Happy new year to all the readers out there. May your 2021 be filled with success, prosperity and happiness.
To start my new year right, I wanted to pick up a book that had romance, great characters and an incredible plot. Trader prince of Aleshtain by Ariel Paiement was just what I needed. This is the second book in the legends of Alcardia fantasy series, (you can find my review of the first book in this series here) and can be read as a standalone.
In the first book we are introduced to two characters Dhiabhan and Rhubhian. They are an important element in the first book, but their back story is kept under wraps. At the time of reading the first book, I was very curious to know Dhiabhan’s back story, as, it’s unusual to hear of a prince who becomes a trader. The second book eased my curiosity as it provides us with Dhiabhan and Rhubhian's back story.
Dhiabhan, who is also known by the name of Eras, is the prince of Aleshtain and next in line to become a king. Aleshtain is a kingdom where corruption, greed, and slavery are rampant. It’s a place where the king eagerly participates in buying women slaves and filling up his harem. But this is something that Eras hates. It’s against the principles that his mother brought him up with. Until one day, Eras is forced by his father, the king, to take up a slave. This slave’s name is Rhubhian. Eras accepts his father’s decision but takes a bold step to protect her rather than enslave her. Will Eras be able to protect her amidst a rotten system? Will he be able to give her freedom back?
This book is special. I went into it thinking that, like the first book it would be an adventure. But this is not an adventure, it’s a story about two people developing a very pure relationship. This relationship is based on trust, love and friendship. It’s about how two people protect each other from all the wrongs that the world has in store for them. I loved how the author gave enough time to the characters to build a relationship. This helped me as a reader to get a lot more invested in the story.
With complex character and an amazing plot this story engages the reader from the first page. I loved the friendship that Eras shares with Ifan. Ifan and Eras support each other no matter what danger faces them. Each character in this book was very beautifully crafted and well rounded. They served their purpose to the story very well.
Writing in this book is commendable. Crafting of the complex relationship is extremely well done. For instance, as a reader I could feel what predicament Eras and Rhubhian were in. Especially, when they start to develop feeling for each other, which according to the society is wrong, since he is a prince and she is a slave.
Another notable thing about this story is the elements that are used in it. For instance, one of the elements of this story is how bad advisors to a king, who only give advice that serves them rather than the entire kingdom, can lead to a kingdom’s downfall. Specifically, when the king is cowardly and does not have his own opinions. Another element, that I really appreciated in this story was when Eras find an unlikely ally in Aladhan.
Trader prince of Aleshtain is a beautiful story of perseverance, friendship, trust and an incredible love story. It’s a book that will take you through an emotional roller coaster. A book that leaves you with wanting more.
I would rate it a 5 out of 5 stars.
Get you copy here :
(also available in kindle unlimited)
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