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The Court of Lightning
Dear Author,
I’m the one with the tattoos and white hair. I’ve been part of the King’s army for the past 10 years and for the last few I’ve been commanding a unit at the border beside my frigid friend here. I want to kiss the frost off of him but I’m not sure I’d survive once his shock wore off.
Can you help me please author? I’m dying over here!
Photo Description:
Two soldiers stand side by side in the mist. One, with dark hair and very pale skin, looks stern. He is dressed in black. The other, in a leather vest, is leaning on a post, looking more relaxed. He has white hair and darker skin. Despite their differences, the two are clearly friends.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
I’m the one with the tattoos and white hair. I’ve been part of the King’s army for the past 10 years and for the last few I’ve been commanding a unit at the border beside my frigid friend here. I want to kiss the frost off of him but I’m not sure I’d survive once his shock wore off.
Can you help me please author? I’m dying over here!
Photo Description:
Two soldiers stand side by side in the mist. One, with dark hair and very pale skin, looks stern. He is dressed in black. The other, in a leather vest, is leaning on a post, looking more relaxed. He has white hair and darker skin. Despite their differences, the two are clearly friends.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
122 pages, ebook
First published July 15, 2014
27 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Amy Rae Durreson
34 books385 followersAmy Rae Durreson is a quiet Brit with a degree in early English literature, which she blames for her somewhat medieval approach to spelling, and at various times has been fluent in Latin, Old English, Ancient Greek, and Old Icelandic, though these days she mostly uses this knowledge to bore her students. Amy started her first novel a quarter of a century ago and has been scribbling away ever since. Despite these long years of experience, she has yet to master the arcane art of the semicolon. She was a winner in the 2017 Rainbow Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
April 26, 2024
This was wonderful. I wanted a short book that could still take me into a fantasy world and have a bit of romance.
It was the perfect book for that. The world that is created here is amazing. The story has incredible potential to be an epic work of fantasy. However, here you only get a tiny glimpse into a war that has been raging for ages and continues to rage even after this little story.
I'm a little sad that I couldn't get more from this world. However, the little romance that develops here is satisfying enough.
Arashan, who has been in love with Tirellian for 10 years. And Tirellian, who knows nothing about it and is oh so adorable when he finally understands.
When Tirellian touched him, it felt better than anyone else ever had, not because his hands were more skilled, but because this was Tirellian, whom he had known better than anyone for all these years, Tirellian, whom he had yearned for, Tirellian, whom he loved. 😍🫠🥰
Everything is really beautiful with very little sexual interaction, just so you don't expect too much of it here, there's simply no time for that.
It was the perfect book for that. The world that is created here is amazing. The story has incredible potential to be an epic work of fantasy. However, here you only get a tiny glimpse into a war that has been raging for ages and continues to rage even after this little story.
I'm a little sad that I couldn't get more from this world. However, the little romance that develops here is satisfying enough.
Arashan, who has been in love with Tirellian for 10 years. And Tirellian, who knows nothing about it and is oh so adorable when he finally understands.
When Tirellian touched him, it felt better than anyone else ever had, not because his hands were more skilled, but because this was Tirellian, whom he had known better than anyone for all these years, Tirellian, whom he had yearned for, Tirellian, whom he loved. 😍🫠🥰
Everything is really beautiful with very little sexual interaction, just so you don't expect too much of it here, there's simply no time for that.
July 16, 2014
Epic fantasy friends to lovers story featuring a spy and a tinker.
Strong world building, awesome camaraderie, war and tinkering/machine-making in this engaging read. Loved the dichotomy of Shan and Tirellian, the warm and gregarious versus the reserved and formal--it's a classic pairing and works here. The humor is dry and funny--loved it.
Or
Anyway, there's the kingdom to save, a nemesis with terrifying powers, slow burn romance with adorable spooning, and revelations. Fun read.
Favorite quote:
Strong world building, awesome camaraderie, war and tinkering/machine-making in this engaging read. Loved the dichotomy of Shan and Tirellian, the warm and gregarious versus the reserved and formal--it's a classic pairing and works here. The humor is dry and funny--loved it.
“Sparks, did no one ever tell you that it’s unhealthy to be too polite?”
