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A review by wildfaeriecaps
Donum - The Gift by Maxime Jaz
5.0
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
First let me say: oh, the feels.
Reading about a historical setting that involves slavery is never easy. There is much to detest about what we know of how some societies functioned. So know, going in, that this book is going to bruise your heart. But not in a bad way. The relationship that builds between Kyle and Marius is so…fraught. It’s unbalanced and messy, but also sweet and pure. It’s complicated and takes work and compromise and introspection and…that’s how life works, though, right? This story took me through a whole range of emotions and, honestly, that’s the mark of some great storytelling.
Kyle is precious and perfect and I love him with my whole heart. He goes through so much but remains loving and open minded. Clavius…oh, Clavius. I hated him for a while but then he proved to be such an amazing and supportive friend to Marius (and Clavius’ wife? I love her. Unabashedly. She is the best).
Now, Marius himself…the man is flawed. I want to say he’s trying. And he is. He grows a lot as a person in this book. There were times I wanted to shake him or cast him into a ravine, but other times I wanted to wrap him in a warm blanket and feed him tea and biscuits.
Marius’ family? Including his wife? I hate them. Oh. I. Hate. Them. I’m supposed to. I know that. Maxime did such an amazing job writing characters I could truly loathe with no hesitation. They’re the worst.
And this ending? So much hope and possibility! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
First let me say: oh, the feels.
Reading about a historical setting that involves slavery is never easy. There is much to detest about what we know of how some societies functioned. So know, going in, that this book is going to bruise your heart. But not in a bad way. The relationship that builds between Kyle and Marius is so…fraught. It’s unbalanced and messy, but also sweet and pure. It’s complicated and takes work and compromise and introspection and…that’s how life works, though, right? This story took me through a whole range of emotions and, honestly, that’s the mark of some great storytelling.
Kyle is precious and perfect and I love him with my whole heart. He goes through so much but remains loving and open minded. Clavius…oh, Clavius. I hated him for a while but then he proved to be such an amazing and supportive friend to Marius (and Clavius’ wife? I love her. Unabashedly. She is the best).
Now, Marius himself…the man is flawed. I want to say he’s trying. And he is. He grows a lot as a person in this book. There were times I wanted to shake him or cast him into a ravine, but other times I wanted to wrap him in a warm blanket and feed him tea and biscuits.
Marius’ family? Including his wife? I hate them. Oh. I. Hate. Them. I’m supposed to. I know that. Maxime did such an amazing job writing characters I could truly loathe with no hesitation. They’re the worst.
And this ending? So much hope and possibility! I can’t wait to see what happens next!