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Tales of the High Court #2
The Pirate of Fathoms Deep
This is an ACE for ISBN13:9781620047934 The Pirate of Fathoms Deep
High Commander Lesto Arseni is the most feared man in the Harken Empire. None but the High King dares risk his wrath—and a pirate who once punched him in the middle of the imperial pavilion. A pirate who later snuck away with Lesto to an empty room, touched him in ways far more memorable. And then immediately bolted like a man who'd gotten what he wanted.
Shemal just wants to live a normal life, leave his pirating days behind him and prove that he's respectable now. The last thing he needs is the two idiots who show up wanting his help with the noble they've kidnapped—the very man Shemal had been hoping to prove himself to, the man he hasn't forgotten since Shemal punched him a year and a half ago.
High Commander Lesto Arseni is the most feared man in the Harken Empire. None but the High King dares risk his wrath—and a pirate who once punched him in the middle of the imperial pavilion. A pirate who later snuck away with Lesto to an empty room, touched him in ways far more memorable. And then immediately bolted like a man who'd gotten what he wanted.
Shemal just wants to live a normal life, leave his pirating days behind him and prove that he's respectable now. The last thing he needs is the two idiots who show up wanting his help with the noble they've kidnapped—the very man Shemal had been hoping to prove himself to, the man he hasn't forgotten since Shemal punched him a year and a half ago.
206 pages, ebook
First published July 13, 2016
104 people are currently reading
1569 people want to read
About the author
Megan Derr
281 books2,935 followersMegan is a long time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
August 4, 2025
Dropped in the same world as “The High King’s Golden Tongue” we are now introduced to Lesto’s story. The snarky, stubborn, grump of a commander who wears more scars than multiple soldiers combined.
I was excited for this one since I like Lesto’s character and was very interested to see how this sharp edged man could possibly fall head over heels for someone else. Did I enjoy it as much as the first book? Nope. But I wasn’t disappointed.
Lesto ends up kidnapped by a few bandits who mistake him for someone else and then is dropped on the doorstep to some stranger's house. However, once the bag is taken off of his head he realizes it’s not just any stranger but the pirate/previous criminal who managed to punch him straight in the jaw all those years ago. And also who he happened to spend one steamy night with, hidden away from the rest of the palace and its prying eyes. A night he never forgot.
Shemal is the pirate's name and he remembers Lesto just as much as Lesto remembers him. The good and the bad. Since that unforgettable night Shemal has since moved on from being a pirate and has taken to farming. But once Lesto suddenly appears at his feet tied up and alone he basically drops everything to help him.
I would have to say this story is slightly less action packed than the first. It follows more of a romantic routine where we get to see both Lesto and Shemal start to warm up to each other. Their relationship also holds less of a slow-burn. Like I said, they both remember that night and once they move past some differences they are quick to pick up where they left off.
And as much as I liked witnessing their love bloom I also liked their inside processing. Lesto is finally coming to terms with the possibility of retirement after many long, hard years of being a commander. And Shemal is starting to realize that even though he came from nothing and a life of piracy he is still worthy of Lesto’s love.
I was excited for this one since I like Lesto’s character and was very interested to see how this sharp edged man could possibly fall head over heels for someone else. Did I enjoy it as much as the first book? Nope. But I wasn’t disappointed.
Lesto ends up kidnapped by a few bandits who mistake him for someone else and then is dropped on the doorstep to some stranger's house. However, once the bag is taken off of his head he realizes it’s not just any stranger but the pirate/previous criminal who managed to punch him straight in the jaw all those years ago. And also who he happened to spend one steamy night with, hidden away from the rest of the palace and its prying eyes. A night he never forgot.
Shemal is the pirate's name and he remembers Lesto just as much as Lesto remembers him. The good and the bad. Since that unforgettable night Shemal has since moved on from being a pirate and has taken to farming. But once Lesto suddenly appears at his feet tied up and alone he basically drops everything to help him.
I would have to say this story is slightly less action packed than the first. It follows more of a romantic routine where we get to see both Lesto and Shemal start to warm up to each other. Their relationship also holds less of a slow-burn. Like I said, they both remember that night and once they move past some differences they are quick to pick up where they left off.
And as much as I liked witnessing their love bloom I also liked their inside processing. Lesto is finally coming to terms with the possibility of retirement after many long, hard years of being a commander. And Shemal is starting to realize that even though he came from nothing and a life of piracy he is still worthy of Lesto’s love.
May 13, 2020
If you look at the questions asked about this book you will see a little bit of confusion on who can or can't bear children in this world. It is actually funny how our minds work because it took me about half of the first book to have that "aha!" moment when I realized what was going on. And then I wanted to head slap myself. Duh! I thought I was all woke and shit, but no. I didn't get it.
So the deal is, and this isn't spoiling, it's just assumed that you understand - the world is gender-fluid to a point where transgender people are not pointed out as such. It is just an accepted thing that the children in this world pick out a gender when they are old enough to know what they are. So, the names are a little confusing because they might seem gendered to us, but there is no clue there as to the person's gender assigned at birth through them.
As someone who has a beloved family member who is trans.... I'm wondering if we could sign up to live in this world. Well, except they don't have indoor plumbing or electricity. Or the internet. Fuck it! Never mind. We'll have to just fight the battle here to get equality. My trans-buddy doesn't want to live without internet anymore than I do. Or toilets.
*sigh*
So in this book we have a guy who lost an eye. Damn. that's gotta suck. I couldn't stop thinking about Wayne's World. Is that a jerk move on my part? Yes. But, funny.
But, the good news is that his love interest is a former pirate, so the eye patch look totally works for him.
Yeah, he does...
Much like the first book, there is a lot of politics going on in the kingdom and a larger story happening in the background. Each book has tons of action with fighting ,killing, kidnapping, occasional torture... that kind of fun. So, don't expect sappy romances. It is more like the Three Musketeers in ProgressiveLand.
The characters are both really likable. Especially the pirate. But the one-eyed guy is sarcastic and jerky so he's fun too.
So the deal is, and this isn't spoiling, it's just assumed that you understand - the world is gender-fluid to a point where transgender people are not pointed out as such. It is just an accepted thing that the children in this world pick out a gender when they are old enough to know what they are. So, the names are a little confusing because they might seem gendered to us, but there is no clue there as to the person's gender assigned at birth through them.
As someone who has a beloved family member who is trans.... I'm wondering if we could sign up to live in this world. Well, except they don't have indoor plumbing or electricity. Or the internet. Fuck it! Never mind. We'll have to just fight the battle here to get equality. My trans-buddy doesn't want to live without internet anymore than I do. Or toilets.
*sigh*
So in this book we have a guy who lost an eye. Damn. that's gotta suck. I couldn't stop thinking about Wayne's World. Is that a jerk move on my part? Yes. But, funny.
But, the good news is that his love interest is a former pirate, so the eye patch look totally works for him.
Yeah, he does...
Much like the first book, there is a lot of politics going on in the kingdom and a larger story happening in the background. Each book has tons of action with fighting ,killing, kidnapping, occasional torture... that kind of fun. So, don't expect sappy romances. It is more like the Three Musketeers in ProgressiveLand.
The characters are both really likable. Especially the pirate. But the one-eyed guy is sarcastic and jerky so he's fun too.
July 16, 2016
Pirates!
Okay, the title kind of gives it away, but nonetheless few things make me as happy as reading about pirates. It all starts with a rather ominous and bloodthirsty scene, which might be a deterrent for some, but made me happy.
Death and a mystery!
High Commander Lesto's investigation of the gruesome scene leads to some intriguing developments, amusing actually, and a reunion of sorts. You know, the one person you wish you'd had more time with in your past due to it ending too soon. Yeah.
Shermal, the Farlander. From the isles at the ends of the world. My kind of place. Poor guy's minding his business when all of sudden trouble comes knocking on his door. Next thing you know, the goats are on their own.
"I will teach you exactly what it means when we say that the only way to stop an Arseni is to bury us fathoms deep."
Humor and intrigue as the impressively named Blood of the Fallen and Hands of Death factor into events. Then the High King and Consort are brought into things, if you read the first story you know exactly how well Lesto and Sarrica get on. Diplomatic intrigue with idiocy thrown in for amusement keeps the story going nonstop. I actually finished this in one sitting, but sometimes articulating why I enjoyed a story isn't easy, especially when it speaks to my inner self.
Best part, Jader is the next story and he has all the markings of me. Looking forward to it. So, if you like quasi historical fantasy reads then this is a win for entertainment. I like Derr's writing and this is true to form. 3.5-4 stars, rounding up because I was thoroughly entertained.
Overall, frolicking action adventure with heading butting alphas' romance.
~Copy provided by NetGalley~
Okay, the title kind of gives it away, but nonetheless few things make me as happy as reading about pirates. It all starts with a rather ominous and bloodthirsty scene, which might be a deterrent for some, but made me happy.
Death and a mystery!
High Commander Lesto's investigation of the gruesome scene leads to some intriguing developments, amusing actually, and a reunion of sorts. You know, the one person you wish you'd had more time with in your past due to it ending too soon. Yeah.
Shermal, the Farlander. From the isles at the ends of the world. My kind of place. Poor guy's minding his business when all of sudden trouble comes knocking on his door. Next thing you know, the goats are on their own.
"I will teach you exactly what it means when we say that the only way to stop an Arseni is to bury us fathoms deep."
Humor and intrigue as the impressively named Blood of the Fallen and Hands of Death factor into events. Then the High King and Consort are brought into things, if you read the first story you know exactly how well Lesto and Sarrica get on. Diplomatic intrigue with idiocy thrown in for amusement keeps the story going nonstop. I actually finished this in one sitting, but sometimes articulating why I enjoyed a story isn't easy, especially when it speaks to my inner self.
Best part, Jader is the next story and he has all the markings of me. Looking forward to it. So, if you like quasi historical fantasy reads then this is a win for entertainment. I like Derr's writing and this is true to form. 3.5-4 stars, rounding up because I was thoroughly entertained.
Overall, frolicking action adventure with heading butting alphas' romance.
~Copy provided by NetGalley~
December 20, 2016
When I read a fantasy book by Megan Derr, I know that I’m in for a captivating treat. ‘The Pirate of Fathoms Deep’ was no different. The author did an excellent job with the world-building, making it easy to imagine the different lands that Lesto and Shemal travel through, and the society they live in. I haven’t read the preceding book, but this book works perfectly fine as a standalone.
Lesto and Shemal’s relationship is totally insta-love. They spend a few minutes together to have a quickie, and then spend the following months pining for each other. When they’re reunited, not only do they want to have another go in the bedroom, but the two also can’t stop themselves from thinking about a future together.
Ordinarily, I’m not a fan of insta-love, unless the story revolves around mates or fated loves. But if an author can convince me that the two MCs truly belong together, I’m all on board with the quick jump to love. Shemal and Lesto clearly belong together, and their connection felt genuine, even if it was made in such a short span of time.
I enjoyed the dynamic between the two MCs. Lesto might be one of the most powerful men in the empire, but he likes to give up control and be taken care of behind closed doors. Shemal, though he doubts his place in Lesto’s grand life, realizes this early on and tries to be what Lesto needs.
The two MCs are opposites in many ways, and balance each other out. I liked seeing Lesto lighten up around Shemal. And I loved seeing Shemal slowly realize that he deserves Lesto and happiness, no matter their vastly different backgrounds.
The mystery plot was engaging, though more of a side-story. I liked the political intrigue, and how Shemal and Lesto centered in it. The dramatic conclusion was a bit predictable, though I still liked it.
If you’re looking for some fun and romantic fantasy MM with an entertaining mystery on the side, I’d recommend this book!
Lesto and Shemal’s relationship is totally insta-love. They spend a few minutes together to have a quickie, and then spend the following months pining for each other. When they’re reunited, not only do they want to have another go in the bedroom, but the two also can’t stop themselves from thinking about a future together.
Ordinarily, I’m not a fan of insta-love, unless the story revolves around mates or fated loves. But if an author can convince me that the two MCs truly belong together, I’m all on board with the quick jump to love. Shemal and Lesto clearly belong together, and their connection felt genuine, even if it was made in such a short span of time.
I enjoyed the dynamic between the two MCs. Lesto might be one of the most powerful men in the empire, but he likes to give up control and be taken care of behind closed doors. Shemal, though he doubts his place in Lesto’s grand life, realizes this early on and tries to be what Lesto needs.
The two MCs are opposites in many ways, and balance each other out. I liked seeing Lesto lighten up around Shemal. And I loved seeing Shemal slowly realize that he deserves Lesto and happiness, no matter their vastly different backgrounds.
The mystery plot was engaging, though more of a side-story. I liked the political intrigue, and how Shemal and Lesto centered in it. The dramatic conclusion was a bit predictable, though I still liked it.
If you’re looking for some fun and romantic fantasy MM with an entertaining mystery on the side, I’d recommend this book!
June 27, 2020
"I can't figure you out."
Shemal looked up with a scowl. "What's to figure out?"
"Oh, I don't know," Lesto snapped. "You fucked me like there was nothing else you'd rather do then left with all the speed of a serious regret. I arranged a comfortable pardon term for you at Fathoms Deep only to return to find you had vanished without a word. One minute you look at me like you want to kiss me, and the next minute you look like you'd rather slit my throat. Which one is it?"
This passage sums up the storyline better than I could possibly do it. Lesto is the lovable High Commander that we met in Book 1. He's snarky, he's quick to succumb to his flashy temper, and he is tired of getting all the way to his 40s without someone to love him like his best friend, the High King, has recently found. And the one person he can't forget from eighteen months ago continues to haunt him.
Lesto....
But Shemal never forgot Lesto either. Eighteen months ago, he had a one-time encounter with the beautiful High Commander. The former pirate has actually spent all those months bettering himself so that he could be worthy of Lesto when he sees him again.
Shemal...
This book was so romantic, and actually quite steamier than Book 1. I adore Derr's writing, and she wove this story very nicely. I got completely caught up with Lesto and Shemal.
Lesto is ready to retire, but he is drugged and kidnapped after being mistaken for someone else. Shemal, the ocean-eyed man he's never forgotten, inadvertently thwarts the kidnapping, and the two see each other again for the first time in many months.
The plot of murder and suspense within the Kingdom never overshadows the romance and friendships that I've grown to love with this group.
Lesto wants to retire from his post as High Commander and start his life. Shemal wants to be worthy of Lesto, but he's a former pirate without a coin to his name. How can this possibly work?
This tale is entertaining and really fun. I enjoyed Book 1 a smidge better, but this was definitely worth reading!
After almost four decades of never holding still, he'd managed to stumble across someone who made him forget how to move.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review.
July 8, 2016
ARC Review: The Pirate of Fathoms Deep
You might have noticed yesterday that I posted a review for a book called 'The High King's Golden Tongue'. I'd wanted to read that book for ages and I was constantly squirreling off and doing other things but this is the reason I finally pulled my act together and read that awesome book because on July 13 this is going to be a thing...that's right book #2 is being released and it's called 'The Pirate of Fathoms Deep' and it's good folks seriously good. I mean I have to admit I was a little more partial to 'The High King's Golden Tongue' but I think that's mostly because I really, really liked Allen and Sarrica but that does not mean this is not also a really good story...because it is.
'The Pirate of Fathoms Deep' is about Lesto and Shemal. Lesto as we know from the first book is the High Commander of the king's troops as well as the Lord/Duke/Ruler sorry I'm sketchy on the correct term here but he's in charge of Fathoms Deep that's where he's from. We also met Shemal in book one, only we didn't realize it at the time, not that we were meeting him or that Shemal was his name and we also didn't realize that he gave Lesto a little bit more than a black-eye (really, it's in the blurb). So here we are a year and a half later and fate have brought these two men together, in what proves to be, yet again, some rather unusual circumstances.
Ms Derr definitely stepped up to the plate with this one and again from the very beginning and I do mean very beginning, seriously did you look at that cover? Another work of sheer beauty. I honestly want posters of these book covers for my office walls they are so gorgeous.
'The Pirate of Fathoms Deep' definitely gives more focus to the relationship between Lesto and Shemal but without taking away the action, adventure and mystery that I enjoyed in the first book. For me this was a definite win.
While the relationship between these two men got it's beginning in the first book it's not until this story that the when and how of it becomes clear. In book one their meeting was just a passing event that occurred and while I remembered it, it was not given any undue focus and for me it was one of those neat little surprises that had me bouncing in my chair as I remembered the events from the previous story and my brain quietly cackled with glee at the subtle way that these two books were being woven together.
One of the things that I'm really enjoying about both of these books are the personalities of the MCs. I love that they speak up for what they believe in, the are fiercely loyal to their friends and family and that they love who they love unapologetically. Lesto wants to be with Shemal. He doesn't care about where he came from or whether he's considered socially acceptable because of his station in life and the same for Shemal. It's Lesto that he wants not his money or power.
Add to all this a pair of royally incompetent kidnappers, some cut throat mercenaries, a sister baring unexpected surprises, one man willing to risk it all for a second chance with his pirate and one pirate who wants a chance to show that he's worthy of that man and what you've got is a story that's worth enjoying from the front cover to the very last page and I do mean the very last page the one that tells us that there's more to come from this series and I am so looking forward to what comes next.
