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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Throne of Glass in Books
Apr 9, 2023
42 of 235
Book
Throne of Glass (book 1)
By Sarah J Maas
Reread
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.
Her opponents are men - thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.
Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.
Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.
This is my first reread of this series and I loved this more the second time round. There were things I’d forgotten and I absolutely love Celaena I forgot how innocent she could be under all that toughness. I also remembered I used to like choal 🙈
Book
Throne of Glass (book 1)
By Sarah J Maas
Reread
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.
Her opponents are men - thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.
Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.
Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.
This is my first reread of this series and I loved this more the second time round. There were things I’d forgotten and I absolutely love Celaena I forgot how innocent she could be under all that toughness. I also remembered I used to like choal 🙈
Merissa (13139 KP) rated Chalvaren Rising (Kingdom of Chalvaren #2) in Books
May 5, 2023
Different worlds, dragons, elves, evil yet misguided women - what more could you ask for?
Now, this is the first 'full' book in the Kingdom of Chalvaren series, although there is the novella in which our two main characters meet. What made this book interesting for me is that they were already 'together' right at the start. So although I knew that things had moved quickly in the prequel, it actually made for fantastic reading as the two of them got to know each other and explored their feelings for each other. Trust me when I say those feelings run hot! Their relationship has the normal ups, downs and misunderstandings that occur when two people are trying to live together and that made for excellent reading. Throw in a world in chaos, with a crazy woman trying to resurrect the dead along with killing the dragons, you have an action-packed world, full of character and heart.
With a smooth, steady pace and excitement on every page, this is a wonderful Fantasy Action Romance. I know that there are two books in this series but I am really hoping for more. I loved the world of Chalvaren and hope to see more of it, and the dragons, in the future. Highly recommended for all fans of Fantasy!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 25, 2015
Now, this is the first 'full' book in the Kingdom of Chalvaren series, although there is the novella in which our two main characters meet. What made this book interesting for me is that they were already 'together' right at the start. So although I knew that things had moved quickly in the prequel, it actually made for fantastic reading as the two of them got to know each other and explored their feelings for each other. Trust me when I say those feelings run hot! Their relationship has the normal ups, downs and misunderstandings that occur when two people are trying to live together and that made for excellent reading. Throw in a world in chaos, with a crazy woman trying to resurrect the dead along with killing the dragons, you have an action-packed world, full of character and heart.
With a smooth, steady pace and excitement on every page, this is a wonderful Fantasy Action Romance. I know that there are two books in this series but I am really hoping for more. I loved the world of Chalvaren and hope to see more of it, and the dragons, in the future. Highly recommended for all fans of Fantasy!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 25, 2015
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Manumission in Books
Oct 1, 2022
178 of 230
Kindle
Manumission
By R.A. Hatton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A REBELLION IGNITED BY A FORBIDDEN LOVE.
Within an old kingdom, our elven race of warriors keep humans as slaves, and we thrive.
Until the rebellion started, disturbing the peace and hurting the innocent, now I hunt them, and I will find their hidden base.
When my man servant is killed during an ambush, rage for the loss of a slave brings confusion and chaos into my otherwise commanding and structured life.
He was so much more, meant more to me than my society allows.
I have no time to grieve as a new alliance of enemies has emerged from within my city, and they have plans for me.
Forced me to take part in a traditional breeding programme, but I am nobody’s breeder and I will defy their rules.
Yet, when I meet him, the branded human scheduled for death, he awakens a desire from within that I never knew existed.
He makes me question the rules and I begin to discover the truths long buried in blood.
My name is General Truda and now I must choose between obeying the laws of my species or to free the forbidden human, who repairs my heart.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Or had a strong story and very good character and world building. It was an easy straightforward read that kept you really interested in the outcome. I’m hoping this writer does more in the future.
Kindle
Manumission
By R.A. Hatton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A REBELLION IGNITED BY A FORBIDDEN LOVE.
