4 STARS
The Tale of Tantalus, what you want is so close, but always just out of reach.
David Cyprian has constructed his own means of torture. Faithful service is a poor substitute for what he truly desires. For a man who pulls so many strings, this is one he avoids. He takes the safe bet, the sure thing rather than risk it all.
Lord Richard Vane is living a seemingly carefree life of the second son of a Marquis. Here we see the twists and the turns in the Vane tree as the skeletons dance. The realities of his position and the dedication to family that he shares with his brother.
I thought we had lanced the pain of first love lost between Richard and Dominic, but the knife cuts deep, digging out chunks, bleeding freely. In the previous story, SEDITIOUS AFFAIR, we saw Dominic's resolution and here we reenact the grievous pain, again.
Things to adore about this is how casually Charles throws in a Jeremy Bentham reference, it's like decorating by strewing diamonds about. A thoughtful discussion on dubious consent, and when it is and when it isn't. The abuse of power and grief. For those who have seen rules broken, horribly maligned, rules often become the most important aspect of preserving sanity. The rules guide one, so one never has to see the atrocities rendered by ignoring them.
Lord Maltravers, repugnant older brother to Ash and ducal heir once again steps forth to sally with the Ricardians along with an old foe, Skelton. Stunning gamesmanship that required calling in all chits and running the suit. Gorgeous. Devious, but absolutely breathtaking in its finality. Simply, a glorious ending for the series for it isn't until the last card is played and the trick taken that we all know.
In the end, Cyprian is stunning and Vane learns the reward of trust. There is a vulnerability explored of these two powerful and self-contained men. And while this doesn't have the historical horsepower of its predecessor, the subtly of societal maneuverings and its consequences are beautifully illustrated. A classic regency.
Overall, a balancing act between love and duty.
David Cyprian has constructed his own means of torture. Faithful service is a poor substitute for what he truly desires. For a man who pulls so many strings, this is one he avoids. He takes the safe bet, the sure thing rather than risk it all.
Lord Richard Vane is living a seemingly carefree life of the second son of a Marquis. Here we see the twists and the turns in the Vane tree as the skeletons dance. The realities of his position and the dedication to family that he shares with his brother.
I thought we had lanced the pain of first love lost between Richard and Dominic, but the knife cuts deep, digging out chunks, bleeding freely. In the previous story, SEDITIOUS AFFAIR, we saw Dominic's resolution and here we reenact the grievous pain, again.
Things to adore about this is how casually Charles throws in a Jeremy Bentham reference, it's like decorating by strewing diamonds about. A thoughtful discussion on dubious consent, and when it is and when it isn't. The abuse of power and grief. For those who have seen rules broken, horribly maligned, rules often become the most important aspect of preserving sanity. The rules guide one, so one never has to see the atrocities rendered by ignoring them.
Lord Maltravers, repugnant older brother to Ash and ducal heir once again steps forth to sally with the Ricardians along with an old foe, Skelton. Stunning gamesmanship that required calling in all chits and running the suit. Gorgeous. Devious, but absolutely breathtaking in its finality. Simply, a glorious ending for the series for it isn't until the last card is played and the trick taken that we all know.
In the end, Cyprian is stunning and Vane learns the reward of trust. There is a vulnerability explored of these two powerful and self-contained men. And while this doesn't have the historical horsepower of its predecessor, the subtly of societal maneuverings and its consequences are beautifully illustrated. A classic regency.
Overall, a balancing act between love and duty.
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