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fanboyriot's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
🔥 Slow Burn
🤝 Mutual Pinning
💍 Arranged Marriage
This book was great for people wanting to read sci-fi but get overwhelmed by the thought of it. Besides few names I had to look up the pronunciation of, it was fairly easy to read. I enjoyed how well the sci-fi and romance mixed with this book, there was also a bit of mystery to the plot as well.
Kiem was honestly such a lovable idiot and worked so well with Jainan. I would have liked a little more romance but the plot was good too. The romance itself is a bit of a slow burn, the main plot, focusing much more on the political scheming, and an alleged murder that might just be a cover-up, and in general dealing with diplomatic relations.
I got this book from Etsy in a Blind Date with a Book from @theannexlibrary and was so happy with it!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1366979807/
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1366979807/
Spice Level: 🌶️ (1/5)
Release Date: 28, December 2021
POV: Duel, Third Person
Rep: LGBTQIA+ characters, Domestic Abuse (past)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Toxic relationship, Rape, Xenophobia, Colonisation, Emotional abuse, Death, Kidnapping, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual violence, and Torture
Minor: Blood, Gun violence, Medical content, Medical trauma, Bullying, Mental illness, Cursing, Murder, Racism, Car accident, and Confinement
lunarexorcist's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was so obviously written by someone who grew up on AO3. That has so much potential to be an embarrassing mess for everyone involved. But it works, and I want to read more of it yesterday.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Medical trauma, Car accident, Xenophobia, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Gun violence and Rape
evidoe's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This is one book I really enjoyed but would not indiscriminately recommend. I think its a book that will really appeal to certain readers and may fall flat with others. I enjoyed the slow-burn romance with light sci-fi world building but I think fans looking for pure romance might find the romance a bit slow and may be frustrated with the closed-door nature of the intimacy in the book, while fans looking for a pure sci-fi may find the plotting of the sci-fi world a bit light. I enjoyed the mix. I think there was enough of each for me.
One of the main things that stood out for me was the aching slow burn of the romance, The plotting did rely a bit on miscommunication/misunderstanding, but I think it worked in the novel, The reasons for the misunderstanding were deeply woven into some of the core plot details and character's emotional arcs (Jainan's previous experience of an arranged marriage, and Keim's self-narrative as a disappointing royal).
I really enjoyed the world-building details around gender. Specifically how gender was indicated, not by one's physical body type but presented by what kind of jewellery they wore. non-binary genders were also an accepted and normalized part of this world. I think some of the romance choices, such as the closed-door nature of the intimacy between characters was also done as a choice to preserve this system. We are never given details about the characters that would allow us to place them neatly into our own understanding of cis-normative gender.
The murder mystery was lightly plotted, and easy to figure out, but was more of a backdrop for the character's emotional journey. There are so many aspects of this universe I would love to explore further. I hope the author goes into a little more depth for some of the planets we were introduced to in further books.
I think it helped that I am familiar with its AO3-influenced style plotting and mesh of genre, with romance being the main theme. the focus is on the characters, and there are a few popular tropes in there like the classic "only one bed" and "huddle for warmth" , so was not disappointed or bothered that the plot took us on a scenic meander rather than being tightly packed and fast-paced. Especially because I found the characters endearing. I also liked how the subject of the psychological impact of domestic violence was handled.
One of the main things that stood out for me was the aching slow burn of the romance, The plotting did rely a bit on miscommunication/misunderstanding, but I think it worked in the novel, The reasons for the misunderstanding were deeply woven into some of the core plot details and character's emotional arcs (Jainan's previous experience of an arranged marriage, and Keim's self-narrative as a disappointing royal).
I really enjoyed the world-building details around gender. Specifically how gender was indicated, not by one's physical body type but presented by what kind of jewellery they wore. non-binary genders were also an accepted and normalized part of this world. I think some of the romance choices, such as the closed-door nature of the intimacy between characters was also done as a choice to preserve this system. We are never given details about the characters that would allow us to place them neatly into our own understanding of cis-normative gender.
The murder mystery was lightly plotted, and easy to figure out, but was more of a backdrop for the character's emotional journey. There are so many aspects of this universe I would love to explore further. I hope the author goes into a little more depth for some of the planets we were introduced to in further books.
I think it helped that I am familiar with its AO3-influenced style plotting and mesh of genre, with romance being the main theme. the focus is on the characters, and there are a few popular tropes in there like the classic "only one bed" and "huddle for warmth" , so was not disappointed or bothered that the plot took us on a scenic meander rather than being tightly packed and fast-paced. Especially because I found the characters endearing. I also liked how the subject of the psychological impact of domestic violence was handled.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Domestic abuse
Minor: Colonisation, Medical trauma, Physical abuse, and Murder
kirkspockreads's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Violence, Torture, Kidnapping, Murder, Mental illness, Confinement, and Death
Minor: Cursing, Sexual violence, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Grief
lh_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Medical content, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Violence
alphacenterin's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Medical trauma, and Torture
just_one_more_paige's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Anything advertised as romance in space is likely to get an immediate add onto my "TBR" list. And this spectacular mix of my two favorite escapist genres was the perfect addition to my "vacay reads" packing stack. So, one binge-read experience later (because once I picked this one up, I absolutely was not able to put it back down), here we are.
For years, the Iskat Empire has held power in its region of space through political alliances and treaties. But with an upcoming treaty renewal on the horizon, the time is ripe for anyone chafing under Iskat's rule to bring the unrest, with the planet Thea at the forefront. When the untimely death of Prince Taam leaves his Thean partner, Jainan, a widower (and the planet of Thea without an Iskan representative), a marriage between Jaianan and Iskan Prince Kiem (a bit of a disreputable minor noble) is rushed through in order to keep stability in the region during the tense treaty-signing process. Although they only met each other about ten minutes before their marriage, Jainan and Kiem find themselves in ever more complex situations as evidence comes to light that Taam's death may not have been an accident. Facing bureaucratic red tape, false accusations, secrets coming to the surface, conspiracies, and the potential for an interplanetary war, the two band together to represent their countries competing interests and joint safety, while also coming to terms with their own pasts, inner strengths, and ever deepening real feelings for each other.
Oh my goodness did this book give me life! I'm calling it now: it's going to make my 2022 favorite books of the year list. I read a few reviews before picking it up, which was good, because it tempered (a bit) my expectations regarding the romance - I think the comparison to RWARB had people expecting a bit more heat than is actually in these pages, which could be a letdown, I totally agree. However, while not the same kind of bright burning-young love, high heat romance, it is a spectacular example of what it is: the most excruciatingly perfect, incredibly sweet, mature slow burn romance ever. OMG, my feels. Kiem and Jainan are the perfect opposites: Kiem is all outgoing and talking-too-much and messy and friends with everyone (one of my fav types of characters to read on page - so fun, so much snort laughing), while Jainan is all self-contained and detail oriented and quietly intense. But their personalities and sense of humor and strengths/weaknesses played off each other to perfection in furthering both the plot and their relationship throughout this novel. I loved the way Kiem and Jainan both got each other to realize they were more than they thought they were/could be. And their final interaction at the end...I turned the last page and literally just hugged the book. Swoon. So yea, maybe slightly misadvertised romance-wise, but it sure was everything I wanted it to be.
Alright, other than Kiem and Jainan's romance, there was a lot of other stuff to love about this book too, so let me work on getting all those reactions out as well. Let's talk about the world-building. Primarily, the universal (though different culture to culture, so props for that) gender communication signals/signifiers are fantastic. Love, love, love. Past that, dang but it was detailed and complex for a standalone. In fact, I would maybe caution people who aren't used to intense sci fi/fantasy world-building when starting this, because there are a few gaps one has to fill in for themselves and some feeling lost that happens, and doesn't all get explained away, just due to the fact that there isn't enough time/space for it all. I loved it, honestly, because it made everything feel more legit, to know how much more of the world was behind it (kind of like the iceberg being so much bigger under the surface, as compared to what you can actually see). This is especially true because (and I loved this too), Kiem and Jainan are not chosen ones or “great destinies” but just two people trying to do their best for themselves and their peoples, which means their understanding and exposure to the world (which are the POVs we get it through) is limited by their own place in it. However, there is some "just go with it" that this requires from the reader, and not everyone is comfortable with that. And it means I would totally be here for a follow-up standalone - I definitely want more from this world and these characters! But yea, I loved the "we're just normal people trying to live our lives and we don't really have any power" vibe Kiem and Jainan give off (similar to The Long way to a Small, Angry Planet). It's a character type in sci-fi/fantasy that doesn't always happen and it's one of my favorites. The way they fought for themselves and each other was awesome, and did have some far-reaching consequences, but afterwards they returned to their previous lives, albeit with slightly more self-confidence, love and friendship, grudging respect from the Emperor and the bureaucracy, and slight job-based promotions. "Normal" characters FTW!
Speaking of characters, this book had some great supporting ones. Bel was awesome - I am a sucker for a grey-shaded strong female character. Honestly, I kinda loved the Emperor for similar reasons; she was sarcastic and strong willed AF, with no fucks to give but a clear willingness to take advantage when a convenient option presents itself and she can do it with no political backlash to herself. And Taam...I spent the first half knowing something was super off about him, and then when we realized what it was...UGH the anger (strong CW for an abusive and unhealthy relationship). Which made Kiem's good-natured protectiveness all the sweeter. And I'm personifying General Fenrik, all his supporters, and the bureaucracy into one major "bad guy" that really stands in as a representation of individual political ambition at the expense of less powerful populations. Sadly, always a timely and applicable commentary. And finally, if you like elaborate political intrigue and international governmental drama, with just enough action scenes to keep things moving (think An Empire Called Memory and A Desolation Called Peace), then I can promise you will want to read this. There's also a very similar understated, but clear, romance in each (one that plays a central role and is deliberately paced in perfect time with the plot, but never overtakes the political aspects).
Basically, this was a wholesome (with some steam, for sure) slow burn romance deeply intertwined with a sci-fi political drama of the highest order, and I couldn't stop turning the pages!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Colonisation, Sexual content, Murder, Grief, Medical trauma, and Violence
werewolvesnotswearwolves's review
adventurous
reflective
tense
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Violence, Mental illness, Medical content, Blood, Torture, Death, Sexual content, Murder, Medical trauma, Injury/Injury detail, and Grief
Minor: Drug abuse
astudyinfic's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I was entranced by the book. The way the relationship grew between Kiem and Jainen was a thing of beauty. The growth from both characters and the political intrigue going on around them kept me engrossed from the first page until last and left me wanting more.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical trauma, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
ruthiedr89's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Bullying, Racism, and Gaslighting
Minor: Colonisation, Confinement, and Kidnapping