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yennifer's review
3.0
I really wish there was more of an introduction to this world and the characters because it really felt like I had been thrown in there, almost like it was the second book of a series rather than the first of some interconnected standalones.
I love that L&K didn't fall into the misunderstanding trope because that would have been so frustrating
I love that L&K didn't fall into the misunderstanding trope because that would have been so frustrating
bookwisp's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
nachobaroo's review
3.0
I read it. But it was really weird to me that there were roughly a million names and almost zero character descriptions. It made it hard to get into the story
sarahlreadseverything's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 rounding up
This was so so so enjoyable. The premise and characters are so unique and interesting - the POV male character has the ability to manipulate emotion, but must also feed on other's emotion via touch to survive. The POV female character can sense emotion in others (and therefore catch and call out the male character's actions). Both are being used as tools in a fraught trade negotiation between their respective country's.
Starting from a great premise, it's then beautifully executed. The political machinations are layered and nuanced. The relationship between the main characters as they slowly realise their respective powers puts them in a position to truly *see* one another in a way others cannot is so well developed. Lisca is a fantastic, self-aware and emotionally mature heroine - throughout the whole book she makes her own choices, for herself and is pretty much a badass.
Docking half a star because the world building was sometimes hard to get to grips with - you just get thrown into the story and little is explained explicitly. It's one of the few fantasy books I've read where I've consciously felt the lack of a map.
This was so so so enjoyable. The premise and characters are so unique and interesting - the POV male character has the ability to manipulate emotion, but must also feed on other's emotion via touch to survive. The POV female character can sense emotion in others (and therefore catch and call out the male character's actions). Both are being used as tools in a fraught trade negotiation between their respective country's.
Starting from a great premise, it's then beautifully executed. The political machinations are layered and nuanced. The relationship between the main characters as they slowly realise their respective powers puts them in a position to truly *see* one another in a way others cannot is so well developed. Lisca is a fantastic, self-aware and emotionally mature heroine - throughout the whole book she makes her own choices, for herself and is pretty much a badass.
Docking half a star because the world building was sometimes hard to get to grips with - you just get thrown into the story and little is explained explicitly. It's one of the few fantasy books I've read where I've consciously felt the lack of a map.
needread's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The flow and writing style were immaculate. Relaxing read.
yoonjins's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
mamanug's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
shadowmaster13's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I do love when someone falsely accuses a supernatural creature of trying to seduce them. And this book also has that.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
wildfaeriecaps's review
5.0
This one started a little slow for me, but eventually I was completely pulled in. Watching the dynamic between Lisca and Khiran evolve was a delight. There were a few moments where I felt I was being given way more information about the world/trade/lore/world-building than I needed, but I can acknowledge that it's a "me thing" and probably wouldn't bother other folks. I can also trust that I'll need to have learned all those bits for the upcoming books. And honestly, it never stopped me from reading so it's hardly worth mentioning.
If you like historical romance with magic and fantasy, give this book a try. It's definitely worth your time.
If you like historical romance with magic and fantasy, give this book a try. It's definitely worth your time.
klaire09's review
3.0
Political Romance
This isn’t my usual type of novel but I still found it enjoyable. I liked the description of powers the empath and incubus had, and that the incubus wasn’t a full on sex demon. He could derive energy simply by dancing with someone. The romance was light but this book isn’t romance heavy by any means. Most of the story revolves around negotiations to sign a treaty and becomes a book about political movements rather than a full-fledged romance story. There were moments where I felt the need to skin out of boredom or over explanation. Also, the main characters had moments of doubts/misgivings solely based on assumptions instead of just talking it out. The miscommunication trope happened a few too many times to be enjoyable.
Overall, the world building was very cool and there were quite a few likable characters. However, the romantic aspect was a little too far in the background for me. I recommend for those who prefer lighter reads.
This isn’t my usual type of novel but I still found it enjoyable. I liked the description of powers the empath and incubus had, and that the incubus wasn’t a full on sex demon. He could derive energy simply by dancing with someone. The romance was light but this book isn’t romance heavy by any means. Most of the story revolves around negotiations to sign a treaty and becomes a book about political movements rather than a full-fledged romance story. There were moments where I felt the need to skin out of boredom or over explanation. Also, the main characters had moments of doubts/misgivings solely based on assumptions instead of just talking it out. The miscommunication trope happened a few too many times to be enjoyable.
Overall, the world building was very cool and there were quite a few likable characters. However, the romantic aspect was a little too far in the background for me. I recommend for those who prefer lighter reads.