Reviewed by Dan
Content Warnings:
Contains references to non-consensual sex, forced sex, drugged gang rape, graphic violence and physical torture.
TITLE: Chasing Sunrise
SERIES: Darkmore Saga #1
AUTHOR: Lex Chase
PUBLISHER: DSP Publications
LENGTH: 269 Pages
RELEASE DATE:
BLURB:
The once glorious aisa kingdom of Darkmore lies in ruins, and King Sevon Maraté is trapped. Sevon endures unrelenting abuse and is used as a scapegoat by Lord Dominic Ravensgrove, who rules Darkmore from the shadows. Coping by dressing in gowns and jewels, the effeminate king relishes the scraps of freedom he is given to be himself.
As a verkolai, Sevon possesses the ability to part the Veil separating his world from hundreds of others. His gift provides a chance for escape, but Dominic refuses to relinquish his tool for power. When Dominic forges an ambitious plan to invade the prosperous shifter land of Priagust, he manipulates Sevon’s desperation for his people’s survival. Out of options, Sevon has no choice but to cooperate.
On their foray into Priagust, Dominic’s men abduct a shifter named Jack. Despite being tortured for information, Jack’s loyalty to his kind never wavers. But Jack’s knowledge about Darkmore’s history unsettles Sevon, and a curious bond begins to form. Despite Sevon’s mistrust, Jack is determined to tame the beautiful king’s wild heart and perhaps earn his freedom.
As war looms, Sevon fears Jack’s kindness is another trap. Conflicted, Sevon wonders if he should risk chasing the sunrise or remain Dominic’s compliant prisoner.
REVIEW:
I want to start by saying that this is the first book from this author that I’ve read. I think that technically the author did a good job. The story was well enough written and edited, and I wish I could say that I liked it, but I really didn’t. I think the author excels at writing evil and dislikeable characters if the characters in this book are any indication, and other folks might love it, or at least like it more than I did. I added the content warnings above because there were references to all of them in this work. They might be triggers to some readers.
I can’t remember EVER reading a book where I so totally despised the main character as much as I did in this book. For background, I didn’t pick this book to read and review. Another reviewer on our blog did, but she couldn’t make it through it, and asked for someone to take it over. I blindly agreed, since I’ve pretty much really liked all the other books I’ve read that were re-issued by DSP Publications. Well, there is an exception to every rule, and this book is the exception.
Let me step back and explain. The main character of this story, Sevon, is totally unlikeable. Is it his fault? No, after his parents were murdered, he was raised by the very man who killed his parents, and eventually became the man’s lover. He believes everything that Dominic, the sadistic killer says and never questions anything…like EVER! Also, Sevon runs around in women’s clothes all the time, which there is nothing wrong with, but it just seemed like a dumb aspect to add to the story in my opinion. Let me clear, the character isn’t transgender, he is a transvestite…preferring women’s panties and dresses. Whatever. I could have looked past that, but there weren’t many other details about him that would make me like him.
The book overall was quite dark, which is usually my favorite type of read, so I expected it to grow on me…but it didn’t…not even a little bit. I would not label it a fantasy novel, even though it had a veiled world within our own. I’m not sure what I would classify it as. Overall I thought the world building lacked some needed depth, and some of the character building could have used a little more work. For example, there were characters that came and went, with little impact on the story. And my biggest complaint? Through it all the only constant was sniveling little Sevon. Did he work things out as it went along? Yes. Did he become more likeable? Not in my opinion.
I would say the book is OK, based solely on the author’s writing. If I were rating the storyline, the rating would be lower. I read that this is the beginning of a trilogy. I personally wouldn’t even consider subjecting myself to any further pieces of this one.
RATING: 
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