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Virasana Empire: Sir Yaden #1
The Demon of Hagermarsh
“The Emperor cares for each and every one of his subjects.”
Many consider the catchphrase of the imperial Lotus Knights to be nothing more but well-polished propaganda, but for Yaden, it is a way of life.
A young Lotus Knight himself, his first mission in service of the Emperor sends him to the remote village of Hagermarsh, a suspiciously friendly place on a planet known for its inhospitable people. But how to uncover a demonist coven when nothing bad ever happens?
Getting to know the villagers only makes things more difficult - the motherly fishmonger surely isn’t a demonist. Nor the gruff leader of the local militia. And definitely not the cute baker from across the street.
Or are they?
Come discover a dazzling, hopeful universe of knights and monsters, of psions, aliens and ancient deities! The Demon of Hagermarsh is the first book of ‘Sir Yaden’, an epic SF saga of grand adventure, romance, bromance and family, set in the multi-faceted Virasana Empire. It is a romantic adventure and can be read as a standalone.
Many consider the catchphrase of the imperial Lotus Knights to be nothing more but well-polished propaganda, but for Yaden, it is a way of life.
A young Lotus Knight himself, his first mission in service of the Emperor sends him to the remote village of Hagermarsh, a suspiciously friendly place on a planet known for its inhospitable people. But how to uncover a demonist coven when nothing bad ever happens?
Getting to know the villagers only makes things more difficult - the motherly fishmonger surely isn’t a demonist. Nor the gruff leader of the local militia. And definitely not the cute baker from across the street.
Or are they?
Come discover a dazzling, hopeful universe of knights and monsters, of psions, aliens and ancient deities! The Demon of Hagermarsh is the first book of ‘Sir Yaden’, an epic SF saga of grand adventure, romance, bromance and family, set in the multi-faceted Virasana Empire. It is a romantic adventure and can be read as a standalone.
275 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2019
16 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 21, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
The Demon of Hagermarsh was rather fun, all things considered. It has some issues, but on the whole, the authors have done an excellent job of creating several memorable characters and setting up a rather unique universe.
Yaden is rather naive, but it’s charming and never hampers him from learning and evolving as a character. He’s eager and sweet, even while being pushed and pulled by his responsibilities to his Emperor and to his home planet. We see some of his childhood in flashbacks, but not his transition to Lotus Knight, which was a little odd. It’s Darios who I found the most intriguing though. He serves as Yaden’s guardian and acts essentially as a father figure. Think Alfred the butler from Batman. But despite his vital position in Yaden’s life, I felt like he got rather short shrift. Aside from the flashbacks where he takes an important role, Darios seems underused and rather superfluous. I felt like his character deserved a greater prominence overall. Yaden’s love interest, Caleb, is pretty boring and this was the only character that really failed to make much of an impression. He just sort of blended into the wallpaper and I never felt like he and Yaden were actually the perfect match that we’re told they are.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
The Demon of Hagermarsh was rather fun, all things considered. It has some issues, but on the whole, the authors have done an excellent job of creating several memorable characters and setting up a rather unique universe.
Yaden is rather naive, but it’s charming and never hampers him from learning and evolving as a character. He’s eager and sweet, even while being pushed and pulled by his responsibilities to his Emperor and to his home planet. We see some of his childhood in flashbacks, but not his transition to Lotus Knight, which was a little odd. It’s Darios who I found the most intriguing though. He serves as Yaden’s guardian and acts essentially as a father figure. Think Alfred the butler from Batman. But despite his vital position in Yaden’s life, I felt like he got rather short shrift. Aside from the flashbacks where he takes an important role, Darios seems underused and rather superfluous. I felt like his character deserved a greater prominence overall. Yaden’s love interest, Caleb, is pretty boring and this was the only character that really failed to make much of an impression. He just sort of blended into the wallpaper and I never felt like he and Yaden were actually the perfect match that we’re told they are.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
September 30, 2019
The Demon of Hagermarsh (Sir Yaden, book 1)
Beryll and Osiris Brackhaus
Published by the authors
Fantasy/paranormal
M/M
2019
Page count: 276
“The Emperor cares for each and every one of his subjects.”
With that bland, propaganda-like statement, Mr. and Mrs. Brackhaus introduce us to a world that seems to be a mashup of every kind of fantasy we’ve ever known. It is Game of Thrones meets Star Wars meets Harry Potter. There are medieval fortresses on volcano-ridden planets and shopping malls with movie theaters on lush tropical islands. It is a world with electricity and human slavery, with interplanetary teleportation and combustion engines. To pull off this sort of all-embracing vision, it takes a careful writer who can manage details and keep track of things. At first, I giggled at the absurdity of it all, but I was pretty quickly sucked into the rather gentle dream that Beryll and Osiris have created for us.
Yaden Quetzal is all of five when he and his shocked parents discover that he has the power to quell volcanoes and calm earthquakes. This is useful on his volatile home planet of Erys, where his parents are Vivaine and Giano Quetzal, Duke and Duchess of Erys, close relatives of the Virasana Emperor. Little Yaden is the most powerful psion in all humanity.
So, his mother, not knowing what else to do, decides to buy him a slave.
Darios, a failed gladiator on a planet where slavery is big business in a strangely modern way, becomes both Yaden’s guardian and one of the two narrators of this adventure. Darios accompanies the twenty-three-year-old Yaden, now an imperial Lotus Knight, to go undercover to the hostile, gray planet of Leichnam (which we are told means corpse). There, disguised as tradesmen, they must investigate an aura of demonism that hangs over the little gray fishing town of Hagermarsh.
The central jewel in this story is the relationship between the slave Darios and his owner Yaden. Theirs is the love of father and child, admixed with that of close friends. The entire book is peppered with Darios’ memories, explaining both Yaden’s background and the development of their life together. The Hagermarsh adventure itself seems largely mild and almost comical, until it isn’t. In this part of the narrative we get to witness the Yaden that Darios has raised, from terrified, lonely, underfed boy to super-hero-in-training. Yaden is ever hesitant, always wondering if he’s up to the task; and always looks to Darios for reassurance and tenderness. Yaden knows how powerful he is but is in no way cocky or arrogant. Like the catchphrase of the Emperor, Yaden truly cares, not only about the people of the empire, but the planets themselves.
To complicate their investigation, Yaden begins to feel love and attraction for the first time in his life, falling for the pretty baker Colin, whose shop is across the street. Once again, it is to Darios that he turns for advice and reassurance. It all seems far too gentle and cozy, until push comes to shove and Yaden is at last called upon to demonstrate his true mettle.
I really loved the writing here, the wide-eyed, curious tone that the Brackhauses give to the narrative, and the delight in throwing in detail after detail. I loved the profound affection that binds Darios and Yaden. Of course, I also loved both of these characters very much individually, because one rarely meets such purely good-hearted people in interplanetary empires.
I bought the second book in the Sir Yaden series without even reading the blurb. This is a world I want to get to know better.
Beryll and Osiris Brackhaus
Published by the authors
Fantasy/paranormal
M/M
2019
Page count: 276
“The Emperor cares for each and every one of his subjects.”
With that bland, propaganda-like statement, Mr. and Mrs. Brackhaus introduce us to a world that seems to be a mashup of every kind of fantasy we’ve ever known. It is Game of Thrones meets Star Wars meets Harry Potter. There are medieval fortresses on volcano-ridden planets and shopping malls with movie theaters on lush tropical islands. It is a world with electricity and human slavery, with interplanetary teleportation and combustion engines. To pull off this sort of all-embracing vision, it takes a careful writer who can manage details and keep track of things. At first, I giggled at the absurdity of it all, but I was pretty quickly sucked into the rather gentle dream that Beryll and Osiris have created for us.
Yaden Quetzal is all of five when he and his shocked parents discover that he has the power to quell volcanoes and calm earthquakes. This is useful on his volatile home planet of Erys, where his parents are Vivaine and Giano Quetzal, Duke and Duchess of Erys, close relatives of the Virasana Emperor. Little Yaden is the most powerful psion in all humanity.
So, his mother, not knowing what else to do, decides to buy him a slave.
Darios, a failed gladiator on a planet where slavery is big business in a strangely modern way, becomes both Yaden’s guardian and one of the two narrators of this adventure. Darios accompanies the twenty-three-year-old Yaden, now an imperial Lotus Knight, to go undercover to the hostile, gray planet of Leichnam (which we are told means corpse). There, disguised as tradesmen, they must investigate an aura of demonism that hangs over the little gray fishing town of Hagermarsh.
The central jewel in this story is the relationship between the slave Darios and his owner Yaden. Theirs is the love of father and child, admixed with that of close friends. The entire book is peppered with Darios’ memories, explaining both Yaden’s background and the development of their life together. The Hagermarsh adventure itself seems largely mild and almost comical, until it isn’t. In this part of the narrative we get to witness the Yaden that Darios has raised, from terrified, lonely, underfed boy to super-hero-in-training. Yaden is ever hesitant, always wondering if he’s up to the task; and always looks to Darios for reassurance and tenderness. Yaden knows how powerful he is but is in no way cocky or arrogant. Like the catchphrase of the Emperor, Yaden truly cares, not only about the people of the empire, but the planets themselves.
To complicate their investigation, Yaden begins to feel love and attraction for the first time in his life, falling for the pretty baker Colin, whose shop is across the street. Once again, it is to Darios that he turns for advice and reassurance. It all seems far too gentle and cozy, until push comes to shove and Yaden is at last called upon to demonstrate his true mettle.
I really loved the writing here, the wide-eyed, curious tone that the Brackhauses give to the narrative, and the delight in throwing in detail after detail. I loved the profound affection that binds Darios and Yaden. Of course, I also loved both of these characters very much individually, because one rarely meets such purely good-hearted people in interplanetary empires.
I bought the second book in the Sir Yaden series without even reading the blurb. This is a world I want to get to know better.
June 14, 2019
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
The Demon of Hagermarsh (Virasana Empire: Sir Yaden #1) by Beryll and Osiris Brackhaus
★★★☆☆
212 pages
OV: 3rd one character; 1st one character
Content warning: scenes of violence
The Demon of Hagermarsh is a book of two stories, for me. A combination of various genres, with two distinct voices providing POV, it tells the story of Yaden, a noble born with psychic powers. While raised as a psychic prodigy by his parents, they didn't know how to care for him as a child. Thus, enter the ex-Gladiator, Dario, a slave who is made Yaden's protector, teacher and keeper.
In the end, I feel conflicted about the novel. While there are aspects that I liked and enjoyed, that left me glad I'd finished the book, there were also things that didn't work for me. Things that were badly executed or completely unnecessary and marred my enjoyment. As yet, I'm undecided if I'll read the next book in Yaden's story. This was my first book by these authors and I'm not overly keen on the style of storytelling, though the writing style itself was good it's the execution that doesn't suit me.
For now, I'm divided between the parts I liked and the parts that I didn't.
~
NOTE: this is my second review for this book. The first was written after I DNF'd the book at 13% more than a week ago. I didn't know, at the time, that I was developing a severe migraine, which may have affected my reading. Because of this, and the fact that I continued to think about the book in the following days, I have returned to where I left off, to give the book a fair chance at a first impression.
~
ISSUES
When I first started this book, I DNF'd at 13% because the initial chapters were long, laborious, lacking in world building and took a long time to make anything happen. When I picked it up to read for a second time, I didn't re-read those chapters because I could easily remember how little had taken place during them. But...I am glad that I kept going. The story picked up around the 30% mark – which is far too late for most readers – but it did pick up and become more interesting. I just wish it had done so much sooner.
In fact, one of my biggest issues with the book is that it often had a lot of pages and events told in minutiae detail that didn't need to be included at all, including but not limited to detailing the planetary system, the political situation, and giving extraneous details about people who aren't important. While I understand that this is all part of the world-building, it wasn't the world-building that was *needed* and that was lacking. I wanted more about Yaden, Dario and Colin, not extra details about Yaden's family history and the political world and how nobles behaved. *If* that was ever going to be relevant, it could wait until then to be explored.
I had a bit of difficult pinning down a genre for the book. Although it claims to be a space-opera, it pretty much lacks anything that would give me that feeling until about 70% in. That's when it begins to have a 'space' vibe and fit what I expect of a space-opera. Instead, it combines hints and slips of a mish-mash of genres, from urban fantasy, to gladiators and modern life. It was a bit off-putting to read about name tags, shopping centers, nanites, zombies, demons, teleportation and slavery, gladiators and pizza parlours all in a story that feels more like an old age western than anything else. Perhaps if we'd been introduced to the space concept earlier on, it would have felt a bit more natural, but there were so many ideas and concepts put into this story, all at varying stages, that it never really felt like it came together.
POV
The novel follows a present-day timeline where Yaden is a twenty-something adult, completing his first large-scale mission for a hero-corpse called the Lotus Knights, as well as a flashback timeline that shows the story of how Dario came to be with Yaden and all that led them to the current storyline. For me, this is what made it confusing and often hard to follow. The two storylines were not interwoven well enough for my liking – they felt like two different stories and, whenever there was a slight gap in the timeline of the flashbacks, it reverted to the present-day story, or vice versa.
The other difficulty was that they were told in varying POV tense. The present-day story was told from Yaden's POV in 3rd person, while the flashbacks were told in Dario' POV in 1st person. And, during the first 'memory' chapter, it wasn't made clear who the POV belonged to, until well into the second page. This made it frustrating to follow and jarring to read. Often, just as something interesting was happening in Yaden's POV, it switched over to Dario, or vice versa.
CHARACTERS
I liked Yaden as a main character, even if I wish I'd seen more of his personality shine through. He often came across as shy, naive, barely able to take care of himself, and touched on some elements that suggested he might have autistic traits. He was much more a naive 16-18 year old, who needed guidance and protection, than the 20-ish warrior he was meant to be. I think that caused a jarring in my head that meant I didn't connect to him as much as I could have, but his age was mentioned so little that I read him as that 16-18 year old instead and enjoyed the book much more for it. It felt more authentic to his character, especially when he misconstrued a smile from Colin as being something deeper and more meaningful. That makes sense for a teenager, but not so much for an adult, even one as sheltered as Yaden is.
When it came to the other characters, I liked Dario and found his storyline to be particularly engaging. I must preferred his 'memory' chapters to some of the main story chapters where nothing much happened. They showed more of Yaden's personality, as well as Dario's own. I also really liked Colin, who was shy and innocent, but also read like an 16-18 year old teenager. For me, it was so much easier to believe in their relationship (and pretend they weren't sleeping together, due to no explicit content) when I thought about them as innocent and naive teenagers with little experience of the world.
However, thinking of Yaden as a teenager, and knowing his real age, only added more confusion to the very surprising introduction to the novel – a notation given by a family member of Yaden's, that claims the story is about how Yaden met “the first of his husbands” – a concept I wasn't even remotely prepared for. Even after finishing the novel, I'm not sure what this means. There was no hint or mention of a poly relationship, no remark or clue that would say Yaden was immortal or that he would outlive Colin in a reasonable theory of why he would take more than one husband. Coming at the very beginning of a book, as well, where I hadn't even met a single character was just far too confusing. It set me up for a concept that never appeared and seems entirely unnecessary.
PLOT
From reading the blurb, I expected some kind of magical force, an investigation into the 'demonic' threads of Hagermarsh, but that wasn't actually what I got. I was promised a sweeping science-fiction, space opera, but what I got was a slow, sad tale of a young boy with too much power. A boy who was trying desperately to be a man, to save a planet, and reading every detail of his daily life in the process. While it picked up at 30% to offer more magical influence, show more of Yaden's investigation, I have to admit that most of the investigation discoveries were guesswork and happenstance, not any real skill or investigative attempt on Yaden's part. Most of what he discovered came from being in the right place at the right time and that was a huge disappointment.
The mix of genres left gaps in the worldbuilding. It was difficult to know whether Yaden was the only person with psi – or psychic – abilities, until it was casually mentioned at 9% that there was a Guide for such people. Until that time, it truly felt as though Yaden was an anomaly. Even then, there was no real mention of other abilities until later in the story, so there was no concept of abilities being widespread or common in the universe, which proved only late into the story to be true.
