The High Kings Golden Tongue by Megan Derr

The High Kings Golden Tongue Reviews

• 
  Heather C

  Awesome short story!
  
  Megan Derr sure knows how to hook me into a story with only 12,000 words. I loved the imagery and the setting she created and I hope she plans on extending this free story.
• 
  Mely

  I could talk about the problems with plotting, psychology, and exposition, but that all pales besides the big Narrative 101 error: The entire plot is propelled by the disastrous first meeting between King Sarrica and his fiance Allen, WHICH IS NEVER SHOWN. Sarrica insults and humiliates Allen for not being a warrior, so Allen runs off to buy books for consolation (a wise choice, I approve), then gets himself recruited as a valuable interpreter for the king's mercenaries in order to show his worth. The entire plot depends Allen's attraction to Sarrica and longing to prove himself, and later Sarrica's regret and desire to make amends, and yet we never see the meeting that kicks the whole thing off. Apparently, the author just forgot to write the story's first chapter.
• 
  Meags

  4 Stars
  
  This is another prime example of some of the impressive stories that the DRitC events offered up, for free!
  
  I loved the fantasy setting and the splendid world-building created here, and the writing itself was gorgeous. Overall, this was quite an impressive story considering its limited page number.
  
  Derr is an author that I haven't read much of, but who is clearly a skilled writer with a wealth of original stories to tell. I look forward to exploring her works in the future.
• 
  Macky

  I'd actually read this short story before and had forgotten how much I enjoyed it. It's definitely one of my favourites from Megan Derr. I love how Allen the scholarly prince shows that you don't always need brawn and strength to be a hero for your king and country... and he gets his king in the end! Brilliant.
• 
  Ami

  3.5 stars
  
  I actually dismissed this story when it first came out during LiAW. I wasn't familiar with Megan Derr's stories at that time -- and I was reluctant due to the idea of fantasy/medieval fantasy/regency theme that Megan Derr seemed to do. Of course, I changed my stance over her stories since then.
  
  This one was slightly different because the characters didn't really 'connect' until Part 3 (or about half-way). Her other stories usually featured characters who had known each other, but one didn't 'acknowledge' his feeling to the other...
  
  Allen was sent to be High King's consort, he was an expert in language and diplomacy but not in fighting. High King Sarrica, on the other hand, used to have a warrior as partner (Sarrica's partner died six years ago), and he dismissed Allen outright. I wish I saw that -- but alas, it happened before the story started.
  
  Because of that, I didn't feel the connection between Allen and Sarrica as strong as some of Megan Derr's couples. I knew that Allen had feeling for his King, but I needed more convincing, I guess, to fully belief that Sarrica loved Allen in a way that should be. Still, as always, Megan Derr's 'world' was wonderful and easy to follow, and I loved her imagery.
• 
  ᴥ Irena ᴥ

  1.5
  I seem to be in a minority when it comes to this story. The only thing I liked was the promise of an interesting world. A promise, nothing more.
  
  The story: King’s advisers and friends managed to sneak in Prince Allen to be presented to the king as a possible consort. His lover, a great warrior, died six years ago and he avoided every possible attempt to replace him. We are told how the king mocked and embarrassed prince Allen and made him leave the courtroom. All that because he isn’t a warrior. We never see that scene, which is wrong since it is the base for the whole plot. Allen, hurt and embarrassed, leaves with the kings soldiers to help them with some tribes (he isn’t as incapable as the king thinks after all). It really doesn’t matter what happens after that. As I said, I liked the promise of the world.
  
  As far as the characters are concerned, I didn’t see any connection between the king and Allen. There isn’t any chemistry between them whatsoever. I’ve read shorter stories than this one where the characters don’t even say much and yet their chemistry is profound (
  When You Were Pixels or
  Interlude with Tattoos� to name a few). That is so not the case here. ‘I was sent to be a consort and that’s why I want to be a consort’ seems to be good enough for Allan. The king doesn't even give that much. The only supposedly hot scene was out of place (and wrong time).
  Oh, and you’ll get to see sentences like this one: ‘But it wasn’t like he going to stay out long.’
  
  It’s a shame really. I think this might have been a good story if someone bothered to check the things that were missing.�
  
  
• 
  Cole Riann

  One of the LiAW stories reviewed at
  The Armchair Reader.
  
  4.5 stars
  
  Allen is a Prince of the realm sent to vie for the affections of the High King and the role of consort, but is immediately rebuked for not being a swordsman and thrown out of court in disgrace. I liked Allen a lot. He’s the character that seems to have everything but has had a difficult life — yet, he’s scrappy, always coming back for more, pushing forward trying to find a better way for himself. He has a lot of gumption and he’s smart. I had a huge smile on my face waiting for the High King to realize just how great Allen was and for Allen to save the day, as it was obvious he would. Like many of Megan Derr’s stories, this is predictable. But no matter the lack of surprise, or the fact that she’s written so many stories similar to this, I always love them. She has a way of filling even the shortest of stories with so much sensory information and compact history that you feel like you’re getting a whole novel’s worth in 30 minutes reading time. She’s one of those authors that seems to create a whole new fleshed out world for each story, and even if they have much in common with her other’s, they all seem vastly different because of that wealth of senses that bring the story alive. I hope she makes this one a series!
• 
  Vivian ♪(┌・。・)┌

  Oh gosh, this was the cutest thing. The High King Sarrica sounded like an ass at first (don't they all, -sigh-), but, hell did he make up for it afterwards. It's just so hard to stay mad at someone like our dear King.
  
  And damn did the chemistry sizzle and sizzle and never fizzle.
  
  Ms Derr should definitely extend this to more than just a mere short story -sigh-
  
  yum.
  
  
• 
  Bubbles Hunty Honest & Direct Opinions

  Amazing. Loved every word and want lots more. Perfect free story.
  
  
• 
  ⚣Michaelle⚣

  Oh man, stories like this one really make me miss the MMRG's DRitC events.
  
  Strong bones here; love the setting and the characters and the writing is pure Megan. After finishing I kept thinking, "Wow, I really wish there was MOAR. I could totally see the author expanding this and giving readers an even longer, immersive tale. Really getting into the character development, building the relationship, detailing how the mercenary group ran into trouble in the mountains..."
  
  LOL. Imagine my surprise...there actually IS an expanded edition! I think it's even on my TBR already. D'oh! (This is what I get for having such a ginormous TBR: Everything gets lost in the pile.)
  
  Based on how much I liked this short, I'm sure I'll love the novel. I might even have to splurge on the audio - or see if I can request it from the library.
• 
  Deeze

  3.5
  
  I love Megan Derr's world.
  
  While the romance is on the light side, the story is involved and entertaining.
  
  For a short free read this is a pleasant entertaining story without need of padding (no sex)
• 
  Aldous Mercer

  Cute, fluffy, translation/languages = fantastic idea! Author does descriptions and pace well. Large plot-based issues including lack of conflict (telling us about it is not enough) and weak character arc, which makes the payoff insipid.
• 
  AnnaLund

  
  For my honest and true view of this book, please read
  …MORE
  
  Goodreads TOS-compliant review (I think, let me know when they tell us what the rules are):
  
  "The book I just read is about two (or three) lovely people, written in beautiful language, by a very good and prolific author. I liked it very, very much.
  It is for sale on Amazon.”
  
  DISCLAIMER: My reviews now all have this pretty face, so that all and everyone on Goodreads can stay happy and beatific. I’ll let you know if I change my mind. See the real review above for my thoughts on this book.
  
• 
  Mary

  Loved this.
• 
  Sandra

  
  
  Offered for FREE from the
  M/M Romance Group,
  Love Is Always Write: Volume Four.
  
  3.5 stars This is an interesting story, and I enjoyed the various aspects. I'm glad we got alternating POV, as it kept things from getting to drama-ridden despite the initial communication. Although I think Ms. Derr has expanded into a full-length, the length worked for me. It focused on parts that related to their relationship, even though there was a war plot. It allowed us to skip the possibly boring details in between and just keep to the good stuff. Although if I had read it as a full-length, I think I would have liked it just as much.
• 
  Katey Hawthorne

  4.5 stars, easy. Megan Derr possesses that gift I wish all writers of epic fantasy had: to drop you into a world and make you get it without being infodumpy. Though the first bit is essentially orientation, she lets you explore with Allen, and his exploration is fraught with the tension of his situation. If it had pages, I'd have flipped frantically.
  
  Sparkling characters and the odd wry grin packed into a tiny, pretty package.
• 
  Adara

  I really enjoyed this story. Though it is short, it is well-woven with the emotional impact of reached understanding. And I'm totally a sucker for a man who can speak multiple languages. And even though Sarrica was a jerk at first, by the end all is forgiven. Very thorough for such a short story.
• 
  Sherry

  A freebie; I thought I would give this author another chance. I am still apparently in the minority as I find the characters flat, the story rushed (even for short stories!), unoriginal and just downright blah!
• 
  Vero

  I am bit undecided here. It was short, it was mildly entertaining.
  But it was also a little strange - set in a Fantasy universe, but one of the MCs was named Prince Allen - really?
  One extra star because it was free.
• 
  Mandy*reads obsessively*

  4.5*
  What can i say, it is Megan Derr, and she doesn't dissapoint!
  Just wish it had been longer....i always do! :)
• 
  Monika

  I loved this story, I loved the characters....please make this a series?!
• 
  Ilhem

  A short tale about the value of language over brutal force and a sweet and fast romance. The world is cleverly built, as usual.
• 
  Karen Wellsbury

  Great premise, and some gorgeous writing here.
  
• 
  Mirjam

  
  
  
  
  
  
  Love is Always Write
• 
  Monique

  I just discovered this story tonight, having read the extended version countless times. What a nice shorter and rougher version this is. With quite a few characters already in place, but also some different details. Megan Derr did a wonderful job in extending and fleshing out this story in an even more beautiful one with unique worldbuilding. I enjoyed this shorter story, but it can't compete with the extended version.
• 
  Sophia

  This was a wonderful short story. I loved the blend of high fantasy with the light romance just beginning near the end. There was a good strong plot that conveyed a lot of good elements in a short amount of space. I say this all the time when I read short stories, but I would have loved for this one to have kept going because of how much I enjoyed it.
  
  Prince Allen is a learned man and is eager about being called to the High King's court to become the King's consort. He is devastated to discover that not only does the King not want him, but the King shame's him before his warriors with his laughter and insults. Allen finds the prospect of returning home in disgrace impossible. He sees an opportunity to utilize his strengths and show the king that he is worthy. It is a dangerous mission into the mountains amongst war-like peoples that do not speak a common language. Allen is gifted with languages so he is accepted by the captain of the King's mercenaries to accompany the men.
  
  The King finds guilt weighing heavily on him for the dismissal and mockery of Prince Allen without giving the man a chance. He intended to apologize to Allen that very night and begin anew, but lost his chance when Allen disappeared. It is some time later that he receives a demand from the mountain kingdom to which he sent his men on a secret mission. His men are dead all save the four leaders who will be killed if he does not come in person to explain their presence. A shocking development occurs when he discovers that a letter is secretly affixed to the demand and it is from Allen warning him of the enemy's true plans. It seems he has under-estimated the worth and strength of Prince Allen, but will he arrive in time to share that?
  
  I just loved Allen. He was a wonderful strong beta hero. When he is publicly humiliated and barred from the King's Court, he doesn't curl up in a corner feeling sorry for himself or slink off home to mommy. Allen has steel and determination in him if not the skills of a warrior. He is worthy and, even when he is fearful, he sets out to help the King and the kingdom.
  
  I will caution those who love their steamy romances that this one is devoid of that because the characters don't actually come together in a relationship until near the end when they are just tentatively reaching out to make a try at romance.
  
  This was a really nice read!
• 
  Curtis

  Prince Allen Gaulden, sent to High King Sarrica to be his new consort, finds himself summarily rejected by his intended. Feeling he cannot stay in the palace and knowing the shame and guilt he would be subjected to if he returned home, Allen sets out for an afternoon in the city before deciding what to do. By chance, he finds himself helpful to the leader of a band of mercenaries and is invited to join them on a secret (yet dangerous) mission they've been assigned by the High King. When things don't go as planned, Sarrica is forced to both rethink and explain his actions, but will Allen come home safely and what might the future hold for them.
  
  I found the storytelling to be thoroughly enjoyable. The author drops readers into this rich world, with history and backstory that seems like it could go on for pages and pages, but masterfully delivers it in an engaging way throughout. The characters of Allen and Sarrica demonstrate complexity that is often hard to find in stories of this length and I found myself wanting to read more about both the history and the future of this kingdom.
  
  Highly recommended for anyone looking for a M/M romance in a medieval fantasy setting. Overall, it's a bit fluffy (no abundance of steamy romance here, though it is an 18+ read), but is a beautiful and encouraging story.
• 
  Aki

  3.5
  Megan Derr's writing reminds me of those fairytales I listened to when I was young, the writing just seems so light, and the characters troubles may pressure them, but the way in which they are told don't make it gloomy. You get sucked into her story world right away, although Derr doesn't explain it in great detail.
  The main reason why I gave this book precisely this rating is that there's one major plot hole that eats it's way through the entire book. The changes happen too fast, especially at the end when mutual attraction bloomed between Allen and the High King Sarrica. I just felt that there was somekind of connection missing. As the part where they first met wasn't included, there was just something missing that would've been important for me in this story. This way I couldn't really enjoy the part where Sarrica comes to Allen's rescue, because I didn't knew much about their first meeting. Sarrica humiliates Allen when they first meet and this is such a huge issue for Allen, that he goes on a mission with a group of soldiers. It wouldn't have mattered if their first meeting didn't hold much importance for either of them, but the way it is, the absence of it is responsible for the two missing stars.
  All in all this book was nice to read, short and sweet, and ideal for reading before going to bed.
• 
  Elizabetta

  With 'High King' Megan Derr gives us a well developed world that I feel like I can walk around in. And here, I liked the lesson of being valued for intellect as opposed to brawn. Sarrica, the High King, needs a consort and well, he was really hoping for someone who could wield a sword. Along comes Allen who is most assuredly not a soldier but he can wield his silver tongue to translate just about anything the King may wish. Given that there is some unrest in this Kingdom which is made up of many lands with disparate languages, the King finds out just how resourceful it is to have a nimble (and comely) translator (now golden tongued) as well as a diplomat. There was some truncation of time flow (Allen's imprisonment) but on the whole this worked very well for me and it's free from the M/M Romance group's LIAW event.
• 
  Gabriella

  May 1st, 2013
  
  I liked the idea, but the story was too short, even for a novella.
  The characters, the world building, the writing. It was all great. But, unfortunately this novella feels like it's a rough draft for a book. Everything is rushed and I'm sorry but there's simply no romance in this novella.
  I just hope that one day the author rewrites this novella and makes it the book it should have been from the start.
  
  Update October 2015:
  
  LOL, seems the author heard me or had the same idea...
  An expanded and re-written version is going to be released November 4th 2015. Follow the link to the book:
  
  The High King's Golden Tongue