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Soulseeker
A prince imprisoned by duty, a horse lord sworn to find the soulseeker...
Prince Rian is desperate to escape his abusive and tyrannical brother, Arran, the king of Rashma, and save those he loves from his brother's madness. But after recapturing Rian, the king is taking no chances when he forces the prince back to his duties as general. Arran has hired the Hawks, a group of hardened Zala mercenaries renowned for their battle prowess and skill with horses, to watch the prince. Broken and forced to submit, Rian endures these new bodyguards he knows are spies loyal to his manipulative brother. But Rian has a secret about to be uncovered. At night, when his mental barriers are lowered, he is guarded by the wraith of his dead twin. He can't hide the wraith from Hamon, the powerful leader of the Hawks who tangles all the emotions within Rian and makes him believe he just might be worthy of love.
When Hamon agreed to guard the prince, he believed it would be a simple task...and allow the Zala to gather information on the expanding kingdom of Rashma. But after witnessing the prince's unique powers, he suspects Rian might be one of the legendary soulseekers, despite the fact that Rian is not of the Zala and a soulseeker hasn't been seen in decades... But more than that, he finds himself fascinated and attracted to the prince. Soon he begins to suspect the king has lied about the prince from the very beginning. Yet, how can he convince Rian he's the true soulseeker and bring him safely to where he's needed most...
Contains intense emotional elements. Reader discretion advised.
Prince Rian is desperate to escape his abusive and tyrannical brother, Arran, the king of Rashma, and save those he loves from his brother's madness. But after recapturing Rian, the king is taking no chances when he forces the prince back to his duties as general. Arran has hired the Hawks, a group of hardened Zala mercenaries renowned for their battle prowess and skill with horses, to watch the prince. Broken and forced to submit, Rian endures these new bodyguards he knows are spies loyal to his manipulative brother. But Rian has a secret about to be uncovered. At night, when his mental barriers are lowered, he is guarded by the wraith of his dead twin. He can't hide the wraith from Hamon, the powerful leader of the Hawks who tangles all the emotions within Rian and makes him believe he just might be worthy of love.
When Hamon agreed to guard the prince, he believed it would be a simple task...and allow the Zala to gather information on the expanding kingdom of Rashma. But after witnessing the prince's unique powers, he suspects Rian might be one of the legendary soulseekers, despite the fact that Rian is not of the Zala and a soulseeker hasn't been seen in decades... But more than that, he finds himself fascinated and attracted to the prince. Soon he begins to suspect the king has lied about the prince from the very beginning. Yet, how can he convince Rian he's the true soulseeker and bring him safely to where he's needed most...
Contains intense emotional elements. Reader discretion advised.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2016
32 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Owens
31 books613 followersAlso known as J.C. McGuire.
J.C Owens lives in small town, rural Alberta and is a self confessed writing-a-holic. In the absence of help for this affliction…
I do indeed love to write and have now completed thirty published stories, along with over twenty books sitting idle in my computer, waiting… I love the genre of male/male stories and conflict in what a person thinks they want, versus what they truly need to become themselves. I think any writing that shows the beauty of men loving men is worthwhile.
I love to hear from my readers and always appreciate suggestions and comments for future books. Sharing a love of reading and good, hot sensuality between men is always a cause for celebration!
J.C Owens lives in small town, rural Alberta and is a self confessed writing-a-holic. In the absence of help for this affliction…
I do indeed love to write and have now completed thirty published stories, along with over twenty books sitting idle in my computer, waiting… I love the genre of male/male stories and conflict in what a person thinks they want, versus what they truly need to become themselves. I think any writing that shows the beauty of men loving men is worthwhile.
I love to hear from my readers and always appreciate suggestions and comments for future books. Sharing a love of reading and good, hot sensuality between men is always a cause for celebration!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 1, 2016
Trigger warning
Nothing is as triggering as sexual violence itself, but like a lot of survivors I can be OK with it in fiction as long as victims are not silenced.
Anyway, Rian, the main character in this book is a victim of a lifetime of sexual violence from his brother. It seems that the author's decision to form a character around this conflicted with both her standard alpha male romance formula and her plot, which required the prince to fall in love and develop a sexual relationship in a period of weeks.
So she silenced the objections by supernatural terms, making the "possessive," "martial" alpha male love interest, who was prone to "predatory stares" and manhandling, trustworthy by magic. I found that quite off-putting - some of these scenes triggered *me* but they were making a person whose last rape was barely a week ago, and who was still wearing whip wounds, all lovey dovey - including a scene in which he was held down. Also, she started almost immediately with the sexual attraction bits, in a very formulaic way (they were adjusting their pants, etc). And there were a lot of cliches involved.
And the ending, which I think was supposed to make the perpetrator a more complex character, was a horror. She reframed him into a victim who didn't know he was doing anything wrong and just needed to be told. God, really? What an amazing way to trivialize how deeply damaged victims of sexual violence are. I can't even imagine what she was thinking and I dnfed the book before the end.
Adults don't get to hide behind "I did it because dad told me to." Sure perpetrators are human and complex, but this is not that.
I would highly unrecommend this book to sexual assault survivors with any remaining trauma or an opinion about how people should write assault survivors.
Nothing is as triggering as sexual violence itself, but like a lot of survivors I can be OK with it in fiction as long as victims are not silenced.
Anyway, Rian, the main character in this book is a victim of a lifetime of sexual violence from his brother. It seems that the author's decision to form a character around this conflicted with both her standard alpha male romance formula and her plot, which required the prince to fall in love and develop a sexual relationship in a period of weeks.
So she silenced the objections by supernatural terms, making the "possessive," "martial" alpha male love interest, who was prone to "predatory stares" and manhandling, trustworthy by magic. I found that quite off-putting - some of these scenes triggered *me* but they were making a person whose last rape was barely a week ago, and who was still wearing whip wounds, all lovey dovey - including a scene in which he was held down. Also, she started almost immediately with the sexual attraction bits, in a very formulaic way (they were adjusting their pants, etc). And there were a lot of cliches involved.
And the ending, which I think was supposed to make the perpetrator a more complex character, was a horror. She reframed him into a victim who didn't know he was doing anything wrong and just needed to be told. God, really? What an amazing way to trivialize how deeply damaged victims of sexual violence are. I can't even imagine what she was thinking and I dnfed the book before the end.
Adults don't get to hide behind "I did it because dad told me to." Sure perpetrators are human and complex, but this is not that.
I would highly unrecommend this book to sexual assault survivors with any remaining trauma or an opinion about how people should write assault survivors.
November 23, 2016
Well, J.C. Owens goes all out in this one. Rape, abuse, forced incest, pain and suffering galore - as well as hurt/comfort. Also, ghosts, horses, twins, a very young guy being a daddy (personal kink!)
I loved Rian with all my heart, he was perfect in his suffering and in his strength. Everything was also pretty logical, both plot-wise and concerning the motivations of the characters. I liked how everything was resolved with Arran, it was surprising and better than I expected. Mm, I wasn't so hot for Hamon, I don't even know why, but he was likely exactly what Rian needed.
All in all, the book was hugely enjoyable, I think it's probably one of the best J.C. Owens' books.
I loved Rian with all my heart, he was perfect in his suffering and in his strength. Everything was also pretty logical, both plot-wise and concerning the motivations of the characters. I liked how everything was resolved with Arran, it was surprising and better than I expected. Mm, I wasn't so hot for Hamon, I don't even know why, but he was likely exactly what Rian needed.
All in all, the book was hugely enjoyable, I think it's probably one of the best J.C. Owens' books.
September 19, 2016
This is an enemies to lovers story at in a fantasy kingdom called Rashma. Prince Rian, leader of the troops and brother of the King Arran tries to flee, as he has been tortured and abused by his brother for years. But he is caught and brought back, and when he is supposed to lead the troops again the king sends for guardians to keep him from another attempt of escape.
Hamon the leader of the warriors is warned that the prince might try to charm them and use them for his own purposes, but the more he gets to know Rian, the more he doubts if things are really as he was told.
This is a very enjoyable and easy read.
Although it has a quite dark theme of (sexual) abuse, it is almost angst free.
I had a great time reading it and I would certainly recommend it.
However you have to be aware that the story is not always believable.
From the beginning you ask yourself why the warriors have been described as fierce and bad guys, while it is absolutely clear immediately that they are quite the opposite, loving and affectionate. And there are several other things that just don't make sense, combined with problems that are solved just a little too smoothly.
I also wondered how the Prince was adored by all his men, even though he hardly interacted with any of them. The man he was described as was not the one we get to know in this story, it would have been great to see him stand up against the bullying at least once!
So even if I liked the story and enjoyed reading it, it left me a little uncomfortable, not fully believing what I was told.
Still I would rate it a solid 4 stars for a nice and enjoyable read!
Hamon the leader of the warriors is warned that the prince might try to charm them and use them for his own purposes, but the more he gets to know Rian, the more he doubts if things are really as he was told.
This is a very enjoyable and easy read.
Although it has a quite dark theme of (sexual) abuse, it is almost angst free.
I had a great time reading it and I would certainly recommend it.
However you have to be aware that the story is not always believable.
From the beginning you ask yourself why the warriors have been described as fierce and bad guys, while it is absolutely clear immediately that they are quite the opposite, loving and affectionate. And there are several other things that just don't make sense, combined with problems that are solved just a little too smoothly.
I also wondered how the Prince was adored by all his men, even though he hardly interacted with any of them. The man he was described as was not the one we get to know in this story, it would have been great to see him stand up against the bullying at least once!
So even if I liked the story and enjoyed reading it, it left me a little uncomfortable, not fully believing what I was told.
Still I would rate it a solid 4 stars for a nice and enjoyable read!
October 30, 2025
Great story!! I absolutely loved the ending, it was a perfect happy ending for everyone.
September 30, 2016
The idea of this book was so cool, but it just didn't live up to it. If you don't want to look too closely at it, it's an okay read - the characters are interesting and it's not too badly written. But gawd, so many little things annoyed me that I wrote a list to remember it all. Most of this stuff started showing up in the second half.
- Okay first: mental illness. Rian's brother is the mad king and the author goes on and on about how he's crazy and despotic and evil, and has a mental illness. It began to make me very uncomfortable. There wasn't much building on this until the end, so it came across as the author equating evil with mental illness? Which is NOOOO. And when the author did finally give some background to why he is the way he is, it definitely would've worked without all this mentally ill characterisation. Just no.
- Horses bucking all the time. The author doesn't seem to know much about horses, yet one of the cultures centre to the story has a deep spiritual connection to horses. There was this line: "A snort and a faint buck was his response." Like wtf? A faint buck? How does that work? Maybe he kicked his leg out. A buck is MASSIVE, with the horse throwing out both his back legs. There's no such thing as a faint buck. A horse bucks, and you're a goner.
- And speaking of this culture, it was a really cool concept with their close connection to horses. But you NEVER SAW THIS. You're in Hamon's POV half the time and not once does he think about his horse. I don't even know its name.
- The writing was awkward and had so many info-dumps.
- Rian was honestly boring. He's a bit of a Gary Stu. We're told he's such a capable commander that all his troops love him, yet we never see it. We never see him do anything strategically smart - what he see him do is actually NOT very smart. Him talking to his captains is glossed over. He gets upset at the end where it's revealed that And for someone who we were told many times was great at hiding his feelings, everyone seemed to know them anyway. Ugh, what an annoying martyr of a character.
- And the whole idea of the second son being in control of the army is also ridiculous. I feel like this would NEVER have happened. So many successful uprisings come from gaining control of the army. The one in charge would never have let a rival for his seat in charge of the most valuable thing to his control.
- Rian is an abuse victim and, of course, he's healed by love and Hamon's magic dick. It's not the worst instance of this I've ever seen, but it's very obviously there.
- Rian was constantly characterised as a boy, especially through Hamon's POV. It made me squeamish and grossed out. I do NOT want to read a love story about a very masculine man and a frail boy.
- On the upside, this has to be the only m/m book I've ever read where there wasn't a gratuitous sex scene in the epilogue/after the resolution! YAY!
Yeah so I found a lot wrong with this. Don't recommend.
- Okay first: mental illness. Rian's brother is the mad king and the author goes on and on about how he's crazy and despotic and evil, and has a mental illness. It began to make me very uncomfortable. There wasn't much building on this until the end, so it came across as the author equating evil with mental illness? Which is NOOOO. And when the author did finally give some background to why he is the way he is, it definitely would've worked without all this mentally ill characterisation. Just no.
- Horses bucking all the time. The author doesn't seem to know much about horses, yet one of the cultures centre to the story has a deep spiritual connection to horses. There was this line: "A snort and a faint buck was his response." Like wtf? A faint buck? How does that work? Maybe he kicked his leg out. A buck is MASSIVE, with the horse throwing out both his back legs. There's no such thing as a faint buck. A horse bucks, and you're a goner.
- And speaking of this culture, it was a really cool concept with their close connection to horses. But you NEVER SAW THIS. You're in Hamon's POV half the time and not once does he think about his horse. I don't even know its name.
- The writing was awkward and had so many info-dumps.
- Rian was honestly boring. He's a bit of a Gary Stu. We're told he's such a capable commander that all his troops love him, yet we never see it. We never see him do anything strategically smart - what he see him do is actually NOT very smart. Him talking to his captains is glossed over. He gets upset at the end where it's revealed that And for someone who we were told many times was great at hiding his feelings, everyone seemed to know them anyway. Ugh, what an annoying martyr of a character.
- And the whole idea of the second son being in control of the army is also ridiculous. I feel like this would NEVER have happened. So many successful uprisings come from gaining control of the army. The one in charge would never have let a rival for his seat in charge of the most valuable thing to his control.
- Rian is an abuse victim and, of course, he's healed by love and Hamon's magic dick. It's not the worst instance of this I've ever seen, but it's very obviously there.
- Rian was constantly characterised as a boy, especially through Hamon's POV. It made me squeamish and grossed out. I do NOT want to read a love story about a very masculine man and a frail boy.
- On the upside, this has to be the only m/m book I've ever read where there wasn't a gratuitous sex scene in the epilogue/after the resolution! YAY!
Yeah so I found a lot wrong with this. Don't recommend.
November 25, 2020
November 2020
Still loved it. It starts out quite dark but I love how everything develops
First review
This was a surprise - and I liked it much more than I expected. for me the ending could have a been a bit more but nevertheless, I enjoyed this read.
Still loved it. It starts out quite dark but I love how everything develops
First review
This was a surprise - and I liked it much more than I expected. for me the ending could have a been a bit more but nevertheless, I enjoyed this read.
August 30, 2016
Need more
I cried. A lot. So many tears. The resolution was unexpected and emotional. This book really needs a sequel because there is so much more to be discovered in this world.
I cried. A lot. So many tears. The resolution was unexpected and emotional. This book really needs a sequel because there is so much more to be discovered in this world.
September 17, 2016
Really enjoyed this pairing and loved the way it all came together. Yes, it was a bit dark but that just made you appreciate the ending all the more. Good story!
October 2, 2016
It’s been some time I’ve actually read something. I’ve really had enough for some time due to the annoying lists of classic books I’ve had to read for my final university exams and my eyes got significantly worse, so that was and still is frustrating a lot.
Anyway, I am back! And I plan to stay a bit.
OK, so let’s get to it!
So when deciding what to read after more than half year of not reading at all, I really wanted to pick something that would not disappoint me, at least not much. And Owens is an auto-read.
Now here’s the thing with Owens. It is one of my favorite authors. So why just 3 Stars you ask? It’s simple, really. Owens is not a perfect author and there is plenty of things that could be done to make the books much better. BUT! I know what to expect and am rarely surprised at what I get. Which is not always such a good thing, as I would love to be surprised (in a positive way, of course).
!!! - Beware: quite long review with TOO MANY gifs and some spoilers!
► What I loved:
► What I liked:
► What I didn’t mind:
► What I am still unsure about:
► What I disliked:
-----
All in all, I really do not regret reading this book. It was a nice easy read that most Owen’s books are. Though I certainly feel like I should have been given more than I was.
3.5 Stars!
Anyway, I am back! And I plan to stay a bit.
OK, so let’s get to it!
So when deciding what to read after more than half year of not reading at all, I really wanted to pick something that would not disappoint me, at least not much. And Owens is an auto-read.
Now here’s the thing with Owens. It is one of my favorite authors. So why just 3 Stars you ask? It’s simple, really. Owens is not a perfect author and there is plenty of things that could be done to make the books much better. BUT! I know what to expect and am rarely surprised at what I get. Which is not always such a good thing, as I would love to be surprised (in a positive way, of course).
!!! - Beware: quite long review with TOO MANY gifs and some spoilers!
► What I loved:
► What I liked:
► What I didn’t mind:
► What I am still unsure about:
► What I disliked:
-----
All in all, I really do not regret reading this book. It was a nice easy read that most Owen’s books are. Though I certainly feel like I should have been given more than I was.
3.5 Stars!
October 2, 2021
One of my favorites, though there are parts at the very end that I pretend don't work out the way they did. I could have sworn I wrote a review covering all of this, the first time I read this book, but maybe the Internet Goblins ate that review also.
July 11, 2019
I just do not know what I think or how I feel about this story. What I do know, is that no one triggered by abuse should read this (at least without doing a deep dive into the reviews). The life of abuse our prince has endured is demonstrated in detail along with explained more so in reference to the past. It is definitely jarring, uncomfortable, and heartbreaking.
The plot itself is unique in parts and engaging - though with some minor lulls. The writing flowed. The characters were well drawn and the world building good. I could both visualize it and understand the context.
The m/c's definitely get their HFN/HEA, but there in lies part of the problem. It just felt too easy - too "rosy" for a story full of darkness and abuse. This includes taking into consideration it is definitely in the fantasy genre etc... Which allows for more and easier suspension of belief. (like werewolves and "insta-love".)
Also:
I would have liked to see that the prince had put to use his abilities to save souls. I was extremely uncomfortable with the fate of the children even with "assurances".
It was an intense read that drew me into the world, but left me somewhat dissatisfied and uncomfortable in the end.
The plot itself is unique in parts and engaging - though with some minor lulls. The writing flowed. The characters were well drawn and the world building good. I could both visualize it and understand the context.
The m/c's definitely get their HFN/HEA, but there in lies part of the problem. It just felt too easy - too "rosy" for a story full of darkness and abuse. This includes taking into consideration it is definitely in the fantasy genre etc... Which allows for more and easier suspension of belief. (like werewolves and "insta-love".)
Also:
I would have liked to see that the prince had put to use his abilities to save souls. I was extremely uncomfortable with the fate of the children even with "assurances".
It was an intense read that drew me into the world, but left me somewhat dissatisfied and uncomfortable in the end.
July 17, 2018
Enjoyable.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit, but like many people have said, it had some problems.
Trigger warnings for violence, incest, and rape, though less explicit than a lot of stories I’ve read. Be warned.
Mostly just the last 2-3 chapters and the wrap up of the whole story were where my issue lay. Just felt like the author had another 100 pages planned, but decided they didn’t feel like writing them and it all got wrapped up in a neat bow. After the rest of the story had so much detail, I’m not sure why the end of conflict was so rushed. It’s like the king just decided, ‘hey I beat and raped you for years but I’m not a bad guy, and since you finally TOLD me you didn’t like it, (I had no idea, really) I guess I’ll stop. Sorry bro.’
Um, ok. That’s totally realistic.
So because of that, couldn’t give it more that a 3.5 stars. The build up to the last couple chapters was great though, well thought out and made sense.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit, but like many people have said, it had some problems.
Trigger warnings for violence, incest, and rape, though less explicit than a lot of stories I’ve read. Be warned.
Mostly just the last 2-3 chapters and the wrap up of the whole story were where my issue lay. Just felt like the author had another 100 pages planned, but decided they didn’t feel like writing them and it all got wrapped up in a neat bow. After the rest of the story had so much detail, I’m not sure why the end of conflict was so rushed. It’s like the king just decided, ‘hey I beat and raped you for years but I’m not a bad guy, and since you finally TOLD me you didn’t like it, (I had no idea, really) I guess I’ll stop. Sorry bro.’
Um, ok. That’s totally realistic.
So because of that, couldn’t give it more that a 3.5 stars. The build up to the last couple chapters was great though, well thought out and made sense.
February 18, 2018
3.5/5
Potential Spoiler
JC Owens's books are usually like dark fairy tales. And the first half of this book was dark , there is no doubt about it. But after the long tedious filling, the ending was... well.. suspiciously anti-climatic. To the point that even the character can't believe it. But other than that the book had ambition, and the the world was well craft. I just wished there was more excitement to the story.
Potential Spoiler
JC Owens's books are usually like dark fairy tales. And the first half of this book was dark , there is no doubt about it. But after the long tedious filling, the ending was... well.. suspiciously anti-climatic. To the point that even the character can't believe it. But other than that the book had ambition, and the the world was well craft. I just wished there was more excitement to the story.
August 11, 2020
Re-read: August 2020
Rating: 3.5 stars
The beginning of this book was brutal and hard to read. As the book progressed the story got better. I especially loved the Hawks and their interactions with each other and Rian. What I didn’t buy into was Arran’s about face at the end of the story. With the abuse that both brothers endured, it was a bit hard to believe that pretty much a single conversation between brothers made everything right.
Rating: 3.5 stars
The beginning of this book was brutal and hard to read. As the book progressed the story got better. I especially loved the Hawks and their interactions with each other and Rian. What I didn’t buy into was Arran’s about face at the end of the story. With the abuse that both brothers endured, it was a bit hard to believe that pretty much a single conversation between brothers made everything right.
September 24, 2016
normally i love her books but this one is out of my cup of tea. the first part of the book was interesting and it became kinda bored for me?
i was hoping it becoming better in the later part but in the end i put a stop and stop reading.
i was hoping it becoming better in the later part but in the end i put a stop and stop reading.
August 15, 2016
This writer is an auto buy for me.
November 30, 2018
Pretty darn good..
February 8, 2022
This book gave me the chills!!!! I finished it a few hours ago and I am still shivering with horror, with desperation, with sadness, with hope, with joy - and with love and happiness: What a ride! The beginning DID hit me hard, though, and I had a moment of doubt whether I was on the right track upgrading from Kindle sample to full book. But I am so very glad I did: Rian is an amazing, captivating and noble character (despite his trauma, insecurities and self-depreciation), and I absolutely had to know where his journey would lead him. Not much spoilering here (read the blurb - the rest is for you to discover as you dive into the full story!), so let me just say that the book is mostly fast paced, but also moves in slow motion at regular intervals - especially when Rian or Hamon have to sort out stuff in their respective heads; the world-builing is quite convincing; the writing is a delight and almost flawless - apart from VERY few typos; and I have rarely hated my job as much as I did for the past days because I did not want to put this book down. It is mainly written from Rian's POV, as he obviously is the main character, but Hamon also gets to tell his side of the story from time to time.
But: I don't care much for the headless guy on the cover, even though I like the hooded man and the horses. The Hawks are a teeny-tiny bit of a disappointment, because these menacing, fierce and aloof warriors too quickly turn into something else; besides, I expected Hamon, in particular, to play a more active role (but he is there when he is needed, and that's what counts, right?). Not every thread mentioned is followed, not every looming menace manifests (then why build it up?), and the end of the book comes rather suddenly, with everything falling into place a little too smoothly and in a bit of a rush.
Nevertheless, this was a solid 4.4 star read for me. I am surely going to explore what else this author has to offer, and I was overjoyed to see things resolved in such a surprising manner. So here's my advice: if you like intense m/m fantasy romance with a very dark touch, read it!!
P.S. Some readers may complain that tough stories like this one don't ever dissolve into butterflies in real life, that there was not enough information on this and that, that the family history is a tad over the top, a.s.o. Well, please do bear in mind that this is a romantic FANTASY book meant to entertain, not a documentary/biography/geography book/encyclopedia/psychological evaluation meant to educate!
But: I don't care much for the headless guy on the cover, even though I like the hooded man and the horses. The Hawks are a teeny-tiny bit of a disappointment, because these menacing, fierce and aloof warriors too quickly turn into something else; besides, I expected Hamon, in particular, to play a more active role (but he is there when he is needed, and that's what counts, right?). Not every thread mentioned is followed, not every looming menace manifests (then why build it up?), and the end of the book comes rather suddenly, with everything falling into place a little too smoothly and in a bit of a rush.
Nevertheless, this was a solid 4.4 star read for me. I am surely going to explore what else this author has to offer, and I was overjoyed to see things resolved in such a surprising manner. So here's my advice: if you like intense m/m fantasy romance with a very dark touch, read it!!
P.S. Some readers may complain that tough stories like this one don't ever dissolve into butterflies in real life, that there was not enough information on this and that, that the family history is a tad over the top, a.s.o. Well, please do bear in mind that this is a romantic FANTASY book meant to entertain, not a documentary/biography/geography book/encyclopedia/psychological evaluation meant to educate!
August 18, 2016
This author usually has darker undertones and intense emotions in her books, but it should also be noted that there are possible triggers here involving rape/child abuse by family members (as well as a severe whipping of one of the MCs). The relationship between Prince Rian and his brother Arran (the King) was disturbing from the very first chapter.
I have mixed emotions about this story. For the most part, I thought the characters and world-building were pretty unique and interesting. I liked Hamon and the rest of the Hawks who were horse lords very much in tune with the earth's energies and given special gifts because of it (like being able to travel to the spirit plane or automatically knowing if someone was speaking the truth). Rian had the ability to see and communicate with spirits and he also had the wraith of his dead twin Valen protecting him. As a soulseeker, Rian's ability could help lead these lost souls to the afterlife. Best part of the world-building for me though (and unexpected) was the attack by the desert ambush spider. It was like Shelob from LOTR. Good stuff there.
What didn't work for me was how rushed the ending felt (I still had some questions about a few things) and how easily everything seemed to be resolved. I wouldn't mind reading a follow-up though to see how Rian is faring as the soulseeker and enjoying life with Hamon in a new country. And to maybe learn a little more about Rian's loyal companions Zacar and Telan, or the other Hawks Navren and Dramon.
I have mixed emotions about this story. For the most part, I thought the characters and world-building were pretty unique and interesting. I liked Hamon and the rest of the Hawks who were horse lords very much in tune with the earth's energies and given special gifts because of it (like being able to travel to the spirit plane or automatically knowing if someone was speaking the truth). Rian had the ability to see and communicate with spirits and he also had the wraith of his dead twin Valen protecting him. As a soulseeker, Rian's ability could help lead these lost souls to the afterlife. Best part of the world-building for me though (and unexpected) was the attack by the desert ambush spider. It was like Shelob from LOTR. Good stuff there.
What didn't work for me was how rushed the ending felt (I still had some questions about a few things) and how easily everything seemed to be resolved. I wouldn't mind reading a follow-up though to see how Rian is faring as the soulseeker and enjoying life with Hamon in a new country. And to maybe learn a little more about Rian's loyal companions Zacar and Telan, or the other Hawks Navren and Dramon.
March 3, 2020
Fabulous world building
This isn’t so much as a review of this book, more of a recommendation for any of the author’s books. I’m working my way through the lot and so far none is lower than 4 star.
They are books about love, not romance and while some have sex scenes, that is for the purpose of the story. The world building, plot and exploration of themes are prioritised, so they are not your typical M/M romance. A huge plus for me!
What I like especially is that they don’t have cookie cutter plots or characters. There may be some similarities between them, but each world has its own feel. I also like that while many feature non humans, the hybrids bear all the practical characteristics of the species involved. They’re not stereotypical shape shifters with the Mine, Mine! mating complex, although many feature that level of bonding.
In this one, the spiritual world and religion play a huge role, but that aspect is not present much in other books. This also delves into the sad and shocking world of incest. So trigger warning!
While some of the villains in the author’s books are horrific, I like also that sometimes they are redeemable, or at least there is some reason for them being the way they are. In many cases the threat is more from institutions, small mindedness, fear, superstition or prejudice.
Often one of the heroes is the underdog, the reviled, the broken, the reject of society, but their stronger, more powerful counterpart is seen to be not perfect and have their own lessons to learn.
In the books, a lot of important themes are explored: friendship, loyalty, duty, responsibility, dealing with the past, forgiveness etc, etc, etc. Not in an overwhelming way, but subtly and succinctly.
Some of the books are parts of series, but not so much sequels as same worlds, exploring other characters. The stand alone books are long enough to explore the worlds, the characters and their trials and tribulations without feeling cheated at the end because parts are unresolved.
I definitely didn’t get the feeling of endless sequels being milked out for the sake of the publishing dollar. Wish there were more like this.
Highly recommended.
This isn’t so much as a review of this book, more of a recommendation for any of the author’s books. I’m working my way through the lot and so far none is lower than 4 star.
They are books about love, not romance and while some have sex scenes, that is for the purpose of the story. The world building, plot and exploration of themes are prioritised, so they are not your typical M/M romance. A huge plus for me!
What I like especially is that they don’t have cookie cutter plots or characters. There may be some similarities between them, but each world has its own feel. I also like that while many feature non humans, the hybrids bear all the practical characteristics of the species involved. They’re not stereotypical shape shifters with the Mine, Mine! mating complex, although many feature that level of bonding.
In this one, the spiritual world and religion play a huge role, but that aspect is not present much in other books. This also delves into the sad and shocking world of incest. So trigger warning!
While some of the villains in the author’s books are horrific, I like also that sometimes they are redeemable, or at least there is some reason for them being the way they are. In many cases the threat is more from institutions, small mindedness, fear, superstition or prejudice.
Often one of the heroes is the underdog, the reviled, the broken, the reject of society, but their stronger, more powerful counterpart is seen to be not perfect and have their own lessons to learn.
In the books, a lot of important themes are explored: friendship, loyalty, duty, responsibility, dealing with the past, forgiveness etc, etc, etc. Not in an overwhelming way, but subtly and succinctly.
Some of the books are parts of series, but not so much sequels as same worlds, exploring other characters. The stand alone books are long enough to explore the worlds, the characters and their trials and tribulations without feeling cheated at the end because parts are unresolved.
I definitely didn’t get the feeling of endless sequels being milked out for the sake of the publishing dollar. Wish there were more like this.
Highly recommended.
February 8, 2017
This would have been a 5-star read if not for the anticlimactic ending. Everything was building up to a final confrontation with the brother, Arran, but it all just sort of fell flat. I get the author was trying to do a redemption thing but it just didn't work for me. I really wanted some sort of fight scene at the end but, unfortunately, I didn't get it.
But otherwise this book was fantastic! Great characters, unique plot, and a pretty well fleshed out world. I really enjoyed the MCs-especially Rian. He was so vulnerable but still strong and brave. I really admired the sacrifices he was willing to make in order to keep his loved ones safe. I also really loved the dynamic between the Hawks. Their brotherly affection towards one another was wonderful and showed how much the group really cared for one another.
Overall an entertaining read with lovable characters and an original world.
4 Stars
But otherwise this book was fantastic! Great characters, unique plot, and a pretty well fleshed out world. I really enjoyed the MCs-especially Rian. He was so vulnerable but still strong and brave. I really admired the sacrifices he was willing to make in order to keep his loved ones safe. I also really loved the dynamic between the Hawks. Their brotherly affection towards one another was wonderful and showed how much the group really cared for one another.
Overall an entertaining read with lovable characters and an original world.
4 Stars
August 25, 2023
The book plot was interesting and would've warranted a better rating if the author didn't literally shit on sexual assault victims. Is it true that victims can become perpetrators? Yeah, it is unfortunately. Do I think an adult man who was sexually abused as a kid doesn't realize what he is doing to his little brother is messed up? I think that's a bit more than a stretch.
The man didn't even just sexually abuse him either. There is physical abuse and emotional abuse going on too. And the author will have you believe the victim of this man's torture would happily be okay with his kids being raised by this man. Which is messed up! The main character literally spent the book worried about those kids and the author just has him brush off all his concerns with a little talk about how their dad abused his brother and how the trauma went back and back and back. Nope no. I truly don't believe anyone could enjoy that ending or even believe it.
The man didn't even just sexually abuse him either. There is physical abuse and emotional abuse going on too. And the author will have you believe the victim of this man's torture would happily be okay with his kids being raised by this man. Which is messed up! The main character literally spent the book worried about those kids and the author just has him brush off all his concerns with a little talk about how their dad abused his brother and how the trauma went back and back and back. Nope no. I truly don't believe anyone could enjoy that ending or even believe it.
February 4, 2020
It kind of seemed like J. C. Owens could not stomach the violence she usually just hints at, but this book brings it quite a big dose. If you can't stand reading about rape and abuse, do not start reading this book. You most certainly won't like it.
Besides the violence the most of the book is just inner monologues. Nothing really interesting, and the only battle scene is also just in preparion, in the end nothing actually happens. Quite boring, to be honest. Rian turns from fearful to a little bit less so, and Hamon less volatile in theory, but we only know this, because they say so. Not a real epic love story, not much of a plot, but it can be counted as something of a feel good novel, if you can get through the abuse.
Besides the violence the most of the book is just inner monologues. Nothing really interesting, and the only battle scene is also just in preparion, in the end nothing actually happens. Quite boring, to be honest. Rian turns from fearful to a little bit less so, and Hamon less volatile in theory, but we only know this, because they say so. Not a real epic love story, not much of a plot, but it can be counted as something of a feel good novel, if you can get through the abuse.
August 24, 2016
Absolutely the best! Story will break your heart and ...
This story starts out with a bang and totally grips you with the tragedy of Rians life, the horror and the heartbreak he must endure. Hamon becomes part of Rian's cage and perhaps the key to being more meaningful to an entire country.
This story is not for the squeamish or those with certain triggers. My heart was broken for the path that this young man, more boy than man in years though shouldering man size burdens , must travel. Absolutely an excellent story!
This story starts out with a bang and totally grips you with the tragedy of Rians life, the horror and the heartbreak he must endure. Hamon becomes part of Rian's cage and perhaps the key to being more meaningful to an entire country.
This story is not for the squeamish or those with certain triggers. My heart was broken for the path that this young man, more boy than man in years though shouldering man size burdens , must travel. Absolutely an excellent story!
December 21, 2016
I loved this story. Prince Rian and King Arran are both troubled people and brothers. At first I couldn't feel empathy for King Arran, he causes his brother a lot of hurt. The romance Rian finds is perfect for him and brings him so much happiness but the fears he has of his brother overshadows the happiness until the end. This is where you realise that both Rian and Arran have been victims of the past and that each have suffered. The ending is perfect as I realised that both brothers had found a love of their own, though Rian is the romance this book follows.
December 19, 2022
This was way darker than I expected, including multi generational incest and rape, of both children and adults.
Other books by this author had warnings like 'dubious consent', but this one had only 'intense emotional elements'.
This needs a much clearer trigger warning.
The paranormal and intercultural stuff was interesting.
The hero dealt quite well with the protagonist's traumas.
Spoiler warning:
the ending, including consented penetrative anal sex and a vision about the antagonist with the children was not a realistic ending, but way too happy.
Other books by this author had warnings like 'dubious consent', but this one had only 'intense emotional elements'.
This needs a much clearer trigger warning.
The paranormal and intercultural stuff was interesting.
The hero dealt quite well with the protagonist's traumas.
Spoiler warning:
the ending, including consented penetrative anal sex and a vision about the antagonist with the children was not a realistic ending, but way too happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, but like the other person said, I really wish there had been an epilogue, it felt like it fell a little flat at the end. Other than that though (and that in no way detracts from the story it just would have made me happier) I thought this book was great. It had the violence and sexuality that I have come to expect and enjoy from JC Owens plus it added a love of horses that sweetened the deal. Overall a good story that I will be reading again.
April 21, 2017
Good read!
Although it is not one of the best books J.C. Owens has ever written, it is still very good. Reader be warned, it does highlight some very sensitive topics. Specifically child molestation and rape by family members. This being said, it is a story of forgiveness and healing.
Although it is not one of the best books J.C. Owens has ever written, it is still very good. Reader be warned, it does highlight some very sensitive topics. Specifically child molestation and rape by family members. This being said, it is a story of forgiveness and healing.
August 31, 2016
Wonderful
I really thought the ending was absolutely wonderful. This story had some dark beliefs that was just plain crazy but at the end of the day. Who can blame for mistakes made by others in their life. I loved how it all played out. There hasn't been a story yet by owens that I don't love. Thanks for all the warm fuzzy feelings I have right now.
I really thought the ending was absolutely wonderful. This story had some dark beliefs that was just plain crazy but at the end of the day. Who can blame for mistakes made by others in their life. I loved how it all played out. There hasn't been a story yet by owens that I don't love. Thanks for all the warm fuzzy feelings I have right now.
April 15, 2017
Rare book by Owens that I wasn't a fan of. It took 10 pages For all the stress of the beginning and panic that followed in the middle it was a really lackluster ending. And that just ruined anything this book could have been for me.
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