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agmaynard's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Mostly, a warm and cozy story of two people apart for a month, after getting to know each other in a fraught two weeks, figuring if it can work full time. Filled with lovely little domestic details, as well as mundane and less-mundane irritants. A bit slow at times, and the “murder plot” kind of eh, though the two working as a team is great. The next book will wrap up Demi and Verazda’s story.
brambish's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
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
5.0
toshi21's review against another edition
4.0
This book was as enjoyable as the first and we got Varazda’s point of view!
Damiskos and Varazda are reunited after being a month apart and they have to weave their lives back together, including Varazda’s many family members.
Demas does a fantastic job telling the tale of reconnection and blending families together despite the odds.
I was fascinated by the world building and how it all connected together. The Zashians and Pseuchaians are at odds with one other despite being allies.
Varazda was such a fascinating character as they are able to be whatever feels natural and Damiskos follows lovingly.
I loved their relationship so so much. And it was so lovely to see what Varazda thought of Damiskos.
The mystery was fascinating as was the cast of characters. Everyone was different and unique. I wanted to know them all.
I hope there will be another book in the series.
Highly recommend
Damiskos and Varazda are reunited after being a month apart and they have to weave their lives back together, including Varazda’s many family members.
Demas does a fantastic job telling the tale of reconnection and blending families together despite the odds.
I was fascinated by the world building and how it all connected together. The Zashians and Pseuchaians are at odds with one other despite being allies.
Varazda was such a fascinating character as they are able to be whatever feels natural and Damiskos follows lovingly.
I loved their relationship so so much. And it was so lovely to see what Varazda thought of Damiskos.
The mystery was fascinating as was the cast of characters. Everyone was different and unique. I wanted to know them all.
I hope there will be another book in the series.
Highly recommend
estelleisreading's review
5.0
There isn't much action in this book it's focused on Varazda and his relationship with Dami. I thought I didnt like this kind of book but turns out i love it when it's well written with compelling characters.
Reading through Varazda's POV this time was a welcome change.
I loved meeting his friends and brothers, learning about him, who he really is and how he navigates between masculinity and feminity depending on the day. This change is always accepted by his family without questions or raised eyebrows. I loved that! I'm so glad he found these kind people to surround himself. He deserves it. All of them do, really.
The relationship was as lovely as before.The way Dami and him were so gentle with each other warmed my heart. Softest relationship I have read and liked in a while (if not ever).
Honestly, it was like a big hug in book form.
Reading through Varazda's POV this time was a welcome change.
I loved meeting his friends and brothers, learning about him, who he really is and how he navigates between masculinity and feminity depending on the day. This change is always accepted by his family without questions or raised eyebrows. I loved that! I'm so glad he found these kind people to surround himself. He deserves it. All of them do, really.
The relationship was as lovely as before.The way Dami and him were so gentle with each other warmed my heart. Softest relationship I have read and liked in a while (if not ever).
Honestly, it was like a big hug in book form.
tamamorii's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
phibi's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
erinanire's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
5.0
blreese'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
4.5
purrson's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
I’m enjoying this series and these main characters so incredibly much! I wish this series wasn’t stopping at a trilogy, but I recommend it all—the worldbuilding is interesting and the characters are so unabashedly queer! While Book 1 is full of action and high stakes, Book 2 is a little calmer, but there’s so much good bonding and growth, and I love the care it takes with Damiskos’ disability. The protagonists clearly have their own traumas, that are handled quite well. This is set in an alt-Roman type universe, so there is slavery, but it’s not race-based.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Slavery
Minor: Transphobia, Blood, and Domestic abuse
inksofts's review against another edition
4.0
This book was even better than the first book of the series, which is a rare feat! Something about this story just radiates comfort. There are of course found family vibes, and also the precious moments of Dami and Varazda learning more about each other. They communicate so openly; it’s so refreshing to see a romance that has practically no miscommunication. I was also pleased to see the implications of the events in the first book. I had complained that the first story felt too constrained in its setting, but this book ties the issue to the world around it. I’ll definitely read the next book in this series!