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Riehse Eshan #1
A Knife and a Blade
Desperate to save his people from foreign occupation, Prince Renato Aratorre has resorted to kidnapping in an effort to leverage their freedom. But when he ends up with not a princess but the handsome son of his enemy’s military leader, Ren is determined to discover what the so-called Mathias Grachyov is hiding. And he needs to do it quickly, before the plotting of his family, his court and his enemies undoes everything he’s trying to achieve.
Alone in a foreign country and held hostage by a man by whose hand he has repeatedly seen himself die, Mat faces danger on all sides. Not least of which is Ren himself, for the cruel prince would seemingly like nothing more than to ruin him in more ways than one.
--
A Knife and a Blade is the first book in the Riehse Eshan series, a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers dark fantasy M/M romance.
Alone in a foreign country and held hostage by a man by whose hand he has repeatedly seen himself die, Mat faces danger on all sides. Not least of which is Ren himself, for the cruel prince would seemingly like nothing more than to ruin him in more ways than one.
--
A Knife and a Blade is the first book in the Riehse Eshan series, a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers dark fantasy M/M romance.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2022
300 people are currently reading
3033 people want to read
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nope
February 15, 2023Dear fantasy author: NO ONE expects you to invent new languages. A well-drawn map and good word building are enough, if your writing’s up to standard. But please, don’t exploit already existing languages, even such exotic ones as Spanish(!!) and Russian(!!) — after conveniently renaming them, of course — just so you can pepper a few sentences with foreign words. That’s just in bad taste.
July 24, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
My review is for the entire series (well, the 3 books released so far- there’s another one to be released in October)
Well well well, look at me reading fantasy, what’s the world coming to!! And not only reading but enjoying the hell out of it too. This series was quite excellent and I had to thank heavens I’m on vacation and I could devour all 3 books in a sitting.
Some say this is the tacky version of The captive prince but I actually don’t see any resemblance with that one apart from the prince/prisoner trope. This one is not that dark and heavy (though it has some dark element too) , the characters are way way more lovable and endearing and they also have some kinky sexual preferences. I LOVED Ren and Mat !!! I loved the toppy femme flamboyant, long haired prince and the straight, stuck up and judgmental prisoner. I loved the enemies to lovers, the slow burn, the sexual tension, the one-sided flirting (Ren was kind of slutty and very proud of it 😀) , I love the protectiveness, the “mine mine mine” vibes.
I loved their relationship evolution, how they got to know each other and appreciate each other .. I loved how, when they got together they were a team, they fought for each other and they trusted each other. Their interactions and their relationship are so 😍😍😍
There were things I didn’t quite like too, like the fact that despite the sexual tension and talks about sex and teasing the reader the book had way too little sex and a smidge too vanilla considering the kinky preferences they had . Also , the amount of misery these guys receive from everybody is OTT and eye rolling. Like , give them a freaking break, give them a few allies in that God forsaken palace!! Misery on top of misery on top of treason on top of hate on top of wackiness and psychos. I was exhausted at the end of the third book. And then, just when I was expecting a happy rainbow epilogue we get more drama, treason and tragedy for the fourth book to deal with. I was a bit disappointed, too much outside drama.
Despide these niggles this series is wonderful and Ren and Mat is a couple I will be thinking about from time to time. Their growth throughout the books, their tenderness and banter were epic.
My review is for the entire series (well, the 3 books released so far- there’s another one to be released in October)
Well well well, look at me reading fantasy, what’s the world coming to!! And not only reading but enjoying the hell out of it too. This series was quite excellent and I had to thank heavens I’m on vacation and I could devour all 3 books in a sitting.
Some say this is the tacky version of The captive prince but I actually don’t see any resemblance with that one apart from the prince/prisoner trope. This one is not that dark and heavy (though it has some dark element too) , the characters are way way more lovable and endearing and they also have some kinky sexual preferences. I LOVED Ren and Mat !!! I loved the toppy femme flamboyant, long haired prince and the straight, stuck up and judgmental prisoner. I loved the enemies to lovers, the slow burn, the sexual tension, the one-sided flirting (Ren was kind of slutty and very proud of it 😀) , I love the protectiveness, the “mine mine mine” vibes.
I loved their relationship evolution, how they got to know each other and appreciate each other .. I loved how, when they got together they were a team, they fought for each other and they trusted each other. Their interactions and their relationship are so 😍😍😍
There were things I didn’t quite like too, like the fact that despite the sexual tension and talks about sex and teasing the reader the book had way too little sex and a smidge too vanilla considering the kinky preferences they had . Also , the amount of misery these guys receive from everybody is OTT and eye rolling. Like , give them a freaking break, give them a few allies in that God forsaken palace!! Misery on top of misery on top of treason on top of hate on top of wackiness and psychos. I was exhausted at the end of the third book. And then, just when I was expecting a happy rainbow epilogue we get more drama, treason and tragedy for the fourth book to deal with. I was a bit disappointed, too much outside drama.
Despide these niggles this series is wonderful and Ren and Mat is a couple I will be thinking about from time to time. Their growth throughout the books, their tenderness and banter were epic.
July 3, 2023
I don’t know what went wrong with this! I thought I would like it but it just sort of went downhill. I didn’t find great interest in the story and I couldn’t imagine the characters. I’m not picking up the second book in this series anytime soon.
June 1, 2025
4.5***** stars
After just having finished the Captive Prince trilogy the other day I was FINALLY (and still) in the right mood to tackle this series that was already collecting dust on my kindle. The author states this story is influenced by C.S. Pacat as well as Ariana Nash and Reign. And yes, I can see that and I love it.
What was very interesting about the setup with the two enemy countries was their different value systems that were both wayward in one way but more forward/“modern” in others. So was the southern country absolutely misogynistic in the people’s thinking but open when it came to sexual orientation and preferences while the two northern countries were one hundred percent homophobic but value their women’s capabilities and rights. I loved how both main characters had to learn here.
What was a bit irritating at first was the characters’ very contemporary way of speaking in this fantasy/medieval setting but after getting used to it it made it all the more entertaining.
And then there were all the secrets and mysteries that were not only kept from the various characters but also from the reader—which not only made this whole thing very intriguing but also (ofc, bc it’s me) a bit frustrating. *lol
There were a lot of indications like this that had me guessing and speculating about WHO TF ARE YOU REALLY, MAT???? And I’m proud to say that I got it a tiny bit before it was officially revealed. And man, I’m glad that mystery didn’t drag further than this first book.
And speaking of Ren, the spare prince of the southern country was a horny motherfucker. Damn at times he made me (and Mat) pretty uncomfortable with his persistence but the more I got to know Ren the more endearing his inappropriate flirting became.
*lmaooo 💀
*************
Riehse Eshan Series
Book 1 - A Knife and a Blade - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - A Whisper and a Breath - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - A Shadow and a Storm - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - An Oath and a Promise - 4.0 stars
novella - The Guard and the Gardener
novella - A Throne and a Crown - 4.25 stars
After just having finished the Captive Prince trilogy the other day I was FINALLY (and still) in the right mood to tackle this series that was already collecting dust on my kindle. The author states this story is influenced by C.S. Pacat as well as Ariana Nash and Reign. And yes, I can see that and I love it.
What was very interesting about the setup with the two enemy countries was their different value systems that were both wayward in one way but more forward/“modern” in others. So was the southern country absolutely misogynistic in the people’s thinking but open when it came to sexual orientation and preferences while the two northern countries were one hundred percent homophobic but value their women’s capabilities and rights. I loved how both main characters had to learn here.
What was a bit irritating at first was the characters’ very contemporary way of speaking in this fantasy/medieval setting but after getting used to it it made it all the more entertaining.
And then there were all the secrets and mysteries that were not only kept from the various characters but also from the reader—which not only made this whole thing very intriguing but also (ofc, bc it’s me) a bit frustrating. *lol
Maybe I should just tell Ren who I really was. But that… that would give him leverage over my real family, and I couldn’t do that to them. I couldn’t bear to be responsible for what he could demand from them simply by holding me here.
There were a lot of indications like this that had me guessing and speculating about WHO TF ARE YOU REALLY, MAT???? And I’m proud to say that I got it a tiny bit before it was officially revealed. And man, I’m glad that mystery didn’t drag further than this first book.
And speaking of Ren, the spare prince of the southern country was a horny motherfucker. Damn at times he made me (and Mat) pretty uncomfortable with his persistence but the more I got to know Ren the more endearing his inappropriate flirting became.
I was trapped here like a cow penned into a field, given just enough freedom to graze but knowing there could be an axe to my neck any day. Oh, and I couldn’t forget about the particularly horny bull roaming about the same pasture.
*lmaooo 💀
*************
Riehse Eshan Series
Book 1 - A Knife and a Blade - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - A Whisper and a Breath - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - A Shadow and a Storm - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - An Oath and a Promise - 4.0 stars
novella - The Guard and the Gardener
novella - A Throne and a Crown - 4.25 stars
January 6, 2023
I. Fucking. LOVED. This!!!
It was so so so good!
A genuine, genuine enemies-to-lovers, which I felt I haven't read in so long. Even though they're both attracted to and want each other from the beginning - and Ren is more open about it, as his culture is more tolerant of non-heterosexual pairings, whereas with Mathias, it's very very forbidden, and men get flogged within an inch of their lives - sometimes even die - if they're found to have been with another man - there is also hate there, delicious hate that brings on the heat.
The chemistry between these two was so so so good!
Ren and Mat both have a fire in them. Mat is a spitfire, a wildcat as Ren often describes him (even comes to think of him as "my wildcat" ;)) and it is very, very apt.
Mat is mouthy from the beginning, not afraid to say what's what and wha the's thinking right to anyone's face, damn the consequences - which, at times, is not a good thing at all.
Ren, while more poised at times, and knowing when to keep his mouth shut and play the part, can be as cruel as he can be kind. He's almost a contradiction. At times doing and saying some bad shit, at others being kind and considerate, even to Mat, his "prisoner."
But at times, when Mat goes too far, Ren has it out with him, and these two fight like cats and dogs when push comes to shove.
That's what I love about this Ren is basically obsessed with Mat from the get go, but there's still times he's quick to anger with what Mat does or says, and he doesn't always have the best opinions about Mat and his 'northerner' self. He also is readily prepared to use Mat in the political games he has to play as one of the three countries in the continent they live on.
Mat is just as attracted to Ren as Ren is to him, but he doesn't want to be, and pushes it down and tries to deny, deny, deny at every turn. He was taught that to lie with another man is a sin, and he's seen what happens to men who are discovered, but even he can't resist Ren forever.
Especially as they grow closer when, after the guards are neglectful of Mat down in the cells, Ren has Mat permanently attached at his side, basically, 24/7.
As obsessed as Ren is, it still isn't anywhere close to love for these two at first. Ren gets around, and he just sees sex as sex, a fun thing to do a lot. He has sex with many people, and as we come to learn, is definitely into BDSM type stuff.
He wants Mat, badly, but at first it's just lust.
But in each other's presence, things start to change, slowly. As they get to know each other, as they get to learn more about what makes the other tick. As they see different sides of each other. Especially Mat with Ren.
Because Mat is very determined to hate Ren. Understandably so, at first. No matter the connection they have, Ren is still sometimes cruel, still the one holding Mat hostage, against his will.
But there's more to Ren than meets the eye, as Mat comes to learn.
But these two are just at the start of their romance. This first book can barley be called a romance, honestly.
There's just hints of it here and there. It gets to the point that by the end of the book, there's an attachment they both feel for each other. There's real feelings there, even if it's not love yet. But it's more than just lust by the end of this. No matter how much Mat tries to deny anything sexual or romantic in his feelings for Ren.
But it's true all the same.
These two were just so good together and I couldn't get enough. I had to force myself to stop reading last night and sleep.
The plot was interesting too. It's mainly between two of the three countries, but the third country comes into the play at the end too.
Also, Mat...isn't actually Mathias, and we're kept in the dark about who he is until the very end of the book. Although Ren, clever guy that he is, figures it all out on his own, although it takes him near the end of the book to realize just who Mat is. He knows he's not the real Mathias from early on, but he doesn't know just who he is, as Mat refuses to say, until the end.
It's great intrigue, with palace politics at play, and these two stubborn AF, idiot men at the center, falling in love but not knowing it yet.
Although, Mat also keeps having a vision (in this world there are the "Blessed" who have enhanced abilities of the normal 5 senses humans have. They have one of the 5) of Ren stabbing and killing him, and who knows if that'll come to pass. We have to hope it doesn't. Or even if it does, that Mat survives. Because this does promise a HEA by the end, after all ;).
Also, I used the 'mmf-content' tag, but it didn't involve Ren and Mat with anyone together. It IS Ren with a random guy and woman, although this is when Ren and Mat are still pretty solidly in enemy territory, or just the 'lustful' stage, so I was able to get past it.
It also helps that pretty soon into it, Ren gets bored of it, and he's too focused on Mat (who is in the room. Yep, he's there, because Ren makes him stay in the room. But Mat is looking away almost the entire time, and doesn't engage in any of it) and not interested in these two people who are regular lovers of his.
He even forces himself to finish them off to get them to leave, and does so by imagining the guy is Mat. He also feels slightly bad for making Mat stay in the room while it's happening, as Mat is clearly uncomfortable for most of it (although, near the end, intrigued by seeing the guy hung up by ropes, which shoes that Mat, deep down, is interested in it. But will never admit it, of course.)
So, that's the extent of either of them shown with others in this book.
As for these two, the furthest they get is a handjob that Ren gives Mat. Which is hot AF, but with their true enemy status, and Mat being so resistant for so long, it makes sense. And the homophobia is so deeply engrained in Mat that afterward he freaks out over it, which is to be expected. He has a ways to go to get past that deep rooted internal homophobia.
But, I still hope for more between these two, sexually, in the next book. Which I'm so excited to dive into.
And which I know will probably end on a cliffy kind of like this one, and I'll have to wait until April for the third book to come out, but I've started this and I am IN it and I can't not continue.
I'm so excited for more Ren and Mat and their delicious chemistry and biting banter, and softer moments in between.
I HIGHLY, highly recommend this book! Especially if you love enemies-to-lovers. So fucking good!
Sprinting to get the next book now! 🏃🏼♀️
It was so so so good!
A genuine, genuine enemies-to-lovers, which I felt I haven't read in so long. Even though they're both attracted to and want each other from the beginning - and Ren is more open about it, as his culture is more tolerant of non-heterosexual pairings, whereas with Mathias, it's very very forbidden, and men get flogged within an inch of their lives - sometimes even die - if they're found to have been with another man - there is also hate there, delicious hate that brings on the heat.
The chemistry between these two was so so so good!
Ren and Mat both have a fire in them. Mat is a spitfire, a wildcat as Ren often describes him (even comes to think of him as "my wildcat" ;)) and it is very, very apt.
Mat is mouthy from the beginning, not afraid to say what's what and wha the's thinking right to anyone's face, damn the consequences - which, at times, is not a good thing at all.
Ren, while more poised at times, and knowing when to keep his mouth shut and play the part, can be as cruel as he can be kind. He's almost a contradiction. At times doing and saying some bad shit, at others being kind and considerate, even to Mat, his "prisoner."
But at times, when Mat goes too far, Ren has it out with him, and these two fight like cats and dogs when push comes to shove.
That's what I love about this Ren is basically obsessed with Mat from the get go, but there's still times he's quick to anger with what Mat does or says, and he doesn't always have the best opinions about Mat and his 'northerner' self. He also is readily prepared to use Mat in the political games he has to play as one of the three countries in the continent they live on.
Mat is just as attracted to Ren as Ren is to him, but he doesn't want to be, and pushes it down and tries to deny, deny, deny at every turn. He was taught that to lie with another man is a sin, and he's seen what happens to men who are discovered, but even he can't resist Ren forever.
Especially as they grow closer when, after the guards are neglectful of Mat down in the cells, Ren has Mat permanently attached at his side, basically, 24/7.
As obsessed as Ren is, it still isn't anywhere close to love for these two at first. Ren gets around, and he just sees sex as sex, a fun thing to do a lot. He has sex with many people, and as we come to learn, is definitely into BDSM type stuff.
