I was well on my way to rating this book as a “good book,” in the 3⭐ to 4⭐ range. Then I reached page 200. The last third of the book is what bumped this up to a 5⭐ rating for me. Yes, there were some minor issues in the first 2/3, but Rivet made up for them in the fast-paced twisty culmination to this story.
Also, it’s the first in a series, but the story stands 100% alone, so if you’re looking for a quick and fun medieval fantasy with Robin Hood vibes, check this out.
Plot & Characters
The plot was woven together nicely. Motivations and drive for characters were clear throughout, and I had sincere cheering and rooting moments when the characters overcame obstacles.
Briar is a somewhat morally gray character by nature, and she finds redemption in the end.
Archer is the good-guy archetype, but he has depth in how he came to be in a band of thieves and why he’s driving the mission to save the maiden from the keep.
Favorite Quote(s)
This is a story about villains–and those who choose whether or not to stand against them.
p. 200
Jordan Rivet (the Omniscient Narrator)
This was the turning point from a good book to a great book. Not all of the side comments from the omniscient narrator that Rivet put into the book were this poignant, but this one sticks out.
Romance Elements
Swoon-worthiness
Yes. This is definitely a swoon-worthy story, but it’s a b-plot to the main storyline. There’s hope in the end and I did get chills.
Heat
None. There’s like one kiss.
Fantasy Elements
Worldbuilding
There’s not really a lot of worldbuilding here. It falls into a fairly classical British medieval period with the classic tropes present.
Magic & Magic Systems
This was an outstanding creation. However, for the system alone, I would only give it 4⭐.
Reason: Sometimes it felt a little pedantic in the explanations on how the magic worked. There was once I was screaming at the author, “Trust your reader!”
This didn’t cloud the final enjoyment of the book, but it’s an opportunity for Rivet to show things like the “Laws of Curse Painting” rather than telling the reader what they are.
Synopsis
ART IS MAGIC. ART IS A CURSE.
Briar can curse with the flick of a paintbrush. Her paintings maim, bewitch, and—most effectively of all—destroy. But Briar doesn’t want to hurt people anymore. She has fled her family’s deadly curse business to start a new life peddling nonlethal jinxes and petty revenge.
Briar’s destructive powers catch the eye of a charismatic young outlaw called Archer, who hires her to help him save a kidnapped friend from a ruthless baron. Briar thinks this is her chance to make amends for her crimes, but the family business won’t let her go so easily.
When her violent past jeopardizes Archer’s rescue mission, Briar must confront the dark arts she left behind—and decide what she’s willing to destroy in order to be good.
Read the new fantasy adventure inspired by Robin Hood from the author of Steel and Fire, Empire of Talents, and the Fire Queen’s Apprentice!
My Ratings
About the Author
Jordan Rivet is an American author of swashbuckling fantasy and post-apocalyptic science fiction. She has written twenty books across six series and doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon.
Jordan’s books include YA fantasy adventures Steel and Fire, Empire of Talents, The Fire Queen’s Apprentice, and Art Mages of Lure. Her science fiction includes Wake Me After the Apocalypse and The Seabound Chronicles.
Originally from Arizona, Jordan lives in Hong Kong with her husband.
See more of Susan’s 2022 Reading Challenge and Reviews
