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sumtime99's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, and War
mirandyli's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
This series was ok. Before you read it take note of all the content warnings. Content warning: everything. I like the world building but the relationships are super toxic.
Damen and Laurent's relationship is especially yikes. They both lie to each other constantly for their own gain. Because Damen killed Laurent's brother a few years ago, Laurent orders Damen to be whipped 50 times in the first book and is miffed that he didn't die from it. Yet SOMEHOW... they still fall in love after that??? Because Damen is obsessed with pale skin and blonde hair (excuse me while I go vomit).
The series basically ends with Laurent killing Damen's brother and saying, "We've killed each other's brothers so we're even now. I no longer hate you and we can rule peacefully. Kiss kiss." Excuse me sirs, go to therapy.
And now that Damen has been a slave, he's now going to advocate for the end of slavery, despite being in support of it before? That's just a whole bag of yikes.
There were also a bunch of predictable moments (like that Laurent knew Damen's identity the whole time, Laurent was raped by his uncle and Jokaste would claim that her baby was Damen's).
Still a fast-paced decent read and I was able to finish the series in a week. I haven't read a fantasy book in a while and this series was a pretty good start to getting back into the fantasy genre.
The series basically ends with Laurent killing Damen's brother and saying, "We've killed each other's brothers so we're even now. I no longer hate you and we can rule peacefully. Kiss kiss." Excuse me sirs, go to therapy.
And now that Damen has been a slave, he's now going to advocate for the end of slavery, despite being in support of it before? That's just a whole bag of yikes.
There were also a bunch of predictable moments (like that Laurent knew Damen's identity the whole time, Laurent was raped by his uncle and Jokaste would claim that her baby was Damen's).
Still a fast-paced decent read and I was able to finish the series in a week. I haven't read a fantasy book in a while and this series was a pretty good start to getting back into the fantasy genre.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Death, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Murder, and War
luanaiscurrentlyreading's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, and Violence
zeppelinnyx's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
5.00
This is the perfect resolution to a nearly perfect trilogy. I will never have words to express how deeply I love these characters and their story. This is, as it has been since I first read the series years ago, the most enthralling and tender romance I’ve ever encountered. I compare all other enemies-to-lovers relationships to this one, but sort of all other relationships in general. Because this series, and especially this installment, is the peak of romance.
I really only have two critiques for this series. The first is a bit technical, I suppose. The books don’t feel like they’re a trilogy. Instead, they feel like one book split by three different covers. Perhaps there’s a reason for this, but it does make the ending of the first two books feel a bit sudden and inconclusive. Obviously, this same problem does not occur in the finale. The second problem with the series is the Erasmus problem, but…I won’t get into that. I only wonder if Pacat wishes the character was resolved differently now.
Quality of Writing: 10/10
Pacing: 10/10
Plot Development: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Enjoyability: 10/10
Ease of Reading: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
This is the perfect resolution to a nearly perfect trilogy. I will never have words to express how deeply I love these characters and their story. This is, as it has been since I first read the series years ago, the most enthralling and tender romance I’ve ever encountered. I compare all other enemies-to-lovers relationships to this one, but sort of all other relationships in general. Because this series, and especially this installment, is the peak of romance.
I really only have two critiques for this series. The first is a bit technical, I suppose. The books don’t feel like they’re a trilogy. Instead, they feel like one book split by three different covers. Perhaps there’s a reason for this, but it does make the ending of the first two books feel a bit sudden and inconclusive. Obviously, this same problem does not occur in the finale. The second problem with the series is the Erasmus problem, but…I won’t get into that. I only wonder if Pacat wishes the character was resolved differently now.
Quality of Writing: 10/10
Pacing: 10/10
Plot Development: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Enjoyability: 10/10
Ease of Reading: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Slavery, and War
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Incest, Pedophilia, Torture, Blood, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death, Infertility, Miscarriage, Suicide, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
diana_raquel's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
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
5.0
“I think if I gave you my heart, you would treat it tenderly.”
It's no secret that I love this series. Each book got better and better, and I loved this final volume. The characters are amazing and the plot is a genuinely well-developed political plot with a mix of adventure. The plot twists happen at the right moment and caught the reader by surprise. I cannot stop gushing about this series and I recommend it to any person whose looking for a fantasy book with LGBTQIA+ characters. The only negative thing that I have to say is that it's a pity that, aside from a book of short stories, there aren't more books in this universe.
