This was an absolute joy cover to cover, I smiled I made a horrible noise at one of the big reveals, my heart was warmed! I love romance I love mystery every character was a delight I love the setting I will be absolutely hammering the rest of the white rat universe as soon as possible

I enjoyed the cosy yet medium-stakes vibes of this fantasy. The characters were endearing and loveable and the plot was there, albeit a little slow for my taste at times. Worth a read for anyone after mystery with a cost feel.

This is a book that will make you smile with each page you turn. A gentle fantasy with beautifully thought out characters that have warmth, self doubt and substance. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and will buy the book when it comes out.
This book is all about intentions and smells, good, bad and misguided, a found family you wanted to be part of. T Kingfisher is now an auto buy author for me.

Paladin's Grace follows Stephen, a berserker paladin who's god died three years ago, leaving His paladins suicidal and prone to now-uncontrollable fits of murderous frenzy. (Previously the god would direct the berserker rages and ensure no innocents were harmed.) Grace fled an emotionally abusive several husband years ago and moved to a new city to start over and earn her perfumery Mastery. Meanwhile, a murderer stalks the slums of their city, leaving only severed heads behind...

T. Kingfisher is one of my favourite fantasy authors, so I was excited to try this series of hers, which I would classify as more romantasy than fantasy, though not quite in the currently-trending sense. There are no teenagers or barely-adults here, no first love, no all-consuming love. This novel is about grown adults who have their own lives and priorities outside romance, and their own deep wounds holding them back from starting a new relationship. I'm fine with this since YA/NA romantasy hasn't excited me for a long time, but I would still classify this as romantasy due to the large focus on the romance. I would say this novel is roughly 60% romance to 40% plot. My ideal novel would be the other way around, but I still greatly enjoyed this novel and was rooting for the protagonists to overcome their fears and get together.

There is much to love about this novel, but some of my favourite aspects were:
- Humour. I was not expecting the level of dry wit in this novel. I laughed aloud frequently, as well as taking snapshots of some of my favourite witty rejoinders.
- Unusual professions. I love to see less-common professions and hobbies in novels. A Paladin is nothing new in fantasy, but a Paladin whose god died and left their order mostly-dead with the few surviving still depressed and vaguely suicidal? That's new, that's interesting. Perfumery is also new to me, and I could tell there was a lot of research behind this. Even the pet/mascot character is determined by what would have been useful to a perfumer. It also ties so smartly into the plot (or the other way around, the plot tying into the character and her skills.)
- Worldbuilding. No surprise for T Kingfisher to have excellent worldbuilding, but this world and culture shine. The gods are unique, from the idea of berserker Paladins to the Order of the White Rat who's dedication to logic, intellect and compassion mean they have no paladins of their own because they have no use for religious guilt. We've got judicial system details, political rivalries between religious orders as well as between political figures, city planning & architecture complete with seasonal natural disasters. Best of all are all the tiny details that are easy to miss in passing: golems, clockwork armies, "wonderworkers" which sounds like a version of superpowers/mutants/natural-magic-abilities -- none of which are important to this novel but apparently exist elsewhere in this world.

Overall, I enjoyed this just as much as I thought I would. There were times the romance and forced we-must-keep-apart-despite-our-attraction grated on me just a little, but I always looked forward to picking the novel back up and continuing reading. Even if romantasy will never be my favourite genre, I greatly enjoyed this book & am highly looking forward to more books set in this same world.

Thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.


Rating: 4 stars -- A romantasy featuring real adults (in their 30s), a unique and believable world, and an engaging plot full of poisonings & beheadings.

Not many books have managed to make me laugh out loud in a very embarrassing way while in a coffee shop, but this one did to spectacularly.

I absolutely loved the characters, the world, the relationship development and the mixture of cosy vibes with higher stakes. It sucked me in so quickly and I didn't want it to end. I need more books with sock-knitting paladin's.

