Apr 23, 2025
Have you read The Reluctant Consort by Suilan Lee (2023)?
yes
no
I didn't finish it
I've never heard of it
Voting ended onApr 30, 2025
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Have you read The Reluctant Consort by Suilan Lee (2023)?
yes
no
I didn't finish it
I've never heard of it
Crown Prince Yoshi, Suilan Lee
An assassination attempt sends Crown Prince Yoshi across Amana to raise an army and save his mother. His most dangerous ally is Midori, the enemy general's son. Their chemistry burns, their loyalties clash. Amid war and court intrigue, they must choose what to protect first: the empire that needs them, or the love neither can deny.
When assassins strike, Crown Prince Yoshi Taimeng is driven into the wild heart of Amana with one vow: reclaim his future and save his mother, the Empress. To restore peace, he forges unlikely alliances and builds an army strong enough to face a treasonous uncle and a ruthless warlord.
Midori Sanori is a brilliant commander with a quiet smile and a dangerous lineage. His father leads the enemy that wants Yoshi's throne. Midori saves Yoshi's life, and their pull is immediate, however, their loyalties are complicated. As battles ignite and swords cross, Yoshi and Midori must decide what they will risk for each other.
Duty demands distance. Desire refuses to let go. From wind-swept battlefields to gilded court halls, this is a slow-burn romance of fierce devotion, found family, and a love powerful enough to reshape an empire.
Crown Prince Yoshi, Suilan Lee An assassination attempt sends Crown Prince Yoshi across Amana to raise an army and save his mother. His most
As you know, Jihan, I was born in Levan in the depths of Blood Nation’s valleys,” Firuz said, his voice low, his gaze distant as he talked of his past. “My parents are Shadow Guards, making my blood pure. They gave me to the Quadrum at the age of three. I drank the Quadrum’s elixirs and lived their training. When I had lived two decades, the choice to leave and start a family was given to me. I refused it, favoring the Quadrum and the life of a Shadow Guard. It is where I’m happiest, Jihan. It is my choice to protect.”
“I heard one of you serves the Queen of Tanad,” Jihan said, folding his arms on his lap. “Surely, you would wish for such a life.”
“Don’t insult my choice to defend your twelve year old self,” Firuz said. “When I met you, you were an angry child, Jihan. The only things you lived for were to succeed and protect your sister. If your family had not made the plea to the Quadrum for a Shadow Guard, I fear you might be long dead by now.”
“I wasn’t that bad,” Jihan said, with a sigh.
Firuz chuckled.
“I remember accepting the order to find you. I left Levan thinking you were a quiet twelve year old that needed babysitting at the most."
I think I missed how old Firuz was when I first read this and I pictured him as basically being the same age as Jihan and this little kid showing up out of nowhere to protect this other little kid (which I still kind of like the idea of) but him being twenty already does make more sense considering his physical skills and abilities.
When am I going to get a book centered on the shadow guards 😔
Spoilery thought below the cut
He shook his head and turned to Firuz.
“Go break his arms for me,” Jihan said to Firuz.
“Why?” Firuz asked, meeting his gaze, his tone bored.
“He touched my sister!” Jihan yelled. “Now do it!”
Jihan being overly dramatic my beloved <3
Firuz sighed and crossed the distance to Ishan.
Jihan gave Ishan points for not running when Firuz approached him. Ishan’s arms dropped to his sides, and he bit his bottom lip when Firuz took his left arm. Nervous energy wrapped around him as Firuz tightened his grip.
Firuz *sigh* just another Tuesday
Ishan *sweats nervously*
“Start with his right,” Jihan said, feeling mean.
“You’re not serious about this, are you?” Ishan asked, his tone wavering, his worried gaze on Jihan now. “Jihan, come on, you’re my brother.....
......Jihan said, shaking his head. “How could you—?”
Jihan NO ansjsksk I love that Ishan starts to question whether or not he's bluffing 💀
Firuz gripped Ishan’s right arm and smiled at Ishan.
“Don’t fault me for this, Lord Gura. I’m bound to him so I have to do what he wants.”
Ishan sighed and nodded his hair a mess around his shoulders. He looked like a crazy man losing his wits even as he desperately tried to cling to them.
“Firuz, it’s not your fault. I know my friend’s temper.... I can't fault him right now. This is a lot to take in. Make sure to make it easy for me to heal. I know it will be painful…”
Ishan continued, as Firuz delayed his orders.
This part kills me they're both so civil while talking about breaking his arms akskkdkddkks LOVE that no one holds anything against Firuz <3 they know he's just doing his job. Firuz just casually stalling while Jihan calms down, he knows Jihan to well he knows when Jihan is being a ✨drama king✨
Jihan smiled when she lifted her right brow at him and dropped his hands.
“I should finish my tea,” Jihan said, pointing to the near empty cup. “If I died now, don’t you think I’ll always wonder what the last taste of the tea would be?”
“The audacity on you,” the woman said, sitting back in her seat. “Is this how you survive? Why has no one stabbed you yet?”
“It’s a wonder to me too,” Jihan said, picking up his teacup and bringing it to his lips. He gave the sundial another glance, and groaned inwardly.
Sir your life is in mortal danger and you're still running your mouth 💀
He woke to the gentle touch of a water drop on his right cheek. Eyes open, he stared at the dark sword inches away from his cheek and sat very still. A silver sword swept over the dark blade, and pushed it away from his cheek. Jihan breathed in and did not move. Firuz jumped up on the bath ledge fighting Jihan’s attacker away from Jihan. When they had moved three steps away, Jihan dared to take a good look at the intruder.
Firuz grabbed the ghost warrior’s collar from the back, pushed him to the floor and followed him fast, sinking his sword into the ghost warrior’s chest, right through his heart. Firuz pulled out his sword as fast as he sunk it in, and faced Jihan.
“I’m sorry they got so close. There were a dozen of them. Our men have suffered under the attack, but he was the last one. The house is secure,” Firuz said.
...
“You made a mistake with my household,” Jihan said. “You didn’t expect him.”
Jihan nodded to Firuz who pressed his sword tighter against the ghost warrior’s neck.
Jihan had yet to hear of a ghost warrior managing to best a Shadow Guard.
In the world of a Shadow Guard, a ghost warrior was an opponent that could return their attacks, but ultimately, their level of skill was intermediate to the advanced Shadow Guard.
The ghost warrior shuddered and Jihan smiled, straightening up. He stepped away from the ghost warrior.
Jihan's confidence!! They're no match for Firuz!!
No but what if the person you have sworn to guard differs from your personal moral values? I know it's very mystical and works in mysterious ways for how the people they guard are chosen but what happens if one of the charges turns into someone horrible and corrupt? I need so badly to know more about what morals the shadow guard are supposed to uphold. Would they be inclined to stop them because it could potentially get their charge killed and they have to avoid that at all cost???? Does fate dictate that their charges are just destined to do good? Too. Many. Questions. It's so fun to think about.