To be honest, I was hesitant to read this because it was pitched as Ancillary Justice meets Red, White & Royal Blue. I don't know about Ancillary JustTo be honest, I was hesitant to read this because it was pitched as Ancillary Justice meets Red, White & Royal Blue. I don't know about Ancillary Justice but RW&RB is one of my all-time faves and I didn't wanna read WO based on it, because that would be unfair. But then I received a physical ARC from the publicist so it is my duty, albeit late, to read and review it...and man, thank God I did.
As soon as I read Kiem's POV, which is Chapter 1, I'm invested. I fell in love with him right away. He's easygoing but very considerate and sensitive. He had a wild childhood and teenage years and his reputation aren't too good even when he claimed that he's reformed. His sense of duty as a royal seemed nonexistent because of that but as the story goes, it was apparent that he takes his duty as a royal seriously. But my favorite of him is how considerate he is to Jainan, thinking Jainan just lost his husband and is still mourning. He really sees Jainan in high regards and I love that. Jainan, on the other hand, is seemingly the opposite of Kiem. He suffers silently and just do what he thinks he should in the name of his duty for his country. And I felt for him. That's why Kiem and he were perfect for each other.
The romance is probably the best part of this book. For me, Kiem and Jainan were swoony. I love how their romance developed. Normally I don't like miscommunication and misunderstanding in romance, or anywhere, but with Kiem and Jainan, I love it. Though at times, I wanna push them hard toward each other so they're forced to talk. I love what they do for each other, especially Kiem. He did things, seemingly impulsive things to defend Jainan. And I love how they obviously care for each other, secretly doing things that they think will make the other feel better, not knowing that being together would be just the thing that they need.
And that first sex scene. Wow! it was short and faded to black but it was hot.
The plot was Okay. I wouldn't call it so complex but it's enough to make me read and find out what really happened and what's about to happen. Also, this is labelled as Sci-Fi and it is, but I don't find the sci-fi parts hard to understand. maybe because it really didn't capture as much as it should and again, maybe, that's because I was too invested in the romance part to care for the other aspects.
Overall, this is such an enjoyable read and I even think I might reread this one someday. :) ...more
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