I would happily jump straight into book number two immediately, even knowing it focuses on different characters, as every character was so alive and realised. I do hope the next few books include more of Stephen and Grace but even if they don't, I'll happily re-read this book again.

The end was unexpected but brilliant and I'm now hoping for even more dark vibes going forward.

This book had great vibes, was a lot of fun and kept me turning pages. I was sad to finish it so quickly but also couldn't put it down.

⤷ 2.75✩
This book has its strong and weak points. Maybe my expectations were too high, which is why I’m being this critical. Maybe it’s just not my genre, but after some chapters, this book kinda felt like a “meh” to me.

The writing style and world-building really appealed to me, but those were the most positive aspects I could find. I did not care much about the characters and their backstories and, as a result, also not about the romance. I also found the plot and/or stakes of this book to be lacking.

Speaking of stakes, it often felt like the story jumped from problem to problem. These issues stacked upon each other without any clear connection, only being referenced later out of convenience to “solve” these problems. This also only took up the last 20% of the book, lacking an overall impact by postponing this so much. Overall an okay book. I don’t feel that strongly about it, but it also does not leave a lasting impression.

first of all, thank you Netgalley for letting me read this :)

this was a fun, cosy first foray into this authors writing, and while I did find that the author rushed the ending and everything was wrapped up for the main characters in a sort of unsatisfying way I honestly don’t care because this was really funny and cute.

We had two older main characters (finally no 18 years in sight) who were more relatable with their awkward conversations and self deprecating banter.

Also we need more hot, gentle giants who knit.

Paladin Stephen has been broken since the death of his god three years prior. But when he meets perfumer Grace, he realises he might have something left to live for after all. But first, they need to deal with a botched assassination attempt and severed heads.

This was a fun read with romance and intrigue. I really enjoyed the wit and humour of the writing and am looking forward to reading reading through the next book in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Paladin’s Grace

Rating: 5⭐️


This was my first T.Kingfisher book and It surely won’t be my last! I didn’t expect to love Paladin’s Grace as much as I did, I found it literally impossible to tear myself off the pages even if it meant sacrificing my much needed sleep.

We follow the story of Stephen, a disgraced paladin since his god died three years ago and Grace, an adorable perfumer with a lovely civette, Tab.
I loved both main characters, Stephen was an absolute sweetheart, so very considerate of Grace’s feelings, so careful about what to say, attentive to her needs and frankly to those of everyone surrounding him. And he.knits.SOCKS!!!! How can a character get any better??

Grace on the other hand has a complicated past, she’s very capable, understanding and sweet but she always stands on business; she doesn’t like confrontation but at the same time she’s very determined and doesn’t shy away from voicing her opinion when something bothers her. I’m so happy that she managed to get a good man like Stephan to be on her side after her difficult past!

The mystery element was also very interesting but not overly creepy. I obviously appreciated most secondary characters, especially Marguerite, I can’t wait to read more about her!!

My only complaint is that I wish the epilogue showed us more Stephen and Grace together😭 but I guess I’ll have to keep reading the other books in the series to get some glimpses of them👀

P.S. these new covers are so beautiful!!

Thanks so much to Orbit Books and Netgalley for an arc of this amazing book, all opinions are my own!

What a fun read!! I can't remember the last time a book made me laugh out loud like this one. The miscommunication and slow burn between Grace and Stephen was both hilarious and delicious. The secondary characters were brilliant, and the plot twists had me gasping in public. My only issue was probably the frequent use of the same descriptors throughout the book.

I already have my preorder placed for the physical book, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!!

I was eager to start this one after seeing that there were no covers in this vein and was thoroughly impressed.

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group for a copy of Paladin's Grace by T.Kingfisher! New editions of this series out 8th April!

