"sometimes an untrained adversary is the most dangerous one. They don’t follow a memorized rule, don’t employ a familiar tactic or strategy. Every once in awhile they get in a lucky hit that can be very unlucky for you. Even fatal.”. Radimar Velus

Listen, I'm a pacifist but I'd let this swordmaster teach me a thing or two.

According to the masses in this book - this man is not beautiful by Belawat standards but he is striking.  I don't even want to see a man from King Rodan's kingdom of Belawat if they don't look like Radimar. I swooned okay.  All that honor, chivalry and kindness and gentle manner coexisting with deadly skilled swordsmanship, wisdom and je ne se quoi has this man right up there in the Book Husband category - right next to Brishen.

Okay let's pack it up folks, likeable characters and sweet story all the way.

Romance: 🍦🍭I loved the fact that he taught her a valuable skillset in a time when this was a male-dominated skill. Long before the romance even began he wooed her without the wooing.

Plot/Storyline: every time I read a novella or novelette set in the Wraith Kings Universe, the lore and the world building expands and takes my breath away in a very measured and calm way - not swooping and fanciful. So, another mention of the Elder Races, this time, the mysterious Gullperi. I would love a final book that tells the tale of all the Elder Races and how they abandoned the Wraith Kings Universe.

Characters:
♤Oh Jahna - I find you endearing, also it's just a birthmark it's not disfiguring  I've known gorgeous people with full on FACE tattoos or you know enough tattoos to render the face utterly unique. That purple birthmark gives you character girl.
♤Dame Stalt is my kind of Old-Lady badass. She deals in books, in recordkeeping, in memory, maybe magic and in archiving.
♤We already know I'd spill blood for Radimar Velus
♤Sordin is an adorable brother.

Favorite scene/quote:
■Radimar vs Alreed
■Sodrin: “It still seems wrong to fight a woman, even my sister.”
Radimar rested his elbows on the table and pointed his spoon at Sodrin.
“That thinking will get you killed. The greatest swordmaster ever to come out of Ilinfan was a woman.”
■ He was an honorable man and respected the trait in others. It hadn’t taken long for Jahna to realize she desperately wanted to earn his respect in many things, including this. (Jahna on Radimar)
■ My lady, to be blunt, I’ve knocked you on your backside more than a few times during bouts in the past year. I certainly won’t judge you if you stumble or step on my feet. And we’re the only ones here to witness it if you do.” (Radimar on Jahna's reluctance to dance)

StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025 / Wraith Kings Series by Grace Draven
Challenge Prompt: 150 Romance Books by 2025