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katreadslit's review
dnf @ 31%
this one really fell flat for me. i wanted more pining and build of their relationship, i felt like i wasn’t yearning for anything because of how early their relationship got established. the pacing was also a little weird for me resulting in some scenes feeling less developed than others. i originally picked this up because i am an enjoyer of tragic stories but carrying on at this point just doesn’t feel worth it.
this one really fell flat for me. i wanted more pining and build of their relationship, i felt like i wasn’t yearning for anything because of how early their relationship got established. the pacing was also a little weird for me resulting in some scenes feeling less developed than others. i originally picked this up because i am an enjoyer of tragic stories but carrying on at this point just doesn’t feel worth it.
heavenlyi's review against another edition
5.0
I had been experiencing the worst reading slump, when one of my friends recommended this book to me. I love MM and historical, and the blurb sounded good. Bonus, it was on KU, so even though it was a new to me author, I figured I would give it a chance. I was so not expecting what I got. This is one of the most moving and touching love stories I have EVER read. It was absolutely riveting and I was glued to the pages. Wow…just wow! The writing, the story, the characters, all make for a compelling story that left me breathless.
Right from the beginning I was sucked into the setting of ancient Sparta. Axios, the storyteller, has the heart of a poet, and does not conform to the soldiers life like his peers. He longs for a different life. My heart broke reading about what these soldiers have to endure and learn at a VERY young age. Axios is so tender hearted, I kept wondering if he would be able to remain that way or if he would be hardened as time went on.
“I searched for the words to truly express the internal struggle I’d faced at throwing away such a big part of myself, followed by the euphoria at having released the burdens holding me prisoner and finally surrendering to my Spartan blood.”
Eryx is a different beast all together. He has the heart of a warrior and longs to prove his worth. His duty to Sparta does not waver. The only thing that conflicts with his responsibility to his country is his love for Axios. I loved his strength and his stoicism. He was so different with Axios, and that just made me love him more. He knew how precious Ax was, and was drawn to him because of it.
“I was his. I had been since the very first day I laid eyes on him. The golden-haired boy who had watched me with concerned, green eyes and beckoned me to stand and fight had come to mean more to me than my own life.”
These two are such an unlikely match. Brought together when they are young boys, Eryx helps strengthen Axios. He is his protector, and most trusted friend. This story spans thirty plus years throughout their training and beyond. Loyalty, love, and brotherhood are themes woven throughout. The secondary characters are just as intriguing and multi-layered as our heroes.
“There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you,” he whispered, pressing his forehead to mine. “I would kill any man, go any distance, and burn the whole world down if it meant keeping you safe.”
I felt so many emotions while reading this book; horror, empathy, love, sadness, heartbreak. By the end, I was a sobbing mess. This book is a testament to what it means to be soul mates, and stories like this are why I read romance. The writing is so rich, I could feel everything within its pages. This story is definitely in my top reads this year, and this is one of my top MM reads EVER.
“Maybe there were only a set amount of close companions a person could have in their lifetime. Other people may come and go, but only those rare few truly stayed by your side, through the good and the bad. Life and death.”
Right from the beginning I was sucked into the setting of ancient Sparta. Axios, the storyteller, has the heart of a poet, and does not conform to the soldiers life like his peers. He longs for a different life. My heart broke reading about what these soldiers have to endure and learn at a VERY young age. Axios is so tender hearted, I kept wondering if he would be able to remain that way or if he would be hardened as time went on.
“I searched for the words to truly express the internal struggle I’d faced at throwing away such a big part of myself, followed by the euphoria at having released the burdens holding me prisoner and finally surrendering to my Spartan blood.”
Eryx is a different beast all together. He has the heart of a warrior and longs to prove his worth. His duty to Sparta does not waver. The only thing that conflicts with his responsibility to his country is his love for Axios. I loved his strength and his stoicism. He was so different with Axios, and that just made me love him more. He knew how precious Ax was, and was drawn to him because of it.
“I was his. I had been since the very first day I laid eyes on him. The golden-haired boy who had watched me with concerned, green eyes and beckoned me to stand and fight had come to mean more to me than my own life.”
These two are such an unlikely match. Brought together when they are young boys, Eryx helps strengthen Axios. He is his protector, and most trusted friend. This story spans thirty plus years throughout their training and beyond. Loyalty, love, and brotherhood are themes woven throughout. The secondary characters are just as intriguing and multi-layered as our heroes.
“There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you,” he whispered, pressing his forehead to mine. “I would kill any man, go any distance, and burn the whole world down if it meant keeping you safe.”
I felt so many emotions while reading this book; horror, empathy, love, sadness, heartbreak. By the end, I was a sobbing mess. This book is a testament to what it means to be soul mates, and stories like this are why I read romance. The writing is so rich, I could feel everything within its pages. This story is definitely in my top reads this year, and this is one of my top MM reads EVER.
“Maybe there were only a set amount of close companions a person could have in their lifetime. Other people may come and go, but only those rare few truly stayed by your side, through the good and the bad. Life and death.”
whydoihaveto's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
anitprv's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
I will kill any man and turn the whole world to ash for you, my warrior. I fear neither battle nor death, but I fear the day you are not by my side. Never question where my heart lies, because it is forever yours. In this life and the next.
wistverias's review against another edition
5.0
4.85 ★
As a Spartan, we were taught to never show weakness, and feelings were weakness. One reason we were pulled from our homes at age seven was so we would not be weakened by such nurturing that came from a mother’s arms. Yet, I could not stop the way my heart sang in Eryx’s presence—in his embrace—and how he made me tremble with just a kiss
Esta historia nos cuenta la vida de Axios, quién no entra en el molde de un guerrero espartano común, ya que siempre está cuestionando los valores espartanos y su afán por la guerra y la brutalidad. Todo esto mientras lo vemos pasar por el agoge (entrenamiento espartano para todo hombre desde los 7 hasta los 20)
En medio de tanto sufrimiento conocerá a Eryx, uno de los mejores guerreros, con quién entablará una muy bella amistad y que, con el pasar de los años, otros sentimientos ya no tan platónicos irán aflorando.
Creo que nunca había llorado tanto con un libro así desde La Canción de Aquiles que sí bien siempre es comparado con esta historia, no creo que se parezcan del todo.
En la canción de Aquiles recuerdo haber llorado de impotencia (patricio llora de impotencia*) con el final, los nervios llegan a más de la mitad del libro ya que es en ese momento es en el que entran en guerra y todo se va al tacho; pero aquí no, el temor por saber que les pasará a los personajes ya que desde el inicio sabes que están en guerra constantes y se están preparando para esto me tenía al borde de los gritos capítulo tras capítulo. Esto, sumado a que vemos todas esta atrocidades desde la perspectiva de Axios, me rompió el corazón. No les miento cuando les digo que llore desde el capítulo UNO y tuve que posponer el libro por un rato (2 meses) ya que cada vez que me acordaba de Axios y sus compañeros me dolía demasiado.
Son masoquistas? Lean este libro !!
As a Spartan, we were taught to never show weakness, and feelings were weakness. One reason we were pulled from our homes at age seven was so we would not be weakened by such nurturing that came from a mother’s arms. Yet, I could not stop the way my heart sang in Eryx’s presence—in his embrace—and how he made me tremble with just a kiss
Esta historia nos cuenta la vida de Axios, quién no entra en el molde de un guerrero espartano común, ya que siempre está cuestionando los valores espartanos y su afán por la guerra y la brutalidad. Todo esto mientras lo vemos pasar por el agoge (entrenamiento espartano para todo hombre desde los 7 hasta los 20)
En medio de tanto sufrimiento conocerá a Eryx, uno de los mejores guerreros, con quién entablará una muy bella amistad y que, con el pasar de los años, otros sentimientos ya no tan platónicos irán aflorando.
Creo que nunca había llorado tanto con un libro así desde La Canción de Aquiles que sí bien siempre es comparado con esta historia, no creo que se parezcan del todo.
En la canción de Aquiles recuerdo haber llorado de impotencia (patricio llora de impotencia*) con el final, los nervios llegan a más de la mitad del libro ya que es en ese momento es en el que entran en guerra y todo se va al tacho; pero aquí no, el temor por saber que les pasará a los personajes ya que desde el inicio sabes que están en guerra constantes y se están preparando para esto me tenía al borde de los gritos capítulo tras capítulo. Esto, sumado a que vemos todas esta atrocidades desde la perspectiva de Axios, me rompió el corazón. No les miento cuando les digo que llore desde el capítulo UNO y tuve que posponer el libro por un rato (2 meses) ya que cada vez que me acordaba de Axios y sus compañeros me dolía demasiado.
Son masoquistas? Lean este libro !!
keeperofthetrees's review
4.0
heartwrenching read that was really historically accurate to my knowledge. loved it
bentheoverlordsbooks's review
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
So this is a complicated review to write but what I liked I loved and what I didn't, I didnt haha. So firstly what I loved, I loved the first chunk of the book with Axios in Spartan training and his burgeoning romance, I loved his friendship with Haden, Quill and Theon, their bond and banter was a lot of fun and I really loved seeing them throughout the book, and watching them grow. I also loved the scenes with the young King, he was a great character for the page time he had and I really liked that he seemed like a genuinely great leader. I also really liked the ending, it was well foreshadowed throughout, and knowing the history of the time I kinda knew what was coming. I also loved the way stories were used within the text.
So now for my gripes, there is one tiny gripe and one that is much larger. My tiny gripe is I kinda got bored with sex scenes, I just felt there were too many in such a short space of time, and they all felt very samey so I just would tune out and do other things. My much larger gripe and also the reason I will not be reading book 2 (which Ive found out is just this book from his pov) is Eryx. I wanted to love Eryx and he started off annoying but I was hoping he'd grow over the story but man was I wrong. He was such a possessive alpha man that I just couldnt with him. He was also so caught up on the fact his father had a dishonorable death that he himself became this charicature of everything wrong with Spartan culture. He was such a conformist that I just couldnt with him, and no point did he ever begin to question any of his beliefs, even the ones he had from childhood. I also hated how jealous either of them got when other men spoke to the other, but Eryx was specifically bad, because hed almost blame Axios for it, which I just wasnt feeling.
I will read more from Osborn, I really liked her writing and her other characters, so Im hoping that her other books are just one "smol bean" (although Axios can look after himself) and one alpha arse.
So now for my gripes, there is one tiny gripe and one that is much larger. My tiny gripe is I kinda got bored with sex scenes, I just felt there were too many in such a short space of time, and they all felt very samey so I just would tune out and do other things. My much larger gripe and also the reason I will not be reading book 2 (which Ive found out is just this book from his pov) is Eryx. I wanted to love Eryx and he started off annoying but I was hoping he'd grow over the story but man was I wrong. He was such a possessive alpha man that I just couldnt with him. He was also so caught up on the fact his father had a dishonorable death that he himself became this charicature of everything wrong with Spartan culture. He was such a conformist that I just couldnt with him, and no point did he ever begin to question any of his beliefs, even the ones he had from childhood. I also hated how jealous either of them got when other men spoke to the other, but Eryx was specifically bad, because hed almost blame Axios for it, which I just wasnt feeling.
I will read more from Osborn, I really liked her writing and her other characters, so Im hoping that her other books are just one "smol bean" (although Axios can look after himself) and one alpha arse.
readbystace's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
katkejt's review
5.0
Axios ♾️ Eryx
….
“You are my heart… Never question where my heart lies…”
.
“Not even death could keep me from you. My soul will forever find yours. In this life and the next.”
….
What possibly could I write here that would do this experience any justice. With blurry eyes, I can’t… the depth and beauty. The words spoken. The bonds. For eternity. This tale doesn’t have a rating. The number doesn’t exist. It’s beyond infinitive. I thought I read a lot of epic love stories but how in the wrong was I… now I know I only read a handful… this is what a true epic love story about soulmates feels like. I’ll be reading Eryx’s book - with honor. By the gods.
I finished last night, crying myself a river but feeling a sort of calmness in my heart at the same time - as they will forever be in the stars. I’ll never look at the sky at night the same ever again.
Until then, my warriors ♾️.
….
Gavin Greenaway, Hans Zimmer, Lisa Gerrard - Now We Are Free
….
“With my eyes transfixed on the fair-haired boy, I found strength within myself I was not aware existed—one that pulled me up and to my feet.” // “Eyes that I knew were green like the grass…” // “But mostly… I see my truest companion.” // “…he is what you will fight for.” // “…his hand lightly traced my bare thigh as the corner of his flawless lips turned up into a smile.” // “Then I will be reborn from the ashes.” // “I would kill any man, go any distance, and burn the whole world down if it meant keeping you safe.” // “I might not have known if I’d die for Sparta, but I knew for certain I’d lay down my life for his.” // “I lost all control and let go, letting the fire coursing through my veins burn and ascend like a phoenix reborn.” // “And we do not abandon our family.” // “I do not fear death because I’m afraid of dying, Ery… I fear it because it would take me from you.” // “I will kill any man and turn the whole world to ash for you, my warrior.” // “My warrior. My lover. My heart.” // “For I belong to another.” // “I shall never forget the way your skin smells in the morning.” // “…I will always find you.” // “No matter what happens… stay with me.” // “Fear can do many things to a man he never thought possible.” // “And oh how the stars shone above us, appearing even brighter than I ever remembered them.” // “I’ll see you in the stars, my warrior…”
….
….
“You are my heart… Never question where my heart lies…”
.
“Not even death could keep me from you. My soul will forever find yours. In this life and the next.”
….
What possibly could I write here that would do this experience any justice. With blurry eyes, I can’t… the depth and beauty. The words spoken. The bonds. For eternity. This tale doesn’t have a rating. The number doesn’t exist. It’s beyond infinitive. I thought I read a lot of epic love stories but how in the wrong was I… now I know I only read a handful… this is what a true epic love story about soulmates feels like. I’ll be reading Eryx’s book - with honor. By the gods.
I finished last night, crying myself a river but feeling a sort of calmness in my heart at the same time - as they will forever be in the stars. I’ll never look at the sky at night the same ever again.
Until then, my warriors ♾️.
….
Gavin Greenaway, Hans Zimmer, Lisa Gerrard - Now We Are Free
….
“With my eyes transfixed on the fair-haired boy, I found strength within myself I was not aware existed—one that pulled me up and to my feet.” // “Eyes that I knew were green like the grass…” // “But mostly… I see my truest companion.” // “…he is what you will fight for.” // “…his hand lightly traced my bare thigh as the corner of his flawless lips turned up into a smile.” // “Then I will be reborn from the ashes.” // “I would kill any man, go any distance, and burn the whole world down if it meant keeping you safe.” // “I might not have known if I’d die for Sparta, but I knew for certain I’d lay down my life for his.” // “I lost all control and let go, letting the fire coursing through my veins burn and ascend like a phoenix reborn.” // “And we do not abandon our family.” // “I do not fear death because I’m afraid of dying, Ery… I fear it because it would take me from you.” // “I will kill any man and turn the whole world to ash for you, my warrior.” // “My warrior. My lover. My heart.” // “For I belong to another.” // “I shall never forget the way your skin smells in the morning.” // “…I will always find you.” // “No matter what happens… stay with me.” // “Fear can do many things to a man he never thought possible.” // “And oh how the stars shone above us, appearing even brighter than I ever remembered them.” // “I’ll see you in the stars, my warrior…”
….