Member Review
Review by
RoXXie S, Reviewer
A Haunting, Heartfelt Journey into Banshee Lore: A Strong Start to a Unique Urban Fantasy Series
Robin Alvarez’s Paramour offers a refreshingly imaginative take on urban fantasy through the seldom-explored lens of banshees, and it succeeds on many fronts—especially in its emotional depth, character development, and the originality of its lore. Although I had never read an urban fantasy novel centered on banshees before, these eerie, mournful creatures were not completely foreign to me; what Alvarez does so well is retain the mythic core of the banshee while reimagining their role in contemporary society. The result is a story that feels both grounded and otherworldly, a blend that kept me engaged even through its slower moments.
Paramour ♦ Robin Alvarez—A Review
Opinion
At the heart of the novel is Sadie, a young banshee whose fierce attachment to her mother forms the emotional backbone of the story. Their relationship is beautifully rendered—tender, desperate, and unwavering, even as they live in constant fear of being torn apart by parahunters (a chilling faction of hunters specializing in paranormal beings). That looming threat of separation, rather than an early estrangement, is what makes their bond and their shared flight so tense and heartbreaking. When that fear finally becomes reality later in the book, the despair that follows is often very palpable, and Alvarez excels at portraying the quiet, aching moments of grief and longing that accompany that loss, giving the narrative a powerful emotional urgency.
The plot’s structure—Sadie and her mother fleeing eastward from Texas, with Sadie suffering from a mysterious, debilitating sickness while they both constantly watch for danger—creates a compelling road-novel tension at the beginning of the book. The threat of parahunters looms throughout, lending the story a suspenseful undercurrent. But what surprised and delighted me most was what happens when Sadie arrives in a new town and begins to experience something she has never allowed herself before: connection. Watching her slowly form friendships and, later, alliances was one of the most rewarding aspects of the book. I found myself hoping early on that Sadie would eventually find people who accepted her, and Alvarez delivers this in a way that feels earned, never rushed.
The banshee mythology itself is one of the book’s standout features. By dealing with “Death Charges” and “Grieving Charges,” Sadie and her mother have responsibilities unlike any supernatural creatures I’ve seen in fiction. Alvarez’s explanation of how banshees warn of impending death—and how they comfort the bereaved afterward—adds a fascinating emotional and ethical layer to the narrative. It also reinforces why banshees are feared and often unwelcome among other paranormal beings, forcing them to relocate constantly. Yet in this new town, the dynamic becomes more complex, and the tension between their duty and their desire for stability pushes the story forward in interesting ways.
The romantic subplot, meanwhile, is handled with restraint and sensitivity. Sadie’s connection with Nathan fits naturally into the arc of her awakening emotional life. It never overshadows the central storyline, which makes it appropriate and satisfying for a young adult audience. Their growing bond serves to highlight Sadie’s struggle with vulnerability rather than turning into a standard YA romance trope.
Despite its many strengths, Paramour is not without flaws. A few sections lag in pacing, and several scenes feel nonessential to the overarching plot. I also came across some inconsistencies that temporarily pulled me out of the story—details that didn’t fully align with the world-building or character logic. Nevertheless, these issues didn’t overshadow the compelling writing style, rich character dynamics, and creative mythology that define the novel.
Conclusion
Overall, Paramour is an engaging start to what promises to be an intriguing series. With its unique concept, emotive storytelling, and memorable characters, it earns a solid four stars from me—and I look forward to seeing where Sadie’s journey leads next.
Robin Alvarez’s Paramour offers a refreshingly imaginative take on urban fantasy through the seldom-explored lens of banshees, and it succeeds on many fronts—especially in its emotional depth, character development, and the originality of its lore. Although I had never read an urban fantasy novel centered on banshees before, these eerie, mournful creatures were not completely foreign to me; what Alvarez does so well is retain the mythic core of the banshee while reimagining their role in contemporary society. The result is a story that feels both grounded and otherworldly, a blend that kept me engaged even through its slower moments.
Paramour ♦ Robin Alvarez—A Review
Opinion
At the heart of the novel is Sadie, a young banshee whose fierce attachment to her mother forms the emotional backbone of the story. Their relationship is beautifully rendered—tender, desperate, and unwavering, even as they live in constant fear of being torn apart by parahunters (a chilling faction of hunters specializing in paranormal beings). That looming threat of separation, rather than an early estrangement, is what makes their bond and their shared flight so tense and heartbreaking. When that fear finally becomes reality later in the book, the despair that follows is often very palpable, and Alvarez excels at portraying the quiet, aching moments of grief and longing that accompany that loss, giving the narrative a powerful emotional urgency.
The plot’s structure—Sadie and her mother fleeing eastward from Texas, with Sadie suffering from a mysterious, debilitating sickness while they both constantly watch for danger—creates a compelling road-novel tension at the beginning of the book. The threat of parahunters looms throughout, lending the story a suspenseful undercurrent. But what surprised and delighted me most was what happens when Sadie arrives in a new town and begins to experience something she has never allowed herself before: connection. Watching her slowly form friendships and, later, alliances was one of the most rewarding aspects of the book. I found myself hoping early on that Sadie would eventually find people who accepted her, and Alvarez delivers this in a way that feels earned, never rushed.
The banshee mythology itself is one of the book’s standout features. By dealing with “Death Charges” and “Grieving Charges,” Sadie and her mother have responsibilities unlike any supernatural creatures I’ve seen in fiction. Alvarez’s explanation of how banshees warn of impending death—and how they comfort the bereaved afterward—adds a fascinating emotional and ethical layer to the narrative. It also reinforces why banshees are feared and often unwelcome among other paranormal beings, forcing them to relocate constantly. Yet in this new town, the dynamic becomes more complex, and the tension between their duty and their desire for stability pushes the story forward in interesting ways.
The romantic subplot, meanwhile, is handled with restraint and sensitivity. Sadie’s connection with Nathan fits naturally into the arc of her awakening emotional life. It never overshadows the central storyline, which makes it appropriate and satisfying for a young adult audience. Their growing bond serves to highlight Sadie’s struggle with vulnerability rather than turning into a standard YA romance trope.
Despite its many strengths, Paramour is not without flaws. A few sections lag in pacing, and several scenes feel nonessential to the overarching plot. I also came across some inconsistencies that temporarily pulled me out of the story—details that didn’t fully align with the world-building or character logic. Nevertheless, these issues didn’t overshadow the compelling writing style, rich character dynamics, and creative mythology that define the novel.
Conclusion
Overall, Paramour is an engaging start to what promises to be an intriguing series. With its unique concept, emotive storytelling, and memorable characters, it earns a solid four stars from me—and I look forward to seeing where Sadie’s journey leads next.
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