My last book of 2025 was Daggerspell by Katharine Kerr. Daggerspell is an epic fantasy novel from the late ’80s. The story takes place in ancient Wales (or a Welshlike world), where three noblemen vie for the love of the same woman and it ends tragically. But then reincarnation, fate, and magic work to keep bringing their souls back to life until they set things right.
In their third incarnation, the souls are reborn as the mercenary knight Cullyn and his sword-fighter daughter Jill, and the lord Rhodry who becomes Jill’s love interest. There is also Nevyn, an herbalist/magician who is the only survivor of the initial tragedy. He cannot die until all their souls have lived up to their destiny, so he watches over the others and attempts to guide them in the right direction.
Daggerspell held my interest pretty well for most of its 454 pages, though I could have lived without the incest scene (ick!) from the characters’ first incarnation. I also struggled to get through the last 100 pages or so. That may have been a pacing issue but more likely my mood. I thought that the book’s magical system and reincarnation angle were interesting, so I ultimately gave it a B+ grade, meaning I enjoyed it but won’t keep it. For readers who really enjoy Daggerspell, there’s a whole series that follows.
I am currently reading Verity by Colleen Hoover. I’m about 110 pages into this so-called “standalone romantic thriller,” and so far I would describe it as gripping and very, very spicy. I’m interested to see where it goes.