Common Sense Media Review
By Sage Moreaux
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Swearing, sex, and blood in uneven adult fantasy-romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In QUICKSILVER, Saeris Fane lives in a desert world parched by a lack of water. She depends on her wits, sharp tongue, and blades to help her survive. But when she steals from the wrong guard, she ends up traveling through a magical portal into another realm, populated by Fae and other non-human denizens. Saeris is told that the strange power that runs through her veins may hold the key to peace between the realms and may be the only solution to keeping her lost family safe. But training in her power means working with Kingfisher, a devastatingly handsome and ornery Fae prince. Torn between irritation and desire, Saeris finds herself struggling to survive in a world where violence and bloodshed linger around every corner.
Is It Any Good?
The story is complex and ambitious, but muddied by confusing plotlines, uneven characters, and reliance on popular tropes. Quicksilver has some unique worldbuilding elements that keep the story interesting, even when bogged down by uninspired banter and lengthy scenes of sexual desire. The combination of fae and vampire, while somewhat unoriginal, adds a fun twist to the story, as does Saeris' achemical powers. While Saeris has the strong-minded, physically adept traits of many popular romantasy heroines, her character falls a bit flat. The romantic tension between Saeris and Kingfisher is a bit heavy-handed at times, and the reasons they have for disliking one another are thin. However, the story picks up later in the book, boding for an exciting sequel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the rise of romanctic fantasy books, such as Quicksliver, that include explicit sex as a key part of the story. Why do you think these types of books have become so popular?
Saeris is a strong-minded young woman with a lot of courage and spunk, and yet she is easily swayed by Kingfisher's charisma. What do the romantic relationships in this book say about gender roles and sexuality?
There's swearing on nearly every page of the book. Do you think the language is necessary or is it excessive? Does including so many instances of swear words take away from their power? Why do you think the author chose to use so much swearing?
How do you feel about the combination of graphic sex and explicit violence set within a fantastical world? Do you think the fantasy setting makes the violence seem more or less realistic?
The enemies-to-lovers plot in this story has two characters who are physically attracted to one another, even though they treat each other with disdain. Do you think this dynamic exists in the real world, or is it heightened for dramatic effect?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Forever
- Publication date : August 3, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 18 - 18
- Number of pages : 640
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 23, 2025
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