This book is magnificent. I listened to the audiobook and immediately went out to buy it afterward. It has immaculate world building, political intrigue, a slooooow burn forbidden romance and unforgettable characters. The writing is vivid and poetic, reminiscent of epic tales from the past. I felt transported to this Kingdom with its decadence at court and hard working people. To a world in which loyalty is cherished and the rulers appreciate all those they rule over, as though they are all family. The mysterious plot had me reeled in, wondering who could be trusted and who could not. I loved that it is a matriarchal society and there are non-binary characters! The story is expertly told, with very little information being revealed piece by piece. You feel for Kadou, who has anxiety (which he thinks is just him being a weak willed coward). But, he is in fact one of the strongest, truest, most thoughtful characters on the page. I adored him through and through. He fought with himself, with his own instincts, because at a young age he was made to see things that he did, which affected others in negative ways, as weakness and irredeemable. He was never allowed to make a mistake, because his actions had consequences to those below his station. He was kind, too kind, to everyone around him, often putting himself last. I liked that he was not your everyday strong prince, with abilities to make decisions easily and plot. No, this is a Prince with an awareness of all those he cares for, with a sense of duty to his people, who is willing to fight when he needs to, and will do anything to save those he loves (even when it causes him great fear, pain, and anxiety). The romance between Kadou and Evermer was such a beautiful look at two people unable to trust each other. Together they slowly learn the truth about each other and grow to mutually respect and than love each other. And the steamy scene were impeccable. Evermer is such the stalwart hero. He is honest, loyal, but also disgusted by cowards and those who would spread gossip. He does not trust Kadou, because he thinks Kadou caused the event that lead to the deaths of two of his guard friends. He thinks Kadou is weak willed, is selfish, is petty, is unfit to rule. But, as he begins to take on the role of protector of Kadou he begins to slowly shift his thinking. He sees the kindness, he sees the cleverness, he witnesses Kadou's keenness with a blade, and he sees the care that Kadou takes in everything he does and says. He also sees the fear, the inability of Kadou to care for himself, his depressive state. Evermer is enthralled by Kadou, that through all of his hurt and his distrust of his own mind, Kadou is willing to work to find a way to repay his sister for her leniency after the tragedy. Kadou wants to be useful and Evermer is intrigued by this. I did find the mystery wrapped up quite quickly and some loose ends were left. But, I loved the idea of metal tasters who can sense the value of gold, and how this helps their Kingdom to flourish as the currency can never be replicated or tarnished. A neat kind of magic in a Kingdom reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire. Highly recommend! Sure to be one of my favourites of the year.
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