Kelly St. Clare's Of Skulls Of Shackles is a dark fantasy romance that plunges readers into a world where the boundaries between power and obsession blur, and where the fate of kingdoms hangs by a thread. This novel is a masterful blend of intricate world-building, morally complex characters, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is a tale that is as much about the internal battles of its characters as it is about the external conflicts that threaten their world.

The blurb sets the tone for the novel, hinting at a narrative steeped in prophecy and destiny. The poetic opening lines suggest a world where fate is woven with golden threads, and where the ancient and the modern collide. This sets the stage for a story that is both epic in scope and intimate in its exploration of character. The prophecy speaks of five powers and an icy demise, hinting at a looming threat that must be faced by the protagonist, an immortal queen who finds herself short on time despite her eternal nature.

The protagonist's journey is one of obsession and power, as she grapples with the burdens of immortality and the responsibilities of leadership. The blurb's mention of princes as pawns and princesses as champions suggests a world where traditional roles are subverted, and where the lines between ally and enemy are blurred. This theme of moral ambiguity is central to the novel, as the queen must navigate a world where the stakes are high and the consequences of her actions are far-reaching.

St. Clare's writing is rich and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a world that is both beautiful and terrifying. The novel's setting is a character in its own right, with its own history and secrets that are gradually revealed as the story unfolds. The author's attention to detail is evident in the way she describes the landscapes, the architecture, and the magic that permeates the world. This creates an immersive experience for the reader, drawing them into a world that feels both familiar and fantastical.

Character development is one of the novel's strongest points. The protagonist is a complex and multi-dimensional character, whose motivations and desires are explored in depth. Her struggle with obsession and power is portrayed with nuance, making her a relatable and sympathetic character despite her flaws. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each with their own motivations and arcs that intersect with the protagonist's journey. The dynamic between the queen and the five kings is particularly compelling, as it explores themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal.

The novel's exploration of power dynamics is reminiscent of other dark fantasy works, such as Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series or V.E. Schwab's Shades of Magic trilogy. Like these authors, St. Clare delves into the complexities of power and its impact on individuals and societies. However, Of Skulls Of Shackles stands out for its unique blend of romance and fantasy, and its focus on the internal struggles of its characters.

The romance in the novel is intense and passionate, adding an emotional depth to the story. The relationships between the characters are complex and multifaceted, with love and desire intertwined with power and ambition. This adds an additional layer of tension to the narrative, as the characters must navigate their personal desires while facing external threats. The novel's mature themes and "heaped teaspoons of spice" make it a compelling read for fans of dark fantasy romance.

Overall, Of Skulls Of Shackles is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of dark fantasy and romance. Its rich world-building, complex characters, and exploration of power and obsession make it a standout in the genre. Kelly St. Clare has crafted a story that is both epic and intimate, with a narrative that will linger in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned. For those seeking a novel that challenges conventions and explores the darker side of fantasy, Of Skulls Of Shackles is a must-read.