Queen B’s Decree: Blood & Steel had the optimal amount of world building for me. I really felt like I understood what was going on while not feeling overwhelmed by names and places.
Althea was an exceptionally stubborn character, but in the best way. She is determined to be a warrior (in a time when women are forbidden from using swords), and she has such a narrow-eyed focus that she comes across as selfish at times. But the best thing about her is that she’s flawed. She doesn’t get everything right immediately, and she learns from her mistakes showing real character growth.
I loved the Wilder chapters. He seemed so aloof, so hot/cold, ergo getting his point-of-view definitely helped shape him as character (and love interest).
Ultimately, the side characters truly made this book for me. Such life and personality, I wanted more of them. But now—on to book two!
Book: Blood & Steel by Helen Scheuerer
Series: The Legends of Thezmarr #1
Genre: Fantasy
Hotness: slow burn spice
Plot Devices/Tropes: enemies-to-lovers