I enjoyed the world-building a lot. We weren't just in one setting throughout this novel, we traveled all over their fictional county. All while engaging in epic sword fights, evading vicious enemies, slaughtering evil demons, and fulfilling their High Commanders dubious agenda. I liked that the plot kept moving and we didn't stay in one place for more then a day or so, and with each new atmosphere we had a new thrilling adventure that brought tons of fun!
All three of the main characters were awesome. First up we have Sam, the quick tempered headstrong girl pretending to be a boy in order to follow her dreams of becoming a member of the Paladins, fighting to take down the wicked demons wreaking havoc all over their world. Sam has a feisty and determine personality, when she wants something bad enough she won't take no for an answer, and I admired that about her! She's strong mentally and physically, and a badass with a sword, and just as skilled in combat. I REALLY liked Sam from the very beginning, and by the end, I LOVED her!!
Next we have Tristin, the desirable and unbeatable Top Paladin that is either hated or praised for his skill and contbution to the Paladins. I liked Tristin a lot too, he was a great addition to their little trio group, and was Sam and Braeden's strong mentor and leader. He was the glue that held them all together. I liked his dominance and sure demeanor he carried. He was definitely attractive and would make any girl squeal in giddiness if he was near. But for me he was just not the one for Sam, and in the end I hated his bitterness he carried for her, and the lack of respect for her feelings. But other then that, Tristin was a GREAT character that I look forward to seeing more of in book two!!
Then we have my favorite male pratanitost, Braeden!! He raged a heart full of emotions within me! Braeden was half demon half human, but was always categorized and berated as a lowly demon, regardless of his noble acts. But in truth, even with his half demon blood, Braeden had a heart that would put most humans to shame! But he also had a dark side that would unintentionally crave horrible things, and would even ride the line of evil sometimes. But nevertheless, Braeden was a wonderful character with plenty of development and great personalization. And I LOVED the slow-burn relationship him and Sam developed throughout this book. It was sweet and perfect, and so utterly right in so many ways!
THE PLOT:
Samantha, Daughter of the Duke of Haywood is not ready to give into her fathers insane plans of marriage and popping out babies to a noble Lord. Instead, she wants her freedom to be who she really is, to wield her sword and fight like any good solider, but most importantly, to have the skill and knowhow to take down the same monsters that took her mother away, demons! And two years after her mothers brutal murder, she's ready to finally take the first step in claiming her life as hers, but first she has to become someone else…
Sam has always favored swords over dresses, and thanks to her mother pressuring her father, she was taught at a young age to defend herself. And now that demons killed her mother she wants to join the Paladins, a organization that defends the citizens against demons. But theirs just one problem, you have to be a boy to join, something "Samantha" is not. Until she cuts off her hair, binds her chest, and straps on her sword on top of boys clothes, now she must convince the Paladins that she is not only a boy, but also worthy of joining their cause…
Accepted into the Paladins and faced with more then she signed up for, Sam has to do her best to blend in and stay off anyone's radar. But when she's teamed with Tristin, her childhood savor, she realizes just how way in over her head she really is. But then another Paladin trainee is paired with her and Tristin, and she finds it hard keeping her heart from pounding and doing weird flips. But when you’re a girl pretending to be a boy, having uncertain feelings for a sunned half demon makes things a little complicated.
But all that could be the least of their worries as a new group is rising the ranks and challenging everything the Paladins stand for, and forcing their honor and motive to be questioned. In order to find answers, Sam, Tristin, and Braeden are tasked with a mission all over the lands, seeking answers and restoring the Paladins name. But as Sam and her little trio start to unravel the deceiving web, they start to question everything they once knew about the Paladins, and their leader that rules them all…
But with the demon count rising, and demons who have not been seen in thousands of years showing up and killing anyone they can get their hands on, and running into enemy groups as they travel, and Sam's undeniable attraction to Braeden, their all in for one hell of a ride. But first, Sam has to make them believe she's really a boy!!
Overall, PALADIN was such a fun read that surprised me in so many ways. I loved just about everything about this book and am eagerly awaiting and anticipating the much needed sequel releasing in 2016. 😍 If you enjoy thrilling adventures, filled with vicious demons, epic battle scenes, vast treks with danger and mystery, and a bitter sweet forbidden romance that is sure to touch your heart, then PALADIN is must read!
Shallow Graves
Kali Wallace studied geology and geophysics before she decided she enjoyed inventing imaginary worlds as much as she liked researching the real one. Her short fiction has appeared in Clarkesworld, F&SF, Asimov's, Lightspeed Magazine, and Tor.com. Her first novel will be published by Katherine Tegen Books in 2016. She lives in southern California.
