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The Lost King #3
Prince of Faith
Held captive against his will, Markus Dayspring wakes every morning with a thirst for revenge, and collapses every night with a prayer for strength. He lives on in spite of deadly addictions and a crippling, shameful secret. When he’s rescued by a man from his past, his reawakened love threatens to crush his damaged soul.
Caius also has a secret, one that could ultimately kill him. But his vow to rescue Markus is stronger than guilt, fear, and even his loyalty to King Helios. Too many have died because of Caius, and rescuing the missing prince might allow him to sleep without nightmares.
Old habits are hard to break and new pain threatens their growing love. Yet one gleaming ray of hope continues to guide them to safety, even in the face of an unexpected violation of trust. With the stakes growing higher by the hour, Markus and Caius must learn to have faith before they can heal and face the future together.
Caius also has a secret, one that could ultimately kill him. But his vow to rescue Markus is stronger than guilt, fear, and even his loyalty to King Helios. Too many have died because of Caius, and rescuing the missing prince might allow him to sleep without nightmares.
Old habits are hard to break and new pain threatens their growing love. Yet one gleaming ray of hope continues to guide them to safety, even in the face of an unexpected violation of trust. With the stakes growing higher by the hour, Markus and Caius must learn to have faith before they can heal and face the future together.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2014
7 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Belinda McBride
65 books403 followersBelinda is an award-winning, top selling author of erotic romance, speculative fiction and LGBTQ romance. She lives in far Northern California with her family and a pack of Siberian Huskies.
A graduate of CSU Chico, she managed to attend the notorious party school without once getting drunk, arrested or appearing in a "Girls Gone Wild" video. Her main focus of study was classical and archival history, cultural anthropology and
theatre arts.
A graduate of CSU Chico, she managed to attend the notorious party school without once getting drunk, arrested or appearing in a "Girls Gone Wild" video. Her main focus of study was classical and archival history, cultural anthropology and
theatre arts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 18, 2017
*3,5 stars*
This is book 3 in the Uncommon Whore series, and although it follows on from the plot in book 2 it involves two different MCs and a story of their own. So you probably could try to read this as a stand alone. The most important facts from book 1 and 2 needed to understand this one are repeated at one point.
I enjoyed Prince of Faith while I was reading it, however once I started pondering after I finished some things came up that made me unsure how to rate it.
The issues of the two MCs are serious and severe: let me make sure you know that rape, violence, torture and addiction are occurring themes. (So if these are something you'd rather avoid, give this book a miss!). However, the way the two men are dealing with what happened in their past added a lot of depth to their characters and the plot.
Markus is deeply affected by his time as sex slave which, considering the brutality and horror of his treatment, is not a surprise. His defiance and inability to accept his helplessness rub his soul raw and open. But, and this shows us what kind of man he is, what drags him down most is
For most part of the book, Marcus is plagued by his past, but unable to really face up to it.
"Being rescued was only the start. Surviving brought about its own set of difficulties."
Unlike Helios who came to this amazingly wise conclusion after his ordeal
"I was powerless, except in my reaction to my plight."
he can't deal with what happened and is riddled by guilt and shame, seeing himself .
Marcus really needs help, but unfortunately,imo, we don't see him addressing his problems on page that much. Which is a shame because I had hoped for that.
The only thing that keeps him going is the introduction of a rather unexpected character
Funnily enough, Caius feels that Markus is coping better than he is. Caius has his own problems which mainly originate in his identity and his need to conceal it and the neural addiction which is a direct cause of it.
Both men have been marred and changed by the past, and as Caius states, also for the better.
He'd (Markus) been devious, slippery, and more than a little unscrupulous in his role as a spy. But then, Caius had been entitled, arrogant and bigoted.
And they also learn to love (and yes, they are hot together and there is long hair again! *G*)
This is also where one of my niggles lies. We know Caius still loves Markus right from the beginning, but Markus seems pretty indifferent, even a bit hostile. Eventually his attitude changes too quickly. I felt he was going from animosity to love from one day to the next, and I couldn't follow.
There were also some smaller incongruities in descriptions and plot. At one point I got the impression Markus looked extremely skinny, but soon after he was "chiselled and honed". I also chuckled at the expression "a head full of chopped off hair" I know there is effectively nothing wrong with it, but it seems to be a contradiction in terms.
On the whole though I thought that the writing style of the author has vastly improved from book 1, and I really enjoyed most of it.
As for the plot, it seemed totally illogical that
It was great to meet Helios and Grif again, but I was wondering what the deal with Tess was . We kind of never did get all her back story.
So, a great ride, if you're not too stuck on detail!
I would happily recommend it.
This is book 3 in the Uncommon Whore series, and although it follows on from the plot in book 2 it involves two different MCs and a story of their own. So you probably could try to read this as a stand alone. The most important facts from book 1 and 2 needed to understand this one are repeated at one point.
I enjoyed Prince of Faith while I was reading it, however once I started pondering after I finished some things came up that made me unsure how to rate it.
The issues of the two MCs are serious and severe: let me make sure you know that rape, violence, torture and addiction are occurring themes. (So if these are something you'd rather avoid, give this book a miss!). However, the way the two men are dealing with what happened in their past added a lot of depth to their characters and the plot.
Markus is deeply affected by his time as sex slave which, considering the brutality and horror of his treatment, is not a surprise. His defiance and inability to accept his helplessness rub his soul raw and open. But, and this shows us what kind of man he is, what drags him down most is
For most part of the book, Marcus is plagued by his past, but unable to really face up to it.
"Being rescued was only the start. Surviving brought about its own set of difficulties."
Unlike Helios who came to this amazingly wise conclusion after his ordeal
"I was powerless, except in my reaction to my plight."
he can't deal with what happened and is riddled by guilt and shame, seeing himself .
Marcus really needs help, but unfortunately,imo, we don't see him addressing his problems on page that much. Which is a shame because I had hoped for that.
The only thing that keeps him going is the introduction of a rather unexpected character
Funnily enough, Caius feels that Markus is coping better than he is. Caius has his own problems which mainly originate in his identity and his need to conceal it and the neural addiction which is a direct cause of it.
