As a big fan of Aleksandr Voinov I'm honored to be hosting him today as we introduce you to A Taste for Poison, the third installment in his Memory of Scorpions series. Keep reading to get a taste of this book through my impressions of it and by visiting the other blogs hosting this tour. Make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win print copies of the books in this series too!
After barely surviving an assassination attempt, King Adrastes is a changed man—one who mistrusts even his allies and friends. He readies his empire for war against an enigmatic enemy, the Elder of Vededrin, but not everyone approves. While courtiers dare only to whisper dissent, an outrider called Death foments rebellion in the mountains, aided by a prophecy that promises he’ll stop the Black King.
Kendras—former lover to Adrastes and leader of the Scorpions—is sent with his elite mercenary force to bring Death to justice. But when Kendras learns who’s hiding behind the mask, he must choose between his lover Graukar, newly-appointed general to the king—and King Adrastes himself.
With no man to call master, the Scorpions could flee the danger and intrigue. But Kendras cannot abandon the man he once loved—or the man he’s growing to love—without first uncovering the real threat to the Empire.
MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
In the m/m genre there's one writer that stands out and that I count on to be fully entertained and emotionally engaged. That author is Aleksandr Voinov and this book, and the series it's part of, draw you in like no other with its fantastical world and emotionally conflicted characters. With this final book readers are taken on a journey through emotional pitfalls, dangerous wars, political intrigue, and traversing alongside both friends and enemies whose sides aren't always clear.
Picking up very quickly after the events in book two, this story is fast-paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat courtesy of characters whose loyalties are easily changeable. Adrastes may be weakened from being poisoned but he's completely in control in this story, more concerned with power than past feelings. He's not afraid to be unpopular if his edicts are what's best for his people as he sees it. Kendras has come to realize this, and though it saddens him, he's come into his own and become the man he needs to be for himself and his fellow Scorpions. Adrastes is his past with Graukar clearly his future. Their relationship has evolved to one of maturity and surety throughout the series and I've enjoyed the evolution. Kendras has become a strong-willed leader who never made a rash decision. It's weighted him down with seriousness though but made him the perfect one to lead the Scorpions. Luckily he has Graukar, Dev, and Shadow to provide much-needed humor which put a smile on my face.
Each character in this story is more unique and larger than life than the next, especially the mysterious Selvan as he lit up every scene he appeared in. Each character was strong enough to carry the story on their own which kept me fully engaged in their outcome and left me wanting to learn more of their pasts and futures. Like most of Voinov's books this one too is full of conflict, both blatant and subtle, which immersed me in this dark and gritty world even more. The romance between Kendras and Graukar is sensual and teeming with sexual tension where their mere glances can make you blush. The political intrigue keeps you guessing and on edge and is in perfect balance with the romance that's immensely satisfying. Fans of both fantasy and m/m reads will be drawn to this final installment in the Memory of Scorpions series written by one of the most talented writers in the m/m genre and will want to read it over and over to relive every single nuance.
My rating for this is an A-
*I got this book from the publisher for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
AUTHOR INFO:
Aleksandr has been published for twenty years, both in print and ebook. He has ten years’ experience as a writing coach, book doctor, and writing teacher, and until recently worked as an editor in financial services.
After co-authoring the M/M military cult classic Special Forces, Aleksandr embarked on a quest to write gritty, edgy, sometimes literary M/M and gay fiction (much of which is romance/erotica)—the only way he can use his American Literature degree these days.
He’s been published with Heyne/Random House, Carina Press, Samhain Publishing, and others, and is an EPIC Awards winner and a Lambda Awards finalist.
After co-authoring the M/M military cult classic Special Forces, Aleksandr embarked on a quest to write gritty, edgy, sometimes literary M/M and gay fiction (much of which is romance/erotica)—the only way he can use his American Literature degree these days.
He’s been published with Heyne/Random House, Carina Press, Samhain Publishing, and others, and is an EPIC Awards winner and a Lambda Awards finalist.
WEBSITE: http://www.aleksandrvoinov.
TWITTER: @aleksandrvoinov
GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE: http://www.goodreads.com/
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Awesome cover!
ReplyDeletePenumbra - Thank you. Reese Dante did an outstanding job on the whole series. :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an amazing series.
ReplyDeleteMary - Thank you! :)
DeleteI'm definitely intrigued!
ReplyDeleteTrix, vitajex(at)Aol(Dot)com