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Lords of Davenia #1
Lord Mouse
Scoundrel by nature and master thief by trade, Mouse is the best there is. Sure, his methods may not make him many friends, but he works best alone anyway. And he has never failed a job.
But that could change.
When a stranger with a hefty bag of gold seduces him to take on a task, Mouse knows he’ll regret it. The job? Free Lord Garron, the son of a powerful duke arrested on trumped up charges in a rival duchy. Mouse doesn’t do rescue missions. He’s no altruistic hero, and something about the job reeks. But he cannot turn his back on that much coin—enough to buy a king’s pardon for the murder charge hanging over his head.
Getting Garron out of his tower prison is the easy part. Now, they must escape an army of guardsmen, a walled keep and a city on lockdown, and a ruthless mage using her power to track them. Making matters worse, Mouse is distracted by Garron’s charm and unyielding integrity. Falling for a client can lead to mistakes. Falling for a nobleman can lead to disaster. But Mouse is unprepared for the dangers behind the plot to make Lord Garron disappear.
A Lords of Davenia Novel
But that could change.
When a stranger with a hefty bag of gold seduces him to take on a task, Mouse knows he’ll regret it. The job? Free Lord Garron, the son of a powerful duke arrested on trumped up charges in a rival duchy. Mouse doesn’t do rescue missions. He’s no altruistic hero, and something about the job reeks. But he cannot turn his back on that much coin—enough to buy a king’s pardon for the murder charge hanging over his head.
Getting Garron out of his tower prison is the easy part. Now, they must escape an army of guardsmen, a walled keep and a city on lockdown, and a ruthless mage using her power to track them. Making matters worse, Mouse is distracted by Garron’s charm and unyielding integrity. Falling for a client can lead to mistakes. Falling for a nobleman can lead to disaster. But Mouse is unprepared for the dangers behind the plot to make Lord Garron disappear.
A Lords of Davenia Novel
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2015
81 people are currently reading
2048 people want to read
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September 23, 2024
Oh boy… this’ll be a long one. For starters, I’m a little frustrated because I thought I’d love this, but I only liked it. I guess that’s still a good thing. I GUESS! We follow master thief and all-around scoundrel, Mouse, as he’s hired by some fancy-pants noble to rescue Lord Garron, another lord whose pants are just as fancy, as he’s captured in a rival noble house’s tower, Rapunzel style. I thought that this had such a banger opening chapter and the rest of the story closely follows suit… until about the last third of the story. Character motivations started to baffle me, exposition is thrown about left and right, and the ending still somehow felt rushed, even though this book took me a million years to finish! Moving on to happy thoughts though, I really enjoyed the setting. it reminded me a little of a low-budget movie (this is a good thing), in that you get the sense that there’s a grand, complicated fantasy world out there, but the plot is a fairly simple rescue mission where Mouse has to use every single tool at his disposal. That part was where the novel really shined, as it exemplified how action-packed, exciting, and incredibly frenetic the pacing could be when it was at its best. Speaking of Mouse, I was a little worried he’d be a little too cool for school and so~oo talented with his particular set of skills that I’d be totally bored with the conflict in the story, but this didn’t actually turn out to be a huge issue in the long-run. He was a little like Kaz from the Six of Crows books in how they’re both the best of the best of the best, but the story throws several insurmountable problems at them to make things interesting. Besides, even if Mouse’s journey was a cake-walk (it wasn’t), I guess every now and then, there’s nothing all that wrong with reading about characters who are good at everything. Some people just have the Midas Touch, you know?
So basically, I thought that this book showed considerable restraint in regards to Mouse as a character, and on how the plot focuses on one specific mission without making everything feel bloated with needless details about the fantasy world the characters inhabit. Where it also had restraint was not having Garron exclaim at any point to Mouse, “are we there yet!?” I mean, he'd already exhausted every other phrase in the "unhelpful, entitled jerk" lexicon, so that came as a surprise. This is my way of saying that he was really annoying. Okay look, part of me enjoyed Garron and his role in the story as the perfect foil to Mouse’s morally ambiguous ways, but then a more honest, true part of me thought he was incredibly naïve and irritating. He’s been imprisoned by this rival lord for three weeks, Mouse and him are stuck in enemy territory, surrounded by guards who wouldn’t hesitate for a second to skewer them both, and he thinks he has the luxury to have hang-ups about killing!? Like, hey pal, you just blow in from Stupid Town? Get with the picture, there’s a time and a place! Every few pages he’d get all weepy and offer “helpful” platitudes in the same vein as, “Ah, but if we kill, we’re the same as them!” man, shut up. He could have easily been made less annoying if Mouse simply argued back with him! Their bickering relationship was already established from their first meeting, so continue it on with some quality banter, please. But no~oo for some weird reason every time Garron climbs up to the moral high-ground, all of a sudden Mouse has no retort. I don’t know, it just seemed jarring considering Mouse’s earlier displayed sarcastic and cynical nature. Wouldn’t he say something back?
I suppose I was just wishing the romance would be more organic and less abrupt. One moment Mouse and Garron are sharing a tavern bed (I’m rolling my eyes right now), and the next they’re both professing their undying love for each other. They start off pretty much hating each other and what each person represents, but no real discussion or heart-to-heart is had between the two. I also had a bit of an issue with what the book’s message was, in that… I didn’t know what the book’s message was. It seemed like it wanted to add a little flavor to the mix by having a central theme of class inequality shown through the differences between both Mouse and Garron's respective outlooks on life, but it doesn’t end up having anything of substance to offer to the plate other than, “well, some nobles are good people, actually!” ahhh, okay then? What an astute observation. Normally, I wouldn’t make too big a deal out of this, but it’s a conversation that the book itself invites us to have, so I think criticism on its lackluster examination of the issue is fair game. Also, I’m not a big fan of plots. It just seems like a “Get Out of Jail Free card” and makes the resolution to the conflict too easy, and thus, less interesting. Anyway, I’ve been talking way too much, so I’ll just say that overall, I did enjoy this book and I liked Mouse and the ragtag group of outlaws he meets along the way were a lot of fun. And even if Mouse was a bit of a wish fulfillment character, I’m a-okay with that. Consider my wish fulfilled!
”Bold and cheeky. Impertinence is something you’re accused of frequently, I’d wager.”
”The least of my crimes, I assure you.”
So basically, I thought that this book showed considerable restraint in regards to Mouse as a character, and on how the plot focuses on one specific mission without making everything feel bloated with needless details about the fantasy world the characters inhabit. Where it also had restraint was not having Garron exclaim at any point to Mouse, “are we there yet!?” I mean, he'd already exhausted every other phrase in the "unhelpful, entitled jerk" lexicon, so that came as a surprise. This is my way of saying that he was really annoying. Okay look, part of me enjoyed Garron and his role in the story as the perfect foil to Mouse’s morally ambiguous ways, but then a more honest, true part of me thought he was incredibly naïve and irritating. He’s been imprisoned by this rival lord for three weeks, Mouse and him are stuck in enemy territory, surrounded by guards who wouldn’t hesitate for a second to skewer them both, and he thinks he has the luxury to have hang-ups about killing!? Like, hey pal, you just blow in from Stupid Town? Get with the picture, there’s a time and a place! Every few pages he’d get all weepy and offer “helpful” platitudes in the same vein as, “Ah, but if we kill, we’re the same as them!” man, shut up. He could have easily been made less annoying if Mouse simply argued back with him! Their bickering relationship was already established from their first meeting, so continue it on with some quality banter, please. But no~oo for some weird reason every time Garron climbs up to the moral high-ground, all of a sudden Mouse has no retort. I don’t know, it just seemed jarring considering Mouse’s earlier displayed sarcastic and cynical nature. Wouldn’t he say something back?
I suppose I was just wishing the romance would be more organic and less abrupt. One moment Mouse and Garron are sharing a tavern bed (I’m rolling my eyes right now), and the next they’re both professing their undying love for each other. They start off pretty much hating each other and what each person represents, but no real discussion or heart-to-heart is had between the two. I also had a bit of an issue with what the book’s message was, in that… I didn’t know what the book’s message was. It seemed like it wanted to add a little flavor to the mix by having a central theme of class inequality shown through the differences between both Mouse and Garron's respective outlooks on life, but it doesn’t end up having anything of substance to offer to the plate other than, “well, some nobles are good people, actually!” ahhh, okay then? What an astute observation. Normally, I wouldn’t make too big a deal out of this, but it’s a conversation that the book itself invites us to have, so I think criticism on its lackluster examination of the issue is fair game. Also, I’m not a big fan of plots. It just seems like a “Get Out of Jail Free card” and makes the resolution to the conflict too easy, and thus, less interesting. Anyway, I’ve been talking way too much, so I’ll just say that overall, I did enjoy this book and I liked Mouse and the ragtag group of outlaws he meets along the way were a lot of fun. And even if Mouse was a bit of a wish fulfillment character, I’m a-okay with that. Consider my wish fulfilled!
”Bold and cheeky. Impertinence is something you’re accused of frequently, I’d wager.”
”The least of my crimes, I assure you.”
Read
January 16, 2016please be what i need please be what i need please be what i need
ETA: hellfuckno.
poor writing is poor; if it wasn't anachronistic american colloquialisms it was straight-up the wrong word entirely.
it read like a bad google translation.
ETA: hellfuckno.
poor writing is poor; if it wasn't anachronistic american colloquialisms it was straight-up the wrong word entirely.
it read like a bad google translation.
July 30, 2016
A Hearts On Fire Review
4.5 Hearts--
Lord Mouse, debut fantasy novel by Mason Thomas, is a snarky-filled, hilarious and fun prison break and escape quest headed by Mouse is a master thief, so who better to rescues a rich noble from a hard to read prison.
The money is great and can solve the worst of Mouse's pesky blackmail problems. He travels to a less than tolerant city, goes on an entertaining reconnaissance and retrieval mission. Mouse snarks his way into feelings (for someone who doesn't do feels because damaged) and a HEA with the person he least expected to.
Mouse and Garron, the prisoner form an alliance though Mouse has a hatred for all thing noble. During their escape, they become close, discover a few secrets along the way of a ton of action scenes.
Mouse, as a character, he gets 5 Hearts from me. He is snarky, quick on his feet, devious, brilliant, cunning and looks unassuming. He is everything I love to read in a criminal in my romance. He might be short but his personality is 10 feet tall.
I had hearts in my eyes from the first few pages in chapter one. That doesn't happen often. But the mouth on Mouse...
Seriously...
No pretense, just pure unadulterated Mouse.
While Mouse gets a full stamp of approval, full on bucket of hearts...this story isn't perfect.
At most, if I look only on the story and ignore the quibbles, it's a generous 4 Hearts. Averaging the story's merit and Mouse is how I got my rating. For a first time author, the story entertains, had memorable side characters to volley the larger than life Mouse's wit and delivered fantasy yum yum.
But some things weren't as polished.
There were editing mishaps (like time jumps in the same scene it's afternoon on one page, after midnight in the next).
The pacing - on average was engaging like the characters but if little bits here and there were shaved (the quest takes up the majority of the book and dragged in parts)
The last 15-20% - we went from awesome adventure to romantic fairytale. I'm not knocking fairy tales, but Mouse's bold determination got weak, he sorta lost himself in a sense. I would have expected him to return what he did in the past. I guess the insta-love could be argued. Also the blackmail angle, it kinda flopped for me. I was intrigued in the beginning, but by the end, it was too easily solved. A major arc was solving Mouse's background...and it suffered some from the prison heist and hiccups in the pacing.
I love characters who can't emote their feelings. But for Mouse, it started a little late in the game. Explanations were shown for why he is a damaged soul, and there's really own two routes to go with a character like him, either he falls in love and gets mushy. Or he becomes stronger from being in love, a true partner in a partnership. I'd have thought he'd go with the latter route.
Even with my issues, the story is one to read. The good and intent of "Lord Mouse" outweighed my quibbles.
It's told from Mouse's POV, the other protagonist was nice. I liked him but wasn't fully sold on him, his personality wasn't a constant. But it was good enough for Mouse, so I won't gripe too much. I'm sure the two will have a lovely mushy life together. The romance happened quick but I tend to be more lenient when it comes to life or death situations for the main characters. You don't have time for a full background check, there is a romance that needs to happen.
There is sex - just off page and fade to black, so smutsters stand down. I would've love if there was one smutastic scene with a certain Mouse topping the hell out of his love. But I guess I'll have to use my imagination. As is, the story was a mix of cool caper/Disney adventure.
Recommended read for sure. Just for the pleasure of reading Mouse. ;D
Fans of Tali Spencer's "Thick as Thieves" or the film "A Knight's Tale" would enjoy this. You know the sort of modern, partly historical, fantasy fun. I'll definitely be reading future works from this author.
4.5 Hearts--
"Who are you? Why are you here?"
"Not obvious?" Mouse asked with a tilt of his head.
Garron stared back him.
"All right, then. We'll take this one step at time. People call me Mouse."
"Mouse?"
"Mouse."
"What kind of name is that?"
"It's my name. Moving on to point number two."
Lord Mouse, debut fantasy novel by Mason Thomas, is a snarky-filled, hilarious and fun prison break and escape quest headed by Mouse is a master thief, so who better to rescues a rich noble from a hard to read prison.
The money is great and can solve the worst of Mouse's pesky blackmail problems. He travels to a less than tolerant city, goes on an entertaining reconnaissance and retrieval mission. Mouse snarks his way into feelings (for someone who doesn't do feels because damaged) and a HEA with the person he least expected to.
Mouse and Garron, the prisoner form an alliance though Mouse has a hatred for all thing noble. During their escape, they become close, discover a few secrets along the way of a ton of action scenes.
Mouse, as a character, he gets 5 Hearts from me. He is snarky, quick on his feet, devious, brilliant, cunning and looks unassuming. He is everything I love to read in a criminal in my romance. He might be short but his personality is 10 feet tall.
"You are an uncommon sort. It is not often I encounter someone bold enough to look at me so directly. Even in here."
"We are not at court. Boot licking and servility are luxuries we can ill afford at the moment. I'll make sure to bow properly and avert my eyes once we are out of here. But for now, I'm here to rescue you, not dress you or wipe your bum."
Garron's face darkened at Mouse's crudeness. "Bold and cheeky. Impertinence is something you're accused of frequently, I'd wager."
"The least of my crimes, I assure you."
I had hearts in my eyes from the first few pages in chapter one. That doesn't happen often. But the mouth on Mouse...
"I will gut you from ass to ear, you pusillanimous, pig-fucking louse."
Seriously...
"Oh friend, I know there's no chance you sired me. For me, I know who my father is. He's a good deal more comely than you are and, unlike yourself, has the advantage of all his teeth and a thorough cleaning less than a month ago. Second, I'm fairly certain you couldn't find a pussy to stick that tiny dick of yours into with the help of a road map, so there's actually little chance of you siring anyone."
No pretense, just pure unadulterated Mouse.
"Do you want to run the guild here?" Mouse said to the donkey. "There's sure to be an opening soon, and you're better qualified." The donkey raised its ears as if considering the offer.
While Mouse gets a full stamp of approval, full on bucket of hearts...this story isn't perfect.
At most, if I look only on the story and ignore the quibbles, it's a generous 4 Hearts. Averaging the story's merit and Mouse is how I got my rating. For a first time author, the story entertains, had memorable side characters to volley the larger than life Mouse's wit and delivered fantasy yum yum.
But some things weren't as polished.
There were editing mishaps (like time jumps in the same scene it's afternoon on one page, after midnight in the next).
The pacing - on average was engaging like the characters but if little bits here and there were shaved (the quest takes up the majority of the book and dragged in parts)
The last 15-20% - we went from awesome adventure to romantic fairytale. I'm not knocking fairy tales, but Mouse's bold determination got weak, he sorta lost himself in a sense. I would have expected him to return what he did in the past. I guess the insta-love could be argued. Also the blackmail angle, it kinda flopped for me. I was intrigued in the beginning, but by the end, it was too easily solved. A major arc was solving Mouse's background...and it suffered some from the prison heist and hiccups in the pacing.
I love characters who can't emote their feelings. But for Mouse, it started a little late in the game. Explanations were shown for why he is a damaged soul, and there's really own two routes to go with a character like him, either he falls in love and gets mushy. Or he becomes stronger from being in love, a true partner in a partnership. I'd have thought he'd go with the latter route.
Even with my issues, the story is one to read. The good and intent of "Lord Mouse" outweighed my quibbles.
It's told from Mouse's POV, the other protagonist was nice. I liked him but wasn't fully sold on him, his personality wasn't a constant. But it was good enough for Mouse, so I won't gripe too much. I'm sure the two will have a lovely mushy life together. The romance happened quick but I tend to be more lenient when it comes to life or death situations for the main characters. You don't have time for a full background check, there is a romance that needs to happen.
There is sex - just off page and fade to black, so smutsters stand down. I would've love if there was one smutastic scene with a certain Mouse topping the hell out of his love. But I guess I'll have to use my imagination. As is, the story was a mix of cool caper/Disney adventure.
Recommended read for sure. Just for the pleasure of reading Mouse. ;D
Fans of Tali Spencer's "Thick as Thieves" or the film "A Knight's Tale" would enjoy this. You know the sort of modern, partly historical, fantasy fun. I'll definitely be reading future works from this author.
