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bzliz's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
In hindsight, now that I’ve read this book, I feel like I should go back and lower my rating for the two previous books because I was very generous. It shouldn’t matter to me but my perception changes when something is traditionally published after previously being independently published. In this case, someone should’ve told the author to scale back on the amount of perspectives and time periods because it was beyond excessive. There had to be a better way to share information with readers.
The other big flaw was the near constant back and forth between Nadir and Lor after about the 50% mark where they reiterate mutual love and trust before making out in public or having sex. I’ll give a pass to the first spicy scene because it symbolizes that establishment of trust and that the tension finally has an outlet but the scenes after really didn’t add anything and could have been omitted in favor of making more of the convoluted lore make sense. Another thing that bothered me was that Tulli can’t seem to commit when it comes to anyone’s background of trauma and abuse unless it’s sexual abuse. She makes allusions to serious past torture and secrets that characters are still holding deeply within themselves but won’t let them heal from any of it with the exception of Lor’s sexual abuse within the prison.
I’m not convinced Tulli fully thought through the implications of some of the world she built. There’s a scene where two characters discuss serious topics while receiving blow jobs, after which the women fetch them drinks and it’s all treated like it’s normal. Do those women want to be there? Are they happy with this profession? Why are these two men comfortable discussing sensitive matters while involved in this sex act? Are the women compelled to silence due to their profession? Is that not a form of slavery? One of these men is in essence a salve himself so why is he so cavalier about this act? The more I think about this scene, the more it annoys me because I don’t think the author considered any of these things. I think she just wanted to cram as much spice as possible into this book, as is evidenced by this scene and countless other thoughts of sexual acts characters have at wildly inappropriate times.
The other big flaw was the near constant back and forth between Nadir and Lor after about the 50% mark where they reiterate mutual love and trust before making out in public or having sex. I’ll give a pass to the first spicy scene because it symbolizes that establishment of trust and that the tension finally has an outlet but the scenes after really didn’t add anything and could have been omitted in favor of making more of the convoluted lore make sense. Another thing that bothered me was that Tulli can’t seem to commit when it comes to anyone’s background of trauma and abuse unless it’s sexual abuse. She makes allusions to serious past torture and secrets that characters are still holding deeply within themselves but won’t let them heal from any of it with the exception of Lor’s sexual abuse within the prison.
I’m not convinced Tulli fully thought through the implications of some of the world she built. There’s a scene where two characters discuss serious topics while receiving blow jobs, after which the women fetch them drinks and it’s all treated like it’s normal. Do those women want to be there? Are they happy with this profession? Why are these two men comfortable discussing sensitive matters while involved in this sex act? Are the women compelled to silence due to their profession? Is that not a form of slavery? One of these men is in essence a salve himself so why is he so cavalier about this act? The more I think about this scene, the more it annoys me because I don’t think the author considered any of these things. I think she just wanted to cram as much spice as possible into this book, as is evidenced by this scene and countless other thoughts of sexual acts characters have at wildly inappropriate times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Kidnapping
Minor: Confinement, Rape, Sexual violence, Slavery, Toxic friendship, and Classism
literarymary95's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.25
This book felt about the same level as the previous book (Rule of the Aurora King). It felt like an adventure and a lot was happening but it made sense. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the chapters with the first rulers. It made the story feel slightly disjointed, but you understand their purpose by the end of this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Rape, Torture, and Blood
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, and War
brecox's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
I haven’t read a book that’s left me shaking, crying, and screaming at the ending in a good while. This did all of that. I want to throw it across the room. I need the fourth book immediately.
Fate of the Sun King continues the epic journey of Lor and Nadir. I am absolutely consumed by their story!!
The book is once again multiple POV, oscillating from first person of 3 different characters and multiple times from a third person omniscient. While I think she struggled to make this work in the Aurora King, this time it worked beautifully. Each character has a distinct voice, one in particular’s snarky banter being much needed comedic relief.
Tuli’s character development is spot on in this third book. While I don’t want to feel anything but hate for certain characters, I still can see how their flaws make them either redeemable or at least worthy of some empathy. I really appreciate finally seeing more development of Gabrielle.
The world building continues to be amazing. I wasnt sure it was possible to have more of a backstory to Ouranos, but boy was I wrong. These flashback chapters, much like in book two, provided much needed knowledge of the world’s history- but slowly, and not giving away too much too soon.
The ending. The freaking ending. This book ripped my heart out multiple times. When I thought I was all was ok, it was not. The ending will destroy you.
My one complaint is how I knew it wasn’t going to end on a very happy note. The characters were obviously too happy and content halfway through the book. Any reader of romantasy knows that can’t stay throughout.
Overall, I loved this book. Tuli created a magical story with woven with magic, hope, heartbreak, and deception.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. RIP my sanity until the 4th book.
Fate of the Sun King continues the epic journey of Lor and Nadir. I am absolutely consumed by their story!!
The book is once again multiple POV, oscillating from first person of 3 different characters and multiple times from a third person omniscient. While I think she struggled to make this work in the Aurora King, this time it worked beautifully. Each character has a distinct voice, one in particular’s snarky banter being much needed comedic relief.
Tuli’s character development is spot on in this third book. While I don’t want to feel anything but hate for certain characters, I still can see how their flaws make them either redeemable or at least worthy of some empathy. I really appreciate finally seeing more development of Gabrielle.
The world building continues to be amazing. I wasnt sure it was possible to have more of a backstory to Ouranos, but boy was I wrong. These flashback chapters, much like in book two, provided much needed knowledge of the world’s history- but slowly, and not giving away too much too soon.
The ending. The freaking ending. This book ripped my heart out multiple times. When I thought I was all was ok, it was not. The ending will destroy you.
My one complaint is how I knew it wasn’t going to end on a very happy note. The characters were obviously too happy and content halfway through the book. Any reader of romantasy knows that can’t stay throughout.
Overall, I loved this book. Tuli created a magical story with woven with magic, hope, heartbreak, and deception.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. RIP my sanity until the 4th book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
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