Both men have been marred and changed by the past, and as Caius states, also for the better.
He'd (Markus) been devious, slippery, and more than a little unscrupulous in his role as a spy. But then, Caius had been entitled, arrogant and bigoted.
And they also learn to love (and yes, they are hot together and there is long hair again! *G*)
This is also where one of my niggles lies. We know Caius still loves Markus right from the beginning, but Markus seems pretty indifferent, even a bit hostile. Eventually his attitude changes too quickly. I felt he was going from animosity to love from one day to the next, and I couldn't follow.
There were also some smaller incongruities in descriptions and plot. At one point I got the impression Markus looked extremely skinny, but soon after he was "chiselled and honed". I also chuckled at the expression "a head full of chopped off hair" I know there is effectively nothing wrong with it, but it seems to be a contradiction in terms.
On the whole though I thought that the writing style of the author has vastly improved from book 1, and I really enjoyed most of it.
As for the plot, it seemed totally illogical that
It was great to meet Helios and Grif again, but I was wondering what the deal with Tess was . We kind of never did get all her back story.
So, a great ride, if you're not too stuck on detail!
I would happily recommend it.
January 18, 2015
Betrayal, rape and sexual slavery all packaged in an erotic space opera is a must read. Ms. McBride fans, wait no longer, pick up this delicious third book in the Uncommon Whore Series. This long awaited book delivers in angst, alpha males and hawt manlove.
Markus Dayspring searched long and hard for his beloved cousin. After years of searching, he finds him, rescues him and instead of being rewarded, he's betrayed. Sentenced to a similar demeaning and torturous sexual slavery, Markus nearly ends his life many times over. Only one reason prevents him from succeeding and it's not the thirst for revenge. It's something much more precious.
Caius is a man riddled with guilt. His desire to make up for the wrongs of his past motivates him to find Markus and free him. There is more to his atonement than saving Markus. Caius' boyhood crush on Markus makes him push harder and take greater risks to find Markus.
Ms. McBride is an author who beats her characters so badly. She puts them through heinous experience which damages mind, body and soul. If the American military needs anyone to devise torture for terrorist, Ms. McBride's fiendish mind is capable of providing plenty of pointers. As Markus's time in captivity is revealed, a reader may wince because none of it is remotely palpable. It's all bad. Caius's time since the war started isn't that good either. The two share many similar atrocious acts committed against them. It makes a reader want to weep for them, wishing there was a way to help them heal.
Before the healing can begin, Ms. McBride is determined to take the reader on a perilous adventure. There are secrets that must come to light and she forces the darkness to be exposed in a satisfying manner. The plot of this story captures a reader's attention. How Markus and Caius figure out what happened and bring the bad guys to justice works out in a bloody satisfying way. Bringing in Helios into this story is wonderful, even if he is a secondary character who shows up to throw his royal weight around.
Although sexual abuse is littered throughout this story, Ms. McBride is able to bring about m/m sexy erotic scenes. The sexual healing between Caius and Markus is kinky smoking hawt. Ms. McBride depicts some of the hottest erotic manlove scenes. It's pleasurable from the first lick to the climatic hard thrust. The chemistry between her characters is vivid and passionate. Love it!
This space opera is highly recommended to m/m lovers who crave angst and redemption.
April 18, 2017
4.5 sexy, sci-fi stars!!!
This 3rd part follows, to some extent, the story from An Uncommon Whore and then When I Fall...
This time we focus on new MCs:
Markus - Helios' cousin and another "uncommon whore" in his family ;)
From the beginning we know that Prince of Faith will tell us the story of a rescue mission. King Helios Dayspring and his Consort General, Griffin Hawke, have discovered the fraud cunningly developed to put the blame of Helios' ordeal on Markus - his beloved cousin and one of the few surviving members of his family.
And who would untertake such a mission? Well, obviously the man who'd once admired and probably even loved Markus... Caius - the desolate prince who vowed to never seek the restoration of the Talisian throne and instead pledged allegiance to his former enemy - the Daysprings - in the person on the valiant prince Helios. Caius had known Markus many years earlier. He knew him and even though he quickly discovered that the redhead princeling had been spying among his people - never turned Markus in...
The rescue mission goes rather smoothly but... afterwards Markus and Caius have many crises, overcome many obstacles, sicknesses, and finally are able to fight for their love, for justice to some nasty, sick, pseudo-scientist criminals and for... .
This part is more a space opera than typical sci-fi. There's a looooot of sex, a dollop of kink , quite a dose of fighting and some risky endeavors in space and on a distant, crime-ridden planet...
Again, like in the previous books of the series, Belinda McBride managed to create a wonderful, multi-dimensional world with a lot of different, colourful species with unique abilities and space travel with all its modern concepts and hi-tech equipment.
And - for me one of the best treats of Prince of Faith - I could again see my beloved MCs:
The book is basically a well-written story about two terribly damaged MCs who suffer from grief, shame, guilt and incredible trauma and believe themselves unsalvageable and irredeemable but who nonetheless struggle to become better... better lovers, better leaders of their united peoples and... I could only admire the strength Markus and Caius possessed!
Highly recommended!!! Should be read after An Uncommon Whore and When I Fall.
This 3rd part follows, to some extent, the story from An Uncommon Whore and then When I Fall...
This time we focus on new MCs:
Markus - Helios' cousin and another "uncommon whore" in his family ;)
From the beginning we know that Prince of Faith will tell us the story of a rescue mission. King Helios Dayspring and his Consort General, Griffin Hawke, have discovered the fraud cunningly developed to put the blame of Helios' ordeal on Markus - his beloved cousin and one of the few surviving members of his family.
And who would untertake such a mission? Well, obviously the man who'd once admired and probably even loved Markus... Caius - the desolate prince who vowed to never seek the restoration of the Talisian throne and instead pledged allegiance to his former enemy - the Daysprings - in the person on the valiant prince Helios. Caius had known Markus many years earlier. He knew him and even though he quickly discovered that the redhead princeling had been spying among his people - never turned Markus in...
The rescue mission goes rather smoothly but... afterwards Markus and Caius have many crises, overcome many obstacles, sicknesses, and finally are able to fight for their love, for justice to some nasty, sick, pseudo-scientist criminals and for... .
This part is more a space opera than typical sci-fi. There's a looooot of sex, a dollop of kink , quite a dose of fighting and some risky endeavors in space and on a distant, crime-ridden planet...
Again, like in the previous books of the series, Belinda McBride managed to create a wonderful, multi-dimensional world with a lot of different, colourful species with unique abilities and space travel with all its modern concepts and hi-tech equipment.
And - for me one of the best treats of Prince of Faith - I could again see my beloved MCs:
The book is basically a well-written story about two terribly damaged MCs who suffer from grief, shame, guilt and incredible trauma and believe themselves unsalvageable and irredeemable but who nonetheless struggle to become better... better lovers, better leaders of their united peoples and... I could only admire the strength Markus and Caius possessed!
Highly recommended!!! Should be read after An Uncommon Whore and When I Fall.
November 17, 2015
3.5 stars
Ok, I’m kinda conflicted about this one.
For the sci-fi factor: I liked the continuing world building, but I wanted way more of it.
For the romance: The guys have a lot of issues and I didn’t really feel the electricity.
I love a good sci-fi romance and I know they are hard to do well and so often one aspect is weaker than the other. The two previous books in this series were so good-- I liked how the author combined a sizzling erotic relationship (Helios and Griffin) with an intriguing alien world. I liked the whole damaged men who eke out comfort in each other thing. Because, face it, it was a bumpy road for them.
But Prince of Faith is Caius and Markus’ story. They were secondary characters in the previous books, now they’re front and center. Caius, a deposed prince, works security for Helios. Markus is Helios’ cousin and has a rep as a ‘disreputable spy’. They have some kind of past history with each other. You’ll remember in book two that Markus was believed to be a traitor and he’s left on Warlan in sex-slave hell as punishment. But when Helios realizes that Markus was framed, he sends Cauis to the rescue. And that’s where this book starts.
So, Markus is a sex slave, much like Helios was, and his captor/owners keep him hooked on a cocktail of sedatives and aphrodisiacs to keep him compliant, easy to handle… and very horny. Caius helps him with that, ahem. One of the story’s puzzles is that Caius wears a holo-device that disguises his appearance by hooking into his neural network and he has become addicted to the device; he can’t survive without it. It’s not clear just why he has to wear the device.
These are some interesting twists… but…
Issue number one: At first, this feels very much like Griffin and Helio’s story: it’s another sex slave rescued from an abusive hell by dashing military man and would-be lover plot. Been there, done that.
Issue number two: In the first two books we had some great world building: the warring factions, the court intrigue, the spying, all the different alien races… it’s a rich backdrop to Helios and Griffin’s romance. But here, we just get snippets. I really want more of how Helios is building his new world for his people. I really want to know more about all those interesting alien races… the Vashtan (healers) and the Zomoran (telepaths). But none of it is explored in any great depth. The aliens play a part in the story but it is secondary. In fact, most of this is around Markus and Caius issues, their addictions and all the abuses they’ve suffered.
Issue number three: I really didn’t feel the connection between Markus and Caius. Especially when compared to Helios’ and Griffin’s electric, sizzling romance. Yeah, there are some hot spots, some gentle moments for Caius and Markus. But mostly this is more about two very physically and mentally damaged guys trying to heal themselves. And, yeah, they had a kind of crush-thing back in the day, never acted upon, but we get their backstory with a lot of piecemeal re-telling. Their romance ends up feeling lukewarm and… distant.
I like Markus and Caius, I do, but I just didn’t feel that special spark.
For me, the most interesting dynamic is that both these guys are hooked on some artificial thing that they have to overcome-- for Markus it’s all those drugs and for Caius, it’s that holo-device. There is also another very interesting plot about genetic manipulation and reproduction that is really cool. I would read more in this series just for this development. If you liked the first two books I’d say go ahead and give this one a try, it may work for you, there are some fun parts. But, imo, Markus and Caius don’t hold a candle to Helios and Griffin.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review. For this and other reviews, author interviews, and general fabulousness, visit Love Bytes:
March 28, 2015
I love this series. The sci-fi world here is fun and the tragedies that have been heaped on this family through political intrigue and greed finally have a full term resolution. (This does not mean I wouldn't LOVE to see more books set in this world and with this cast of characters!)
Oh the feels in this book! Markus Dayspring has been thrown into sexual slavery after betrayal had left those he cared for most in the world believing he was the one that had sold them out. Now after almost two years in a tortured existence help has finally arrived to free him and take him back to the life he used to know. Caius knows what Markus has been through and has spent almost a year searching to find the man he can't forget. His own identity hidden from the world he has more in common with Markus than either of them may know.
Poor Markus! He has had so much done to him after being left to the slavers hands. I mean his indomitable will absolutely made things harder on him, but I can do nothing but respect his internal fight. He is so strong internally and those lines have been cracked by what's been done to him and the drugs that they've pumped into his system. He's never broken, but there are gaps in his foundation that he doesn't know how to fill anymore. The only thing keeping him going is the one thing he never expected. Hello shocker here! Loved this twist!!!
Not that Caius is any less internally tormented though he's had more time to face the travesty of his past. But he's hidden from it behind the hologram he wears as a face. Yet seeing similar tracks rent on Markus' life Caius is also forced to accept things weren't his fault in the past either. These two men are not perfect, they're damaged, but together they are exactly what the other needs. My heart broke for them as they struggled to pull their heads above water both emotionally and physically from the tortures of their pasts.
I loved seeing our old favorite characters making their appearances in this book too! Helios and Griff have been battling the guilt they feel knowing how they contributed to Markus' pain tricked into it or not. Both men cared for Markus and knowing they were responsible for his suffering wasn't going to abate any until Markus was home safely. Their reunion was necessary for all of them to truly move forward with their healing.
The twist in this story was wonderful! I don't want to give anything away, but I love how this became the center of Markus and was the pivot upon which he spins. The devastation started the generation before by their parents has finally started to take a turn out of just surviving and these men have a shot at making a real life for themselves in a new world. Their will be struggles and hardships, but they have the support they need and the internal strength now to flourish.