He wants Mat, badly, but at first it's just lust.
But in each other's presence, things start to change, slowly. As they get to know each other, as they get to learn more about what makes the other tick. As they see different sides of each other. Especially Mat with Ren.
Because Mat is very determined to hate Ren. Understandably so, at first. No matter the connection they have, Ren is still sometimes cruel, still the one holding Mat hostage, against his will.
But there's more to Ren than meets the eye, as Mat comes to learn.
But these two are just at the start of their romance. This first book can barley be called a romance, honestly.
There's just hints of it here and there. It gets to the point that by the end of the book, there's an attachment they both feel for each other. There's real feelings there, even if it's not love yet. But it's more than just lust by the end of this. No matter how much Mat tries to deny anything sexual or romantic in his feelings for Ren.
But it's true all the same.
These two were just so good together and I couldn't get enough. I had to force myself to stop reading last night and sleep.
The plot was interesting too. It's mainly between two of the three countries, but the third country comes into the play at the end too.
Also, Mat...isn't actually Mathias, and we're kept in the dark about who he is until the very end of the book. Although Ren, clever guy that he is, figures it all out on his own, although it takes him near the end of the book to realize just who Mat is. He knows he's not the real Mathias from early on, but he doesn't know just who he is, as Mat refuses to say, until the end.
It's great intrigue, with palace politics at play, and these two stubborn AF, idiot men at the center, falling in love but not knowing it yet.
Although, Mat also keeps having a vision (in this world there are the "Blessed" who have enhanced abilities of the normal 5 senses humans have. They have one of the 5) of Ren stabbing and killing him, and who knows if that'll come to pass. We have to hope it doesn't. Or even if it does, that Mat survives. Because this does promise a HEA by the end, after all ;).
Also, I used the 'mmf-content' tag, but it didn't involve Ren and Mat with anyone together. It IS Ren with a random guy and woman, although this is when Ren and Mat are still pretty solidly in enemy territory, or just the 'lustful' stage, so I was able to get past it.
It also helps that pretty soon into it, Ren gets bored of it, and he's too focused on Mat (who is in the room. Yep, he's there, because Ren makes him stay in the room. But Mat is looking away almost the entire time, and doesn't engage in any of it) and not interested in these two people who are regular lovers of his.
He even forces himself to finish them off to get them to leave, and does so by imagining the guy is Mat. He also feels slightly bad for making Mat stay in the room while it's happening, as Mat is clearly uncomfortable for most of it (although, near the end, intrigued by seeing the guy hung up by ropes, which shoes that Mat, deep down, is interested in it. But will never admit it, of course.)
So, that's the extent of either of them shown with others in this book.
As for these two, the furthest they get is a handjob that Ren gives Mat. Which is hot AF, but with their true enemy status, and Mat being so resistant for so long, it makes sense. And the homophobia is so deeply engrained in Mat that afterward he freaks out over it, which is to be expected. He has a ways to go to get past that deep rooted internal homophobia.
But, I still hope for more between these two, sexually, in the next book. Which I'm so excited to dive into.
And which I know will probably end on a cliffy kind of like this one, and I'll have to wait until April for the third book to come out, but I've started this and I am IN it and I can't not continue.
I'm so excited for more Ren and Mat and their delicious chemistry and biting banter, and softer moments in between.
I HIGHLY, highly recommend this book! Especially if you love enemies-to-lovers. So fucking good!
Sprinting to get the next book now! 🏃🏼♀️
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February 11, 2023
He smiled at me, and it reminded me of how the sun would rise over the citrus orchards to the east; a slow, steady movement that was suddenly all you could see, and then you wondered what it had ever been like to stand in the dark.
god i'm in love with this quote. 😭
god i'm in love with this quote. 😭
June 9, 2023
Yes I shall make my prisoner act as my guard, dress him in a guard outfit, and have him trail me through the castle. This makes total sense.
(Too bad as I was interested in the world building?)
(Too bad as I was interested in the world building?)
May 1, 2023
I should have known with a name like “a knife and a blade” this book would be kind of stupid. A knife is a type of blade right? Like the name might as well be “a knife and a knife”….weird.
Anyway, I needed a palate cleanser between heavier books, and this was on KU so I picked it up.
And for the first 25 percent it was decent, though the “made up” countries and languages were ridiculously offensive considering they are obviously Russia and Spain 🙄🙄 so I almost DNFed at that. Instead I made it to 45 percent. And that was an amazing feat.
The character of “Mat” or whatever his name is has got to be one of the most annoying I have ever read. No, scratch that, both of the main characters are abhorrent. Mat is just stupid as well. And this author couldn’t decide if this was going to be a fluffy romance or a dark romance because one minute “Mat” is getting nearly killed and tortured and then he’s getting hot baths and free reign of the prince’s rooms. It was weird and eyeroll worthy.
But I kept reading because I wanted to know what stupid secret identity “Mat” was hiding…but the book was so bad that I never managed to find out and I don’t care anymore.
I’ve read some reviews saying the prince goes off to rape and exploit people. Which tells me that one main character is an absolute moron and the other is a despicable sociopath. No thank you.
If your characters have no redeeming qualities then your book sucks. Sorry to say it.
And the secondary characters? I swear to god they were all so similar I couldn’t keep any of their names straight or figure who the hell any of them were half the time. It was just silly.
Anyway, it did what I intended. This book was basically trash, but at least my palate is throughly cleansed and ready to read something good.
((Two stars, just for the fact that the author managed to write a book which, good or bad, is a milestone worthy of an extra star))
Anyway, I needed a palate cleanser between heavier books, and this was on KU so I picked it up.
And for the first 25 percent it was decent, though the “made up” countries and languages were ridiculously offensive considering they are obviously Russia and Spain 🙄🙄 so I almost DNFed at that. Instead I made it to 45 percent. And that was an amazing feat.
The character of “Mat” or whatever his name is has got to be one of the most annoying I have ever read. No, scratch that, both of the main characters are abhorrent. Mat is just stupid as well. And this author couldn’t decide if this was going to be a fluffy romance or a dark romance because one minute “Mat” is getting nearly killed and tortured and then he’s getting hot baths and free reign of the prince’s rooms. It was weird and eyeroll worthy.
But I kept reading because I wanted to know what stupid secret identity “Mat” was hiding…but the book was so bad that I never managed to find out and I don’t care anymore.
I’ve read some reviews saying the prince goes off to rape and exploit people. Which tells me that one main character is an absolute moron and the other is a despicable sociopath. No thank you.
If your characters have no redeeming qualities then your book sucks. Sorry to say it.
And the secondary characters? I swear to god they were all so similar I couldn’t keep any of their names straight or figure who the hell any of them were half the time. It was just silly.
Anyway, it did what I intended. This book was basically trash, but at least my palate is throughly cleansed and ready to read something good.
((Two stars, just for the fact that the author managed to write a book which, good or bad, is a milestone worthy of an extra star))
March 3, 2024
I know a lot of people like this book, but it doesn’t work for me because of these reasons:
- Slow pacing: Though it started with a bang - kidnapping and murder - by the time I dnf it at 30%, the book didn’t progress much beyond the initial plot. A lot of spaces were taken by unnecessary banter and small talks, and concerns about how the MC eats or bathes. One scene where the MC got sick, it took about 30 pages to move him from the prison to the infirmary. Needless to say, I got so impatient!
- The dialogue: I’m not a fan of how the author write dialogues, and she writes them looooong
- The insta love, especially when it’s dual POV. It kills all the romantic tension.
- Out of character: The MC was a captive by the enemy prince, yet he insults, yells at the prince in front of everybody. And the prince in turns flirts with him like the whole captive thing is a joke. I can accept this if the book is an over-the-top romcom (like TJ Klune’s Lightning-Struck Heart). It’s not, it’s a serious fantasy novel complete with a map of rival kingdoms, and zero jokes (or at least those that can make me laugh).
So I’m sorry to say this book is not for me. And that’s a pity, because I had so much hope reading the blurb. I was expecting another Captive Prince, but apparently I have to keep on looking.
- Slow pacing: Though it started with a bang - kidnapping and murder - by the time I dnf it at 30%, the book didn’t progress much beyond the initial plot. A lot of spaces were taken by unnecessary banter and small talks, and concerns about how the MC eats or bathes. One scene where the MC got sick, it took about 30 pages to move him from the prison to the infirmary. Needless to say, I got so impatient!
- The dialogue: I’m not a fan of how the author write dialogues, and she writes them looooong
- The insta love, especially when it’s dual POV. It kills all the romantic tension.
- Out of character: The MC was a captive by the enemy prince, yet he insults, yells at the prince in front of everybody. And the prince in turns flirts with him like the whole captive thing is a joke. I can accept this if the book is an over-the-top romcom (like TJ Klune’s Lightning-Struck Heart). It’s not, it’s a serious fantasy novel complete with a map of rival kingdoms, and zero jokes (or at least those that can make me laugh).
So I’m sorry to say this book is not for me. And that’s a pity, because I had so much hope reading the blurb. I was expecting another Captive Prince, but apparently I have to keep on looking.
November 10, 2023
Oh my god I’m so in love with this book. Absolutely fantastic enemies-to-lovers (at some point maybe?) with a fast political plot, fantastic morally grey characters, and excellent bad guys.
Ren and Mathias are both so damn likable and I cannot wait to continue their journey.
Love love love!
Ren and Mathias are both so damn likable and I cannot wait to continue their journey.
Love love love!
December 21, 2022
DNF at around 60%. Poor worldbuilding with made up countries/world, yet the author uses random spanish and russian for their languages. Really. That was ridiculous and threw me out of the bookworld every single time. Please, if you're gonna make up a different world and fantasy countries, do so with the language as well or don't even bother.
Next, the characters. Mathias was pretty likeable for the first 50% or so, up until he slipped into full idiotic Stockholm syndrome. I mean, the man was being strung up and lashed by his abusive, psychopatic captor and all he was thinking was, that his heart broke for this "bright, beautifil prince," are you kidding me. That's when I lost all hope for this character, and pretty much dropped the book because I can tell that it will be even more downhill into idiocy from here on out.
Ren, the prince, and the second main character is a psychopath with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. He goes around screwing every person that steps into his path, whether they're willing or no. Consent? He never heard of it. He sexually harasses Mathias from the start despite being repeatedly asked to stop and told "no." He threatens and pressures some other, married, Lord into sex, as well and then taunts his husband about it. Forces himself on a random maid that's already being r*ped by another disgusting character. The list goes on, don't think he ever met anyone in the book he didn't force or coerce or otherwise convinced into his bed.
On top of that, he's generally abusive and toxic, I mean who delights in the prospect of lashing a child. Or sees nothing wrong in child brides. Or torments his staff over wrongly executed bows. The guy is absolutely revolting in all manner of ways and no matter how many times the author insists he's so "beautiful," it doesn't matter because no he isn't. Idk what the author's goal was, but if you write a gross rapist and psycho, at least don't be deluded about it. That's who you wrote.
The book wasn't really dark, at least not the 60% of it I slogged through, just disgusting. I was very curious about Mat's real identity and hoped to make it through and find out but I just can't continue, my eyes might roll back way too far and I won't be able to read any books that are actually worth it.
Author, newsflash, rape and sexual harassment aren't "hot." Psycopaths and abusers aren't "romantic," and abusive, forced "relationships," aren't love.
Next, the characters. Mathias was pretty likeable for the first 50% or so, up until he slipped into full idiotic Stockholm syndrome. I mean, the man was being strung up and lashed by his abusive, psychopatic captor and all he was thinking was, that his heart broke for this "bright, beautifil prince," are you kidding me. That's when I lost all hope for this character, and pretty much dropped the book because I can tell that it will be even more downhill into idiocy from here on out.
Ren, the prince, and the second main character is a psychopath with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. He goes around screwing every person that steps into his path, whether they're willing or no. Consent? He never heard of it. He sexually harasses Mathias from the start despite being repeatedly asked to stop and told "no." He threatens and pressures some other, married, Lord into sex, as well and then taunts his husband about it. Forces himself on a random maid that's already being r*ped by another disgusting character. The list goes on, don't think he ever met anyone in the book he didn't force or coerce or otherwise convinced into his bed.
On top of that, he's generally abusive and toxic, I mean who delights in the prospect of lashing a child. Or sees nothing wrong in child brides. Or torments his staff over wrongly executed bows. The guy is absolutely revolting in all manner of ways and no matter how many times the author insists he's so "beautiful," it doesn't matter because no he isn't. Idk what the author's goal was, but if you write a gross rapist and psycho, at least don't be deluded about it. That's who you wrote.
The book wasn't really dark, at least not the 60% of it I slogged through, just disgusting. I was very curious about Mat's real identity and hoped to make it through and find out but I just can't continue, my eyes might roll back way too far and I won't be able to read any books that are actually worth it.
Author, newsflash, rape and sexual harassment aren't "hot." Psycopaths and abusers aren't "romantic," and abusive, forced "relationships," aren't love.
December 31, 2022
2.5 Disappointed
2.5 Really wanted to like this book, but Mat was such a disappointing character and Ren was inconsistent and annoying.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Despite being captured, the only thing Mat spends the whole book thinking about is how he sinfully wants Ren! And why he's so attracted to Ren is complete mystery, as Ren just relentlessly sexually harasses him while beating him on occasion. (The author warns of this but I expect an enemies to lover situation to try and put them both on somewhat even footing, which this book does not attempt at all.)
Mat has absolutely no drive as a character, no interesting inner voice, no motivations other than "man I really want to bone Ren but I can't!" The author NEVER let's him be clever or get one over on Ren, so he's a sexy kitten punching bag the whole book.
Two things unrelated to the plot but REALLY bothered me about this books bad world building. One, this book is ALL over the place on its treatment of important political prisoners, so that it can make Ren seem alternatingly cold and giving whenever it feels like it.
Also, the author gives us two terrible societal ills that plague the different countries (Quareh is a horrible misogynistic hellscape for women where they're literally property BUT they can have sex with their own gender, and in Starvolsyk women are completely equal but they're homophobic) the book really takes the time to chastise Mat for his attempts to treat women like people because it endangers them! And then act like Star whatever is the worse country for being homophobic...obviously both are awful but the author seems to be implying Mat needs to unlearn his homophobia but Ren can go on being a misogynistic asshole because he wants to protect the little women. I don't think the author caught the genuine irony of these scenes.
TLDR; It is no where NEAR Captive Princes nuance and grace, I suppose if narcissist/boring victim is your thing go for it, but enemies to lovers is a misnomer.
2.5 Really wanted to like this book, but Mat was such a disappointing character and Ren was inconsistent and annoying.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Despite being captured, the only thing Mat spends the whole book thinking about is how he sinfully wants Ren! And why he's so attracted to Ren is complete mystery, as Ren just relentlessly sexually harasses him while beating him on occasion. (The author warns of this but I expect an enemies to lover situation to try and put them both on somewhat even footing, which this book does not attempt at all.)
Mat has absolutely no drive as a character, no interesting inner voice, no motivations other than "man I really want to bone Ren but I can't!" The author NEVER let's him be clever or get one over on Ren, so he's a sexy kitten punching bag the whole book.
Two things unrelated to the plot but REALLY bothered me about this books bad world building. One, this book is ALL over the place on its treatment of important political prisoners, so that it can make Ren seem alternatingly cold and giving whenever it feels like it.
Also, the author gives us two terrible societal ills that plague the different countries (Quareh is a horrible misogynistic hellscape for women where they're literally property BUT they can have sex with their own gender, and in Starvolsyk women are completely equal but they're homophobic) the book really takes the time to chastise Mat for his attempts to treat women like people because it endangers them! And then act like Star whatever is the worse country for being homophobic...obviously both are awful but the author seems to be implying Mat needs to unlearn his homophobia but Ren can go on being a misogynistic asshole because he wants to protect the little women. I don't think the author caught the genuine irony of these scenes.
TLDR; It is no where NEAR Captive Princes nuance and grace, I suppose if narcissist/boring victim is your thing go for it, but enemies to lovers is a misnomer.
October 24, 2023
A review as an analogy…
You know how everyone has that one cousin who lives in a trailer park. Maybe that one cousin does drugs, or had her kids taken away by CPS, or both?
This book is like that cousin of the more respectable and epic Captive Prince Trilogy. 🤦🏻♀️
Am I embarrassed of the cousin? Yes.
Will I still go see my cousin? Also yes.
Onto book two because I cannot for the life of me not finish a series.
You know how everyone has that one cousin who lives in a trailer park. Maybe that one cousin does drugs, or had her kids taken away by CPS, or both?
This book is like that cousin of the more respectable and epic Captive Prince Trilogy. 🤦🏻♀️
Am I embarrassed of the cousin? Yes.
Will I still go see my cousin? Also yes.
Onto book two because I cannot for the life of me not finish a series.
August 19, 2023
my new obsession y'all.
October 11, 2024
I won this book in the m/m romance group anniversary celebrations.
I totally fell in love with the cover and started reading without checking the blurb.
The writing style is flowy, the story starts with a bang and events move at unprecedented speed from there.
I couldn't stop reading: no food for my family, no work getting done (good thing I'm on vacation) and I inhaled this whole book.
After reading the last page (it also ends with a bang) there was NO WAY I could stop reading.
Too many unanswered questions....I'm off to read #2
If you like your MC's snarky, your plot action packed and full of machinations and your romance super slow burn (enemy to (eventually) lovers)- this is for you!
I totally fell in love with the cover and started reading without checking the blurb.
The writing style is flowy, the story starts with a bang and events move at unprecedented speed from there.
I couldn't stop reading: no food for my family, no work getting done (good thing I'm on vacation) and I inhaled this whole book.
After reading the last page (it also ends with a bang) there was NO WAY I could stop reading.
Too many unanswered questions....I'm off to read #2
If you like your MC's snarky, your plot action packed and full of machinations and your romance super slow burn (enemy to (eventually) lovers)- this is for you!
April 7, 2023
4.5 ⭐
Damn, that was a ride.
Damn, that was a ride.
September 6, 2025
I lovvveeeeee this!! Has definite Captive Prince vibes, with a sassy bisexual nightmare prince and a strait-laced noble captive. A lot of this book was story set up, but I do feel like I now understand the world (beautiful world building btw) and now I’m ready to get involved in the story in the next book!
I love the ‘unreliable narrator’ vibes that we have going on with Matthias - we know he’s not who he says he is (not a spoiler, the entire premise) but when we do find out… I did not see that coming!!
I think I’m going straight onto the second book, let’s gooooooo!!
I love the ‘unreliable narrator’ vibes that we have going on with Matthias - we know he’s not who he says he is (not a spoiler, the entire premise) but when we do find out… I did not see that coming!!
I think I’m going straight onto the second book, let’s gooooooo!!
September 30, 2023
Wow.
*I received an ARC copy for an honest review*
So I don’t normally read MM books, but I do read dark fantasy and damn, this book is dark and brilliant. The darkness seeps underneath your skin and you stay up way too late to read more of it.
The story is fascinating, and twisty. Characters revealing more of themselves as they stroll or sulk through the pages. Mystery and intrigue, mixed and balanced perfectly with humour made this book not just easy to read but a hell of a pleasure. The writing is delicious in its description and flow.
I can’t wait until it comes out, and even more excited for the second book because, holy crap I need to know what’s happened.
*I received an ARC copy for an honest review*
So I don’t normally read MM books, but I do read dark fantasy and damn, this book is dark and brilliant. The darkness seeps underneath your skin and you stay up way too late to read more of it.
The story is fascinating, and twisty. Characters revealing more of themselves as they stroll or sulk through the pages. Mystery and intrigue, mixed and balanced perfectly with humour made this book not just easy to read but a hell of a pleasure. The writing is delicious in its description and flow.
I can’t wait until it comes out, and even more excited for the second book because, holy crap I need to know what’s happened.
January 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this entire series, the worldbuilding and characters were quite good and I was compelled to inhale books 1-4 in a row.
January 5, 2023
'The world doesn't fix itself just because someone points out its inherent unfairness.'
An enemies-to-lovers MM fantasy romance with Captive Prince vibes, this first in the Riehse Eshan series is a promising debut that will appeal to all those in search of a dark story with emphasis on relationship and feelings.
The premise is great and the world is intriguing, while the themes delved into are the kind we should all keep in mind.
Two men from completely different cultures.
Mat - a hostage mistakenly taken from a kingdom that encourages equality for women but downright despises same sex relationships
and his captor - Ren - prince of a kingdom where the sex of a person is of no importance in any relationship and all love is accepted, but in which women are seen as 'things to be owned' by their men.
A kidnapping as means of political leverage for a treaty on which quite a bit more than foreign occupation for a kingdom may hang in the balance.
And unexpected feelings between captive and captor, that clash not only against prejudice and indoctrination but also against the wish of seemingly everyone else.
Add to that a couple of perfectly despicable villains and a side cast to absolutely root for, throw in a good mistaken identity mystery alongside a few gory visions and intriguing magical abilities, and there you go... The perfect recipe for a wonderful read.
I loved the side characters in this tale, especially a certain future princess and a healer. And unravelling the mistaken identity mystery was one of the best parts of the tale.
Unfortunately however, the rest fell a little short.
The worldbuilding is promising and yet, not quite as developed to really work for me.
From political intrigue to court life and general overall atmosphere, I would have wanted more. Now I admit I am a bit of a court intrigue geek and delight in good tales setting that to the forefront. The kind like Daughter of the Empire , Reign & Ruin and Captive Prince . I just LOVE those little gestures that mean so much, the hidden meaning you have to uncover from a seemingly unimportant word told at just the right moment, that look that may say so many things depending on a context. I want them all in spades. And even though this book here delivers them, they were by far not enough.
This could be due to the fact that the tale concentrates more on the development of the relationship between Mat and Ren, which is, in a way, detrimental to the development of everything else. But then again, this is just a personal opinion and not something every single reader out there will grumble about.
The character development was another aspect that didn't quite work for me. While Ren and Mat both were written in accordance to the beliefs of their culture and had perfectly contrasting character traits, I couldn't really get invested in either of them. Because their reactions and feelings didn't seem to flow quite naturally at times and the shift from one thought/emotion to another felt jarring to the point of pulling me out of the tale. From one extreme to another way too abrupt for comfort, especially as Mat was concerned.
I loved Mat's stubbornness and integrity, his regard for others and selfless bravery, but little things like his heart splintering for 'the beautiful, bright prince with such pain in his voice' while he was being tied up and belted by said beautiful prince just didn't work for me. Because I was expecting a whole range of emotions before that broken heart. I was expecting the rage at being treated that way or belted for the first time ever. I was expecting the self-reproach for his own fuck up to be followed by a broken heart for the woman who might not be ok because of that. Because that's what we generally expect from men with integrity and a steadfast conscience. If the heartbreak for the prince had come after all that, now that's what I call a memorable scene.
As for Ren, I am not actually sure if he just didn't work for me or the author hit the nail on the head with his build up. Because I found him quite despicable. An entitled prissy prick who takes what he wants when he wants it and cares for those who are close to him while not giving a shit for anyone else.
'and I am trying really hard not to be disrespectful right now and not refer to him as a slimy fucking potato so I'll be nice and call him a muculent fucking spud instead.'
The perfect description if you ask me, delivered in Ren's own words. Meant for someone else of course but a perfect fit for him too if you ask me.
Taking into account the fact this is the first book in a trilogy, Ren's character still has a lot of time to grow and the despicable vibe might be intentional, in which case his character might just turn out to be quite remarkable.
All in all, A Knife and a Blade is a daring debut that might just mark the start of an MM romance of the Captive Prince calibre. If the sequels hold up to the expectations set by the end of this one here.
It may not flow quite as well for lovers of old school fantasy because the narrative makes use of a more modern way of speech and expressions in the medieval setting, but that shouldn't be a problem for modern fantasy fans. As a side note, I personally found the use of Spanish and Russian words quite charming, though I admit I would have wished they came alongside a few occasional phrases too.
If you're a fan of slow-burn enemies-to-lovers dark fantasy M/M romance, give this series a try and who knows... it might just become another favourite.