“No, but it explains a great deal about you.”
Or
“Are we animal, vegetable or mineral in this metaphor, because the effects vary significantly?”
Anyway, there's the kingdom to save, a nemesis with terrifying powers, slow burn romance with adorable spooning, and revelations. Fun read.
Favorite quote:
Tirellian was finally looking at him as if he was the best and most terrifying thing in the world.
August 9, 2015
durreson is in typically fine form, here
June 27, 2022
I could’ve certainly picked this book at a better time. Stumbling on descriptions of a world where wouldn’t have been my first choice, if I’d known about it in advance (I know, that’s what I get for not rereading blurbs). I struggled a lot with that aspect, but any trouble I had with it was due to me, my state of mind, the current situation, it had nothing to do with the writing or the book. Thankfully, the characters and the plot kept me engaged, and I was mostly able to immerse myself in the story despite the inconvenience of the setting.
The worldbuilding was original and amazing, as it always is with this author, and I loved the relationship between Arashan and Tirellion. One thing I really appreciate about this author is that she manages to deliver a So I guess the timing wasn’t entirely bad, after all.
The worldbuilding was original and amazing, as it always is with this author, and I loved the relationship between Arashan and Tirellion. One thing I really appreciate about this author is that she manages to deliver a So I guess the timing wasn’t entirely bad, after all.
dnf
June 28, 2022I'm logging this as a DNF, but also filing it on my "maybe try again later" shelf. The author is a keeper, and I look forward to reading more of her work — but I didn't realize, when starting this, that she'd be recreating a setup she used in The Lodestar of Ys.
Here, as in Lodestar, the MCs live in a world at war, a world that's slowly but inexorably falling to a brutal invader. The good guys are losing. All they wanted was to live in freedom and peace, but they're losing. They fight on, as the years roll by, and casualties mount, and life becomes ever more difficult and grim, because what else can they do? There's still room in individual lives for flashes of joy and love and meaning as the end of the world draws near, even in the absence of hope.
This creates a mood, as you can imagine. Maybe in this book there will be some sliver of hope that the seemingly inevitable conquest will be averted. That the good guys will win. Or maybe not. But honestly I just can't right now. Maybe some other day, some other year, some other lifetime. But not now.
Here, as in Lodestar, the MCs live in a world at war, a world that's slowly but inexorably falling to a brutal invader. The good guys are losing. All they wanted was to live in freedom and peace, but they're losing. They fight on, as the years roll by, and casualties mount, and life becomes ever more difficult and grim, because what else can they do? There's still room in individual lives for flashes of joy and love and meaning as the end of the world draws near, even in the absence of hope.
This creates a mood, as you can imagine. Maybe in this book there will be some sliver of hope that the seemingly inevitable conquest will be averted. That the good guys will win. Or maybe not. But honestly I just can't right now. Maybe some other day, some other year, some other lifetime. But not now.
July 23, 2014
4.5
Another amazing, I can't believe it's free, story!
Fantastic world building...incredibly imaginative, and clearly described. I loved the details...of the wings, the toys, the land and the people.
Likeable characters with distinct personalities. I could easily picture them, and wondered if they were based on real people.
Intense, gripping storyline, although I didn't like parts of it because I was too nervous/scared for the characters. In general, I don't like stories set during wartime. Too many good people die and the survivors live in fear and misery. So, this was uncomfortable for me to read at times, but those characters! I couldn't get enough. And, luckily, there were moments of humor to ease my stress :)
The ending, though...please, please, please...tell me there will be more stories. Tell me we'll see what happens to the Seven Courts!
Another amazing, I can't believe it's free, story!
Fantastic world building...incredibly imaginative, and clearly described. I loved the details...of the wings, the toys, the land and the people.
Likeable characters with distinct personalities. I could easily picture them, and wondered if they were based on real people.
Intense, gripping storyline, although I didn't like parts of it because I was too nervous/scared for the characters. In general, I don't like stories set during wartime. Too many good people die and the survivors live in fear and misery. So, this was uncomfortable for me to read at times, but those characters! I couldn't get enough. And, luckily, there were moments of humor to ease my stress :)
The ending, though...please, please, please...tell me there will be more stories. Tell me we'll see what happens to the Seven Courts!
