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behindpaperbacks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault
libraryofaphrodite's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Max is a servant living under the oppressive Gathrax family, constantly pursued by their maniacal eldest son, Julian.
When Julian chases Max into Galloway Forest, Max discovers that he is a mage, something the south lost long ago. This sets off a chain of events leading to an arranged marriage, battles with dragons, and a quest to uncover the truth of Max's identity.
I had really wanted to love this new M/M fantasy but something didn't quite click for me. I felt at times that descriptions were lacking and the characters didn't have as much depth as I would have liked. At points it read more like YA than adult fantasy (albeit with a large amount of gore) which might be why it wasn't for me.
I did really enjoy parts and had trouble putting the book down in those sections. It just didn't feel fully realised or consistent yet.
There is definitely an audience for this book - if you enjoy M/M fantasy, slow burn romance, mythological monsters, and warring nations, this may well be the book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for an advanced digital copy in return for my honest review.
When Julian chases Max into Galloway Forest, Max discovers that he is a mage, something the south lost long ago. This sets off a chain of events leading to an arranged marriage, battles with dragons, and a quest to uncover the truth of Max's identity.
I had really wanted to love this new M/M fantasy but something didn't quite click for me. I felt at times that descriptions were lacking and the characters didn't have as much depth as I would have liked. At points it read more like YA than adult fantasy (albeit with a large amount of gore) which might be why it wasn't for me.
I did really enjoy parts and had trouble putting the book down in those sections. It just didn't feel fully realised or consistent yet.
There is definitely an audience for this book - if you enjoy M/M fantasy, slow burn romance, mythological monsters, and warring nations, this may well be the book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for an advanced digital copy in return for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual violence, and Fire/Fire injury