I want more!!!
Oh the feels in this book! Markus Dayspring has been thrown into sexual slavery after betrayal had left those he cared for most in the world believing he was the one that had sold them out. Now after almost two years in a tortured existence help has finally arrived to free him and take him back to the life he used to know. Caius knows what Markus has been through and has spent almost a year searching to find the man he can't forget. His own identity hidden from the world he has more in common with Markus than either of them may know.
Poor Markus! He has had so much done to him after being left to the slavers hands. I mean his indomitable will absolutely made things harder on him, but I can do nothing but respect his internal fight. He is so strong internally and those lines have been cracked by what's been done to him and the drugs that they've pumped into his system. He's never broken, but there are gaps in his foundation that he doesn't know how to fill anymore. The only thing keeping him going is the one thing he never expected. Hello shocker here! Loved this twist!!!
Not that Caius is any less internally tormented though he's had more time to face the travesty of his past. But he's hidden from it behind the hologram he wears as a face. Yet seeing similar tracks rent on Markus' life Caius is also forced to accept things weren't his fault in the past either. These two men are not perfect, they're damaged, but together they are exactly what the other needs. My heart broke for them as they struggled to pull their heads above water both emotionally and physically from the tortures of their pasts.
I loved seeing our old favorite characters making their appearances in this book too! Helios and Griff have been battling the guilt they feel knowing how they contributed to Markus' pain tricked into it or not. Both men cared for Markus and knowing they were responsible for his suffering wasn't going to abate any until Markus was home safely. Their reunion was necessary for all of them to truly move forward with their healing.
The twist in this story was wonderful! I don't want to give anything away, but I love how this became the center of Markus and was the pivot upon which he spins. The devastation started the generation before by their parents has finally started to take a turn out of just surviving and these men have a shot at making a real life for themselves in a new world. Their will be struggles and hardships, but they have the support they need and the internal strength now to flourish.
I want more!!!
October 28, 2014
Why you should read it: I loved the first two books in this series. Belinda is a fantastic fantasy writer who puts her characters through hell and back for them to finally find happiness. This installment is centered on Markus. I hated him at first, when I believed he was a traitor, but now he could be innocent … Griffin sent Caius to where Helios believed Markus was sent, but Caius has secrets of his own. I love Markus because he's broken. He's addicted to drugs, he was used, he was shamed and yet he still had Faith and was determined to survive. What I love about this book is that it's unpredictable. I didn't know what the characters would choose to say or do — it was so refreshing. I highly recommend for those who want their heroes to suffer, to be laid bare and finally to be saved.
Head over to the HEA blog to see what 'tech' Belinda wishes were real.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
Head over to the HEA blog to see what 'tech' Belinda wishes were real.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
December 10, 2014
a hot mess, from cover to coda.
a truly deranged plot doomed this one almost from the beginning, which is an achievement, given that most of the foolishness happened in other books.
I don't understand anything.
a truly deranged plot doomed this one almost from the beginning, which is an achievement, given that most of the foolishness happened in other books.
I don't understand anything.
February 27, 2017
Not a bad story, though I never felt the connection between Markus and Caius. They were both so wounded by the last several years, that I think they just needed more time to heal. I did still enjoy the story, even though it was not my favorite of the series.
October 22, 2014
Original Blog Post: Blog Tour, eARC Review, Excerpt & #Giveaway: Prince of Faith (An Uncommon Whore #3) by Belinda McBride
I read this whole series back to back and I think that I made the right choice. The first and second books laid the foundation to this world and this third book answered a lot of questions left from them.
Background: It all began when a power hungry king decided to sell out his planet for more power. He made the wrong choices and the result was the destruction of his planet and the annihilation of a people. The planet Arash was laid waste and its peoples, numbering a few hundred, were rescued by two unlikely allies and found themselves on an arid planet they simply called Home. With the armies scattered all over the galaxy, these people had no other hope than the minute chance their destined king be found and brought back. That ruler, once the spare prince of Arash, was Helios. He had been made slave and whore but was found and rescued by Griffin disguised as a mercenary. Once placed on the throne, the two made sure to get their people and politics in place but at the back of their minds, they needed to make amends. They had wronged someone whom they were led to believe was a traitor: Markus. With Helios' memory unreliable because of the mind swipe done on him as a slave, he had not known the information fed him was false. One man was sent by Griffin to find, rescue, and bring back that other surviving Dayspring prince: Caius. This royal bodyguard may be the best chance they have of finding the lost prince but he had secrets of his own, a secret that could set their new home into political chaos.
This third book opens to the rescue of Kind Helios from Markus' point of view. His drive to find his lost king had made him unable to maintain trust with even his most trusted brother in arms, Griffin. When he was accused as traitor and made slave by the same people who made his king a slave-whore, he was devastated. For almost two years he was locked in a situation where drugs and rape were a common theme. His psyche nearly broken, there was only one thing that kept him going: Faith.
His rescue in the hands of Caius made him glad but his deep shame and mistrust for all nearly drove him insane. When his withdrawal from the drugs began, it was Caius who held him up but it also drove him down. Then Caius' own injuries started to take toll on him and it was left to Markus to determine where to take him to save his life. His decision brought him to a place that did heal both of them but it also opened a lot of doors to intrigue, chaos and danger. Faith was the one thing that made both men struggle to be whole for Faith may be the one thing that could save them both.
The story of Caius and Markus is really a story of two broken men who really did not know how to handle their difficulties without faith in each other and their love of family. Their story is a journey from the horrors of slavery and rape to that of redemption and love. It was the way the author wrote this series that really was impossible to ignore.
Each book sets the plot to a different direction and keeps the reader guessing at every turn of the page. The intrigue was so simple it was hard to figure out. In short, this is a story that keeps the readers on their toes for they will never know what that next page would reveal.
At the core of this series is romance and love. The trauma each character experiences was a horrific one and yet it made each of them stronger, complete and determined. Their people had been betrayed but it also sent them on a path that would make them a greater people.
