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zoiejanelle's review
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Seth Haddon is going on my author watchlist. this debut was decent — more than decent, the universe and characters were so intriguing and unique. i only wish there was more time to flesh out the world and dive into the politics, the religions, and the magic system more.
i already noted above the lack of depth to the world, but the romance was unevenly paced and at times confused me. i loved the relatuonship between Balen and Zavrius, but i would have preferred more context about their connection (and break up) and a more consistent dynamic throughout the novel.
once they rekindled their love, things made more sense to me. but the first ~200 pages needed some assistance.
for those seeking ~spice~ please note there were only two explicit sex scenes, plenty of flirting, and quite a few raunchy punchlines.
i would recommend this book to queer readers who love DnD and scandalous romances. (the himbo knight + sassy, dark prince element was right up my alley.) anyone looking for really cool magic systems and wanting to dip their toes into political intrigue stories would also enjoy.
overall, i really liked the book, but i can’t deny it was lacking in the ways a first draft might be. it read much like a fanfiction that needed another round of beta reading.
i already noted above the lack of depth to the world, but the romance was unevenly paced and at times confused me. i loved the relatuonship between Balen and Zavrius, but i would have preferred more context about their connection (and break up) and a more consistent dynamic throughout the novel.
for those seeking ~spice~ please note there were only two explicit sex scenes, plenty of flirting, and quite a few raunchy punchlines.
i would recommend this book to queer readers who love DnD and scandalous romances. (the himbo knight + sassy, dark prince element was right up my alley.) anyone looking for really cool magic systems and wanting to dip their toes into political intrigue stories would also enjoy.
overall, i really liked the book, but i can’t deny it was lacking in the ways a first draft might be. it read much like a fanfiction that needed another round of beta reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, War, Grief, Blood, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent, Child death, Gore, Torture, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Drug use
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Terminal illness, Homophobia, and Animal death
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