Dante and John are “laying low” in Terahime. John was gravely wounded as they escaped from Fallen Arbor after having returned Princess Sonya to the Capitol where she can secure her crown and remove those who are against her being crowned as Queen Sonya after the death of her father, the king. Though they have found somewhere safe where he can heal, John cannot seem to shake the infection that has been ravaging his body. While they are trying everything to help, Dante is working every job he can in order to pay for their place to stay and the medicines to try and help John heal from his near-fatal injury. Dante begins fighting in the Blood Exchange as a means to earn some extra coin and to gain experience in another fighting style. The winner of the tournament will be declared the Blood Champion of Terahime.” That title will open more doors for both Dante and John, as well as bringing them more support in their continuing battle against Fallen Arbor. That is, if Dante can win and they can both survive to continue their journey.
I read a review copy of this book and enjoyed it. I will start out with a content warning, as this is not a book meant for younger readers. It does contain some graphic M/M sex scenes as well as a fair amount of violence. But for all that, it is a very interesting story, especially if you have read the previous books in the series. I enjoyed learning more about what happened to Dante’s older brother Ashton as well seeing as some of the little easter eggs hidden within the pages of this book. (Hint: if you are familiar with the names of some of the other 4 Horsemen Publications authors and staff members, you will find some of them hidden as characters in this book, just as you will in the previous books in this series.)
While there is a fair amount of violence in this story (Dante is a Guild Assassin, after all), there are also stolen romantic moments between John and Dante, showing their humanity and the depth of their feelings for each other. Dante is a good man, one who would do anything in order to keep the love of his life safe. And John would do the same for him. I enjoyed seeing this side of the two of them, as well as watching them grow as individuals and doing what they needed to do to survive, all while not forgetting about those they promised to help along with those who have helped them along the way.
I especially enjoyed some of the advice from those who came to know the two men during their stay in Terahime. Whether or not they knew who Dante and John really were didn’t truly matter, they were both respected for the help and caring they showed to others in the community. And in return, they were given advice that I think could easily apply to many of us reading these books … if we are paying attention and realizing that it is meant for more than just the characters in the story.
I think that anyone who has read and enjoyed any of the previous books in this series, as well as anyone who enjoys romance (especially if they do not mind that the romance is between two men and includes some graphic sex), would enjoy this story. I know I found it to be an enjoyable tale to read and am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.
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