THIS IS A NETGALLEY ARC REVIEW.


While I enjoyed the diverse representation and unique concept of the story, this book just wasn't for me. First of all, I think the title doesn't fit the book well. I would've preferred the book to be titled after one of the characters' names or a specific setting. The current title feels out of place. Usually, I form emotional connections to all the characters in a book, but I couldn't this time. What impressed me was how the author paid attention to all the ways Prince Larkin was struggling in a new time period. Everything from explaining updated clothes, to plumbing, to laws, and species relationships, it really added depth to the story. This caused me to feel so much empathy for Larkin's character and it made me feel invested in the book's outcome.


I would've loved to see more of Merrick's backstory since I feel his only personality traits are feeling conflicted about his parentage and being attracted to Larkin. While I appreciate Merrick finding someone who loves him, I thought the relationship was too rushed. Larkin had such a difficult time adjusting to his new life so was it really a wise move for him to jump into a relationship with someone from a different time period? It felt more like lust than love. This novel is essential lgbtq representation, but if the novel was longer and if it developed the romance over time, it would be more worthwhile.