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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
adventurous
fast-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
lighthearted
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
adventurous
emotional
sad
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
Allen, who was chosen to be High Consort and betrothed to the High King Sarrica, is understandably frustrated with his future husband who had been nothing but dismissive of him from the start. Despite his soft appearance on the outside, he has a steely resolve and cool exterior, hiding pain from past physical torment. I found him to be a compelling and relatable character.
Sarrica, on the other hand, seemed like a socially inept blockhead who kept putting his foot in his mouth. I found it hard to imagine how he ran his kingdom with his work style and would have found him to be a lot more insufferable if weren’t for the interactions with his ride-and-die friends, Lesto and Rene, the brothers of his deceased former husband.
A good forty percent of this book was about fanning the animosity between them through a series of misunderstandings. It was a lot more painful read than I anticipated, not just in terms of the misunderstandings, especially when you realize they have a lot more in common than they initially let on, but I also wasn’t prepared for Allen to endure physical torture either before they reunite and begin to clear up some (but not all) of the misunderstandings. Both characters are also quite emotionally insecure about each other. I agree with reviewers who mentioned that the main couple spent more time apart throughout the story, and it would have been nice to see them spend more time together to develop their relationship.
The world building is intriguing, and I am curious to read the rest of the series eventually.
Sarrica, on the other hand, seemed like a socially inept blockhead who kept putting his foot in his mouth. I found it hard to imagine how he ran his kingdom with his work style and would have found him to be a lot more insufferable if weren’t for the interactions with his ride-and-die friends, Lesto and Rene, the brothers of his deceased former husband.
A good forty percent of this book was about fanning the animosity between them through a series of misunderstandings. It was a lot more painful read than I anticipated, not just in terms of the misunderstandings, especially when you realize they have a lot more in common than they initially let on, but I also wasn’t prepared for Allen to endure physical torture either before they reunite and begin to clear up some (but not all) of the misunderstandings. Both characters are also quite emotionally insecure about each other. I agree with reviewers who mentioned that the main couple spent more time apart throughout the story, and it would have been nice to see them spend more time together to develop their relationship.
The world building is intriguing, and I am curious to read the rest of the series eventually.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence
Moderate: Physical abuse
A lovely fantasy story that entertains with intrigue, adventure and passion.
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
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
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:
Complicated
*3 stars*
a strong and intriguing beginning but then it went off track from what i thought was going to happen and not necessarily in an enjoyable way.
also, the way they develop feelings towards each other is awfully contrived; i would understand if by the end they were at the 'fond' stage of a relationship because we've started from hate but love? when they've barely talked on page for 5 scenes before the king is rushed to war for 6 months? nope.
a strong and intriguing beginning but then it went off track from what i thought was going to happen and not necessarily in an enjoyable way.
also, the way they develop feelings towards each other is awfully contrived; i would understand if by the end they were at the 'fond' stage of a relationship because we've started from hate but love? when they've barely talked on page for 5 scenes before the king is rushed to war for 6 months? nope.
The characters here are absolutely fantastic - I love the way Derr builds their personalities establishes their roles. As for those roles, I love the way she plays with our gender expectations even more, both with the relationship reveals and the intriguing hints and clues along the way regarding sexuality.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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