These Bittersweet Vines

The Eastern Quarter's Mana

by Dorian Valentine

After stumbling from the blood soaked catacombs, Prince Ortherion discovers he's lost more than just his memories. His father is gone, leaving the kingdom crumbling, and his rightful crown has been given to his brother. Even his lover has abandoned him.

While finding a deeply needed companionship with his guard, Ortherion works to heal and piece together his broken memory and kingdom, amending what his father has destroyed. But a horrifying creature has other plans, whispering warnings and threats, refusing to leave the prince alone. Ortherion has every bit of trust in his new guards to protect him from this threat, but the treachery runs deeper than he knows, and the past refuses to be forgotten.

Genres: Fantasy, Queer, Fae, Gay, Adult

526 pages, Paperback

First published May 21, 2024

About the author

Dorian Valentine is a LGBT+ author living in a haunted house in rural Connecticut. He loves to write about vampires, fae and gothic themes—and he can’t be damned to write anything else. When he isn’t writing you can find him bothering his cats, walking in the cemetery or scaring the locals.

Reviews

[HJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Dorian, you’ve done it again. I was gobbling up these pages right from the start and you had me hooked and obsessed with this world and these characters all over again. It was written so addictively and in an immersive way, I lost my memories with Ortherion and completely forgot why I was mad at him in the first book because this story was so thrilling, sexy and dripping in gothic charm. Also, who doesn’t love a bit of fae drama.


Anyone who read Rosemary & Iron, I KNOW you will adore this book. READ IT. I promise you, you will thank me😎

[Julia Eddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Bittersweet Vines is both the sequel to Rosemary & Iron and Dorian Valentine's sophomore release. I personally read and loved Rosemary & Iron, and this read was a great way to revisit the entrancing gothic world we were originally introduced to and explore one of the previous tale's villains as the protagonist. Though this can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading Rosemary & Iron for more context and just the enjoyment of it!

When we meet Ortherion, a Prince of the Unseelie, at the start of this novel he's grappling with the aftermath of his life crashing down around him... and not being able to remember a good portion of it. Following Ortherion on his journey of redemption, healing, and love was the perfect dose of comfort to the hurt his character had endured.

As he starts unlocking his  memories, an eerie figure starts to hunt him. Ortherion isn't deterred with the help of his devout guard, Lucien, to protect him. Together, the pair unlock his memories and work through their own respective traumas. Ortherion and Lucien are here to prove that love is deserved no matter the flaws and insecurities each of us may carry.

There is gripping action, steamy smut, and found family all along the way, so if any of that piques your interest this is one you don't want to miss!

[achilles · Rating 5 out of 5]

(BETA READER THOUGHTS)

These Bittersweet Vines is a delightfully captivating fantasy novel that kept me up at night for days to see what would happen next and put me on a roll to actually give a chance to fantasy. The writing is a mix of classic fantasy dreaminess and a casual tone that results in a lovely reading experience. The world-building and the storytelling are excellent. Despite not having read the first book, not only did I enjoy the story as it is, but I also found myself wanting to read the first book in the series, Rosemary & Iron, to get more of this universe. Valentine crafts a tense yet soft queer dream full of moral dilemmas with classic fantasy aspects and mixes them in with delightful gothic elements. It's a great fantasy novel for the readers of Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles who are bored with the constant issues of the series.

The characters, the writing, the world building, and the political intrigue of the book were all thoroughly intriguing. (Please check the content and trigger warnings.) Ortherion became one of my favourite characters from the moment I opened the book. He is very complex yet very simple in his nature and is conflicted in what his life is made out to be by his family. His worries, even in the most intimate moments, struck a chord in me. I am really glad to see kink as a means for self-expression without realising. Every aspect of him was thought about, I loved that. It was like that with everything about the book. Every detail is woven in very well, Valentine is a true crafter. There are no pure good or pure evil; every character has their background, which takes away the "hero-villain" situation and instead gives the reader a cast of people.

It was my first book by Dorian Valentine, and it definitely won't be last. Valentine is high up on my radar for new releases after this! I read the book as a beta reader, but despite its length and my weird schedule, I devoured this book with delight. I am not the biggest fantasy enthusiast, nor do I like big books, but the plot intrigued me enough to apply for beta reading. I found myself rushing to the next page and eventually getting through this chonker of a book in no time, with a love for fantasy at the end.

[india :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! felt like I had been reading it forever but lowkey fireeeee. I think it can be hard to write a book about a character that becomes so hated in the prior book but I am so glad this one exists and I was given the chance to love Ortherion. I can really appreciate that since their lifespans are so long, redemption and acceptance is something that can rightfully be sought. Like Ortherion's life sucked actual ass goddamn. It was never his to begin with. He had been a puppet his whole life with even his most trusted controlling him from the shadows. I love what Lucien and Ortherion have together, like the ultimate enemies to lovers plot. I did get sick and tired of this damn marriage plot, together for CENTURIES and you both want to get married to the other but don't think you are deserving?? CENTURIES LET ME REMIND YOU HUH. AND ALMOST 2 CENTURIES BEFORE THEY SAID I LOVE YOU TF. They said they belonged to each other like one million times, what more convincing do you need. The atrocities that happened to Lucien and his people were horrible to read and picture and I felt for him so much. I wished there was more like dom/sub dynamic going on especially since they described the craziest sex scene in the first book between Ortherion and Amais and the short story threesome was also balls to the wall. They were literally the best to read. I get that it's supposed to show that Lucien loves him and would never hurt him and to show how he was used and abused by others but like babe he wants it. You can still cherish him and also partake in bdsm. That was just a little disappointing for me. Like him getting horny from Lucien trying to kill him was cracking me up. In the acknowledgments the author mentions contemplating if Lucien should have been able to knot and its crazy because I had literally been waiting for that to happen the whole time especially since there was a bit of a breeding kink going on. I guess having two tongues made up for it, just a little. Oh and Lucien being able to purr, literally so jealous why cant I do that. LUCIEN BOTTOMING WAS AWESOMEEEE. Him being dolled up in lace was just the cutest sweetest thing ever and it made me feel so loving towards him and how he felt comfortable feeling so vulnerable. 'This view was an honor-a gift he could only dream about in the dark of the night when sleep evaded him. Ortherion practically salivated at the sight, the lustful sounds alone were heavenly enough to form a religion around. Should it form, he would be a pious man. Worship would become his livelihood.' I think Ortherion was way too damn chill about not remembering. I would be lowkey freaking the fuck out actually. 'Ortherion wished he could share in their excitement, but he drew a blank of pleasant memories. What had been forgotten was forgotten, what pleasant dreams he encountered during that era were long gone to the sands of time, and, no matter how long he chased his desires, the endeavor would be fruitless. He could drink to that-to lost time-to forgotten memories. To unwilling ignorance.' Loved them having had a marriage treaty before the genocide had happened, when they didn't even know each other. they were meant to be together <3 Like halfway through the book I was left wondering because I just couldn't imagine what more could happen but then the corruption of Fenrir and Iolanthe controlling everything plot happened which I liked. Did not expect it to be Iolanthe but I did have a feeling that the whole point was to get Ortherion to become king. The fight was pretty short, did not expect Fenrir to end up stabbing Ortherion!! Also for Iolanthe to have escaped like a second before the hanging, bitch be for real dont piss me off. Sad that Aither died but I guess there had to be a loving death at least once :( Solaris was so cute with Fenrir, it felt very similar to Ortherion and Lucien's dynamic. I love that only Lucien knew Ortherion's true name. I wished they could have used that true name compelling during sex :( It did make me really excited that Celestin and Ortherion could start to become friends again, living that long you need friends beside you. Obsessed with Lucien battling in The Hunt so he could get the king's blessing to marry Ortherion. Like he was so drama for that but it was such a thoughtful sweet thing to do. I thought it was so interesting how Iolanthe called Ortherion 'little night' while Lucien called him 'sundrop'. Such contradicting nicknames I guess showing how they see him. I am so happy they gave each other tattoos for their marriage! So sweet to carry on a river fae tradition and Ortherion had mentioned wanting one so shortly after meeting Lucien. And for it to have been bittersweet vines, the ones that surround the Unseelie throne, the title of the book!

Quotes:
- ' "I want to stay. I like it here, with you-with everyone. I'm not important when I'm here. It's nice." Lucien smoothed down a section of Ortherion's hair. "You're always important, Ortherion." '
- ' He was Lucien's, wasn't he? Since the moment they met. He could only answer truthfully. "I am, I'm yours." "Good boy," Lucien said, brushing soft red hair from Ortherion's eyes. '
- ' "I feel like I'm being worshipped. I'll have to wear lace more if this is how it'll be enjoyed." "You were made for lace, I was made to worship." '
- ' "Are you mine? Truly and wholly mine?" "I have been yours since we first kissed. Yours since you punched that ugly prince for me-you have been the owner of my heart for longer than even I know." '
- ' He wanted to wear the bruises Lucien gave him for the rest of time, until the sun burned out. When he crossed into the next life, he begged that each one be a freckle on his skin so that, even in that life, he knew how loved and adored he was in this one. '
- ' "Another step forward and you'll be in pieces." Sybil rolled her head from side to side, the motion causing his blade to cut her flesh. Small lines of blood trailed from her throat, staining Sarvik with red. "Loyal dog. Do it." A smug smile spread on Lucien's face. "Woof." The sound of blade on bone was unmistakable... '
- ' Ortherion rolled his eyes and flopped down beside Lucien, taking a treat from his plate. "Whore." "Bottom," Fenrir spat. "Mm, no-he's not always," Lucien commented between bites of a tart. "Just most of the time." '
- ' "I must protect my treasure. What use do I have without you by my side?" "I'm your treasure?" Lucien nodded, his gaze softening. "My treasure, my savior. You might as well be my god with how I wish to worship you..." '
- ' "I know I can't write you poetry worth listening to, but I know I love you more than anything in this life. In the next life, I will find you again, so there too you can be my everything" '

[Louis C · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Thank you for loving me,” Ortherion said quietly.
“Loving you has been the easiest thing I’ve done in this life. When this one ends, it will be the easiest thing I do in our next lives.”

Catch me finally finishing this book. It was a wild but fun ride, with rich world building and an even richer writing style. I love how woven the characters are in the story and in each other's lives; their relationships with each other feel natural and rich with history. The way we learn more about the world because of their place with it also made the book feel not too info dumpy. Sometimes I do wish the time passing would be less aprupt, it made it a bit awkward to follow the story in my case. I do understand the passing of time, and how it was needed to tell what needed to be told.

To its core, this book felt like an insight in how a relationship slowly devolped, with in the backdrop a handful of mysteries that wave the plot nicely together, as well as of course the yearning and internal conflicts of status vs love. In well known fashion there is a big battle at the end and sacrifices to be made, but their weight felt through the rest of the story. I really enjoyed following these characters, and their ending felt perfect.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. My feelings about this book are all over the place. In it, we get to see things from Ortherion's perspective - Ortherion being the Unseelie fae prince who was something of a villain in the first book in this duology. He, along with his guard/lover Lucien, get a redemption arc here - a very, very long one, after the horror and drama of book 1.

My favourite thing about this book was the world-buidling. We get to experience the great fae city of Saltus Innexa, and I enjoyed the glimpses we got of fae culture, I definitely think for a book that is more than 500 pages long, we don't see enough of it. But the world felt fully realized and vivid in a way I appreciated.

The thing I liked least was the plot - it literally takes hundred of years to resolve, and then ends up being pretty anticlimactic and predictable. It centers around the murder of Ortherion's parents and a mysterious creature that seems to be dictating the course of Ortherion's life. I really struggled with the slow pace, I had to take long breaks from this book out of boredom.Tthere was a lot of "slice of life" moments with Ortherion and Lucien but they felt a little pointless and repetitive. I hardly remember the middle of this and I finished it this morning. The romance was sweet and cheesy, but they did have a few very hot sex scenes (again, pretty few for the length of this book).

Did I enjoy this book? Yes, mostly. Could it have been 200 pages shorter? 100%. I do like this author though, I enjoyed the writing style a lot. Will definitely keep my eye on him.

[avis03]

Autistic MMC, ADHD MMC

[T.J. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

In These Bittersweet Vines, Dorian Valentine expands on the world created in Rosemary & Iron. While it can definitely be read as a standalone, I adored the cameo appearances of Rosemary & Iron's MCs!

This novel is billed as Prince Ortherion's redemption arc, and redeem him it certainly does! Learning more about the past of this poor, tortured fae and watching him grow throughout the novel was fantastic. His relationship with his guard Lucien, is a sizzling hot & super sweet one. I enjoyed following their adventures over an expansive period of time while they solve the mystery of the 'corruption' threatening the fae realm.

Recommended to anyone who enjoys high fantasy world-building, lots of action and scorching hot spicy scenes.

(I read an early copy of this book.)

[A Crimson Petal &#x1f940; · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books you know you’re going to love before even reading them. This is one of those books. I was lured in by the cover and slowly became obsessed while reading it.

The atmosphere was great, the relationship between Ortherion and Lucien was so well done and the character growth of Ortherion throughout the book was fantastic.

These Bittersweet Vines expands on the world created in Rosemary & Iron. I knew this going in without having read the previous book but I was still able to follow the story perfectly. This is also due to the fact that Dorian’s writing style is absolutely beautiful.

If you enjoy high fantasy, world building, action and hot and spicy scenes this is the book for you.

(I was given an ARC which I’m so immensely grateful for.)

[arlo · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received and e-ARC*

I was hooked from the beginning of the story, making me turn the pages to know more about Ortherion and unravel his past along with him. His relationship with Lucien is so sweet and tender that it had me kicking my feet, and they both have a special place in my heart.

You won't get bored navigating the lost memories, secrets and plots within the story.

I read this knowing that it was a sequel and without reading the previous book (Rosemary & Iron) and I could follow the story perfectly. It could be read as a standalone.

[S.S. Genesee · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Bittersweet Vines is an epic gothic tale of fantasy and family—with suspenseful twists and turns, and a writing style that is just so pleasing to read. Dorian Valentine has done it again, writing characters you just can’t help but fall in love with. Ortherion and Lucien’s stunning relationship will forever be cemented in my heart. If you’re a lover of fae and incredible mystifying lore, don’t hesitate to read this!

[Kat in Stacks · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** I received an E-Arc**

The second installment of The Eastern Quarter's Mana sees Prince Otherions life after the aftermath of book one.
Normally I'm not a big fan of sequels that deal with other side characters but, after reading this book. I changed my mind, this book was well done in capturing a well deserved redemption arc and finding romance along the way for Otherion.

If you're a lover of fantasy with romance along the way, I highly recommend picking this up

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been itching for this book since the end of Rosemary & Iron, I absolutely love Villian redemption arcs! This was a delight to read from beginning to end! Well written, with beautiful world building, story telling and twists to keep you interested! With plenty of spice, angst, and sweet moments it’s a beautiful tale. I absolutely loved seeing Ortherion fall for Lucian-his guard with a secret all his own. Ending in a HEA, I highly recommend for any fae loving fans.

[Elisabeth G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an ARC.

This was SO GOOD! When I read the first book I was like " Jeez I wanna know more about Ortherion. The poor guy needs a break." and boy oh boy did I get everything I wanted and more with this one. 👏👏👏🔥

[merve · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh god I really enjoyed this one
I was a little sceptical at first because I didn't really liked Ortherion in the first volume but I really loved his true self in the 2nd and his relationship with Lucien was so adorable
and I'm really happy Amias and Célestin appeared for a short moment jdjsjskzk

[hyacinths readings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up this book for the plot and Stayed Seated for the less plot-ty parts (the sucking and fucking to put it eloquently🔥)

[Skyler Nightshade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the first book in this series, but I loved the second one! Where Rosemary and Iron focused on romance and slow world building, These Bittersweet Vines throws the reader into political strife, secret plots, and of course a well fleshed out, slow build romance. I really enjoyed how the world is built up as Ortherion tries to fix up things that his father left in ruin. The focus on forgiveness and moving on to build a better life is strong throughout the book, and makes each page that much more worth it. Highly recommend.

[Dorian Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Bittersweet Vines is a sequel following a villain of Rosemary & Iron. Knowledge of the events of Rosemary & Iron isn't required as Prince Ortherion has amnesia so enjoy as a standalone if you wish!

Potential trigger warnings (may change between now and publication):
● Genocide
● Consensual sex
● Gore
● Drug use
● Interspecies racism
● Fantasy racial slurs
● Depictions of familial abuse
● Public executions
● Murder
● Mentioned child death
● Depictions of mental illness, including: PTSD, mania & anxiety.