A Strange and Stubborn Endurance

February 1, 2022

When his preference for men emerges, Velasin vin Aaro fears that he has wrecked his diplomatic mission to the Tithena. But while his own country prohibits relationships between men, the Tithena have an enlightened perspective and propose a political marriage between Velasin and one of their own, a man named Caethari Aeduria. When violence threatens the new alliance, Vel and Cae have no one to trust but each other. From Hugo Award-winning Australian Meadows; with a 125,000-copy first printing.

Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 14, 2022
This lushly drawn fantasy romance from Meadows (A Tyranny of Queens) offers a delicate meditation on trauma, loyalty, and trust. Ralian aristocrat Velasin vin Aaro is forced into a diplomatic marriage to a young woman from the neighboring kingdom of Tithena, his family’s historic enemies. But before the marriage can take places, Velasin’s male former lover brutally rapes him. The attack brings to light Velasin’s preference for men and his family’s plans unravel—until they learn his intended has an eligible brother, and unlike conservative Ralia, Tithena has no taboos around same-sex relationships. Exiled by his homophobic father and with nowhere else to go, Velasin accepts the altered marriage offer, crossing the mountains, carrying the shame and trauma of his assault, to marry a stranger. But Caethari Aeduria is not what he expected, and a series of attacks within the Aeduria compound mean the men must find a way to trust each other if they want to survive. Meadows skillfully integrates gripping mystery and satisfying slow-burn romance. The result is sure to delight fans of CL Polk’s Kingston Cycle series and Everina Maxwell’s Winter’s Orbit.

May 1, 2022
Political intrigue and personal redemption are central to Meadows' latest, a queer, romantic fantasy rife with violence, hope, and emotional healing sparked by the arranged marriage of two protagonists from countries with vastly conflicting cultural mores. Velasin vin Aaro, a third son with few prospects, is called home by his father and unceremoniously betrothed to Laecia Aeduria to solidify relations between his home country Ralia and its neighbor Tithena. When a graphically described sexual assault dredges up parts of his identity that are outlawed in Ralia, Vel is given the option to wed Laecia's brother Caethari instead--which he does, effectively exiling himself in Tithena. As Vel struggles with the emotional and physical aftermath of his assault while also learning to trust the stranger he has wed, escalating violence from an unknown source threatens not only their lives but the very real possibility of lasting love. While certain plot points are rather too neatly concluded, readers will still find themselves captivated by Meadows' sumptuous, well-crafted world and the healing and growth ultimately experienced by the two protagonists.

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Starred review from June 1, 2022

In Meadows's ("Manifold Worlds" series) new fantasy, Velasin "Vel" vin Aaro discovers that his father has arranged his marriage to a woman in the neighboring Tithena, hoping to repair country relations. When an abusive ex reveals Vel's preference for men, his father tries to disown him but is foiled by a Tithenai envoy. Now Vel must marry Caethari "Cae" Aeduria, the brother of his former betrothed. Cae is taken by surprise with the news that he is to marry a man whose country forbids same-sex relationships. However, when unknown forces try to end the political marriage through violence, Vel and Cae must learn to trust, to heal, and possibly to love in hopes that their tenuous bond, along with their countries, will survive. The author notes that the book contains some scenes of sexual abuse and self-harm, but the pervasive plot of magic and action, family, and a growing relationship are the core of the story. VERDICT An emotionally gripping, delightful queer fantasy filled with political intrigue, family dynamics, and tender moments that will grab readers' hearts and minds.--Kristi Chadwick

Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.