Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
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.
Saccharine mm love story fantasy for those that can sometimes feel unlovable.
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
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:
Complicated
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
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).
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
slow-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
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
emotional
medium-paced
This story made me FEEL. It’s not overly wordy or angsty, it’s a simple fairytale of a larger than normal man (Over 7 feet tall, and 300 lbs) and a prisoner he is paid to watch over.
“Don't you d-dare say you're ugly or stupid or worthless. Don't you dare! Y-you’re a giant because an ordinary man’s body is t-too small for what you are.”
Medieval time period
Hurt/comfort
Extremely gentle giant
Found family
Slow, genuine romance
Amazing character arcs
Minimal sexual descriptions
HEA
An odd feeling gathered in his chest, and after a bit of examination he realized it was pride. Here he was, an ignorant, mutilated monster, but he could read. It was as if the entire rest of the world had a wonderful secret that had finally been shared with him.
Gray and Aric’s relationship is very beautiful. Their slowly blossoming friendship, those deep conversations, and the gentle lullabies that Aric sings to comfort Gray at night are so touching.
“Don't you d-dare say you're ugly or stupid or worthless. Don't you dare! Y-you’re a giant because an ordinary man’s body is t-too small for what you are.”
Medieval time period
Hurt/comfort
Extremely gentle giant
Found family
Slow, genuine romance
Amazing character arcs
Minimal sexual descriptions
HEA
An odd feeling gathered in his chest, and after a bit of examination he realized it was pride. Here he was, an ignorant, mutilated monster, but he could read. It was as if the entire rest of the world had a wonderful secret that had finally been shared with him.
Gray and Aric’s relationship is very beautiful. Their slowly blossoming friendship, those deep conversations, and the gentle lullabies that Aric sings to comfort Gray at night are so touching.