May 13, 2022
Really liked this! Amazing worldbuiding for such a short novella. 👏 The romance was more of an afterthought here, but it was very sweet and heartwarming.
November 13, 2014
I ended up reading this because Lynn mentioned it, and I felt like something fairly light and quick. This worked for that, and as a bonus, the worldbuilding is great. It's not just the sort of story where the plot and world are a sketchy scaffold for a romance to hang on, but a world that feels much bigger, that invites more story and asks you to imagine the past and future of the world it contains.
It helps that the two main characters are fun -- funny, in Shan's case, and adorably awkward in Tirellian's -- and their relationship feels real. The way things work out between them feels right and natural, fits perfectly in the story and in the world, without taking away from everything else that's interesting about the story. There's no sudden three chapter interlude of sex before the plot gets underway -- while there are some sex scenes, and you don't have to read them to follow the plot, the point of the story is not about the sex; the sex is just part of that relationship, which is just part of the world, etc.
All in all, definitely a fun one, and I need to hurry up and read The Lodestar of Ys, clearly.
It helps that the two main characters are fun -- funny, in Shan's case, and adorably awkward in Tirellian's -- and their relationship feels real. The way things work out between them feels right and natural, fits perfectly in the story and in the world, without taking away from everything else that's interesting about the story. There's no sudden three chapter interlude of sex before the plot gets underway -- while there are some sex scenes, and you don't have to read them to follow the plot, the point of the story is not about the sex; the sex is just part of that relationship, which is just part of the world, etc.
All in all, definitely a fun one, and I need to hurry up and read The Lodestar of Ys, clearly.
August 16, 2014
It's amazing and pretty kick ass that we get a story like this, free as a result of this event or not. Lemme 'splain...
The world: smoothly built by way of the just as smooth writing. There's nonstop motion in this story, as we're constantly pulled along from place to place.
I like the way sibling relationships are portrayed. No craziness, just doing everything they can for each other to try and end this war. It is crazy, however, that I found myself wanting to go this world, despite that war. That's good writing, yo.
I'm not a huge fan of a lot of high fantasy, except when the characters are front and center instead of places, things and names of all of those places and things. Shan and Tirellian are wonderful main characters that made it more than possible, desirable, to buy into them, into their history. Their possible future?
The dialogue is natural, humorous, slick and smart. Little details make the man. That's true for both Shan and Tirellian. It's why I found it so easy to fall for them.
I would definitely like more of this world, these characters, please.
Thank youuuuu!
The world: smoothly built by way of the just as smooth writing. There's nonstop motion in this story, as we're constantly pulled along from place to place.
I like the way sibling relationships are portrayed. No craziness, just doing everything they can for each other to try and end this war. It is crazy, however, that I found myself wanting to go this world, despite that war. That's good writing, yo.
I'm not a huge fan of a lot of high fantasy, except when the characters are front and center instead of places, things and names of all of those places and things. Shan and Tirellian are wonderful main characters that made it more than possible, desirable, to buy into them, into their history. Their possible future?
The dialogue is natural, humorous, slick and smart. Little details make the man. That's true for both Shan and Tirellian. It's why I found it so easy to fall for them.
I would definitely like more of this world, these characters, please.
Thank youuuuu!
September 5, 2023
Fantasy novella with some really fascinating world-building! I enjoyed the characters a lot, but this is a best friends to lovers situation, which can sometimes feel a little... unsatisfying for me, and in this case in particular I definitely found myself missing some of the build of their initial friendship. The romantic build was nicely paced here, but it felt a little off because they were already so very close. Similarly, while I do think the plotting was interesting, it ends with a sort of "won the battle, but not yet the war" situation, which also felt somewhat unsatisfying knowing that there are no future books. I still quite liked it, but the execution and choices here weren't 100% a hit for me.
December 24, 2018
Now this is more like it!
I love seeing a friends-to-lovers that isn't angst-filled over how this is going to change their relationship. I also love that this wasn't the sole focus of this story. Arashan (of Shan) and Tirellien, have to rescue a sprite from the hands of the enemy and find out why an ally also held captive by that same enemy is now cooperating with them in making viable weapons. There's just enough world-building that you understand who's who and what the stakes are but not so much to overwhelm and down out the story or the action.
