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Aqib is not just unaware of his sexuality – he has no idea his sexuality exists. And that’s my main concern – Aqib is extremely clueless, and Lucrio keeps pressuring him and giving him no time to think and adjust.

It literally stars with Lucrio catcalling Aqib on the street (and the fact that the catcalling is done to a man doesn’t make it better.) Then they start talking, and Aqib is super naive and doesn’t even realize Lucrio is hitting on him.

While it does become sweet and caring later on, the beginning is just terrible. Lucrio, on the other hand, is very friendly, open, relaxed, easy-going, and kind to everyone, irrespective of rank.Īnd now comes the romance, and my serious problems begin. I like his silent comments to himself – he’s always trying to be political and snarking to himself whenever he messes up. What’s the problem with calling it just “marble,” or “quality marble,” or making up a city from the fantasy world that produces famous marble?Īqib is a realistic character – arrogant, snobbish, and extremely rude to the non-nobles, which is somewhat justified by his upbringing, but he’s ultimately a good man who loves his family. I mean, “Cararian marble,” really? Does Daluz import from Italy, now? Or do they, coincidentally, also have a city called Carrara, which, coincidentally, is also close to marble quarries? Honestly, it’s not that hard to pay attention to these things. I’ve been seeing this in many fantasy books, and it can break the suspension of disbelief. I’m quite intrigued how this society developed – they have holograms, but no running water or canalization!īut I have to say it really takes me out of the world when we are in a completely different universe, and names and places from our world creep in, without making any sense there. There are no “as you know” type dialogues or info-dumping. It’s all revealed naturally and bit by bit, by letting characters speak as they normally do. Magic mingling with science, and god-like creatures interacting with humans.

Different societies (one partly modeled after Ancient Rome!), with their own cultures, languages, values, histories, and politics. Though I did have a couple of issues with the romance itself, in particular with how it started, the book is beautifully written and not easy to predict. This is a story of choices, paths not taken, and unlived lives, that will stay with you long after you reach the last page. Vivid world-building, intriguing characters, and a compelling m/m romance. It’s all been good, but I’ve been craving some nice fantasy, and here it is! Finally! I’ve been reading all Hugo finalist novellas in preparation for my vote, and so far it’s been horror, horror, horror, Lovecraft, some more horror.