A feared warlord and gryphon-slayer, Bataar, conquers the kingdom of Dumakra, forcing vengeful Harpy Knight Nohra into an uneasy alliance as ancient monsters and political betrayals threaten to plunge their world into chaos. Set in a richly imagined, Southwest Asian-inspired world, the story explores themes of power, revenge, moral ambiguity, and slow-burn queer romance amid cutthroat dynastic intrigue and mythic dangers.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a Southwest Asian-inspired world drawing from Turkic and Kurdish cultures, this adult epic fantasy follows Bataar Rhah, a legendary warlord and gryphon-slayer, and Nohra Zultama, a Harpy Knight princess of Dumakra. The narrative centers on their intersecting paths as Bataar conquers Dumakra, leading to Nohra’s quest for revenge and a complex entanglement with Bataar’s wife, Qaira. The story features cutthroat dynastic politics, slow-burn queer and polyamorous romance, and a host of mythological monsters such as gryphons, carnivorous pegasuses, ghouls, and djinn. The plot weaves together themes of conquest, power, faith, and identity, with a focus on morally ambiguous characters and the consequences of their choices. The book is the first in a trilogy, with a narrative that includes time jumps, multiple points of view, and a richly detailed world with intricate political and religious systems.

Readers praised the book’s immersive and expansive worldbuilding, noting the vivid depiction of steppe landscapes, court intrigue, and the integration of mythological creatures. The political machinations and military strategies were highlighted as engaging, with many comparing the tone and complexity to works like A Song of Ice and Fire, The Poppy War, and The City of Brass. The morally grey main characters, especially Bataar and Nohra, were frequently described as compelling, with their dynamic and internal conflicts driving much of the narrative tension. The slow-burn romance, particularly the sapphic and emerging polyamorous elements involving Qaira, was cited as a standout feature, as was the representation of queer identities, including bisexual and demisexual characters. Many readers also appreciated the book’s focus on non-European cultures and the avoidance of orientalist stereotypes.

Some readers found the prose to be plain, awkward, or jarring, with complaints about juvenile word choices, clunky phrasing, and modern dialogue that felt out of place in the setting. The writing style was described by some as distant or impersonal, making it difficult to connect emotionally with the characters. The pacing was another point of criticism, with several readers noting lulls between action scenes, a slow start, or a narrative that only became engaging in the final quarter. The time jumps and scene transitions were sometimes seen as abrupt, leaving gaps in character development and making the story harder to follow. A few readers also questioned the believability or appeal of the central relationships, particularly the so-called 'colonizer romance,' and felt that the mythology could be underexplained for those unfamiliar with the cultural inspirations. Content warnings were noted for graphic violence, gore, and brief mentions of sexual assault.

The book has received a generally positive response, with an average rating of 4.13 out of 5 from 126 ratings and 92 full reviews. It is positioned as the first entry in The Chaos Constellation trilogy, with a publication date of July 8, 2025. The narrative is told primarily through the perspectives of Bataar and Nohra, with a large supporting cast that includes notable side characters such as Qaira, Tarken, Darya, and Shaza. The story is described as high political fantasy with a focus on adult themes, including conquest, revenge, and the complexities of power. The book is recommended for readers interested in epic fantasy with intricate politics, queer representation, and non-Western settings, but potential readers are advised to consult content warnings due to the presence of mature and potentially triggering material.