Dance with the Sword by. Sarah K.L. Wilson | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: Dance with the Sword (Bluebeard’s Secret, #2)

Author: Sarah K. L. Wilson

Format: eBook (Kindle Unlimited)

Pages: 371

Publication Date: 9/17/21

Publisher:

Categories: Fantasy, Romance

A GRIM BETRAYAL. A DYING KING. A HUSBAND WHO WON’T LET HER GO.
With the heart of the Wittenhame still ringing from Izolda’s actions and her new husband shocked at her betrayal, the future seems very grim indeed.
If Izolda had been asked if she wanted to be rescued from her would-be bridegroom and returned to her home and family, she would have eagerly agreed to go, but now that she is back in the mortal world, she is quickly discovering that home, family and even the inclinations of her own heart are not what she expected.
Worse yet, Izolda has unwittingly become a pawn in a deadly dance between two Wittenbrand, snatched from the claws of one of them only to be stolen back by the other.
With her bodiless friend Grosbeak along for the ride and the great game of crowns and thrones still being played out across the nations, will Izolda’s endless common sense still be enough to rescue her from disaster? Or will she fall prey to the terrible ambitions of her enemies?

DANCE WITH THE SWORD is the second book in the Bluebeard’s Secret series following the eerie and romantic story of FLY WITH THE ARROW.

The reason I enjoy this series is the writing or the way things are worded, the relationship between Arrow (Bluebeard) and Izolda is so filled with angst but so romantic as well. Their wedding vows kill me – it’s so gorgeous, especially when Arrow is in the middle of a fight to the death and he’s repeating his vows to her! 😭

Grosbeak saved this book for me. There were so many things that were confusing to me because I didn’t re-read the first book which I remember being a wild ride and confusing in parts as well. But Grosbeak always brought it back into “reality” for me – I love his morbid humor, I mean his head is on a stick! He always makes me laugh, especially since Izolda is always in a tense situation.

I needed more of Arrow and his kisses but this is the slowest burn romance ever. He is intense and I just wish their relationship wasn’t so messed up with him taking her lives – they seem doomed but I’m holding out for a happily ever after.

There is a lot of political intrigue and betrayal in this one as we learn more about the Sword. Izolda has some growth in this book because she needs to learn to lead an army without Arrow at her side. She and Grosbeak are unlikely best friends at this point but she can hold her own even though it all frightens her. I like how she appears steady and can figure things out (sometimes too late) but Arrow is right – she is perceptive.

Content Warnings: violence

There were some typos in this sequel.

As mentioned above, this story got confusing at times. It’s a fast paced book and a lot of traveling from one place to another. It’s another cliffhanger ending so I’d wait for all books to be out to binge this series.

Again, I needed more Arrow and Izolda moments! Can these two just hook up already? I love all the kisses though, it’s so romantic.

Why you should read it:

• interesting take on Bluebeard story
• Arrow (Bluebeard) and his kisses and intense gazes
• fast paced with lots of action
• Izolda’s character growth

Why you might not want to read it:

• typos
• confusing at times
• slowest burn romance ever

My Thoughts:

This book felt rushed, especially with the typos in the story. It’s a fast paced book but I do wish some things were fleshed out more and we had more time with Arrow and Izolda. I felt like this was more of her story than his, she has to redeem herself after betraying him, she has to find it in herself to trust him, to give in to him…but Izolda doesn’t want to lose herself either. He is taking her lives – it’s what he does…so what does that leave her? Their slow burn romance is driving me crazy though because they are attracted to one another, and yet they can’t be together that easily, they can’t even “talk” to one another…thank god for mind reading though right? The politics between the fae is filled with betrayal, but honestly – I just wanted more Arrow. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’ll be reading book three of course, just to see what happens, but I hope there is less typos and my brain can keep up! The wild ride continues.

📚 ~ Yolanda

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Quotes from the Book:

“If you cannot gift it in whole, then gift it in slivers and I will reassemble it within my own breast and guard it there in the sanctuary of my immortal soul.”

~ Dance with the sword by. Sarah k.L. wilson

“Surely you must see how I will give of my own flesh to have you, to keep you, to buy you back from treachery. Surely you understand that you are without price or equal to me.”

~ Dance with the sword by. Sarah k.L. wilson