This book is definitely gothic and dark. Not many moments of happiness. I think calling it a romance is a big leap. The characters do fall in love and there’s plenty of sex, but I wouldn’t label it a romance. I can understand why some reviews felt they were empty towards the end and not satisfied. The book is all dark and tragic, the author could have given a second epilogue to satisfy readers looking for romance and perhaps provide some continuous happiness for Lucian. A bit of balance for such darkness.
Don’t get me wrong, the story was good, though it drags out a bit. This author has an excellent creative dark imagination. The performance superbly done, specially Lucian’s with the male voice. However, if you are looking for a love story with warm and sweet moments, this is not it. It’s a sort of love that develops between two people who did not have much happiness. Lucian’s life is all suffering. He’s cold and detached and so is his love. That’s the best description I can provide.
Please do not read this book without reading the TW. I can’t say it enough – the book has darkness, suffering, tragedy, torture, rape, lies, betrayal, etc.
Truly, the only lightness I felt from the book was during the epilogue, but I wouldn’t call it a satisfying happy ending for those of us looking for a bit of romance in darkness. I liked Nightshade and Infernium better.