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The Fifth Son

by Blaine D. Arden (Goodreads Author), Yana Goya (Illustrator)

3.54 of 5 stars 3.54 · rating details · 65 ratings · 19 reviews

Llyskel is the fifth son of a King, but, unlike his brothers, he doesn't have a career in politics or the military to look forward to. In a world where everyone possesses magic to some degree or other, Llyskel is powerless, unable to perform even the smallest magic-based tasks. All his life, he's been under constant guard for his own protection from the magical world aroun...more

ebook, Illustrated, 66 pages

Published July 6th 2012 by Storm Moon Press (first published March 9th 2012)

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Mar 26, 2012 Serena Yates rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m

A fairy tale from beginning to end, this story about an artistically talented prince who is different from everyone else around him because he possesses no magic captured me from the first page. The whole setting enchanted me as well: secret spots in the forest, water nymphs, a wonderful castle, and a yearning need for love are the perfect background for a story designed to take you away from it all, off into a world where spells and magic are as normal as breathing.

Llyskel is the only one in hi...more

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Jul 10, 2012 Dumbledore11214 rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, gay-romance, gay-erotica

In the world where everybody (at least everybody in his royal family, because we are not told as to everybody in his world) has magical skills, Llycel is kind of an outcast. He does not seem to have any magic and I guess this is why his family is so very overprotective of him. He is a talented artist but of course he also wants to feel that he can stand up and fight for himself as all warriors in his family. I think I fell in love with Llycel from the very first pages of this novella. I loved hi...more

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Apr 22, 2012 Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, rope-play

4 Hearts

First published at MM Good Book Reviews

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...

Llyskel is nothing like anyone else in his kingdom or the country. Everyone else has magic and Llyskel doesn’t and because of that he is protected in and out of the castle. a captain in his father’s army captures Llyskel’s eye and his imagination. Ariv is attracted to the young prince and has guessed his secret desires; he sets out to court the prince and discovers a secret that nobody knew.

I enjoyed this sto...more 4 Hearts

First published at MM Good Book Reviews

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...

Llyskel is nothing like anyone else in his kingdom or the country. Everyone else has magic and Llyskel doesn’t and because of that he is protected in and out of the castle. a captain in his father’s army captures Llyskel’s eye and his imagination. Ariv is attracted to the young prince and has guessed his secret desires; he sets out to court the prince and discovers a secret that nobody knew.

I enjoyed this story and think it was well written. It has a slightly whimsical feel to it, but that could be because it’s from Llyskel’s POV. Llyskel is dearly loved by his family, but they treat him like a helpless child because he has no magic. He can’t even spar with anyone else he has a practice dummy and that is it. He has a guard that follows him everywhere, even in the castle and he feels stifled by it all. Ariv is the man that he fantasies about along with his shooter and Ariv is going to light up the prince’s world and give him everything that he wants and nothing will stop him not even the new discovery.

Llyskel is wonderfully described and the way the author describes the scenes and emotions is wonderful. you can feel Llyskel’s frustrations seeping through, his want and need and his obsession with Ariv and shooters. Ariv is harder to get a grip on, but you know he is the man to give Llyskel everything that he needs. Even when his prince goes missing, he knew Llyskel could handle himself. Even without magic and when he gets him back he gives Llyskel the support and encouragement that he needs.

For me this book was just right. it wasn’t too short, it wasn’t too long (did I sound like Goldilocks?) it was the perfect length with a touch of danger, a touch of kink, a lot of hot sex, a good story-line, the world building was good without too much information. There was a kidnapping, a controlling Queen, a hunky Captain and a quite prince, so honest to god… what more could you want. Get this book and enjoy.(less)

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Mar 19, 2012 Gabbi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: top2bottom-reviews

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Since the blurb really described the book quite well, I’ve decided not to rehash it. The Fifth Son is an addictive, sweet and sexy book from start to finish. I loved all of the characters in this book and was immediately captivated by the story the main hero, Llyskel told. Since the book is told in first person, with his point of view, I really enjoyed his charming personality. He’s an interesting and complex character and experiencing the world through hi...more

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Nov 24, 2012 Victoria Zagar rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, m-m, fantasy, reviewed-on-infinite-love

Llyskel is a prince who can't use magic in a world where everyone has some semblance of magical power. Considered defenseless and weak, he is guarded wherever he goes and has little freedom, except when he paints. He also harbors a secret desire, something which the knight captain Ariv senses in him and seeks to satisfy.

The Fifth Son was sweet and spicy, a lovely little romance set in a fully-realized fantasy world where magic is so commonplace it is even used to open doors and windows. Llyskel...more

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Mar 28, 2012 Sally rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: gay

This is one of those stories I really wanted to love, but just couldn't quite get into. Don't get me wrong, The Fifth Son is not a bad read by any means, it just lacked that something special to really find its way into my heart.

