Asher and the Prince: The Apex Blade

by Evan J. Corbin

"A fun and eclectic combination of genres anchored by a touching gay teen romance." --Kirkus Reviews

"This novel brilliantly weaves political intrigue, LGBTQ+ romance, and a touch of science fiction, crafting a rich world where deception and desire collide. Asher’s journey through deceit, longing, and impossible choices is emotionally resonant and full of suspense. Readers will be drawn in by the high stakes and complex romance, making Asher and the The Apex Blade a must-read for those who loved The Song of Achilles or The Priory of the Orange Tree. A story of sacrifice, loyalty, and forbidden love that will stay with you long after the final page." —NewInBooks.com

Asher Snow is no ordinary peasant. Seventeen-year-old Asher’s sharp mind and selfless devotion to others have always set him apart in a kingdom where survival hinges on luck and cunning. When he crosses paths with a powerful witch, Asher seizes the chance to make a wish—only to be dismayed by the witch’s condition that it be a selfish wish. But to avert a looming war, Asher must play a dangerous game.

Feigning love for the kingdom’s handsome prince, Asher persuades the witch to grant his seemingly selfish desire for the prince’s love, believing it to be the key to preventing a war. But as he weaves his web of deceit, Asher is entangled in a perilous journey where power, betrayal, and forbidden love collide. As political tensions rise and the threat of war looms on the horizon, Asher must decide if his risks will lead to his salvation—or his undoing.

Asher and the The Apex Blade is a thrilling blend of medieval fantasy, LGBTQ romance, and science fiction, where a forgotten past may be the key to salvation. Will Asher’s daring gambit secure his future—or set in motion a fate darker than he ever imagined?

Genres: M M Romance, Fantasy

Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2024

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a bit outside my usual comfort zone but I actually really enjoyed this, and as a YA book I could definitely see a teenage audience being into this (and we need more like this!)

The fantasy/magical elements were fun and I liked that it’s more of a coming of age story for Asher. I enjoyed him as a protagonist and I especially iked that he was pretty confident in himself and his identity already, kind of different from your typical tropes in queer YA. I also grew to like Hunter’s character as the story progressed, and the romance ended up being very sweet! Looking forward to seeing more of these characters.

[fanboyriot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read For:
✓ Forbidden Love
✓ Political Intrigue
✓ Medieval Fantasy
✓ Enemies to Lovers
✓ LGBTQIA Characters

˗ˏˋ ★ REVIEW ★ ˎˊ˗
A failing kingdom with a peasant boy, handsome prince, and a witch who made their paths cross just might be what they need to win the war threatening to make its way to them and save their kingdom… but it comes with a price, will it end in more threats and betrayal or will it be just what they need to survive and save their kingdom?

I really enjoyed this book. The mix of genres somehow worked really well together; combining the setting of medieval fantasy with hints of science fiction was so entertaining.

The characters and their development along the way was nice to read. I especially enjoyed all the positive queer representation. The sense of community near the end as Asher and Hunter worked on their (for spoilers sake) project friends helped them along the way.

I also liked how kind the queen was. Her and Asher’s mother sticking together had so many wholesome moments, especially to see how much they cared for their sons.

Thank you to PrideBookTours on Instagram and the author for this review copy. I absolutely loved it and the map I got from the newsletter was a nice touch.

Spice Level: n/a
Angst Level: 💧💧
POV: Third Person
Release Date: 28, October 2024

⚠️ Content Warnings:
Graphic: War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Violence, Medical content, and Gaslighting
Minor: Animal death, Confinement, Misogyny, and Murder

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asher’s Challenge . . .

Asher Snow, although poor, is kind to others. When the Witch of the Forest grants him an opportunity to make a wish, she adds a condition to it… it must be a selfish wish. When he said he was considering a wish for peace with the gnomes, she tried to direct his wish where she wanted it to go, so she commented that he should be more concerned about the prospect of war with Bishop Falls than a skirmish with the gnomes. The next day, she tries to push him to make the wish, saying a curse on her would be lifted if he lets her grant his wish. Does he fall for her trap? Sometimes, asking for one thing could ensure another. Can he find a way to make this wish work for the good of the people by perhaps making the Prince fall for him instead, which would make the Prince abandon any ambitions for the governor’s daughter, and somehow prevent a war? Could that solution actually avert the war the witch had warned him about? Will the Prince go along with it to get the lost sword of their line back, the Apex Blade, when the witch tells him it has been found? Will he go to the mines and take Asher to the Blue Mountains to search for the blade as the witch tells him to do? Or will all these plans backfire on Asher when his lie seems to set things in motion for Prince Hunter Bracken to fall in love with him… because her final instruction to the Prince was that although two may ascend the mountain on the quest, only one shall return!

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asher comes from peasant stock. He works two jobs to help his family survive and loses them both. He goes to a witch for help but doesn’t really get it. Famine is coming and his only wish is for the prince, Hunter, to fall in love with him. Hunter is a self absorbed and very arrogant royal. When circumstances force the two men to go on a quest they soon learn they need each other to survive.

This story had a lot of contradictions. The vast wealth of the royalty compared to famine in the poor and working class. A feudal society mixed with unexplained technological marvels. Backwards thinking from rulers fighting to keep their world in the dark ages while some of their subjects want to bring back the world before the Great War.

It had great characters. Took me a bit to warm to Hunter. His attitude was a product of how he was raised. His father kept his head in the sand and refused to see how wrong he was. His mother, while more progressive still backed the king. Asher’s parents, while supportive, used him to bring coins into the home. Other, smaller characters, added a lot to the story with minimal page time.

I liked this book. The juxtaposition between have and have nots was interesting. The quest was full of daring do. The romance seemed relatively slow but still progressed quickly. I liked the modern aspects tossed into the mix and Asher’s acceptance of his new place in the world was well done.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic read if you enjoy logic puzzles or any challenge where there are multiple choices and it's incredibly difficult to know which is the correct one because others have their own agendas and you can't tell if/when they are working for or against you. It does a great turn with the story of being granted one wish and suddenly finding out that every choice has all sorts of consequences. Asher starts out as the typical noble peasant and Hunter as the typical arrogant royal oblivious to the real world around him, but as they set off on the quest initiated by the witch, each of them changes and grows in all sorts of ways. The romance is well handled and all aspects of the story fit together well with none overshadowing the others.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is about to make a deal with a witch and he will lie so he can prevent a war happening. The journey is not going to be as easy as he thought it would be. He will need to get close to the prince and get through it all. He will try to get through it all with a sight of what he aims to do. An absolutely brilliant read which I found very difficult to put down
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and was such a great tale to read

[Milly Redruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a beautiful mix of different ideas, the characters are engaging and have their own personalities. The writing feels a bit unusual at first, as for the words and grammar used in some parts, but it makes a lot of sense in the context of the book. I absolutely recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a strong start to the Apex Blade, it had that fantasy feel that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall story being told. It was a strong world and worked with the genre going on. Evan J. Corbin has a strong writing style and left me excited to read more in this series.

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

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the concept of this story, and overall it was a fun and interesting read. Sure, the language leaned a little purple at times, the relationship was a touch rushed, and it felt like some of the characters couldn't decide exactly who they were... the heart of the story was gold. The plot twists were absolutely wild, and I enjoyed that a lot.

[Tony Williamson,jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very entertaining read

All is not what it seems in the land of Barbshire. Many people hold just as many secrets. And just when you think you have the plot figured out...nope! We have a huge plot twist. Really looking forward to the next book.