In Despair by Megan Derr

In Despair (Princes of the Blood #3)

by Megan Derr

Prince Telmé Guldbrandsen has been groomed since childhood to become a Prince of the Blood and Commander of the Legion. He will be the youngest person to ever take the Blooding—if he can behave long enough to prove he can be trusted with the responsibility. But behaving is difficult when he is constantly forced to endure Korin: heir to the Reach of the House and the Temple of the Sacred Three, and the snotty brat Telmé is expected to someday marry.

Then the unthinkable happens, leaving Castle Guldbrandsen—and the Legion—in pieces. Overwhelmed by fear and grief, Telmé convinces Korin to help him attempt the impossible. But rather than relief, Telmé's triumph is met with anger and rejection …



This is the story of how Telme and Korin came to be the people that they are.  It's a story about magic and love, and standing up for what's right even when the people you expect to have your back reject you.  The story was painful and heartbreaking but worth every minute reading it. 

Telme and Korin begin as brats.  They are a constant disappointment to their superiors with their fighting and inability to get along, even though they are betrothed.  I loved seeing their relationship grow into true respect and affection.  This book is non-explicit since it takes place when the characters are young: sixteen and seventeen, respectively.

I had a wonderful time reading In Despair and I hope that Mrs. Derr will write more in the series some day.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the free review copy.