By the end of Prince of Faith, I really fell in love with this series, the men and the survivors. It is lightly written making it an easy read and the plot just fell into place. I love stories like this, it takes me to a different world and makes me wonder. There was really only one thing that disappointed me, and that was when I read these words: The End.
Note: The Prince of Faith is the third installment to a sci-fi/fantasy series which first came out in 2010: An Uncommon Whore and When I Fall. The first two is the story of Helios Dayspring and Griffin Hawke. This third installment is about Markus Dayspring and the mysterious royal bodyguard, Caius. This series is best read in order.
I read this whole series back to back and I think that I made the right choice. The first and second books laid the foundation to this world and this third book answered a lot of questions left from them.
Background: It all began when a power hungry king decided to sell out his planet for more power. He made the wrong choices and the result was the destruction of his planet and the annihilation of a people. The planet Arash was laid waste and its peoples, numbering a few hundred, were rescued by two unlikely allies and found themselves on an arid planet they simply called Home. With the armies scattered all over the galaxy, these people had no other hope than the minute chance their destined king be found and brought back. That ruler, once the spare prince of Arash, was Helios. He had been made slave and whore but was found and rescued by Griffin disguised as a mercenary. Once placed on the throne, the two made sure to get their people and politics in place but at the back of their minds, they needed to make amends. They had wronged someone whom they were led to believe was a traitor: Markus. With Helios' memory unreliable because of the mind swipe done on him as a slave, he had not known the information fed him was false. One man was sent by Griffin to find, rescue, and bring back that other surviving Dayspring prince: Caius. This royal bodyguard may be the best chance they have of finding the lost prince but he had secrets of his own, a secret that could set their new home into political chaos.
This third book opens to the rescue of Kind Helios from Markus' point of view. His drive to find his lost king had made him unable to maintain trust with even his most trusted brother in arms, Griffin. When he was accused as traitor and made slave by the same people who made his king a slave-whore, he was devastated. For almost two years he was locked in a situation where drugs and rape were a common theme. His psyche nearly broken, there was only one thing that kept him going: Faith.
His rescue in the hands of Caius made him glad but his deep shame and mistrust for all nearly drove him insane. When his withdrawal from the drugs began, it was Caius who held him up but it also drove him down. Then Caius' own injuries started to take toll on him and it was left to Markus to determine where to take him to save his life. His decision brought him to a place that did heal both of them but it also opened a lot of doors to intrigue, chaos and danger. Faith was the one thing that made both men struggle to be whole for Faith may be the one thing that could save them both.
The story of Caius and Markus is really a story of two broken men who really did not know how to handle their difficulties without faith in each other and their love of family. Their story is a journey from the horrors of slavery and rape to that of redemption and love. It was the way the author wrote this series that really was impossible to ignore.
Each book sets the plot to a different direction and keeps the reader guessing at every turn of the page. The intrigue was so simple it was hard to figure out. In short, this is a story that keeps the readers on their toes for they will never know what that next page would reveal.
At the core of this series is romance and love. The trauma each character experiences was a horrific one and yet it made each of them stronger, complete and determined. Their people had been betrayed but it also sent them on a path that would make them a greater people.
By the end of Prince of Faith, I really fell in love with this series, the men and the survivors. It is lightly written making it an easy read and the plot just fell into place. I love stories like this, it takes me to a different world and makes me wonder. There was really only one thing that disappointed me, and that was when I read these words: The End.
Note: The Prince of Faith is the third installment to a sci-fi/fantasy series which first came out in 2010: An Uncommon Whore and When I Fall. The first two is the story of Helios Dayspring and Griffin Hawke. This third installment is about Markus Dayspring and the mysterious royal bodyguard, Caius. This series is best read in order.
November 9, 2014
When last we left Markus Dayspring it was to the knowledge that a grave error had been made - and Markus was actually a "good" guy - not a turncoat. Tragically when this book starts he's been enslaved for a while and has suffered terribly. When Caius - the personal guard of Helios the King - is sent after Markus it is unknown that he too suffers greatly. Markus and Caius have more in common than they think and it will take both of their talents and hope to put each other back together again.
It is all the emotion. It positively bleeds through the pages like a fine ink. It wraps you up in its inky blackness and tries to suck you down just like Markus has been - into a place where you don't know who you are anymore. I rarely have had such a strong connection to a character - but for Markus I would bleed. He just was the ultimately wronged man - with a heart capable of such great love that it is blinding. Caius-- he was the perfect compliment. The way he'd changed from when he was young - his metamorphosis (not only on the outside) really demonstrated the depths men fall and rise to with great tragedy on such an elemental level. Together they were perfect - not PERFECT as in no imperfections....but perfect because they could see each others' damage and understand with love enough to want a better and together tomorrow.
While I loved Helios and Grif's books - loved them - this one blew them out of the water. Something about these two and their history just engaged every one of my emotions. I love movies where the heroes and heroines have to overcome great odds - but are fighting for both their own good and the greater good. Movies where there is much darkness but it serves to bring the lightness out - where to build something from the ashes is not only possible - but probable with hard work and dedication and a humbling of each person.
Probably my favorite book of 2014. DO NOT miss this one if you've read the other 2...and if you haven't well don't let them linger on your TBR. You'll love the world, the guys and girls, the rebuilding of a civilization. Go. Read. NOW.
It is all the emotion. It positively bleeds through the pages like a fine ink. It wraps you up in its inky blackness and tries to suck you down just like Markus has been - into a place where you don't know who you are anymore. I rarely have had such a strong connection to a character - but for Markus I would bleed. He just was the ultimately wronged man - with a heart capable of such great love that it is blinding. Caius-- he was the perfect compliment. The way he'd changed from when he was young - his metamorphosis (not only on the outside) really demonstrated the depths men fall and rise to with great tragedy on such an elemental level. Together they were perfect - not PERFECT as in no imperfections....but perfect because they could see each others' damage and understand with love enough to want a better and together tomorrow.
While I loved Helios and Grif's books - loved them - this one blew them out of the water. Something about these two and their history just engaged every one of my emotions. I love movies where the heroes and heroines have to overcome great odds - but are fighting for both their own good and the greater good. Movies where there is much darkness but it serves to bring the lightness out - where to build something from the ashes is not only possible - but probable with hard work and dedication and a humbling of each person.
Probably my favorite book of 2014. DO NOT miss this one if you've read the other 2...and if you haven't well don't let them linger on your TBR. You'll love the world, the guys and girls, the rebuilding of a civilization. Go. Read. NOW.
December 12, 2016
★★★☆☆½ ~ 3.5 Stars
When Helios was rescued, Griffin believed the lies about Markus and left him behind. For two years, Markus was abused and prostituted and addicted to drugs because he wouldn't submit.
Caius had his own demons to deal with but after searching long and hard, he finally found Markus and together they could start healing each other and maybe rekindle the spark of attraction they'd felt for each other before their world had gone to hell.
We got to revisit with Helios and Griffin in this third edition of the series.
When Helios was rescued, Griffin believed the lies about Markus and left him behind. For two years, Markus was abused and prostituted and addicted to drugs because he wouldn't submit.
Caius had his own demons to deal with but after searching long and hard, he finally found Markus and together they could start healing each other and maybe rekindle the spark of attraction they'd felt for each other before their world had gone to hell.
We got to revisit with Helios and Griffin in this third edition of the series.
November 6, 2014
Before I get into the details of reviewing this amazing third book in the series, I have to say I thought Helios and Griffin had it bad. They suffered through years of separation, both of them nearly died, only to have to fight almost impossible external odds when they finally reconnected—in addition to relationship issues most of us would have nightmares about. Let me warn you: when I got into Markus and Caius’s story in this third volume, all of that seemed almost tame in comparison to what these two men had to go through. Don’t say I didn’t warn you, this story is grim both psychologically and emotionally. As with the first two books, the political developments continue, so you’ll need to read them before this one to get the complete picture. The story focuses on Markus, Helios’s seemingly traitorous cousin, who accompanied Griffin on his search for Helios, then was left behind in Helios’s stead because they believed him to be a traitor.
Markus has gotten a raw deal in more than one way. He is innocent of what Griffin suspected him of, he is horribly abused by his “owners”, and since he won’t break and can’t be implanted with a slave chip, they find a much more cruel way of controlling him. Markus ends up addicted to too many drugs to name, and while he wants to escape with every fiber of his being, he can’t. It took me a while to get the reason, but when I did, my heart broke for him again. His inner strength and determination stand him in good stead once he and Caius make it away from the whorehouse he has been kept in, but everything only gets worse from there. And withdrawal symptoms from the drugs are only the beginning of his renewed suffering. I didn’t think it could possibly get worse for him, but Belinda McBride showed me how wrong I was.
Caius has been a somewhat mysterious secondary character all along, and when Griffin glimpsed his true identity under the holographic disguise he wears in book two, but didn’t give away any details, I was even more curious as to who he is. When I finally found out in this book, it all made sense, but let me tell you, his secret is a big one! He also has an uphill battle to fight, and his is as perilous and scary as Markus’s. It turns out these two have a history together, but that only makes figuring out what to do now more difficult. Like with Helios and Griffin, their relationship is about as unusual and fraught with danger and potential catastrophe as you can imagine.
If you like personal drama combined with political intrigue of the interplanetary kind, if you want to find out what Markus’s real role was in his planet’s history of alien conquest and subjugation, and if you’re looking for a read that is suspenseful and dark yet illuminates the background of books one and two, then you will probably like this novel. I think it’s a fantastic conclusion (possibly until the next volume?) to a story of fantastic humans and aliens battling it out in the far future, yet dealing with many of the issues that seem to have existed since the dawn of humankind.
Markus has gotten a raw deal in more than one way. He is innocent of what Griffin suspected him of, he is horribly abused by his “owners”, and since he won’t break and can’t be implanted with a slave chip, they find a much more cruel way of controlling him. Markus ends up addicted to too many drugs to name, and while he wants to escape with every fiber of his being, he can’t. It took me a while to get the reason, but when I did, my heart broke for him again. His inner strength and determination stand him in good stead once he and Caius make it away from the whorehouse he has been kept in, but everything only gets worse from there. And withdrawal symptoms from the drugs are only the beginning of his renewed suffering. I didn’t think it could possibly get worse for him, but Belinda McBride showed me how wrong I was.
Caius has been a somewhat mysterious secondary character all along, and when Griffin glimpsed his true identity under the holographic disguise he wears in book two, but didn’t give away any details, I was even more curious as to who he is. When I finally found out in this book, it all made sense, but let me tell you, his secret is a big one! He also has an uphill battle to fight, and his is as perilous and scary as Markus’s. It turns out these two have a history together, but that only makes figuring out what to do now more difficult. Like with Helios and Griffin, their relationship is about as unusual and fraught with danger and potential catastrophe as you can imagine.
If you like personal drama combined with political intrigue of the interplanetary kind, if you want to find out what Markus’s real role was in his planet’s history of alien conquest and subjugation, and if you’re looking for a read that is suspenseful and dark yet illuminates the background of books one and two, then you will probably like this novel. I think it’s a fantastic conclusion (possibly until the next volume?) to a story of fantastic humans and aliens battling it out in the far future, yet dealing with many of the issues that seem to have existed since the dawn of humankind.
January 5, 2017
Very enjoyable...couldn't put it down once I started!
Rating for the series as a whole, rather than the individual books.
Rating for the series as a whole, rather than the individual books.
November 20, 2014
4.5 stars!!
I've been waiting for this book for what feels like ages! I was lucky enough to win a comp and get it for free! But know, I would happily have bought it if I hadn't won.
You do need to read the others in this series to fully understand this book. There are also others in this universe which will clue you into stuff, but it's not essential.
The lead up to this book: Griff and Helios left Markus to become a slave, thinking he was a traitor. Whoops, they figure out they were wrong! And send people to find him. One of them is Caius. We also know that Caius isn't who we think he is, but we don't know who. Griff saw though his holo disguise but doesn't betray his secret.
That brings us to this book.
