I'd read the tropes list a good number of times, was well aware of the series arc up to this point and knew who the book was centred around, but man, this was so totally different from what I was expecting, in such a good way! I had no idea this was the author's first exclusively MM pairing, but after reading I'm pleased to say this is my favourite book of the series (so far)! 

It was great to finally meet Posiedon properly, as he's been something of a background character in the series to this point. Knowing the lore surrounding him in the traditional Greek myths, and taking what little we did know of the author's version of the character, I had built up something of an expectation in my mind. But I am unbelievably glad this was completely subverted! He's a complete breath of fresh air for the series, and feels so much more nuanced than some of the other MMCs. And the dynamic with Icarus, who we have come to know a little over the course of the series, is everything! 

It feels like the series arc has now properly settled into its stride, with the character story finally feeling balanced and integrated with the wider drama. While there are still some elements I'm not wholly convinced by, this is probably the first time in the series I've felt invested in the wider story and engaged with the potential fallout. There were moments that I was genuinely concerned we were about to get a massive plot twist, which really kept me reading while at the same time terrified to turn the page; and also that we wouldn't get a 'satisfying' end to this one. But IMO this has the most glorious final chapter! 

I am a huge fan of the wide representation of different ages, races, body types, sexual orientations, genders and relationships within this series, and it's always great to read about love in all its forms. But there is just something about this story that elevates it to a whole other level. Whether it's because it's an MM relationship  or not, something about this one just hits a deeper level than the the others - there's always a connection between the characters in Katee's books and their relationship is always believable, but this one I just felt in my bones and soul. The spice be spicing, but it's more tender, heartfelt and has a deeper meaning to it (even if the characters don't intend for that to happen!), and feels like a genuine power exchange. 

As is a common thread through most of the series, the romance s a fairly fast burn. And as always, it's the thing that lets me down a little. Particularly in this case where the rest of it is so, so good, I feel like a slower burn would have given us the opportunity for the captor/captive dynamic to have played out for a while longer and Icarus' plans to change and develop and change more organically. But the story works so well anyway, that it's probably a moot point.