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Sons of the Countryside
In the kingdom of Ailis, the Council removes all magicians from their family at the onset of their powers. All except one—Knox Cane, whose father hid him to keep him safe. But when Knox's skills become known, the Council captures his father and gives him an use his abilities to help them locate and kill the last prince of the Phela line, the royal family the Council overthrew twenty years before, or never see his father again.
When he was just a child, Cailean Phela lost most of his family in a senseless slaughter perpetuated by a power-hungry group of men. His race—the Mac Tire—were banished to the nearly uninhabitable northern mountains of Cairn, where their numbers have dwindled. Luckily for the Mac Tire, the rising resistance is finally ready to make a move. If they can harness the magic the land holds for them before time runs out, they might find the strength to take back their kingdom.
Cailean knows he is a hunted man. He anticipates a difficult battle to free his land from the Council’s tyranny, but he never expected to fall in love with the man charged with ending his life.
When he was just a child, Cailean Phela lost most of his family in a senseless slaughter perpetuated by a power-hungry group of men. His race—the Mac Tire—were banished to the nearly uninhabitable northern mountains of Cairn, where their numbers have dwindled. Luckily for the Mac Tire, the rising resistance is finally ready to make a move. If they can harness the magic the land holds for them before time runs out, they might find the strength to take back their kingdom.
Cailean knows he is a hunted man. He anticipates a difficult battle to free his land from the Council’s tyranny, but he never expected to fall in love with the man charged with ending his life.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 3, 2015
4 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Jenni Michaels
4 books8 followersSince she was a little girl, Jenni Michaels has loved making up stories, even if her sister was the only person there to hear them. She lives in Georgia with her husband, her son, a ridiculous mutt named Evie B, and a purple fish whose origins remain unclear.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 12, 2024
DNF @ 30%
The premise of this was really interesting but I went into it with some hesitation because many reviews indicate that the story ends right when things get going and that the author really should have turned this into a series. Unfortunately, I found myself agreeing despite only having read a third of it.
The part I read was well written, the characters were interesting and I liked Knox's magical abilities but way too little interesting stuff happened in the first third. There's tons of info dumping about the world, most of which is irrelevant information. Knox interacts a lot with different characters but the majority of these characters don't end up mattering. By the one-third mark, the MCs have only interacted very briefly and after each brief interaction, they're separated for a long period during which Knox spends time with other characters. Having a romance story reach the one-third mark with the MCs still being strangers to each other and having barely interacted almost always means that the romance will end up being rushed and unsatisfactory. In this case, it seems like the author was more interested in taking readers on a tour of their fantasy world and exploring Knox's developing magic abilities rather than telling a solid romance.
There were also other smaller things that annoyed me:
+ I was excited by Cailean's history (he's a prince and his people had been banished to the mountains long ago) but what the author doesn't reveal in the summary is that .
+ Cailean's people are called the Mac Tire which always made me think of a tire selling company and I couldn't get over what a strange choice for a fantasy race that name was. Just changing a few of the letters would have made a difference.
+ Every character speaks with a very identifiable British accent with different people having different regional accents and the author also includes tons of British slang and terminology. Since this is a fantasy world, I found it really distracting to have contemporary British slang being mixed together with made up fantasy words.
Overall, this story wasn't working for me and based on other reviews, I'm not missing anything by calling it quits.
The premise of this was really interesting but I went into it with some hesitation because many reviews indicate that the story ends right when things get going and that the author really should have turned this into a series. Unfortunately, I found myself agreeing despite only having read a third of it.
The part I read was well written, the characters were interesting and I liked Knox's magical abilities but way too little interesting stuff happened in the first third. There's tons of info dumping about the world, most of which is irrelevant information. Knox interacts a lot with different characters but the majority of these characters don't end up mattering. By the one-third mark, the MCs have only interacted very briefly and after each brief interaction, they're separated for a long period during which Knox spends time with other characters. Having a romance story reach the one-third mark with the MCs still being strangers to each other and having barely interacted almost always means that the romance will end up being rushed and unsatisfactory. In this case, it seems like the author was more interested in taking readers on a tour of their fantasy world and exploring Knox's developing magic abilities rather than telling a solid romance.
There were also other smaller things that annoyed me:
+ I was excited by Cailean's history (he's a prince and his people had been banished to the mountains long ago) but what the author doesn't reveal in the summary is that .
+ Cailean's people are called the Mac Tire which always made me think of a tire selling company and I couldn't get over what a strange choice for a fantasy race that name was. Just changing a few of the letters would have made a difference.
+ Every character speaks with a very identifiable British accent with different people having different regional accents and the author also includes tons of British slang and terminology. Since this is a fantasy world, I found it really distracting to have contemporary British slang being mixed together with made up fantasy words.
Overall, this story wasn't working for me and based on other reviews, I'm not missing anything by calling it quits.
June 29, 2017
3.5 stars
If the YA BL that I read before this needs to be trimmed down 100-150 pages of it, then this one surely needs 100-200 pages more in it so it won't feel so rushed and could smooth the transition from strangers to lovers. Nevertheless, the story is enjoyable and I love the magic in this book. Although the ending is quite typical, the most powerful one here needs the last shove at the last minute to be the hero for all. And then there's the cliffhanger, meaning there is sequel in the future. I read this book without expecting sequel, honestly I think this could be wrapped up in one (thick) book, presumably 400-600 pages, no need to be divided into two books.
Oh, anyway, I predict the most powerful king here must be Knox, the magic just loves him and ready to be beckoned anytime.
If the YA BL that I read before this needs to be trimmed down 100-150 pages of it, then this one surely needs 100-200 pages more in it so it won't feel so rushed and could smooth the transition from strangers to lovers. Nevertheless, the story is enjoyable and I love the magic in this book. Although the ending is quite typical, the most powerful one here needs the last shove at the last minute to be the hero for all. And then there's the cliffhanger, meaning there is sequel in the future. I read this book without expecting sequel, honestly I think this could be wrapped up in one (thick) book, presumably 400-600 pages, no need to be divided into two books.
Oh, anyway, I predict the most powerful king here must be Knox, the magic just loves him and ready to be beckoned anytime.
October 24, 2015
Reviewed at The Blogger Girls.
4.5 stars
Knox has had powers ever since he could remember and the only reason he was not given to the Council was because of his father. But when Knox’s powers are discovered, the Council hold his father hostage unless he can find the last prince of the Mac Tire. Unfortunately, Knox’s abilities allow him to talk to animals, not slay beasts. But when the prince, Cailean, kidnaps him, Knox soon realizes that the Mac Tire aren’t the beasts he thought they were and they’re doing everything they can to keep their race alive. When it comes down to survival, will Knox be able to understand that sometimes Cailean has to go to war to gain his people freedom while trying not to fall in love with the very beast he was meant to kill?
This book.. WOW. I totally did not expect that. I’ll be honest, I read the blurb when I first requested the book but by the time I actually read it, I didn’t really remember what it was about. But I saw the cover and I thought Vikings or that type of setting and I gave it a try. And I’m so glad I did! This book pulled me in right from the start. I loved, loved, loved the setting and how it had that Viking feel to it while being obviously fantasy. It made things extremely interesting and I loved that while there were wolves and magic users, it wasn’t insta-love… actually it was more like insta-hate at first LOL.
Still, the best thing about this story is the characters. I really enjoyed seeing Knox come to understand his power and really find himself as a person. It was intriguing to see him go from an innocent, naive boy to someone so powerful and brave. At the same time, I really adored Cailean’s determination and stubbornness. As characters, I liked that they didn’t jump into sex and that it wasn’t about just them. At the same time, I wished there had been a little bit more depth when it came to their relationship and where they stand now. Will Cailean want Knox to find love elsewhere? Or will he let Knox be with him during this huge transition? Will he publicly claim Knox or will he keep him a secret? There was just a lot left unanswered on where things will go now.
In the end, this was still a phenomenal story. I fell in love with it from the start and as I read, I became more and more enamored. I adored the characters and I was captivated by the world. I hope the author considers writing a sequel about Knox and Cailean or at least continuing the world in some way because I really, really want to read more!!!
4.5 stars
Knox has had powers ever since he could remember and the only reason he was not given to the Council was because of his father. But when Knox’s powers are discovered, the Council hold his father hostage unless he can find the last prince of the Mac Tire. Unfortunately, Knox’s abilities allow him to talk to animals, not slay beasts. But when the prince, Cailean, kidnaps him, Knox soon realizes that the Mac Tire aren’t the beasts he thought they were and they’re doing everything they can to keep their race alive. When it comes down to survival, will Knox be able to understand that sometimes Cailean has to go to war to gain his people freedom while trying not to fall in love with the very beast he was meant to kill?
