An amazing start for a very promising series. 

 

The book centers around a polyamorous relationship between the three main characters: Sachielle, Zanya, and Ash/the Dragon. 

 

What I liked most was that there was genuine care/affection, rather than solely lust, between the characters. Ash is incredibly respectful of Sachi and Zanya’s existing relationship and unlike many male romance protagonists, actually possesses the self-control to not think solely about his own desire. While Sachi and Ash have an immediate attraction and are then emotionally bonded, Zanya and Ash get together more slowly.  I think this book strikes the perfect balance between instant-love and slow burn. 

 

I also loved the side characters who consisted of members of the High Court, the immortal gods of the Everlasting Dream, and the Raven Guard, the personal guards of the Dragon and his consort. I hope we get more of their backstory, particularly of the Siren and the Wolf, in the next book. 

 

I loved the poly representation and how the relationship dynamics were handled. Also, everyone always makes sure to receive enthusiastic consent. 

 

Perhaps I am in the minority for readers of fantasy romances but I wish there was more happening outside of the relationship between the three main characters. The last chapter sets up the villain for the next book (and presumably the series) but we have gotten so little detail about him in the first book that it seems very rushed. Even though we are told that the villain has an extensive history with the High Court, this is never discussed or explored in any detail. Ash, who previously defeated this villain, almost never talks about his past outside of extremely sanitized fireside stories. The chapters in his POV are focused mostly on his interactions with and/or thoughts about Sachi and Zanya. This is a shame because he could/should have been the character setting up the actual plot. 

 

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.