A Strange and Stubborn Endurance
-
-
4.6 • 32 Ratings
-
-
- $12.99
-
- $12.99
Publisher Description
“Many a reader longing for a sense of homecoming in the realm of romantic fantasy will find it in A Strange and Stubborn Endurance.”—Jacqueline Carey
“Stolen me? As soon to say a caged bird can be stolen by the sky.”
Velasin vin Aaro never planned to marry at all, let alone a girl from neighboring Tithena. When an ugly confrontation reveals his preference for men, Vel fears he’s ruined the diplomatic union before it can even begin. But while his family is ready to disown him, the Tithenai envoy has a different solution: for Vel to marry his former intended’s brother instead.
Caethari Aeduria always knew he might end up in a political marriage, but his sudden betrothal to a man from Ralia, where such relationships are forbidden, comes as a shock.
With an unknown faction willing to kill to end their new alliance, Vel and Cae have no choice but to trust each other. Survival is one thing, but love—as both will learn—is quite another.
Byzantine politics, lush sexual energy, and a queer love story that is by turns sweet and sultry, Foz Meadows' A Strange and Stubborn Endurance is an exploration of gender, identity, and self-worth. It is a book that will live in your heart long after you turn the last page.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
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.
Customer Reviews
Fantastic book
Such an amazing book. Well written, thoughtful, and the couples decisions are engaging without being underly (or overly) dramatic. They feel like real reactions from real people. I just loved Velasin at the beginning of this book. I wish more of his goofy, witty, funny behavior came out more as he got comfortable. Either way, they’re amazing and I’m so excited for the second book! I hope this author writes more m/m stories, because I love their style!
A delight, from start to finish.
I love this book.
Achingly Beautiful
This book was incredible. The characters were so well written and Vel’s struggles through his trauma were so real that you can’t help but have your heart broken a little bit every time he hurts. Beware of the triggers of this book, it goes into graphic detail of some really unpleasant events, but the way the characters heal from it and find happiness in each other makes it so worth it!