Rhapsodic

The Bargainer #1

By Laura Thalassa

TheStory

Eight years ago, Callie, a siren, killed her abusive stepfather. In a panic, she called on the Bargainer to strike a deal in order to keep the authorities from finding out. Over the course of a year, she kept calling on him and now she owes him 322 favors.

Only repayment will clear the debts.

Seven years after the last deal was struck, Callie finds the Bargainer in her room. Now, she knows he is here to collect. His first request is a truth for a bead. But something is happening in the Otherworld and the Bargainer will need Callie’s help to save his people. 

TheReview

The story starts out a bit confusing but you can tell it’s all going to piece together. It flip flops between the present and small flashbacks to the past, eventually bringing the storyline together. Normally, I don’t care for multiple timelines but this one was succinct and made sense. 

The world building and character background left something to be desired but, with a little imagination, you can get there. Ultimately, the whole book is a love story in a fantasy setting. This book seems like a set up for the rest of the series, rather than its own story. Almost like a prequel. 

The best part of this book was the characters - main characters and side characters. They weren’t trying too hard or lacking information. They were well rounded and great for the story.

Some of the reviews I saw prior to reading complained about the Bargainer going from evil to nice way too quickly - without any build up. However, I found that he was really only nice to Callie so… obviously. He’s still morally grey and awful to other people, but not to Callie, which is the whole point. She’s special to him.

I loved this book. I went into it with no expectations because everyone’s issue seemed to be it not living up to the high expectations they had. So, I just went in chill, essentially only knowing that it was a fantasy romance centered around a bargain struck between two characters. Therefore, it fully delivered on my expectations. 

TheRating

Storyline: 4/5

Characters: 5/5

World Building: 4/5 

Writing: 4/5

Overall: 📘📘📘📘

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

The Bargainer Series

Rhapsodic

The Bargainer #1

A Strange Hymn

The Bargainer #2

The Emperor of Evening Stars

The Bargainer #3

Dark Harmony

The Bargainer #4