the_novel_approach's review
4.0
Having read the previous book in this series, I was thrilled to read Arin’s story. He appears briefly in Fantasy for a Gentleman, and Resan, the peacekeeper, is in it as well. I wanted to know why Arin avoided Resan, unlike every other aspasian in Asiq.
This story has heavy themes of rape, non-con, and allusions to underage rape. While the characters are all of age in this story, Arin’s background is dark. Though the rape is not detailed, it can be tough for some readers, so keep that in mind when reading if this content triggers you.
As a peacekeeper, Resan is bound by a strict code of laws. He knows that some things are wrong and should be illegal, but since they are not, he cannot do anything but uphold the laws. He feels that since it is his job, he cannot pick and choose, like his partner, Em, who is a bounty hunter. When he learned that Arin is a runaway slave, he does what needs to be done: returns him to his owner. However, upon learning the truth of Arin’s slavery, he realizes what he has done is far worse than failing to report the runaway. He’s returned him to his abuser, a man who married him to prevent having to release him from his slavery when he turned of age.
As a result, Resan goes back to get Arin, with a plan in mind that allows him to keep his peacekeeper codes. However, Arin is done being a victim, and he does what he needs to do. And now Resan is faced with an even more difficult decision.
I really liked the question of morality in this story. Even if something is the law, do we allow it to happen or do we go against the laws to fight a system that is corrupt? With today’s current political climate, I felt my reading of it now was pretty timely.
There were moments when the book did seem repetitive. Resan constantly brought up his need to uphold the law, which I felt frustrating because I got it. I knew he had to because of his job. It almost felt like he was trying to remind himself and justify his actions. If that was the author’s intent, then kudos. I also wanted Arin to come clean and admit what happened, but when he didn’t, I realized it was because, as a victim, it was hard for him to talk about his abuse.
Finally, the other thing that I truly appreciated about this book was Arin gaining a voice to admit he did not enjoy penetrative sex. Too many times in m/m fiction, the story’s climax is when a previously unwilling partner decides to allow his lover to have sex with him. Or the top decides to “make that sacrifice” and bottom for his lover to show how much he loves him. That drives me crazy because not all relationships need to be like that. In this one, as an aspasian, Arin does have a lot of sex because it’s his job. He even has sex with Resan. However, once it becomes clear that he does not enjoy it because of his history, Resan pulls back and helps Arin advocate for himself and teaches him now to say no. He shows him that they can still have intimacy and even sex without penetration. I loved that part so much. I wish more books had moments like that.
Even though this is a series, I don’t think you need to read it in order to understand events. This book focuses on Arin and Resan, and while Corbin and Em are present, as well as Monroe and Thierry, you don’t really need to know their story to understand this one. I highly recommend this book for sci-fi fans!
Reviewed by Jennifer for The Novel Approach
This story has heavy themes of rape, non-con, and allusions to underage rape. While the characters are all of age in this story, Arin’s background is dark. Though the rape is not detailed, it can be tough for some readers, so keep that in mind when reading if this content triggers you.
As a peacekeeper, Resan is bound by a strict code of laws. He knows that some things are wrong and should be illegal, but since they are not, he cannot do anything but uphold the laws. He feels that since it is his job, he cannot pick and choose, like his partner, Em, who is a bounty hunter. When he learned that Arin is a runaway slave, he does what needs to be done: returns him to his owner. However, upon learning the truth of Arin’s slavery, he realizes what he has done is far worse than failing to report the runaway. He’s returned him to his abuser, a man who married him to prevent having to release him from his slavery when he turned of age.
As a result, Resan goes back to get Arin, with a plan in mind that allows him to keep his peacekeeper codes. However, Arin is done being a victim, and he does what he needs to do. And now Resan is faced with an even more difficult decision.
I really liked the question of morality in this story. Even if something is the law, do we allow it to happen or do we go against the laws to fight a system that is corrupt? With today’s current political climate, I felt my reading of it now was pretty timely.
There were moments when the book did seem repetitive. Resan constantly brought up his need to uphold the law, which I felt frustrating because I got it. I knew he had to because of his job. It almost felt like he was trying to remind himself and justify his actions. If that was the author’s intent, then kudos. I also wanted Arin to come clean and admit what happened, but when he didn’t, I realized it was because, as a victim, it was hard for him to talk about his abuse.
Finally, the other thing that I truly appreciated about this book was Arin gaining a voice to admit he did not enjoy penetrative sex. Too many times in m/m fiction, the story’s climax is when a previously unwilling partner decides to allow his lover to have sex with him. Or the top decides to “make that sacrifice” and bottom for his lover to show how much he loves him. That drives me crazy because not all relationships need to be like that. In this one, as an aspasian, Arin does have a lot of sex because it’s his job. He even has sex with Resan. However, once it becomes clear that he does not enjoy it because of his history, Resan pulls back and helps Arin advocate for himself and teaches him now to say no. He shows him that they can still have intimacy and even sex without penetration. I loved that part so much. I wish more books had moments like that.
Even though this is a series, I don’t think you need to read it in order to understand events. This book focuses on Arin and Resan, and while Corbin and Em are present, as well as Monroe and Thierry, you don’t really need to know their story to understand this one. I highly recommend this book for sci-fi fans!
Reviewed by Jennifer for The Novel Approach
relly's review
3.0
I had issues
3.25 ⭐️
I was excited when I saw there was a new book in this series and reading the blurb, it sounded like it would be right up my alley.
I did enjoy it, even though I had a few little niggles along the way. I liked Arin and I felt for him early on in the book. I understood Resan’s convictions at the start but struggled with his inability to bend at all, I think I’m more like Em, but Resan grew on me by the end of the book with his care towards Arin.
My issues came from the final chapter and the ending. The ending was abrupt and the final chapter while bringing realism to Arin’s issues, created problems for me with what had happened previously. It was brought up so late in the book that I wish there was more time taken to show how the two worked through Arin’s wants and needs. The thing that saved it was Resan’s reaction.
Overall I was hoping to like this one more than I did, but I don’t regret reading it. It was great to see Thierry, Corbin and Em again and see how they were progressing with their own relationships
3.25 ⭐️
I was excited when I saw there was a new book in this series and reading the blurb, it sounded like it would be right up my alley.
I did enjoy it, even though I had a few little niggles along the way. I liked Arin and I felt for him early on in the book. I understood Resan’s convictions at the start but struggled with his inability to bend at all, I think I’m more like Em, but Resan grew on me by the end of the book with his care towards Arin.
My issues came from the final chapter and the ending. The ending was abrupt and the final chapter while bringing realism to Arin’s issues, created problems for me with what had happened previously. It was brought up so late in the book that I wish there was more time taken to show how the two worked through Arin’s wants and needs. The thing that saved it was Resan’s reaction.
Overall I was hoping to like this one more than I did, but I don’t regret reading it. It was great to see Thierry, Corbin and Em again and see how they were progressing with their own relationships
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