20sidedbi's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Kidnapping, and Alcohol
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Blood, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Animal death
dododenise's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The story is almost entirely character focused and I loved that. The plot, including politics, mysteries, violence and betrayal served only the characters. Because of that the plot itself wasn’t revolutionary. Instead, there was so much care put into the characters.
It was a delicious slow burn, with so much yearning and pining. Getting so close to getting together and then pulling apart again and it just pulled at my heartstrings with them. There were so many tender moments between them. The book took its time on long conversation and really developing the characters and their relationships. This was a slow burn perfectly executed. And added to that, a wonderful cast of side characters that I have also learned to adore, including a nonbinary aro ace character who I obviously was a fan of. But all of them found a place in my heart.
Just give me hundreds of books like this and I will be happy.
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Mental illness, Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Classism, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Alcohol, Sexual content, and Animal death
Minor: Pregnancy and Grief
thecatconstellation's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Murder, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual content
Minor: Blood, Alcohol, Death, Death of parent, Drug use, War, and Pregnancy
maregred's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Moderate: Death, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, and Cursing
Minor: Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Violence
immovabletype's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Sexual content, Confinement, Alcohol, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
Moderate: Torture, Blood, Cursing, Death, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent and Pregnancy
btwnprintedpgs's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Alcohol, Blood, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Gaslighting
Minor: Death of parent, Pregnancy, Cursing, and Torture
booksthatburn's review against another edition
Minor: Pregnancy and Sexual content
takarakei's review
- 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
I haven't read many M/M romances, but this will likely be one that's hard to beat!
This is a SLOW BURN romance. I've heard it described as enemies to lovers, but in my opinion it's not that. Evermer is assigned as the personal guard to Kadou the shy prince whom has just found himself amidst a bit of scandal. Because of this scandal, and rumors he's heard of the prince, Evermer has pre-formed opinions and does not like the prince. Thus has very little care for Kadou beyond duty (and he takes his duties seriously). This book is the story of how their relationship changes and grows by them getting to know each other, and dealing with Kadou's severe anxiety. This is first and foremost a romance - while it is set in another 'fantasy' world, and I loved that world, the main focus is really on the romance. The fantasy elements are relatively minimal. There is some political intrigue with a bit of mystery and action, but this is definitely a secondary plotline and honestly used more to move forward the romance plot.
Cons: the beginning of the book is a bit slow to get into (but once it picks up you don't want to stop reading!), long chapters (there are 16 total in 480 pages) although I found since the dual POV switches often within a chapter there are some places to naturally pause within a chapter which I did, low fantasy (really borders on no fantasy at all, to me it's more of a historical reimagining), the political plotline is interesting and then kind of gets resolved way too easily?, the ending feels a bit rushed and left a bit open (but if there is a sequel coming, I'm here for it!)
A few things I loved about this world: A woman/sultan in charge! The bodily autonomy women have over choosing whom the father of their children is and that not inherently giving the father any power *chefs kiss*. Queer relationships are fully accepted, they are completely normal. Nonbinary characters also readily a part of this world, it took me a while to understand but the author has developed specific alternative pronouns (besides he/him, she/her) for anyone who identifies otherwise. There is also a smidge of asexual rep in a secondary character.
Wonderful world building, character development, mental health representation, and the romance is beautiful.
Spoiler
Marriage of convenience made me squeal out loud!3/5 🌶️
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, and Mental illness
Moderate: Death, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Grief
Minor: Animal death and Pregnancy
If you suffer from anxiety, panic attacks etc you will want to enter this book knowing that is a major part of Kadou's character and his growth. I personally think it's handled well and is good representation, but I also do not personally struggle with this mental illness.