Fantasy has always been my genre of choice because of its sweeping scale and the
idea that magic lurks around every unexplored corner of the world. Because most
adventures are epic, itโs usually populated with robust characters, ones that
feel special in a book or film where even the world is a character. And the
romances are usually a slow burn, lasting over countless pages (or minutes) and
miles of landscape. You get a chance to see these characters fall for each other
as they struggle to survive and by the end of it, Iโve fallen for them too.
Here are my top 5 crushes from fantasy books and movies in no particular order.
The Darkling from The Grisha series by Leigh
Bardugo- Iโm not usually into the bad guy. I know some folks love them but I
always root for the hero. Except in this book. The Darkling was one of the most
charismatic and tempting baddies Iโve ever had the pleasure of meeting in a
fantasy novel and I was captivated. The moment he was on the page, I couldnโt
stop reading about his darkly enigmatic presence and found myself skimming
through the book for when he was going to show up next.
Logan from DEFIANCE by CJ Redwine-
Thereโs nothing sexy on a guy than his brain and Logan has this is spades. Iโd
really liked his relationship with Rachel, how it felt like they had a past
before even opening the book but what made me realize how much I liked Logan was
when he showed his resourcefulness after getting captured. There are few times
as a reader when I canโt see a way out situations characters find themselves
into but when Logan was trapped in a cell and used nothing but the meager amount
of things on him to get out, I was swooning. Smart guys will always be sexy.
Valek from The
Study series by Maria V Snyder- Valek was one of my first experiences
meeting the rogue archetype and boy, did he sweep me off of my feet. His
knowledge of poison, strategy and espionage made him sizzle off the page. Couple
this with the fact that he trusted Yelena enough to discover things on her own
and later in the series, he relied on her, made him a must for this list. Valek
and his sharp mind and shoulder length black hair more than earned his place in
my heart.
Neville Longbottom from Harry Potter by JK Rowling-
I considered putting the boy hero himself on this list but it wouldnโt have felt
right. As much as I love Harry, he wasnโt the one I fell in love with. Neville
started out as this scared, clumsy kid that everyone disregarded but through the
books, he grew up into the boy that almost was Harry, the one who could have
just as easily been the Boy Who Lived if things had gone differently. He found
himself and with it, he found his courage and heโll always be my favorite for
that!
Westley from THE
PRINCESS BRIDE- Iโm ashamed to say that Iโve never read the novel based off
the movie but it couldnโt stop me from adding the Dread Pirate Roberts in here.
Westley is who started my love for fantasy. I had no idea when my cousin told me
we were going to watch a VHS from the library that I was going to be transported
into a world that was beautiful, funny and full of adventure. I love how Westley
uses his brains, his wit and his undying love for the woman he adores to get him
through any situation. Plus, that little bit of arrogance always leaves me
swooning.
There are so many other amazing characters I had to leave off this list that
have charmed me with their bravery and knowledge. I hope that once you get your
hands on GARDEN OF
THORNS, you might consider Rayce for your list. Heโs definitely on mine but
Iโm biased!
After seven grueling years of captivity in the Gardenโa burlesque troupe of
slave girlsโsixteen-year-old Rose finds an opportunity to escape during a
performance for the emperor. But the hostage she randomly chose from the crowd
to aid her isn't one of the emperor's menโnot anymore. He's the former heir to
the throne, who is now leading a rebellion against it.
Rayce is a wanted man and dangerously charismatic, the worst person for Rose
to get involved with, no matter what his smile promises. But he assumes Rose's
attempt to take him hostage is part of a plot to crush the rebellion, so he
takes her ashis hostage. Now Rose must prove where her loyalties lie, and she
offers Rayce a dealโif he helps her rescue the other girls, she'll tell him all
the Garden's secrets.
Except the one secret she's kept for seven years that she'll to take to her
grave if she must.
Amber Mitchell graduated from the University of South Florida with a BA in
Creative Writing. She likes crazy hair styles, reading, D&D, k-dramas, good puns
and great food.
When she isnโt putting words on paper, she is using
cardstock to craft 3D artwork or exploring new places with her husband Brian.
They live a small town in Florida with their four cats where she is still
waiting for a madman in a blue box to show up on her doorstep.
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