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jessalittlenerdy's review against another edition
4.0
There is nothing I love so much as a good, meaty, chunky fantasy novel to get lost in. The Sons of Mil more than delivered on that front, and I absolutely loved it! I don't think this is a book for everyone, but I do think it's quite the hidden gem for fans of high fantasy.
As high fantasy, this one definitely requires some patience and some careful reading, but I found the glossary and the character list to both be immensely helpful. The effort it takes to truly delve into this world is so worth it. The politics are intricately woven, and all of the various relationships between characters are elaborately drawn, but to me, that really brought this story to life and kept me turning pages.
L. M. Riviere writes absolutely beautifully. Her prose is so lush and atmospheric, I was able to truly sink into this story. The witty dialogue was so entertaining that by the end, I was left feeling so attached to our main characters that I can't wait to continue this series. I also found it very impressive that this book didn't "feel long" as I was reading, given that it's over 500 pages long.
All in all, I could keep rambling on about how much I enjoyed this read, but suffice it to say that I'm planning on immediately adding this trilogy to my shelves so that they can live with my other high fantasy favorites.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions presented here are my own.
As high fantasy, this one definitely requires some patience and some careful reading, but I found the glossary and the character list to both be immensely helpful. The effort it takes to truly delve into this world is so worth it. The politics are intricately woven, and all of the various relationships between characters are elaborately drawn, but to me, that really brought this story to life and kept me turning pages.
L. M. Riviere writes absolutely beautifully. Her prose is so lush and atmospheric, I was able to truly sink into this story. The witty dialogue was so entertaining that by the end, I was left feeling so attached to our main characters that I can't wait to continue this series. I also found it very impressive that this book didn't "feel long" as I was reading, given that it's over 500 pages long.
All in all, I could keep rambling on about how much I enjoyed this read, but suffice it to say that I'm planning on immediately adding this trilogy to my shelves so that they can live with my other high fantasy favorites.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions presented here are my own.
dellasbookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
tense
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? Yes
4.0
The Sons of Mil was a fantastic book and a great setup for the series as a whole. It was difficult to get into The Sons of Mil at the start due to the large amount of characters and descriptions, but that is found in nearly any High Fantasy so it was not much of a deterrent. Especially considering the fact that there is a glossary at the end of the book! I also struggled throughout the first half due to the use of Gaelic spelling throughout the book, I eventually got used to it and could read it smoothly. Though it may be more difficult for readers who haven't seen Gaelic spellings before or who aren't used to the English language as a whole. The Sons of Mil does include graphic descriptions of violence, so it is not for the feint of heart in that regard. As for the story as a whole! The plot was deeply complex, including multiple points of views each with their own scheming that unraveled throughout the story. The main perspective, with Ben Maeden, was easily my favorite as I loved the characters and their growth throughout the story. I also loved the romance in this book. It is definitely a slow burn, the most well-done, natural feeling slow burn I have ever read, in fact. The Sons of Mil took me longer to read than I am used to, but it was such a good read. I can't wait to continue the story with the second book!
aseneth's review
5.0
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this title but what I got was a riveting journey through a world carefully shaped by magic with touches of Celtic lore. The first part runs a little slowly as the world-building is being laid down, but picks up quickly and then I couldn't stop listening. It's got a bit of everything, political intrigue, action, espionage, and a sprinkle of slow-build romance. The characters are well-developed and intriguing, at the end I couldn't wait for the next book. There were so many unexpected bits of life and lore laid into the world, and I really can't wait for Book 2 on audio.
the_bookishmum's review
5.0
I loved everything about this book! The world L M Riverie has created is vibrant and feels real. The characters are fleshed out and gritty, leaving you questioning if there is such a thing as a hero after all. Ben is the perfect reluctant hero, cast out from his own people he turns to alcohol (and other entertainments) to distract himself. He stumbles drunkenly into becoming a ‘hero’ and his life is entangled with Una, a runaway princess who is anything but a damsel in distress.
