SWORD AND VERSE and I did not start off well, and clearly, we did not end well. I do have to say that I was in a reading slump when I started this so that definitely could have affected my feelings. This was one of my most anticipated reads because fantasy (YES!) but in reality it turned out to be romance (NO!) 
 I am generally pretty lenient when it comes to fantasy novels because it's my favorite genre. As long as it is that-fantasy. One of the main reasons I disliked SOUNDLESS was because it lacked fantastical elements and SWORD AND VERSE was the same way. Since I did DNF it around 30%, I can't say whether or not that aspect ever picked up. 
 So what was the main focus? The romance. It was apparent from first 5% and wasted no time making itself known. Not only did it feel forced, it was pretty much insta-love. And insta-love? 
 There just wasn't much going on in SWORD AND VERSE. The characters were flat and the plot, outside of the romance, was almost nonexistent and bland. I was waiting for that special something to happen and make reading this one less of a chore. Anything to pick up the pacing and make me care. 
 It may have been my mood at the time, or the standard I hold my fantasy books to, but I was not impressed with what I read from SWORD AND VERSE. However, if you find yourself having a hard time with the fantasy genre this might be one to check out. 
 You can find more of my reviews on Readers in Wonderland!