Bastard's Honor

by Elisabeth Wheatley

A crippled knight.
A widowed sorceress.
And a second chance at love—and revenge.

Born a noblewoman's bastard, Thadred has risen to become High Inquisitor, tasked with hunting escaped cythraul demons across the land. Despite the injuries that left him maimed for life, he has become indispensable to the empire.

Sair was a widowed sorceress who has become one of the Empress Amira's most trusted emissaries and confidantes. A skilled healer and spy, Sair works to ensure peace wherever the empress sends her.

A year ago, Thadred and Sair helped save the world from a fallen goddess, but it's not safe just yet. Unrest ripples through the empire, stray demons lurk in the shadows, and the denizens of a defeated witch still linger.

Now one of those denizens has taken Sair's young son.

Worse, they soon realize the boy's abduction may have more to do with the cythraul demons than anyone thought. Something evil is at work, and Thadred and Sair must stop it before it rains terror on the unsuspecting empire.

Bastard's Honor is a second-chance Fantasy Romance that takes place after the events of the Daindreth's Assassin series. It will contain heavy spoilers for the Daindreth's Assassin series, but can be read separately.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Fiction, Audiobook, Ebooks, Adventure

404 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2024

About the author

Elisabeth Wheatley is a fantasy author because warrior princess wasn’t an option. She loves tea and asking questions.

Reviews

[Sam VanSantvoord · Rating 5 out of 5]

THADRED! THADRED! THADRED!
ALWAYS STANNING YOU BABY GORL
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻GET IT 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

This is Elisabeth's strongest book to date (and the spiciest).

[Juanita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thadred?!?! Yes, please!!
The cover sucked in, and I absolutely love reading books before they hit the shelves (I appreciate the chance to do so). But I didn't expect to love this as much as I did!!
I get scared of being overwhelmed with world building and learned this is a spin-off from a main series.... NO problems, at all, jumping right in and making sense and following along!!
Thanks to the authors husband for keeping Thadred alive!! I anxiously await more from Elizabeth!!!!

[Alise · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I've seen worse in you," she whispered, "and I still love you." 🥹

Unexpectedly romantic, heroic, yet vulnerable — and such a deeply needed story for Thandred.

If you have read Daindreth's Assassin, with Bastard's Honor, you may be surprised by the more vulnerable side of Thandred — his true self behind that hero, macho skin. The same goes for Sair, how fragile and sensitive she appeared.

Both of them wished for one thing after lives of sacrifice and public avoidance, and together, their wish came true. They were fools in love, yet made for each other. 🩷

Although I craved more of Thandred’s humor and his sarcastic jokes — a bit more of his machoness — in Bastard's Honor, he was more mellow than I wanted him to be. A bit of spice from his sassy side was missed.

As for Sair — high praise to the author for taking a non-classical approach to her image, life experience, and personality. THANK YOU! This was very much appreciated and delicious!

Now that the series is complete, I will definitely revisit it. Elisabeth Wheatley has become one of my favorite U.S. authors.

[Siobahnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think everyone fell in love with Thadred in the original series, and this spin-off featuring his happy ending was well worth the wait. Lots of world building (map!), everyone’s favorite kelpie, blended families, found families, healing families, and snark. Very much enjoyed getting to read this!

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg this was amazing

[Sierra Hensley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.75

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a off shoot of the Daindreth's Assassin series. This follows the exploits of one of the series favorite secondary characters. Thadred and sair.


"Born a noblewoman's bastard, Thadred has risen to become High Inquisitor, tasked with hunting escaped cythraul demons across the land. Despite the injuries that left him maimed for life, he has become indispensable to the empire.

Sair was a widowed sorceress who has become one of the Empress Amira's most trusted emissaries and confidantes. A skilled healer and spy, Sair works to ensure peace wherever the empress sends her."

I really enjoyed this book. Great tie up of some of the questions of the main series. Also i can see more adventures ahead. Elisabeth Wheatley is an excellent story teller and will try some of her other series.

[kathleen saksa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I jumped right into the middle of this universe, not having been introduced until just recently, with no problems! The story is heart warming, yet has plenty of action and magic! I will eagerly anticipate further novels from Elisabeth Wheatley, and may even go back to read the previous related series!

[Elin Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bastards Honor isThadred and Sair's story following the event of Daindreth's Empress. I think I enjoyed this even more than the original story. Thadred has a sarcasm to him that adds levity to an emotional story.

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much squee! Couldn't put the book down and definitely need more Thadred, Sair, and Llleuad. Especially Lleuad!

[Nigel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy the book

A struggle read I’ve must of picked it up a dozen times just to set it down and go through yeah people choose to be really sick back then…. I sort of couldn’t wrap my head around why people choose to be sick 🤢 or sicker when

It is not realistically possible to read some writing like they choose to be sicker than others to be sick

Do they is….

[Bethany Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot? Kinda nonsensical
Character writing? Incredibly fluffy
Did I have a good time reading this? Yes. It was a fun adventure featuring best kelpie

[Ingrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm too ace for this ish.

I suppose it's my fault. The first two books are pretty tame, but the later books are full blown romantasy which just isn't my jam. But by the point that the spice level increased, I was already interested in the characters. I enjoyed the plot, I enjoy the world, but the spicy scenes really jolt me out of the world because they come across as ridiculous to me.

Anyway, I'm glad to be done with the series and have the closure I needed.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Thadred and Sair weren’t even my favorite couple in the first series but I still REALLY enjoyed reading this spin off. The characters are so well thought out and nuanced, they have such depth, that’s truly my favorite part, but the finale definitely had me on the edge of my seat. Great characters, great action, and some very spicy romance scenes.

[As You Wish · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sixth book everyone needed. Thank you for writing this. 😍

[Laura (Kyahgirl)]

The narration is what made me abandon this book. I may try the written book if I come across it but this was a case where the author should not narrate their own work. The male voices were awful.

[Allison Kunze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so pleased to have this particular thread wrapped up. I was rooting for these two the entire original series, and their spin off lived up to expectations.

[Marlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daindreth's Assassin: 4⭐⭐⭐⭐
Daindreth's Outlaw: 3⭐⭐⭐
Daindreth's Traitor: 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Daindreth's Sorceress: 3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
Daindreth's Empress: 4⭐⭐⭐⭐

Finally!!! Thadred gets his own story, he is 100% my favorite of the whole series. Always thought Amira and Dain were overrated and a bit meh. I wanted to lose this story but it just felt like it was lacking a bit.

I wish this book was/had more of everything. More family dynamics with his other siblings, more of him bonding with Vespasia, more view into how the Istovari are rebuilding, more of how Dain is keeping his kingdoms united, etc.

Overall, I wish Thadred got got a whole series just of himself and it would show case him going to different places in Erymaya and show the rebuilding efforts.

Build a school for magic and see him lean more into his Istovari side of himself. With each book in the series we saw them learn magic as they go, mostly due to the need arising in that moment. I would love to see them be intentional and deliberate in their approach and commit to advancing their magical knowledge.

Now that the Elder mother is gone will Seine leave Amira side to help her people rebuild. Now that they are getting stronger and the cursewood is receding, how will they organize themselves and looks towards the future of their people. Seine leads her people but who is her heir? Her only daughter is Amira. Part of me wished they would of said any daughter that Amira has will be come the Istovari heir and any son will be Dain's heir. We know Amira doesn't care about her Istovari side, but her people deserve a strong leader. That way they would further unite any future leaders.

From the last few books author is focused on smaller stories, which help clean up lose threads but doesn't tell us how society is moving forward.

PS. I had to skip the sex scene, I just couldn't read it.

[Meggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars. For me, this book was everything I wanted and a couple of things I didn't even know I wanted 😍

I feel like the plot, pacing, and magic were more in-depth than in the Daindreth books, which made me fall in love with the world all over again. However, I would still recommend people read the Daindreth books before Bastard's Honor, as there are MAJOR spoilers for the series.

I loved that we got to see new cultures and cities in this book, each was beautifully detailed and well-thought out. New characters were introduced that feel fully formed, with their own histories and motives. All this helped to sink me deeper into a book that I was already loving.

The main characters: hell yeah! Sairydwen stepped up to the role of FMC and she did not disappoint! I love the fact that she is a mother and that she's older than Thadred (7 or 8 years older, nothing gross though!). We don't see moms as the protagonist of many fantasy novels, but we definitely need more! 🥰

My one true love, Thadred 💘 Well, I knew Thadred was a bit of a dirty dog from the Daindreth's Assassin series, but SIR! The filthy thoughts in this man's brain 🥵 Not to mention the...ahem...activities he and Sair get up to, lord have mercy, these two are on fire ❤️‍🔥🫣 Now, there's not nearly as much smut as I would have liked (I have absolutely no shame, gimme all the sexy fun-times 😜), but the scenes that we got were perfect 🤌

Lleuad, the little sassy kelpie that you are! This lil' horsey steals the spotlight in every 👏 single 👏 scene 👏 If you've been longing for a magical animal companion with excellent comedic timing and suppressed demon horse rage on a hair trigger, look no further than Lleuad! I hope he gets all the ham for being the goodest of boys 😍

Long story short, freakin' loved this ❤️

[Evilgenius · Rating 3 out of 5]

After finishing Daindreth's Empress, I was pretty eager for this spin-off. But when I started it after a small break filled with other books, it unfortunately didn't compel me that much, and not picking it back up was easy.

First off, Sair was described again multiple times while Thadred was not, which bothered me as I struggled to picture him sometimes since I only had the hazy memory of his description in the very first book of the series.
Anyway, I liked learning more about her late husband and how she came to make the arrangement with Cromwell. And at least they thought the same about Vesha's end, funnily.

Lleuad still absolutely rules, the stubborn "little horse" saved the day more than once by literally charging through walls and doors. I'm surprised he didn't play a role in the final fight too, to be honest. I still don't understand Thadred's repeated threat to turn him into glue though ...

I had been wondering how much of a struggle the romance was going to be with a couple already as infatuated as these two – I should've known the author would throw in an obstacle. But at least they cleared up that misunderstanding relatively early.
After that, we got treated to a very unexpected development of the romance, and those surprises kept coming. That was done well although it's a bit of a bummer that Rhis didn't get to witness their wedding. Then I wanted to at least see Amira and Daindreth's reaction to them being already married upon their return, but we also didn't get that :/. For what it's worth, I enjoyed the few Amira and Daindreth cameos we did get.

On another note, Thadred had a sure interesting interaction with his mother and half-siblings. Vespasia was an interesting new character in that regard, I'm just disappointed that he didn't take her with him as intended. Or more like, disappointed that she said "if mother allows it" at the end after defying her so spectacularly before.

As for the specific cythraul they had to deal with, my reaction was: him again?! However, I really enjoyed his end, to what he got reduced there. It was certainly satisfying, unlike what happened to Vesha.
Plus, I had been kinda waiting for a certain Kadrahan to turn but did not expect how he did it. I definitely didn't know that was possible. And now I hear there might be a story about him and his new mistress in the future ...? That could be interesting.

In conclusion, I liked this book but didn't love it. It was a nice enough addition to the main series that tied up a couple of loose ends and gave us a look at the aftermath in the empire, but it was nowhere near as awesome as Amira and Daindreth's story.


PS: I don't know how to feel about Falafel and Dolma existing in a High Fantasy World with those same names ...

[TenshiMari · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the Daindreth's Assassin series by this author, which I enjoyed, and I was very excited to read the book about Thadred and Sair. However, for some reason I can't quite explain, this book kinda missed the mark for me. I listened to the audiobook, and the emotionless and monotone delivery of the narration really bothered me. Weird, it hadn't bothered me as much in the Daindreth's Assasin series. I also missed the humor and wit that Amira had. The entire book felt very stale and flat, and despite the relative urgency of their quest, the stakes felt surprisingly low. There's time for a wander around a city here, there's time for a stroll there, there's time to browse some wares and buy a new cape or try a new dress, there's time for a dinner at court. Excuse me, there's a child kidnapped, shouldn't you be racing in a frenzy to save him, especially as his mother? Lleuad carried this book for me, I loved that spiteful little "horse". Also the whole romance aspect of the book felt incredibly rushed, especially towards the last third of the book and I'm sad we didn't get to see Amira and Daindreth's reaction to them being wed. They barely got any cameos in this book at all. Honestly, I'm not sure why this book felt so lacking to me. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mindset to enjoy it.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Thadred and Sair from the Daindreth's Assassin series and I was so excited to see them get their own novel!
And, mostly I was happy with the characters. But I ended up skimming and then went back and read.
What bothers me is the setting. Daindreth's Assassin is supposed to be set in a Tudor/Reformation era. But suddenly Sair is wearing kerchief's on her head and the setting described seems more Georgian or Regency than Tudor. Which is fine, but it pulled me out of the book. It's a fantasy world, I get that, but it wouldn't have surprised me if someone pulled out a gun that's how incongruous the world setting is. Also, I didn't love that mixing of Welsh, Scottish, and Irish names and legends as if they are one. They are not.
Also, I hate Iasu. He needs to die.

However, I loved Sair and Thadred. Loved Lleuad, as always. I want the kelpie as a pet. Also loved Thadred's sister. My heart broke for her back story and I hope that she gets a happy ending in another book. The characters are great, especially Brick. The children are realistically written too. And Thadred's mom you love to hate.
I loved how Thadred and Sair finally found their happiness together. And worked together to defeat the bad guy (that was a twist I also loved).
Can't wait to read more about Myandra.

[LavendarsBlue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dare I say, this is better than the Daindreth’s Assassin epic?!
I loved that the man characters were constantly wanting the other. It was nice to delve deeper into their relationship beyond the surface. Since the author didn’t have to spend time on world building or even a meet-cute moment, we saw much more of Thadred and Sair’s story and what it would actually mean to be together, Who the characters are without the promise of something in return.
Despite all the pining and sexual tension, there is only one sex scene and it’s enough. (I knew Thadred would be the kinky one! I wish we got that extra bit that was hinted at.)
While I definitely enjoyed the main series, I can’t wait for the spin offs to continue. The author made a subtle promise that there will also be a Vespasia x Iasu book.

[Regina Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very well done. I found I related to Thadred a lot, especially his reactions to his family. I was very happy to finally see the conclusion to the Caa Iss arc (may he suffer at Moreyne's hands). However, I would have loved to see an epilogue with Thadred and Sair returning to the court and Daindreth taking away Zeyna's power and position. I really feel like her endangerment and belligerence of Thadred and his men should be treated as treason and she needs more punishment than the temporary loss of her youngest child. I know that Thadred doesn't really have the authority to do this, but I would love to see Daindreth push for it. I think it would be helpful to have Vespasia assigned as the new regent and marry her to some second son who will be kind and bolster her authority.

[Mei Harize · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really happy to read this spinoff about Thadred and Sairydwen. As usual, the author does a great job at developing her characters and their relationships.
I'd say there was a bit too much infodump for my liking but as the novel is meant to be a possible entry point in that world it makes sense. Though I would have hoped the callbacks to the Daindreth's Assassin series to be better woven in with the rest of the narrative.
The action is well paced and, while I was afraid some parts of the narrative would end up being too convenient (looking at the ending of Daindreth's Empress) it didn't end up being this way.
A good book that I read in a day but it's not the one that stands out the most in this universe.

[Jemma Macharia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had this book for two months, but I knew I wanted it for November's book of the month. The wait was horrible because it was sitting on my shelf calling my name. I knew that if I started it, I wouldn't be able to put it down....and I was right!

Elisabeth's continuation of her universe in Thadred's and Sair's story is fantastic! Their chemistry is so natural, and although she is older, you sometimes forget it. I love that Rhis and Lleuad are back. Both characters complete and enhance Thadred and Sair. I wish we could have gotten to see how Dain and Amira handled the news of a wedding without their presence, but I guess I'll just use my imagination!

[1747 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So unplanned…

From the beginning:

I had finished the Assassin series prior to Broken Heart and adore the characters

I read all 6 books for Jacks of Hearts and adore Jacks and Eva.

Then because I I didn’t know what to do after because what madness comes even close to Jacks of Hearts? What to read next I was seriously prepared to be dissatisfied without Jacks.

Thadred and Sair gave me the satisfaction I was looking for. XOXO I am complete again and though I will never let Jacks of Hearts go (not really), now I have Thadred to love and balance it out keeping these men at peace in my life.

Thank you so much for publishing this masterpiece.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this whole book in one afternoon and loved all of it! I really liked the flip on the typical age gap and the discussion and acknowledgement of the power dynamics. I feel like Sair and Thadred are a fantastic couple and I would 110% read more books about them. Their dynamic is perfect and I live seeing them work together and be together (*that* chapter could have gone a little bit longer if you know...)
I also loved that we got more time with Lleuad and that he got to eat more pork and people because he's a good horse who deserves a little snack.

[Ishika Relan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed revisiting the Daindreth's assassin universe.

Thadred is such a fun character and finally getting Sair's perspective really endears herself to the reader.

I cannot wait for more books in this series especially the Vesha and Drystan prequel and the Rhis sequel way in the future. The later of which I think was being hinted at in this book.

My only qualm with this book would be the serious lack of Amira and Daindreth as we didn't get an epilogue in the last book of the series either to see them live happily ever after.

[Ann-Sophie Seistrup · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favourite book in the series! Love Thadred, love an older female love interest.
I do feel like Sair is a horrible mom. I thought it very strange in the previous books that a single mom would be the person risking her life outside of the istovari safe haven, but it's at least explained how it came to that. She also seems mighty self-sacrificing for someone who has a small child, but I suppose it's a cultural thing for the istovari not to care about their kids, much less their boys. Throughout this book, however, her son has been kidnapped, and Thadred honestly seems more concerned by that than she is. She's also like "idk what would be worse, losing Thadred or losing Rhys." Honey, one of those is some dude you have the hots for, the other is your freaking son! How is one not very obviously a million times more important? But anyway, that's just a side note; this is a love story, and the love story is sweet and all. And they defeat some cythraul and stuff, that's also neat.