********************
An ARC of The Pirate of Fathoms Deep was graciously received from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
You might have noticed yesterday that I posted a review for a book called 'The High King's Golden Tongue'. I'd wanted to read that book for ages and I was constantly squirreling off and doing other things but this is the reason I finally pulled my act together and read that awesome book because on July 13 this is going to be a thing...that's right book #2 is being released and it's called 'The Pirate of Fathoms Deep' and it's good folks seriously good. I mean I have to admit I was a little more partial to 'The High King's Golden Tongue' but I think that's mostly because I really, really liked Allen and Sarrica but that does not mean this is not also a really good story...because it is.
'The Pirate of Fathoms Deep' is about Lesto and Shemal. Lesto as we know from the first book is the High Commander of the king's troops as well as the Lord/Duke/Ruler sorry I'm sketchy on the correct term here but he's in charge of Fathoms Deep that's where he's from. We also met Shemal in book one, only we didn't realize it at the time, not that we were meeting him or that Shemal was his name and we also didn't realize that he gave Lesto a little bit more than a black-eye (really, it's in the blurb). So here we are a year and a half later and fate have brought these two men together, in what proves to be, yet again, some rather unusual circumstances.
Ms Derr definitely stepped up to the plate with this one and again from the very beginning and I do mean very beginning, seriously did you look at that cover? Another work of sheer beauty. I honestly want posters of these book covers for my office walls they are so gorgeous.
'The Pirate of Fathoms Deep' definitely gives more focus to the relationship between Lesto and Shemal but without taking away the action, adventure and mystery that I enjoyed in the first book. For me this was a definite win.
While the relationship between these two men got it's beginning in the first book it's not until this story that the when and how of it becomes clear. In book one their meeting was just a passing event that occurred and while I remembered it, it was not given any undue focus and for me it was one of those neat little surprises that had me bouncing in my chair as I remembered the events from the previous story and my brain quietly cackled with glee at the subtle way that these two books were being woven together.
One of the things that I'm really enjoying about both of these books are the personalities of the MCs. I love that they speak up for what they believe in, the are fiercely loyal to their friends and family and that they love who they love unapologetically. Lesto wants to be with Shemal. He doesn't care about where he came from or whether he's considered socially acceptable because of his station in life and the same for Shemal. It's Lesto that he wants not his money or power.
Add to all this a pair of royally incompetent kidnappers, some cut throat mercenaries, a sister baring unexpected surprises, one man willing to risk it all for a second chance with his pirate and one pirate who wants a chance to show that he's worthy of that man and what you've got is a story that's worth enjoying from the front cover to the very last page and I do mean the very last page the one that tells us that there's more to come from this series and I am so looking forward to what comes next.
********************
An ARC of The Pirate of Fathoms Deep was graciously received from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2018
I loved this book as much as book one. This series is so great. The characters are amazing. They are all so loud and mouthy and irreverent. I am excited to read book 3. We hardly ever met Jader and Kamir, compared to how well we knew Lesto before he got his book. I dont know if these characters are going to be as fun, but probably. Also I love the covers. They look so epic! I almost wanna own the paperbacks.
October 22, 2022
I loved the MCs, Lesto is my favorite of the brothers. Lots of banter and flirting was happening here but the speed with which the romance took off was too fast for me. I didn't much care for it. There's also some miscommunication along the way.
I complained in the previous book that the romance took a back seat as opposed to the war and everything else, here it was the opposite. I would rather like a healthy balance.
The epilogue was kinda meh.
I complained in the previous book that the romance took a back seat as opposed to the war and everything else, here it was the opposite. I would rather like a healthy balance.
The epilogue was kinda meh.
December 22, 2016
I read the first book, The High King's Golden Tongue back in March ... and as always with my memory problem, I couldn't really remember who High Commander Lesto Arseni were. Nonetheless, I found no problem of getting into this story -- probably because the premise of reunited lovers is making my heart singing with joy (ah, my favorite trope).
I was pretty happy that Megan Derr decided to clear the air about Lesto and Shemal's past misunderstanding very early on. That way, Lesto and Shemal were able to be adorable together *lol*. Besides it didn't mean that they could rest easily, with people trying to kill Lesto, and Shemal being in doubt about their relationship due to his history as a pirate -- no way pirate can be a lover of a high commander and best friend of the high king, right?
I thought it was romantic, and I loved the two men, even if I also found this to be frustratingly shorter than I wish it would.
I was pretty happy that Megan Derr decided to clear the air about Lesto and Shemal's past misunderstanding very early on. That way, Lesto and Shemal were able to be adorable together *lol*. Besides it didn't mean that they could rest easily, with people trying to kill Lesto, and Shemal being in doubt about their relationship due to his history as a pirate -- no way pirate can be a lover of a high commander and best friend of the high king, right?
I thought it was romantic, and I loved the two men, even if I also found this to be frustratingly shorter than I wish it would.
September 4, 2016
I was really looking forward to The Pirate of Fathoms Deep. While the first book, The High King’s Golden Tongue, wasn’t my favorite I did enjoy it. It wasn’t like anything I’d read before, and I liked that Sarrica and Allen didn’t fall immediately in love with each other. I also liked Lesto. I liked how he drove Sarrica crazy, and vice versa, and I was intrigued when Lesto would mention his pirate.
When I realized that the second book would be about Lesto and that very same pirate I was excited. I thought this one was going to surpass the first, because there was already chemistry between the two main characters. I was wrong.
It wasn’t that there was anything wrong with the plot, because it was set up so nicely. Man has an encounter with a pirate that he can’t forget, pirate leaves and he thinks he’ll never see him again, until the day they come face to face. Everything was there that would have made a really romantic, heart pounding, fantasy. Even the characters themselves had interesting traits. All the untapped potential in the story only makes the fact that it wasn’t very good that much worse.
Perhaps if we had gotten the opportunity to read the initial interaction between Lesto and Shemal it would have helped, or maybe if the pacing hadn’t felt so rushed… all I can say for sure is that Shemal came across as way too timid for a super awesome pirate. He was supposed to be strong, mischievous. Sexy. He read like fumbling, shy, and awkward. I could have even excepted that to a degree, if it hadn’t been 90% of what we read. In addition, Lesto was one angry stomping Lord man. He yelled at Sarrica. He yelled at Rene. He yelled at his crew. He even grumped at Shemal, and he was nicest to Shemal. He did more yelling than he did anything romantic, and when he tried to be romantic it fell flat. Probably because everything was rushed through.
When I say everything was rushed through, I mean even the reunion. I was ready, into it, excited when Lesto realized who was in front of him. The initial distrust was there. Then bam, they have it out and Lesto and Shemal are kissing and they both want to be with each other, they’re in love… whirlwind! Which, okay, so I can even get on board with that (if the story is good). Except, that even when things should just be good, they’re both inventing issues. Lesto is grumpy, which Shemal immediately assumes means he isn’t wanted there. Shemal acts nervous, so Lesto immediately acts like it’s because Shemal doesn’t truly want him.
It was all so very frustrating!
None of my complaints has any bearing on the story overall. I know who the next book is about, and disappointed as I am, there’s no way I’m missing it. Does that make me a sucker?
Thank you to Less Than Three Press via Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For this and other reviews, come check us out at Badass Book Reviews!
When I realized that the second book would be about Lesto and that very same pirate I was excited. I thought this one was going to surpass the first, because there was already chemistry between the two main characters. I was wrong.
It wasn’t that there was anything wrong with the plot, because it was set up so nicely. Man has an encounter with a pirate that he can’t forget, pirate leaves and he thinks he’ll never see him again, until the day they come face to face. Everything was there that would have made a really romantic, heart pounding, fantasy. Even the characters themselves had interesting traits. All the untapped potential in the story only makes the fact that it wasn’t very good that much worse.
Perhaps if we had gotten the opportunity to read the initial interaction between Lesto and Shemal it would have helped, or maybe if the pacing hadn’t felt so rushed… all I can say for sure is that Shemal came across as way too timid for a super awesome pirate. He was supposed to be strong, mischievous. Sexy. He read like fumbling, shy, and awkward. I could have even excepted that to a degree, if it hadn’t been 90% of what we read. In addition, Lesto was one angry stomping Lord man. He yelled at Sarrica. He yelled at Rene. He yelled at his crew. He even grumped at Shemal, and he was nicest to Shemal. He did more yelling than he did anything romantic, and when he tried to be romantic it fell flat. Probably because everything was rushed through.
When I say everything was rushed through, I mean even the reunion. I was ready, into it, excited when Lesto realized who was in front of him. The initial distrust was there. Then bam, they have it out and Lesto and Shemal are kissing and they both want to be with each other, they’re in love… whirlwind! Which, okay, so I can even get on board with that (if the story is good). Except, that even when things should just be good, they’re both inventing issues. Lesto is grumpy, which Shemal immediately assumes means he isn’t wanted there. Shemal acts nervous, so Lesto immediately acts like it’s because Shemal doesn’t truly want him.
It was all so very frustrating!
None of my complaints has any bearing on the story overall. I know who the next book is about, and disappointed as I am, there’s no way I’m missing it. Does that make me a sucker?
Thank you to Less Than Three Press via Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For this and other reviews, come check us out at Badass Book Reviews!
July 5, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
The Pirate of Fathoms Deep is the sequel to The High King’s Golden Tongue. While it could be read as a stand alone, the book will be much more enjoyable if you’ve read The High Kings Golden Tongue and you will thoroughly enjoy doing so. Megan Derr is one of the best fantasy writers out there and her books always provide great characters and a strong storyline. The Pirate of Fathoms Deep is certainly no exception. The writing is crisp, clean, and contains Derr’s signature world building and expansive story telling style. From page one, readers are immersed in the narrative and the plot rarely drags or stumbles and if it does, it never lasts for long.
As with many of Derr’s works, the characters of The Pirate of Fathoms Deep serve as the backbone to the rest of the plot. We first met Lesto, the High King’s brother in law and chief military commander, in the High King’s Golden Tongue. And I must confess I was a great deal more taken with Lesto than I was with either of the main characters in that book. He’s brash, brave, and an all around force to be reckoned with. His loyalty and love are absolute, which makes him all the more endearing. Shemal is the one man who, aside from the High King, has ever dared challenge Lesto. And rather than be upset, Lesto is enraptured but Shemal struggles with some real self worth issues. Throughout The Pirate of Fathoms Deep we see him desperately want to believe that Lesto could care for him despite their differences in culture and status. Between these men actions speak louder than words and, while there is never any doubt they belong together, the hurdles they must overcome are written with enough depth and emotion to be truly meaningful. They are a captivating couple and it’s impossible not to become cheerleaders as we follow their story.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
The Pirate of Fathoms Deep is the sequel to The High King’s Golden Tongue. While it could be read as a stand alone, the book will be much more enjoyable if you’ve read The High Kings Golden Tongue and you will thoroughly enjoy doing so. Megan Derr is one of the best fantasy writers out there and her books always provide great characters and a strong storyline. The Pirate of Fathoms Deep is certainly no exception. The writing is crisp, clean, and contains Derr’s signature world building and expansive story telling style. From page one, readers are immersed in the narrative and the plot rarely drags or stumbles and if it does, it never lasts for long.
As with many of Derr’s works, the characters of The Pirate of Fathoms Deep serve as the backbone to the rest of the plot. We first met Lesto, the High King’s brother in law and chief military commander, in the High King’s Golden Tongue. And I must confess I was a great deal more taken with Lesto than I was with either of the main characters in that book. He’s brash, brave, and an all around force to be reckoned with. His loyalty and love are absolute, which makes him all the more endearing. Shemal is the one man who, aside from the High King, has ever dared challenge Lesto. And rather than be upset, Lesto is enraptured but Shemal struggles with some real self worth issues. Throughout The Pirate of Fathoms Deep we see him desperately want to believe that Lesto could care for him despite their differences in culture and status. Between these men actions speak louder than words and, while there is never any doubt they belong together, the hurdles they must overcome are written with enough depth and emotion to be truly meaningful. They are a captivating couple and it’s impossible not to become cheerleaders as we follow their story.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
August 20, 2021
I love Megan Derrs stories, I love her worlds and I love her characters. This one was no different in that respect. Shemal and Lesto were perfect for me.
But I also had a little more trouble becoming lost in this one. I can't explain why but this one just didn't flow as smoothly as some of her other stories. Everything was there, the mystery and romance. Plus we also got to see a tiny bit of Allen and Sarrica. But sometimes I felt the details were lacking. There was also more focus on sex that I found just took me away from the story.
I did love the epilogue and enjoyed the story overall. Maybe I'm just too picky.
ETA Must of been my mood because I loved it this time around. Shemal and Lesto are perfect together.
ETA Definitely my mood the first time around.
But I also had a little more trouble becoming lost in this one. I can't explain why but this one just didn't flow as smoothly as some of her other stories. Everything was there, the mystery and romance. Plus we also got to see a tiny bit of Allen and Sarrica. But sometimes I felt the details were lacking. There was also more focus on sex that I found just took me away from the story.
I did love the epilogue and enjoyed the story overall. Maybe I'm just too picky.
ETA Must of been my mood because I loved it this time around. Shemal and Lesto are perfect together.
ETA Definitely my mood the first time around.
July 15, 2016
Lesto Arseni (High Commander of the Harken Empire’s armies) and Shemal (reformed pirate and herder of goats) did not meet in the best of circumstances. There may have been punches thrown and illicit shagging in unused side-rooms going on. But three years have gone by and neither Lesto or Shemal have forgotten the other. Which is a good thing since their second meeting doesn’t go much better, what with ill-planned kidnappings and unknown killers on their tail. But while their first meeting left them both pining and unsure about how the other felt, this second meeting might just give them the chance to say the things they wished they had said all those years ago. If they only could stop people from trying stab them and/or hold them for ransom long enough for them to straighten things out.
This book was a lot less angsty than the first one in this series, and I have to say that I really liked that about it. Not that I didn’t adore The High King's Golden Tongue, but I needed something light, but full of enough action to keep me distracted from the real world, at the moment and this book delivered just that.
One of the things I really like about this story is that it felt more comfortable in its setting than High King. I think a lot of that has to do with the massive amounts of world building it didn’t need to go into. The fact that Derr just assumed that she didn’t need to rehash all that history and information all over again was a bit of a relief. I certainly find it fascinating, but I think it would have dragged down the pace of this story. That quick pace does a lot for this story, both in how easy it is to read, and with how well it moves the story along. While I might every decade or so enjoy a Tolkien-esk fantasy of epic (walking) proportions, there are times where you just want to enjoy a good fantasy without having to learn every inch of the world before you get to see someone take a stab at someone else with a pointy sword.
And when there wasn’t fighting you had two great MCs that just worked so well together. I love when you can pick up a book and just feel the tension coming off the pages because the MCs are just so into each other that you’d have to be passed-out drunk to miss it. Lesto and Shamel (and boy oh boy did I find our not-so-little pirate just dishy) clicked almost instantly and whenever they were on page together I couldn’t help but feeling glad to be around to see them go back and forth with each other. They clearly have some communication issues, but eh, who doesn’t?
I’m all up for recommending this book, this series, and am anxiously waiting for a book three to come along so I can recommend that one too. Megan Derr really does push my fantasy buttons and this one was a total keysmasher.
4.5 stars
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.
This book was a lot less angsty than the first one in this series, and I have to say that I really liked that about it. Not that I didn’t adore The High King's Golden Tongue, but I needed something light, but full of enough action to keep me distracted from the real world, at the moment and this book delivered just that.
One of the things I really like about this story is that it felt more comfortable in its setting than High King. I think a lot of that has to do with the massive amounts of world building it didn’t need to go into. The fact that Derr just assumed that she didn’t need to rehash all that history and information all over again was a bit of a relief. I certainly find it fascinating, but I think it would have dragged down the pace of this story. That quick pace does a lot for this story, both in how easy it is to read, and with how well it moves the story along. While I might every decade or so enjoy a Tolkien-esk fantasy of epic (walking) proportions, there are times where you just want to enjoy a good fantasy without having to learn every inch of the world before you get to see someone take a stab at someone else with a pointy sword.
And when there wasn’t fighting you had two great MCs that just worked so well together. I love when you can pick up a book and just feel the tension coming off the pages because the MCs are just so into each other that you’d have to be passed-out drunk to miss it. Lesto and Shamel (and boy oh boy did I find our not-so-little pirate just dishy) clicked almost instantly and whenever they were on page together I couldn’t help but feeling glad to be around to see them go back and forth with each other. They clearly have some communication issues, but eh, who doesn’t?
I’m all up for recommending this book, this series, and am anxiously waiting for a book three to come along so I can recommend that one too. Megan Derr really does push my fantasy buttons and this one was a total keysmasher.
4.5 stars
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.
August 17, 2017
3.5 Stars
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher. This has not influenced my review.*
Just like the first book, this one was so much fun and gave me such happy feelings. Seriously, the characters were just so likeable and funny, and I loved the friendly and familial relationships just as much as the romantic ones.
The biggest difference between this and the first book though (other than the main characters) was that this was not a slow-burn romance at all. Lesto and Shemal already had feelings for each other when the book started, and they sorted out the worst of their miscommunication within the first 20%. The rest of the book was mostly everyone teasing the crap out of Lesto—the great High Commander who hadn’t had a lover in a long time—for being smitten and some plot stuff causing problems from outside the relationship. There was some angst from Shemal, worry that Lesto wouldn’t want him, and it got to be a little drawn out when it was still going on in the final third of the book, but I enjoyed the story enough that I didn’t really mind. I felt bad for Shemal that he would still feel that way. I suppose feelings don’t always make sense and, if someone has been hurt or put down or made to feel a certain way in the past, it can be hard to overcome that even if a situation seems so obvious to outsiders.
And oh! This is maybe a very mild spoiler for the first book if you haven’t read it, but I liked that the main character was missing an eye. Not that I want characters to be injured, but you know what I mean. I would’ve liked to see a little more about it, like maybe even just something about how fighting is more difficult or different since his depth perception would be different now, but it wasn’t magically cured, and he wasn’t treated as anything less than whole because of it, so I’ll call this a win for disability rep.
One more thing I liked and have noticed in both books so far is that not only is the society completely accepting of same-sex relationship as being a run-of-the-mill thing, the gender stereotypes are also less rigid. For example, the men wear a lot of the type of the jewelry that would be considered feminine in modern, Western society.
So overall, I think this one wasn’t quite as good as the first book for me since it was a little more romantically mushy and didn’t seem like that much actually happened, but I still really liked the characters and enjoyed the book!
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in Megan Derr's Tales of the High Court series. Anyone who likes M/M high fantasy, lovable characters, humor, and sweet books that make you smile.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher. This has not influenced my review.*
Just like the first book, this one was so much fun and gave me such happy feelings. Seriously, the characters were just so likeable and funny, and I loved the friendly and familial relationships just as much as the romantic ones.
The biggest difference between this and the first book though (other than the main characters) was that this was not a slow-burn romance at all. Lesto and Shemal already had feelings for each other when the book started, and they sorted out the worst of their miscommunication within the first 20%. The rest of the book was mostly everyone teasing the crap out of Lesto—the great High Commander who hadn’t had a lover in a long time—for being smitten and some plot stuff causing problems from outside the relationship. There was some angst from Shemal, worry that Lesto wouldn’t want him, and it got to be a little drawn out when it was still going on in the final third of the book, but I enjoyed the story enough that I didn’t really mind. I felt bad for Shemal that he would still feel that way. I suppose feelings don’t always make sense and, if someone has been hurt or put down or made to feel a certain way in the past, it can be hard to overcome that even if a situation seems so obvious to outsiders.
And oh! This is maybe a very mild spoiler for the first book if you haven’t read it, but I liked that the main character was missing an eye. Not that I want characters to be injured, but you know what I mean. I would’ve liked to see a little more about it, like maybe even just something about how fighting is more difficult or different since his depth perception would be different now, but it wasn’t magically cured, and he wasn’t treated as anything less than whole because of it, so I’ll call this a win for disability rep.
One more thing I liked and have noticed in both books so far is that not only is the society completely accepting of same-sex relationship as being a run-of-the-mill thing, the gender stereotypes are also less rigid. For example, the men wear a lot of the type of the jewelry that would be considered feminine in modern, Western society.
So overall, I think this one wasn’t quite as good as the first book for me since it was a little more romantically mushy and didn’t seem like that much actually happened, but I still really liked the characters and enjoyed the book!
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in Megan Derr's Tales of the High Court series. Anyone who likes M/M high fantasy, lovable characters, humor, and sweet books that make you smile.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
May 5, 2024
Hmm. Second-chance romance between two men who cross paths under unfortunate circumstances (murder). Sadly there was corny dialogue, and the insta-love made the romance feel insubstantial. But as an absolute glutton for slow-burn romances, I suppose this insta-love romance was doomed to be a dud for me. If only I'd read the damn reviews before I bought the book...
February 9, 2020
I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
So, cards on the table. The High King's Golden Tongue is one of my favourite books. I knew there would be a sequel about Lesto while I was reading that one, and as I got to know the character I became more and more excited for a book centred on him. Even so, HKGT was a hard act to follow.
Luckily, this one lived up to it. I don't love it quite as much as HKGT, but then again I didn't really expect to. Shemal is a great character and I liked watching him grow and learning about him and his family and seeing the racism present in this kingdom through his eyes, as he experiences it. Having said that, the racism is by no means systematic, those who believe that people from Shemal's country are somehow inferior are very clearly presented as being in the wrong, and by the end of the book it's something that is being actively combated.
Something else interesting, like I said in my update, is that white characters in this series are a minority, and I don't know if that was never addressed in HKGT or if it was just something that I'd forgotten since I read it. (I've been meaning to re-read it for ages and I wish I'd done that before reading this, but oh well.) Either way, it was something that forced me to reevaluate the pictures of the characters I had in my head, and to challenge the fact that I imagine everyone as white until I am told otherwise - which is obviously not a good thing, and I'm going to work on that.
I enjoyed the progression of Lesto and Shemal's relationship from an ill-advised but fondly-remembered one night stand to something that could truly last, with a goodly amount of relationship angst along the way, of course. Some of it might have been a little overdone; but I cut my teeth on Lord of the Rings angst fanfic in its heyday in the 2000s, so heavy-handed angst is kind of what I live for. Structurally it followed the same formula as HKGT, but again, definitely not a problem. It's basically the same as a general romance novel formula and that is always extremely satisfying.
My one quibble, and the reason that this has four stars and not five, is that Lesto is...kind of extremely violent. I understand that he's the High Commander of the Imperial Army and he has to be hard and ruthless in order to do that job well, and I appreciated that even though he was hard and ruthless and violent he could also be soft and loving and it wasn't ever seen as something that made him weak or less masculine or whatever, but. He did a lot of grabbing people by the throat just to question them, and there was a lot of banter with Rene and Sarrica about punching each other for minor infractions. Even Shemal did it a little with his sister. And they're all siblings and it definitely came across as an inside joke that they all consented to, which is fine, but every time it happened there was a large part of me that was like "ok but...surely we can find other ways to express our masculine frustration?"
Anyway, that was the only quibble I had with it. Overall it is a sweet, enjoyable, satisfying and magnificently queer high fantasy romp, which is exactly the kind of book I love, and I would definitely recommend both this and HKGT to anyone who has a magnificently queer high fantasy romp-sized hole in their life.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to request the third book in this series from Netgalley.
So, cards on the table. The High King's Golden Tongue is one of my favourite books. I knew there would be a sequel about Lesto while I was reading that one, and as I got to know the character I became more and more excited for a book centred on him. Even so, HKGT was a hard act to follow.
Luckily, this one lived up to it. I don't love it quite as much as HKGT, but then again I didn't really expect to. Shemal is a great character and I liked watching him grow and learning about him and his family and seeing the racism present in this kingdom through his eyes, as he experiences it. Having said that, the racism is by no means systematic, those who believe that people from Shemal's country are somehow inferior are very clearly presented as being in the wrong, and by the end of the book it's something that is being actively combated.
Something else interesting, like I said in my update, is that white characters in this series are a minority, and I don't know if that was never addressed in HKGT or if it was just something that I'd forgotten since I read it. (I've been meaning to re-read it for ages and I wish I'd done that before reading this, but oh well.) Either way, it was something that forced me to reevaluate the pictures of the characters I had in my head, and to challenge the fact that I imagine everyone as white until I am told otherwise - which is obviously not a good thing, and I'm going to work on that.
I enjoyed the progression of Lesto and Shemal's relationship from an ill-advised but fondly-remembered one night stand to something that could truly last, with a goodly amount of relationship angst along the way, of course. Some of it might have been a little overdone; but I cut my teeth on Lord of the Rings angst fanfic in its heyday in the 2000s, so heavy-handed angst is kind of what I live for. Structurally it followed the same formula as HKGT, but again, definitely not a problem. It's basically the same as a general romance novel formula and that is always extremely satisfying.
My one quibble, and the reason that this has four stars and not five, is that Lesto is...kind of extremely violent. I understand that he's the High Commander of the Imperial Army and he has to be hard and ruthless in order to do that job well, and I appreciated that even though he was hard and ruthless and violent he could also be soft and loving and it wasn't ever seen as something that made him weak or less masculine or whatever, but. He did a lot of grabbing people by the throat just to question them, and there was a lot of banter with Rene and Sarrica about punching each other for minor infractions. Even Shemal did it a little with his sister. And they're all siblings and it definitely came across as an inside joke that they all consented to, which is fine, but every time it happened there was a large part of me that was like "ok but...surely we can find other ways to express our masculine frustration?"
Anyway, that was the only quibble I had with it. Overall it is a sweet, enjoyable, satisfying and magnificently queer high fantasy romp, which is exactly the kind of book I love, and I would definitely recommend both this and HKGT to anyone who has a magnificently queer high fantasy romp-sized hole in their life.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to request the third book in this series from Netgalley.
March 12, 2019
When I first started this, I was a tad disappointed that this wasn’t just a continuation from Allen and Sarrica’s point of view, but that feeling definitely stick around for long. The only main issue I had was actually the exact same flaw I saw in the first installment, which was that I just couldn’t understand how Shemal and Lesto fell so deep in love that quickly, but it’s a small enough detail to gloss over I suppose.
January 28, 2017
4.5 stars!
'We will stop only when you bury us fathoms deep.' (or the most badass family motto ever)
.
Megan Derr is so consistently good and this series is yet another winner. I love this world of silver tongues, mercenary bands and pirates. The Pirate of Fathoms Deep is the sequel to The High King's Golden Tongue. It opens with the kidnapping of Lesto Arseni, High Commander of the Harken Imperial Army, Duke of Fathoms Deep and best friend of the High King. Luckily, he was rescued by a reformed pirate--the very same pirate who punched him then had an intimate encounter with him a year and a half previously, the pirate that he couldn't get out of his mind since. Shemal vrey Variago spent the last 18 months trying to better himself in hopes that he can somehow become good enough for the High Commander of the empire. Fate must surely be laughing at him when the 2 most incompetent kidnappers in the Empire delivered Lesto at this doorstep. Now Lesto and Shemal have to figure out a plot that resulted in the deaths of an entire ship of Harken citizens while negotiating their feelings for each other.
I really enjoyed the relationship dynamics in this story: Lesto and Shemal's romance, Lesto and Sarrica's friendship and the camaraderie among the Harkenos-Arseni family. I love their banter and teasing, their protectiveness for each other and the constant threats to punch each other when someone does something dangerous, never mind whether it's the Hig King or the High Commander. Lesto is pretty much the best boyfriend ever. I love how tender he is with Shemal one minute, then snarling at his family the next. It's super adorable. Shemal is that endearing combination of badass and shy. They are perfect together. The political and court intrigue aspects of the story is also well done, tho I docked half a star because I felt that the resolution was too easy and too abrupt. Overall, this is another excellent world from Megan Derr and I'm looking to the next book which is Jader's story. Highly recommended!
'We will stop only when you bury us fathoms deep.' (or the most badass family motto ever)
.
Megan Derr is so consistently good and this series is yet another winner. I love this world of silver tongues, mercenary bands and pirates. The Pirate of Fathoms Deep is the sequel to The High King's Golden Tongue. It opens with the kidnapping of Lesto Arseni, High Commander of the Harken Imperial Army, Duke of Fathoms Deep and best friend of the High King. Luckily, he was rescued by a reformed pirate--the very same pirate who punched him then had an intimate encounter with him a year and a half previously, the pirate that he couldn't get out of his mind since. Shemal vrey Variago spent the last 18 months trying to better himself in hopes that he can somehow become good enough for the High Commander of the empire. Fate must surely be laughing at him when the 2 most incompetent kidnappers in the Empire delivered Lesto at this doorstep. Now Lesto and Shemal have to figure out a plot that resulted in the deaths of an entire ship of Harken citizens while negotiating their feelings for each other.
I really enjoyed the relationship dynamics in this story: Lesto and Shemal's romance, Lesto and Sarrica's friendship and the camaraderie among the Harkenos-Arseni family. I love their banter and teasing, their protectiveness for each other and the constant threats to punch each other when someone does something dangerous, never mind whether it's the Hig King or the High Commander. Lesto is pretty much the best boyfriend ever. I love how tender he is with Shemal one minute, then snarling at his family the next. It's super adorable. Shemal is that endearing combination of badass and shy. They are perfect together. The political and court intrigue aspects of the story is also well done, tho I docked half a star because I felt that the resolution was too easy and too abrupt. Overall, this is another excellent world from Megan Derr and I'm looking to the next book which is Jader's story. Highly recommended!
July 15, 2016
The Pirate of Fathoms Deep
is a marvelous tale of friendship and love between two strong men. There’s a small mention of the incident that brought Lesto and Shemal together in the first book in the series, but not enough to realized more had happened or would happen between the two of them.
Lesto is Harken’s High Commander, but more importantly, he’s High King Sarrica’s right hand and best friend. Their friendship kept them alive in the battlefield and now, helped them run the Empire. Their bromance stays strong in this book and extends to Allen and Shemal, too. Lesto is also the Duke of Fathoms Deep and Nyle’s and Rene’s older brother. He runs his troops and his family/friends like a well-oiled machine.
Shemal is trying to put his pirate ways behind him, but trouble met him at his door. The last thing he expected in his remote parcel were two of his mates bringing him, without warning, the very man he had wanted for the last eighteen months. The man he was trying to be better for. But after all, a pirate can’t resist a treasure.
Since that first encounter, they have been jonesing for the other without a way to get in contact. They both wanted normal lives with a family and a partner. They keep a strong veneer for everyone else, but when together, they were able to relax and be vulnerable. The way the first met, didn’t allow the other to share their wants, but in the end, destiny brought them together. The chain of events they were involved in helped to bring them closer and closer until they surrendered to each other.
Read complete review at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
ARC provided by Less Than Three Press in exchange for an honest review.
Lesto is Harken’s High Commander, but more importantly, he’s High King Sarrica’s right hand and best friend. Their friendship kept them alive in the battlefield and now, helped them run the Empire. Their bromance stays strong in this book and extends to Allen and Shemal, too. Lesto is also the Duke of Fathoms Deep and Nyle’s and Rene’s older brother. He runs his troops and his family/friends like a well-oiled machine.
Shemal is trying to put his pirate ways behind him, but trouble met him at his door. The last thing he expected in his remote parcel were two of his mates bringing him, without warning, the very man he had wanted for the last eighteen months. The man he was trying to be better for. But after all, a pirate can’t resist a treasure.
Since that first encounter, they have been jonesing for the other without a way to get in contact. They both wanted normal lives with a family and a partner. They keep a strong veneer for everyone else, but when together, they were able to relax and be vulnerable. The way the first met, didn’t allow the other to share their wants, but in the end, destiny brought them together. The chain of events they were involved in helped to bring them closer and closer until they surrendered to each other.
Read complete review at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
ARC provided by Less Than Three Press in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2016
Ummm. Did I mention that "check if it's book 2 in the series thing?" Oops. Again.
Still, I was able to read this fine without having read book 1. Lesto, the head of the king's security, ends up getting kidnapped and rescued by the pirate who had sex with several months ago and figured he'd never see again. Once they realize that they are in a bit of trouble, they set off to tell the king what is going on, a several days journey. Along the way the sexual tension sizzles, but both figure the other is not interested or interested for the wrong reasons. They are set upon by baddies and Lesto is badly injured (I think he was poisoned) and Shamal the former pirate has to help save him.
There is lots of political intrigue with the different kingdoms, but I just loved Lesto and Shamal and their banter and they were just perfect for each other. I stayed up way to late on a work night reading this. Haven't done that in a LONG time. Ran right out and bought book 1. Highly recommend.
Still, I was able to read this fine without having read book 1. Lesto, the head of the king's security, ends up getting kidnapped and rescued by the pirate who had sex with several months ago and figured he'd never see again. Once they realize that they are in a bit of trouble, they set off to tell the king what is going on, a several days journey. Along the way the sexual tension sizzles, but both figure the other is not interested or interested for the wrong reasons. They are set upon by baddies and Lesto is badly injured (I think he was poisoned) and Shamal the former pirate has to help save him.
There is lots of political intrigue with the different kingdoms, but I just loved Lesto and Shamal and their banter and they were just perfect for each other. I stayed up way to late on a work night reading this. Haven't done that in a LONG time. Ran right out and bought book 1. Highly recommend.
April 16, 2017
Update. Lifting this to 5 stars. Loved it even more this time.
I didn't read Book 1 and it didn't hinder my enjoyment of this one. It did make me want to find it, and read more shenanigans between Lesto and Sarrico. They certainly are a pair of stubborn twits.
I love how they get away with being complete idiots and their partners, armies, servants, personal assistants and generally the entire country look on fondly and ignore them.
Lesto and Shemal have real chemistry. Their back and forth, their misunderstandings and their running away all makes sense and fits with their characters.
But there's so much to love here. The kidnapping, the escape, the attack and all the while trying to work out what the devil's going on, makes for a fast and fun read.
Copy provided by Netgalley, read with thanks. Released tomorrow - the 13th of July.
I didn't read Book 1 and it didn't hinder my enjoyment of this one. It did make me want to find it, and read more shenanigans between Lesto and Sarrico. They certainly are a pair of stubborn twits.
I love how they get away with being complete idiots and their partners, armies, servants, personal assistants and generally the entire country look on fondly and ignore them.
Lesto and Shemal have real chemistry. Their back and forth, their misunderstandings and their running away all makes sense and fits with their characters.
But there's so much to love here. The kidnapping, the escape, the attack and all the while trying to work out what the devil's going on, makes for a fast and fun read.
Copy provided by Netgalley, read with thanks. Released tomorrow - the 13th of July.
July 18, 2016
Loved it, loved it, loved it! *doing happy dance now* Counted every day 'till its release day, and it exceeded my expectations, even though they were insanely high. Really, Megan Derr is killing it with this series.
zz-dnf
February 19, 2023DNF @ 54%
May 20, 2024
4⭐
I liked these characters a lot, always nice to have some more mature men (around 40 here). I'm not sure if I'd have liked to experience the events that happened during the first book a bit more thoroughly, now they are flashbacks that we go back to in bits and pieces. I like these two together but the build up might have been even nicer if it was done differently. These two big manly idiots are sort of bad at communicating, but the relationship still progresses quite nicely. The mystery/adventure plot actually takes a back seat in this book.
This time both leads are fighters, and I think the tough love that these guys show each other and some of their friends might bug some readers. There's a lot of shoving, smacking and ribbing. It does only happen between these "warrior types" so I thought it was mostly okay, but it was noticeable. Maybe would have been better slightly toned down.
We meet most of the major characters from first book, and I think their moments are probably much better if one has actually read it. So while this series has distinct couples for each title, I'd still recommend it to be read in order.
I liked these characters a lot, always nice to have some more mature men (around 40 here). I'm not sure if I'd have liked to experience the events that happened during the first book a bit more thoroughly, now they are flashbacks that we go back to in bits and pieces. I like these two together but the build up might have been even nicer if it was done differently. These two big manly idiots are sort of bad at communicating, but the relationship still progresses quite nicely. The mystery/adventure plot actually takes a back seat in this book.
This time both leads are fighters, and I think the tough love that these guys show each other and some of their friends might bug some readers. There's a lot of shoving, smacking and ribbing. It does only happen between these "warrior types" so I thought it was mostly okay, but it was noticeable. Maybe would have been better slightly toned down.
We meet most of the major characters from first book, and I think their moments are probably much better if one has actually read it. So while this series has distinct couples for each title, I'd still recommend it to be read in order.
May 11, 2016
I was given an ARC of this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I was really looking forward to this book, because Lesto was my favourite character in the first instalment and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed.
At first, I did feel as though the discrepancy between how the two characters are shown to be when the story is from their point of view in disposition with when it’s from the other’s point of view was too big. We get this idea of Shemal from Lesto’s eyes, and immediately we see when it’s Shemal’s turn how wrong that picture is. I both liked and disliked this.
It felt a bit flippant to be honest, and I had difficulty seeing the Lesto I’d really liked in the first book here as well. But, once they removed the misunderstandings and Lesto did more than just mentally drool over his pirate (though there was quite a bit of that as well) I finally saw the High Commander I’d really liked.
In the beginning I didn’t really know what to think of Shemal. When the confrontation over the misunderstanding happens 20 pages in, and I see Shemal’s thought process, I kind of stopped reading for a bit and set the book aside. It felt too much like “I want this. Now I want that.” Also Shemal’s persistent self-deprecation felt out of character. But, as I read onwards, he grew on me.
And after their first reconciliation I actually really got on a role with this book and finished it in one sitting.
There were some errors (not too many), that did make me frown a bit. Two of them were simple mistakes as writing Ren instead of Rene, or Shema instead of Shemal. Others tense usage. So, I think if before the writer publishes this book, she should just get someone to go through it again these should be picked out and this issue won’t be a problem.
Also, one point that left me in confusion is that Shemal is referred to as not having the right equipment to have children, a point not further expanded upon which would have been nice to know – since mpreg is possible in this series.
A bit cheesy at times, and completely predictable, but still an enjoyable read. Recommended, especially if you want to know what happened to Lesto after Sarrica and Allen got their HEA. And the epilogue was great in giving us an insight that even a bit further down the road these two will be doing well.
With that preview at the end, I’m really looking forward to the next installment in the series.
This review has been cross-posted on GBR
I was really looking forward to this book, because Lesto was my favourite character in the first instalment and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed.
At first, I did feel as though the discrepancy between how the two characters are shown to be when the story is from their point of view in disposition with when it’s from the other’s point of view was too big. We get this idea of Shemal from Lesto’s eyes, and immediately we see when it’s Shemal’s turn how wrong that picture is. I both liked and disliked this.
It felt a bit flippant to be honest, and I had difficulty seeing the Lesto I’d really liked in the first book here as well. But, once they removed the misunderstandings and Lesto did more than just mentally drool over his pirate (though there was quite a bit of that as well) I finally saw the High Commander I’d really liked.
In the beginning I didn’t really know what to think of Shemal. When the confrontation over the misunderstanding happens 20 pages in, and I see Shemal’s thought process, I kind of stopped reading for a bit and set the book aside. It felt too much like “I want this. Now I want that.” Also Shemal’s persistent self-deprecation felt out of character. But, as I read onwards, he grew on me.
And after their first reconciliation I actually really got on a role with this book and finished it in one sitting.
There were some errors (not too many), that did make me frown a bit. Two of them were simple mistakes as writing Ren instead of Rene, or Shema instead of Shemal. Others tense usage. So, I think if before the writer publishes this book, she should just get someone to go through it again these should be picked out and this issue won’t be a problem.
Also, one point that left me in confusion is that Shemal is referred to as not having the right equipment to have children, a point not further expanded upon which would have been nice to know – since mpreg is possible in this series.
“One of these days, I will have a proper gift for you.”
“Wear nothing but those earrings and I’ll call it even”
A bit cheesy at times, and completely predictable, but still an enjoyable read. Recommended, especially if you want to know what happened to Lesto after Sarrica and Allen got their HEA. And the epilogue was great in giving us an insight that even a bit further down the road these two will be doing well.
With that preview at the end, I’m really looking forward to the next installment in the series.
This review has been cross-posted on GBR
July 9, 2016
4.5 Stars!
This was book two in the Tales of the High Court series set in the mighty Harken Empire.To properly enjoy this book, I believe it'll be prudent to read book 1- The High King's Golden Tongue -though that shouldn't be a chore as it is also a great book!
We got to know & love the High Commander Lesto in book 1, with his penchant for pushing around & bossing the High King (& practically everybody) around him, his fierce protectiveness over those he loves and his no nonsense attitude.
Shemal, the ex-pirate was also introduced , albeit in passing in book one. We get to know the man better as a fearless , loyal & resourceful person who unfortunately was prone to self doubt because of the difference in status between himself and Lesto.
I mentioned in my review for book one that I would've loved for more romance to be introduced into the series. I got my wish in this one. It's like Megan Derr looked into my romantic heart made it happen. This also made way for more sexy times which I had not a single qualm about. In fact, I found myself looking forward to those.
Sexy Times= Happy Times for me. Yeah I know l. Sue. Me. ;)
I loved these two together because they complemented each other ; Lesto because he needed someone who wasn't either afraid of him or after his wealth and Shemal because he needed to allow himself to be taken care of and realize that his worth lay not in material possessions but in his innate characteristics.Their relationship did move quite swiftly considering, but given the pace of the book, it more than worked.
The story also had all the elements I loved from the first book: hilarious banter [especially between Sarrica & Lesto ] ,political intrigues , exciting action scenes and the seamless diversity present throughout . Roles,occupations and appointments were not set according ethnicity, nationality or gender but by ability . Generals, captains& mercenaries weren't necessarily men and secretaries ,healers & child minders weren't necessarily women. I loved it.
New dimensions were also added to the existing world from book 1 which made the story richer. It was very fast paced [Even faster than the first and unfortunately shorter(booooo!)] lol ... This made for shorter reading time, when all I wanted to do was read on and on and on about this fascinating world. This resulted in the 4.5 star rating and would've been a 5 star review otherwise. :D
The next book is scheduled to come out in 2017 and my only question to Megan Derr and the publishers is :
HOW ON EARTH DO YOU EXPECT ME TO SURVIVE THAT LONG TILL IT COMES OUT?! *wails*
I received an eARC of this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review
This was book two in the Tales of the High Court series set in the mighty Harken Empire.To properly enjoy this book, I believe it'll be prudent to read book 1- The High King's Golden Tongue -though that shouldn't be a chore as it is also a great book!
We got to know & love the High Commander Lesto in book 1, with his penchant for pushing around & bossing the High King (& practically everybody) around him, his fierce protectiveness over those he loves and his no nonsense attitude.
Shemal, the ex-pirate was also introduced , albeit in passing in book one. We get to know the man better as a fearless , loyal & resourceful person who unfortunately was prone to self doubt because of the difference in status between himself and Lesto.
I mentioned in my review for book one that I would've loved for more romance to be introduced into the series. I got my wish in this one. It's like Megan Derr looked into my romantic heart made it happen. This also made way for more sexy times which I had not a single qualm about. In fact, I found myself looking forward to those.
Sexy Times= Happy Times for me. Yeah I know l. Sue. Me. ;)
I loved these two together because they complemented each other ; Lesto because he needed someone who wasn't either afraid of him or after his wealth and Shemal because he needed to allow himself to be taken care of and realize that his worth lay not in material possessions but in his innate characteristics.Their relationship did move quite swiftly considering, but given the pace of the book, it more than worked.
The story also had all the elements I loved from the first book: hilarious banter [especially between Sarrica & Lesto ] ,political intrigues , exciting action scenes and the seamless diversity present throughout . Roles,occupations and appointments were not set according ethnicity, nationality or gender but by ability . Generals, captains& mercenaries weren't necessarily men and secretaries ,healers & child minders weren't necessarily women. I loved it.
New dimensions were also added to the existing world from book 1 which made the story richer. It was very fast paced [Even faster than the first and unfortunately shorter(booooo!)] lol ... This made for shorter reading time, when all I wanted to do was read on and on and on about this fascinating world. This resulted in the 4.5 star rating and would've been a 5 star review otherwise. :D
The next book is scheduled to come out in 2017 and my only question to Megan Derr and the publishers is :
HOW ON EARTH DO YOU EXPECT ME TO SURVIVE THAT LONG TILL IT COMES OUT?! *wails*
I received an eARC of this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review
April 7, 2025
The second and once more delightful installment of the Tales of the High Court series, this time featuring an irritable Commander and a former pirate who's trying to be a better man.
Content warnings include: violence, death, kidnapping, hostage situation, oppression and discrimination, class difference, sex on-page, character has one eye.
The dedication of this book already made me feel all the feels and sets the mood and message of the book:
The other protaginist is High Commander Lesto Arseni, who's an important side character in book 1 of the series, The High King's Golden Tongue. While I think this book can be read as standalone as the plot is self contained, I do highly recommend reading the series in order to better understand the dynamics within the core group
Shemal and Lesto have their first meeing in book 1, though off page. In The Pirate of Fathoms Deep their romance develops very fast after they meet again, and it goes from 0 to 100 very quickly. The two of them talk a lot, but there are also a lot of misunderstandings and miscommunication due to both their tempers and jumping to conclusions. It was still not an overly angsty read in my opinion.
Both characters are in their late thirties/early fourties, and I appreciated that one of the main conflicts in this book is still centered around insecurity and not feeling worthy or something or someone.
Aside from the romance plotline that centers around Lesto and Shemal's relationship and also Shemal's reaction to and reception at the High Court, there is also one more action/mystery packed storyline that involes another country, politics and sneaky attacks. It was very secondary to the relationship, and I wish it had been handled more in depth, but was still interesting to read.
Much like book 1, something I particularly enjoyed was the friendships between the characters: mainly Lesto and Sarrica, but the entire dynamics of the group featuring those two as well as Allen, Rene, Jac, and more, was great.
Content warnings include: violence, death, kidnapping, hostage situation, oppression and discrimination, class difference, sex on-page, character has one eye.
The dedication of this book already made me feel all the feels and sets the mood and message of the book:
To everyone who thinks they aren't good enough. You are.It reflects a lot of the internal conflict that Shemal, one of the two main characters, faces continuously throughout the book.
The other protaginist is High Commander Lesto Arseni, who's an important side character in book 1 of the series, The High King's Golden Tongue. While I think this book can be read as standalone as the plot is self contained, I do highly recommend reading the series in order to better understand the dynamics within the core group
Shemal and Lesto have their first meeing in book 1, though off page. In The Pirate of Fathoms Deep their romance develops very fast after they meet again, and it goes from 0 to 100 very quickly. The two of them talk a lot, but there are also a lot of misunderstandings and miscommunication due to both their tempers and jumping to conclusions. It was still not an overly angsty read in my opinion.
Both characters are in their late thirties/early fourties, and I appreciated that one of the main conflicts in this book is still centered around insecurity and not feeling worthy or something or someone.
Aside from the romance plotline that centers around Lesto and Shemal's relationship and also Shemal's reaction to and reception at the High Court, there is also one more action/mystery packed storyline that involes another country, politics and sneaky attacks. It was very secondary to the relationship, and I wish it had been handled more in depth, but was still interesting to read.
Much like book 1, something I particularly enjoyed was the friendships between the characters: mainly Lesto and Sarrica, but the entire dynamics of the group featuring those two as well as Allen, Rene, Jac, and more, was great.
October 17, 2016
3.75 stars
I really liked this world from Book #1 The High King's Golden Tongue and was intrigued by Lesto's character from the glimpses we had of him previously, so I was really looking forward to this one - and of course, there be PIRATES! :D
I definitely think you need to read Book #1 before picking this one up to fully appreciate everything, as otherwise you would lose quite a lot about the world and the people would not be known to you. I think the only reason I cared about some of the things happening, was because I remembered them from last time, so def start from the beginning.
Shemal's character was very likeable, even though we didn't know him from before, but I was slightly disappointed that Lesto & Shemal got together so soon and seemed to have very deep feelings for each other too quickly, considering the very short interactions they had had previously. So it was definitely an insta-love story...
However, when taking into consideration the setting/world/series, I still really enjoyed reading this - there was all the usual Megan Derr humour & bickering, with some intrigue and adventure thrown in...although I would have loved for it to have been a bit longer.
I really liked this world from Book #1 The High King's Golden Tongue and was intrigued by Lesto's character from the glimpses we had of him previously, so I was really looking forward to this one - and of course, there be PIRATES! :D
I definitely think you need to read Book #1 before picking this one up to fully appreciate everything, as otherwise you would lose quite a lot about the world and the people would not be known to you. I think the only reason I cared about some of the things happening, was because I remembered them from last time, so def start from the beginning.
Shemal's character was very likeable, even though we didn't know him from before, but I was slightly disappointed that Lesto & Shemal got together so soon and seemed to have very deep feelings for each other too quickly, considering the very short interactions they had had previously. So it was definitely an insta-love story...
However, when taking into consideration the setting/world/series, I still really enjoyed reading this - there was all the usual Megan Derr humour & bickering, with some intrigue and adventure thrown in...although I would have loved for it to have been a bit longer.
September 6, 2016
3.5 stars.
This was a frustrating read, to say the least. I've been looking forward to Lesto's story, and I guess my expectations were too high.
The premise was really good. Lesto & Shemal's initial meeting, the chemistry between them, the second chance meeting months later...it was all a very nice set-up. Even the misunderstandings and Shemal's angst over being so inferior in status compared to Lesto were understandable and quite heartbreaking. But as the story went on, Shemal's constant self-loathing got exhausting to the extreme. Never once Lesto gave an impression he thought Shemal beneath himself, but Shemal was such an insecure wreck. He frustrated the hell out of me.
I'm hoping the next book is better.
This was a frustrating read, to say the least. I've been looking forward to Lesto's story, and I guess my expectations were too high.
The premise was really good. Lesto & Shemal's initial meeting, the chemistry between them, the second chance meeting months later...it was all a very nice set-up. Even the misunderstandings and Shemal's angst over being so inferior in status compared to Lesto were understandable and quite heartbreaking. But as the story went on, Shemal's constant self-loathing got exhausting to the extreme. Never once Lesto gave an impression he thought Shemal beneath himself, but Shemal was such an insecure wreck. He frustrated the hell out of me.
I'm hoping the next book is better.
December 1, 2022
4 Stars
Audiobook Review
I enjoyed this one, listening to Lesto and Shemal circle each other, as they both were attracted but thought the other wasn't interested. I really liked Lesto in the first one and he just kept on in this one. The friendship between him and royal household was fabulous and I loved that they all accepted Shemal so quickly. I also enjoyed Shemal working out his place in the his new world
Audiobook Review
I enjoyed this one, listening to Lesto and Shemal circle each other, as they both were attracted but thought the other wasn't interested. I really liked Lesto in the first one and he just kept on in this one. The friendship between him and royal household was fabulous and I loved that they all accepted Shemal so quickly. I also enjoyed Shemal working out his place in the his new world
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