Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by olivialandryxo
Dark Restraint by Katee Robert
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
First things first, I have to say—having a character whose name is one letter off from Astarion AND a character who gives off such strong Astarion vibes in the same book was a WILD TIME. I didn’t even know the Minotaur had a name beyond his title until this book.
Beyond that, once again, Katee took characters I really hadn’t cared about before and made me care. I might not be invested in Ariadne and Asterion* the way I am the other couples and throuples of the series, but I do like them, more than I ever thought I would. He follows her around like a big, hulking lovesick puppy and tries not to murder (too many) people because murder makes her sad, and it was actually, weirdly sweet. Apparently Katee can convince me of just about anything.
(*My phone even tried autocorrecting his name to Astarion. Send help.)
The best part of this book were the tiny little tidbits I got of our past stars of the show. It was nice to see Psyche and Eros again, even briefly, and to get a glimpse of Ares and her boys. I miss all of them. Granted, I didn’t get to see my favorite sisters or their boys becausethe lower city is locked down —and that’s definitely for the best—but at least I got something. (My ideal situation is all of them surviving the series and Katee giving us bonus chapters of each ship in the aftermath. I will beg.)
As for the actual plot, I was NOT expectingthe barrier to come down so soon??? We’ve still got three books left!! I am concerned!!! And I have no idea what the hells to expect from here on out.
I do know I love Icarus, though. My poor, sweet baby boy. Katee wasn’t kidding about the Astarion fanfic. I’m looking so very forward to reading more of it.
Representation:
Beyond that, once again, Katee took characters I really hadn’t cared about before and made me care. I might not be invested in Ariadne and Asterion* the way I am the other couples and throuples of the series, but I do like them, more than I ever thought I would. He follows her around like a big, hulking lovesick puppy and tries not to murder (too many) people because murder makes her sad, and it was actually, weirdly sweet. Apparently Katee can convince me of just about anything.
(*My phone even tried autocorrecting his name to Astarion. Send help.)
The best part of this book were the tiny little tidbits I got of our past stars of the show. It was nice to see Psyche and Eros again, even briefly, and to get a glimpse of Ares and her boys. I miss all of them. Granted, I didn’t get to see my favorite sisters or their boys because
As for the actual plot, I was NOT expecting
I do know I love Icarus, though. My poor, sweet baby boy. Katee wasn’t kidding about the Astarion fanfic. I’m looking so very forward to reading more of it.
Representation:
- fat protagonist of color
- diverse side characters (includes bisexual, pansexual and asexual rep; nonbinary rep and use of they/them pronouns; a sapphic Black woman; other POC and queer characters throughout, as well as a brief mention of a MMF throuple)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Sexual content, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug use and Abortion
Minor: Pregnancy
Some discussions of the female lead getting an abortion, off-page and prior to the story; she’s fully supported in this by those around her. One instance of the male lead being drugged; he remains conscious and unharmed, and it wears off quickly. Pregnancy is in regards to a side character.