W O W

Listen, I don’t even like dark fantasy, dark romance, etc. but THIS BOOK. This book is the one that will thrust me into the Dark Side with absolutely no ragerts.

Thanks so much to LJ Andrews for my review copy but my opinions are all my own.

First, we have the prologue where we find little Livia and Erik creating the scene of their own little Romeo and Juliet situation (pls don’t let their ending be the same though, LJ) just pages before we’re thrust into the unforgiving world of the Ever.

The Ever Sea sounds like my kind of place to live. I loved how utterly beautiful it was, how brutal and loyal its people are, and of course, the Ever King. Erik Bloodsinger is a beautiful man with the blackest heart and the most tortured past (literally). His ability to thrive despite it all is inspiring, and I loved how Livia was able to make him see that as a strength and not a weakness. I am always enamored with the narrative that scars can show others just how strong we are; that they don’t define us, but rather they are reminders of how strong we are

I loved Livia and Erik’s relationship. From page one, we see their hearts unfold for each other and the viciousness that both hold dear. I’m so glad this was told in a dual POV because Erik’s thoughts added so much more depth to the story than we would’ve had with just Livia. We get to see them both as true enemies, turned reluctant allies, turned lovers. HOW FUN. HOW HOT. For real, I think I need a fan.

More than anything else, I love the way this story tackled mental health. What a pleasant surprise! I really enjoyed the depiction of panic attacks/anxiety in Livia’s head and how people, especially Erik, helped her realize that she could feel those penetrating thoughts but still survive them and thrive despite their existence.

But strength did not mean there was no fear. I could stand tall, I could defy my enemies, and I could still be afraid.

Don’t you go feeling no shame, but don’t you forget you own that mind of yours, it’s not to own you.

“This fear takes your thoughts, and I won’t tell you not to let it; things are never so simple. But I will remind you of who you are, for you are a formidable foe.”

And Erik’s increasingly vulgar titles for Livia had me positively cackling by end.

Speaking of, I am so unwell by the end events I can barely think of it. THE BETRAYAL o m g I really didn’t see it coming until that snake started speaking and I thought “no no no this is so sus” and I HAVE to know who else was on that ship because I will riot right alongside the Ever. I am plotting right alongside Livia because WHO COULD IT BE and what could it mean for the fate of the Ever!!

Anyway, you didn’t need another five star review of this masterpiece but you got one anyway. I hope you enjoyed it, now go read this book.