This review will pretty much encompass all three books in
this series; however it will contain no plot spoilers. It seems to be based in
some kinds of ‘Roman’ based fantasy realm. The story itself is based
surrounding a Prince called Damon and his journey to escape his enslavement to
the Crown Prince of a rival nation, named Laurent. The books contain very
strong themes and imagery throughout which may be a trigger for some people.
This may not be a book for everyone. It is almost solely M/M for its ‘romantic’
scenes.
I overall found the book to be very enjoyable and quickly
became invested in the characters. The book overall seems very character driven,
which is why I think the pace was fast for the most part. I managed to read all
three of these books in weekend (including a 30-page novella as I just had to
have more). I particularly enjoyed the character development in the series. In
the first book you become invested in Damon and how he just wants to get home.
He is still grieving the loss of his father and the betrayal of those closest
to him, which is how he has ended up as a pleasure slave. The second book looks
at the changing dynamic between the two princes and the third pulls everything
to a dramatic close. I love the conflicted emotions of the Princes. Damon goes
from having an opinion of the Crown prince like this;
“A golden prince was easy to love if you did not have to
watch him picking wings off flies”
Honestly, I did not see how a romantic relationship would
form as the initial interactions between Damon and Laurent are awful. As you
would expect an entitled prince to treat a pleasure slave. But some scenes are
brutal and you wonder how they will see past them. But by the time you get to
the second book, something has shifted. Some small glimpse of Laurent’s true
character have been seen by Damon.
“Damon said, with helpless honesty, “ Laurent, I am your slave.””
And one of my favorite quotes is the following,
“A kingdom, or this.”
By the third book there is so much tension and angst between
them I devoured the book in now time what so ever. I just needed to know how
this would end for them both…
“I think if I gave you my heart, you would treat it
tenderly.”
“Don’t, toy with me. I – have not the means to – defend myself
against this.”
I would recommend this book if you want to read a vivid M/M book
with strong character building. Overall I gave the first book a 3* rating and
the 2nd, 3rd book and novella all received a solid 4*
rating. There were some areas that I feel could have been looked into more
deeply, however it did not detract from the overall story.
