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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
the most satisfying slowburn every omg I'm obsessed with this book ❤️
It has a slow start, but I considered it worth the wait. The mystery plotline is much more fun than the blurb advertises and collides with the romance plotline in often hilarious and chaotic ways. I am stoked to see thay there is a planned sequel because I know these idiots will get up to something else good!
adventurous
funny
slow-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:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
don't ask me anything about the plot idc but i love kadou and evemer so much!!! (also evemer is lan wangji coded idc what anyone says)
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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:
Yes
A gripping and beautiful court fantasy, with just the perfect mix of crime, romance and royal scandal.
I loved the two main characters and the fact, that they were not portrait as perfect, but rather as humans.
Because the story is told from both perspectives and rather heavy on the introspection both characters have depth, which makes the book even more enjoyable. Alexandra Rowland also did a good job incorporating mental health issues, without making a character seem like they were only half a person or unlovable. The romance between the two main characters felt organic and healthy, they talked about their problems, fears and boundaries, whilst also facing reasonable relationship issues, which they solved together.
The antagonists however felt shallow and uncompelling, which sadly took away from the storyline.
The author's inclusive writing style, their very LGBTQIA+ friendly and feminist worldbuilding is wonderfully refreshing, although I would have wished to read a bit more about the magic at play and the overall concept of the fantasy world.
Still, I couldn't put the book down and was hooked from the beginning. Would definitely recommend!
I loved the two main characters and the fact, that they were not portrait as perfect, but rather as humans.
Because the story is told from both perspectives and rather heavy on the introspection both characters have depth, which makes the book even more enjoyable. Alexandra Rowland also did a good job incorporating mental health issues, without making a character seem like they were only half a person or unlovable. The romance between the two main characters felt organic and healthy, they talked about their problems, fears and boundaries, whilst also facing reasonable relationship issues, which they solved together.
The antagonists however felt shallow and uncompelling, which sadly took away from the storyline.
The author's inclusive writing style, their very LGBTQIA+ friendly and feminist worldbuilding is wonderfully refreshing, although I would have wished to read a bit more about the magic at play and the overall concept of the fantasy world.
Still, I couldn't put the book down and was hooked from the beginning. Would definitely recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I adored this story.
A delightful political slow burn that kept me wanting but never let me down. The perfect pull and push of feelings of love and fealty. Bodyguarding done right *wink wink*. The final conclusion, oh my heart. *swoons*
I love Kadou and his anxiety ridden self - his character growth was well written and most importantly believable. I enjoyed reading his progression instead of his cure. I feel that many fantasy books use magic as a fix all solution and it was refreshing to see a character develop but also continue to struggle.
Dear Evemer - ignore the shadow daddies, give me the strong, stoic “Highness” in a deep rumbling voice and dreamy hair washing scenes. I’d take Mr Grumpy any day.
There was just a hint of magic, the ability to touch-taste metals never sounded so romantic. The magic added to the story without being confusing or overwhelmingly complex.
Some tropes I loved: grumpy/sunshine, prince/bodyguard romance, slow burn, hair washing, anything to keep you safe, secret marriage.
I own a special edition copy of this from The Bookish Box way back when, I wish I hadn’t slept on this book. Highly recommend.
A delightful political slow burn that kept me wanting but never let me down. The perfect pull and push of feelings of love and fealty. Bodyguarding done right *wink wink*. The final conclusion, oh my heart. *swoons*
I love Kadou and his anxiety ridden self - his character growth was well written and most importantly believable. I enjoyed reading his progression instead of his cure. I feel that many fantasy books use magic as a fix all solution and it was refreshing to see a character develop but also continue to struggle.
Dear Evemer - ignore the shadow daddies, give me the strong, stoic “Highness” in a deep rumbling voice and dreamy hair washing scenes. I’d take Mr Grumpy any day.
There was just a hint of magic, the ability to touch-taste metals never sounded so romantic. The magic added to the story without being confusing or overwhelmingly complex.
Some tropes I loved: grumpy/sunshine, prince/bodyguard romance, slow burn, hair washing, anything to keep you safe, secret marriage.
I own a special edition copy of this from The Bookish Box way back when, I wish I hadn’t slept on this book. Highly recommend.