At the beginning of the book, we're told that Yaden pays for things with “a heron” - with no explanation of what that means. Now, while it would seem stupid to think that he's paying with a real, physical, animal of a heron, there is no other explanation offered, and as this was written as mostly a medieval/western style story at this point, it wasn't beyond the realm of possibility that barter rather than money was in use. And because there was no explanation, I had no way of knowing for sure. In fact, it isn't mentioned until 16% that a heron is a coin. Until then, any reference to payment was referred to simply as “a heron” and no more. It wasn't until 16% that there was even a mention of other currents, also confusingly named after animals, as 'chicks'.
If the worldbuilding had been given the attention and pages that were needlessly given to certain other activities that weren't needed – the ending fairground, the constant pages of setting up the shop at the beginning, and some of the romance pages – then it would have felt like a more well-rounded novel and I might have felt more comfortable navigating this intricate world.
I think, with the world-building trying to be so many things at once, it confused everything else that would have come together much more nearly with some restraint. The story had a strong urban fantasy/historical fantasy base that could have been much neater and more concise, if it hadn't had so many modern features and modern slang thrown in, which didn't fit. Every utterance from Dario of 'awesome' or 'dumbass' ruined the flow of the naturally historical speech and storytelling. And the constant talk of 'movies' and 'merchandise' didn't fit into the world that had been knitted together for us. With so many modern ideas being thrown into a world that felt inherently historical/fantasy, it continued to destroy this vision of what the world was meant to be and reshaped it into something else.
~
OVERALL
In the end, I think the book tried to be too many things and that prevented it from being what it so successfully *could* have been, had it had more focus. With a science-fiction base, it could have kept the teleportation, the nanites, the magic and the demons, if it had just removed all the excess entanglements like the dual storylines, the zombies, the politics, and the things that didn't matter. It could have offered a more thorough investigation, with Yaden showing how strong and capable he was when not under the gaze of the Hagermarsh locals, rather than it being implied, and it would have been much more successful for it.
Because it tried to do so much, and introduce so much in this book, it ended up confusing itself and me. The flashback chapters were stronger, because they focused the story and the characters, giving both room to grow and explore and expand naturally. While the present-day storyline failed to hold its own, with its rambling and long-winded explorations. I could see this being really successful if the Dario storyline of how he and Yaden had come together had been its own book, even if just an introductory novella. Then the pages spent in Dario's POV here could have been used more widely for Yaden's story.
While I'm sure there are plenty of people who will love it for its originality, it made the mistake of trying to weave too many genres and concepts together, and ended up becoming knotted and frustrating instead of original and intriguing. It retained some redeeming qualities, within the characters and the shy, almost delicate romance it portrayed, but to entice me to read a second book in the series, it would need to be much more concise and much better executed, with less conflicting storytelling.
~
Favourite Quote:
“those moments in the mornings when Colin smiled at him were quickly turning into his favourite moments of the day.”
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
The Demon of Hagermarsh (Virasana Empire: Sir Yaden #1) by Beryll and Osiris Brackhaus
★★★☆☆
212 pages
OV: 3rd one character; 1st one character
Content warning: scenes of violence
The Demon of Hagermarsh is a book of two stories, for me. A combination of various genres, with two distinct voices providing POV, it tells the story of Yaden, a noble born with psychic powers. While raised as a psychic prodigy by his parents, they didn't know how to care for him as a child. Thus, enter the ex-Gladiator, Dario, a slave who is made Yaden's protector, teacher and keeper.
In the end, I feel conflicted about the novel. While there are aspects that I liked and enjoyed, that left me glad I'd finished the book, there were also things that didn't work for me. Things that were badly executed or completely unnecessary and marred my enjoyment. As yet, I'm undecided if I'll read the next book in Yaden's story. This was my first book by these authors and I'm not overly keen on the style of storytelling, though the writing style itself was good it's the execution that doesn't suit me.
For now, I'm divided between the parts I liked and the parts that I didn't.
~
NOTE: this is my second review for this book. The first was written after I DNF'd the book at 13% more than a week ago. I didn't know, at the time, that I was developing a severe migraine, which may have affected my reading. Because of this, and the fact that I continued to think about the book in the following days, I have returned to where I left off, to give the book a fair chance at a first impression.
~
ISSUES
When I first started this book, I DNF'd at 13% because the initial chapters were long, laborious, lacking in world building and took a long time to make anything happen. When I picked it up to read for a second time, I didn't re-read those chapters because I could easily remember how little had taken place during them. But...I am glad that I kept going. The story picked up around the 30% mark – which is far too late for most readers – but it did pick up and become more interesting. I just wish it had done so much sooner.
In fact, one of my biggest issues with the book is that it often had a lot of pages and events told in minutiae detail that didn't need to be included at all, including but not limited to detailing the planetary system, the political situation, and giving extraneous details about people who aren't important. While I understand that this is all part of the world-building, it wasn't the world-building that was *needed* and that was lacking. I wanted more about Yaden, Dario and Colin, not extra details about Yaden's family history and the political world and how nobles behaved. *If* that was ever going to be relevant, it could wait until then to be explored.
I had a bit of difficult pinning down a genre for the book. Although it claims to be a space-opera, it pretty much lacks anything that would give me that feeling until about 70% in. That's when it begins to have a 'space' vibe and fit what I expect of a space-opera. Instead, it combines hints and slips of a mish-mash of genres, from urban fantasy, to gladiators and modern life. It was a bit off-putting to read about name tags, shopping centers, nanites, zombies, demons, teleportation and slavery, gladiators and pizza parlours all in a story that feels more like an old age western than anything else. Perhaps if we'd been introduced to the space concept earlier on, it would have felt a bit more natural, but there were so many ideas and concepts put into this story, all at varying stages, that it never really felt like it came together.
POV
The novel follows a present-day timeline where Yaden is a twenty-something adult, completing his first large-scale mission for a hero-corpse called the Lotus Knights, as well as a flashback timeline that shows the story of how Dario came to be with Yaden and all that led them to the current storyline. For me, this is what made it confusing and often hard to follow. The two storylines were not interwoven well enough for my liking – they felt like two different stories and, whenever there was a slight gap in the timeline of the flashbacks, it reverted to the present-day story, or vice versa.
The other difficulty was that they were told in varying POV tense. The present-day story was told from Yaden's POV in 3rd person, while the flashbacks were told in Dario' POV in 1st person. And, during the first 'memory' chapter, it wasn't made clear who the POV belonged to, until well into the second page. This made it frustrating to follow and jarring to read. Often, just as something interesting was happening in Yaden's POV, it switched over to Dario, or vice versa.
CHARACTERS
I liked Yaden as a main character, even if I wish I'd seen more of his personality shine through. He often came across as shy, naive, barely able to take care of himself, and touched on some elements that suggested he might have autistic traits. He was much more a naive 16-18 year old, who needed guidance and protection, than the 20-ish warrior he was meant to be. I think that caused a jarring in my head that meant I didn't connect to him as much as I could have, but his age was mentioned so little that I read him as that 16-18 year old instead and enjoyed the book much more for it. It felt more authentic to his character, especially when he misconstrued a smile from Colin as being something deeper and more meaningful. That makes sense for a teenager, but not so much for an adult, even one as sheltered as Yaden is.
When it came to the other characters, I liked Dario and found his storyline to be particularly engaging. I must preferred his 'memory' chapters to some of the main story chapters where nothing much happened. They showed more of Yaden's personality, as well as Dario's own. I also really liked Colin, who was shy and innocent, but also read like an 16-18 year old teenager. For me, it was so much easier to believe in their relationship (and pretend they weren't sleeping together, due to no explicit content) when I thought about them as innocent and naive teenagers with little experience of the world.
However, thinking of Yaden as a teenager, and knowing his real age, only added more confusion to the very surprising introduction to the novel – a notation given by a family member of Yaden's, that claims the story is about how Yaden met “the first of his husbands” – a concept I wasn't even remotely prepared for. Even after finishing the novel, I'm not sure what this means. There was no hint or mention of a poly relationship, no remark or clue that would say Yaden was immortal or that he would outlive Colin in a reasonable theory of why he would take more than one husband. Coming at the very beginning of a book, as well, where I hadn't even met a single character was just far too confusing. It set me up for a concept that never appeared and seems entirely unnecessary.
