A bit too short, but the story got told. I'll read the rest of them :) ( )

I read this after getting into a heated discussion with my coworker over what qualifies as romantasy. I was saying that [b:Fourth Wing|61431922|Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1)|Rebecca Yarros|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1701980900l/61431922._SY75_.jpg|96945623] and [b:A Court of Thorns and Roses|50659467|A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1620324329l/50659467._SY75_.jpg|21905102] are the most popular examples of romantasy right now, but they are more of the fantasy genre than the romance genre because they don't end with HEAs (at least, not as standalones). My coworker was saying that she hates the category of romantasy full stop. Just say "romantic fantasy" or "fantasy romance," there is no need for cutesy/confusing portmanteaus!

I asked my coworker to suggest a fantasy romance that has a happy ending. I wanted something that was high fantasy and not paranormal. Obviously, she suggested The Mark of Tala. I think it was a great suggestion because it checked the boxes: satisfying romance, classic high fantasy setting, some fun, some angst. I enjoyed it, but I didn't didn't love it because the hero was a bit too cliche for me (he was a big, strong protector type, bleh). And I should have said I was hoping for something more funny/cozy. ( )

The Mark of Tala
4 Stars

As the middle daughter of the High King of the Twelve Kingdoms, Andromeda has neither her elder sister's skill on the battlefield nor her younger sister's sweetness and beauty. Nevertheless, she is the daughter who captures the attention of a dangerous stranger accompanied by wolves and ravens who will stop at nothing to claim her as his queen. Will Andi forgo all she has ever known in order to fulfill her destiny?

Although the book is slow to start, the world-building is intricate and interesting, the characters well-developed and appealing, and the romance engaging.

The world of the Twelve Kingdoms is very compelling although the details concerning the war between the kingdoms and the feud between the Tala and the Moriyha (Andi's people) are revealed slowly as the story progresses. Likewise, the exact nature of the Tala's abilities as well as Andi's connection to them emerges throughout the narrative. Nevertheless, it is well worth the patience to get to the twists and turns - Andi's vial of blood and Hugh's death some of which will obviously play a part in the next installments.

The enemies-to-lovers romance is the highlight of the book. Andi and Rayfe, the enigmatic leader of the Tala, have tangible chemistry from their first encounter and the emotional bond that eventually develops is very satisfying. The fact that they are not pre-destined mates as is first suggested, but rather choose to join forces and fall in love makes their relationship even better.

The next book focuses on the youngest sister, Amelia. To be honest, she is the least likable of the trio with her simpering and self-absorption. Despite Andi's claims that there is more to her than superficial beauty, it remains to be seen whether there is actually an intelligent and good person behind her facade. I am interested enough in the world and the ongoing story-arc to give her a chance. ( )

In some books I've read recently, the characters turned on a dime. Something was inevitable, so they just blithely accepted it, without struggle (physically or emotionally).

That was not the case for Andi. We, the reader, knew it was inevitable, but she struggled with accepting it and had (what I feel) a more believable/authentic emotional response to the situations she found herself in. (Except, I think the I love yous came to quick, comparatively.) ( )

Reminds me a lot of Year of the Griffin by Andre Norton.

Andromeda aka Andi is the middle daughter, her oldest sister is groomed to take over the empire and helps their father rule, her youngest sister is beautiful and has found her prince charming and she's the spare. Things change when she rides out alone and finds herself in the company of a man who disturbs her and then he's invoking an old treaty that would maker her his wife. Her father disagrees and things get very messy.

Full of politics and hard choices and magic this is and interesting read. ( )