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Natural Outlaws and Fractured Sovereignty
A precarious royal court. Two thieves with everything to lose.
Caught robbing the Governor’s mansion, Blythe is given a steal the crown jewel of Ostrait’s greatest enemy, or her papa and friends all die. Forced undercover as a candidate in the Fletch King’s marital competition, she must survive the cut-throat court under the watchful eye of the Governor’s pet assassin. But how much of herself will this mission cost her?
Kalen got her into this mess. And now they must keep their head down in the servants’ quarters, enduring their new superior’s brutality and confronted with the terrors of their past. It’s no longer as simple as crafting bombs and letting the fire do the work—there’s nowhere left to run, and his real talent seems to lie in screwing everything up.
Can a martyr learn what it means to live? Can a coward learn what it means to fight?
They’re only a pair of outcasts. Failures. Will the cruelties of court tear their friendship apart? Or can they salvage a future together in a world that doesn't want them?
****
This new-adult queerplatonic dark fantasy will take readers on a long-con heist sure to keep them on the edges of their seats, and contains themes/subject matter intended for a mature audience.
Caught robbing the Governor’s mansion, Blythe is given a steal the crown jewel of Ostrait’s greatest enemy, or her papa and friends all die. Forced undercover as a candidate in the Fletch King’s marital competition, she must survive the cut-throat court under the watchful eye of the Governor’s pet assassin. But how much of herself will this mission cost her?
Kalen got her into this mess. And now they must keep their head down in the servants’ quarters, enduring their new superior’s brutality and confronted with the terrors of their past. It’s no longer as simple as crafting bombs and letting the fire do the work—there’s nowhere left to run, and his real talent seems to lie in screwing everything up.
Can a martyr learn what it means to live? Can a coward learn what it means to fight?
They’re only a pair of outcasts. Failures. Will the cruelties of court tear their friendship apart? Or can they salvage a future together in a world that doesn't want them?
****
This new-adult queerplatonic dark fantasy will take readers on a long-con heist sure to keep them on the edges of their seats, and contains themes/subject matter intended for a mature audience.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2023
8 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Pearce
2 books16 followersS.M. Pearce is the author of queerplatonic NA dark fantasy, Natural Outlaws and Fractured Sovereignty, and 2018 YA dystopian novel, Outliers.
S.M. is also a history student at the University of Toronto, and lives in Ontario, Canada with her family.
S.M. is also a history student at the University of Toronto, and lives in Ontario, Canada with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 9, 2023
4 ⭐ CW: violence, child abuse/abuse in general, cursing, homophobia, misogyny, suicidal ideation, sexual content, attempted rape, vomiting, death of a parent, death of a child, substance use/addiction
Natural Outlaws and Fractured Sovereignty by S.M. Pierce is an adult dark fantasy that is super queer and has a heist! We get some wonderful found family moments and some great rep as follows: queer platonic relationship between main characters, Kalen uses he/they and is attracted to men, Blythe is alloaro and bi, Frida is a lesbian, and Saihd is (I think) intersex and ace.
We start with Kalen and his suicide attempt and Blythe talking him down. Kalen came from the home of an abusive noble, and Blythe is a poor girl just trying to take care of her ailing father while trying to please her god by being self sacrificing. Kalen is an expert in making bombs, and Blythe has a bestowment (sort like a talent like a Grace in Graceling) that makes it easy for her to hide or go unnoticed. When Kalen convinces Blythe to steal from the rich to feed themselves and pay rent, they are caught by the Governor, and coerced into planning a heist against a rival nation.
Blythe has to pretend to be a noble and go unnoticed in order to pull off the heist while Kalen is a servant, Frida (their roommate) poses as a cook, the Sea captain Saihd posing as an advisor, and the Viper (the governor's ward/indentured servant) poses as Blythe's lady in waiting. Blythe struggles with the need to harm other people as it goes against her self sacrificing way. She's a little too rightous, and it gets her into trouble. Kalen is struggling with the abuse they must endure at the hands of the servant Superior, triggering memories of his abusive father. The Viper must learn that kindness doesn't always come with a cost. Yay found family!
The Fletch King is the worst! He has a bestowment that makes him hard to resist and he gave me the major ick. I loved the relationship between Kalen and Blythe. We do get a bit of a miscommunication trope between them, but in this case it works pretty well, but I still wanted to yell at them to just talk about it. I do wish we had gotten more from Frida and Saihd, but I loved the growth that the Viper, or should I say, Arabella had. Although her arc was predictable, it was satisfying.
I don't know if there is going to be a book two or not, but I would totally read about these characters smuggling "natural Outlaws" (queer people) to safe places. This was super queer and I love the found family. Looking forward to more from this author.
This book releases August 12th, so get your copy!
Natural Outlaws and Fractured Sovereignty by S.M. Pierce is an adult dark fantasy that is super queer and has a heist! We get some wonderful found family moments and some great rep as follows: queer platonic relationship between main characters, Kalen uses he/they and is attracted to men, Blythe is alloaro and bi, Frida is a lesbian, and Saihd is (I think) intersex and ace.
We start with Kalen and his suicide attempt and Blythe talking him down. Kalen came from the home of an abusive noble, and Blythe is a poor girl just trying to take care of her ailing father while trying to please her god by being self sacrificing. Kalen is an expert in making bombs, and Blythe has a bestowment (sort like a talent like a Grace in Graceling) that makes it easy for her to hide or go unnoticed. When Kalen convinces Blythe to steal from the rich to feed themselves and pay rent, they are caught by the Governor, and coerced into planning a heist against a rival nation.
Blythe has to pretend to be a noble and go unnoticed in order to pull off the heist while Kalen is a servant, Frida (their roommate) poses as a cook, the Sea captain Saihd posing as an advisor, and the Viper (the governor's ward/indentured servant) poses as Blythe's lady in waiting. Blythe struggles with the need to harm other people as it goes against her self sacrificing way. She's a little too rightous, and it gets her into trouble. Kalen is struggling with the abuse they must endure at the hands of the servant Superior, triggering memories of his abusive father. The Viper must learn that kindness doesn't always come with a cost. Yay found family!
The Fletch King is the worst! He has a bestowment that makes him hard to resist and he gave me the major ick. I loved the relationship between Kalen and Blythe. We do get a bit of a miscommunication trope between them, but in this case it works pretty well, but I still wanted to yell at them to just talk about it. I do wish we had gotten more from Frida and Saihd, but I loved the growth that the Viper, or should I say, Arabella had. Although her arc was predictable, it was satisfying.
I don't know if there is going to be a book two or not, but I would totally read about these characters smuggling "natural Outlaws" (queer people) to safe places. This was super queer and I love the found family. Looking forward to more from this author.
This book releases August 12th, so get your copy!
July 18, 2023
✨Arc Review✨
The character Kalen I’m not sure if they’re suppose to be using they/them pronouns for he/his because the author keeps going back and forth with them. I’m enjoying the read but I’m finding it a little slow paced. Lots of adventure and twists and turns though to keep you hooked.
The character Kalen I’m not sure if they’re suppose to be using they/them pronouns for he/his because the author keeps going back and forth with them. I’m enjoying the read but I’m finding it a little slow paced. Lots of adventure and twists and turns though to keep you hooked.
July 28, 2024
Mi dispiace dirlo perché avevo buone aspettative su un high fantasy e royal setting fantasy (termini delle recenti categorizzazioni semplici online), perché sono ambientazioni che adoro. Unito poi al trope dell’”heist” (colpo), del “protagonista che si infiltra in una corte under cover”, e in più sapendo che c’era il trope della found family e personaggi queer.
Ma, come si dice in inglese… it fell flat. Dall’inizio alla fine. E non è neanche breve, per cui non mi sento di salvarlo o di alzare il voto a 2 stelle solo per l’inizio e la fine, che sono per me gli unici punti buoni. Tutto il resto non ha un punto A e un punto B, non ha un obiettivo chiaro (a parte i messaggi positivi e di riscatto finali), sono una serie di scene in sequenza per far vedere il contrasto tra nobili e protagonisti maldestri. Che lo sono fin troppo, rendendo tutto noioso💀addirittura molte scene sono RACCONTATE o sintetizzate anziché mostrate al lettore. Like, no🤌
Già in partenza in realtà è irrealistico, perché non ha senso che un Governatore di una nazione che viene descritta come ingiusta e opportunista, divisa tra ricchi e poveri, mandi una persona qualunque a un’importante missione contro un’altra nazione -con la quale sanno che si rischia la guerra-, senza allenamento. Il cosiddetto “bestowment” che Blythe e Kalen possiedono non viene spiegato: non si sa da dove venga, se dalle divinità o dalla nascita (ma allora vuol dire che ci dovrebbe essere comunque della magia o peculiarità, e non è così, è una società antica normalissima), “gli scienziati si interrogano” ma poi🤌, e viene detto che loro due sono pure rari perché più spesso questi “doni” erano un miglioramento rispetto a capacità generali (come non ferirsi molto durante le “litigate da bar” (ma che è?), o saper sparare più dritto, e simili). Continua a non essere spiegato ma okay
Kalen (pronomi he/they, anche se non ho capito come fanno a saperlo gli altri visto che non lo comunica ad alta voce) sa fare esplosivi e viene da una famiglia reale, scappato dal padre praticamente tiranno, che lo picchiava e quasi faceva annegare (viene accennato al fatto che era probabilmente per omofobia ma… boh, non ben chiarito, i suoi pensieri sono solo minacce paterne che gli ritornano in mente); eppure, lui fa finta di essere un servo nelle cucine (solo perché sa cucinare qualche piatto? Ah beh), ma a corte viene mandata Blythe, che ha il dono di sapersi nascondere bene (non si spiega anche qui come, cioè, è veloce nel non farsi vedere? È silenziosa? BAH), e… viene dalla classe bassa, non ha la minima preparazione per stare in mezzo ai nobili😅 ma perché AHAHAHAH IO BOH. Ogni azione di Blythe è un fallimento e lei non fa altro che sentirsi in colpa e ripetere le stesse cose h24.
Che poi sono le stesse che ripete anche Kalen, entrambi sanno che è per causa loro che sono stati beccati dal Governatore e inaspettatamente costretti a questa missione. Però se neanche vengono preparati, a parte qualche rimprovero della “Vipera” e qualche lettura di un libro… 😅ci credo che falliscono. Bah.
Ma anche Viper che nome è😭 e qual è il suo senso come personaggio😭 ragazza abbandonata e presa sotto la custodia del Governatore (ma non era il cattivo? Che interessi ha nel fare questo?) che la “usa” come assassina (non si sa dove e quando) visto che il suo bestowment è la capacità di creare veleni. Unita poi a un disertore dalla milizia, Saidh (che non si capisce bene se è anche un ragazzo trans, ma credo di sì? Parlava di poca accettazione del suo corpo), e a una… boh… tizia che sa rubare? Frida è semplicemente un’amica di Blythe e Kalen, ma anche il suo ruolo è inutile e incomprensibile. Lavora al pub della città per cui viene ovviamente messa nelle cucine, ma non fa assolutamente NIENTE quasi fino alla fine😭
Insomma, la banda sarebbe il classico caso di scappati di casa (tre dei quali anche queer, rappresentazione che si adegua molto a ciò che si ricerca negli ultimi tempi nei libri e nelle identità marginalizzate) che si riscattano. Ma l’esecuzione è un macello totale. Fin troppo statica e con una base che non regge. La missione è rubare oro e il gioiello della corona dal caveau della corte Fletch durante i “certatia”, dei giochi competitivi alla fine dei quali verrà eletta la sposa del re. Re che non avrebbe neanche bisogno di fare ciò perché ha il bestowment del carisma e manipolazione mentale ma hey… la trama si doveva inventare in qualche modo 😅🤌🤌🤌
Giochi che sono più cene e pranzi eleganti a cui Blythe deve stare dietro (e come riesca ad avere difficoltà in quelli ma facilità nel tiro con l’arco o nel puzzle mi lascia perplessa ma okay), sono super lenti, e solo a oltre metà libro una singola ragazza si rende conto che non è del paese Jardae. Ma anche questo non serve a niente se non a qualche minaccia, nessun pericolo😆👍
Per il resto, è un continuo di dialoghi e preoccupazioni gli uni per gli altri anche all’eccesso. Capisco l’affezionarsi nella famiglia ritrovata e il bel rapporto platonico tra Blythe e Kalen (ho apprezzato leggere qualche frase che in un altro contesto sarebbe sembrata romantica ma qui invece riesce a essere spontanea e affettuosa e a far capire che anche questo solido rapporto di amicizia (con tanto di tenersi per mano!) può succedere🙏🏻); MA neanche che ogni pensiero deve essere l’ansia e il senso di colpa ripetuto eh. Kalen soffre per il trattamento in cucina, Frida non si sa perché è un fantasma, Blythe è stanca di indossare corsetti stretti, Saidh e Viper chiedono informazioni a caso, laterali rispetto alla narrazione. È tutto un ripetersi. E poi incontrarsi di sera, scambiarsi le confidenze, baci abbracci e via. Ma boh.
Pathos? Zero. Informazioni rilevanti alla trama? Zero. Andazzo della missione? Zero a parte l’ultimo 40% in cui finalmente si ricordano che hanno delle bombe, una capacità di nascondiglio e veleni che possono usare e, nonostante sia stata resa facile per il contesto di corsa, sono risorse che fino a quel momento non erano quasi mai interpellate. Più importante ricordare la tristezza di Blythe e la paura dell’acqua di Kalen🤌 che okay va bene i personaggi spaesati e l’importanza di superare i traumi, ma si priva proprio il libro di ritmo eh
Anche il ritorno alla fine, dopo una scena a effetto a caso in cui la Vipera si rivela gelosa (e si rivela anche il suo vero nome, Arabella, che NON SI SA PERCHÉ arriva a oltre metà del libro. Chiamarla così da subito no, eh?) perché Blythe sembra “troppo buona” (non le darei tutti i torti, ha una missione con il rischio della vita di suo padre che le pesa eppure si preoccupa dei maialini maltrattati dai ragazzini a corte. Ma what the fuck😭😭😭capisco la sensibilità ma non è minimamente rilevante per la caratterizzazione😭🤌). Blythe capisce che Viper è stata cresciuta nell’idea di non fidarsi di nessuno, ma anche questo non ha importanza perché è costretta a fingere di essere la sua damigella per la missione. Altra roba che serve a poco visto che ha un potere che non usa quasi mai (se non per punire Blythe e Kalen all’inizio addormentandoli. Why? Who knows🤡)
Comunque, as I was saying, al ritorno Viper si rende conto che il Governatore è cattivo, perché voleva solo i suoi interessi e aveva già ucciso il padre di Blythe, e improvvisamente, da che non li sopportava, si unisce a lei e agli altri. Tutto è bene quel che finisce bene, il popolo si ribella, e tutti loro vanno a vivere isolati e tranquilli con più sostentamento. Ho capito veramente poco di come è finita la missione, mi è sembrato solo un caos, sembrava esserci uno skip sui momenti clue
Ma caotico è lo stesso worldbuilding: nazioni che vengono solo nominate e citato in due righe lo stato di guerra/pace, calendario che è strutturato come se i mesi fossero stagioni e i giorni arrivassero fino a 65– che sarebbe interessante se solo fosse UTILE ma non lo è😅 sarebbe potuto essere anche il 28 luglio, non sarebbe cambiato niente. Se ti inventi i nomi cool per il calendario e le festività mi devi dire da dove hanno origine, un’influenza per la popolazione, descrivermi che clima fa… non due righe sul glossario. Facile così ahahahahaha like
Il glossario stesso è interessante ma alcune parole non compaiono mai nel testo, come gli elenchi delle parole in slang o delle divinità. Dei e dee che hanno impatto ZERO nella storia, a parte essere nominati un paio di volte da Blythe che sembra avere fede ma non c’è emotività, non c’è un esempio di questa religione, santuari, simboli… NOTHING😀😀. Potrebbero credere a Gesù di Nazaret e, anche qui, sarebbe lo stesso. E le parole potevano essere interessanti perché sembrano simili al latino -con tanto di declinazione al plurale-, ma davvero non servono a niente. È un elenco, metà di quelle parole stanno lì per bellezza e se sono nel testo sono nei pensieri generali dei protagonisti, quasi mai in apparizioni vere e proprie
Insomma… a big mess. Peccato perché adoro il trope di questa narrazione, e un bello stand alone con rappresentazione LGBT+ sarebbe stato carino :/
Ma, come si dice in inglese… it fell flat. Dall’inizio alla fine. E non è neanche breve, per cui non mi sento di salvarlo o di alzare il voto a 2 stelle solo per l’inizio e la fine, che sono per me gli unici punti buoni. Tutto il resto non ha un punto A e un punto B, non ha un obiettivo chiaro (a parte i messaggi positivi e di riscatto finali), sono una serie di scene in sequenza per far vedere il contrasto tra nobili e protagonisti maldestri. Che lo sono fin troppo, rendendo tutto noioso💀addirittura molte scene sono RACCONTATE o sintetizzate anziché mostrate al lettore. Like, no🤌
Già in partenza in realtà è irrealistico, perché non ha senso che un Governatore di una nazione che viene descritta come ingiusta e opportunista, divisa tra ricchi e poveri, mandi una persona qualunque a un’importante missione contro un’altra nazione -con la quale sanno che si rischia la guerra-, senza allenamento. Il cosiddetto “bestowment” che Blythe e Kalen possiedono non viene spiegato: non si sa da dove venga, se dalle divinità o dalla nascita (ma allora vuol dire che ci dovrebbe essere comunque della magia o peculiarità, e non è così, è una società antica normalissima), “gli scienziati si interrogano” ma poi🤌, e viene detto che loro due sono pure rari perché più spesso questi “doni” erano un miglioramento rispetto a capacità generali (come non ferirsi molto durante le “litigate da bar” (ma che è?), o saper sparare più dritto, e simili). Continua a non essere spiegato ma okay
Kalen (pronomi he/they, anche se non ho capito come fanno a saperlo gli altri visto che non lo comunica ad alta voce) sa fare esplosivi e viene da una famiglia reale, scappato dal padre praticamente tiranno, che lo picchiava e quasi faceva annegare (viene accennato al fatto che era probabilmente per omofobia ma… boh, non ben chiarito, i suoi pensieri sono solo minacce paterne che gli ritornano in mente); eppure, lui fa finta di essere un servo nelle cucine (solo perché sa cucinare qualche piatto? Ah beh), ma a corte viene mandata Blythe, che ha il dono di sapersi nascondere bene (non si spiega anche qui come, cioè, è veloce nel non farsi vedere? È silenziosa? BAH), e… viene dalla classe bassa, non ha la minima preparazione per stare in mezzo ai nobili😅 ma perché AHAHAHAH IO BOH. Ogni azione di Blythe è un fallimento e lei non fa altro che sentirsi in colpa e ripetere le stesse cose h24.
Che poi sono le stesse che ripete anche Kalen, entrambi sanno che è per causa loro che sono stati beccati dal Governatore e inaspettatamente costretti a questa missione. Però se neanche vengono preparati, a parte qualche rimprovero della “Vipera” e qualche lettura di un libro… 😅ci credo che falliscono. Bah.
Ma anche Viper che nome è😭 e qual è il suo senso come personaggio😭 ragazza abbandonata e presa sotto la custodia del Governatore (ma non era il cattivo? Che interessi ha nel fare questo?) che la “usa” come assassina (non si sa dove e quando) visto che il suo bestowment è la capacità di creare veleni. Unita poi a un disertore dalla milizia, Saidh (che non si capisce bene se è anche un ragazzo trans, ma credo di sì? Parlava di poca accettazione del suo corpo), e a una… boh… tizia che sa rubare? Frida è semplicemente un’amica di Blythe e Kalen, ma anche il suo ruolo è inutile e incomprensibile. Lavora al pub della città per cui viene ovviamente messa nelle cucine, ma non fa assolutamente NIENTE quasi fino alla fine😭
Insomma, la banda sarebbe il classico caso di scappati di casa (tre dei quali anche queer, rappresentazione che si adegua molto a ciò che si ricerca negli ultimi tempi nei libri e nelle identità marginalizzate) che si riscattano. Ma l’esecuzione è un macello totale. Fin troppo statica e con una base che non regge. La missione è rubare oro e il gioiello della corona dal caveau della corte Fletch durante i “certatia”, dei giochi competitivi alla fine dei quali verrà eletta la sposa del re. Re che non avrebbe neanche bisogno di fare ciò perché ha il bestowment del carisma e manipolazione mentale ma hey… la trama si doveva inventare in qualche modo 😅🤌🤌🤌
Giochi che sono più cene e pranzi eleganti a cui Blythe deve stare dietro (e come riesca ad avere difficoltà in quelli ma facilità nel tiro con l’arco o nel puzzle mi lascia perplessa ma okay), sono super lenti, e solo a oltre metà libro una singola ragazza si rende conto che non è del paese Jardae. Ma anche questo non serve a niente se non a qualche minaccia, nessun pericolo😆👍
Per il resto, è un continuo di dialoghi e preoccupazioni gli uni per gli altri anche all’eccesso. Capisco l’affezionarsi nella famiglia ritrovata e il bel rapporto platonico tra Blythe e Kalen (ho apprezzato leggere qualche frase che in un altro contesto sarebbe sembrata romantica ma qui invece riesce a essere spontanea e affettuosa e a far capire che anche questo solido rapporto di amicizia (con tanto di tenersi per mano!) può succedere🙏🏻); MA neanche che ogni pensiero deve essere l’ansia e il senso di colpa ripetuto eh. Kalen soffre per il trattamento in cucina, Frida non si sa perché è un fantasma, Blythe è stanca di indossare corsetti stretti, Saidh e Viper chiedono informazioni a caso, laterali rispetto alla narrazione. È tutto un ripetersi. E poi incontrarsi di sera, scambiarsi le confidenze, baci abbracci e via. Ma boh.
Pathos? Zero. Informazioni rilevanti alla trama? Zero. Andazzo della missione? Zero a parte l’ultimo 40% in cui finalmente si ricordano che hanno delle bombe, una capacità di nascondiglio e veleni che possono usare e, nonostante sia stata resa facile per il contesto di corsa, sono risorse che fino a quel momento non erano quasi mai interpellate. Più importante ricordare la tristezza di Blythe e la paura dell’acqua di Kalen🤌 che okay va bene i personaggi spaesati e l’importanza di superare i traumi, ma si priva proprio il libro di ritmo eh
Anche il ritorno alla fine, dopo una scena a effetto a caso in cui la Vipera si rivela gelosa (e si rivela anche il suo vero nome, Arabella, che NON SI SA PERCHÉ arriva a oltre metà del libro. Chiamarla così da subito no, eh?) perché Blythe sembra “troppo buona” (non le darei tutti i torti, ha una missione con il rischio della vita di suo padre che le pesa eppure si preoccupa dei maialini maltrattati dai ragazzini a corte. Ma what the fuck😭😭😭capisco la sensibilità ma non è minimamente rilevante per la caratterizzazione😭🤌). Blythe capisce che Viper è stata cresciuta nell’idea di non fidarsi di nessuno, ma anche questo non ha importanza perché è costretta a fingere di essere la sua damigella per la missione. Altra roba che serve a poco visto che ha un potere che non usa quasi mai (se non per punire Blythe e Kalen all’inizio addormentandoli. Why? Who knows🤡)
Comunque, as I was saying, al ritorno Viper si rende conto che il Governatore è cattivo, perché voleva solo i suoi interessi e aveva già ucciso il padre di Blythe, e improvvisamente, da che non li sopportava, si unisce a lei e agli altri. Tutto è bene quel che finisce bene, il popolo si ribella, e tutti loro vanno a vivere isolati e tranquilli con più sostentamento. Ho capito veramente poco di come è finita la missione, mi è sembrato solo un caos, sembrava esserci uno skip sui momenti clue
Ma caotico è lo stesso worldbuilding: nazioni che vengono solo nominate e citato in due righe lo stato di guerra/pace, calendario che è strutturato come se i mesi fossero stagioni e i giorni arrivassero fino a 65– che sarebbe interessante se solo fosse UTILE ma non lo è😅 sarebbe potuto essere anche il 28 luglio, non sarebbe cambiato niente. Se ti inventi i nomi cool per il calendario e le festività mi devi dire da dove hanno origine, un’influenza per la popolazione, descrivermi che clima fa… non due righe sul glossario. Facile così ahahahahaha like
Il glossario stesso è interessante ma alcune parole non compaiono mai nel testo, come gli elenchi delle parole in slang o delle divinità. Dei e dee che hanno impatto ZERO nella storia, a parte essere nominati un paio di volte da Blythe che sembra avere fede ma non c’è emotività, non c’è un esempio di questa religione, santuari, simboli… NOTHING😀😀. Potrebbero credere a Gesù di Nazaret e, anche qui, sarebbe lo stesso. E le parole potevano essere interessanti perché sembrano simili al latino -con tanto di declinazione al plurale-, ma davvero non servono a niente. È un elenco, metà di quelle parole stanno lì per bellezza e se sono nel testo sono nei pensieri generali dei protagonisti, quasi mai in apparizioni vere e proprie
Insomma… a big mess. Peccato perché adoro il trope di questa narrazione, e un bello stand alone con rappresentazione LGBT+ sarebbe stato carino :/
August 11, 2023
Obtained an ARC from the author for an honest, unbiased review.
Beware of spoilers below!
I'll admit, I went into this book almost completely blind, not really knowing anything about it or having heard of it beforehand, other than the fact that is has LGBT characters. And oh, did it deliver on that! One protagonist is canonically aromantic but allosexual, and the other is a gay nonbinary using he/ they pronouns interchangeably. That admittedly made me do a little happy dance as I realized that, using he/ they myself! Among them are a huge myriad of other queer characters and others in the background. So, a very homonormative world; it's a breath of fresh air compared to most fantasy going for the tired heteronormative tropes.
As for the plot itself...
I'll admit, I'm a little bit tired of the classic plot of having to pretend to be a royal or noble person to infiltrate royalty. However, S. M. Pearce did a good job of balancing this plot and building up the world around it, such as showing how the nobility works through King Marius and his noble people. She also did an excellent job of making you almost immediately hate him, though I really do wonder if his charm was literal magic, or if he did just have that much charisma. I suppose we'll never know, though.
As much as I did like the premise, however, several high action scenes were sort of... left off in the background? We are told what happened through the characters, but we don't see any of the action. That's a bit disappointing. Most of the book is scheming and political warfare, essentially, which does sum up most regencies.
Some characters were a bit frustrating to understand, particularly Blythe, who kept going back and forth between wanting to keep her virtues and wanting to help in any way she could. Though I guess that can't be helped, especially if you're forcibly picked up from a quiet life by a boy who's a tad bit feral and a pyromaniac.
I also adored the little family Blythe and Kalen made up for themselves, and they absolutely are a queerplatonic relationship. Together forever like a package deal, but not romantically or sexually involved together.
All in all, I did really enjoy this book! It's been a while since I haven't been able to put a book down, wanting to see what came next. I hope the story with the cast will continue some day, though even without a sequel, the plot is more or less tied up well.
Beware of spoilers below!
I'll admit, I went into this book almost completely blind, not really knowing anything about it or having heard of it beforehand, other than the fact that is has LGBT characters. And oh, did it deliver on that! One protagonist is canonically aromantic but allosexual, and the other is a gay nonbinary using he/ they pronouns interchangeably. That admittedly made me do a little happy dance as I realized that, using he/ they myself! Among them are a huge myriad of other queer characters and others in the background. So, a very homonormative world; it's a breath of fresh air compared to most fantasy going for the tired heteronormative tropes.
As for the plot itself...
I'll admit, I'm a little bit tired of the classic plot of having to pretend to be a royal or noble person to infiltrate royalty. However, S. M. Pearce did a good job of balancing this plot and building up the world around it, such as showing how the nobility works through King Marius and his noble people. She also did an excellent job of making you almost immediately hate him, though I really do wonder if his charm was literal magic, or if he did just have that much charisma. I suppose we'll never know, though.
As much as I did like the premise, however, several high action scenes were sort of... left off in the background? We are told what happened through the characters, but we don't see any of the action. That's a bit disappointing. Most of the book is scheming and political warfare, essentially, which does sum up most regencies.
Some characters were a bit frustrating to understand, particularly Blythe, who kept going back and forth between wanting to keep her virtues and wanting to help in any way she could. Though I guess that can't be helped, especially if you're forcibly picked up from a quiet life by a boy who's a tad bit feral and a pyromaniac.
I also adored the little family Blythe and Kalen made up for themselves, and they absolutely are a queerplatonic relationship. Together forever like a package deal, but not romantically or sexually involved together.
All in all, I did really enjoy this book! It's been a while since I haven't been able to put a book down, wanting to see what came next. I hope the story with the cast will continue some day, though even without a sequel, the plot is more or less tied up well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2023
I received an ARC but review/opinions is my own.
This book is a romp. It’s of of those stories you just go with (Don’t question the premise) and you’ll have a good time. It’s not light though, there is lots of trama here. Content warning for attempting suicide, violence, murder/death, child abuse, sexual assault/attempted rape, substance abuse/addiction.
It’s a Story of found family, which I love. Good character development, character driven story. I had complex feelings about the character that I’m still pondering. It was a bit rough trying to like them at certain points but they had good Character arcs.
Wold building was through the story, which I liked, it wasn’t an info-dump but developed through the story.
The book pacing was a bit off but it’s still a great story.
This book is a romp. It’s of of those stories you just go with (Don’t question the premise) and you’ll have a good time. It’s not light though, there is lots of trama here. Content warning for attempting suicide, violence, murder/death, child abuse, sexual assault/attempted rape, substance abuse/addiction.
It’s a Story of found family, which I love. Good character development, character driven story. I had complex feelings about the character that I’m still pondering. It was a bit rough trying to like them at certain points but they had good Character arcs.
Wold building was through the story, which I liked, it wasn’t an info-dump but developed through the story.
The book pacing was a bit off but it’s still a great story.
July 26, 2023
Content Warnings: Violence, death (including child death, animal death, death of a parent), suicide attempt, sexual assault, mind control, homophobia, transphobia, restrictive eating
Blythe and Kalen are caught robbing the Governor's mansion and blackmailed into leading a heist against a rival nation to postpone a brewing war.
This sounded so fun - a queer fantasy heist story - but unfortunately it was a real disappointment for me. This book has a major issue with 'tell' over 'show' writing in almost every aspect, which started off a little boring and got exceedingly irritating as it continued. At it's tamest, this manifests as world building being either underdeveloped (elements such as the 'bestowments' people have are really only mentioned in a very surface level way), or are presented with an inelegant info dump. At it's worst, whole scenes are described to us in two or three sentences rather than... like... actually being written.
Early on, we build to our characters overpowering a crew and taking over their boat, and this is, unfathomably, a fade to black? Of the most interesting scene of the book thus far? This was an absolutely bizarre choice. I was baffled and disappointed by this choice, but was going to mostly overlook it UNTIL IT HAPPENED AGAIN. The author goes out of her way not to write the scene of our characters discovering the location of the vault they'll be robbing, by having a POV character poison herself so that neither of our POV characters can be part of the scene that would actually be interesting to read. I don't know how to interpret this, it's such a bad way to write a book.
Speaking of our POV characters, Blythe and Kalen... I tried to like them, but GOD. For at least the first half of the book, both of their internal monologues are constant self deprecation and 'boo hoo this is all my fault I can't believe any of my friends don't hate me' which gets old SOOOOO fast. Blythe is particularly bad about this, especially because these convoluted self hating thought patterns start causing her to act unfathomably stupid. Like, so stupid I am not even starting to buy that a real person would make these choices. She deliberately jeopardises the group's mission because 'oh, I just can't burden them with this problem'. I was rolling my eyes into space.
All these issues in the 85% of the book which is build up to the actual heist and then... it's over in like 15 pages. Talk about anticlimactic. It was a bummer.
It might not sound like it, but this book did have things I liked! The Viper was easily my favourite, she was really cool and a pretty nuanced, multi-faceted character, and I liked her arc. She was definitely the highlight of the book for me. I also thought it was really cool that the main relationship here was a queer platonic relationship between Blythe and Kalen. Unfortunately, their relationship ended up falling a bit flat for me as I got frustrated by their miscommunication and again, thought we were told rather than shown how close they were, but conceptually, I was a fan! This was also the first book I've ever read with a main character who uses multiple (he/they) pronouns. It was a bit of a learning curve getting used to reading that, but it was really cool to see!
I think ultimately this was a case for me of a great concept and a not-so-great execution, unfortunately.
Thanks to the author for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Blythe and Kalen are caught robbing the Governor's mansion and blackmailed into leading a heist against a rival nation to postpone a brewing war.
This sounded so fun - a queer fantasy heist story - but unfortunately it was a real disappointment for me. This book has a major issue with 'tell' over 'show' writing in almost every aspect, which started off a little boring and got exceedingly irritating as it continued. At it's tamest, this manifests as world building being either underdeveloped (elements such as the 'bestowments' people have are really only mentioned in a very surface level way), or are presented with an inelegant info dump. At it's worst, whole scenes are described to us in two or three sentences rather than... like... actually being written.
Early on, we build to our characters overpowering a crew and taking over their boat, and this is, unfathomably, a fade to black? Of the most interesting scene of the book thus far? This was an absolutely bizarre choice. I was baffled and disappointed by this choice, but was going to mostly overlook it UNTIL IT HAPPENED AGAIN. The author goes out of her way not to write the scene of our characters discovering the location of the vault they'll be robbing, by having a POV character poison herself so that neither of our POV characters can be part of the scene that would actually be interesting to read. I don't know how to interpret this, it's such a bad way to write a book.
Speaking of our POV characters, Blythe and Kalen... I tried to like them, but GOD. For at least the first half of the book, both of their internal monologues are constant self deprecation and 'boo hoo this is all my fault I can't believe any of my friends don't hate me' which gets old SOOOOO fast. Blythe is particularly bad about this, especially because these convoluted self hating thought patterns start causing her to act unfathomably stupid. Like, so stupid I am not even starting to buy that a real person would make these choices. She deliberately jeopardises the group's mission because 'oh, I just can't burden them with this problem'. I was rolling my eyes into space.
All these issues in the 85% of the book which is build up to the actual heist and then... it's over in like 15 pages. Talk about anticlimactic. It was a bummer.
It might not sound like it, but this book did have things I liked! The Viper was easily my favourite, she was really cool and a pretty nuanced, multi-faceted character, and I liked her arc. She was definitely the highlight of the book for me. I also thought it was really cool that the main relationship here was a queer platonic relationship between Blythe and Kalen. Unfortunately, their relationship ended up falling a bit flat for me as I got frustrated by their miscommunication and again, thought we were told rather than shown how close they were, but conceptually, I was a fan! This was also the first book I've ever read with a main character who uses multiple (he/they) pronouns. It was a bit of a learning curve getting used to reading that, but it was really cool to see!
I think ultimately this was a case for me of a great concept and a not-so-great execution, unfortunately.
Thanks to the author for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2023
*** I was given a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.***
My rating: 3/5 Stars
This book mainly follows Blythe and Kalen, a pair of thieves. They decide to rob the Governor’s mansion which ends in them getting caught. To live, they must complete a heist alongside a few others indebted to him.
I was most interested in the characters of Saidh and Viper. I wish we had been able to learn more about them. Saidh had such a good heart and I would read a novella if one ever came out about him.
Now onto what I didn’t love about the book. Plot-wise, I felt like I was missing something. I was left with questions, mainly about the king. Along with that, the writing and I never clicked unfortunately.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the novel, but wish it had been fleshed out a little more.
My rating: 3/5 Stars
This book mainly follows Blythe and Kalen, a pair of thieves. They decide to rob the Governor’s mansion which ends in them getting caught. To live, they must complete a heist alongside a few others indebted to him.
I was most interested in the characters of Saidh and Viper. I wish we had been able to learn more about them. Saidh had such a good heart and I would read a novella if one ever came out about him.
Now onto what I didn’t love about the book. Plot-wise, I felt like I was missing something. I was left with questions, mainly about the king. Along with that, the writing and I never clicked unfortunately.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the novel, but wish it had been fleshed out a little more.
August 26, 2023
This book was literally everything i love and am looking for in a story right now: pirates, political schemes, crimes, LGBTQ+ rep (especially the QPR), found family, in a fantasy world,... so much so that i read it in like 4 days even though i've been in somewhat of a reading slump for a few years. It was really awesome!!
The world building was absolutely insane, so much work was put in there and you can feel it as you read; all the different languages and kingdoms that had to be invented and all the planning just wow (i really liked the parts where Frida had to speak Fletch and since she was struggling with the language, the sentences where a bit wonky, it took me a while to understand but once i got it i loved it so much). The calendar too was, well confusing at first to be honest, but then again it added a little something to the story, it made it more real (when i noticed the switch in names from chapter 29 to chapter 30 it made me feel a little proud of myself not gonna lie haha).
The characters also felt very real and as a reader i think we grow very attached to all of them and once you close the book you have that little teardrop stuck in your eye because of how proud you are of all of them working through their respective traumas and building this little safe group. The character development is not rushed and none of the characters are perfect, they're all very humanly flawed and i loved this. It's so easy to fall into extremes when making characters, making one way too badass rendering the others kind of flat, but i think this book was very well balanced in this regard.
Maybe the only negative thing i'd have to say would be about all the foreign words used where you need to refer to the glossary to understand but honestly even without looking at the exact definition of the word you sort of guess what it means so it's not actually deranging. So that's not even a full negative point in the end.
Overall a really great book that reads super fast with a very satisfying ending! Would absolutely recommend.
The world building was absolutely insane, so much work was put in there and you can feel it as you read; all the different languages and kingdoms that had to be invented and all the planning just wow (i really liked the parts where Frida had to speak Fletch and since she was struggling with the language, the sentences where a bit wonky, it took me a while to understand but once i got it i loved it so much). The calendar too was, well confusing at first to be honest, but then again it added a little something to the story, it made it more real (when i noticed the switch in names from chapter 29 to chapter 30 it made me feel a little proud of myself not gonna lie haha).
The characters also felt very real and as a reader i think we grow very attached to all of them and once you close the book you have that little teardrop stuck in your eye because of how proud you are of all of them working through their respective traumas and building this little safe group. The character development is not rushed and none of the characters are perfect, they're all very humanly flawed and i loved this. It's so easy to fall into extremes when making characters, making one way too badass rendering the others kind of flat, but i think this book was very well balanced in this regard.
Maybe the only negative thing i'd have to say would be about all the foreign words used where you need to refer to the glossary to understand but honestly even without looking at the exact definition of the word you sort of guess what it means so it's not actually deranging. So that's not even a full negative point in the end.
Overall a really great book that reads super fast with a very satisfying ending! Would absolutely recommend.
July 31, 2023
First off, I'd like to thank the author for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
It's been a while since I've read a fantasy novel that drew me in this quickly. The prologue really hits the ground running with the depth of trauma and complex feelings the characters experience and come to terms with throughout the book. I immediately just wanted to give everybody a hug, because my GOD do they need it.
The QPR (queerplantonic relationship) was absolutely heartwarming—I'm a sucker for romance, but maybe now I should say I'm a sucker for just love in general. The devotion between Blythe and Kalen had me positively screaming. I won't reveal spoilers here, but I was SO PROUD of both of them by the end of the book for the journey they took. I cared deeply for both of them from the start, and also adored the rest of their haphazard, heist-induced found family. These characters are so well developed I'd have enjoyed this book even if the plot hadn't been wildly interesting (which it was!!).
The setting was just *chef's kiss.* I was getting major renaissance/baroque French court vibes, two eras that have some of my favorite music. The world was introduced and built organically, without long passages of explanation. And the story itself—I was immediately engrossed in all of it and blazed through without ever encountering a point where I felt like I could put the book down. The struggles encountered by the characters felt SO poignant and were handled so realistically. They fuck up and face consequences, and it really drives up the stakes as the novel progresses.
If you're in the market for a unique fantasy novel with a diverse cast, deeply relatable and lovable characters, heist shenanigans, 18th century fashion, and a good dose of dark humor, Natural Outlaws and Fractured Sovereignty is a MUST READ.
It's been a while since I've read a fantasy novel that drew me in this quickly. The prologue really hits the ground running with the depth of trauma and complex feelings the characters experience and come to terms with throughout the book. I immediately just wanted to give everybody a hug, because my GOD do they need it.
The QPR (queerplantonic relationship) was absolutely heartwarming—I'm a sucker for romance, but maybe now I should say I'm a sucker for just love in general. The devotion between Blythe and Kalen had me positively screaming. I won't reveal spoilers here, but I was SO PROUD of both of them by the end of the book for the journey they took. I cared deeply for both of them from the start, and also adored the rest of their haphazard, heist-induced found family. These characters are so well developed I'd have enjoyed this book even if the plot hadn't been wildly interesting (which it was!!).
The setting was just *chef's kiss.* I was getting major renaissance/baroque French court vibes, two eras that have some of my favorite music. The world was introduced and built organically, without long passages of explanation. And the story itself—I was immediately engrossed in all of it and blazed through without ever encountering a point where I felt like I could put the book down. The struggles encountered by the characters felt SO poignant and were handled so realistically. They fuck up and face consequences, and it really drives up the stakes as the novel progresses.
If you're in the market for a unique fantasy novel with a diverse cast, deeply relatable and lovable characters, heist shenanigans, 18th century fashion, and a good dose of dark humor, Natural Outlaws and Fractured Sovereignty is a MUST READ.
August 23, 2023
Trigger warnings for Natural Outlaws and Fractured Sovereignty include: suicide attempts; sexual assault & coercion; mind control; violent abuse, drug & alcohol use; queerphobia & fictional slurs; classism, colonialism, death & grief; mental health issues and aquaphobia.
☆
☆
Happy release day to this book.
•
Listen, I know that many authors enjoy emotionally and physically prodding their cinnamon roll characters, but I can't help but care about them. One particular quote I loved was “Kalen deserved all the happiness in the world.” because it's very true. After everything they've been put through he needs someone to care about them.
~
And that opening. That was enough to get me intrigued and wanting to find out more, why where they there, what was going on. And it only got more intense from there. It was high stakes in the best kind of way. I thought I knew what was happening, turns out I didn't, but that's fine.
~
High stakes is right, but so is unfairly good. It was addictive, I swear there was some sort of substance in the pages cause there ain't no way I got that addicted and invested in the characters. But God damn.
~
I also really liked the dedication in the front of this book, which reads: "This book is dedicated to anyone who's ever been made to feel like the world doesn't have space for them. We'll make space." It really spoke to me because I've felt that way before. And in time I had a place where space was made for me to be myself and be loved for exactly who I am.
•
Thank you to author S.M. Pearce for sending me an ARC copy of this book.
☆
☆
Happy release day to this book.
•
Listen, I know that many authors enjoy emotionally and physically prodding their cinnamon roll characters, but I can't help but care about them. One particular quote I loved was “Kalen deserved all the happiness in the world.” because it's very true. After everything they've been put through he needs someone to care about them.
~
And that opening. That was enough to get me intrigued and wanting to find out more, why where they there, what was going on. And it only got more intense from there. It was high stakes in the best kind of way. I thought I knew what was happening, turns out I didn't, but that's fine.
~
High stakes is right, but so is unfairly good. It was addictive, I swear there was some sort of substance in the pages cause there ain't no way I got that addicted and invested in the characters. But God damn.
~
I also really liked the dedication in the front of this book, which reads: "This book is dedicated to anyone who's ever been made to feel like the world doesn't have space for them. We'll make space." It really spoke to me because I've felt that way before. And in time I had a place where space was made for me to be myself and be loved for exactly who I am.
•
Thank you to author S.M. Pearce for sending me an ARC copy of this book.
August 11, 2023
I was excited to be given this as an ARC. First time with it, and first book I've read like this as well. Not the usual book I'd be drawn toward but honestly.....I was NOT disappointed! There are some trigger warnings to be forewarned about which many reviews state so I won't repeat it as there were enough warnings from other readers that I appreciate. The story telling wad amazing! I was engaged by the characters, I wasn't sure what to expect but I was highly engaged in their lives and journey. They were extremely well written and you got to know them all. The intro for the book made my heart happy. As someone who is a part of the LGBT+ community, it made me smile and maybe made me want to read the book a little bit more! Well done! Can't wait to see what's next!!!!
October 31, 2023
Surprisingly Good
I thought for sure I'd get very tired of Blythe's endless fretting over "good" and her father's continued search for perfected martyrdom but thankfully, Saidh, Filla, and yes, even Viper provided needed balance. Take the trigger warning for fantastical religiosity seriously. Eesh!
But, in a cruel, grim dark world Blythe offers balance and hope. The characters are so well done, even the support crew, the landscapes well drawn, and the choking atmosphere of unbridled greed and power too real.
In an odd way, this is a cosy family story, if you will by way of Grimm's fairy tales perhaps, but in the end, hope wins.
Enjoy.
I thought for sure I'd get very tired of Blythe's endless fretting over "good" and her father's continued search for perfected martyrdom but thankfully, Saidh, Filla, and yes, even Viper provided needed balance. Take the trigger warning for fantastical religiosity seriously. Eesh!
But, in a cruel, grim dark world Blythe offers balance and hope. The characters are so well done, even the support crew, the landscapes well drawn, and the choking atmosphere of unbridled greed and power too real.
In an odd way, this is a cosy family story, if you will by way of Grimm's fairy tales perhaps, but in the end, hope wins.
Enjoy.
August 3, 2023
What an adventure this read is! Gripped me from the first paragraph and the plot twists just kept coming. Loved the main characters and their arc. Looking forward to more from this author! 10/10 recommend!
August 12, 2023
*4,5 stars
Thank you to S.M. Pearce for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
What originally got me hooked on this book was, of course, the premise, but also the fact that it contained a QPR, something i crave more of in books.
I loved the relationship between Blythe (aromantic allosexual) and Kalen (gay, non-binary he/they). It was so sweet how much they cared about each other and the way they were always there for one another. The uncertainty about whether or not the other felt- and wanted the same felt very realistic, and I loved seeing them have their own little family in the end. The found family lover in me was THRIVING.
speaking off, the characters involved in said found family was overall very likeable, with some good development, or just good debt in general. Saidth and Frida were enjoyable characters from the beginning, especially Frida. Kalen was my favourite character for sure, and seeing them overcome their fear of water due to his trauma made me really happy because my god did he deserve it. He had it rough, from the abuse to what happened to our sweet little servant boy (that part made me cry a little). The Viper/Arabella's character development was something I didn't really see happening, but was very happy about. She wasn't the most likeable character, though very interesting, but seeing her break free from her 'guilded cage' and join the others in the end was very sweet. Blythe was kind, and just wanted to help to the best of her abilities, but seeing her struggle with her morals got a bit tiring at times, even though it was very understandable, seeing as she came from a quiet life, raised by a father with strong morals himself. I even want to go as far as to say she struggles a bit with religious trauma as well, as her father was rather religious, and raised her on said religion(which, the religion, was an aspect I enjoyed as well). Oh and seeing her snap and kill a certain character was a girlboss moment, and I loved it.
On the topic of characters, S.M. Pearce managed really well to make us hate Marius because fuck him, honestly. He was the worst. I almost suspect his 'charm' was magic, but I guess we'll never know.
Now onto the plot. I liked it a lot, as the author took the 'We have to pretend to be nobles/royalty to infiltrate royalty' trope, and made it enjoyable and not cliché. She did that with Marius, but also with everything else. It just worked. Though, I will say, it was a bit slow at times, and I was missing some more action scenes, instead of just being told what happened by the characters.
The world was very homonormative, which was really refreshing, as that's usually not a thing in fantasy books, but there were just so many queer characters. Blythe and Kalen, of course, but also Marius and many of the nobles. I'm also pretty sure Saidth is Asexual and I think I've seen the author mention Frida being Sapphic?
I am a sucker for made up fantasy languages, and seeing it used throughout the book and being told about the different nations was so cool. And the Glossary!! I am begging more fantasy authors to use this.
Overall a really enjoyable story, and I would definitely recommend it if you enjoy queer, dark fantasy long-con heist books.
Thank you to S.M. Pearce for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
What originally got me hooked on this book was, of course, the premise, but also the fact that it contained a QPR, something i crave more of in books.
I loved the relationship between Blythe (aromantic allosexual) and Kalen (gay, non-binary he/they). It was so sweet how much they cared about each other and the way they were always there for one another. The uncertainty about whether or not the other felt- and wanted the same felt very realistic, and I loved seeing them have their own little family in the end. The found family lover in me was THRIVING.
speaking off, the characters involved in said found family was overall very likeable, with some good development, or just good debt in general. Saidth and Frida were enjoyable characters from the beginning, especially Frida. Kalen was my favourite character for sure, and seeing them overcome their fear of water due to his trauma made me really happy because my god did he deserve it. He had it rough, from the abuse to what happened to our sweet little servant boy (that part made me cry a little). The Viper/Arabella's character development was something I didn't really see happening, but was very happy about. She wasn't the most likeable character, though very interesting, but seeing her break free from her 'guilded cage' and join the others in the end was very sweet. Blythe was kind, and just wanted to help to the best of her abilities, but seeing her struggle with her morals got a bit tiring at times, even though it was very understandable, seeing as she came from a quiet life, raised by a father with strong morals himself. I even want to go as far as to say she struggles a bit with religious trauma as well, as her father was rather religious, and raised her on said religion(which, the religion, was an aspect I enjoyed as well). Oh and seeing her snap and kill a certain character was a girlboss moment, and I loved it.
On the topic of characters, S.M. Pearce managed really well to make us hate Marius because fuck him, honestly. He was the worst. I almost suspect his 'charm' was magic, but I guess we'll never know.
Now onto the plot. I liked it a lot, as the author took the 'We have to pretend to be nobles/royalty to infiltrate royalty' trope, and made it enjoyable and not cliché. She did that with Marius, but also with everything else. It just worked. Though, I will say, it was a bit slow at times, and I was missing some more action scenes, instead of just being told what happened by the characters.
The world was very homonormative, which was really refreshing, as that's usually not a thing in fantasy books, but there were just so many queer characters. Blythe and Kalen, of course, but also Marius and many of the nobles. I'm also pretty sure Saidth is Asexual and I think I've seen the author mention Frida being Sapphic?
I am a sucker for made up fantasy languages, and seeing it used throughout the book and being told about the different nations was so cool. And the Glossary!! I am begging more fantasy authors to use this.
Overall a really enjoyable story, and I would definitely recommend it if you enjoy queer, dark fantasy long-con heist books.
Read
August 12, 2023Thank you to the lovely author for sending me an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Overall:
First of all, I loved this book, it was amazing and although there were a few things I didn’t love, I recommend it to everyone who loves dark fantasy and needs more a-spec rep in their books.
I have to be honest with you, when I started this book I thought “Oh god, I’m not gonna like this book but I’ll have to push through cause it’s an ARC.”
That’s where I made the mistake. I’m just too critical in the beginning but, let me tell you, not even TWENTY pages later I COULDN’T put this book down anymore.
I was sucked right into the story and it kept me in its claws right until the end!
Mandatory SoC reference:
Another confession I have to make is that I always fall into the trap of comparing every heist story to Six of Crows.
This book is comparable to Six of Crows in the sense that, if SoC had a younger, softer sibling, it would be this book. The characters try to pull off a heist without brutally murdering everyone that inconveniences them. They are strong characters without being physically the strongest or having otherworldly talents for making plans.
Characters/found family:
I wouldn’t say that this book is without its triggers and it is very much a dark fanyasy, but something about the writing and the characters just had a tenderness to it. I wanted only the best to happen to these characters.
The found family was something that I would put in a blender and drink as a smoothie if I could. It was just perfect and it had ALL of the a-spec rep you could wish for. I mean, this book features the queer-platonic relationship of my dreams and it just makes so much sense that they aren’t romantically involved.
There were instances when I was kind of annoyed by Kalen and Blythe because they had literally the same thoughts and it lead to miscommunication, but when thinking about their past it makes sense that they‘re bad at communicating. Also it got better throughout the book.
Another positive thing I want to mention is that Kaylen uses he/they pronouns and the author changed it up every few pages/sentences. That was very refreshing to see because often times authors will state: „Character x uses he/they pronouns“ but then end up only using one of them.
Plot/pacing:
Although I want to gush over all the things I love I have to mention that the pacing of the plot didn’t quite resonate with me. It was rather slow paced for a heist story and even though I was interested in it, sometimes I seemed to forget the stakes.
Also the only scenes where „ a lot happened“ weren‘t really detailed and felt almost fade to black. This didn‘t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Religion/faith:
Another thing I really loved was the theme of religion throughout the book and coming to terms with not believing in the religion. It seemed likea really healthy way of desling with religion and coming to terms with the fact that religion and faith aren‘t the only important things in life.
I think it showed really well how different people deal with and come to terms with their faith or their believes.
Overall:
First of all, I loved this book, it was amazing and although there were a few things I didn’t love, I recommend it to everyone who loves dark fantasy and needs more a-spec rep in their books.
I have to be honest with you, when I started this book I thought “Oh god, I’m not gonna like this book but I’ll have to push through cause it’s an ARC.”
That’s where I made the mistake. I’m just too critical in the beginning but, let me tell you, not even TWENTY pages later I COULDN’T put this book down anymore.
I was sucked right into the story and it kept me in its claws right until the end!
Mandatory SoC reference:
Another confession I have to make is that I always fall into the trap of comparing every heist story to Six of Crows.
This book is comparable to Six of Crows in the sense that, if SoC had a younger, softer sibling, it would be this book. The characters try to pull off a heist without brutally murdering everyone that inconveniences them. They are strong characters without being physically the strongest or having otherworldly talents for making plans.
Characters/found family:
I wouldn’t say that this book is without its triggers and it is very much a dark fanyasy, but something about the writing and the characters just had a tenderness to it. I wanted only the best to happen to these characters.
The found family was something that I would put in a blender and drink as a smoothie if I could. It was just perfect and it had ALL of the a-spec rep you could wish for. I mean, this book features the queer-platonic relationship of my dreams and it just makes so much sense that they aren’t romantically involved.
There were instances when I was kind of annoyed by Kalen and Blythe because they had literally the same thoughts and it lead to miscommunication, but when thinking about their past it makes sense that they‘re bad at communicating. Also it got better throughout the book.
Another positive thing I want to mention is that Kaylen uses he/they pronouns and the author changed it up every few pages/sentences. That was very refreshing to see because often times authors will state: „Character x uses he/they pronouns“ but then end up only using one of them.
Plot/pacing:
Although I want to gush over all the things I love I have to mention that the pacing of the plot didn’t quite resonate with me. It was rather slow paced for a heist story and even though I was interested in it, sometimes I seemed to forget the stakes.
Also the only scenes where „ a lot happened“ weren‘t really detailed and felt almost fade to black. This didn‘t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Religion/faith:
Another thing I really loved was the theme of religion throughout the book and coming to terms with not believing in the religion. It seemed likea really healthy way of desling with religion and coming to terms with the fact that religion and faith aren‘t the only important things in life.
I think it showed really well how different people deal with and come to terms with their faith or their believes.
August 11, 2023
I received this as an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. I tried but I did not finish it.
I really enjoyed the prologue. It set up the main characters and their wants and needs really well. And then the next chapter skipped forward in time years and I was left wondering where that story was because I wanted to read it. I tried reading the next 3 chapters before I realized this just wasn't the book for me. It ultimately felt less like reading about the Leverage crew or Robin Hood and more the bad guys from home alone.
Spoilers for the first ~10 percent of the book.
A small nitpick, and I say this as someone who uses multiple pronouns but the way Kalen uses multiple pronouns was very hard to read. They use he/they pronouns. His pronouns switch at random, any where from mid-sentence to every other paragraph. This slows sentences just as much as the overuse of epithet(descriptive words like the brunette) does.
I really enjoyed the prologue. It set up the main characters and their wants and needs really well. And then the next chapter skipped forward in time years and I was left wondering where that story was because I wanted to read it. I tried reading the next 3 chapters before I realized this just wasn't the book for me. It ultimately felt less like reading about the Leverage crew or Robin Hood and more the bad guys from home alone.
Spoilers for the first ~10 percent of the book.
A small nitpick, and I say this as someone who uses multiple pronouns but the way Kalen uses multiple pronouns was very hard to read. They use he/they pronouns. His pronouns switch at random, any where from mid-sentence to every other paragraph. This slows sentences just as much as the overuse of epithet(descriptive words like the brunette) does.
June 6, 2024
This book focused on a couple of thieves, Blythe and Kalen, who, after being captured robbing the Governor’s mansion, are given a choice: steal the crown jewel from the Fletch King, or die.
The plot of this book really intrigued me as I love rogue characters, but some parts fell rather flat for me. For example, there is an exciting moment where the group takes over a ship, but that entire part isn’t included in the book. This could have been an exciting chapter so I was surprised it was skipped. Also, the two main thieves are often overly negative/depressive which was difficult to read at times. That being said, the ending was probably the happiest part of the book and was welcome after such negativity throughout. I was glad the team sailed off into the sunset together (literally).
So many elements of the book sounded amazing but I felt weren’t explained or developed as much as they should have been. For example, the idea of bestowments (special skills certain individuals process) was so unique and interesting, and yet they were casually brought up and not really delved into.
One of my favourite things about the book was the character Viper. The assassin slowly declining a heart was the best thing about the book! If anything, I’d love a book purely dedicated to her as she was amazing. I also enjoyed the prominence of queer characters in the book (even if sometimes it felt like they were pushed into the plot). A bisexual king, a nonbinary protagonist, asexual Saidh, and lesbian Frida. The inclusion of so many queer characters was great and was made main pull toward the book in the first place.
Overall, a good book with some interesting concepts that I felt could have been executed a bit better but still didn’t take away from the interesting plot.
The plot of this book really intrigued me as I love rogue characters, but some parts fell rather flat for me. For example, there is an exciting moment where the group takes over a ship, but that entire part isn’t included in the book. This could have been an exciting chapter so I was surprised it was skipped. Also, the two main thieves are often overly negative/depressive which was difficult to read at times. That being said, the ending was probably the happiest part of the book and was welcome after such negativity throughout. I was glad the team sailed off into the sunset together (literally).
So many elements of the book sounded amazing but I felt weren’t explained or developed as much as they should have been. For example, the idea of bestowments (special skills certain individuals process) was so unique and interesting, and yet they were casually brought up and not really delved into.
One of my favourite things about the book was the character Viper. The assassin slowly declining a heart was the best thing about the book! If anything, I’d love a book purely dedicated to her as she was amazing. I also enjoyed the prominence of queer characters in the book (even if sometimes it felt like they were pushed into the plot). A bisexual king, a nonbinary protagonist, asexual Saidh, and lesbian Frida. The inclusion of so many queer characters was great and was made main pull toward the book in the first place.
Overall, a good book with some interesting concepts that I felt could have been executed a bit better but still didn’t take away from the interesting plot.
June 17, 2025
I received a copy of this book via Storygraph giveaway.
The author bit off more than she can chew with this one, frankly. Political intrigue, a deep expansive fantasy world, a mid-sized cast all with their own backstories and motivations for being there. Pretending to be a noble to fight for the king's hand, a heist, seafaring... It was too much for this book. All of it was lacking, handled shoddily. The pacing was way too fast, and all of the interesting action scenes severely glossed over (if not entirely faded to black).
Queer characters = good! Awkwardly shoehorned-in conversations about their specific identities = well. I won't say 'bad' but I will say it's not to my taste. I also found that Kalen's swapping between they and he pronouns, while only confusing /once/, is just sort of annoying to read. No problem with it for real people, I use multiple pronouns. But for a character, please just pick one.
Blythe and Kalen are not very interesting, and their turmoil about if the other person doesn't love them enough was really annoying to read about for so damn long. It also didn't feel really interesting because the beginning of the story, with Kalen and Blythe getting to know one another in her hovel, was completely skipped. We got no actual details of their life together, simply told "that happened... on to the plot!". This story could have easily been more than a single book with all of the things it tried to encompass.
I would have loved more backstory on Saidde and Frida. Frankly I forgot Frida was there most of the time, she really could have just as well not been around at all.
Really, everything that /did/ happen was extremely cliche. At least it was a quick read.
The author bit off more than she can chew with this one, frankly. Political intrigue, a deep expansive fantasy world, a mid-sized cast all with their own backstories and motivations for being there. Pretending to be a noble to fight for the king's hand, a heist, seafaring... It was too much for this book. All of it was lacking, handled shoddily. The pacing was way too fast, and all of the interesting action scenes severely glossed over (if not entirely faded to black).
Queer characters = good! Awkwardly shoehorned-in conversations about their specific identities = well. I won't say 'bad' but I will say it's not to my taste. I also found that Kalen's swapping between they and he pronouns, while only confusing /once/, is just sort of annoying to read. No problem with it for real people, I use multiple pronouns. But for a character, please just pick one.
Blythe and Kalen are not very interesting, and their turmoil about if the other person doesn't love them enough was really annoying to read about for so damn long. It also didn't feel really interesting because the beginning of the story, with Kalen and Blythe getting to know one another in her hovel, was completely skipped. We got no actual details of their life together, simply told "that happened... on to the plot!". This story could have easily been more than a single book with all of the things it tried to encompass.
I would have loved more backstory on Saidde and Frida. Frankly I forgot Frida was there most of the time, she really could have just as well not been around at all.
Really, everything that /did/ happen was extremely cliche. At least it was a quick read.
August 2, 2024
Summary:
Two friends do a daring burglary (after doing a string of less daring ones and succeeding) and end up getting caught. However, instead of being executed, they are sent on a deadly heist and competition if they are to save themselves and their loved ones. The competition is to see who will be the bride for the King, who is strangely alluring to the women *and* men. This book is top to bottom action and emotion, hitting all the right buttons for me!
Thoughts:
I read this with Indie Visible. It’s been a while since my last heist book (which I assume is Mistborn). One thing to know before reading is that one character uses he/they pronouns equally throughout the book, which I’ve never seen before. I felt like this was done suuuuper well and I didn’t get confused except in the beginning before it sank in. This book has a heist/competition (ofc), found family, wonderfully queer characters, a possible gay(?) relationship, betrayal, and physical & mental anguish (which I love lol…). This was written as a standalone, and I felt like the ending was satisfying but left room in case the author wants to write more, which I would be so down for! You should all read this!
Major Trigger Warnings:
Suicide (ideation/near attempt): literally the first scene
PTSD flashbacks: one character has constant and intense flashbacks of being abused as a child
Addiction: the character feels the need to take a drug to calm those flashbacks
Rape/attempted rape/sexual assault: one sexual assault scene
Two friends do a daring burglary (after doing a string of less daring ones and succeeding) and end up getting caught. However, instead of being executed, they are sent on a deadly heist and competition if they are to save themselves and their loved ones. The competition is to see who will be the bride for the King, who is strangely alluring to the women *and* men. This book is top to bottom action and emotion, hitting all the right buttons for me!
Thoughts:
I read this with Indie Visible. It’s been a while since my last heist book (which I assume is Mistborn). One thing to know before reading is that one character uses he/they pronouns equally throughout the book, which I’ve never seen before. I felt like this was done suuuuper well and I didn’t get confused except in the beginning before it sank in. This book has a heist/competition (ofc), found family, wonderfully queer characters, a possible gay(?) relationship, betrayal, and physical & mental anguish (which I love lol…). This was written as a standalone, and I felt like the ending was satisfying but left room in case the author wants to write more, which I would be so down for! You should all read this!
Major Trigger Warnings:
Suicide (ideation/near attempt): literally the first scene
PTSD flashbacks: one character has constant and intense flashbacks of being abused as a child
Addiction: the character feels the need to take a drug to calm those flashbacks
Rape/attempted rape/sexual assault: one sexual assault scene
August 17, 2023
For lovers of Aces Wild and Stars Hide Your Fires, NOFS is a must read queer new adult dark fantasy story!
This book has absolutely everything I love! Queer platonic relationships, a whole load of queer characters and an exhilarating heist that could go one of two ways!
Blythe and Kalen are two brilliantly written characters who's POV's are used to tell the story. And from them we also meet an array of unique and fascinating characters both friends, enemies and acquaintances to the duo.
With both of them forced on this heist, along with their friend Frida, a captain named Saidh and, the Governor's assassin called 'The Viper' to keep an eye on them, will they all make it back in one piece and set Blythe's father free? Or will the plan crumble before they even make it to the shore?
Will Blythe be able to mimic royalty in the King's competition while her friends also go undercover to steal from the Fletch vault, or will they be caught in their lies and punished?
Can Kalen be able to live the life of a servant, or how long will it take before he breaks completely?
And most importantly, will this heist destroy the friendship between Blythe and Kalen, or make it stronger?
This book was such a wonderful read and I'm so grateful to have received a copy from the author! I do apologise for the late review!
Go check out SMpierce and this book, you won't regret it!
This book has absolutely everything I love! Queer platonic relationships, a whole load of queer characters and an exhilarating heist that could go one of two ways!
Blythe and Kalen are two brilliantly written characters who's POV's are used to tell the story. And from them we also meet an array of unique and fascinating characters both friends, enemies and acquaintances to the duo.
With both of them forced on this heist, along with their friend Frida, a captain named Saidh and, the Governor's assassin called 'The Viper' to keep an eye on them, will they all make it back in one piece and set Blythe's father free? Or will the plan crumble before they even make it to the shore?
Will Blythe be able to mimic royalty in the King's competition while her friends also go undercover to steal from the Fletch vault, or will they be caught in their lies and punished?
Can Kalen be able to live the life of a servant, or how long will it take before he breaks completely?
And most importantly, will this heist destroy the friendship between Blythe and Kalen, or make it stronger?
This book was such a wonderful read and I'm so grateful to have received a copy from the author! I do apologise for the late review!
Go check out SMpierce and this book, you won't regret it!
January 22, 2024
It felt like most of the worldbuilding was built, but cut from the book. There were so many interesting concepts, like the bestowments, but there was very little information about what it actually was. There was little tidbits of information that were written as if we had already learned about it before, so there was no explanation, but we never actually find out. Some of the most intriguing setups in the book were cut down to at least half the size, skipping over pieces and leaving out a lot of information we needed. It was almost as if someone went in and cut scenes and sentences out of the book at random, leaving us trying to play catch-up a lot of the time.
It was nice seeing that none of the characters were truly what met the eye. Each of them, even the side characters, had layers. It would have been nice to have gotten to explore more to understand, as we only got glimpses at some of it, but even with the choppy editing, we could see their depth. The miscommunication between the two main characters was frustrating to say the least, and it got very repetitive after a time. If the story were allowed another 200 pages, or even split into two books so that it could more fully expand on the world we were in, I would have been much more satisfied.
It was nice seeing that none of the characters were truly what met the eye. Each of them, even the side characters, had layers. It would have been nice to have gotten to explore more to understand, as we only got glimpses at some of it, but even with the choppy editing, we could see their depth. The miscommunication between the two main characters was frustrating to say the least, and it got very repetitive after a time. If the story were allowed another 200 pages, or even split into two books so that it could more fully expand on the world we were in, I would have been much more satisfied.
June 9, 2024
Natural Outlaws and Fractured Sovereignty by S.M. Pearce is a royal heist/competition book with a cast if queer characters! It was a great book and I was drawn in fairly quickly. The character growth seemed natural and meaningful with all the tension during this journey.
At the beginning I was actual felt similar vibes as Mistborn (which was a good thing in my book). The platonic queer love and the use of They/He interchangeably for one character is a unique aspect of this book that worked very well. The pacing worked for me, even when some action sequences were left off the page. I was lucky enough to listen to the audiobook, which was very well done and I highly recommend!
Please check the content warnings before reading because some subject matter may not be for everyone. I would recommend this book if you're in need of a queer heist, pretending to be royal, and a unique competition.
At the beginning I was actual felt similar vibes as Mistborn (which was a good thing in my book). The platonic queer love and the use of They/He interchangeably for one character is a unique aspect of this book that worked very well. The pacing worked for me, even when some action sequences were left off the page. I was lucky enough to listen to the audiobook, which was very well done and I highly recommend!
Please check the content warnings before reading because some subject matter may not be for everyone. I would recommend this book if you're in need of a queer heist, pretending to be royal, and a unique competition.
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December 7, 2024DNF 33%
I really wanted to like this book, I think I’m just struggling with a mix of the world building and needing to split my attention between Kalen and Blythe.
To start, while I hate info dumping, not explaining things to your reader is almost as bad. While is has a glossary in the back, I shouldn’t have to flip between where I am and searching the back of the book to understand what’s happening. It just leaves me feeling like I’m lacking a lot of context for the world.
There’s also my issue with one of our two protagonist. While I really enjoy Blythe’s chapters and POV, I’m not as invested in what Kalen has going on. While I find him an interesting and well-rounded character, I can’t get into his half of the plot.
Part of me wonders if I’m just reading this at the wrong time. I think it does and discusses a lot
of interesting things and I would be willing to come back to it given time.
I really wanted to like this book, I think I’m just struggling with a mix of the world building and needing to split my attention between Kalen and Blythe.
To start, while I hate info dumping, not explaining things to your reader is almost as bad. While is has a glossary in the back, I shouldn’t have to flip between where I am and searching the back of the book to understand what’s happening. It just leaves me feeling like I’m lacking a lot of context for the world.
There’s also my issue with one of our two protagonist. While I really enjoy Blythe’s chapters and POV, I’m not as invested in what Kalen has going on. While I find him an interesting and well-rounded character, I can’t get into his half of the plot.
Part of me wonders if I’m just reading this at the wrong time. I think it does and discusses a lot
of interesting things and I would be willing to come back to it given time.
August 11, 2023
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an ARC of this, i am super grateful and excited since this is my first ever!!
So this book follows a heist, which is one of my favourite plot lines and it delivered. It had the suspense and the con, and of course the found family aspect. I also loved how Kalen’s trauma was portrayed, that’s probably my favourite part.
At times i found myself losing interest a bit, but that might be on me needing to be entertained at all times, which is impossible for a book to do when it needs to have a concise plot and pacing.
I really liked the ending. I swear I wouldn’t have been able to handle anything else.
So overall I liked this book, not one of my favourites, but I am very happy I received this arc and had the opportunity to read it, and I think so many people will enjoy it.
PS: the he/they pronouns?! I’m on my knees
So this book follows a heist, which is one of my favourite plot lines and it delivered. It had the suspense and the con, and of course the found family aspect. I also loved how Kalen’s trauma was portrayed, that’s probably my favourite part.
At times i found myself losing interest a bit, but that might be on me needing to be entertained at all times, which is impossible for a book to do when it needs to have a concise plot and pacing.
I really liked the ending. I swear I wouldn’t have been able to handle anything else.
So overall I liked this book, not one of my favourites, but I am very happy I received this arc and had the opportunity to read it, and I think so many people will enjoy it.
PS: the he/they pronouns?! I’m on my knees
August 6, 2025
I ended up enjoying this book a lot more than I thought I would in the beginning. For the first 100 or so pages, I was a little lost and struggling to get into it. I felt the beginning was a little rushed - they were very quickly all setting off on a huge political heist and I felt like I hadn't really connected to the characters or got any idea about the context or the stakes of the story yet. In the end though, I am glad that I stuck with this because once I felt I knew the characters more, I did enjoy the political machinations and the long con aspects of the heist plot. It had all the character development and reveals that I love, seeing new alliances and hidden agendas coming to light.
The asexual representation was a nice surprise (I knew it was in here because of the author's social media promotions of the book, but the character in question wasn't who I was expecting!)
The asexual representation was a nice surprise (I knew it was in here because of the author's social media promotions of the book, but the character in question wasn't who I was expecting!)
August 20, 2023
Actual rating is something around a 3.25-3.5ish, but rounding up because (a) there's some awesome queer representation*, and (b) I believe in supporting indie authors! Full review coming soon.
*examples include:
- queerplatonic relationship between MCs, who are aro-allo and homoromantic ace, respectively (I believe I got those orientations right, someone please correct me if I'm wrong)
- one MC uses both he/him and they/them pronouns, and both are used throughout the text, which is a wonderfully inclusive way of discussing the character
- ace and sapphic SCs
*examples include:
- queerplatonic relationship between MCs, who are aro-allo and homoromantic ace, respectively (I believe I got those orientations right, someone please correct me if I'm wrong)
- one MC uses both he/him and they/them pronouns, and both are used throughout the text, which is a wonderfully inclusive way of discussing the character
- ace and sapphic SCs
August 9, 2023
SUCH and INCREDIBLE book... super engaging and I literally cannot put it down. The style of writing is amazing and detailed and I'm telling you, you will not regret adding this to your collection.
HIGHLY recommended!!******
HIGHLY recommended!!******
Currently reading
August 11, 2023You're instantly drawn into the protagonists' life hardships. The creative writing style of the author tests the boundaries of societal norms. Hope to see more from them in the future.
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June 25, 2024https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
Blythe from Natural Outlaws and Fractured Sovereignty is aromantic!
Blythe from Natural Outlaws and Fractured Sovereignty is aromantic!
Want to read
April 26, 2023NA Dark Fantasy about a long-con heist with a queerplatonic relationship (and I've heard it has aspec rep!)
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