This is a fast-moving story (sometimes a little too fast), and considering that one of the other books I read for the Love's Landscapes events turned into a Part I of a series, I was getting worried that this story was going to end up in a cliffhanger or in a similar situation. Thankfully, the plot is completely resolved by the end. However, there are still threads to make this an ongoing series if the author chooses to, and I'll be eager to see where she takes these characters next if that does indeed happen.
I love seeing a friends-to-lovers that isn't angst-filled over how this is going to change their relationship. I also love that this wasn't the sole focus of this story. Arashan (of Shan) and Tirellien, have to rescue a sprite from the hands of the enemy and find out why an ally also held captive by that same enemy is now cooperating with them in making viable weapons. There's just enough world-building that you understand who's who and what the stakes are but not so much to overwhelm and down out the story or the action.
This is a fast-moving story (sometimes a little too fast), and considering that one of the other books I read for the Love's Landscapes events turned into a Part I of a series, I was getting worried that this story was going to end up in a cliffhanger or in a similar situation. Thankfully, the plot is completely resolved by the end. However, there are still threads to make this an ongoing series if the author chooses to, and I'll be eager to see where she takes these characters next if that does indeed happen.
June 27, 2022
I loved this story, it's fast paced and engaging, and I wish it would have been longer. I liked the worldbuilding and the characters a lot. The idea behind the seven Courts is interesting and I wish this had been longer so we could have learnt more about them, and how and why they're in the situation they're currently into with more details. Also, the story, despite taking place in the middle of a war, like The Lodestar of Ys, it isn't too bleak. There's some sense of hope that goes with the characters that makes this a very enjoyable read.
Read
April 7, 2020My free story for the 2014 Don't Read in the Closet event, about secret agents working behind enemy lines in a land of eternal winter.
If you've read any of my other works, you've probably figured out by now that I have an obsession with things that fly (ships, islands, gardens, dragons, etc) and a soft spot for engineers. I'd also been reading about the history of the SOE and the French Resistance as part of my research for Resistance and when I saw the prompt I immediately wanted to write about a fantasy equivalent of the SOE (if you want a good novel about the real thing, I loved Code Name Verity). I started writing it whilst I was on holiday in Cornwall, and the cliff top locations where the Shadowflight are based are all inspired by real places (Levinport is Boscastle).
If you've read any of my other works, you've probably figured out by now that I have an obsession with things that fly (ships, islands, gardens, dragons, etc) and a soft spot for engineers. I'd also been reading about the history of the SOE and the French Resistance as part of my research for Resistance and when I saw the prompt I immediately wanted to write about a fantasy equivalent of the SOE (if you want a good novel about the real thing, I loved Code Name Verity). I started writing it whilst I was on holiday in Cornwall, and the cliff top locations where the Shadowflight are based are all inspired by real places (Levinport is Boscastle).
August 11, 2014
Remarkably polished, even more so since the story fits the prompt so beautifully. I loved Durreson's contribution to last year's event, The Lodestar of Ys, but this story is a definite step above in the sheer grace and sophistication of the world-building. No gratuitous info-dumps here, the writing, characterization and plotting are confident and accomplished. The end seems to promise a sequel--I can't wait.
Want to read
July 22, 2014Woo-hoo! New free novella by the author of last year's free awesomeness The Lodestar of Ys, and finally available as a downloadable ebook! Can't wait!
February 13, 2015
I had really high hopes for this story, mostly because Amy Rae Durreson's entry in last year's Love Has No Boundaries event, The Lodestar of Ys, was all kinds of awesome. The Court of Lightning is good, quite good, but it had a few bumps that made me go for 3 stars, rather than the 4 stars I'd expected to give it.
What I liked:
- The world building is great. The different Courts and the different peoples associated with the courts, the back story of the Seven and the Court of Ice, and just the descriptions of the various locations. It was fun.
- Tirellian. On the surface he's a grouch, slightly awkward and a stickler for the rules, but deep down inside he's just a big misunderstood softie (in a totally good way). I enjoyed Shan's character too, but I definitely liked Tirellian better.
- The romance. One issue I often have with 'loved-you-since-forever' stories is that the romance seems a bit too mechanical, but that wasn't at all the case here. Shan and Tirellian come together under believable circumstances, and they don't simply rush to the 'i-love-yous' after one night of sex.
- The writing. Durreson can write, that's for sure. The story was fast-paced, yet it flowed smoothly.
What I didn't like:
- While the world building was awesome, the story was lacking in creativity and originality. Many aspects of the plot were almost identical to Lodestar .
- I also wasn't too impressed by the concept of the courts. The idea of countries divided according to nature-based powers (i.e. water, fire, wind) has been used too many times for my liking.
- The ending was a bit disappointing. Yes, we get the happy couple going forward in their relationship, but it's very similar to Lodestar of Ys in the sense that it was a open-ending because the plot was left unfinished . I was hoping that this year's story would be less HFN-ish.
Overall, I liked the Court of Lightning and it's a great addition to this year's event. Those who are fans of Amy Durreson and liked her entry from last year will enjoy this one as well. I'd recommend this for anyone wanting to read a quick friends-to-lovers fantasy book.
What I liked:
- The world building is great. The different Courts and the different peoples associated with the courts, the back story of the Seven and the Court of Ice, and just the descriptions of the various locations. It was fun.
- Tirellian. On the surface he's a grouch, slightly awkward and a stickler for the rules, but deep down inside he's just a big misunderstood softie (in a totally good way). I enjoyed Shan's character too, but I definitely liked Tirellian better.
- The romance. One issue I often have with 'loved-you-since-forever' stories is that the romance seems a bit too mechanical, but that wasn't at all the case here. Shan and Tirellian come together under believable circumstances, and they don't simply rush to the 'i-love-yous' after one night of sex.
- The writing. Durreson can write, that's for sure. The story was fast-paced, yet it flowed smoothly.
What I didn't like:
- While the world building was awesome, the story was lacking in creativity and originality. Many aspects of the plot were almost identical to Lodestar .
- I also wasn't too impressed by the concept of the courts. The idea of countries divided according to nature-based powers (i.e. water, fire, wind) has been used too many times for my liking.
- The ending was a bit disappointing. Yes, we get the happy couple going forward in their relationship, but it's very similar to Lodestar of Ys in the sense that it was a open-ending because the plot was left unfinished . I was hoping that this year's story would be less HFN-ish.
Overall, I liked the Court of Lightning and it's a great addition to this year's event. Those who are fans of Amy Durreson and liked her entry from last year will enjoy this one as well. I'd recommend this for anyone wanting to read a quick friends-to-lovers fantasy book.
July 25, 2014
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love's Landscapes event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
Fantasmical world Building! Great characters, although I was a little bummed not to get Terellian's POV. It ended with a good HEA for our guys but not with everything tied in a neat 'lil bow. I definitely have a kinship with Ms. Durreson's writing. I didn't get as emotionally invested in this story as last years The Lodestar of Ys, but still... so good!
July 17, 2014
See I don't mind if fantasy worlds are left a bit vague. I don't mind if I am not completely clear on what's what and who's where. As long as I have identifable characters who are either charming, resourceful, intelligent and sympathetic, I can go along for the ride.
That's what happened here. I was a bit confused initially with all the talk of the earth, fire and wind worlds, the Seven and the terrible ice people. But that was okay, because I immediately loved Shan and his uptight partner Sparks, and their interaction and the clear understanding they were fighting for the lives of many people.
It was absorbing and cheeky and felt real. Mind you, I am a total fan of this author anyway.
Loved.
June 25, 2020
4.5 Stars
The author managed to make a novella epic and the balance between the world building, characters and story arc was perfect.
This is one I'll read again, I know I missed some nuances and details that I want to revisit now that I have perspective. Not that anything was missing in the slightest, I was just so focused on Shan and Tirellian that I'm sure I need to read it again to appreciate everything The Court of Lightning has to offer.
The author managed to make a novella epic and the balance between the world building, characters and story arc was perfect.
This is one I'll read again, I know I missed some nuances and details that I want to revisit now that I have perspective. Not that anything was missing in the slightest, I was just so focused on Shan and Tirellian that I'm sure I need to read it again to appreciate everything The Court of Lightning has to offer.
March 9, 2015
That was freaking excellent. I want more very badly.
October 22, 2016
Another very enjoyable story from this author. Love the world building and it would have been amazing if the story was expanded into a series.
July 25, 2017
Wow. The world building was fantastic and I want to know so much more. What happens with the other courts? Can they win the war. What is next for Shan and Tirellian? Does his sister have the baby okay? Is there any way to bring his other sister back from being frozen or is she lost for good. What about the Ice Knights, can they be redeemed? I just want to know MORE! *jitters around excitedly*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2025
4.5⭐
Again I find Amy Rae Durreson story superbly charming. There's an imaginative fantasy world mixing magic and technology. There's adventure and pining. The main characters are lovely, opposites-attract friends, and I definitely have a thing for men with long hair... uhh. It could have been perfect with just a little bit more about this world and these guys.
Again I find Amy Rae Durreson story superbly charming. There's an imaginative fantasy world mixing magic and technology. There's adventure and pining. The main characters are lovely, opposites-attract friends, and I definitely have a thing for men with long hair... uhh. It could have been perfect with just a little bit more about this world and these guys.
April 9, 2023
The only person in the whole court who doesn’t know that I’m stupidly in love with you is you.” — Shan
Warnings: Death of Family (off page), PTSD and Murder.
The Court of Lightning follows best friends and soldiers Shan and Tirellian as they attempt an act of sabotage and rescue, discovering their feelings in the process. The relationship works in tandem with the plot well. The layers of the shields they wear around their hearts falling as varying emotions get triggered. Tirellian is originally from the Court of Lightning while Shan is from the Court of the Wind, the court Tirellian is now based at. Tirellian's family and The Court of Lightning are involved in the events of the plot, for him, it is deeply personal. I adore their dynamic they are so sweet together and there is an element of the couple that fights together stays together. They have been fighting together for years and are each other's grounding source. Shan is not just a military man is an inventor, a craftsman who makes and repairs Tirellian's wings. Shan is a stunning strategist. Tirellian is a Paladin, a scout and spy. He uses wings to travel between lands. He has an element of touch starvation.
It is a lovely novella. I just wish it was longer. The core plot is sorted out and it is left at a HFN. I just wish there was more done with some of the basic support characters. For a novella, it has a reasonable support cast families, allies and a variety of antagonists. By far the stand out is Arellia, Tirellian's sister and Queen of the Wind court. She has one of the best lines in the book, she is stronger than she knows. All the female characters are great. The story does include elemental magic. The two elemental spirits involved are both female, both fierce in their own ways. Their presentations are extremely different but suit their elements. One of them is in a queer relationship with a mentor of Shan's.
Because I like the writing style of this I'm including quite a few quotes from this (quotes are Shan unless otherwise stated)
• The Court of Lightning was originally written for the 2014 Love’s Landscapes event organised by the M/M Romance Group on Goodreads, It is available free online through that group.
I am grateful to them for organising the event and for the warm reception Shan and Tirellian received from their members. — This is the nearest The Court of Lightning has to a dedication. For those who are interested M/M Romance is still a highly active group. If you are a fan of M/M romance it is well worth becoming a member of.
• The characters and setting feel quite Asian. It's the mannerisms and the attitudes towards elders.
• This quiet green headland seemed peaceful enough, but the Guersyn Peninsula, the cliff-edged moorland home of the Court of the Wind, was the last free region in the Seven Courts (last save the Isle of Time, that was, but the Isle kept its own counsel and was never touched by war). Shade, Earth, Flame, and Lightning had all fallen to Ice’s army and cold magic. — This is the Seven Courts for people who have an interest in the elemental set-up of it. Ice is the last one. They are the conquerors.
• Not for the first time, Shan considered leaning forwards that last inch and kissing him. Tirellian’s pale mouth would taste like lightning, he thought, sharp and dazzling. — I appreciate the idea of a person strongly endowed with their element tasting like it. Also, Shan's idea of what lightning would taste like is pretty good.
• “You only want me for my toolkit.”
Tirellian blinked. “I’m not sure I want to know where you plan to take that innuendo.”
