An Intimate Excerpt of The Diary of Our Lady by Kass O’Shire

I’m so excited to review my very first ARC (advanced reader copy)! I’ve loved the cozy fantasy world Kass O’Shire built since I read A Polar Expedition: And Other Stimulating Research Opportunities, the first book in the Shades of Sanctuary series. O’Shire’s books are so unique tonally–the worldbuilding is approached like a scientific discovery, complete with footnotes and analysis. This difference is refreshing in a romantasy space where a lot of books have the same tone, tropes, and structure. Kass O’Shire takes all the good things about cozy romantic fantasy (shapeshifters, mates, swoon-worthy moments) and enhances them.

One of the most interesting things about Shades of Sanctuary is that the characters are discovering their world’s lore and history along with the reader. This exposition strategy allows for readers to gain an understanding of the worldbuilding without becoming overwhelmed, and it allows for novellas like An Intimate Excerpt of The Diary of Our Lady that are like exposition expansion packs. 

I enjoyed reading An Intimate Excerpt of The Diary of Our Lady. It complemented the other books in the Shades of Sanctuary Series while adding some background and context to previously established worldbuilding and setting the stage for an epic romance between gods. I say “setting the stage” because I don’t feel like Orcus and Aviana (the romantic pairing) are able to get to the same emotional depth and vulnerability that other romantic pairings in the Shades of Sanctuary series achieve. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing–I wouldn’t want a rushed, insta-love romance either. 

Kass O’Shire is trying to do a lot in a limited amount of space. It’s a tall order to ask for a lore drop and a fully established romance in a novella. An Intimate Excerpt of The Diary of Our Lady is like an appetizer–I’ve been given just enough lore and just enough romance to make me crave more. I hope we get a full-length novel, or at least another novella, where Orcus and Aviana have some more breathing room to fully explore and develop their relationship, especially because they have so much potential. Orcus and Aviana complement each other, teach each other to be better, to be more human. I can’t wait to read the next part of their story.

Thanks for reading with me,

Katie