Bonds of Brass

“Ettian’s life was shattered when the merciless Umber Empire invaded his world. He’s spent seven years putting himself back together under its rule, joining an Umber military academy and becoming the best pilot in his class. Even better, he’s met Gal—his exasperating and infuriatingly enticing roommate who’s made the academy feel like a new home.
 
But when dozens of classmates spring an assassination plot on Gal, a devastating secret comes to light: Gal is the heir to the Umber Empire. Ettian barely manages to save his best friend and flee the compromised academy unscathed, rattled that Gal stands to inherit the empire that broke him, and that there are still people willing to fight back against Umber rule. 
 
As they piece together a way to deliver Gal safely to his throne, Ettian finds himself torn in half by an impossible choice. Does he save the man who’s won his heart and trust that Gal’s goodness could transform the empire? Or does he throw his lot in with the brewing rebellion and fight to take back what’s rightfully theirs?” – Publishers Description

Author: Emily Skrutskie

Genre: YA, Sci-fi

Sember’s Thoughts:

3/5 Stars.

I really went back and forth on whether or not to recommend this book because it’s from an established publisher. I decided to go ahead and do it because I can count on one hand the number of POC, sci-fi leads in BL. So, without further ado: BONDS OF BRASS.

This book gets 3 stars for three reasons: First, Ettain is a sweet-heart when he pulls his head out of his a** and the female friend, Wen, was so much fun. Second, the plot twist at the end was inspired. And third, there are some aspects of world-building and politics in here that are fascinating, and I really hope the second book delivers on exploring these more!

This book did not not score higher because, over all, it’s falls a little flat. It’s marketed as a space opera, but I don’t know if it actually works as one. If it had pushed it’s world building a little further and actually explored the themes of war and colonization beyond surface level it, could have been fantastic. Character development was also, unfortunately, lacking.

If you like non-stop action, friends-to-lovers, space ship battles and struggles on the level of massive empires, then this is the book for you! Also, the plot twist at the end of this book is oof.

I will be purchasing the second book when it comes out.

Also, let us all just take a moment to appreciate that gorgeous cover. It warms my heart to see it on my bookshelf.

Spice Meter: 1/5

Trigger Warnings: None

Tags: POC lead, friends-to-lovers, will-they-won’t-they, empires, space-ship battles, princes, on the run

I purchased my copy from Amazon.