Bonds of Brass by Emily Skrutskie
Teenage royals? Space battle odyssey? A rebellion against the crown?? Can you see my heart eyes?
Ettian’s life was shattered when the merciless Umber Empire invaded his world. He’s spent seven years putting himself back together under its rule, joining an Umber military academy and becoming the best pilot in his class. Even better, he’s met Gal—his exasperating and infuriatingly enticing roommate who’s made the academy feel like a new home.
But when dozens of classmates spring an assassination plot on Gal, a devastating secret comes to light: Gal is the heir to the Umber Empire. Ettian barely manages to save his best friend and flee the compromised academy unscathed, rattled that Gal stands to inherit the empire that broke him, and that there are still people willing to fight back against Umber rule.
As they piece together a way to deliver Gal safely to his throne, Ettian finds himself torn in half by an impossible choice. Does he save the man who’s won his heart and trust that Gal’s goodness could transform the empire? Or does he throw his lot in with the brewing rebellion and fight to take back what’s rightfully theirs?
Bonds of Brass does an exceptional job of building the moral drama. The situation between Ettian and Gal escalates slowly, until they find themselves backed into a corner. The plot builds slowly, never becoming underwhelming or overwhelming. While a lot happens from the beginning of the story to the end, it feels surprising, yet natural. The story never gives, culminating with an absolutely ballistic cliffhanger.
Though the universe is conspiring to keep Ettian and Gal apart, their fierce friendship is going to give the universe a run for its money. Beautiful. Still, there are fundamental differences between the two of them that have always been simmering under the surface, and they are forced to confront them head on here.
Both Ettian and Gal are so … painfully human, and that makes this story a lot more heart-wrenching than it could ever seem from the surface. The characters in this story are well-crafted, and they all found a spot in my heart early on. Since the story is in first person, we really get to see Ettian struggle not to love everyone so much. His moral dilemma is the heart of this story, and we slowly find out more and more about his convictions and past.
Ettian also has a savior complex that I haven’t seen in any of my recent reads. I can’t remember the last time I read a book where the main character was the brawns of the operation. Ettian is the one doing the dirty work, the hands on fighting and running. He’s constantly saving Gal and muttering about how useless he is. He’s got his sights set on being heroic; his main concern is who he should be serving. He’s the loyal bodyguard, but Bonds of Brass makes him the main character rather than the smooth-talking prince in hiding. It’s certified fun and fresh.
Doesn’t hurt that I absolutely love a good space rebellion, and teenage royals are my absolute favorite thing ever. The cover is stunning too, and the only shocking thing is that it took me an entire day to finish this off. Cannot wait to see how the rest of the Bloodright trilogy unfolds, God knows I need closure after that insane ending!
Ettian’s life was shattered when the merciless Umber Empire invaded his world. He’s spent seven years putting himself back together under its rule, joining an Umber military academy and becoming the best pilot in his class. Even better, he’s met Gal—his exasperating and infuriatingly enticing roommate who’s made the academy feel like a new home.
As they piece together a way to deliver Gal safely to his throne, Ettian finds himself torn in half by an impossible choice. Does he save the man who’s won his heart and trust that Gal’s goodness could transform the empire? Or does he throw his lot in with the brewing rebellion and fight to take back what’s rightfully theirs?
Bonds of Brass does an exceptional job of building the moral drama. The situation between Ettian and Gal escalates slowly, until they find themselves backed into a corner. The plot builds slowly, never becoming underwhelming or overwhelming. While a lot happens from the beginning of the story to the end, it feels surprising, yet natural. The story never gives, culminating with an absolutely ballistic cliffhanger.
Though the universe is conspiring to keep Ettian and Gal apart, their fierce friendship is going to give the universe a run for its money. Beautiful. Still, there are fundamental differences between the two of them that have always been simmering under the surface, and they are forced to confront them head on here.
Both Ettian and Gal are so … painfully human, and that makes this story a lot more heart-wrenching than it could ever seem from the surface. The characters in this story are well-crafted, and they all found a spot in my heart early on. Since the story is in first person, we really get to see Ettian struggle not to love everyone so much. His moral dilemma is the heart of this story, and we slowly find out more and more about his convictions and past.
Ettian also has a savior complex that I haven’t seen in any of my recent reads. I can’t remember the last time I read a book where the main character was the brawns of the operation. Ettian is the one doing the dirty work, the hands on fighting and running. He’s constantly saving Gal and muttering about how useless he is. He’s got his sights set on being heroic; his main concern is who he should be serving. He’s the loyal bodyguard, but Bonds of Brass makes him the main character rather than the smooth-talking prince in hiding. It’s certified fun and fresh.
Doesn’t hurt that I absolutely love a good space rebellion, and teenage royals are my absolute favorite thing ever. The cover is stunning too, and the only shocking thing is that it took me an entire day to finish this off. Cannot wait to see how the rest of the Bloodright trilogy unfolds, God knows I need closure after that insane ending!
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