Find this review and more over on my fantasy and romance blog The Magic Book Corner
An enemies-to-lovers MM fantasy romance with Captive Prince vibes, this first in the Riehse Eshan series is a promising debut that will appeal to all those in search of a dark story with emphasis on relationship and feelings.
The premise is great and the world is intriguing, while the themes delved into are the kind we should all keep in mind.
Two men from completely different cultures.
Mat - a hostage mistakenly taken from a kingdom that encourages equality for women but downright despises same sex relationships
and his captor - Ren - prince of a kingdom where the sex of a person is of no importance in any relationship and all love is accepted, but in which women are seen as 'things to be owned' by their men.
A kidnapping as means of political leverage for a treaty on which quite a bit more than foreign occupation for a kingdom may hang in the balance.
And unexpected feelings between captive and captor, that clash not only against prejudice and indoctrination but also against the wish of seemingly everyone else.
Add to that a couple of perfectly despicable villains and a side cast to absolutely root for, throw in a good mistaken identity mystery alongside a few gory visions and intriguing magical abilities, and there you go... The perfect recipe for a wonderful read.
I loved the side characters in this tale, especially a certain future princess and a healer. And unravelling the mistaken identity mystery was one of the best parts of the tale.
Unfortunately however, the rest fell a little short.
The worldbuilding is promising and yet, not quite as developed to really work for me.
From political intrigue to court life and general overall atmosphere, I would have wanted more. Now I admit I am a bit of a court intrigue geek and delight in good tales setting that to the forefront. The kind like Daughter of the Empire , Reign & Ruin and Captive Prince . I just LOVE those little gestures that mean so much, the hidden meaning you have to uncover from a seemingly unimportant word told at just the right moment, that look that may say so many things depending on a context. I want them all in spades. And even though this book here delivers them, they were by far not enough.
This could be due to the fact that the tale concentrates more on the development of the relationship between Mat and Ren, which is, in a way, detrimental to the development of everything else. But then again, this is just a personal opinion and not something every single reader out there will grumble about.
The character development was another aspect that didn't quite work for me. While Ren and Mat both were written in accordance to the beliefs of their culture and had perfectly contrasting character traits, I couldn't really get invested in either of them. Because their reactions and feelings didn't seem to flow quite naturally at times and the shift from one thought/emotion to another felt jarring to the point of pulling me out of the tale. From one extreme to another way too abrupt for comfort, especially as Mat was concerned.
I loved Mat's stubbornness and integrity, his regard for others and selfless bravery, but little things like his heart splintering for 'the beautiful, bright prince with such pain in his voice' while he was being tied up and belted by said beautiful prince just didn't work for me. Because I was expecting a whole range of emotions before that broken heart. I was expecting the rage at being treated that way or belted for the first time ever. I was expecting the self-reproach for his own fuck up to be followed by a broken heart for the woman who might not be ok because of that. Because that's what we generally expect from men with integrity and a steadfast conscience. If the heartbreak for the prince had come after all that, now that's what I call a memorable scene.
As for Ren, I am not actually sure if he just didn't work for me or the author hit the nail on the head with his build up. Because I found him quite despicable. An entitled prissy prick who takes what he wants when he wants it and cares for those who are close to him while not giving a shit for anyone else.
'and I am trying really hard not to be disrespectful right now and not refer to him as a slimy fucking potato so I'll be nice and call him a muculent fucking spud instead.'
The perfect description if you ask me, delivered in Ren's own words. Meant for someone else of course but a perfect fit for him too if you ask me.
Taking into account the fact this is the first book in a trilogy, Ren's character still has a lot of time to grow and the despicable vibe might be intentional, in which case his character might just turn out to be quite remarkable.
All in all, A Knife and a Blade is a daring debut that might just mark the start of an MM romance of the Captive Prince calibre. If the sequels hold up to the expectations set by the end of this one here.
It may not flow quite as well for lovers of old school fantasy because the narrative makes use of a more modern way of speech and expressions in the medieval setting, but that shouldn't be a problem for modern fantasy fans. As a side note, I personally found the use of Spanish and Russian words quite charming, though I admit I would have wished they came alongside a few occasional phrases too.
If you're a fan of slow-burn enemies-to-lovers dark fantasy M/M romance, give this series a try and who knows... it might just become another favourite.
Find this review and more over on my fantasy and romance blog The Magic Book Corner
February 9, 2024
3.5 stars
A mixed bag. I liked the story and the mystery surrounding the identity of one of our narrators - the court intrigue and politicking is interesting, although I'm not sure why the author has chosen to create fantasy kingdoms in which the southern inhabitants speak Spanish (Quareh) and the northern speak Russian (Mazekhstan). The lead characters are a bit under-drawn, although there are hints of greater complexity in them both, so maybe there will be more development in future books. But while the banter is fine, and there's some genuine animosity there, the chemistry is lukewarm and I honestly didn't understand why they're attracted to each other apart from the superficial. But this is a same-couple series and I'm hoping things will warm up a bit in the next book.
A mixed bag. I liked the story and the mystery surrounding the identity of one of our narrators - the court intrigue and politicking is interesting, although I'm not sure why the author has chosen to create fantasy kingdoms in which the southern inhabitants speak Spanish (Quareh) and the northern speak Russian (Mazekhstan). The lead characters are a bit under-drawn, although there are hints of greater complexity in them both, so maybe there will be more development in future books. But while the banter is fine, and there's some genuine animosity there, the chemistry is lukewarm and I honestly didn't understand why they're attracted to each other apart from the superficial. But this is a same-couple series and I'm hoping things will warm up a bit in the next book.
February 11, 2023
3.5
Well, this was a bit unexpected.
I enjoyed the hell out of some bits, while others I ended up skimming... all in all, it was an enojoyable and entertaining read, BUT I was sure I was going to love this unequivocally. It seemed like my cup of tea when I picked it up, but unfortunately, some things just didn't work for me.
I did love the story, and the political intrigue and the build-up to the inevitable blood-shed and war were very well done; on the other hand, while I was a big fan of Mat and Ren's interactions, their banter and their chemistry, I was still expecting something more from them.
Slow-burn and enemies to lovers are my weakness, so I knew theirs wasn't going to be an easy romance, but I kept hoping their relationship would progress in a less messier way: I'm still not sure what to think, but hopefully the next book will be a bit better in the romance department. And hopefully the kink will be explored in a much more meaningful way, because that aspect of their dynamic was something I truly loved.
I think I was also expecting something a bit more dark (even though, yes, there's violence and a fair dose of dub-con and toxic messiness) and less banter-ish? Ren is a very lovable lead, but he's very exhausting to keep up with: he's flirty and charming and endearing, then cruel and violent and rude, then clever and witty, then unbelievably stupid? I'm not sure if that was the author's intention, but I really hope that we'll get to see a more coherent character during the next book.
Mat too, was a bit messily characterised, but I still appreciated him more because, between the kidnapping, the secrets he keeps, his internalized homophobia, his reluctant attraction to Ren, and everything that happens to him, his messy thoughts and actions were very understandable.
Again, I'm very curious to see what will happen with him because I was not expecting that reveal near the end! Colour me very intriged.
I wasn't the biggest fan of some world-building aspects (the very modern terminology and the use of real world languages, for one, and also the fact that I find it hardly beliavable that Quareh would be homophobia free, but also very deeply misogynistic? And vice versa for Mat's side of the continent: those two usually come hand in hand, so sorry, I just don't buy it!)
Anyway, regardless of my issues with this book, I did enjoy it and I'm looking forward to reading the next book. I'll probably wait for April though, when the third book in this series will be available.
Well, this was a bit unexpected.
I enjoyed the hell out of some bits, while others I ended up skimming... all in all, it was an enojoyable and entertaining read, BUT I was sure I was going to love this unequivocally. It seemed like my cup of tea when I picked it up, but unfortunately, some things just didn't work for me.
I did love the story, and the political intrigue and the build-up to the inevitable blood-shed and war were very well done; on the other hand, while I was a big fan of Mat and Ren's interactions, their banter and their chemistry, I was still expecting something more from them.
