I didn't give the first book a 5-star rating; it was more like a 4.5 to me: All the good elements, the good writing, the superbly sketched characters were there. It is only when you read the second volume that you realize how good the first one was, how everything was superbly planned and nothing was gratuitous: This author has a way of tying up loose ends and make each piece of information, each sentence fit. 
 And now the fangirly/obsessed rant: I LOVE THIS STORY. I love every single thing about it, and I don't think I've been this mesmerized about the evolution and changing relationship of two characters in ages. As a reader, I feel like I am Damien, watching Laurent, falling for Laurent even as he gets to know him -Laurent's very complex mind and motives, stubborness and insecurities. I feel like I've fallen for Laurent too and I'm rooting for him to beat the odds and win this drawn-out family / political intrigue. I love the "gazing" trope, how much time Laurent and Damien spend looking at each other, especially Laurent's shifting, darkening, cooling, heating blue eyes. 
 I don't feel like typing endless spoilers here because these books are so worth the read. As in, GO READ THEM NOW if you are a fantasy fan, a slash fan, or just someone who likes twisted intrigues and well-built, three-dimensional characters.But forget about your daily life for a couple of days because I promise you, you won't be able to put these books down. Not for a second. Not to sleep, or eat. Be warned and just... READ THEM.