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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Really enjoyed the first half of the book but felt the later half dragged. I also just never came around to liking one of the romantic leads.
I was very frustrated by Sarricas inability to use his words and his generally careless attitude towards his kids and partners. I also didnt think Sarrica did nearly enough apologising to make up for his behavior and I struggled to understand why Allen fell for him. Honestly wouldve prefered Allen to join a throuple with Rene and Tara
3.5
Cute and well-written, as has been everything I've read by Derr. This one was a bit sappy for me and I'd have liked a bit more development in the relationship.
Cute and well-written, as has been everything I've read by Derr. This one was a bit sappy for me and I'd have liked a bit more development in the relationship.
I wasn't sure about this narrator because I initially wanted a British/European-sounding narrator but this narrator grew on me.
I read this several years ago and enjoyed it; it was also enjoyable this time around. I really liked how the two leads are clearly strong in very different ways, but they do work together well (once they actually, ya know, get together).
This is a fantasy in that it's set in a land that doesn't resemble ours at all, and there's some magic in the background/hinted at (mpreg is very very vaguely alluded to), but there's not really any magic in the forefront, nor magical creatures. This is mainly a story about politics and people.
The story that isn't the romance moves along at a brisk pace. I didn't mind that the romance wasn't there right away and instead the story focused on other things. I thought the story also handled grief and moving on in a respectful and realistic manner.
Finally, something I'm trying to recognize in my reviews (mentally and/or here on GR) is that one of the reasons that this book worked so well for me is because both leads had friends and connections/support apart from the romance. (I've been noticing that there are some books that fall flat for me, despite critical acclaim/general acclaim and this is one of the main reasons.)
If the summary sounds good, you'll probably enjoy the story!
I read this several years ago and enjoyed it; it was also enjoyable this time around. I really liked how the two leads are clearly strong in very different ways, but they do work together well (once they actually, ya know, get together).
This is a fantasy in that it's set in a land that doesn't resemble ours at all, and there's some magic in the background/hinted at (mpreg is very very vaguely alluded to), but there's not really any magic in the forefront, nor magical creatures. This is mainly a story about politics and people.
The story that isn't the romance moves along at a brisk pace. I didn't mind that the romance wasn't there right away and instead the story focused on other things. I thought the story also handled grief and moving on in a respectful and realistic manner.
Finally, something I'm trying to recognize in my reviews (mentally and/or here on GR) is that one of the reasons that this book worked so well for me is because both leads had friends and connections/support apart from the romance. (I've been noticing that there are some books that fall flat for me, despite critical acclaim/general acclaim and this is one of the main reasons.)
If the summary sounds good, you'll probably enjoy the story!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-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
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
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:
Yes
Loved this one a lot more than I thought I would! To be fair, it is right up my alley with annoyances to lover, political intrigue, and lots of queer characters. I read the audio book which was also a joy to listen to. I'll probably go back and read this one again - very fun, fast paced, and lots of little details with potential for expansion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Torture, Murder
Minor: Bullying, Xenophobia
The pacing felt oddly fast and slow at the same time. Things happened quickly, characters figured things out fast, but little happened. I expected this book to be about Prince Allen and High King Sarrica reluctantly falling in love, but it was mostly an adventure book. Halfway in, and the two had hardly spent any time together. I wasn’t very interested in Allen going off on his own and all the issues going on back in Harken. I wanted more interactions between the two and was disappointed they split ways so early on.