Servitude (Reagalos #1) by Rebecca Cohen

Servitude (Reagalos #1) Reviews

• 
  Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews

  5 Hearts
  
  First published at MM Good Book Reviews
  
  
  http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
  
  Lornyc is not happy to learn that he has to pay for his grandfather’s debts, especially as it makes him a valet for an awfully long time. But, that isn’t the end of his problems, he also has to learn to master his powers to their full extent (which he doubts) and his family learns of a plot to assassinate his father. With the help of family, friends, his grandfather’s old friend and his lover, Lornyc must get to the bottom of who wants his father gone and take care of the problem.
  
  Okay, so in the interest of giving a completely fair review I read the book twice *innocent look* (that’s my excuse and I am sticking to it!) I had to make sure that it really was as good as I thought it was. So I will introduce you to Lornyc, youngest son to High Lord Reagalos, but he is next in line for the title. Lornyc is in a secret relationship with Methian, but now due to his grandfather’s wicked ways he has to become Methian’s valet. Methian is sure that it won’t affect their relationship, but he hadn’t counted on the magic being used to enforce the contract. In the background someone is plotting the downfall of the Reagalos and it falls on Lornyc’s shoulders to protect his family and friends.
  
  Watching as Lornyc and Methian try to make their relationship work as they fall into their roles was wonderful, because they both seem to have a very similar temperament and the spell is playing havoc. Seeing what Vella (Lornyc’s sister) does after the attack on her brother was interesting (a woman after my own heart). The characters are all well-rounded and although we don’t get to know them all well, we get to know them enough to like them. I found the story behind the Reagalos magic to be really interesting and I liked the way that the different magics were explained and the descriptions were wonderful.
  
  Watching as the story unfolds was interesting and kept me fully into the book. There are some twists and you will never guess who the mastermind behind the plot is. Shocked the hell out of me. It is also interesting to see how Lornyc develops, as his power develops and how he can be cold-hearted when angry. Methian is a support to Lornyc and he is also obsessed with sex ;-). They do have a few on page scenes but mostly it is off page. This is a really well written high fantasy story with was a joy to read… and I loved the cover.
  
  So, after careful reading I have come to the conclusion that this is a bloody fantastic book, loads of magic, loads of love, intrigue, danger, manipulation, deaths, revenge, restitution and oh so much more. I have to recommend that you give this story a go, because it is really enjoyable.
• 
  M'rella

  The original curse was extremely complex, not to mention it was supposed to last a decade.
  I am a little disappointed the way it ended. There was almost nothing to the whole thing and no real explanation behind it. Hence four stars.
  
• 
  Cadiva

  This is book one in an epic journey which covers so many different sub-genres and tropes it really needs a new category 🙂
  
  It's very much a Sci-Fi/Fantasy hybrid but it has a very strong element of romance to it too which forms the bedrock of all that happens.
  
  There are twists and turns that wouldn't be out of place in a mystery or suspense series, and it's got a lovely thread of humour throughout too.
  
  I was lucky enough to beta read this for Rebecca, I've done the whole series, and I'll just say you're in for a wild ride.
  
  Lornyc and Methian are wonderfully drawn characters, their love has already been tested when this book begins but we see how committed they are.
  
  While the main thrust of the narrative in this book is cleared up at the end, there are series' long story arcs which continue, so bear that in mind.
  
  The world building is superb, the magic system an intriguing one, as are the political manipulations, which becomes a hallmark as the series goes on.
  
  Fast paced, sweet and steamy, this opener sets you off on a wild ride and it will leave you wanting more.
  
  #ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
  
  This book was previously published but has been re-edited and the content revised.
• 
  Seregil

  Wow... this book is seriosly overated on goodreads. It's either that or my expectations were too high because of the pretty cover and interesting summary. To be fair, I think that if this were the second book in a trilogy it would have been great. Otherwise you can barely make sense of the beginning (as it's a bit of an info dump with very quick transitions) and the ending is probably the best part (as you finally find out enough to be intrigued and the protagonists are starting to feel fleshed out).
  
  There are way too many characters that seem to pop up at every scene change and a lot of them never make a second appearance or simply bring nothing to the plot. I didn't even feel close to the main charaters, so getting confused by the secondary ones should be no surprise. The magic was also confusing - the basis seemed to be some glowing orbs, but only people from a specific family that could see at an atomic level (..... what???) were able to properly use them. On the other hand there were "normal" mages, too. The basis of their magic remains a mystery. It seems to be hereditary but there is no explanation regarding where they get their "fuel" or why they can't use the orbs.
  There is also very little romance. The story starts with an established relationship. There is no angst, very little fuzzy warm moments, a little not so hot smut and.... it all seemed very bland.
  There was a weird emphasis on little moments that didn't even help with the characterization and that I really didn't understant. For instance there were the same number of pages for the description of a funeral as there were for them getting dressed in their robes.
  
• 
  Bookwatcher

  Some thoughts about this book...
  
  I like it, but didn't love it. The fantasy world is well done, but didn't convince me as a brand new world. The main characters are very interesting, but I didn't think it's the best couple I ever read... probably because the story started with both already ahead of me... ok, let me explain better: I like when a couple is already established in a story, but sometimes It's almost as if I'm a intrude in their world, not part of it. I like when I feel what the characters are feeling, hear what their are hearing, see through their eyes. I never felt it in this story.
  
  The magic in this fantasy is perfect. I was interested in a fantasy world with wizards/magic and had it. It pleased me a lot.
  
  A lot happened (it's a long story) but I hope there were more details, about their past, or the present of the story will be confusing.
  
  I hope it wasn't a first of a serie. Maybe it's not, but the end is very open, and left the HUGE hint it can be the first book of a series. Why? It could be such a perfect standalone fantasy book... again, just a thought. Maybe some readers prefer a open ending, and in some cases I'm happy knowing there will be more... but honest must be told... I like this book, but didn't felt in love with it so even if there will be more I have no idea if I will want to read more.
  
  3 stars
• 
  Fehu

  4.5 stars
  
  This was somewhat of a gem, since I've wanted to give up on buying Dreamspinner books with drawn covers. Seriously I'm surprised this book doesn't have more reviews. Rebecca Cohen was a new author to me so I was a bit aprehensive before reading this one and actually nearly gave it a miss, since it didn't have all that much reviews to go with it.
  Luckily I have a thing for good written novels featuring royalty and this one had a forced bond so it made me curious enought to give it a go.
  First thing is this story has a plot and a complex one and I actually didn't figure out who the bad guys till late in the book, with some I know that nearly from the beginning, not here.
  
  The worldbuilding is also fairly complex, actually it feels like the end is a bit rushed and more could and should be said about Lorrics reign, while the story did slug a bit in the middle.
  
  The characters are, well to be honest they are human with faults and vices and some murdering intention. They make mistakes, sometimes they are idiots, then silly, then they are jeaulous, protective and in love. I did say this story was complex, well and so are the characters.
  
  I would recommend this to everyone, who loves a good plot in m/m romance books and likes to read fantasy.
• 
  Vivian ♪(┌・。・)┌

  I really liked this book. Hence, the fact I read it in one sitting. It started off really well, with quite an intriguing plot line and a very cute and loveable relationship between the two MCs. But then, a few things started to irk me.
  
  A bit more into the book, the relationship (as it's already established from the very beginning) started to give way to the plot. I totally don't mind this, the plot really was quite interesting. But then I didn't expect the relationship to change as well. I don't know.. It seemed to be that Lornyc changed, and had gotten cold. I don't know if I was imagining it, but I was definitely pissed off, especially since Methian didn't notice or care. The two still had their moments, but it felt as if the sparks and died, and I was sitting there, on my couch, desperately trying to rekindle the flames with my unimpressive mental abilities.
  
