Merrick is the Grand Court Sorcerer of Meredicia, a kingdom not only at war with Cadoleira, but alienated from its neighbors due to their preference for same-sex coupling. When Meredicia captures a large quantity of Cadoleiran knights King Bowden 'gifts' Merrick the most beautiful one as a sex slave.
Alder is a beautiful blond who is cheeky, insulting, and definitely doesn't understand the meaning of subservience, which makes Merrick's growing devotion to him utterly perplexing to all, but none more than to the sorcerer himself.
(Please note that this is a short erotic story of 12k words, and marks the beginning of a dark romance between two men who have been changed by traumatic pasts, and who will - eventually - find their own sort of HEA).
A fantasy epic that's not a thousand pages long and has gay smut? Give me more! 5 ⭐! A sorcerer is gifted a spoiled brat and strains to make him behave and be obedient, but the brat has secrets of his own.
This is a short, fast paced, spicy, and emotionally charged enemies to lovers high fantasy in the same genre as The Captive Prince and The Silent prince. The protagonists are likeable characters who are enemies slowly growing closer together. It it more romance and character development than action/adventure in BK1, so think of this one as a drama. I’m excited to see where the series goes though and whether we get to see the battles and confrontations hinted at to come in this world. Very well done.
This book was exactly what I expected based on the blurb and name but the rest of the series? OMG! Almost a fantasy epic but not long winded. If you liked this book, keep going!