December 31, 2015
Lord Mouse is a cleverly written, action-packed tale. And my last book to complete this year’s reading challenge.
The plot follows the story of Mouse and his mission to free a wrongly imprisoned nobleman. Mouse is intelligent, confident, and a master of the art of deceit. To buy his father the king’s pardon, he has been taking jobs to smuggle jewels and other prized possessions. Smuggling a person out of a duke’s manor and his duchy is a first, but Mouse isn’t one to back down from a job offering huge sums of moolah.
Little did he know that the job is no easy feat as he uncovers more to the mystery of Lord Garron’s unjust imprisonment. Apart from protecting Garron and seeing that he is safely back where he belongs, Mouse has to also protect his heart, because his Lordship is not just the stereotypical nobleman. He is undeniably the epitome of physical perfection, but more than that, he is kind, compassionate, and honest.
The book revolves around the single rescue operation, but what I like about this book is how the author had carefully weaved the turnaround of events until the end. Lots of adrenaline-inducing surprises await readers of Mason Thomas’ book as one finds out that the simple rescue leads to a labyrinth of revelations.
This book boasts a well-written plot and great characters, main and secondary alike. The author was very creative in placing detours in between pages – which seemed like spun-out-of-nowhere adlibs to keep readers entertained until they close the book.
I would have loved for the author to give due focus on the budding romance between Mouse and Garron, but I understand that this is an action/adventure book first and foremost. But It did not diminish how I greatly enjoyed being in Mouse's world.
Four cunning stars!
September 6, 2017
FIVE HEARTS--Lord Mouse in audio.
Scrappy, snarky, dreamy and sassy Mouse in AUDIO?!
I just about loved Mason Thomas's debut novel, Lord Mouse. Mouse is a snark personified, the cocky, cunning criminal who totally deserves his slice of HEA. He's the deviant underdog you want to root for. I'm #TeamMouse4LIFE and recommend this book to any fantasy lover out there.
After listening to Joel Leslie narrate Mouse and the cast of characters, it exceeded my expectations...and I was holding a high bar to begin with.
This was my first Joel Leslie, so I didn't know what to expect, as I'm still new-ish to the audio world. I take the time to find the right person to read in my ear. I was blown away from the moment I heard Mouse's brogue! I didn't imagine Mouse with a brogue in my wildest of dreams.
But apparently I needed the brogue and now after listening to nearly 10 hours of Joel Leslie having a blast and going balls to the wall with Thomas' characters, I can't imagine Mouse any other way. Leslie gave different variations of accents. There were Scot, Irish and Caribbean sounding folk for all the characters and I didn't even remember there were so many people in there.But this man did a distinct and different voice for them all. He wowed me through all the snarky parts. He nailed all of Mouse's great one-liners, gave emotion and camp at all the right parts.
In my original review, I broke down the book of what worked and why the story was so full of win--I'll keep it brief and the fangirl on a low setting. You have 10 foot tall personality in Mouse, a career criminal who might be short in stature but is one of the wiliest and craftiest men you might read. He commands and demands attention on each pages he's on. Leslie got a great sense of that.
Mouse goes on the biggest job of his life, rescuing the kidnapped noble, Lord Garron. Mouse has to sneak into a heavily guarded city and keep the Lord alive all while not getting caught int he process. It's harrowing tale of crime, action, adventure and romance. Note, the romance isn't as evenly balanced, it takes a backseat to the suspense. And there isn't on page sex, but I didn't miss it int he least.
Leslie did a great honor to great text.
The story remains 4 Hearts for me. Strong start, good middle, the ending is slightly rushed. There was a big buildup about Mouse's dagger and Garron's reason for being held prisoner. And while the reasoning was good, the rushed 15-20% kind of loses steam. When I read Lord Mouse, I rated it 4.5 overall, averaging Mouse who is a 5 Heart character (and deserves his own rating) and the story combined.
For the audio? Joel Leslie made a great book better.
As this was a reread for me, my feelings on the story's weak spots remains: Garron needed more depth to his character. Leslie did a good job of conveying Garron's emotions for Mouse. Life threatening situations are calls for me to give insta-love a pass in romance situations. However, I still wish there was more from Garron, or maybe a POV change to get a grasp of when the moment of 'a-ha...Mouse is it for me.'
Since I rated the book 4.5, with Leslie's narration I could only rate the entire thing higher.
It was that good.
Highly recommended and I definitely plan to listen to more Joel Leslie audiobooks!
A copy provided for an honest review.
Scrappy, snarky, dreamy and sassy Mouse in AUDIO?!
I just about loved Mason Thomas's debut novel, Lord Mouse. Mouse is a snark personified, the cocky, cunning criminal who totally deserves his slice of HEA. He's the deviant underdog you want to root for. I'm #TeamMouse4LIFE and recommend this book to any fantasy lover out there.
After listening to Joel Leslie narrate Mouse and the cast of characters, it exceeded my expectations...and I was holding a high bar to begin with.
This was my first Joel Leslie, so I didn't know what to expect, as I'm still new-ish to the audio world. I take the time to find the right person to read in my ear. I was blown away from the moment I heard Mouse's brogue! I didn't imagine Mouse with a brogue in my wildest of dreams.
But apparently I needed the brogue and now after listening to nearly 10 hours of Joel Leslie having a blast and going balls to the wall with Thomas' characters, I can't imagine Mouse any other way. Leslie gave different variations of accents. There were Scot, Irish and Caribbean sounding folk for all the characters and I didn't even remember there were so many people in there.But this man did a distinct and different voice for them all. He wowed me through all the snarky parts. He nailed all of Mouse's great one-liners, gave emotion and camp at all the right parts.
In my original review, I broke down the book of what worked and why the story was so full of win--I'll keep it brief and the fangirl on a low setting. You have 10 foot tall personality in Mouse, a career criminal who might be short in stature but is one of the wiliest and craftiest men you might read. He commands and demands attention on each pages he's on. Leslie got a great sense of that.
Mouse goes on the biggest job of his life, rescuing the kidnapped noble, Lord Garron. Mouse has to sneak into a heavily guarded city and keep the Lord alive all while not getting caught int he process. It's harrowing tale of crime, action, adventure and romance. Note, the romance isn't as evenly balanced, it takes a backseat to the suspense. And there isn't on page sex, but I didn't miss it int he least.
Leslie did a great honor to great text.
The story remains 4 Hearts for me. Strong start, good middle, the ending is slightly rushed. There was a big buildup about Mouse's dagger and Garron's reason for being held prisoner. And while the reasoning was good, the rushed 15-20% kind of loses steam. When I read Lord Mouse, I rated it 4.5 overall, averaging Mouse who is a 5 Heart character (and deserves his own rating) and the story combined.
For the audio? Joel Leslie made a great book better.
As this was a reread for me, my feelings on the story's weak spots remains: Garron needed more depth to his character. Leslie did a good job of conveying Garron's emotions for Mouse. Life threatening situations are calls for me to give insta-love a pass in romance situations. However, I still wish there was more from Garron, or maybe a POV change to get a grasp of when the moment of 'a-ha...Mouse is it for me.'
Since I rated the book 4.5, with Leslie's narration I could only rate the entire thing higher.
It was that good.
Highly recommended and I definitely plan to listen to more Joel Leslie audiobooks!
A copy provided for an honest review.
January 5, 2016
I was intrigued with this book because of the cover. However, Mason Thomas was a new-to-me author (and this was his debut book, right?) so I waited until I had more inputs from others. Then I saw the review from Sirius at Booklikes, who also had the review at Dear Author. She gave it a C+ (or 3.5*) and it just motivated me. Yes, people, sometimes a 3.5* rating was more convincing than 5* rating....
Anyway ... I LOVED it!! Thomas' writing just grabbed me from the get go. Lord Mouse is set in an alternate historical fantasy world (similar to the likes of Megan Derr, whose books I usually enjoy as well), with dukes, and kings, and mages. Mouse is a thief who is hired by a stranger to retrieve a political prisoner, a second son of a duke. Although Mouse knows that there's something fishy about the whole thing but the promise of payout is enough for Mouse to take the job; especially because the money is needed for Mouse to get out of the trouble he is in.
I LOVED Mouse so much ... for a thief, who doesn't think twice to kill when necessary, Mouse came out as an endearing character. He was very likable and I loved to be in his company. I liked how Mouse 'collected' friends to help him with the mission. It showed that Mouse knew how to networks and not just acted as arrogant lone wolf. The fact that Garron, the Duke's son who becomes Mouse's job, having a different set of morale when it comes to killing people, is an appealing contradiction between himself and Mouse, and at the same time makes their interaction quite delicious to read.
The whole book is basically about Mouse's rescue mission -- so the action was pretty high through the pages, there were one-two moments where I said out loud, "oh, sh*t" by the turn of events. The romance, on the other case, was a bit mild. I mean, Mouse didn't meet Garron until around 1/3rd of the book. And because Mouse was trying to get Garron out of his prison tower, there was really no time for romping the sheet, so to speak. We did have kisses ... but a little reader's advisory for smut lovers who flocked this genre, the sex scenes happened off page here. So manage your expectations ^^. Of course, for me, I didn't mind it, not at all.
The only thing that I could complain was probably the short time of Mouse and Garron falling in love. The rescue mission didn't exactly lasted for months; so in that sense, what happened between them was a bit of instant love. I would love the part after the rescue for Mouse and Garron to be a little longer, so Mouse can learn more about Garron and vice versa. Because I thought that the last few chapters was rather rushed. However, like Sirius also said, I read worse case of instant love, and this didn't annoy me as much.
Some early reviews noted bad copyediting -- but I didn't catch any of it. Which could mean one of two things: either the publisher cleaned the copy before release date or I was too engrossed with the story and characters that I didn't pay attention to those details.
Bottom line, totally a great adventure fantasy story. I would definitely keep my eyes on Thomas's next book.
Anyway ... I LOVED it!! Thomas' writing just grabbed me from the get go. Lord Mouse is set in an alternate historical fantasy world (similar to the likes of Megan Derr, whose books I usually enjoy as well), with dukes, and kings, and mages. Mouse is a thief who is hired by a stranger to retrieve a political prisoner, a second son of a duke. Although Mouse knows that there's something fishy about the whole thing but the promise of payout is enough for Mouse to take the job; especially because the money is needed for Mouse to get out of the trouble he is in.
I LOVED Mouse so much ... for a thief, who doesn't think twice to kill when necessary, Mouse came out as an endearing character. He was very likable and I loved to be in his company. I liked how Mouse 'collected' friends to help him with the mission. It showed that Mouse knew how to networks and not just acted as arrogant lone wolf. The fact that Garron, the Duke's son who becomes Mouse's job, having a different set of morale when it comes to killing people, is an appealing contradiction between himself and Mouse, and at the same time makes their interaction quite delicious to read.
The whole book is basically about Mouse's rescue mission -- so the action was pretty high through the pages, there were one-two moments where I said out loud, "oh, sh*t" by the turn of events. The romance, on the other case, was a bit mild. I mean, Mouse didn't meet Garron until around 1/3rd of the book. And because Mouse was trying to get Garron out of his prison tower, there was really no time for romping the sheet, so to speak. We did have kisses ... but a little reader's advisory for smut lovers who flocked this genre, the sex scenes happened off page here. So manage your expectations ^^. Of course, for me, I didn't mind it, not at all.
The only thing that I could complain was probably the short time of Mouse and Garron falling in love. The rescue mission didn't exactly lasted for months; so in that sense, what happened between them was a bit of instant love. I would love the part after the rescue for Mouse and Garron to be a little longer, so Mouse can learn more about Garron and vice versa. Because I thought that the last few chapters was rather rushed. However, like Sirius also said, I read worse case of instant love, and this didn't annoy me as much.
Some early reviews noted bad copyediting -- but I didn't catch any of it. Which could mean one of two things: either the publisher cleaned the copy before release date or I was too engrossed with the story and characters that I didn't pay attention to those details.
Bottom line, totally a great adventure fantasy story. I would definitely keep my eyes on Thomas's next book.
April 7, 2017
I'm a little torn on this one...
And once again audible has assisted me in getting to a book that I've wanted to read for quite a while now and keep getting derailed on my way to it. 'Lord Mouse' is that little bit of different that I like to get in my reading diet from time to time.
I loved the fact that Lord Mouse, our hero if you will isn't a big, brawny alpha male and while he can hold his own in a fight. He's got brains and knows how to use them and then we have Garron who is the big, brawny, sorta' alpha male that Mouse has been contracted to rescue.
Lord Mouse was an adventure filled with action. This was a mix between the adventures of Robin Hood and a good old fashioned swashbuckler with a touch of fantasy and a dash of romance thrown in for good measure.
One of the best parts of this story for me was that even though I knew Mouse and Garron were going to be the MCs in this story and they would end up together. I honestly have to admit at the beginning when they first met I questioned how this would be possible. It just seemed like they'd have an easier time bickering and snipping at each other than actually falling in love. It was awesome...no other word for it, watching these two go from basically wanting to throttle each other to two men in love was more than a little entertaining.
My only real niggle was with the ending of the book it was for me a little too predicable and while I liked that our heroes got to be together. I think I would have like it better if things had been a little different...and that's all you're getting about that because it's the ending and I'm going to spoil that for anybody if I can help it and I can.
I know the second book in this series has already been released and I'm really looking forward to reading it. I highly doubt that I will seek out the audio book for it...you see this is my dilemma...'Lord Mouse' was narrated by Joel Leslie and for whatever reason and I really haven't quite figured it out. This narrator just doesn't work for me. I'm not saying he's bad because I really and truly don't believe he is but just like with authors, not every narrator is for every listener. I've tried a couple of books by this particular narrator and I end up being not quite happy with the character voices that he gives me and again it's not that I think he's bad. I have friends who have really enjoyed some of his other books and I don't think they're wrong about it. I just think it's not working for me.
I guess at the end of it all what I'm trying to say is I gave the book 'Lord Mouse' 4 stars because for me it was a really fun and enjoyable story but for the narration it's just 3 stars...not a bad narrator just not the right one for me. Seriously, if you like audio books check out the sample wherever you buy your books from and then decide. You may love him, I didn't but different strokes for different folks, right?
********************
An audiobook of 'Lord Mouse' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
And once again audible has assisted me in getting to a book that I've wanted to read for quite a while now and keep getting derailed on my way to it. 'Lord Mouse' is that little bit of different that I like to get in my reading diet from time to time.
I loved the fact that Lord Mouse, our hero if you will isn't a big, brawny alpha male and while he can hold his own in a fight. He's got brains and knows how to use them and then we have Garron who is the big, brawny, sorta' alpha male that Mouse has been contracted to rescue.
Lord Mouse was an adventure filled with action. This was a mix between the adventures of Robin Hood and a good old fashioned swashbuckler with a touch of fantasy and a dash of romance thrown in for good measure.
One of the best parts of this story for me was that even though I knew Mouse and Garron were going to be the MCs in this story and they would end up together. I honestly have to admit at the beginning when they first met I questioned how this would be possible. It just seemed like they'd have an easier time bickering and snipping at each other than actually falling in love. It was awesome...no other word for it, watching these two go from basically wanting to throttle each other to two men in love was more than a little entertaining.
My only real niggle was with the ending of the book it was for me a little too predicable and while I liked that our heroes got to be together. I think I would have like it better if things had been a little different...and that's all you're getting about that because it's the ending and I'm going to spoil that for anybody if I can help it and I can.
I know the second book in this series has already been released and I'm really looking forward to reading it. I highly doubt that I will seek out the audio book for it...you see this is my dilemma...'Lord Mouse' was narrated by Joel Leslie and for whatever reason and I really haven't quite figured it out. This narrator just doesn't work for me. I'm not saying he's bad because I really and truly don't believe he is but just like with authors, not every narrator is for every listener. I've tried a couple of books by this particular narrator and I end up being not quite happy with the character voices that he gives me and again it's not that I think he's bad. I have friends who have really enjoyed some of his other books and I don't think they're wrong about it. I just think it's not working for me.
I guess at the end of it all what I'm trying to say is I gave the book 'Lord Mouse' 4 stars because for me it was a really fun and enjoyable story but for the narration it's just 3 stars...not a bad narrator just not the right one for me. Seriously, if you like audio books check out the sample wherever you buy your books from and then decide. You may love him, I didn't but different strokes for different folks, right?
********************
An audiobook of 'Lord Mouse' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
dnf
September 25, 2024I rarely fall back on "it's not the book, it's me." If I think a book is not good I normally have no trouble saying so. In fact, getting me to shut up about it is more likely to be the problem.
But in the case of this high-fantasy m/m romance, I can't help but feel that not being able to read it straight through sabotaged my investment in the story. Things got off to a good start. Then life intervened, and I ended up reading it in bits and pieces with multi-week gaps in between. I'll try another book by this author later, because I really do have the feeling I would have enjoyed this under different circumstances. DNF at 73%, and no rating, because it doesn't seem fair to ding the book just because my life got messy.
But in the case of this high-fantasy m/m romance, I can't help but feel that not being able to read it straight through sabotaged my investment in the story. Things got off to a good start. Then life intervened, and I ended up reading it in bits and pieces with multi-week gaps in between. I'll try another book by this author later, because I really do have the feeling I would have enjoyed this under different circumstances. DNF at 73%, and no rating, because it doesn't seem fair to ding the book just because my life got messy.
June 27, 2021
Mouse FREAKING ROCKS!!
Meet Mouse, a historical, criminal McGyver who can navigate his way through any underworld endeavor! I loved him 😍😍‼️
This an adventure tale, first and foremost. While there are enemies to lovers, opposites attract elements, that is not the focus of this daring rescue story.
Read: Action ⬆️
Romance ↘️
The two MC’s (the rescuer and the rescued) do get it one, but their sexy times are fade to black.
My favorite part of this story was the lead up and the first part of the rescue. After we meet our shackled MC, my enjoyment lowered a little bit (though not much).
There are some magical elements here, but not many. There is a mystery & the big reveal comes at the end (and I was totally surprised 😲)!
The writing was pretty good with no major blips to take me out if the story—I attribute this to Joel Leslie’s performance and his fantastic range of accents. I fully believe that he gave an extra star to this adventure tale.
HEA for all except bad guys. I wish the next book were on audio so I could get to it, but seeing as how this one was produced 6 years ago, I’m not holding my breath—I’ll have to suck it up and read it.
My rec? It was FUN! Enjoy 😉
Meet Mouse, a historical, criminal McGyver who can navigate his way through any underworld endeavor! I loved him 😍😍‼️
This an adventure tale, first and foremost. While there are enemies to lovers, opposites attract elements, that is not the focus of this daring rescue story.
Read: Action ⬆️
Romance ↘️
The two MC’s (the rescuer and the rescued) do get it one, but their sexy times are fade to black.
My favorite part of this story was the lead up and the first part of the rescue. After we meet our shackled MC, my enjoyment lowered a little bit (though not much).
There are some magical elements here, but not many. There is a mystery & the big reveal comes at the end (and I was totally surprised 😲)!
The writing was pretty good with no major blips to take me out if the story—I attribute this to Joel Leslie’s performance and his fantastic range of accents. I fully believe that he gave an extra star to this adventure tale.
HEA for all except bad guys. I wish the next book were on audio so I could get to it, but seeing as how this one was produced 6 years ago, I’m not holding my breath—I’ll have to suck it up and read it.
My rec? It was FUN! Enjoy 😉
April 24, 2024
A very VERY good story. The whole thing is my poison: the bromance, the prisoner, the escape, the adventure, all of it.
However, I am not sure what it is about the last 20% of the book. The editing? Someone was not paying attention, for sure. There were a couple of places where I thought I lost the current page and had to scroll back.
The worst part, tho, was the end of the story itself. When all went to shits andThe Darth Vader of the book cried out "Luke, I am ur Fader" The Duke told his son (not in these particular words, but close) "Garron, I want you dead!" while swinging his sword, I still knew it was going to end up in a Happily-Fireworks-Ever-After.
Even then I was hoping for something like "Lord Mouse, The Royal Consort, The Bad Ass Black Guard Master *ninja emoticons* x 5" or some such, you know? A title for someone who is still active and adventurous and dangerous and dark and snarky and Watch-Out-or-Else! But, unfortunately, it did end up just as Mouse predicted: The RoyalConcubine Consort :( Only Mouse was happy about it. ...Yay?
A star off for that.
And the editing.
But otherwise, the 80% - LOVED it.
However, I am not sure what it is about the last 20% of the book. The editing? Someone was not paying attention, for sure. There were a couple of places where I thought I lost the current page and had to scroll back.
The worst part, tho, was the end of the story itself. When all went to shits and
Even then I was hoping for something like "Lord Mouse, The Royal Consort, The Bad Ass Black Guard Master *ninja emoticons* x 5" or some such, you know? A title for someone who is still active and adventurous and dangerous and dark and snarky and Watch-Out-or-Else! But, unfortunately, it did end up just as Mouse predicted: The Royal
A star off for that.
And the editing.
But otherwise, the 80% - LOVED it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2017
Rating: 3.5* of five, rounded down for straight-up malapropism all over the damn place
It's #Booksgiving! Start getting your bookish friends their read on...your gay buddy who reads fantasy? Here's him a great story!
Ugh. Liked a lot of stuff about the story, was irked by malaprops galore and the somewhat jarring use of 21st century slang with some archaisms. I found that made for a bouncy ride. Full review at Expendable Mudge Muses Aloud.
It's #Booksgiving! Start getting your bookish friends their read on...your gay buddy who reads fantasy? Here's him a great story!
Ugh. Liked a lot of stuff about the story, was irked by malaprops galore and the somewhat jarring use of 21st century slang with some archaisms. I found that made for a bouncy ride. Full review at Expendable Mudge Muses Aloud.
March 8, 2017
Yet another excellent M/M fantasy novel. I highly recommend it especially to fellow fantasy fan.
June 27, 2017
You guys, omg, this book-reviewage on Prism Book Alliance
You know when you read a spectacular, special, thrilling, fantabulous book? And you want to tell everyone how spectacular, special, thrilling, and fantabulous it is? But you struggle to figure out a way to do that in a way that is something more than “read this book!”, and by that you mean right now? Yeah. That’s me. With this book. And these characters. And the emotions I experienced while reading this, chewing up every scene like it was comfort food or first time ever food or the best dessert ever food.
Within the first few pages, I was already enamored with this author’s writing. A new-to-me author that had me captivated and excited and hopeful, hopeful that these feelings would continue the whole way through.
They did.
This dithering was tediously predictable. Mouse knew he didn’t fit the conventional adventuring figure. His size alone was often enough to give potential clients pause. In dim lighting, he could easily be mistaken for a youth. But Mouse wished just once a client would let reputation govern over appearance.
You see, Mouse is shorter than some, maybe even most adults. He’s slight and muscular and presents a youthful face (lucky dog), all of which mask the attitude (well, ok, not always), struggles, secrets, and hard-won confidence he carries.
**click**
That’s me, buckling up and ready for this freakin’ ride!
This universe of Mouse’s is a clever mix of “olde world” - think castles and beast of burden-drawn wagons and swords and messages sent by actual human messengers - and “alternate world”, mostly due to the names of places and random things. No matter what, it’s a dangerous, uncertain, and unfair world for most who inhabit it, much like, say, The Middle Ages. The few who aren’t existing hand-to-mouth, or thieving in hopes of making some progress in life, or those “fortunate” enough to be in some kind of uppercrust employ, are the uppercrust themselves: lords and kings and princes, and those who happen to be born within those families.
Keep that last bit in mind while you’re reading. ;) That’s the only clue you’ll get.
I’m sharing this just because I love it:
”Ah, be careful, my friend,” Mouse told him. “The taste of adventuring is the most potent of wines. Too large of a draught, and you might find yourself lost in it.”
Mouse is quite knowledgeable about how most parts of life work, no matter one’s role or level of living within it, but even he has some things to learn. (Eee! It’s taking all I have not spill the beans LOL)
This isn’t an overly dense story in terms of detail, nor is it overloaded with meaningless characters or randomly placed offshoots from the main plot. Yes, it felt like it was taking me forever to read this book as I went along. And I loved that. I loved it! Every word either provided insight or moved the story along or opened the door to either resolution or more questions. We have a compact cast here, along with only a few changes in setting, and it made me feel like I was experiencing a play, enjoying that naturally understood pace and presentation of a stage production.
**happy sigh**
To delve deeper, that characters as a whole are refreshingly unique in that they’re not all that unique, but rather like most of us regular folk: a lead character in Mouse a I’ve already described him; a magician of sorts who tosses her intelligence around like the heavyweight it is, and with glee, mind you; a young, rich, man whose position could garner him power and prestige, things he’s already well-acquainted with, and yet he’s already showing signs of seeing the big picture, as well as wanting to follow his heart, and do the right thing; a younger brother who has a moral compass stronger than most but refuses to use it to control others, even if it means less for him; a father who holds more strength than his son realizes; and a lord set to inherit a Dukedom who is tired of the rules and is ready to do what it takes to get what he wants, as well as what he knows to be right.
I have yet to mention Garron, the naturally co-leader of this story, if you will. He starts this story off in a less than ideal set of circumstances. It also takes longer to get to know him, especially compared to how quickly we learn things about Mouse and his personality and current situation. It works. Boy howdy, does it work. The slower unfolding of Garron’s own turn of events lately, and his past, and his feelings about all of it, work with the just as carefully built and expertly revealed story as a whole.
I highlighted so many passages on my kindle while reading this. Most of them would give too much away. Please just trust me when I say this writing is a joy with which to spend your precious reading hours. The dialogue, the descriptions, the unexpected twists and turns, and revelations. Every story should be so lucky as to be told like this.
Generally, as a rule, I do not reveal endings of the books I read. I want you to be as surprised or elated or disgusted or intrigued as I am when you reach those last words. All I’ll say, something I have to say, is this story has such an emotional ending, more emotional than I’ve experienced in a while. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, given what all I’ve said up to this point, that I was left breathless.
What I really wanted to do when I finished reading this? Turn right back around and start reading it again.
Mason Thomas is someone whose stories of which I will read more. I would really love more time with Mouse, Garron, and whomever else from this universe has a story to tell.
ETA: A Recommended Read on PBA for January 2016
You know when you read a spectacular, special, thrilling, fantabulous book? And you want to tell everyone how spectacular, special, thrilling, and fantabulous it is? But you struggle to figure out a way to do that in a way that is something more than “read this book!”, and by that you mean right now? Yeah. That’s me. With this book. And these characters. And the emotions I experienced while reading this, chewing up every scene like it was comfort food or first time ever food or the best dessert ever food.
Within the first few pages, I was already enamored with this author’s writing. A new-to-me author that had me captivated and excited and hopeful, hopeful that these feelings would continue the whole way through.
They did.
This dithering was tediously predictable. Mouse knew he didn’t fit the conventional adventuring figure. His size alone was often enough to give potential clients pause. In dim lighting, he could easily be mistaken for a youth. But Mouse wished just once a client would let reputation govern over appearance.
You see, Mouse is shorter than some, maybe even most adults. He’s slight and muscular and presents a youthful face (lucky dog), all of which mask the attitude (well, ok, not always), struggles, secrets, and hard-won confidence he carries.
**click**
That’s me, buckling up and ready for this freakin’ ride!
This universe of Mouse’s is a clever mix of “olde world” - think castles and beast of burden-drawn wagons and swords and messages sent by actual human messengers - and “alternate world”, mostly due to the names of places and random things. No matter what, it’s a dangerous, uncertain, and unfair world for most who inhabit it, much like, say, The Middle Ages. The few who aren’t existing hand-to-mouth, or thieving in hopes of making some progress in life, or those “fortunate” enough to be in some kind of uppercrust employ, are the uppercrust themselves: lords and kings and princes, and those who happen to be born within those families.
Keep that last bit in mind while you’re reading. ;) That’s the only clue you’ll get.
I’m sharing this just because I love it:
”Ah, be careful, my friend,” Mouse told him. “The taste of adventuring is the most potent of wines. Too large of a draught, and you might find yourself lost in it.”
Mouse is quite knowledgeable about how most parts of life work, no matter one’s role or level of living within it, but even he has some things to learn. (Eee! It’s taking all I have not spill the beans LOL)
This isn’t an overly dense story in terms of detail, nor is it overloaded with meaningless characters or randomly placed offshoots from the main plot. Yes, it felt like it was taking me forever to read this book as I went along. And I loved that. I loved it! Every word either provided insight or moved the story along or opened the door to either resolution or more questions. We have a compact cast here, along with only a few changes in setting, and it made me feel like I was experiencing a play, enjoying that naturally understood pace and presentation of a stage production.
**happy sigh**
To delve deeper, that characters as a whole are refreshingly unique in that they’re not all that unique, but rather like most of us regular folk: a lead character in Mouse a I’ve already described him; a magician of sorts who tosses her intelligence around like the heavyweight it is, and with glee, mind you; a young, rich, man whose position could garner him power and prestige, things he’s already well-acquainted with, and yet he’s already showing signs of seeing the big picture, as well as wanting to follow his heart, and do the right thing; a younger brother who has a moral compass stronger than most but refuses to use it to control others, even if it means less for him; a father who holds more strength than his son realizes; and a lord set to inherit a Dukedom who is tired of the rules and is ready to do what it takes to get what he wants, as well as what he knows to be right.
I have yet to mention Garron, the naturally co-leader of this story, if you will. He starts this story off in a less than ideal set of circumstances. It also takes longer to get to know him, especially compared to how quickly we learn things about Mouse and his personality and current situation. It works. Boy howdy, does it work. The slower unfolding of Garron’s own turn of events lately, and his past, and his feelings about all of it, work with the just as carefully built and expertly revealed story as a whole.
I highlighted so many passages on my kindle while reading this. Most of them would give too much away. Please just trust me when I say this writing is a joy with which to spend your precious reading hours. The dialogue, the descriptions, the unexpected twists and turns, and revelations. Every story should be so lucky as to be told like this.
Generally, as a rule, I do not reveal endings of the books I read. I want you to be as surprised or elated or disgusted or intrigued as I am when you reach those last words. All I’ll say, something I have to say, is this story has such an emotional ending, more emotional than I’ve experienced in a while. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, given what all I’ve said up to this point, that I was left breathless.
What I really wanted to do when I finished reading this? Turn right back around and start reading it again.
Mason Thomas is someone whose stories of which I will read more. I would really love more time with Mouse, Garron, and whomever else from this universe has a story to tell.
ETA: A Recommended Read on PBA for January 2016
February 19, 2016
Solid fantasy, featuring a juicy premise, engaging characters, and some terrific action set-pieces. The story ended up being less complex and surprising than I had hoped. Overall the writing and build-up were so accomplished, I expected that there would be a bit more at stake when the big reveal came.
Still, despite those drawbacks I'd recommend this for fantasy fans and definitely plan to check out more by this author.
Still, despite those drawbacks I'd recommend this for fantasy fans and definitely plan to check out more by this author.
January 22, 2018
This is a fun fantasy adventure - Mouse, a professional thief and fixer, takes a big payoff to rescue a prisoner - not his usual type of job. Still, he's confident in his abilities and the chance of success, until he meets his target. Lord Garron is a man of principles. His scruples are not going to make it easy for Mouse to leave his usual mayhem behind and get them safely out. Still, Mouse has a few tricks and allies up his sleeve.
I enjoyed this one a lot, but it's uneven and becomes quite rushed in the pacing toward the end. This might have benefited from being two stories with an HFN first book - my ability to believe the wrap up and relationship was strained. Still, if you enjoy adventure/trickery/escape fiction with opposites attracting, this is a light and fun read.
I enjoyed this one a lot, but it's uneven and becomes quite rushed in the pacing toward the end. This might have benefited from being two stories with an HFN first book - my ability to believe the wrap up and relationship was strained. Still, if you enjoy adventure/trickery/escape fiction with opposites attracting, this is a light and fun read.
February 4, 2016
3.5 stars
This was an almost non-stop action-adventure fantasy. Lord Mouse is a master thief hired to rescue a nobleman who's been falsely arrested in another region. I was really attracted to the idea of this story -- master thief rescuing a nobleman.
There were parts of this that I really enjoyed -- Mouse was a very intriguing character and I liked how he was surprised by Garron, the more idealistic and "noble" nobleman. There was also an interesting supporting cast of characters that came in and out as the story progressed. Some honourable, some not so much. I found the action engaging, especially as it got more intense in the last half of the story. As I mentioned, it was almost non-stop.
This felt long to me though. Of course, most books over 200 pages are feeling long to me these days, so take this comment with a grain of salt! As a person who reads mostly for the romance, one of the reasons that it felt long to me was that the MCs didn't meet until 30%. But I guess this was necessary for the story building.
I enjoyed the romance as well, but I think I was hoping for a little more poignancy between the MCs. I wanted them to have a bit more quiet time talking instead of the constant action. That being said, I did like the way this ended.
Overall, though, this was an enjoyable adventure.
This was an almost non-stop action-adventure fantasy. Lord Mouse is a master thief hired to rescue a nobleman who's been falsely arrested in another region. I was really attracted to the idea of this story -- master thief rescuing a nobleman.
There were parts of this that I really enjoyed -- Mouse was a very intriguing character and I liked how he was surprised by Garron, the more idealistic and "noble" nobleman. There was also an interesting supporting cast of characters that came in and out as the story progressed. Some honourable, some not so much. I found the action engaging, especially as it got more intense in the last half of the story. As I mentioned, it was almost non-stop.
This felt long to me though. Of course, most books over 200 pages are feeling long to me these days, so take this comment with a grain of salt! As a person who reads mostly for the romance, one of the reasons that it felt long to me was that the MCs didn't meet until 30%. But I guess this was necessary for the story building.
I enjoyed the romance as well, but I think I was hoping for a little more poignancy between the MCs. I wanted them to have a bit more quiet time talking instead of the constant action. That being said, I did like the way this ended.
Overall, though, this was an enjoyable adventure.
January 1, 2016
This book was short on practically everything-
Short uninspired sex scenes outlined with a crayon.Sometimes I could not even understand if the characters were engaged in sex or not,they were so vaguely described,almost as if the story was afraid to get dirty.
A short hero who could have been interchangeable with a heroine & I would not have noticed the difference nor cared.
As for the long of it,it was just too long on the prison break scene that dominates 75% of the novel.Only the tower climb was inspiring,the rest was just bland.
Though cleverly written in parts,this fantasy had a too Disney like quality & a single voice that squeaked the entire novel instead of a growl.It should have had more darkness where there was light,a drop of menace & a crazy filthy mind to arouse all the senses.
I hurt for something without safety guards instead it ended up being too child friendly.
Short uninspired sex scenes outlined with a crayon.Sometimes I could not even understand if the characters were engaged in sex or not,they were so vaguely described,almost as if the story was afraid to get dirty.
A short hero who could have been interchangeable with a heroine & I would not have noticed the difference nor cared.
As for the long of it,it was just too long on the prison break scene that dominates 75% of the novel.Only the tower climb was inspiring,the rest was just bland.
Though cleverly written in parts,this fantasy had a too Disney like quality & a single voice that squeaked the entire novel instead of a growl.It should have had more darkness where there was light,a drop of menace & a crazy filthy mind to arouse all the senses.
I hurt for something without safety guards instead it ended up being too child friendly.
July 24, 2023
3.5 stars
This was a lot of fun. I liked Mouse and Garron grew on me. I think a little more could have been done in the romance department to make this convincing on that front, but this is mostly a heist adventure, which granted aren't usually my thing but Thomas managed to keep me engaged.
I wanted to know more about this world, too. There were hints of other things going on, but there really wasn't time to deal with any subplots. Nevon was amusing, and I wanted more of Hawken. I hope he finds his HEA as well, since it's obviously not going to be with Mouse. Maybe with the redhead dock worker he kept recruiting. ;)
The ending was wrapped up a bit too cleanly and unbelievably for my tastes, especially since the next one in this series deals with different characters, and the new Mouse book is a prequel, so I don't know if we'll get to see anymore of these characters in the future.
This is set in an alt-reality, but there's no magic or anything to speak of.
This was a lot of fun. I liked Mouse and Garron grew on me. I think a little more could have been done in the romance department to make this convincing on that front, but this is mostly a heist adventure, which granted aren't usually my thing but Thomas managed to keep me engaged.
I wanted to know more about this world, too. There were hints of other things going on, but there really wasn't time to deal with any subplots. Nevon was amusing, and I wanted more of Hawken. I hope he finds his HEA as well, since it's obviously not going to be with Mouse. Maybe with the redhead dock worker he kept recruiting. ;)
The ending was wrapped up a bit too cleanly and unbelievably for my tastes, especially since the next one in this series deals with different characters, and the new Mouse book is a prequel, so I don't know if we'll get to see anymore of these characters in the future.
This is set in an alt-reality, but there's no magic or anything to speak of.
May 21, 2018
3.5 stars...
October 26, 2023
“Who claim themselves to be good and honorable do wicked things with ink and parchment. ”
Primer libro que cato de este autor. En él nos sumerge en la historia de “Mouse”, un asesino-ladrón-mercenario según le contrates. Un día un emisario le propone un trabajo que no puede negarse: rescatar un noble por una gran suma de dinero.
“All the difference in the world. The events that led you down this path you’re on are behind you now. From here on, everything can change”.
Como ven el argumento es simple. La historia un poco de lo mismo. El autor escribe bien y ha hecho unos personajes carismáticos. Sin embargo, debo decir que me ha faltado tanto profundidad de escenario como personajes, por no decir que siento que necesito más respuestas.
En fin. Le doy mi aprobado porque me he quedado satisfecha y no creo que se merezca menos de esta puntuación.
“Your past doesn’t matter. What matters is what happens now. ”
Primer libro que cato de este autor. En él nos sumerge en la historia de “Mouse”, un asesino-ladrón-mercenario según le contrates. Un día un emisario le propone un trabajo que no puede negarse: rescatar un noble por una gran suma de dinero.
“All the difference in the world. The events that led you down this path you’re on are behind you now. From here on, everything can change”.
Como ven el argumento es simple. La historia un poco de lo mismo. El autor escribe bien y ha hecho unos personajes carismáticos. Sin embargo, debo decir que me ha faltado tanto profundidad de escenario como personajes, por no decir que siento que necesito más respuestas.
En fin. Le doy mi aprobado porque me he quedado satisfecha y no creo que se merezca menos de esta puntuación.
“Your past doesn’t matter. What matters is what happens now. ”
January 14, 2016
Awkward pacing on this book. Very slow beginning with the MCs not meeting til 1/3 of the way in. Then roughly two days later (in the book timeline) these two are making plans for a future life together. Instalove anyone?
Then at 85% of the way you think it's all over,time to wrap it up. Not so,as a twist and its rushed resolution hit you out of nowhere.
Nice try but could be better.
Then at 85% of the way you think it's all over,time to wrap it up. Not so,as a twist and its rushed resolution hit you out of nowhere.
Nice try but could be better.
April 1, 2017
Overall an enjoyable fantasy story that's basically a medieval prison break. I liked Mouse quite a bit (as I'm always a fan of a cheeky bugger).
Mouse's snarky attitude and burning intelligence, brought to life by Joel Leslie, was a pleasure to listen to. I really enjoyed Joel Leslie's narration. He's got a healthy contingent of English, Scottish, and even Irish accents for the characters, and, as usual, his tone, pitch, and pacing are on point.
However, the entertaining narration wasn't enough to divert my attention from some issues that made this hard for me to push the story from like to love. Two issues I found particularly aggravating were the time jumps and the way the vocabulary kept slipping up to be a bit too modern at times, which kept distracting me from the story.
The quest to break Lord Garron out took up the majority of the story, and then shifts to an insta-love romance between Mouse and Garron. I would have preferred a bit more balance between the adventure and the romance.
Even with my issues, the story is very entertaining to listen to, and Mouse is great character. If you enjoy fantasy stories with a modernish twist, interesting premise, captivating characters, action and adventure, and delightful narration you should check it out.
Audio copy of Lord Mouse (Lords of Davenia #1) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
May 1, 2016
It started interestingly enough, short of stature Mouse bedazzling the noble hiring him.
Unfortunately from there I found myself struggling, never quite settling into the writing. I only got to 17% before skimming and there was nothing to make me care about the plot.
An early exclamation of 'Ah and I would have gotten away with it if not for you' might have been tongue-in-cheek but it pulled me further out the story, having me imagine cartoon capers instead of a story to take seriously.
The main issue for me was that things felt too analysed, I felt everyone's thoughts/motives were spelt out instead of letting the reader decide anything. It's all 'he smiled clearly thinking..' when what the character was thinking shouldn't need saying. The result was sometimes awkward and for me distancing. I really wanted to see humour in the cocky hero but was never fully in the story. He travelled without us seeing it, and there was very little impression of the place despite him walking around.
It appears to be a first book so I wish the author well. Others have enjoyed it.
Unfortunately from there I found myself struggling, never quite settling into the writing. I only got to 17% before skimming and there was nothing to make me care about the plot.
An early exclamation of 'Ah and I would have gotten away with it if not for you' might have been tongue-in-cheek but it pulled me further out the story, having me imagine cartoon capers instead of a story to take seriously.
The main issue for me was that things felt too analysed, I felt everyone's thoughts/motives were spelt out instead of letting the reader decide anything. It's all 'he smiled clearly thinking..' when what the character was thinking shouldn't need saying. The result was sometimes awkward and for me distancing. I really wanted to see humour in the cocky hero but was never fully in the story. He travelled without us seeing it, and there was very little impression of the place despite him walking around.
It appears to be a first book so I wish the author well. Others have enjoyed it.
Read
February 9, 2017 4 Hearts
I know I say “I don’t know how to review this” a lot but I am going to say it again because how the hell do I review this and not just flail over how much I love Mouse? Ugh. Be warned, there be quotes a plenty in this review.
I am a pretty simple reader and come for the romance. I came for the romance with this but what I got was Mouse. I can’t begin to tell you how much I loved this small statured man with his own sense of honor among his profession of thievery.
I have a crap ton of highlights from this book and 99.9% of them are things Mouse says because Mouse is snarky AF! He was this way about him that is genuine and yet his dry wit makes you pause because it’s so blunt but so comical, it’s just amazing.
If you are looking for a story full of romance and sex, look elsewhere. There is romance here but it’s not at the front of the story. There is more adventure, daring rescues and fighting for one’s life while trying to escape an unlikeable end. There is romance and it’s pretty swift but when you find yourself with the most amazing man who has rescued you and keeps doing so and kinda gives you googly eyes when he thinks you aren’t watching, how could you not fall for Mouse? Of course, it would take someone special, like Lord Green Eyes, to make Mouse fall head over boots with hidden daggers as well and I did like Garron.
The side characters in this were amazing. I have a huge soft spot for Hawken and actually loved his time with Mouse that I had I not known Mouse was meant for Garron, I would have liked them together. The secret of the dagger Mouse carries that was his father’s leant to an additional mystery in the story that of course at the end, shows you how far Mouse will go to protect those he loves but it could have been a bit easier, had he just asked his dad.
The running from being killed deal after Garron’s rescue reminded me a bit of The Princess Bride though there were no six fingered men about nor Rodents Of Unusual Size. It was just plain fun with the added gasp of danger that reminded me what I love about stories like this.
So, I said there wasn’t much romance but OMG when Thomas brings it, he brings it and it was perfect. It has me swooning at appropriate times and really, he could have added more and I wouldn’t have minded a single bit. Nope. I am not talking about on page sex mind you, I don’t need that for a book to be romantic, emotions create romance and when Garron and Mouse have moments, they were… very romantic.
From the blurb, you get what you need to know about the story. Mouse is hired to free Lord Garron but what we don’t know, is why Lord Garron is a prisoner. This is what nagged at me the whole story and yet when we got it, my reaction was the same as Garron’s brother!
Why indeed? Though it does provide for an interesting end to the story and a last chapter that quite frankly had me in a puddle of goo.
This book was one hell of fun ride. I love Mouse completely. Garron and what he does for Mouse makes me adore him and that end was all sorts of a gooey HEA but for this hopeless romantic, it was perfect.
I wonder if we'll see these two at all in the next book? I girl can only hope.
I know I say “I don’t know how to review this” a lot but I am going to say it again because how the hell do I review this and not just flail over how much I love Mouse? Ugh. Be warned, there be quotes a plenty in this review.
Mouse, I have never felt this way about anyone before. Have never known anyone like you before.
I am a pretty simple reader and come for the romance. I came for the romance with this but what I got was Mouse. I can’t begin to tell you how much I loved this small statured man with his own sense of honor among his profession of thievery.
But in the short time I’ve known you, Mouse, you’ve proven yourself to possess more integrity and honor than most of the so-called noblemen I know.
I have a crap ton of highlights from this book and 99.9% of them are things Mouse says because Mouse is snarky AF! He was this way about him that is genuine and yet his dry wit makes you pause because it’s so blunt but so comical, it’s just amazing.
You face your demons directly. You do not try to disguise them behind some false truth or rationalize them away. That doesn’t make you wicked. It makes you honest.
If you are looking for a story full of romance and sex, look elsewhere. There is romance here but it’s not at the front of the story. There is more adventure, daring rescues and fighting for one’s life while trying to escape an unlikeable end. There is romance and it’s pretty swift but when you find yourself with the most amazing man who has rescued you and keeps doing so and kinda gives you googly eyes when he thinks you aren’t watching, how could you not fall for Mouse? Of course, it would take someone special, like Lord Green Eyes, to make Mouse fall head over boots with hidden daggers as well and I did like Garron.
“Mouse, I so enjoy our time together,” Garron said dryly. “You introduce me to the most extravagant places.”
“Only the best for His Lordship. What do you think about exploring a coal mine later? Or we could rent a wagon and collect the dead from some recent plague.”
The side characters in this were amazing. I have a huge soft spot for Hawken and actually loved his time with Mouse that I had I not known Mouse was meant for Garron, I would have liked them together. The secret of the dagger Mouse carries that was his father’s leant to an additional mystery in the story that of course at the end, shows you how far Mouse will go to protect those he loves but it could have been a bit easier, had he just asked his dad.
The running from being killed deal after Garron’s rescue reminded me a bit of The Princess Bride though there were no six fingered men about nor Rodents Of Unusual Size. It was just plain fun with the added gasp of danger that reminded me what I love about stories like this.
So, I said there wasn’t much romance but OMG when Thomas brings it, he brings it and it was perfect. It has me swooning at appropriate times and really, he could have added more and I wouldn’t have minded a single bit. Nope. I am not talking about on page sex mind you, I don’t need that for a book to be romantic, emotions create romance and when Garron and Mouse have moments, they were… very romantic.
“This is such a bad idea, Garron, I’m not the one for you.”
“Shouldn’t that be my call?”
From the blurb, you get what you need to know about the story. Mouse is hired to free Lord Garron but what we don’t know, is why Lord Garron is a prisoner. This is what nagged at me the whole story and yet when we got it, my reaction was the same as Garron’s brother!
“That’s the reason?”
“Damn right it is!”
“But what does that matter, Father?”
Why indeed? Though it does provide for an interesting end to the story and a last chapter that quite frankly had me in a puddle of goo.
This book was one hell of fun ride. I love Mouse completely. Garron and what he does for Mouse makes me adore him and that end was all sorts of a gooey HEA but for this hopeless romantic, it was perfect.
I wonder if we'll see these two at all in the next book? I girl can only hope.
December 7, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
What a delightful read Lord Mouse was! The premise caught my attention right away but fantasy books are always a bit of gamble so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Right away I was captivated by Mouse’s character. He is so self-assured and cocky, yet for all his swagger and blood thirst, he can be surprisingly gentle and utterly selfless. Garron is equally intriguing and though he seems somewhat inept at first, his nobility and genuine devotion are quickly uncovered. Mouse and Garron are good men and while they have done bad things (especially Mouse), they are absolutely worth rooting for from page one. Both men read as multi dimensional and while I think we’re left wondering about a few aspects of their relationship, it doesn’t detract from the overall story. In fact it seems a bit more realistic, because you never know everything about either an individual or a couple, no matter how close to them you might be. There is a moderately large secondary cast, some of whom are charmingly incorrigible, but all have their parts to play and they never outshine Garron and Mouse.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
What a delightful read Lord Mouse was! The premise caught my attention right away but fantasy books are always a bit of gamble so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Right away I was captivated by Mouse’s character. He is so self-assured and cocky, yet for all his swagger and blood thirst, he can be surprisingly gentle and utterly selfless. Garron is equally intriguing and though he seems somewhat inept at first, his nobility and genuine devotion are quickly uncovered. Mouse and Garron are good men and while they have done bad things (especially Mouse), they are absolutely worth rooting for from page one. Both men read as multi dimensional and while I think we’re left wondering about a few aspects of their relationship, it doesn’t detract from the overall story. In fact it seems a bit more realistic, because you never know everything about either an individual or a couple, no matter how close to them you might be. There is a moderately large secondary cast, some of whom are charmingly incorrigible, but all have their parts to play and they never outshine Garron and Mouse.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
August 16, 2017
4.5 Stars
Ah, this was fun, action-packed reading. I read these two books in the Lords of Davenia series in reverse order but, it doesn't matter, they're standalones in the same universe and it made no difference to my enjoyment. The Shadow Mark and Lord Mouse are so enjoyable. Good quality gay fantasy reading.
Mouse is one cheeky guy with a plan - fly by the seat of his pants or not. He could be perceived as out of his depth rescuing a nobleman from another duchy, but Mouse rises to the challenge. He has to, so it's on.
Ah, this was fun, action-packed reading. I read these two books in the Lords of Davenia series in reverse order but, it doesn't matter, they're standalones in the same universe and it made no difference to my enjoyment. The Shadow Mark and Lord Mouse are so enjoyable. Good quality gay fantasy reading.
Mouse is one cheeky guy with a plan - fly by the seat of his pants or not. He could be perceived as out of his depth rescuing a nobleman from another duchy, but Mouse rises to the challenge. He has to, so it's on.
December 5, 2023
Really enjoyed. Very entertaining story about a crafty thief and a noble nobleman. Well written and well-paced, with great world-building. My one complaint is the off-page sex. But that's just me. Definitely recommend.
June 26, 2021
This book is more of an action/adventure rather than romance, eventhough it does have a rather romantic ending.
Mouse spent 25% of the book before getting to Lord Garron and then only by 60% did they finally escape the manor. There are many details on their escapade and I lost count on how many wardrobe did Garron changed on that faithful day. With all the running around together with some acquaintances they met along the way, there isn't much chance for romantic development. When they finally have some down time alone, everything felt rush. Anyhow, I'm surprised I actually breeze through this book because I'm invested in Mouse's mission and the mystery surrounding Garron's capture. There were only some kissing and fade to black scene, but the HEA is a nice touch.
Mouse spent 25% of the book before getting to Lord Garron and then only by 60% did they finally escape the manor. There are many details on their escapade and I lost count on how many wardrobe did Garron changed on that faithful day. With all the running around together with some acquaintances they met along the way, there isn't much chance for romantic development. When they finally have some down time alone, everything felt rush. Anyhow, I'm surprised I actually breeze through this book because I'm invested in Mouse's mission and the mystery surrounding Garron's capture. There were only some kissing and fade to black scene, but the HEA is a nice touch.
December 8, 2015
Very enjoyable. It would have been even more enjoyable if the steamy bits didn't happen off page. Just sayin.
October 26, 2021
This started slow for me but I ended up really liking it. Full review to come
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