What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bastard #1
The Bastard
Rule #1 - Make your own damn rules.
I was a bit of a rogue, picking pockets and seducing women, without a care for the future.
Now, with the aid of a beautiful enchantress and a pet rat dragon, I'm out for revenge.
Trouble is, my target is one of the most powerful, ruthless men in the city. But what he doesn't know is that I'm no longer playing by his rules.
I'm playing by my own.
No matter what dark, hidden secrets I uncover in the process.
The Bastard is the story of Mordie, a hero with a more flexible sense of morality than most. It is set in a Camelot that never existed, and is a tale of swords, secrets, magic, revenge, betrayal, and even a dragon or two. It contains harem elements, nudity, and sex between the hero (if hero is the right word) and multiple partners, all of whom are willing and comfortable with the idea of non-traditional relationships.
I was a bit of a rogue, picking pockets and seducing women, without a care for the future.
Now, with the aid of a beautiful enchantress and a pet rat dragon, I'm out for revenge.
Trouble is, my target is one of the most powerful, ruthless men in the city. But what he doesn't know is that I'm no longer playing by his rules.
I'm playing by my own.
No matter what dark, hidden secrets I uncover in the process.
The Bastard is the story of Mordie, a hero with a more flexible sense of morality than most. It is set in a Camelot that never existed, and is a tale of swords, secrets, magic, revenge, betrayal, and even a dragon or two. It contains harem elements, nudity, and sex between the hero (if hero is the right word) and multiple partners, all of whom are willing and comfortable with the idea of non-traditional relationships.
7 pages, Audible Audio
Published April 19, 2020
237 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 25, 2021
A unique twist on an otherwise standard fantasy harem romp
There is always something interesting in each Jack Porter book. This is the seventh of his books that I've read and each one has an element of originality that no one else has tried quite that way before. The twist here is not apparent at first, but it comes as a pleasant surprise.
I set this book aside at my first attempt. I was put off by the Main Character. He's a bit of a scumbag in chapter one, and I have no use for unlikable MCs. After reading a few more Jack Porter books, all of which have stand up guys as the hero, I tried this one again and found the MC changes his tune quickly (almost right past the point I'd quit reading the first time).
A particular oddity with this book is the amount of sex the MC has, as well as the number of ladies this guy "entertains". There are less than a handful of books with this much sex and still have the quality of writing and plot that this one has.
There is always something interesting in each Jack Porter book. This is the seventh of his books that I've read and each one has an element of originality that no one else has tried quite that way before. The twist here is not apparent at first, but it comes as a pleasant surprise.
I set this book aside at my first attempt. I was put off by the Main Character. He's a bit of a scumbag in chapter one, and I have no use for unlikable MCs. After reading a few more Jack Porter books, all of which have stand up guys as the hero, I tried this one again and found the MC changes his tune quickly (almost right past the point I'd quit reading the first time).
A particular oddity with this book is the amount of sex the MC has, as well as the number of ladies this guy "entertains". There are less than a handful of books with this much sex and still have the quality of writing and plot that this one has.
August 25, 2023
A classic re-telling of King Arthur and I am here for it. A quick, enjoyable read with some ridiculous moments but there was a plot and the plot was interesting enough to keep me reading. Heading to book two.
December 14, 2022
A mediocre novel with one of my biggest pet-peeves.
I found the Bastard to have to major shortcomings:
• The MC lucks his way through encounters, he basically has a liberal amount of plot armour. This is a common technique used in most fantasy novels, because it's an easy way to add tension to any scene. The villain is about to kill the MC - oh no! - then a glint of light distracts him long enough for the MC to escape. My biggest annoyance with this trope nowadays is how ineffectual it makes characters look; if my carpenter was only accidentally doing a good job, I'd fire him on the spot.
• The world-building is shallow and the characters are bland. There's nothing interesting about the world itself: in a story about a criminal seeking revenge, where are the thief/assassin guilds, the religious zealots, the conniving nobles, the splendor of high society and the dreary of the low? Characters are equally as utilitarian, there are only a handful of characters that are given lines, and bland is a generous evaluation of their characterisation.
Doesn't help that the erotic scenes (1.5 scenes in total) are an uncomfortable blend between fade to black and titillating, almost like Jack Porter was embarrassed as he wrote those scenes and wanted to be done with them as quickly as possible.
I found the Bastard to have to major shortcomings:
• The MC lucks his way through encounters, he basically has a liberal amount of plot armour. This is a common technique used in most fantasy novels, because it's an easy way to add tension to any scene. The villain is about to kill the MC - oh no! - then a glint of light distracts him long enough for the MC to escape. My biggest annoyance with this trope nowadays is how ineffectual it makes characters look; if my carpenter was only accidentally doing a good job, I'd fire him on the spot.
• The world-building is shallow and the characters are bland. There's nothing interesting about the world itself: in a story about a criminal seeking revenge, where are the thief/assassin guilds, the religious zealots, the conniving nobles, the splendor of high society and the dreary of the low? Characters are equally as utilitarian, there are only a handful of characters that are given lines, and bland is a generous evaluation of their characterisation.
Doesn't help that the erotic scenes (1.5 scenes in total) are an uncomfortable blend between fade to black and titillating, almost like Jack Porter was embarrassed as he wrote those scenes and wanted to be done with them as quickly as possible.
April 26, 2022
This was a decent story well told. It promised action and delivered. (Too much action. It's definitely an 18+ book.)
Fairly quickly you realize it's an Arthurian legend retelling .... except it isn't. Pretty much only the names are the same. And I guess the main character, Mordred (called Mordie so that was hidden for a while), is "The Bastard" and that fits the legend.
The writing is well paced and suspenseful. The scene waiting at the gallows was stressful.
I liked the magic and the characters. The pet "Rat dragon" was cool at the same time it presented story problems. If he is the only person in the whole of Camelot with a pet rat dragon riding on his shoulder how is he able to move around the city without anyone paying special attention to him?
How can he be disguised and still have the pet on his shoulder? Doesn't anybody think "Hey these two different people both have a pet rat dragon flying around them. The ONLY people?"
The story moved along well and it kept my attention.
Fairly quickly you realize it's an Arthurian legend retelling .... except it isn't. Pretty much only the names are the same. And I guess the main character, Mordred (called Mordie so that was hidden for a while), is "The Bastard" and that fits the legend.
The writing is well paced and suspenseful. The scene waiting at the gallows was stressful.
I liked the magic and the characters. The pet "Rat dragon" was cool at the same time it presented story problems. If he is the only person in the whole of Camelot with a pet rat dragon riding on his shoulder how is he able to move around the city without anyone paying special attention to him?
How can he be disguised and still have the pet on his shoulder? Doesn't anybody think "Hey these two different people both have a pet rat dragon flying around them. The ONLY people?"
The story moved along well and it kept my attention.
August 3, 2020
A competent enough series which turns the Arthurian myth on its head in a very interesting way. The protagonist can be empathised with to a reasonable degree and there's no serious power creep in their abilities. They face challenges which they will struggle with and push them to grow in capability in a reasonable way and kept me invested in their progress as a character. The ladies of the 'harem' vary in depth with some feeling like 2D bit characters while others are complex enough tthat I invested in them. One major criticism is that you can paractically play "Hero's Journey Bingo" with the progression of the three books, but the world is reasonably consistent within its established limits and there are very few glaring issues across the three book series.
I suspect that the author isn't completely clear on how a portcullis functions, though...
I suspect that the author isn't completely clear on how a portcullis functions, though...
May 13, 2020
I thought this was an interesting story but it lost some steam towards the end. I classified it as a sort of fantasy-suspense. Is that a valid genre? It doesn’t have a lot to do with the Arthurian legend short of borrowed names. The gratuitous sex was good and the revenge aspect was going well until our boy wimped out at the end regarding Rolf. Perhaps Mordie discovered that revenge is a hollow victory. I see there’s a sequel but I’m not sure where that’s going. Does the bastard son usurp the throne somehow? I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 6, 2020
Good but will get better...
I liked the premise of this story. Though I feel some of the side charcoal have been fleshed out a bit more the plot still moved along at a nice pace. Hope the world is expanded on in then next novel as Mr. Porters taken in Camelot and the legends surrounding it are fascinating. This was good but I expect the next few in the series to get better and better.
I liked the premise of this story. Though I feel some of the side charcoal have been fleshed out a bit more the plot still moved along at a nice pace. Hope the world is expanded on in then next novel as Mr. Porters taken in Camelot and the legends surrounding it are fascinating. This was good but I expect the next few in the series to get better and better.
February 11, 2020
Decent Arthurian Fantasy
A tale in Camelot that will become suspiciously like a tale in the time of King Arthur only without all the good usually wrote about. Instead you get a ribald tale of betrayal and revenge told in a manner that will convince you to continue reading. I enjoyed the tale and if a second book is to come I’ll be there to read it. Fun reading, good characters, and interesting plot. I recommend this to those who like a well written tale.
A tale in Camelot that will become suspiciously like a tale in the time of King Arthur only without all the good usually wrote about. Instead you get a ribald tale of betrayal and revenge told in a manner that will convince you to continue reading. I enjoyed the tale and if a second book is to come I’ll be there to read it. Fun reading, good characters, and interesting plot. I recommend this to those who like a well written tale.
February 10, 2020
Really a 3.5, but there have been so many takes on the Arthurian legend that as anachronistic as this one is it was still entertaining. The MC does some really stupid things, but I managed to accept that as insanity due to [plot points I won't spoil here].
Not to be taken seriously, and the MC smartened up enough by the end that there is some potential for a sequel. Not on my "must read" list, but if it pops up I'll give it a go.
Not to be taken seriously, and the MC smartened up enough by the end that there is some potential for a sequel. Not on my "must read" list, but if it pops up I'll give it a go.
February 21, 2020
Good story line on an old tale
Probably didn’t need all of the explicit sex to tell this story in another genre, but seems expected these days.
It took me a while to work out that this is a pretty different window into a classic story/wold build, and certainly different from other divergences such as Holy Grail and the peasant scene.
Probably didn’t need all of the explicit sex to tell this story in another genre, but seems expected these days.
It took me a while to work out that this is a pretty different window into a classic story/wold build, and certainly different from other divergences such as Holy Grail and the peasant scene.
January 2, 2020
Really good book
Very interesting take on Camelot and the Pendragon line. But a lot more interesting then the other books where Arthur is always a good guy. Definitely want to see more of Mordie d is rat dragon.
Very interesting take on Camelot and the Pendragon line. But a lot more interesting then the other books where Arthur is always a good guy. Definitely want to see more of Mordie d is rat dragon.
February 9, 2020
An alternate Camelot
The traditional bad guy is a good guy, a bit naughty but still not too bad. The good guys are now the bad guys and there are little dragons and other stuff. Read it. I’m sure you’ll like it.
The traditional bad guy is a good guy, a bit naughty but still not too bad. The good guys are now the bad guys and there are little dragons and other stuff. Read it. I’m sure you’ll like it.
March 25, 2020
A Different Take
On an old legend. Problem is that I'd have to spoil the story to explain, and you are better off reading this book than listening to me so something the author asked us readers not to do while reviewing this book :)
On an old legend. Problem is that I'd have to spoil the story to explain, and you are better off reading this book than listening to me so something the author asked us readers not to do while reviewing this book :)
December 29, 2019
Nice!!
A very enjoyable twist in The Aurthorien universe! The plot is a pleasure to read. With lots of twists and turns to.Keep the reader interested
A very enjoyable twist in The Aurthorien universe! The plot is a pleasure to read. With lots of twists and turns to.Keep the reader interested
January 6, 2020
Good quick read
January 8, 2020
Great take on an old tale.
I have enjoyed this darker side alternate tale of the Arthurian legend. I would continue reading this tale as it unfolds
I have enjoyed this darker side alternate tale of the Arthurian legend. I would continue reading this tale as it unfolds
January 8, 2020
So the story begins.
So we tell the story of Camelot from mordred perspective. How do we proceed. The story so far is good .
So we tell the story of Camelot from mordred perspective. How do we proceed. The story so far is good .
January 11, 2020
Good story
An interesting take on an old legend. Well thought out and presented. I am waiting for the next book immensely.
An interesting take on an old legend. Well thought out and presented. I am waiting for the next book immensely.
January 15, 2020
Read this in one sitting. Enjoyable book that follows a man bent on revenge. Should be very interesting to see where book 2 leads now that Mordie knows his forgotten past
February 11, 2020
Pretty Good 👍.
The only problem I have with this book is the way it ends. I would have liked to see it go on for a few more installments.
The only problem I have with this book is the way it ends. I would have liked to see it go on for a few more installments.
February 18, 2020
Thumbs up
Great first book. Not to wordy and just the right amount of action to keep turning pages. I recommend it.
Great first book. Not to wordy and just the right amount of action to keep turning pages. I recommend it.
February 24, 2020
Enjoyed the book
Interesting take on an old story. I’m going to read the next one when it comes out to see where it goes from here. I enjoyed this one.
Interesting take on an old story. I’m going to read the next one when it comes out to see where it goes from here. I enjoyed this one.
May 10, 2020
Not what I was expecting ( in a god way )
I really liked the twist he put to the original story.
Puting it in a much darker light to the stories of honor and virtue.
I really liked the twist he put to the original story.
Puting it in a much darker light to the stories of honor and virtue.
August 2, 2020
The Bastard 1
Wow!! What a read!!
I have always love Dragons and your boo have got me hooked like a drug.
Thank you Me Porter for a great story!!
Wow!! What a read!!
I have always love Dragons and your boo have got me hooked like a drug.
Thank you Me Porter for a great story!!
August 18, 2020
. New take on the arthurian world.
Erotica and magic with a splash of violence.
Erotica and magic with a splash of violence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2021
3 stars, it was okay , I think I will continue with it but not as good as some of the other books I have done by this author so far....
April 4, 2021
It was an ok read, the revenge plan was fun then the protagonist changed his mind at the last minute. I guess we will find out if it was daft decision or a good in in book two.
July 23, 2021
this, book i loved it its a great twist on the king author lore.
January 24, 2025
Awesome story
Really enjoying this twist in Arthurian legends. Its fun and interesting to see It's unique version of the story. I look forward to the next book!
Really enjoying this twist in Arthurian legends. Its fun and interesting to see It's unique version of the story. I look forward to the next book!
April 13, 2020
A good story line with compelling characters that kept me reading. I am a bit wary of authers rewriting of anothers tails or back grounds but this was good and stood alone well. I'm not sure of why this was linked to Authorian legend as it drew on it very little, perhaps book two which I'm looking forward to will explain more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews