Prince of Shadow and Ash {book review}

You know, I think I originally made this blog for reviewing books.  And then, over the past four years (four years!!) it's turned into whatever it is now.  As much as I enjoy reviewing books (and I do), for some reason my brain tells me I don't have enough brain power to write them.  But when I read this book, I knew I was going to need to let y'all know about how epic it is.

Selina R. Gonzalez is one of my favorite people to follow on bookstagram, so when she announced her debut fantasy novel, I knew I was going to have to read it.  And I was not disappointed.


Prince of Shadow and Ash



(this cover though *heart eyes*)

Author: Selina R. Gonzalez
Genre: Fantasy romance
Content: Some violence, and a lot of magic
Main characters: Regulus Hargreaves and Adelaide Belanger

Synopsis:
Bastard and former mercenary Lord Regulus Hargreaves just wants to earn his freedom from the sorcerer who enslaved him. When Lady Adelaide sees past his scar and his shadowed past, Regulus’ dying hope rekindles. But will loving Adelaide while serving the Prince of Shadow and Ash put her in danger?
Adelaide Belanger longs to use the magical energy within her, but revealing her power could get her killed. When she meets kind and rugged Regulus, she wonders if she has finally found someone to trust with her secret—and her heart.
Regulus and Adelaide struggle to build a relationship and keep their secrets from those who would harm them. By the time Regulus’ and Adelaide’s secrets are revealed, it may be too late for them both...

Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon

What I Thought:

This was everything I wanted it to be and more.  It's the perfect blend of epic fantasy and fluffy romance.  The story sucks you in and doesn't let go, with a fascinating plot and such a cool magic system.

The characters were far and away my favorite thing.  Adelaide is so cool, Regulus is a sweetheart, Dresden and the rest of Reg's squad are my faaaves, Minerva and Gaius are SO cute, I just love everybody.  Adelaide and Regulus' relationship was everything, they're so stinking cute!!  They actually communicate from each other, and listen to each other, and they're just precious I love them so much. <3

When the villains drive me as crazy as these did, I know they're well-written.  When the magic system makes me as intrigued as this one did, I know it's well-done.  Just... everything about this was so perfect I'm obsessed.  I wanted to make sure I wrote this review out before I dive into the second one, but basically all I can say is read it. 

If you love fantasy, or supportive couples, or unique magic systems, read this book.  Go forth and read on, my friends.

Overall rating: 5 magic daggers out of 5

About the Author:
Selina R. Gonzalez is a Colorado native with mountains in her blood and dreams that top 14,000 feet. She loves chocolate, fantasy, costumes, bread, history, superheroes, faux leather, things that sparkle, medieval Britain, snark, dogs, and Jesus—not in that order.
She loves to travel, and has driven coast-to-coast in the US, visited Britain three times (once for a semester at Oxford), and moved to Maine for four and half months. She has a list of places to go as long as Pikes Peak is tall, but always comes back home to Colorado.

Connect with the Selina: her website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads

Have you read this book? Do you want to? (the answer should be yes xD) What's your favorite romance trope?  Let me know all the things in the comments down below!

~ Abby