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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
This was enjoyable and a good way to pass an evening, but it had its flaws. Even with the line at the beginning, I'm not sure I buy the romance between them given the extremely short time span of the book. I also felt like in the first couple sex scenes the consent felt very contrived, which took me out of the story. I did warm up to their relationship some, I thought their dynamic was engaging, but ultimately I liked the intrigue parts of the plot much more. And those parts were fun! Although I wish it had taken Varazda a little longer to tell his secrets.
As far as the sequel goes, I think now that the relationship is established I may end up liking the second one more, so I'll probably give that one a shot.
As far as the sequel goes, I think now that the relationship is established I may end up liking the second one more, so I'll probably give that one a shot.
I enjoyed this a lot but not as much as Something Human. Looking forward to book 2.
I absolutely flew through this book!! The world building was really interesting. I got sucked into it immediately and it felt real and tangible. The two main characters are also both well-developed and clearly influenced by their respective cultures. And the romance that grew between them was really sweet. Damiskos is such a sweetheart and so serious and honorable. And you can’t help but love him!
Different from many historical romances both by an original and beautifully vivid setting, and through a romance that manages to be realistic while also tugs at every available heartstring.
This was a really interesting blend of slow romance and conspiracy/mystery afoot. The politics and chaos that happened in this kept the plot very engaging, and I loved watching their romance develop!
Enjoyed this so much that I have since bought every other A.J. Demas book available.
2024 reread:
this is way more insta love than I remember actually and the first half is always way more embarrassing than I think it is but I still think it’s p sweet
first read, 2021:
this was lovely in every way. absolutely recommend. can’t wait to read the next two books
this is way more insta love than I remember actually and the first half is always way more embarrassing than I think it is but I still think it’s p sweet
first read, 2021:
this was lovely in every way. absolutely recommend. can’t wait to read the next two books
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
Despite the setting, the vibe is very "British mystery" in it's portrayal. The two main characters compliment each other's strengths really well, and their chemistry is good. I wouldn't say it's sizzling, but it's actually rather healthy and realistic in the way they explore their dynamic together. Varazda's gender expression is explored here and there, and it's quite refreshing! Damiskos is so fun in his very serious consideration of others. Neither characters are over done, neither laying it on too thick. You get a good feel for their personalities, and their flow, so by the end I was excited to keep exploring their relationship together in the next book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Death, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Classism
This is an incredible book. I am so glad I took a chance on it, because I was just introduced to a new favorite author.
A quasi-historical set in the in the countryside of an Ancient Roman or Greek style world, this story introduces us to a semi-retired soldier who is now more of a bean counter due to a tragic occurrence.
At a house party he attends in order to secure a steady source of fish-sauce for the army, he stumbles into a tense political intrigue involving three countries, philosophy students, and a merchant. He also stumbles into an enigmatic sword dancer.
The characters of Damiskos and Varazda are wonderfully portrayed. While the story is from Damiskos' point of view- and I was very quickly attached to the quiet, humble, and intelligent man- the reader also gains a good understanding of Varazda.
The story itself is really well woven, with bits and pieces revealing themselves and coming together seamlessly. There are many characters, but each one stands out with very distinct features and mannerisms. While the main of the story centers around certain key people, there are no superfluous background characters, and everyone has an important role to play. I really enjoyed the simple honesty of and from Damiskos, and even Varazda, juxtaposed against the philosophy students' grandiose and shallow boasting and ideals.
While there is sword play and murder, this is a fairly calm story, in that it takes place in nearly one setting. Almost like a cozy mystery at a country estate, but with sandals and soldiers. And a very well-written romance. I really enjoyed it and am very much looking forward to the second book. I can't wait to follow Damiskos and Varazda anywhere they go. I heartily recommend this as a very good read.
A quasi-historical set in the in the countryside of an Ancient Roman or Greek style world, this story introduces us to a semi-retired soldier who is now more of a bean counter due to a tragic occurrence.
At a house party he attends in order to secure a steady source of fish-sauce for the army, he stumbles into a tense political intrigue involving three countries, philosophy students, and a merchant. He also stumbles into an enigmatic sword dancer.
The characters of Damiskos and Varazda are wonderfully portrayed. While the story is from Damiskos' point of view- and I was very quickly attached to the quiet, humble, and intelligent man- the reader also gains a good understanding of Varazda.
The story itself is really well woven, with bits and pieces revealing themselves and coming together seamlessly. There are many characters, but each one stands out with very distinct features and mannerisms. While the main of the story centers around certain key people, there are no superfluous background characters, and everyone has an important role to play. I really enjoyed the simple honesty of and from Damiskos, and even Varazda, juxtaposed against the philosophy students' grandiose and shallow boasting and ideals.
While there is sword play and murder, this is a fairly calm story, in that it takes place in nearly one setting. Almost like a cozy mystery at a country estate, but with sandals and soldiers. And a very well-written romance. I really enjoyed it and am very much looking forward to the second book. I can't wait to follow Damiskos and Varazda anywhere they go. I heartily recommend this as a very good read.