“After all, this was life...not a fairy tale."

Where to begin with this angst-infested novel? After discovering his twin sister Payne, paralyzed by their King, Vishous goes down a self-destructive path that threatens his relationship with his shellan and best friend. Payne, unwilling to live paralyzed, forces her twin to end her suffering if they can not find a solution. In the end, Vishous and Jane call on Manny, the best surgeon in Cadwell. As Manny and Payne’s relationship becomes serious, Vishous starts losing his ability at an emotionless demeanor.

After moaning and groaning about Lover Lover Enshrined having too many characters and not focusing enough on the protagonists, Phury and Cormia, this element works well for Lover Unleashed. With the focus primarily on Payne forced to deal with being immobile and Vishous having to deal with the fact that his mother had kept his sister from him for years, which in turn starts to cause him to self-destruct. While the twins work through their demons, there is a new threat to the Brotherhood, the Band of Bastards.

The lesser situation is still there, but after the death of Lash…there isn’t much there. I think Ward realized this, and thus the Band of Bastards appeared, and to be honest, it creates a way better read. With Xcor having no right to the throne lives his life with a particular moral code that is interesting.

The shifts between the struggles for Payne and Vishous create a fascinating dynamic as both twins face their worst nightmares.