Rita A. Rubin’s Of Knights and Books and Falling in Love released on June 29, 2023.
Many thanks to the author for providing an early e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rita A. Rubin offers a low-stakes, charming slice-of-life fantasy in her latest novel, Of Knights and Books and Falling in Love. Short, sweet, and cozy, the enemies-to-lovers romance unfurls in a slow-burn as two men find their path following a decisive war between good and evil.
Stolen as a child and forced to work under the Dark Lord’s employ as a ruthless right-hand-man, Of Knights and Books and Falling in Love follows Jayce as he regains his Independence, building a new life with the help of Alexius, a knight with a heart of gold. The former enemy in name only believes in Jayce from the start, treating him with nothing but kindness and patience as a new journey unfolds, made possible by the Hero’s triumph over the Dark Lord’s malicious reign.
When the Dark Lord’s spell shatters, Alexius (who was previously being held captive under Jayce’s watchful gaze) swoops in to help guide Jayce on a journey of new beginnings. Unsure of his identity aside from his name and a handful of hazy, barely there memories, Jayce tentatively accepts Alexius’ offer to start fresh in the city of Étoisaint.
The journey to Étoisaint is almost too quick, a fleeting glimpse into Alexius and Jayce’s budding relationship as they navigate a handful of encounters expected of a fantasy fairy tale: a run in with a unicorn, believed to be rare, innocent creatures, capable of detecting the good of heart; a night in a small, ramshackle room at an inn following a handful of nights under the stars; and, a tense run in with a group of bandits. A tender, emotion-filled haircut and small moments of hurt/comfort add vulnerability and wholesome companionship along the way, but conversation felt a little stilted, the days blurring into one another in a rush until the duo reach their destination.
While I would have loved to see the focus of the novel be on traveling companionship or life in Étoisaint, and felt that including both made for a narrative progression that was a little too fast-paced and ambitious, Rubin paints a cozy portrait here, one of simple camaraderie, setting a foundation for a sweet, slow-burn romance that truly blooms once the characters reach Étoisaint and fall into an easy, wholesome rhythm of work-life balance.
Where Rubin shines is in creating tender moments of compassion, understanding and vulnerability. These start on the journey, but really blossom in the city proper, wherein Jayce is given a multitude of choices, each one giving him the courage and strength to embrace his own identity. An apprenticeship at a small bookshop with a brilliant name (Tails & Tomes!), run by a non-binary orc allows him to work with something he loves (books), while also giving him the freedom to not only provide for himself but make friends and acquaintances, which include a little dwarven girl, a flirty knight, and a fluffy white cat named Fable. These small moments of human connection add vulnerability and charm to Jayce’s character, while also aiding in the low-stakes action of the plot through a few surprise encounters and action sequences. At the same time, hints of jealousy are threaded throughout, adding depth and tension to Jayce’s budding, slow-burn relationship with Alexius.
Though I longed to see a little less tension born from action, and a little more tension generated from Alexius and Jayce’s relationship (and perhaps a second POV), Of Knights and Books and Falling in Love has a very wholesome, fairy tale charm to it. It’s written with short, simple narration, but reads almost like an old fantasy fable. It’s romantic, and cozy, and very easy to consume, curled up with a cat, in a single sitting.
Come for the queernormative, slice-of-life setting, and stay for a wholesome fantasy plot full of tender moments of hurt/comfort, fun side characters (that I’d love to see more of!), and small adventures along the way. Though I personally would have loved to see something a bit more cohesive and slow-paced, Of Knights and Books and Falling in Love was a positively enchanting, low-stakes fantasy full of wholesome, heartfelt vibes and new beginnings.
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