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jp1920's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Sexual content, Death, Grief, Torture, and Child abuse
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Mental illness, Death of parent, War, Blood, Gaslighting, and Stalking
Minor: Kidnapping
allingoodtime's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Wow. Somehow Gena Showalter got me to accept that Blythe fell in love with Roux although he killed her husband. Very recently, I might add. Although this is the third book that deals with the Warlords and their invasion of Harpina in order for them to complete some vital tasks, only two months have transpired from the invasion until when this story really gets underway. I didn’t know if I’d believe that Blythe could forgive Roux. The author deals with this in a series of subtle and not-so-subtle ways as this story progresses and, in the end, I was all in on these two falling head over heels in love.
In some ways, Roux has the same egotistical slant as his brothers/friends. There are also many differences. Not only does Roux carry many burdens for his group of warriors, but he also has no outlet the way many of them do. It is excruciating for him to be touched so he cannot lose himself to a lover. He cannot even tolerate a friendly hug or slap on the back. Everything is bottled up inside of him, in ways you can’t even imagine, and it’s a wonder he is still standing. But with Blythe, he ends up being patience personified. He’s annoyed and frustrated, yet he understands her hatred of him and accepts her vitriol without argument.
Once the walls come down between these two, in true harpy fashion, Blythe is committed. It takes a while, which is understandable, but also had some parts of the book drag a little bit. Intellectually, I know Blythe needed to have a full arc with every emotion and doubt under the sun for her love and, even more, her devotion to Roux to make sense. Still, I did get frustrated with her at times.
I love going along for the ride as this author always finds a way for the warriors and their mates to find a way to win their battles, time and time again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Child abuse, and Grief
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