Why? Because I completely love the character of Tohrment and John Matthew, and because I love Blay and Qhuinn. And I knew that Tohr's book would set-up Blay and Qhuinn's story.
For those that don't know John Matthew's story, you have to start at the beginning, and know Darius' story to know his story. The connection between Darius and Tohrment continues with Tohrment's relationship with John Matthew.
As I read this book, I found myself crying and smiling. Happy that John and Tohr had found their way back to each other because they don't know just how important they are to each other. They have a love for each other that cuts John so deeply when Tohr disappears after the death of his wife and unborn son. It cuts John in a way that Tohr didn't realize or think about until he began to face his demons. Likewise, John didn't understand his adopted father's loss until he was faced with the same possible loss.
With the introduction of Autumn and the development of a relationship between her and the daughter she tried to kill while still in the womb, you are once again overwhelmed with emotion. Although I like Xhex, she's not particularly one of my favorite characters, but John Matthew does deserve a strong mate, and she is strong. And in time her mother Autumn also regains a sort of inner strength. I would like Autumn to eventually be stronger in all ways, but hey one step at a time.
I've always loved Lassiter, but after this book I'm even more in love with him. He sacrificed what -- we don't know for the love between Autumn and Tohr.
To see Tohr reconnect with John, and learn to love Autumn was a great experience for me.
In true J.R. Ward-style, she has several sub-plots: John and Xhex, Xcor and B.O.B., Autumn and Xhex, Assail and everyone. In one way, I enjoy the other story lines because it continues to let me know what's happening with the other members of BDB, but sometimes it almost takes away from the story that you're reading. It's as if you don't get enough of the story you purchased. In the case of this one, I think I got the story that I wanted, but probably a touch too much of the others.
I don't know if I care enough about Xcor and his B.O.B, but I may read the lead book because of who his potential love interest may be. I am not terribly interested in the struggle for the throne, and don't know if I care to read that story. But, I would like to see his potential love interest happy. And if it happens as I think, I am interested to see how J.R. Ward will justify the fight. Curiosity might just make me read. But, we'll see.
My next read will be "Lover at Last"! I can't wait to read Blay and Qhuinn's story.
