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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
I cannot even begin to write an accurate enough review for this book. This is why I read. This book is the reason books were invited. To make you feel.
The feelings.
The feelings this book illicits. Since I can't seem to comprehend anything right now, I'll just give you a list. Here's what I felt, in the exact order I felt them. While reading this book:
Hate
Pain
Lust
Falling
Respect
Survival
Tenderness
Love
Despair
Hope
Desolation
Desperation
Insanity
Submission
Devotion
Terror. Absolute terror.
Shock.
This is the truth about love: it conquers all.
The feelings.
The feelings this book illicits. Since I can't seem to comprehend anything right now, I'll just give you a list. Here's what I felt, in the exact order I felt them. While reading this book:
Hate
Pain
Lust
Falling
Respect
Survival
Tenderness
Love
Despair
Hope
Desolation
Desperation
Insanity
Submission
Devotion
Terror. Absolute terror.
Shock.
This is the truth about love: it conquers all.
I can’t. I can excuse a lot of things in romance/a love interest, but rape isn’t one of them (especially against the MC)
Despite really enjoying this epic-ally written tome ... I know I won't continue on with the series even with the massively dramatic cliffhanger at the end of the book, and the absence of a much longed for "happy ending" (or satisfying resolution to the story).
I'm going to pass on this series ... and its NOT because the writing isn't gripping (because it is), the story intensely engaging (because it is) and the drama sweepingly epic (because it is) ... but because the book entered into territory that I occasionally felt uncomfortable with ... using blood, guts and torture ... and was a little too kinky and dark for my tastes (not really my thing at all) ... and the next couple of books in this series promise to get even darker, more violent and brutal and I don't think I can stomach that.
However, I will say this book is incredibly well written (minus the unfortunate cliffhanger ending which I hate when I read books). I liked the drama and tension between the two MCs. I found their relationship to be engaging, and at times impossibly tender and sweet. There is quite a bit of drama and angst(pain) but it is handled well ... although I found myself wondering just how much mental/physical damage a person can tolerate without suffering permanent impairment ... because these guys were practically invincible. The second half of the book slowed down for me and became a bit repetitious and lacked forward momentum.
Also, the portrayal of Afghan people was highly "negative", offensive and ultimately problematic for me. Nothing (and I mean nothing) is even remotely culturally sensitive or politically correct here ... and one could argue that was necessary for this story and historically accurate -- but still -- both MCs came across as blatantly racist (because they where) -- ummm, yeah ... it has to be said, because unfortunately it is true ...
I will miss Dan and Vadim because I grew to love them together despite their flaws. I would love to read more from this author (a very skilled writer) but will be cautious when I do knowing that he/she (?) definitely has a propensity for violent, kinky angst and that is not my thing at all ...
I'm going to pass on this series ... and its NOT because the writing isn't gripping (because it is), the story intensely engaging (because it is) and the drama sweepingly epic (because it is) ... but because the book entered into territory that I occasionally felt uncomfortable with ... using blood, guts and torture ... and was a little too kinky and dark for my tastes (not really my thing at all) ... and the next couple of books in this series promise to get even darker, more violent and brutal and I don't think I can stomach that.
However, I will say this book is incredibly well written (minus the unfortunate cliffhanger ending which I hate when I read books). I liked the drama and tension between the two MCs. I found their relationship to be engaging, and at times impossibly tender and sweet. There is quite a bit of drama and angst(pain) but it is handled well ... although I found myself wondering just how much mental/physical damage a person can tolerate without suffering permanent impairment ... because these guys were practically invincible. The second half of the book slowed down for me and became a bit repetitious and lacked forward momentum.
Also, the portrayal of Afghan people was highly "negative", offensive and ultimately problematic for me. Nothing (and I mean nothing) is even remotely culturally sensitive or politically correct here ... and one could argue that was necessary for this story and historically accurate -- but still -- both MCs came across as blatantly racist (because they where) -- ummm, yeah ... it has to be said, because unfortunately it is true ...
I will miss Dan and Vadim because I grew to love them together despite their flaws. I would love to read more from this author (a very skilled writer) but will be cautious when I do knowing that he/she (?) definitely has a propensity for violent, kinky angst and that is not my thing at all ...
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was ecstatic when I started reading the book. Beautiful style, complex relationships, slowly developing feelings - everything I love. The sex scenes are nicely written too...but why make 90% of the whole book out of sex? A great beginning and middle gradually slipped into endless porn. Why...?
I have absolutely no words to describe how I feel about this book, I know I wont do it justice. I guess I'll start out easy I love the cover for this book, it reminds me so much of how Dan, Scottish SAS soldier, talked about the mountains in the book. This book, the way the mountains are described makes me want to go there and never leave, to be free and one with the mountains and all of its emotions even when describing the bitter cold winters, it makes me long for freedom when I didn't even know I felt trapped.
In this book you two enemies SAS soldier Dan, and Vadim Soviet spetsnaz soldier, brought together in the line of duty. Behind the lines respect, and love are finally nurtured. It's a tale of two men brought together though a set of harrowing circumstances. It's Violent and bitter, it's about two men, enemies, surviving.
And though I did have to slow down at times, part of what took me so long so long to finish, I had to actually proses these thing that happened. To me this wasn't just reading I felt ever emotion in this book at times I hated right along with Dan, at other times I felt along with Vadim. I cried, I laughed, I was appalled, I felt the tension as if I was standing between them, observing their lives. I felt for these two characters how I haven't felt for people I know.
And how it ended, this wasn't no "happily ever after", no this was real life with the harsh demands at the extreme, and it will be something I will never forget.