I really enjoined this book. It wrapped up so many ends from the previous two, and I love that. Also, we get to see how Helios and Griff are doing and that's always a good thing in my book. I love follow ups. Once I figured it out I really loved the title!
We find that Markus is no longer on Warlon but has been moved to a moving whorehouse. Caius thinks he's found him, but his disguise is really starting to take it's toll. Markus is drugged up and weak from his captivity but he's not willing to leave without doing one last thing.
Both MC's are fleeing for their lives and fighting addictions. On their way home medical emergencies mean they have to stop along the way, but things just seem to get worse for them. Yet their previous (before the war) connection keeps them fighting, for both themselves and each other. Except at one point where I just really wanted to hit Markus over the head! With more complications then you can poke a stick at, this story was a fun, emotional, heart breaking, yet a courage building ride.
So, why did I take half a star off? Well, although we find out how they knew each other, and I don't want to give away spoilers so sorry for being vague, at times it felt a bit like insta-love, or lust being mistaken as love. That wasn't the case, but as I say, at times it felt like it.
At the end of the book, both men still have a lot to work though (hello, they've been to hell and back!) but they are still going, learning and growing together.
There are some vague loose ends so I think the next book will tie in nicely. But I've been wondering, do we know Tess from the Belle Starr series? It's been ages since I read them. Same universe but different series right?
I loved it, and highly recommend it to others who have read the other two books in the series!
I've been waiting for this book for what feels like ages! I was lucky enough to win a comp and get it for free! But know, I would happily have bought it if I hadn't won.
You do need to read the others in this series to fully understand this book. There are also others in this universe which will clue you into stuff, but it's not essential.
The lead up to this book: Griff and Helios left Markus to become a slave, thinking he was a traitor. Whoops, they figure out they were wrong! And send people to find him. One of them is Caius. We also know that Caius isn't who we think he is, but we don't know who. Griff saw though his holo disguise but doesn't betray his secret.
That brings us to this book.
I really enjoined this book. It wrapped up so many ends from the previous two, and I love that. Also, we get to see how Helios and Griff are doing and that's always a good thing in my book. I love follow ups. Once I figured it out I really loved the title!
We find that Markus is no longer on Warlon but has been moved to a moving whorehouse. Caius thinks he's found him, but his disguise is really starting to take it's toll. Markus is drugged up and weak from his captivity but he's not willing to leave without doing one last thing.
Both MC's are fleeing for their lives and fighting addictions. On their way home medical emergencies mean they have to stop along the way, but things just seem to get worse for them. Yet their previous (before the war) connection keeps them fighting, for both themselves and each other. Except at one point where I just really wanted to hit Markus over the head! With more complications then you can poke a stick at, this story was a fun, emotional, heart breaking, yet a courage building ride.
So, why did I take half a star off? Well, although we find out how they knew each other, and I don't want to give away spoilers so sorry for being vague, at times it felt a bit like insta-love, or lust being mistaken as love. That wasn't the case, but as I say, at times it felt like it.
At the end of the book, both men still have a lot to work though (hello, they've been to hell and back!) but they are still going, learning and growing together.
There are some vague loose ends so I think the next book will tie in nicely. But I've been wondering, do we know Tess from the Belle Starr series? It's been ages since I read them. Same universe but different series right?
I loved it, and highly recommend it to others who have read the other two books in the series!
October 3, 2014
This was an eARC from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. The book is out at the end of the month (20th I believe) but you can download the first three chapters for free from LooseId right now.
So on to that honest review.
I loved it! Now I could stop there as I am loath to continue incase I give away any spoilers. Suffice to say that the book lived up to my every expectation of well written characters and an intriguing and action packed story line. We even get to see Helios and Griffin near the end, which is a bonus for all those out who are big fans of that pair! However the main pair in this story are Marcus and Caius and the way they both deal with the betrayals, violations and hurts of the past and learn to deal with the present and look forward to a, hopefully, happier future. Belinda takes a pair of broken men and gives them a hard time and really puts them through the wringer but, as a loving touch, she also gives them each other. Throughout all the hardships of drug withdrawal and illness they find they trust no others but themselves, not even family. I best stop here or I will be giving away those spoilers and I want everyone to go an buy the book when it's out and read it for themselves so they can feel all the emotions I felt whilst reading this book. It will be worth it I promise.
So on to that honest review.
I loved it! Now I could stop there as I am loath to continue incase I give away any spoilers. Suffice to say that the book lived up to my every expectation of well written characters and an intriguing and action packed story line. We even get to see Helios and Griffin near the end, which is a bonus for all those out who are big fans of that pair! However the main pair in this story are Marcus and Caius and the way they both deal with the betrayals, violations and hurts of the past and learn to deal with the present and look forward to a, hopefully, happier future. Belinda takes a pair of broken men and gives them a hard time and really puts them through the wringer but, as a loving touch, she also gives them each other. Throughout all the hardships of drug withdrawal and illness they find they trust no others but themselves, not even family. I best stop here or I will be giving away those spoilers and I want everyone to go an buy the book when it's out and read it for themselves so they can feel all the emotions I felt whilst reading this book. It will be worth it I promise.
February 29, 2024
A little repetitive in the beginning but things picked up after arrival of Helios and Griffin. Still, I enjoyed the story.
October 25, 2014
4.5 stars
Can I just say that I love the cover (added an extra half star to my review for that alone) and I think a comic book edition (of this entire series and The Bacchi) would be a fabulous idea. ;)
I'm so glad we finally learned what Caius' big secret was (I've been wondering for a while now) and what was happening with poor Markus during his slavery. They both endured horrifying situations which were heartbreaking to read about and would clearly require a lot of time to recover from physically and emotionally. In a way it made Caius and Markus perfect together because they were then able to help each other cope with nightmares that others couldn't. They both went through so much and these two definitely deserved their beautiful happy ending. :)
As always, I loved having Helios and Griffin make an appearance. Even though there was a lot going on and guilt to work through over their decisions which led to Markus being enslaved, it was nice to see how affectionate and in love Helios and Griffin still were so I'm hoping a royal wedding (or two with Markus and Caius) will be coming up soon. Can't wait to see what's in the works next. Keep 'em coming Belinda!