PLOT
From reading the blurb, I expected some kind of magical force, an investigation into the 'demonic' threads of Hagermarsh, but that wasn't actually what I got. I was promised a sweeping science-fiction, space opera, but what I got was a slow, sad tale of a young boy with too much power. A boy who was trying desperately to be a man, to save a planet, and reading every detail of his daily life in the process. While it picked up at 30% to offer more magical influence, show more of Yaden's investigation, I have to admit that most of the investigation discoveries were guesswork and happenstance, not any real skill or investigative attempt on Yaden's part. Most of what he discovered came from being in the right place at the right time and that was a huge disappointment.
The mix of genres left gaps in the worldbuilding. It was difficult to know whether Yaden was the only person with psi – or psychic – abilities, until it was casually mentioned at 9% that there was a Guide for such people. Until that time, it truly felt as though Yaden was an anomaly. Even then, there was no real mention of other abilities until later in the story, so there was no concept of abilities being widespread or common in the universe, which proved only late into the story to be true.
At the beginning of the book, we're told that Yaden pays for things with “a heron” - with no explanation of what that means. Now, while it would seem stupid to think that he's paying with a real, physical, animal of a heron, there is no other explanation offered, and as this was written as mostly a medieval/western style story at this point, it wasn't beyond the realm of possibility that barter rather than money was in use. And because there was no explanation, I had no way of knowing for sure. In fact, it isn't mentioned until 16% that a heron is a coin. Until then, any reference to payment was referred to simply as “a heron” and no more. It wasn't until 16% that there was even a mention of other currents, also confusingly named after animals, as 'chicks'.
If the worldbuilding had been given the attention and pages that were needlessly given to certain other activities that weren't needed – the ending fairground, the constant pages of setting up the shop at the beginning, and some of the romance pages – then it would have felt like a more well-rounded novel and I might have felt more comfortable navigating this intricate world.
I think, with the world-building trying to be so many things at once, it confused everything else that would have come together much more nearly with some restraint. The story had a strong urban fantasy/historical fantasy base that could have been much neater and more concise, if it hadn't had so many modern features and modern slang thrown in, which didn't fit. Every utterance from Dario of 'awesome' or 'dumbass' ruined the flow of the naturally historical speech and storytelling. And the constant talk of 'movies' and 'merchandise' didn't fit into the world that had been knitted together for us. With so many modern ideas being thrown into a world that felt inherently historical/fantasy, it continued to destroy this vision of what the world was meant to be and reshaped it into something else.
~
OVERALL
In the end, I think the book tried to be too many things and that prevented it from being what it so successfully *could* have been, had it had more focus. With a science-fiction base, it could have kept the teleportation, the nanites, the magic and the demons, if it had just removed all the excess entanglements like the dual storylines, the zombies, the politics, and the things that didn't matter. It could have offered a more thorough investigation, with Yaden showing how strong and capable he was when not under the gaze of the Hagermarsh locals, rather than it being implied, and it would have been much more successful for it.
Because it tried to do so much, and introduce so much in this book, it ended up confusing itself and me. The flashback chapters were stronger, because they focused the story and the characters, giving both room to grow and explore and expand naturally. While the present-day storyline failed to hold its own, with its rambling and long-winded explorations. I could see this being really successful if the Dario storyline of how he and Yaden had come together had been its own book, even if just an introductory novella. Then the pages spent in Dario's POV here could have been used more widely for Yaden's story.
While I'm sure there are plenty of people who will love it for its originality, it made the mistake of trying to weave too many genres and concepts together, and ended up becoming knotted and frustrating instead of original and intriguing. It retained some redeeming qualities, within the characters and the shy, almost delicate romance it portrayed, but to entice me to read a second book in the series, it would need to be much more concise and much better executed, with less conflicting storytelling.
~
Favourite Quote:
“those moments in the mornings when Colin smiled at him were quickly turning into his favourite moments of the day.”
March 2, 2021
Rating (All ratings use a Scale of 1-5) = 4.5 rounded down. For me this was surprisingly good. I read to escape and for entertainment; not to review. I had an extra busy week personally and rough week within my family. So... My reading was very sporadic, less often, and not as focused as is the norm. Despite my weakness in retention, I was able to pick back up with the story and not feel lost or bored (which was huge). I also feel there are enough unique aspects, that I will remember it in a few weeks time (also huge). But despite this, I didn't quite feel I could give it 5 stars on Goodreads (which is to help others decide about purchasing books) . Further explanations follow below in the breakdown.
Blurb = 3.5
My Genre Scale = 4
Odds if not your genre = I'm not sure I'd take the risk if Historical SciFi is not your "Cup of tea", but see below for more info especially under Mood Type.
Development of:
*World = (This has to be divided up because aspects were great while others were not so much.) Rating for World and setting of planet the m/c was sent to =4.5; Home world from childhood Flashbacks = 4; Knights home base = 3.5 (All did well in serving their purpose within the story.) But the overall Universe / Empire was not very clear or developed at all = 2; I fear it might be even worse, because I had recently read, "The Pet and His Duke". This was set in the same Universe, which gave me more background on the ruling Nobles, current Emperor, and of the world's constructs than others may have when reading. It certainly went a long way in my understanding Yaden"s childhood, his "Mentors" background, and the context of other things briefly mentioned but never shown or really explained. After 2 books, I still basically have no real idea or understanding of why the world feels completely like historical fantasy with aspects of a post-apocalyptic modern world thrown in like PR, movies, etc... It was very JARRING even with remembering these same aspects from the "Pet" book.
*Plot = 3.5 / 4
*Characters = Yaden was a 4.5 maybe even 5; His mentor was a 3.5; Colin was a 3 at best mostly due to the P.O.V. Romance Relationship = 2.5
What stood out = Yaden"s childhood development and personality. His ability to recognize his weaknesses, acknowledge them, and work on them; yet, not whine and dwell. His Psi ability and relationship with the planets. His awesome mentor and their relationship.
And... Alva (definitely Alva)
Mood Type / Appeal to those looking for = An Heroic adventure with a truly Noble M/C that is just starting out as a newly minted Emperor's Knight. Very low heat and the romance is not the main focus; it is Yaden and his mission instead. Yet, I still felt I understood how they developed an actual relationship; due to multiple passages explaining how they spent their days during lulls in Yaden's investigation as time progressed. Plus, the author did a great job of showing how Colin treasured their budding relationship, even when the villagers did not.
Warnings = Surprisingly none despite having a demon
HFN/HEA = Definitely, it was really sweet and fleshed out in the end.
Series Notes = 1st in Sir Yaden's Series from the Virasana Empire Universe which has other books and stories.
*Reading on? Definitely
*Reading back to back? N/A
*Can be easily read without the previous? N/A, but for reasons mentioned above I would consider reading The Pet and His Duke if that one sounds at all interesting to you.
Rating Notes = (SubPlots, thoughts, etc... )
An aspect I really appreciated was the way the author SHOWED how good people can make really poor decisions (for all the right reasons), and then suddenly find themselves trapped in untenable situations. How someone can panic making things worse but know better. In the end, we were shown very different paths those "caught up" can choose to make; even if the consequences end up the same for each personally.
The author also did a very good job of making me believe this couple has a real chance of a solid future. This is despite their romance not being the main focus. It was done with lots of little but important details; that we were once again shown not just told. For example, the various steps they took to help Colin settle into this "entirely different world", that he suddenly finds himself inhabiting: from something as simple as a mug to the steps for him beginning to bake again.
I am actually looking forward to their continued adventures.
**************
Below are my explanations or thoughts on reviewing!
***************
1. I try to take into account and note any common pet peeves often bemoaned by other reviewers
2. "Brain candy' does not necessarily carry a negative connotation in my reviews. It has its uses; to pass time whet tired, on the beach, etc... The problem is when I'm expecting a novel and I get fluff. (What is brain candy? Pure entertainment; It may be formulaic, from an author published quickly like monthly, things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc.. Publishing industries version of pop music).
