Astonishingly good for an indie debut novel!

It’s about a benevolent barbarian enslaving a Roman soldier, making it great for Captive Prince fans (or haters that wanted a less rapey CP story). Some Assassin’s Creed Valhalla vibes too! (I know that’s Norse vikings 900 years later, but there’s some cultural and story overlap.)

I loved the historical accuracy— I learned a lot about the Roman military and the different “barbarian” tribes during Caesar Augustus’s reign!

I really hope this story continues or at least this universe. Either way I need everyone to pay for this author to write full-time, because she’s got TALENT.

If I were to have any critiques, it’s that this poor guy needed way more lubricant and prep in the spicier scenes. I’m curious how he managed bathroom breaks when he was first tied up and imprisoned too.

Also, I think Chapter 27 was mislabeled as Agnar’s perspective when it was actually from Marcus’s.

4.7 - 5 stars

(4.7 if there’s no sequel for open ended questions, 5 if there’s a sequel)

4 out of 5 spice level.