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The Gravemen
THE BANAM-HIN: An elite guard of the royal palace and city, they are seldom seen beyond them. Asdelar is a Blade of marked skill, but also a man who lives loud—flirtatious, teasing, open and free with affection. Life is not meant to be dull, even for a Blade.
THE IMALT-WOR: The notorious strong arms of the king, they maintain his law across the land. They are highly disciplined, respected and feared. Hinego is as strict in his personal life as he is maintaining the king's law. He has no time or patience for careless wastrels.
Forced to work together to locate the king's missing niece, neither man sees the journey ending in anything but disaster.
THE IMALT-WOR: The notorious strong arms of the king, they maintain his law across the land. They are highly disciplined, respected and feared. Hinego is as strict in his personal life as he is maintaining the king's law. He has no time or patience for careless wastrels.
Forced to work together to locate the king's missing niece, neither man sees the journey ending in anything but disaster.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2011
3 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Melissa North
2 books4 followersWhen I can drag myself away from video games and my sketchbook, I try to get some writing done. I tend to skip from genre to genre. I prefer most types of fantasy, but also mess around with YA at times. My cat does not like all the attention my keyboard gets, and likes to sprawl across my arm to hinder any progress. Fiend.
I drink an obscene amount of coffee while writing, and love listening to soundtracks.
I write a lot, but it's only recently that I seem to be close to finishing anything. My first attempt at actually putting a "the end" on something was The Gravemen, a novella. I'm currently working on its sequel, as well as a YA fantasy novel.
I drink an obscene amount of coffee while writing, and love listening to soundtracks.
I write a lot, but it's only recently that I seem to be close to finishing anything. My first attempt at actually putting a "the end" on something was The Gravemen, a novella. I'm currently working on its sequel, as well as a YA fantasy novel.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 18, 2013
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
I was already somewhat interested in this story from the blurb, but I was really excited to read it after I read Melissa's guest post here on the blog yesterday. So, when I had time last night, I decided to read it. And I'm glad I did! It was the perfect length for starting a book at night (I just can't seem to make myself start a long[ish] novel anytime after 5pm) and I was drawn right into the story, literally from the first few sentences. Instead of a lead-in to the first real scene, maybe some narration to ease us into the story like I usually find in romance, The Gravemen starts in the middle of a conversation and immediately shows how the two main characters are set against one another. The tension is there from the beginning. And oh, how exciting! I love enemies-to-lovers stories :)
Asdelar and Hinego are thrown together to carry out a mission in the name of the King: search out his great-niece and bring her home. The only thing they have in common is that they're both Gravemen -- members of one of the two warrior sects that serve under the King -- in all the rest they're firmly opposites. Asdelar is a Banam-Hin, one of the warriors known as Blades for their skills with the sword who stay in the capital city as a guard. He's also incredibly handsome and free-spirited, easy with charm and sexual innuendo and quick to laugh. Leaving the city is an adventure for him, he's rarely seen anything but the capital and the palace, but he's always wanted to travel and see the country. Hinego is one of the Imalt-Wor, warriors called Reds because of the color of the sash they wear to assert their authority. The Imalt-Wor travel the country and assert the King's law among the many towns and villages. They're most known, though, for their fighting style that eschews weapons in any form. While Asdelar is a young prodigy with the sword, Hinego can take down a group of mercenaries with just his hands, using precisely placed blows to cause the most harm, even death.
As they travel behind the lost girl, searching for clues of her whereabouts, the two seem to grate on each other's nerves more and more. Because while Asdelar's natural friendly affinity for meeting new people and making new friends has him talking Hinego's ear off trying to get to know him and enjoy his first adventure away from the city, Hinego grows more contemptuous about having to work with him, seeing him as weight he has to carry. Hinego is in his element while traveling the countryside, but he's a natural loner. Often surly and ill-tempered, Hinego holds his duty to his King above all others and see's Asdelar's choice to seize opportunities to enjoy the trip (whether an evening at a village tavern or a night in bed with a woman, or man, he's not picky!) as out of order. And even more than angering Hinego, it makes him undervalue his worth to commit and see their job through to the end. It doesn't help that Asdelar has little skills to make it on the road.
Clues to the whereabouts of the King's niece are thin on the ground, and though Hinego is apt to think along the lines of kidnapping, Asdelar is used to the bratty royal and her frequent attempts to run away to get her way because of his familiarity with the palace and is pretty sure that they'll find the girl in no time at all. Asdelar is trying everything he can think of to try to get to know Hinego, but nothing seems to be working. He's going to have to do something to prove to the Red that he's capable and takes his job and their mission seriously. Sooner rather than later, that opportunity comes when fording a river swelled with spring runoff. Being rather shorter than the tall Banam-Hin, Hinego is swept away and is rescued by the impetuous man, whose quick thinking sees them both to safety. Though things between them are never easy after that, they start to get to know one another.
I think what I liked so much about this story was just how easy it was to read. There's not a whole lot of worldbuilding, so even though this is technically fantasy, the story is character driven and the details (political, cultural, geographical, etc.) are limited only to what it takes to fill out the story satisfactorily. Likewise, while the relationship between the two is never downright chummy, they also aren't constantly at each other's throats. There's quite a bit of gentle banter and a few small arguments, but mostly it's a subtle dance of attraction and camaraderie and bonding that they play, and it is often humorous to watch Asdelar's flirting and Hinego's seemingly prudish embarrassment. Yes, for the most part, this story is really about these two men getting to know one another while traveling through the countryside. And I thoroughly enjoyed it.
While I wasn't wowed by the ending, I wasn't entirely disappointed either. There's a fair bit of action in the last quarter of the story as the two come closer and closer to their quarry and face the inevitable confrontation. I think it depends on whether you wanted more worldbuilding and external story (outside of the relationship, I mean) during the first three-quarters or if you were satisfied, like I was, if you'll really enjoy the ending. Because while it wasn't heart-stopping and it was pretty obvious what had happened to the girl, I didn't really care as much about that part of the story as I did the relationship anyway, so all I really cared about was how they would come to together. On that front, I did wish that it had happened a little bit earlier, so that we could see them together and getting to know each other with all the cards on the table. As for the lack of any sexual scenes, that didn't bother me at all.
This author is new to me, but I really hope that she continues to write and publish. This story was perfect for Less Than Three press, so if you know that publisher as well as I do and like what they consistently publish then this will be perfect for you. I would encourage you to give it a try, though, especially if you're in the mood for something that's light but not without substance or good characters that aren't of stock romance quality. And if you do read it, I hope you enjoy it as I did.
I was already somewhat interested in this story from the blurb, but I was really excited to read it after I read Melissa's guest post here on the blog yesterday. So, when I had time last night, I decided to read it. And I'm glad I did! It was the perfect length for starting a book at night (I just can't seem to make myself start a long[ish] novel anytime after 5pm) and I was drawn right into the story, literally from the first few sentences. Instead of a lead-in to the first real scene, maybe some narration to ease us into the story like I usually find in romance, The Gravemen starts in the middle of a conversation and immediately shows how the two main characters are set against one another. The tension is there from the beginning. And oh, how exciting! I love enemies-to-lovers stories :)
Asdelar and Hinego are thrown together to carry out a mission in the name of the King: search out his great-niece and bring her home. The only thing they have in common is that they're both Gravemen -- members of one of the two warrior sects that serve under the King -- in all the rest they're firmly opposites. Asdelar is a Banam-Hin, one of the warriors known as Blades for their skills with the sword who stay in the capital city as a guard. He's also incredibly handsome and free-spirited, easy with charm and sexual innuendo and quick to laugh. Leaving the city is an adventure for him, he's rarely seen anything but the capital and the palace, but he's always wanted to travel and see the country. Hinego is one of the Imalt-Wor, warriors called Reds because of the color of the sash they wear to assert their authority. The Imalt-Wor travel the country and assert the King's law among the many towns and villages. They're most known, though, for their fighting style that eschews weapons in any form. While Asdelar is a young prodigy with the sword, Hinego can take down a group of mercenaries with just his hands, using precisely placed blows to cause the most harm, even death.
As they travel behind the lost girl, searching for clues of her whereabouts, the two seem to grate on each other's nerves more and more. Because while Asdelar's natural friendly affinity for meeting new people and making new friends has him talking Hinego's ear off trying to get to know him and enjoy his first adventure away from the city, Hinego grows more contemptuous about having to work with him, seeing him as weight he has to carry. Hinego is in his element while traveling the countryside, but he's a natural loner. Often surly and ill-tempered, Hinego holds his duty to his King above all others and see's Asdelar's choice to seize opportunities to enjoy the trip (whether an evening at a village tavern or a night in bed with a woman, or man, he's not picky!) as out of order. And even more than angering Hinego, it makes him undervalue his worth to commit and see their job through to the end. It doesn't help that Asdelar has little skills to make it on the road.
Clues to the whereabouts of the King's niece are thin on the ground, and though Hinego is apt to think along the lines of kidnapping, Asdelar is used to the bratty royal and her frequent attempts to run away to get her way because of his familiarity with the palace and is pretty sure that they'll find the girl in no time at all. Asdelar is trying everything he can think of to try to get to know Hinego, but nothing seems to be working. He's going to have to do something to prove to the Red that he's capable and takes his job and their mission seriously. Sooner rather than later, that opportunity comes when fording a river swelled with spring runoff. Being rather shorter than the tall Banam-Hin, Hinego is swept away and is rescued by the impetuous man, whose quick thinking sees them both to safety. Though things between them are never easy after that, they start to get to know one another.
I think what I liked so much about this story was just how easy it was to read. There's not a whole lot of worldbuilding, so even though this is technically fantasy, the story is character driven and the details (political, cultural, geographical, etc.) are limited only to what it takes to fill out the story satisfactorily. Likewise, while the relationship between the two is never downright chummy, they also aren't constantly at each other's throats. There's quite a bit of gentle banter and a few small arguments, but mostly it's a subtle dance of attraction and camaraderie and bonding that they play, and it is often humorous to watch Asdelar's flirting and Hinego's seemingly prudish embarrassment. Yes, for the most part, this story is really about these two men getting to know one another while traveling through the countryside. And I thoroughly enjoyed it.
While I wasn't wowed by the ending, I wasn't entirely disappointed either. There's a fair bit of action in the last quarter of the story as the two come closer and closer to their quarry and face the inevitable confrontation. I think it depends on whether you wanted more worldbuilding and external story (outside of the relationship, I mean) during the first three-quarters or if you were satisfied, like I was, if you'll really enjoy the ending. Because while it wasn't heart-stopping and it was pretty obvious what had happened to the girl, I didn't really care as much about that part of the story as I did the relationship anyway, so all I really cared about was how they would come to together. On that front, I did wish that it had happened a little bit earlier, so that we could see them together and getting to know each other with all the cards on the table. As for the lack of any sexual scenes, that didn't bother me at all.
This author is new to me, but I really hope that she continues to write and publish. This story was perfect for Less Than Three press, so if you know that publisher as well as I do and like what they consistently publish then this will be perfect for you. I would encourage you to give it a try, though, especially if you're in the mood for something that's light but not without substance or good characters that aren't of stock romance quality. And if you do read it, I hope you enjoy it as I did.
April 28, 2012
I read this book because something about the blurb promised lots of sexual tension, and I love sexual tension. A lot. And for the most part, I wasn't disappointed. The protagonists spend an awful lot of time arguing and smoldering gently, and it was great. Then I got to the end and... nothing. The ending wasn't so much abrupt as supremely unsatisfying. I think this book could definitely have used some expansion.
April 19, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book! I loved Asdelar and Hinego's exchange. Aseldar, with his teasing and flirtatious comments while Hinego gets all offended and huffy was amusing. The pacing was good and the story was action packed. It was a slight disappointment that there was no hot scenes and the MC's only shared a kiss in the end. Wished it was longer and there was more to the relationship. Reading this made me smile. Hope there's a sequel coming out soon :)
July 7, 2019
More like 3.5 stars. I really liked the characters and the development of their relationship. I just wish the story was longer: 150 pages are not enough of Asdelar and Hinego. ..
August 27, 2013
3,75 stars
Hinego is part of a police force at least the equivalent of it in this fantasy setting and he at least appeared quite capable and interested in doing his job and the mission the king send him to fulfill. Unfortunately for him the partner he was forced to take with him, was from the kings elite army force and Asdelar didn't really prove himself until the end.
Even drunk Hinego managed to defeat 4 attackers, while Asdelar just lay there and watched. I'd like to say that he was much of help in other instantance, but he really wasn't. Mostly he annoyed Hinego and flirted a lot.
He wasn't a character that I really liked, but he actually did manage to show some skill at the end, I'd count that as character development.
What I liked to see was how these characters, who begun their journey on quite hostile terms, found their way to each other. Hinego slowly warmed up to Asdelar and it would have been fantastic if the story was longer and I could have seen them work on their relationship back in the city.
The beginning was quite promising, had all that fun hostility and good tension, it drew me in, but sadly the middle wasn't as good, but the pace and story picked up at the end and made up for it.
Hinego is part of a police force at least the equivalent of it in this fantasy setting and he at least appeared quite capable and interested in doing his job and the mission the king send him to fulfill. Unfortunately for him the partner he was forced to take with him, was from the kings elite army force and Asdelar didn't really prove himself until the end.
Even drunk Hinego managed to defeat 4 attackers, while Asdelar just lay there and watched. I'd like to say that he was much of help in other instantance, but he really wasn't. Mostly he annoyed Hinego and flirted a lot.
He wasn't a character that I really liked, but he actually did manage to show some skill at the end, I'd count that as character development.
What I liked to see was how these characters, who begun their journey on quite hostile terms, found their way to each other. Hinego slowly warmed up to Asdelar and it would have been fantastic if the story was longer and I could have seen them work on their relationship back in the city.
The beginning was quite promising, had all that fun hostility and good tension, it drew me in, but sadly the middle wasn't as good, but the pace and story picked up at the end and made up for it.
December 5, 2013
2,5*
the story was on the boring side of interesting, never stilted but mostly lacking - usually some maturity in MCs' behavior or a touch of realism. . Sometimes it grated on my last nerve how less mature and more stupid they both became with every passing page. If it was specifically designed like that to show how love affected them than it fell short, all I thought was 'how stupid can they be - seeing as they were supposed to be best of the best'.
the story was on the boring side of interesting, never stilted but mostly lacking - usually some maturity in MCs' behavior or a touch of realism. . Sometimes it grated on my last nerve how less mature and more stupid they both became with every passing page. If it was specifically designed like that to show how love affected them than it fell short, all I thought was 'how stupid can they be - seeing as they were supposed to be best of the best'.
April 20, 2013
The story was good but the world and character building was lacking. I would have loved to have learned a lot more about the Banam-Hin and the Reds (or Iamlt-Wor, whichever you like to call them).
It was a bit of a frustrating read for me. I found Asdelar/Lorem(what Hinego liked to address him) to be a character I didn't like so much at times. I can't stand irresponsible people so...yeah....he was kind of pissing me off the way he just disregarded Hinego advice (which resulted in so many problems). I tend to lean toward stoic characters, so Hinego was more likable to me although he was a bit uptight. Of course, their personality clashed but in the end it really balanced out.
It was a bit of a frustrating read for me. I found Asdelar/Lorem(what Hinego liked to address him) to be a character I didn't like so much at times. I can't stand irresponsible people so...yeah....he was kind of pissing me off the way he just disregarded Hinego advice (which resulted in so many problems). I tend to lean toward stoic characters, so Hinego was more likable to me although he was a bit uptight. Of course, their personality clashed but in the end it really balanced out.
December 18, 2016
I think this story had potential. It read more like a teen LGBT story than an MM Romance of the generalized sort. There were both subtle and overt indications and inclinations that the two MCs learned toward same-sex attractions. However the painful lack of real smut is what gave way to the 2-2.5 star rating. It had a lot of potential, but the sexuality was more of a hndsight in this story and I would have loved for it not to be; especially with Hinego being the uptight repressed alleged virgin of the story and Asdelar the playboy-flirt type. So much potential, so little of it achieved.
September 30, 2017
review tbd
January 30, 2017
This needs a sequel, and sex.
June 26, 2013
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Hinego is an Imalt-Wor (Reds) he roams the land with his fellow warriors keeping the kings laws upheld, he is as strict in his personal life as he is with his job and he has no time for wastrels like the Blade he has been teamed up with for a mission. Asdelar is a Banam-Hin (Blade) an elite swordsman who is protection for the royals and the city, he lives life to the fullest, snatching enjoyment wherever he can and he wishes he could get the Reds to loosen up a bit. Forced to work together on a mission for the king, bothh men have to learn to accept the other and discover just what has happened to the king’s niece.
The Gravemen is a great fantasy of opposites attracting once two men get to spend time together and get under each other’s skin. We come into this story after Hinego and Asdelar are already paired up and they are on their journey, immediately you can feel the tension and frustration from Hinego because Asdelar seems to be treating their mission like a holiday. You actually agree with him as well, Hinego is experienced with the country and towns whereas Asdelar has lived his work life mainly in the palace and hasn’t a clue how to act among the masses, he cause trouble through his carelessness and refusal to listen. Asdelar also can’t open his mouth without flirting and puts poor Hinego on edge constantly… but when Asdelar turns to a new traveling companion for company Hinego can’t understand why it annoys him.
The mission part is interesting as both men are stumped as to where the kings niece has disappeared to, it doesn’t help them that she had a habit of running off, so they both have to discover if she has just run off again or if this time she has been kidnapped. Following the limited non-clues leads them to danger and they both have to work together and apart to recover the kings’ niece. Their relationship is very rocky and they just begin to warm up to each other when they are joined by another traveller who monopolises Asdelar time and drives a further wedge between Hinego and Asdelar. And it isn’t until they are both in danger that they really realise what the other has become to them. There’s some great action scenes and we also get scenes where they open up a bit to the other (large quantities of alcohol are involved) and the ending scene gives us hope for the two men.
I recommend this to those who love fantasy, an awkward warrior and a flirtatious swordsman, an interesting journey, an awkward relationship being built and a happy for now ending.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Hinego is an Imalt-Wor (Reds) he roams the land with his fellow warriors keeping the kings laws upheld, he is as strict in his personal life as he is with his job and he has no time for wastrels like the Blade he has been teamed up with for a mission. Asdelar is a Banam-Hin (Blade) an elite swordsman who is protection for the royals and the city, he lives life to the fullest, snatching enjoyment wherever he can and he wishes he could get the Reds to loosen up a bit. Forced to work together on a mission for the king, bothh men have to learn to accept the other and discover just what has happened to the king’s niece.
The Gravemen is a great fantasy of opposites attracting once two men get to spend time together and get under each other’s skin. We come into this story after Hinego and Asdelar are already paired up and they are on their journey, immediately you can feel the tension and frustration from Hinego because Asdelar seems to be treating their mission like a holiday. You actually agree with him as well, Hinego is experienced with the country and towns whereas Asdelar has lived his work life mainly in the palace and hasn’t a clue how to act among the masses, he cause trouble through his carelessness and refusal to listen. Asdelar also can’t open his mouth without flirting and puts poor Hinego on edge constantly… but when Asdelar turns to a new traveling companion for company Hinego can’t understand why it annoys him.
The mission part is interesting as both men are stumped as to where the kings niece has disappeared to, it doesn’t help them that she had a habit of running off, so they both have to discover if she has just run off again or if this time she has been kidnapped. Following the limited non-clues leads them to danger and they both have to work together and apart to recover the kings’ niece. Their relationship is very rocky and they just begin to warm up to each other when they are joined by another traveller who monopolises Asdelar time and drives a further wedge between Hinego and Asdelar. And it isn’t until they are both in danger that they really realise what the other has become to them. There’s some great action scenes and we also get scenes where they open up a bit to the other (large quantities of alcohol are involved) and the ending scene gives us hope for the two men.
I recommend this to those who love fantasy, an awkward warrior and a flirtatious swordsman, an interesting journey, an awkward relationship being built and a happy for now ending.
August 29, 2013
POV: Third
Kisses: 3.5
The book starts at the point where Asdelar and Hinego have been on the road in their chase after the King’s niece for a few days already. The King’s niece has a habit of running away, and is known for her snippy personality, but only once before has she been missing this long. The antagonism between the two men is very direct (neither want to be on this quest together),with the characters almost seeming two dimensional. This is a false impression, for beneath their façades, they are very complex, intense men.
The immediate contrasts between the men are distinct and contribute to their clashes. Asdelar and Hinego have very different styles of fighting: one is trained to fight with a sword in a team and the other without weapons, relying only on himself. One is a city mouse, the other is country. One is outgoing, flirty, and friendly, while the other is taciturn, controlled, and actively discourages familiarity. In my opinion, this makes the adventure more interesting as it adds conflict without too much angst. The verbal sparring is well written with the quips making me smile more than once.
I couldn’t stop reading and finished the book before I even realized I had passed halfway. It is written smoothly and is a smooth, easy read. The characters are realistic and the world building just right for the story (it didn’t go really deep, but it didn’t need to and might have overwhelmed the story if it had). As a true adventure, it focuses more on the events occurring than physical romance, which was rather nice. I enjoyed watching Asdelar and Hinego learn to tolerate and even work with each other. As a romance, the end is obvious, but watching Asdelar and Hinego get there is worth the trip.
BUY LINK:
http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/boo...
Kisses: 3.5
The book starts at the point where Asdelar and Hinego have been on the road in their chase after the King’s niece for a few days already. The King’s niece has a habit of running away, and is known for her snippy personality, but only once before has she been missing this long. The antagonism between the two men is very direct (neither want to be on this quest together),with the characters almost seeming two dimensional. This is a false impression, for beneath their façades, they are very complex, intense men.
The immediate contrasts between the men are distinct and contribute to their clashes. Asdelar and Hinego have very different styles of fighting: one is trained to fight with a sword in a team and the other without weapons, relying only on himself. One is a city mouse, the other is country. One is outgoing, flirty, and friendly, while the other is taciturn, controlled, and actively discourages familiarity. In my opinion, this makes the adventure more interesting as it adds conflict without too much angst. The verbal sparring is well written with the quips making me smile more than once.
I couldn’t stop reading and finished the book before I even realized I had passed halfway. It is written smoothly and is a smooth, easy read. The characters are realistic and the world building just right for the story (it didn’t go really deep, but it didn’t need to and might have overwhelmed the story if it had). As a true adventure, it focuses more on the events occurring than physical romance, which was rather nice. I enjoyed watching Asdelar and Hinego learn to tolerate and even work with each other. As a romance, the end is obvious, but watching Asdelar and Hinego get there is worth the trip.
BUY LINK:
http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/boo...
August 22, 2013
Really enjoyed this story of two traveling warriors from very different disciplines, and the mysteries they seek to unravel along the way. One of those mysteries, of course, is why Hinego is so cold and disdainful toward Asdelar, and Asdelar sets after it with vigor. The banter and arguments between the two of them are very well done, the pacing is good and their pursuit of the King's niece unfolds as the tension between the two warriors gets ever thicker. There were only two things that kept this from being a full four stars for me - first, there's Asdelar's special armor, noteworthy enough yet we never get to see him wear it during the course of the story. It's a shame, especially after admiring the gorgeous cover. Also, I'd have liked to see the resolution expanded a bit more; the ending seemed a bit rushed and quick after the lovely, well-paced build-up. I'm not one who absolutely needs sex in a well-told story, which this was, but I'd have liked to see more resolution beyond what was shown.
Altogether an enjoyable, well-written read.
Altogether an enjoyable, well-written read.
February 10, 2015
Not fantastic, but not too terrible either. I would've liked a bit more development with the romance, because it was never shown - we were simply told at the very end that apparently they had feelings for each other, with barely any build up to it at all. Another point that grated on me was Hinego's casual, full-on support of killing even petty thieves. For a fantasy equivalent 'officer of the law', this really jarred me. I think maybe because I am very passionately against the death sentence, and the debate has come into the spotlight again due to the execution of the Bali Nine. Maybe that was why I was especially sensitive to it? But it made me not like Hinego overly much. He started off stiff and snobby and ended that way, when I hoped he'd have a bit more development.
September 14, 2014
This fantasy adventure had all the pieces to be a great story, and I felt like it was on the verge many times, but didn't quiet get there. The chemistry was just lacking a little and the world building needed to be expanded and illustrated. It's a good first read from this author, and although it needed a little more for me to fully enjoy this story, I have high hopes for this author in the future. Solid writing.
November 15, 2013
This one had it all for me. It was a nice fantasy journey, and the writing reminded me of one of my favorite authors, Megan Derr.
Melissa North writes with a gentle style and the story never flagged. Gorgeous progression of UST and sniping between the mains, and although there was no sex - nope, only a kiss or two - it really was none the worse for it, because that suited its almost-medieval, fairy-tale storytelling style.
Nothing to lose it points from my POV, so had to give it 5 stars :)
Melissa North writes with a gentle style and the story never flagged. Gorgeous progression of UST and sniping between the mains, and although there was no sex - nope, only a kiss or two - it really was none the worse for it, because that suited its almost-medieval, fairy-tale storytelling style.
Nothing to lose it points from my POV, so had to give it 5 stars :)
October 10, 2011
I would love to read some sequels with these two protagonists! It reminds me a little of Lynn Flewelling's Nightrunner series, and that should say something about this book. Adventure, action, fantasy settings, some romance between two opposite men, their constant verbal clashes, in conclusion an entertaining story. Definitely this author should publish more, if she hasn't done it already.
April 29, 2012
I really enjoyed this story and its characters, even though I wish it was a bit longer. The MC's relationship developed throughout the book but nothing happened between them untill the last sentence of the book, which was kind of disappointing. Hopefully there will be a sequel with these two young men and their next adventure together.
August 24, 2016
This might be the first time where I got furious to a character near the end part. Usually, it's on the first or middle, since that's where a character is still on the process of maturing. I like the story a lot though.
May 9, 2013
4.5 stars
November 3, 2015
A good book - just too short for all the suspense, romance and fantasy setting. On the other hand, I can't imagine it much longer than it is.
October 18, 2016
You know, I didn't hate it. The blurb gets a bit XKCD Fiction Rule of Thumb-y, but it's a pretty all right read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews