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The Spoils of War
Sparrow has spent his entire life believing one King Evander is a monster.
The warlord carved his kingdom from blood and conquest, crushing anyone who dared oppose his rule. So when Sparrow—fierce fighter of the nomadic fox tribe—is captured in battle and dragged before the throne, he expects torture, execution, or worse. He's the spoils of war, after all, and at the king’s mercy.
He doesn't expect to be treated like something special.
He doesn't expect a voice like velvet over steel, offering comfort instead of cruelty.
He definitely doesn't expect to be drawn to this enigmatic, battle-scarred king like a moth to flame—despite everything he's been taught to believe.
But as Sparrow's hatred crumbles in the face of Evander's kindness, a terrible revelation his own people aren't the freedom fighters he believed them to be. They're the aggressors, and everything he's fought for has been built on deception.
M/M • Enemies to Lovers • Size difference • Age difference • Slow Burn
The warlord carved his kingdom from blood and conquest, crushing anyone who dared oppose his rule. So when Sparrow—fierce fighter of the nomadic fox tribe—is captured in battle and dragged before the throne, he expects torture, execution, or worse. He's the spoils of war, after all, and at the king’s mercy.
He doesn't expect to be treated like something special.
He doesn't expect a voice like velvet over steel, offering comfort instead of cruelty.
He definitely doesn't expect to be drawn to this enigmatic, battle-scarred king like a moth to flame—despite everything he's been taught to believe.
But as Sparrow's hatred crumbles in the face of Evander's kindness, a terrible revelation his own people aren't the freedom fighters he believed them to be. They're the aggressors, and everything he's fought for has been built on deception.
M/M • Enemies to Lovers • Size difference • Age difference • Slow Burn
- GenresM M RomanceFantasy
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2025
30 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 3, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have always loved a good fantasy novel, no matter the concept it’s rare for one to miss for me and Spoils of War was no exception. I was pulled into the story immediately, with graphic descriptions and a sense of honor bound need from our MMC we see a brief snippet into his mind while he readies for battle.
We get to see what happens when a tribe is left with nothing but what they feel is the only way forward to protect themselves and their lands, their way of life and the prejudices that can come from that when only half the story is told. We watch as Sparrow fights to understand all he is learning, when the world he thought he knew is blown up in face in light of what he learns.
I would have given this a five star review, the only thing holding me back was some of the repetitive descriptions early on in the book, otherwise this was phenomenal. A wonderful fantasy with a little bit of spice, and a whole lot of soul searching.
I have always loved a good fantasy novel, no matter the concept it’s rare for one to miss for me and Spoils of War was no exception. I was pulled into the story immediately, with graphic descriptions and a sense of honor bound need from our MMC we see a brief snippet into his mind while he readies for battle.
We get to see what happens when a tribe is left with nothing but what they feel is the only way forward to protect themselves and their lands, their way of life and the prejudices that can come from that when only half the story is told. We watch as Sparrow fights to understand all he is learning, when the world he thought he knew is blown up in face in light of what he learns.
I would have given this a five star review, the only thing holding me back was some of the repetitive descriptions early on in the book, otherwise this was phenomenal. A wonderful fantasy with a little bit of spice, and a whole lot of soul searching.
August 5, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story was decent, but it felt somewhat flat. At times, there seemed to be an overabundance of inner thoughts that often felt repetitive. I appreciated the pacing of the narrative, but it was also quite inconsistent. There were moments when the same information was conveyed through the main character, only to be repeated later, leading to unexpected reactions from them. This occurred too frequently. Additionally, events were often recounted as though they were being mentioned for the first time. I also wished there had been more exploration of the relationship between the main characters. While I liked the story and saw its potential, I was not particularly fond of how it was executed.
The story was decent, but it felt somewhat flat. At times, there seemed to be an overabundance of inner thoughts that often felt repetitive. I appreciated the pacing of the narrative, but it was also quite inconsistent. There were moments when the same information was conveyed through the main character, only to be repeated later, leading to unexpected reactions from them. This occurred too frequently. Additionally, events were often recounted as though they were being mentioned for the first time. I also wished there had been more exploration of the relationship between the main characters. While I liked the story and saw its potential, I was not particularly fond of how it was executed.
