Apparently 2025 is my year for fantastic fantasy. This book was a great read. It’s nothing groundbreaking- a Romeo and Juliet tale at its heart- but the writing and the characters make it worth it. And I will always take the chance to read a book whose author understands personally the some of the issues the MC faces. 

My favorite thing about this book, though, is that even though Silvyr’s father’s hatred and disdain for him is a major part of the story, that venom is never directed at his transness. Even when the lovers are still enemies in the beginning, Brokil attacks on every front except that one. No one comments on the gender configuration of their relationship either and it’s great.

Look, I don’t care how unrealistic it is, sometimes it’s just really nice to read a universe where those particular forms of vitriol don’t exist. 

All in all, it was a good time with some extra spicy spice (beware, horsecock doesn’t even begin to cover it 😬) and a decent adventure.