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woza's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Slavery, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Incest, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Alcohol
Minor: Biphobia, Blood, and Bullying
nat_kiverse's review against another edition
1.0
Graphic: Body shaming, Physical abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Toxic relationship, Cursing, Homophobia, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, Sexual content, Blood, Murder, Sexism, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Child abuse, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Torture, Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Confinement, Emotional abuse, and Sexual harassment
20sidedbi's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.25
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Toxic relationship, Torture, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Homophobia, Emotional abuse, Blood, Pedophilia, Trafficking, Forced institutionalization, Physical abuse, Confinement, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Incest, Slavery, Violence, Sexual violence, and Murder
afi_whatafireads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I went in expecting more romance but I got more politics instead π
I mean, not that I hated it. I would think the politics in here are actually quite well written and the I can see that the romance would be the SLOWEST. BURN. EVER.
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Short Summarys
Damen is the rightful heir to Akielos and when his stepbrother pulled a coup d'etat on his family, not only he was stripped of power, but he was sent as a slave to the neighbouring country, in which, the current prince harbors a deep, deep, hatred , especially for him. Sold as a slave, Damen had to keep his identity in order to survive and to at least gain his strength to save his country, whilst having to work with his now-master that loathes him to his very core.
Personal Thougts
I would say this makes a VERY slowburn romance, with LITERAL, enemies-lovers. The way Damen and Prince Laurent LOATHED each other, its to a point that you felt sorry for Damen sometimes on how he was treated.
Writing-wise, this is my first book from Pacat and I have to say, its not bad. Its straightforward, with a hint of lyrical writing but its not too-overly done. Its pitched as a romance fantasy, and I can say, for the first book, there's not much romance (which I don't mind) because I enjoyed the court politics.
The Politics in this book was well-written. For something that is pitched as romance fantasy, the politics in this book is something that I enjoyed. Everyone here is scheming something and I like that Damen did not lose himself even he had been beaten down. As much as Laurent is cold and cruel in this book, I also like his character. He exudes a persona that just bows down to people but has his own plans up his sleeves, which I can't wait to find out in the second book.
Pacing-Wise I think one of my problems with the book was the pacing. I was okay with the idea but it got a bit tedious and repetitive when Damen was CONSTANTLY tortured. I mean, I get it, you hate the guy, but I felt that Damen's torture scene got boring at some point. There was also parts that I felt was a bit unnecessary and the plot can progress faster.
Overall
I went in not knowing much about the book but I am surprised to say that the book kinda grew on me and I'm anticipating how it will turn out in the second book. Please come in with precautions as this book consists very gory scenes, but its one that I'd say I'm actually looking forward to? I'm curious on Laurent's and Damen's relationship so , yes, I'll continue with the second book to see how it goes.
Graphic: Gore, Murder, Infidelity, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Rape, War, Death, Death of parent, Hate crime, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, and Drug abuse