A really good listen

The glimpse of Zai I got at the end of the previous book made me want to read his story, and I wasn’t disappointed. As much as I liked Sithe, I loved Zai even more–his attentiveness, not only for Esme but for other people too, was definitely swoon-worthy.

We meet him at his worse. Sick and tired, suffering from headaches for a long time, he may even be dying when Esme wakes up in his ship and discovers him. She saves his life, and he allows himself to be weak in front of a lesser–supposedly a less intelligent form of life. And that’s basically the gist of their relationship. Despite having a position of power inside the empire, Zai’s condition has made him lose control of the situation, and he’s in dire need of another set of eyes, especially those of a smart human like Esme. Even if she’s infected with a metal that inspires rage and lust in Zai’s alien race.

Yes, like the first book, it’s a magic lust story, coupled with a fated mate trope, as Zai is the only one who can appease Esme’s need, and they work so well together that they obviously were destined to meet. In fact, like in the first book as well, the myth of Grundi and Amante is back and used to explain and describe Zai and Esme’s relationship.

What I enjoyed the most was the way Zai tried to understand Esme, and how he wanted to take care of her. Gifts, gestures, as well as protectiveness and trust, he did his best to show how he felt about her, while not really understanding it, since it was so foreign to his race. Imagine a deadly general alien being cute! And magic lust oblige, he was also hot and sexy. Again he tried to learn what would please Esme. Swoon-worty, I tell you.

It wasn’t just a romance though. The world built in the first book was fascinating, and we get a bit more of it. Especially more of the conspiracy that was hinted at previously. There’s some action, some violence, and some treachery. Gripping.

As for the narration, the female narrator gave the perfect subdued quality to voice Esme, while the male narrator did the complete opposite for Zai–cold-heartedness with a hint of emotions. The third narrator had a couple of chapters to introduce his character from the next book, and he did well enough. A really good listen.

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