  Sigh.
  
  Still, was a good book, despite my dubious feelings over this. Now I feel like some ridiculously sappy fluff, despite complaining of said sappiness in my previous review of a book I had also finished today.
• 
  Tamarrion Lash

  Как-то неожиданно порадовало. Ооочень приличная фентези (хотя не вполне фентези, хоть там и ездят на лошадях и сражаются мечами, но уже знают, что такое ДНК, и менталитет у людей достаточно современный). Отдельно понравилась людоедская сестричка главного героя.
• 
  Shira Anthony

  I had the pleasure of beta reading this book. It's a beautifully crafted novel - Ms. Cohen has a lovely writing style, clean and elegant.
  
  The story is set in a fantasy universe, but the emotions and relationships are entirely human ones. Her two main characters are so clearly meant for each other, in spite of their very different personalities and talents. In spite of all of the obstacles that threaten to come between them, their love grows stronger and matures.
  
  The political intrigue is well-done, too, and the story will keep you guessing as to who is behind all of the threats to Lornyc and his family, and to the kingdom he may be called upon to rule. I enjoyed watching Lornyc struggle with his place in society and his duty to his family. Through that struggle we see his growth from boy to man.
  
  Lovely book and fascinating story. I'm looking forward to her next release (which I also got to read - lucky me!) this fall.
• 
  Jessica

  So, I have a hard time explaining how I felt about this book. As escapist fun, it was definitely that. The story was continually moving and didn't ever get boring or anything like that. The writing, however, was sort of under my reading level and because of that detracted a lot from the enjoyment. I felt that Lornyc never really had to overcome much, as even when things were supposed to be difficult for him, he sort of breezed through it all. I never got the sense he could fail, and usually I like to have that sense when reading as it adds more realistic tension. Purely as an enjoyment read, though, I found it to be fun.
• 
  Nijin

  Best word for this book - Boring. I expect from the fantasy at list a little bit of sense of wonder, and this book handle magic in a casual and mundane way.
  Somehow romance and the rest of the plot were separated. I was not able to feel anything for protagonists. Focus switches too much, and it’s really annoying in here.
  
• 
  SheReadsALot

  @dreamspinners: It's #tweetaway time! Get "Servitude" by @R_Cohen_writes for FREE for the next hour!
  http://t.co/HYQUjDn2Sb/s/2fpV
  
  Ends noon EST 11/13/14
• 
  Merissa (Archaeolibrarian)

  SERVITUDE is the first book in the Reagalos series and we are introduced to a fantasy world where para-dimensional mathematics and portals are known and utilised.
  
  Lornyc is the heir to the High Lord of Reagalos although no one knows about it. Methian is the heir to the Xenetra realm and has a reputation as a playboy. Keeping their relationship secret is the norm for them, until magical contracts turn up out of the blue, ensuring Lornyc becomes Methian's valet, plus other contracts to other realms he can't get out of. And then there are the whole treachery and assassination attempts to contend with.
  
  What you have is a book that will hold your interest. There are numerous characters for you to learn about, political situations, marriages, you name it. The beginning was a bit bumpy for me and I had to work at it as I felt I had arrived halfway through already. Once you get past that, it becomes intriguing and will get you turning the pages.
  
  I hope to see more of Methian in future books as I feel he could be a really strong character in his own right, rather than 'just' a consort. He is also heir to his own realm so... yep, I'd like to see more of him. Vella is another great character - loyal to her family, dangerous to those who cross her or those she loves.
  
  A great, solid start to the series and I look forward to moving on from here. Definitely recommended by me.
  
  ** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
  
  * A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
  
  Merissa
  Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  Sep 2, 2021
• 
  L-D

  This book had a lot of really great elements for me. The plot was very intricate and the characters were very well developed. Lornyc Reagalos, future High Lord of the city of Katraman, learns that his grandfather has signed a series of magically binding contracts that come into play when Lornyc comes of age. Lornyc is forced to fulfill the terms of the contract that his grandfather signed before he died.
  
  The most intrusive contract is 10 years of servitude to Methian Hadral, heir to the throne of Xenetra. While this is clearly not ideal, at least Methian and Lornyc are already secret lovers so maybe this won't be all that bad? The Reagalos rulers have a history of magic that skipped Lornyc's father, and Lornyc hasn't seen any clear indications that he is a powerful mage either. Maybe the magic is dying out of his bloodline?
  
  The thing I liked most about this book, besides the characters, was that the plot kept developing and developing...and developing again. Just when we receive closure on one aspect of the plot line, something new comes up. It really kept me on my toes. I also appreciated that there wasn't a tremendous amount of relationship angst in this book either. This was really plot-centric. Did I mention that I loved the characters?
  
  If you like fantasy books, I definitely recommend this one.
• 
  SueM

  4.5 stars
• 
  Maryann Kafka

  I’m always cautious about reading fantasy and magic because it’s not my usual read. I was pleasantly surprised with “Servitude” the first novel of the “Reagalos” series and first time read for me by Rebecca Cohen. I decided to share some highlights to this novel as there’s so much to absorb.
  
  There’s an old saying, “the son pays for the sins of the father” but in this case “the grandson pays for the sins of his grandfather”. But were they really sins, pranks or lesson to be learned, just what was Romanos up too?
  
  Lornyc Reagalos is a brilliant young man and holds a power that no one in the current Reagalos family does. HIs grandfather, Romanos, seemed to know that Lornyc would be “the one” with powers stronger than his. Unfortunately, dear grandfather, committed a sin, according to the others. Romanos, now passed and contracts laced in magic, place poor Lornyc in some very sticky situations.
  
  As contracts go, one of the conditions is that, Lornyc has to become servant to Methian Hardal, for ten years. Unbeknownst to the battling families of Reagalos and Hardal, Lornyc and Methian have been secretly seeing each other for a couple of years.
  
  Lornycs father, High Lord of Katraman, Tancorix, is at a dilemma, he’s trying desperately to keep a secret about Lornyc. Tancorix finds that they are up against some suspicious goings on with his Konsultariate. The Konsultariate, who are supposed to be loyal but there’s betrayal abound. Knowing he will be the next High Lord, it sets things in motion that young Lornyc is barely prepared to take on.
  
  Along with being the High Lord, Lornyc already has some magical abilities, with secret portals and orbs, but he is in need of some serious training. His Father calls upon mage Kat Warrenger, who’s an old friend to Romanos, to train and hone Lornycs’ powers.
  
  Rebecca Cohen does some amazing world-building along with so many colorful characters. The novel itself is well written and the fast pace flows smoothly. It’s a mix of: magic, orbs, science, secret portals, conspiracy, betrayal, politics, adventure and danger.
  
  In the way of characters, I really liked Lornyc. He’s smart, loves to read and doesn’t like all the pomp that comes with his position. Methian is certainly his opposite. He has that pompous rich boy attitude, a reputation to go along with it and likes attention. He always has Lornyc on edge with jealousy. Their relationship can be fragile at times, but the love they share is a magic in itself.
  
  Lornyc’s siblings are certainly interesting. His sister Villa, is a doctor and she is protective and dangerous to those out to harm her family. There’s also brothers: Tilas who owns a club and has no problem going along with Villa. Anthon has a secret of his own. But one thing is for sure they have a great love and loyalty for Lornyc.
  
  My favorite character is mage Kat Warrenger, he’s snarky, funny and doesn’t care that he shows up at inappropriate times.
  
  I highly recommend “Servitude” for those who like magic and excitement! I was definitely entertained by Rebecca Cohens series “Reagalos” and can’t wait to see where book two “Idolatry” takes Lornyc and Methian!
  
