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katbotelho's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
I’m someone who struggles so deeply to understand what the hell is going one when I read fantasy novels so I always feel like my opinions are partially invalid but like the book entertained me so really thats all that matters.
Also, I love a good story romantic subplot with loads of yearning. And I’m truly living for this kingdom being run by the fruitiest little twink bard to ever live.
Also, I love a good story romantic subplot with loads of yearning. And I’m truly living for this kingdom being run by the fruitiest little twink bard to ever live.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and War
Moderate: Death and Blood
lightoferebus's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Violence, Blood, Sexual content, Death, and Murder
Minor: Racism, Classism, Drug use, Alcohol, Child death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Mental illness, and Sexual harassment
wildflowersnwhiskey's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War, Murder, and Sexual content
Moderate: War, Death, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Sibling death, sibling murderrobin_reads's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
King x his Prime fantasy with a bit of murder and mystery! What else could one want. More romance than plot, which I usually don’t like all that much but it wasn’t too much for me.
This was a lovely read. Very enjoyable. The pacing was just right and the characters were lovely. No notes.
This was a lovely read. Very enjoyable. The pacing was just right and the characters were lovely. No notes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Death of parent, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia
marleywrites's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Oh my goodness. I went into this book with high expectations, and they were all met. Haddon did a great job of world building and fleshing out his characters. I was rooting for them the whole time. It was a complex, multifaceted story that kept me on the edge of my seat. And there was just the right amount of romance. Amazing story, I got my friend to buy the book for himself too!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Blood
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Death, and Murder
zoiejanelle's review
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Seth Haddon is going on my author watchlist. this debut was decent — more than decent, the universe and characters were so intriguing and unique. i only wish there was more time to flesh out the world and dive into the politics, the religions, and the magic system more.
i already noted above the lack of depth to the world, but the romance was unevenly paced and at times confused me. i loved the relatuonship between Balen and Zavrius, but i would have preferred more context about their connection (and break up) and a more consistent dynamic throughout the novel.
once they rekindled their love, things made more sense to me. but the first ~200 pages needed some assistance.
for those seeking ~spice~ please note there were only two explicit sex scenes, plenty of flirting, and quite a few raunchy punchlines.
i would recommend this book to queer readers who love DnD and scandalous romances. (the himbo knight + sassy, dark prince element was right up my alley.) anyone looking for really cool magic systems and wanting to dip their toes into political intrigue stories would also enjoy.
overall, i really liked the book, but i can’t deny it was lacking in the ways a first draft might be. it read much like a fanfiction that needed another round of beta reading.
i already noted above the lack of depth to the world, but the romance was unevenly paced and at times confused me. i loved the relatuonship between Balen and Zavrius, but i would have preferred more context about their connection (and break up) and a more consistent dynamic throughout the novel.
for those seeking ~spice~ please note there were only two explicit sex scenes, plenty of flirting, and quite a few raunchy punchlines.
i would recommend this book to queer readers who love DnD and scandalous romances. (the himbo knight + sassy, dark prince element was right up my alley.) anyone looking for really cool magic systems and wanting to dip their toes into political intrigue stories would also enjoy.
overall, i really liked the book, but i can’t deny it was lacking in the ways a first draft might be. it read much like a fanfiction that needed another round of beta reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, War, Grief, Blood, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent, Child death, Gore, Torture, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Drug use
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Terminal illness, Homophobia, and Animal death
sailortrash's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Violence, and Sexual content
Moderate: War
tiredcath's review
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A gripping novel featuring political drama, fantasy, pining, and on screen battles!
I'm new to reading fantasy, so this took me a little longer to get into. Trying to follow the rules of the world left me rereading passages repeatedly to make sure I understood what was happening.
The selling point for me is the tension Seth Haddon created between Bale and Zavrius. From the start, you understand their relationship and the desire both men had for each other.
I think some of the downfalls come from the actual plot. Some decisions didn't make sense, character choices are a bit... interesting. Again, I'm new to fantasy so perhaps this is just me, but I found a lot of it hard to follow and had to reread paragraphs.
There's a good balance between action and reflection. I liked the side characters and a lot of the ideas.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'm new to reading fantasy, so this took me a little longer to get into. Trying to follow the rules of the world left me rereading passages repeatedly to make sure I understood what was happening.
The selling point for me is the tension Seth Haddon created between Bale and Zavrius. From the start, you understand their relationship and the desire both men had for each other.
I think some of the downfalls come from the actual plot. Some decisions didn't make sense, character choices are a bit... interesting. Again, I'm new to fantasy so perhaps this is just me, but I found a lot of it hard to follow and had to reread paragraphs.
There's a good balance between action and reflection. I liked the side characters and a lot of the ideas.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Death
tinyelfarcanist's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I'm not gonna lie, this cover won me over. I love the passion in it and I immediately knew I was gonna love it. Sadly, my expectations weren't met. It took me a while to get into it. I didn't like Zavrius at first, although his attitude was probably due to his rocky relationship with Balen.
I've found that my favourite books usually include some of my favourite characters. They can be a make-or-break for me, and I didn't find these memorable enough. As the author's debut novel, I see the potential for future works.
This is about the romance between a king and his bodyguard. I've never read this trope but I was worried about the power dynamics impacting the relationship. This wasn't a problem as Balen constantly disregarded Zavrius's authority.
All older siblings die mysteriously so Zavrius, 5th in line to the throne, is now king. He was never prepared for it, he didn't even want it. I had trouble believing a crown prince over 30 has no heirs or is even married. Seeing Zavrius was the youngest at 22, how is it that none of his siblings had a family?
A twist thrown over there, add betrayal, spicy scenes, and likeable supporting characters, and you get Reforged.
I've found that my favourite books usually include some of my favourite characters. They can be a make-or-break for me, and I didn't find these memorable enough. As the author's debut novel, I see the potential for future works.
This is about the romance between a king and his bodyguard. I've never read this trope but I was worried about the power dynamics impacting the relationship. This wasn't a problem as Balen constantly disregarded Zavrius's authority.
All older siblings die mysteriously so Zavrius, 5th in line to the throne, is now king. He was never prepared for it, he didn't even want it. I had trouble believing a crown prince over 30 has no heirs or is even married. Seeing Zavrius was the youngest at 22, how is it that none of his siblings had a family?
A twist thrown over there, add betrayal, spicy scenes, and likeable supporting characters, and you get Reforged.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Blood, Violence, Death, and Cursing
Moderate: War, Animal death, Gore, and Murder
Minor: Homophobia, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
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