It's no secret that I love this series. Each book got better and better, and I loved this final volume. The characters are amazing and the plot is a genuinely well-developed political plot with a mix of adventure. The plot twists happen at the right moment and caught the reader by surprise. I cannot stop gushing about this series and I recommend it to any person whose looking for a fantasy book with LGBTQIA+ characters. The only negative thing that I have to say is that it's a pity that, aside from a book of short stories, there aren't more books in this universe.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, Violence, Blood, and War
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, and Slavery
Minor: Infidelity and Pregnancy
bugcollector's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-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? Yes
3.25
the ending was a bit disappointing bc it all ended in court and suddenly everyone believed their side '_'
anyways let the gays end slavery xoxo
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death, Gore, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, and War
ticktock's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, War, and Injury/Injury detail
magicshop's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-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
4.0
Damen said, 'I made him a promise.'
'And when he learns who you are?' said Jord. 'When he learns that he is facing Damianos on the field?'
'Then he and I meet each other for the first time,' said Damen. 'That was also a promise.'
well, here we are. after rereading this trilogy immediately after finishing it in just a few days for the first time, it's time for a last review. this one might end up a little short, because to be honest i feel like i've said my piece about the series at this point, but i do have a few important points i want to highlight.
the good
- everything that was good about the previous volumes is still present here, so refer to my reviews of book 1 and 2 for more details.
- the push-and-pull of the main relationship somehow stays fresh despite how long it spends in that limbo of not-quite-being. pacat is simply put very, very good at crafting believable tension between characters.
- so much delightful fanservice, again. i can see how for some people this would be in the bad or at least complicated section, but to me, having that many scenes clearly written to fulfill a specific desire in a long-starving queer reader can be nothing but positive. things are getting better for lgbtqia+ people, but there is still a lack — in media, especially. pacat does a wonderful job of helping fill that void.
the bad
- the ending is a bit too neatly wrapped up, in my honest opinion. on one hand,
i'm happy damen and laurent get to be together and that the kingdoms end up united in peace , but there were a couple of deus ex machinas pulled out from the aether in order for that to happen, and it all could've been done much more expertly and with far more preamble and build-up.
the complicated
- many of the most oppressed, most tragic characters, ultimately have a hand in bringing about
the prosperous, peaceful ending . i was very glad about this, but it does also bring the question of whether they had to suffer their own respective sad endings at all. sacrifices must be made in every story, and i'm satisfied about the way things did happen, but i just — wonder. how would their world have beenwith nicaise still in it? and i'll always wonder. i guess it's time to find some fic, huh!
like i said, this review is a bit shorter than my usual, but i think it's very hard to put my exact thoughts and feelings about this book into words for the time being, still. maybe on another reread i'll come back and edit this. but for now, this is goodbye. thank you, pacat, for treating my heart tenderly through this wonderful journey. :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, and Sexual assault
Minor: Child death
samchase112's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was a fantastic book, an engrossing series, and I enjoyed every moment! This one really wrapped up the story well, and was a very fulfilling conclusion to all the political and emotional craziness going on. I loved the way Damen and Laurent's relationship progressed, and the ending really brought it all together for them. Clever books are always something I enjoy, because they make me think and bring surprising twists; this book is definitely clever. In the last 30% I was gasping and yelling out loud constantly, because so many things happen! I just...I freaking loved the plot and the characters and the world, it was all amazing and addicting. I am definitely going to reread this, and don't see myself forgetting about this series anytime soon.
Reread: September 2021
UGH this book and this series is just so well written, so beautifully tragic, so incredible. I cannot get over the characters, the romance, the plot, all of it is just *mwah* perfection.
Reread: September 2021
UGH this book and this series is just so well written, so beautifully tragic, so incredible. I cannot get over the characters, the romance, the plot, all of it is just *mwah* perfection.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Slavery, and Violence
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Torture, and Blood
srm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
What a fantastic finish to a wonderful, sexy, twisty series. Loved every second.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Pedophilia, Torture, Violence, and War
Minor: Death, Incest, Slavery, Blood, Grief, and Alcohol