Publisher's Weekly Review
Rowland (Finding Faeries) delivers a breathtakingly intimate narrative in this gorgeous fantasy, in which the political intrigue of a kingdom serves as backdrop to a romance between the softest of hearts. It ought to be a happy occasion when Prince Kadou Mahisti's older sister, the sultan, gives birth to a daughter, but a break-in at one of the kingdom's guilds that same night calls Kadou away. Already prone to bouts of debilitating worry, Kadou spirals when a minor confrontation with his niece's father tragically escalates into an incident that causes the death of several of his bodyguards. His replacement bodyguard, Evemer Hoşkadem, comes off as cold and rigid--and he's terrible at concealing his sour feelings toward a prince he thinks cowardly. Desperate to regain the perceived lost love of his sister, Kadou throws himself into investigating the break-in, dragging Evemer along with him, and the two are irrevocably bonded as they uncover a plot that puts both the royal family and the stability of the kingdom itself in danger. Rowland brings wonderful depth to the interpersonal relationships; the romance that blossoms between Kadou and Evemer puts fun, familiar tropes alongside soul-wrenching acts of devotion, and the familial bonds are just as well crafted. In exploring what monarchs owe their people, and what individuals owe each other, this achingly tender fantasy wows. (June)
Library Journal Review
The Prince of Arast, Kadou, knows that the biological father of the queen's new child does not like him, and a tragic encounter places him at dire odds with the court ambassador and his sister. As reparation, Kadou takes on the investigation of a break-in at one of the Arastian guilds. Accompanied by his new bodyguard, Evemer, Kadou knows that there is more going on than appears, but outside forces and his own inner turmoil get in the way. Evemer finds his new charge bewildering, frustrating, and difficult to keep safe, yet despite it all, he can't stop his growing attraction to Kadou. As the truth comes to light regarding the investigation, Kadou and Evemer must fight for their lives, their queen and her heir, and the financial safety of Arast. A beautifully detailed world, the power to touch-taste metal, political schemes, and a slow-burn romance wrap together in a lush fantasy. VERDICT Rowland's (A Choir of Lies) latest continues to showcase their captivating prose, immersive details, and complicated characters.--Kristi Chadwick