In this book you two enemies SAS soldier Dan, and Vadim Soviet spetsnaz soldier, brought together in the line of duty. Behind the lines respect, and love are finally nurtured. It's a tale of two men brought together though a set of harrowing circumstances. It's Violent and bitter, it's about two men, enemies, surviving.
And though I did have to slow down at times, part of what took me so long so long to finish, I had to actually proses these thing that happened. To me this wasn't just reading I felt ever emotion in this book at times I hated right along with Dan, at other times I felt along with Vadim. I cried, I laughed, I was appalled, I felt the tension as if I was standing between them, observing their lives. I felt for these two characters how I haven't felt for people I know.
And how it ended, this wasn't no "happily ever after", no this was real life with the harsh demands at the extreme, and it will be something I will never forget.
Well, fuck me sideways, this was a weird, weird, weird read.
I spent like, 60% of the book in struggle because:
1. I wasn't used to the weird rapidly alternating point of view
2. I wasn't used to the chopped writing style.
3. 60% of this book is filled with hate-sex, which I like, by the way because I love any kind of hate relationships lmao but still, the intercourses are kinky as hell. I don't know, man. I kept falling asleep on sex scenes. I always fall asleep on sex scenes I'M SORRY IT'S NOT THAT IT'S BAD, IT'S JUST ME.
But, bro. After 70% into the book, though. HEART-WRENCHING AND PAINFUL. I LOVE IT SO MUCH. KATYAAAAA. Anyways, I love Dan after this. But not more than I love Vadim.
Onto next book.
I spent like, 60% of the book in struggle because:
1. I wasn't used to the weird rapidly alternating point of view
2. I wasn't used to the chopped writing style.
3. 60% of this book is filled with hate-sex, which I like, by the way because I love any kind of hate relationships lmao but still, the intercourses are kinky as hell. I don't know, man. I kept falling asleep on sex scenes. I always fall asleep on sex scenes I'M SORRY IT'S NOT THAT IT'S BAD, IT'S JUST ME.
But, bro. After 70% into the book, though. HEART-WRENCHING AND PAINFUL. I LOVE IT SO MUCH. KATYAAAAA. Anyways, I love Dan after this. But not more than I love Vadim.
Onto next book.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was EXTREMELY DARK and has a LOT of triggers. It is hands down one of, if not the darkest book I’ve ever read (if you’re planning to read it, pls make sure to check the content warnings). Yet it also manages to give you some of the most romantic scenes and gestures. It kept me entertained from start to finish; I couldn’t put it down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Rape, Torture, Violence, War
Moderate: Homophobia, Racial slurs, Medical content
Minor: Misogyny
(This review is for the entire series)
Well...This has been one of the most memorable books I’ve ever read. One that I will always remember as the kind of book that has opened my mind, shifted my perspective, and made me dig deep to understand characters that pushed me to face things that are completely and utterly human and a reality, but a reality most of us ignore or pretend is an anomaly.
This is a tough book to read. I spent 3 days with a very minimal sleep to battle my way through 25 years of a relationship that will bloom from pain and hatred, be torn apart, burnt, destroyed in every imaginable way and then sown back together. You will hate one, love one and flip flop until all you can do is sympathize and love them both.
You will watch these angry, out of control, distructive, plain terrifying men find a way to love each in the most honest way you’ll ever see. You will see the worst part of their relationship, and you will weep thinking it’s the end and even your heart can’t stand the destruction they bring to each that just maybe they’re better off separated. But that’s not the case. Their love overcomes so much bad that it makes you the reader see a relationship, a romance through the most honest of shades.
This book is truly unlike any other romance I’ve read in the recent years. It wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t an easy read. I’m not going to lie, there were many times i considered giving up on them, on their story, on their love. But they held on even when they were holding on to nothing. They held on even when the other wasn’t there to hold on to. This book is magical and to be honest cathartic.
It’s like going in for an acupressure massage and it hurts so bad you want to crawl out of your skin, or cry, or scream but when it’s finally over you can breath again, your body floats and your mind is clear. This book was like that. In the end I left feeling light, relieved, raw and utterly satisfied that I’m not sure I can pick another book anytime soon.
Well...This has been one of the most memorable books I’ve ever read. One that I will always remember as the kind of book that has opened my mind, shifted my perspective, and made me dig deep to understand characters that pushed me to face things that are completely and utterly human and a reality, but a reality most of us ignore or pretend is an anomaly.
This is a tough book to read. I spent 3 days with a very minimal sleep to battle my way through 25 years of a relationship that will bloom from pain and hatred, be torn apart, burnt, destroyed in every imaginable way and then sown back together. You will hate one, love one and flip flop until all you can do is sympathize and love them both.
You will watch these angry, out of control, distructive, plain terrifying men find a way to love each in the most honest way you’ll ever see. You will see the worst part of their relationship, and you will weep thinking it’s the end and even your heart can’t stand the destruction they bring to each that just maybe they’re better off separated. But that’s not the case. Their love overcomes so much bad that it makes you the reader see a relationship, a romance through the most honest of shades.
This book is truly unlike any other romance I’ve read in the recent years. It wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t an easy read. I’m not going to lie, there were many times i considered giving up on them, on their story, on their love. But they held on even when they were holding on to nothing. They held on even when the other wasn’t there to hold on to. This book is magical and to be honest cathartic.
It’s like going in for an acupressure massage and it hurts so bad you want to crawl out of your skin, or cry, or scream but when it’s finally over you can breath again, your body floats and your mind is clear. This book was like that. In the end I left feeling light, relieved, raw and utterly satisfied that I’m not sure I can pick another book anytime soon.