Member Review

Review of Knight of the Goddess by Briar Boleyn – ★★★☆☆ (3 stars)

As the conclusion to Briar Boleyn’s Blood of a Fae series, Knight of the Goddess had the potential to deliver an emotionally satisfying and action-packed finale. However, while the novel retains Boleyn’s lyrical and evocative prose, which I’ve always admired, the final installment left me with mixed feelings.

Knight of the Goddess ♦ Briar Boleyn - A Review

Opinion
Plot wise, this book felt slower than its predecessors. Where earlier entries in the series moved with urgency and tension, Knight of the Goddess meanders through its narrative with a pace that often felt stagnant. The stakes—though undeniably high on paper—rarely translated into the kind of tension that keeps me on the edge of my seat. Despite the impending doom and the quest to destroy legendary artifacts like the grail, the sword, and the spear, the story lacked a sense of immediacy. I found myself struggling to stay engaged, frequently distracted during passages that should have been gripping.

One of the more disappointing aspects of this finale was the characters. Morgan, once a compelling and layered protagonist, began to grate on me. Her constant repetition of the “I have to do it all myself” and “everything is my fault” mantra felt both unconvincing and frustrating. This self-sacrificial mindset might have worked earlier in the series, but by now—with Draven and her loyal companions firmly by her side—it rang hollow. Instead of showing growth, Morgan seemed stuck in a loop of martyrdom that alienated rather than endeared.

Draven, while still a solid romantic interest, felt sidelined for much of the story, existing more as a supporting player than an equal half of the “eternal bond” that the blurb promises. Their connection, while still emotionally resonant in some moments, lacked the intensity and chemistry that once made their pairing shine.

Even more disappointing was the portrayal of Morgan’s father, the final villain of the tale. For a character meant to serve as the ultimate antagonist and thematic foil, he was surprisingly underdeveloped. His motivations were murky, his actions predictable, and his personality lacked the complexity and nuance to make him a truly memorable threat. As a result, the climax of the novel—where he presumably should have had the most narrative weight—felt emotionally flat.

Despite these shortcomings, Boleyn’s writing itself remains a highlight. Her talent for crafting beautiful, immersive prose and atmospheric settings is as evident as ever. She knows how to paint scenes with poetic elegance, and her command of tone continues to give the world of Camelot a unique flavor that blends myth and fantasy.

Still, I can’t help but wonder if this fourth book was truly necessary. As a trilogy it had already resolved most of the major arcs and delivered a satisfying emotional payoff. This volume, though not without merit, felt more like an extended epilogue stretched into a full novel. While devoted fans will appreciate returning to these beloved characters, casual readers might find it lacking in substance and drive.

Conclusion
In summary, Knight of the Goddess is beautifully written but narratively underwhelming. It offers closure, but not the kind that leaves you breathless or deeply satisfied. A decent read, but not the powerful finale I had hoped for.