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Hostage
When Astrin Raphael finds himself held hostage in an unfamiliar place, he has no option but to try to have faith in someone who seems to despise him. Little does he know his captor is his nemesis, Rowan Gabriel, whose disdain for Astrin all started with a misunderstanding years ago.
The kidnapping of Astrin’s father and Rowan’s uncle leaves the two princes with no choice but to form a precarious alliance. Rowan casts off his hatred and reaches out to Astrin, but Astrin’s doubt and insecurity run too deep to let go of easily. It’s not until Astrin almost loses his life that he’s able to acknowledge what Rowan means to him and admit to the love forming between them.
Their struggle doesn’t end when they return home and their Houses attempt to broker a deal to determine their future together. Each prince might face a choice between keeping his title and finding happiness with the man he loves.
The kidnapping of Astrin’s father and Rowan’s uncle leaves the two princes with no choice but to form a precarious alliance. Rowan casts off his hatred and reaches out to Astrin, but Astrin’s doubt and insecurity run too deep to let go of easily. It’s not until Astrin almost loses his life that he’s able to acknowledge what Rowan means to him and admit to the love forming between them.
Their struggle doesn’t end when they return home and their Houses attempt to broker a deal to determine their future together. Each prince might face a choice between keeping his title and finding happiness with the man he loves.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2015
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 30, 2015
I usually avoid YA stories but I am starting to realise that there are some really talented authors writing these novels.
Hostage is a great fantasy story which I really enjoyed. Two princes, one of whom is held hostage by the other, have to learn to work together in order to overcome a common enemy.
Of course this is just the bare bones of the story. Combine this with extraordinary abilities, a shared but mysterious destiny, tragedies of the past, and present conspiracies, and you have an excellent and attention grabbing drama.
It certainly gripped and held my attention. I enjoyed the story as a whole but I particularly loved the two princes and their different characteristics. Astrin - the hostage, is wise and prudent and reflective. Rowan - the captor - is impulsive and hot headed but yet open, honest, loving and courageous.
And both princes become closer and learn to draw upon each other's strengths in order to find a way forward for both their embattled kingdoms.
This is a classic enemies, to friends, to lovers story without the usual explicit and some times disruptive mechanical sex scenes that can often be found in mm books. My only complaint was the arch enemy ended up being a black guy. Why doe the ethnic minority have to be evil especially in a YA story?
Anyway moving on!
So yes it is a great YA story. But in all honesty it is simply a really good story. I particularly enjoyed the sense of adventure and mystery that underlies the story and the different challenges and events that both princes had to deal with.
This is the second YA story that I have read from Dreamspinner this year and once again it is a truly good one. It makes me realise that I should check out a few more.
A lovely book from a talented author and well worth reading if you like fantasy.
Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Hostage is a great fantasy story which I really enjoyed. Two princes, one of whom is held hostage by the other, have to learn to work together in order to overcome a common enemy.
Of course this is just the bare bones of the story. Combine this with extraordinary abilities, a shared but mysterious destiny, tragedies of the past, and present conspiracies, and you have an excellent and attention grabbing drama.
It certainly gripped and held my attention. I enjoyed the story as a whole but I particularly loved the two princes and their different characteristics. Astrin - the hostage, is wise and prudent and reflective. Rowan - the captor - is impulsive and hot headed but yet open, honest, loving and courageous.
And both princes become closer and learn to draw upon each other's strengths in order to find a way forward for both their embattled kingdoms.
This is a classic enemies, to friends, to lovers story without the usual explicit and some times disruptive mechanical sex scenes that can often be found in mm books. My only complaint was the arch enemy ended up being a black guy. Why doe the ethnic minority have to be evil especially in a YA story?
Anyway moving on!
So yes it is a great YA story. But in all honesty it is simply a really good story. I particularly enjoyed the sense of adventure and mystery that underlies the story and the different challenges and events that both princes had to deal with.
This is the second YA story that I have read from Dreamspinner this year and once again it is a truly good one. It makes me realise that I should check out a few more.
A lovely book from a talented author and well worth reading if you like fantasy.
Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
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September 19, 2015I'm afraid to say that I did not enjoy Hostage by Cheryl Headford as much as I wanted.
I could see the effort and love the author has put into the story; it's also well written and edited!
Rowan's personality and stubborn hatred toward Astrin didn't sit well with me from the beginning, and the fact that he stuck to his mean behavior for so long really did bother me. I never warmed up to him and only felt sad for Astrin all throughout the book.
This might be a me-thing, so I'd like to recommend it and hope others will give it a read!
Many thanks to the Publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
I could see the effort and love the author has put into the story; it's also well written and edited!
Rowan's personality and stubborn hatred toward Astrin didn't sit well with me from the beginning, and the fact that he stuck to his mean behavior for so long really did bother me. I never warmed up to him and only felt sad for Astrin all throughout the book.
This might be a me-thing, so I'd like to recommend it and hope others will give it a read!
Many thanks to the Publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
May 5, 2016
So...it's not an everyday occurrence that a book ends on my favorite shelf...but this one deserves no less and 10 stars to go with it. There are already elaborate reviews on this one, so I'm just going to say that Hostage was everything I love about the romance genre...because I was there, I was literally there when Astrin & Rowan fell in love with each other, I felt it and let me tell you it was beautiful. And so damn romantic...this whole book is. I simply couldn't ask for more.
July 25, 2018
Characters aside, what’s with the backdrop here?
I am almost at 50% and a have a small mountain of questions.
How and when did the war between the two primary countries start? Both royal families seemed to be on good terms, even more so, they were friends, so - why? Why not peaceful talks and negotiations.
What is it with the never ending hostage taking? It seems it’s the only form of conducting negotiations in this universe.
Then there is the initial conflict set up. You want to take a hostage or two while they are in a car traveling at high speed, you don’t blow up a car in front of them. And if you do, don’t blame your potential hostage’s death on an accident, blame it on your own stupidity. This is a futuristic world, I am sure they know what a highway pile up is and the casualties count that comes with it.
Now the characters. I completely understand Rowan’s hostility and resentment towards Astrin. No one addressed the issues Rowan started having after the death of his parents. No medical help whatsoever, no shrink in sight, no one to talk to about it. The only help Rowan received was three lousy months with his relative, who, while a medic, was in no way qualified for such a job and even that came way too late.
Astrin’s parents and Rowan’s parents were friends. So many possibilities for hostage taking, right? But no, Astrin’s folks chose a dangerous one, and then cried about it, all snot and tears, saying how sorry they were. Then Rowan’s own family accepted it as “no one’s fault, an accident” to top it off. Really? Crass much?
Throw in persistent nightmares, Rowan witnessing his parents’ faces melting in the flames of the burning car. So - yeah, Rowan has every right to be angry at the House of Gabriel and jealous of Astrin.
Overall- not a lick of sense in this book, not one.
One wants a disguise, one cuts and dyes his hair and uses contacts. One goes on a dangerous mission, one comes up with a plan.
The boys are always sick or injured or dying. I am not sure they will live past 20. Pity fest all the way.
I am almost at 50% and a have a small mountain of questions.
How and when did the war between the two primary countries start? Both royal families seemed to be on good terms, even more so, they were friends, so - why? Why not peaceful talks and negotiations.
What is it with the never ending hostage taking? It seems it’s the only form of conducting negotiations in this universe.
Then there is the initial conflict set up. You want to take a hostage or two while they are in a car traveling at high speed, you don’t blow up a car in front of them. And if you do, don’t blame your potential hostage’s death on an accident, blame it on your own stupidity. This is a futuristic world, I am sure they know what a highway pile up is and the casualties count that comes with it.
Now the characters. I completely understand Rowan’s hostility and resentment towards Astrin. No one addressed the issues Rowan started having after the death of his parents. No medical help whatsoever, no shrink in sight, no one to talk to about it. The only help Rowan received was three lousy months with his relative, who, while a medic, was in no way qualified for such a job and even that came way too late.
Astrin’s parents and Rowan’s parents were friends. So many possibilities for hostage taking, right? But no, Astrin’s folks chose a dangerous one, and then cried about it, all snot and tears, saying how sorry they were. Then Rowan’s own family accepted it as “no one’s fault, an accident” to top it off. Really? Crass much?
Throw in persistent nightmares, Rowan witnessing his parents’ faces melting in the flames of the burning car. So - yeah, Rowan has every right to be angry at the House of Gabriel and jealous of Astrin.
Overall- not a lick of sense in this book, not one.
One wants a disguise, one cuts and dyes his hair and uses contacts. One goes on a dangerous mission, one comes up with a plan.
The boys are always sick or injured or dying. I am not sure they will live past 20. Pity fest all the way.
March 1, 2018
I received a copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This was an okay read. I thought the story was okay. It was not the best story I have read. The characters were okay. I did not love them nor dislike them. They were not really relatable to me. I did get bored during the read as well. The ending was okay. I do want to read more books by this author. I hope her books get better and better. Overall, an alright read.
This was an okay read. I thought the story was okay. It was not the best story I have read. The characters were okay. I did not love them nor dislike them. They were not really relatable to me. I did get bored during the read as well. The ending was okay. I do want to read more books by this author. I hope her books get better and better. Overall, an alright read.
September 19, 2015
Hostages have been used for various purposes over the centuries, and on the Earth-like planet this story is set on, the practice has been continued into the future. With four Houses fighting for dominance, two of them close to war because of an old misunderstanding, there is lots of conflict and animosity to go around. In principle everyone wants peace, but when it comes to the actual negotiation and compromising stage, it’s all suddenly a lot more difficult. Sound familiar?
Prince Astrin’s situation is a particularly difficult one. He has been taken hostage by House Gabriel, to force his father into negotiating a peace treaty. He has been placed into a coma to avoid him escaping, and is memories have been erased. Pretty brutal, but his captors think it’s necessary. When he is awakened, he has no idea whom to trust, and doesn’t have any idea that all of the awful things Prince Rowan tells him are untrue. This is not a good start to a relationship that is supposed to be turned into the basis for a future peace treaty!
Prince Rowan hates Astrin and his whole house with a vengeance. They killed his parents, and he will never forgive them. So when his uncle orders him to take care of Prince Astrin (in a bid to let them become friends), he does his very best to be horrible and insulting. He succeeds. But as time passes, he begins to see Astrin as a human being, and things change radically when they go on a mission to save Rowan’s parents and figure out who the real bad guys are.
This novel is wonderful for many reasons. Astrin and Rowan are great characters, and though they begin as enemies, they gradually grow closer as they grow up and begin to see the world less from their own personal points of view and more as the adults they are becoming. Their adventures are action-packed, but the emotional exploration is just as important. And the setting, twists and turns, and many revelations held me captivated and made this an excellent read.
If you’re looking for a great coming of age story, if you prefer slightly futuristic settings with young men who face seemingly insurmountable odds, and if you’re looking for an emotional read that is filled with action, adventure, wonderful humor, and the beginnings of love, then you will probably like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Harmony Ink Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Prince Astrin’s situation is a particularly difficult one. He has been taken hostage by House Gabriel, to force his father into negotiating a peace treaty. He has been placed into a coma to avoid him escaping, and is memories have been erased. Pretty brutal, but his captors think it’s necessary. When he is awakened, he has no idea whom to trust, and doesn’t have any idea that all of the awful things Prince Rowan tells him are untrue. This is not a good start to a relationship that is supposed to be turned into the basis for a future peace treaty!
Prince Rowan hates Astrin and his whole house with a vengeance. They killed his parents, and he will never forgive them. So when his uncle orders him to take care of Prince Astrin (in a bid to let them become friends), he does his very best to be horrible and insulting. He succeeds. But as time passes, he begins to see Astrin as a human being, and things change radically when they go on a mission to save Rowan’s parents and figure out who the real bad guys are.
This novel is wonderful for many reasons. Astrin and Rowan are great characters, and though they begin as enemies, they gradually grow closer as they grow up and begin to see the world less from their own personal points of view and more as the adults they are becoming. Their adventures are action-packed, but the emotional exploration is just as important. And the setting, twists and turns, and many revelations held me captivated and made this an excellent read.
If you’re looking for a great coming of age story, if you prefer slightly futuristic settings with young men who face seemingly insurmountable odds, and if you’re looking for an emotional read that is filled with action, adventure, wonderful humor, and the beginnings of love, then you will probably like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Harmony Ink Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 13, 2015
Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted my copy of this book.
When woken from his "illness" Astrin knows something is off, not right. He just can't remember. His supposed friend is mean, and Astrin can't think why. Rowan has hated Astrin since his parents died, and he hated tending him while he is in their care. When Rowan's uncle and Astrin's father are kidnapped by the third House who wants the war between their Houses to continue, the boys are going to have to work together, as reigning Heads of House, to stop a world war, and get back their father and uncle.
First up, when I said I would read this book, I did not realise it was Young Adult. Had I know it, I would have passed it over. Why am I telling you this??
BECAUSE I LOVED IT! I really did. Its like an adventure story, a coming of age story, a first love story, a rebellious teenager story, all rolled into one, 340 pages long story that kept me going til the end.
The boys, because at 19 and 17, they really are just boys still, set off to find Astrin's dad and Rowan's uncle, and end up finding each other. Their love grows, and neither boy really understands what it is they are feeling, til the are hit up side the head with the realisation that they love each other. They face many challenges along the way, and get help in all sorts of corners of the land they have to go into to get the men out. Its all very character building, and I mean that these boys grow into men along their journey.
I loved the beginning, with Rowan being such a brat, and hating Astrin as he did, but Rowan is the first to fall, and hard. I loved the hints and visions that were told to them along the way, that Astrin would save Rowan time and again, but Rowan need only to make sure he saved Astrin the once. Or Astrin would be lost forever.
It is, being young adult clean, and fairly violence free. Some suggestions and hints make me rate it upper young adult, 16 plus.
I would like to read something more adult by this author. I'm not knocking this one, because I was surprised I loved it, being a young adult, but I would still like to read something with more bite.
4 stars
**same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and Divine Magazine listing for this book**
When woken from his "illness" Astrin knows something is off, not right. He just can't remember. His supposed friend is mean, and Astrin can't think why. Rowan has hated Astrin since his parents died, and he hated tending him while he is in their care. When Rowan's uncle and Astrin's father are kidnapped by the third House who wants the war between their Houses to continue, the boys are going to have to work together, as reigning Heads of House, to stop a world war, and get back their father and uncle.
First up, when I said I would read this book, I did not realise it was Young Adult. Had I know it, I would have passed it over. Why am I telling you this??
BECAUSE I LOVED IT! I really did. Its like an adventure story, a coming of age story, a first love story, a rebellious teenager story, all rolled into one, 340 pages long story that kept me going til the end.
The boys, because at 19 and 17, they really are just boys still, set off to find Astrin's dad and Rowan's uncle, and end up finding each other. Their love grows, and neither boy really understands what it is they are feeling, til the are hit up side the head with the realisation that they love each other. They face many challenges along the way, and get help in all sorts of corners of the land they have to go into to get the men out. Its all very character building, and I mean that these boys grow into men along their journey.
I loved the beginning, with Rowan being such a brat, and hating Astrin as he did, but Rowan is the first to fall, and hard. I loved the hints and visions that were told to them along the way, that Astrin would save Rowan time and again, but Rowan need only to make sure he saved Astrin the once. Or Astrin would be lost forever.
It is, being young adult clean, and fairly violence free. Some suggestions and hints make me rate it upper young adult, 16 plus.
I would like to read something more adult by this author. I'm not knocking this one, because I was surprised I loved it, being a young adult, but I would still like to read something with more bite.
4 stars
**same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and Divine Magazine listing for this book**
October 25, 2015
This was such a beautiful book. Rowan and Astrin are both crown princes of families that are at war with each other. The story begins during peace negotiations between the two houses; however Rowan’s family has an advantage since they are holding Astrin hostage. In the world they live in prisoners are drugged to keep them unconscious until their sentence is served. So Astrin is being held but has no idea he’s been taken hostage.
In addition to being used as a bargaining chip, Astrin is also there for the purpose of forming alliance between the two princes. Since Astrin’s parents were responsible for the killing of Rowan’s parents, Rowan has hated Astrin ever since he knew of his existence. However, after spending some time with Astrin, Rowan finds it impossible to keep hating him.
Hostage is a fantasy and a romance that is filled with action. There were so many things I loved about this book, but most of all, I loved Astrin’s character. Though Rowan was a jerk at first, he redeems himself and I liked him by the end as well. The only thing that threw me off at first was the world building. In the beginning I imagined the book was set in a middle ages type world. So I was surprised when the characters started talking about cars and airplanes. The book also incorporates magic in the form of special abilities. Though there was no sex in this novel, the tenderness with which they express their love and desire for one another is what really made this romance amazing. I recommend this book to anyone who loves enemies to lovers, m/m fantasy, and m/m romance.
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.
In addition to being used as a bargaining chip, Astrin is also there for the purpose of forming alliance between the two princes. Since Astrin’s parents were responsible for the killing of Rowan’s parents, Rowan has hated Astrin ever since he knew of his existence. However, after spending some time with Astrin, Rowan finds it impossible to keep hating him.
Hostage is a fantasy and a romance that is filled with action. There were so many things I loved about this book, but most of all, I loved Astrin’s character. Though Rowan was a jerk at first, he redeems himself and I liked him by the end as well. The only thing that threw me off at first was the world building. In the beginning I imagined the book was set in a middle ages type world. So I was surprised when the characters started talking about cars and airplanes. The book also incorporates magic in the form of special abilities. Though there was no sex in this novel, the tenderness with which they express their love and desire for one another is what really made this romance amazing. I recommend this book to anyone who loves enemies to lovers, m/m fantasy, and m/m romance.
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.
September 30, 2015
Hostage is a surprising mix of science fiction, paranormal, and alternate universe elements that make a compelling young adult adventure where the reader follows two young princes evolve from mortal enemies to friends and later to lovers. This is in all senses a coming of age story: from learning to take on the responsibility of ruling a country, to dealing with the past, and to finally falling in love.
The four houses that rule this world, all named after archangels, are all versed in some skill or another, with members of the royal families displaying supernatural abilities to support that skill. I thought that a very interesting concept, along with the fact that the abilities are less powerful the further you go down the line from the royals to the normal subjects.
The politics, science, and customs of the world Cheryl Headford created are interesting to watch. While the pubs and inns might give you a medieval feel, reminiscent of fantasy stories, the hovers, planes, and advanced medical equipment keep you focused on the science fiction elements. The supernatural elements shape how the world functions – from dampening fields to prison guards trained to detect energy used to power these extraordinary abilities.
Astrin and Rowan are a great pairing, mostly because they seem so different while still having enough in common to justify their strong and fast friendship. The stubbornness Rowan displays in the beginning when he refuses to move past his hate of House Raphael is later mirrored by some of Astrin’s own actions. Their abilities, however, compliment each other, turning them into a strong team.
This story will give you a little bit of everything good: adventure, fantastic abilities, humor, sweet, innocent love, colorful characters and a mysterious new world you’ll want to explore. Definitely an interesting read for everyone, not just young adults.
The four houses that rule this world, all named after archangels, are all versed in some skill or another, with members of the royal families displaying supernatural abilities to support that skill. I thought that a very interesting concept, along with the fact that the abilities are less powerful the further you go down the line from the royals to the normal subjects.
The politics, science, and customs of the world Cheryl Headford created are interesting to watch. While the pubs and inns might give you a medieval feel, reminiscent of fantasy stories, the hovers, planes, and advanced medical equipment keep you focused on the science fiction elements. The supernatural elements shape how the world functions – from dampening fields to prison guards trained to detect energy used to power these extraordinary abilities.
Astrin and Rowan are a great pairing, mostly because they seem so different while still having enough in common to justify their strong and fast friendship. The stubbornness Rowan displays in the beginning when he refuses to move past his hate of House Raphael is later mirrored by some of Astrin’s own actions. Their abilities, however, compliment each other, turning them into a strong team.
This story will give you a little bit of everything good: adventure, fantastic abilities, humor, sweet, innocent love, colorful characters and a mysterious new world you’ll want to explore. Definitely an interesting read for everyone, not just young adults.
September 22, 2015
Content warnings: violence, attempted murder, kidnapping, gay pairing, use of magical abilities, abuse
I received a free copy of this for a fair and honest review from NetGalley.
So originally I was going to give this 4 stars. But I bumped it down to 3 since I can't do 3.5 here.
I don't care much for Rowan especially initially. I get the pain that manifests into hatred for something that someone else's family caused. I truly do. But I've never understood taking that pain and hatred out on someone who wasn't involved and by chance is related to the person(s) responsible for it. Rowan acts like a spoiled entitled brat until the second day that they allow Astrin to wake up from the medically induced coma thing. I mean even then his thought process is still spoiled entitled brat for a good portion of the book. And that's bothersome to me. And the reason I can't give this 4 stars.
The very good news though is that there was a lot of growth for Rowan in the book where he stops being a spoiled entitled brat to actually growing up and learning. So that was good.
I liked the slow getting his memory back in spurts thing with Astrin (of course I don't think it should have ever come to taking his memory and locking it away but..).
I was a bit exasperated with the "I have these strange feelings when x,y,z happen(s) and I'm going to ignore them because they scare me". Because it happened over and over and over and over. With both characters.
You can definitely see that the author liked both characters it does show in the writing. But there's also a lot of room to grow for the author.
It was a good book though that was enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this for a fair and honest review from NetGalley.
So originally I was going to give this 4 stars. But I bumped it down to 3 since I can't do 3.5 here.
I don't care much for Rowan especially initially. I get the pain that manifests into hatred for something that someone else's family caused. I truly do. But I've never understood taking that pain and hatred out on someone who wasn't involved and by chance is related to the person(s) responsible for it. Rowan acts like a spoiled entitled brat until the second day that they allow Astrin to wake up from the medically induced coma thing. I mean even then his thought process is still spoiled entitled brat for a good portion of the book. And that's bothersome to me. And the reason I can't give this 4 stars.
The very good news though is that there was a lot of growth for Rowan in the book where he stops being a spoiled entitled brat to actually growing up and learning. So that was good.
I liked the slow getting his memory back in spurts thing with Astrin (of course I don't think it should have ever come to taking his memory and locking it away but..).
I was a bit exasperated with the "I have these strange feelings when x,y,z happen(s) and I'm going to ignore them because they scare me". Because it happened over and over and over and over. With both characters.
You can definitely see that the author liked both characters it does show in the writing. But there's also a lot of room to grow for the author.
It was a good book though that was enjoyable.
December 31, 2015
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review.***
Rowan is in charge of taking care of the crowned prince from another kingdom, Astrin, who is held hostage in his own kingdom while his uncle and Astrin's father are in peace negotiations. Rowan is not happy about this because Astrin is the son of the man responsible for his parents's death and he take it out on Astrin, until he starts getting to know the other man and his feelings start to change.
It's not an easy path into a relationship between these two, or even friendship, since Astrin finds it difficult to trust Rowan, but as they spend more and more time together, they grow closer.
This book was filled with unexpected twists that kept me intrigued throughout the story. It has a complex, interesting plotline set in an alternate world, in which the royal families have special abilities. Both main characters were likeable, although I have to admit I didn't like Rowan all that much at first, but he ended up being my favorite of the two. The chemistry between them was sizzling, even if it took a bit for them to actually be together. Even so, it was an enjoyable read that I thoroughly recommend!
Rating: 5 Stars!!!
Rowan is in charge of taking care of the crowned prince from another kingdom, Astrin, who is held hostage in his own kingdom while his uncle and Astrin's father are in peace negotiations. Rowan is not happy about this because Astrin is the son of the man responsible for his parents's death and he take it out on Astrin, until he starts getting to know the other man and his feelings start to change.
It's not an easy path into a relationship between these two, or even friendship, since Astrin finds it difficult to trust Rowan, but as they spend more and more time together, they grow closer.
This book was filled with unexpected twists that kept me intrigued throughout the story. It has a complex, interesting plotline set in an alternate world, in which the royal families have special abilities. Both main characters were likeable, although I have to admit I didn't like Rowan all that much at first, but he ended up being my favorite of the two. The chemistry between them was sizzling, even if it took a bit for them to actually be together. Even so, it was an enjoyable read that I thoroughly recommend!
Rating: 5 Stars!!!
April 13, 2016
Read by Christina for QUEERcentric Books
4.5 stars
Hostage by Cheryl Headford is a young adult, fantasy novel that had me in its possession from the first chapter.
The story itself is quite unique, taking place in a time where the land is divided into four Houses; North, South, East, and West. Each house named after their king.
House Gabriel of the North and House Raphael of the West have been at war. House Gabriel has taken Prince Astrin of House Raphael hostage, to work on peace negotiations.
When Prince Rowan of House Gabriel was young, House Raphael ordered a convoy escorting Prince Rowan’s parents to be taken hostage, but in the end Rowan’s parents were killed. Since then, Rowan has nurtured a hatred toward Prince Astrin, having been denied of his own parents while Astrin grew up with his.
Rowan’s uncle orders Rowan to care for Astrin, wanting Rowan to see and understand that Astrin was just a child when the incident occurred, and he’s just another person.
Read Christina's full review at QUEERcentric Books!
4.5 stars
Hostage by Cheryl Headford is a young adult, fantasy novel that had me in its possession from the first chapter.
The story itself is quite unique, taking place in a time where the land is divided into four Houses; North, South, East, and West. Each house named after their king.
House Gabriel of the North and House Raphael of the West have been at war. House Gabriel has taken Prince Astrin of House Raphael hostage, to work on peace negotiations.
When Prince Rowan of House Gabriel was young, House Raphael ordered a convoy escorting Prince Rowan’s parents to be taken hostage, but in the end Rowan’s parents were killed. Since then, Rowan has nurtured a hatred toward Prince Astrin, having been denied of his own parents while Astrin grew up with his.
Rowan’s uncle orders Rowan to care for Astrin, wanting Rowan to see and understand that Astrin was just a child when the incident occurred, and he’s just another person.
Read Christina's full review at QUEERcentric Books!
November 30, 2015
I am all for a Pride & Prejudice style romance (you know, hate each other totally don't hate each other fall in love but can it really work out kind of thing) it's like my fave so you know I was down for this plot. The magic was interesting and the plot, while it felt a little like a video game plot at times, was compelling. The romance was good times even if I occasionally wanted to smack some people.
I definitely recommend this but it comes with a couple of "warnings".
1) One of the main characters is nearly unbearable for the first few chapters. I just wanted to punch him in the face but it was rewarding to see him grow and become likeable.
2) I kept expecting this to be Game of Thrones-like setting. "Primitive" technology but with magic. Every time a car or a train or medical technology popped up in the world alongside leather outfits and family houses and magic I got really, really confused for like 15 seconds.
This book was provided to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2016
Two kids, lost a lot to find 'a lot' i. e. love, family, -duty?
I just find most of the narration redundant and Astrin -a bit too toddlerish after all.
I perked up though when Neive cautioned that if Rowan didn't get his way regarding Astrin, he'd bring down the kingdoms. Now that is a story I'd like to read about -without the redundancies and when they are a bit more mature though.
Two stars were all I could manage -I put this book away so many times that it took me a week to finish it -just because I hate to start something and admit defeat. So I finished it.
I just find most of the narration redundant and Astrin -a bit too toddlerish after all.
I perked up though when Neive cautioned that if Rowan didn't get his way regarding Astrin, he'd bring down the kingdoms. Now that is a story I'd like to read about -without the redundancies and when they are a bit more mature though.
Two stars were all I could manage -I put this book away so many times that it took me a week to finish it -just because I hate to start something and admit defeat. So I finished it.
May 10, 2016
Review at Prism Book Alliance
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2016...
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2016...
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