Brothers of the Guild

Of Crowns & Quills #0B

by Casey Morales

Magic divides them. Brotherhood binds them.
Keelan and Declan Rea were orphaned as boys and raised by the Mages in the Guild, a world where magic determines status and power.

While Keelan wields the rare Gift of Truthreading, Declan was born without magic, leaving him to carve out a place for himself in a society that reveres the Gifted and dismisses the rest.

At sixteen, Keelan joins the Guard to become an investigator, while Declan remains behind at the Guild, struggling to find his own path and wrestling with resentments that both bind and divide them. New questions awaken when Declan stumbles onto a pair of boys sharing an intimate moment.

A prequel in the Of Crowns & Quills series, Brothers of the Guild is an unforgettable origin story of magic, family, and the unbreakable bond of brothers. It is perfect for fans of coming-of-age fantasy and heartfelt sibling dynamics.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2024

About the author

Casey Morales is an LGBT storyteller and the author of multiple bestselling MM romance novels. Born in the Southern United States, Casey is an avid tennis player, aspiring chef, dog lover, and ravenous consumer of gummy bears.

Reviews

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the brothers, who form two of the central characters in this series. The details of their entrance into the Mages Guild are hinted at elsewhere in the series but truly come to the fore here as does Keelan’s discovery of his gift. I almost wish that there was more to Declan’s entry into the Rangers included here as I didn't want the story to end.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given that this is the prequel to the main series which I have already read it was interesting to read about where these characters stories began. You can easily enjoy this book whether you have read the series or not. In fact I think I might have enjoyed it more if I read this first. A weird thing that I like about this series is the length, long books, but only a few. I have read series that the author has kept on writing the main tale for way too long and maybe it’s just a weird thing for me, but I’m actually tired of that type of writing. Casey Morales has kept this main story a reasonable length even with this added book. Even if there are more tales in this universe like A Healer’s Wrath the main story does not take me a decade to read. Sorry rant over.
Enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angel_2822 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This novella in the Of Crowns & Quills series is a great introduction to Declan and Keelan Rea, the brothers and main characters in the series. We get to know how they arrive to the Mages Guild and how were some of their years there. We witness how Keelan discovers his gift, his first case as a Guardsman, and Declan’s struggles with his identity and his decision to become a Ranger.

I don’t give 5 stars because there is more of Keelan than of Declan’s story—I would have liked more about him, and because the novella starts when Declan is 16 and Keelan 23, and although there are some flashbacks to their childhood, I also have liked to read about them as children in the Guild.

Overall, this is an awesome read in the Of Crowns & Quills series which I totally recommend.

I received an ARC from the author for free, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation. 

[Precociousp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Casey Morales' Brothers of the Guild is an immersive tale that not only deepens the world of the Crown and Quills Series, but also showcases his remarkable storytelling abilities. His skill at crafting rich, detailed worlds and multidimensional characters is on full display. The way he intricately builds the magical elements of the Mages' Guild makes the setting feel alive and vibrant, pulling readers into its depths.

Set three years before An Archer’s Awakening, this prequel introduces the Rea brothers—Keelan and Declan—and their early lives within the Mages' Guild. The novel explores their upbringing, laying the groundwork for the characters’ journeys in the larger series. As Keelan’s magical gifts begin to manifest and Declan steps into his role as a Ranger cadet, the book builds to a pivotal moment that promises exciting future developments.

My only critique is that the focus on Keelan left Declan’s character somewhat underdeveloped. I expected the story to alternate between the brothers, offering a more balanced perspective on both of their growths. While Keelan’s journey is compelling, Declan’s story deserves equal attention, and I hope future books will offer more balance in that regard.

Additionally, I feel the “MM” label often attached to Morales' work is somewhat limiting. His stories are more than just romantic tales—they’re rich in world-building, complex character relationships, and intricate plots. While many of his novels feature leading gay characters, they are never confined to being the only ones in the spotlight. The depth and scope of his writing transcend the traditional bounds of MM fiction, appealing to readers who enjoy multifaceted, character-driven narratives.

Despite the imbalance between Keelan and Declan’s stories, Brothers of the Guild remains a compelling and engaging read. Casey Morales continues to be one of my favorite authors.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brothers of the Guild is the prequel to the Of Crowns & Quills series. In this book we need Declan and Keelan when they are still finding their way in the world. Keelan is discovering his gift while Declan is choosing his path as a Ranger. Get to know the two brothers destined for greatness while they are choosing their paths that will ultimate lead to their destiny.

I really enjoyed this series as a whole and was excited to see this prequel coming out. I enjoyed this and found it to be a very quick read that gave a great background on Keelan and Declan. I was sad when this story came to an end and wish there was more to tell! If you are a fan of this series is is a great addition to check out and if you’ve never read this series before this prequel will give you a good idea of if this series is for you. I really enjoyed this and was lost in it from start to finish.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN EXCELLENT EXCITING INTRO TO THE BROTHERS!💕

This is the exciting prologue to the series where we see how Keelan discovered his gift as a child and how they became orphaned, and where Declan discovered his sexuality as a student at the Guild… and his calling to be a Ranger…

We see Keelan’s first case that made him , a case so mysterious and interesting with a delectable twist that it made the pages turn more and more until the surprising ending… that makes you want so much more of this series!

And you will get that and so much more in the next books of the series!

So go ahead and delve into the start of the series with mysteries and adventures of these two brothers- you will not be sorry!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Purpose . . .

This is the backstory of orphan brothers Declan and Keelan who were raised by the Guild mages where the focus is on magical skills that determine one’s position and power among the peers. For Keelan, who has a strong desire to find justice for others, his Truthreading powers developed quickly and he is able to join the Guards and begin his first investigative case. But Declan seemed to have no magic. Will this take him down a totally different path from his older brother? Will he get his magical gifts later in life? Would he be successful in the role of a Ranger that seems to be drawing him in when a visiting Ranger, Cillian Moore, described the life of service, honor, and protection of others? Or must he make his way in the world on courage alone?

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brothers of the Guild is a beautifully written prequel that dives into the complex bond between Keelan and Declan. The world-building is rich, with magic as both a gift and a division between the brothers. Keelan’s ability to read truth and Declan’s struggle with being born without magic adds layers of tension and depth to their relationship. Their journey is one of self-discovery, rivalry, and eventual understanding, making this a compelling read for anyone who enjoys fantasy with emotional depth and sibling dynamics. It’s a great start to the Of Crowns & Quills series, and I can’t wait to see where their story goes next!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vickie Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read from Casey Morales. This book 4 of the Of Crowns and Quills Series. 


Keelan and Declan are brothers and lost their parents at a young age then raised in the mage guild. They only had each other as family. Keelan is a Constable and Declan is still in school. Keelan is working on his first major case by himself. Declan is feeling lonely and useless as his magic has not manifested as it should have. He is also trying to figure out his s$xuality, as most teens do. 

Will Declan get his magic? Will Kellan solve his first case? What will Declan decide about his s$xuality? Will Declan ever feel like he belongs? Will the brothers be able to mend their relationship? Let's finish reading to find out!

[Lea Gesser · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is that Casey Morales is one of my favorite writers of the year 2024. The Series Of Crown & Quills is brilliant, breathtaking and unprecedented. The journey for two brothers and two kingdoms has never been more inspiring. The descriptions of the countries, the characters we get to know in these books became more than figures of someone's imagination. As a reader you empathized, you sympathized with the characters and could do nothing but love. I personally really enjoyed these books. And this prequel does nothing other than further deepen the characters of our main characters Declan Rea and Keelan and the mages. Beautifully written and highly recommended.

[Sara Irons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Declan and Keelan, brothers, were orphaned at a young age. Keelan being the oldest looked after his little brother.

Keelan has gotten his first case as a Guardsman. What seems to be simple becomes so much more.

Declan is lost and trying to find himself. A Ranger that visits the Guild gives Declan the hope he has been looking for.

Can a brothers love help them get through the tuff times? Only time will tell.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Deborah Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel to the Of Crown and Quills series. Keelan is in the Guards and has his first case. He senses that the "victim" isn't being truthful, but needs more information. Meanwhile, Declan is grappling with his feelings of abandonment since Keelan left for the Guards. At 16, he still doesn't have a gift. But he is starting to notice his attraction to men since he saw two of his classmates together.

This story has intrigue and spice. Casey, once again has created a magical world.

[Rhonda Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so enjoyed this series!! Great introduction into the Crown & Quills books. This starts at the beginning of Keelan and Declan's journeys. Both brothers are the MCs throughout the series and this story gives some background to their storyline and fills in those gaps with other books in this series. So worth picking up this book and having those "light bulb" moments when you read a line and it now makes more sense in that book!! Casey has such remarkable skills at story telling, detailing these worlds...I have so enjoyed getting lost in this series...

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable addition to this series, with a first complex mystery to be solved for Keelan and Declan's coming of age/gay awakening and reasons to become a Ranger. This added extra depth to two of the most important characters in the following books. I admit I would have liked to have had even more about Declan as he was so troubled in most of this story, perhaps some more of his childhood in the guild before his discoveries about himself made him so unhappy, to balance it out for him. It does make his HEA at the end of the series even more special.

[Kurohagi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved finding the two younger brothers in this prequel, understanding part of the dynamic of the two young men and the reasons behind their estrangement.
Declan is different from the others, in his sexuality, which he denies, in his lack of gifts... faced with his “perfect” brother whom he admires, his hero, his role model, in this thankless period of adolescence, he begins to feel resentful and useless.
The brothers' relationship is developed against the backdrop of Keelan's first investigation.
The pace of the narrative is just right. And the description of the characters' feelings and frustrations is perfectly rendered.
It was a pleasure to meet Declan and Keelan again in this story.

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J'ai adoré retrouvé les deux frères plus jeune dans ce préquel, comprendre une partie de la dynamique des deux jeunes hommes et les raisons qui expliquent leur éloignement.
Declan est différent des autres, par sa sexualité qu'il renie, par son absence de don... face à son frère "parfait" qu'il admire, son héro, son modèle, dans cette période ingrate de l'adolescence, il commence à éprouver de la rancoeur à se sentir inutile.
La relation des deux frères est développée sur fond d'enquête, la première enquête de Keelan.
Le rythme de la narration est juste. Et la description des sentiments, des frustrations des personnages est parfaitement rendues.
C'était un plaisir de retrouver Declan et Keelan dans cette histoire.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting peek at brothers Keelan and Declan a few years before we meet them in book one Of Crown and Quills. The main focus is on Keelan’s first solo investigation as a Guardsman, but what I enjoyed the most was the personal side. We see the beginnings of some resentment from Declan for his older brother’s magic and him starring to consider his own identity. It was a fun way to understand the brothers a bit better.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Wayne Blood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction (prequel) into this sprawling M|M Adventure series. Not much spice here, but plenty of potential for growth. We get to meet the two orphaned brothers at the center of the series: Declan and Keelan. Keelan has been gifted with magic but Declan has not, leading to a rift between the two. Keelan knows his purpose (Constable / Inspector) while Declan feels rudderless, sparking envy and bitterness. Declan decides to make something of his life leading to a break in their relationship and a jump to Book 1 in the series.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prequel to the "Of Crowns and Quills" series. It gives us the story of Keelan and Declan when they were younger and how they both found their place in the fantasy world in which they lived. It is a sweet story that gives us clues about how Declan becomes the man we meet in the main story, set a few years later. It also gives us clues about his sexuality that are evocative but don't actively involve him.

It's worth reading if you follow this series, but not a stand-alone novel.

I received an ARC for free and left this review voluntarily.

[Steven Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This refers to the audiobook version.
This is the second prequel that sets up the events to take place in the Of Crowns and Quills series proper. This introduces us to Declan and to Keelan and lets us get to know their character and their struggles. It also sets up a mystery which I assume will become the main plot point in the main series. Both boys are complex and are interesting so the next steps in the story look exceiting.
Kenn Peterson narrates this short prequel with aplomb.

[Natasha Featherstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book. Casey did an amazing job bringing Archer and Declan to life. Getting to know the boys and their story gives me a better understanding of their character going into the rest of the series. I love his writing. He really knows how to draw his readers in, keeping you interested from the first page to the last. If you love adventure, this book is for you.😊

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel to the Of Crowns & Quills series takes a deeper look at the events that shape Keelan and Declan. With a little suspense and spice, this was a fabulous read. that gives more understanding to the series.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda Grange · Rating 5 out of 5]

So...I'm OBSESSED with Crown and Quills. As the first fantasy series that has entrapped me in years, I will read ANYTHING about this world, and these characters. This prequel was informative about these men and what leads up to Crown and Quills. It adds to the magic of the series. Although it isn't necessary to enjoy the story, it should not be skipped.

[Marian Divilek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good. I read it before the first book, so it looked "unfinished", but as I started reading the series, it was nice to understand the background and the relationship between the characters, especially the brothers.
Great way to introduce the "detective" genre in a fantasy book. It really made me curious about the investigated case. Well done.

[Urszula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good world building and interesting characters and relationships among them. Well developed characters and relationships among them. Plot full of action twists and turns. Really good story to read during a long evening.

[David B. Paulk · Rating 5 out of 5]

The missing piece...

Of the puzzle. The origin story that explains so much about the dynamics of the Archer's Awakening series. Casey Morales has written a fantastic series that I hope he expands!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great beginning for, what I hope, will continue being an awesome story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The world building is well done, without being lengthy or bogged down. I’m looking forward to reading more!

[jeanie c. riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orphans are taken in by the magic

Or plans are schooled by magic teachers while waiting for their talents to show! The oldest used talent for law enforcement! Youngest does not develop anything special! M/M adults!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

How it all began

If you've read the rest of the series and wondered how it all began, this will answer some of those questions. Another fantastic addition to Casey Morales catalog.

[Thomas Guaraldi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Background Story!

Truly enjoyed reading this to getting deeper into the characters and understanding of this series. Helps greatly to bring everything into focus.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A prequel to the Crown & Quills series. In this book we meet brothers Keelan & Declan.
The story is mainly on Keelan & his investigation with the Guard & Declan although he loves his brother he can't get over his resentment . I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.