This book is dark. Don't read it if your triggers include non-con and SA. Don't read it if it's your first time reading dark fantasy or dark romance that includes these themes. The depictions are explicit and on-page. It's brutal and will not be for everyone. 

In this, we get more insight into King Henrikk. We do get an answer as to why he is so incredibly cruel and unhinged. 
I still think he's the biggest piece of doodoo within this universe, but when I tell you that my jaw dropped multiple times while reading this!

Asher is a gem. Truly, Henrikk doesn't deserve a friend like him. 
All that to say, no matter how cruel and unlikeable I found Henrikk, I couldn't stop reading. I wanted to know where this  rollercoaster would be taking us! And even though I wanted to kick Henrikk, the way that Darcy Fayton has written the story did make me understand why Asher couldn't let his friend go. I loved it.

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I received an ARC from the author. My opinions are my own.