This book ended up being a real disappointment for me, despite an incredibly strong start. Initially, I thought it would become a new favorite: the pacing was sharp, and the humor was so dry and genuinely funny. The early chapters moved briskly. I particularly appreciated that the welfare of the pig Colton adopts at the start of the novel was considered when he moved about-unlike many novels where pets are just props in the background and not treated as living beings.

My favorite scene was the first exorcism the main characters performed together. The setting was eerie, the gore was horrific, and the resolution was such a strong finale. It truly became the high point of the book for me. One of the best things I have read in recent memory.

Unfortunately, the book loses its way as it progresses, which makes me feel like the scope might have been too ambitious for a debut.

The worldbuilding, in particular, felt inconsistent and confusing. I read the setting as Victorian at first (what with the nobles and their servants), but was disoriented by the appearance of modern comforts like hot water and heated floors. There are carriages instead of cars, radio instead of television, but also magical machines testing demon possession in someone's blood. I needed more concrete details to anchor me in the world: descriptions like “a bespoke suit” aren’t enough; what kind of suit? Is it a frock coat? A modern three-piece? I was left constantly unsure about the setting. Some established rules are also abandoned: early on, we learn people from the Iron District can’t enter the Ivory District, a restriction that gets the protagonist arrested and beaten as a child. Later, Lucian gives him a “pass” to cross the border between districts, but by the end, Colton and Mai choose to stay at a fancy hotel in the Ivory District with no explanation. If it’s illegal for outsiders to stay there, why does the Ivory hotel even exist? If Ironers have no right to be in the Ivory District, why don’t the staff report them? How did they cross the border between districts unchallenged?

There’s also confusion about the broader geography. At one point, Odessa talks about running off “to the continent”-is this supposed to be a fictional London then? Is “the continent” Europe? But Colton laters says, “I care about you more than anyone else on this continent.” Which continent?! These details felt muddled and pulled me out of the story.

The synopsis also gives away half of the book, skipping over its best part and going straight to its twist. Once the demon possession storyline begins, the book weakens considerably. The demon’s motivations are vague and unconvincing, and its supernatural abilities seem limited to strength and low pain sensitivity. Its only leverage is threatening to harm the love interest, which felt flat. The demon’s plan to become prime minister and usher in puritanical fascism is hard to buy-what kind of government has a single elected official with unchecked power? Why would the public suddenly accept mass violence? The political elements come out of nowhere and are underdeveloped. There are also plot threads that go nowhere: why did the father want the deed to the temple? Why does Colton suddenly need that letter from Lucian to get a move on?

The pacing of the romance is my last major complaint. The book opens with a perfect meeting and strong chemistry, but the relationship develops at breakneck speed. Colton falls in love almost instantly, and while I liked that Lucian initially rejects him, that tension is resolved too quickly. The second half of the novel hinges entirely on the depth of their relationship, but most of their bonding happens off-page. The on-page timeline is compressed: after a near-death event, they get together and kiss, then the narrative jumps forward a few weeks (or months?), describing the events befalling another character. It’s during this time jump that the crux of the relationship development happens for the protagonists, because after this, the rest of the novel kicks in and no more relationship buildup can be made. We learn, through flashbacks, that the honeymoon phase of their relationship consisted of cooking lessons, joking about being mauled by bears, and lounging together while waiting to perform exorcisms. Why wasn’t this part of the narration on-page? I ended up struggling to believe in the intensity of their connection, since it’s mostly told rather than shown.

In the end, this book is frustratingly inconsistent. I loved the horror and gore elements early on, found the characters charming, and genuinely enjoyed the humor. The idea behind the exorcisms are brilliant. But the second half didn’t maintain that quality and ultimately soured my experience. I’d rate it 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

An epic gay adventure with exorcisms, demons, and an enemy to lovers subplot. The romantasy was well developed and really was the core of the story. The protagonist pacing for romance was beautiful – but the adventure was lacking. I wanted the dialogue to be a bit tightened up while they were going against “demons.” The plot was a hook for me but I was left with wishing the pacing were appropriate for both the setting and the romance.
I want fantasy titles that really take the time with world building and setting scenes that are elaborate and fantastical. Although The Lavender Blade delivered at times – it was not consistent. This was a must read for me as exorcisms and a gay romance was involved. I understand the main idea is that this was a con, but I think that background could have been developed a bit stronger. So, for my romance fans you are going to love the steam throughout this one. It would have been hard for me to stay focused and want to jump page to page with this one if it were not for the romantic subplot being so efficient.
What is possession in the long scheme of things? There were some cliches I think were scattered throughout and that works for romantasies. But I wanted a stronger development outside of their relationship. Like each character could not exist without the other if that makes sense. This came down to personal tastes for me and please do not let you deter this from diving into this adventure! Thank you Net Galley and She Writes Press for this digital arc for an honest review!