Review: 4 1/2 stars
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 23, 2014
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Tarnished Knight. I normally don't like novellas and the only reason I read it was because I really liked Kiss of Steeland I was moderately interested in Heart of Iron (which I got for 99 cents) and Tarnished Knight was described as a "bridge" between stories (and I got it for free).Tarnished Knight does not seem like it would make a very good "stand alone" story; I would only recommend reading it after Kiss of Steel. I think the reason I enjoyed it as much as I did was because I was already familiar with the characters and their backstory. The first 75% of the novella is devoted to the romance between Rip and Esme. 50% of that centers around a "big misunderstanding" which is actually pretty stupid, so I have to say enjoying it as much as I did is a testament to the author's writing and story telling ability. The second half of Rip and Esme's story involves some action and intrigue with the Slasher gang.The last 25% of the novella focuses on Will and Lena and sets the stage for Heart of Iron, which I've decided I not only want to read, but am reading next. I was worried about Lena as a lead being as she is only 16 (which at my age puts her one step away from a baby sitter and Barbie dolls) however her characterization is fairly mature and surprisingly I like her. Will is the perfect tortured hero, longing for love but feeling unworthy. There's lots of tension and chemistry in their relationship thus far so I look forward to seeing how everything plays out in Heart of Iron.