This is quite a cool story. I like the lore behind it all, and it's clear Lindsay took her time figuring it all out. I'll be interviewing her for my podcast Novel Finds in a couple weeks, covering this book. Thank you for the copy!

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc. I usually don’t read high fantasy because the politics are too complex. But this book was amazing! I loved the whole plot. I wish there was a bit more romance but it was still amazing as is. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.

I found The Sun Blessed Prince by Lindsey Bryd an intriguing story with fascinating magic dynamics and an intense ending. As this is Book one in a duology, that allows for a slower development of the world and the relationships. In particular, we see how both Elician and Cat are treated in their worlds, one a Giver and the other a Reaper. And from the very beginning, that contrast between the pair is what makes the narrative so engaging.
I enjoyed that we got different perspectives in the novel, not only Elician and Cat’s viewpoint but also Elician’s sister point of view. Each allows us to see the world in a different way or allows for information we wouldn’t have been able to know otherwise. I like how the plot develops as Cat and Elician try to figure out why he was sent into enemy territory in the first place. There is a fair amount of intrigue and mystery in the book, ultimately leading both men to see if they can give peace a chance.
If you like queer fantasy with a slow romance and interesting magic, this novel might be a compelling read for you. I know I found the story intriguing. I liked the ending but did really hope for more time between Elician and Cat so am glad it is a duology. I love the exploration of the world and magic. The story is emotional and intense but has a powerful ending.

What do you get when you throw in a battle-weary prince, a reluctant assassin, and so much more? Prince Elician is a Giver, someone who can heal any wound and resurrect the dead... he can't be killed and has been forced to watch endless wars. Then he meets an assassin that was meant to kill him, a Reaper, someone who can kill with a single touch and this Reaper's name is Cat. Instead of punishing Cat, Elician and him work together to uncover more deadly plots, forbidden magic, and an unlikely romance. I really really wish I could like this but it honestly did not work for me. The story just felt odd because for a "great love story" most of it was told from a 14 year old girls POV, and also the main couple had ZERO chemistry. The magic system wasn't the best and the overall story itself felt like it was dragging on and on. The book itself never hooked me and the fact that there is a sequel, one I won't be reading, just makes the story so unresolved. Honestly it was not for me but if you like fantasy maybe give it a go, maybe you'll have a better time than I did.

Release Date: May 6, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada (Adult) | Random House Canada for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

I was completely obsessed with this story from the first page, I can't even lie. Though the writing itself took me a second to get immersed in, the world and the characters were done so well. The overall prose was also well-written. I will say, though, that where the book suffered was the plot. There weren't too many extraneous moments, but that's because there wasn't much in the way of plot. I wish that the MCs were able to get together earlier, and thus would cut out some of the large time skips, as those just made the book feel a bit rushed. Overall, I enjoyed this but I wish that the MCs and plot had a chance to really marinate.

I really wish this wasn't advertised as an adult fantasy romance since a good portion of the story is told from the perspective of a 14 year old girl, not even the two main leads who are supposed to be in this epic romantic tale.

Speaking of, the two main leads had absolutely negative chemistry and seem to be attracted to each other based solely off the fact that they have opposing magic.

SPEAKING OF, the magic system is so flawed. A single touch can kill someone, but it's also illegal to bring them back to life? Or to help a pregnant mother ease a rough pregnancy? It's so strange.

The Sun Blessed Prince by Lindsey Byrd is a captivating fantasy that weaves together themes of power, destiny, and self-discovery. The story follows a prince who must navigate political intrigue, personal growth, and the weight of his royal responsibilities. Byrd’s writing is rich and immersive, with complex characters and a compelling plot that keeps readers engaged. It's an excellent read for fans of epic fantasy and character-driven stories set in richly imagined worlds.

The synopsis was better than what I read. I think the idea was phenomenal but when it came to execution, this is where the book suffered the most.

Incredibly well written and thought out book. It did take me a second to get used to the writing style but I very much enjoyed.

Four stars, because none of my qualms are fatal (only a bit frustrating) and I was kept reading until the end. This is so tightly plotted that -- for me – there were few surprises plot-wise, but also very little plot. Our two MCs are kept apart for the majority of the book, which progresses through months-long time jumps, leeching the story of urgency and emotion in my opinion. I also didn't connect with the writing style; it kept me at a distance and prevented me from really experiencing the story “up close” through the characters' eyes. There is one POV in particular that makes the book feel more YA (because the character is 15). In fact, I could see this being recommended to teen readers. It has some intense themes and deep discussions, but the prose is overall chaste and the romance light and positive with diverse representation throughout.