“You don’t want to hear about the size of my—”
“Arashan.” — This is characteristic of the flirtation that Shan has with Tirellian and I can't help but love this moment it is just so relatable. Anyone with an innuendo-loving friend has experienced this moment. While Shan has a HUGE crush on Tirellian he actually doesn't mean anything by this. This is just personality. Tirellian has little understanding of flirtation, not natural flirtation, though he does understand court flirtation I think. (Tirellian and Shan)
• “Is this a toy?”
“It’s a gift,” Shan said, biting back a grin, “if you can open it.”
The click-click of sliding panels accompanied the rest of his cooking time and most of breakfast. “Want me to tell you the solution?”
“No,” Tirellian said, and went back to it.
“It only takes nine moves.”
Tirellian glared at him. “Then I will work out what those moves are.”
By the time they were packed and ready to go, Shan was feeling a little guilty. “There really isn’t anything much inside.”
Tirellian looked a little worried. “You can’t take back a gift, Arashan.”
“I never would,” Shan said, and didn’t even try to hide his amusement. “Good thing I didn’t put your bootlaces in it, though.”
Tirellian’s eyes narrowed. “A hearth marriage would require somebody to live with you for years without killing you, wouldn’t it?”
“Good thing you love me, Sparky,” Shan said lightly, “or I’d be facing an eternal bachelorhood.”
“I will never understand your sense of humour,” — The concept of hearth married is fantastic. We have it with defacto marriages. But I like the phrase hearth married, it makes me think of old worlds. Especially the Greek goddess Hestia who would be in full support of this. The gif I've used for this review is a puzzle box. A puzzle box is kinda important to the relationship between Shan and Tirellian. Shan uses the box to feed Tirellian's curiosity using the teasing that makes Shan as Shan. I love what is inside. Tirellian manages to get open in the last chapter. No spoilers but that is just a note that it is resolved not left up in the air. (Tirellian and Shan)
• “You shouldn’t be a soldier.”
“We’re at war. I have no choice.”
“But you should be doing this,” Tirellian said, sounding almost angry. “You should be able to make beautiful things.” — This is seriously romantic in it's own special way. It's also the way Tirellian says it. He has never seen Shan make mechanics before only machines of war, he refers to them as art and he's not wrong. (Tirellian and Shan)
• He needed people to restore him. Tirellian needed quiet. — Tirellian and Shan are quite possibly the best representations of an introvert and an extrovert living as a couple. They do not inhibit each other they understand each other's needs.
• “So, Arachanni, do you have a sponsor?”
“Yes,” Tirellian said coldly, “he does.” Then he was there at Shan’s back, his hands sliding down over Shan’s shoulders in a way that pushed the meaning of “sponsor” to its absolute limit. His hair, still damp from his bath, swung forwards to brush Shan’s cheek like a cold kiss, and the air crackled a little around him, as if a storm was about to break. — This is of course right before the confession scene. Shan (known to Markus as Arachanni) has been flirting as is his way with everyone. Tirellian sees and gets all possessive it's a whole thing. As is how Shan reacts to Tirellian's limited experience, placing pressure upon himself to ensure Tirellian's pleasure. (Markus and Tirellian speaking, Shan thinking)
•
• The door design, and some of the artistry in this book in general is stunning. Some of it is pretty standard elemental craftsmanship, some lesser so.
• “Love, it’s like lightning.”
“Not for everyone, though it can strike that fast. For some of us it grows over time.”
“It was not intended as a romantic simile.”
“Sorry,” Shan said and propped his chin on his fist, trying to look studious. “I’m listening.”
“It has claws. It can blaze through you and be gone, or it can burn you. Or stop your heart.”
“Are we animal, vegetable or mineral in this metaphor, because the effects vary significantly?”
Tirellian narrowed his eyes at Shan.
Shan grinned back, and then said softly, “Or it can be a bright light in a jar to comfort you. Or it can be the thing that fills you with strength and power.”
“You’re stretching the metaphor.”
“So were you,” Shan said amicably. “Me, I think love is its own thing, and it has countless faces. If it makes us happier and stronger and more glad to be alive, it’s a good thing.” “But people die for love, all the time.”
