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leafff's review
5.0
The story is fun, the most compelling aspect are the characters themselves and their witty remarks, especially Sebastian's. The family dynamic is extremely charming it made my heart swell even when they were bickering with one another. I like how protective they are of each other and how they each have their own distinctive voice.
The characterization falls in line with how they are set up and the plot is simply amusing and charming. Not a hard read at all, I took to highlighting moments I liked whether it was witty one-liners, funny quips, or sentimental moments between family members.
The romance was very sweet as well I liked all the characters and it was such a fun story. Each time I re-read (3) I find I want more interactions with this cast.
I would like to read more from this author especially when I crave a light-hearted easy read that will flow well with my mood.
5 stars solely based on my enjoyment levels.
I am only writing a review now because somehow my original got deleted.
The characterization falls in line with how they are set up and the plot is simply amusing and charming. Not a hard read at all, I took to highlighting moments I liked whether it was witty one-liners, funny quips, or sentimental moments between family members.
The romance was very sweet as well I liked all the characters and it was such a fun story. Each time I re-read (3) I find I want more interactions with this cast.
I would like to read more from this author especially when I crave a light-hearted easy read that will flow well with my mood.
5 stars solely based on my enjoyment levels.
I am only writing a review now because somehow my original got deleted.
cooeeaus's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
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? Yes
4.75
coffeedragon's review
3.0
I feel kind of bad writing this review because I really wanted to like this book but I just couldn't like it enough. And I want to like all the M/M books I read!
In this story we follow Sebastian and Turren's love life, the relationship between Sebastian and his many MANY siblings, and how the lot of them try to keep alive from an almighty wizard trying to obtain a magical artifact. Sounds interesting right? It is. But it just didn't keep up that interesting momentum.
Some of the things that hindered it (I felt) was the large cast of characters, having the Crown Prince and the bad guy have similar names (ohh I was confused for quite a while), and having the romance be pressured. Now I'm not opposed to other characters pushing Sebastian towards the thought of being with Turren but in the book his mother practically threatened him to be nice to Turren because it would be beneficial. Everyone just seemed very pushy for quite a long time while Sebastian just didn't seem interested. It was only when the physical aspect was mentioned (and then acted on) that Sebastian seemed to change his mind. And then everyone suddenly didn't want the two of them together anymore...
It was a lot of tugging and pushing
I did listen to the audiobook and I have to say that the narrator did a really good job with the male voices. Once I started to remember who was who (there's like 8 siblings or something), it was easy to follow along with just the audio. They just all had very distinct voices. It was a bit harder to distinguish the female characters so even by the end I had to wonder who they were. Part of me also wondered why there were so many siblings! Not all of them were very important (imo) and could have been compressed
What I really liked was the world. I thought the enchanted forest and Sebastian having elemental/earth magic was Awesome! Not to mention the whole hooded thing (aka He's worn a magical hood for most of his life and the Crown Prince and everyone believes it's because he's hideous and has a curse). A lot of the characters are also different creatures, like Sebastian's mother and I think one of his siblings (there was a mention of an incubus). I kind of wish we had expanded on this part of the world
I wasn't too fond of the pacing. I'm going to assume the point of the book was the romance between Sebastian and Turren since it was brought up so many times but they didn't really interact as much as I wanted them to. We get some of that in the middle but it was mostly raunchy tryst meets, which I didn't mind BUT I wanted more. For a large chunk of the book the focus is on trying to hide from the antagonist and finding out what he's after? trying to stop him? I wasn't even sure.
And that end battle...
Yeah I ended up giving this a 3 though if I could give halves I would have considered a 2.5
In this story we follow Sebastian and Turren's love life, the relationship between Sebastian and his many MANY siblings, and how the lot of them try to keep alive from an almighty wizard trying to obtain a magical artifact. Sounds interesting right? It is. But it just didn't keep up that interesting momentum.
Some of the things that hindered it (I felt) was the large cast of characters, having the Crown Prince and the bad guy have similar names (ohh I was confused for quite a while), and having the romance be pressured. Now I'm not opposed to other characters pushing Sebastian towards the thought of being with Turren but in the book his mother practically threatened him to be nice to Turren because it would be beneficial. Everyone just seemed very pushy for quite a long time while Sebastian just didn't seem interested. It was only when the physical aspect was mentioned (and then acted on) that Sebastian seemed to change his mind. And then everyone suddenly didn't want the two of them together anymore...
It was a lot of tugging and pushing
I did listen to the audiobook and I have to say that the narrator did a really good job with the male voices. Once I started to remember who was who (there's like 8 siblings or something), it was easy to follow along with just the audio. They just all had very distinct voices. It was a bit harder to distinguish the female characters so even by the end I had to wonder who they were. Part of me also wondered why there were so many siblings! Not all of them were very important (imo) and could have been compressed
What I really liked was the world. I thought the enchanted forest and Sebastian having elemental/earth magic was Awesome! Not to mention the whole hooded thing (aka He's worn a magical hood for most of his life and the Crown Prince and everyone believes it's because he's hideous and has a curse). A lot of the characters are also different creatures, like Sebastian's mother and I think one of his siblings (there was a mention of an incubus). I kind of wish we had expanded on this part of the world
I wasn't too fond of the pacing. I'm going to assume the point of the book was the romance between Sebastian and Turren since it was brought up so many times but they didn't really interact as much as I wanted them to. We get some of that in the middle but it was mostly raunchy tryst meets, which I didn't mind BUT I wanted more. For a large chunk of the book the focus is on trying to hide from the antagonist and finding out what he's after? trying to stop him? I wasn't even sure.
And that end battle...
Yeah I ended up giving this a 3 though if I could give halves I would have considered a 2.5
tashas_books's review
2.0
I didn't really like this: there were way too many characters that were indistinguishable from each other and most of the time I didn't know what was happening (either because the author didn't say what was happening or the characters did things or made conclusions that didn't make sense). But I still finished it because I wanted to know what happened in the end.
I can't believe the number of 4 & 5 star ratings there are for this book; it kinda feels like I was reading a different book from everyone else.
I can't believe the number of 4 & 5 star ratings there are for this book; it kinda feels like I was reading a different book from everyone else.
rayonx's review
4.0
This book in one sentence: Sebastian spends his life hiding, either behind a cloak or by masking his magic, but he can't seem to hide from the Crown Prince and ends up having to save his life more than once.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steaminess: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 1/2
My recommendation: The ending of this book is great and everything really comes together. But the beginning is confusing and overwhelming and you're not really sure what direction the author is trying to go. Being introduced to Sebastian's nine siblings and parents, almost all at once is chaotic, and it takes a while for their dynamic to really set. However, once it does, it's very compelling and I will definitely read the other books in this series that will focus on other characters. I enjoyed the love-hate dynamic that Sebastian has with the Prince, and their relationship is one of the stronger points of the story.
Tropes: HEA, enemies-to-lovers? (one-sided enemies?)
Content warnings: attempted sexual assault
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steaminess: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 1/2
My recommendation: The ending of this book is great and everything really comes together. But the beginning is confusing and overwhelming and you're not really sure what direction the author is trying to go. Being introduced to Sebastian's nine siblings and parents, almost all at once is chaotic, and it takes a while for their dynamic to really set. However, once it does, it's very compelling and I will definitely read the other books in this series that will focus on other characters. I enjoyed the love-hate dynamic that Sebastian has with the Prince, and their relationship is one of the stronger points of the story.
Tropes: HEA, enemies-to-lovers? (one-sided enemies?)
Content warnings: attempted sexual assault
teresab78's review
5.0
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®****
Brandilyn recommended I read this. I am so glad she did!! Although I have never seen a more dysfunctional family, their loyalty to each other was something to behold. There are so many characters to keep straight, but once you figure out who is who, the intrigue and banter keeps the book moving forward.
Although Sebastian is “Mr. Grumpy Pants”, I loved him. His strength and heart shone through his prickly façade. Prince Turren is referred to as a puppy by Sebastian, and although I did see him as such a good portion of the time, this puppy has very sharp teeth, and as with a puppy, you can’t help but love him too. Together they are adorable and sexy in bed.
This book was hilarious! The back and forth sniping between the Orwell family was outrageous and all the characters had a humorous edge to them. I finished the book with a huge smile on my face. The magic of the world was well integrated and although we don’t get as much background as in other fantasy novels I have read, there is enough framework for the plot to exist within. It kept the book light and entertaining and worked for me in this instance.
I would love to see more from this family. Perhaps one of Sebastian’s many other brothers finding their true love, or even another adventure from Sebastian and Turren. I would love to just read more from this author!
This novel is definitely on my favourites shelf!!
Narration Review:
As a bad narrator will take away from a good story, a good narrator will push a good story to excellent. Cornell Collins was amazing! His voice immersed me in the story from the beginning and I couldn’t stop listening. I liken his performance to Jim Dale’s in the Harry Potter series (although this story is for much more mature audiences!). The characters and book came to life! Unfortunately, this seems to be the only book he has narrated. I hope he does more in the future!
Brandilyn recommended I read this. I am so glad she did!! Although I have never seen a more dysfunctional family, their loyalty to each other was something to behold. There are so many characters to keep straight, but once you figure out who is who, the intrigue and banter keeps the book moving forward.
Although Sebastian is “Mr. Grumpy Pants”, I loved him. His strength and heart shone through his prickly façade. Prince Turren is referred to as a puppy by Sebastian, and although I did see him as such a good portion of the time, this puppy has very sharp teeth, and as with a puppy, you can’t help but love him too. Together they are adorable and sexy in bed.
This book was hilarious! The back and forth sniping between the Orwell family was outrageous and all the characters had a humorous edge to them. I finished the book with a huge smile on my face. The magic of the world was well integrated and although we don’t get as much background as in other fantasy novels I have read, there is enough framework for the plot to exist within. It kept the book light and entertaining and worked for me in this instance.
I would love to see more from this family. Perhaps one of Sebastian’s many other brothers finding their true love, or even another adventure from Sebastian and Turren. I would love to just read more from this author!
This novel is definitely on my favourites shelf!!
Narration Review:
As a bad narrator will take away from a good story, a good narrator will push a good story to excellent. Cornell Collins was amazing! His voice immersed me in the story from the beginning and I couldn’t stop listening. I liken his performance to Jim Dale’s in the Harry Potter series (although this story is for much more mature audiences!). The characters and book came to life! Unfortunately, this seems to be the only book he has narrated. I hope he does more in the future!
kieran_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25