Book: Grimoire’s Bride by Lenore Nox
Reviewed by Weird | weird.reads.books
Rating: 4/5
As a grimdark fantasy reader, I’m often let down by books pitched as “dark” that barely toe the line. Grimoire’s Bride had no such qualms. I’ve never read, played, or watched The Witcher, which is what this universe is based around, but I found myself immediately getting those grimdark and horror vibes I so love from other books I’ve devoured. This book is not for the average romantasy lover. This is more of a grimdark fantasy with erotica and some fucked-up romance sprinkled in. The characters aren’t the light-hearted, morally grey characters seen in fiction and romantasy books. These characters are morally dark grey to pitch-black. They will do evil deeds without a hint of regret, and there are no redemption arcs waiting in the wings. Nox’s whimsical writing weaves the reader through a journey of the FMC’s adventures as a mercenary with other sell swords in the first few chapters. This felt reminiscent of other books in this genre, establishing a background of characters up to their small quests throughout the years and seeing how it connects later in the story. The FMC, Morena, is an unapologetic necromancer who’s slowly reminded of who she really is. The King of Hell, Razakel, keeps finding her, insisting she belongs at his side. For someone so ruthlessly infernal, he gives her a surprising amount of choice, which makes their dynamic feel dangerous and intoxicating. As she uncovers her lost memories, Morena uses whatever weapon she has at her disposal. This includes her sexuality. Between betrayals and power plays, she seduces allies and enemies alike to get what she wants, and sometimes the scenes are there because, yes, this is also a horny book. Not everything is seamless. A few transitions are rough, and Morena’s motives blur at times (to be fair, I’m not sure she always knows them herself). There’s lingering ambiguity around certain characters and their agendas. This book has such great bones, though, that I believe with more willing alpha/beta readers on this, those details could be ironed out and help the author hone their craft. It saddens me to see so many low reviews for this novel so far. There are some shining pieces: mysterious, steamy moments between the leads that make you crave more; an adorably repulsive little sidekick who steals scenes in the back half; and deliciously macabre set pieces that will make horror lovers feral. If any that appeals to you, maybe try out this book and see how you like it. It feels like the start of a bigger universe, and I’ll be lining up for whatever comes next.