Review of Quicksilver by Callie Hart
As a lover of fantasy and romantasy, I was instantly drawn to Quicksilver by Callie Hart. The premise is captivating, promising a blend of adventure, magic, and romance set against a backdrop of an unforgiving desert and an enchanting, icy realm. The description hints at a thrilling narrative: “Do not touch the sword. Do not turn the key. Do not open the gate.” I could hardly resist diving into this story of secrets, betrayal, and self-discovery.
Quicksilver follows twenty-four-year-old Saeris Fane, a resourceful young woman navigating a world where survival often means stealing from the Undying Queen’s reservoirs. With the ability to keep secrets, Saeris finds her life turned upside down when she inadvertently confronts Death, aka Kingfisher, and finds herself flung into a realm of snow and ice filled with fey. The story compellingly intertwines elements of enemies-to-lovers romance, a trope I always enjoy, with thrilling world-building.
One of the standout elements of Hart’s work is the character of Saeris. She’s tough, relatable, and unapologetically herself. I found her journey of self-discovery to be thoroughly engaging, and her witty banter with Kingfisher is undeniably entertaining. The world-building is another highlight; it’s so rich and immersive that I was completely absorbed from the very start. Reviewers have noted how digestible the world-building is, ensuring readers stay engrossed without feeling overwhelmed—a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with.
Additionally, the side characters, notably Carrion, brought another layer of enjoyment to the story. His flamboyant personality and shameless flirtation provided comic relief amidst the thrilling narrative. As one reviewer mentioned, he’s “hilarious and such a shameless flirt,” and it’s hard to not root for him as he navigates the chaotic circumstances of the story.
That said, there were some drawbacks I can’t overlook. While the pacing of the plot was mostly well-received, some moments felt a little rushed, particularly regarding the progression of Saeris and Kingfisher’s relationship. At one moment they’re fighting like true enemies, and the next, they’re in a romantic encounter that, while steamy, felt oddly abrupt. I did find myself wishing for a bit more tension and buildup in that relationship transition, echoing a sentiment shared by a few other readers.
Moreover, while the initial pacing was captivating, towards the end, I felt a slight dip in engagement during the climax. Some readers expressed a desire for dual points of view to better understand Kingfisher’s motivations and feelings. This would have undoubtedly added depth to both characters and given readers greater insight into their evolving relationship.
Overall, Quicksilver is a delightful read that showcases the talents of Callie Hart. The interplay between Saeris and Kingfisher, paired with the enchanting world of Yvelia, creates an engaging enemies-to-lovers story that drew me in. Despite the minor pacing issues and some rushed moments in the character dynamics, I was thoroughly entertained throughout. For fans of high-stakes romantic fantasies that feature strong, morally gray characters, I would recommend giving Quicksilver a shot.
I’m excited to see what the next installment holds because after the captivating conclusion, I’m left eager for more adventures in this beautifully crafted world. So, if you enjoy witty banter, thrilling action, and a sprinkle of romance, Quicksilver is definitely worth adding to your reading list!