Firstly, I was really intrigued by the world-building. At first it was a bit confusing for sure, given all the places, characters, and their hierarchies, but I slowly got the hang of it. Once that happened, it was amazing to see how well the author has set up this realm of demons and angels and the upcoming war they're preparing for.

Assyria's character went through so much over the course of this book, and she wasn't just handed anything freely. She had to work twice as hard as the men and was still only viewed as nothing just because she was a woman. It also took a lot for her to let go of the beliefs that were beaten into her of what the duty of a woman must be in this world, and her confidence only grew from there. She held on to the defiance and rage until the very end of the book, unwilling to bend down to anyone ever again.

This book does contain sensitive matters such as DV, so I'd suggest you check the trigger/content warnings before getting into it. What Assyria had to endure for years was gut-wrenching, and it wasn't an easy journey even once she'd escaped her abuser. The trauma accompanyin her abuse was woven into her journey. Being so utterly tired of being weak and helpless finally gave her the push she needed to fight back for herself, which she did beautifully. I loved how she called people out constantly and didn't shy away from asking to be treated as an equal and showing others just how capable she was at every turn. She was such a strong and admirable character who matched Rokath every step of the way.

Rokath was such a complex character, and initially all we see is the broody brute who doesn't care for the consequences of his actions or see any errors in his ways. He's used to commanding everyone and knowing they'll obey him. The last thing he expects is someone like Assyria to be his mate who challenges him openly every step of the way without any fear. Certain things he did definitely pissed me off, but this behavior also made sense given this world and how the men actually viewed the women. Over time, Rokath started seeing how brave, determined, and capable Assyria was, which also shifted his perspective of what women can achieve.

We also learned more about the things he'd had to endure to reach his position today—the losses, sacrifices, regrets, and guilt that plagued him and kept him up all night to focus only on winning the war without any distractions. Seeing his vulnerable side made me understand his nature better and why he needed the control and order. Reading about Rokath in action during the war was also something I loved, and his dangerous side only made him hotter.

The romance between the two started as hate when they found out they were mates, which neither had anticipated nor wanted. They both question the plan of the fates in bringing them together, as they don't see how they could ever find any semblance of trust or understanding. And though there's lust and attraction due to the bond at first, it slowly shifts into something more tender and deeper with time.

Both Rokath and Assyria had endured a lot in their own ways and had closed themselves off from the world, feeling like they couldn't count on anyone but themselves. However, as the story progressed, things slowly started shifting between them, and it wasn't just the mate bond between them that was the driving force. They slowly start leaning on each other without even realizing it and want to open up parts of themselves that they'd be scared to reveal before. I loved the shift in their relationship over time and how Rokath softens for Assyria and how Assyria in turn embraces all of Rokath's darkness.

I LOVED the banter between these two. All that snark, snapping, growling, and trying to one-up each other was top tier. I also enjoyed the way they communicated their thoughts with each other through their mate bond. It was all so hilarious AND jaw-droppingly sexy.

The spice was so fucking hot. The angst, the push and pull, the attempts to keep their distance, the heated banter, the fucking tension between them. The way this man was fucking feral for her... GAHHH!!!! So freaking intense… and the hate sex was incredible. The games, the chase, the need to possess, was all so... wowww!!! I couldn't get enough.

I loved the side characters a lot and how they added to the plot and their relationship with both Rokath and Assyria. The understanding Kiira and Assyria built, being women in a man's world, was something I loved. The small steps they took to assert their stance on being seen as more than just "broodmares," as Assyria put it. Their small movements of rebellion against a male-dominated world.

I also loved Assyria's bond with Rapp. He was a true friend and was exactly what Assyria needed at a time when her life had completely upended. The way he never once treated her differently for being a woman, conspired with her, saw her worth and strength, and encouraged her to build on it while also trying to advocate to both Assyria and Rokath on each other's behalves for them to learn to trust their bond. He was a loyal friend to Rokath, who'd always stayed by his side through everything and only wanted the best for him but also constantly gave him shit.

Grem and Zeec were the cutest despite being such feral beings. The way they could never get enough belly rubs from Rokath, Rapp, Assyria, and Xannarin was just so adorable. I loved the bond that grew between Assyria and them with how they protected her and also understood and comforted her in her time of need. The banter between Rokath and Assyria was also hilarious when they involved the beasts, who were just confused as hell to pick a side.

I honestly can't not mention Izgath. His character truly touched my heart, and he was the first person who showed Assyria understanding and kindness.

The turns things took towards the end had me at the edge of my seat, and the choice Rokath had to make wasn't an easy one, and I was as shocked as Assyria when he did. I'm so invested in reading book 2 and seeing where Rokath and Assyria go from here.

Thank you to Grey's Promotions and Lacey Lehotzky for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.