What do you think?
Rate this book
Myth Shifters #1
Our Satyr Prince
Fear the Beast. Crave the Beast.
Aurelius Savair, twenty-one, can have any man he wants. Disinherited for his deviant lifestyle, the former heir to the throne of Mestibes has schemed and screwed his way back to prominence. But it isn’t enough – he yearns for all the power that was stolen from him. And suddenly, an opportunity comes to get it. War is looming, and the only man who can save his city is Calix Viralis, the mysterious crown prince of Ardora, the distant land of passion. Now, Aurelius must put his skills of seduction to the test. But in doing so, he will uncover Calix’s monstrous secret. And discover that his own ashen heart can burn once more.
Teigra Cosmin, eighteen, is living a wasted life. The best pegasus rider in Mestibes' history, she has been reduced to a grovelling bachelorette by her power-hungry mother. Worse, she is plagued by the life-destroying mistake that she can never allow herself to forget. But this all changes when she is sent with her cousin, Aurelius, on a dangerous mission. Now, she must take control of her own destiny, and make the soul-wrenching decision between saving her family’s legacy, or the powerful woman who fills her with forbidden desire.
Our Satyr Prince is a queer fantasy romance inspired by Ancient Greece, with a fresh twist on werewolves and where people aren't turning into werewolves on the moon, but satyrs, sirens, gorgons, phoenixes, and eidolons.
Aurelius Savair, twenty-one, can have any man he wants. Disinherited for his deviant lifestyle, the former heir to the throne of Mestibes has schemed and screwed his way back to prominence. But it isn’t enough – he yearns for all the power that was stolen from him. And suddenly, an opportunity comes to get it. War is looming, and the only man who can save his city is Calix Viralis, the mysterious crown prince of Ardora, the distant land of passion. Now, Aurelius must put his skills of seduction to the test. But in doing so, he will uncover Calix’s monstrous secret. And discover that his own ashen heart can burn once more.
Teigra Cosmin, eighteen, is living a wasted life. The best pegasus rider in Mestibes' history, she has been reduced to a grovelling bachelorette by her power-hungry mother. Worse, she is plagued by the life-destroying mistake that she can never allow herself to forget. But this all changes when she is sent with her cousin, Aurelius, on a dangerous mission. Now, she must take control of her own destiny, and make the soul-wrenching decision between saving her family’s legacy, or the powerful woman who fills her with forbidden desire.
Our Satyr Prince is a queer fantasy romance inspired by Ancient Greece, with a fresh twist on werewolves and where people aren't turning into werewolves on the moon, but satyrs, sirens, gorgons, phoenixes, and eidolons.
512 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2023
58 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
May 21, 2025
I’m on BookTube now! You can find my channel here! =)
”Satyrs? Phoenixes? Sirens? Eidolons? Gorgons?
These five wretched creatures are “therians” – twisted children of the divine, thriving for a godly power that they will never manage to quench. And on nights of the sable moon, when all is darkest, they reveal their true nature.”
So I finished “Our Satyr Prince” two years ago and didn’t write my review until now. Why? Because back then, I read it as an ARC and I thought: I need to pack all my thoughts into a decent and short review. How the hell am I even supposed to do that?! *lol* And apparently the answer was: You don’t, you just procrastinate so long that you sit it out and then write a full review with marked spoilers and a detailed character section. I’m really sorry, Dylan! Your book deserved a well-thought out review and I should have written it sooner. Never tell me to read a book at my own convenience… Anyway! Here we are and I still have so many thoughts! So without further ado let’s just jump into the review and take it from there!
First, I have to say that I really liked the world building of “Our Satyr Prince”! It’s inspired by Greek mythology and we have a lot of mythological creatures and countries that have different values and beliefs. Mestibes for instance is totally anti-war and thinks you can solve every conflict with diplomacy while Ardora is a country that lives and thrives by going to war. They have a great military structure, which is the reason Aurelius our MC is sent there. He’s supposed to seduce the crown prince of Ardora and to make a deal in order to save his defenceless home country. And they are truly defenceless because their petty politicking never gave any room to the possibility of a direct attack. If you ask me, the Mestibians are at least as naïve as they are cunning and backstabbing, which is a bad mixture. Obviously.
Anyway! Politics are a big part of the book, and I loved all the intrigues, plot twists and yes, I admit it, even the massive backstabbing that happens more than once and hits you like a brick. What I absolutely adored were the characters and their arcs, though. Dylan did an amazing job with them and I was a huge fan of the fact that none of the characters is truly good. They were all morally grey and they stayed that way because they made mistakes and continued to do so. I found that very realistic and refreshing and it caused me to be deeply invested in the development of the characters and the plot.
So, that’s it with my main non-spoiler review! I will mention two things, though. The first thing is that the m/m ship is a slow burn and that it takes a while for things to get spicy. There’s a lot of tension, but due to many reasons, the main couple doesn’t act on it until the end of the book. Also, the f/f relationship that was mentioned in the pitch of the ARC isn’t really there. There is a little bit of sapphic action but that’s all there is (in this book at least) and there is definitely no lesbian relationship. Just to make that clear for everyone who is only here for the spice and the promise of a lesbian relationship. ;-)
The characters:
From here on out you’re entering Ardora and there will be some spicy spoilers heading your way! It’s up to you if you continue to read or if you decide to leave it at that! ;-)
Aurelius Savair:
”The reason for his allure was simple: Aurelius made it his business to know things. And better still, he made it his business to ensure that everyone knew that he knew things.”
Okay, I’ll say it as it is: Aurelius was an instant favourite! I loved him from the very first page and he immediately grew on me. He’s such a complex character and as you all know I love my men morally grey, driven, direct, cunning, cocky and with a lot of baggage. *lol* Well, Aurie ticks off all of those boxes so it’s no wonder I loved him from the start! There’s just so much depth to him, from his intense wish to be accepted by his mother to all the intrigues and schemes to get back into power. This boy was so clever and it broke my heart whenever we got a glimpse of his past. It must have taken him so much courage to tell Nihal that he loved him, and all he got in return was that he got disinherited, kicked out of his family home and ostracized by the people he loved. Despite all that happening at the age of 15, he still made his way and became a man with strong morals. Aurie has his principles and he lives by them. He knows exactly who he is and what he wants and he doesn’t hesitate to take it. Gosh, I loved him so much! Dylan! Why don’t we get a second book?! T_T
“But it may shock you to know that I prefer my men to want to fuck me. There is a big and rather important difference between a man who is charmingly coy, and a man who is actually unwilling. I trick my men into giving me their secrets. I don’t trick them into giving me their cocks.”
”I don’t lock myself away every sable moon. I’ve got the urge for a drink and fuck now and then. And worst of all, I do it with other men! Isn’t it disgusting? What a beast I am! Do you pray for me, Ramuna?” Aurelius grabbed the nearby wall, steadying himself. “Because I think it is far more wicked to knowingly condemn our homeland to a slow death through inaction, than it is to try and fuck a man to stop it all from happening!”
”So you want to know the truth? Yes, this started as me trying to seduce you for my end. And that was all it was. Because that is all I am, Calix. I am not a good person. I use people. I take advantage of them. I cause scandal and sorrow. Because I know what happens when you open yourself up. When you let someone in.”
Calix Viralis:
”My people are relying on me to do my duty and keep things stable. My family is relying on me. Everyone is relying on me! And yet, I cannot do what they want! I cannot be what they want! And I cannot do that to you. To force you to live a lie, just to save my own faults? I won’t allow it!”
And speaking of men with strong morals and principles, Calix was the same! I think him and Aurelius are both very similar in that regard which is probably one of the reasons they instantly hit it off. While Aurelius learned to live with “the beast” inside of him, Calix always fought it, though. He knew that he’s a Satyr and he tried to hide it from everyone because he was scared they’d hate him for being a therian. In Ardora there’s no room for therians and Calix tried to protect his people and himself by denying his true nature. Something you can only do for so long without breaking. And there were already cracks in his façade when Aurelius arrived. XD Despite growing up in an environment that only supported the strongest, Calix also made his way and it was kinda sad to see how much he denied his true nature and fought his feelings for Aurelius. =(
Teigra Cosmin:
”All the effort that she’d gone through since that awful day, all the beatings and humiliations at the hands of Mother, all the horrible things that she’d been forced to do. She’d done it all to keep his path alive. To keep some small part of him alive.
Stick to the path, kiddo. Even if it terrifies you. She’d failed that final instruction.
Teigra was… quite something! I mean we have that innocent woman who somehow survived her mother’s reign and took all the beatings. She never rebelled, she was obedient and always tried to please and appease her mother, yet it was never enough. And then she’s sent to Ardora with her cousin and ends up in the clutches of Ramuna Securia who’s at least as horrible as her own mother. I really felt so sorry for Teigra because at the beginning of the book she was so naïve and gentle. Of all the characters, she probably had the strongest character arc, though, because by the end of the story she had grown so much and changed drastically. You might say Teigra learned what she’s capable of and realized that she can be at least as cunning and cruel as her cousin. I think the main difference between those two, was that Aurelius had no other choice than to be the way he was. Everything he did, he did in order to survive, and whilst the same holds true for Teigra at the beginning of the book, you can see her descent into darkness more than just clearly. At some point she realized that she’s able to get farther if she has no scruples and she uses this to her advantage. She begins to thrive on it, and maybe it’s so evident because she was so innocent at the beginning of the book. Teigra was such a fascinating character and clearly the secret star of the story!
”Teigra steadied herself, shocked at her thoughts. This wasn’t like her. She didn’t think that way – using situations and people to further her own goals.
But … but why not?”
Ramuna Securia:
Ms. Securia bared her teeth. “If you want to be with your cousin so badly, Ms. Cosmin, then you have your wish. Because now, you will work against him. You will delay and obstruct. You will do your service to the senate to make sure he never succeeds in his twisted mission!”
Boy, Ramuna was such a piece of work! I never liked her and even after hearing her personal story, I still don’t like her. She’s just a vile and cruel person and she could have decided to be better and do better, but became bitter instead. The way she worked against Aurelius and Mestibes… even using Teigra against him. Damn, she was a witch. But not just that, she was a religious fanatic that would have rather watched innocent people die than to try to support Aurelius in his endeavour to save their home country. Also, she lived as an envoy in Ardora, it must have been so easy to decide about the lives of other Mestibians. She will never see them suffer, right? Ugh! Horrible person. Poor Teigra and Aurelius that had to put up with her.
”What we must do is pay honor to our goddess, Mr. Accola. That is what your senate has demanded. We must show faith that Mesti’s reason will defeat Rina’s discord. We must suffer for her. We must endure for her. We must show our devotion. And when we can take no more, when we have shown the purity of our commitment, then and only then, she will come to our aid.”
The relationships & ships:
Aurelius & Calix:
”No!” roared the voice by his ear. “Control yourself!”
The tremendous grip on his mind vanished, leaving Aurelius reeling.
He grabbed the tiles, dizzy and disoriented with lust. The room was spinning. He couldn’t tell what was left or right, up or down. All he could see was a swirling figure, writhing and screaming to himself.”
What to say about my two men? Well, their instant connection was extremely charged. The way Aurelius’s physical reactions to Calix were described, it seemed like he had no other choice than to get closer to him. Poor boy was miserable because he wanted him so badly, but wasn’t even allowed to be in his vicinity. Truth be told, their bond felt like an addiction neither of them was able to elude and that caused them to end up being drawn toward each other again and again. Their chemistry was off the charts and yet nothing happened between them until the end of the book. I think both of them went through a lot and they found something in each other neither of them ever expected to find. Also wow, that plot twist at the end when it was revealed that Aurie is a siren?! I never saw that one coming! And let’s talk about that earth shattering scene when Aurie found Calix in the basement, because damn, that was intense! The way Aurelius was weak and exhausted for days after they slept together was quite something… I felt very conflicted about them both finally giving into their feelings, though because even though it was consensual it didn’t feel like it?! If that makes any sense? I mean they both couldn’t think straight anymore, but Aurelius still sought Calix out and knew that he hid for a reason. The way the book ended, they made peace with their actions, though. I think they’d have to work through a lot of things, but unfortunately there won’t be a second book?! For me they just started their journey and I think it’s sad we won’t see how it ends. T_T
”Are you afraid of me, Aurelius Savair?”
“No, Calix Viralis,” he said, softly, pressing his fingertips back against the prince’s. Calix paused just a few inches away. His eyes clenched shut. His fingertips shook. The prince’s pulse thumped through his skin. Then the big man opened his eyes – two beacons of amber in the night.
“You should be,” he whispered.
”But I didn’t! And I don’t know what that means, Calix. Because I don’t do this, all right! Whatever this is. But what I do know is that when I see you walking away from me, I just can’t bear it. The thought of never seeing you again makes me want to fall down and scream. It makes me want to smash every stall here to pieces and set them alight. Why? Why? What the fuck is wrong with me?”
Aurelius & Teigra:
”She was the one member of his extended family who hadn’t treated him as an outcast after he’d been disgraced. The only one who had stuck by him, despite the beatings her mother had given to try to keep her away.
There were only two people in all the city that he trusted unconditionally.
One was himself.
And the other was Teigra.”
Those two had one of the most complicated relationships ever. >_< They always stuck together through thick and thin and were like siblings and then Teigra was set with the task of hindering Aurelius’s efforts. The way Ramuna played them both… I can only admire her for her cunning because damn, Aurie was quite formidable as well when it came to intrigues and the fact that Ramuna was able to keep up with him was no small feat! Still, I think she had it easy because Aurie trusted Teigra with his life and then she lost that important folia right at the beginning of their journey and never said a single word to him. I’m not surprised he felt so betrayed by her and instead of trying to do better she allowed Ramuna to blackmail her. The way Teigra tried to steal Calix from Aurelius was hardcore. You don’t expect something like that from someone who’s like a sibling to you. And yes, part of her enjoyed to be the one in power, which is the huge difference between them. Everything Aurelius did, he did in order to survive and to help the people of Mestibes. Teigra did the same but somewhere along the way, she lost her footing and took pleasure in working against her cousin and this even though she knew it wasn’t just their home country at stake but also his heart. Still, the way things turned out in the end, I can’t be angry at her, because Teigra got betrayed by everyone. By the end of the book, I only felt pity for her. It was so sad. I really would have liked to see them make amends, but since there’s no second book I’ll have to accept this kind of ending.
”As she collapsed before him, her tears staining his blue tunic a dark navy, he did feel a little sorry for her. And yet, it didn’t matter. The point remained the same.
She had put him in danger. She had made his mission that much harder. And now, she would repay that debt.”
”You could have warned me, Aurelius.”
He grunted. “I warned you ever day we grew up together. I warned you with every man I fucked and discarded. With every bitch I betrayed and ruined. You saw the carnage. You heard the tales. You knew exactly what happened to those who got in my way!”
“Yes,” she said softly. “I just never thought you’d do it to me.”
Teigra & Fabulosa/Jaspar/Zosime:
”The woman’s lips came soft as lambskin, giving way to her hot tongue. Teigra’s body shook as a strange sensation came over her – the feeling of wanting to be closer to the woman. Closer than it was possible to be.”
So here’s the thing, I think it says a lot about Teigra’s innocence and about her journey, that she had feelings for all three of them. *lol* With Jaspar it was some sort of crush that could have been more if Teigra would have been able to ignore what society dictated. If you ask me, he would have been perfect for her, because he was amazing, kind and she would have been happy with him. But then we had Fabulosa, that conniving woman who sort of seduced Teigra and caused her to explore sides and feelings of herself she never even knew about. Unfortunately, Fabulosa had no qualms to throw Teigra under the bus, which hurt and caused me to wince once she found out. Ouch. Just ouch. And finally yet importantly, we have Zosime, Calix’s warrior sister, that only ever felt contempt for Teigra because she was too soft for her liking. I think Dylan planned for those two to have a relationship in the following instalments, but in this book, there happened nothing between them. The only f/f action was Fabulosa kissing Teigra and her enjoying it more than she cared to admit. So yeah, there was so much potential for Teigra’s character arc but I’m afraid we’ll never see it on page. DYLAN WHY??!!!
”I didn’t tear you down in the hopes my brother would find someone more attractive. I did it in the hopes he would find someone more inspired.” Zosime clicked her tongue. “Your cousin may be a manipulative son of a bitch, but at least he burns with something. At least he has a fucking soul. At least he takes each day by the scruff of the neck and shakes it into submission. But not you.” The word was said with utter disgust. “Not you.”
Conclusion:
“Our Satyr Prince” was such a surprise! I never expected to get as invested in all the politics and scheming as I did, but here we are! Moreover every single character had its own distinguishable voice and the plot as well as the world building was amazing! There were many twists and turns that left me gasping, and I honestly wish there would be a second book. Maybe Dylan will write it one day? There’s always hope. ;-)
________________________________
It’s finally time to start reading Dylan’s baby and I’m so pumped for this, you have no idea!
I waited months to get this book into my hands and now I’m going to read the hell out of it. *lol*
And to give you a couple of pointers what it is about:
- Inspired by ancient Greece
- m/m relationship
- a little sapphic action
- LGBTQIA+ reps
- satyrs, gorgons, sirens, phoenixes and many more
- character growth and good character arcs
Find me on:
My Blog
Instagram
”Satyrs? Phoenixes? Sirens? Eidolons? Gorgons?
These five wretched creatures are “therians” – twisted children of the divine, thriving for a godly power that they will never manage to quench. And on nights of the sable moon, when all is darkest, they reveal their true nature.”
So I finished “Our Satyr Prince” two years ago and didn’t write my review until now. Why? Because back then, I read it as an ARC and I thought: I need to pack all my thoughts into a decent and short review. How the hell am I even supposed to do that?! *lol* And apparently the answer was: You don’t, you just procrastinate so long that you sit it out and then write a full review with marked spoilers and a detailed character section. I’m really sorry, Dylan! Your book deserved a well-thought out review and I should have written it sooner. Never tell me to read a book at my own convenience… Anyway! Here we are and I still have so many thoughts! So without further ado let’s just jump into the review and take it from there!
First, I have to say that I really liked the world building of “Our Satyr Prince”! It’s inspired by Greek mythology and we have a lot of mythological creatures and countries that have different values and beliefs. Mestibes for instance is totally anti-war and thinks you can solve every conflict with diplomacy while Ardora is a country that lives and thrives by going to war. They have a great military structure, which is the reason Aurelius our MC is sent there. He’s supposed to seduce the crown prince of Ardora and to make a deal in order to save his defenceless home country. And they are truly defenceless because their petty politicking never gave any room to the possibility of a direct attack. If you ask me, the Mestibians are at least as naïve as they are cunning and backstabbing, which is a bad mixture. Obviously.
Anyway! Politics are a big part of the book, and I loved all the intrigues, plot twists and yes, I admit it, even the massive backstabbing that happens more than once and hits you like a brick. What I absolutely adored were the characters and their arcs, though. Dylan did an amazing job with them and I was a huge fan of the fact that none of the characters is truly good. They were all morally grey and they stayed that way because they made mistakes and continued to do so. I found that very realistic and refreshing and it caused me to be deeply invested in the development of the characters and the plot.
So, that’s it with my main non-spoiler review! I will mention two things, though. The first thing is that the m/m ship is a slow burn and that it takes a while for things to get spicy. There’s a lot of tension, but due to many reasons, the main couple doesn’t act on it until the end of the book. Also, the f/f relationship that was mentioned in the pitch of the ARC isn’t really there. There is a little bit of sapphic action but that’s all there is (in this book at least) and there is definitely no lesbian relationship. Just to make that clear for everyone who is only here for the spice and the promise of a lesbian relationship. ;-)
The characters:
From here on out you’re entering Ardora and there will be some spicy spoilers heading your way! It’s up to you if you continue to read or if you decide to leave it at that! ;-)
Aurelius Savair:
”The reason for his allure was simple: Aurelius made it his business to know things. And better still, he made it his business to ensure that everyone knew that he knew things.”
Okay, I’ll say it as it is: Aurelius was an instant favourite! I loved him from the very first page and he immediately grew on me. He’s such a complex character and as you all know I love my men morally grey, driven, direct, cunning, cocky and with a lot of baggage. *lol* Well, Aurie ticks off all of those boxes so it’s no wonder I loved him from the start! There’s just so much depth to him, from his intense wish to be accepted by his mother to all the intrigues and schemes to get back into power. This boy was so clever and it broke my heart whenever we got a glimpse of his past. It must have taken him so much courage to tell Nihal that he loved him, and all he got in return was that he got disinherited, kicked out of his family home and ostracized by the people he loved. Despite all that happening at the age of 15, he still made his way and became a man with strong morals. Aurie has his principles and he lives by them. He knows exactly who he is and what he wants and he doesn’t hesitate to take it. Gosh, I loved him so much! Dylan! Why don’t we get a second book?! T_T
“But it may shock you to know that I prefer my men to want to fuck me. There is a big and rather important difference between a man who is charmingly coy, and a man who is actually unwilling. I trick my men into giving me their secrets. I don’t trick them into giving me their cocks.”
”I don’t lock myself away every sable moon. I’ve got the urge for a drink and fuck now and then. And worst of all, I do it with other men! Isn’t it disgusting? What a beast I am! Do you pray for me, Ramuna?” Aurelius grabbed the nearby wall, steadying himself. “Because I think it is far more wicked to knowingly condemn our homeland to a slow death through inaction, than it is to try and fuck a man to stop it all from happening!”
”So you want to know the truth? Yes, this started as me trying to seduce you for my end. And that was all it was. Because that is all I am, Calix. I am not a good person. I use people. I take advantage of them. I cause scandal and sorrow. Because I know what happens when you open yourself up. When you let someone in.”
Calix Viralis:
”My people are relying on me to do my duty and keep things stable. My family is relying on me. Everyone is relying on me! And yet, I cannot do what they want! I cannot be what they want! And I cannot do that to you. To force you to live a lie, just to save my own faults? I won’t allow it!”
And speaking of men with strong morals and principles, Calix was the same! I think him and Aurelius are both very similar in that regard which is probably one of the reasons they instantly hit it off. While Aurelius learned to live with “the beast” inside of him, Calix always fought it, though. He knew that he’s a Satyr and he tried to hide it from everyone because he was scared they’d hate him for being a therian. In Ardora there’s no room for therians and Calix tried to protect his people and himself by denying his true nature. Something you can only do for so long without breaking. And there were already cracks in his façade when Aurelius arrived. XD Despite growing up in an environment that only supported the strongest, Calix also made his way and it was kinda sad to see how much he denied his true nature and fought his feelings for Aurelius. =(
Teigra Cosmin:
”All the effort that she’d gone through since that awful day, all the beatings and humiliations at the hands of Mother, all the horrible things that she’d been forced to do. She’d done it all to keep his path alive. To keep some small part of him alive.
Stick to the path, kiddo. Even if it terrifies you. She’d failed that final instruction.
Teigra was… quite something! I mean we have that innocent woman who somehow survived her mother’s reign and took all the beatings. She never rebelled, she was obedient and always tried to please and appease her mother, yet it was never enough. And then she’s sent to Ardora with her cousin and ends up in the clutches of Ramuna Securia who’s at least as horrible as her own mother. I really felt so sorry for Teigra because at the beginning of the book she was so naïve and gentle. Of all the characters, she probably had the strongest character arc, though, because by the end of the story she had grown so much and changed drastically. You might say Teigra learned what she’s capable of and realized that she can be at least as cunning and cruel as her cousin. I think the main difference between those two, was that Aurelius had no other choice than to be the way he was. Everything he did, he did in order to survive, and whilst the same holds true for Teigra at the beginning of the book, you can see her descent into darkness more than just clearly. At some point she realized that she’s able to get farther if she has no scruples and she uses this to her advantage. She begins to thrive on it, and maybe it’s so evident because she was so innocent at the beginning of the book. Teigra was such a fascinating character and clearly the secret star of the story!
”Teigra steadied herself, shocked at her thoughts. This wasn’t like her. She didn’t think that way – using situations and people to further her own goals.
But … but why not?”
Ramuna Securia:
Ms. Securia bared her teeth. “If you want to be with your cousin so badly, Ms. Cosmin, then you have your wish. Because now, you will work against him. You will delay and obstruct. You will do your service to the senate to make sure he never succeeds in his twisted mission!”
Boy, Ramuna was such a piece of work! I never liked her and even after hearing her personal story, I still don’t like her. She’s just a vile and cruel person and she could have decided to be better and do better, but became bitter instead. The way she worked against Aurelius and Mestibes… even using Teigra against him. Damn, she was a witch. But not just that, she was a religious fanatic that would have rather watched innocent people die than to try to support Aurelius in his endeavour to save their home country. Also, she lived as an envoy in Ardora, it must have been so easy to decide about the lives of other Mestibians. She will never see them suffer, right? Ugh! Horrible person. Poor Teigra and Aurelius that had to put up with her.
”What we must do is pay honor to our goddess, Mr. Accola. That is what your senate has demanded. We must show faith that Mesti’s reason will defeat Rina’s discord. We must suffer for her. We must endure for her. We must show our devotion. And when we can take no more, when we have shown the purity of our commitment, then and only then, she will come to our aid.”
The relationships & ships:
Aurelius & Calix:
”No!” roared the voice by his ear. “Control yourself!”
The tremendous grip on his mind vanished, leaving Aurelius reeling.
He grabbed the tiles, dizzy and disoriented with lust. The room was spinning. He couldn’t tell what was left or right, up or down. All he could see was a swirling figure, writhing and screaming to himself.”
What to say about my two men? Well, their instant connection was extremely charged. The way Aurelius’s physical reactions to Calix were described, it seemed like he had no other choice than to get closer to him. Poor boy was miserable because he wanted him so badly, but wasn’t even allowed to be in his vicinity. Truth be told, their bond felt like an addiction neither of them was able to elude and that caused them to end up being drawn toward each other again and again. Their chemistry was off the charts and yet nothing happened between them until the end of the book. I think both of them went through a lot and they found something in each other neither of them ever expected to find. Also wow, that plot twist at the end when it was revealed that Aurie is a siren?! I never saw that one coming! And let’s talk about that earth shattering scene when Aurie found Calix in the basement, because damn, that was intense! The way Aurelius was weak and exhausted for days after they slept together was quite something… I felt very conflicted about them both finally giving into their feelings, though because even though it was consensual it didn’t feel like it?! If that makes any sense? I mean they both couldn’t think straight anymore, but Aurelius still sought Calix out and knew that he hid for a reason. The way the book ended, they made peace with their actions, though. I think they’d have to work through a lot of things, but unfortunately there won’t be a second book?! For me they just started their journey and I think it’s sad we won’t see how it ends. T_T
”Are you afraid of me, Aurelius Savair?”
“No, Calix Viralis,” he said, softly, pressing his fingertips back against the prince’s. Calix paused just a few inches away. His eyes clenched shut. His fingertips shook. The prince’s pulse thumped through his skin. Then the big man opened his eyes – two beacons of amber in the night.
“You should be,” he whispered.
”But I didn’t! And I don’t know what that means, Calix. Because I don’t do this, all right! Whatever this is. But what I do know is that when I see you walking away from me, I just can’t bear it. The thought of never seeing you again makes me want to fall down and scream. It makes me want to smash every stall here to pieces and set them alight. Why? Why? What the fuck is wrong with me?”
Aurelius & Teigra:
”She was the one member of his extended family who hadn’t treated him as an outcast after he’d been disgraced. The only one who had stuck by him, despite the beatings her mother had given to try to keep her away.
There were only two people in all the city that he trusted unconditionally.
One was himself.
And the other was Teigra.”
Those two had one of the most complicated relationships ever. >_< They always stuck together through thick and thin and were like siblings and then Teigra was set with the task of hindering Aurelius’s efforts. The way Ramuna played them both… I can only admire her for her cunning because damn, Aurie was quite formidable as well when it came to intrigues and the fact that Ramuna was able to keep up with him was no small feat! Still, I think she had it easy because Aurie trusted Teigra with his life and then she lost that important folia right at the beginning of their journey and never said a single word to him. I’m not surprised he felt so betrayed by her and instead of trying to do better she allowed Ramuna to blackmail her. The way Teigra tried to steal Calix from Aurelius was hardcore. You don’t expect something like that from someone who’s like a sibling to you. And yes, part of her enjoyed to be the one in power, which is the huge difference between them. Everything Aurelius did, he did in order to survive and to help the people of Mestibes. Teigra did the same but somewhere along the way, she lost her footing and took pleasure in working against her cousin and this even though she knew it wasn’t just their home country at stake but also his heart. Still, the way things turned out in the end, I can’t be angry at her, because Teigra got betrayed by everyone. By the end of the book, I only felt pity for her. It was so sad. I really would have liked to see them make amends, but since there’s no second book I’ll have to accept this kind of ending.
”As she collapsed before him, her tears staining his blue tunic a dark navy, he did feel a little sorry for her. And yet, it didn’t matter. The point remained the same.
She had put him in danger. She had made his mission that much harder. And now, she would repay that debt.”
”You could have warned me, Aurelius.”
He grunted. “I warned you ever day we grew up together. I warned you with every man I fucked and discarded. With every bitch I betrayed and ruined. You saw the carnage. You heard the tales. You knew exactly what happened to those who got in my way!”
“Yes,” she said softly. “I just never thought you’d do it to me.”
Teigra & Fabulosa/Jaspar/Zosime:
”The woman’s lips came soft as lambskin, giving way to her hot tongue. Teigra’s body shook as a strange sensation came over her – the feeling of wanting to be closer to the woman. Closer than it was possible to be.”
So here’s the thing, I think it says a lot about Teigra’s innocence and about her journey, that she had feelings for all three of them. *lol* With Jaspar it was some sort of crush that could have been more if Teigra would have been able to ignore what society dictated. If you ask me, he would have been perfect for her, because he was amazing, kind and she would have been happy with him. But then we had Fabulosa, that conniving woman who sort of seduced Teigra and caused her to explore sides and feelings of herself she never even knew about. Unfortunately, Fabulosa had no qualms to throw Teigra under the bus, which hurt and caused me to wince once she found out. Ouch. Just ouch. And finally yet importantly, we have Zosime, Calix’s warrior sister, that only ever felt contempt for Teigra because she was too soft for her liking. I think Dylan planned for those two to have a relationship in the following instalments, but in this book, there happened nothing between them. The only f/f action was Fabulosa kissing Teigra and her enjoying it more than she cared to admit. So yeah, there was so much potential for Teigra’s character arc but I’m afraid we’ll never see it on page. DYLAN WHY??!!!
”I didn’t tear you down in the hopes my brother would find someone more attractive. I did it in the hopes he would find someone more inspired.” Zosime clicked her tongue. “Your cousin may be a manipulative son of a bitch, but at least he burns with something. At least he has a fucking soul. At least he takes each day by the scruff of the neck and shakes it into submission. But not you.” The word was said with utter disgust. “Not you.”
Conclusion:
“Our Satyr Prince” was such a surprise! I never expected to get as invested in all the politics and scheming as I did, but here we are! Moreover every single character had its own distinguishable voice and the plot as well as the world building was amazing! There were many twists and turns that left me gasping, and I honestly wish there would be a second book. Maybe Dylan will write it one day? There’s always hope. ;-)
________________________________
It’s finally time to start reading Dylan’s baby and I’m so pumped for this, you have no idea!
I waited months to get this book into my hands and now I’m going to read the hell out of it. *lol*
And to give you a couple of pointers what it is about:
- Inspired by ancient Greece
- m/m relationship
- a little sapphic action
- LGBTQIA+ reps
- satyrs, gorgons, sirens, phoenixes and many more
- character growth and good character arcs
Find me on:
My Blog
April 24, 2023
A tour de force in queer fantasy storytelling. The author -- charming, handsome and deeply, DEEPLY humble -- is clearly a master at constructing his Ancient Greek inspired world, while weaving in a good serving of plot-relevant spice, and characters who grow and change believably over the course of the romance-laced story.
The fresh twist of mixing vampire and werewolf tropes with Ancient Greek mythology is utterly inspired. It must have been a stroke of genius that led me . . . I MEAN HIM . . . to first develop this groundbreaking and pioneering series. I can't wait for the next book to be done already. Indeed, I am positively tumescent with anticipation.
The fresh twist of mixing vampire and werewolf tropes with Ancient Greek mythology is utterly inspired. It must have been a stroke of genius that led me . . . I MEAN HIM . . . to first develop this groundbreaking and pioneering series. I can't wait for the next book to be done already. Indeed, I am positively tumescent with anticipation.
February 11, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial. Honest review ahead!
If you like queer romance and fantasy settings, this book is for you. Some mythological stuff thrown into the mix (who doesn't love Greek mythology??), doused in spice.
All in all, be prepared for a spicy adventure with some great character development.
My only gripe (even with the lady stuff that's really not my jam) was how long it took for things to happen at the beginning. It felt long and slow to me. I know there is a lot of world building and set up, especially for a fantasy with so much political scheming and plotting, but I just struggled to get into it at the beginning.
Recommended for queer romantasy readers who aren't afraid of all the spice. 3.5 stars rounded up.
If you like queer romance and fantasy settings, this book is for you. Some mythological stuff thrown into the mix (who doesn't love Greek mythology??), doused in spice.
All in all, be prepared for a spicy adventure with some great character development.
My only gripe (even with the lady stuff that's really not my jam) was how long it took for things to happen at the beginning. It felt long and slow to me. I know there is a lot of world building and set up, especially for a fantasy with so much political scheming and plotting, but I just struggled to get into it at the beginning.
Recommended for queer romantasy readers who aren't afraid of all the spice. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Read
June 26, 2023The author snagged my attention directly from the start! Opening with an action packed chapter that dangled just a morsel of intrigue. Great pacing with short digestiabke chapters made the reading experience so enjoyable. Dylan’s writing is very atmospheric and his descriptions really dropped me into this world he’s created. I can’t wait to see where he takes us with this series and with his other writing endeavors.
May 18, 2023
3.75 / 5
I am a complete sucker for queer fantasy, and as soon as I saw the cover for this one, I knew I had to get my hands on it. Add onto that the fact that Our Satyr Prince is heavily inspired by Greek mythology, has queer central characters and relationships, and a fully fleshed out world that Dylan Drakes created with detailed politics and motivations (just look at that map), I was so ready to dive in.
Synopsis ⤐
Our Satyr Prince being a debut (I think?), I was naturally curious as to see how well Drakes could tackle the entry to what appeared to be a sprawling fantasy series. In my readerly opinion (lol), I think he established his world quite well and laid down the foundations for what could be an epic saga, and also invested me in his characters too. We follow Aurelius, a cunning and brazen viper who trades in sex and secrets in the court of Mestibes, and Teigra, a skittish but compassionate young woman who just wants to do good by her family. Together, Aurelius and Teigra must travel north to a foreign polity to try and stave off an impending war that has the chance to wipe out Mestibes for good.
My Thoughts ⤐
To begin with: I think that Dylan Drakes truly shines in his character work. Aurelius is such a fascinating main character, I loved how absolutely awful he is. He is purely selfish, and while he is certainly highly intelligent, his flaws are made apparent as the book goes on. He borders on being a villain, and in some parts I really do think he is a villain of this story, but he still has shreds of good that I think will be really interesting to see explored in the following books. Teigra is a character who deserves the world but gets beaten down time and time again by forces out of her control, and I yearned for her to just find herself and feel love for the first time so badly. Drakes really put his heart into these characters and made them captivating protagonists that stand out from many in the genre.
Where I feel like I personally was left wanting was with Aurelius and Prince Calix of Ardora, and I think I might be in the minority for this one. I'm someone who loves a slow burn romance with lots of tension, which I didn't really feel for this couple personally. This isn't a critique of the work, just my own personal preference, but I was back and forth with the passion I felt for these two. It wasn't really insta-love but I didn't think they had as much moments together as I wanted going into the third act.
With the stage established, and the rising political unease throughout Dynosia, I am absolutely PRIMED for what is to come next. I think Drakes has a lot of potential with this first installment to really go interesting places with these characters and this world.
A big thank you to Mr. Dylan Drakes for giving me an ARC of Our Satyr Prince - all opinions are my own.
I am a complete sucker for queer fantasy, and as soon as I saw the cover for this one, I knew I had to get my hands on it. Add onto that the fact that Our Satyr Prince is heavily inspired by Greek mythology, has queer central characters and relationships, and a fully fleshed out world that Dylan Drakes created with detailed politics and motivations (just look at that map), I was so ready to dive in.
Synopsis ⤐
Our Satyr Prince being a debut (I think?), I was naturally curious as to see how well Drakes could tackle the entry to what appeared to be a sprawling fantasy series. In my readerly opinion (lol), I think he established his world quite well and laid down the foundations for what could be an epic saga, and also invested me in his characters too. We follow Aurelius, a cunning and brazen viper who trades in sex and secrets in the court of Mestibes, and Teigra, a skittish but compassionate young woman who just wants to do good by her family. Together, Aurelius and Teigra must travel north to a foreign polity to try and stave off an impending war that has the chance to wipe out Mestibes for good.
My Thoughts ⤐
To begin with: I think that Dylan Drakes truly shines in his character work. Aurelius is such a fascinating main character, I loved how absolutely awful he is. He is purely selfish, and while he is certainly highly intelligent, his flaws are made apparent as the book goes on. He borders on being a villain, and in some parts I really do think he is a villain of this story, but he still has shreds of good that I think will be really interesting to see explored in the following books. Teigra is a character who deserves the world but gets beaten down time and time again by forces out of her control, and I yearned for her to just find herself and feel love for the first time so badly. Drakes really put his heart into these characters and made them captivating protagonists that stand out from many in the genre.
Where I feel like I personally was left wanting was with Aurelius and Prince Calix of Ardora, and I think I might be in the minority for this one. I'm someone who loves a slow burn romance with lots of tension, which I didn't really feel for this couple personally. This isn't a critique of the work, just my own personal preference, but I was back and forth with the passion I felt for these two. It wasn't really insta-love but I didn't think they had as much moments together as I wanted going into the third act.
With the stage established, and the rising political unease throughout Dynosia, I am absolutely PRIMED for what is to come next. I think Drakes has a lot of potential with this first installment to really go interesting places with these characters and this world.
A big thank you to Mr. Dylan Drakes for giving me an ARC of Our Satyr Prince - all opinions are my own.
June 12, 2023
Aurelius Savair, branded as a deviant and disowned, has been making his way through life in the city of Mestibes by trading in secrets and sex. He is cunning and will use every little morsel of information to get what he wants. After the death of his aunt, the previous herald to Ardora, Aurelius finds himself with an opportunity; seduce the prince of Arora (Calix) and convince them to aid Mestibes in fighting off an approaching military threat and, in exchange, he will be made the proper heir and welcomed back into his family. With his cousin Teigra along for the ride as the low envoy to Ardora, the pair will find themselves making decisions for their own interests rather than each others as infighting and intrigue threaten to dismantle their plans.
While I was eager to read this book because I've grown to be fairly good friends with the author, I was worried about how I would feel about it. While I enjoy a good fantasy novel they're not my first pick (I sometimes get frustrated when being dumped into a world with all those made up words I'm expected to inherently know). While Our Satyr Prince does do a bit of that, Drakes does a phenomenal job of mitigating that overwhelming feeling by explaining things as they become pertinent. I learned quickly to trust him to lead me through the narrative. I love Greek mythology so that portion of the premise really intrigued me and this delivers. A fresh take on some of the mythological creatures that have always interested me. Plus, my favorite character, Jaspar Accola, the, honestly, adorable bumbling minotaur should be in everything ever and be the happiest boy.
The world feels lived in and obviously the history is very well thought out. Drakes created some very interesting characters all of whom feel unique. There is an interesting dichotomy between how I felt about Tiegra and Aurelius through various parts of the book. I sorta hated Aurelius at the beginning of the book and loved meek little Tiegra and this affection wavered all through the book for both of them. In the end both are sympathetic and both have grown. Calix is very much the standard "buff-dude-hot-prince-struggling-with-something-internal" archetype but I wouldn't change that at all. I still love Jaspar the most. :P
The story is long but doesn't feel dense or overwritten. The ENDING. I cannot. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series and am really excited to read the prequel novella that is releasing on the same day as this.
4.5/5 stars rounded up
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
While I was eager to read this book because I've grown to be fairly good friends with the author, I was worried about how I would feel about it. While I enjoy a good fantasy novel they're not my first pick (I sometimes get frustrated when being dumped into a world with all those made up words I'm expected to inherently know). While Our Satyr Prince does do a bit of that, Drakes does a phenomenal job of mitigating that overwhelming feeling by explaining things as they become pertinent. I learned quickly to trust him to lead me through the narrative. I love Greek mythology so that portion of the premise really intrigued me and this delivers. A fresh take on some of the mythological creatures that have always interested me. Plus, my favorite character, Jaspar Accola, the, honestly, adorable bumbling minotaur should be in everything ever and be the happiest boy.
The world feels lived in and obviously the history is very well thought out. Drakes created some very interesting characters all of whom feel unique. There is an interesting dichotomy between how I felt about Tiegra and Aurelius through various parts of the book. I sorta hated Aurelius at the beginning of the book and loved meek little Tiegra and this affection wavered all through the book for both of them. In the end both are sympathetic and both have grown. Calix is very much the standard "buff-dude-hot-prince-struggling-with-something-internal" archetype but I wouldn't change that at all. I still love Jaspar the most. :P
The story is long but doesn't feel dense or overwritten. The ENDING. I cannot. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series and am really excited to read the prequel novella that is releasing on the same day as this.
4.5/5 stars rounded up
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 28, 2023
I won't trust any more "ancient Greece inspired" books, thanks Dylan.
This book's marketing is as misleading as it could be, and I'm basing my statement on the little I've read, because no, I won't be finishing it. It only took 4% of the book (even though I got a lot farther than that, it did not get better) to understand not only that I hated it, but that the "ancient Greece" inspiration in this book was actually "ancient Rome" inspiration mixed with a few ancient grecian elements and lot of "yeah this is a fantasy book with a lot of world building that will eventually make sense, probably, but probably not!"; a lot of names are Latin, main character's name included; togas and stolas were worn in, you guessed it, ancient Rome; patricians were... yeah, not Greek. There were so many of these little but notable inaccuracies that I'm sure I missed a lot of them.
This superficiality also affects the poor world building, which consists of a painful rewriting of Greek mythology with names and stories that have no business sounding so dumb and the most incomprehensible disregard for the only thing that an "ancient Greece inspired" book with a queer cast could have both gone away with and benefited from: queernormativity. I haven't even read the whole book, but the amount of times I've had to read that the main character is a "pervert" or "degenerate" made me uncomfortable, even though I absolutely despise the main character; he might not be a "pervert" because of his preference of partners, but he is a classist, manipulative, xenophobic, opportunist and coward bastard, and the only thing that would make me finish the book is the possibility of seeing him suffer. I'm not sorry. But I am grateful for not having to watch unfold what seems to be an instalust relationship between the main character and the himbo that the love interest is.
Lastly, the writing is...something. I haven't seen such an abuse of exclamation points since I've flipped through a children's book, and the amount of infodumps, anachronistic terms, uselessly long descriptions, and almost indecipherable paragraphs that require a few readings to be understood made the read even more... embarrassing? I can't explain how, but this book made me feel both indignified rage and second hand embarrassment due to how the characters seem more like caricatures than actual human beings.
This book was not for me and had this accurately been marketed as "generic pre-industrial fantasy world with a queer cast in a heteronormative society" I would have stayed away from it.
I received an eARC of the book from the author and this represents my honest opinion.
This book's marketing is as misleading as it could be, and I'm basing my statement on the little I've read, because no, I won't be finishing it. It only took 4% of the book (even though I got a lot farther than that, it did not get better) to understand not only that I hated it, but that the "ancient Greece" inspiration in this book was actually "ancient Rome" inspiration mixed with a few ancient grecian elements and lot of "yeah this is a fantasy book with a lot of world building that will eventually make sense, probably, but probably not!"; a lot of names are Latin, main character's name included; togas and stolas were worn in, you guessed it, ancient Rome; patricians were... yeah, not Greek. There were so many of these little but notable inaccuracies that I'm sure I missed a lot of them.
This superficiality also affects the poor world building, which consists of a painful rewriting of Greek mythology with names and stories that have no business sounding so dumb and the most incomprehensible disregard for the only thing that an "ancient Greece inspired" book with a queer cast could have both gone away with and benefited from: queernormativity. I haven't even read the whole book, but the amount of times I've had to read that the main character is a "pervert" or "degenerate" made me uncomfortable, even though I absolutely despise the main character; he might not be a "pervert" because of his preference of partners, but he is a classist, manipulative, xenophobic, opportunist and coward bastard, and the only thing that would make me finish the book is the possibility of seeing him suffer. I'm not sorry. But I am grateful for not having to watch unfold what seems to be an instalust relationship between the main character and the himbo that the love interest is.
Lastly, the writing is...something. I haven't seen such an abuse of exclamation points since I've flipped through a children's book, and the amount of infodumps, anachronistic terms, uselessly long descriptions, and almost indecipherable paragraphs that require a few readings to be understood made the read even more... embarrassing? I can't explain how, but this book made me feel both indignified rage and second hand embarrassment due to how the characters seem more like caricatures than actual human beings.
This book was not for me and had this accurately been marketed as "generic pre-industrial fantasy world with a queer cast in a heteronormative society" I would have stayed away from it.
I received an eARC of the book from the author and this represents my honest opinion.
June 22, 2023
I’ve just finished the book and wow!! I’ve got a lot of things to say!!
I didn’t really like it unfortunately… 😕
The plot wasn't really interesting and the characters were a bit meh
The very start of the book was really gripping, even if a sex scene in the very first chapter is a bit offputting! The story was not what I was expecting but what I didn’t really like were the characters…why would they say and do the things they did?? The Main Character, DD, at like���20% in made a ngl story, and a secondary character, whom I really relate to decided to ask a genuine question on the main character’s choice of means for promoting his activity, which is very harmful to the group of background characters called the Artists, since it scrapes from their own art. The secondary character knew that the topic was very ‘controversial’, because usually people that don’t know much about it get defensive, and was counting on the anonymity to avoid being attacked. At this point in the book I was kind of enjoying myself, since I had been very curious to witness the main character’s product of his hard work! However, DD decided to treat the secondary character that asked the genuine question in such a petty way…why would he do that?? And then (we’re at like…60% of the book here) DD reveals that he knew who really was behind the question! What a plot twist! He decided to let the secondary character know about it in a sort of…threatening way maybe? And decided to give the secondary character more petty attitude! Again, why would the Main Character do this? And then he blocks all type of communication with the secondary character!! Imagine my surprise when the secondary character then finds out that DD had once made his opinion on the matter public in the past!! Whew, what a rollercoaster of emotions…
The worldbuilding was really something!
And that ending…wow
The main character has lots of friends though, it's funny how they're such loyal dogs! The fact that there were sooo many characters was also a bit much in terms of remembering the names but oh well
I didn’t really like it unfortunately… 😕
The plot wasn't really interesting and the characters were a bit meh
The very start of the book was really gripping, even if a sex scene in the very first chapter is a bit offputting! The story was not what I was expecting but what I didn’t really like were the characters…why would they say and do the things they did?? The Main Character, DD, at like���20% in made a ngl story, and a secondary character, whom I really relate to decided to ask a genuine question on the main character’s choice of means for promoting his activity, which is very harmful to the group of background characters called the Artists, since it scrapes from their own art. The secondary character knew that the topic was very ‘controversial’, because usually people that don’t know much about it get defensive, and was counting on the anonymity to avoid being attacked. At this point in the book I was kind of enjoying myself, since I had been very curious to witness the main character’s product of his hard work! However, DD decided to treat the secondary character that asked the genuine question in such a petty way…why would he do that?? And then (we’re at like…60% of the book here) DD reveals that he knew who really was behind the question! What a plot twist! He decided to let the secondary character know about it in a sort of…threatening way maybe? And decided to give the secondary character more petty attitude! Again, why would the Main Character do this? And then he blocks all type of communication with the secondary character!! Imagine my surprise when the secondary character then finds out that DD had once made his opinion on the matter public in the past!! Whew, what a rollercoaster of emotions…
The worldbuilding was really something!
And that ending…wow
The main character has lots of friends though, it's funny how they're such loyal dogs! The fact that there were sooo many characters was also a bit much in terms of remembering the names but oh well
June 18, 2023
A bunch of reviews saying there's an ff romance and like y'all WHERE!? Did we read the same book, because there was NOT one. Teigra is so far up comp hets ass, idk if she would even ever admit she was queer. There is one single kiss between Teigra and another woman and she didn't like it. Maybe she'll get a romance in the series, but there definitely wasn't one in this installment.
The MMC calls himself a pervert in his first chapter and for a minute I was like bc you’re gay?? Or was that kid who just gave you a blowjob like an actual child? (The giver was the same age ultimately) but it was weird. I thought I was getting queer-normative Greek fantasy, but this was almost the exact opposite. There was so much homophobia! Also Aurelius at one point thinks about using his love interests queerness to blackmail him and idk it was not a comfy feeling!
If y'all like political intrigue and betrayal, this is the book for you because both the MCs make so many stupid decisions. And they betray one another more than once! Especially Aurelius! He fucks Teigra over more than once just because he can and he's petty. Sure he isn't winning by the end of the book, but it felt so unbalanced towards Teigra.
IDK about this one y'all.
Rep: white gay cis male MC, white unsure cis female MC (she is so far up comp het I have no idea) with anxiety, white homoromantic bisexual cis male side character, sapphic cis female side character (maybe? hard to say), Greek world.
The MMC calls himself a pervert in his first chapter and for a minute I was like bc you’re gay?? Or was that kid who just gave you a blowjob like an actual child? (The giver was the same age ultimately) but it was weird. I thought I was getting queer-normative Greek fantasy, but this was almost the exact opposite. There was so much homophobia! Also Aurelius at one point thinks about using his love interests queerness to blackmail him and idk it was not a comfy feeling!
If y'all like political intrigue and betrayal, this is the book for you because both the MCs make so many stupid decisions. And they betray one another more than once! Especially Aurelius! He fucks Teigra over more than once just because he can and he's petty. Sure he isn't winning by the end of the book, but it felt so unbalanced towards Teigra.
IDK about this one y'all.
Rep: white gay cis male MC, white unsure cis female MC (she is so far up comp het I have no idea) with anxiety, white homoromantic bisexual cis male side character, sapphic cis female side character (maybe? hard to say), Greek world.
May 28, 2023
4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
ARC Review - I feel so honored to have been accepted as one of the pixies for the ARC readers!
TW: racial/religious prejudice, homophobia, trauma, domestic violence, gore, sexual harm, and explicit sexual content
Politics, scandals, and betrayal - oh my! I always find these stories fascinating! The characters all have their own motives and reasonings to get what they want, even if it means betraying those around them. Family or not, no one is safe when it comes to rebuilding ones reputation and status.
The characters are all charming. I don't want to go into detail about what I thought of many of them because I don't want to spoil anything, but I will say... Jaspar has my heart, I want to protect that boy with all of my might.
Also I loved that it had a full queer spectrum of characters represented in it! The queerer the better, I say. ;)
When it comes to the worldbuilding, I love that Dylan took inspiration from ancient Greece and mythologies but was able to make his own world and lore that felt new and fresh. I have always been a fan of Greek mythology and retellings, so I really enjoyed reading a book that had the atmosphere of those beloved stories.
So in conclusion, I absolutely loved this book and was sad when I read the words "the end." I can't wait for book 2!
ARC Review - I feel so honored to have been accepted as one of the pixies for the ARC readers!
TW: racial/religious prejudice, homophobia, trauma, domestic violence, gore, sexual harm, and explicit sexual content
Politics, scandals, and betrayal - oh my! I always find these stories fascinating! The characters all have their own motives and reasonings to get what they want, even if it means betraying those around them. Family or not, no one is safe when it comes to rebuilding ones reputation and status.
The characters are all charming. I don't want to go into detail about what I thought of many of them because I don't want to spoil anything, but I will say... Jaspar has my heart, I want to protect that boy with all of my might.
Also I loved that it had a full queer spectrum of characters represented in it! The queerer the better, I say. ;)
When it comes to the worldbuilding, I love that Dylan took inspiration from ancient Greece and mythologies but was able to make his own world and lore that felt new and fresh. I have always been a fan of Greek mythology and retellings, so I really enjoyed reading a book that had the atmosphere of those beloved stories.
So in conclusion, I absolutely loved this book and was sad when I read the words "the end." I can't wait for book 2!
May 1, 2023
An amazing debut by Dylan! Quite frankly, I'm shocked that it took me less than 2 days to finish the book... I was obsessed with the story and couldn't put the book down.
The synopsis was very promising and had elements of things I love: fantasy, queer romance, Ancient Greece vibes. An excellent start in the beginning of the book was TWs list, always a huge help for those who are sensitive to certain topics.
I don't want to go into the story itself(the synopsis covers that quite well), but let me just tell you that it was captivating. Sure, there are many names & places, some words that might not be so well known/used by non-English speakers. However, I enjoyed the beauty of Dylan's world building, the descriptions of cities & characters. The text was almost poetic, so lovely to read and it really sucks you in.
What a great start of the series! Very excited to see what comes next.
Thank you for the ARC!
The synopsis was very promising and had elements of things I love: fantasy, queer romance, Ancient Greece vibes. An excellent start in the beginning of the book was TWs list, always a huge help for those who are sensitive to certain topics.
I don't want to go into the story itself(the synopsis covers that quite well), but let me just tell you that it was captivating. Sure, there are many names & places, some words that might not be so well known/used by non-English speakers. However, I enjoyed the beauty of Dylan's world building, the descriptions of cities & characters. The text was almost poetic, so lovely to read and it really sucks you in.
What a great start of the series! Very excited to see what comes next.
Thank you for the ARC!
July 25, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for the book.
I found it very hard to read and finish this book. The main characters are the worst and in general I found I was rooting for no one. The main male lead is manipulative, a terrible person and just meh. The female lead seems to be in the story to basically be a stomping post for all the other characters.
This was very much a finish to be done rather than enjoying the book.
I saw that there was a few LGBTQIA+ characters and was hard pressed to find them. I’m also a bit tired of fantasy stories including real world issues and not allowing these worlds that have been created to be better than what’s happening IRL.
The book ends on what I assume is meant to be a cliffhanger which leads into a sequel but I personally won’t be looking out for it.
I found it very hard to read and finish this book. The main characters are the worst and in general I found I was rooting for no one. The main male lead is manipulative, a terrible person and just meh. The female lead seems to be in the story to basically be a stomping post for all the other characters.
This was very much a finish to be done rather than enjoying the book.
I saw that there was a few LGBTQIA+ characters and was hard pressed to find them. I’m also a bit tired of fantasy stories including real world issues and not allowing these worlds that have been created to be better than what’s happening IRL.
The book ends on what I assume is meant to be a cliffhanger which leads into a sequel but I personally won’t be looking out for it.
on-hiatus
May 6, 2023I mean, Greek mythology with mm AND ff romance? Sign me up. I only wish it was already June!
June 13, 2023
ARC BOOK REVIEW/ Our Satyr Prince (Myth Shifters #1) by Dylan Drakes
DATES READ; 2nd - 13th June 2023
STAR RATING; ★★★.5
GENRE; Adult Fantasy
REP; Lgbtqia+ & mental illness
FORMAT; Ebook
PUBLISHED DATE; 13th June 2023 (today)
TW/CW’s; sexual harm, dubious consent, toxic familial & past romantic relationships, abuse (physical, child & verbal), gaslighting, coercion, blackmail, mind control, explicit sexual content & nudity, murder & attempted murder, death & animal death, grief & loss, war themes, violence, physical assault, blood & gore, near-death experience, drowning, injury & injury details, threatening behaviour, discrimination & prejudiced language, homophobia, bi-erasure, classism, bullying, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, infidelity and alcohol consumption (𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬!)
“𝐼 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢, 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑥,” 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝐴𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑢𝑠, 𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒. “𝐼 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑜𝑜, 𝐴𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑢𝑠,” 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑚 𝑔𝑟𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑎 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑟.
THOUGHTS
I was gifted this book by the author in return for an honest review. As their debut novel I can say that this book leaves you wanting to know more about the characters and what happens next. It’s mysterious, spicy, has amazing world-building, a little angsty, political & familial drama and while the romance was a little fast-paced than I expected and I wished we got to see it develop a little slower, the amount of LGBTQIA+ rep in this book made up for it.
The book is told from two POV’s; Aurelius & his younger cousin Teigra. Aurelius comes across quite selfish, whereas Teigra is more thoughtful and wants to help her family. Throughout the book these two characters, have many disagreements, go through betrayals, learn secrets about one another and themselves, whilst also trying to stop a war from occurring.
If you enjoy Greek mythology, that have queer characters and lots of spice then this will be a book for you!! It is now available for purchase on Amazon so grab yourself a copy now! Thank you so much Dylan for allowing me the chance to read your book!
DATES READ; 2nd - 13th June 2023
STAR RATING; ★★★.5
GENRE; Adult Fantasy
REP; Lgbtqia+ & mental illness
FORMAT; Ebook
PUBLISHED DATE; 13th June 2023 (today)
TW/CW’s; sexual harm, dubious consent, toxic familial & past romantic relationships, abuse (physical, child & verbal), gaslighting, coercion, blackmail, mind control, explicit sexual content & nudity, murder & attempted murder, death & animal death, grief & loss, war themes, violence, physical assault, blood & gore, near-death experience, drowning, injury & injury details, threatening behaviour, discrimination & prejudiced language, homophobia, bi-erasure, classism, bullying, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, infidelity and alcohol consumption (𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬!)
“𝐼 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢, 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑥,” 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝐴𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑢𝑠, 𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒. “𝐼 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑜𝑜, 𝐴𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑢𝑠,” 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑚 𝑔𝑟𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑎 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑟.
THOUGHTS
I was gifted this book by the author in return for an honest review. As their debut novel I can say that this book leaves you wanting to know more about the characters and what happens next. It’s mysterious, spicy, has amazing world-building, a little angsty, political & familial drama and while the romance was a little fast-paced than I expected and I wished we got to see it develop a little slower, the amount of LGBTQIA+ rep in this book made up for it.
The book is told from two POV’s; Aurelius & his younger cousin Teigra. Aurelius comes across quite selfish, whereas Teigra is more thoughtful and wants to help her family. Throughout the book these two characters, have many disagreements, go through betrayals, learn secrets about one another and themselves, whilst also trying to stop a war from occurring.
If you enjoy Greek mythology, that have queer characters and lots of spice then this will be a book for you!! It is now available for purchase on Amazon so grab yourself a copy now! Thank you so much Dylan for allowing me the chance to read your book!
May 29, 2023
I want to say thank you first up for allowing me an arc.
This book has LGBTQIA+ representation with mm and ff, the spice scenes are amazing, Greek mythology, the author is fantastic at world building. If any of these things interest you the book is currently for preorder for just 0.99 USD. Pick it up asap.
This book has LGBTQIA+ representation with mm and ff, the spice scenes are amazing, Greek mythology, the author is fantastic at world building. If any of these things interest you the book is currently for preorder for just 0.99 USD. Pick it up asap.
June 11, 2023
An Ancient Greece inspired novel with both mlm and wlw romances, amazing storytelling, a refreshing take on fantasy, queer characters, and SPICE. All while centering around royalty, power, family, and love. From debut author Dylan Drakes— who by the way is one of the nicest people I have ever interacted with— Our Satyr Prince truly has something for everyone.
As I mentioned, Drakes is one of the kindest people I have worked with and put so much dedication into promoting this book and interacting with the people reviewing it— pixies! You would never tell from reading that this is his debut novel as his style is so amazing to read. Each character gets their own unique voice that just adds so much to the complex world he has developed.
I’m gonna be honest, Greek Mythology is my Thing… but spice is not. I can confidently say I read this book for the plot. However, I was not mad at the spice. In fact, I think it added a lot to some of the characters! I highlight this because I think this book is amazing but it is definitely only for an older audience. If you’re over 18 and whether you love spice or you hate it, this book can be for you.
Lastly, as a lesbian reader that loves Ancient Greece, romance, fantasy, and reading in general— there is never enough wlw representation. Drakes says in his introduction for Teigra that she shaped the whole narrative to make it more inclusive for all queer people. That made this novel much more special to me as it may not have been as easily marketable, but is much more inclusive. It was definitely the right choice to include her, and shows just how much love was put into this book!
Our Satyr Prince is queer inclusive and Ancient Greek inspired, filled with family drama, fights for power, oh and have I mentioned spice? Definitely worth the read and thank you to Drakes for including me in the ARC for his first book. I look forward to reading what he comes out with next :)
As I mentioned, Drakes is one of the kindest people I have worked with and put so much dedication into promoting this book and interacting with the people reviewing it— pixies! You would never tell from reading that this is his debut novel as his style is so amazing to read. Each character gets their own unique voice that just adds so much to the complex world he has developed.
I’m gonna be honest, Greek Mythology is my Thing… but spice is not. I can confidently say I read this book for the plot. However, I was not mad at the spice. In fact, I think it added a lot to some of the characters! I highlight this because I think this book is amazing but it is definitely only for an older audience. If you’re over 18 and whether you love spice or you hate it, this book can be for you.
Lastly, as a lesbian reader that loves Ancient Greece, romance, fantasy, and reading in general— there is never enough wlw representation. Drakes says in his introduction for Teigra that she shaped the whole narrative to make it more inclusive for all queer people. That made this novel much more special to me as it may not have been as easily marketable, but is much more inclusive. It was definitely the right choice to include her, and shows just how much love was put into this book!
Our Satyr Prince is queer inclusive and Ancient Greek inspired, filled with family drama, fights for power, oh and have I mentioned spice? Definitely worth the read and thank you to Drakes for including me in the ARC for his first book. I look forward to reading what he comes out with next :)
June 19, 2023
3.75 rounded up to 4 stars.
This book blends the richness of the ancient Greek world with the addictive allure of a more nuanced reality television show.
This is a Greek-inspired fantasy that offers a refreshing take on monstrous creatures, fusing werewolves and vampires with ancient monsters. The well-crafted world, intertwined with familiar elements, immerses readers in a richly developed setting. The political intrigue, scandals, and frequent betrayals intertwine to create a narrative that keeps readers on their toes. Each character harbors their own motives and desires, often at the expense of others, resulting in a tantalizing web of intricate relationships and power dynamics. While the pacing of the story may falter slightly towards the end, with plot-relevant events occurring in rapid succession without sufficient time for reflection, the story's enthralling political dynamics and flawed yet captivating protagonists make it an engaging read.
The characters within this tale are beautifully flawed, existing in a morally ambiguous realm that adds depth and complexity to the overall narrative. From selfishness to charm, their multifaceted nature and sometimes disconcerting actions lend an authenticity that breathes life into their realistic portrayal. While the intricate depiction of these characters greatly fascinated me, I acknowledge that their multitude of flaws might pose a challenge for some readers when it comes to fully embracing and championing them.
Ultimately, this book offers a quick yet immersive reading experience, enriched by good queer representation and a compelling MM romance filled with palpable yearning.
I received an arc copy from the author and this is my honest review.
This book blends the richness of the ancient Greek world with the addictive allure of a more nuanced reality television show.
This is a Greek-inspired fantasy that offers a refreshing take on monstrous creatures, fusing werewolves and vampires with ancient monsters. The well-crafted world, intertwined with familiar elements, immerses readers in a richly developed setting. The political intrigue, scandals, and frequent betrayals intertwine to create a narrative that keeps readers on their toes. Each character harbors their own motives and desires, often at the expense of others, resulting in a tantalizing web of intricate relationships and power dynamics. While the pacing of the story may falter slightly towards the end, with plot-relevant events occurring in rapid succession without sufficient time for reflection, the story's enthralling political dynamics and flawed yet captivating protagonists make it an engaging read.
The characters within this tale are beautifully flawed, existing in a morally ambiguous realm that adds depth and complexity to the overall narrative. From selfishness to charm, their multifaceted nature and sometimes disconcerting actions lend an authenticity that breathes life into their realistic portrayal. While the intricate depiction of these characters greatly fascinated me, I acknowledge that their multitude of flaws might pose a challenge for some readers when it comes to fully embracing and championing them.
Ultimately, this book offers a quick yet immersive reading experience, enriched by good queer representation and a compelling MM romance filled with palpable yearning.
I received an arc copy from the author and this is my honest review.
June 12, 2023
Our Satyr Prince – Dylan Drakes ARC Review
4/5 🌟 OUT JUNE 13
First of all, I want to thank Dylan Drakes for letting me read this book as an ARC.
This book is a queer adult fantasy romance in a world inspired by ancient Greece.
It follows the cousins Aurelius and Teigra and their place in the politics of their country.
I would recommend checking the TWs before reading this book as it deals with heavy topics, among other things.
I liked the characters a lot because they were pretty dynamic and had a lot of different sides to them. The storyline was really interesting and I would say the second half sucked me in to the point I had a hard time putting the book down. The many twists and turns kept me reading for hours, as some of them was really unexpected. The spice was enjoyable, but not the reason I wanted to read it and it was plot-relevant. I liked the romance and the pining a lot. I think my favorite scene is when Aurelius opens up about his past relationship.
The first third of this is dedicated to the world building, which is understandable since this is the first book of a series, but it was a bit slow, and since I'm not super informed about Greek mythology of ancient Greece, I had a hard time wrapping my head around the politics and such. This part was also kind of slow, but the pace definitely picked up as a book went on. This is also why it didn't reach a full 5 stars for me.
It ends on a tense cliffhanger and I'm already looking forward to reading the next book and see what happens next.
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy spicy queer fantasy and Greek mythology.
4/5 🌟 OUT JUNE 13
First of all, I want to thank Dylan Drakes for letting me read this book as an ARC.
This book is a queer adult fantasy romance in a world inspired by ancient Greece.
It follows the cousins Aurelius and Teigra and their place in the politics of their country.
I would recommend checking the TWs before reading this book as it deals with heavy topics, among other things.
I liked the characters a lot because they were pretty dynamic and had a lot of different sides to them. The storyline was really interesting and I would say the second half sucked me in to the point I had a hard time putting the book down. The many twists and turns kept me reading for hours, as some of them was really unexpected. The spice was enjoyable, but not the reason I wanted to read it and it was plot-relevant. I liked the romance and the pining a lot. I think my favorite scene is when Aurelius opens up about his past relationship.
The first third of this is dedicated to the world building, which is understandable since this is the first book of a series, but it was a bit slow, and since I'm not super informed about Greek mythology of ancient Greece, I had a hard time wrapping my head around the politics and such. This part was also kind of slow, but the pace definitely picked up as a book went on. This is also why it didn't reach a full 5 stars for me.
It ends on a tense cliffhanger and I'm already looking forward to reading the next book and see what happens next.
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy spicy queer fantasy and Greek mythology.
September 13, 2023
Dylan has created such an expensive world here with very detailed characters that you will find yourself actually caring about. I am in love with the titular Saytr Prince in question. These pages got STEAMY. Highly recommend.
May 30, 2023
ARC REVIEW
I liked it
OUR SATYR PRINCE
by @thedylandrakes
esp. towards the end because the world was more familiar by then and implied character traits started to make more sense
What I found most interesting:
+world building
+intrigues
+some twists
I found the Teigra's conflicts/plot line most intriguing
Some things about her didn't make sense until she opened her eyes 😅 Gosh, that girl made me roll my eyes and shake my head (figuratively)
She and her cousin: When you read it, be prepared for some petty and impulsive choices 🥲
I mean, the narrator said the cousins can trust eo and they love eo unconditionally (or sth along the lines) but I started to think it's a big fat lie 😅
Tiggy, even the narrator lies to you 🥲
I liked how the female erotic scenes were written btw (actually, more than the male once 😅)
I find the writing/phrasing interesting but a few times it didn't go well with the limitation of pov narration - as I understand it
Romance: I like Calix and Aurie together in the latter part of the book. Only I'd have wished for a more elaborate build up to their romance...
Humor: The parts that made me smile/smirk (not in a mocking way - those came way earlier) started to appear more often in the latter part of the book
Romance again: Calix & Aurie are funny/cute together ☺️
To sum up:
I liked it more with every chapter and now I'm commited to follow their journey
I liked it
OUR SATYR PRINCE
by @thedylandrakes
esp. towards the end because the world was more familiar by then and implied character traits started to make more sense
What I found most interesting:
+world building
+intrigues
+some twists
I found the Teigra's conflicts/plot line most intriguing
Some things about her didn't make sense until she opened her eyes 😅 Gosh, that girl made me roll my eyes and shake my head (figuratively)
She and her cousin: When you read it, be prepared for some petty and impulsive choices 🥲
I mean, the narrator said the cousins can trust eo and they love eo unconditionally (or sth along the lines) but I started to think it's a big fat lie 😅
Tiggy, even the narrator lies to you 🥲
I liked how the female erotic scenes were written btw (actually, more than the male once 😅)
I find the writing/phrasing interesting but a few times it didn't go well with the limitation of pov narration - as I understand it
Romance: I like Calix and Aurie together in the latter part of the book. Only I'd have wished for a more elaborate build up to their romance...
Humor: The parts that made me smile/smirk (not in a mocking way - those came way earlier) started to appear more often in the latter part of the book
Romance again: Calix & Aurie are funny/cute together ☺️
To sum up:
I liked it more with every chapter and now I'm commited to follow their journey
May 5, 2023
Oooft you know those stories you never want to end? Well this is one of them.
War is coming. And Mestibes is a polity with no army and no way to defend against attack. Enter Aurelius, no stranger to using his manly wiles to gather information, he is sent on a mission to broker a military alliance with Ardora in exchange for being welcomed back into his family’s good graces.
The world building in this was just phenomenal. I want to visit all of the places and experience all of the different cultures. But not only that, the way that each chapter takes on the POV of Aurelius and his cousin Tiegra as they constantly help and hinder each other on this mission brought me much joy and entertainment.
Look I’ll be honest and say I was expecting a bit more spice, but what was there was more than enough (I think Aurelius would agree 😉), and I do greatly enjoy the varying positions of the sexual spectrum that have been written into this book, it is refreshing.
This was honestly the first fantasy book that I have read in a while, and it may have brought back my love for a good fantasy saga. Now bring on the next book in the series!
Thanks aplenty to @thedylandrakes for allowing me to read an ARC and Our Satyr Prince is out June 13, 2023 and is now available on pre-order from Amazon for less than a sip of coffee!
War is coming. And Mestibes is a polity with no army and no way to defend against attack. Enter Aurelius, no stranger to using his manly wiles to gather information, he is sent on a mission to broker a military alliance with Ardora in exchange for being welcomed back into his family’s good graces.
The world building in this was just phenomenal. I want to visit all of the places and experience all of the different cultures. But not only that, the way that each chapter takes on the POV of Aurelius and his cousin Tiegra as they constantly help and hinder each other on this mission brought me much joy and entertainment.
Look I’ll be honest and say I was expecting a bit more spice, but what was there was more than enough (I think Aurelius would agree 😉), and I do greatly enjoy the varying positions of the sexual spectrum that have been written into this book, it is refreshing.
This was honestly the first fantasy book that I have read in a while, and it may have brought back my love for a good fantasy saga. Now bring on the next book in the series!
Thanks aplenty to @thedylandrakes for allowing me to read an ARC and Our Satyr Prince is out June 13, 2023 and is now available on pre-order from Amazon for less than a sip of coffee!
July 4, 2023
Cousins Aurelius and Teigra are leaving their home of Mestibes to attempt an alliance with Ardora. With war on the horizon, and both of them attempting to save their names, so much is on the line. When Aurelius discovers that there is a way to win over Ardora, he is willing to “sacrifice” himself, by seducing the crown prince, Calix.
Calix has secrets he’s tried to bury deep. His sister, Zosime, seems to be his ally in keeping his secrets covered. But Zosime may be more foe than friend, working behind his back to move all the pieces into her favor.
There’s also the hidden depths of these lands, under all the political intrigue, that haunts everyone…myths that may be more real than anyone thinks.
This is an Ancient Greek inspired story, with a fascinating new world created by Drakes.
You’ll find:
-A full spectrum of queer characters
-Political plots
-Magical creatures
-Mythology and deities
-A cunning yet heartbroken Twink
-A sexy prince with secrets
-Amazing characters!
And an explosive ending!!! 💥💥💥💥💥
Calix has secrets he’s tried to bury deep. His sister, Zosime, seems to be his ally in keeping his secrets covered. But Zosime may be more foe than friend, working behind his back to move all the pieces into her favor.
There’s also the hidden depths of these lands, under all the political intrigue, that haunts everyone…myths that may be more real than anyone thinks.
This is an Ancient Greek inspired story, with a fascinating new world created by Drakes.
You’ll find:
-A full spectrum of queer characters
-Political plots
-Magical creatures
-Mythology and deities
-A cunning yet heartbroken Twink
-A sexy prince with secrets
-Amazing characters!
And an explosive ending!!! 💥💥💥💥💥
June 10, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of this book that will be published June 13!
I loved this book! It took me on a roller coaster of emotions.
I won't spoil anything, so I will just share my thoughts on this book. It's a spicy queer fantasy inspired by Ancient Greece.
To say that the MMC frustrated me at times is an understatement. Aurelius was a spoiled brat at the beginning, but as the story evolved, so did he.
Teigra, his cousin, started out as a person that did everything she was told to do. But she found herself throughout the book and I loved it!
The story was well written, I liked the plot and the slow burn was killing me. It kept me interested, wanting to know more, keeping me on my toes.
Dual POV. Short chapters
The world building was a little heavy, but hey, it needed to be there.
The ending of the book almost tore me apart because I NEED to know what happens RIGHT NOW!😂
I'm not good at reviews, so I will stop here, but I will read this book again.
If you like queer fantasy set in Ancient Greece with slow burn, I highly suggest this book!
I loved this book! It took me on a roller coaster of emotions.
I won't spoil anything, so I will just share my thoughts on this book. It's a spicy queer fantasy inspired by Ancient Greece.
To say that the MMC frustrated me at times is an understatement. Aurelius was a spoiled brat at the beginning, but as the story evolved, so did he.
Teigra, his cousin, started out as a person that did everything she was told to do. But she found herself throughout the book and I loved it!
The story was well written, I liked the plot and the slow burn was killing me. It kept me interested, wanting to know more, keeping me on my toes.
Dual POV. Short chapters
The world building was a little heavy, but hey, it needed to be there.
The ending of the book almost tore me apart because I NEED to know what happens RIGHT NOW!😂
I'm not good at reviews, so I will stop here, but I will read this book again.
If you like queer fantasy set in Ancient Greece with slow burn, I highly suggest this book!
August 25, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and Dylan Drakes for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
.
Our Satyr Prince is a spicy, queer, mythological fantasy, with a base in Greek myth but plenty of original spin. With all the political scheming and plotting that we love in a good high fantasy, the deep, real connections to characters, and some damn good sex scenes, this book is a treat and a dream for the queer lover of fantasy who longs for a bit of smut in their world. Calix is a swoon worthy beast of a man, Aurelius is a fun character, with a real undercurrent of turmoil and sadness, and every other character felt fleshed out and real, with their own personality and motivations.
.
I am so glad I read this, and I absolutely devoured it in a single day. I can't wait for more from this series, and from what I can tell, the author does have an awful lot more to come for us (phrasing). I can not recommend this book highly enough, and I'll be buying myself a physical copy!
.
Our Satyr Prince is a spicy, queer, mythological fantasy, with a base in Greek myth but plenty of original spin. With all the political scheming and plotting that we love in a good high fantasy, the deep, real connections to characters, and some damn good sex scenes, this book is a treat and a dream for the queer lover of fantasy who longs for a bit of smut in their world. Calix is a swoon worthy beast of a man, Aurelius is a fun character, with a real undercurrent of turmoil and sadness, and every other character felt fleshed out and real, with their own personality and motivations.
.
I am so glad I read this, and I absolutely devoured it in a single day. I can't wait for more from this series, and from what I can tell, the author does have an awful lot more to come for us (phrasing). I can not recommend this book highly enough, and I'll be buying myself a physical copy!
July 14, 2023
Let me start off by saying this is a ME thing, not a book thing.
The Good:
The plot was engaging and interesting. This is Dylan Drakes debut novel and his world-building rivals experts in the fantasy genre. Detailed, unique, and vivid landscapes and cultures were thoroughly flushed out. The characters were well developed and flawed naturally in ways that complimented the plot. Overall, I enjoyed everything in the “background.”
The Not-So-Good:
I though this was a mm romance. It DOES have some mlm going on, but there’s also some vague wlw in some scenes. Neither are completely developed in my opinion. I think if this had been advertised more of fantasy with “some” romantic elements, I would’ve been more prepared. But I thought I was getting into a mm romance and that’s definitely not what I got.
Bravo, though, on Dylan’s debut because for those who enjoy this genre, it’s perfect!
Arc provided to me from NetGalley and the publisher.
The Good:
The plot was engaging and interesting. This is Dylan Drakes debut novel and his world-building rivals experts in the fantasy genre. Detailed, unique, and vivid landscapes and cultures were thoroughly flushed out. The characters were well developed and flawed naturally in ways that complimented the plot. Overall, I enjoyed everything in the “background.”
The Not-So-Good:
I though this was a mm romance. It DOES have some mlm going on, but there’s also some vague wlw in some scenes. Neither are completely developed in my opinion. I think if this had been advertised more of fantasy with “some” romantic elements, I would’ve been more prepared. But I thought I was getting into a mm romance and that’s definitely not what I got.
Bravo, though, on Dylan’s debut because for those who enjoy this genre, it’s perfect!
Arc provided to me from NetGalley and the publisher.
April 27, 2023
I had the absolute joy to be an advance reader for this book. And boy, oh boy... it was a journey.
First of all, the wonderful Dylan is self-publishing this book. And you can pre-order it through the links on his socials. Go get this one. You won't be disappointed.
I enjoyed this book very much. It actually got me out of my reading slump. It is a fast-paced Queer Adult High Fantasy with alternating chapters between the main characters. 😁
First, we meet Aurelius, an over the top gay person who is not afraid to work for what he wants. 💁♂️
Then we meet Tiegra (sexuality not confirmed), the absolute counterpart to Aurelius. 🙅♀️
Set in a world that feels in Roman times, we travel to the beautiful country of Adora, where many adventures between the two happened.
This book is an absolute treasure, and I can't wait for part two.
First of all, the wonderful Dylan is self-publishing this book. And you can pre-order it through the links on his socials. Go get this one. You won't be disappointed.
I enjoyed this book very much. It actually got me out of my reading slump. It is a fast-paced Queer Adult High Fantasy with alternating chapters between the main characters. 😁
First, we meet Aurelius, an over the top gay person who is not afraid to work for what he wants. 💁♂️
Then we meet Tiegra (sexuality not confirmed), the absolute counterpart to Aurelius. 🙅♀️
Set in a world that feels in Roman times, we travel to the beautiful country of Adora, where many adventures between the two happened.
This book is an absolute treasure, and I can't wait for part two.
June 15, 2023
This was one hell of a debut novel! Well done Dylan. Right from chapter one I was hooked! The writing is so nice, it made it very easy to read the book. The only thing that I needed to get into was all the different names.
The worldbuilding was very well done I could see the places very well in my mind. It's always a great extra if a writer takes the time to really build his world and describes the things so great.
And I loved that the book was in duo POV. You'll get to know Aurelius and Teigra so well.
If you like the Ancient Greek, an amazing worldbuilding story, fantasy and good smut this is definitely the story you need to pick up! I can't wait for book 2!
Thank you author for the ARC to read. I left this review voluntarily.
Check the Trigger warnings before reading.
The worldbuilding was very well done I could see the places very well in my mind. It's always a great extra if a writer takes the time to really build his world and describes the things so great.
And I loved that the book was in duo POV. You'll get to know Aurelius and Teigra so well.
If you like the Ancient Greek, an amazing worldbuilding story, fantasy and good smut this is definitely the story you need to pick up! I can't wait for book 2!
Thank you author for the ARC to read. I left this review voluntarily.
Check the Trigger warnings before reading.
May 10, 2023
*Thank you to Dylan Drakes for the arc in exchange of an honest review*
TW: Homophobia, PTSD, Explicit sex, Death of a parent, Domestic violence, gore
That book was the a queer adult fantasy book at it's finest. Ancient Greece never seemed better. I loved the plot, I loved all the characters even those I hated (you know who you are-no spoilers though!).
With excellent plot and a magical system to die for this immersive experience will not let you put the book down.
And that ending? What? I need book 2 NOW.
Also, as a Greek myself, double cudos for writer Dylan Drakes, for not butchering the language.
Read it, my fellow #bookworms. You won't be dissapointed.
TW: Homophobia, PTSD, Explicit sex, Death of a parent, Domestic violence, gore
That book was the a queer adult fantasy book at it's finest. Ancient Greece never seemed better. I loved the plot, I loved all the characters even those I hated (you know who you are-no spoilers though!).
With excellent plot and a magical system to die for this immersive experience will not let you put the book down.
And that ending? What? I need book 2 NOW.
Also, as a Greek myself, double cudos for writer Dylan Drakes, for not butchering the language.
Read it, my fellow #bookworms. You won't be dissapointed.
October 6, 2025
Ancient Greco-Roman cultures live again (after a fashion, in a sort of amalgamated way) in Our Satyr Prince, where a fantasy world of city-states kneels at the foot of a mountain housing the gods. Mythical demigods are only the stuff of stories (or are they?), but creatures like pegasi and hippocami and people like centaurs and minotaurs walk among them.
Aurelius is the publicly gay and disgraced (TW for systemic homophobia) son of the archon of Mestibes. Teigra, his cousin, is no stranger to public approbation and then disdain herself. At the beginning of the book, the very trait that made Aurelius persona non grata to his mother becomes a weapon in her arsenal. He's to be sent to the polity of Ardora to seduce their crown prince/strategos into protecting Mestibes from a secretly imminent invasion. Aurelius uses his network of secrets and blackmail to ensure that Teigra is named a senatorial envoy for the mission. While she doesn't answer to him as Herald, she'll be a friendly, familiar face. Even better, he'll get her away from her horrible, abusive family. Though she's not the type to crave adventure, he knows she won't take action to escape her life unless he forces the issue.
The book is billed as a romance because of Aurelius' relationship with Prince Calix. I'm not sure I'd really categorize it that way for a couple of reasons. For one, the main POVs are Aurelius and Teigra, who doesn't have her own romantic plot (yet) but is going through an uncomfortable queer awakening, among other things. Though she knows about Aurelius's identity and refuses to take issue with it, she'd never considered gayness for herself. To make matters worse, what is a source of shame and social exclusion in Mestibes is prevented with outright violence in the state of Ardora. It's not a place to explore or come out safely. In both our characters' stories, they are working ostensibly for the same goal of gaining a political alliance, but as cracks appear in what has been a cornerstone friendship for them both, their political plots diverge and even compete.
Despite that caveat, the romance is a sizeable piece of the story and features open-door scenes, as well. Since Calix is doing his best to avoid Aurelius for most of the book, it's not a spice fest from start to finish, though. We mostly see Aurelius plotting to ensnare the Prince while failing to do so. Even when he's effectively captured his attention, Calix keeps running, and Aurelius is largely focused on his mission and the physical aspect of what could be. That's part of why I didn't get what I wanted from the romantic story. I'm just not a fan of instalust that becomes interchangeable with instalove, and it's interesting/strange to find it here since Prince Calix is bisexual but homoromantic. There's this space there to tell a story about a man who won't find romance unless it's with another man, and then that's the part of their bond that gets the least airtime. In summary: the spice is present but weirdly limited given what a horndog Aurelius is, but the romance doesn't make up the difference.
Things go from bad to worse in the handling of Teigra's story. Everyone is constantly telling her the self-fulfilling prophecy that she's pathetic, from her new acquaintances in Ardora to her increasingly hostile cousin. We know that she suffered a great trauma in her youth and has since been subject to her family's abuse, and isn't this flavor of "advice" more of the same? She has just one friend who believes in her and treats her accordingly as the story progresses; it's not her fault that she doesn't return his attraction. I guess I'm just tired of a story where the message an actual victim is hearing is to toughen up and stop taking positions of weakness -- as if her acts of loyalty and mercy and attempts to do right simply can't stack up to cunning plots and shows of strength. And by the end of the book, she's internalized that message. There's no space left for a reader to find value in her unless she undergoes a major personality transplant. I didn't mind that this first journey away from home causes Teigra to lose some innocence or that she has to confront some of her deeply held beliefs. It's the complete dismissal of everything she stands for that I couldn't get over. Aurelius' behavior as her supposed friend especially got to me. He's not meant to be perfect, and good for him, but Teigra can be imperfect in a different direction without him stomping all over her and manipulating her loyalty to him at every turn. It's reframed right at the end that Aurelius and a potential love interest have acted in this way because they wanted her to live up to her potential. The teacher in me is horrified that this is presented as a reasonable path to push someone to grow. Just break them down until they fight back?
Here's the thing. I thought this book did an admirable job with world-building, with telling an engaging story, and with giving us two POVs that don't always work in concert. I just think as a romance, there could have been more that was actually romantic, and the story about an abuse victim finding her strength was framed badly to the point of being detrimental in its messaging. I wouldn't be opposed to reading more from this author, but I don't think I'd pick up another installment in this series if it continues. Thanks to BooksGoSocial for my copy to read and review!
Aurelius is the publicly gay and disgraced (TW for systemic homophobia) son of the archon of Mestibes. Teigra, his cousin, is no stranger to public approbation and then disdain herself. At the beginning of the book, the very trait that made Aurelius persona non grata to his mother becomes a weapon in her arsenal. He's to be sent to the polity of Ardora to seduce their crown prince/strategos into protecting Mestibes from a secretly imminent invasion. Aurelius uses his network of secrets and blackmail to ensure that Teigra is named a senatorial envoy for the mission. While she doesn't answer to him as Herald, she'll be a friendly, familiar face. Even better, he'll get her away from her horrible, abusive family. Though she's not the type to crave adventure, he knows she won't take action to escape her life unless he forces the issue.
The book is billed as a romance because of Aurelius' relationship with Prince Calix. I'm not sure I'd really categorize it that way for a couple of reasons. For one, the main POVs are Aurelius and Teigra, who doesn't have her own romantic plot (yet) but is going through an uncomfortable queer awakening, among other things. Though she knows about Aurelius's identity and refuses to take issue with it, she'd never considered gayness for herself. To make matters worse, what is a source of shame and social exclusion in Mestibes is prevented with outright violence in the state of Ardora. It's not a place to explore or come out safely. In both our characters' stories, they are working ostensibly for the same goal of gaining a political alliance, but as cracks appear in what has been a cornerstone friendship for them both, their political plots diverge and even compete.
Despite that caveat, the romance is a sizeable piece of the story and features open-door scenes, as well. Since Calix is doing his best to avoid Aurelius for most of the book, it's not a spice fest from start to finish, though. We mostly see Aurelius plotting to ensnare the Prince while failing to do so. Even when he's effectively captured his attention, Calix keeps running, and Aurelius is largely focused on his mission and the physical aspect of what could be. That's part of why I didn't get what I wanted from the romantic story. I'm just not a fan of instalust that becomes interchangeable with instalove, and it's interesting/strange to find it here since Prince Calix is bisexual but homoromantic. There's this space there to tell a story about a man who won't find romance unless it's with another man, and then that's the part of their bond that gets the least airtime. In summary: the spice is present but weirdly limited given what a horndog Aurelius is, but the romance doesn't make up the difference.
Things go from bad to worse in the handling of Teigra's story. Everyone is constantly telling her the self-fulfilling prophecy that she's pathetic, from her new acquaintances in Ardora to her increasingly hostile cousin. We know that she suffered a great trauma in her youth and has since been subject to her family's abuse, and isn't this flavor of "advice" more of the same? She has just one friend who believes in her and treats her accordingly as the story progresses; it's not her fault that she doesn't return his attraction. I guess I'm just tired of a story where the message an actual victim is hearing is to toughen up and stop taking positions of weakness -- as if her acts of loyalty and mercy and attempts to do right simply can't stack up to cunning plots and shows of strength. And by the end of the book, she's internalized that message. There's no space left for a reader to find value in her unless she undergoes a major personality transplant. I didn't mind that this first journey away from home causes Teigra to lose some innocence or that she has to confront some of her deeply held beliefs. It's the complete dismissal of everything she stands for that I couldn't get over. Aurelius' behavior as her supposed friend especially got to me. He's not meant to be perfect, and good for him, but Teigra can be imperfect in a different direction without him stomping all over her and manipulating her loyalty to him at every turn. It's reframed right at the end that Aurelius and a potential love interest have acted in this way because they wanted her to live up to her potential. The teacher in me is horrified that this is presented as a reasonable path to push someone to grow. Just break them down until they fight back?
Here's the thing. I thought this book did an admirable job with world-building, with telling an engaging story, and with giving us two POVs that don't always work in concert. I just think as a romance, there could have been more that was actually romantic, and the story about an abuse victim finding her strength was framed badly to the point of being detrimental in its messaging. I wouldn't be opposed to reading more from this author, but I don't think I'd pick up another installment in this series if it continues. Thanks to BooksGoSocial for my copy to read and review!
July 3, 2023
I was drawn in by the queer fantasy with elements of mythology. The worldbuilding here was decent, I was actually interested in the political structure from the varying regions. The lore was rich as well, full of mythological creatures (representation!!🤩🤩) seen as part of society in broad daylight and not just regarded as stories or legends.
However the plot was not very engaging, but it was passable. Mostly because half of it was just the self-serving political ambitions that one of the MCs were trying to achieve, which didn't garner a lot of sympathy from me, but that could just be me personally. The younger cousin tagging along was a fairly random occurrence. She didn't even have a strong story arc to follow and was mostly just a pawn to be played in the larger plot.
Speaking of the MCs, I didn't like both. Aurelius is manipulative and cocky. He's well written if that's the goal of him, but you can understand that those aren't the most shining qualities you would want your main driving force of the plot to have for the entire story. We see a bit of his past which gives the readers some insights to him as a person, but it comes too late and by then I was already quite done with it.
Teigra was just...bad. I can't blame her for being the epitome of a young and dumb 18 year old. Just consistently dumb throughout the story, I felt bad for her but at some point her weakness just got annoying.
The good news is this is part of a series and there's a lot of room for improvement for these characters. The ending implies teigra getting a new arc after the events that happened (yass grow bitch🙄🥱), and Aurelius can probably stop being so..him.. now that he's with Calix.
However the plot was not very engaging, but it was passable. Mostly because half of it was just the self-serving political ambitions that one of the MCs were trying to achieve, which didn't garner a lot of sympathy from me, but that could just be me personally. The younger cousin tagging along was a fairly random occurrence. She didn't even have a strong story arc to follow and was mostly just a pawn to be played in the larger plot.
Speaking of the MCs, I didn't like both. Aurelius is manipulative and cocky. He's well written if that's the goal of him, but you can understand that those aren't the most shining qualities you would want your main driving force of the plot to have for the entire story. We see a bit of his past which gives the readers some insights to him as a person, but it comes too late and by then I was already quite done with it.
Teigra was just...bad. I can't blame her for being the epitome of a young and dumb 18 year old. Just consistently dumb throughout the story, I felt bad for her but at some point her weakness just got annoying.
The good news is this is part of a series and there's a lot of room for improvement for these characters. The ending implies teigra getting a new arc after the events that happened (yass grow bitch🙄🥱), and Aurelius can probably stop being so..him.. now that he's with Calix.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews