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Cethe (2009)

by Becca Abbott(Favorite Author)

3.51 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

1440444420 (ISBN13: 9781440444425)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

CreateSpace

review 1: The beginning was kind of confusing as with any fantasy story as I had to get my bearings in the settings and characters. Along the way, it got easier.I liked how there's growth and development of the characters especially in Stefn and a Michael. I was hoping to see more change in Severyn though. The first 2/3 of the book was good and exciting but it just went downhill after the part where Michael and Stefn were separated by their situations and a jealous crown prince. Okay, at least the part amount Arami was touching but I felt that so much more could have been developed. It could have well been a trilogy.I was a little left hanging at the end as there wasn't much of conclusion to the war with regards to the Council and Archbishop, and also the chronicles. I felt that the... morere could have been another chapter to tie things up proper.
review 2: This is one of those books that I feel the need to make a few disclaimer-like statements before just diving into my review.There are elements in this story that will offend many and make not just a few uncomfortable. I think it best if you can't stomach certain hard elements that you do not choose to read this story. There are brutal actions that include rape and master/slave relationships. This is a very dark gritty fantasy with not a lot of light.Now all that being said, it would be doing this story an injustice to reducing it down to only what I just said. I marveled over the fantasy world that the author created. I found this take on light and dark magic interesting the way it was blended with political and religious backdrop in an almost late medieval feel with the castles and knights, but maybe even Georgian with the talk of carriages, balls, clubs and cravat styles. The plot was scintillating too with the political intrigue and the inter-personal relationship stuff going on with twists in the story providing nice surprises now and then. The only issue I had with the plot was that I felt it left some things open still that needed to be tied up unless there are plans for a sequel. I guess that would be a reason to do that.And then of course the characters were a big part. I was really into the romance knowing that for it to work the two heroes would have a great deal to overcome. The master/slave scenario with its magical bonding makes for an insta-lust situation, but free thinking takes place allowing for choice meaning a slow to grown romance.The young human, Stefn, is the unwanted greatly abused son and member of a family that perpetrated heinous crimes for greed and power. He is made to feel the vengeance of those most hurt by it like Michael who represents the Nara race. Stefn has been downtrodden all his life, but it was great seeing that his spirit was strong and no matter what- and its a lot- he remains unbroken and I was just cheering for him to get his turn at happiness in the end. The nara witch lord, Michael, has his chance to avenge and right personal wrongs and further the cause of himself and his friends to end the corruption in the church and the kingdom by taking and using Stefn. At first, even though he has his reasons, Michael is harsh, abusive and wrong. He squelches his pity toward the one he is hurting and I felt he was a villain, but then he gains new thoughts and outlook as he is exposed to Stefn. Michael changes which allowed me to change how I felt about him. There is also the difficulty that the secret love that leads to jealousy of the Prince, Sev, causes to the two.So if harsh, dark m/m fantasy romance stories are your thing, give this one a try. less

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