Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
Didn't manage to catch me – I guess it's just not my thing.
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read this book 10 years ago and still think about it every day.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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:
N/A
Final rating..... probably a 3.75, almost a 4. It was a relatively short read and it didn't drag so that's always a plus. Definitely feel like this is a true "enemies to lovers" storyline (from what I've seen on Instagram they eventually become lovers.....pretty sure they do anyway). But I feel like the author has really captured that "if I could kill you I would" enemy feeling of the trope. It's not some trivial "I just don't like you" sentiment between Laurent and Damen. There's genuine hate and distrust between these two. I'm intrigued by the world building and would like to learn more ......it's giving me the feel of a Greek empire (Vere) and a Roman empire ( Damen's previous kingdom). Also I'm seriously curious about the whole plot of getting rid of Laurent. His uncle, The Regent, seemed like a caring uncle/authority figure but as the book progressed..... I'm not sure what to think anymore! Either way, I'm willing to give book 3 a chance to see where the story goes.
TW:
Be careful cause there’s- rape, slavery, sexual slavery, bad stuff, abuse, trauma I think?, and a lot of messed up stuff.
I enjoyed the book and I can see why other people didn’t. But whatever floats ur boat ig
Be careful cause there’s- rape, slavery, sexual slavery, bad stuff, abuse, trauma I think?, and a lot of messed up stuff.
I enjoyed the book and I can see why other people didn’t. But whatever floats ur boat ig
All together the book is not a literary masterpiece, the writing is average and the plot definitely has some holes in it, but it’s entertaining. I blew through it in a day and will probably finish the series this week. If you’re looking for some good-ol banter, proper enemies to lovers, and aren’t sensitive to all the heavy elements, it won’t hurt to read.
I understand why this book is very polarizing - topics like rape, abuse, slavery, pedophilia and etc. (YES there is an etc necessary here) are prevalent throughout the whole story. However, these topics are mostly handled fine. I wouldn’t say it’s a fantastic commentary on sexual abuse and its effects, but there is only one part I found lacking. (dw, no spoilers ahead)
When something happened to the main character of the story, it was not highlighted and commented on enough. I didn’t really like that, but after giving it some thought I understand that can be because he himself is the narrator, and he doesn’t seem to take his own abuse seriously. He always comments on the wrong doings around him, and the ones he doesn’t I can rationally excuse as the result of his upbringing that has caused him to see it as normal (keeping slaves in his homeland).
All and all, i would say it’s a fun book that has to be approached with caution, but i also believe it is far from romanticizing abuse as many people claim.
I understand why this book is very polarizing - topics like rape, abuse, slavery, pedophilia and etc. (YES there is an etc necessary here) are prevalent throughout the whole story. However, these topics are mostly handled fine. I wouldn’t say it’s a fantastic commentary on sexual abuse and its effects, but there is only one part I found lacking. (dw, no spoilers ahead)
When something happened to the main character of the story, it was not highlighted and commented on enough. I didn’t really like that, but after giving it some thought I understand that can be because he himself is the narrator, and he doesn’t seem to take his own abuse seriously. He always comments on the wrong doings around him, and the ones he doesn’t I can rationally excuse as the result of his upbringing that has caused him to see it as normal (keeping slaves in his homeland).
All and all, i would say it’s a fun book that has to be approached with caution, but i also believe it is far from romanticizing abuse as many people claim.
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Slavery
challenging
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
fast-paced
I had heard good things about this book and it does not disappoint.
It is not my usual taste , slow burn, LGBTQ+ , sword and sandals era. But the political intrigue and true ETL is compelling and makes me want to jump right into the next volume.
It is not my usual taste , slow burn, LGBTQ+ , sword and sandals era. But the political intrigue and true ETL is compelling and makes me want to jump right into the next volume.