Nikki’s Review of Vesselless by Cortney L Winn
Back Jacket Synopsis:
She’s heiress to the throne. The throne her father stole from him.
Nizzara has always been able to perceive spirits better than the average caster. When she enters a deadly tournament to end her betrothal, she's determined to win without succumbing to the addictive spirit magic she channels or taking a life in the duel ring. Finding herself outmatched, Nizzara must face her fear of power and team up with Dagen—an enemy who is half-ghost and all charm—to survive the tournament.
Dagen, the last King of Zarr, was killed by Nizzara’s father ten years ago. Now a half-ghost—able to phase between his human and spirit form—he is stuck in another realm, hunting wretched souls. When his keeper offers him a chance to reclaim his freedom in exchange for Nizzara’s soul, Dagen takes the deal.
There’s only one catch: she must freely give it to him by the tournament’s end or his own soul is forfeit.
Nikki’s One Sentence Review: Vesselless is a breath of fresh air in the romantasy space!
Things Nikki LOVED:
The protagonist Nizzara. She is tough-as-nails but unfailingly loyal, even when it is to her own detriment. I love stories with strong female characters and Nizzara was just that.
I am a complete sucker for mind reading, and the magic system created opportunities for that. Is there anything better than someone who knows the real you- the good and the bad in your deepest thoughts- and loves you even more for it? *Swoon*
The banter! I was giggling and kicking my feet multiple times. Nizzara and Dagen were great love interests AND friends. I ate it up.
The uniqueness of the story. I have been reading a lot of romantasy lately and Vesselless is something new and fresh while still having the tropes and beats that I want in an action-packed fantasy romance story.
The author- Cortney Winn is a sweetheart and also gives great marketing tips. If you aren't following her yet you should be!
Great quotes from the book:
“Power can only be taken when it is given.”
“One does not become resilient under ideal conditions.”
“Movie” Rating: PG-13 for language, some action related gore, and romance
Overall Recommendation: If you love romantasy, good banter, and need a break from dragons and fae check out Vesselless!
Follow author Cortney Winn on instagram at CortneyLWinn
Disclaimer: *Our reviews are solely our opinions and not swayed by any outside factors. The reviews are for fun and not meant to be taken as a professional book endorsement, review, or advice.