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emilylovesbooks94's review against another edition
5.0
With plenty of action, scheming, and a dash of romance, the next phase of Caelan's adventure kept me riveted from start to finish! Now that I know and love these characters, the stakes feel even higher than they did before--especially with each and every reveal about the true nature of their quest. It was thrilling to see Drayce, Rayne, Eno, and Caelan strategize and execute a plan to take back their home from the Empire, even though it seemed like nothing went right along the way. Unexpected allies, battles, treacherous figures, and heartbreaking betrayals were just a few of the things in store for these men, and I was utterly captivated by the quick-thinking and adaptability that ensured their escape whenever things took a turn for the worse. Jocelynn Drake has done a fantastic job with the world-building in this series and knows exactly how to leave a trail of breadcrumbs for me to gobble up as I try to wrap my head around the bigger picture. The scope of Caelan's journey is so far beyond seeking justice for Erya now, and I can tell that I've barely scratched the surface of what's really at play. If I had to complain about anything (though this book was amazing and doesn't deserve it!), it would be that the romances took a back seat to the rest of the storyline. It's not really reasonable for me to expect these men to make time for sweet gestures and heated nights when they're literally on the run, but after such a tantalizing first book I was greedy for more of their explosive chemistry. Even though this story didn't have much in the way of physical connection, I was pleased by the way the emotional side of Rayne/Eno and Caelan/Drayce's relationships progressed. I could feel a strong bond forming between the couples, and though they may not have been able to express it with touches I could still feel it in the shared glances and conversations they had. Between the heart-pumping action sequences, lore development, and camaraderie between the four main characters, this book kept the momentum going strong, and I'm so excited to see what's in store when these guys travel to Zastrad!
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
3ll3's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
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? No
3.75
sassy_booklover's review against another edition
5.0
Book two of the series find our four main characters continuing to fight the battle with the Emperor which leads them on a mission to return home. Caelen is battling to control the one god he has bonded with while trying to save another and his home, all the while battling his feelings for Drayce. Rayne and Eno must do everything they can to keep their prince alive to become king while keeping their relationship secret. More battles, betrayals, and love fill the second book in this series as they continue their journey.
kaity_b's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
a good second book but I am seeing a lot of similarities to Harry Potter haha and other books. Yes it is different since all these character are lgbt in some way, but also it’s with Godstones and not Horcruxes.
Drayce… you are someone who needs to have duck tape permanently put on your mouth sometimes haha he has to read the room better. He would not make a good secret spy that’s for sure..oh wait.. haha
Eno and Rayne.. umm I feel your connection for sure but your little issue at the end of this book… ya.. no not a fan haha
And Caelan, you are fine, but idk, nothing too special about you.
Overall it was a middle of the road read, honestly not a lot made this super memorable for me. I am waiting until the rest of the books are on audio since Kale Williams narrates and he’s doing a great job.
a good second book but I am seeing a lot of similarities to Harry Potter haha and other books. Yes it is different since all these character are lgbt in some way, but also it’s with Godstones and not Horcruxes.
Drayce… you are someone who needs to have duck tape permanently put on your mouth sometimes haha he has to read the room better. He would not make a good secret spy that’s for sure..oh wait.. haha
Eno and Rayne.. umm I feel your connection for sure but your little issue at the end of this book… ya.. no not a fan haha
And Caelan, you are fine, but idk, nothing too special about you.
Overall it was a middle of the road read, honestly not a lot made this super memorable for me. I am waiting until the rest of the books are on audio since Kale Williams narrates and he’s doing a great job.
ravenmicheleee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
lydiaaa's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
3.0
indusnm's review against another edition
5.0
First of all, this is a bit of a slow-burn. And yet not for some of these people so for those who are here for the sex, there is some of it. But for the most part, there's a lot of questions of duty versus love, that ever-important will I mess up a good thing conundrum, and so much action going on, not much time for people to really think those issues through. Which makes sense. There were moments in the books when I wanted to shake them and yell at the author to give them a break, but it seems more realistic that they don't get one. Because they shouldn't, in their circumstances. The conspiracies and politics, the moral dilemmas and grief warring with anger, thirst for revenge versus doing the next right thing- all of it feels real and makes me love all four of the main characters, especially Caelan.
Each book in this series has an ending, but it's like the ending of each star wars movie (original trilogy only please) until Return of the Jedi, where you have a pause and a chance to regroup, and the realization of how much is left to do. I thought at first there were only three books but from the ending of the second, it looks like there should be five, or six, which I'm unsure about because this author wrote the Weavers (along her frequent partner Rhinda Elliott) and while that started strong and quickly became a favorite, book four made me feel a little done with the series, and a little like the authors feel the same way. So I'm hoping this series ends before I feel that way because I'm loving it right now.
Each book in this series has an ending, but it's like the ending of each star wars movie (original trilogy only please) until Return of the Jedi, where you have a pause and a chance to regroup, and the realization of how much is left to do. I thought at first there were only three books but from the ending of the second, it looks like there should be five, or six, which I'm unsure about because this author wrote the Weavers (along her frequent partner Rhinda Elliott) and while that started strong and quickly became a favorite, book four made me feel a little done with the series, and a little like the authors feel the same way. So I'm hoping this series ends before I feel that way because I'm loving it right now.
teresab78's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
There was a lot of danger, suspense, and magic! At the core were the relationships of our four men; their loyalty and love for each other as friends was as important as the blossoming of romance between the two pairs. While this book resolves the main objective, there is so much more to go before they get their HEA
There was a lot of danger, suspense, and magic! At the core were the relationships of our four men; their loyalty and love for each other as friends was as important as the blossoming of romance between the two pairs. While this book resolves the main objective, there is so much more to go before they get their HEA
runawry's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
jacqueleenthereadingqueen's review against another edition
4.0
This book was just as fast paced as the first. Except, this time, instead of heading away from home, it's time for them to return. Tula, the goddess of life, awaits back at the ruined remains of Caelan's home. Time has come for him to bond with the goddess of the lifestone. After what happened when Caelan bonded with God of Storms, I didn't have high hopes that this would be the end of their mission to save Erya. I am later proven correct, when Tula has another journey necessary for our favorite quartet. They are far from out of the woods yet.
As for the romances, we have some movement on the Cael and Drayce front. Of course, not as much as as I would have liked. We're talking real slow burn here guys. As for Eno and Rayne, their foundation isn't as solid as it could be either. Then again how could it be when they constantly find themselves fighting for their lives, not to mention how they both have a sworn duty to put their King and Country before all. This is definitely a plot based series, but I really do enjoy the budding romances and look forward to the next adventure in book 3.
As for the romances, we have some movement on the Cael and Drayce front. Of course, not as much as as I would have liked. We're talking real slow burn here guys. As for Eno and Rayne, their foundation isn't as solid as it could be either. Then again how could it be when they constantly find themselves fighting for their lives, not to mention how they both have a sworn duty to put their King and Country before all. This is definitely a plot based series, but I really do enjoy the budding romances and look forward to the next adventure in book 3.