“On the whole, they don’t,” Shan pointed out. “You just live the kind of life people write epic poems about. Most of us just live for those we love instead. And even if they do, that’s not the entirety of the thing.” — This is a massive quote but I couldn't cut it down. I just like it too much. Honestly, it is their personalities in a quote and a great exploration of love. (Tirellian and Shan)
• It was only the laziest of observations, because Tirellian was currently using his tongue to trace over every bit of ink on Shan’s back. — I just need to say this is a serious moment for me. That whole exploring tattooed with your tongue thing is not done often enough in fiction. It is referenced but not done. Tirellian finds great appeal in Shan's tattoos, I like the imagery of them.
The names in this are great I appreciate the choice to use names differently. Shan uses a series of lightning-related nicknames for Tirellian mostly Sparks or Sparky in reference to his lightning powers. It could be argued that Tirellian goes the exact opposite way. He is one of only two people in the world that calls Shan his full name, Arashan (the other is Queen Arellia, Tirellian's sister). The use of names is intelligent, it suits their upbringings Tirellian was raised in a political family, a political pawn raised for court life and extremely formal at nearly all times. Shan was raised in a close-knit family that works with their hands on the periphery of the Court, he is personable and kind despite being a soldier. It's a smaller detail but one not many authors would think about. As is Tirellian as a political pawn for power. Few writers acknowledge that sons are as powerful in the marriage market as daughters. Daughters get you power, rank and prestige. Sons get you wealth as well but only if the right marriage is organised (usually to a wealthy widow).
“Because I am an adult woman capable of making my own decisions,” she said tartly, “not a walking womb, whatever delusions you and my husband seem to be suffering.” — Queen Arellia
A representative gif:
Why was this so hard to review? I say that knowing full well over half the review is just lines I really liked.
March 6, 2015
Wonderful world building! I was left wanting to now more about the Ice Knights and how they might be defeated (perhaps find a way to melt their heart and bring back feelings).
Asharan and Tirellian were brilliant characters as well. I loved how witty and charming and seductive Shan was without coming off to strong. Just enough to make you love him and laugh at his jokes. And Tirellian, so aloof, so sure of his actions but shy and blushing whenever something sexual came up. I might have been just a tad sad there was so little focus on developing the romance between them but the action really deserved to be front and center. It was the kind of plot development that really pulled you in.
There has to be a sequel to this. I want to know what happens to Tirellian's sister and if she has the baby safely. I need to know if Tirellian will ever assume the throne. I am curious how the pair's relationship will develop and how it will be perceived by their respective families. And last but definitely not least, I need to know how they will win the war and what happens to the other Courts.
Asharan and Tirellian were brilliant characters as well. I loved how witty and charming and seductive Shan was without coming off to strong. Just enough to make you love him and laugh at his jokes. And Tirellian, so aloof, so sure of his actions but shy and blushing whenever something sexual came up. I might have been just a tad sad there was so little focus on developing the romance between them but the action really deserved to be front and center. It was the kind of plot development that really pulled you in.
There has to be a sequel to this. I want to know what happens to Tirellian's sister and if she has the baby safely. I need to know if Tirellian will ever assume the throne. I am curious how the pair's relationship will develop and how it will be perceived by their respective families. And last but definitely not least, I need to know how they will win the war and what happens to the other Courts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2015
Excellent! I loved it! Shan was the perfect point of view for this. I loved his inventor's heart and that he was courageous even though he thought himself a coward. Tirellian was heartbreaking in his stoicism and I loved how Shan got to him. The fantasy story was in perfect balance to the romance and was rich in detail and lore without being confusing. There were also great secondary characters that rounded everything out. I would love to see more in this world!
July 16, 2014
I loved this story. Well crafted, engaging, and with a beautiful world that match the picture inspiration.
July 27, 2014
Absolutely thoroughly enjoyed this story. Thank you so much for your contribution.
March 9, 2015
3.75 stars.
This was a solid fantasy story. Wouldn't mind reading more of this world.
This was a solid fantasy story. Wouldn't mind reading more of this world.
dnf
December 14, 2017DNF 32%
Interesting premise. Far too much tell and not nearly enough show. I simply became bored.
Interesting premise. Far too much tell and not nearly enough show. I simply became bored.
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