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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
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:
Yes
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I COULD NOT STOP READING THIS!!!
READ THE TWs: https://www.ariananashbooks.com/post/...
I gotta say that I haven't read Ariana's Silk & Steel series, because I have issues with the non-con incest. After this I'll go with no fear and with the hopes it'll have a similar depiction as here. Not that it was easy to read it here but it was NOT graphic and it helped... somewhat... that Ariana hit the ground running with this story!
This first part of the Court of Pain Duology is brilliant, intricate, intriguing and enthralling!!! Lark is brilliant and so tortured and Ariana better give him everything he wants in the second book or we'll have words! Arin should get his head out of his a$$ and use his noggin!!!
I'm wishing Lark's brother all the torment in the world!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
READ THE TWs: https://www.ariananashbooks.com/post/...
I gotta say that I haven't read Ariana's Silk & Steel series, because I have issues with the non-con incest. After this I'll go with no fear and with the hopes it'll have a similar depiction as here. Not that it was easy to read it here but it was NOT graphic and it helped... somewhat... that Ariana hit the ground running with this story!
This first part of the Court of Pain Duology is brilliant, intricate, intriguing and enthralling!!! Lark is brilliant and so tortured and Ariana better give him everything he wants in the second book or we'll have words! Arin should get his head out of his a$$ and use his noggin!!!
I'm wishing Lark's brother all the torment in the world!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
dark
This book had a little bit of everything I love…the world building was sensational, it was dark, full of political intrigue and scheming and at the heart of it, two men who were undeniably drawn to one another. Just when you think you have a handle on what’s going on, Ariana whips the rug out from under your feet and leaves you questioning everything you thought you knew. The story was full of twists and turns that kept me on my toes, each new revelation more shocking than the last.
I can’t decide who had it worse, Arin or Lark…
Arin was full of good intentions and truly believed his actions could prevent the walls from crumbling down around him, even at the sacrifice of his own happiness. He was the mysterious prince who had kept himself locked away in his room for years, seemingly oblivious to everything unravelling under his nose. However, this couldn’t have been further from the truth. He took it upon himself to singlehandedly try and save his court, but he didn’t bargain for the full force of his feelings for Lark and the consequences of his actions.
Lark was the fool, the jester... playing whatever role was required of him whilst trying to be the puppeteer of his own game. He was of course living a lie, his role at the court of love had a far more sinister purpose. We learn his past, where he came from and his darkest secrets... the real reason for him being there and his true identity. My heart broke for Lark and everything he had endured (and continued to endure). I loved seeing him momentarily escape into his music to be genuinely free.
Despite the chemistry between Arin and Lark, as each new truth revealed itself, I began to question if this was a relationship that could truly ever happen and whether they could ever find some semblance of happiness together. The tension and build up between them was fabulous.
So much scheming is underway, the prince of the court of pain is playing his own deadly game and everyone else is just along for the ride. I cannot wait to see where this leads us!
Lastly, let’s also take a moment to appreciate Draven.. yes I said appreciate.. whilst I’m sure he’s hoping for a certain outcome and most definitely acting on his own desires, he showed incredible character and grace to recover from his ordeal and play the role he did.
I can’t decide who had it worse, Arin or Lark…
Arin was full of good intentions and truly believed his actions could prevent the walls from crumbling down around him, even at the sacrifice of his own happiness. He was the mysterious prince who had kept himself locked away in his room for years, seemingly oblivious to everything unravelling under his nose. However, this couldn’t have been further from the truth. He took it upon himself to singlehandedly try and save his court, but he didn’t bargain for the full force of his feelings for Lark and the consequences of his actions.
Lark was the fool, the jester... playing whatever role was required of him whilst trying to be the puppeteer of his own game. He was of course living a lie, his role at the court of love had a far more sinister purpose. We learn his past, where he came from and his darkest secrets... the real reason for him being there and his true identity. My heart broke for Lark and everything he had endured (and continued to endure). I loved seeing him momentarily escape into his music to be genuinely free.
Despite the chemistry between Arin and Lark, as each new truth revealed itself, I began to question if this was a relationship that could truly ever happen and whether they could ever find some semblance of happiness together. The tension and build up between them was fabulous.
So much scheming is underway, the prince of the court of pain is playing his own deadly game and everyone else is just along for the ride. I cannot wait to see where this leads us!
Lastly, let’s also take a moment to appreciate Draven.. yes I said appreciate.. whilst I’m sure he’s hoping for a certain outcome and most definitely acting on his own desires, he showed incredible character and grace to recover from his ordeal and play the role he did.
One word - Masterpiece.
My mind is blown and I can barely breathe after that ending (OH. MY. GOD.
My mind is blown and I can barely breathe after that ending (OH. MY. GOD.
I picked this up because I wanted queer political fantasy... I don't exactly know what I got.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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
3.5
After finishing this book, I have a lot of mixed feelings. The beginning was hella good, but in the middle, I lost that spark. The love interest was getting better and better until the betrayal. The love was kinda gone. The plot changed. I understand the whole plot was one big lie, but from my point of view, the love interest was the most important.
Nonetheless, I am curious for the next book.
After finishing this book, I have a lot of mixed feelings. The beginning was hella good, but in the middle, I lost that spark. The love interest was getting better and better until the betrayal. The love was kinda gone. The plot changed. I understand the whole plot was one big lie, but from my point of view, the love interest was the most important.
Nonetheless, I am curious for the next book.
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Incest, Rape, Violence, Suicide attempt, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement