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The Kitchen Boy
Kitchen servant Yoli is one of only three men who know a carefully guarded secret about High Commander Koehen, the brilliant general who united their lands against a common invader. The enemy wants that secret, and they are willing to use either kindness or cruelty to obtain it.
Yoli will have to decide if his loyalties lie with the commander, who has shown him more affection than anyone in Yoli's life, or with his own best interests. Commander Koehen's attention is capricious at best; he summons Yoli only when it is convenient for him. Will it be enough to hold Yoli's devotion when Yoli is offered his fondest dream to betray it?
CONTENT This title contains a HFN ending.
Yoli will have to decide if his loyalties lie with the commander, who has shown him more affection than anyone in Yoli's life, or with his own best interests. Commander Koehen's attention is capricious at best; he summons Yoli only when it is convenient for him. Will it be enough to hold Yoli's devotion when Yoli is offered his fondest dream to betray it?
CONTENT This title contains a HFN ending.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2013
5 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Augusta Li
39 books124 followersGus's Books are available at Dreamspinner Press, Silver Publishing, , Yaoi Press, and Storm Moon Press.
Gus has much love for readers and book enthusiasts. Communication and friendship is encouraged!
Website: www.BooksByEonandGus.com
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 23, 2016
This is fantasy of the best kind: there is a war against a cruel enemy, heroes who fight for the freedom of the conquered people, and it is all set in a world so convincing it had me glued to the pages. But it is also so much more! The internal conflict Yoli, "the kitchen boy', faces is set up carefully, then blooms just as the external crisis comes to a head, and tests Yoli to the limits of his abilities. I loved the whole story, but the character development on top of the adventure and beginning romance was the proverbial cherry on a very, very nice fantasy cake.
Yoli is a simple man. He is the lowliest of the low, a kitchen servant who gets all the tasks nobody else wants to do. Sold into slavery when he was a young boy, he has taught himself not to expect anything from life, not to hope for more. Trouble is, even after years of drudgery, he still can’t quite get there. He is one of the few who knows what High Commander Koehen's problem is, and is able to help him with it. The contact develops into more and – boom – hope blooms. When Yoli is put to the test, has to decide if his convictions and beginning love is worth suffering torture, his real personal development can begin.
High Commander Koehen is a bit of an enigma in the beginning. He is determined to fight for his people's freedom from the "southern invaders" despite his issue, and wants to do right by Yoli once he recognizes how attached they have become to each other. Koehen definitely grew on me once he had learned to see what Yoli's life was like and what he might want. Since Yoli never says anything, it takes Koehen a while, but a few nudges from his best friend and wizard Vlaad later, he gets with the plan. Unfortunately, by then it is almost too late, and he develops the craziest rescue plan in history to bring Yoli back.
I was breathless halfway through the book. The tension is amazing, the setting and characters fascinating; especially the enigmatic Vlaad, the magician who is as close to Koehen as a brother. If you like stories that will sweep you away, if you enjoy characters who have a tough life and have to struggle and fight but are rewarded with great growth and a happy ending they didn’t even dare dream of, and if you're looking for a read that will fascinate and delight you, then I can definitely recommend this book. This story and its characters will stay with me for quite a while!
NOTE: This book was provided by Silver Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Yoli is a simple man. He is the lowliest of the low, a kitchen servant who gets all the tasks nobody else wants to do. Sold into slavery when he was a young boy, he has taught himself not to expect anything from life, not to hope for more. Trouble is, even after years of drudgery, he still can’t quite get there. He is one of the few who knows what High Commander Koehen's problem is, and is able to help him with it. The contact develops into more and – boom – hope blooms. When Yoli is put to the test, has to decide if his convictions and beginning love is worth suffering torture, his real personal development can begin.
High Commander Koehen is a bit of an enigma in the beginning. He is determined to fight for his people's freedom from the "southern invaders" despite his issue, and wants to do right by Yoli once he recognizes how attached they have become to each other. Koehen definitely grew on me once he had learned to see what Yoli's life was like and what he might want. Since Yoli never says anything, it takes Koehen a while, but a few nudges from his best friend and wizard Vlaad later, he gets with the plan. Unfortunately, by then it is almost too late, and he develops the craziest rescue plan in history to bring Yoli back.
I was breathless halfway through the book. The tension is amazing, the setting and characters fascinating; especially the enigmatic Vlaad, the magician who is as close to Koehen as a brother. If you like stories that will sweep you away, if you enjoy characters who have a tough life and have to struggle and fight but are rewarded with great growth and a happy ending they didn’t even dare dream of, and if you're looking for a read that will fascinate and delight you, then I can definitely recommend this book. This story and its characters will stay with me for quite a while!
NOTE: This book was provided by Silver Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 14, 2016
This is fantasy of the best kind: there is a war against a cruel enemy, heroes who fight for the freedom of the conquered people, and it is all set in a world so convincing it had me glued to the pages. But it is also so much more! The internal conflict Yoli, "the kitchen boy', faces is set up carefully, then blooms just as the external crisis comes to a head, and tests Yoli to the limits of his abilities. I loved the whole story, but the character development on top of the adventure and beginning romance was the proverbial cherry on a very, very nice fantasy cake.
Yoli is a simple man. He is the lowliest of the low, a kitchen servant who gets all the tasks nobody else wants to do. Sold into slavery when he was a young boy, he has taught himself not to expect anything from life, not to hope for more. Trouble is, even after years of drudgery, he still can’t quite get there. He is one of the few who knows what High Commander Koehen's problem is, and is able to help him with it. The contact develops into more and – boom – hope blooms. When Yoli is put to the test, he has to decide if his convictions and beginning love are worth suffering torture. There is only one answer for him, and his real personal development begins once he is sure.
High Commander Koehen is a bit of an enigma in the beginning. He is determined to fight for his people's freedom from the "southern invaders" despite his issue, and wants to do right by Yoli once he recognizes how attached they have become to each other. Koehen definitely grew on me once he had learned to see what Yoli's life was like and what he might want. Since Yoli never says anything, it takes Koehen a while, but a few nudges from his best friend and wizard Vlaad later, he gets with the plan. Unfortunately, by then it is almost too late, and he develops the craziest rescue plan in history to bring Yoli back.
I was breathless halfway through the book. The tension is amazing, the setting and characters fascinating; especially the enigmatic Vlaad, the magician who is as close to Koehen as a brother. If you like stories that will sweep you away, if you enjoy characters who have a tough life and have to struggle and fight but are rewarded with great growth and a happy ending they didn’t even dare dream of, and if you're looking for a read that will fascinate and delight you, then I can definitely recommend this book. This story and its characters will stay with me for quite a while!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Yoli is a simple man. He is the lowliest of the low, a kitchen servant who gets all the tasks nobody else wants to do. Sold into slavery when he was a young boy, he has taught himself not to expect anything from life, not to hope for more. Trouble is, even after years of drudgery, he still can’t quite get there. He is one of the few who knows what High Commander Koehen's problem is, and is able to help him with it. The contact develops into more and – boom – hope blooms. When Yoli is put to the test, he has to decide if his convictions and beginning love are worth suffering torture. There is only one answer for him, and his real personal development begins once he is sure.
High Commander Koehen is a bit of an enigma in the beginning. He is determined to fight for his people's freedom from the "southern invaders" despite his issue, and wants to do right by Yoli once he recognizes how attached they have become to each other. Koehen definitely grew on me once he had learned to see what Yoli's life was like and what he might want. Since Yoli never says anything, it takes Koehen a while, but a few nudges from his best friend and wizard Vlaad later, he gets with the plan. Unfortunately, by then it is almost too late, and he develops the craziest rescue plan in history to bring Yoli back.
I was breathless halfway through the book. The tension is amazing, the setting and characters fascinating; especially the enigmatic Vlaad, the magician who is as close to Koehen as a brother. If you like stories that will sweep you away, if you enjoy characters who have a tough life and have to struggle and fight but are rewarded with great growth and a happy ending they didn’t even dare dream of, and if you're looking for a read that will fascinate and delight you, then I can definitely recommend this book. This story and its characters will stay with me for quite a while!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 30, 2016
It's more like 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
It could've been soooo good, it could've been on my "absolute favourites" shelf but just... I don't know, I wanted MORE, I guess...
This book has all my favourite mm elements: a slave/servant falling for a lord/prince/king/master, an impossible/forbidden love, great and brave deeds to reunite the lovers...
I know it isn't a long book and maybe that's why it all felt so rush and underdeveloped... :(
There were some things in this beautiful story that I just couldn't come to terms with...
For instance: Yoli was so full of respect and so terrified of Vaald at the beginning (and no wonder! He's a powerfull, wise wizard) but suddenly, after just a few pages, he starts calling him by his name! He addressed Koehen as Sir for so long that The High Commander had to ask Yoli to use his name. It just felt too easy, too quick for Yoli to get used to treating Koehen and especially Vaald, with whom he wasn't so intimately acquainted, so casually, as if they were instantly his friends and not superiors.
And then the whole drama was too quickened. Yoli found himself captured, he became fiercely loyal to Koehen in his captivity, dreamt of his lover rescuing him... And Koehen, who acted so whimsically towards his kitchen boy, suddenly couldn't live without him, so he rescued him, being captured in return. Strangely, it was again Yoli, who as the only one had courage to do it, invented a clever plan and regained his lover, and all of that almost on his own! I think the changes of the MCs' characters didn't feel sincere.
Then there is Brunarius who wasn't the one-dimensional, "bad guy" villain - ironically, for me he was maybe the most believable character of the book.
And my last complaint... Yoli, who has dreamt his whole life to become a bard, wrote a song whilst in captivity and please...!! He was only a kitchen boy, has recently learnt to read and write, right? So how could he know and use such words, such effusive vocabulary in his first song ever???
Other than that, it was a quick read, very enjoyable indeed. I liked the world-building, the war issue, the clan politics, the wizard - the whole idea actually! The author has a really nice style, easy to read and follow. I would definitely look at their other works. And I would definitely recommend The Kitchen Boy further! It just all was too short and too quick for me. Had it been longer and the characters and emotions/feelings and their changes better developed, I'm sure I would enjoy it even more.
It could've been soooo good, it could've been on my "absolute favourites" shelf but just... I don't know, I wanted MORE, I guess...
This book has all my favourite mm elements: a slave/servant falling for a lord/prince/king/master, an impossible/forbidden love, great and brave deeds to reunite the lovers...
I know it isn't a long book and maybe that's why it all felt so rush and underdeveloped... :(
There were some things in this beautiful story that I just couldn't come to terms with...
For instance: Yoli was so full of respect and so terrified of Vaald at the beginning (and no wonder! He's a powerfull, wise wizard) but suddenly, after just a few pages, he starts calling him by his name! He addressed Koehen as Sir for so long that The High Commander had to ask Yoli to use his name. It just felt too easy, too quick for Yoli to get used to treating Koehen and especially Vaald, with whom he wasn't so intimately acquainted, so casually, as if they were instantly his friends and not superiors.
And then the whole drama was too quickened. Yoli found himself captured, he became fiercely loyal to Koehen in his captivity, dreamt of his lover rescuing him... And Koehen, who acted so whimsically towards his kitchen boy, suddenly couldn't live without him, so he rescued him, being captured in return. Strangely, it was again Yoli, who as the only one had courage to do it, invented a clever plan and regained his lover, and all of that almost on his own! I think the changes of the MCs' characters didn't feel sincere.
Then there is Brunarius who wasn't the one-dimensional, "bad guy" villain - ironically, for me he was maybe the most believable character of the book.
And my last complaint... Yoli, who has dreamt his whole life to become a bard, wrote a song whilst in captivity and please...!! He was only a kitchen boy, has recently learnt to read and write, right? So how could he know and use such words, such effusive vocabulary in his first song ever???
Other than that, it was a quick read, very enjoyable indeed. I liked the world-building, the war issue, the clan politics, the wizard - the whole idea actually! The author has a really nice style, easy to read and follow. I would definitely look at their other works. And I would definitely recommend The Kitchen Boy further! It just all was too short and too quick for me. Had it been longer and the characters and emotions/feelings and their changes better developed, I'm sure I would enjoy it even more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
April 5, 2016DNF @ 48%
This didn’t work for me, obviously. I started it, then put it down, then started again, took a long break from it, then called it a day and decided I could not continue. I am obviously not going to rate, as I did not finish it, but here are some of the reasons why I did not like this.
Yoli is a kitchen boy who helps alleviates Commander Koehen migraines by massaging him. It becomes a routine to massage other regions as well towards the end of the...let’s say session. We’re told about this within a few pages from Yoli’s POV. Then on one such meeting, the Commander starts complimenting Yoli on his beauty and seduces him for more than massaging. There’s no explanation as to what changed between all of the other times and that one. It just happens. And then a lot of instas happen and they rendezvous on the regular. There were quite a few steamy scenes after that, to the point where it felt like reading erotica more than romance. It all felt disjointed somehow. Koehen leaves on a military mission and while he’s gone Yoli is punished from daydreaming in the kitchen –I swear I’m not even making this up – and runs away. At which point he’s captured and interrogated by a group wanting intel on Koehen’s strategies and plans.
And that’s where I jumped ship. I didn’t buy the love story –there was no build-up for one after all. I just could not dredge up any interest to keep going with the book. However, I love the new cover and I have seen positive reviews from fans of fantasy novels, so perhaps take a look at other reviews before dismissing it.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. See this review at Gay Book Reviews.
This didn’t work for me, obviously. I started it, then put it down, then started again, took a long break from it, then called it a day and decided I could not continue. I am obviously not going to rate, as I did not finish it, but here are some of the reasons why I did not like this.
Yoli is a kitchen boy who helps alleviates Commander Koehen migraines by massaging him. It becomes a routine to massage other regions as well towards the end of the...let’s say session. We’re told about this within a few pages from Yoli’s POV. Then on one such meeting, the Commander starts complimenting Yoli on his beauty and seduces him for more than massaging. There’s no explanation as to what changed between all of the other times and that one. It just happens. And then a lot of instas happen and they rendezvous on the regular. There were quite a few steamy scenes after that, to the point where it felt like reading erotica more than romance. It all felt disjointed somehow. Koehen leaves on a military mission and while he’s gone Yoli is punished from daydreaming in the kitchen –I swear I’m not even making this up – and runs away. At which point he’s captured and interrogated by a group wanting intel on Koehen’s strategies and plans.
And that’s where I jumped ship. I didn’t buy the love story –there was no build-up for one after all. I just could not dredge up any interest to keep going with the book. However, I love the new cover and I have seen positive reviews from fans of fantasy novels, so perhaps take a look at other reviews before dismissing it.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. See this review at Gay Book Reviews.
April 2, 2018
Unfortunately this book didn't sit well with me and I ended up forcing myself through to an ending I found disappointing. I'm not very good with reviews so I'll just try my best to explain what I disliked about the book and anyone reading this can draw their own conclusions, whether they be in agreement or not.
As far as the characters are concerned they were okay. Koehen reminds me of Duncan from the blessed epoch series. Duncan's not my favorite but I don't dislike him so that didn't work against Koehen, but it didn't work for him either. I don't expect him to be a carbon copy and that's not what I want either, there's just not much to endear me to Koehen. He's a good leader who has his own personal problems but there's not much there in my opinion. Vaald isn't given much depth in his personality, even though he could have an interesting character he just seems to be a helper and close friend to Koehen. Brunarius was brought in at the end. From the description I thought he would have played a bigger role or caused more conflict but that didn't happen, though I accept that was probably my own fault for having too high expectations or even misunderstanding the description, it still seems like a waste for what could have been a more interesting character. He seemed like he had a potential back story that wasn't told, which was a shame I thought it would have been interesting and he could have been a more complex character. And then there's Yoli. He has a back story but it's kind of rushed, he has little memory of his mother, he's been a kitchen boy most of his life, and is unused to affection. Despite that he seems sure of his love for Koehen until he starts getting to know Brunarius. There were other characters mentioned, like Koehen's cousin, but not really involved too much in the story.
The world building was very limited. Except for the mentioning it other places there wasn't much explained in the book. Even within the fortress Yoli lives in there's not much description past the little mat he sleeps on and Koehen's bedroom. Even after being abducted there wasn't much detail about Yoli's surroundings even the dungeons and Brunarius' room. I was surprised Yoli even knew about the servants entrance and how to get to the dungeon, except maybe all servants halls look the same.
The story itself also seemed rushed and like a lot was left out or forgotten. There's not much sense of time since it's never said how long Yoli was being brought to Koehen's room. Yoli even said it was hard to tell time in the dungeon from a lack of windows so instead he kept track of the changing of the guards, but this doesn't explain how much time has passed.Even Yoli's torture seemed rushed. Also for this to be a time of war there's not much to give it that feeling. There are some things, here and there, that show the war, like Koehen's sudden plan after passing out from Vaald's graveroot or Yoli's rescue, but it just doesn't seem to be that big of a factor in the whole story. The backstories of most of the characters and the world were kind of ignored as well. There wasn't much description of the Imperium or the either side's cultures and this was a little confusing since there was an explanation that the Imperium attacked to spread their culture but it wasn't explained what their culture was, the differences between each culture, or even why they started conquering. Even at the beginning when they took over Koehen and Vaald's hometown the Imperium was fair in it's rule, why did that suddenly change? None of this is explored and it's pretty unsatisfying.
I have to say my least favorite part of this book was actually the romance. I wasn't fond of Koehen and Yoli together and that wasn't helped by the introduction of Brunarius. From the beginning their romance just seemed like a predictable outcome that was bound to happen just because. The development was rushed to the point of insta-love and most of it glossed over and seemed to happen in passing. For me it seemed more like an attraction based on Yoli's hero worship and Koehen's gratitude for Yoli's secrecy and loyalty. Koehen doesn't seem to feel as much as Yoli until he's gone, then it borders on obsessive. This is just my opinion but it feels more like a childish "I didn't know how much I wanted my toy until I didn't have it" kind of feeling. And on Yoli's part, he is forced to acknowledge that what Brunarius sees in him is partly true and this makes Yoli question his love. But this isn't resolved even in the end, Yoli still wonders is Brunarius was right. There's almost something between Yoli and Vaald as well, which just reinforces what Brunarius was saying to Yoli. There doesn't seem to be anything concrete between Koehen and Yoli, which just leaves me disappointed with the ending because the relationship almost seems dependant on whether or not Yoli is around Koehen.
I will at least say that I liked how Yoli went from being so naive to learning about the complications of war. That all the songs bards sing only tell half the story and the glory was exaggerated. He did mature after leaning the hard way that there are two sides to the battles and that the glorious songs didn't explain all the innocent lives lost in the mix of people fighting for what they believed in. I thought that development of his character was nice.
Like I said, in the end this is all just my opinion and I doubt it means much to anyone in the long run. But this is why this story didn't work for me and where I thought it went wrong. I don't claim to be an author, just someone who enjoys reading but was sadly disappointed with this particular book. So if it helps anyone decide whether or not they should read this book then I'm happy I spent the time writing this. And though I didn't enjoy this book I'm content that I still enjoy other works from this author, namely the blessed epoch series.
As far as the characters are concerned they were okay. Koehen reminds me of Duncan from the blessed epoch series. Duncan's not my favorite but I don't dislike him so that didn't work against Koehen, but it didn't work for him either. I don't expect him to be a carbon copy and that's not what I want either, there's just not much to endear me to Koehen. He's a good leader who has his own personal problems but there's not much there in my opinion. Vaald isn't given much depth in his personality, even though he could have an interesting character he just seems to be a helper and close friend to Koehen. Brunarius was brought in at the end. From the description I thought he would have played a bigger role or caused more conflict but that didn't happen, though I accept that was probably my own fault for having too high expectations or even misunderstanding the description, it still seems like a waste for what could have been a more interesting character. He seemed like he had a potential back story that wasn't told, which was a shame I thought it would have been interesting and he could have been a more complex character. And then there's Yoli. He has a back story but it's kind of rushed, he has little memory of his mother, he's been a kitchen boy most of his life, and is unused to affection. Despite that he seems sure of his love for Koehen until he starts getting to know Brunarius. There were other characters mentioned, like Koehen's cousin, but not really involved too much in the story.
The world building was very limited. Except for the mentioning it other places there wasn't much explained in the book. Even within the fortress Yoli lives in there's not much description past the little mat he sleeps on and Koehen's bedroom. Even after being abducted there wasn't much detail about Yoli's surroundings even the dungeons and Brunarius' room. I was surprised Yoli even knew about the servants entrance and how to get to the dungeon, except maybe all servants halls look the same.
The story itself also seemed rushed and like a lot was left out or forgotten. There's not much sense of time since it's never said how long Yoli was being brought to Koehen's room. Yoli even said it was hard to tell time in the dungeon from a lack of windows so instead he kept track of the changing of the guards, but this doesn't explain how much time has passed.Even Yoli's torture seemed rushed. Also for this to be a time of war there's not much to give it that feeling. There are some things, here and there, that show the war, like Koehen's sudden plan after passing out from Vaald's graveroot or Yoli's rescue, but it just doesn't seem to be that big of a factor in the whole story. The backstories of most of the characters and the world were kind of ignored as well. There wasn't much description of the Imperium or the either side's cultures and this was a little confusing since there was an explanation that the Imperium attacked to spread their culture but it wasn't explained what their culture was, the differences between each culture, or even why they started conquering. Even at the beginning when they took over Koehen and Vaald's hometown the Imperium was fair in it's rule, why did that suddenly change? None of this is explored and it's pretty unsatisfying.
I have to say my least favorite part of this book was actually the romance. I wasn't fond of Koehen and Yoli together and that wasn't helped by the introduction of Brunarius. From the beginning their romance just seemed like a predictable outcome that was bound to happen just because. The development was rushed to the point of insta-love and most of it glossed over and seemed to happen in passing. For me it seemed more like an attraction based on Yoli's hero worship and Koehen's gratitude for Yoli's secrecy and loyalty. Koehen doesn't seem to feel as much as Yoli until he's gone, then it borders on obsessive. This is just my opinion but it feels more like a childish "I didn't know how much I wanted my toy until I didn't have it" kind of feeling. And on Yoli's part, he is forced to acknowledge that what Brunarius sees in him is partly true and this makes Yoli question his love. But this isn't resolved even in the end, Yoli still wonders is Brunarius was right. There's almost something between Yoli and Vaald as well, which just reinforces what Brunarius was saying to Yoli. There doesn't seem to be anything concrete between Koehen and Yoli, which just leaves me disappointed with the ending because the relationship almost seems dependant on whether or not Yoli is around Koehen.
I will at least say that I liked how Yoli went from being so naive to learning about the complications of war. That all the songs bards sing only tell half the story and the glory was exaggerated. He did mature after leaning the hard way that there are two sides to the battles and that the glorious songs didn't explain all the innocent lives lost in the mix of people fighting for what they believed in. I thought that development of his character was nice.
Like I said, in the end this is all just my opinion and I doubt it means much to anyone in the long run. But this is why this story didn't work for me and where I thought it went wrong. I don't claim to be an author, just someone who enjoys reading but was sadly disappointed with this particular book. So if it helps anyone decide whether or not they should read this book then I'm happy I spent the time writing this. And though I didn't enjoy this book I'm content that I still enjoy other works from this author, namely the blessed epoch series.
April 6, 2016
REVIEW @Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
I read The Union of Sun and Moon by August Li last year and I was pleasurably surprised by the style of the author. As soon as I saw The Kitchen Boy I wanted to read it. This is a second edition but I missed it earlier. And now that I read it I’m surely going to devour whatever else they wrote in the past. I like their style so much, it’s hard to explain but I get a sense of peace and sweetness.
The Kitchen Boy is the story of Yoli, who after having been sold by his own father when he was only six years old, works now as a servant in the kitchen of the High Commander Koehen, the man who was able to fight for the union of a great kingdom. The same man suffers of very hurtful migraines that only Yoli seems able to relieve, although their meeting is not just the medical kind. Until the enemies will capture Yoli and torture him to discover the weakness of Koehen.
This was a great story, I was caught from the start and couldn’t put it down till the end. It greatly engaged me with the amazing characters and world building. We get to know quite enough of the world the story is set in, I honestly wasn’t expecting so much in not so many pages.
The author made me like the characters a lot, even the supposed bad one Brunarious. Of course Yoli was my favorite, a pleasure to see. So strong and brave and generous in his simpleness. He went through so many abuses and hurt in his life. I get to feel his deep emotions, the fear to hope for more, the sense of inadequacy, his loyalty to a man who showed him a glimmer of a future he never hoped to dream for himself. I enjoyed not just his hot time with Koehen, our hero, but his learning scenes with the wizard Vlaad (which maybe needed to be explored a little because there was more to know about the magician and his relationship with the MCs and maybe I was hoping in some menage moments).
I liked this story a lot, well written and developed, great characters, good tempo. All of these made The Kitchen Boy one of my favorite books in the mm fantasy genre.
The COVER ART by Anne Cain is well done and fitting, I can easily see Yoli in it, learning to read. Still I have a note to make, I would have been happier to see a cover made by the author, I like August style, in the writing and in the design I saw around.
Merged review:
REVIEW @Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
I read The Union of Sun and Moon by August Li last year and I was pleasurably surprised by the style of the author. As soon as I saw The Kitchen Boy I wanted to read it. This is a second edition but I missed it earlier. And now that I read it I’m surely going to devour whatever else they wrote in the past. I like their style so much, it’s hard to explain but I get a sense of peace and sweetness.
The Kitchen Boy is the story of Yoli, who after having been sold by his own father when he was only six years old, works now as a servant in the kitchen of the High Commander Koehen, the man who was able to fight for the union of a great kingdom. The same man suffers of very hurtful migraines that only Yoli seems able to relieve, although their meeting is not just the medical kind. Until the enemies will capture Yoli and torture him to discover the weakness of Koehen.
This was a great story, I was caught from the start and couldn’t put it down till the end. It greatly engaged me with the amazing characters and world building. We get to know quite enough of the world the story is set in, I honestly wasn’t expecting so much in not so many pages.
The author made me like the characters a lot, even the supposed bad one Brunarious. Of course Yoli was my favorite, a pleasure to see. So strong and brave and generous in his simpleness. He went through so many abuses and hurt in his life. I get to feel his deep emotions, the fear to hope for more, the sense of inadequacy, his loyalty to a man who showed him a glimmer of a future he never hoped to dream for himself. I enjoyed not just his hot time with Koehen, our hero, but his learning scenes with the wizard Vlaad (which maybe needed to be explored a little because there was more to know about the magician and his relationship with the MCs and maybe I was hoping in some menage moments).
I liked this story a lot, well written and developed, great characters, good tempo. All of these made The Kitchen Boy one of my favorite books in the mm fantasy genre.
The COVER ART by Anne Cain is well done and fitting, I can easily see Yoli in it, learning to read. Still I have a note to make, I would have been happier to see a cover made by the author, I like August style, in the writing and in the design I saw around.
I read The Union of Sun and Moon by August Li last year and I was pleasurably surprised by the style of the author. As soon as I saw The Kitchen Boy I wanted to read it. This is a second edition but I missed it earlier. And now that I read it I’m surely going to devour whatever else they wrote in the past. I like their style so much, it’s hard to explain but I get a sense of peace and sweetness.
The Kitchen Boy is the story of Yoli, who after having been sold by his own father when he was only six years old, works now as a servant in the kitchen of the High Commander Koehen, the man who was able to fight for the union of a great kingdom. The same man suffers of very hurtful migraines that only Yoli seems able to relieve, although their meeting is not just the medical kind. Until the enemies will capture Yoli and torture him to discover the weakness of Koehen.
This was a great story, I was caught from the start and couldn’t put it down till the end. It greatly engaged me with the amazing characters and world building. We get to know quite enough of the world the story is set in, I honestly wasn’t expecting so much in not so many pages.
The author made me like the characters a lot, even the supposed bad one Brunarious. Of course Yoli was my favorite, a pleasure to see. So strong and brave and generous in his simpleness. He went through so many abuses and hurt in his life. I get to feel his deep emotions, the fear to hope for more, the sense of inadequacy, his loyalty to a man who showed him a glimmer of a future he never hoped to dream for himself. I enjoyed not just his hot time with Koehen, our hero, but his learning scenes with the wizard Vlaad (which maybe needed to be explored a little because there was more to know about the magician and his relationship with the MCs and maybe I was hoping in some menage moments).
I liked this story a lot, well written and developed, great characters, good tempo. All of these made The Kitchen Boy one of my favorite books in the mm fantasy genre.
The COVER ART by Anne Cain is well done and fitting, I can easily see Yoli in it, learning to read. Still I have a note to make, I would have been happier to see a cover made by the author, I like August style, in the writing and in the design I saw around.
Merged review:
REVIEW @Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
I read The Union of Sun and Moon by August Li last year and I was pleasurably surprised by the style of the author. As soon as I saw The Kitchen Boy I wanted to read it. This is a second edition but I missed it earlier. And now that I read it I’m surely going to devour whatever else they wrote in the past. I like their style so much, it’s hard to explain but I get a sense of peace and sweetness.
The Kitchen Boy is the story of Yoli, who after having been sold by his own father when he was only six years old, works now as a servant in the kitchen of the High Commander Koehen, the man who was able to fight for the union of a great kingdom. The same man suffers of very hurtful migraines that only Yoli seems able to relieve, although their meeting is not just the medical kind. Until the enemies will capture Yoli and torture him to discover the weakness of Koehen.
This was a great story, I was caught from the start and couldn’t put it down till the end. It greatly engaged me with the amazing characters and world building. We get to know quite enough of the world the story is set in, I honestly wasn’t expecting so much in not so many pages.
The author made me like the characters a lot, even the supposed bad one Brunarious. Of course Yoli was my favorite, a pleasure to see. So strong and brave and generous in his simpleness. He went through so many abuses and hurt in his life. I get to feel his deep emotions, the fear to hope for more, the sense of inadequacy, his loyalty to a man who showed him a glimmer of a future he never hoped to dream for himself. I enjoyed not just his hot time with Koehen, our hero, but his learning scenes with the wizard Vlaad (which maybe needed to be explored a little because there was more to know about the magician and his relationship with the MCs and maybe I was hoping in some menage moments).
I liked this story a lot, well written and developed, great characters, good tempo. All of these made The Kitchen Boy one of my favorite books in the mm fantasy genre.
The COVER ART by Anne Cain is well done and fitting, I can easily see Yoli in it, learning to read. Still I have a note to make, I would have been happier to see a cover made by the author, I like August style, in the writing and in the design I saw around.
June 27, 2019
Book – The Kitchen Boy
Author – August Li
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 126
Cover – Lovely
POV – 3rd person
Would I read it again – Definitely!
Genre – LGBT, Historical, gay, fantasy
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
WARNING: I found it very hard to write this review without spoiling the story. So please beware that there may be spoilers ahead, though I've tried very hard not to let them slip in.
Gosh, what can I say? This is my first August Li book, although I've got some others that I haven't got around to yet, and I couldn't be happier. Not only does the writing style work perfectly to tell the story to its best advantage, but the characters were fantastic.
The world created here was brilliantly crafted and well explored to the last detail. The threat of the Imperium seemed imminent and ever threatening, while their brutality was crystal clearly told in the story Vaald told Yoli, as well as their treatment of Yoli once he was captured. However, once Brunarius entered the picture, it became clear that there were always two sides to every story.
I absolutely loved Yoli, as a main character. He was interesting to read, always kept my attention, but he was also plain spoken and more perceptive than anyone had given him credit for. The way he looked up to Vaald and Koehen was adorable one minute, but also like love the next. I did leave off feeling that the relationship between Yoli and Vaald wasn't fully explored; that maybe there should have been some challenging moment, to test how far their love for one another extended. Still, the not knowing is kind of sweet too. Because it's clear that Yoli loves Koehen and that no one can turn his head from that love, even with torture. And Vaald did promise, after all.
As a second main character, Koehen was intriguing. His feelings weren't ever as clear as Yoli's, but that was also apt for his status and his troubles. His condition of what I presume to be epileptic fits, was perfectly portrayed with the right amount of sympathy, understanding and concern over it being discovered. The way that the condition created a bond between Yoli and Koehen was simply breathtaking, as the most tender moments of their relationship occurred in this time.
For all the sex scenes, which were steaming hot and nicely help to appropriate moments, I have to say that the most thrilling parts were when Yoli was conflicted, but unable to resist Koehen. The emotional chemistry between them was off the charts and it was both exciting and worrying to see it blossom, while Yoli didn't know where his place was anymore.
Although limited to one instance, I liked the flashback of Yoli and Koehen's first moment together, during one of his episodes. It spoke of the reason they had built trust and tenderness between them, while giving us an insight into how it all began.
Quite honestly, the way the story was told and brought us through so many different transitions of emotions had me spellbound. I was quite happy for Yoli to be in love with Koehen. Then, when Brunarious came along, so insightful and having such a profound effect on Yoli – and that journal entry! - I could easily have been convinced to let them live out their happily ever after, if that was how the story was going to go. Again, when Koehen wasn't around and Yoli told Vaald he loved him, under the influence of his potion, I was easily tempted to let them be together, as well. None of this was because Yoli was easy, because that kid is a firecracker, but I felt sure that he would safe with any one of them and that he could live a happy, satisfying life with them.
2016 has been a year for a lot of books involving kidnapped characters, who are then tortured. I've read about 6 of them so far and this one has to be one of the best. It's certainly up there, with my two other favourites of this year, holding an equal first place. The emotion, the charm and the characterisation are one thing, but creating a world that sucks me in on page one and doesn't let up until it's over, is quite another.
Congratulations August Li, you've just found yourself a dedicated fan.
~
Favourite Quote
“He did this for Yoli, as the ultimate tribute. For Yoli, he offered his fighters, his cause, his stronghold, his victory, and even his life. He wanted to lay everything he had at Yoli's feet and hope Yoli might accept it.”
Author – August Li
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 126
Cover – Lovely
POV – 3rd person
Would I read it again – Definitely!
Genre – LGBT, Historical, gay, fantasy
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
WARNING: I found it very hard to write this review without spoiling the story. So please beware that there may be spoilers ahead, though I've tried very hard not to let them slip in.
Gosh, what can I say? This is my first August Li book, although I've got some others that I haven't got around to yet, and I couldn't be happier. Not only does the writing style work perfectly to tell the story to its best advantage, but the characters were fantastic.
The world created here was brilliantly crafted and well explored to the last detail. The threat of the Imperium seemed imminent and ever threatening, while their brutality was crystal clearly told in the story Vaald told Yoli, as well as their treatment of Yoli once he was captured. However, once Brunarius entered the picture, it became clear that there were always two sides to every story.
I absolutely loved Yoli, as a main character. He was interesting to read, always kept my attention, but he was also plain spoken and more perceptive than anyone had given him credit for. The way he looked up to Vaald and Koehen was adorable one minute, but also like love the next. I did leave off feeling that the relationship between Yoli and Vaald wasn't fully explored; that maybe there should have been some challenging moment, to test how far their love for one another extended. Still, the not knowing is kind of sweet too. Because it's clear that Yoli loves Koehen and that no one can turn his head from that love, even with torture. And Vaald did promise, after all.
As a second main character, Koehen was intriguing. His feelings weren't ever as clear as Yoli's, but that was also apt for his status and his troubles. His condition of what I presume to be epileptic fits, was perfectly portrayed with the right amount of sympathy, understanding and concern over it being discovered. The way that the condition created a bond between Yoli and Koehen was simply breathtaking, as the most tender moments of their relationship occurred in this time.
For all the sex scenes, which were steaming hot and nicely help to appropriate moments, I have to say that the most thrilling parts were when Yoli was conflicted, but unable to resist Koehen. The emotional chemistry between them was off the charts and it was both exciting and worrying to see it blossom, while Yoli didn't know where his place was anymore.
Although limited to one instance, I liked the flashback of Yoli and Koehen's first moment together, during one of his episodes. It spoke of the reason they had built trust and tenderness between them, while giving us an insight into how it all began.
Quite honestly, the way the story was told and brought us through so many different transitions of emotions had me spellbound. I was quite happy for Yoli to be in love with Koehen. Then, when Brunarious came along, so insightful and having such a profound effect on Yoli – and that journal entry! - I could easily have been convinced to let them live out their happily ever after, if that was how the story was going to go. Again, when Koehen wasn't around and Yoli told Vaald he loved him, under the influence of his potion, I was easily tempted to let them be together, as well. None of this was because Yoli was easy, because that kid is a firecracker, but I felt sure that he would safe with any one of them and that he could live a happy, satisfying life with them.
2016 has been a year for a lot of books involving kidnapped characters, who are then tortured. I've read about 6 of them so far and this one has to be one of the best. It's certainly up there, with my two other favourites of this year, holding an equal first place. The emotion, the charm and the characterisation are one thing, but creating a world that sucks me in on page one and doesn't let up until it's over, is quite another.
Congratulations August Li, you've just found yourself a dedicated fan.
~
Favourite Quote
“He did this for Yoli, as the ultimate tribute. For Yoli, he offered his fighters, his cause, his stronghold, his victory, and even his life. He wanted to lay everything he had at Yoli's feet and hope Yoli might accept it.”
February 2, 2013
3 1/2 - 4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Yoli is just a kitchen boy who has been trusted with one of the most well kept secrets in the land, even knowing the truth, his loyalty lies with High Commander Koehen. Although Yoli is only called when it is convenient for Koehen, he can’t help but dream for more. When Yoli is offered everything he has ever wanted his loyalty is tested and he is torn between his dreams and his feelings.
This story is great, a story of love, loyalty and limitations … if you were offered the world would you betray the one you love? Yoli is one of a very small number of people who know the High Commander Koehen’s secret and that secret has led to Yoli falling in love with Koehen, but he knows that he will probably never have more than a few snatched moments in the dark, even though he secretly longs for more. When the enemy can’t break him with torture, the kindness throws Yoli for a loop and Yoli has to think long and hard on what he truly wants.
Oh poor Yoli he really goes through the wringer in this story, all he has ever wanted was to be a bard, but he is stuck in the kitchen with no hope of ever getting out, coming to the attention of Koehen does nothing but make Yoli dream. During the story this young man is faced with choices that would break a lesser man, and he comes to realisations about what he needs over what he wants. Koehen is very much a more secondary character, but he never really fades into the background, and he has his own moments of soul-searching after his best friend points out facts to him.
The relationship between Yoli and Koehen isn’t what you would call a true relationship even when they sort things out between them, the story is set in a land where it is more than frowned upon and with Koehen being the High Commander in a time of war it could also cost them everything. Yoli is a fantastic character who rapidly grows and develops, he has great insight for one so young and you just root for him and I must admit I found myself wavering alongside him. You get pulled along with Yoli’s hopes and dreams and you feel his disappointments, you understand his loyalty, but you can also understand the temptation he faces, he really is a great character.
I will recommend this to those who love conflicting emotions, a medieval setting, great characters, a touch of loving and a happy for them ending.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Yoli is just a kitchen boy who has been trusted with one of the most well kept secrets in the land, even knowing the truth, his loyalty lies with High Commander Koehen. Although Yoli is only called when it is convenient for Koehen, he can’t help but dream for more. When Yoli is offered everything he has ever wanted his loyalty is tested and he is torn between his dreams and his feelings.
This story is great, a story of love, loyalty and limitations … if you were offered the world would you betray the one you love? Yoli is one of a very small number of people who know the High Commander Koehen’s secret and that secret has led to Yoli falling in love with Koehen, but he knows that he will probably never have more than a few snatched moments in the dark, even though he secretly longs for more. When the enemy can’t break him with torture, the kindness throws Yoli for a loop and Yoli has to think long and hard on what he truly wants.
Oh poor Yoli he really goes through the wringer in this story, all he has ever wanted was to be a bard, but he is stuck in the kitchen with no hope of ever getting out, coming to the attention of Koehen does nothing but make Yoli dream. During the story this young man is faced with choices that would break a lesser man, and he comes to realisations about what he needs over what he wants. Koehen is very much a more secondary character, but he never really fades into the background, and he has his own moments of soul-searching after his best friend points out facts to him.
The relationship between Yoli and Koehen isn’t what you would call a true relationship even when they sort things out between them, the story is set in a land where it is more than frowned upon and with Koehen being the High Commander in a time of war it could also cost them everything. Yoli is a fantastic character who rapidly grows and develops, he has great insight for one so young and you just root for him and I must admit I found myself wavering alongside him. You get pulled along with Yoli’s hopes and dreams and you feel his disappointments, you understand his loyalty, but you can also understand the temptation he faces, he really is a great character.
I will recommend this to those who love conflicting emotions, a medieval setting, great characters, a touch of loving and a happy for them ending.
April 12, 2016
3.5 rounded up.
Yoli is the kitchen boy. He encounters Commander Koehen who is plagued by fits, and by chance they come to discover that Yoli seems to be the only relief for Koehen during those fits.
I appreciated Yoli and his complexities. Despite his submissive personality, he still was strong-willed and fiercely loyal. There were moments when I wasn't Koehen's biggest fan, but Yoli made up for a lot of that.
I was really intrigued by Brunarius and would've loved to see more of him .
I really enjoyed the authors voice and the adventure the story took me on.
Yoli is the kitchen boy. He encounters Commander Koehen who is plagued by fits, and by chance they come to discover that Yoli seems to be the only relief for Koehen during those fits.
I appreciated Yoli and his complexities. Despite his submissive personality, he still was strong-willed and fiercely loyal. There were moments when I wasn't Koehen's biggest fan, but Yoli made up for a lot of that.
I was really intrigued by Brunarius and would've loved to see more of him .
I really enjoyed the authors voice and the adventure the story took me on.
May 22, 2017
Seeing all sides
A fascinating story that manages to highlight both sides of a war and the difficulties of deciding your life path.
Yoli is a simple kitchen boy, but he has caught the notice of his peoples commander as he helps him through a headache spell. This notice is changing his life, but only in bits as he continues to work at his slave like job. However, his unique position with the commander ends up with him captured by the enemy.
Yoli gets to see both sides of the war as well as both sides of work. He moves from the affluence of the commander to the corner he gets as kitchen boy. He also see the efforts of his own people, but when captured by the enemy is show their own ideas of what they are doing. He has to decide what he wants, while beginning to find himself confused by the shades of grey of what there is out there. A great story that really considers all points and does not make it an easy journey form Yoli, but has a very satisfying ending.
A fascinating story that manages to highlight both sides of a war and the difficulties of deciding your life path.
Yoli is a simple kitchen boy, but he has caught the notice of his peoples commander as he helps him through a headache spell. This notice is changing his life, but only in bits as he continues to work at his slave like job. However, his unique position with the commander ends up with him captured by the enemy.
Yoli gets to see both sides of the war as well as both sides of work. He moves from the affluence of the commander to the corner he gets as kitchen boy. He also see the efforts of his own people, but when captured by the enemy is show their own ideas of what they are doing. He has to decide what he wants, while beginning to find himself confused by the shades of grey of what there is out there. A great story that really considers all points and does not make it an easy journey form Yoli, but has a very satisfying ending.
January 26, 2019
I can't say I really liked this. There wasn't anything particularly original about the plot, I didn't really care for any of the characters, and I just found it a dull, lagging read.
January 4, 2020
Classic...must read.
October 28, 2025
I just feel the demographic for this book is a young, coming-of-age gay boy - which I am not.
May 10, 2016
I SO enjoyed this book! It was fantasy, but talked about the fantasy elements in a matter-of-fact way that allowed the story and characters to take center stage instead of being swallowed up by the setting.
My favorite thing about the story was the shades of gray it explored. In most romance novels the lead's choices are pretty clear-cut; there is almost always a clear favorite who we all know and expect the lead to choose. There is a little of that in this book, but the author also included some speculation about other options. I was satisfied with the conclusion, but wondered how things might have turned out if Yoli had made other choices. By the final chapter, I was really wishing the book was a "choose your own adventure" so I could see how each option turned out. However, as in real life, we don't get to know. I loved that!
This is my first book by August Li, but it won't be my last. I am looking forward to exploring the rest of the author's catalog of works. I am also really hoping we get to revisit these characters at some point. Vaald seems so lonely; I really want to see him find someone who understands him!
My favorite thing about the story was the shades of gray it explored. In most romance novels the lead's choices are pretty clear-cut; there is almost always a clear favorite who we all know and expect the lead to choose. There is a little of that in this book, but the author also included some speculation about other options. I was satisfied with the conclusion, but wondered how things might have turned out if Yoli had made other choices. By the final chapter, I was really wishing the book was a "choose your own adventure" so I could see how each option turned out. However, as in real life, we don't get to know. I loved that!
This is my first book by August Li, but it won't be my last. I am looking forward to exploring the rest of the author's catalog of works. I am also really hoping we get to revisit these characters at some point. Vaald seems so lonely; I really want to see him find someone who understands him!
October 10, 2016
I give three stars because The Kitchen Boy is clearly well-written. By that, I mean, the descriptions of the rooms/scenes are rich, the pacing is good, the characters are likable, and it was...promising.
Otherwise, I felt disappointed. For the reasons I mentioned, the book could have been so much more - a great M/M fantasy, which are more than rare - if Li had taken his time to write a decent story. From the start, I felt like falling in the middle of something edited with a chainsaw. It's rushed, as if Li only wanted to write some porn (I like sex scenes but as a part of something), to bundle up a love story, and be done with it. There is no worldbuilding (what's outside?), no character background (so many clichés: the strong, hairy warrior, the old, clever sorcerer, the bad guy...). I could only connect to Yoli because he was sweet and faithful. We learn nothing of Koehen (except for his body), and most of the characters are flawless (they are brave, kind, clever, and all love Yoli) which makes the whole thing completely unrealistic.
I liked that it didn't turn into a threesome, that the leads were 100% gays, and that love prevailed (over lust). I would recommend the book to romance readers but not to fantasy/medieval fans.
Otherwise, I felt disappointed. For the reasons I mentioned, the book could have been so much more - a great M/M fantasy, which are more than rare - if Li had taken his time to write a decent story. From the start, I felt like falling in the middle of something edited with a chainsaw. It's rushed, as if Li only wanted to write some porn (I like sex scenes but as a part of something), to bundle up a love story, and be done with it. There is no worldbuilding (what's outside?), no character background (so many clichés: the strong, hairy warrior, the old, clever sorcerer, the bad guy...). I could only connect to Yoli because he was sweet and faithful. We learn nothing of Koehen (except for his body), and most of the characters are flawless (they are brave, kind, clever, and all love Yoli) which makes the whole thing completely unrealistic.
I liked that it didn't turn into a threesome, that the leads were 100% gays, and that love prevailed (over lust). I would recommend the book to romance readers but not to fantasy/medieval fans.
August 14, 2016
This should have been a four or five star book for me. Its just my type of story. It started out good, but lost steam right around the time when we first see Koehen's point of view. We get his pov but never really get tovknow who he is. He speaks of love previous to seeing his perspective but then he never mentions it again or acts like he ever felt that way. And it's never mentioned that he was lying about it either.
Another short coming is that there is more and better chemistry between Yoli and a couple of other characters. It just served to alienate me from Koehen even more.
Another short coming is that there is more and better chemistry between Yoli and a couple of other characters. It just served to alienate me from Koehen even more.
April 17, 2014
Looking on my e-reader shelf for something to read, I stumbled upon this book. At first I didn't want to read it, you know-- 'cause it's a Silver book, but then I have a bunch of (old) unread Silver books and I simply have to read them sooner or later- money should not be wasted. Sigh.
Anyway, couldn't bear this book and I also didn't want to finish it, but then I endured it and skipped text too. =__=
Anyway, couldn't bear this book and I also didn't want to finish it, but then I endured it and skipped text too. =__=
November 8, 2016
This title was originally reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®
While The Kitchen Boy by August Li is a second edition, I never read the original, so I can not speak to the differences between the editions.
For complete Review see http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?p=4...
December 5, 2016
I really thought this book was just going to be some light semi-erotica. I was completely and pleasantly surprised. The book started about as you would expect from erotica but quickly turned into a well plotted and enjoyable story. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the genera.
April 27, 2016
Short and sweet
This book is short and sweet. There are some gay scenes. I like the fact despite temptation he only has one partner. I also liked how the character grew in just over one hundred pages.
This book is short and sweet. There are some gay scenes. I like the fact despite temptation he only has one partner. I also liked how the character grew in just over one hundred pages.
April 1, 2016
Well worth the read. A great coming-of-age story that is emotional without being overly so. Would recommend it to anyone.
February 17, 2013
3.6 or so
dnf
May 11, 2013DNF
November 9, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyed this book.......
August 20, 2015
Hm, mixed bag. I did rather like it, but Yoli was also sort of Mary Sue-ish (like why is everyone in love with him?), so idk. But still, I also did rather like it, as in, I didn't quite dislike it.
May 24, 2016
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. I really like medieval M/M stories and this was better than okay. A little OTT here and there but a good read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews