Meadows's (A Tyranny of Queens) latest fantasy focuses on Velasin "Vel" vin Aaro, the third son of a high-ranking family in the intensely homophobic country of Ralia. When Vel's preference for men is dramatically revealed, the envoy from neighboring Tithena arranges a marriage between Vel and Caethari "Cae" Aeduria, in the hopes of improving relations between the two countries. Although powerful forces attempt to destroy their newfound alliance, Vel finds a home in open and flexible Tithena, coming to accept himself with the patience and compassionate support of his new husband. Narrator Vikas Adam expressively reads Vel's first-person narration, bringing out Vel's sensitivity and portraying his growing strength and confidence. James Fouhey narrates the part of Cae with a maturity and stolidity that hints at his soldierly background. Trigger warnings of rape, suicidal ideation, and bodily harm appearing at the beginning of the novel should be noted, as this novel touches on weighty issues. VERDICT Recommended for readers looking for an absorbing queer fantasy, complete with intricate world-building, tantalizing mystery, and a slow-burn, tender romance.--David Faucheux

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. (July)

Political intrigue and personal redemption are central to Meadows' latest, a queer, romantic fantasy rife with violence, hope, and emotional healing sparked by the arranged marriage of two protagonists from countries with vastly conflicting cultural mores. Velasin vin Aaro, a third son with few prospects, is called home by his father and unceremoniously betrothed to Laecia Aeduria to solidify relations between his home country Ralia and its neighbor Tithena. When a graphically described sexual assault dredges up parts of his identity that are outlawed in Ralia, Vel is given the option to wed Laecia's brother Caethari instead--which he does, effectively exiling himself in Tithena. As Vel struggles with the emotional and physical aftermath of his assault while also learning to trust the stranger he has wed, escalating violence from an unknown source threatens not only their lives but the very real possibility of lasting love. While certain plot points are rather too neatly concluded, readers will still find themselves captivated by Meadows' sumptuous, well-crafted world and the healing and growth ultimately experienced by the two protagonists.