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drasticpear's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
1.0
Couldn't get invested in the characters or the relationship.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and War
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Sexual harassment
bree_h_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This was a really cute queer romantasy read.
I thought it established character dynamics very well. Had well placed, non-info dump world building. The characters were interesting and felt unique. Relationships felt realistic. On top of all of the side characters were interesting and stood out. I really liked how this felt like an older story in some aspects too. Overall it was simple and fun.
However some aspects were lacking. I wish the plot had a bit more happening and the romance had a bit more time to grow. Some plot twist lacked some punch, but weren’t awful. It also had a bit of a problem with telling over showing. Aside from that my only major note is: Don’t use lamp oil as lubricant for the love of god.
It was a nice read and I recommend it to anyone that’s looking for a simple, fun story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Gore and Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia
mrshays's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Gary Furlong's narration was wonderfully immersive. I thought the narrative took a little while to pick up, but the back half of the book was very engaging.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Homophobia, Death of parent, Gore, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
robin_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
20sidedbi's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-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? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Sexual content
Moderate: Violence, Body horror, War, Murder, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Homophobia, Classism, Animal cruelty, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexual harassment
amandaplease50's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book to a little bit for me to get into maybe because it felt slightly like you were thrown into the middle of something. But I’d say after that first chapter it comes together. For me a wish the climax(es) were more towards the middle of the book it felt they both happened every quick. But I did enjoy them either way I didn’t pick up on any of the sort of twists definitely kept me interested!
Big plus for me was the sex scenes (I think we all knew it would happen so not marking spoiler) were easy to follow sometimes I feel like authors do way to much and I’m lost! So solid scenes!
Could there be more world building…maybe but I think the author has another book in the works that takes place in the same universe! And honestly world building isn’t always for me!
Big plus for me was the sex scenes (I think we all knew it would happen so not marking spoiler) were easy to follow sometimes I feel like authors do way to much and I’m lost! So solid scenes!
Could there be more world building…maybe but I think the author has another book in the works that takes place in the same universe! And honestly world building isn’t always for me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: War
Minor: Homophobia
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
mysana's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I love the concept but it felt very much like a debut novel in execution
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Sexual content, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Homophobia and Gore
Minor: War and Death of parent
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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