It wasn't perfect, but it did its own thing and it did it well.

I think the "slow burn" label was a bit generous for the first 2 volumes (the pattern: Chepi remembers a traumatizing part of his past, Janek does something wholesome, Chepi is charmed, go back to step 1). It didn't stop me from reading the rest, but I call it "treading waters".

I went from liking it to loving it with volume 3 and 4, though. Chepi and Janek's relationship evolved, and I think the supporting cast brought an additional dimension to the story, allowing more varied interactions between the two protagonists and revealing other aspects of their history or personality.