Reviews

A vaguely interesting story that suffers from poor plot decisions and stilted, cliche relationships. Also, I am annoyed by their design decisions for the audiobook cover and since that's my thing, I'm knocking off a quarter point for that, as well.

In negotiating with the baddie, Robin asserts that if his sister is harmed, he'll kill himself. And the baddie, who is supposed to be both intelligent and ruthless, is like Oh Darn i guess I'm beat. and UH! Just tell Robbily Bobbily that if he offs himself, his sister's life is forfeit. Bam! FTFY. And when they do get the jump on the baddie, they confoundingly opt to put a (totally removable, as Edwin demonstrated earlier) blood oath on them and then give them the two things they wanted: the object, and Robbelio's cooperation. Guys! Stop! Call your fucking attorney, you can get a way better deal out of this!

As far as personalities go, Robby is Warm and Edwinge is Cold. Never mind that they've both suffered. Time and again, it's Rob making space for Edwin to grow (frequently at Robin's own expense) and Edwin walking all over him because he's damaged? and? scared? I have read a few stories at this point in which a fairly neurotypical person falls for someone plainly on the spectrum, and the ones that do it best give both people characteristics that uplift the other. But at this point, Robin appears to have been signed up for being Edwin's lover, therapist and caretaker. Their relationship is not equitable and ROBIN DESERVES BETTER, DAMMIT.

Confusingly, the two of them start out mildly repulsed by the other, physically. Not in a "He's so frustratingly attractive!" kind of way. No like I think they call each other bland and unremarkable? THIS IS FANTASY, FREYA! YOU CAN MAKE IT A LITTLE LESS REALISTIC AND MORE INTERESTING, IT WOULD BE OKAY. As such, their shift to infatuation feels abrupt and unwarranted. Frankly, with a little therapy, Edwin's ex would probably be a way better match for Robin. Who knows.

Anyway I really wanted to like it but the fact that there are more books in the series just kind of makes me tired and worried

for Robin