The Adorned by John Tristan - Review
TL;DR
4.7 Stars
Pros: Complex characters, political intrigue, representation
Cons: More exposition please, cagey/unhelpful side characters
Spoilers in review? No
Opinions going in/why I picked it up:
A friend of mine learned that my favorite book series was The Captive Prince series by C. S. Pacat (check trigger warnings before reading) and gave me this recommendation!
It's not super similar in terms of the romance or anything, but he said The Adorned had very similar, intriguing politics like TCP had, which is one of my favorite things about the series.
Additionally he was telling me about how the main character of the book uses he/him pronouns but his genitalia is never described because the author, John Tristan, wanted any men to identify with the character regardless of assigned gender at birth.
Likes:
I, of course, adored all the politicking in this series. Our main character, Etan, is an Adorned, which essentially is a mix between a model and an escort. He attends fancy party's upon the request (and payment) of the rich and powerful. Sometimes the night ends with intercourse, sometimes it does not, but he is also used by members of the court to deliver messages and sway opinions regardless of how the night ends.
Etan is an indentured servant, but still remains steadfast in his opinion that no matter his occupation, he is a person. There is decorum to respect and expect but he is not just an toy to be played with and discarded.
To make a comparison to TCP, Etan is a lot like Damen in this belief, even if he has none of Damen's size, strength, or royal blood. He forthright and has a commitment to doing things the right/noble way.
As for Etans love interest and contract holder, Tallisk, I have slightly less to say about him. That's not so say that I didn't also like him, He's just pretty stoic and Etan is often left wondering what Tallisk is thinking.
His actions though? Amazing.
Unlike others, he never forgets that Etan is a grown man who is allowed to make his own decisions and have his own opinions. He lets both Etan and Isodel (another Adorned indentured to Tallisk) decide if he accepts a job on their behalf. All in all, a good man, even if he's a little quiet and cagey.
And finally the plot/political intrigue, the whole reason I was recommended this book! I adored the game played between two side characters, Lord Loren and Count Karen, that both used Etan as a pawn in their own ways.
I was interesting to see hints of their motivations and underhanded plays throughout the story, culminating into what happened at the end. I won't spoil it, but man, I want to go back and re read the book with each of the characters ulterior motives in mind.
Dislikes:
I can appreciate that we are often left in the dark about other characters intentions, especially because Etan is very much not familiar with the intracasies of high society, but I wish we got just a tiny bit more.
Or should I say that I wish Isodel and Tallisk were a bit more forthcoming with information. I understand why, from an authors perspective anyway -- you want to show Etan experiencing these things rather than have another character monologue at him.... But maybe just a little monologue would have been nice.
Then again I'm one of those people who actually likes paragraphs of exposition cause I'm a slut for world building lmao
Rating Breakdown
Characters: 10
Atmosphere: 9
Writing: 9
Plot: 10
Intrigue: 9
Logic: 9
Enjoyment: 10
Dialogue: 9
Total: 9.375/10 or 4.7 Stars