Don’t let the descriptions of The Second Death of Locke being a romance scare you away because I promise you it’s more “lady knight ruthlessly survives horrible circumstances” than “Omg. There’s only one bed.” Lay those fears to rest, and instead, read about a not-so-healthy codependent friendship trying to survive a never-ending war that threatens both their lives and all the secrets they hold.
The continent has been in a state of war ever since the Isle of Locke, the source of all their magic, was destroyed and disappeared into the sea. The magic is fading, country borders are ever-changing, and the death toll continues to rise. But every existing able-bodied mage and well are needed for the war effort, which is why magic-user Kier and his power source/best friend, Grey, are on the front lines. The powerful pair is rising in the ranks of the Scalean army, and the higher they rise, the harder it is to hide. Because Grey is no ordinary well; she’s the lost heir to the Isle of Locke and the key to all future magic.
It won’t take long for you to realize that Grey and Kier have an intense, codependent relationship. Not only are they childhood friends raised through the shared bonds of trauma, but now they are serving in the war together as a mage and well pairing, which creates a whole other level of depth. Kier cannot use his magic without pulling from Grey, his power source. This connection on its own is intimate, but when put to use during a war-torn era, they are living every moment tethered to each other as they desperately try to stay alive. Grey and Kier are constantly near one another and approach each question, problem, and challenge as a unit. They use a silent means of communication through their connection to feel each emotion, intention, and thought while constantly checking to make sure they reach consensus before making any decision. Their codependent relationship makes them selfish and puts their motivations at odds with their commanding officers. They may be weapons used in a never-ending war, but their priority is always to each other, and they make choices that put their safety and secrets first above all others—damn the consequences.
I found Grey to be an interesting POV because she has a no-nonsense attitude and is very rough around the edges. She is a talented fighter, but I would not describe her as aggressive. She hates the violence surrounding her, but she absolutely does not fuck around when it comes to Kier’s safety. She cares deeply for him, but she’s not soft, warm, or friendly. Grey is stoic and reserved, outwardly unbothered like a sturdy rock cliff face battered relentlessly by sea waves. All of the tenderness in this story comes from Kier. He radiates it, even when bloodied and worn down by exhaustion. Nothing stops Kier from reaching for Grey to assure her with a comforting touch. Kier is the warm glow of a campfire that Grey melts into, though he doesn’t soften her; he just serves as a safe place that she allows herself to indulge in, in her own way.
While I did end up liking The Second Death of Locke, part one was a real slog for me. It felt a little messy as the worldbuilding, magic system, and establishment of Grey’s relationship with Keir all fight for page space and footing. I was not sold on this story during this first part because of these elements, and honestly, Grey makes it hard to buy in at first. She is so prickly, anxious, and secretive, so it’s hard to parse through what we’re being told and understand what the hell is going on. Part two is where this story really hits its stride, though, and I bought in from the moment Grey and Keir finally leave the war camp in part one. The story becomes so dynamic and fun from that point forward, and it took me by surprise several times.
One last note I would like to add is that I would classify this book as a fantasy romance, but not one that is smut-focused and filled with the genre’s typical cringeworthy tropes. The story is heavily focused on the codependent relationship that exists between Grey and Keir, and how it influences their decisions in their war-torn fantasy world. I consider the worldbuilding and magical elements lite, but still serve as an intriguing backdrop that forces the duo into some interesting moments and action sequences.
V.L. Bovalino has shown me how freaking awesome romance fantasy can still be. Her book is a glimmer of hope shining brightly in a genre drowning in horrible cliches and smut-filled plots. I highly recommend you pick up The Second Death of Locke this fall.
Rating: The Second Death of Locke – 8.5/10
-Brandee
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The thoughts on this story are my own.
One thought on “The Second Death Of Locke – Hopelessly Devoted”