A fugitive healer and the soldier who captures him are forced to cooperate when a mission leaves them stranded behind enemy lines, racing against time to escape before the deadly trackers implanted in them activate. Blending elements of fantasy and sci-fi, the story explores themes of agency, trauma, and queer identity as the two protagonists navigate a militarized world, shifting from enemies to reluctant allies and finding connection amid war and oppression.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a war-torn country where magic users are conscripted as weapons, the story follows Tory Arknett, a healer with secret powers, who is forced on the run after his abilities are exposed. Captured by Sena Vantaras, the son of the regime’s leader, Tory is imprisoned in a militaristic training facility and threatened with being sent to the front lines. The narrative centers on Tory and Sena’s evolving relationship as they are stranded together in enemy territory, forced to cooperate to survive while dealing with the threat of lethal trackers implanted in them. The book blends elements of fantasy and science fiction, featuring a complex magic system based on plant and energy manipulation, and explores themes of agency, trauma, and resistance against authoritarianism. The story is told primarily from Tory’s perspective, with some sections from Sena’s point of view, and includes a cast of side characters, though the focus remains on the two leads and their dynamic.

Readers praised the emotional depth and character development, particularly the nuanced portrayals of Tory and Sena. Many highlighted the slow-burn, enemies-to-allies dynamic, appreciating how the relationship grows from animosity to trust and mutual understanding. The representation of asexual and neurodivergent identities was noted as a positive aspect, with several readers relating to the characters’ experiences. The writing style was described as immersive and evocative, with some readers feeling deeply invested in the protagonists’ struggles and growth. The book’s handling of heavy themes such as trauma, agency, and the impact of authoritarian regimes was also commended, as was the inclusion of political and social commentary. Some readers enjoyed the blend of fantasy and sci-fi elements, and the action-packed, suspenseful plot once it gained momentum.

A significant number of readers found the worldbuilding and magic system confusing, describing it as both overexplained and underexplained, with unclear rules and terminology. The setting’s mix of medieval and high-tech elements led to uncertainty about the book’s genre and internal logic. Pacing was a common criticism, with many noting a slow, info-dump-heavy first half and a plot that took too long to develop, while others felt the story beats were rushed once the action began. The romance was frequently described as understated or ambiguous, with some readers disappointed by the lack of explicit romantic development or physical intimacy, especially given the book’s marketing as a romantasy. Side characters were seen as underdeveloped, and the motivations of antagonists and the reasons for the war were often unclear. Some readers felt disconnected from the characters due to limited backstory or emotional context, and a few did not finish the book due to these issues.

The book is a standalone novel, though several readers noted that the open ending leaves room for a sequel. It has been compared to works like X-Men, Captive Prince, and Fullmetal Alchemist, and is described as character-driven with a focus on queer relationships and found family. The narrative includes dual points of view, though it is primarily from Tory’s perspective, and features themes of survival, resistance, and the search for belonging. The book has received a mix of positive and critical reviews, with an average rating of 4.13 out of 5 from 47 ratings and 35 full reviews. The author, Jules Arbeaux, is also known for Lord of the Empty Isles, and several readers expressed interest in reading more from them in the future.