Can I just say that I love the cover (added an extra half star to my review for that alone) and I think a comic book edition (of this entire series and The Bacchi) would be a fabulous idea. ;)
I'm so glad we finally learned what Caius' big secret was (I've been wondering for a while now) and what was happening with poor Markus during his slavery. They both endured horrifying situations which were heartbreaking to read about and would clearly require a lot of time to recover from physically and emotionally. In a way it made Caius and Markus perfect together because they were then able to help each other cope with nightmares that others couldn't. They both went through so much and these two definitely deserved their beautiful happy ending. :)
As always, I loved having Helios and Griffin make an appearance. Even though there was a lot going on and guilt to work through over their decisions which led to Markus being enslaved, it was nice to see how affectionate and in love Helios and Griffin still were so I'm hoping a royal wedding (or two with Markus and Caius) will be coming up soon. Can't wait to see what's in the works next. Keep 'em coming Belinda!
June 4, 2015
I read this some while ago. Here are the comments I found that I must have made as I was reading/soon after finishing:
It's got the same higher discourse as the previous two, which is okay if you've gotten used to it. The biggest problem is it tries to write a more "typical" internal thought process narration, which doesn't work at all. It makes the clinical descriptions all the more awkward.
I think what it is, is that it's more third person omniscient than limited, but the author keeps trying to jump into Caius' head, which just means you have weird clashing narration styles that make each other not work.
It might work if Caius were that sort of clinical, logically-minded character...but then not really, because then these bursts of nausea and fighting for objectivity wouldn't happen.
This headhopping also leads to redundancies in description, reaffirmations of things that I thought had already been affirmed.
*
If I remember correctly, I was eh about it all. It had moments that I liked but overall, it had the same tendency to really hound on an overt theme - in this case, faith. Really, really, beats the dead horse beyond all recognition.
It's got the same higher discourse as the previous two, which is okay if you've gotten used to it. The biggest problem is it tries to write a more "typical" internal thought process narration, which doesn't work at all. It makes the clinical descriptions all the more awkward.
I think what it is, is that it's more third person omniscient than limited, but the author keeps trying to jump into Caius' head, which just means you have weird clashing narration styles that make each other not work.
It might work if Caius were that sort of clinical, logically-minded character...but then not really, because then these bursts of nausea and fighting for objectivity wouldn't happen.
This headhopping also leads to redundancies in description, reaffirmations of things that I thought had already been affirmed.
*
If I remember correctly, I was eh about it all. It had moments that I liked but overall, it had the same tendency to really hound on an overt theme - in this case, faith. Really, really, beats the dead horse beyond all recognition.
December 28, 2015
3.5 stars. M/M. A follow-up to "An Uncommon Whore". I didn't read Book #2, but I was able to follow along nicely with this final book, #3. This is a fantasy series about King Helios who was forced into sex slavery when his kingdom was taken over. King Helios is rescued but his look alike cousin, Markus, is taken and this book concentrates on finding and getting Markus back to his home planet. This book is more story than steam but more emotional and angsty than Book #1. It was entertaining and interesting also in the various planets, customs and peoples that populated this fantasy world.
July 30, 2015
I just love this series...and the cover art is super hot. Review is a tad spoilerish.
Markus had been left behind as a way to help rescue Helios in book 1. He's endured hell and is close to the end of his rope when Caius finally finds him.
Caius realizes that he can no longer hide behind his disguise. These guys have lots of healing to do, both from physical addictions and emotional trauma. It's a good thing that they learn to lean on each other.
Markus had been left behind as a way to help rescue Helios in book 1. He's endured hell and is close to the end of his rope when Caius finally finds him.
Caius realizes that he can no longer hide behind his disguise. These guys have lots of healing to do, both from physical addictions and emotional trauma. It's a good thing that they learn to lean on each other.
November 22, 2014
4.5 Stars
Markus Dayspring has been set up and now his people believe he is a traitor. He has been sold into slavery and spends his days drugged, abused and raped. He wears the tattoos and piercings of a whore. When an old family friend is sent on a mission to rescue him he finds Markus barely alive and a daughter born from a lab experiment. Fast paced and a great third book in the series.
Markus Dayspring has been set up and now his people believe he is a traitor. He has been sold into slavery and spends his days drugged, abused and raped. He wears the tattoos and piercings of a whore. When an old family friend is sent on a mission to rescue him he finds Markus barely alive and a daughter born from a lab experiment. Fast paced and a great third book in the series.
October 27, 2014
This is an excellent addition to the series! I fell in love with the characters and felt for both Caius and Markus as they navigated addiction, trust issues and danger to arrive at love.
Well-written and fast-paced, I couldn't put it down until the end.
Great story!
Well-written and fast-paced, I couldn't put it down until the end.
Great story!
January 3, 2018
4.5 Stars
Honestly, I think this was the best of the series so far. (Still have to read The Bacchi, though.)
Honestly, I think this was the best of the series so far. (Still have to read The Bacchi, though.)
October 28, 2014
Worth the wait - fantastic!
March 13, 2015
Definitely a page turner with a side of whoop whoop action. Parts did drag for me but overall a good read for sci-fi m/m erotic romance loving fans.
March 10, 2017
Just finished re-reading the series and loved it just as much this time as the first...
November 11, 2016
The blurb sounded like something I would madly love to read but the writing is so strange, I totally can't get into it.
November 26, 2023
Review
Holy smokes this was amazing. The intensity of this story was off the charts. The mystery and intrigue is right there for the everyone involved to see what happens to these characters. For Markus to have come out of this situation and be able to make a difference and make a better life for himself is incredible.
Holy smokes this was amazing. The intensity of this story was off the charts. The mystery and intrigue is right there for the everyone involved to see what happens to these characters. For Markus to have come out of this situation and be able to make a difference and make a better life for himself is incredible.
December 25, 2024
If you like unusual iterations of prostitutions, there's Concubine by Jill Knowles and there's this book. I'm not a fan of when a protagonist runs off to get into trouble without telling his friends and loved ones though.
not-interested
October 10, 2022Stopped this series with book one.
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