What do you think?
Rate this book
Knight Errant #2
His Faithful Squire
Former joy-boy Rafe Ballard likes living on the freighter Pendragon's Dream. Under the watchful eye of Captain Eve Marcori, Marine veteran, no one beats him. He eats well, his life is rarely in danger, and - most important by far - he spends much of his days and all the glorious nights with his beloved Taro.
Energetic Taro, on the other hand, is eager to take on the galaxy without his sister the captain standing by. Rafe doesn't mind - he'll follow Taro anywhere. He's learned enough to get a real job so he won't be holding Taro back. Taro is beyond capable of keeping him safe. What could go wrong?
With a Marcori in the picture, lots.
Energetic Taro, on the other hand, is eager to take on the galaxy without his sister the captain standing by. Rafe doesn't mind - he'll follow Taro anywhere. He's learned enough to get a real job so he won't be holding Taro back. Taro is beyond capable of keeping him safe. What could go wrong?
With a Marcori in the picture, lots.
ebook
First published July 26, 2011
1 person is currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
K.D. Sarge
20 books121 followersKD Sarge writes for joy and hope, and works for a living. She has tried her hand at many endeavors, including Governess of the Children, Grand Director of the Drive-Through, and Dispatcher of the Tow Trucks. Currently KD labors appreciated but underpaid in the public school system.
Past accomplishments include surviving eight one-year-olds for eight hours alone (she lasted about ten months), driving a twenty-foot truck from Ohio to Arizona by way of *shudder* Oklahoma, and making a six-pack of tacos in twenty-three seconds.
Writing achievements include the Weightiest First Draft Ever (this title is in contention), as well as nine other, much lighter, completed novels. She has five universes under construction, writes science fiction, fantasy, steampunk, smut (in many genres), and means to one day undertake a cosy mystery. She is an active participant on two writing forums. KD has won NaNoWriMo five times and NaNoEdMo once. A widow, KD lives in Arizona with three children, two of them furred and all of them demanding.
Past accomplishments include surviving eight one-year-olds for eight hours alone (she lasted about ten months), driving a twenty-foot truck from Ohio to Arizona by way of *shudder* Oklahoma, and making a six-pack of tacos in twenty-three seconds.
Writing achievements include the Weightiest First Draft Ever (this title is in contention), as well as nine other, much lighter, completed novels. She has five universes under construction, writes science fiction, fantasy, steampunk, smut (in many genres), and means to one day undertake a cosy mystery. She is an active participant on two writing forums. KD has won NaNoWriMo five times and NaNoEdMo once. A widow, KD lives in Arizona with three children, two of them furred and all of them demanding.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 14, 2011
His Faithful Squire is an excellent sequel to the first book in the series, Knight Errant. Once again there is action, adventure, danger and romance, but the story seems to be at a slower, less energetic and less aggressive pace, clearly reflecting the change in narrator from Taro in Knight Errant, to Rafe in this novel. Rafe is a gentler soul with less self esteem than Taro, and the telling of the story underlines this point. However, over the course of the novel, and through the many adventures, it clear that both characters benefit from being away from Cori's ship, as there is significant personal growth that helps them understand themselves, each other and those around them. I finished the novel with a smile on my face and a warm inner glow - I really didn't want this novel to end!
October 13, 2012
This sequel gives us Rafe's POV and one of the delights is an outside view of Taro. Now turned eighteen, Taro is ready to strike out on his own and see what success he can have out from under his sister's shadow. Unfortunately, neither he or Rafe has a good idea of what would make them happy, other than each other. They take the first job available that gets them off planet together, but of course Taro can't help finding trouble.
In this book the reader learns more about Rafe's past and it helps us understand why he has been passive, pleasure-focused, and willing to be led. Now we get to see him begin fighting for an equal place in the relationship. Despite being younger, Taro overwhelms Rafe with his protectiveness and energy, and that's not the best idea for either of them. Sometimes the way each of them wants to put the other's wishes first results in an outcome neither of them desires. Mayhem also happens along the way, and Taro is great fun to watch both fighting and loving Rafe. In all, an enjoyable sequel to the excellent first book.
