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the_bookish_witch's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I enjoyed the book. I found the smut the primary point of the book but well balanced with the world building. I was what I expected and I enjoyed it.
Not fond of the unnecessary death of the horse though, im.hoping it ties into the second book
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and War
Moderate: Animal death, Infidelity, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
diana_raquel's review
- 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
3.75
I discover this book on a list of M/M fantasy romances. And it felt like something that I would like: arranged marriages, political intrigue, it got everything that I like. And I liked it. Really liked it. It a well-structured story, with good and well-developed characters. However, I think it that the pacing was a little fast and certain events could be more spaces-out!
Nonetheless, its a good story that I recommend.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Animal death, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Infidelity, Grief, and War
shaipanda's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Animal death, Sexual content, and Blood
Moderate: Racism, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Infidelity, Xenophobia, Death of parent, and War
greystory's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
While this is kind of that, it fell flat and has a lot of "buts" tacked on to that description I wasn't anticipating.
It felt like things were meandering for most of the story and then suddenly remembered there was a plot and rushed through it before abruptly ending on an unsatisfying "to be continued." That rushed feeling, the sheer immaturity and impulsiveness of both main characters, and the really surface level depth of characters in general gave the whole thing a slightly sloppy feeling.
Found it weird King Ruven says Taegan usually talks out his feelings when at that point (half way through the story), we haven't seen Taegan talk about his feelings with Zorvut once, so he's not even doing that. Things work out when they finally do talk things out but that's not until like 2/3 of the way through the story. (and they bang like repeatedly for weeks prior to that??)
I was annoyed at Taegan's reluctance to even give Zorvut a chance or spend time with him, learn Orcish, his expectance that Zorvut would just compromise everything of his old life to mold himself to elvish ways, and so on. Taegan was super entitled and poor Zorvut deserves better.
By the time I got to the end of the book, I wasn't feeling the warm fuzzies or eager anticipation for the next installment I thought I would; I was kinda pissed. Pissed at Taegan's actions, pissed at Kehlvan, pissed that nobody thought twice about not trusting him, pissed that the King with zero personality was just letting everything happen despite supposedly working for ages on a peace treaty, pissed for the very flimsy excuse for war by the orcs,
PS the book blurb basically has the entire plot already there but doesn't waste 167 pages to say it.
Gods, 10/10 for that cover though!
Graphic: Animal death
Minor: Infidelity, Xenophobia, Death of parent, War, and Injury/Injury detail
ruthiedr89's review
- 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
3.25
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity, Racism, War, and Injury/Injury detail
hungryhornyinsomniac's review
4.5
It's about an elf prince married to the 3rd son of the orc king. The orc Zurvet, is one of the smaller orcs of the sons and is shy and reserved at first. The elf prince Taegan is quick to make this marriage work. The chemistry between the two is very sweet but fast.
When married they form a magical bond sharing their emotions and physical touch through the bond, and it's strong ;) The bond makes it feel 10x as much.
The sex comes 30% in the book and it's frequent. The size difference is chef's kiss. Nothing too crazy besides the self-lubricating body parts.
There are mentions of Mpreg existing in this world. In this world, men can get married and can procreate. No pregnancy happens in this book.
Reason for why I mention infidelity
It's not standalone. There's a twist at the end so you need to read book 2
Moderate: Animal death and Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity and Pregnancy