I just end my playthough with the “loveless” route ( at least, one of them ).
I really find it very interesting to do. The MC is still a strong MC like in other routes, this is still the same kind of “gameplay” (strong story/lore, well done characters, tracking hints in story to find the “right” choice, MC love story ) and somehow it’s also a different “atmosphere” from other routes.
And there is really different way to go to a “successfull” end so, when playing, you feel like your choice matters in MC life.
Note that I do not think less of the other routes ( even if I may have some preferences ) and I really find good the effort done to have different kind of approach/issues in each of them.
Thanks and congratulation for the great work you have done !
Thank you for your kind feedback. I am happy to hear you enjoyed the loveless route.
All the game paths are fundamentally the same, but I do try to make them feel different each time, so I am glad that you feel I have succeeded there. ^_^
I have to say, that this loveless route exceeded all my expectations! I talk about the The shared throne ending. This was even better than Leo's route! :D I can only praise your storytelling, it is so awesome :D I got to the Elopement and the Tyrant queen end too, these were somehow less burdened than the other characters' stories outside of the Loveless route and i like them too :)
Thank you for writing these cunning, witty and heartwarming stories :)
Also, I was rereading the Leopold POV extra for Rose, and omg, I remembered that Leopold got struck on the cheek too (though in a more benign situation as compared to Iolanthe in Thorns) and they also had a whole scene regarding first names in both games!!!
Hehehe it's been a while since I played Rose, so I think I'll get back to that. Your writing is such a delight to read. Thank you very much for this game!
Hi I was wondering. is my copy of Thorns of War supposed to come with a Steam key, like with Rose of Segunda? i don't think I got one. sorry if this was already answered
I rarely leave reviews, but this route has motivated me to:)
Absolutely adore the Loveless route!
*
*
*
*
*
It was very satisfying to become a queen after all that humiliation that Iolanthe was forced to suffer. It was especially gratifying to see the looks on both Leopold and Guillaume's faces when they've realized they've been outplayed by someone they deemed so 'insignificant' and 'naive', hehe.
But my favourite part of the route was Leo's romance while making poor Guillaume realize both his mistakes and feelings towards Iolanthe ( it broke my heart to string him along though 💔 even if he was so horrible at the beginning). But the divorce scene in this particular route is *chef's kiss*!
Guillaume's route was also very sweet - his innocence is so adorable♡although it was a bit disappointing not to have a kiss cg with him🥺. Also, I like the ending with him as a queen much more than in his Love route, if only just because Iolanthe seems to be his equal in everything - much like in Leo's route.
It was also interesting to learn some new details about both Leo and Gui that were not really (or at all) discussed in their respective Love routes.
Ah, it is going to be a truly sad day when you complete the game and the story of Iolanthe ends🤧. But I will be looking forward to your next projects♥
Ah, many thanks for the review and I am glad to hear you found the route enjoyable - especially getting one over on Leo and Guillaume ^_^
Oh, and there is a kiss CG with Guillaume, but it only appears if you managed to succeed with the Auguste plot. I just double checked and it should be working, but please let me know if you are still having trouble getting it to appear.
I love love the worldbuilding and intrigue you've written into this game and the loveless route was still very enjoyable on that front. It's like feasting on a whole novel each route.
I got the Tyrant Queen ending first, as Iolanthe deserves! Hehe.
Ofc next I went for Leopold (Loveless route version), and it took me a few tries before realizing you can only get on his route if he isn't your ex in Rose? (Unless I missed something). But wow, the dynamic between not-quite-enemies Leopold and Iolanthe who are trying to feel out how much they should trust each other developing into an attraction at seeing each other's true self is so good. Eating it up!! The post divorce scene where Leopold is so furious at Guillaume on Iolanthe's behalf is everything to me. I was swooningggg. The first name basis? Oh my! Fanning myself!
Are you going to update the website with the endings guide? Asking because I'm so curious at the number of endings hidden on the list. Hehe
"you can only get on his route if he isn't your ex in Rose?" that is very disappointing to hear... It would naturally make sense if Iolanthe is in love with him, she would back him in the conflict.
The thought behind the decision was that, whatever Iolanthe's feelings, she has already rejected Leopold once in order to marry his most-hated enemy. Leopold is a proud man and, after such a betrayal, he no longer loves or trusts her. He would not accept her backing.
Super excited about the new route! However, for whatever reason I can't actually select the "No one" option when starting a new game. I tried different options and even re-downloaded the game (it's definitely the newest version since the ending list has updated), but I can't get it to work.
It isn't allowing me to select "No one" in both the Mac and Windows versions. Double checked the endings list as well and it has been updated with the Loveless Route endings (there is a lot of them, holy moly) so version 2.5 is certainly the latest.
Hi there, sorry for the confusion. The Loveless route can be accessed through Guillaume's route. You need to click on Guillaume's portrait. Then, at the prompt 'who did King Auguste want to become queen?' click on 'Me'. And then choose the last option, "No, I behaved as instructed and King Auguste chose me".
This will get you onto the Loveless route. I hope this helps ^_^
Hi there, sorry for the confusion. The Loveless route can be accessed through Guillaume's route. You need to click on Guillaume's portrait. Then, at the prompt 'who did King Auguste want to become queen?' click on 'Me'. And then choose the last option, "No, I behaved as instructed and King Auguste chose me".
This will get you onto the Loveless route. I hope this helps ^_^
(Sorry for posting twice - I wanted to make sure both posts got a notification.)
I´m very interested in this game since I played The Rose of Segunda. Really great work there. Charlotte is my favorite romance. So my question: What about Charlotte's route? Will you work on the routes how it´s shown above? Loveless route, then Frederique and after that Charlotte? Do you have an approximate release date for these routes?
Hello and thank you for your interest. Yes, Charlotte's route will be worked on after Frederique's is completed.
As for release dates, the Loveless route will be coming out at the end of March. I then hope to have Frederique's route finished some time in the summer, after which I will begin Charlotte's route. But having not begun her route yet, I do not think I can give a release date as yet.
Thanks for the answer. No problem. That´s all I wanted to know. I didn´t expect an exact release date, just something to look forward to.
So maybe end of the year. That´s enough for me. I think it´s time to replay The Rose of Segunda and after that start with Sofia´s route in The Thorns of War.
Checked back and super glad to hear you’re doing well.
I must say, the writing for the different paths(and sub paths) is top notch!
The darker, more foreboding tone of Thorns with its looming civil war really lends itself well to putting these established relationships to the test. You do have to earn your happy ending lol.
I also love that there are different ways to resolve the political portions of the paths. I’m a political/history fanatic too so I was pleased to see this well fleshed out. Having now seen both Leopold and Guillaume’s sides of the story, I can see where they are both coming from and why everyone backs who they do.
My favourite path like many is probably still Sofia, maybe just because she’s my type. It’s by far one of the more angsty of the paths, in a good way rather than feeling contrived. The solution back in Rose isn’t perfect like out of some fairy tale, but it makes it all the better I think.
That being said the other love interests are excellent too, there isn’t one path that wasn’t really good and didn’t feel unique.
Of the two sides, I probably lean to Leopold because I love a good revenge plot. He cites principles sure, but it’s quite personal in a way I can relate. Better yet, he really does adore you and wants you to be his queen. I get a real power couple energy from them and it’s great.
Guillaume’s path is hardly the happily ever after with your prince some may have hoped for, but with you at his side he has the makings of a great king. Getting him to take the mantle is very satisfying.
Bastien I’ve warmed up to a lot. He’s not super passionate but you can’t help but understand exactly why he is the way he is with his upbringing. He’s very real and relatable. Seeing him finally break out of his shell a little is priceless.
That being said Pieto is lovely too. Despite how it happened it’s great seeing him get a real passionate love match this time. Also one of the more unique endings(if goes well of course), do get to be a Queen after all, not just in the way was expecting.
Looking forward to the last few paths. The new love interests look interesting. Charlotte is just so precious and she’s probably had the best character development so far. I liked Frederique’s route in Rose. At first I thought something so taboo was just in there for shock value but you gave it a ton of depth. From what you learn of them you can’t help but root for them both.
Many thanks for your kind feedback. I am happy to hear you enjoyed the game - especially Sofia's route. And thank you, too, for putting the spoilers beneath the 'view rest' - I appreciate your thoughtfulness. ^_^
Hello and happy new year! I am doing okay and I hope you are well, too.
A short update on the project - the Loveless route is very nearly complete at 425,000 words (T_T) and I have a projected release date (after beta period) of the end of March.
Omg, this game is SO good.. Since Rose of Segunda I've been playing the Sofia route and on this one things just go SO much deeper and I loved the building up of their relationship <3 Also, a very well thought plot, was enraptured every minute of it! I couldn't stop playing till the end haha
Thank you so much for all your hard work guys! Happy Holidays!
Im totally excited for this! i played TROS and loved the Prince's and the SR's route (pls dont judge me, was the most cativant and different routes...)
Hello, I hope you are doing well, too. Estimated release date for the Loveless Route is the end of March. I'll be revealing more in a devlog on Friday 14th Feb.
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Hello,
I just end my playthough with the “loveless” route ( at least, one of them ).
I really find it very interesting to do. The MC is still a strong MC like in other routes, this is still the same kind of “gameplay” (strong story/lore, well done characters, tracking hints in story to find the “right” choice, MC love story ) and somehow it’s also a different “atmosphere” from other routes.
And there is really different way to go to a “successfull” end so, when playing, you feel like your choice matters in MC life.
Note that I do not think less of the other routes ( even if I may have some preferences ) and I really find good the effort done to have different kind of approach/issues in each of them.
Thanks and congratulation for the great work you have done !
Thank you for your kind feedback. I am happy to hear you enjoyed the loveless route.
All the game paths are fundamentally the same, but I do try to make them feel different each time, so I am glad that you feel I have succeeded there. ^_^
Many thanks for playing
Hi!
I have to say, that this loveless route exceeded all my expectations! I talk about the The shared throne ending. This was even better than Leo's route! :D I can only praise your storytelling, it is so awesome :D I got to the Elopement and the Tyrant queen end too, these were somehow less burdened than the other characters' stories outside of the Loveless route and i like them too :)
Thank you for writing these cunning, witty and heartwarming stories :)
(I tend to avoid sad ends :D)
Brigi
Hello and thank you!
I'm glad you enjoyed the route - especially Leo's romance.
"(I tend to avoid sad ends :D)" - wisely done ^_^
Many thanks for playing
Loveless route, Leopold branch minor spoilers
.
.
.
.
.
Also, I was rereading the Leopold POV extra for Rose, and omg, I remembered that Leopold got struck on the cheek too (though in a more benign situation as compared to Iolanthe in Thorns) and they also had a whole scene regarding first names in both games!!!
Hehehe it's been a while since I played Rose, so I think I'll get back to that. Your writing is such a delight to read. Thank you very much for this game!
Hi I was wondering. is my copy of Thorns of War supposed to come with a Steam key, like with Rose of Segunda? i don't think I got one. sorry if this was already answered
It will do, once the game is finished and on Steam. But I can't provide any keys until that happens ^_^
Ohh okay that makes sense. thank you!
I rarely leave reviews, but this route has motivated me to:)
Absolutely adore the Loveless route!
*
*
*
*
*
It was very satisfying to become a queen after all that humiliation that Iolanthe was forced to suffer. It was especially gratifying to see the looks on both Leopold and Guillaume's faces when they've realized they've been outplayed by someone they deemed so 'insignificant' and 'naive', hehe.
But my favourite part of the route was Leo's romance while making poor Guillaume realize both his mistakes and feelings towards Iolanthe ( it broke my heart to string him along though 💔 even if he was so horrible at the beginning). But the divorce scene in this particular route is *chef's kiss*!
Guillaume's route was also very sweet - his innocence is so adorable♡although it was a bit disappointing not to have a kiss cg with him🥺. Also, I like the ending with him as a queen much more than in his Love route, if only just because Iolanthe seems to be his equal in everything - much like in Leo's route.
It was also interesting to learn some new details about both Leo and Gui that were not really (or at all) discussed in their respective Love routes.
Ah, it is going to be a truly sad day when you complete the game and the story of Iolanthe ends🤧. But I will be looking forward to your next projects♥
Ah, many thanks for the review and I am glad to hear you found the route enjoyable - especially getting one over on Leo and Guillaume ^_^
Oh, and there is a kiss CG with Guillaume, but it only appears if you managed to succeed with the Auguste plot. I just double checked and it should be working, but please let me know if you are still having trouble getting it to appear.
Many thanks for playing
Ohhh, yeah, I forgot I kinda failed the apple or stick plot 😳 Sorry for this confusion:)
Okay, time to go replay it again!
Thank you for this wonderful game:)
Just uploaded version 2.6 to correct a small bug.
Are the 2 new love interests part of the loveless route, or will they be added in future updates?
Vesela and Mathys? They are a part of this route. ^_^
Many thanks for your interest.
Nice :D, I'll jump right in even before having the walkthrough. Wish me luck with not getting the bad endings XD.
Good luck! You got this! ^_^
Played the Loveless route!!
Spoilers
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.
.
.
.
I love love the worldbuilding and intrigue you've written into this game and the loveless route was still very enjoyable on that front. It's like feasting on a whole novel each route.
I got the Tyrant Queen ending first, as Iolanthe deserves! Hehe.
Ofc next I went for Leopold (Loveless route version), and it took me a few tries before realizing you can only get on his route if he isn't your ex in Rose? (Unless I missed something). But wow, the dynamic between not-quite-enemies Leopold and Iolanthe who are trying to feel out how much they should trust each other developing into an attraction at seeing each other's true self is so good. Eating it up!! The post divorce scene where Leopold is so furious at Guillaume on Iolanthe's behalf is everything to me. I was swooningggg. The first name basis? Oh my! Fanning myself!
Are you going to update the website with the endings guide? Asking because I'm so curious at the number of endings hidden on the list. Hehe
Thank you for the kind feedback - I'm so glad you've been enjoying the route.
As for the endings, yes, I'll be updating the website with the endings tomorrow, and I'll get a walkthrough posted next week.
Many thanks for playing
"you can only get on his route if he isn't your ex in Rose?" that is very disappointing to hear... It would naturally make sense if Iolanthe is in love with him, she would back him in the conflict.
I am sorry to hear you are disappointed.
The thought behind the decision was that, whatever Iolanthe's feelings, she has already rejected Leopold once in order to marry his most-hated enemy. Leopold is a proud man and, after such a betrayal, he no longer loves or trusts her. He would not accept her backing.
details please I just cant wait for walkthrough
I am not certain what you need details on, but the guide is up and can be found here https://blackcross-taylor.com/the-thorns-of-war-loveless/
Super excited about the new route! However, for whatever reason I can't actually select the "No one" option when starting a new game. I tried different options and even re-downloaded the game (it's definitely the newest version since the ending list has updated), but I can't get it to work.
Yep, same here.
It isn't allowing me to select "No one" in both the Mac and Windows versions. Double checked the endings list as well and it has been updated with the Loveless Route endings (there is a lot of them, holy moly) so version 2.5 is certainly the latest.
Hi there, sorry for the confusion. The Loveless route can be accessed through Guillaume's route. You need to click on Guillaume's portrait. Then, at the prompt 'who did King Auguste want to become queen?' click on 'Me'. And then choose the last option, "No, I behaved as instructed and King Auguste chose me".
This will get you onto the Loveless route. I hope this helps ^_^
Thank you very much for the help!
Been a while and forgot Loveless was attached to him. Diving in now! Thanks again.
Glad it's sorted! I hope you enjoy the route and many thanks for playing. ^_^
Hi there, sorry for the confusion. The Loveless route can be accessed through Guillaume's route. You need to click on Guillaume's portrait. Then, at the prompt 'who did King Auguste want to become queen?' click on 'Me'. And then choose the last option, "No, I behaved as instructed and King Auguste chose me".
This will get you onto the Loveless route. I hope this helps ^_^
(Sorry for posting twice - I wanted to make sure both posts got a notification.)
Right, of course! For whatever reason that didn't cross my mind even though it makes tons of sense.
Thank you! Off to play now. 😊
No problem! I hope you enjoy the route and thanks for playing. ^_^
Thank you for the Loveless route release!!! Playing now :)
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it! ^_^
Hello,
I´m very interested in this game since I played The Rose of Segunda. Really great work there. Charlotte is my favorite romance. So my question: What about Charlotte's route? Will you work on the routes how it´s shown above? Loveless route, then Frederique and after that Charlotte? Do you have an approximate release date for these routes?
Hello and thank you for your interest. Yes, Charlotte's route will be worked on after Frederique's is completed.
As for release dates, the Loveless route will be coming out at the end of March. I then hope to have Frederique's route finished some time in the summer, after which I will begin Charlotte's route. But having not begun her route yet, I do not think I can give a release date as yet.
I hope this helps
Thanks for the answer. No problem. That´s all I wanted to know. I didn´t expect an exact release date, just something to look forward to.
So maybe end of the year. That´s enough for me. I think it´s time to replay The Rose of Segunda and after that start with Sofia´s route in The Thorns of War.
Thanks again!
So sorry to bother you, but are you still working on Frederique's route?
Yes, I am. A devlog with a few details just went up, if you are interested.
Many thanks
I'm glad. Thank you for responding!
(Some spoilers under “view rest”)
Checked back and super glad to hear you’re doing well.
I must say, the writing for the different paths(and sub paths) is top notch!
The darker, more foreboding tone of Thorns with its looming civil war really lends itself well to putting these established relationships to the test. You do have to earn your happy ending lol.
I also love that there are different ways to resolve the political portions of the paths. I’m a political/history fanatic too so I was pleased to see this well fleshed out. Having now seen both Leopold and Guillaume’s sides of the story, I can see where they are both coming from and why everyone backs who they do.
My favourite path like many is probably still Sofia, maybe just because she’s my type. It’s by far one of the more angsty of the paths, in a good way rather than feeling contrived. The solution back in Rose isn’t perfect like out of some fairy tale, but it makes it all the better I think.
That being said the other love interests are excellent too, there isn’t one path that wasn’t really good and didn’t feel unique.
Of the two sides, I probably lean to Leopold because I love a good revenge plot. He cites principles sure, but it’s quite personal in a way I can relate. Better yet, he really does adore you and wants you to be his queen. I get a real power couple energy from them and it’s great.
Guillaume’s path is hardly the happily ever after with your prince some may have hoped for, but with you at his side he has the makings of a great king. Getting him to take the mantle is very satisfying.
Bastien I’ve warmed up to a lot. He’s not super passionate but you can’t help but understand exactly why he is the way he is with his upbringing. He’s very real and relatable. Seeing him finally break out of his shell a little is priceless.
That being said Pieto is lovely too. Despite how it happened it’s great seeing him get a real passionate love match this time. Also one of the more unique endings(if goes well of course), do get to be a Queen after all, not just in the way was expecting.
Looking forward to the last few paths. The new love interests look interesting. Charlotte is just so precious and she’s probably had the best character development so far. I liked Frederique’s route in Rose. At first I thought something so taboo was just in there for shock value but you gave it a ton of depth. From what you learn of them you can’t help but root for them both.
Best of luck going forward!
Many thanks for your kind feedback. I am happy to hear you enjoyed the game - especially Sofia's route. And thank you, too, for putting the spoilers beneath the 'view rest' - I appreciate your thoughtfulness. ^_^
Many thanks for playing
Hello, happy new year! I hope you are doing well. I was wondering when we might get an update on the project? :)
Hello and happy new year! I am doing okay and I hope you are well, too.
A short update on the project - the Loveless route is very nearly complete at 425,000 words (T_T) and I have a projected release date (after beta period) of the end of March.
Many thanks for your patience.
That sounds like a monster of a route and (understandably so since it is with potentially 4 LIs from what I gather). I can't wait whenever it is out!
Omg, this game is SO good.. Since Rose of Segunda I've been playing the Sofia route and on this one things just go SO much deeper and I loved the building up of their relationship <3 Also, a very well thought plot, was enraptured every minute of it! I couldn't stop playing till the end haha
Thank you so much for all your hard work guys! Happy Holidays!
Ah, thank you for your kind feedback. I'm really happy to hear you enjoyed Sofia's route across both games.
A happy new year to you, as well, and many thanks for playing.
Im totally excited for this! i played TROS and loved the Prince's and the SR's route (pls dont judge me, was the most cativant and different routes...)
No judgement here - I was the one who wrote it, after all. ^_^
I'm very glad to hear you enjoyed the first game and I hope you find this one as entertaining.
Many thanks
Hello! Hope you're doing good. Just wanted to ask if you have an estimate release date, for the loveless and Frederique routes?
Hello, I hope you are doing well, too. Estimated release date for the Loveless Route is the end of March. I'll be revealing more in a devlog on Friday 14th Feb.
Many thanks for your interest
Just sending a quick message to say I hope you're doing well. All the best!
Thank you for checking in - I'm doing okay. Wishing you all the best as well. ^_^