Ahhh this was such a fun and refreshing read. Summary:

- Fantasy
- Slow burn romance
- A warrior who knits
- A perfumer with a super-human ability to pick up any scent
- Murder mystery
- Humour and wit

I adored how different this was to any fantasies I have recently been reading. The setting is very "classic" fantasy and the characters really are what makes this story. I enjoyed the witty banter between them and the humour in some quite tense situations- the book felt cosy whilst also being high stakes.

4 stars- I have ordered the new editions from Waterstones. Can't wait to continue this series!

PS- Where can I get a Tabs?!

3.75⭐️UMMM!!! how fun was this book??? i genuinely thought that this was one of the most awkwardly fun books i have read in such a long time. and to have adult characters was so refreshing to read. i absolutely loved the dynamic of Grace and Stephan, they were both such cuties and so down for each other. and the humor??? i am fooled very easily and i fear this book fooled me with its almost 80s vibe corest-ripping romances. LOVE! Though the ending was a little anticlimactic for me.

The story follows Stephen, a paladin who has lost the Deity he served and who now tries in every way to fill the void the latter has left. Despite his imposing figure and reputation, Stephen knits socks in his spare time and he is a calm, respectful, loyal and sometimes a little clumsy character.

Graceis a perfumer , has a ferret as a pet and has a turbulent past. She is often lost in her world of smells and formulas, which is why she is almost always a little clumsy and eccentric with her interpersonal relationships.

The relationship between the two was very heartwarming and it was really nice to see them fall in love in a natural way with all the awkwardness and shyness of a 'crush'.
Also, the friendship and support that Stephen and the other paladins have with each other was really touching!

✨ Paladin's Grace bears the disturbing and dark mould that characterises all the author's other works, but at the same time, it is also a cosy, adorable, funny and less dark read than the others.
✨thanks to the publisher lo or the ARC copy✨

I’m sorry a Paladin who knits pink socks and serves the god of rats, if that doesn’t sell you on this book then I feel like we are very different people. Now don’t get me wrong that makes it feel rather silly and simplistic but this is just such a fun book filled with romance, intrigue and fun charming characters all full of personality. This is what a romantasy should be, instant attraction but a slow burn romance I’m sold. I absolutely love T.Kingfisher and this book has lived up to all my expectations, it is truly phenomenal. This is a fantasy world that is fully developed and portrays completely varied characters, from grumpy paladins to spies to perfumers. No one does characters like T.Kingfisher I literally feel like I’m there talking to the characters they are so funny and so easy to connect to, it’s just perfection. It is just so much fun and I would highly recommend it. This book is the perfect mix of drama, violence, romance and humour. You simply must read it.

Oh how I have been chomping at the bit to read a T. Kingfisher book! So when my approval popped into my inbox, I dropped all my other books to read Paladin’s Grace immediately. And I am glad to report that it was every bit as good as I had hoped it would be (don’t you love it when that happens).

The plot centers around a paladins who has lost his way, and a merchant who is trying to make a new life. They have a hilarious encounter and then continue to orbit each other after witnessing a harrowing event. This is a pretty cosy fantasy romance wrapped in a mystery and murder plot. If you’re a romantasy girlie like I am, this is an absolute winner. The pacing is perfect, the antics that ensue are equal parts absurdly hilarious and sweetly touching, the slow burn is wonderfully awkward, and honestly, the MCs are fully relatable.

I am a T. Kingfisher convert and now will be swan diving into books 2, 3, and 4 without further ado.

Thank you to Little Brown Book Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Paladin’s Grace.

A soft, light fantasy romance.

When your god dies, what have you left?
This story focuses on a paladin which feels no purpose in life and a perfumer who has so many goals and aspirations she’s scared of anything going awry after a devastating and hard luck past.

This was sweet and cute and gave me cuddly feelings.
The humour, per usual, was spot on and I couldn’t help but laugh at some of the awkward interactions.
And the portrayal of female friendship.

<blockquote> If she needed a body buried, the only question Marguerite would ask was, “How deep?“ </blockquote>

Set in the same world as Swordheart, Clockwork Boys and The Wonder Engine, but unconnected, this is a fabulous read.

