An enthralling read from start to finish. The Andelin Valley is a harsh land, but beautiful, and a shining beacon of hope for Remin who has won it in a brutal war. The exact brutality of which we glimpse. It’s hard not to be swept up in his dream of building something even as he crashes into his relationship with Ophele like a bull in a China shop. A princess in blood only, she makes for a poor bargain, but even in our first meeting she’s so brave and daring even as she hides. Together they’re as complimentary as they are repellant. Even in the throes of strife there’s something nice in the domesticity that peeks through. 

Years of attempts on his life have made Remin mistrustful. His suspicions of Ophele are warranted even when you wince at his fumbles. And her timidity is foreign to him. Her silences and quick wit make her suspect. Her guilt at the destruction of his House subserviates her. That neither has had much experience with people beyond their own sex only leads to more misunderstandings. I dearly love the conflicts and tensions in their relationship, even when I wondered if there could be a way forward for them. Between his accidental and intentional cruelties and his absences it stops the relationship from solidying for a breadth of the book but Cave expertly weaves them back together with care. Remin’s struggles with vulnerability and agony in not allowing himself believe that he could be happy, be safe, with her, comes to the most beautiful conclusion. 

But it would be a disservice not to touch on the excellence of Cave’s world. There’s a line that I love – ‘even the drains were fascinating’. It’s so true. The construction, the strategising, even discussions on theology -all of it is fascinating. Tresingale barely exists when they arrive and its construction is so interesting. Seeing Ophele find herself among its people is a joy. As is the introduction of one Master Eugene. But especially in its hope. After years of destruction the Knights of the Brede finally get to build, to create, and it lends a buoyancy to the narrative. There’s love between the soldiers, and for those who have been lost – from Ophele’s letter to Azelma to Victorin’s apples. Connection is the greatest strength in this book and one I can’t wait to see developed as the series goes on. 

Much appreciated, given Cave’s skill in crafting horror. I just had to go and reread chapter nine this Halloween. Even over actual horror books I have. Whether the incursions of devils or the shattering of peace after an assassination attempt, tension and threat come across viscerally. Remin’s people are backed into some terrifying corners and the tension of not knowing what’s to come, but that there is something coming, is wielded excellently. Cave writes so well across so many subjects and moods. 

That said, I understand why he could be cruel but it did edge too far for me once or twice. Likewise I know that Ophele’s age is going to be uncomfortable for some readers especially given the sex scenes and I would caution to be aware of that.
Thanks to Melissa J. Cave for the arc. I leave this review voluntarily.