

I also felt like the story here was a tad less developed and things seemed to clear up rather quickly by the end of it.A school shooting survivor is determined to correct untrue stories about the tragic event. It was definitely a more fiery and passionate type of couple this time around, which was nice, but also I just found it hard to connect to either character. Though I do find it kind of funny how these guys who sound like they're #1s keep getting into such trouble. He was also rather violent as a commander but that I didn't mind as much. In this book I had to pause with how he acted with Sarrica, especially since we're now in his head and it felt like there was intent behind that anger sometimes.

We knew he had a temper in THKGT but it always came off as bantering. Something else I found a bit off putting was how violent Lesto was in this book. I felt like them pining for each other and then jumping to creating a future together was a bit fast. I remember the whole being punched thing since I only just finished THKGT but then being told the two slept together and that Lesto had been pining for Shemal feels too convenient (though even if he had, we didn't see him A LOT or into his head in book 1 so maybe it's all good?). While I liked Lesto and Shemal together, it just felt too random and instalove. I think the reason I didn't like this book as much as THKGT is because of the romance. Shemal ends up helping Lesto escape and the two try to get back to Harkenesten but end up mixed in with some political troubles. Luckily for him, his kidnappers stop along the way to get the carriage fixed, where he's reunited with the pirate who punched him and who he had a one night stand with. Quickly realizing he's been kidnapped, he tries to find a way to escape except he's completely drugged and ready to be sick. In this story it's been awhile since the events of THKGT (about a year I'd say) and we follow Lesto as he wakes up tied up and far away from home. In comparison, this book wasn't as good as The High King's Golden Tongue but it did have it's own appeal. But I wasn't put off since Lesto was a character I really wanted to learn more about. When I read the summary for this one, I realized we probably wouldn't be getting much of Allen and Sarrica, since this book focused on Lesto's romance.

I checked out The High King's Golden Tongue and LOVED that book. It wasn't until recently where I decided to read it. I'm not even sure how to start this! This has been on my Netgalley TBR for about 2 years now (I KNOW IM TERRIBLE). Not as good as THKGT but it has its own appeal!
