scarr77's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this D/s short story. I'm slowly working my way through my Xan West collection and it is always bittersweet to read something by them.
emeliestegbornblixt's review against another edition
4.0
I've never read anything quite like this before. This is a gentle, beautiful story about flawed but healthy relationships, communication, boundaries, trauma, disability and identity. And magic. The way the character's fluid genders, trauma responses, disabilities and (D/s) relationship dynamics all intertwined was complex yet completely clear in how it was portrayed.
I absolutely loved how the Dom-sub element of the story was so.. desexualized? Not exactly what I mean, but I feel like BDSM is often portrayed in mainstream society as being only about filthy sex, when it doesn't have to involve anything sexual - or filthy - at all. As far as I could tell this was a sexual relationship, but they didn't have any sex in the story even though all their interactions had a D/s dynamic, which was so lovely to see. It's a side of BDSM we so rarely get to see in literature (or anywhere). On a related note, the way all of the character's were so gentle towards each other, so open and willing to care for each other's needs was absolutely heartwarming. At all times consent was front and center in their interactions with each other - for everything.
There is so much pain in this story, but so much healing as well. I'm so glad I read this.
Note: At the beginning of the book the author has included content warnings, please look those up if that is something you need to be mindful of. Even though the story itself is lovely and hopeful, these character are struggling with hard stuff that can be hard to read about for many readers. Please take care of yourself and make sure that you can deal with the subject matter before diving in.
I absolutely loved how the Dom-sub element of the story was so.. desexualized? Not exactly what I mean, but I feel like BDSM is often portrayed in mainstream society as being only about filthy sex, when it doesn't have to involve anything sexual - or filthy - at all. As far as I could tell this was a sexual relationship, but they didn't have any sex in the story even though all their interactions had a D/s dynamic, which was so lovely to see. It's a side of BDSM we so rarely get to see in literature (or anywhere). On a related note, the way all of the character's were so gentle towards each other, so open and willing to care for each other's needs was absolutely heartwarming. At all times consent was front and center in their interactions with each other - for everything.
There is so much pain in this story, but so much healing as well. I'm so glad I read this.
Note: At the beginning of the book the author has included content warnings, please look those up if that is something you need to be mindful of. Even though the story itself is lovely and hopeful, these character are struggling with hard stuff that can be hard to read about for many readers. Please take care of yourself and make sure that you can deal with the subject matter before diving in.
gxbi's review
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Mental illness, Ableism, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death, Gaslighting, Sexual content, and Emotional abuse
onyxs's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
walrus420's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
tigermouse20's review
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
xxivo's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was such a wonderful read. It touched me very deep.
This novella shares a situation in which two lovers haven't been communicating well and then follows how they resolve this. What makes this different from other books is that the disability and gender of the main characters plays a big role in this. So many books I've read this isn't the case, and made this book actually relatable to me. Like someone who stresses over walking a stairs instead of so other main characters who never would think on it. And thus the spoon theory is mentioned which is done so wonderfully.
When figuring this out talking to friends or the MC to their partner there was constantly such a good dynamic with people drawing boundaries and others keeping to them. It made me feel so warm and happy to see such things exist. But then also made me realize I probably should make my own friendships like that, instead of constantly hiding my needs and wants. So through the book I felt like I actually had a sort of wake-up call to take better care of myself.
I also absolutely loved the way the MC and xyrs partner shared intimacy in such a sweet amd tender way. It made me feel really good when they were cuddling or touching.
I have reread this a few times now and definitely will keep doing so.
This novella shares a situation in which two lovers haven't been communicating well and then follows how they resolve this. What makes this different from other books is that the disability and gender of the main characters plays a big role in this. So many books I've read this isn't the case, and made this book actually relatable to me. Like someone who stresses over walking a stairs instead of so other main characters who never would think on it. And thus the spoon theory is mentioned which is done so wonderfully.
When figuring this out talking to friends or the MC to their partner there was constantly such a good dynamic with people drawing boundaries and others keeping to them. It made me feel so warm and happy to see such things exist. But then also made me realize I probably should make my own friendships like that, instead of constantly hiding my needs and wants. So through the book I felt like I actually had a sort of wake-up call to take better care of myself.
I also absolutely loved the way the MC and xyrs partner shared intimacy in such a sweet amd tender way. It made me feel really good when they were cuddling or touching.
I have reread this a few times now and definitely will keep doing so.
adesuwa's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
You don’t have to bare things on your own, let people who love you love you and trust them to hold you ! That in itself is love ! Help I cried reading this - such a beautifully written story , It was such a blessing to spend time with Noam and dev and Ezra .
breadedbookpages's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book at a time where I desperately needed an escape from my thoughts. the fantasy aspect tied up with trauma and gender feels was the perfect blend to get me out of my brain. I appreciate this book so much.
leahkarge's review against another edition
4.0
With NINE OF SWORDS, REVERSED, Xan West continues to stun with comforting descriptions, relatable characters, and warm friendships! The writing is as lovely and soothing as always, and by the end, I found myself with three new characters to love!
Read the full review on my blog.
Read the full review on my blog.