This book was amazing even with the heavy themes it made for a wonderfully great read with an equally amazing romance at its core. The characters were amazing I especially loved Velasin and Caethari their romance was slow burn because of the terrible thing that happens to Velasin at the start but it takes awhile but he is a strong and for the most part by the end resilient character. I also loved Markel Velasin's best friend who is mute and communicates by signing he is interesting and very protective of Velasin I also liked many of Cae's family. The plot was interesting it starts with something terrible happening to Velasin and him not being in a good way he then leaves to go for the arranged marriage to Cae and thinks the worst of his soon to be husband. After that many not so nice things happen and he finally arrives the wedding happens he is thinking the worst so he tries to do the worst thing he is stopped and things are explained. After this one bad thing after the other happens many things are found out there is an unexpected twist many not so good things happen before the happy for now ending looking forward to reading more.