plain bad so far.**
Pros
+ This is an AMAZING medieval dystopian m/f romance.
+ I could not put it down and read it in 2 sittings (had to sleep). I will be reading the next one immediately!!!
+ Australian author
+ Setting: A medieval city where each class borough (royalty, nobility, farming, merchants) is walled off within the bigger surrounding wall
+ Plot: The merchants are starving at the bottom of the walled-in pecking order. Blake goes to warn her brother that defenders (royal soldiers) are on the lookout for tunnelers. Her brother, desperate to steal food from another borough, goes anyways. Harlan (the defender Commander out looking for tunnels) runs into Blake (on the lookout for her brother). The tunnels collapse, killing her brother. Blake is now the head of the household and must find a way to survive.
+ Blake (merchant): The oldest of three sisters and the head of their merchant household (textiles) after her father and brother die. She will do anything to protect and care for her family. She is smart-mouthed, opinionated, and very good with knives.
+ Harlan (Commander): The defender Commander, who is constantly straddling the line between duty to the crown and compassion for the people. He is strong, respectful, and oh so patient.
+ Bird's writing style is 100% it for me. Witty, sharp banter. A bit (a lot) of dark humor. And lots of slow-burn buildups.
+ Bird's plotting and world-building are excellent too. Not too massive of a world/plot where the author can't contain or detail things well. Just the perfect amount for this story and no excess.
+ Lots of believable tension/stakes created by the situation (starvation, merchant vs. other classes, class divide, the threat of sea invasion, murderous royalty) instead of using dumb tropes like miscommunication or some sh*t.
+ An adorable duck named Garlic that no one can bring themselves to kill.
+ rep: selective mutism (Blake's youngest sister)
Neutral
/ Had the perfect amount of worldbuilding for me, but perhaps not enough if you're the type of reader who loves sprawling worldbuilding with extensive kingdoms.
Cons
- The only reason this gets half a star off is that the sex scenes are fade-to-black. I love the couple SO MUCH and when the scenes faded out I was like NOOOOOOOOOOOOO my poor heart!
TW: death, murder, starvation, physical assault
**I needed some pick-me-up highly rated romance because a lot of my Aug reads have been dark, depressing, or just plain bad so far.**
Pros
+ This is an AMAZING medieval dystopian m/f romance.
+ I could not put it down and read it in 2 sittings (had to sleep). I will be reading the next one immediately!!!
+ Australian author
+ Setting: A medieval city where each class borough (royalty, nobility, farming, merchants) is walled off within the bigger surrounding wall
+ Plot: The merchants are starving at the bottom of the walled-in pecking order. Blake goes to warn her brother that defenders (royal soldiers) are on the lookout for tunnelers. Her brother, desperate to steal food from another borough, goes anyways. Harlan (the defender Commander out looking for tunnels) runs into Blake (on the lookout for her brother). The tunnels collapse, killing her brother. Blake is now the head of the household and must find a way to survive.
+ Blake (merchant): The oldest of three sisters and the head of their merchant household (textiles) after her father and brother die. She will do anything to protect and care for her family. She is smart-mouthed, opinionated, and very good with knives.
+ Harlan (Commander): The defender Commander, who is constantly straddling the line between duty to the crown and compassion for the people. He is strong, respectful, and oh so patient.
+ Bird's writing style is 100% it for me. Witty, sharp banter. A bit (a lot) of dark humor. And lots of slow-burn buildups.
+ Bird's plotting and world-building are excellent too. Not too massive of a world/plot where the author can't contain or detail things well. Just the perfect amount for this story and no excess.
+ Lots of believable tension/stakes created by the situation (starvation, merchant vs. other classes, class divide, the threat of sea invasion, murderous royalty) instead of using dumb tropes like miscommunication or some sh*t.
+ An adorable duck named Garlic that no one can bring themselves to kill.
+ rep: selective mutism (Blake's youngest sister)
Neutral
/ Had the perfect amount of worldbuilding for me, but perhaps not enough if you're the type of reader who loves sprawling worldbuilding with extensive kingdoms.
Cons
- The only reason this gets half a star off is that the sex scenes are fade-to-black. I love the couple SO MUCH and when the scenes faded out I was like NOOOOOOOOOOOOO my poor heart!
TW: death, murder, starvation, physical assault
December 3, 2022
It's impossible to write a short review of this book, there's so much in it. It's full of meaningful social commentary hauntingly relevant to our times. It's a study in contrast and conflict—morality v. evil, determination v. hopelessness, selfishness v. self-sacrifice, disparity between classes. I still don't know why the merchant class in this story was so targeted for cruelty and hardship.
Both our H and h are leaders. Blake is the kind of heroine we all want to read about—fearless, protective, committed, and self-sacrificing for the greater good. Harlan has been groomed since childhood to be head of the defenders, indoctrinated nearly to the point of being a robot with no ability to think for himself. His compassion has been driven so far down into his psyche that he hasn't experienced it in decades. But when he comes face to face with Blake and sees her grief and suffering whatever compassion is left in him finds a spark. He's being pulled in two different directions and makes mistakes sometimes, but he's trying and walking a very thin line in an impossible situation
Despite the harshness in their lives they embark on a beautifully written slow burn romance, evolving from compassion to attraction to attachment to love. Blake and Harlan were from different classes that could never comfortably coexist, but they have a few scenes in which they briefly take the luxury of forgetting about those obstacles and spend time together, and those scenes are gorgeously written with just the right balance of intimacy, joy and playfulness.
The writing is sort of an archaic-contemporary mashup. I don't mind, it certainly enhances the humor and might even be a trend. Ms. Bird can fashion her fantasy world any way she chooses—no rules, that's what's so great about this genre. There are a few questions I have about the plot that still need answers but I suspect I'll get those answers in subsequent books, so I'm not complaining.
If you like medieval romantic fiction, you will most certainly like this dystopian story from the same era. I was completely absorbed in it. The plotting and characters and writing are top-notch.
Both our H and h are leaders. Blake is the kind of heroine we all want to read about—fearless, protective, committed, and self-sacrificing for the greater good. Harlan has been groomed since childhood to be head of the defenders, indoctrinated nearly to the point of being a robot with no ability to think for himself. His compassion has been driven so far down into his psyche that he hasn't experienced it in decades. But when he comes face to face with Blake and sees her grief and suffering whatever compassion is left in him finds a spark. He's being pulled in two different directions and makes mistakes sometimes, but he's trying and walking a very thin line in an impossible situation
Despite the harshness in their lives they embark on a beautifully written slow burn romance, evolving from compassion to attraction to attachment to love. Blake and Harlan were from different classes that could never comfortably coexist, but they have a few scenes in which they briefly take the luxury of forgetting about those obstacles and spend time together, and those scenes are gorgeously written with just the right balance of intimacy, joy and playfulness.
The writing is sort of an archaic-contemporary mashup. I don't mind, it certainly enhances the humor and might even be a trend. Ms. Bird can fashion her fantasy world any way she chooses—no rules, that's what's so great about this genre. There are a few questions I have about the plot that still need answers but I suspect I'll get those answers in subsequent books, so I'm not complaining.
If you like medieval romantic fiction, you will most certainly like this dystopian story from the same era. I was completely absorbed in it. The plotting and characters and writing are top-notch.
November 24, 2025
I had high hopes because this seemed slightly unique compared to the romantasy slop that's currently over-saturating the market (aka it had no fae), but alas... it was bad. Full stop.
Blake, our protagonist, lives in the fictional kingdom of Chadora, which is facing a decade of famine. Because of said famine, the classes are split up by walls that are heavily defended by guards, which our MMC is. The main downfall (amongst many) was the world-building. I'll get into it more below, but there is little-to-no explanation for the entire premise of the book, which makes everything else fall apart. There's also weird dialogue, insta-love and minimal character depth. 0/10 recommend.
ROSE 🌹: NO FAE
I cannot emphasize enough how sick I am of reading about fae, so Bird gets some points for at least trying something slightly different - even if it didn't pan out.
THORN 🗡️: WORLD-BUILDING, INSTA-LOVE, ALL AROUND POOR EXECUTION
Okay, so as I said, this takes place in the fictional kingdom of Chadora, which is facing famine. However, there are random mentions of both Ireland and England throughout that are never expanded upon. I wouldn't care if Bird made up a new country to throw into the mix, but it's not explained enough to make any sense. There's also no explanation for the famine, and she loved to throw in random lore that it seemed like we were supposed to know but obviously didn't.
The insta-love wasn't the worst I've seen, but it was still present. Booo.
Overall, this was a decent premise that was just poorly done. The writing was weak, the characters were flat, the romance wasn't that convincing, etc.
BUD 🌷: ONWARDS & UPWARDS
Well, let's see what's next.
Blake, our protagonist, lives in the fictional kingdom of Chadora, which is facing a decade of famine. Because of said famine, the classes are split up by walls that are heavily defended by guards, which our MMC is. The main downfall (amongst many) was the world-building. I'll get into it more below, but there is little-to-no explanation for the entire premise of the book, which makes everything else fall apart. There's also weird dialogue, insta-love and minimal character depth. 0/10 recommend.
ROSE 🌹: NO FAE
I cannot emphasize enough how sick I am of reading about fae, so Bird gets some points for at least trying something slightly different - even if it didn't pan out.
THORN 🗡️: WORLD-BUILDING, INSTA-LOVE, ALL AROUND POOR EXECUTION
Okay, so as I said, this takes place in the fictional kingdom of Chadora, which is facing famine. However, there are random mentions of both Ireland and England throughout that are never expanded upon. I wouldn't care if Bird made up a new country to throw into the mix, but it's not explained enough to make any sense. There's also no explanation for the famine, and she loved to throw in random lore that it seemed like we were supposed to know but obviously didn't.
The insta-love wasn't the worst I've seen, but it was still present. Booo.
Overall, this was a decent premise that was just poorly done. The writing was weak, the characters were flat, the romance wasn't that convincing, etc.
BUD 🌷: ONWARDS & UPWARDS
Well, let's see what's next.
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