3. 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. 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 it. I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
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 2021) was a 3.64 average for 1527 books. Which considering, one should be better at picking out books the more one reads, I feel is an accurate average. I have over 795 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
Blurb = 3.5
My Genre Scale = 4
Odds if not your genre = I'm not sure I'd take the risk if Historical SciFi is not your "Cup of tea", but see below for more info especially under Mood Type.
Development of:
*World = (This has to be divided up because aspects were great while others were not so much.) Rating for World and setting of planet the m/c was sent to =4.5; Home world from childhood Flashbacks = 4; Knights home base = 3.5 (All did well in serving their purpose within the story.) But the overall Universe / Empire was not very clear or developed at all = 2; I fear it might be even worse, because I had recently read, "The Pet and His Duke". This was set in the same Universe, which gave me more background on the ruling Nobles, current Emperor, and of the world's constructs than others may have when reading. It certainly went a long way in my understanding Yaden"s childhood, his "Mentors" background, and the context of other things briefly mentioned but never shown or really explained. After 2 books, I still basically have no real idea or understanding of why the world feels completely like historical fantasy with aspects of a post-apocalyptic modern world thrown in like PR, movies, etc... It was very JARRING even with remembering these same aspects from the "Pet" book.
*Plot = 3.5 / 4
*Characters = Yaden was a 4.5 maybe even 5; His mentor was a 3.5; Colin was a 3 at best mostly due to the P.O.V. Romance Relationship = 2.5
What stood out = Yaden"s childhood development and personality. His ability to recognize his weaknesses, acknowledge them, and work on them; yet, not whine and dwell. His Psi ability and relationship with the planets. His awesome mentor and their relationship.
And... Alva (definitely Alva)
Mood Type / Appeal to those looking for = An Heroic adventure with a truly Noble M/C that is just starting out as a newly minted Emperor's Knight. Very low heat and the romance is not the main focus; it is Yaden and his mission instead. Yet, I still felt I understood how they developed an actual relationship; due to multiple passages explaining how they spent their days during lulls in Yaden's investigation as time progressed. Plus, the author did a great job of showing how Colin treasured their budding relationship, even when the villagers did not.
Warnings = Surprisingly none despite having a demon
HFN/HEA = Definitely, it was really sweet and fleshed out in the end.
Series Notes = 1st in Sir Yaden's Series from the Virasana Empire Universe which has other books and stories.
*Reading on? Definitely
*Reading back to back? N/A
*Can be easily read without the previous? N/A, but for reasons mentioned above I would consider reading The Pet and His Duke if that one sounds at all interesting to you.
Rating Notes = (SubPlots, thoughts, etc... )
An aspect I really appreciated was the way the author SHOWED how good people can make really poor decisions (for all the right reasons), and then suddenly find themselves trapped in untenable situations. How someone can panic making things worse but know better. In the end, we were shown very different paths those "caught up" can choose to make; even if the consequences end up the same for each personally.
The author also did a very good job of making me believe this couple has a real chance of a solid future. This is despite their romance not being the main focus. It was done with lots of little but important details; that we were once again shown not just told. For example, the various steps they took to help Colin settle into this "entirely different world", that he suddenly finds himself inhabiting: from something as simple as a mug to the steps for him beginning to bake again.
I am actually looking forward to their continued adventures.
**************
Below are my explanations or thoughts on reviewing!
***************
1. I try to take into account and note any common pet peeves often bemoaned by other reviewers
2. "Brain candy' does not necessarily carry a negative connotation in my reviews. It has its uses; to pass time whet tired, on the beach, etc... The problem is when I'm expecting a novel and I get fluff. (What is brain candy? Pure entertainment; It may be formulaic, from an author published quickly like monthly, things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc.. Publishing industries version of pop music).
3. 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. 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 it. I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
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 2021) was a 3.64 average for 1527 books. Which considering, one should be better at picking out books the more one reads, I feel is an accurate average. I have over 795 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
November 19, 2022
This was okay, if a little too lite and YA-ish (Yaden is a sheltered 23) for what I was expecting (hoping). But it was very slow-going for most of the book. The authors did a great job depicting the dreary atmosphere of the planet where the mission takes place, but that only added to the sluggish feeling. Given the slow pace I don’t plan to continue with the series.
June 23, 2019
Rating: 3.75 stars
Review at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2019
I loved how this story juxtaposed fantasy expectations with modernity. The blurb sets up for a medieval setting, and yet the setting has a touch of a modern world. The world building is fabulous, as is the magic system. I loved the idea of demon magic smelling like mouldy mushrooms. I also liked that there are consequences for using magic, and that the user has to replenish the energy they’ve used.
Having the story told in 3rd person for the present, and the flashbacks in 1st, yet having the two parts of the stories working together was an original way to tell it. I liked the insight it gave to both the main characters—and the different perspectives of their class—as the story unfolded, neither spoiling the other. The switch between made it clearer whether I was reading the current storyline or the prequel/history part of it too.
Yaden is an interesting character. I loved his power, which is very cool, and I liked that way he’s powerful, yet very young, and has a lot to learn especially about relationships and romance. I enjoyed seeing him through Darios’ eyes, and learning about Darios’ history too. Yaden’s growing romance with Colin is very sweet. I liked the two of them together, and Colin as a person too.
Another strength of this story is the descriptions. They give a great sense of atmosphere and I had a clear picture of every scene. The village feels like a typical small village with the gossip and matchmaking, and I thought the demonic side of it was an interesting twist on how those kinds of stories—and reasons behind deals with demons—usually play out.
I loved the idea of the Lotus Knights, plus the fact they have a PR department making movies, and selling merchandise, based around the knights’ missions. A lot of this story is very different and original, which I thought was brilliant. I enjoyed the final showdown, and liked that it wasn’t an easy fight, and that Yaden makes mistakes. It adds a sense of realism to the story, and his character.
I also liked Yaden’s friend, Haakon, and would love to see more of him.
I was very happy to learn this is the first in a series, and looking forward to reading more of Yaden’s adventures. Further research found an online wiki, which is a very cool idea!
I’d recommend this story to reader who enjoy fantasy that is a little different and a lot of fun, fabulous world building, and endearing characters.
Having the story told in 3rd person for the present, and the flashbacks in 1st, yet having the two parts of the stories working together was an original way to tell it. I liked the insight it gave to both the main characters—and the different perspectives of their class—as the story unfolded, neither spoiling the other. The switch between made it clearer whether I was reading the current storyline or the prequel/history part of it too.
Yaden is an interesting character. I loved his power, which is very cool, and I liked that way he’s powerful, yet very young, and has a lot to learn especially about relationships and romance. I enjoyed seeing him through Darios’ eyes, and learning about Darios’ history too. Yaden’s growing romance with Colin is very sweet. I liked the two of them together, and Colin as a person too.
Another strength of this story is the descriptions. They give a great sense of atmosphere and I had a clear picture of every scene. The village feels like a typical small village with the gossip and matchmaking, and I thought the demonic side of it was an interesting twist on how those kinds of stories—and reasons behind deals with demons—usually play out.
I loved the idea of the Lotus Knights, plus the fact they have a PR department making movies, and selling merchandise, based around the knights’ missions. A lot of this story is very different and original, which I thought was brilliant. I enjoyed the final showdown, and liked that it wasn’t an easy fight, and that Yaden makes mistakes. It adds a sense of realism to the story, and his character.
I also liked Yaden’s friend, Haakon, and would love to see more of him.
I was very happy to learn this is the first in a series, and looking forward to reading more of Yaden’s adventures. Further research found an online wiki, which is a very cool idea!
I’d recommend this story to reader who enjoy fantasy that is a little different and a lot of fun, fabulous world building, and endearing characters.
June 4, 2019
FR- Alors alors... alors je n'avais toujours pas lu de livre de ces auteurs que j'ai eu la chance de rencontrer lors de l'EPC 2017 à Berlin. Aussi quand ils ont indiqués sur Facebook qu'ils cherchaient des lecteurs pour leur prochaine sortie je n'ai pas hésité longtemps.
