Paris’s path is clear, his future settled. He’s trained his whole life in politics and the running of a kingdom. He’s going to be an adviser to the future king, his beloved prince. But when his father dies unexpectedly, the current king takes the opportunity to get rid of him, sending him to the barbaric southern tribe lands of Nemeda as a diplomat.
No one has ever returned from the tribes alive.
But he won’t give up on true love. If it costs him everything, he’ll bargain his way back to the arms of Prince Tybalt. Only what he finds when he arrives in Nemeda is not what he expected. The tribes aren’t barbaric at all, and their chief is . . . well, Paris can’t be distracted by the man’s rugged beauty that easily. Can he?
If this book were a song, it would be a total bop. I vibed with it hard and haven’t been able to get it out of my head for days.
Firstly, Burns & Fawkes are one of my favourite co-writing duos in M/M. They sync so well. Sometimes you see books being co-authored and have excitement for one name and get worried over the other, but not here. I think I even prefer when these two work together than when they work alone; they bring out the best in each other and their stories are stronger for the collaboration.
Needless to say, I saw this title had dropped on Amazon and I one-clicked without even reading the synopsis. This can be a dangerous game to play, but I lucked out, as I usually do when these two authors join forces to deliver a new M/M fantasy series that I just know will be my new fave book obsession.
You don’t need to know much about this one to dive in. There’s adventure and romance, great world-building, and a sublime full-cast of characters whom I effortlessly adored. There’s even a few unexpected twists and turns that made this much more layered and compelling fantasy storytelling than even I initially expected.
For those who need a bit more information, we follow Lord Paris, who gets sent away from the capital of Urial, by royal decree, to serve as a diplomat to a neighbouring kingdom called Nemeda. There, the natives are rumoured to be potentially savage bird worshippers, and rarely do envoys ever return back to Urial in one piece, if at all.
Of course, Paris is scared but he’s also determined to do right by his family (his remaining brother and sister) and his kingdom, even if the king is a bit of a prick, and his son, Prince Tybalt, is perhaps not as worthy of Paris’s affections as he once hoped.
However, what Paris finds in Nemeda is not the ruthless people he’d once feared, but a land of growth and community, where the clans people, for the most part, work in unison to keep their lands safe from war and exploitation from their neighbouring kingdoms.
Paris quickly becomes immersed in the day-to-day happenings of the Hawk lands, where he’s been taken in by their leader, Chief Brett. In Brett’s care and under his tutelage of all things Nemedan, Paris begins to make new friends and starts to feel like a useful part of the community, as he shares his knowledge with them, as they do in turn.
His attraction to Brett, however, is a complicated thing. At first still pretty hung up on the prince back home, Paris begins to see that what he felt was completely one sided and unfounded, as Brett shows him, through actions and intentions, what it truly means to be loved and to love in return, and to thrive in an equal partnership, regardless of status.
Nothing is ever that easy though, and in the background of Paris and Brett’s blossoming romance comes a life-threatening illness, great personal changes for Paris, and word of rising tensions back in Urial, not to mention a growing discord between Brett and a fellow Chief who seems hellbent on destroying the Hawk leader at any cost.
Honestly, I gobbled this entire thing right up, fully engaged from start to finish and completely immersed in the simple but wholly unique world-building the authors created, particularly in Nemeda and its people.
The romance checked a lot of my boxes too. Lots of hurt-comfort vibes and plenty of mutual respect, support, and adoration. I love it when two characters bring out the best in one another the way Paris and Brett did here. It made rooting for their happy ending so damn easy and necessary.
But, my absolute favourite part of this story was the wider ensemble cast of characters, all of whom shone in their own unique, enjoyable ways. Besides the king, his unworthy son (who may be redeemable?!), and that jackass Chief of the Eagle clan, everyone else was absolutely fantastic. It was one of those M/M stories where you spend the whole time trying to guess who else will get their own story, for how truly wonderful most of the male characters were. And the women!?! Totally badass, intelligent, and capable characters in their own right!
Seriously, the whole story was awesome and left me excited for any and all sequels to come.
Sanctuary is a sweeping saga of secrets and sin featuring:
Phenomenal world building
Multi-dimensional characters (main and supporting)
Romance
Adventure
Suspense
Lord Paris is sent to Nemeda, the middle kingdom, with Urial (Paris' home) to the north and the Southlands down below, to negotiate a trade deal of some kind. The Urial king mentions oranges, but it's obvious he just wants to get rid of Paris, who's hooking up with the king's son.
Paris, who leaves a brother and sister behind, doesn't expect to return to Urial alive. No one ever does.
He also doesn't expect Nemeda and Brett - the chief of the Hawk clan - to become his home.
Nemeda is composed of eleven tribes, all named after birds: Hawk, Raven, Owl, Vulture, Crane, Eagle, Falcon, Duck, Pelican, and two others that either weren't mentioned or I'm forgetting.
But no matter. The Hawk clan is central to the story because they shelter Paris. As Paris proves himself helpful and kind, Brett can't help but fall in love with the newcomer, but in Nemeda love can be deadly.
That's all I'm going to say about the plot. The less you know going in, the better.
Told from Paris' and Brett's alternating POVs, the story is fast-paced and addictive. It's a "just one more chapter" kind of story, and those are the best kind.
The ending is both a HEA and a cliffhanger, with multiple storylines to be continued in future books (at least I hope so). These include one clan's betrayal, the continuing war with the Southlands, and the Urial king's nefarious motives.
Book 2 can't come soon enough!
Half star off because much to my dismay there were enough typos to be distracting. For shame.
"Sanctuary" was an absolute joy of a book to read. I ADORED it so damn much, start to finish. I laughed, I swooned, I sighed, I grinned like an idiot, and I never wanted to leave Paris and Brett and their wonderful, wondrous, absolutely lovely found family of mad bird worshippers. I've read several of these two authors's books, but I have the feeling that this series might become one of my favourites of theirs: the world-building was simple, but absolutely enchanting; I felt like I was actually there, and let me tell you, if a place like Nemeda existed, I'd definitely move there, no questions asked; please take me. I adored how all the clans worked together, I adored the political landscape and all the political scheming, and I adored the magical surprises Nemeda had in store for us (and for Paris!)
The two main characters, Paris and Brett, stole my heart. They're lovely and generous and wonderful, and they both have so many endearing, hidden complexities, vulnerabilities and flaws that left me reeling. I also adored the side characters so damn much. I'm seriously obsessed by a couple of them: Killian, Minerva? Helena, Hector? The whole of the Hawk's clan and Orestes? Gah, I loved them.
Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes's writing just works for me; every single one of their stories has been an absolute joy to read, and I seriously cannot wait to read the second installment. I'm sooooooo curious to read book two and to get to know its protagonists better.
Thanks Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes for the ARC. This is my honest review.
I'm sorry, but have you all lost your goddamn minds? DNF at 59%.
SPOILERS....
In what universe is it okay to sleep with someone knowing you'll potentially infect them with a virus that kills 9/10 of people infected... and then, if they survive, turns them into a bird shifter?
WITHOUT telling them?
And then they survive, shift, are really confused because you are a coward and still HAVEN'T TOLD THEM... but then they say, 'Oh, it's okay, you had your reasons'?!?!?
No. Nope. Nyet.
I usually love this writing duo, but this is a big no from me.
I was really enjoying this story up to this point, too.
And I can't believe that NO ONE else seems to have a problem with this.
It is not romantic, or sexy. Just translate this to the real world for a moment.
Brett would go to goddam jail for potential murder. I don't care how sweet or sorry he was, or that Paris is a doormat.
How hard is it to just keep it in your pants and have a conversation? This story is the personification all that is wrong with men who have s*x with no thought to potential harm to their partner.
And then the partner forgives them. No. Stop training women (who are the main readers of MM) that this sort of shit is okay, let alone 'romantic'.
I know it's all fantasy, but this crosses a big line for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
To było w porządku. Nie zachwyciło, ale i nie wkurzyło ani nie znudziło. To, czego mi zabrakło, to sensowny rozwój romansu - miłość pojawiła się nie wiadomo skąd i dlaczego. Autorka próbowała to opisać, ale mnie nie przekonała. Ciekawy świat klanów zorganizowanych w jeden spójny demokratyczny organizm.
3.5 Another Burns/Fawkes fantasy? Am I the only one who hopes to get something like Fire and Valor again? I remember I had my issues with the first book of that series, so maybe it's a good sign that the same applies to this new series. On the other hand this obviously is going to be a series where each book has a different main couple which might be for the best. So for the time being I'm better moving Fire and Valor back into my memory.
I'm a sucker for world building. So let's start with that one. We find ourselves in a world with at least 3 countries. 2 at war with each other for endless decades and the other one with such a superiority complex that it doesn't care much about the other countries. Occasionally they (Urial) send an emissary to their neighbor Nemeda but not one of them ever came back. So it's no surprise that Paris is not exactly happy when his king gives him the order to gain a treaty with Nemeda and it doesn't make it better that the subject of that treaty is kept in the dark. After all it's not the real reason why he's sent to that obviously dangerous country. In reality it's to remove Prince Tybalt's dirty little secret from court to marry the crown prince off to some else. Anyway, Paris has to go and suddenly finds himself in Nemeda, the country of bird worshippers where people live in tents. Takes him a bit of time to revise the worshipper assumption but that there are not only tents becomes quickly clear even before he finds himself alone with Brett and only one bed during a blizzard.
Have to admit that at first I had my issues with Paris. He's introduced as a noble trained his whole life in politics and running a kingdom but nothing could be more wrong. He's kind, naive and a bit spoiled and for a long time it was easy to see him more as a male damsel in distress than a self reliant man but he's growing during his adventure in Nemeda, so I'm okay with him. The same can't be said about Brett and it's not because both guys are just too nice and kind and helpful for my taste (I better wait for Kilian's and Hector's book). It's because the big no-go that happened during that blizzard. A romance hero doesn't act that way and there is no excuse. Wallowing in guilt after it's done instead of talking to the guy he fell for and explaining what happened and what to expect, isn't making a better impression.
In the end I was more interested in the support characters and the situation in Nemeda. Would even been better if the authors would have created their villains as good as their female characters. I liked all the woman and look forward to some of the male characters in the next books but the chief of clan Eagle was only a one-dimensional bully and the king of Urial not even that. The authors obviously had not much interest in Urial anyway. It's just the country Paris and his family are coming from. I hope the country south of Nemeda will get a better treatment in one of the next books although I completely understand the disregard. Nemada and its secret is so much more captivating than mere power struggles and politicking in Urial. However, I also have still many questions about Nemeda and its bird named clans and I'm not sure I'll get answers in the next books for all of them but maybe they correct the strange statement about eagles being scavengers even if it's only a slight niggle.
DNF. I tried, but I'm bailing at 20%. Goofy worldbuilding, weird name choices, and a very strong sense that the author just did not care to get serious with this idea. I can't even say it had potential, since nothing of substance was offered in the first place.
terrific world building, excellent design and cast of characters
Rating: 4.5🌈
It took a short time for me to find my way to really connecting with both of these characters in Sanctuary, Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes’ new book and series.
At first, Paris comes across as a cosseted, naive young nobleman who’s just lost his father, a man who is the hidden lover of the heir to the throne. But quickly, through the means of a political mission, the authors start him towards a journey of astonishing personal growth.
Paris travels to the land of Nemeda, where he’s to make a peace treaty with the unknown southern tribes, who are said to be bird worshippers. This is absolutely where the narrative pulls the reader into this amazing universe, giving us a window into his development as he opens up himself to new cultures, uses his ingenuity and knowledge to create opportunities for himself and to help others.
We get to watch him grow and fall in love with the person he’s becoming.
The same goes for head of the Hawk clan, Brett. Brett was a harder character for me to invest in to start. Part of this is the disconnect between the clan bird/Avatar and what this clan is known for. It also ties into Brett’s personality. They are the Hawk clan. However, instead of being known for their warrior spirit or their fierce nature, this clan is one of farmers and land oriented talents. It absolutely doesn’t match up with the Hawk as a species.
Other clans do match better with their namesake. Cranes, Ducks, Eagles and especially the Crows, all beautifully suited to their clan’s needs and abilities. So why stray so far off from the Hawk’s? As a someone in the field (wildlife biologist) this is an irritating factor, but not the only one. More on this at the end.
Anyway, Brett comes off as clueless or hapless as a clan leader when he first starts making his appearance in the novel. The worst of it involves how he’s handled the wife he was dealt with. This is a important storyline that will thread throughout the novel, especially how it’s handled by him at the beginning of the story. Does Brett improve in character development as the novel continues? Yes, but for me, this is a very weak beginning point.
Burns and Fawkes have just begun with their world building, as the various clans are introduced, along with their histories and the territorial/clan wars reveal themselves. So to the geographical and climate changes that are typical of each region that impacts each clan and kingdom. It’s fascinating, detailed, and gives depth to the characters in ways that makes them relatable.
I enjoyed and was very engaged with many of the other characters here, definitely wanting more of the Crow Clan and their fierce leader. There is so much more of the magical side to be explored. And that’s the spoilers side too that I won’t be going into. Fantastic if not wholly unexpected.
The relationship, slowly growing, the respect for each other’s privacy and culture is something I enjoyed watching unfold and look forward to seeing more of in future stories.
Finally, my last words to the authors (other writers too), please rethink wise owl usage. I can tell you that is absolutely not the case. A alpha predator? Positively. Fierce? Beyond measure. But wise? Nope, I blame Disney and that face! SMH. Let’s try to keep the owl more in tune with its natural behaviors, same as you do with the other birds here. With the exception of that pesky Hawk.
Otherwise, a terrific read and wonderful adventure.
On The Wind: - [x] Sanctuary #1 - [ ] Guardian #2 - TBD
Oh my goodness! This story absolutely blew me away. I knew it would be good because I am a fan of this author, but I wasn’t prepared for the gloriousness that was Brett and Paris. Paris thinks he knows what his future holds but it turns out he was believing in something false. I ADORE the clans of the Nemedean people! I hope there are going to be more because I want to see Killian and Minerva and the others again. The characters pulled me through this book and wouldn’t let me stop reading until I finished it.
complete guilty pleasure. best way to end the year. i am in love with Brett. I love Paris. (Hate the name) I love how no true conflict was like idk how to explain it, conflict was outside not inside the characters and it all got resolved way better than I thought and not in a fixer upper done bad way but in a ooo that makes sense way. a little bit mad about not understanding too well the world and how some things were revealed in confusing orders and ways but jdjsxjsjjz love love it anyways!
usually when it comes to stories like this I am not excited to read the next books but i can’t fucking WAIT for hector’s book.
I have been waiting to start this series util it was complete, and it was WELL worth the wait 😍😍😍 This author duo is always a pleasure to read, but this series starter maybe my favorite thing from theory catalog. If I could give it all the stars in existence, I would. Paris and Brett were each perfection, but so are Killian, Oerestes, Hector, Helena, Rosalind, Esmerelda, Minerva... ALL of them. I am absolutely in love with this world! 🥰 🦅 🦉 ❤️
Sweet "barbarians", with a side of politics and betrayal
Paris is young and pretty and involved with a prince. Then his dad dies. The king sends him away on "a diplomatic mission" with no resources to make a deal, to a place where the last four "diplomats" died.
Brett is leader of the Hawk clan and finds himself with a diplomat and no real idea what to do with the man, other than admire his backside. He has a different sort of diplomatic nightmare to deal with.
These are the good guys, and they're so nice. There are some not so nice leaders they need to thwart. There is some sex, but the story isn't really about that.
I loved the story and look forward to the next one, but I found some of the character names distracting. Let's just say you might recognize them, but the relationship between namesakes isn't there.
Sanctuary is the first book in the new On the Wind series. This book is about Paris who is sent as a diplomat to Nemeda and Brett the leader of the Hawk clan. This book was so good that I wasn't able to put it down once I started it. I love the way the characters are written. I love the world building also. So much happens in the story and it really keeps you engaged in the book. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book.
Dnf 20%. This book is just not it. The writing is boring and rushed, it gives no time and space for things to happen. The world building is just as rushed, bits and pieces added here and there without a clear line. Maybe it would have been better with a proper introduction to the world, but it felt too rushed for me. And Paris is not believable as a character, he should be one of the best diplomats of his country, but he just isn’t. I was interested in the plot, but it didn’t work for me mostly for the writing.
I’ll admit, I don’t usually go into Sam Burn’s books expecting them to be five-stars for me. So I was pleasantly and happily surprised when that’s what happened here! The way Sam tackles the supernatural element in this world. I truly did not see it coming and I LOVED it. I loved that the characters didn’t stray into tropes and caricatures that are usually found in m/m novels. I loved that we had just enough action but a wealth of character development that felt so seamless and organic, coupled with a world with just enough context from the real world that it was so easy for me to follow and see it!
Would I go back in time and still read this book, knowing what I know now? Yes!
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: As mentioned, I appreciated the realism and complexity in the main characters (and supporting cast too)! Paris is put in an incredibly difficult situation where he’s learning by the seat of his pants and he makes sense in how he goes about things. Similarly, Brett is surprisingly refreshing for being one of the Chiefs of a clan. The philosophy by which he runs his life is so different from what’s normally found in a character such as his. He doesn’t have wildly insane alpha tendencies that paint him out to be inhuman. He and Paris are surprisingly equal when it comes to strengths and weaknesses and I appreciated that so much.
PLOT: Slower-paced in terms of action, a large portion is the meeting of two cultures and then the stakes get upped near the 60% mark, where Paris and Brett end up working together to take care of both threats to their families and persons.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
3 of 5/ medium. This is what I usually expect, so I was content with that. I needed something I could sink my teeth into without getting overly invested.
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
75%. I mean, the climactic events occur way too quickly and easily in my opinion and we don’t get much aftermath. But I’m used to that so I don’t expect it! I didn’t finish this book frustrated, but rather grateful for the chance to spend time in the world and see them succeed in an HEA.
I went into this blind and I was pleasantly surprised, something that hasn't happened with a Burns and Fawkes story for a little while.
First of all I have to say that the narration is AMAZING!!! Kirt Graves and Michael Ferraiuolo did such an amazing job, no notes!
As far as the story goes it was really good and I enjoyed it. Paris founds himself sent to Nemeda as a diplomat to negotiate a trade with the clans there. But what does Paris knows about diplomacy? Nothing! What he knows is that no one that was ever send to Nemeda came back.
Brent is the Hawk's clan leader and since he unalived his wife in self-defense when she herself tried to unalive him so that she could get the Hawk lands for the clan she came from, Eagle, as a kind of punishment or some such, he has to host the diplomat from Uriel. Brent takes it in stride like he does every curve ball thrown his way. He is the clan leader, what else can he do?
Brent and Paris are both trying their best to navigate their new circumstances and in ways they could have never imagined, they enriched each others lives.
Paris and Brent were lovely MCs, although towards the end I found Paris's bursts and reactions OTT. /The secondary characters are amazing as well and I can't wait to read Orestes and Killian's stories!
I'm reducing a star from my rating, because there's minimal world building and this world is a lovely one to just be the bare bones the authors left it as. Especiallly when things like the truth geis are thrown in. And of course the age difference between Paris and Brent was confusing. I need my MCs clearly described and not confusing bits here and there.
This book has been one of my recent favorites, I love the dynamic of the various bird clans. Learning a bit about their history, and ongoing struggles. Seeing how easy going and fairly open minded they are compared to the more snooty northerners of Urial. Though that's not to say both sides don't have many preconceptions of the other, they do and with reason!
Seeing the way the bird clans are connected, and how loyal most are to one another and why says a lot. They don't tend to form alliances based on 'what can they do for me?' but out of a desire to take care of one another, even those in another clan. It was also fun to learn about the why of the various bird names!
Paris is a kind hearted man who doesn't want to be sent to Nemeda away from his family, and his prince who he believes he's in love with (and vice versa). Over the course of the book he learns what it means to truly be a good ruler, to truly lead the people, to have others best interests at heart and what it means to love and be loved.
Though that's not to say Tybalt is entirely the bad guy, near the end of the book you end up feeling a bit sorry for him. Even if he acts like a jerk with Paris and Brett. Learning the depths of the king's corruption is not surprising (and yet surprising all the same), so really you can see why Tybalt is the way he is. I look forward to Hector and Killian's book, and learning more about the Cranes!
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! I went into it pretty blind but from the start it impressed me. The world building was great and really interesting and I found the whole cast of characters great. The prince obviously leaves a lot to be desired but even his storyline is kind of intriguing.
Paris and Brett were fun and though I wish we got more of them just hanging out and spending their daily lives and activities together, the parts we did get were fun to read. The spice was ok, nothing mind blowing or particularly spicy but it was still nice.
I appreciate that for the most part there is very little miscommunication between them, especially about Paris’ mixed feelings for the prince. But I do wish the whole thing with the prince was settled earlier. It felt like Paris was still recovering from learning about the prince and his true self right when he then turned around and declared his feelings for Brett. That felt a little drawn out and messy for my tastes but it was still done well.
I can’t wait to read Hector’s book! The siblings are both great and I really hope we get a few hints or glimpses into Helena’s story too!
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Shifter/Human, Found Family, Dual POV Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Spice: 🌶️ 1/5 Relationship: MM
This is a beautiful romance set in a fantasy world of some magic and different peoples. Paris lives in the court, son of wealthy, deceased parents. As the prince's lover, he doesn't expect to ever have a serious relationship, but perhaps he can spend his life as the prince's close advisor when the prince eventually marries to produce an heir. Paris is shocked when the King summons him and orders him to serve as an ambassador to Nemeda, a barbaric land.
Brett is the leader of one of the tribes in Nemeda. Brett is nominated to manage Paris and interact with him in his ambassadorial duties. At first neither man knows what to expect of the other and Paris is also dealing with homesickness and missing his brother and sister. Still, the men gradually realize that the friendship they are feeling is something more.
Danger is all around with a war to the south and an angry Nemeda chief. Also, Paris can't shake the feeling that secrets are being kept from him. This book has action, supportive friends and family, passion, and a strong and hard-won love. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Brett is the greenest of flags and I'm so glad there was no misunderstandings or 3rd-act-breakup. Though there is plot angst, there's no relationship angst, which was such a refreshing read when MCs trust each other.
The historical fantasy elements of this world were super interesting. All Nemedans being bird shifters seems to be the only type of magic in this world so far.
This was a really fun story and the world building was very well done. Paris may seem a bit spoiled at first, but I think that's mainly due to the situation he was raised in. He hasn't had much need to expand some of his horizons and thought he knew were his life was going to lead. I really liked how he may not have been excited or even very willing to go to Nemeda but he didn't discredit any of the customs or make fun of the people. He was actually a great diplomat even though he didn't think so. Brett is such a calm leader. He takes everything in stride and though weary at first, I liked how he observed Paris and slowly let him in. The Avianitis is a nice twist that adds something new. I will say that the beginning reminded me a lot of Dragon's Dawn which is also by these same authors. It does feel like it's own story a little while after Paris settles in with the Hawk clan. Pacing is pretty nice and I loved many of the side characters! I'm really looking forward to seeing some of the other clans and can't wait for Hector's story!
Sanctuary is the first book in the new On the Wind series by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes. These authors are great with fantasy series and the world building here is really engaging and it drew me into the story right away. We open in Urial and quickly get a sense of the type of politics and maneuvering that characterize life in court. Then we move to Nemeda, which is such a lovely place by contrast.
I really enjoyed Brett and Paris together. They are both so sweet and good and don’t quite believe they deserve one another. They aren’t really enemies at the start, but there is sort of an awkwardness of two people thrust into a situation neither wants to be in. But they are both quick to realize that they misjudged each other and soon come to admire and appreciate one another.
Book 1 Updated to 5 stars a week+ after completing series.
I typically don't review the books I give 4 stars. I also tend to read books once a series is complete, thus I'm able to get a feel for a majority of the reviews. For me the 1st book was, 4.5 stars. I seriously considered rounding up, but over the last few years - if I have to debate that much then it typically drops to a 4.
Of the negative reviews, many felt the world building was not adequate. I thought that it was incredibly well developed, but... I can see where others might not, if they DNF or were more skimming. There is not a couple of large info dumps at the start. The world, especially involving the clans, is revealed organically often subtly. Little pieces of info about their land, their lifestyle, their collective etc... The 1st book introduced us to the individual clans and the Northern Kingdom. The 2nd book focused more on the Crane's clan, but also how the collective clans worked, their beliefs, their history, and their politics - along with the always attacking Southern Kingdom.
Another issue in the negative reviews is what some clever reviewer labeled as the deadly 'bird STD". Quite a few were rightly upset (for the real world) how the m/c's life was put in danger without his knowledge. For me, I predominately read sci-fi/ fantasy to escape the real world. We were given multiple reasons why the other m/c had not even considered it a risk at that moment. This is not even counting the very dangerous political issues or the emergency situational issue. So, was I thrilled? No. But I could understand it for this fantasy world the authors built with everything else that was going on at the same time.
I loved this story. The characters, the world, the m/c's, nearly everything. If this story ends up memorable a few weeks down the road, I may change my reading to 5 stars. I will continue on to the 3rd book.