** spoiler alert ** 
 Something I wasn't as fond of was the Slashy aspects of the story but I dealt with it. Phedre is as turned on by pain as she is a caressing touch so there are extremes in this story. I could have done without the Slash stuff because I'm not inclined towards it but beyond that I've rather enjoyed the intrigue and danger of the story. The book doesn't see as look as it looks and she swiftly moves through the tale of Phedre and Joscelin (her Cassieline). 
 There did come a point of panic as a seriously sinister woman became Phedre's patron and made her give her signale (which is her word for the pain to stop so she doesn't become seriously injured). Phedre doesn't like giving it and hasn't until this woman who also gives her the patron gift to have her marquee finished. As she is being inked a message comes that Delaunay must hear. She and Joscelin rush back home to discover Delauney dead and Alcuin dying. They rush an urgent message to the Princess (who is about to be betrayed) but are intercepted by the very patron who finished Phedre's marquee. 
 Phedre has become at favorite to said patron and is thus sold into slavery in a neighboring country with Joscelin. The two do all they can to survive which includes Phedre having to endure their captors bed. She maybe a courtesan but she always takes patrons willingly and now she has no choice if she wishes to survive. It isn't long before she is taken to the man who plans to invade her own country and becomes his unwilling playmate. 
 What I liked about this situation is it brings Joscelin and Phedre closer. They rely on each other for everything and Joscelin will behave if Phedre's safety is insured. All the while they work together to flee growing closer with every passing moment until the only vow Joscelin hasn't broken is to protect and serve. 
 But getting home isn't the end, they must then travel at the Princess (now Queen's) behest to her betroths land to insure his thrown and then bring his army to her aid. And if that wasn't enough, the encounter the Master of Straits, a god who rules the sea and who must consent to your crossing his waters. 
 This book is so packed with adventure, intrigue, danger and just a touch of romance that it is far worth the long read. Of course, I could only give it a 3.5 because I didn't like the slashiness... but my love for Joscelin could outweigh that! There is so much to this story, I'm not even sure I could really do it justice!