Review of Behooved by M. Stevenson
I was immediately drawn to Behooved, not just because of its stunning cover, but because the premise promised an enchanting mix of enemies-to-lovers tropes, romantic fantasy, and a dash of magical mischief. M. Stevenson’s debut pulls readers into a world where a duty-bound Duchess and a cursed prince must navigate the wild terrain of love and self-discovery — all while riding through twists of fate and a sprinkling of horse puns. And let me tell you, it’s quite the ride!
At the heart of the story, we meet Bianca Liliana, a 26-year-old Duchess grappling with her identity and chronic illness. Dismissed by her own family and burdened by the shadows of expectation, she finds herself reluctantly engaged to Aric of Gildenheim, a prince cloaked in a reputation of coldness. However, their story truly begins with an assassination attempt that transforms Aric into a horse, setting off a chain of events that compels them to confront both external threats and their own vulnerabilities.
One of the most striking themes in Behooved is the representation of chronic illness. As someone who values authentic portrayals, I was moved by how Bianca’s struggles are interwoven into her character — her journey reflects an inspiring message that heroes come in all forms. This aspect is deeply personal for Stevenson, drawing from her own experiences, and it resonated heavily with me as it showcased a nuanced narrative rarely seen in fantasy.
The chemistry between Bianca and Aric is nothing short of delightful. Their dynamic, packed with witty banter and layered emotions, flourishes in moments that are hilariously tender. I didn’t think I would enjoy the miscommunication trope, but here, it felt essential, serving as both a barrier and a bridge in their evolving relationship. I adored how they both learn to see each other’s strengths, particularly how Aric’s initial coldness gives way to compassion as he supports Bianca through her health challenges.
Stevenson’s writing style is vibrant and immersive, with a knack for vivid descriptions that bring the world to life. I found myself lost in her beautifully crafted prose, especially in moments like this one: “The sunset colors cast the scenery as something magical, fleshing the world with color like an artist painting over a sketch.” There’s a serenity in her narrative that kept me engaged, despite some predictable plot twists that I spotted along the way. The pacing maintained a steady rhythm, and I appreciated the clever dialogue that peppered the interactions — I was chuckling at the thought of puffins delivering messages!
However, some repetitive narrative elements stood out, alongside a few cringy moments that felt unnecessary. Still, these minor hiccups didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment. The book’s emotional depth and sweet moments between Aric and Bianca far outweighed these criticisms.
In conclusion, Behooved is a radiant debut that weaves fantastical elements with poignant themes of duty, love, and self-acceptance. I believe this book will resonate with fans of romantic fantasy, especially those looking for a fresh take on chronic illness representation in a magical context. If you enjoy stories where characters discover strength in vulnerability, whimsical horse puns, and laugh-out-loud moments amidst heart-fluttering tension, then grab your copy of Behooved. M. Stevenson has certainly sparked my interest, and I can’t wait to see where her talent takes us next!
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