A Power Unbound knocked it out of the park. Jack Alston, Lord Hawthorn, works closely with journalist Alan Ross. At first glance, their backgrounds make them natural enemies. Tensions run high, and tempers flare, but these two keep learning unexpected things about each other. I enjoyed the complexity of both characters and how they were able to meet each other as equals despite everything.
Book Information
Publisher: Tor
First Published: Nov 7 2023
Format: ebook
Source: Library
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Series: The Last Binding #3
Gosh, I almost don’t know where to start. I saw A Power Unbound described as Asshole vs Asshole trope on Bookstagram, and I don’t think I agree. Alan isn’t an asshole. Alan is a man who focuses on success so he can provide for his family. He does engage in thievery and other less-than-acceptable avenues to make money when his family is struggling. Alan disagrees with the conservative politics of the time and resents the titled men in power who abuse it. His personal publications are fantastic, and it made a massive difference to me that Marske included Alan’s self-awareness about his interests. It made the interactions between Jack and Alan equal and entirely consensual.
Jack wasn’t even an asshole, in my opinion, either. It isn’t that he doesn’t care for other people, but that he’s unwilling to pander to protect anybody from hard truths. Well, in this book, at least. His history with Edwin shows he was so disengaged from others that he intentionally overlooked their needs. Jack grew and developed throughout the series. Seeing his story come full circle was cathartic.
The plot was barrelling along. Tensions were high. I thought the book was coming to its conclusion (though there were still a few hundred pages left, which was confusing). Then, ALL THE SUDDEN, I was caught entirely by surprise by the actions of one of the main characters. It seemed so beyond expectation. As that unwraps, it becomes clear that family makes a person vulnerable and is an easy lever to pull. I so enjoyed the twist and the consequences.
The class tension between Alan and the rest of the crew was palatable. Alan could see beyond his own prejudice as he got to know the group. Interactions between Alan and Jack were well negotiated and clear, which did not take away from the steaminess. Their interests are on the same wavelength, and since Jack had followed a particular author’s career for its entire length, the dynamic between them was very well defined from the beginning.
A Power Unbound didn’t follow the plot arcs I expected. The final confrontation did not stick to the usual tricks, and I was impressed by how it all fell out. As much as I read, I’m thrilled when a book surprises me. I had been looking forward to A Power Unbound, and it delivered. I’m disappointed it’s all over, and I have to say goodbye to the cast of The Last Binding series.