Within an old kingdom, our elven race of warriors keep humans as slaves, and we thrive.
Until the rebellion started, disturbing the peace and hurting the innocent, now I hunt them, and I will find their hidden base.
When my man servant is killed during an ambush, rage for the loss of a slave brings confusion and chaos into my otherwise commanding and structured life.
He was so much more, meant more to me than my society allows.
I have no time to grieve as a new alliance of enemies has emerged from within my city, and they have plans for me.
Forced me to take part in a traditional breeding programme, but I am nobody’s breeder and I will defy their rules.
Yet, when I meet him, the branded human scheduled for death, he awakens a desire from within that I never knew existed.
He makes me question the rules and I begin to discover the truths long buried in blood.
My name is General Truda and now I must choose between obeying the laws of my species or to free the forbidden human, who repairs my heart.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Or had a strong story and very good character and world building. It was an easy straightforward read that kept you really interested in the outcome. I’m hoping this writer does more in the future.
Merissa (13139 KP) rated Prince of Frogs (Curse of the Dark Kingdom, #1) in Books
May 8, 2023
THE FROG PRINCE is the first book in the Curse of the Dark Kingdom series and manages to tell you all about how the curse was set in place without overloading you with information all at once. Each of the brothers and sister have to deal with a different curse. Alistair is the one who has turned green and has gills, together with a silver metal mask that has fused with his face.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story as Alistair, with help from his 2IC, comes to realise that he is more than just his father's weapon and that things aren't just black and white. Evonna has her own trials and tribulations to contend with and I loved how both sides were worked into the story, making you care about the characters.
There is an overall story arc and a HFN ending. You don't get a marriage but I do feel these will continue to grow in the other stories. One thing I loved is that the sister is the one freed first, even though this isn't her story! I can't wait to read more in this series.
If you're a fan of fantasy romance and fairy tale retellings, then I definitely recommend you try this one!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 8, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this story as Alistair, with help from his 2IC, comes to realise that he is more than just his father's weapon and that things aren't just black and white. Evonna has her own trials and tribulations to contend with and I loved how both sides were worked into the story, making you care about the characters.
There is an overall story arc and a HFN ending. You don't get a marriage but I do feel these will continue to grow in the other stories. One thing I loved is that the sister is the one freed first, even though this isn't her story! I can't wait to read more in this series.
If you're a fan of fantasy romance and fairy tale retellings, then I definitely recommend you try this one!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 8, 2023
With One Kiss (A Sisters Duet #2)
Book
Fall in love with CHERYL HOLT all over again! She delivers the companion novel in her fun and...
Historical Romance Regency
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Intended ( A Culling of Blood and Magic 2) in Books
Apr 21, 2024
74 of 220
Kindle
The Intended ( A Culling of Blood and Magic 2)
By K.M. Rives
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emery may have survived the Culling, but now she’s on the run.
Forced to find her way in a world of magic behind the wards of New Orleans, Emery struggles to accept her newfound identity as a witch and a mother. Her coven is demanding that she choose between the magic she’s always wanted and the child she already loves. Will Emery find the strength to fight for what matters most?
Devastated by the loss of trust in his mate and seeking revenge, Augustine throws himself into the hunt for a murderer within his kingdom. Emery remains his primary suspect, even though there is a side of him that longs for the woman who has captured his heart.
War is brewing in the supernatural world, and a long forgotten prophecy is at play. Can Augustine and Emery overcome the secrets that have torn them apart, and reconcile their past before the future catches up with them?
This was a very emotional read for me in a few places and very close to my own heart without all the magic and vampires! I enjoyed it and it certainly was fast paced. There were a few bits that I could have just skipped but they didn’t take away from how I was enjoying the book.
Please check any trigger warnings as there is a death that is hard to handle for some.
Kindle
The Intended ( A Culling of Blood and Magic 2)
By K.M. Rives
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emery may have survived the Culling, but now she’s on the run.
Forced to find her way in a world of magic behind the wards of New Orleans, Emery struggles to accept her newfound identity as a witch and a mother. Her coven is demanding that she choose between the magic she’s always wanted and the child she already loves. Will Emery find the strength to fight for what matters most?
Devastated by the loss of trust in his mate and seeking revenge, Augustine throws himself into the hunt for a murderer within his kingdom. Emery remains his primary suspect, even though there is a side of him that longs for the woman who has captured his heart.
War is brewing in the supernatural world, and a long forgotten prophecy is at play. Can Augustine and Emery overcome the secrets that have torn them apart, and reconcile their past before the future catches up with them?
This was a very emotional read for me in a few places and very close to my own heart without all the magic and vampires! I enjoyed it and it certainly was fast paced. There were a few bits that I could have just skipped but they didn’t take away from how I was enjoying the book.
Please check any trigger warnings as there is a death that is hard to handle for some.
Daffodils and Dreams (Brodyr Alarch #4)
8.0
Rate It
Book
The weight of the crown presses heavily on Harri as the day of his coronation approaches. Surrounded...
Fantasy Romance Fairytale Retelling Brothers Grimm Welsh Mythology
Merissa (13139 KP) rated The Ruby Dragon Prince (Omega Fairy Tales #1) in Books
Mar 28, 2025
THE RUBY DRAGON PRINCE is the first novella in the Omega Fairy Tales series and is a retelling based on The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Instead, we have six Omega princes and their cruel father, plus Dragon princes!!!
Tovey is extremely close to his brothers, being as they only really have each other. They daydream about what a life could be like, but Rumi doesn't need to. He's found his mate and has been given a small green marble which opens to a different realm. The princes go there and have a ball - literally. Tovey meets with fated mate, Rufus, but leaves to go back with his brothers.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, especially the relationship between the brothers and their responsibility to the kingdom. They are in an untenable situation and are fully aware of it. However, a little bit of magic helps them out in ways I won't talk about because, you know, spoilers.
The scenes between Tovey and Rufus are dynamic, to say the least. I loved the difference in Rufus between catching, half-breeding, fully-breeding, and protecting Tovey. Talk about animal instincts!
This is a world I look forward to returning to, and I'm so happy that bookworm Selle is next. I cannot wait!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 28, 2025
Tovey is extremely close to his brothers, being as they only really have each other. They daydream about what a life could be like, but Rumi doesn't need to. He's found his mate and has been given a small green marble which opens to a different realm. The princes go there and have a ball - literally. Tovey meets with fated mate, Rufus, but leaves to go back with his brothers.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, especially the relationship between the brothers and their responsibility to the kingdom. They are in an untenable situation and are fully aware of it. However, a little bit of magic helps them out in ways I won't talk about because, you know, spoilers.
The scenes between Tovey and Rufus are dynamic, to say the least. I loved the difference in Rufus between catching, half-breeding, fully-breeding, and protecting Tovey. Talk about animal instincts!
This is a world I look forward to returning to, and I'm so happy that bookworm Selle is next. I cannot wait!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 28, 2025
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2387 KP) rated Throne of Threats in Books
Jun 13, 2025
You Are Cordially Invited to a … Kidnapping
Jax is just days away from the event we’ve been waiting for almost as much as she has – her wedding to the youngest son of a ruler of a neighboring kingdom. With friends and family coming in a couple of days before the big event, and a couple of days before the rest of the guests, Jax is hoping for some relaxing before she has to play hostess and politics with her guests. But when Uma, her lady in waiting, goes to pick up the flowers a couple of days before, she is kidnapped. With only a cryptic clue to guide her, can Jax find Uma and rescue her? And will this latest case hurt her relationships with those she loves most?
Any fan of the series has been looking forward to the events of this book. The beginning takes a bit of time getting to the story. Part of that is set up, but some is just general updates on the characters and the realm. Once the kidnapping happens, the pace doesn’t let up. I loved how things came together. I also loved getting to spend time with these characters again. They truly are fun. Reactions to the events of the story felt realistic, and part of that is because of elements from the past books that are mentioned in passing. It feels like we’ve turned a page in the series, and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Any fan of the series has been looking forward to the events of this book. The beginning takes a bit of time getting to the story. Part of that is set up, but some is just general updates on the characters and the realm. Once the kidnapping happens, the pace doesn’t let up. I loved how things came together. I also loved getting to spend time with these characters again. They truly are fun. Reactions to the events of the story felt realistic, and part of that is because of elements from the past books that are mentioned in passing. It feels like we’ve turned a page in the series, and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Purple Phoenix Games (2266 KP) rated Bellum Magica in Tabletop Games
Jan 1, 2022
One of the many recent trends in board games has been that of playing as the villains in the game’s lore. One of the bigger games that I remember employing this little shift is Legendary: Marvel Villains, and another that I truly enjoy is Disney Villainous. There is just something about playing as the bad guys in a game that is designed for the bad guys to finally win. Enter Bellum Magica, a game that I didn’t even realize existed until it arrived on my door step from Blue Orange Games. I wonder, will this one find its way into my collection permanently?
Bellum Magica is a medieval fantasy engine building game for two to five players. In it, players are evil lords waging war on a local village and each other in an attempt to becoming the richest lord of all. The winner is the player who earns the most VP from treasure chests looted during the game.
DISCLAIMER: We were provided a copy of this game for the purposes of this review. This is a retail copy of the game, so what you see in these photos is exactly what would be received in your box. I do not intend to cover every single rule included in the rulebook, but will describe the overall game flow and major rule set so that our readers may get a sense of how the game plays. For more in depth rules, you may purchase a copy online or from your FLGS. -T
To setup, each player chooses a castle board and is randomly dealt two goblin cards to be added to the castle. These goblin cards have icons on the left and the right of the main character art, and will slide beneath the main castle board on either side to activate their icons for the duration. Next, the human kingdom (that will inevitably be attacked by players) is setup per number of players and placed on the table. The two different creature decks are shuffled and two cards from each pile are revealed. The other tokens are placed in the insert “token reserves” and are available to all. The first player takes the die and is known as the Captain. The game is now setup and ready to begin!
Each turn consists of six phases and, luckily, the game comes with a couple player aids to remind players of the order. First, the Captain rolls the die to Choose an active horde. Whichever result is rolled will then activate the corresponding line on the castle board, with all icons activating during the turn. If a player is unsatisfied with the rolled result, they may discard a barrel token in order to buy a round of drinks for the Captain, forcing them to re-roll the die. The Captain may also discard a Confusion Spell token in order to re-roll the die as well. These items are earned later in the game from different actions. Next, all players Gather resources (collect items) shown on the line that is activated on their castle board and any cards that have been added to alter these items (see photo below). Players will compare treasure map icons shown on the active line, and Call back their scouts who have gone in search of treasure chests. The player with the most icons will collect a metal chest, and if players are tied for the most, they each instead collect a wooden chest.
Once all items have been collected, players may enact the Attack action in turn order. Depending on the number and types of sword icons showing on the right side of players’ castle boards, they may choose to attack one of the face-up kingdom cards in the offer OR may choose to instead attack another player. In order to attack, the player will need to possess at least as many normal swords and/or magic swords as are showing on the kingdom card or on an opponent’s castle board. By successfully attacking, the player will collect spoils shown on the kingdom card, or may steal a treasure from an opponent, provided the attacker also possesses a thief icon on the active line.
When attacks are all resolved, players may next Recruit creatures from the setup creature decks by paying the recruitment costs (in food and glyph tokens). Players then decide under which side of their castle board they will slide the newly-acquired creature to aid in their efforts on future turns. These creatures can provide more resources or more attacking icons, depending on the side added.
After all these phases have been completed, the End of the Turn phase aptly finishes the turn. Cards are replenished and the new Captain is passed the die. Play continues in this fashion until one player has ten treasure chests at the end of an Attack phase. The player with the most VP from collected treasure chests is the winner!
Components. This game boasts some excellent artwork and some of the cutest little tokens I’ve seen. Firstly, the art is simply amazing. I love the looks of it, and the game is beautiful on the table once setup and playing. There are three types of wooden tokens that just make me smile while playing with them: little chicken legs, beer barrels, and cool little purple glyphs. I honestly wish they were bigger, but I understand cost of manufacturing places limitations when trying to keep products within a certain price point. All said, though, the components are great with this one!
I have one super tiny rule shrug: the addition of the Confuse Spell token and its rules. Now, I think I understand WHY it exists – these can be used every turn a player is Captain. So, it acts like a beer barrel, but is useful on future turns when you are Captain. If players are good at the game, and if you play with the full complement of players, you may not have many turns as Captain before someone wins, so I guess I don’t fully agree with the necessity of the Confusion Spells… except to further instill the fantasy theme.
That said, I still really enjoy Bellum Magica as a gateway-level engine builder. The more cards you add to your castle board, the better opportunities you give yourself to gain more and more resources throughout each turn. I have found that getting yourself a magic sword icon or more as soon as possible helps setup bigger turns and can be the difference between victory and embarrassment. As the kingdom cards start running out, their difficulty level increases, so having those extra magic swords come in handy big time. Also, investing in thief icons to be able to control other players’ treasure chest hoards may be invaluable. There are many ways to craft each turn to maximize effectiveness, and that helps keep Bellum Magica relevant and exciting to play.
It is probably no surprise by now, but I do enjoy playing Bellum Magica. When I first tried reading the rules I was a bit confused and wasn’t quite sure what the point was, but as I started playing more and more, the rules are really just pared down, almost like an outline or first draft. If you can stick with it and get it to the table, I believe you will find a very capable gateway engine building game with an accessible theme and great art and components. Purple Phoenix Games gives this one metal treasure chested 4 / 6. I do believe I will continue to love it more and more as I play it more and more. If you align with my board game tastes, this is an easy one to recommend. If you and I normally align somewhat, then I might suggest playing someone else’s copy before grabbing one of your own right away. I am more into gateway-weighted games than most reviewers, I’m sure, so this might be a bit lighter than your normal fare. In any case, I think this one needs to be played. A lot. If you ever see me out and about, or at a convention, let me know that you want to play this with me and I will not turn down the opportunity.
Bellum Magica is a medieval fantasy engine building game for two to five players. In it, players are evil lords waging war on a local village and each other in an attempt to becoming the richest lord of all. The winner is the player who earns the most VP from treasure chests looted during the game.
DISCLAIMER: We were provided a copy of this game for the purposes of this review. This is a retail copy of the game, so what you see in these photos is exactly what would be received in your box. I do not intend to cover every single rule included in the rulebook, but will describe the overall game flow and major rule set so that our readers may get a sense of how the game plays. For more in depth rules, you may purchase a copy online or from your FLGS. -T
To setup, each player chooses a castle board and is randomly dealt two goblin cards to be added to the castle. These goblin cards have icons on the left and the right of the main character art, and will slide beneath the main castle board on either side to activate their icons for the duration. Next, the human kingdom (that will inevitably be attacked by players) is setup per number of players and placed on the table. The two different creature decks are shuffled and two cards from each pile are revealed. The other tokens are placed in the insert “token reserves” and are available to all. The first player takes the die and is known as the Captain. The game is now setup and ready to begin!
Each turn consists of six phases and, luckily, the game comes with a couple player aids to remind players of the order. First, the Captain rolls the die to Choose an active horde. Whichever result is rolled will then activate the corresponding line on the castle board, with all icons activating during the turn. If a player is unsatisfied with the rolled result, they may discard a barrel token in order to buy a round of drinks for the Captain, forcing them to re-roll the die. The Captain may also discard a Confusion Spell token in order to re-roll the die as well. These items are earned later in the game from different actions. Next, all players Gather resources (collect items) shown on the line that is activated on their castle board and any cards that have been added to alter these items (see photo below). Players will compare treasure map icons shown on the active line, and Call back their scouts who have gone in search of treasure chests. The player with the most icons will collect a metal chest, and if players are tied for the most, they each instead collect a wooden chest.
Once all items have been collected, players may enact the Attack action in turn order. Depending on the number and types of sword icons showing on the right side of players’ castle boards, they may choose to attack one of the face-up kingdom cards in the offer OR may choose to instead attack another player. In order to attack, the player will need to possess at least as many normal swords and/or magic swords as are showing on the kingdom card or on an opponent’s castle board. By successfully attacking, the player will collect spoils shown on the kingdom card, or may steal a treasure from an opponent, provided the attacker also possesses a thief icon on the active line.
When attacks are all resolved, players may next Recruit creatures from the setup creature decks by paying the recruitment costs (in food and glyph tokens). Players then decide under which side of their castle board they will slide the newly-acquired creature to aid in their efforts on future turns. These creatures can provide more resources or more attacking icons, depending on the side added.
After all these phases have been completed, the End of the Turn phase aptly finishes the turn. Cards are replenished and the new Captain is passed the die. Play continues in this fashion until one player has ten treasure chests at the end of an Attack phase. The player with the most VP from collected treasure chests is the winner!
Components. This game boasts some excellent artwork and some of the cutest little tokens I’ve seen. Firstly, the art is simply amazing. I love the looks of it, and the game is beautiful on the table once setup and playing. There are three types of wooden tokens that just make me smile while playing with them: little chicken legs, beer barrels, and cool little purple glyphs. I honestly wish they were bigger, but I understand cost of manufacturing places limitations when trying to keep products within a certain price point. All said, though, the components are great with this one!
I have one super tiny rule shrug: the addition of the Confuse Spell token and its rules. Now, I think I understand WHY it exists – these can be used every turn a player is Captain. So, it acts like a beer barrel, but is useful on future turns when you are Captain. If players are good at the game, and if you play with the full complement of players, you may not have many turns as Captain before someone wins, so I guess I don’t fully agree with the necessity of the Confusion Spells… except to further instill the fantasy theme.
That said, I still really enjoy Bellum Magica as a gateway-level engine builder. The more cards you add to your castle board, the better opportunities you give yourself to gain more and more resources throughout each turn. I have found that getting yourself a magic sword icon or more as soon as possible helps setup bigger turns and can be the difference between victory and embarrassment. As the kingdom cards start running out, their difficulty level increases, so having those extra magic swords come in handy big time. Also, investing in thief icons to be able to control other players’ treasure chest hoards may be invaluable. There are many ways to craft each turn to maximize effectiveness, and that helps keep Bellum Magica relevant and exciting to play.
It is probably no surprise by now, but I do enjoy playing Bellum Magica. When I first tried reading the rules I was a bit confused and wasn’t quite sure what the point was, but as I started playing more and more, the rules are really just pared down, almost like an outline or first draft. If you can stick with it and get it to the table, I believe you will find a very capable gateway engine building game with an accessible theme and great art and components. Purple Phoenix Games gives this one metal treasure chested 4 / 6. I do believe I will continue to love it more and more as I play it more and more. If you align with my board game tastes, this is an easy one to recommend. If you and I normally align somewhat, then I might suggest playing someone else’s copy before grabbing one of your own right away. I am more into gateway-weighted games than most reviewers, I’m sure, so this might be a bit lighter than your normal fare. In any case, I think this one needs to be played. A lot. If you ever see me out and about, or at a convention, let me know that you want to play this with me and I will not turn down the opportunity.
