Traitor’s Son

 The book begins with a very strong opening. Remin appears before the emperor, a man who has tried to kill him. Remin promises to defeat the emperor’s enemies. Not just that, but he is tasked to conquer an entire foreign kingdom, a seemingly impossible task. The brave Remin accepts, and cheekily asks for a dukedom and for the emperor's daughter's hand in marriage should he accomplish his goal. The emperor accepts, thinking the task is impossible and the reward therefore of no consequence.

Remin naturally defeats the emperor’s enemies, but when he comes to collect his prize, the empire instead gives him his illegitimate daughter to marry instead. Unbeknownst to Remin, Ophele, the daughter, did not grow up as a noblewoman, rather in squalor like a red-headed stepchild. Remin collects her, and together they leave to build his dukedom.

The journey to the dukedom is long and awkward for the newly-wed couple. From this point, the plot and the narrative waivers a bit, as the story shifts from the relationship between Remin and the emperor to a story about rebuilding a land in ruins. The story focuses then on city building and fighting bandits, stranglers (a lanky mythical creature that strangles its victims), and demon wolves. To me, this middle part of the book meanders a bit and to me loses focus.Though I’d thought that the main plot was the conflict agreement between Remin and the Emperor instead it serves as introduction to the real plot which is between Remin and Ophele. Even so, the time spent rebuilding the city seems a distraction from that as well. Perhaps there are some parallels between the budding couple and the city wrought with issues.

I will note, there were a few open-door sex scenes in the book. So be forewarned.

The narrative style of the book is unlike most fantasy I have read. It focused quite a bit on the thoughts of the two main characters. Ophele often feels inadequate and like a burden, while the Duke is often confused, roused, and suspicious of his wife. The book also has an emphasis on clothing and appearances.

Some spoilers to follow.

The book ends nicely, with the couple coming closer together and coming to an understanding. The wife isn't an agent of the emperor sent to murder him and he really does love her. I guess I’m just saying, there isn’t some crazy twist (which I wondered if that might be the case).

I would recommend this book to people that enjoy a romance-focused fantasy and don’t mind some explicit sex scenes.

I would recommend this book to people that enjoy a romance-focused fantasy and don’t mind some explicit sex scenes.

Perspective: 3rd person

Tense: Past

Length: 394 pages 

Kindle Unlimited: Yes

https://www.amazon.com/Traitor-Son-Book-Empire-Stars-ebook/dp/B0DFVBK4V9