The Second Death of Locke is a romantasy novel, part of The Hand and Heart series, written by V.L. Bovalino, published by Orbit Books. A story that gets the best out of slow-burn romance and the hardest of yearnings, playing with the concept of friends to lovers, while also giving us an enthralling plot featuring questing, found family, romantic tension and magic.

A novel centered on Grey Flynn, a knight whose devotion to her mage Kier runs deep; she's her warrior, her healer and her guardian. A bond that will be tested to the ultimate consequences when they are sent on a dangerous mission at the centre of a brutal war; but a quest that also puts in danger Grey's secret identity, putting them between the rock and the wall, having to decide how much they are willing to sacrifice to keep their secret.

Bovalino's craft shines especially with such a character as Grey: a brilliant FMC, fierce, almost obsessive about her duty towards Kier, ready to sacrifice for him. A sort of feminine rage that contrasts a bit with how her duty battles against her feelings towards Kier, driving a delicious amount of yearning. It is true that Kier is outshined by Grey; he might land as a bit too perfect, sweet and caring with Grey (and the rest of the group), but I would have appreciated a bit of grey touches over him. The slow-burn romance between these two characters and the struggles they face are one of the highlights of the book.
The motley crew vibes between the rest of the cast that are part of their quest could also be described as an aspect of love, that bond that is established on the road; they are a great complement to our main story.

The medieval fantasy setting is certainly immersive, putting attention to small details to help the reader picture themselves in the middle of the story; the political intrigue was also a nice detail that added a bit more of complexity to the plot. The magic system establishes an interesting dynamic between mages and wells, and also gives Locke vital importance in the equilibrium of power.

The Second Death of Locke is an excellent romantasy novel, a "lady knight" novel that will be loved if you enjoy delicious amounts of yearning and a well executed friends-to-lovers romance. Can't wait for the second standalone story in the series!