The General's Hostage

The Warriors of Love & Magic #1

by A.C. Fox

Two powerful men. Two bitter enemies. One chance at love.

Tav Cyrdath, a powerful wind adept and a brilliant general, leads the last free humans in a war against the Boa Visk, monsters who have enslaved most of humanity. But when the man who rules Illunvia refuses to surrender, Tav is forced to take the city by sword and magic. Victorious, he intends to execute the human traitor who has done so much harm by defying him. But when the defeated ruler, Duric Darmain, begs him to spare the citizens of Illunvia, Tav finds himself overcome by sudden mercy. He takes the man as a hostage instead, intending to use him in a trap against the monsters who have set this war in motion. Duric is defeated, broken...and yet Tav can't get his enemy out of his mind. But how could he ever feel this way about a man who has betrayed all Tav stands for?

Duric knows he was only a puppet ruler for the Boa Visk, yet he has done all he can to shield his people from the cruel overlords. Now he is a prisoner, fallen from power, hated and scorned as a traitor. And yet the enemy general begins to treat him with a curious respect and eventually even kindness. He dares not trust again, but this one-time enemy makes him want to yield his heart as hostage, even as he struggles to conquer the fears he can't escape...

Magic can heal wounds, but hearts must be mended with love. Both men have deep scars. Both have seen dark times. But the chance at love exists...if only they can embrace it before the Boa Visk return.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Romance, Magic, LGBT, Gay, Historical

158 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2016

About the author

AC Fox writes m/m romance that shows us the beauty of real passion and real men, in all their glory. Alpha or beta, old or young, out or still struggling, AC’s characters prove that love–between long-time lovers or strangers on the train–truly will conquer all.

Reviews

[Juxian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man, it was SOOOOO good! Absolutely perfect. Well, at least if you like minimalistic as much as I do. Pure action and emotions, nothing dragging, nothing excessive, just verbs, one adjective per page, thank you very much :) The book was moving forward with sweeping speed, and it's been a long time since I felt such excitement while reading something. It didn't feel rushed either: simultaneously with fast-paced action the author found time to make me understand the characters and feel for them. Ooh, those feels :) The chemistry between the characters was fantastic. Perfect enemies-to-lovers dynamics - or rather captor/prisoner-to-lovers.
Both Tav and Duric are such strong personalities. The kind that you feel you recognize instantly as soon as they come into story - and yet as the plot unravels, you find out more about them, they become more complex. I loved how their relationship developed, coming not just from physical appeal but from their inner similarities. They are drawn to each other quickly, almost unconsciously - not because they think each other "hot" but because there is this inner rapport between them. It takes time and things happening for them to act on their attraction. And they are not young kids either, they have past and experience - and when they open up and let themselves care for each other, it feels somehow even more endearing.
I loved sex. It was short but sweet, and I don't care there were not pages and pages of it. The constant pull between them was enough.
Okay, I didn't love the last stupid thing Duric did, just too stupid to be believable, but well, I don't actually mind, it was good for angst and good for resolution. And some minor editing mistakes.
The world building was clear and not overbearing with details, you get what's happening immediately and it doesn't distract from the story.
I really couldn't stop reading this book, finished it in a few hours, and it felt so good, to be submerged into the story so completely, to sympathize with the characters so wholeheartedly.

[Tiamat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad, but not good either. Dull, schematic, minimalistic - same phrases, same emotions, same reasoning all over again, in the exact same wording. Some motives and actions are naive, even childish. No development of feelings, no proper UST.

The plot revolves around war, but there is not one proper description of a military operation. The general just sweeps in and takes the city, and afterwards he destroys the huge invincible army just like that.

I would have understood the minimalistic setting if there were steamy gay sex scenes on every page. Nope, no such luck. Sex here is almost nonexistent, the characters are busy thinking same thoughts all over again.

Funny thing, I was completely disappointed and decided not to read anything by that author again, but there was the sequel, The Captive Prince already uploaded to my ebook, so I opened it out of boredom. It's completely different! Funny, captivating, sincere. Very strange. Why coudn't this book have been written in the same manner?

[Daesy · Rating 4 out of 5]

**grm**

An Interesting start for a series. I liked the story, I wanted to know more about what happened in the past and I enjoyed reading about this couple. Tav and Duric were almost opposites, but they completed each other, and maybe the romance happened only in the last few chapters but it made sense for it to be a slow burn. We must not forget that Duric and Tav's relationship started with them being enemies, then slave and master and only later lovers. Tav had a complex personality and sometimes he could seem cold, but in the end we found out that it was only a mask. Duric, probably was easier to read.

[Dark_Shadow · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars .
It is just my thing. This whole he-captures-the -enemy-but-they-end-up-loving-each-other thing.
It started out great . I was excited. Just my thing. Yay. But then.. the drama happened .
Not just that though. Their connection wasn't there.
Meh. I don't know. It lost me at around 70% I'd say.
Didn't feel it at all .

[Michael Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

You'll find a full review of “The General's Hostage” at my web site.

[kimberly_rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fox can weave a tale that leaves me moved, breathless, with tears, smiles. But this is not that tale. Captive Prince, the second book in this world, is that tale. I read it first and was amazed. This one, not so much.

It had several moving h/c scenes, and the characters were all individuals, with deeply crafted lives, but the love was too fast and too deep all of a sudden. Also, there was (to me) a ponderous preference for political machination, which do not interest me.

Captive Prince was a private tale, not 'saving the world': it was one man's journey to right a wrong on his people, not a fight against an all-consuming "evil," but a curse to break. And the romance, oh the burning, pitiable, heart-wrenching romance!

So, I recommend reading Captive Prince--it's one of the best books I read in 2016!--but only read The General's Hostage if you like a lot of political intrigue, warring, and don't mind fairly quick captor/hostage resolution, and quick love, not insta, reasonably believable, but minor to the story.

Took me forever to finish because I kept setting it down, uncommitted, but burning with eternal hope for more h/c and captive themes. Which don't really come to fruition.

[Jackie Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the enemies turning to lovers aspect. Some exciting moments! Helped me pass a rainy day with a smile. Hope the series continues. :)

[Niche · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh man, the summary was so damn good but the actual tale itself was kind of a disappointment (at least for me). Everything just went far too fast, the story, the battles, the character development, and especially the romance. It wasn't convincing at all (mostly, because it felt quite generic). We have the heroic, "battle-hardened" dude with the tragic-backstory, who is loved by everyone and who just can't leave behind a tiny village, bc he is compassionate, so he has to go personally to save it ... VS the dude who wants to help his people, but seemingly fucks up every time he makes a decision ... VS some sort of reptilian monsters. Sadly, the whole fighting-against-each-other-part didn't last long. Would have been really good to actually "see" them fighting one another, I mean, I thought that would happen when I read the summary and that's where the problem lies: I thought, I was going to read something entirely different. What I got was a story that felt half-finished, a plot that doesn't reeeeally come to an end (or maybe the romance was the whole plot, who knows), and characters, whose names I can't even remember anymore (and who make stupid ass decisions, even though they should've known better). But it also had some really nice moments, sooo ... it wasn't a complete waste of time.

ALSO, when a character changes their decision I want to read the thought-process behind it, or at least a quick paragraph explaining why they did what they just did (especially in the scene I'm referring to - I wanted to KNOW).

[Milo Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gotta admit, the “Warriors of Love and Magic” subtitle made me giggle a little too much. I feared this was going to be pretty silly. Happily, it was not.

One of my favorite things about this book was the dichotomy between Tav and Duric’s approaches to a seemingly-impossible-to-beat enemy. It was fascinating to completely understand why Duric did what he did when he was in charge, but yet also completely understand why people (including Tav) would hate him for it. I skimmed a few reviews that felt the relationship was too rushed; I can agree with that, but it wasn’t enough to put me off because it was still interesting how Tav came to respect Duric, and Duric became protective of Tav.

I’m a bit torn on things that were glossed over, such as when Tav walks into an ambush while trying to save a village. From all descriptions, the Boa Visk should’ve wiped them out. I’m glad they didn’t, but there was no explanation of how that happened. I say “I’m torn” because I didn’t particularly want to read a long battle scene, but ya gotta give me something. It came across as though the author didn’t know how Tav won that battle either.

Duric definitely has a TSTL moment there at the end… I was seriously yelling at my Kindle like, “Dude, have you learned NOTHING?” (And my Kindle was like, “Don’t yell at me, I’m just giving you the text!”)

All in all, very good.

[lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fastest read of my life my god. Ummmmm expected a bit more steamy steamy time just bc I assume any book cover with semi naked men insinuates LOTS OF SMUT—but whatever. (NOT that that’s what I’m simply looking for in books but reading smut is fun). And the one scene we do have it it was completely unrealistic and rushed and just cut short. But whateVer. I was gonna give this a rounded 3 stars buuuuuuuuut then I remember how stupid (already forgets MC’s name after just finishing this book 5 minutes ago)..... Duric was and how predictable the overall plot was. Predictable isn’t fun because I always feel like I’m just rewatching a movie. *sighs* I regret buying this but whatever.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good new series

I quite enjoyed this introduction to a new series. I'm not sure what, in Duric's experience with the Boa Vasik, made him think that they would accept his sacrifice. Of all of the characters in this book, Duric had the most personal experience with the invaders and should have known what they'd do, but it did make for good excitement to see everything unfold from that choice.

[Ravin 104 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, sweet, not terrible

The story was a little bland and their transition from enemies to lovers was a little quick and unrealistic, but, with some suspension of reality, it was an enjoyable read. Something quick and light that didn’t delve too far into the realities of war or go too deeply into emotions. A bit predictable and a tiny bit tropey.
Easy read for a rainy day when you’re recovering from a darker more emotional read.

[Carol (bookish_notes)]

I don’t hate it, it’s just really boring. I love battle scenes and all, but everything feels very surface-level feelings-wise and we never really FEEL for the characters at all. In a way, this is more lighthearted than I was expecting (was expecting something more like dark romance) and that’s fine, but the story feels lacking and works better if you can read it all in one sitting.

DNF @ 45%.

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adventurous

This was a nice mix of adventure, abuse, enslavement, betrayal and excitement. This is a story about a General who wants to save his people and the other humans but in order to do that he may have to work with an enemy.

[llv · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3 stars

I did not buy into the love between Tav and Duric . The fact that Tav didn't just let Duric die in the beginning was pretty unrealistic. Overall, the story was okay but unbelievable.

[Rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

By far the best in this series. It begins with an impossible situation and works it out well!

[Light · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
Average read
Not enough intrigue and world building considering all supernaturals. Want more angst.

[Alexandra Theroux · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short and promising fantasy romance with intriguing characters and a slow burn.

The book lagged in some places and went too fast in others (character development).

[Ethelia · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 / 5

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story, but the ending was a bit anticlimactic. One of the main characters also made a lot of silly, dumb decisions.

[Maggie]

Rokp (0.99)

[DaCon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Chancey "Does not give out 5's like candy" Knowles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating =
3.5 Stars overall, 4 stars in comparison to other "brain candy" reads, 3 stars otherwise.

Blurb = (Scale 1-5 accurate)
4

My Genre Scale = (Scale 1-5)
4

Odds if not your genre = (Scale 1-5)
2

Development of: = (Scale 1-5)
*World = 4
*Plot = 3.5
*Characters = 3

What stood out =
Not much stood out either bad or good.

Mood Type / Appeal to those looking for = This was developed a little more than most brain candy reads which I appreciated. Brain candy has its uses and at times it is my preference; so it does not carry a negative connotation for me unless I'm expecting the next great novel. (What falls under brain candy? The books meant for pure entertainment to pass time. May be formulaic, author published quickly like monthly, things escalate quickly, and are often solved easily etc.. Publishing industries version of pop music. Beach read type).

Warnings =
It didn't really feel like it to me, but it may feel a little Insta-loveish to some.

Series Notes =
*Reading on? Yes, it's summer time.
*Reading back to back? N/A, 1st one in series
*Can be easily read without the previous? N/A

Rating Notes (HEA?) =
For me, this was very solid brain candy.
It feels repetitive at times. For an enemy so unbeatable and scary, it is resolved without much real explanation of how or what is different. There were lots of little things that made it feel a little less Tootsie Roll and more like Godiva, but still brain candy.


(Obviously no one review can take into account all the various personal pet peeves of readers. But, I do try to take into account the common ones often bemoaned by other reviewers).

Blurb rating purpose:
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another type. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read one. I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.

Other Factors that effect my perspective when revising:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages; but the total number of books is usually much higher. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2020) was a 3.72 average for 1390 books. Which considering, you should be better at picking out books the more you read, , I feel is a accurate average. I have over 700 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rushed

The beginning was great and way interesting but the end felt a bit rushed. It was enjoyable enough though. Word

[Norma Banzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

In diesem Buch kämpfen die Menschen gegen eine arrogante und gefährliche Echsenspezies. General Tav möchte und muss eine Stadt aus militärtaktischen Gründen befreien, deren Oberhaupt ein menschlicher Senechal namens Duric ist, aber er ist nur eine Schachfigur der Echsen. Obwohl Duric die Echsen hasst und fürchtet, kämpft er verbissen gegen den General und es fließt auf beiden Seiten viel Blut, bis Tav endlich die Stadt einnehmen und die Echsen töten kann.

Der geschlagene Duric bittet Tav um Gnade für die Stadtbewohner, aber Tav hatte gar nicht vor, die Stadt zu plündern, er wollte sie befreihen. Statt Duric hinrichten zu lassen, nimmt er ihn als Geisel und lässt ihn Treue schwören.

Na ja ... Das Buch hatte seine Momente und die Entwicklung der Liebe zwischen dem General und seiner Geisel war ansprechend dargestellt. Ich kam aber einfach nicht über die Anfangskonstellation hinweg. Weshalb Duric die Stadt gegen die Befreier, die eigentlich auf seiner Seite sind, so verbissen verteidigt, obwohl er einfach nur die Tore hätte aufmachen müssen, um blutige Kämpfe zu vermeiden, wurde niemals aufgelöst. So edel Duric in seiner Regierungszeit auch gedacht haben mag, er kommt rüber wie ein Schwächling mit der Argumentation: "Opfere ich Wenige unter der Knute der Echsen, kann ich Viele retten." Ob ihm das gelungen ist, bleibt der Plot uns schuldig. In ihm werden nur die Opfer von Durics Regierungszeit erwähnt, aber nicht diejenigen, die er angeblich gerettet hat. Er muss ja mit einer bestimmten Taktik als Regent angetreten sein, wenn er so etwas im Sinn hatte. Es gab aber in dem Roman kein Aha-Erlebnis. Für die nette Liebesgeschichte gibt es drei Sterne.

Norma von I love Gaybooks

[Herma · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf @ 40%

Two powerful men. Two bitter enemies. One chance at love.

Well, awalnya saya menyukainya mengingat premis ceritanya terlihat sangat menarik karna inti cerita novel ini memang salah satu favorit saya. Tentang benci yang berubah menjadi cinta. Tentang musuh yang berubah menjadi kekasih. Setidaknya hal ini sempat dibuktikan lewat Tav Cyrdath & Duric Darmain - kedua tokoh utama dalam novel ini.

Sayangnya ekspektasi tinggi saya tak berlangsung lama karna setelah membaca beberapa bagian chapter saya malah jadi agak ilfil dengan Tav & Duric. Karakter mereka terkesan ambigu, terutama Tav yang notabene di awal cerita terlihat antagonis kpd Duric yang dianggapnya hanya seorang pemimpin tangan besi serta 'boneka' dari kaum Boa Visk, namun tak lama kemudian ia merasakan perasaan yang berbeda terhadap musuhnya tsb. Sungguh aneh, mengingat ia sempat menyalahkan Duric atas kematian kekasihnya walau jelas2 itu perbuatan Boa Visk. Satu hal lagi, setelah insiden penyerangan atas Tav gagal karna Duric sempat menyelamatkannya, alhasil seketika itu juga Tav melepas kebenciannya dan proses kedekatan mereka dari teman lalu kekasih terlalu absurd dan tak masuk akal mengingat Tav selalu teringat dgn mantan kekasihnya yg telah tiada.
Akhir kesabaran saya untuk melanjutkan bacaan ini akhirnya sampai puncaknya kala Duric dgn segala karakter bawaannya : membenci diri sendiri, lemah, dan pasrah semakin diperparah menjadi agak cengeng dan amat tergantung dgn Tav setelah mereka memiliki hubungan.

Its official...
Selesai sampai disini.
Saya tak sanggup melanjutkanya lagi.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had a lot of promise.

The storyline itself is very good. What fell short is character development and the story being rushed. If the book had just been fleshed out more and some minor grammatical errors corrected, this book would have easily been rated 5 stars instead of 3.

[Ameraude · Rating 3 out of 5]

Első olvasásra 2* volt az értékelés, de most, második alkalommal ezt mégis fel kell húznom 3*-ra, hiszen elővettem ismételten :)

A történet gyors és egyszerű, ettől függetlenül van benne valami, amit nem tudok megfogalmazni, de visszavonzott.

[Rhowena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually enjoyed this fantasy. Low steam factor, but worth the read anyway. Low angst, though still made me tear up a smidge.

[Kadesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5