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The Stonewatchers #1
Kestrel's Talon
Novel (135,031 words)
Genre(s): Fantasy, Triad, LGBT+/GSM
Following the Prentish/Nemarri war, Kes is rejected by his homeland under the guise of religious purity laws. Though he's spared execution, the proud Nemarri's fate is only marginally more merciful than death when he is sold into sexual slavery at a prosperous pleasure house.
Despite his stoic endurance, Kes knows he’s reaching his breaking point, but there is nothing he can do—there is no path to freedom in the Holy Prentish Empire, only a lifetime of humiliating servitude.
That is, until a beautiful young slave and his formidable master approach Kes in the marketplace and make an astonishing offer to take him home with them. The only problem: “home” is the accursed Horthmont Castle from the scare-stories of Kes’s childhood.
Thrown into a world of living myth, powerful magic, and ancient gods, Kes learns the secrets kept hidden by Horthmont’s thick blackstone walls. There he discovers something he thought he’d never know again: hope for the future.
Genre(s): Fantasy, Triad, LGBT+/GSM
Following the Prentish/Nemarri war, Kes is rejected by his homeland under the guise of religious purity laws. Though he's spared execution, the proud Nemarri's fate is only marginally more merciful than death when he is sold into sexual slavery at a prosperous pleasure house.
Despite his stoic endurance, Kes knows he’s reaching his breaking point, but there is nothing he can do—there is no path to freedom in the Holy Prentish Empire, only a lifetime of humiliating servitude.
That is, until a beautiful young slave and his formidable master approach Kes in the marketplace and make an astonishing offer to take him home with them. The only problem: “home” is the accursed Horthmont Castle from the scare-stories of Kes’s childhood.
Thrown into a world of living myth, powerful magic, and ancient gods, Kes learns the secrets kept hidden by Horthmont’s thick blackstone walls. There he discovers something he thought he’d never know again: hope for the future.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2016
37 people are currently reading
1142 people want to read
About the author
Bey Deckard
29 books775 followersArtist, dog lover, and writer of very queer, very adult fiction.
Bey lives in Montréal, Canada where he spends most of his time writing, doing graphic work, painting portraits, speaking French, cooking tasty vegetarian eats, or watching more movies than is good for him. If you’re the curious type, www.beydeckard.com is where you’ll find art and free stories by Bey as well as information on his published works.
100% human-powered creator.
Bey lives in Montréal, Canada where he spends most of his time writing, doing graphic work, painting portraits, speaking French, cooking tasty vegetarian eats, or watching more movies than is good for him. If you’re the curious type, www.beydeckard.com is where you’ll find art and free stories by Bey as well as information on his published works.
100% human-powered creator.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
May 28, 2016
A Tag-Team Review with Cupcake!
4 Hearts--Bey Deckard's, Kestrel's Talon (The Stonewatchers, #1), is a fantasy based romance that stars a triad that find themselves themselves and try to heal along a twisted path. In this fictional world, there are slaves, civil unrest among those who are slaves and freemen alike, telepaths, religion/mythology, lost cultures and a QUILTBAG cast of characters.
If I had known what all was going to be introduced *cough*namely psychics*cough*, I'd...probably not read it as soon as I did. But the premise intrigued me and the main characters actually won me over by the end. So if an anti-psychic reader can say it wasn't all that bad and kind of cool, you might want to check this out.
Kestrel is an ex-soldier, now forced into slavery in a pleasure house. He comes from a bigoted country when his sexuality is against their religion. Now in the Holy Empire of Pren, where slaves are the lowest of the low, his fountain of hope is all but run out. Until he locks eyes with a young ginger haired slave by the name of Talon. Talon is infectious and his master, a gentle giant with a reputation, Count Strade, purchase Kes and change what he knew as his life forever.
This story is long, 135K. And I will admit, the first 20% took me days to finish. It was interesting but not what I expected. I went in thinking it was going to be a dark, kinky tale between two slaves. But instead there was an extra partner, an asexual partner that threw my preconceptions out the door. The next 70%? I consumed in less than a day, I couldn't wait to find out what's next. The tale might take some time to get to a point (and when the paranormal part with shifters came to play) I couldn't get enough of it.
This book would work best for fantasy lovers, but it's not for everyone.
Let's get the triggers out front and center - rape (off page) and physical violence (between partners). I wouldn't necessarily call this story dark. I thought the tone was cool, angsty in spots. But not something I'll be afraid to read in the dark alone. Though there was a few spooky bits...oh if they were only longer. I've read darker work from this author, this is a 1.5 out of 5 on the dark scale for me.
The setting was hands down the winner for me. This author is wickedly talented with setting a scene, creating a landscape and describing the smells, colors and environment. It's 5 Hearts for me.
The story is swimming in 3.5-4 Hearts pool. The plots and side plots were good, the execution was mostly solid. I don't mind flashbacks, this story has an abundance. And sometimes the branching out to a flashback and jumping back to present time could be a little jarring in spots. Or the flashback scene here and there would end a mite early. Overall, solid but it's a beginning. I want to read the entire story and then review it on a whole. Kestrel's Talon is supposed to be the base of the triad's relationship.
The characters were 4 Hearts - I don't have a definite favorite of the throuple. Each guy brought something different to the relationship.
-Kes is struggling with his recovery, struggling with his lot in life especially after such horrific conditions. He is so angry, it's justified to me. I think the author did a good job of showing why he reacts the way he does and is so possessive of his spot of happiness. Imagine if you've never had any bit of hope and then a ray of sunshine is forcing themselves into your pocket? Reactions will be bumpy.
-Talon, the nubile, naive ginger slave whose innocence (and he's not innocent the least) brings a sense of newness that is refreshing. I didn't want anything to go wrong in his world. And I hated that he was a slave (not a sexy slave - but slave with no say in the world he lived in) But his perspective on life was a nice touch. There was no ounce of jadedness to be found here.
-Count Strade or Grimma, he was the enigma for me. And definitely not what I'd imagine to go with his looks. His back story, was shared in sections throughout the story. So he's the one the reader gets the most information on. He's sweet and interesting.
The secondary characters were the ones that really helped move this story along. I think my favorite character (including the leads) so far is Hessa. And she doesn't even speak!
The story ends on a sweet, loose end note. A soft cliffhanger, if you will. There isn't as much action, more setting the groundwork of more to come. I have questions and hopes for the future of this series. I want to know about Talon's ancestry, Kes' too. What is up with the telepathy stuff? Too many question marks at the end for me and not enough periods. ;D
This story has potential, it gives more than decent framework. But I had quibbles.
- The villains/bad guys - I want retribution. Badly. Especially for the one who took advantage of the ginger.
- This triad...I'm about 75% sold on them. It might be because not all parties are equals, the hypersexual to asexual ratio or though this is super novel, I don't feel like I got enough of a sense of each character. Or it could be a combination of the three. Something about this throuple just doesn't seem rock solid. They are new partners to relationship: there is infighting, insecurities, jealousies and stupid decisions. But I'm not sure if they're hearts are all in it because they ALL wanted to or there wasn't any other choice.
-The last 10% - it was a lull for me. I understand this is a beginning all 135K of this novel. But the last 10% seemed rushed, a little too sweet and just a little anticlimactic after all that happened in the last 90%.
Though this story is long, other than my slow start, this story was pretty easy to zip through. I definitely would read more of this series. It's more on the cerebral plot heavy than swords dashing and dukes flying. I didn't know how much I liked it until reflecting on the cool twists and turns...and I'm not telling you because it's one for fantasy lovers who don't mind flashbacks and a plot slow burn to discover for themselves.
A copy provided for an honest review.
4 Hearts--Bey Deckard's, Kestrel's Talon (The Stonewatchers, #1), is a fantasy based romance that stars a triad that find themselves themselves and try to heal along a twisted path. In this fictional world, there are slaves, civil unrest among those who are slaves and freemen alike, telepaths, religion/mythology, lost cultures and a QUILTBAG cast of characters.
If I had known what all was going to be introduced *cough*namely psychics*cough*, I'd...probably not read it as soon as I did. But the premise intrigued me and the main characters actually won me over by the end. So if an anti-psychic reader can say it wasn't all that bad and kind of cool, you might want to check this out.
Kestrel is an ex-soldier, now forced into slavery in a pleasure house. He comes from a bigoted country when his sexuality is against their religion. Now in the Holy Empire of Pren, where slaves are the lowest of the low, his fountain of hope is all but run out. Until he locks eyes with a young ginger haired slave by the name of Talon. Talon is infectious and his master, a gentle giant with a reputation, Count Strade, purchase Kes and change what he knew as his life forever.
This story is long, 135K. And I will admit, the first 20% took me days to finish. It was interesting but not what I expected. I went in thinking it was going to be a dark, kinky tale between two slaves. But instead there was an extra partner, an asexual partner that threw my preconceptions out the door. The next 70%? I consumed in less than a day, I couldn't wait to find out what's next. The tale might take some time to get to a point (and when the paranormal part with shifters came to play) I couldn't get enough of it.
This book would work best for fantasy lovers, but it's not for everyone.
Let's get the triggers out front and center - rape (off page) and physical violence (between partners). I wouldn't necessarily call this story dark. I thought the tone was cool, angsty in spots. But not something I'll be afraid to read in the dark alone. Though there was a few spooky bits...oh if they were only longer. I've read darker work from this author, this is a 1.5 out of 5 on the dark scale for me.
The setting was hands down the winner for me. This author is wickedly talented with setting a scene, creating a landscape and describing the smells, colors and environment. It's 5 Hearts for me.
The story is swimming in 3.5-4 Hearts pool. The plots and side plots were good, the execution was mostly solid. I don't mind flashbacks, this story has an abundance. And sometimes the branching out to a flashback and jumping back to present time could be a little jarring in spots. Or the flashback scene here and there would end a mite early. Overall, solid but it's a beginning. I want to read the entire story and then review it on a whole. Kestrel's Talon is supposed to be the base of the triad's relationship.
The characters were 4 Hearts - I don't have a definite favorite of the throuple. Each guy brought something different to the relationship.
-Kes is struggling with his recovery, struggling with his lot in life especially after such horrific conditions. He is so angry, it's justified to me. I think the author did a good job of showing why he reacts the way he does and is so possessive of his spot of happiness. Imagine if you've never had any bit of hope and then a ray of sunshine is forcing themselves into your pocket? Reactions will be bumpy.
-Talon, the nubile, naive ginger slave whose innocence (and he's not innocent the least) brings a sense of newness that is refreshing. I didn't want anything to go wrong in his world. And I hated that he was a slave (not a sexy slave - but slave with no say in the world he lived in) But his perspective on life was a nice touch. There was no ounce of jadedness to be found here.
-Count Strade or Grimma, he was the enigma for me. And definitely not what I'd imagine to go with his looks. His back story, was shared in sections throughout the story. So he's the one the reader gets the most information on. He's sweet and interesting.
The secondary characters were the ones that really helped move this story along. I think my favorite character (including the leads) so far is Hessa. And she doesn't even speak!
The story ends on a sweet, loose end note. A soft cliffhanger, if you will. There isn't as much action, more setting the groundwork of more to come. I have questions and hopes for the future of this series. I want to know about Talon's ancestry, Kes' too. What is up with the telepathy stuff? Too many question marks at the end for me and not enough periods. ;D
This story has potential, it gives more than decent framework. But I had quibbles.
- The villains/bad guys - I want retribution. Badly. Especially for the one who took advantage of the ginger.
- This triad...I'm about 75% sold on them. It might be because not all parties are equals, the hypersexual to asexual ratio or though this is super novel, I don't feel like I got enough of a sense of each character. Or it could be a combination of the three. Something about this throuple just doesn't seem rock solid. They are new partners to relationship: there is infighting, insecurities, jealousies and stupid decisions. But I'm not sure if they're hearts are all in it because they ALL wanted to or there wasn't any other choice.
-The last 10% - it was a lull for me. I understand this is a beginning all 135K of this novel. But the last 10% seemed rushed, a little too sweet and just a little anticlimactic after all that happened in the last 90%.
Though this story is long, other than my slow start, this story was pretty easy to zip through. I definitely would read more of this series. It's more on the cerebral plot heavy than swords dashing and dukes flying. I didn't know how much I liked it until reflecting on the cool twists and turns...and I'm not telling you because it's one for fantasy lovers who don't mind flashbacks and a plot slow burn to discover for themselves.
A copy provided for an honest review.
Read
March 15, 2018
A Quiet Moment - Art by Catherine Dair
What to say about this book? Hmm. Well... I like writing triads. I really do. And I love these characters dearly... especially the one not mentioned in the title (you'll see). It's not particularly dark... at least I don't think so. It's mostly a story about trust and hope and healing.
It was going to be a standalone, but as I was writing it, I realized that it would take more than one book to tell the whole story. So this is the beginning... and I think it's a good beginning. :)
June 1, 2016
BR w/Baby!
I hate to do this, I really do especially after having been so vocal with my excite for this book. I’ve ardently gushed and fawned over BeyBey’s writes since reading Caged, but this wasn’t a win for me. I’ll get to what didn’t work for me, but first let’s start with what did.
Kestrel’s Talon is another high fantasy with superb worldbuilding. It’s told from multiple perspectives non-linearly. The skill and creativity required to construct a unique world with this scrupulous attention to detail including a distinct language and customs for multiple countries flabbergasts me. The Prentish Empire is nuanced, exquisitely detailed and inventive from start to finish. These characters are also meticulously crafted, though if you’ve read the Baal’s Heart trilogy you will notice similarities.
Kes was forced into slavery and delegitimized by a ridiculous Nemarri law after having bravely served his country as a foot soldier in the military. After being debased in the most heinous way (only referenced) he is rightfully angry and loathes the whole institution of slavery. Talon, on the other hand, was born a slave and has been with Count Strade since he was a boy. He and Kes have an instantaneous connection in the market where Kes is on offer in his cock cage and diamond belly chain.
*bites fist*
Count Strade negotiates a price for him and off they go to Horthmont Castle. There are a few plot twists that caught me off guard and were clever. Some weighty contemporary topics are addressed in the subtext, one being discrimination. The inclusivity of the castle and acceptance of those who would otherwise be deemed societal outcasts was heartwarming. I always like stories wherein a family is created to replace a dysfunctional or non-existent one. All of the inhabitants of the castle were as well constructed as the main characters. As a matter of fact, I liked them better than the main characters with one notable exception.
And that’s probably my biggest problem-I didn’t really like two of the three MCs. I swear it wasn’t that the chastity skedaddled in a blink and this wasn’t the slave fic I had envisioned, though I was disappointed by those developments I won’t lie. Things started off on the wrong foot for me when Kes hits Talon early on. I’ve made my thoughts on this known repeatedly so I won’t beat the dead horse. Talon forgives him which is his prerogative, but he never redeemed himself in my eyes. There’s no faster way for me to disconnect from a character than to have them treat their paramour thusly. Later in the book when he treats Talon “like a slave” after becoming upset over an event those feelings compounded.
Talon is marginally better but both he and Kes are exceedingly jealous of each other’s time with Grim. I like possessive but there’s a fine line between possessive and obsessive and they tipped over that line. Talon is sweet and playful, has a “gift” which I won’t go into, and he is randy, but there’s nothing exceptional about him aside from his beauty.
Grim is the only one I really liked mainly for his equanimity and I can’t talk about him without spoiling. But the biggest problem with this relationship is I don’t know how you can sustain a triad with these sorts of dynamics happening. Maybe it was the pettiness or the fact that I didn’t care for Kes and Talon, but something integral to forming a lasting relationship just didn’t gel for me. Kes and Talon are hot for each other and they respect Grim; that they all care about each other is clear but forever ‘n ever?
The pacing was too slow. I appreciate worldbuilding and character development, but I needed more adventure. Slice of life + high fantasy doesn’t work for me. I can only take so much sex (I can’t believe I just said that), hunting, chopping wood and piddling around an enormous castle before I start drifting. The last quarter had some developments that helped but left me feeling unfulfilled. It’s clear this is the set up book for a series and while I do think the objective for an egalitarian society is a noble one, I just don’t know if that’s enough for me to continue with the series.
At the end of the day, the worldbuilding alone is worthy of 3 Hearts from me.
A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I hate to do this, I really do especially after having been so vocal with my excite for this book. I’ve ardently gushed and fawned over BeyBey’s writes since reading Caged, but this wasn’t a win for me. I’ll get to what didn’t work for me, but first let’s start with what did.
Kestrel’s Talon is another high fantasy with superb worldbuilding. It’s told from multiple perspectives non-linearly. The skill and creativity required to construct a unique world with this scrupulous attention to detail including a distinct language and customs for multiple countries flabbergasts me. The Prentish Empire is nuanced, exquisitely detailed and inventive from start to finish. These characters are also meticulously crafted, though if you’ve read the Baal’s Heart trilogy you will notice similarities.
Kes was forced into slavery and delegitimized by a ridiculous Nemarri law after having bravely served his country as a foot soldier in the military. After being debased in the most heinous way (only referenced) he is rightfully angry and loathes the whole institution of slavery. Talon, on the other hand, was born a slave and has been with Count Strade since he was a boy. He and Kes have an instantaneous connection in the market where Kes is on offer in his cock cage and diamond belly chain.
*bites fist*
Count Strade negotiates a price for him and off they go to Horthmont Castle. There are a few plot twists that caught me off guard and were clever. Some weighty contemporary topics are addressed in the subtext, one being discrimination. The inclusivity of the castle and acceptance of those who would otherwise be deemed societal outcasts was heartwarming. I always like stories wherein a family is created to replace a dysfunctional or non-existent one. All of the inhabitants of the castle were as well constructed as the main characters. As a matter of fact, I liked them better than the main characters with one notable exception.
And that’s probably my biggest problem-I didn’t really like two of the three MCs. I swear it wasn’t that the chastity skedaddled in a blink and this wasn’t the slave fic I had envisioned, though I was disappointed by those developments I won’t lie. Things started off on the wrong foot for me when Kes hits Talon early on. I’ve made my thoughts on this known repeatedly so I won’t beat the dead horse. Talon forgives him which is his prerogative, but he never redeemed himself in my eyes. There’s no faster way for me to disconnect from a character than to have them treat their paramour thusly. Later in the book when he treats Talon “like a slave” after becoming upset over an event those feelings compounded.
Talon is marginally better but both he and Kes are exceedingly jealous of each other’s time with Grim. I like possessive but there’s a fine line between possessive and obsessive and they tipped over that line. Talon is sweet and playful, has a “gift” which I won’t go into, and he is randy, but there’s nothing exceptional about him aside from his beauty.
Grim is the only one I really liked mainly for his equanimity and I can’t talk about him without spoiling. But the biggest problem with this relationship is I don’t know how you can sustain a triad with these sorts of dynamics happening. Maybe it was the pettiness or the fact that I didn’t care for Kes and Talon, but something integral to forming a lasting relationship just didn’t gel for me. Kes and Talon are hot for each other and they respect Grim; that they all care about each other is clear but forever ‘n ever?
The pacing was too slow. I appreciate worldbuilding and character development, but I needed more adventure. Slice of life + high fantasy doesn’t work for me. I can only take so much sex (I can’t believe I just said that), hunting, chopping wood and piddling around an enormous castle before I start drifting. The last quarter had some developments that helped but left me feeling unfulfilled. It’s clear this is the set up book for a series and while I do think the objective for an egalitarian society is a noble one, I just don’t know if that’s enough for me to continue with the series.
At the end of the day, the worldbuilding alone is worthy of 3 Hearts from me.
A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2016
I loved this first book in the Stonewalkers series! Grimma, Talon and Kes were wonderful and their love for each other is very sweet and works great for each of them. Hessa and Ghost were very interesting secondary characters and the world building was very well written. I can't wait to see what happens with everyone in the next book of this series.
May 27, 2016
4.75
I have every intention of coming back and writing a proper review soon... in case I don't though, just know I LOVED this book. Fantasy is a fave genre of mine and this book hit all the right spots for me.
I have every intention of coming back and writing a proper review soon... in case I don't though, just know I LOVED this book. Fantasy is a fave genre of mine and this book hit all the right spots for me.
September 6, 2017
Exceptional world building in this fantasy romance
I loved the amazing world and cultures which Bey created in this fantasy romance and the relationship development between Kes, Talon and Grimm.
There's a lot of story going on, a bit of an adventure, a bit of magic, a little bit of kink, a lot of emotions and a hint of mystery. I loved the unique voices of each man and the different emotional connection they brought to their triad
The setting and secondary characters also brought depth and flavour to the narrative, each helping to create the world and the location in which the story develops.
There were interesting twists, there's a lot of powerful scenes between Kes and Talon, but I also loved how Grimm wasn't a typical third, his lack of sexual desire meaning his emotional connection to the other two was very powerful to read.
Now I need the rest of the series please Bey!
I loved the amazing world and cultures which Bey created in this fantasy romance and the relationship development between Kes, Talon and Grimm.
There's a lot of story going on, a bit of an adventure, a bit of magic, a little bit of kink, a lot of emotions and a hint of mystery. I loved the unique voices of each man and the different emotional connection they brought to their triad
The setting and secondary characters also brought depth and flavour to the narrative, each helping to create the world and the location in which the story develops.
There were interesting twists, there's a lot of powerful scenes between Kes and Talon, but I also loved how Grimm wasn't a typical third, his lack of sexual desire meaning his emotional connection to the other two was very powerful to read.
Now I need the rest of the series please Bey!
June 6, 2016
Kestrel’s a soldier sold into slavery after his own country did not buy his freedom back because he was defiled during his time as a war prisoner. Abused and dehumanized as a pleasure slave, Kestrel didn’t think that he could still escape his agonizing existence until he found himself being sold – yet again – to a fellow slave named Talon and its master, Count Strade.
I didn’t think that I’d enjoy this book immensely given that this was my first book from the author and it is 400-pages plus long. So I was a bit wary because of that but since it was highly recommended to me by a friend (hiya Riina Y.T. !), I thought I’d give it a try and I’m sure glad I did because it is without question one of the best books I’ve read this year!
I loved the details in this book. You can really see as you go along with the story how the author thought about every minute detail with each character. There are three main characters here given that this was a triad and the chemistry between them was just spot on. One problem I always seem to encounter in stories with ménage à trois is the lack of chemistry between one other character from the other two. There are only few stories with similar arrangement whose characters really jived together and this is definitely one of them.
Out of the three though, Talon has got to be my favorite. I really loved his youthful characterization and his voice just left me yearning for more narrative from his perspective. There’s sweet innocence combined with wickedness about his character. Perhaps, it’s because he was never treated a slave by Grim and bears a very useful “gift?” I also loved that he’s selfless with just about everyone he considers family. I just loved him.
There’s Kestrel of course. I feel for what he’s been through but at times, he makes me feel a tad bit uncomfortable when he’s being rough with Talon. Although Talon’s okay with it, I find myself internally cringing whenever he’s being that way.
Then there’s Grimma! Oh, how I adore this guy! All the history behind his character was well-crafted and I just loved reading his POV!
Together, they make a very beautiful triad! Plus, the sexy time between them was just beyond!
As for the side characters, there are some I totally loved (Moller, Ghost, Hessa) and some whom I want to see in the next installment and hope that they will have a gruesome death (Scalt and Kes’s prisonmate whose name I forgot).
As for the story development, I loved how fast the pacing was and the upcoming plot points for the next book clearly established at the latter part of the story was nothing short of exciting and I am very much hoping for a grittier sequel.
I think I covered everything in this review and atm, I am dying with anticipation for the next book! I seriously need to read more of Bey’s works while waiting for it!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I didn’t think that I’d enjoy this book immensely given that this was my first book from the author and it is 400-pages plus long. So I was a bit wary because of that but since it was highly recommended to me by a friend (hiya Riina Y.T. !), I thought I’d give it a try and I’m sure glad I did because it is without question one of the best books I’ve read this year!
I loved the details in this book. You can really see as you go along with the story how the author thought about every minute detail with each character. There are three main characters here given that this was a triad and the chemistry between them was just spot on. One problem I always seem to encounter in stories with ménage à trois is the lack of chemistry between one other character from the other two. There are only few stories with similar arrangement whose characters really jived together and this is definitely one of them.
Out of the three though, Talon has got to be my favorite. I really loved his youthful characterization and his voice just left me yearning for more narrative from his perspective. There’s sweet innocence combined with wickedness about his character. Perhaps, it’s because he was never treated a slave by Grim and bears a very useful “gift?” I also loved that he’s selfless with just about everyone he considers family. I just loved him.
There’s Kestrel of course. I feel for what he’s been through but at times, he makes me feel a tad bit uncomfortable when he’s being rough with Talon. Although Talon’s okay with it, I find myself internally cringing whenever he’s being that way.
Then there’s Grimma! Oh, how I adore this guy! All the history behind his character was well-crafted and I just loved reading his POV!
Together, they make a very beautiful triad! Plus, the sexy time between them was just beyond!
As for the side characters, there are some I totally loved (Moller, Ghost, Hessa) and some whom I want to see in the next installment and hope that they will have a gruesome death (Scalt and Kes’s prisonmate whose name I forgot).
As for the story development, I loved how fast the pacing was and the upcoming plot points for the next book clearly established at the latter part of the story was nothing short of exciting and I am very much hoping for a grittier sequel.
I think I covered everything in this review and atm, I am dying with anticipation for the next book! I seriously need to read more of Bey’s works while waiting for it!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
August 13, 2016
Loved this! Bey's imagination is amazing. I liked the three main characters and find their evolving relationship(s) interesting. And while I enjoyed the Baal's Heart series, I'm thoroughly enjoying these kinder, gentler characters. I'm looking forward to the next installment - just glad there wasn't a "real" cliffhanger!
1st read - 5/31/16
2nd read - 8/14/16
1st read - 5/31/16
2nd read - 8/14/16
August 15, 2016
I have loved everything I have ever read by this author but this book really took the cake. The characters are so complex that you can help but connect to them. One thing I truly appreciate about this author's book is that the side characters are so well drawn as well. They aren't cardboard one dimensional plot devices. Also I cannot express how much I appreciate this author making strong likable female characters!!! One pet peeve that I see in m/m romances is that female characters are either mysteriously absent or are petty, evil, stupid or all of the above.
I walked into this book feeling a little uncertain I'm not a fan of characters who are former prostitutes, the abuse the characters have suffered with this usually leave me to depressed but, kestrel I adored. He was strong and just so likable. Now for Talon, goodness gracious talon was a sweetie and despite him having an overly promiscuous background (not due to abuse) that I usually avoid I really came to adore him. His desire to have a friend and be loved fully was so sweet and gave me an understanding of his past. Now, but NOT least Grimma oh heavens he's so complex I could write an essay on him and still not crack the depth of character here. He's asexual but this doesn't hinder him from being in a complete,loving, and fulfilling relationship with his two boys. He really is a big lovable teddy bear.
Fantastic Book!!
I walked into this book feeling a little uncertain I'm not a fan of characters who are former prostitutes, the abuse the characters have suffered with this usually leave me to depressed but, kestrel I adored. He was strong and just so likable. Now for Talon, goodness gracious talon was a sweetie and despite him having an overly promiscuous background (not due to abuse) that I usually avoid I really came to adore him. His desire to have a friend and be loved fully was so sweet and gave me an understanding of his past. Now, but NOT least Grimma oh heavens he's so complex I could write an essay on him and still not crack the depth of character here. He's asexual but this doesn't hinder him from being in a complete,loving, and fulfilling relationship with his two boys. He really is a big lovable teddy bear.
Fantastic Book!!
May 22, 2016
4.5 star review by The Blogger Girls.
Leave it to Mr. Deckard to provide another fabulous fantasy to love, in addition to another unique threesome. This is the story of Kestrel, or Kes, a soldier who ended up captured and put into sexual slavery, though he has a history of having trouble submitting to his plight.
Kestrel’s luck finally changes when he ends up being purchased by a count and his slave, Talon, the dynamics of which really throw Kes off. Things are quite different than Kes was expecting when the dust all settles. There are a lot of interesting little branches interwoven in this storyline, not the least of them being the unslavelike behavior Talon exhibits. Then there is the mystery surrounding the Count, Grimma, who has a close relationship with Talon. However, nothing is what you’d think here. Grimma is asexual, his relationship with Talon consisting of emotional and comfort, not physical. Kes was purchased for the purpose of fulfilling those needs for Talon. As I said, things are quite different in this household.
I’m afraid that to say more about those differences would be giving too much away. Suffice to say that there is a lot going on here consisting of many layers, i.e. the relationship between Kes, Talon, Grim; the secret and history surrounding Grim and his household, as well as the bigger picture of finding allies to help recover land and end slavery. As I said, lots of interesting things going on here.
I loved the growing relationship between Kes and Talon, and then Grimma. Each played an important role and provided something each needed but could not get from the other. Kes and Talon together were hot stuff, and I loved how they involved Grim! This is not your average threesome, and I really enjoyed the differing aspects of it. In the end, they fit like an intricate puzzle, and it just worked for all.
This is a long story, but it never felt drawn out. It quickly pulls you in and envelops you in this feeling of warmth, much the same way Mr. Deckard’s other series, Baal’s Heart, did. If you enjoyed that, you will undoubtedly enjoy this one. It has the same feel, but is a bit sweeter. Mr. Deckard again gives us unique characters to fall for and I’m really excited this story will continue, as these guys surely have more in store, and I can’t wait to see how the rest of the story plays out.
May 27, 2016
I did it. I gave in and finished it... << crushed that it's over. For now.
This was... Kes... Talon... Grim... Shit. *shakes head* Wow.
ONE OF THE BEST DAMN THINGS. EVER. #foreverfavorites.
Thank you, Bey, for a magical and most beautiful (love)story, for creating those wonderful, amazing guys and sharing them with us. Also, for giving us more of them in the future. *squeee*
Gosh, your mind is a fucking beautiful thing.
xx
This was... Kes... Talon... Grim... Shit. *shakes head* Wow.
ONE OF THE BEST DAMN THINGS. EVER. #foreverfavorites.
Thank you, Bey, for a magical and most beautiful (love)story, for creating those wonderful, amazing guys and sharing them with us. Also, for giving us more of them in the future. *squeee*
Gosh, your mind is a fucking beautiful thing.
xx
May 31, 2016
Kestrel's Talon by Bey Deckard is my first read by this author. It is a fantasy work with a gay setting. There is magic, mystery, intrigue and also a completely new language. It is the first book in this series.
There are three major players in this novel:
1. Kestrel/Kes: He is a sex slave, who in the start of the story is purchased by a count and whisked away to a castle in the mountains. Kestrel is a captured soldier who has been forced into slavery and he is highly resentful in this situation. Though after being purchased he is treated as an equal and with respect, Kes still harbours resentment towards his status as a SLAVE. As the story progresses Kestrel becomes completely vested in overthrowing the current ruler and gaining his FREEDOM.
2. Talon: He is a beautiful, young, red haired slave of Count Strade. Talon is the one who persuades his owner to purchase Kestrel. Talon have an extraordinary gift which he still has no full control of. He uses this ability to protect his master and every other resident of the Horthmont castle. Talon is quite taken with Kestrel from the start and later on he trusts him enough to reveal their secrets. He is to play a very important role along with Kestrel and his master in the brewing revolution against the Prentish empire.
3. Count Strade: Strade aka Grimma Dam Hout is the owner of Kestrel and Talon. He is a war chief of the Miq'lathan tribe and is in hiding. His entire race has been butchered many hundred years ago and now he is the only war chief left. Grimma is under a powerful enchantment which has allowed him to live for a long time and this is the main secret of the mysterious and feared owner of the Horthmont castle. He uses Talon to keep his real identity hidden from the authorities.
I was a little confused about the dynamics among the three guys. Kestrel and Talon are attracted to each other from the beginning and their sexual encounters are pretty hot but lacked the love or bond that i was hoping for. Kestrel was a slave who has been tortured and taken advantage of countless times, so you may think that he will be considerate towards another human being, but he treats Talon and uses him in a very slave like way which does not make a great start to a great relationship. Kestrel and Talon are both attracted to Grimma as he is to them. This is where i got really hung up. Grimma has raised Talon and i did not find it a little bit okay that he is attracted to a kid who has literally grown up in front of him. Grimma is like a father to Talon so their apparent attraction did not sit well with me. I am not avert to unconventional relationships so three guys trying to create a sexual/loving relationship is fine but this story lacked the necessary chemistry between Grimma and Kestrel/Talon to make it work. (Grimma can't get it up, I mean what is with that???) Hopefully there will be more sensible character development in the future books.
Talon has a very handy ability of reading/manipulating minds but that too was not explained properly. There was a hodge podge of a lot of stuff that Talon could do which i am sorry to say gave me a major headache. At the end of the story i am still confused about what Talon can actually do*pouts*
The plot progresses with the growing relationship between the three main characters and the various extraordinary secrets that make up the household of the Horthmont castle. The slaves in the Prentish empire are treated horribly and is the main focus of the read. Though Kestrel and Talon are now protected from the outside world, they are still in danger. The protagonists find themselves an unlikely ally to bring the current king down, thus banishing slavery along with it. The author has tried to create a fantasy with magic, enchantment and a promise of a great battle coming in the next books. This book lacked in the magic/enchanting department for which the anticipation was quite high. It was like a gay "Lord of The Rings" sans the "ring". There is very little development going on in the plot which makes the read very sluggish. An increase in pace and more adventurous situations would have been welcome.
All in all, this book is not that interesting but have potential to be a good fantasy read later in the series. Hopefully there will be more action, magic and chemistry in the next books.
There are three major players in this novel:
1. Kestrel/Kes: He is a sex slave, who in the start of the story is purchased by a count and whisked away to a castle in the mountains. Kestrel is a captured soldier who has been forced into slavery and he is highly resentful in this situation. Though after being purchased he is treated as an equal and with respect, Kes still harbours resentment towards his status as a SLAVE. As the story progresses Kestrel becomes completely vested in overthrowing the current ruler and gaining his FREEDOM.
2. Talon: He is a beautiful, young, red haired slave of Count Strade. Talon is the one who persuades his owner to purchase Kestrel. Talon have an extraordinary gift which he still has no full control of. He uses this ability to protect his master and every other resident of the Horthmont castle. Talon is quite taken with Kestrel from the start and later on he trusts him enough to reveal their secrets. He is to play a very important role along with Kestrel and his master in the brewing revolution against the Prentish empire.
3. Count Strade: Strade aka Grimma Dam Hout is the owner of Kestrel and Talon. He is a war chief of the Miq'lathan tribe and is in hiding. His entire race has been butchered many hundred years ago and now he is the only war chief left. Grimma is under a powerful enchantment which has allowed him to live for a long time and this is the main secret of the mysterious and feared owner of the Horthmont castle. He uses Talon to keep his real identity hidden from the authorities.
I was a little confused about the dynamics among the three guys. Kestrel and Talon are attracted to each other from the beginning and their sexual encounters are pretty hot but lacked the love or bond that i was hoping for. Kestrel was a slave who has been tortured and taken advantage of countless times, so you may think that he will be considerate towards another human being, but he treats Talon and uses him in a very slave like way which does not make a great start to a great relationship. Kestrel and Talon are both attracted to Grimma as he is to them. This is where i got really hung up. Grimma has raised Talon and i did not find it a little bit okay that he is attracted to a kid who has literally grown up in front of him. Grimma is like a father to Talon so their apparent attraction did not sit well with me. I am not avert to unconventional relationships so three guys trying to create a sexual/loving relationship is fine but this story lacked the necessary chemistry between Grimma and Kestrel/Talon to make it work. (Grimma can't get it up, I mean what is with that???) Hopefully there will be more sensible character development in the future books.
Talon has a very handy ability of reading/manipulating minds but that too was not explained properly. There was a hodge podge of a lot of stuff that Talon could do which i am sorry to say gave me a major headache. At the end of the story i am still confused about what Talon can actually do*pouts*
The plot progresses with the growing relationship between the three main characters and the various extraordinary secrets that make up the household of the Horthmont castle. The slaves in the Prentish empire are treated horribly and is the main focus of the read. Though Kestrel and Talon are now protected from the outside world, they are still in danger. The protagonists find themselves an unlikely ally to bring the current king down, thus banishing slavery along with it. The author has tried to create a fantasy with magic, enchantment and a promise of a great battle coming in the next books. This book lacked in the magic/enchanting department for which the anticipation was quite high. It was like a gay "Lord of The Rings" sans the "ring". There is very little development going on in the plot which makes the read very sluggish. An increase in pace and more adventurous situations would have been welcome.
All in all, this book is not that interesting but have potential to be a good fantasy read later in the series. Hopefully there will be more action, magic and chemistry in the next books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Fantasy is not the genre I gravitate to first, but Bey Deckard is the only author that can have me looking forward to a book in any category. If you have any interest in reading this book, you really don’t want to know one more thing about it as every word in the story is another piece of the puzzle, no matter how insignificant it may seem. That is generally the theme with Deckard’s writing, that it is best to experience it fresh, but I will attempt to entice you further.
The book is set in 2426 and, while it is set in the future, it reads like a piece of the past. Each character is well drawn as Deckard’s voice is unique and vivid. Kes is almost broken as a pleasure slave, but he has an inexplicable and instant connection with Talon. Talon is beautiful and magical and the men bond before the first glance. If things seem too easy or don’t add up at first you have to wait, just wait, for the moment that the plot narrows to a focus.
The book is evenly paced and smoothly written with elements of magic, folklore, psychic ability, mystery, and intrigue. There are flashbacks that work to enhance the story as the count has a long history filled with secrets, he has many stories to tell, and the effect is simply as if we are being offered a fabled story time. The book is told primarily through Kes’ POV but at the exact moment that you are ready for Talon’s POV, there it is. The author continues to ramp up the emotion perfectly throughout the book and even just the hint of the off page non-con scenes will have you wanting to reach in and grab the characters out of harm’s way. The spectacular thing about a Deckard book is that you never know quite which way it’s going go with the turn of each page and his prose has a certain flare that he captures time and again with each book and with each character.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Fantasy is not the genre I gravitate to first, but Bey Deckard is the only author that can have me looking forward to a book in any category. If you have any interest in reading this book, you really don’t want to know one more thing about it as every word in the story is another piece of the puzzle, no matter how insignificant it may seem. That is generally the theme with Deckard’s writing, that it is best to experience it fresh, but I will attempt to entice you further.
The book is set in 2426 and, while it is set in the future, it reads like a piece of the past. Each character is well drawn as Deckard’s voice is unique and vivid. Kes is almost broken as a pleasure slave, but he has an inexplicable and instant connection with Talon. Talon is beautiful and magical and the men bond before the first glance. If things seem too easy or don’t add up at first you have to wait, just wait, for the moment that the plot narrows to a focus.
The book is evenly paced and smoothly written with elements of magic, folklore, psychic ability, mystery, and intrigue. There are flashbacks that work to enhance the story as the count has a long history filled with secrets, he has many stories to tell, and the effect is simply as if we are being offered a fabled story time. The book is told primarily through Kes’ POV but at the exact moment that you are ready for Talon’s POV, there it is. The author continues to ramp up the emotion perfectly throughout the book and even just the hint of the off page non-con scenes will have you wanting to reach in and grab the characters out of harm’s way. The spectacular thing about a Deckard book is that you never know quite which way it’s going go with the turn of each page and his prose has a certain flare that he captures time and again with each book and with each character.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
February 25, 2020
Excellent world-building, from the history, to the land (even with maps in the back), to the people, traditions, and clothing--detailed, fleshed out, and very vivid. We have slaves and magic, soldiers and war, and so much more. The story grabbed me in the beginning scene in a market where even people (slaves) are traded. The three main characters, all introduced in the same scene, were intriguing, and I was eager for the ride.
All three characters are nuanced and interesting. I enjoyed Talon’s innocence, something he’d kept despite the world he’d lived in; his dedication to Grimma and his attitude on life/sex which seemed right given his past, but his jealousy and manipulations annoyed me. A scene near end shows his bravery and selflessness and made up for that a bit. Kestrel threw me off a couple of times with his harsh actions towards Talon--I understood his anger over what had happened to him but sometimes his reactions didn’t sit well. And Grimma--I enjoyed him the most, I think. The story is from all three characters POV, but his probably the least. Nice job bringing together three very diverse backstories, all integral to the story. The triad in this story was quite interesting, especially given that we have a hypersexual who still manages to seem innocent, a man reeling from previous sexual abuse, and an asexual character. But I felt that they worked well together, and although I’m not big on threesomes, I was pretty well sold on them.
I always adore when there's a dog character in a story, so I adored Pants (and the name, too). Loved how he was woven into the story and often made a difference, not just there as a prop. Kestrel’s connection with him fascinated me, and made me want to read more of the series just to see how that goes and if the theory proposed about their bond (and then negated by another) is actually true or not.
All three characters are nuanced and interesting. I enjoyed Talon’s innocence, something he’d kept despite the world he’d lived in; his dedication to Grimma and his attitude on life/sex which seemed right given his past, but his jealousy and manipulations annoyed me. A scene near end shows his bravery and selflessness and made up for that a bit. Kestrel threw me off a couple of times with his harsh actions towards Talon--I understood his anger over what had happened to him but sometimes his reactions didn’t sit well. And Grimma--I enjoyed him the most, I think. The story is from all three characters POV, but his probably the least. Nice job bringing together three very diverse backstories, all integral to the story. The triad in this story was quite interesting, especially given that we have a hypersexual who still manages to seem innocent, a man reeling from previous sexual abuse, and an asexual character. But I felt that they worked well together, and although I’m not big on threesomes, I was pretty well sold on them.
I always adore when there's a dog character in a story, so I adored Pants (and the name, too). Loved how he was woven into the story and often made a difference, not just there as a prop. Kestrel’s connection with him fascinated me, and made me want to read more of the series just to see how that goes and if the theory proposed about their bond (and then negated by another) is actually true or not.
July 4, 2016
I won an ARC copy of this story and boy was I delighted since I absolutely adore Bey's writing. Fans of high-fantasy will LOVE this story. I'm always in awe of BD's creativity. The world building alone is worthy of four stars. Took me entirely too long to finish this due to me working on my own projects, but this was a pretty cool story. I waxed and waned with my like for Kestrel, but Talon was quite the cheeky character. I was thoroughly entertained.
May 24, 2016
4.5 stars
Kestrel's Talon has a historical fantasy, epic tale feel. Inside is a wholly developed world with separate peoples, laws, gods, mythologies and histories. There are castles, magic, slaves and mysteries. It's full of unique characters with differences in background, social status, physical stature, sexual identification and so on.
The story begins with Kes. He's a slave at a pleasure house. For a captured soldier, this is a very tough pill to swallow. One day from across a crowded marketplace, Kes shares a moment of eye contact and connection with a fellow slave that will change his life forever. Talon has a powerful skill and an unbroken spirit. Count is the third piece of the puzzle, a Master. He's reticent and strong, feared by many and known truly by few.
This story has action, mystique and romance. It's erotic in parts and full of riddles and symbols. KT is able to pull the reader's heartstrings while calling to their inner problem solver. Also, this book is great at effortlessly expanding boundaries in sexual orientation. Give it a try. Maybe it's the exotic novel that's missing from your life.
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents
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April 2, 2018
Почему?! Почему оно закончилось?? И как теперь быть? Нет, нет, я хочу читать дальше эту сказку про духовную близость, которая сильнее плотских слабостей, про преданность, самопожертвование, про сложные, но такие прекрасные отношения троих совершенно разных персонажей. Блин :(
May 23, 2016
Fantasy meets fairy tale meets the supernatural meets erotic romance in Bey Deckard’s Kestrel’s Talon, once again proving this author’s talent for translating his imagination into wondrous storytelling and the drawing of deeply charming and unique characters.
Centering around the aftermath of a war in this stunning and diverse world is the subject of slavery and, for Kestrel, represents his deconstruction as human chattel. He has been beaten, dehumanized, bartered, and betrayed by the country he’d once served. And Kestrel is once again on the auction block when he’s discovered by two men—one a slave himself, the other his Master and a giant of a man who will add Kes to his collection of human property and who will, in time, answer the question of what it means to be owned vs. what it means to be treasured.
The first thing that is evident from the outset of this novel is Kes’s hopeless rage, a fire of resentment that burns at his core amidst the despair he feels over his enslavement and his utter humiliation at being powerless and without options. The second thing that becomes evident soon after is that the beautiful slave and his Master, who’ve spied Kestrel on display on the slave dais in the marketplace, are of a different ilk—there is something off in the slave’s impish exuberance and the Master’s indulgent demeanor, a note that’s off-pitch and makes Kestrel all the more fearful of what horrors await him upon his arrival at Horthmont Castle.
Kestrel does find all manner of the unexpected and unusual there, to be sure. Not the least of which is a love he would never have thought possible.
Important parts of this novel are told in flashbacks, admittedly not a favorite device of mine because I’ve found it distracting or felt it has interrupted the flow and pace of other stories, that’s not so at all with this book. In this case the flashbacks are the crux of the greater storyline, as they uncover the mysteries behind Horthmont Castle and its residents, as well as giving us the history of the Stonewatchers and a glimpse at the mysticism within its mythology. Everything unfolds so fluidly here that Kestrel’s Talon was over well before I wanted it to be, and every single character in it had become imperative to its success.
Along the same lines of this authors Baal’s Heart trilogy, the Stonewatchers series already promises to be an epic one. This is a realm where magic is real and is used in the service of both good and evil. It’s a place where this magic presents as both a shield and a sword, and sometimes as danger and a horrible curse. There is a war looming on the immediate horizon, one which directly affects Kestrel and the two men who have given him back something he never would have thought possible—hope. These three men form a union that is sweet and sensual and romantic, with Kestral at its axis, and while there is so much going on behind the scenes with the building of this world, it’s always this emotional and physical evolution that is at the forefront because it’s so integral to the story arc. One of the things this author does so well when constructing relationships, though, is to bring a raw edge to that sweetness too, and it’s something I love about his brand of romance.
I would love to tell you every single incredibly cool thing about this book, all the twists and turns of its legends and magic and how every interaction does nothing but build on and reinforce the chemistry and connection between Kestrel and the family that springs up from what should have been his great misfortune, but I don’t want to spoil a single thing about it for you–that would be a crappy thing for me to do. I do think you owe it to yourself to grab this one and experience it for yourself, though, especially if you love a world where everything impossible feels possible.
Sometimes we read authors whose work we just click with on every single level, and Bey Deckard is one of those authors for me. The Stonewatchers series most definitely has the potential to unseat the Baal’s Heart trilogy from atop my list of favorites in this author’s body of work. And one thing I can say is that I can’t wait for book two.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
Centering around the aftermath of a war in this stunning and diverse world is the subject of slavery and, for Kestrel, represents his deconstruction as human chattel. He has been beaten, dehumanized, bartered, and betrayed by the country he’d once served. And Kestrel is once again on the auction block when he’s discovered by two men—one a slave himself, the other his Master and a giant of a man who will add Kes to his collection of human property and who will, in time, answer the question of what it means to be owned vs. what it means to be treasured.
The first thing that is evident from the outset of this novel is Kes’s hopeless rage, a fire of resentment that burns at his core amidst the despair he feels over his enslavement and his utter humiliation at being powerless and without options. The second thing that becomes evident soon after is that the beautiful slave and his Master, who’ve spied Kestrel on display on the slave dais in the marketplace, are of a different ilk—there is something off in the slave’s impish exuberance and the Master’s indulgent demeanor, a note that’s off-pitch and makes Kestrel all the more fearful of what horrors await him upon his arrival at Horthmont Castle.
Kestrel does find all manner of the unexpected and unusual there, to be sure. Not the least of which is a love he would never have thought possible.
Important parts of this novel are told in flashbacks, admittedly not a favorite device of mine because I’ve found it distracting or felt it has interrupted the flow and pace of other stories, that’s not so at all with this book. In this case the flashbacks are the crux of the greater storyline, as they uncover the mysteries behind Horthmont Castle and its residents, as well as giving us the history of the Stonewatchers and a glimpse at the mysticism within its mythology. Everything unfolds so fluidly here that Kestrel’s Talon was over well before I wanted it to be, and every single character in it had become imperative to its success.
Along the same lines of this authors Baal’s Heart trilogy, the Stonewatchers series already promises to be an epic one. This is a realm where magic is real and is used in the service of both good and evil. It’s a place where this magic presents as both a shield and a sword, and sometimes as danger and a horrible curse. There is a war looming on the immediate horizon, one which directly affects Kestrel and the two men who have given him back something he never would have thought possible—hope. These three men form a union that is sweet and sensual and romantic, with Kestral at its axis, and while there is so much going on behind the scenes with the building of this world, it’s always this emotional and physical evolution that is at the forefront because it’s so integral to the story arc. One of the things this author does so well when constructing relationships, though, is to bring a raw edge to that sweetness too, and it’s something I love about his brand of romance.
I would love to tell you every single incredibly cool thing about this book, all the twists and turns of its legends and magic and how every interaction does nothing but build on and reinforce the chemistry and connection between Kestrel and the family that springs up from what should have been his great misfortune, but I don’t want to spoil a single thing about it for you–that would be a crappy thing for me to do. I do think you owe it to yourself to grab this one and experience it for yourself, though, especially if you love a world where everything impossible feels possible.
Sometimes we read authors whose work we just click with on every single level, and Bey Deckard is one of those authors for me. The Stonewatchers series most definitely has the potential to unseat the Baal’s Heart trilogy from atop my list of favorites in this author’s body of work. And one thing I can say is that I can’t wait for book two.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
May 26, 2016
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews with a copy provided by the publisher / author for an honest review.)
I’ll be honest. When I picked this book up I thought it was supposed to be a standalone. I’m not sure I would have chosen it based on it being the first in what will probably be a trilogy according to a note from the author on Goodreads. I have nothing against trilogies or series, but I kind of made a vow to myself awhile back to only read series or trilogies when they are 100% complete.
So what did that mean for my read of this new book from Bey Deckard? I probably would have skipped it, and I definitely would have missed a great book. This is the first book I’ve had a chance to read from this author. I’ve had his other trilogy in my TBR pile for a while now, but never seem to get to that pile with all the new books that come our way. Based on the writing in this one, I’ll definitely have to prioritize those other books higher in the TBR pile!
Kestrel’s Talon is the tale of a former soldier, captured in battle just before the end of a war. When the other prisoners were released, Kestrel wasn’t wanted back in his own country because he was spoiled goods. He was raped while in prison, and in Kestrel’s homeland, that makes him less than a man. Instead Kestrel was sold to a pleasure house as a pleasure slave. Life since, has not been easy for the young man. Forced to provide sexual services for the men who come by the establishment, against his will, he has often thought of death as an escape.
Then one day, his eye falls on a beautiful male slave wandering through the market. This slave is different, seeming to have independence, and has a huge hulking…very scary looking master. Before Kestrel knows what is happening, he has been sold to that master.
When Kestrel learns that his new master and his new home are the very man and location used in stories to scare children where he grew up, Kestrel fears for the worst. Little does he know that surprises await from the beautiful slave and his master, and all is not as it seems.
I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. The book moved quite fast for a longer book, and I honestly didn’t put it down while reading. The characters and world building were very complete and detailed, even down to the background characters and minor characters. Everything was very detailed (exactly as I like it), and I was very happy with the read.
I highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a well written and developed high fantasy novel. I’ll be waiting impatiently for the next installment!
I’ll be honest. When I picked this book up I thought it was supposed to be a standalone. I’m not sure I would have chosen it based on it being the first in what will probably be a trilogy according to a note from the author on Goodreads. I have nothing against trilogies or series, but I kind of made a vow to myself awhile back to only read series or trilogies when they are 100% complete.
So what did that mean for my read of this new book from Bey Deckard? I probably would have skipped it, and I definitely would have missed a great book. This is the first book I’ve had a chance to read from this author. I’ve had his other trilogy in my TBR pile for a while now, but never seem to get to that pile with all the new books that come our way. Based on the writing in this one, I’ll definitely have to prioritize those other books higher in the TBR pile!
Kestrel’s Talon is the tale of a former soldier, captured in battle just before the end of a war. When the other prisoners were released, Kestrel wasn’t wanted back in his own country because he was spoiled goods. He was raped while in prison, and in Kestrel’s homeland, that makes him less than a man. Instead Kestrel was sold to a pleasure house as a pleasure slave. Life since, has not been easy for the young man. Forced to provide sexual services for the men who come by the establishment, against his will, he has often thought of death as an escape.
Then one day, his eye falls on a beautiful male slave wandering through the market. This slave is different, seeming to have independence, and has a huge hulking…very scary looking master. Before Kestrel knows what is happening, he has been sold to that master.
When Kestrel learns that his new master and his new home are the very man and location used in stories to scare children where he grew up, Kestrel fears for the worst. Little does he know that surprises await from the beautiful slave and his master, and all is not as it seems.
I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. The book moved quite fast for a longer book, and I honestly didn’t put it down while reading. The characters and world building were very complete and detailed, even down to the background characters and minor characters. Everything was very detailed (exactly as I like it), and I was very happy with the read.
I highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a well written and developed high fantasy novel. I’ll be waiting impatiently for the next installment!
May 23, 2016
I am a huge fantasy fan and despite having only read Bey Deckard's contemporary works (this is going to change ASAP!) I had my hopes up starting Kestrel's Talon. I wasn't disappointed! If you think that you know what to expect from a slave fic involving a triad like I did, you are in for a big surprise.
It's hard to talk about the plot beyond what is mentioned in the blurb without giving any spoilers. In fact, as a reader, I was ultimately glad the blurb gave so little away since it left me as much in the dark as Kestrel is about what's in store for him, helping me relate to him from the beginning. Being a slave in a foreign country Kes is painfully aware of his dire situation. He is stripped of everything that defined him and has suffered abuse and humiliation serving as a pleasure slave in a whore house. This nightmare seems to end when the imposing master of a graceful slave that had caught Kestrel's attention buys him on the spot to follow them home, but Kes refuses to hope there's a better future for him. No matter how better his living situation could become he would still be a slave.
There is nothing I like more in a story than being surprised in every turn. I was prepared to encounter some things that would make me uncomfortable, as it often happens when I read slave fic, but in Kestrel's Talon nothing is as it seems and that goes for the trope as well. There are D/s elements, a triad, an Ace character, a host of interesting and unconventional secondary characters and despite the book being heavy on the sex, I had a hard time labeling even a single of those scenes as gratuitous. There is some talk of abuse that has happened in the past, and some dreams of traumatic situations but everything is relevant to the story and not there just for shock value. Actually, the feelings that grow among the main characters and their effort to make it work for the three of them while getting over their individual emotional struggles are the main focus for the largest part of the story.
For rest of review follow Sinfully Link-> http://bit.ly/1YSAhq2
It's hard to talk about the plot beyond what is mentioned in the blurb without giving any spoilers. In fact, as a reader, I was ultimately glad the blurb gave so little away since it left me as much in the dark as Kestrel is about what's in store for him, helping me relate to him from the beginning. Being a slave in a foreign country Kes is painfully aware of his dire situation. He is stripped of everything that defined him and has suffered abuse and humiliation serving as a pleasure slave in a whore house. This nightmare seems to end when the imposing master of a graceful slave that had caught Kestrel's attention buys him on the spot to follow them home, but Kes refuses to hope there's a better future for him. No matter how better his living situation could become he would still be a slave.
There is nothing I like more in a story than being surprised in every turn. I was prepared to encounter some things that would make me uncomfortable, as it often happens when I read slave fic, but in Kestrel's Talon nothing is as it seems and that goes for the trope as well. There are D/s elements, a triad, an Ace character, a host of interesting and unconventional secondary characters and despite the book being heavy on the sex, I had a hard time labeling even a single of those scenes as gratuitous. There is some talk of abuse that has happened in the past, and some dreams of traumatic situations but everything is relevant to the story and not there just for shock value. Actually, the feelings that grow among the main characters and their effort to make it work for the three of them while getting over their individual emotional struggles are the main focus for the largest part of the story.
For rest of review follow Sinfully Link-> http://bit.ly/1YSAhq2
August 2, 2016
★★★★☆ ~ 4 Stars
I borrowed this through the Prime Kindle Owners Library and I want my own copy since this is the first of the series. Wasn't quite sure what to expect, I've really enjoyed the Baal's Heart series https://www.goodreads.com/series/1273... and F.I.S.T.S. series https://www.goodreads.com/series/1391... from this author so I knew it would be sexy and interesting.
I wasn't disappointed. Grim is an Ace character which we're starting to see more of in books and kudos to the author that even as the menage progresses, his sexuality stays true and although he's aroused and loving, he doesn't suddenly because that wouldn't be true to his sexuality.
Loved Kes and Talon. . Talon is innocent about the world but not so sexually innocent and is a good counterpoint to Kes' anger at what he's endured for the last seven years.
This ends on a bit of a cliffhanger but not so much I can't wait for the next edition. The world building was interesting and we jump back and forth between Grim's past and current times. All the side characters that Grim and Talon have collected enrich their lives.
Looking forward to #2.
I borrowed this through the Prime Kindle Owners Library and I want my own copy since this is the first of the series. Wasn't quite sure what to expect, I've really enjoyed the Baal's Heart series https://www.goodreads.com/series/1273... and F.I.S.T.S. series https://www.goodreads.com/series/1391... from this author so I knew it would be sexy and interesting.
I wasn't disappointed. Grim is an Ace character which we're starting to see more of in books and kudos to the author that even as the menage progresses, his sexuality stays true and although he's aroused and loving, he doesn't suddenly because that wouldn't be true to his sexuality.
Loved Kes and Talon. . Talon is innocent about the world but not so sexually innocent and is a good counterpoint to Kes' anger at what he's endured for the last seven years.
This ends on a bit of a cliffhanger but not so much I can't wait for the next edition. The world building was interesting and we jump back and forth between Grim's past and current times. All the side characters that Grim and Talon have collected enrich their lives.
Looking forward to #2.
May 30, 2016
I loved that this was over 400 pages long. and am happy that this is part of a series. Looking forward to the next installment. I absolutely love Grim's character. Bey Deckard did a great job with this one ~!
June 22, 2016
Looking forward to the rest of the story!
August 14, 2016
Wow! What an amazing story, loved it!
A more detailed review might come later.
Highly recommended!
November 22, 2016
I loved this book and I can't wait for the sequel
December 22, 2016
DNF. The only MC I liked was Grim.
April 7, 2021
if this was pared down and streamlined then it has the potential to be absolutely excellent, but unfortunately there was just far too much filler - about 60% filler and 40% everything else, when filler should be less than 20% at the very most.
May 31, 2016
What a story. This story is full of enchantment, mystery, magic, love, and vengeance. There’s tiers to this tale. I’m struggling with where to begin lol.
It’s set on a time that never existed. A Realm. We are in this Realms present time but to tell this story properly and with little confusion, stories are told within. In those stories we go back in time. It’s done in a way that it isn’t so much flash backs (which are annoying) it’s literally like story time. Listening to tales of a time that once was. I really ate it up and found it not only fascinating but vital to the story.
Kestrel’s “past” it’s horrible. There’s literally no joy in his life until one day in a marketplace a red headed warder felt the pull. I can’t say more to that meeting without spoiling it. Talon is magic. Not potions and dust he’s more than that and as we follow Kestrel and Talon through this story, it expands. Their love and the magic that entwines them to Grim.
Grim…. Such an interesting character. Now, I don’t know if this series will take us on a different direction so I apologize if this changes. Grim seems to be an Asexual character in this story. He loves two men but lives an Asexual lifestyle. This was fascinating to me. To see these 3 interact, to work, to love. It was stunning how they loved inside and out and in a way that was just them.
We have a war on the horizon. Shape shifting troubles, Gods! We have so much. I’m really hoping there is more to this series because Bey Deckard, though sealed this story up beautifully, has left it open for more fantastical storytelling.
There’s darkness in this story which Bey has mastered brilliantly. This is a fight for what’s right for bringing back a time once good but not great. Taking the past, and what we’ve learned as humans, animals, and enchanting creatures and making a better future.
This is a breathtaking story one that should absolutely be read and adored!
It’s set on a time that never existed. A Realm. We are in this Realms present time but to tell this story properly and with little confusion, stories are told within. In those stories we go back in time. It’s done in a way that it isn’t so much flash backs (which are annoying) it’s literally like story time. Listening to tales of a time that once was. I really ate it up and found it not only fascinating but vital to the story.
Kestrel’s “past” it’s horrible. There’s literally no joy in his life until one day in a marketplace a red headed warder felt the pull. I can’t say more to that meeting without spoiling it. Talon is magic. Not potions and dust he’s more than that and as we follow Kestrel and Talon through this story, it expands. Their love and the magic that entwines them to Grim.
Grim…. Such an interesting character. Now, I don’t know if this series will take us on a different direction so I apologize if this changes. Grim seems to be an Asexual character in this story. He loves two men but lives an Asexual lifestyle. This was fascinating to me. To see these 3 interact, to work, to love. It was stunning how they loved inside and out and in a way that was just them.
We have a war on the horizon. Shape shifting troubles, Gods! We have so much. I’m really hoping there is more to this series because Bey Deckard, though sealed this story up beautifully, has left it open for more fantastical storytelling.
There’s darkness in this story which Bey has mastered brilliantly. This is a fight for what’s right for bringing back a time once good but not great. Taking the past, and what we’ve learned as humans, animals, and enchanting creatures and making a better future.
This is a breathtaking story one that should absolutely be read and adored!
May 27, 2016
Fantastic erotic fantasy! As a lover of fantasy and m/m erotica, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The story begins when the master of the gorgeous redhead slave, Talon, purchases the pleasure slave, Kes, for him. Though Kes is drawn to Talon from first sight, he is wary about the situation. It’s unheard of for a slave to own another slave, but Talon is a rare beauty that he could never refuse. When Kes arrives at their castle, he begins to learn all the mysteries behind Talon and his master. Despite the arrangement being the closest thing to freedom he’d known since he was sold into slavery, Kes still yearns to be free. However, once he gets to know his new master’s, a new world opens up for him.
This book was a lot of fun. I loved the magical realm Bey Deckard creates, and I especially loved the characters. I sympathized with Kes’s desire for freedom even though it seemed like his new master had given him more than he could have dreamed of as a free man. Plus, Talon was so beautiful that every moment Kes spent with him was amazing and magical. I look forward to reading the next book in this series, and I recommend Kestrel’s Talon to anyone who loves m/m high fantasy and m/m erotica.
Reviewed for The Dark Arts MM Erotica
This book was a lot of fun. I loved the magical realm Bey Deckard creates, and I especially loved the characters. I sympathized with Kes’s desire for freedom even though it seemed like his new master had given him more than he could have dreamed of as a free man. Plus, Talon was so beautiful that every moment Kes spent with him was amazing and magical. I look forward to reading the next book in this series, and I recommend Kestrel’s Talon to anyone who loves m/m high fantasy and m/m erotica.
Reviewed for The Dark Arts MM Erotica
October 8, 2018
Definitely not a 'quickie read'
This book took me longer than normal to read, because there is so much jam packed into every paragraph. I guess I speed read thru books more than I realized. I eventually had to lock my screen and use a bookmark to read line by line to stop my wondering eyes lol.
The world building was easy for me to understand, and very enjoyable. The relationship between the main characters is atypical, but unfolded naturally.
Also, this book helped me in my understanding of asexuality from a different perspective than I've ever had before, even tho the word isn't mentioned, it definitely gave me some insights into what is usually a confusing concept for me in real life. Thank you!
Very intriguing book, I heartily recommend it for LGBT fantasy lovers.
Also, and I didn't see this until the very end 😥, there is a glossery for name pronunciations, a clear history of events, and a link to a soundtrack at the end. A soundtrack! I freaking love book soundtracks. I guess I'll be more observant for the next Bey Deckard book I read.
This book took me longer than normal to read, because there is so much jam packed into every paragraph. I guess I speed read thru books more than I realized. I eventually had to lock my screen and use a bookmark to read line by line to stop my wondering eyes lol.
The world building was easy for me to understand, and very enjoyable. The relationship between the main characters is atypical, but unfolded naturally.
Also, this book helped me in my understanding of asexuality from a different perspective than I've ever had before, even tho the word isn't mentioned, it definitely gave me some insights into what is usually a confusing concept for me in real life. Thank you!
Very intriguing book, I heartily recommend it for LGBT fantasy lovers.
Also, and I didn't see this until the very end 😥, there is a glossery for name pronunciations, a clear history of events, and a link to a soundtrack at the end. A soundtrack! I freaking love book soundtracks. I guess I'll be more observant for the next Bey Deckard book I read.
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