sarful's review
5.0
This second book begins almost as soon as where the first book left, with Laurent headed to the border with a small, unorganized troop and Damon. Damon uses his military skills to bring order to the troops and strategize with Laurent. The two go from a tentative agreement to friendship and trust. It’s a slow burn, but well earned romance for these men. Though Damon has a hell of a secret.
Laurent has a brilliant strategic mind born of necessity as his uncle tries to outmaneuver, out clever and strip Laurent’s claim to the throne. They deal with traitors, spies and ambush on their journey to the border. There was a lot going on. Odds are against Laurent, but he’s clever and stubborn. He’s bold, strong willed, and damaged. The only many who finds a way to stand up to Laurent’s arrogance is Damon.
Damon may not be clever, but he’s earnest and believes in what he does. He begins to unravel a bit of who Laurent is. He begins to believe in Laurent. The two have something quite beautiful, but so heartbreaking as Damon’s truth will come out and it will suck for what they had. When Laurent sees the gold chain still on Damon, and asks for the other one. That was a really wonderful moment. Among many.
And that ending! Damanios is back.
Laurent has a brilliant strategic mind born of necessity as his uncle tries to outmaneuver, out clever and strip Laurent’s claim to the throne. They deal with traitors, spies and ambush on their journey to the border. There was a lot going on. Odds are against Laurent, but he’s clever and stubborn. He’s bold, strong willed, and damaged. The only many who finds a way to stand up to Laurent’s arrogance is Damon.
Damon may not be clever, but he’s earnest and believes in what he does. He begins to unravel a bit of who Laurent is. He begins to believe in Laurent. The two have something quite beautiful, but so heartbreaking as Damon’s truth will come out and it will suck for what they had. When Laurent sees the gold chain still on Damon, and asks for the other one. That was a really wonderful moment. Among many.
And that ending! Damanios is back.
ohheyclaude's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
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
ohheyclaude's review
challenging
dark
emotional
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
villainxorigin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
i cannot even comprehend the genius that is C.S. Pacat's mind writing this. the political intrigue, the war strategy, the social intricacies of a court, the insanely delicious slowburn of enemies to lovers...
Damen and Laurent's shaky alliance is precarious, and it's mesmerizing to watch their dynamic unfold on every page. Damen is the seasoned warlord, but Laurent quietly pulls strings with a mind of quicksilver, always several steps ahead of everyone else.
when i read this, i can't help but recall how badly i play chess.
Damen and Laurent's shaky alliance is precarious, and it's mesmerizing to watch their dynamic unfold on every page. Damen is the seasoned warlord, but Laurent quietly pulls strings with a mind of quicksilver, always several steps ahead of everyone else.
when i read this, i can't help but recall how badly i play chess.
madwomaninanattic's review against another edition
5.0
Don’t look at me for the next 5 months or I’ll scream...
effyian's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ysouillelagrenouille's review against another edition
4.0
I literally finished this in such a short time wtf ?? It was INCREDIBLE and so much better than the first book.
Now, excuse me but I’m gonna start the third book and cry because I have almost finished
Now, excuse me but I’m gonna start the third book and cry because I have almost finished
sarakeats's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5