J'ai lu le résumé en diagonale et je ne sais pas pourquoi mais j'ai carrément zappé l'aspect SF du roman. Alors forcément, j'ai été très surprise quand j'ai commencé à lire ce roman, moi qui m'attendais à un roman historique médiéval. Mais j'adore les romans MM SF et je me suis vite plongée dans l'histoire.
Ce roman est le premier tome d'une série de trois romans basés sur Sir Yaden, qui est le personnage principal. Je ne sais pas si les auteurs prévoient d'autres romans sur cet univers avec d'autres personnages principaux mais en tout cas, il y a largement matière.
J'ai énormément aimé ce roman. Je me suis très vite retrouvée prise dans l'histoire et je me suis attachée super vite au personnage de Yaden. Il est vraiment touchant et attachant et j'ai aimé les souvenirs du point de vue de Dario qui nous permettent d'en apprendre un peu plus sur l'enfance de Yaden mais également sur lui même. J'ai beaucoup aimé cette petite histoire imbriquée dans l'histoire principale et j'aimerai en apprendre encore plus sur Dario dans les tomes suivants.
J'ai adoré la relation Yaden-Dario. J'aime beaucoup ce que les auteurs nous proposent pour ces deux personnages et j'ai aimé les suivre tout au long des pages.
Pour en revenir au roman en lui même, j'ai été complètement dépaysée par l'univers que nous proposent Beryll et Osiris Brackhaus. Comme je vous le disais en début de chronique, je m'attendais à un roman historique et j'ai été surprise de trouver un univers mi futuriste mi médiéval dans ce roman mais j'ai adoré ça. L'univers est très bien détaillé, très bien maîtrisé. J'ai aimé découvrir Hagermarsh et encore plus Virasana même si ce n'est que brièvement.
J'ai vraiment aimé le mélange des genres. J'ai aimé me laisser porter par les mots des auteurs et découvrir un univers dans lequel je n'avais aucun repère. j'ai aimé passé d'un monde un peu archaïque sans confort moderne et où la vie est dure à une ville plus moderne avec des films, du merchandising et des resto comme on en connait aujourd'hui. J'ai vraiment aimé ce coté monétisation des chevaliers du Lotus , ça m'a fait pensé aux Avengers et j'ai trouvé ça très drôle.
La relation entre Yaden et Colin est douce et vraiment mignonne. Il n'y a pas de détails des scènes de sexes mais j'ai trouvé vraiment mignons ces deux personnages et j'ai adoré assister à la naissance de leur amour. La relation amoureuse n'est pas au centre de l'histoire même si dès le départ on nous annonce que le roman va nous présenter la rencontre entre un personnage et l'un de ses maris. Je dois dire que cette phrase m'a intriguée et que je me demande donc si Yaden va rencontrer d'autres amoureux.
En résumé un très bon premier tome d'un roman surprenant et prenant. J'ai vraiment hâte d'en lire un peu plus sur Yaden et les autres personnages.
ENG- So well well well.. well I still had not read a book of these authors that I had the chance to meet at the 2017 EPC in Berlin. Also when they indicated on Facebook that they were looking for readers for their next release I did not hesitate a lot.
I read the summary diagonally and I do not know why but I totally missed the SF aspect of the novel. So obviously, I was very surprised when I started reading it, I was expecting a medieval/ historical novel. But I love the MM SF novels and I was quickly into the story.
This novel is the first in a series of three novels based on Sir Yaden, who is the main character. I do not know if the authors foresee other novels on this universe with other main characters but in any case, there is largely material.
I really loved this novel. I quickly found myself in the story and I quickly attached myself to the character of Yaden. He's really touching and endearing and I liked the memories from Dario's point of view that allow us to learn a little more about Yaden's childhood but also about himself. I really liked this little story embedded in the main story and I would like to learn even more about Dario in the following volumes.
I loved the Yaden-Dario relationship. I really like what the authors propose for these two characters and I liked to follow them throughout the pages.
To come back to the novel itself, I was completely disoriented by the universe that Beryll and Osiris Brackhaus propose. As I told you at the beginning of the review, I was expecting a historical novel and I was surprised to find a mid futuristic mid medieval universe in this novel but I loved it. The universe is very well detailed, very well mastered. I liked to discover Hagermarsh and even more Virasana even if only briefly.
I really liked the mix of genres. I liked to let myself be carried away by the words of the authors and to discover a universe in which I had no reference. I loved going from a world a little archaic without modern comfort and where life is hard to a more modern city with movies, merchandising and restaurants as we know today. I really liked this monetization of the Lotus Knights, it made me think of the Avengers and I found it very funny.
The relationship between Yaden and Colin is sweet and really cute. There are no details of the sex scenes but I found these two characters really cute and I loved watching the birth of their love. The relationship is not the center of the story even if from the beginning we are told that the novel will present the meeting between a character and one of his husbands. I must say that this phrase intrigued me and so I wonder if Yaden will meet other lovers.
In summary a very good first volume of a novel surprising and taking. I can not wait to read more about Yaden and the other characters.
J'ai lu le résumé en diagonale et je ne sais pas pourquoi mais j'ai carrément zappé l'aspect SF du roman. Alors forcément, j'ai été très surprise quand j'ai commencé à lire ce roman, moi qui m'attendais à un roman historique médiéval. Mais j'adore les romans MM SF et je me suis vite plongée dans l'histoire.
Ce roman est le premier tome d'une série de trois romans basés sur Sir Yaden, qui est le personnage principal. Je ne sais pas si les auteurs prévoient d'autres romans sur cet univers avec d'autres personnages principaux mais en tout cas, il y a largement matière.
J'ai énormément aimé ce roman. Je me suis très vite retrouvée prise dans l'histoire et je me suis attachée super vite au personnage de Yaden. Il est vraiment touchant et attachant et j'ai aimé les souvenirs du point de vue de Dario qui nous permettent d'en apprendre un peu plus sur l'enfance de Yaden mais également sur lui même. J'ai beaucoup aimé cette petite histoire imbriquée dans l'histoire principale et j'aimerai en apprendre encore plus sur Dario dans les tomes suivants.
J'ai adoré la relation Yaden-Dario. J'aime beaucoup ce que les auteurs nous proposent pour ces deux personnages et j'ai aimé les suivre tout au long des pages.
Pour en revenir au roman en lui même, j'ai été complètement dépaysée par l'univers que nous proposent Beryll et Osiris Brackhaus. Comme je vous le disais en début de chronique, je m'attendais à un roman historique et j'ai été surprise de trouver un univers mi futuriste mi médiéval dans ce roman mais j'ai adoré ça. L'univers est très bien détaillé, très bien maîtrisé. J'ai aimé découvrir Hagermarsh et encore plus Virasana même si ce n'est que brièvement.
J'ai vraiment aimé le mélange des genres. J'ai aimé me laisser porter par les mots des auteurs et découvrir un univers dans lequel je n'avais aucun repère. j'ai aimé passé d'un monde un peu archaïque sans confort moderne et où la vie est dure à une ville plus moderne avec des films, du merchandising et des resto comme on en connait aujourd'hui. J'ai vraiment aimé ce coté monétisation des chevaliers du Lotus , ça m'a fait pensé aux Avengers et j'ai trouvé ça très drôle.
La relation entre Yaden et Colin est douce et vraiment mignonne. Il n'y a pas de détails des scènes de sexes mais j'ai trouvé vraiment mignons ces deux personnages et j'ai adoré assister à la naissance de leur amour. La relation amoureuse n'est pas au centre de l'histoire même si dès le départ on nous annonce que le roman va nous présenter la rencontre entre un personnage et l'un de ses maris. Je dois dire que cette phrase m'a intriguée et que je me demande donc si Yaden va rencontrer d'autres amoureux.
En résumé un très bon premier tome d'un roman surprenant et prenant. J'ai vraiment hâte d'en lire un peu plus sur Yaden et les autres personnages.
ENG- So well well well.. well I still had not read a book of these authors that I had the chance to meet at the 2017 EPC in Berlin. Also when they indicated on Facebook that they were looking for readers for their next release I did not hesitate a lot.
I read the summary diagonally and I do not know why but I totally missed the SF aspect of the novel. So obviously, I was very surprised when I started reading it, I was expecting a medieval/ historical novel. But I love the MM SF novels and I was quickly into the story.
This novel is the first in a series of three novels based on Sir Yaden, who is the main character. I do not know if the authors foresee other novels on this universe with other main characters but in any case, there is largely material.
I really loved this novel. I quickly found myself in the story and I quickly attached myself to the character of Yaden. He's really touching and endearing and I liked the memories from Dario's point of view that allow us to learn a little more about Yaden's childhood but also about himself. I really liked this little story embedded in the main story and I would like to learn even more about Dario in the following volumes.
I loved the Yaden-Dario relationship. I really like what the authors propose for these two characters and I liked to follow them throughout the pages.
To come back to the novel itself, I was completely disoriented by the universe that Beryll and Osiris Brackhaus propose. As I told you at the beginning of the review, I was expecting a historical novel and I was surprised to find a mid futuristic mid medieval universe in this novel but I loved it. The universe is very well detailed, very well mastered. I liked to discover Hagermarsh and even more Virasana even if only briefly.
I really liked the mix of genres. I liked to let myself be carried away by the words of the authors and to discover a universe in which I had no reference. I loved going from a world a little archaic without modern comfort and where life is hard to a more modern city with movies, merchandising and restaurants as we know today. I really liked this monetization of the Lotus Knights, it made me think of the Avengers and I found it very funny.
The relationship between Yaden and Colin is sweet and really cute. There are no details of the sex scenes but I found these two characters really cute and I loved watching the birth of their love. The relationship is not the center of the story even if from the beginning we are told that the novel will present the meeting between a character and one of his husbands. I must say that this phrase intrigued me and so I wonder if Yaden will meet other lovers.
In summary a very good first volume of a novel surprising and taking. I can not wait to read more about Yaden and the other characters.
June 6, 2019
Yaden, Lotus Knight und damit direkter Untergebener des Kaisers des Virasana Empires, erhält den Auftrag, sich die Stadt Hagermarsh genauer azusehen, die auf dem Planeten Leichnam liegt. Die Menschen dort sind erstaunlicherweise fröhlicher als sonst üblich, so dass Misstrauen geweckt wurde, es könnte sich um dämonischen Einfluss handeln.
Gemeinsam mit seinem langjährigen Vertrauten Darios eröffnet er zur Tarnung einen Gemischtwarenladen in der Stadt und freundet sich schon bald mit den dort ansässigen Bewohnern an – sofern das möglich ist, wenn deren „freundlicher Umgang“ aus Brummen und möglichst rauen Worten besteht. Bei seiner Undercover-Mission lernt er auch Colin, den Bäcker von gegenüber, kennen, zu dem er rasch einen guten Draht entwickelt.
Die Geschichte beginnt direkt auf Leichnam, so dass man rasch nach Hagermarsh kommt und die ansässigen Brummbären genauer kennenlernt. Dabei erfährt man auch einiges über Yaden, was ihn zu einem lebendigen und liebenswerten Charakter macht.
Zwischengestreut zu der aktuellen Geschichte, die aus der dritten Person erzählt wird, befinden sich Abschnitte, in denen aus der Ich-Perspektive von Darios dessen Vorgeschichte berichtet wird – seine Begegnung mit Yaden und wie er immer mehr über den damals noch sehr jungen Mann erfährt, mit den ihn eine liebevolle Vater-Sohn-Beziehung verbindet.
In Hagermarsh selbst erlebt man von Beginn an viel des Alltags der Bewohner, der durch die unterschwellige Detektivarbeit, die Yaden leisten muss, um die dämonische Präsenz und deren Ursprung zu finden, immer wieder mit Andeutungen lockt.
So kommt man als Leser in den Genuss eines spannenden Abenteuers, das nicht nur mit einem grandiosen Helden aufwartet, sondern auch mit detailreichen und einfach nur liebenswerten Nebenfiguren. Ich fordere jeden heraus, sich nicht in Yaden und seine Abenteuer zu verlieben.
Gemeinsam mit seinem langjährigen Vertrauten Darios eröffnet er zur Tarnung einen Gemischtwarenladen in der Stadt und freundet sich schon bald mit den dort ansässigen Bewohnern an – sofern das möglich ist, wenn deren „freundlicher Umgang“ aus Brummen und möglichst rauen Worten besteht. Bei seiner Undercover-Mission lernt er auch Colin, den Bäcker von gegenüber, kennen, zu dem er rasch einen guten Draht entwickelt.
Die Geschichte beginnt direkt auf Leichnam, so dass man rasch nach Hagermarsh kommt und die ansässigen Brummbären genauer kennenlernt. Dabei erfährt man auch einiges über Yaden, was ihn zu einem lebendigen und liebenswerten Charakter macht.
Zwischengestreut zu der aktuellen Geschichte, die aus der dritten Person erzählt wird, befinden sich Abschnitte, in denen aus der Ich-Perspektive von Darios dessen Vorgeschichte berichtet wird – seine Begegnung mit Yaden und wie er immer mehr über den damals noch sehr jungen Mann erfährt, mit den ihn eine liebevolle Vater-Sohn-Beziehung verbindet.
In Hagermarsh selbst erlebt man von Beginn an viel des Alltags der Bewohner, der durch die unterschwellige Detektivarbeit, die Yaden leisten muss, um die dämonische Präsenz und deren Ursprung zu finden, immer wieder mit Andeutungen lockt.
So kommt man als Leser in den Genuss eines spannenden Abenteuers, das nicht nur mit einem grandiosen Helden aufwartet, sondern auch mit detailreichen und einfach nur liebenswerten Nebenfiguren. Ich fordere jeden heraus, sich nicht in Yaden und seine Abenteuer zu verlieben.
June 6, 2019
Yaden, Lotus Knight und damit direkter Untergebener des Kaisers des Virasana Empires, erhält den Auftrag, sich die Stadt Hagermarsh genauer azusehen, die auf dem Planeten Leichnam liegt. Die Menschen dort sind erstaunlicherweise fröhlicher als sonst üblich, so dass Misstrauen geweckt wurde, es könnte sich um dämonischen Einfluss handeln.
Gemeinsam mit seinem langjährigen Vertrauten Darios eröffnet er zur Tarnung einen Gemischtwarenladen in der Stadt und freundet sich schon bald mit den dort ansässigen Bewohnern an – sofern das möglich ist, wenn deren „freundlicher Umgang“ aus Brummen und möglichst rauen Worten besteht. Bei seiner Undercover-Mission lernt er auch Colin, den Bäcker von gegenüber, kennen, zu dem er rasch einen guten Draht entwickelt.
Die Geschichte beginnt direkt auf Leichnam, so dass man rasch nach Hagermarsh kommt und die ansässigen Brummbären genauer kennenlernt. Dabei erfährt man auch einiges über Yaden, was ihn zu einem lebendigen und liebenswerten Charakter macht.
Zwischengestreut zu der aktuellen Geschichte, die aus der dritten Person erzählt wird, befinden sich Abschnitte, in denen aus der Ich-Perspektive von Darios dessen Vorgeschichte berichtet wird – seine Begegnung mit Yaden und wie er immer mehr über den damals noch sehr jungen Mann erfährt, mit den ihn eine liebevolle Vater-Sohn-Beziehung verbindet.
In Hagermarsh selbst erlebt man von Beginn an viel des Alltags der Bewohner, der durch die unterschwellige Detektivarbeit, die Yaden leisten muss, um die dämonische Präsenz und deren Ursprung zu finden, immer wieder mit Andeutungen lockt.
So kommt man als Leser in den Genuss eines spannenden Abenteuers, das nicht nur mit einem grandiosen Helden aufwartet, sondern auch mit detailreichen und einfach nur liebenswerten Nebenfiguren. Ich fordere jeden heraus, sich nicht in Yaden und seine Abenteuer zu verlieben.
Gemeinsam mit seinem langjährigen Vertrauten Darios eröffnet er zur Tarnung einen Gemischtwarenladen in der Stadt und freundet sich schon bald mit den dort ansässigen Bewohnern an – sofern das möglich ist, wenn deren „freundlicher Umgang“ aus Brummen und möglichst rauen Worten besteht. Bei seiner Undercover-Mission lernt er auch Colin, den Bäcker von gegenüber, kennen, zu dem er rasch einen guten Draht entwickelt.
Die Geschichte beginnt direkt auf Leichnam, so dass man rasch nach Hagermarsh kommt und die ansässigen Brummbären genauer kennenlernt. Dabei erfährt man auch einiges über Yaden, was ihn zu einem lebendigen und liebenswerten Charakter macht.
Zwischengestreut zu der aktuellen Geschichte, die aus der dritten Person erzählt wird, befinden sich Abschnitte, in denen aus der Ich-Perspektive von Darios dessen Vorgeschichte berichtet wird – seine Begegnung mit Yaden und wie er immer mehr über den damals noch sehr jungen Mann erfährt, mit den ihn eine liebevolle Vater-Sohn-Beziehung verbindet.
In Hagermarsh selbst erlebt man von Beginn an viel des Alltags der Bewohner, der durch die unterschwellige Detektivarbeit, die Yaden leisten muss, um die dämonische Präsenz und deren Ursprung zu finden, immer wieder mit Andeutungen lockt.
So kommt man als Leser in den Genuss eines spannenden Abenteuers, das nicht nur mit einem grandiosen Helden aufwartet, sondern auch mit detailreichen und einfach nur liebenswerten Nebenfiguren. Ich fordere jeden heraus, sich nicht in Yaden und seine Abenteuer zu verlieben.
June 6, 2025
Young Yaden and his protector Darios are on an undercover mission to the world's dreariest planet, trying to figure out why there is a vague but constant demonic presence hanging over the village.
Colin the local baker is anything but dreary, though, and I spent most of the book worrying if he was involved or not.
Most is told from Yaden's POV, but there are occasional memory chapters, told from Darios's POV, showing how he came to be Yaden's protector when he was still a young, lonely boy.
In these chapters we slowly find out who and what Yaden really is, and how he came to be in the position, and on that mission, that he is now.
Further out of town, there were meadows with the most hostile-looking sheep Yaden had ever seen. They all stood with their butts to the wind like soldiers at parade rest, squinting at him suspiciously, looking as if they were putting a particular effort into producing the scratchiest wool possible. This planet even had inhospitable animals.
Colin the local baker is anything but dreary, though, and I spent most of the book worrying if he was involved or not.
Most is told from Yaden's POV, but there are occasional memory chapters, told from Darios's POV, showing how he came to be Yaden's protector when he was still a young, lonely boy.
So in that unquestionably most important moment of my life, I decided to care for that boy. To be his friend and his shelter, and to always be there for him without question.
In these chapters we slowly find out who and what Yaden really is, and how he came to be in the position, and on that mission, that he is now.
October 12, 2019
4.5 stars ... what a wonderful start to a new sci-fi series. The action keeps building steadily to a rather spectacular 'fight to the death' sequence. I loved all the MCs ... and I particularly appreciated Yaden's historical backstory being provided by a 'recollection'-type POV for another MC - I love Darios' stoic-like care/concern! I hope there's going to more details provided on the whole Emperor's Lotus Knights set-up.
September 14, 2020
Great beginning
I’m really loving the books I have read so far by this author duo. This is the first in a series and it is a paranormal book with a bit of a YA vibe, even though the MC is in his early 20s. Loved the flashbacks showing the relationship between the MC and his amazing slave/mentor. On to the next one in the series!
I’m really loving the books I have read so far by this author duo. This is the first in a series and it is a paranormal book with a bit of a YA vibe, even though the MC is in his early 20s. Loved the flashbacks showing the relationship between the MC and his amazing slave/mentor. On to the next one in the series!
June 19, 2019
3.5 rounded up
January 29, 2021
Awesome.
February 23, 2021
Another great book by this author team. I am thankful that I read first The pet and his Duke as that was a perfect world building book to start with for this series. In this beginning of the series about Sir Yaden we get glimpses of both past and present through Yaden's and his guardian's point of views. I liked the forward by Yaden's son that foreshadowed the romantic aspect of the story.
May 2, 2021
Rating: 4 stars
My friend generously loaned me a copy of this book. It took a while for me to get into it but once I did, I really enjoyed it. I normally don’t really like books that have flashback chapters but I really loved Darios as a character and loved his point of view. I also loved seeing Yaden from his eyes and learn everything that he went through to become a Lotus Knight. I do think his relationship with Colin could have been fleshed out a bit more but overall, it was a highly enjoyable book.
My friend generously loaned me a copy of this book. It took a while for me to get into it but once I did, I really enjoyed it. I normally don’t really like books that have flashback chapters but I really loved Darios as a character and loved his point of view. I also loved seeing Yaden from his eyes and learn everything that he went through to become a Lotus Knight. I do think his relationship with Colin could have been fleshed out a bit more but overall, it was a highly enjoyable book.
December 3, 2021
Detailed with humor, romance and alot of thoughts.
The first book of this series is awesome. I read a standalone novella first based on this universe and its so nothing like we are used to.
I love it. Im glad there is so much more than just this single first book to this particular lotus knight and im looking forward to read not only his story and also see others within this well thought thru universe.
maybe i didnt start this in order (in regards of the story) since some aspects are a bit confusing but the longer you read the easier it gets to set your mind on this world!
The first book of this series is awesome. I read a standalone novella first based on this universe and its so nothing like we are used to.
I love it. Im glad there is so much more than just this single first book to this particular lotus knight and im looking forward to read not only his story and also see others within this well thought thru universe.
maybe i didnt start this in order (in regards of the story) since some aspects are a bit confusing but the longer you read the easier it gets to set your mind on this world!
June 18, 2023
Second chapter in and we already have slavery popping up. And in the story it’s completely normalized (like “I promised i would get you a puppy for your 18th birthday” kind of energy but it’s a slave instead).Such a disappointment. Like if you stop one second to think about the underlying assumptions of this story, it is truly blood chilling. The protagonist is presented as this caring and kind and loving person but has no problems with slavery. He has no problem with the most abhorrent practice in all the history of humanity. He just thinks about Darios as his friend but there is no further reflection on the condition under which he has to perform, on his background, on the reality that he was literally forced to go around killing people or getting killed for entertainment. And the excuse that he cannot do anything (not even free Darios) is so bogus that I don’t even know why the author wrote that down (besides making up an excuse to preserve the protagonist’s kindness). He is the son of a duke, he is beyond powerful and he works directly under the emperor. The only reason why he doesn’t do anything is because he is also just as monstrous as everyone in this story. And this is made evident by the fact that whenever slavery is mentioned he doesn’t even bat one eye about it. The way it’s fully normalized and covered in this veneer of gentleness made me sick.
July 10, 2022
Loved the switch between third person Yaden and first person Darios. This way I got a good glimpse of the current universe, but also learned about Darios' and Yaden's past to get to know them better throughout the book. The story was engaging, if a bit slow. And the budding relationship between Yaden and Colin was cute, though slightly boring. Also Colin adapted really well in the end, despite Yaden's fears.
April 7, 2020
Please see my web site for a full review of “The Demon of Hagermarsh”.
June 4, 2019
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
2.5 stars
Young Yaden was powerful, brave but alone. Darios became an important part of Yaden’s life: guiding and caring for him.
The heat level was relatively low. The chemistry between Colin and Yaden was disappointing - it didn’t really stand out.
This book was very slow moving from beginning to end. I’m going to be honest, I switched off several times because nothing interesting actually happened until the very end.
The story goes back and forth from present to past but the past was more interesting than the present.
I struggled to rate this story, I didn’t hate it but I didn’t like it either.
2.5 stars
Young Yaden was powerful, brave but alone. Darios became an important part of Yaden’s life: guiding and caring for him.
The heat level was relatively low. The chemistry between Colin and Yaden was disappointing - it didn’t really stand out.
This book was very slow moving from beginning to end. I’m going to be honest, I switched off several times because nothing interesting actually happened until the very end.
The story goes back and forth from present to past but the past was more interesting than the present.
I struggled to rate this story, I didn’t hate it but I didn’t like it either.
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