A few years ago I was recommended Something Human by A.J. Demas in a Facebook-group I’m in and it was one of the best things I had read so far (and even since). It’s set in a fictitious world very reminiscent of Greek Antiquity. I went on to read the author’s other books set in the same world and found Sword Dance. It featured eunuch turned spy, Varazda and (reluctantly) semi-retired ”First Spear” Damiskos who join forces to root out a plot to overturn a government in Boukos.

It called for a sequel as the romance started in a very tumultuous time for the characters. The sequel is titled Saffron Alley and in it, Damiskos comes to visit Varazda in Boukos to see if what started between them can grow into something permanent. Of course, things get in the way because why should it be easy?

The world Demas has created is complex and vast and altogether plausible and I want to read more stories set here.

I was given an ARC of Saffron Alley in return of a review. It releases everywhere books can be found on February 16th.