Borders Between Empires

Solid omega verse story

Unlike a lot of omegaverse stories with a “strong, independent omega”, Hanni actually lives up to that. Smart, competent and good at his job, he’s forced to ignore his more Omegan traits to be a cop in an Alpha-dominated field. Although there is still Omega stereotyping in this world, they also aren’t the typical broodmare/chattel variety, which I like. As the story is told in 3rd person limited mostly from Hanni’s POV, the few aspects of his personality get conveyed in the situations he’s in, and it’s easier to get a feel for him. However, there isn’t much more there than his dedication to the job and drive to prove himself as capable and as strong as any alpha. He’s still a decent character to follow as when he does loosen up, it’s usually to take the piss out of Jaemin or give a hint of a softer side; I just would have liked to see more of his personality.

Though Hanni could have done with a bit more character development IMO, Jaemin mostly boils down to pouts and smirks. Their first interaction has promise as there is some menace beneath the seductive smile he gives Hanni, but for all that he’s a tough enforcer for a crime family, that side isn’t shown. He can hold his own in a fight, but his “gangster” cred is pretty absent other than interacting with his crime lord superiors and reminders from other characters. He’s a two-dimensional flirt—a bit of a clown, a charmer and hot for Hanni; that’s about all the development he gets. He expects Hanni to be impressed by his looks, status and gifts. He enjoys that Hanni doesn’t give him an inch, but I can’t tell if that’s bc he likes Hanni as a person or is just caught up in Hanni’s smell and need to get in his pants.

The turn from being irritated by Jaemin to wanting him is pretty quick. I honestly feel like if Jaemin’s pheromones weren’t so compatible w/his, Hanni would have never given him the time of day, or Jaemin would have actually had to, you know, show some depth. There are reasons for Jaemin to be into Hanni, but I have no idea what Hanni sees in Jaemin. When they start dating, it kinda works bc Hanni’s convinced Jaemin will get bored of him and finally leave him be, but since this is an omegaverse story, being swayed by pheromones is a quick short cut to get MCs to like each other, even annoying ones.

I did enjoy the case and what is going on behind the scenes. I also appreciated that this is a standalone in a series that actually works on its own. While it’s apparent who has their own books, their relationships aren’t shoe-horned in, and this world’s politics and factions are easy enough to follow without a detailed history. The writing is mostly solid, though some of the action scenes aren’t well drawn, and I truly got sick of seeing the word “pout”, with “smirk” running a close second. I also couldn’t stand Hanni’s bff; she was a one note pest. While Jaemin doesn’t feel that fleshed out to me and there could have been more connective tissue in the narrative, all in all it’s a solid omegaverse story.