My ratings for Paladin's Grace
Overall Rating: A great mix of cozy romance, mystery and adventure
Spice Level: Slow-burn romance with real emotional depth
Re-readability rating: great book series to read a few times
Summary of the novel
Stephen is a paladin of the lost god of bravery. He is struggling to find purpose after his god’s death. Haunted by grief and guilt, he now serves in the Order of the Rat, trying to live a life of quiet service.
Enter Grace—a perfumer with a sharp mind and a painful past. Her world collides with Stephen’s when she witnesses an assassination attempt, and before she knows it, she’s tangled up in political intrigue, running for her life, and reluctantly accepting help from a paladin who’s far too noble for his own good.
As the danger escalates and secrets unfold, Stephen and Grace find themselves growing closer—not just as allies but as two people trying to heal from past wounds. But trust isn’t easy, especially when survival demands keeping secrets. With assassins lurking in the shadows and a tangled web of power plays closing in, can they afford to let their guard down?
Key details
Mood of the story
Lingering trauma, treason, poison and framing
Central Themes
Healing, redemption, found family, trust, and second chances
Audience
Perfect for fans of fantasy with slow-burn romance, and a touch of political intrigue
My opinion on Paladin's Grace
T. Kingfisher doesn’t just write fantasy—she writes about real people living in a fantasy world. And that’s what makes Paladin’s Grace stand out. Yes, there’s action. Yes, there’s danger. But at its heart, this is a story about two people finding each other at their lowest points and helping each other heal.
One of my favorite aspects is how well the book balances introspection with action. Stephen and Grace are both carrying heavy burdens—Stephen from the loss of his god, Grace from a past betrayal that still haunts her. Their relationship isn’t instant fireworks; it’s a slow, steady flame built on mutual understanding and trust. And that makes their relationship all the more satisfying.
Another refreshing element? The main characters aren’t teenagers. They’re full-grown adults in their thirties and forties, bringing a level of maturity and emotional depth that you don’t always see in fantasy novels. And let’s be honest—watching two emotionally damaged adults fumble their way through romance is endlessly entertaining.
Characters
Stephen is a paladin without a god. He is noble, protective, and utterly lost. He’s spent years struggling with self-worth, convinced he’s nothing without divine guidance. And yet, he keeps going. He’s kind, even when he believes he doesn’t deserve kindness in return. Watching him slowly regain his confidence and realize that he is enough—god or no god—is so rewarding.
Grace is a perfumer with a tragic past. She is sharp, pragmatic, and wary of trusting others. She’s refreshingly practical—no naive damsel in distress here. She’s been hurt before, and she’s not about to let history repeat itself. Her interactions with Stephen are beautifully written, and her slow realization that she can trust again is just as compelling as the romance itself.
‘Maybe there’s no such thing as enough. Maybe the best we can do is just keep going.’
The Order of the Rat is Stephen’s fellow paladins, who are the unsung heroes of this book. They’re gruff, battle-worn, and absolutely hilarious. They tease, they fight, they support each other in ways that feel deeply real. Their camaraderie brings warmth to even the darkest moments of the story.
The story
At its core, Paladin’s Grace is about healing. Yes, there’s action, mystery, and political intrigue, but the heart of the story lies in its quiet moments—the ones where Stephen and Grace slowly learn to open up, where trust is built brick by brick.
Stephen isn’t a traditional hero. He’s not out to save the world. He’s just trying to do the right thing, even when he doesn’t believe in himself. And that makes him deeply relatable. Meanwhile, Grace’s struggle to trust again after betrayal adds layers of emotional depth. Their romance is slow, careful, and ultimately, deeply rewarding.
‘You are not nothing. You matter. If you were nothing, you wouldn’t leave a hole behind when you were gone.’
The political intrigue and murder mystery elements keep the pacing engaging, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Every plot thread, no matter how small, feels meaningful and expertly woven into the larger narrative.
You’ll love this fantasy novel, if you enjoyed…
If these books are already favorites of yours, then you’ll love Paladin’s Grace:
A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking
by T. Kingfisher
A story about a girl with a magical connection to bread determined to save her town.
Swordheart
by T. Kingfisher
A novel featuring an unconventional heroine and a cursed warrior trapped in a sword.
In this novel, a girl with the power to raise the dead, fighting to find her place in a world that fears her.
Your thoughts?
Did you read Paladin’s Grace? I want to hear your take!
- Who was your favorite character?
- Did you enjoy the slow-burn romance?
- What was your favorite moment in the book?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
