5/5. Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Content Warnings for book: Kidnapping, familial abuse, elements of colonialism and racism, violence, slavery (not between MCs), torture

Kink: Breath play, d/s themes, praise kink

My feelings! My emotions!

I don’t read much fantasy anymore, but I couldn’t resist the cover. I’m so glad I committed because this was SO good!

Brolik and Silvyr were amazing characters and I loved their growth, their connection, and the sex scenes were great too! The world building was really interesting, and I really enjoyed the plot. There were some parts in the middle I felt it dragged on a little bit but overall it was a very enjoyable experience. I loved how expressive and pretty the writing style was without being overbearing or too “purple prose”-y.

The only critique notes I have is that there is some repetitiveness in the middle (with Silvyr’s internal monologue usually), which could’ve been cut down. There was also what seemed to be formatting errors or something because some passages were double-pasted. Otherwise, I have no notes!

I wish I could write more but my brain is mostly AAAAAA because of how good it is.

The trans representation was great, and I’m unsurprised it was written so well by a trans author. I loved reading the author’s note of how writing this helped Hubbard realize his own trans identity. That’s why the queer romance genre is so important.

Please keep writing! I’ll definitely pick up your books.