  
• 
  Taylin Clavelli

  Love Bytes mark – 4.25 hearts.
  This is a review of the second edition rewrite of the series originally published approx. 2013/14.
  Romanus was Lornyc’s powerful but naughty grandfather. Due to his shenanigans, magical contracts of restitution also condemned the man’s grandson and secretly the next High Lord of Katraman to years of servitude to another cities ruling family. What’s worse is that said family was that of his secret lover Methian, whose mother was decidedly not a fan of Lornyc’s and intended to see him put down a few pegs. But evil deeds were on the horizon needing Lornyc to activate lost familial magical abilities. In the process, Lornyc learns a lot more about his family and history.
  Servitude is the first of a five-book series (four adventures and a prequel). If this instalment sets the tone, each will have an escapade resolved by the end and an underlying story that continues throughout the series. Rebecca Cohen has a history of writing excellent, nobility-related tales, and the Reagalos series looks like it could be a splendid addition to the library.
  The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of, mainly Lornyc with occasionally Methian slipping in. The worldbuilding is enough to build a picture, but not overdosed with excessive detail – an element I appreciated. This world is a paranormal one, delving into magical abilities, with a historical vibe of castles and palaces. There’s also a smidge of something to come with interdimensional references.
  Lornyc is a lab-rat at heart, loving science. Methian, who has a bad-boy reputation, is wonderfully supportive and is Lornyc’s rock. It is in the quiet moments that these two very different people show that they belong together. Between Lornyc’s servitude there is a threat to his father’s rule that could see Lornyc thrust into the limelight long before he is ready.
  As for the other characters, the cast is sizeable in totality, but they are introduced in a manageable way, and one only realizes how many there are upon reflection. I loved the variety of personalities – caring, snarky, bossy, evil, protective, pompous, jealous and others. Imagine Downton Abbey transported into a world of mages and warriors. There are some characters that I must give a shoutout to. Romanus – his diary entries had me laughing. Vella is the brilliant ‘no one hurts my brother without retribution' sister. Lastly Kat, a mage who is bluntly honest and laidback at the same time – regularly lit up the page.
  There were a couple of areas that, for me, were a bit of a stretch to believe. But these were minor areas in the greater scheme of things and they minimally detracted from what I found to be an wonderfully engaging read. Servitude contained dramatic variety, beautifully entertaining characters, spot-on worldbuilding, good backstory and a carrot for the future - a super start to a series that I am looking forward to reading.
  This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
  Love Bytes.
• 
  Love Bytes Reviews

  Reviewed by Taylin 4 1/4 hearts
  
  Romanus was Lornyc’s powerful but naughty grandfather. Due to his shenanigans, magical contracts of restitution also condemned the man’s grandson and secretly the next High Lord of Katraman to years of servitude to another cities ruling family. What’s worse is that said family was that of his secret lover Methian, whose mother was decidedly not a fan of Lornyc’s and intended to see him put down a few pegs. But evil deeds were on the horizon needing Lornyc to activate lost familial magical abilities. In the process, Lornyc learns a lot more about his family and history.
  
  Servitude is the first of a five-book series (four adventures and a prequel). If this installment sets the tone, each will have an escapade resolved by the end and an underlying story that continues throughout the series. Rebecca Cohen has a history of writing excellent, nobility-related tales, and the Reagalos series looks like it could be a splendid addition to the library.
  
  The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of, mainly Lornyc with occasionally Methian slipping in. The world-building is enough to build a picture, but not overdosed with excessive detail – an element I appreciated. This world is a paranormal one, delving into magical abilities, with a historical vibe of castles and palaces. There’s also a smidge of something to come with inter-dimensional references.
  
  Lornyc is a lab-rat at heart, loving science. Methian, who has a bad-boy reputation, is wonderfully supportive and is Lornyc’s rock. It is in the quiet moments that these two very different people show that they belong together. Between Lornyc’s servitude, there is a threat to his father’s rule that could see Lornyc thrust into the limelight long before he is ready.
  
  As for the other characters, the cast is sizeable in totality, but they are introduced in a manageable way, and one only realizes how many there are upon reflection. I loved the variety of personalities – caring, snarky, bossy, evil, protective, pompous, jealous, and others. Imagine Downton Abbey transported into a world of mages and warriors. There are some characters that I must give a shout-out to. Romanus – his diary entries had me laughing. Vella is the brilliant ‘no one hurts my brother without retribution’ sister. Lastly Kat, a mage who is bluntly honest and laid-back at the same time – regularly lit up the page.
  
  There were a couple of areas that, for me, were a bit of a stretch to believe. But these were minor areas in the greater scheme of things and they minimally detracted from what I found to be a wonderfully engaging read. Servitude contained dramatic variety, beautifully entertaining characters, spot-on world-building, good backstory, and a carrot for the future – a super start to a series that I am looking forward to reading.
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
• 
  Maijie

  Lornyc is destined to become the High Lord of the city of Katrman. However, apart from the political complications and plots to assassinate his father, a curse forcing him to serve as a valet to Methian - heir to Xenetra and the man he is secretly in a relationship with, makes things worse. Add in the fact that he needs to master his ever growing powers before his gifts are discovered by a hidden enemy - things are getting right out of hand and Lornyc is feeling overwhelmed. With the help of his family, friends, his grandfather's friend and his lover, Lornyc will embark to find the solution to releasing himself of his curse, discover who might've wanted his parents dead and stop a conspiracy that will destroy his beloved city of Katraman and doom them all.
  
  Servitude is the first book in Reagalos Series and it is also the first work of Rebecca Cohen that I have read. This book has been a wild ride. It started out slow but picked up its pace quickly.
  
  The fantasy setting and its world-building was well done. It feel very familiar since it draws a lot of inspiration from certain historical periods. The system of magic is what is the most fascinating and intriguing part of the lore. From what has been shown it's a weird mix of science and magic and the way it manifests through genetics - it reminds me somewhat of the powers of the X-Men where a good deal of it can be explained by science while others are in the realm of the supernatural and magic.
  
  The characters are quite interesting and quite diverse with each having their own quirky and unique personalities. The interaction of Lornyc with his family especially with his siblings is a joy to read. The love and care they have for each other really showed from the events that unfolded. The growth and evolution of the relationship between Lornyc and Methian as they navigate through the complications of the curse, trying to make what is between them work and see how they both fall into their own roles is wonderful to see. One can clearly tell that they were made for each other and that shines throughout the book. However, despite the times on the spotlight Methian had, he sometimes feels rather flat and somehow just there and not thoroughly intertwined within the story. It is not in the number of times he appeared in the story but more on his character being just swept by the current of the plot and being just a plot device to be used when convenient.
  
  Overall the story was interesting and engaging. The plot draws you in and the twists and turns will keep the reader guessing. There were hints given however finding out who was the mastermind of it all during the last few chapters of the book was still a shock.
  
  Servitude by Rebecca Cohen is a great book with a fantastic magical system, diverse characters, an intriguing plot, romance and action that will keep the reader engaged the entirety of the story. I recommend giving this story a go. This is a 4.25 stars out of 5 stars book for me.
  
  I received an ARC of this book via GRR and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
• 
  Juniper

  A lot happens in the book: our protagonist starts as a sort of graduate student, albeit a privileged one, and quickly moves into one magically bounded political intrigue after another. Mages, magic, something that is neither mages nor magic, multiple dimensions, weird orbs, magically enforced contracts of servitude, plots, machinations, murder-- there’s never a dull moment here. The world building is intricate and easy to be drawn into. Lornyc is a fascinating character: he’s powerful, but not necessarily the heroic type, at least not stereotypically so: he’s a bit fussy, a lot prone to unwarranted jealousy, and has an epic temper. He’s also brave and loyal and weirdly easy to both like and be annoyed with simultaneously. Methian definitely has a lot to put up with, and my heart sometimes goes out to him, although he more than holds his own. There’s clearly a lot more to come for both of them, as plots are still afoot. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next, and what Methian, Lornyc, and Lornyc’s exceptionally murdery siblings (don’t ask, but a distressing number of them seem to moonlight as assassins) will do. Overall, an intriguing and intricate story.
  
  *I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
  
• 
  Debra Guyette

  Lornyc has no choice but to keep secrets. Now he is being forced to abandon his schooling to fulfill a contract executed before he was born as a punishment for his family’s past misconduct. For years he has been Methuin’s secret lover and now he must serve as his valet. He also learned that he does have some strong powers. He needs to learn to access and control those powers or everything he knew, loved and expected would be lost. That includes his family, his position and Methuin.
  
  Rebecca Cohen has created an incredible world with the start of this series, Reagalos. Lornyc is amazing as he works out how to save his life while Methuin struggles with what is happening. The two together are amazing but the contract takes its toll. There are many more books to come and I know I am not alone in wanting to read them all. Rebecca Cohen has fast become one of my favorite authors. Reading her stories is like drinking an excellent vintage wine. It is good to the last drop.
  
• 
  Laura

  I loved the book. I fell in love with both characters, I started reading the prequel to know how they met, and I made the right decision. The story is amazing. I yearn to know more about worldbuilding it has so much potential. Is an amazing story.
  Lornyc is such a fascinating character, I loved reading his development and I wish that in the next books we have the same for Methian.
  I feel like there were a lot of secondary characters that I wat to know more about Vella and the other Reagalos Family members, and Kat.
  It hasn't been the most engaging novel, page eater that sometimes I am. But it's been very enjoyable and I want to read the next installments thing that I cannot say about other books that I read this year.
• 
  Bretton Coppedge

  This series was previously published and has been edited and expanded for this edition. I never read the first edition so I was not aware of what changes had been as I was reading, which might mean that the updates were pretty seamless. I personally struggled to connect with the characters and felt somewhat dropped into the world. This was probably because there was already an established relationship that had a lot of history. But this failure to connect was likely my own bias. I think others that enjoy stories with established relationships would enjoy this. Fans of scifi Regency should also definitely check this out because the world was very vibrant.
  
• 
  Maureen

  OK, this book is amazing! When I discovered this author I started working through some of her books and when I read the blurb for this one I surprised myself by being intrigued by it. I don't usually read magical or fantasy but this drew me. Trying to find a copy proved tough but this author kindly helped me procure a copy. Lornyc and Methian are wonderful MC's in a story of intrigue, magic, power manipulation, and of course love. As usual her writing is fantastic, draws you right in. The last 20% of the book had be squirming with dread and anticipation. A wonderful read.
• 
  Curtis

  Lornyc, the future High Lord of the city of Katraman, doesn't mind keeping his relationship with Methian, prince of Xenetra, a secret. It's well worth it, and they share a great deal of passion. But everything changes when Lornyc learns that his grandfather had entered into an agreement that binds him into servitude--to Methian. The change in dynamic puts a strain on their relationship, but other conditions and forces at play may just upend everything if the two of them are not careful.
• 
  Lydia Devlin

  I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Rebecca Cohen,a new author to me.
  I loved the complex world building.Loved the intriguing story line that grabbed my attention and kept me wanting to know what happened next,straight from the beginning.I loved the main characters and found myself rooting for them,hoping they would gain their happily ever after.
  I received an ARC copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
• 
  Ida Umphers

  I enjoyed this first entry in a new series very much. The world building, particularly the political/royal machinations are well developed and drive the plot along nicely. The relationship between Lornyc and Methian is interesting, particularly when the power dynamic changes so radically. It is interesting to see Lornyc working to master and understand his powers and there is plenty left to discover to makemthe second book one to look forward to.