The story telling has me turning pages and unwilling to put this book down. I absolutely can’t wait to read the next one. I would say that this has been one of my favourite Fantasy reads of 2022.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story telling has me turning pages and unwilling to put this book down. I absolutely can’t wait to read the next one. I would say that this has been one of my favourite Fantasy reads of 2022.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
peppermina's review against another edition
4.0
“Ben Maeden might be a degenerate criminal, but inside, his father’s lessons held firm. He couldn’t leave her here. Not like this.”
Deep in the woods of a fantastical Ireland where the Sidhe ride, a story of mythological proportions is unfurling. Ben is a downtrodden layabout with an almost supernaturally talented hand at the bow and arrow, and a terrible secret until he meets Una – a girl with the power to shape the future of Innisfail and also the type of man he thinks he is. Political scandal, intrigue, family ties and the most terrifying beasts from Celtic mythology chase the two across the Green Isle alongside their companion, the half-Sidhe healer Rian, in a thrilling and truly epic debut fantasy!
The Sons of Mil took me a while to read, because I wanted to absorb every moment of the sumptuous world building in it. In ‘The Sons of Mil’, L.M.Riviere combines a hilarious, warm and honest narrative voice with deftly managed characters who jumped off the page – Ben, Rian and Una especially, but the villains of the novel came alive as the twists and turns of their political machinations came into fruition.
I honestly enjoyed this a lot more than the insanely popular fantasy books always banded about, even if I felt that like it fell prey to the common flaws I see on fantasy bookshelves which is the phenomenon of ‘insta love’ and settings so richly imagined that some of the plot and character gets sidelined in the face of them.
One thing that helped me wrangle the world in my minds eye was the very helpful glossary at the back. It’s alright to get through without it, but someone unfamiliar with Irish names and history might struggle a little, and even if you don’t I was practically salivating at the prospect of learning more about the Tuatha de dann and the Irish setting! And now I know how to pronounce ‘Sidhe’ finally! The one thing I will say, however, is there were some world-building elements in the glossary that completely changed my idea of the text and explained some of the anachronisms that had bugged me whilst reading.
Overall, a tremendously exciting debut and I can’t wait to see what more L.M. Riviere has on offer!
Thank you to Book Sirens for supplying me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – rating this 4/5 stars!
Deep in the woods of a fantastical Ireland where the Sidhe ride, a story of mythological proportions is unfurling. Ben is a downtrodden layabout with an almost supernaturally talented hand at the bow and arrow, and a terrible secret until he meets Una – a girl with the power to shape the future of Innisfail and also the type of man he thinks he is. Political scandal, intrigue, family ties and the most terrifying beasts from Celtic mythology chase the two across the Green Isle alongside their companion, the half-Sidhe healer Rian, in a thrilling and truly epic debut fantasy!
The Sons of Mil took me a while to read, because I wanted to absorb every moment of the sumptuous world building in it. In ‘The Sons of Mil’, L.M.Riviere combines a hilarious, warm and honest narrative voice with deftly managed characters who jumped off the page – Ben, Rian and Una especially, but the villains of the novel came alive as the twists and turns of their political machinations came into fruition.
I honestly enjoyed this a lot more than the insanely popular fantasy books always banded about, even if I felt that like it fell prey to the common flaws I see on fantasy bookshelves which is the phenomenon of ‘insta love’ and settings so richly imagined that some of the plot and character gets sidelined in the face of them.
One thing that helped me wrangle the world in my minds eye was the very helpful glossary at the back. It’s alright to get through without it, but someone unfamiliar with Irish names and history might struggle a little, and even if you don’t I was practically salivating at the prospect of learning more about the Tuatha de dann and the Irish setting! And now I know how to pronounce ‘Sidhe’ finally! The one thing I will say, however, is there were some world-building elements in the glossary that completely changed my idea of the text and explained some of the anachronisms that had bugged me whilst reading.
Overall, a tremendously exciting debut and I can’t wait to see what more L.M. Riviere has on offer!
Thank you to Book Sirens for supplying me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – rating this 4/5 stars!
levitara's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.5
I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A hidden gem of adult epic fantasy!
Ben Maeden is a lost existence, a man without a goal. That is until he accidentally saves a girl that is at the center of an emerging nationwide conflict and becomes her unwilling bodyguard.
I can't believe this book has so few ratings. This is a well-written book and if someone told me it was a best-seller, I would have believed them.
Innisfail is a rich world based on Irish mythology. Humans and Sidhe live in fragile peace. Besides the obvious magic of the Sidhe, there also exist some in the human population that wield power, which generally grows stronger in women. This magic was not yet fully explored or explained, but it had a certain scientific base to it that I found refreshing.
The story mostly follows the companion on the run while here and there we get a POV from one of the parties that chases them. I appreciated these side POVs as they made the enemies humans with goals rather than just "evil people".
Ben and Una made for very interesting main characters. We slowly learn about their past as the story progresses and find out about their secrets. They have a very "unwilling companions" energy and I enjoyed their banter.
I am giving this book 4,5 because I had some small issues. We get a lot of hints about what is happening through the various POVs that eventually build the whole picture, but I felt like I was still missing some parts, although no major ones. Especially one past event was really bugging me, as knowing what actually happened might completely change how I think about Ben. Other than that, the characters' abilities seemed a bit inconsistent, depending on what the story needed.
The first book was already full of story, discoveries, and interesting characters but I have a feeling there is much more to come in the sequels.
A hidden gem of adult epic fantasy!
Ben Maeden is a lost existence, a man without a goal. That is until he accidentally saves a girl that is at the center of an emerging nationwide conflict and becomes her unwilling bodyguard.
I can't believe this book has so few ratings. This is a well-written book and if someone told me it was a best-seller, I would have believed them.
Innisfail is a rich world based on Irish mythology. Humans and Sidhe live in fragile peace. Besides the obvious magic of the Sidhe, there also exist some in the human population that wield power, which generally grows stronger in women. This magic was not yet fully explored or explained, but it had a certain scientific base to it that I found refreshing.
The story mostly follows the companion on the run while here and there we get a POV from one of the parties that chases them. I appreciated these side POVs as they made the enemies humans with goals rather than just "evil people".
Ben and Una made for very interesting main characters. We slowly learn about their past as the story progresses and find out about their secrets. They have a very "unwilling companions" energy and I enjoyed their banter.
I am giving this book 4,5 because I had some small issues. We get a lot of hints about what is happening through the various POVs that eventually build the whole picture, but I felt like I was still missing some parts, although no major ones. Especially one past event was really bugging me, as knowing what actually happened might completely change how I think about Ben. Other than that, the characters' abilities seemed a bit inconsistent, depending on what the story needed.
The first book was already full of story, discoveries, and interesting characters but I have a feeling there is much more to come in the sequels.
ksbielenberg's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
kyuuketsukiniko's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
slow-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Violence
Minor: Rape
sarietales's review
5.0
I am surprised more people aren't talking about this series. L.M. Riviere absolutely blew me away with this one.
The Sons of Mil has become one of my top three favourite high fantasy novels, first in a trilogy, and you can bet I will not stop recommending it from this day forward. Not to mention, it is most definitely one of the winners of my top reads of 2022! The amount of research, detail, creativity and passion that went into the writing of this rich Celtic inspired story is incomprehensible. L.M. Riviere is a force!
The story of Ben and Una, an unlikely duo, unfolds into one timeless adventure, sparking the beginnings of a forbidden love. Ben, a revered swordsman, an exiled man who enjoys a hard drink. Una, marked by name as the heir in a time of unrest, ousted by some of her "own" - turned fugitive on the run from her family heirarchy. A story of destiny, one of fate.
Their unlikely third wheel, Rian, is a fire cracker. Level-headed and the voice of reason that serves both Ben and Una. I must give credit where credit is due, the FMCs of this story are witty, smart and strong.
I want to ramble on about the characters forever, but there is no way to do so without spoilers. Regardless, the characters have mutual goals and are developed in such a way that the reader finds them capable and ultimately, relatable. The development of them throughout is absolutely phenomenal as we learn more about them, uncover secrets and they forge their place in this whimsical world.
There is mystery, there is magic, there is hatred and fear of the unknown. There is unexpected friendships and alliances (especially toward the end) aplenty that warmed my heart. There is beauty and there is love. The complex world building was fantastically executed, supported by intriguing and fascinating magic systems, politics, and plenty of folklore.
The Sons of Mil ends on a cliffhanger, and sets the stage perfectly for the next adventure. I originally read The Sons of Mil on kindle, but have since ordered all three books (impatiently waiting out the weeks until they finally arrive). I cannot wait for the The Southernmost Star or The Children of Danu to be in my hands that I have since purchased them through kindle so I can read them before the physical copies arrive. Not only that, The Innisail Cycle will be released on November 25, 2022 in a single collection - one book.
This book left me with a massive hangover, a giant gaping hole in my heart that can only be filled by more of this series. Reader beware, The Sons of Mil is captivating, heart wrenching, stress inducing and ultimately, absolutely perfect.
L.M. Riviere, thank you for the masterpiece that is The Sons of Mil.
*This is an adult series. Please be aware of content warnings before embarking on your reading journey. The Sons of Mil contains throughly depicted scenes of violence, death and attempted rape.
The Sons of Mil has become one of my top three favourite high fantasy novels, first in a trilogy, and you can bet I will not stop recommending it from this day forward. Not to mention, it is most definitely one of the winners of my top reads of 2022! The amount of research, detail, creativity and passion that went into the writing of this rich Celtic inspired story is incomprehensible. L.M. Riviere is a force!
The story of Ben and Una, an unlikely duo, unfolds into one timeless adventure, sparking the beginnings of a forbidden love. Ben, a revered swordsman, an exiled man who enjoys a hard drink. Una, marked by name as the heir in a time of unrest, ousted by some of her "own" - turned fugitive on the run from her family heirarchy. A story of destiny, one of fate.
Their unlikely third wheel, Rian, is a fire cracker. Level-headed and the voice of reason that serves both Ben and Una. I must give credit where credit is due, the FMCs of this story are witty, smart and strong.
I want to ramble on about the characters forever, but there is no way to do so without spoilers. Regardless, the characters have mutual goals and are developed in such a way that the reader finds them capable and ultimately, relatable. The development of them throughout is absolutely phenomenal as we learn more about them, uncover secrets and they forge their place in this whimsical world.
There is mystery, there is magic, there is hatred and fear of the unknown. There is unexpected friendships and alliances (especially toward the end) aplenty that warmed my heart. There is beauty and there is love. The complex world building was fantastically executed, supported by intriguing and fascinating magic systems, politics, and plenty of folklore.
The Sons of Mil ends on a cliffhanger, and sets the stage perfectly for the next adventure. I originally read The Sons of Mil on kindle, but have since ordered all three books (impatiently waiting out the weeks until they finally arrive). I cannot wait for the The Southernmost Star or The Children of Danu to be in my hands that I have since purchased them through kindle so I can read them before the physical copies arrive. Not only that, The Innisail Cycle will be released on November 25, 2022 in a single collection - one book.
This book left me with a massive hangover, a giant gaping hole in my heart that can only be filled by more of this series. Reader beware, The Sons of Mil is captivating, heart wrenching, stress inducing and ultimately, absolutely perfect.
L.M. Riviere, thank you for the masterpiece that is The Sons of Mil.
*This is an adult series. Please be aware of content warnings before embarking on your reading journey. The Sons of Mil contains throughly depicted scenes of violence, death and attempted rape.