A Strange and Stubborn Endurance

By: Foz Meadows

Narrated by: James Fouhey, Vikas Adam

“Many a reader longing for a sense of homecoming in the realm of romantic fantasy will find it in A Strange and Stubborn Endurance.”—Jacqueline Carey

"...the heart of the audiobook is Velasin's journey toward recovery and learning to trust his new husband."- AudioFile on A Strange and Stubborn Endurance

"Narrator Vikas Adam expressively reads Vel’s first-person narration, bringing out Vel’s sensitivity and portraying his growing strength and confidence. James Fouhey narrates the part of Cae with a maturity and stolidity that hints at his soldierly background."- Library Journal

“Stolen me? As soon to say a caged bird can be stolen by the sky.”

Velasin vin Aaro never planned to marry at all, let alone a girl from neighboring Tithena. When an ugly confrontation reveals his preference for men, Vel fears he’s ruined the diplomatic union before it can even begin. But while his family is ready to disown him, the Tithenai envoy has a different solution: for Vel to marry his former intended’s brother instead.

Caethari Aeduria always knew he might end up in a political marriage, but his sudden betrothal to a man from Ralia, where such relationships are forbidden, comes as a shock.

With an unknown faction willing to kill to end their new alliance, Vel and Cae have no choice but to trust each other. Survival is one thing, but love—as both will learn—is quite another.

Byzantine politics, lush sexual energy, and a queer love story that is by turns sweet and sultry. Foz Meadows's A Strange and Stubborn Endurance is an exploration of gender, identity, and self-worth. It is an audiobook that will live in your heart long after you finish listening.

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Books.

©2022 Foz Meadows (P)2022 Macmillan Audio

Loved it

i loved the way it handled triggering topics and the overall story and writing was great. However, the ending felt rushed.

Beyond excellent!

I inhaled this book like I need air. So heartfelt and genuine. I can’t wait to dive into book two.

Awesome

I was skeptical at first. Extremely surprised. I loved the twists. I believe the main characters was too slow Whitted at times and very insightful at others. They needed more continuity. As a first book in a series I look forward to see the growth of the author and characters. I love that the sex parts was not very explicit and drawn out. As a reader I prefer a little detail of intimacy but a not a how to guide. I definitely am following the author .

Lovely reading

The performance waslovely. The narrator did a phenomenal job of distinguishing the two main characters. Both main characters were likable- the paling of the story wasalso nice

Absolutely stunning

The most beautiful tale of healing, love, finding oneself and found family. It’s also a Perfect narration and simply a delight to read. In this dystopian world, it is a balm.

Interesting, love story, trigger warnings

First of all, I love this book. Having said that, readers need to be aware that the beginning of this book for the main character is very traumatic. There are elements of sexual assault and suicide that need to be disclosed. Once one is past that, the love story between these two men makes my heart sing. There are elements of, royalty, family dynamics duty, political drama, court life, running a kingdom, betrayal, friendship, action and love. I was begging for a second book. The magical system, descriptions of types of characters (they them characters), subgenres of kinds of people living in a magical / unique world made me want books living in this world. I feel like I cannot put into words how I enjoyed this book. The love story element reminded me a lot of the book Red, White and Royal Blue. The sexual content in this book I would recommend for 18 or older. The love story of two people being thrust into a situation beyond them their control but finding out that they could work together. Possibly love each other from an impossible situation, could make one believe in love, for those precious souls who rarely get to encounter it. I was begging for those three little words to be shared between these two characters but you will have to read to find out if it happens or not. These are my opinions respectfully.

The emotion and subsequent reactions

Loved the narrators and plot, but more sex scenes could have been included. The author did an amazing job with the world building and magic, but I want to see more of the magic happening.

Inspirational

Wow. Incredible. The author has taken difficult subjects and woven them beautifully. Treated with care, consideration, and inspiration, we come out feeling refreshed and whole.
Honestly one of my favorites. A story to return to again and again.
Also, we hope to see more of these characters again in future works!!

Unacceptable vs acceptance of people.

The explanation of living in and being raised in an environment of fear and contrasting it with living and being raised with acceptance. I wish the magic part had been explored and developed a bit more.

This is everything

From the story to the narration, everything is top tier. 12/10 will read again.