Today, the guys in the Goodreads Top 5 Wednesday group have an interesting topic, one which is kind of sad from a reading perspective but does happen: Favorite Bromances! “Bromance = platonic relationship between two characters who identify as male.”
Well, this one might be tricky. I mean, the key is whether the characters “identify as male” which might be an issue since I don’t believe anyone ever asks them in the context of the story how they identify sexually. With that being said, I am going to be forced to make a subjective assumption based upon their stated sex and their general behavior, specifically their sexual attraction to those of the opposite or same sex.
Since I will be making assumptions regarding characters “sexual identification” I’m turning it over to actor Chris Pratt to issue a statement in my behalf to everyone who is about to read this article.
I want to make a heartfelt apology for whatever it is I end up accidentally saying . . . I hope you understand it was never my intention to offend anyone and I am truly sorry. I swear. I’m the nicest guy in the world. And I fully regret what I (accidentally will have) said . . .
I am not in the business of making excuses. I am just dumb. Plain and simple. I try. I REALLY try! When I do (potentially) commit the offensive act for which I am now (pre) apologizing you must understand I (will likely have been) tired and exhausted when I (potentially) said that thing I (will have had) said that (will have had) crossed the line. . . Trust me. I know you can’t say that anymore. In fact in my opinion it was never right to say the thing I definitely don’t want to but probably will have said. To those I (will have) offended please understand how truly sorry I already am. I am fully aware that the subject matter of my imminent forthcoming mistake, a blunder (possibly to be) . . . is (most likely) in no way a laughing matter. To those I (will likely have had) offended rest assured I will do everything in my power to make sure this doesn’t happen (again).
Okay, with the pre-apology out of the way, here are my favorite bromances involving male characters whom I am assuming identify as males.
5. TANIEL TWO-SHOT & BORBADOR
While these two do not appear together very often in this flintlock fantasy, when they do, the brotherly love and dedicated friendship between them is clear to see. Sad, they didn’t have more page time to showcase the less serious side of their relationship, but then again, they each had a very specific role to play in Mr. McClellan’s epic story.
4. ASH/NICO & BARACHA/ALEAS
As Roshun assassins these four individuals are family, but like many real life brothers, there is a lot of brotherly competition, jealousy, and arguing between them, which hides their strong bond with one another. It is only when danger draws near that Ash and Baracha actually stop fighting long enough to acknowledge their friendship and allow their apprentices (Nico and Aleas) to do the same.
3. BRODAR KAYNE & JEREK THE WOLF
These friends are about as different from one another as can be. Brodar is the classic northern barbarian, who can fight, laugh, and get along with about anyone around a campfire. Jerek hates everyone, pisses off everyone. But they have a strong bond which keeps them together . . . until it doesn’t. So very sad.
2. HADRIAN & ROYCE
This dynamic duo is probably the best one-two pair of thieves in fantasy. They laugh with, bicker with, and work with one another every day. At times, they seem horribly incompatible, but somehow their differences keep them together instead of driving them apart. And I for one always enjoy reading another story of their time together as the famous Riyria.
1. FALCIO, KEST & BRASTI
These three comrades-in-arms are the Three Musketeers of fantasy. They are hilarious to read about; they constantly ridicule and mock one another; and their camaraderie is one of the main reasons this series got better and better until the end. Damn, it’s sad to think there will not be any more stories about Falcio, Kest and Brasti.
