Kiram Kir-Zaki may be considered a mechanist prodigy among his own people, but when he becomes the first Haldiim ever admitted to the prestigious Sagrada Academy, he is thrown into a world where power, superstition and swordplay outweigh even the most scholarly of achievements.
But when the intimidation from his Cadeleonian classmates turns bloody, Kiram unexpectedly finds himself befriended by Javier Tornesal, the leader of a group of cardsharps, duelists and lotharios who call themselves Hellions.
However Javier is a dangerous friend to have. Wielder of the White Hell and sole heir of a Dukedom, he is surrounded by rumors of forbidden seductions, murder and damnation. His enemies are many and any one of his secrets could not only end his life but Kiram’s as well.
Kiram’s not sure what to expect when he arrives at the Sagrada Academy. He’s a different race than the other students and even though he’s a genius those are definitely not marks in his favor. Because he is a different race and does not carry the same religious beliefs as the Cadeleonians he is assigned to room with Javier Tornesal. Javier is the keeper of the White Hell. It is one of the Hell’s that the Cadeleonians believe in so the other boys at the school won’t room with him for fear of what will happen while they sleep. Kiram doesn’t believe in the Hell’s so he and Javier are a perfect match, roommate-wise.
While Kiram and Javier don’t hit it off right away an incident involving Kiram and another student pushes Javier to become Kiram’s protector. They become friends. Kiram is also friends with Javier’s cousin, Fedeles, who is supposedly cursed. While he has moments of clarity he pretty much lives in a fantasy world. With dealing with friends and their issues Kiram also has problems with one of his teachers – the one who is teaching him to ride a horse as well as swordplay and he basically sucks at both. Javier helps him with both of these problems to try to get him ready for the yearly tournament. Javier and Kiram have become closer at this time and though Kiram has feelings for Javier he’s sure that Javier doesn’t feel the same way. Also, to act on those feelings in Cadeleon could mean severe punishment as it is considered to be an abomination for men to be together sexually.
I could go on and on and tell you more of what happens in the story but you would be so much better served by picking up the book and reading it! Let me tell you, it’s just wonderful. Ginn Hale has such a fabulous writing style that you feel that you are there with Kiram during his entire time in Cadeleon. Hale makes the characters truly come alive and it makes the story that much more realistic.
This is really an incredible coming of age story for Kiram and has such a strong hold in friendship, loyalty, love, romance & family. Hale ties everything together in such a way that you just didn’t want the book to end – although I found myself turning pages as fast as I could! lol I LOVED this book and I highly recommend it.
Rating: 5 out of 5
FYI – The publisher of LotWH, Blind Eye Books, is having a special on this book (which releases August 15th) – as well as book 2 (which releases Sept. 15th). You can get 15% off of book 1 or you can get 25% off of both books if you order by June 15th.
(Another FYI – I received this book for review by the publisher)
I came across this book when I was link hopping and immediately ordered the 2-1 deal. I'm really looking forward to reading it and 'm glad to know you enjoyed it so too 🙂
This may just be my favorite book of the year. Wonderful!
me want sequel now *beats chest*
Ahhh Tracy, ou know this is one of those books I'm really, really looking forward to reading this year. Thanks for this review! Now you have me panting for it. 😀
It sounds like a complex book, but how can I resist it if you highly recommend it? Great review!
Leontine – Good for you! I hope you'll like it as much as I did!
KT – It was so hard to get my thoughts in order while writing the review cuz I just wanted to gush about how much I loved the book! Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year!
Hilcia – It will be worth all of your expended breaths! lol So, so, so good.
Janna – It's not complicated at all really. There is a lot going on but the way Hale writes brings it all together in such a way that it flows seamlessly.
I love Ginn Hale so went to BEB when I first read about this to get the 2-1 deal. Now it's just the waiting bit. I hate waiting.
The waiting is horrible Kris! Just waiting for book 2 is killing me! lol
This sounds really good. Great review!
Hmm. Since I've actually read some m/m fantasy lately and *gasp* enjoyed it… maybe. 🙂
Lily – Thanks…and it is! 🙂
Have I gushed enough? lol
Chris – Do eeet. You won't regret it!
I loved this book… hanging out for part 2!!
I can't wait to read this book…and it's sequel!
Question(s) if I may please. I've never bought from Blind Eye Books – or through PayPal. Do you have to join PayPal?
Sarah – I know, it's hard waiting!
Orannia – I can't wait to hear what you think!
Actually if you click the buy link it sends you to paypal but then it gives you the option to pay through paypal or just with a credit card. I just click that link and pay for it that way.
I already ordered mine – glad to know it's a winner..
E.H>