In this book the reader learns more about Rafe's past and it helps us understand why he has been passive, pleasure-focused, and willing to be led. Now we get to see him begin fighting for an equal place in the relationship. Despite being younger, Taro overwhelms Rafe with his protectiveness and energy, and that's not the best idea for either of them. Sometimes the way each of them wants to put the other's wishes first results in an outcome neither of them desires. Mayhem also happens along the way, and Taro is great fun to watch both fighting and loving Rafe. In all, an enjoyable sequel to the excellent first book.
August 15, 2011
His Faithful Squire continues two years on after Knight Errant, this time from the point of view of Rafe, Taro's affectionate partner. His Faithful Squire follows Rafe and Taro as they attempt to strike out on their own in a world where they are no longer under the protection of Taro's tough adopted sister, Eve. The story is about growing into your own person in a relationship that has become your identity and accepting people as they are.
What stood out most to me about this book is how the relationship between Taro and Rafe is presented. It is different from a lot of books in that the relationship starts out established, but also provides a lot of conflict and tension. It's obvious that Taro and Rafe are head over heels for one another, barely able to keep their hands off each other and terrified of letting one another down -- but that doesn't make them both immune to seeing each other's faults. Just like real people, Taro and Rafe annoy, frustrate and anger one another, seeing both the worst in each other as well as the best.
Rafe and Taro meet a lot of characters as they move from job to job, and every last one is constructed believably and realistically. Being main characters of a novel doesn't entitle them to the help of other characters, who live their own lives and have their own wants and desires, and Rafe and Taro both have to bear the consequences for their actions, whether deserved or not.
His Faithful Squire was a book I found very hard to put down, which I kept picking up when I was supposed to be doing other things. I'd especially recommend it to people who are tired of infatuated fairy-tale-esque romances, who want something real and yet fluffy, without sliding into cynicism and bitterness.
What stood out most to me about this book is how the relationship between Taro and Rafe is presented. It is different from a lot of books in that the relationship starts out established, but also provides a lot of conflict and tension. It's obvious that Taro and Rafe are head over heels for one another, barely able to keep their hands off each other and terrified of letting one another down -- but that doesn't make them both immune to seeing each other's faults. Just like real people, Taro and Rafe annoy, frustrate and anger one another, seeing both the worst in each other as well as the best.
Rafe and Taro meet a lot of characters as they move from job to job, and every last one is constructed believably and realistically. Being main characters of a novel doesn't entitle them to the help of other characters, who live their own lives and have their own wants and desires, and Rafe and Taro both have to bear the consequences for their actions, whether deserved or not.
His Faithful Squire was a book I found very hard to put down, which I kept picking up when I was supposed to be doing other things. I'd especially recommend it to people who are tired of infatuated fairy-tale-esque romances, who want something real and yet fluffy, without sliding into cynicism and bitterness.
August 17, 2011
Excellent continuation of Rafe and Taro's story begun in Knight Errant, and this time we get to see it all from Rafe's POV. Again, there's great characterization and lots of insight, even more impressive, because the one having the insights has no idea he's insightful. Terrific characters making their way through an interesting and well-paced story, and though there was a very satisfying conclusion, I was still sorry to see it end. I hope this series goes on and on.
February 27, 2016
Couldn't take it, after 40% started skipping pages like there is no tomorrow. Nothing happens in this book, only Rafe's "thinking".
January 18, 2017
FIRST RE-READ 15 January 2017
I didn't re-read my original review until just now, and I'm fascinated by how different my opinion is after 4 1/2 years. I adored Rafe's voice this time. I felt like he found the perfect balance of letting us get to know him and Taro better, while making the horrors they've both gone through less horrible.
And I couldn't agree more with Taro's opinion that Rafe is the sunshine. Seeing the effect he has on everyone he meets in this book was wonderfully well done.
And it was delightful getting to watch Rafe and Taro get to know each other better, and get to know better how to deal with each other. I don't usually like established-relationship stories because I don't like seeing characters I care about go through the rough patches necessary to strengthen their relationship. This time I thought it was completely worth it. These two were even more perfect together at the end of this one.
Some Favorite Quotes:
"I just asked if there were any jerk-offs who had a problem with bent men, and went down the line."
"Of course you did.... You could have told me,... You know I like to watch."
Besides, when I was upset, Taro was upset, and he didn't know how to deal with it. When he couldn't beat up whoever was bothering me, anyway.
Seeing the good in people made a scary galaxy a friendlier place.
Pause for a moment of gratitude to Taro, and to God for giving him to me.
"That hole will never be filled, Sara. But eventually the edges won't be so sharp."
"How do you do that?" he asked as he helped me dry off.
"Do what?"
"When anybody else goes swimming, they come out wet." He touched my hair. "You come out--sparkly."
"And you think you don't know how to say sweet things."
"Rafe, you make everything better. Everything. You don't even have to know about it, you make it better. You--you're the sun, Rafe, you are the light of my life, and without you everything would wither and die."
Taro, though--Taro lifted me up. He loved me as I was--but also pushed me to be all I could.
"Open the damn door, D'Leo."
"Tell him to be polite, my dear Keen. After all, I have something he wants."
"Please open the damn door, you stupid fuck."
"Much better!"
"Mine. Not like it sounds. Not my property, just my life. My everything. My love, my light, my Rafe. Mine, mine, mine."
ORIGINAL REVIEW 18 November 2012
My disappointment in sequels of books I adored continues... Not that this wasn't good, it just couldn't compare to the masterpiece that was the first book.
It was delightful to get to see Taro from the outside. And it was fascinating (for the first chapter or two) to get to see inside Rafe's head and learn more about him and his past and his motivations.
I think my biggest disappointment was Rafe's voice. It just felt like he was trying too hard to entertain me, and never really relaxed enough to be completely open.
Still great good fun, just not as much as I'd hoped for.
I didn't re-read my original review until just now, and I'm fascinated by how different my opinion is after 4 1/2 years. I adored Rafe's voice this time. I felt like he found the perfect balance of letting us get to know him and Taro better, while making the horrors they've both gone through less horrible.
And I couldn't agree more with Taro's opinion that Rafe is the sunshine. Seeing the effect he has on everyone he meets in this book was wonderfully well done.
And it was delightful getting to watch Rafe and Taro get to know each other better, and get to know better how to deal with each other. I don't usually like established-relationship stories because I don't like seeing characters I care about go through the rough patches necessary to strengthen their relationship. This time I thought it was completely worth it. These two were even more perfect together at the end of this one.
Some Favorite Quotes:
"I just asked if there were any jerk-offs who had a problem with bent men, and went down the line."
"Of course you did.... You could have told me,... You know I like to watch."
Besides, when I was upset, Taro was upset, and he didn't know how to deal with it. When he couldn't beat up whoever was bothering me, anyway.
Seeing the good in people made a scary galaxy a friendlier place.
Pause for a moment of gratitude to Taro, and to God for giving him to me.
"That hole will never be filled, Sara. But eventually the edges won't be so sharp."
"How do you do that?" he asked as he helped me dry off.
"Do what?"
"When anybody else goes swimming, they come out wet." He touched my hair. "You come out--sparkly."
"And you think you don't know how to say sweet things."
"Rafe, you make everything better. Everything. You don't even have to know about it, you make it better. You--you're the sun, Rafe, you are the light of my life, and without you everything would wither and die."
Taro, though--Taro lifted me up. He loved me as I was--but also pushed me to be all I could.
"Open the damn door, D'Leo."
"Tell him to be polite, my dear Keen. After all, I have something he wants."
"Please open the damn door, you stupid fuck."
"Much better!"
"Mine. Not like it sounds. Not my property, just my life. My everything. My love, my light, my Rafe. Mine, mine, mine."
ORIGINAL REVIEW 18 November 2012
My disappointment in sequels of books I adored continues... Not that this wasn't good, it just couldn't compare to the masterpiece that was the first book.
It was delightful to get to see Taro from the outside. And it was fascinating (for the first chapter or two) to get to see inside Rafe's head and learn more about him and his past and his motivations.
I think my biggest disappointment was Rafe's voice. It just felt like he was trying too hard to entertain me, and never really relaxed enough to be completely open.
Still great good fun, just not as much as I'd hoped for.
August 16, 2011
His Faithful Squire continues the adventures of Taro and Rafe from Knight Errant and it's really wonderful to get to see more of Rafe. It's also really great to read about a relationship that is already established, clearly strong and very romantic, but have the characters cope with what it means to be an adult in a relationship and how having such a strong relationship influences their goals and their hopes and the people that they will become. Because even when relationships are happy, issues can come up and I really enjoyed reading a book that didn't shy away from those issues.
When you add in the fact that it takes both of them some time to talk to each other--and that they can't always figure out what to say--it's an excellently realistic depiction of a relationship in action…something that there's just never enough of in SF.
The book drew me in, and once I picked it up I had a hard time putting it down. I loved seeing more of Taro and Rafe and I hope there'll be more of them (or the rest of awesome crew of Pendragon's Dream) in the future.
When you add in the fact that it takes both of them some time to talk to each other--and that they can't always figure out what to say--it's an excellently realistic depiction of a relationship in action…something that there's just never enough of in SF.
The book drew me in, and once I picked it up I had a hard time putting it down. I loved seeing more of Taro and Rafe and I hope there'll be more of them (or the rest of awesome crew of Pendragon's Dream) in the future.
September 23, 2012
This is a sequel to Knight Errant and I liked it even more than the first one. Rafe and Taro finally leave The Dream to strike out on their own, to launch Taro's career as a pilot, and to find their destiny somewhere in the galaxy that is out from under the thumb of Taro's sister Eve, captain of The Dream.
Both characters have more depth in this story than in the previous one. They are deeply in love but a lack of communication frustrates both, as each is thinking they are doing something the other wants, while neither really wants it at all. This is a wonderful romance and their love deepens as the adventures continue with them getting into, and out of, all sorts of troubles and misadventures. And along the way they grow and mature and become more fully aware of each other's true needs.
If I had to categorize this story I'd say it's a space age romantic comedy with a hint of fantasy and lots of adventure. Definitely a delightful read.
Both characters have more depth in this story than in the previous one. They are deeply in love but a lack of communication frustrates both, as each is thinking they are doing something the other wants, while neither really wants it at all. This is a wonderful romance and their love deepens as the adventures continue with them getting into, and out of, all sorts of troubles and misadventures. And along the way they grow and mature and become more fully aware of each other's true needs.
If I had to categorize this story I'd say it's a space age romantic comedy with a hint of fantasy and lots of adventure. Definitely a delightful read.
November 19, 2011
I'm being generous with the stars, because it's 2.5 at most. This sequel is in Rafe's voice and while I like Rafe, and he is occasionally funny, I think the author is seriously overdoing it here.
I'd like to propose a drinking game. We drink when:
1. They have fade-to-black sex. This alone will put us all in the hospital with alcohol poisoning. I get it. They still fuck like rabbits after two years together. Do they have to be so annoying about it?
2. One or the other calls the other one 'sweet love' or some other nauseating endearment.
3. Rafe consciously tries to think.
4. Taro beats somebody up.
There you go. That pretty much sums it up. There is another overarching plot line, but since that gets resolved in one good argument, it wasn't that important.
I'd like to propose a drinking game. We drink when:
1. They have fade-to-black sex. This alone will put us all in the hospital with alcohol poisoning. I get it. They still fuck like rabbits after two years together. Do they have to be so annoying about it?
2. One or the other calls the other one 'sweet love' or some other nauseating endearment.
3. Rafe consciously tries to think.
4. Taro beats somebody up.
There you go. That pretty much sums it up. There is another overarching plot line, but since that gets resolved in one good argument, it wasn't that important.
August 4, 2011
Excellent m/m scifi romance continuing the story of Taro and Rafe as they leave Taro's sister's ship in order to make their own way. While Knight Errant was told from Taro's point-of-view, this one's told from Rafe's... and he's not quite as focused as Taro. :)
August 2, 2011
I got my hands on a review copy of this book and I was very excited. I sat down, expecting to read part of it and then to go on with my day. I spent three hours and read the book straight through, it was that much fun. It's so good to get to know Rafe a little better from his first appearance in KNIGHT ERRANT.
Rafe and Taro are stepping out on their own after two years on Taro's sister's ship. The problems they encounter as they try to find their places in the universe (literally) are enough to put a strain on any relationship, and KD shows us the strain the two of them suffer. Add into that a third wheel and, well, you've got a lot of tension between characters.
The action is quick paced and pulls you along. The relationship between Taro and Rafe seems perfectly natural for two such opposite personalities. Their interactions with others reflect their specific personalities. The characters they encounter are all three dimensional and just as interesting as Taro and Rafe.
I'll admit I squealed like a little girl when I got through. I was that impressed with this second entry into Taro and Rafe's lives. I'm hoping that KD continues with the 'Dreamverse and tells us more stories about the colorful characters she's created.
Rafe and Taro are stepping out on their own after two years on Taro's sister's ship. The problems they encounter as they try to find their places in the universe (literally) are enough to put a strain on any relationship, and KD shows us the strain the two of them suffer. Add into that a third wheel and, well, you've got a lot of tension between characters.
The action is quick paced and pulls you along. The relationship between Taro and Rafe seems perfectly natural for two such opposite personalities. Their interactions with others reflect their specific personalities. The characters they encounter are all three dimensional and just as interesting as Taro and Rafe.
I'll admit I squealed like a little girl when I got through. I was that impressed with this second entry into Taro and Rafe's lives. I'm hoping that KD continues with the 'Dreamverse and tells us more stories about the colorful characters she's created.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2011
Rafe spent the first twenty years of his life learning how helpless he was. He's been with Taro for two years, living under the protection of Taro and Taro's formidable sister. He's learned some new skills, but he's pretty sure he's still helpless. However, when he and Taro strike out on their own, problems keep cropping up, and suddenly Taro is the one who needs to be rescued, more than once. It's only after Rafe's found solutions--however unorthodox--that he begins to realize that perhaps he was never as helpless as he'd been taught.
His Faithful Squire is a wonderful book, written from the point of view of the very chatty and personable Rafe. If you're ever been dissatisfied by a "happily ever after" ending, you'll appreciate this look at a relationship that's not exactly new, but is undergoing new stresses. And both parties need to learn how to adapt individually and to work together as a couple. If you've read Knight Errant, the first book in this series, you'll enjoy seeing memories from Rafe's perspective, but if you're new to this universe and this author, His Faithful Squire is an excellent and very welcoming starting point.
His Faithful Squire is a wonderful book, written from the point of view of the very chatty and personable Rafe. If you're ever been dissatisfied by a "happily ever after" ending, you'll appreciate this look at a relationship that's not exactly new, but is undergoing new stresses. And both parties need to learn how to adapt individually and to work together as a couple. If you've read Knight Errant, the first book in this series, you'll enjoy seeing memories from Rafe's perspective, but if you're new to this universe and this author, His Faithful Squire is an excellent and very welcoming starting point.
October 29, 2014
I absolutely love this series. It is just one big adventure. Taro and Rafe are definitely an opposite attracts couple. Taro is a young, brash, fierce man while Rafe is slightly older who only wants people to be happy and is fine with being handed things in life. Even though they are complete opposites, Sarge does a fantastic job showing how they belong with each other.
Like the first book, this is one big adventure. There is no centralized plot where these two need to find something, save something or overcome anything in particular. The main storyline is the strengthening of their relationship and working out what each one truly wants in life. But this storyline takes place in the mist of ships blowing up, being held hostage by a crazy ex, working for a traveling show, saving a young boy, working on a cruise ship while fighting off a sadistic guest and crashing a holiday ball. If it isn't one thing, it’s another; and everything comes together to make grand adventure.
Like the first book, this is one big adventure. There is no centralized plot where these two need to find something, save something or overcome anything in particular. The main storyline is the strengthening of their relationship and working out what each one truly wants in life. But this storyline takes place in the mist of ships blowing up, being held hostage by a crazy ex, working for a traveling show, saving a young boy, working on a cruise ship while fighting off a sadistic guest and crashing a holiday ball. If it isn't one thing, it’s another; and everything comes together to make grand adventure.
September 24, 2012
3.5 stars
This book was cutesy - an established couple where both struggle to communicate how they truly feel while getting in and out of scrapes looking for a home. This is the second book - the first one took place while they both lived on one of the MC's sister's ship, so this one has new places and characters since they left behind Cori and crew to make their own way. I enjoyed the various problems they found/made and there are many laughable moments - especially because Rafe is always telling himself to "Focus!" everytime his mind drifts to sex... which is all off-screen... but still a fun story.
This book was cutesy - an established couple where both struggle to communicate how they truly feel while getting in and out of scrapes looking for a home. This is the second book - the first one took place while they both lived on one of the MC's sister's ship, so this one has new places and characters since they left behind Cori and crew to make their own way. I enjoyed the various problems they found/made and there are many laughable moments - especially because Rafe is always telling himself to "Focus!" everytime his mind drifts to sex... which is all off-screen... but still a fun story.
February 12, 2013
Not at all like the first book unfortunately. The characters go here, then go there, then go somewhere else, and not much happens. A good portion of the story takes place in Rafe's head. He thinks a lot. Rafe really thinks a lot. He REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, thinks a lot. Not much action.
October 25, 2019
Liked it
I really enjoyed Rafe's pov humorous and at times self deprecating. Did not like how many times it felt like all he did was think of problems and how to fix them, over and over again. I like more action in my books, which was why I like the first one more. I am also unsure how Rare and Taro's last argument actually worked out so that they were still happily together, it felt like the underlying issues in their relationship were not resolved.
I enjoyed seeing Rafe grow through the book. It was good to see the two characters continue to work on their relationship, but I still want more action! It was nice that the book did not focus on the actual sex they had together, if the author described each moment, then the book would be 5 times as long at least, but I would have enjoyed some scenes and not felt like they had been cut out. That left the book feel a bit choppy. Also, we were told a stalker in the end suddenly being killed? We were never told who he was, why or how. Frustrating. Still don't regret getting this book because I love Rafe and Taro, and I will read another book featuring them (hopefully with more action) and a back and forth of pov between the characters would make the book even better, now that I have read 2 books with the pov being isolated to Taro, the next to Rafe. Now I know how each character thinks and feel, combining that in one book would be great.
I really enjoyed Rafe's pov humorous and at times self deprecating. Did not like how many times it felt like all he did was think of problems and how to fix them, over and over again. I like more action in my books, which was why I like the first one more. I am also unsure how Rare and Taro's last argument actually worked out so that they were still happily together, it felt like the underlying issues in their relationship were not resolved.
I enjoyed seeing Rafe grow through the book. It was good to see the two characters continue to work on their relationship, but I still want more action! It was nice that the book did not focus on the actual sex they had together, if the author described each moment, then the book would be 5 times as long at least, but I would have enjoyed some scenes and not felt like they had been cut out. That left the book feel a bit choppy. Also, we were told a stalker in the end suddenly being killed? We were never told who he was, why or how. Frustrating. Still don't regret getting this book because I love Rafe and Taro, and I will read another book featuring them (hopefully with more action) and a back and forth of pov between the characters would make the book even better, now that I have read 2 books with the pov being isolated to Taro, the next to Rafe. Now I know how each character thinks and feel, combining that in one book would be great.
August 31, 2019
I want to go back and re-read the first book now, immediately -- how could I have forgotten these people for so long? I certainly won't be waiting to read the next book about them. Rafe and Taro deserve many, many more years together, fighting and loving each other into mutual submission. I only wish I could also read the companion volume with illustrations -- please please please?!
May 28, 2017
I loved this. Maybe not quite as much as the first one, but a really great read.
March 5, 2017
2.5
I skipped a bit because this was quite repetitive: the fights, finding another starship and being thrown out, having lots of sex- thankfully not on page -, Rafe endless thinking. The occasional sappiness didn't make the package more appealing.
I skipped a bit because this was quite repetitive: the fights, finding another starship and being thrown out, having lots of sex- thankfully not on page -, Rafe endless thinking. The occasional sappiness didn't make the package more appealing.
October 10, 2014
3.5
Like Knight Errant, this was really quite cute, but it wasn't as good (in a purely subjective way). I wasn't a fan of Rafe's first person narrative style. I'm never really a fan of first person narratives to start with, but I'm especially annoyed at them when the narrator makes a habit of addressing the reader. And that's what it is, annoying. Plus, while I adore both Taro and Rafe, Rafe was always the less interesting of the two.
To be fair, one of this book's primary themes was Rafe's attempt to find himself, outside of his dedication to another, and become more interesting. Or rather, Taro's attempt to force Rafe to do so, or even just notice that he needs to be making an effort in that direction. And that makes Taro about the most loveable man in the galaxy. He's wonderful. So is Rafe for that matter, as is their indomitable love for one another. It's all very very sweet. It's just not very exciting.
The book also isn't as focused as the first one. Since Taro and Rafe's love is the primary plot point, the book is essentially them running around encountering a variety of unrelated challenges and overcoming them. There is no overarching plot beyond how much they love each other. By the end it, eventually just degenerated into sketching out events for the reader.
I do have to stress again, as I did for the first book, that for two characters said to be having soooo much sex it's annoying to see none of it. Yes, I understand that would drastically change the genre classification of the series, but both characters are over 18 now and the book is full of references to sex, sexual innuendo, and plain old 'we had lots and lots of sex' type comments, so it feels like a glaring omission to see none of it.
Having said all that, the fact that I didn't enjoy it as much as the first book isn't to say I didn't enjoy it at all. I really did. Again, Taro and Rafe's love is full of amazing 'awww' moments and though I'm not a big fan of the hearts and flowers sort of romances, and they're pretty thick here, even I melted a little. There is something about stiff reticent men speaking about love that does that to me. I also like Keen, the new addition to the crew, and still adore the cast of the Dream, though they play a reduced role here.
All in all, mildly disappointing simply because it didn't stand up to its predecessor, but still a fun cute read full of humour, emotion and good writing. I'll definitely be up for more of Sarge's books.
Like Knight Errant, this was really quite cute, but it wasn't as good (in a purely subjective way). I wasn't a fan of Rafe's first person narrative style. I'm never really a fan of first person narratives to start with, but I'm especially annoyed at them when the narrator makes a habit of addressing the reader. And that's what it is, annoying. Plus, while I adore both Taro and Rafe, Rafe was always the less interesting of the two.
To be fair, one of this book's primary themes was Rafe's attempt to find himself, outside of his dedication to another, and become more interesting. Or rather, Taro's attempt to force Rafe to do so, or even just notice that he needs to be making an effort in that direction. And that makes Taro about the most loveable man in the galaxy. He's wonderful. So is Rafe for that matter, as is their indomitable love for one another. It's all very very sweet. It's just not very exciting.
The book also isn't as focused as the first one. Since Taro and Rafe's love is the primary plot point, the book is essentially them running around encountering a variety of unrelated challenges and overcoming them. There is no overarching plot beyond how much they love each other. By the end it, eventually just degenerated into sketching out events for the reader.
I do have to stress again, as I did for the first book, that for two characters said to be having soooo much sex it's annoying to see none of it. Yes, I understand that would drastically change the genre classification of the series, but both characters are over 18 now and the book is full of references to sex, sexual innuendo, and plain old 'we had lots and lots of sex' type comments, so it feels like a glaring omission to see none of it.
Having said all that, the fact that I didn't enjoy it as much as the first book isn't to say I didn't enjoy it at all. I really did. Again, Taro and Rafe's love is full of amazing 'awww' moments and though I'm not a big fan of the hearts and flowers sort of romances, and they're pretty thick here, even I melted a little. There is something about stiff reticent men speaking about love that does that to me. I also like Keen, the new addition to the crew, and still adore the cast of the Dream, though they play a reduced role here.
All in all, mildly disappointing simply because it didn't stand up to its predecessor, but still a fun cute read full of humour, emotion and good writing. I'll definitely be up for more of Sarge's books.
October 4, 2013
His Faithful Squire by KD Sarge Rafe spent the first twenty years of his life learning how helpless he was. He's been with Taro for two years, living under the protection of Taro and Taro's formidable sister. He's learned some new skills, but he's pretty sure he's still helpless. However, when he and Taro strike out on their own, problems keep cropping up, and suddenly Taro is the one who needs to be rescued, more than once. It's only after Rafe's found solutions--however unorthodox--that he begins to realize that perhaps he was never as helpless as he'd been taught.His Faithful Squire is a wonderful book, written from the point of view of the very chatty and personable Rafe. If you're ever been dissatisfied by a "happily ever after" ending, you'll appreciate this look at a relationship that's not exactly new, but is undergoing new stresses. And both parties need to learn how to adapt individually and to work together as a couple. If you've read Knight Errant, the first book in this series, you'll enjoy seeing memories from Rafe's perspective, but if you're new to this universe and this author, His Faithful Squire is an excellent and very welcoming starting point.
October 7, 2012
What do you get when someone who goes through life as the Honey Badger and someone who goes through life as the feather from Forrest Gump try to make a life together? This book!
Taro and Rafe have left their family's ship and are attempting to make it on their own, with varying degrees of success. They are also trying to make a stable, equal relationship, also with varying degrees of success.
I loved these two characters and such was the writing that I never wanted to smack them, even when they did do stupid things. :)
This book was fun and a book I actually thought about when I was at work (or just plain away from reading it). Not for its profoundness or anything, but more wondering "what are those two crazy kids up to NOW and WHAT are they doing NEXT". And I can't say that about a lot of books!
Read this one after something heavy.
Taro and Rafe have left their family's ship and are attempting to make it on their own, with varying degrees of success. They are also trying to make a stable, equal relationship, also with varying degrees of success.
I loved these two characters and such was the writing that I never wanted to smack them, even when they did do stupid things. :)
This book was fun and a book I actually thought about when I was at work (or just plain away from reading it). Not for its profoundness or anything, but more wondering "what are those two crazy kids up to NOW and WHAT are they doing NEXT". And I can't say that about a lot of books!
Read this one after something heavy.
May 17, 2013
I liked this one almost as much as the first book. It dragged in a few spots, and the second half of the book Rafe's voice started to sound too young. Also, all the 'Sigh. Grin. Sigh. Chuckle." sentences were frustrating. But I love how devoted Tato and Rage are to each other and I loved getting a look at the beginning of the rest of their lives over a span of time. I hope for more of these two!
June 16, 2012
Continuation of the story from Knight Errant. Rafe and Taro are trying to find jobs--and land in trouble wherever they go. More decentish space opera until you realize it's not really going anywhere, but like a roller coaster it's a fun ride anyway.
December 21, 2011
3.5 Stars
February 24, 2013
Still fun, but not as interesting as the first book.
June 2, 2017
NOPE. DNF. Unbearable protag.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews