Dia's Reviews > Axios: A Spartan Tale

** spoiler alert ** 4 huge stars for these 2 stars

Spoilers ahead. I can't write a spoiler-free review. And I *never* had to hide my reviews because of spoilers, but this time I have to. I really don't want other readers to stumble onto any spoilers. Now let's do this.

"Do authors cry when they kill the best character or do they smile, laugh and have a cup of tea with satan?!"

I finished this book a week ago, but I was too emotional at the time. I needed to take some time and pick up the broken pieces of my heart. I was truly heartbroken.
I *never* and I mean *never* cried while reading. No matter how emotional the story might get, no matter the pain and the sorrow, until now I have never cried. But this time it was an ugly crying, with huge tears down on my cheeks and neck. I was devastated.

Well I'll start by saying I dived into this one with very high expectations. Almost all my friends loved it. The huge GR rating was also a clue this was going to be phenomenal. So I've asked my best friend to buddy read it.

The beginning was great, I got used to the writing style. It was better than I expected. I fell in love with little Ax and Ery, so of course it pained me to see them endure such a strict training. But it was Sparta and I had to put my big girl pants on and get used to the idea I'll have to witness a lot of fights, blood and well death around them.

I kept reading and a silent thought kept bugging me. But I prayed nothing bad will happen to our boys. I knew they'll wear many scars by the end, but not for one second did I thought the author will make me cry in the end.

I will have to admit I am not a fan of historical romance and all the history lessons didn't work for me. At first I was curious but then I wanted much more action with Axios and Ery. I also hoped, until the very end that they'll find a way to run and be happy somewhere far away from Sparta.

All the references about the stars made me anxious.

My biggest complain would be that this story is not focused on Axios and Eryx. I wanted much more and got bored by some unimportant details, so many details.

I had to force myself to read more, but once I got to 80% everything changed and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I don't know if it's fair to rate the whole book with 4 stars only because the last 20% and the last scenes were amazing.

It was harder than I thought to read about their last moments, them being hurt and dying holding each other. I swear I wouldn't have resented them if they chose to run. I know it would have been against everything they were and the author did prepare us THE WHOLE BOOK with little and not so little clues, BUT still, I would have done anything for them to be saved and the author to just surprise us with: I was just kidding, they were close to dying BUT they escaped and lived HEA, far from Sparta, in their own haven, somewhere safe...

If I would have known they will die in the end I would have never read it. I hate falling in love with characters and then get heartbroken when they die. It's not something I want to read about. It's just not for me. And I am sure I will never ever re-read this.

I think the author showed her great writing talent in the last 20% of the book. I really appreciate how she put into words their last moments and words. I resented her because she didn't let Axios finish his last declaration of love. But this was nothing comparing with the sword who pierced them both. I just couldn't contain my tears and my heart was shattered into a million pieces.

I will never be able to forget this story, as it really is heart wrenching. And I will never forget the "see you in the stars" quote that touched my heart.