August 25, 2025
I loved this book. It was a turn of pace I didn't know I needed. To be transported in time to a place in time where war was waging and people had to chose between what they've always known or a new way of life and everyone's opinions on what freedom really means. This war is between the Crown and the Fox tribe. The story starts with a battle right off the bat and it really grips you and gets you into the story. Sparrow is a warrior of the fox tribe, born and bred to protect his people and their way of life. He grew up his whole life learning of the evil ruthless king who conquers people and places and forces them to follow his rule or torture and death await them. During the chaos he gets captured by the crown and is taken to the castle to face King Evander. When he gets there he's defiant and wants nothing to do with the king or his people but he's also confused by the king's actions as he has Sparrow placed in a room fit more for a guest than a prisoner and is offered food, clothes and a place to bathe as well as a physician to treat his wounds from battle. He doesn't understand why the king isn't being the way he's always been taught he usually is. He's actually kind and thoughtful and considering of his people and even people that aren't under his rule. The longer he's at the castle the more he learns of the history of their people and the reason for the war they've been in for years. He shares meals with Evander and they talk openly and honestly about themselves and where they came from and Sparrow starts unraveling the truth that maybe he's been on the wrong side all along. The more he learns of his people's barbaric ways and the attacks they've inflicted on innocent and unsuspecting people who have nothing to do with the king's military and are just living their lives peacefully the way the king fought for the more he feels disgusted and really has to look into himself and really think about his past and his future and where he wants to go. On top of everything he also has this deep attraction and connection to Evander. Something he's never felt before that adds another scary and dangerous layer to everything already going on. But he can't help it and it seems neither can Evander. This was such an action packed, emotional slow burn story about a warrior and a king on different sides who learn to work together for a better future while also falling in love. I absolutely adored Evander and the patience he had with not just the people he cares for but Sparrow also even with his previous background. He also cares for the Fox tribe because he knows they're misguided but he wants peace for all. Their HEA is well earned and hard fought and it was just such an amazing journey. There were some parts that felt repetitive after a bit but didn't dull the story. I'll miss Sparrow and Evander but reading the life they made together and all that's left to experience makes me so happy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 28, 2025
𝓜𝔂 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓯𝓮𝓵𝓽 𝓰𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓽𝓾𝓭𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓢𝓲𝓻𝓮𝓷𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓾𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓻 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓸𝔀𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓮𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓐𝓡𝓒!
The Spoils of War was written by Atlas Jones, a new-to-me author. As a standalone story, I thought the story carried well throughout the book.
The story is about a warrior from one of the last free-standing tribes, who has been taught that the crown subjugates its citizens, that the cruel, brutal king leads through terror and oppression. Once captured during a raid, he’s brought before said king and learns what compassion and generosity bring to a kingdom.
While King Evander did conquer the surrounding lands and peoples, he brought them something they sorely needed. Peace. The ability to live without fear, and the certainty that they would see better tomorrows. Instead of sending the captured warrior, Sparrow, to the dungeons, he houses him as a guest, and the citizens treat him with the respect the king has come to expect.
While I thought Sparrow’s realization of the truth about his people came a bit swiftly, it allowed him to realize on his own that the people he had respected were behaving in radical ways. This led him to a very difficult decision that he did not make lightly.
Although the time period was swift, the relationship did build from mutual respect and unexpected realizations. There is an age gap between the MCs, and Sparrow is very inexperienced in the feeling of desire, especially for another man. When the relationship finally becomes physical, it is the first and only time the story is told from Evander’s POV. While the one intimate scene is spicy, it is the only time this aspect of their budding relationship is described.
Of course, there were some things I did not enjoy. As with many other stories, there are several phrases and ideas used repeatedly throughout. If I read about something hitting Sparrow like a physical blow of some sort once, I read it dozens of times. This is one of my biggest pet peeves, and it took me out of the story a bit.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys (fictional) historical action stories. Even though, aside from the epilogue, the story only spans a couple of weeks, it reads like a slow-burning romance. There was action, and not without cost. I will probably read upcoming books by Jones in the future, and hope the repetitive wording doesn’t continue with each one.
Happy Reading!
The Spoils of War was written by Atlas Jones, a new-to-me author. As a standalone story, I thought the story carried well throughout the book.
The story is about a warrior from one of the last free-standing tribes, who has been taught that the crown subjugates its citizens, that the cruel, brutal king leads through terror and oppression. Once captured during a raid, he’s brought before said king and learns what compassion and generosity bring to a kingdom.
While King Evander did conquer the surrounding lands and peoples, he brought them something they sorely needed. Peace. The ability to live without fear, and the certainty that they would see better tomorrows. Instead of sending the captured warrior, Sparrow, to the dungeons, he houses him as a guest, and the citizens treat him with the respect the king has come to expect.
While I thought Sparrow’s realization of the truth about his people came a bit swiftly, it allowed him to realize on his own that the people he had respected were behaving in radical ways. This led him to a very difficult decision that he did not make lightly.
Although the time period was swift, the relationship did build from mutual respect and unexpected realizations. There is an age gap between the MCs, and Sparrow is very inexperienced in the feeling of desire, especially for another man. When the relationship finally becomes physical, it is the first and only time the story is told from Evander’s POV. While the one intimate scene is spicy, it is the only time this aspect of their budding relationship is described.
Of course, there were some things I did not enjoy. As with many other stories, there are several phrases and ideas used repeatedly throughout. If I read about something hitting Sparrow like a physical blow of some sort once, I read it dozens of times. This is one of my biggest pet peeves, and it took me out of the story a bit.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys (fictional) historical action stories. Even though, aside from the epilogue, the story only spans a couple of weeks, it reads like a slow-burning romance. There was action, and not without cost. I will probably read upcoming books by Jones in the future, and hope the repetitive wording doesn’t continue with each one.
Happy Reading!
August 10, 2025
4/5 ⭐️ • 3/5 🌶️
• tropes + themes •
- MM Romantasy
- Enemies to lovers
- Slowburn to 🥵 very descriptive
- Size + age difference
- King + captive
• facts • 221 pages
Action starts in chapter 1, straight from the forest to the castle.
Once the captive, named Sparrow, is transported to the castle, he assumes King Evander will swiftly kill him due to what he thinks he knows about him.
After their first interactions, the author has us thinking the king might be playing mind games because he oddly treats Sparrow with more of a curious kindness, confusing everyone in castle.
As Sparrow gets a little more comfortable with his “freedom” he starts to question all of the terrible stories he has been told of the King and his a kingdom. Unfortunately, he is quick to snap back into denial mode and continuously tries to come up with some scenario that makes his past tribe leaders correct and his current reality false.
Eventually, Sparrows eyes open and he sees everything he has been told his entire life is not necessarily true. He decides to do something about all of the lies he has been told.
An unexpected guest visits the castle and everything changes. Choices must be made and when they are the battle begins.
This action creates the turning point for the tribe and crown with one of the MMCs having to pay for their people’s actions.
• thoughts while reading •
Overall this story is a slow burn that ends in a scorching heat with very descriptive scenes.
I liked the banter and yearning between the MMCs.
• tropes + themes •
- MM Romantasy
- Enemies to lovers
- Slowburn to 🥵 very descriptive
- Size + age difference
- King + captive
• facts • 221 pages
Action starts in chapter 1, straight from the forest to the castle.
Once the captive, named Sparrow, is transported to the castle, he assumes King Evander will swiftly kill him due to what he thinks he knows about him.
After their first interactions, the author has us thinking the king might be playing mind games because he oddly treats Sparrow with more of a curious kindness, confusing everyone in castle.
As Sparrow gets a little more comfortable with his “freedom” he starts to question all of the terrible stories he has been told of the King and his a kingdom. Unfortunately, he is quick to snap back into denial mode and continuously tries to come up with some scenario that makes his past tribe leaders correct and his current reality false.
Eventually, Sparrows eyes open and he sees everything he has been told his entire life is not necessarily true. He decides to do something about all of the lies he has been told.
An unexpected guest visits the castle and everything changes. Choices must be made and when they are the battle begins.
This action creates the turning point for the tribe and crown with one of the MMCs having to pay for their people’s actions.
• thoughts while reading •
Overall this story is a slow burn that ends in a scorching heat with very descriptive scenes.
I liked the banter and yearning between the MMCs.
did-not-finish
January 8, 2026DNF @ 15%
There was far too much description for me, to the point where very little happened in the span of far too many pages sometimes. The kings actions also just did not make sense to me. I know it’s a book, but come on. Sparrow was the leader of his tribe and killed a bunch of his men, and the king just… let him be a guest. Put him in a guest room. Didn’t even make a guard watch him. Let this enemy who killed his men wander the castle and castle grounds. What if Sparrow was the kind of enemy to sneak around killing people? Who took out as many enemies as he could even if he knew they’d kill him before he escaped? What if he set the place on fire? It was so irresponsible and nonsensical to just allow him to freely roam, especially for a king who was supposed to be so experienced and smart. Plus, Sparrow took one look outside the castle, saw the people who worked and lived there seemed happy, and automatically started questioning “what if they’re the good guys and we’re the bad ones?” All because the castle seemed happy. Of course they’re happy, they work at a wealthy kings castle! They didn’t look miserable and tortured, so clearly the king must actually be a great guy and your own people were wrong this whole time. Where’s the loyalty? The critical thinking skills?
There was far too much description for me, to the point where very little happened in the span of far too many pages sometimes. The kings actions also just did not make sense to me. I know it’s a book, but come on. Sparrow was the leader of his tribe and killed a bunch of his men, and the king just… let him be a guest. Put him in a guest room. Didn’t even make a guard watch him. Let this enemy who killed his men wander the castle and castle grounds. What if Sparrow was the kind of enemy to sneak around killing people? Who took out as many enemies as he could even if he knew they’d kill him before he escaped? What if he set the place on fire? It was so irresponsible and nonsensical to just allow him to freely roam, especially for a king who was supposed to be so experienced and smart. Plus, Sparrow took one look outside the castle, saw the people who worked and lived there seemed happy, and automatically started questioning “what if they’re the good guys and we’re the bad ones?” All because the castle seemed happy. Of course they’re happy, they work at a wealthy kings castle! They didn’t look miserable and tortured, so clearly the king must actually be a great guy and your own people were wrong this whole time. Where’s the loyalty? The critical thinking skills?
September 12, 2025
4.5 stars
If I'm not mistaken, it's the author's debut novel.
For me, it's historical fantasy because I haven't been able to give it historical context. It's slow burn, the kind I like.
It takes place in a fictional kingdom ruled by King Evander, a warrior who ascends to the throne by unifying the territories he conquers, but not as a tyrant, rather as a fairly just king. Well, not all territories, because Sparrow's tribe is the only one that resists him.
Sparrow is a warrior from a tribe fighting to throw off Evander's yoke, although, as with everything in life, nothing is what it seems. During a raid, he is captured and taken to the castle. Instead of torturing him, they take him to a room, heal his wounds, and feed him. Sparrow is a little stubborn at first because he is in the hands of the enemy. Let's not forget that.
It is very well written, although there is some redundancy at the beginning, but this does not happen again. Almost the entire book is from Sparrow's point of view; we see his psychological evolution and his relationship with Evander.
I liked it. I look forward to seeing what the author writes next.
If I'm not mistaken, it's the author's debut novel.
For me, it's historical fantasy because I haven't been able to give it historical context. It's slow burn, the kind I like.
It takes place in a fictional kingdom ruled by King Evander, a warrior who ascends to the throne by unifying the territories he conquers, but not as a tyrant, rather as a fairly just king. Well, not all territories, because Sparrow's tribe is the only one that resists him.
Sparrow is a warrior from a tribe fighting to throw off Evander's yoke, although, as with everything in life, nothing is what it seems. During a raid, he is captured and taken to the castle. Instead of torturing him, they take him to a room, heal his wounds, and feed him. Sparrow is a little stubborn at first because he is in the hands of the enemy. Let's not forget that.
It is very well written, although there is some redundancy at the beginning, but this does not happen again. Almost the entire book is from Sparrow's point of view; we see his psychological evolution and his relationship with Evander.
I liked it. I look forward to seeing what the author writes next.
August 7, 2025
Wow! First of all, the language usage was so spot on! It felt like living in a bygone era, without dragging it too much into Shakespearean language. It was well balanced, and I loved it. It made my reading experience much more enjoyable. Second, this is not your usual enemies to lovers deal, it’s a “let’s truly learn about each other, let’s make bridges instead of burning them”. Such a beautiful story! I just finished it, and I’m planning on reading it again. Third, I’m not a big fan of spice, so I greatly appreciated the fact that it was all put into one chapter, and it wasn’t rushed at all, it was inevitably in a way. If you want tons of spice, this is not it. On the other hand, if you want heart and adventure, love and loss, unexpected twists that are woven into an amazing story, read this. Just make sure you have time to finish it in one sitting, because once you start, you will not be able to put it down.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 23, 2025
I so enjoyed this tale. I love stories that involve world-building with kings and warriors. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The story was outstanding and once I started the book I couldn't stop until I finished reading it. Evander and Sparrow were great characters who looked forward to the future. I think that the final sentence in the book summarized it best…" the kingdom slept peacefully under the protection of a king who'd learned that true strength came from partnership, and a prince consort who'd discovered that the greatest victories were won not with swords, but with the courage to choose love over everything that would stand against it." I definitely recommend reading this tale.
August 2, 2025
I was lost in this world from the very first pages. Accompanying Sparrow was not only impressive, it was emotionally charged in a very special way that I hadn't expected. It becomes clear pretty quickly that he has fallen head over heels when he first sees Evander, but it takes time for true emotions to develop from this initial shock of feelings.
If you're looking for light reading, you won't find it here. Some of the themes are difficult when you look behind the veil of words, and the world Sparrow lives in is anything but easy. But if you dare to read the story, your heart will be opened, and I swear, the scene... on the battlefield. My heart still hurts.
Read it!
If you're looking for light reading, you won't find it here. Some of the themes are difficult when you look behind the veil of words, and the world Sparrow lives in is anything but easy. But if you dare to read the story, your heart will be opened, and I swear, the scene... on the battlefield. My heart still hurts.
Read it!
July 29, 2025
I really liked the non-romance plot of this book. It really felt like the author put a lot of effort into giving it a proper storyline rather than relying on relationship angst. The romance does feel almost secondary to the other plot though, so if you prefer the story to focus solely on romance, this book might not be for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
July 30, 2025Going to be honest, when I saw the first mention of fox tribes I thought there would be fox shifters in the story. I was proven wrong. But I still enjoyed the story and its tale of enemies to lovers. I quite liked this story and how Sparrow grew to love Evander and if the author decides to release another story, be it another standalone or an interconnected book, I will happily read it.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 7, 2025
A Great story well told . Great characters with an emotional build up . A lovely slow build romance a tense and satisfying Pay off to the main story? I personally didn’t feel that it needed quite such a graphic sex scene at the end, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker. I still really enjoyed it. I would recommend it for people who like slow build romance with a little bit of filth at the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 17, 2025
DNF @33% (or thereabouts)
Did not like this writing style. It was repetitive with several phrases, but also events happened a certain way, then a chapter later, they didn't actually?
I don't know if I would have enjoyed it otherwise. I know it's a fictional world, but having the king "know better" than all the lands and tribes he conquers was a bit yuck. Maybe later in the story he would have realized he was still a tyrant, and done better, but I don't know.
Did not like this writing style. It was repetitive with several phrases, but also events happened a certain way, then a chapter later, they didn't actually?
I don't know if I would have enjoyed it otherwise. I know it's a fictional world, but having the king "know better" than all the lands and tribes he conquers was a bit yuck. Maybe later in the story he would have realized he was still a tyrant, and done better, but I don't know.
August 6, 2025
Evander and Sparrow are quite the interesting pair. When you've been told something your entire life how to do you see through the grime. Sparrow has been told that Evander is the worse of the worst. But when actions speak louder than words it is hard to decide what is the truth. This was a quick read and full of adventure and even a bit of whimsy.
Read
August 10, 2025Dnf 30%. Native man captured by colonialist king, who is actually super benevolent and just taming the savage tribes???? I kept waiting for the actual twist of how Sparrow’s tribe was in the wrong, how the king was somehow right, but it appears to just be… violent resistance to a colonial overlord, but it’s bad because the colonial overlord is a nice guy? Pass.
August 6, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Interesting book. I like my captor/captive bokks more in the darcker side but this was well writen and u didn t mind. I recomand it
October 8, 2025
Not enough chemistry between Sparrow and Evander.
Read
October 30, 2025*dnf 31%* it just gives colonialism
January 21, 2026
Repetitive writing. Extremely sudden sexual relationship at end
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews