Onyx & Ivory by Mindee Arnett

Onyx & Ivory (The Rime Chronicles, #1)

by Mindee Arnett

“At once fresh, at once classic, Onyx and Ivory is a page-turning blend of monsters, magic, and romance.” —Susan Dennard, New York Times bestselling author of Truthwitch

Acclaimed author Mindee Arnett thrusts readers into a beautiful, dangerous, and magical world in this stunningly epic and romantic fantasy for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sarah Raasch.

They call her Traitor Kate. It’s a title Kate Brighton inherited from her father after he tried to assassinate the high king of Rime.

Cast out of the nobility, Kate now works for the royal courier service. Only the most skilled ride for the Relay and only the fastest survive, for when night falls, the drakes—deadly flightless dragons—come out to hunt. Fortunately, Kate has a secret edge: She is a wilder, born with forbidden magic that allows her to influence the minds of animals.

And it’s this magic that leads her to a caravan massacred by drakes in broad daylight—the only survivor Corwin Tormaine, the son of the king. Her first love, the boy she swore to forget after he condemned her father to death.

With their paths once more entangled, Kate and Corwin must put the past behind them to face this new threat and an even darker menace stirring in the kingdom.

Reviewed by bookishzelda on

Share
Onyx and Ivory is that fantasy novel I wished more people have read. It’s the perfect blend of what I love. Magic and Romance.

I love the world of Rime. I thought the magic system was extremely interesting as well as the politics. It was so easy to understand, which is always a plus in my book. I really loved the use of the Relay Riders to get messages places. Which helps to set up the events. I thought the plot was executed so well and really drew me in.

I love the characters especially Kate. For all of that she has been through she manages to stay strong. I loved how fierce and protective of her friends she is. She wants to know what truly happened with her father and she is willing to take steps to do so. So she can find closure for what has happened to her. She is also a Wilder. Someone who posses magic outside what is accepted.

Oh Corwin. What a kind human being. I love how he is sees the world fairly. Trying to understand why things happen instead of casting a net over everything. It’s a struggle for him because of the way he lost his mother but he is able to see past anger.

The romance between Corwin and Kate is so sweet. I loved it!! It was so nice to have a history established so nothing seemed like it was happening too fast. Sometimes it felt not fast enough. Ha ha. Really though it made everything feel both easier and harder between the two.

I also loved loved the supporting characters. Especially Kate’s and Corwin’s closest friends. Dal and Signe most of all. I feel like there is still more to be explored with them. I almost want little novellas for them and their past.

Such a great book and I hope more people pick it up and give it the love it deserves.

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 6 January, 2019: Finished reading
  • 6 January, 2019: Reviewed