The Backlot Gay Book Forum discussion

A very enjoyable sci-fi / fantasy saga from the very first pages when our 2 protags meet in a slave-market. Both characters are very well developed although I suspected the hidden secrets of our imperial exile Kai very early on ... especially since there seems to be abundant wealth associated with our outlaw's state of operations.

The books charts how these two navigate relational waters through two distinct stages - firstly as Robin-hood like bandits tangling with the powers of the established empire and later as rulers of said empire battling other-world malevolent demonic powers of necromancy. The author's blend of sci-fi and fantasy worked well with the fantastical elements rising to the fore in the latter half of the book.

I only wish more was elaborated regarding Kai's children (especially the youngest) i.e. how the MCs worked at integrating these the next royal generation into their lives/world. Perhaps that would be left for another book. It was curious that the author chose to bracket the second half of the tale with secondary characters from another imperial contender family - the epilogue did seem a little out of place. Overall a very engaging read which kept my attention throughout.