This book.. WOW. I totally did not expect that. I’ll be honest, I read the blurb when I first requested the book but by the time I actually read it, I didn’t really remember what it was about. But I saw the cover and I thought Vikings or that type of setting and I gave it a try. And I’m so glad I did! This book pulled me in right from the start. I loved, loved, loved the setting and how it had that Viking feel to it while being obviously fantasy. It made things extremely interesting and I loved that while there were wolves and magic users, it wasn’t insta-love… actually it was more like insta-hate at first LOL.
Still, the best thing about this story is the characters. I really enjoyed seeing Knox come to understand his power and really find himself as a person. It was intriguing to see him go from an innocent, naive boy to someone so powerful and brave. At the same time, I really adored Cailean’s determination and stubbornness. As characters, I liked that they didn’t jump into sex and that it wasn’t about just them. At the same time, I wished there had been a little bit more depth when it came to their relationship and where they stand now. Will Cailean want Knox to find love elsewhere? Or will he let Knox be with him during this huge transition? Will he publicly claim Knox or will he keep him a secret? There was just a lot left unanswered on where things will go now.
In the end, this was still a phenomenal story. I fell in love with it from the start and as I read, I became more and more enamored. I adored the characters and I was captivated by the world. I hope the author considers writing a sequel about Knox and Cailean or at least continuing the world in some way because I really, really want to read more!!!
Want to read
July 15, 2015That cover?
<3 <3 <3
<3 <3 <3
May 11, 2017
I enjoyed this and I liked how the magic was described.
July 14, 2015
5 Heart Review by Dan
Please Ms. Michaels, tell me there will be another book coming! I loved, loved, loved this book. It is exactly the type of fantasy, good against evil, magic user type story that I like best!
Knox Cane has been coerced into helping the Council hunt down and kill a Beast. The Beast is the last prince of the Phela line, who the Council seized power from twenty years before. No one has seen a Beast since, but Knox has a special magic. He can communicate with animals, so the Council figures he is perfect for their plans. In order to ensure Knox does what he is told, Knox’s father Uilliam is captured, beaten, and thrown in the deepest dungeons. The Council tells Knox if he cooperates, his father will live.
Knox is forced to ride off with three guards to look for the Beast. What will happen though when he hears of the Mac Tire, and then meets Cailean, the very man they are searching for? Will he tell his captors?
Ms. Michaels takes us on a romp through the kingdom of Ailis, all the way to the frozen north where the Mac Tire have been banished by the Council. Knox will be dragged along against his will, and will be kidnapped from the kidnappers. Or is it really a rescue? What will happen when Knox’s magic begins to increase beyond his ability to communicate with animals, and he becomes an elemental magician? Can he control his power?
As I said above, I loved the book, and thoroughly enjoyed the read. The story builds all the way through and right up to the last page. I need MORE! What happens next? The only problem with reading books before they even hit the market, is I know I’ll be stuck waiting for a while for the next installment, and even worse, I don’t know if there will be one or not!
I highly recommend this book. Pick it up today if you’re a fan like I am of magic users, fantasy, good versus evil, and love between two wildly different men.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Please Ms. Michaels, tell me there will be another book coming! I loved, loved, loved this book. It is exactly the type of fantasy, good against evil, magic user type story that I like best!
Knox Cane has been coerced into helping the Council hunt down and kill a Beast. The Beast is the last prince of the Phela line, who the Council seized power from twenty years before. No one has seen a Beast since, but Knox has a special magic. He can communicate with animals, so the Council figures he is perfect for their plans. In order to ensure Knox does what he is told, Knox’s father Uilliam is captured, beaten, and thrown in the deepest dungeons. The Council tells Knox if he cooperates, his father will live.
Knox is forced to ride off with three guards to look for the Beast. What will happen though when he hears of the Mac Tire, and then meets Cailean, the very man they are searching for? Will he tell his captors?
Ms. Michaels takes us on a romp through the kingdom of Ailis, all the way to the frozen north where the Mac Tire have been banished by the Council. Knox will be dragged along against his will, and will be kidnapped from the kidnappers. Or is it really a rescue? What will happen when Knox’s magic begins to increase beyond his ability to communicate with animals, and he becomes an elemental magician? Can he control his power?
As I said above, I loved the book, and thoroughly enjoyed the read. The story builds all the way through and right up to the last page. I need MORE! What happens next? The only problem with reading books before they even hit the market, is I know I’ll be stuck waiting for a while for the next installment, and even worse, I don’t know if there will be one or not!
I highly recommend this book. Pick it up today if you’re a fan like I am of magic users, fantasy, good versus evil, and love between two wildly different men.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
July 27, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Sons of the Countryside was an enjoyable read that was both fairy tale and fantasy at once. The plot moves fairly quickly and, despite its shorter length, the reader is given enough information to build a strong understanding of the world the author created. There are areas where I would have liked to know more, such as what life was like behind the magic wall surrounding the capital city and exactly how the Council was able to come to power. This would have provided a more complete picture, but the story doesn’t suffer greatly for its lack. The writing is strong and the author’s voice is suited to the fantasy genre. There are some pretty standard story ideas scattered throughout the book, but the author has managed to put a unique twist on them, which I really enjoyed. To say anymore would give them away, but sufficed to say I think the author has done well with this aspect.
Knox and Cailean are fascinating characters and complement one another well, though Knox and his history are revealed in far greater detail than Cailean’s. I would have preferred this be balanced out a bit more as I always felt there were things about Cailean that we were expected to accept rather than being developed through the narrative. Knox is young and brave despite his fears but he possesses a naïveté that is at times charming and at others maddening. He is slow to accept some rather obvious truths, but overall his character is likable and strong enough to carry the novel as a main focus. His magic is generally well explained save for one area. Rather suddenly, in addition to his connection to animals, he develops he the ability to control the elements. Because this power comes out of nowhere and is never fully explained, it feels like a pretty thin plot device. Had it been more fully explored it could have added another dimension to the story.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Sons of the Countryside was an enjoyable read that was both fairy tale and fantasy at once. The plot moves fairly quickly and, despite its shorter length, the reader is given enough information to build a strong understanding of the world the author created. There are areas where I would have liked to know more, such as what life was like behind the magic wall surrounding the capital city and exactly how the Council was able to come to power. This would have provided a more complete picture, but the story doesn’t suffer greatly for its lack. The writing is strong and the author’s voice is suited to the fantasy genre. There are some pretty standard story ideas scattered throughout the book, but the author has managed to put a unique twist on them, which I really enjoyed. To say anymore would give them away, but sufficed to say I think the author has done well with this aspect.
Knox and Cailean are fascinating characters and complement one another well, though Knox and his history are revealed in far greater detail than Cailean’s. I would have preferred this be balanced out a bit more as I always felt there were things about Cailean that we were expected to accept rather than being developed through the narrative. Knox is young and brave despite his fears but he possesses a naïveté that is at times charming and at others maddening. He is slow to accept some rather obvious truths, but overall his character is likable and strong enough to carry the novel as a main focus. His magic is generally well explained save for one area. Rather suddenly, in addition to his connection to animals, he develops he the ability to control the elements. Because this power comes out of nowhere and is never fully explained, it feels like a pretty thin plot device. Had it been more fully explored it could have added another dimension to the story.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
February 9, 2016
This book is a nice read. The plot is not extra original but it is well crafted, characters are interesting and it's readable. (as in, the words flow nice, you don't get confused, etc)
Hovewer, it would need about 100 or 200 pages more, in my opinion. Lot of things weren't explained properly or just brushed upon, it felt weird when character went from "you piss me off, stranger" to "you are the love of my life" in a matter of few days. I think the author would be able to pull it off easily if there were more pages, because the romance seemed nice, just a little bit too rushed.
So, the book is good, but it could be better if it were longer.
Maybe things will be explained better in sequel, if there's going to be one? I would probably read it.
Hovewer, it would need about 100 or 200 pages more, in my opinion. Lot of things weren't explained properly or just brushed upon, it felt weird when character went from "you piss me off, stranger" to "you are the love of my life" in a matter of few days. I think the author would be able to pull it off easily if there were more pages, because the romance seemed nice, just a little bit too rushed.
So, the book is good, but it could be better if it were longer.
Maybe things will be explained better in sequel, if there's going to be one? I would probably read it.
Read
January 20, 2016Didn't work for me and I'm always a sucker for m/m fantasy...The first chapter failed to grab my attention so I sorta skimmed the rest of the book to see how it would end. Needless to say, I wasn't impressed. I couldn't connect to anyone or Knox and Cailean's relationship, which happened way too fast. The worldbuilding was a little weak, I guess this was mostly because the story was so short. I probably won't reread. Nice cover, though.
July 27, 2015
I loved the worldbuilding; magic and wolves and MAGIC. A very fun read.
July 27, 2015
LOVE THIS BOOK! I HOPE THERE IS A BOOK 2 >.<
February 4, 2020
Surprisingly good read.
January 30, 2016
It's a well-written book, but there's hardly any originality in the story. I kept waiting for something to spark my interest but it just didn't happen.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews