Paladin

I loved this book. There were well-developed characters that leapt off the page and plot twists aplenty. Some I saw coming and some I didn't, which added to the excitement. Just when I thought I had something figured out, something else would happen.The main character of Sam is not one I have seen in fantasy in a long time. She's strong, and not just the physically strong that has been inundating the fantasy genre in recent years, I mean she's the type of girl to befriend a half-demon with red eyes that looks a little scary. She'll stand up for her friends, even if it means her own death. She's the type of girl who will do what is right, even if it's not easy, and that's why I loved her. She could wield a sword well and had excellent fighting skills, but it was her inner passion and strength that was appealing. It was hard not to fall in love with her. And best of all, she doesn't whine - well she does, but it's used as comic relief rather than the whiny internal monologue, which just has my teeth clenching.Then there was the interaction between Sam, Breaden and Tristan. They were all very different characters but they balanced each other out nicely. I loved their banter. It was great seeing them together.The writing was excellent and it was easy yo slip right into the story and stay there for hours at a time without realising it. I cannot wait for the next book.

I thought this book would be another YA swords and sorcery adventure/romance but it has a really interesting twist in a fast-paced story with an unexpectedly complex plotline revealing itself in the last one third of the book . While we ride with our heroine Sam and her Paladin-mentor Tristan on the expected journey to fight the wicked, it's the inclusion of the half-breed Braedon in their group that provides a sharp new angle to the old tropes.You can feel the story growing darker as Sally Slater explores Braedon's source of power, and how he struggles to prevent it overcoming him and unleashing enormous violence on his own companions. Braedon's conflict sits a little uncomfortably with the jocular Tristan story-line, and for a while one isn't sure if the story is meant to be comic or dark. However the last chapters take us firmly into deep issues of loyalty, identity and honor that have us waiting to see what happens next as our heroes literally sail into the sunset. An enjoyable and addictive debut - if rather uneven - promising richer things to come.

Brilliant adventure with strong characters. I really enjoyed reading about a young female protagonist, who although headstrong, doesn't come across as a spoilt brat. Too often I've read Fantasy where the lead female leaves me wishing someone would give her a slap. Sam knows exactly what she wants, and gets it without immature behaviour. The romantic element doesn't overwhelm the plot, and much to my happy surprise, didn't resort to sexual artifice to keep the story flowing. Well done, Sally Slater. More please

Loved the book. It has everything you need in a modern fantasy romance; a strong female lead that doesn't focus too much on her love life but has enough to keep the romantics in us all interested. its hard to find a book these days with a strong female lead and a good plot to go with it which is what this book has I can't wait for the second book. If you like the fever series's then you will enjoy this book I'm an avid female fantasy reader and I recommend this book to those of us that sift through book upon book to find those worthy of reading in this genre.

Beautiful and touching story. It really is beautifully told. With a strong and easy to relate to female protagonist. It was a story about being true to who you are, and finding a place in the world for yourself. It's one of the best story's I've read in a long time with an intriguing plot, amazing characters. They are well thought out, and all connect wonderfully to make a dimensional story about sam and her adventures in finding herself, and love. The story doesn't just focus on her it focuses on her two comrades. They are developed beautifully, and their friendship is written just right. I hope there is a sequel to this book, but even if there's not I think I would still be happy, because it was left in a good place.

Personally, I love this story. I first read it on wattapad and was hooked. But when I learned that things had changed a bit from the original draft I knew I had to check it outI love the characters, the unique monsters, the adventure, and yes the lil romanceIt's just a fun story that can transport you away from a while

Full of surprises, awesome plot and loads of adventure with a bada$$ heroine.Loved all the characters and looking forward to the sequel.No insta-lu$t, slow build romance with an awesome and unexpected hero

Amazing!!loved it! Can't wait for the next book. The characters are real. The pace is good. So refreshing! Is the ideal book for someone that wants a strong female lead , good story, a believable romance sub plot and magic.