Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the generous ARC!!

I will say first and foremost that this book does start off kinda slow -- so bear that in mind! Basically it goes like this:

Tory, the MC, is a healer. Or at least, without giving anything away, he exhibits healing powers, which he's been trying to keep hidden all his life so that the Grand General (who is kind of the despot of the country) won't capture him and capitalise on his talents. Long story short, he does get caught (not a spoiler; it's in the blurb). I will say that because I'd read the blurb, I kind of knew what was going to happen, so the beginning chapters were a bit slow leading up to his capture.

But once Sena gets a hold of him, that's when the story takes off and you really get to explore what's going on here behind Tory's powers. I'm a huge fan of pretty, soft boys and I'd say physically Sena looks like that, but he's harder and colder. I felt sorry for him from the get-go once his dynamics with his superiors and his history with his father were introduced. In general you can tell pretty early on that he's also a product of his circumstances.

Unfortunately, I can't say I was super invested in either main character BUT I do think this is an enjoyable and intriguing story once the ball gets rolling. I would definitely recommend if you're a fan of enemies-to-lovers (kind of! The 'lovers' part may not be as explicit but it's there and I appreciate how it's presented) and watching two boys journey and grow together.

Thank you Netgalley and Hodderscape for accepting my request to read this book.

4/5

I do admit that I struggled to read this on my Kindle, but I did find a way around that, by just using the Netgalley Reader app so that’s my one complaint about the weird formatting layout of this book when I first downloaded it.

I also can’t take the name Tory seriously as a UK resident, I subconsciously think his full name is Conservative Party and I can’t help the little giggle I have when I come back to reality.

It was a bit of a slow start for me but that might just be fantasy books in general. I do remember taking ages to get into the Mortal Instruments because I couldn’t wrap my head around it when I first read it (it took about 2 years).

I clearly need to read the tropes/tags on Goodreads because I did kinda go into this blind regarding the LGBT+ representation, not out of some kind of ignorance but because I’m just stupid. But, yes, I can so get on board with this. Bring out the representation in fantasy worlds, we need more of it.

I tried my best to keep this spoiler free, please let me know if it’s not and I will edit it so that there are no big ass spoilers.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————

PLOT
I’m a sucker for fantasy worlds, because of that stereotype of hating the real world and I’m really boring and a law student. As I said before, it was a little slow for me at the start but I may be slightly distracted due to exams. Once the plot kicked in, it was with a giant smack to the face. I began to devour the book and once the villain appeared I started getting that hate for fictional characters and how their audacity fuels the plot.

I only wish that there had been more POV switches in book but obviously that’s not how yearning works. Especially not for me.

The war between the two countries and trecherous landscape that the characters must face when far away from what they are used to brings to light how much they need to be challenged in the face of adversity. The growth that Sena and Tory face whilst fighting to free themselves from their futures is amazing.

I will admit that I wasn't expecting the plot twist because I was expecting another plot twist but that may be just my brain. I then started thinking “huh, wait a minute I could totally see how that person convinced people to do that” because it made sense.

Superb writing skills from the author. I tip my hat to you.

I did start mentally sobbing (no physical tears from me ‘cause I’m built different) towards the end (almost DNFd at 96%) and started offering suggestions to the text. Sometimes its just as simple as doing what this author did and push me to the edge of my bed.

If there's meant to be a sequel I would definitely not be opposed, hell even a short story about Sena and Tory will do. Just being domestic and bad at talking. May I request a kiss if there is to be a sequel, PRETTY PLEASE.

SETTING
I was so lost without a map, maybe that’s the beginning of the privilege reader in me, but my imagination is so weird and I kept picturing something like Ba Sing Se in ATLA and Paradis in AOT. I swear I need a glossary for what some of the words for things were so I can understand but again, that’s just my problem.

CHARACTERS
Well, Tory is a bit of a hot mess as is Sena. Equality in its finest form. But this is their finest strength, they both have challenges they need to overcome to be their greatest. True enemies-to-lovers. Like that song “loathing, unadulterated loathing”. When faced with their true antagonist – society – they must face true and difficult tests that bring them closer together.

Tory gives off Chihuahua vibes to me with how often he mentally threatens to sink his teeth into people … especially Sena. He is so strong despite his complete and utter stupidity in the situations that he finds himself in. The quests in the book can attest to that, I swear he gets tired faster than I do (which is a feat). I love the journey he goes on to become the absolute best that he can be. He begins to shine as he becomes stronger.

Sena was a bit of a surprise to me, with how much he’s been tortured by his father and his, well, twisty behaviour towards Tory in the beginning. His willingness to help Tory out in the stupid situations that he finds himself in is *chef’s kiss*. I do admit that I didn’t quite understand his character at first but obviously he grew on me and I used that critical thinking that my education beat into me.

While I do love the protagonists, I confess that Harsa is one of my favourite with how much she is willing to do for Tory, God knows he needs it, despite how she can lose everything in a moment's notice. Same with Iri.


(Cross-posted to Fable and Goodreads and Storygraph)

This book was so intricate and dynamic. I wasn't prepared for the number of twists and turns it had, and it left me constantly gripped wondering what would happen next. I absolutely loved the theme of refusing to be compliant and quiet in the face of oppression and being brave enough to resist. Troy was a very interesting character and I loved his spirit throughout. Overall, a really solid read! I'm reeling slightly from the emotional rollercoaster I went on reading this (in the best way!).