I really disliked this book. I originally grabbed because it was on a list of favorite fantasy books with queer characters, which I generally regard as a plus, but that is nearly the only thing this book has in its favor.
The writing is clear but predictable, the pacing is good. The societal structure doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but it's perfectly adequate for a sword fantasy. Plenty of fun and gratuitous sex, some clever lines and entertaining supporting characters.
However, I heartily disliked both of the heroes and particularly their relationship with each other. One of them was a possessive, violent jerk who delighted in killing people to establish his "claim" on his boyfriend, and the other was a passive-aggressive bloodthirsty mess who was somehow traumatized by the abject horror of being rich and powerful. The main dynamic of their relationship (aside from some pretty hot sex) was the latter taunting random other people until they were justifiably angry, then backing out so the former could kill them. I don't have a problem with mercenaries or violence, but when the entire book centers around one character killing innocent (and guilty but basically harmless) people to prove his love to his rich boyfriend - well, that's evil. And not much fun.
The writing is clear but predictable, the pacing is good. The societal structure doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but it's perfectly adequate for a sword fantasy. Plenty of fun and gratuitous sex, some clever lines and entertaining supporting characters.
However, I heartily disliked both of the heroes and particularly their relationship with each other. One of them was a possessive, violent jerk who delighted in killing people to establish his "claim" on his boyfriend, and the other was a passive-aggressive bloodthirsty mess who was somehow traumatized by the abject horror of being rich and powerful. The main dynamic of their relationship (aside from some pretty hot sex) was the latter taunting random other people until they were justifiably angry, then backing out so the former could kill them. I don't have a problem with mercenaries or violence, but when the entire book centers around one character killing innocent (and guilty but basically harmless) people to prove his love to his rich boyfriend - well, that's evil. And not much fun.
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