Behooved

By M. Stevenson

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TW: Animal cruelty, chronic illness, self harm, ableism

Behooved follows a noblewoman, Bianca who agrees to marry Prince Aric to prevent a war between their two kingdoms. On their wedding night, a failed assassination attempt leaves Bianca astride Aric… as a horse. The two must go on the run to help Aric break the curse and find out who did it. 

This isn't a 'save the world' story; it is 'save the kingdoms' and 'break the curse', so the stakes felt a bit high. However, I also thought it was pulled off, and, personally, I liked the higher stakes. 

While this is a 'cozy fantasy' it doesn't fall into the pitfalls (I say this as someone who likes them, to be honest) some have with the genre. There is depth to the characters, world-building, and story-line! It's cozy in that it is character-driven and while characters are on the run, we get some great moments between them. We get to know Bianca and Aric truly through those big moments, yes, but also the little ones as well. 

It’s because of the time dedicated to their relationship that sold this story to me. I loved getting to know Bianca and Aric. Their insecurities, feelings of pride, and relationships were the center of this story and made it all the more fun to read. The book is at its strongest when Bianca and Aric are talking, getting to know each other, and falling in love. 

This is a charming book that tackles some important things like chronic illness, harsh and unloving families, and hints of industrialization with what felt like care. While it’s never stated what Bianca’s illness is, she’s had it her whole life and is plagued with pain throughout the novel. She never gets cured and (SPOILER) though she and Aric talk bout helping her pain, I think it was done with care. It also looks at loyalty, following your own wishes, and falling in love despite (and in spite) of it all. 

What I would have loved to see was more details on the magic system. We get hints of it (especially because of Aric’s curse) but not many concrete details. I also felt like the end was rushed a bit. There seemed like such an emphasis on what they wanted to do (the good they could do as rulers) and I would love to see that!

One of the aspects I did appreciate was the time put into self-acceptance and love. Bianca’s family puts her down and values her way less than her sister. It impacts her and she makes so many decisions based on the pressure from her family and herself. As the progresses Bianca’s internal state changes and grows, which makes her a more complex and fully realized person.

Overall, it's just a fun, cozy, and love (all kinds) book.

Thank you, Net Galley and Tor/Bramble for the eARC of this book. It is out now!

Further reading:

Not a fantasy, one of my favorite romance books is A Lady for a Duke which is beautiful and romantic.

Quotes:

Will have to wait because I listened to this via audiobook!