This was really really lovely. I've been looking forward to Killian and Hector's story since the previous book, and their dynamic did not disappoint.

Both of them are so freaking relatable: duty-bound, forced to grow up at a young age, responsible for every single person in their lives even at the cost of their own health and happiness... I wanted to jump into the book and hide them from the world. I loved them both so much! Especially Hector: I found his struggles with his role and his need to prove himself so so relatable and really well written.

I loved their romance quite a lot: I admit, after they got together my attention started to wane (it's a thing I do unfortunately! My brain lives for the build-up; that's why I love slow-burns the best!), but I still found them freaking adorable.

The plot kept me hooked as usual, and I loved that ending: it nearly made me cry. Such a fabulous ending: I love HEAs that feel like proper HEAs.

The writing felt a smidge convoluted this time around; I usually adore Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes' straightforward style, but maybe this book could have gone a few more rounds with an editor because it felt, especially at the beginning, needlessly chunky and difficult. It's just a small niggle though! I'm sure if my brain was behaving better, I'd never have noticed it.

As usual, I adored the world-building to absolute bits. It's such a fascinating world, and I can't wait to dive into the next book for more. I cannot wait for Orestes too: he's SO fascinating as a character, and the blurb for the next book has me frothing at the mouth already. Talk about a redemption arc *gimme gimme*

TWs/CWs: death, death of a parent, violence, injury, neglectful parent.

Many thanks to the authors for the ARC. This is my honest review.