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Seven Brothers
Hammer & Powder
The Kingdom of Rinaha is all that stands between the violent, greedy Boorna and the rest of the continent, and they do so by way of their immense and heavily guarded Wall of Gamala, an enormous undertaking that runs the length of the southern end of the continent, standing strong for more than two hundred years.
Maintaining the Wall and the forces that guard it is an expensive undertaking, one that other countries are reluctant to contribute significantly to, despite the fact they benefit greatly from its existence. In an effort to change that, the king of Rinaha arranges a marriage between the powerful Takahara family and a royal relation of the neighboring kingdom of Aaran.
Hideki, better known as Warhammer, is playing escort for his brother Saburo, the chosen candidate being sent off to marry the nephew of the king of Aaran and bridge political divides once and for all. Shortly after arrival, though, Saburo runs away, with only a letter of apology left to explain what he's done. Now it is Hideki, ill-suited to political games, who must keep anger and wounded pride from erupting into war.
Meanwhile, back on the Wall, his twin brother Daisuke discovers the enemy is using children to do what their soldiers cannot, and in rescuing them, finds himself in exactly the sort of situation he prefers to avoid. On top of that, his brother Jiro, General of the Wall, expects him to entertain foreign guests, despite the fact everyone knows not to trust delicate situations to the man known as Gunpowder.
Maintaining the Wall and the forces that guard it is an expensive undertaking, one that other countries are reluctant to contribute significantly to, despite the fact they benefit greatly from its existence. In an effort to change that, the king of Rinaha arranges a marriage between the powerful Takahara family and a royal relation of the neighboring kingdom of Aaran.
Hideki, better known as Warhammer, is playing escort for his brother Saburo, the chosen candidate being sent off to marry the nephew of the king of Aaran and bridge political divides once and for all. Shortly after arrival, though, Saburo runs away, with only a letter of apology left to explain what he's done. Now it is Hideki, ill-suited to political games, who must keep anger and wounded pride from erupting into war.
Meanwhile, back on the Wall, his twin brother Daisuke discovers the enemy is using children to do what their soldiers cannot, and in rescuing them, finds himself in exactly the sort of situation he prefers to avoid. On top of that, his brother Jiro, General of the Wall, expects him to entertain foreign guests, despite the fact everyone knows not to trust delicate situations to the man known as Gunpowder.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2023
47 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Megan Derr
283 books2,936 followersMegan is a long time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.
meganderr.com
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meganaderr@gmail.com
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meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
meganderr.blogspot.com
facebook.com/meganaprilderr
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 22, 2023
2.5
I like it when Megan Derr is creating a world where every country is resembling a different nation on Earth like in her The Lost Gods series. It's a nice guessing game which country it's supposed to be. The kingdom of Rinaha is obviously created with Japan on her mind while the rest of the continent looks more like a 17th century Europe and there is a big wall against the aggressor but no winter is coming. Is there enough information to get the bigger picture? No but I'm fine with it because it is only the first book and the focus is obviously on the romances. Yes, romances, plural, and that's where my issues are starting: Derr is packing too much into one book.
We get 2 romances for the price of one novel; we get sightly ADHS twins as brilliant war heroes but with different and a bit cliched life goals; we get a story about a supportive family with communication deficits; we get a continent at war with difficult alliances; we get a political marriage that goes completely down the drain; we get a diplomatic nightmare that is handled completely unrealistic; we get the tale of abused, traumatized children becoming the first piece of the family one of the MCs is longing for; we get the (surely) supposed death of an important character with the necessary emotional reaction at first but later it can be used as part of flippant snark; we get a bit of ambush action leading into political machinations but because that's part of the next book it comes out of the left field and stays there. There are so many balls in the air that the author barely made it work. So something had to give i.e. Megan Derr kept her focus on the romances which evolved quite nicely but she lost the focus on the plausibility of everything else.
I like it when Megan Derr is creating a world where every country is resembling a different nation on Earth like in her The Lost Gods series. It's a nice guessing game which country it's supposed to be. The kingdom of Rinaha is obviously created with Japan on her mind while the rest of the continent looks more like a 17th century Europe and there is a big wall against the aggressor but no winter is coming. Is there enough information to get the bigger picture? No but I'm fine with it because it is only the first book and the focus is obviously on the romances. Yes, romances, plural, and that's where my issues are starting: Derr is packing too much into one book.
We get 2 romances for the price of one novel; we get sightly ADHS twins as brilliant war heroes but with different and a bit cliched life goals; we get a story about a supportive family with communication deficits; we get a continent at war with difficult alliances; we get a political marriage that goes completely down the drain; we get a diplomatic nightmare that is handled completely unrealistic; we get the tale of abused, traumatized children becoming the first piece of the family one of the MCs is longing for; we get the (surely) supposed death of an important character with the necessary emotional reaction at first but later it can be used as part of flippant snark; we get a bit of ambush action leading into political machinations but because that's part of the next book it comes out of the left field and stays there. There are so many balls in the air that the author barely made it work. So something had to give i.e. Megan Derr kept her focus on the romances which evolved quite nicely but she lost the focus on the plausibility of everything else.
December 19, 2023
3.5 stars
December 30, 2023
December 2023
Kindle edition
He's not dead. Took a while to get into. Felt like two stories in one. One brother getting monogamy and the other a threesome. Hammer was delicate but hot headed and Powder was sweet, past their rough exterior. I liked how close the brothers were, the initial black sheep misunderstandings and then the little ways there's more to each brother. Not sure about the punching in the face. I was more interested in Powder's part. Stayed up late to read this one.
Kindle edition
He's not dead. Took a while to get into. Felt like two stories in one. One brother getting monogamy and the other a threesome. Hammer was delicate but hot headed and Powder was sweet, past their rough exterior. I liked how close the brothers were, the initial black sheep misunderstandings and then the little ways there's more to each brother. Not sure about the punching in the face. I was more interested in Powder's part. Stayed up late to read this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2023
The Kingdom of Rinaha is all that stands between the violent, greedy Boorna and the rest of the continent, and they do so by way of their immense and heavily guarded Wall of Gamala, an enormous undertaking that runs the length of the southern end of the continent, standing strong for more than two hundred years.
Maintaining the Wall and the forces that guard it is an expensive undertaking, one that other countries are reluctant to contribute significantly to, despite the fact they benefit greatly from its existence. In an effort to change that, the king of Rinaha arranges a marriage between the powerful Takahara family and a royal relation of the neighboring kingdom of Aaran.
Hideki, better known as Warhammer, is playing escort for his brother Saburo, the chosen candidate being sent off to marry the nephew of the king of Aaran and bridge political divides once and for all. Shortly after arrival, though, Saburo runs away, with only a letter of apology left to explain what he's done. Now it is Hideki, ill-suited to political games, who must keep anger and wounded pride from erupting into war.
Meanwhile, back on the Wall, his twin brother Daisuke discovers the enemy is using children to do what their soldiers cannot, and in rescuing them, finds himself in exactly the sort of situation he prefers to avoid. On top of that, his brother Jiro, General of the Wall, expects him to entertain foreign guests, despite the fact everyone knows not to trust delicate situations to the man known as Gunpowder.
Review:
Dear Megan Derr,
I had been a fan of your work for quite a few years now, however this story was for me the most enjoyable book of yours in quite some time. It is mostly me, I prefer your longer works and I just don't care for vampires ( much) or zombies ( at all).
The blurb of this book promised a new pseudo historical world, political intrigues, and romance. Of course I am going to guess that since it says Seven Brothers (Book 1) in the title and at the end of this bo0k we have the announce for the second one, this the beginning of the series and we will be treated to four or five more books. Both twin brothers mentioned in the blurb kind of share the spotlight in this story and get their happy endings, so that's why I said four or five more books. I am not sure whether four or five books are coming because of certain event not mentioned in the blurb happening here however I am not certain that the event mentioned actually happened with the described in the book result. Sorry, I have to be vague because of the spoilers :)
The kingdom of Rinaha seems to be loosely based on ancient Japan - the names, the foods, some other signs clearly point that way, however this author does not seem to write the historical. Her wonderful invented worlds are usually pseudo historical or historical fantasy, with much more just social order than what the countries she seems to be inspired with had in the past. I am not complaining at all! I am however far from being a new reader of this author and I know that I go in the new book expecting a historical and getting something else, I could be very annoyed, so trying to prevent potential readers from feeling that way.
Oh there are also some scientific achievements ( especially one comes to mind) that makes me wonder in what century author wanted to place this story.
We are thrown in the world where war is taking place and one of the most powerful families in Rihana with its seven sons seems to be right in the middle of it. As blurb tells you, one of the brothers Saburo is chosen to marry a nephew of King of the neighboring kingdom. The kingdoms are not enemies, but the marriage meant to strengthen the alliance.
Saburo wants one of his brothers Hideki to go with him for escort. Honestly, I was confused why Hideki politely did not tell Saburo to go by himself with other people who work for the family, because Hideki and his twin Daisuke and their other brother Jiro are actually right in the middle of horrible war with kingdom of Boorna and as much as Saber's incoming marriage was important, it seemed that Hideki actually being on the Wall and defending it was more important undertaking.
Hideki being kind soul and honorable soldier he is agrees to go and the events spun out of control soon after their arrival. Saburo runs away and Hideki is left to pick the pieces and maybe strike a friendship with Saber's betrothed.
I really liked Hideki. If I was forced to choose a romantic hero really close to my heart him and Daisuke would come pretty darn close. They are both extremely competent in the business of war, but they do not seem to lose themselves amongst the horror and violence and their dreams for the war end are very very peaceful and something they both good at at.
I wrote that twins share the spotlight in this book. They always had been very close and fought alongside each other, but because Hideki went with Saburo in the beginning of the book, they spent some time apart and found their beloved along the way. I actually think Megan Derr found almost a perfect balance between adventure and romance in this book. Yes, romance is front and center, but there are chapters where the adventure moves really fast and it was quite exciting.
Highly recommended.
Grade: B+
Maintaining the Wall and the forces that guard it is an expensive undertaking, one that other countries are reluctant to contribute significantly to, despite the fact they benefit greatly from its existence. In an effort to change that, the king of Rinaha arranges a marriage between the powerful Takahara family and a royal relation of the neighboring kingdom of Aaran.
Hideki, better known as Warhammer, is playing escort for his brother Saburo, the chosen candidate being sent off to marry the nephew of the king of Aaran and bridge political divides once and for all. Shortly after arrival, though, Saburo runs away, with only a letter of apology left to explain what he's done. Now it is Hideki, ill-suited to political games, who must keep anger and wounded pride from erupting into war.
Meanwhile, back on the Wall, his twin brother Daisuke discovers the enemy is using children to do what their soldiers cannot, and in rescuing them, finds himself in exactly the sort of situation he prefers to avoid. On top of that, his brother Jiro, General of the Wall, expects him to entertain foreign guests, despite the fact everyone knows not to trust delicate situations to the man known as Gunpowder.
Review:
Dear Megan Derr,
I had been a fan of your work for quite a few years now, however this story was for me the most enjoyable book of yours in quite some time. It is mostly me, I prefer your longer works and I just don't care for vampires ( much) or zombies ( at all).
The blurb of this book promised a new pseudo historical world, political intrigues, and romance. Of course I am going to guess that since it says Seven Brothers (Book 1) in the title and at the end of this bo0k we have the announce for the second one, this the beginning of the series and we will be treated to four or five more books. Both twin brothers mentioned in the blurb kind of share the spotlight in this story and get their happy endings, so that's why I said four or five more books. I am not sure whether four or five books are coming because of certain event not mentioned in the blurb happening here however I am not certain that the event mentioned actually happened with the described in the book result. Sorry, I have to be vague because of the spoilers :)
The kingdom of Rinaha seems to be loosely based on ancient Japan - the names, the foods, some other signs clearly point that way, however this author does not seem to write the historical. Her wonderful invented worlds are usually pseudo historical or historical fantasy, with much more just social order than what the countries she seems to be inspired with had in the past. I am not complaining at all! I am however far from being a new reader of this author and I know that I go in the new book expecting a historical and getting something else, I could be very annoyed, so trying to prevent potential readers from feeling that way.
Oh there are also some scientific achievements ( especially one comes to mind) that makes me wonder in what century author wanted to place this story.
We are thrown in the world where war is taking place and one of the most powerful families in Rihana with its seven sons seems to be right in the middle of it. As blurb tells you, one of the brothers Saburo is chosen to marry a nephew of King of the neighboring kingdom. The kingdoms are not enemies, but the marriage meant to strengthen the alliance.
Saburo wants one of his brothers Hideki to go with him for escort. Honestly, I was confused why Hideki politely did not tell Saburo to go by himself with other people who work for the family, because Hideki and his twin Daisuke and their other brother Jiro are actually right in the middle of horrible war with kingdom of Boorna and as much as Saber's incoming marriage was important, it seemed that Hideki actually being on the Wall and defending it was more important undertaking.
Hideki being kind soul and honorable soldier he is agrees to go and the events spun out of control soon after their arrival. Saburo runs away and Hideki is left to pick the pieces and maybe strike a friendship with Saber's betrothed.
I really liked Hideki. If I was forced to choose a romantic hero really close to my heart him and Daisuke would come pretty darn close. They are both extremely competent in the business of war, but they do not seem to lose themselves amongst the horror and violence and their dreams for the war end are very very peaceful and something they both good at at.
I wrote that twins share the spotlight in this book. They always had been very close and fought alongside each other, but because Hideki went with Saburo in the beginning of the book, they spent some time apart and found their beloved along the way. I actually think Megan Derr found almost a perfect balance between adventure and romance in this book. Yes, romance is front and center, but there are chapters where the adventure moves really fast and it was quite exciting.
Highly recommended.
Grade: B+
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2023
3.5 stars
Hammer & Powder is the series starter in MM Fantasy Romance Series called Seven Brothers. HEA. No cliffhanger. Military. Action. Suspense. Slowburn. Polyamory. More than one set of main characters.
2POV, 3rs person past tense. This kindle edition 255 pages, December 18, 2023.
I love MD books -one of my favourite MM Fantasy names depending a bit on which book we're talking about as it's a matter of taste and the chosen style in each book - and I've read tons of them. I've happily looked forward to a brand new series curious as to what they'll come up with next. And this is an interesting read!
Very intrigueing framework. Well done. I was greatly entertained by it and can't wait for more.
That said, partially I feel this was like it was kind of rushed too much: despite being an introductory series starter there could've been a choice of letting it be a title per a set of main couples.
I think this story's presentation suffers from being stuffed with too much too fast, and especially too many romantic plots per one story. Like running when you expect walking leasurely . One's left wondering what's left for the duration of 6 more titles if ... No, I'm not revealing what's what. I guess we'll see in title 2.
The personalities projected by a bit baffling type of dialogue seemed a bit too simplistic and similar.
I've read much better stuff by the author. I liked a lot but didn't love this series starter yet and disappointed at the execution of it to an extent.
Hammer & Powder is the series starter in MM Fantasy Romance Series called Seven Brothers. HEA. No cliffhanger. Military. Action. Suspense. Slowburn. Polyamory. More than one set of main characters.
2POV, 3rs person past tense. This kindle edition 255 pages, December 18, 2023.
I love MD books -one of my favourite MM Fantasy names depending a bit on which book we're talking about as it's a matter of taste and the chosen style in each book - and I've read tons of them. I've happily looked forward to a brand new series curious as to what they'll come up with next. And this is an interesting read!
Very intrigueing framework. Well done. I was greatly entertained by it and can't wait for more.
That said, partially I feel this was like it was kind of rushed too much: despite being an introductory series starter there could've been a choice of letting it be a title per a set of main couples.
I think this story's presentation suffers from being stuffed with too much too fast, and especially too many romantic plots per one story. Like running when you expect walking leasurely . One's left wondering what's left for the duration of 6 more titles if ... No, I'm not revealing what's what. I guess we'll see in title 2.
The personalities projected by a bit baffling type of dialogue seemed a bit too simplistic and similar.
I've read much better stuff by the author. I liked a lot but didn't love this series starter yet and disappointed at the execution of it to an extent.
December 19, 2023
Honestly people, this book has an amazing, flawlessly written storyline!
I an sincerely still caught up in this first adventure-romance about the middle brothers who happen to be identical twins, Hideki and Daisuke, notoriously known as "Hammer" and "Powder". I got a kick out of the fact their names, customs, clothing, food, and residences were very Japanese-like, yet their country was a completely, originally created one that tied into The Engineered Throne series by our author. The references to characters from those books was pretty interesting, especially as those characters added to the dramatic politicking and colluding that were continuing to mess around with a truly fascinating and powerful family.
I have to comment first on the very improved caliber of editing in this publication - if there were any errors, I didn't notice them, and I, admittedly, am OCD about poor grammar, dropped tenses, misspellings, or other and redundant typos, as they seriously interfere with complete story immersion! Well done, Megan Derr and Team!
Giving us Hideki's and Daisuke's story first was a strategically brilliant move. They gave us a banging start to the series, and provided us with all the necessary family background and skeletons, given their propensity for finding and creating chaos, confusion, and trouble in their wake. Personally, I think not only were they little geniuses from the womb through adulthood, they probably were more than a little hyperactive and supremely intelligent on top of being talented and very ADD (both would, literally, get lost inside their heads thinking up strategies, ideas, theories, or whatever was triggered by someone or something in happenstance). Both our heroes were ranking officers (Majors) serving under their older brother, who was a general, and are separated by distance and assignments when Hideki is sent to escort another brother who was to marry the youngest son of a ranking lord from another powerful family in a political move to ease power struggles. Daisuke is tasked with managing the control and command of both his and his twin's military responsibilities. They both become caught up treachery and machinations and romantic overtures, complicated by a missing brother who was to be the potential groom to the youngest son Hideki is strongly affected by. Both twins are absolute opposites in actual personality, yet everyone lumps them as one and the same, unable to discern their differences and individual strengths, and although they do share a temperament inherited from their mother, they are NOT really identical if people cared enough to notice.I
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and even read it through twice (yep, still no boo-boos noted)! A hundred stars, even though only five show here. . .
I an sincerely still caught up in this first adventure-romance about the middle brothers who happen to be identical twins, Hideki and Daisuke, notoriously known as "Hammer" and "Powder". I got a kick out of the fact their names, customs, clothing, food, and residences were very Japanese-like, yet their country was a completely, originally created one that tied into The Engineered Throne series by our author. The references to characters from those books was pretty interesting, especially as those characters added to the dramatic politicking and colluding that were continuing to mess around with a truly fascinating and powerful family.
I have to comment first on the very improved caliber of editing in this publication - if there were any errors, I didn't notice them, and I, admittedly, am OCD about poor grammar, dropped tenses, misspellings, or other and redundant typos, as they seriously interfere with complete story immersion! Well done, Megan Derr and Team!
Giving us Hideki's and Daisuke's story first was a strategically brilliant move. They gave us a banging start to the series, and provided us with all the necessary family background and skeletons, given their propensity for finding and creating chaos, confusion, and trouble in their wake. Personally, I think not only were they little geniuses from the womb through adulthood, they probably were more than a little hyperactive and supremely intelligent on top of being talented and very ADD (both would, literally, get lost inside their heads thinking up strategies, ideas, theories, or whatever was triggered by someone or something in happenstance). Both our heroes were ranking officers (Majors) serving under their older brother, who was a general, and are separated by distance and assignments when Hideki is sent to escort another brother who was to marry the youngest son of a ranking lord from another powerful family in a political move to ease power struggles. Daisuke is tasked with managing the control and command of both his and his twin's military responsibilities. They both become caught up treachery and machinations and romantic overtures, complicated by a missing brother who was to be the potential groom to the youngest son Hideki is strongly affected by. Both twins are absolute opposites in actual personality, yet everyone lumps them as one and the same, unable to discern their differences and individual strengths, and although they do share a temperament inherited from their mother, they are NOT really identical if people cared enough to notice.I
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and even read it through twice (yep, still no boo-boos noted)! A hundred stars, even though only five show here. . .
January 15, 2025
Can’t wait for the other books
March 15, 2025
Interesting story, albeit a little slow at first, and with two massive errors at 80% where the author twice refers to the wrong character. This is incredibly insulting to readers and deserves star demerits. Beautiful cover art.
April 8, 2024
Everybody on the continent loved to benefit from the Wall, but nobody wanted to help pay for it.
What a treat - we get not one, but two juicy adventures in this dual-POV series opener! I am forever in awe of Megan Derr's worldbuilding, and this lush, deep setting draws us in immediately. How can I resist a great Wall as a backdrop to a fun story? Even though we didn't spend as much time there as I expected, I still enjoyed the drama between countries and look forward to more of that political backdrop in the rest of series.
All he wanted was to go back to the Wall. It wasn't his favorite place to be, but it was home after a fashion.
We open with Hideki already At first, I felt the lack of seeing them together in action before Saburo enlisted Hideki's help, but as soon as I did find Hideki's HEA a little more predictable then his brothers, with the drama between him and .
He really wished Hideki would come home. The longer he was gone, the faster Daisuke felt like he and his whole world were falling apart.
Ooooh, Daisuke. I finally realized at about 36% that we were facing an and it filled me with glee thinking of poor Daisuke realizing the same thing! These brothers share their hopeless obvliviousness and it was a pleasure to watch their worlds turn upside down a little. Madera and Kole were a fun duo, and I liked that emphasis wasn't really placed on Madera's .
Daisuke climbed up to sit next to Hideki. "It's about time, you stupid fuck."
"Can't I leave you alone for ten fucking minutes?" Hideki asked as he set the horses into motion.
Usually one POV stands out more than the other but every time the chapter changed I looked forward to revisiting both Hideki and Daisuke! Something I absolutely loved was how underestimated the brothers
Of the seven of them, Ichiro had been groomed as heir; Jiro, Hideki, and Daisuke had gone into the military; Noriaki had run off to see the world; Saburo had fallen into politics, and Ryunosuke was a spoiled brat who did as he pleased.
Some brothers we've met and already have started to love; some we haven't met; some were catalysts for some adventures in this story and one is quite possibly I really look forward to more from Megan Derr in this series! It sounds like we'll be back with Jiro in book 2 as he navigates his bold choices at the end of this book.
April 11, 2024
It's set in a world where one country, Rinala (clearly modeled on Japan) maintains the giant Wall of Gamala (shades of Game of Thrones) that separates the rest of the continent from another country (Boornia) which does awful things (like sending child soldiers out to do their fighting.)
In his late 20s, Hideki Takahara, also known as the Warhammer, is a major in the army and serves on the Wall. Not suited to politics, he's also unhappy in the military and dreams of opening a shop that sells his embroidery. One day, he is summoned to escort his older brother Saburo to marry, which would bring a new country of allies to the cause of funding and supporting the Wall of Gamala. He's also immediately attracted to Berrik, his brother's intended husband. However, a day or two later, Saburo disappears, leaving Hideki to face the spurned family's anger as he tries to defuse the situation.
Meanwhile, Hideki's identical twin brother, Daisuke also known as Gunpowder, dreams of being free of the military and being able to work on creating medicines and other devices that would improve lives. Since he's notoriously short-tempered, it's probably a good thing he didn't go in Hideki's place. As he's commanding his tower on the wall he discovers children are being sent to bomb the Wall. As he collects a bunch of the kids who become his new family, he also realizes the Boornians want to get the kids back (or kill them.) So he's got a lot going on, and now he's got to entertain important foreign dignitaries who wish to inspect things on the Wall. Two of them turn out to be a couple, and they're very attracted to Daisuke, who has no clue because he's got issues. Yeah, this part turns into a 3-way relationship.
I found this... not great. Derr usually writes with developed characters that are interesting. Didn't find that here. The dual characters were lackluster, and the world development felt very specious. The plot and the drama never really developed for me. The characters were always reacting to crises or moping internally, but things never got deep.
Two Stars.
In his late 20s, Hideki Takahara, also known as the Warhammer, is a major in the army and serves on the Wall. Not suited to politics, he's also unhappy in the military and dreams of opening a shop that sells his embroidery. One day, he is summoned to escort his older brother Saburo to marry, which would bring a new country of allies to the cause of funding and supporting the Wall of Gamala. He's also immediately attracted to Berrik, his brother's intended husband. However, a day or two later, Saburo disappears, leaving Hideki to face the spurned family's anger as he tries to defuse the situation.
Meanwhile, Hideki's identical twin brother, Daisuke also known as Gunpowder, dreams of being free of the military and being able to work on creating medicines and other devices that would improve lives. Since he's notoriously short-tempered, it's probably a good thing he didn't go in Hideki's place. As he's commanding his tower on the wall he discovers children are being sent to bomb the Wall. As he collects a bunch of the kids who become his new family, he also realizes the Boornians want to get the kids back (or kill them.) So he's got a lot going on, and now he's got to entertain important foreign dignitaries who wish to inspect things on the Wall. Two of them turn out to be a couple, and they're very attracted to Daisuke, who has no clue because he's got issues. Yeah, this part turns into a 3-way relationship.
I found this... not great. Derr usually writes with developed characters that are interesting. Didn't find that here. The dual characters were lackluster, and the world development felt very specious. The plot and the drama never really developed for me. The characters were always reacting to crises or moping internally, but things never got deep.
Two Stars.
November 10, 2025
Fantastic start to a new series! Hideki and Daisuke are twin brothers who are military leaders in this alternate, Asian-inspired world. Although each of them is committed to their military duties in guarding a giant wall from invaders, they dream of being storekeepers selling embroidery and apothecary items. As the story progresses, they each encounter battle, betrayal, and ultimately love.
This book has detailed and naturally integrated world-building, well-developed and interesting characters, action, passion, and forever love. Other brothers and characters are introduced, but the story mainly focuses on the twins and their lives. I enjoyed this book so much! This is a HFN, which ends at a beautiful point, although stories of the other brothers are teased. I can't wait for the next book!
This book has detailed and naturally integrated world-building, well-developed and interesting characters, action, passion, and forever love. Other brothers and characters are introduced, but the story mainly focuses on the twins and their lives. I enjoyed this book so much! This is a HFN, which ends at a beautiful point, although stories of the other brothers are teased. I can't wait for the next book!
January 9, 2024
Start of a series about seven brothers in a society at war with its neighbor, where all the featured characters are bisexual. This book focuses on the twins, both in the military, who complain endlessly that they are always stereotyped by everyone as "dumb soldiers," but who both have other passions.
One likes clothing and embroidery, and would like to open a shop focused on that. The other likes medicine and engineering, and would also like to leave the military and become a pharmacist.
Both brothers, and many of their family members, have gotten their hearts broken by lovers who either don't appreciate them or seemingly betray them.
Lots of action here, some violence, and lots of vulgar teasing. Some explicit sex, which I skipped.
I'm eager to find out what happens next.
One likes clothing and embroidery, and would like to open a shop focused on that. The other likes medicine and engineering, and would also like to leave the military and become a pharmacist.
Both brothers, and many of their family members, have gotten their hearts broken by lovers who either don't appreciate them or seemingly betray them.
Lots of action here, some violence, and lots of vulgar teasing. Some explicit sex, which I skipped.
I'm eager to find out what happens next.
December 24, 2023
I'm still yet to understand how Megan wrote a whole fantasy-esque novel in a 250+ pages... And maybe she should be teaching classes, because some of these fantasy writers need to learn how to wrap up a storyline.
Although, Derr was able to successfully finish her story, she did it with such a quickness that a lot of things were left lacking. Especially as this was the introduction to the series. Maybe she reasons that there are supposedly five more installments to this series so she has time to explore everything else.
This is definitely a romance book through and through and if anyone comes looking for something other than that, they will surely be disappointed.
Although, Derr was able to successfully finish her story, she did it with such a quickness that a lot of things were left lacking. Especially as this was the introduction to the series. Maybe she reasons that there are supposedly five more installments to this series so she has time to explore everything else.
This is definitely a romance book through and through and if anyone comes looking for something other than that, they will surely be disappointed.
December 23, 2023
Good characters, great action, great start to the overarching plot, I look forward to more about this family. I wish the sex scenes had been better written, but I wish that really dismayingly often, so. Most of all, I wish certain parts in the second half had gotten more attention than they did, Particularly in this kind of story, rushing anything toward the end is a loss for the whole series.
In the quotes I noted the two times in one page that the author reversed the MC names. Editing is hard, but ouch, identical twins get mistaken enough as it is.
In the quotes I noted the two times in one page that the author reversed the MC names. Editing is hard, but ouch, identical twins get mistaken enough as it is.
December 22, 2023
Absolutely Loved it!
This was a very different read in that it was like two stories in one with how it followed the twins interconnected lives. It kept me on my toes though with surprise plot that was unexpected and moments that either had me on the edge of my seat or in tears with the characters. Overall it was a great read. Not to mention a nice early Christmas present to myself.
This was a very different read in that it was like two stories in one with how it followed the twins interconnected lives. It kept me on my toes though with surprise plot that was unexpected and moments that either had me on the edge of my seat or in tears with the characters. Overall it was a great read. Not to mention a nice early Christmas present to myself.
December 23, 2023
I like the dynamic of the characters. Although I m not found of multiple POVs I enjoyed this very much bc I simply like all the characters. The brothers were hard to warm up too bc their relationship with eachother seemed cold, at first. I liked them all individually but I couldn't make out what they felt for eachother. Slowly the reader comes to understand they are incredibly close & of course who doesn't like identical twins.
January 1, 2024
Okay, so I was reluctant to pick this book up because I kept reading the synopsis and was getting a pretty muddy picture of the book's plot. But then I thought to myself, "Its Megan Derr. When has she ever written a bad book?" and took the plunge.
And thank goodness I did!!! What a fascinating world with delightfully emotionally complicated brothers. I am HERE for all their books!
Highly recommend. Just read it. You won't regret it.
And thank goodness I did!!! What a fascinating world with delightfully emotionally complicated brothers. I am HERE for all their books!
Highly recommend. Just read it. You won't regret it.
January 15, 2024
love, politics, family, war
Twin brothers (two of seven, so hopefully more stories to come) wrestle with public expectations and their own personal demons, while falling into love with too good to believe lovers.
Set in a world with a blend of western and eastern cultures, similar to Blood Burns in my Veins, castles and shrines, coffee and tea, all within a few days on horseback.
Twin brothers (two of seven, so hopefully more stories to come) wrestle with public expectations and their own personal demons, while falling into love with too good to believe lovers.
Set in a world with a blend of western and eastern cultures, similar to Blood Burns in my Veins, castles and shrines, coffee and tea, all within a few days on horseback.
January 4, 2024
If you’re looking for two misunderstood, built soldiers who just want to do good and beautiful things…low romantic tension, and a large family…read this! It’s good, sort of classic low fantasy thst Derr writes. Not sure I’ll read more of the series, since the dramatic parts seem to be the non-romance parts. Sweet, but not my thing.
December 23, 2023
best release of 2023
I love Megan Derr so much and this was my favorite book of the year. I’m a sucker for a close knit family and misunderstood heroes and this fully delivered. I am so invested and ready for the next installment.
I love Megan Derr so much and this was my favorite book of the year. I’m a sucker for a close knit family and misunderstood heroes and this fully delivered. I am so invested and ready for the next installment.
June 13, 2024
Looking forward to more
This was great! The world is interesting and the love story was cute with just the right amount of angst. There were so many little foreshadowing hooks that I am really excited to see what happens next.
This was great! The world is interesting and the love story was cute with just the right amount of angst. There were so many little foreshadowing hooks that I am really excited to see what happens next.
September 4, 2024
Hammer and Powder
Another good book by Megan Derr. I loved the bond between Hideki and Daisuke and the rest of the brothers. I wonder how long it would take for Ichiro and Jiro to figure out that Saburo was set up? Can't wait for the next book!
Another good book by Megan Derr. I loved the bond between Hideki and Daisuke and the rest of the brothers. I wonder how long it would take for Ichiro and Jiro to figure out that Saburo was set up? Can't wait for the next book!
September 4, 2025
Loved the world of warring countries with magnificent warriors, clever leaders and loving families. Sweet romance where two twin brothers find their loves amidst all the chaos and intrigue. Waiting for the next story...
December 26, 2024
I Can't Wait For Next Book In Series!
I loved Warhammer & Gunpowder's stories in the Seven Brothers series.
Please tell us about Jiro's story in the series!
I loved Warhammer & Gunpowder's stories in the Seven Brothers series.
Please tell us about Jiro's story in the series!
January 10, 2025
Enjoyed reading this book. The world building as always is perfect. Characters were memorable. I will be rereading this book, I am sure. Recommend reading.
May 2, 2025
one of better Megan Derr's book I've read so far. I hope there will be more soon!
August 5, 2024
En jättebra bok där vi får följa två huvudpersoner, bröder. Jag ser fram emot att historien fortsätter med att berätta om de övriga bröder i syskon flocken, rekommenderar, trevlig läsning.
June 15, 2024
Emotionally constipated characters and a family for as close as they are, they hardly communicate. That is what best describes the Takahara family.
But I'm glad that Daisuke and Hideki got their HEAs and to visit back in the universe of the Unbreakable Soldiers, what with Daisuke's lovers were from Belemere.
I can't wait to read the stories of the other brothers.
Edit: I forgot to mention this when I first wrote the review but one of the reasons this got 3 stars and I'm debating lowering it is that Hideki after he learns that he was "betrayed" by his lover, without of course considering his circumstances one bit, but completely flying off the handle, he hits him in a fit of anger and I'm sorry but that is not okay and no amount of apologising will make it right. I don't care that his brother was in perilous danger, you don't do that.
But I'm glad that Daisuke and Hideki got their HEAs and to visit back in the universe of the Unbreakable Soldiers, what with Daisuke's lovers were from Belemere.
I can't wait to read the stories of the other brothers.
Edit: I forgot to mention this when I first wrote the review but one of the reasons this got 3 stars and I'm debating lowering it is that Hideki after he learns that he was "betrayed" by his lover, without of course considering his circumstances one bit, but completely flying off the handle, he hits him in a fit of anger and I'm sorry but that is not okay and no amount of apologising will make it right. I don't care that his brother was in perilous danger, you don't do that.
February 8, 2024
ahaha i love megan derr, she's my comfort author. alas, sometimes her books fall flat. hammer & powder is delightful in that it has a great setting and acts as a nice series starter, in a world with a Japanese-style culture. but the twins seem a bit similar with their aspirations for a simple life + there's wayy too much action and romance in 255 pages for the relationships/political plot to be in depth. personally i like daisuke's side of the story more cos i'm always a sucker for a cute poly.
pretty good tho i would def wanna read the sequel (its a straight romance tho so lets see :P)
pretty good tho i would def wanna read the sequel (its a straight romance tho so lets see :P)
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