Review & Teaser: ALLY by Anna Banks!

Ally by Anna Banks
Series: Nemesis #2
Publication: October 3rd, 2017 by Feiwel & Friends; 320 pages

Princess Sepora of Serubel and King Tarik of Theoria have formed an uneasy truce between their kingdoms since the deadly plague began to rip through Theoria. Since their feelings for each other are entangled in politics and power, they must use their own trusted resources to find common ground.

But when traitors with powerful allies arise from unexpected places, Tarik and Sepora face challenges that will change both of their kingdoms forever. Will they learn whom to trust—including each other—in time to save their kingdoms, their relationship and even their lives?

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Teaser

His face is awash in frustration. "I was wrong to approach this as a game," he says gruffly. "I can see I'm well matched." He steps toward me, tilting my chin up with the crook of his finger, and none too gently. "But the next time you kiss me like that, I'll take it as an invitation to bring relief to the both of us."

I picked Nemesis up on a whim and was pleasantly surprised by it, so I was excited to get back into this world with these characters. While I will say Ally took a while to get going, it did not disappoint. Banks always does a great job creating witty and interesting characters, and this duology is no exception.

Ally was a bit unpredictable, which I found not only surprising but welcome. I genuinely didn't see the twists coming and I really enjoyed being surprised by all of it.

Unfortunately I did have a few issues with this book. First of all, as I said, it takes a while to get going. And by that I mean, we go about half the book before anything of note happens. I wasn't bored with the story because I really like the characters, but I do get annoyed with fantasy novels that are driven by romance. I wish more time had been spent on the battles, the politics, and the fantasy elements. 

I also really don't like the covers. Neither the original Nemesis cover, nor the new covers. I think they really dropped the ball on this one but I'm not holding that against the book. 

Do you like romance driven fantasy? Okay with the politics and fantasy elements taking a back seat? Then I would absolutely recommend this series. 

Cover: 2 | Characters: 4 | Plot: 3 | Pace: 3 | Creativity: 4