Slow-burn and enemies to lovers are my weakness, so I knew theirs wasn't going to be an easy romance, but I kept hoping their relationship would progress in a less messier way: I'm still not sure what to think, but hopefully the next book will be a bit better in the romance department. And hopefully the kink will be explored in a much more meaningful way, because that aspect of their dynamic was something I truly loved.
I think I was also expecting something a bit more dark (even though, yes, there's violence and a fair dose of dub-con and toxic messiness) and less banter-ish? Ren is a very lovable lead, but he's very exhausting to keep up with: he's flirty and charming and endearing, then cruel and violent and rude, then clever and witty, then unbelievably stupid? I'm not sure if that was the author's intention, but I really hope that we'll get to see a more coherent character during the next book.
Mat too, was a bit messily characterised, but I still appreciated him more because, between the kidnapping, the secrets he keeps, his internalized homophobia, his reluctant attraction to Ren, and everything that happens to him, his messy thoughts and actions were very understandable.
Again, I'm very curious to see what will happen with him because I was not expecting that reveal near the end! Colour me very intriged.
I wasn't the biggest fan of some world-building aspects (the very modern terminology and the use of real world languages, for one, and also the fact that I find it hardly beliavable that Quareh would be homophobia free, but also very deeply misogynistic? And vice versa for Mat's side of the continent: those two usually come hand in hand, so sorry, I just don't buy it!)
Anyway, regardless of my issues with this book, I did enjoy it and I'm looking forward to reading the next book. I'll probably wait for April though, when the third book in this series will be available.
April 5, 2024
1 star (if even)
TWs: internalized and externalized homophobia, misogyny, gendered abused and sexism, threats of sexual assault, groping and unwanted touching, incessant unwanted advances, harassment, child abuse mention, elements of dub con/non con
I know it’s dark fantasy/romance but one of the leads Really Shouldn’t spend most of the book terrified of being sexually assaulted, really makes things uncomfortable, and maybe that’s the point but… why? What does that get you? do people get off on that? Freaks.
…Decent (not really) writing, (vaguely, but just barely) interesting plot that gives up on you until the end of the book and isn’t even that gratifying because you’re forced to deal with Ren basically Assaulting his unwilling PRISONER the entire book. Stereotyping out the wazoo. And unlikeable leads to boot (Ren, at least), idk it’s… I didn’t like it but unfortunately I might pick up the sequels, even if the snippet of book two made me roll my eyes (edit I’m not doing that)
This book is intended for mature audiences, viewer discretion is advised.
TWs: internalized and externalized homophobia, misogyny, gendered abused and sexism, threats of sexual assault, groping and unwanted touching, incessant unwanted advances, harassment, child abuse mention, elements of dub con/non con
I know it’s dark fantasy/romance but one of the leads Really Shouldn’t spend most of the book terrified of being sexually assaulted, really makes things uncomfortable, and maybe that’s the point but… why? What does that get you? do people get off on that? Freaks.
…Decent (not really) writing, (vaguely, but just barely) interesting plot that gives up on you until the end of the book and isn’t even that gratifying because you’re forced to deal with Ren basically Assaulting his unwilling PRISONER the entire book. Stereotyping out the wazoo. And unlikeable leads to boot (Ren, at least), idk it’s… I didn’t like it but unfortunately I might pick up the sequels, even if the snippet of book two made me roll my eyes (edit I’m not doing that)
This book is intended for mature audiences, viewer discretion is advised.
August 11, 2022
ARC provided for an honest review!
I used to think I wasn't one for slow-burn enemies to lovers stories, but this book single-handedly changed my mind. The tension that Mat and Ren carry between them (political, personal, sexual, ALL OF THE TENSION) is like one long dip in a hot bath - it hurts at times, but damn does it feel satisfying in the end. These two characters are perfect compliments to one another. Each are trying to protect the people they care about even as they are both are swept up in their differing worldviews and political machinations that set them at odds. Both Mat and Ren are complicated and multifaceted, and the unfolding of their story kept me on my toes until the very last page.
The world that Blaike has created is sharp, dark and it sunk it's talons in and didn't let me go until I finished. I can't wait to read more of this series!
I used to think I wasn't one for slow-burn enemies to lovers stories, but this book single-handedly changed my mind. The tension that Mat and Ren carry between them (political, personal, sexual, ALL OF THE TENSION) is like one long dip in a hot bath - it hurts at times, but damn does it feel satisfying in the end. These two characters are perfect compliments to one another. Each are trying to protect the people they care about even as they are both are swept up in their differing worldviews and political machinations that set them at odds. Both Mat and Ren are complicated and multifaceted, and the unfolding of their story kept me on my toes until the very last page.
The world that Blaike has created is sharp, dark and it sunk it's talons in and didn't let me go until I finished. I can't wait to read more of this series!
December 7, 2023
I'm not usually a fan of insta love, and this book was a perfect example of why it's annoying to watch two characters be madly into without any (like, any) emotional development in the relationship. On top of that Ren was a super flat character who's entire personality was repeating the same one-note sexual harassment jokes multiples times in every conversation, which got tiresome really quickly. Other reviewers complained aboit the low effoet world building but I didn't mind it as much. Overall this book was just not it.
March 1, 2023
This whole book is just edging and teasing and oh it's so well done because here I am devouring it.
The story relies heavily on some real world hate/phobia tropes and uses real languages as fantasy languages which I wasn't TOO fond of.
But the tension building and complicated family trees were well presented and the big reveal was worth it in my opinion.
My one issue is the start was a bit hard to follow and at times I found myself having to reference the images and flip back and forth to understand the exposition. I'm unsure if this is a ME problem or a book problem but I feel it's worth mentioning as it made me struggle to get into the story at first.
On to the meta. Scored out of 5.
Characters: 🫅🫅🫅🫅🫅
(even the stupidest shit is addressed which I like)
Plot: 📖📖📖📖
(love the suspense)
World Building: 🔮🔮
(it was present but disappointing)
Writing: 🖋🖋🖋🖋✒️
(4.5 half a point docked for information overload in bits)
Blue balling: 🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵
(expertly executed)
Enemies to lovers build: ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹❣️
(4.5 - a solid execution without being cancerously toxic)
---‐---------
Total: 🔪🔪🔪🔪 4 hidden knives out of 5.
The story relies heavily on some real world hate/phobia tropes and uses real languages as fantasy languages which I wasn't TOO fond of.
But the tension building and complicated family trees were well presented and the big reveal was worth it in my opinion.
My one issue is the start was a bit hard to follow and at times I found myself having to reference the images and flip back and forth to understand the exposition. I'm unsure if this is a ME problem or a book problem but I feel it's worth mentioning as it made me struggle to get into the story at first.
On to the meta. Scored out of 5.
Characters: 🫅🫅🫅🫅🫅
(even the stupidest shit is addressed which I like)
Plot: 📖📖📖📖
(love the suspense)
World Building: 🔮🔮
(it was present but disappointing)
Writing: 🖋🖋🖋🖋✒️
(4.5 half a point docked for information overload in bits)
Blue balling: 🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵
(expertly executed)
Enemies to lovers build: ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹❣️
(4.5 - a solid execution without being cancerously toxic)
---‐---------
Total: 🔪🔪🔪🔪 4 hidden knives out of 5.
January 26, 2024
This book tries to be obnoxiously gritty, here some demonstrative "women are not allowed to do anything", there some casual "Hihihi I will rape you". It seems very simplistic and lacking depth because of it.
At 2%, Mat, in whose culture same-sex relations are highly forbidden, has the first contact with people from the much more open country, where same-sex marriage is normal (but which is also super misogynistic). Aaand instead of the author just making Mat afraid of rape on the basis of his bias - somebody really gropes him and threatens rape.
And then of course a million other unnecessary casual rape threats follow for the fun of it. Often by the "love interest" as "teasing", he thinks it's funny when the prisoner visibly flinches because of that. Yikes.
And Ren thinks he should be mad at the orisoner for not being truthful to them XD
70% Mat is so dense and floating on moral high ground: "Have you tried explaining to them that what they do is harmful and not right?"
Also what does Mat's culture exactly have against same-sex relations? "It is improper! You will be suffering in the afterlive (and this one because we will hurt you)" - But why?
