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a_reader_obsessed's review
4.0
4 Stars!
Gentle (or not so gentle) giants is a top favorite trope, and this really embodies it to the max!
As per the blurb, Brute has had it rough and lonely, and the pain and longing he suffers for no reason other than being different is terribly heartbreaking. Despite the cruel treatment by everyone he knows, Brute remains a steadfast honorable guy who does the right thing every single time with never any ulterior motives and never with any bitterness or hate in his heart.
It’s fortuitous then that Brute saves one of the princes of the realm, suffering a great handicap in doing so. However, Brute is offered a place in the kingdom as a reward should he want to venture there and sadly, he has nothing to lose but to just try a new avenue of life as keeper of a condemned man.
One can easily imagine what happens. Brute’s pure and kind soul takes very good care of Gray, and of course, they fall in love. Just when you think it’s not possible for these two to have a happy ending, Brute figures out a way to escape, and the win and redemption of both was just so very lovely.
I’m happy I finally read this MM classic, and if you haven’t yet, don’t delay! You won’t regret it!
Gentle (or not so gentle) giants is a top favorite trope, and this really embodies it to the max!
As per the blurb, Brute has had it rough and lonely, and the pain and longing he suffers for no reason other than being different is terribly heartbreaking. Despite the cruel treatment by everyone he knows, Brute remains a steadfast honorable guy who does the right thing every single time with never any ulterior motives and never with any bitterness or hate in his heart.
It’s fortuitous then that Brute saves one of the princes of the realm, suffering a great handicap in doing so. However, Brute is offered a place in the kingdom as a reward should he want to venture there and sadly, he has nothing to lose but to just try a new avenue of life as keeper of a condemned man.
One can easily imagine what happens. Brute’s pure and kind soul takes very good care of Gray, and of course, they fall in love. Just when you think it’s not possible for these two to have a happy ending, Brute figures out a way to escape, and the win and redemption of both was just so very lovely.
I’m happy I finally read this MM classic, and if you haven’t yet, don’t delay! You won’t regret it!
smartinez9's review
4.0
4 stars
I‘m always trash for a misunderstood/damaged hero or gentle giant who just needs to be loved. This was no exception. The adorableness that is Brute and the way his relationship with Grey unfolded was so sweet and satisfying. What really set the book apart for me from other vaguely fantastical books set in timeless kingdoms or M/M romance was the depth of the world-building and secondary characters, which many fail to achieve in books much longer. Warin, Alys, and Prince Aldfrid were three-dimensional and believable—even characters with little time on-page, like Quoen (who is everything), Lord Maudit, and Master Sighard felt fleshed-out and real. The goings-on of the castle were dynamic and well-constructed, creating a believable backdrop. Complaints: the sex scenes were very fade-to-black, which is good if you don’t want graphic detail, though I would have appreciated more build-up to their physical relationship, and the narrative itself wrapped up a little too quickly, with no substantive payoff.
I‘m always trash for a misunderstood/damaged hero or gentle giant who just needs to be loved. This was no exception. The adorableness that is Brute and the way his relationship with Grey unfolded was so sweet and satisfying. What really set the book apart for me from other vaguely fantastical books set in timeless kingdoms or M/M romance was the depth of the world-building and secondary characters, which many fail to achieve in books much longer. Warin, Alys, and Prince Aldfrid were three-dimensional and believable—even characters with little time on-page, like Quoen (who is everything), Lord Maudit, and Master Sighard felt fleshed-out and real. The goings-on of the castle were dynamic and well-constructed, creating a believable backdrop. Complaints: the sex scenes were very fade-to-black, which is good if you don’t want graphic detail, though I would have appreciated more build-up to their physical relationship, and the narrative itself wrapped up a little too quickly, with no substantive payoff.
joshhall13's review
4.0
Saccharine mm love story fantasy for those that can sometimes feel unlovable.
laiinny's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
rock_mom's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
raynebair's review against another edition
5.0
I keep saying I'm not a fan of Fantasy M/M, but this book has me rethinking that notion. You can't help but fall in love with the characters. You can't help but feel sympathy at Gray's plight or Brute's. I was hooked almost immediately on this book. And it just kept getting better and better.
K.C. Kelly did a magnificent job. He captured Gray's stutter and Brute's slow speech so well, he truly brought them to life for me. I clearly knew who was talking and when Gray's stutter would disappear, I took notice and it brought me further into the story.
I saw Kim's praise of K.C.'s narration on Facebook, and I'm really glad I went with this edition. It was a very good choice and this was an amazing book.
K.C. Kelly did a magnificent job. He captured Gray's stutter and Brute's slow speech so well, he truly brought them to life for me. I clearly knew who was talking and when Gray's stutter would disappear, I took notice and it brought me further into the story.
I saw Kim's praise of K.C.'s narration on Facebook, and I'm really glad I went with this edition. It was a very good choice and this was an amazing book.
alonewolf's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
tinkcourtney's review against another edition
5.0
Just wonderful!
This was great - I loved Brute/Aric, a simple man with no ego and a kind heart. There’s a moment that for me pretty much defines the book, where he says he’s not a hero, he just does what he sees needs to be done, and the other responds with “that’s what a hero is.”
The love story is sweet and gradual and deep. I was having a hard time envisioning how everything could work out, but I was satisfied with the resolution (and even had happy tears at one point - yeah, I’m a sap).
This was great - I loved Brute/Aric, a simple man with no ego and a kind heart. There’s a moment that for me pretty much defines the book, where he says he’s not a hero, he just does what he sees needs to be done, and the other responds with “that’s what a hero is.”
The love story is sweet and gradual and deep. I was having a hard time envisioning how everything could work out, but I was satisfied with the resolution (and even had happy tears at one point - yeah, I’m a sap).
ianthe99's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
ankysbookbubble's review
5.0
Oh my god, this book was SO GOOD. I absolutely adored Aric and Gray. They were such sweethearts, especially my gentle giant. Loved this story, loved the characters and I wish there was more.