start date: 15/07/2021 | end date: 15/07/2021 (roughly 3.5 hours reading time)

summary: his identity now revealed, damen must face his master prince laurent as damianos of akielos, the man laurent has sworn to kill

thoughts:

good god.

i do actually have a lot of thoughts about the conclusion of the trilogy, but i fee like i can't really put it into words. i was more or less satisfied with the ending. there were things that played out the way i thought they would -- whilst i was also mildly surprised at others.

damen was really -- just a good guy. i really enjoyed his character, although he wasn't my favourite. i also do feel kinda sad when i think about nicaise

there was something fulfilling about seeing laurent be so vulnerable -- the ice-cold prince of vere -- needing someone. despire laurent knowing who damen was from the start, he still needed him. i am insane

seeing lauren't so human in front of the person who killed his brother, was made to serve him, and then to have him as an ally and then a lover. AH???!!

laurent of vere... i have feelings for you. also auguste. i know he's dead, but i am so fond of him regardless.

anyway, i overall really enjoyed the progression of damen and laurent's relationship regardless of it being one of the slowest burns i have ever read

memorable moments: these are not in any specific order

• laurent. in akielon clothing
• laurent: hello, lover
• paschal's brother was the (redacted) all along
• laurent (redacted) kastor
• the exchange of cuffs
• the sparring
• laurent single handedly offing govart and making it out alive
• "because laurent wasn't auguste. and the stumble wasn't a mistake. it was a feint"

would i read this book again?: ABSOLUTELY. as soon as i get the physical copies of these i will 100% be rereading the entire series for that sweet, sweet serotonin

would i recommend this book?: once agin: i SURE WOULD!! but i don't think this would interest anyone other than myself, and i don't think anyone would enjoy this in the same way i did. but i sure would