Stephen is a paladin, utterly broken by the death of the Saint of Steel, the god he served. Now, three years later, along with half a dozen other broken paladins (the only survivors of the god's death) he serves the Temple of the White Rat. His only ambition is to be useful without experiencing his dead god's uncontrollable berserker madness and killing innocent people. His hobby is knitting socks. A soldier always needs a good pair of socks. Grace Angelica is a perfumer running from her past, trying to make a living in a new city - Archon's Glory - with only her landlady, Marguerite, and a civet for friends.

After Stephen inadvertently rescues Grace from the servants of the Hanged Mother, a particularly nasty god with acolytes to match, the pair of them dance around each other with engaging lack of social skills, but soon they are trying to outwit the Motherhood, track down an assassin and deal with a particularly nasty spate of beheadings. This is a love story, but so much more. There are some wonderful characters in this book: Bishop Beartongue, a formidable woman; Istvhan, a brother paladin, also broken, but with a sense of humour; Marguerite, not only a landlady, but a spy. The author handles all this with deft touch, light when necessary, even funny at times for such a serious premise. I loved Swordheart, and this falls into the same category for me, fantastic and romantic. Expect socks, severed heads, false accusations, scents (good and bad), foreign dignitaries, faithful friends, and an evil ex-husband. Highly recommended. I couldn't put it down.

There’s a rare kind of book that manages to be both heartwarming and full of tension, with a world that feels lived-in and characters who feel real from the start. Paladin’s Grace is exactly that—a charming fantasy that balances suspense, humor, and tenderness in a way that’s instantly compelling.

This story follows Stephen, a broken paladin, trying to find meaning in small, everyday acts (like knitting socks) after a life-altering loss. Grace is a perfumer with a sharp mind, a complicated past, and a keen sense of survival. Their lives collide in the most unexpected way—while fleeing danger and faking something very improper in an alley—and from there, a slow-burn connection unfolds against a backdrop of assassins, poisoners, and political intrigue.

What makes this book shine isn’t just the witty banter or the unique world-building (though both are excellent), but the way Kingfisher crafts two deeply human characters who are awkward, vulnerable, and quietly heroic in their own ways. Watching Stephen and Grace fumble through their attraction—while trying to save lives and outwit killers—was equal parts endearing and emotionally resonant.

The romance is central but never overpowering. It builds naturally, with plenty of miscommunication, longing, and those small, thoughtful moments that make you root for them. And the fantasy elements? Richly imagined yet accessible, with just the right touch of mystery to keep the stakes high and the pages turning.

Also, middle-aged protagonists in fantasy romance? More of this, please.

Paladin’s Grace is a cozy, heartfelt fantasy with sharp edges—a story about healing and trust in the messiest, most unexpected places. Highly recommend for fans of Legends and Lattes, character-driven fantasy, and slow-burn romances that leave you smiling long after the final page.

I must have read at least a dozen books by T.Kingfisher at this point and every single one of them has been absolutely brilliant! Paladin’s Grace is continuing that trend. I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.

I’ve read this author’s fantasy and horror novels but this is the first I’ve read that was heavier on the romance side. Romance isn’t always my favourite genre but with T.Kingfisher’s trademark humour and loveable but down to earth characters this was a winner for me.

We have two people who aren’t looking for love crossing paths and finding themselves drawn to each other even though they believe themselves to be done with romance. They are kind, thoughtful and quirky. Both suffering trauma in their pasts that makes it hard for them to trust others and has negatively impacted their self esteem.

Alongside this we have a weird and fascinating crime spree involving severed heads and poisonings that our main characters, a paladin and a perfumer find themselves embroiled in! This was the perfect counter to the romance plot, adding jeopardy, intrigue and malevolence to the story. I found this an excellent balance between the love story and the terror in the city.

This was a really enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to reading the other three in the series!