Two common real-world explanations are:
Christian medieval:
Every sex that can't lead to a baby is sodomy (=>forbidden)! That included oral sex, anal sex, sex when a woman can't get pregnant (too old, too young, already pregnant, menstruating), hand jobs and same-sex sex. But Mat has no issues with those except for the same-sex relations.
Pre-christian romans:
Basically: "Gay sex is only a problem if you are the bottom". In this view on sex, there is always somebody (top) penetrating someone (bottom) and the top is doing sth virile and masculine and the bottom is doing sth weak and feminine. Bias: There is always a top and a bottom in sex. Plus gender bias: Men should be strong, women should be weak, men are better than women. So if there are two men having sex, and both should be strong and masculine and sex means there has to be someone bottoming, one of those men is not meeting expectations because he does something feminine and weak and is degrading himself. Back to this book and Mat: In Mat's culture, women are not seen as weak, sooo when men and women fuck as equals, it can't be for that reason that same-sex relations are forbidden.
That leaves us with: "Some deity told us its wrong and therefore it just is. No further justification needed!" But that doesn't make sense either, people are very very good at ignoring those parts of religion that doesn't suit them (or Christians would have the ancient Jewish food-rules, but they haven't because many early ancient Christians were Roman or Greek and it just didn't appeal to them). So if a deity randomly forbids something, the rule has to appeal to people for them to follow it, but in the case of Mat's culture, the usual reasons for finding that rule appealing just do not make sense. Also, if he would be punished in the afterlive by some deity for having sex with a man - why exactly would his culture punish him in this live? Be concerned, advise against, all for the worry about his experiences in the afterlive, sure - but why is it of concern for them, what he and consenting partners are doing with their afterlives? Is it one of the weird "nobody could ever consent to [risking their afterlive for joy in their now-life]" things?
Whatever it is, it is not explained and "Just because!" or "You'll burn in hell" have never been satisfying answers to me.
Why the hell am I still reading?
At 2%, Mat, in whose culture same-sex relations are highly forbidden, has the first contact with people from the much more open country, where same-sex marriage is normal (but which is also super misogynistic). Aaand instead of the author just making Mat afraid of rape on the basis of his bias - somebody really gropes him and threatens rape.
And then of course a million other unnecessary casual rape threats follow for the fun of it. Often by the "love interest" as "teasing", he thinks it's funny when the prisoner visibly flinches because of that. Yikes.
And Ren thinks he should be mad at the orisoner for not being truthful to them XD
70% Mat is so dense and floating on moral high ground: "Have you tried explaining to them that what they do is harmful and not right?"
Also what does Mat's culture exactly have against same-sex relations? "It is improper! You will be suffering in the afterlive (and this one because we will hurt you)" - But why?
Two common real-world explanations are:
Christian medieval:
Every sex that can't lead to a baby is sodomy (=>forbidden)! That included oral sex, anal sex, sex when a woman can't get pregnant (too old, too young, already pregnant, menstruating), hand jobs and same-sex sex. But Mat has no issues with those except for the same-sex relations.
Pre-christian romans:
Basically: "Gay sex is only a problem if you are the bottom". In this view on sex, there is always somebody (top) penetrating someone (bottom) and the top is doing sth virile and masculine and the bottom is doing sth weak and feminine. Bias: There is always a top and a bottom in sex. Plus gender bias: Men should be strong, women should be weak, men are better than women. So if there are two men having sex, and both should be strong and masculine and sex means there has to be someone bottoming, one of those men is not meeting expectations because he does something feminine and weak and is degrading himself. Back to this book and Mat: In Mat's culture, women are not seen as weak, sooo when men and women fuck as equals, it can't be for that reason that same-sex relations are forbidden.
That leaves us with: "Some deity told us its wrong and therefore it just is. No further justification needed!" But that doesn't make sense either, people are very very good at ignoring those parts of religion that doesn't suit them (or Christians would have the ancient Jewish food-rules, but they haven't because many early ancient Christians were Roman or Greek and it just didn't appeal to them). So if a deity randomly forbids something, the rule has to appeal to people for them to follow it, but in the case of Mat's culture, the usual reasons for finding that rule appealing just do not make sense. Also, if he would be punished in the afterlive by some deity for having sex with a man - why exactly would his culture punish him in this live? Be concerned, advise against, all for the worry about his experiences in the afterlive, sure - but why is it of concern for them, what he and consenting partners are doing with their afterlives? Is it one of the weird "nobody could ever consent to [risking their afterlive for joy in their now-life]" things?
Whatever it is, it is not explained and "Just because!" or "You'll burn in hell" have never been satisfying answers to me.
Why the hell am I still reading?
January 16, 2023
It took me a little while to get into this one. I thought it was going to be insta-love from the first few chapters (It isn't). It's compared to captive prince in the blurb and all the reviews, so when I started it, I just wanted to read captive prince.
Once I got into it, though, I couldn't put it down. It does have a captive plot, but the characters are very dimensional and unique. I loved Ren so much once we got to know him; he is everything. This is a very exciting MM fantasy series with a touch of mystery, humor, and a sprinkle of BDSM for good measure!
Once I got into it, though, I couldn't put it down. It does have a captive plot, but the characters are very dimensional and unique. I loved Ren so much once we got to know him; he is everything. This is a very exciting MM fantasy series with a touch of mystery, humor, and a sprinkle of BDSM for good measure!
January 24, 2024
4.5⭐️
Re-read Jan 2024 so I can reacquaint before continuing with the series.
What in the actual hell?! I had not read this author before and generally struggle with fantasy books because they often get too complicated for me. However, this book was so damn good! I will admit there was a bit of rough start for me with the introduction of the world building, language (didn't love that the languages were based on real languages but given different names), etc. Then, I just got immersed in the main characters, the complexity of all the characters, and being captivated by the story.
Mat - consistently trying so desperately to protect everyone be they family or strangers in a foreign land. Feisty, fierce, passionate about standing up for what he believes is right. Sometimes I wanted to slap him upside the head and say, "Shut the hell up man," (and maybe I did out loud in my living room) but also understood his intentions.
Ren - looking out for all of those he loves while navigating politics and enemies in order to do so. Coarse, sensual, tormented, maddening, compassionate, troubled, endearing. He's a study in paradox, and I found I just wanted to root for him.
All the side characters were portrayed richly and with individual definition and qualities that made them come alive as well.
These are both flawed men. The dichotomy between one raised in a culture that clearly encourages equality for women yet so viciously punishes same sex attraction/relationships and the other raised where love and sex are accepted between any chosen partner but women are people to be owned by fathers or husbands was very interesting to see presented.
So well done. I mean, the ending is enough to piss a girl off with the desperation of how things are left and the longing of wanting more right fucking now. Ha ha. So be prepared for anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, I sure am.
Re-read Jan 2024 so I can reacquaint before continuing with the series.
What in the actual hell?! I had not read this author before and generally struggle with fantasy books because they often get too complicated for me. However, this book was so damn good! I will admit there was a bit of rough start for me with the introduction of the world building, language (didn't love that the languages were based on real languages but given different names), etc. Then, I just got immersed in the main characters, the complexity of all the characters, and being captivated by the story.
Mat - consistently trying so desperately to protect everyone be they family or strangers in a foreign land. Feisty, fierce, passionate about standing up for what he believes is right. Sometimes I wanted to slap him upside the head and say, "Shut the hell up man," (and maybe I did out loud in my living room) but also understood his intentions.
Ren - looking out for all of those he loves while navigating politics and enemies in order to do so. Coarse, sensual, tormented, maddening, compassionate, troubled, endearing. He's a study in paradox, and I found I just wanted to root for him.
All the side characters were portrayed richly and with individual definition and qualities that made them come alive as well.
These are both flawed men. The dichotomy between one raised in a culture that clearly encourages equality for women yet so viciously punishes same sex attraction/relationships and the other raised where love and sex are accepted between any chosen partner but women are people to be owned by fathers or husbands was very interesting to see presented.
So well done. I mean, the ending is enough to piss a girl off with the desperation of how things are left and the longing of wanting more right fucking now. Ha ha. So be prepared for anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, I sure am.
dnf
November 13, 2023dnf @ 28%
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