moshimoshimoon's review
2.0
Very little to say about it; the story was not for me and found both Mc's bland. Since there was almost 0 other plot than they direct relationship it couldn't be redeemed. Writing was ok. The whole thing was ok. Not fun, not exciting or sexy but that might have been that it just wasn't for me as I can't objectively state much that I found bad. Besides ignoring the mechanics and scheming of any court ever.
dance64's review
3.0
Mm...This was...An interesting read, to say the least. Honestly, this is probably the first actual book I've read that has pretty hardcore BDSM material, and it will probably be one of the few. Not that it wasn't good, just the whole lashing and "master/slave" play is just not really my cup of tea. Mostly the master/slave play. There were some elements-ironically enough, not the BDSM-that kind of...disturbed me. Granted, they weren't very prominent elements, but they still kind of made my face twist in displeasure whenever I thought about them . In all honesty, I was kind of leary about reading this at first. Not because of the material, per se, but as I started reading it I was kind of thinking, "...Alright. Maybe I'll just skim it for important stuff, and if nothing catches my attention, I'll just drop it." But I never did skim it, and I found myself wanting to read more of it when I had to put it down. Needless to say, I had just started it last night. The only thing that kept me from reading it in one go was the fact I had to read it on my tablet, which meant the battery life drained too quickly and I had to turn it off for the night. But if I had an actual hard copy, this sucker would have been finished at one or two o'clock in the morning. The writing was nice, though I sometimes sighed and shook my head at Sylvan's character. He just seemed...I don't know, kind of arrogant. But I didn't hate him, actually felt for him from time to time, and he seemed to get better towards the end, so I didn't really mind. But Nygell. Ahhhhhh, I loved him to pieces. I think the whole reason I liked the book as much as I did is specifically because of Nygell. He just seemed to be the dark and brooding character that in reality is such a submissive sweetheart that you can't help but love and root for him. And I guess there's also the fact that I have such a major soft spot for tough guys who secretly like to submit. But I just can't fan girl about him enough. Easily my favorite character. Just...ahhh, Nygell, Nygell, kitten Nygell. *_*
I have to say the ending threw me at the end, and I was very, very confused as to what was going on when I started. But then when it clicked, my reaction was pretty much, "....Oooooooh!" And then I just grinned for some unknown reason. I really don't know why I was that happy over the ending, but again, All in all, I don't regret reading this. I might actually head back to it once or twice, depending on my mood. And if I need some Nygell feels. Have I mentioned how much I adore Nygell? No? Well, I do. He's my Nygell, and I shall call him kitten. ;P Actually, no, I won't. I'll call him tomcat.
Spoiler
The brothers. They got to me everytime. I just keep telling myself that they weren't actual brothersSpoiler
Ukes turned semes are my ultimate weakness.I have to say the ending threw me at the end, and I was very, very confused as to what was going on when I started. But then when it clicked, my reaction was pretty much, "....Oooooooh!" And then I just grinned for some unknown reason. I really don't know why I was that happy over the ending, but again,
Spoiler
tough guys turned submissive. Just...Yes.corinnereads's review
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lbcecil's review
3.0
I really enjoyed this novel. the characters were amazing and i especially loved Nygell -- who knew he'd bottom? However, i did not like the ending, that Nygell takes on the role of the eromenos so i could not give it five stars.
But still loved it :) it made my heart soar to think that a master would give up everything for his slave.
But still loved it :) it made my heart soar to think that a master would give up everything for his slave.
shazov's review
4.0
Wish GR would allow half stars, because this is a 4 1/2 star for me.
I enjoyed this more than I expected. While I enjoy reading BDSM, I don't usually like the slavery theme. But this story truly drew me in and made me want to finish it quickly.
I would have happily paid for this book!
I enjoyed this more than I expected. While I enjoy reading BDSM, I don't usually like the slavery theme. But this story truly drew me in and made me want to finish it quickly.
I would have happily paid for this book!
kaje_harper's review
5.0
This is an excellent book and beautifully written, definitely the best BDSM-themed book I've read (although admittedly that isn't a large selection.) But also just plain one of the best m/m romance books I've read. There isn't an unnecessary word in here. The background is sketched out in a way that feels complete without being intrusive or over-explained. Every scene moves the characters forward through the complex maze of their changing relationships. The different elements of how these two men react to each other and the world around them ring true. The BDSM is neither gratuitous nor unmotivated. In this book it so clearly comes from the situations and needs of the characters, that it fits in a love story appropriately. There is pain involved - this is SM and not just D/s. But if that is not a complete deal breaker for you, then I highly recommend this book.
audraelizabeth's review
2.0
I would give more stars but I'm not a hug fan of the setting in that is historical but not an identifiable time period really.
notime's review
2.0
Very little to say about it; the story was not for me and found both Mc's bland. Since there was almost 0 other plot than they direct relationship it couldn't be redeemed. Writing was ok. The whole thing was ok. Not fun, not exciting or sexy but that might have been that it just wasn't for me as I can't objectively state much that I found bad. Besides ignoring the mechanics and scheming of any court ever.