I think part of what distanced me from the story is the fact that we're kind of bashed over the head with the fact that Llyskel is an outcast. He doesn't fit in with his royal brothers. He doesn't have a role to play in court. He's an arist in a warrior's world. He lacks...more

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Sep 20, 2012 Cole Riann rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: armchair-reviews, m-m, m-m-bdsm-fetish, m-m-fantasy

Review posted at The Armchair Reader.

3.5 stars

This is the second work I've read by this author and I'm really liking what she has offered. This was a sweet fantasy that touched on a few different subjects without fully committing in any direction. It was like a tapas lunch, light with variety ;) There was a nicely delectable bit of shibari, which was the slow heat in the sex between Llyskel and Ariv, capped with the sharp taste of danger (even though that is technically a relative term to Llyske...more Review posted at The Armchair Reader.

3.5 stars

This is the second work I've read by this author and I'm really liking what she has offered. This was a sweet fantasy that touched on a few different subjects without fully committing in any direction. It was like a tapas lunch, light with variety ;) There was a nicely delectable bit of shibari, which was the slow heat in the sex between Llyskel and Ariv, capped with the sharp taste of danger (even though that is technically a relative term to Llyskel) in the addition of the stunners. The setting and detail is classic fantasy, yet the themes and tone and mood were classic fairy tale. It was really perfect for me.

Llyskel can do one thing better than anything else -- paint. Though he's coveted for this gift, constantly commissioned by his family and other royal families alike, to him the gift pales in comparison to what he can't do -- wield magic. He's the only one who can't in a world where magic controls everything, doors, lights, and the everyday minutiae the rest of the population takes for granted. In light of this difference, he feels his family sees him as a weakling. He is swaddled in their protection day after day, with a permanent guard who follows his every move and in a constant struggle with his parents (the King and Queen) to battle for the right to prove himself. He wants to train for battle, something that they absolutely don't allow. But what Llyskel really wants to is simply feel as strong and needed as his brothers, all who have some occupation for the betterment of their people. Yet, Llyskel withdraws into this painting, expressing his emotions through art and hiding those secrets in his private gallery. One of those is very secret indeed. He can't stop painting the fluid motions of Captain Ariv on the practice field, always wielding a stunner.

The romance and attraction between Llyskel and Ariv works well because Ariv is really the only one who sees Llyskel and his true feelings. It is purposeful that it happens before they really know one another, because Llyskel covets the captain from afar and that puts them on the same level when Ariv finally approaches him, having done the same and recognizing the part of Llyskel that seeks submission. There is little made of the connection between Llyskel's submission and his life and relation to magic, except for in their play with the stunners (a type of stunning gun that uses a person's magic to shoot). The psychology in the characters and their desires isn't examined, but that was fine with me. It made this story less about their connection in that respect, and the gun kink and rope play exactly that, about the play. Their connection came across stronger for me in the training room, when Ariv starts teaching Llyskel before he's really supposed to learn -- recognizing that he has a need to learn what all his older brothers did and to feel that he has something to offer other than art. Of course, Ariv is shown as a rather sexy and broad, gentle yet fierce warrior, but this was the sexiest thing about him. He recognized Llyskel before anyone else saw him -- thus, the fairy tale.

(view spoiler)

This story is perfect for continuation, if the author were so inclined :) I'd love to read it if she does write it. The illustrations were beautiful. I always have trouble with books in illustration because I start seeing the story by the artists renderings and there are only a few here and there. I always want more.

I'm excited to read more from this author. I definitely recommend this one, the illustrated version if you can get it. I't is available through all of the links above, but you can definitely buy both the illustrated version and the non-illustrated version at the publisher. Recommended!(less)

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May 01, 2012 Alex rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, review-copy, romance

Stars: 3.5/5

Overall
For some reason I had a difficult time sitting down to review this story. I enjoyed the writing, the characters, the world, and the relationship, but I still felt as if something were missing--or perhaps there was too much of something else. Still, the main characters' dynamic is appealing, despite having some difficulties coming to an understanding Llyskel's shooter kink (even being able to make the connection between it and gun kink). A good fantasy setting with interesting...more Stars: 3.5/5

Overall
For some reason I had a difficult time sitting down to review this story. I enjoyed the writing, the characters, the world, and the relationship, but I still felt as if something were missing--or perhaps there was too much of something else. Still, the main characters' dynamic is appealing, despite having some difficulties coming to an understanding Llyskel's shooter kink (even being able to make the connection between it and gun kink). A good fantasy setting with interesting (although I'd like more development) characters, I'd recommend this easy read for a nice day on the beach.

Strengths
One of this story's strengths was the subtle world building. In many regards it follows a standard fantasy world construction, but there are enough nuances to add a special flare, and it was those touches that made it particularly strong to me. The description of a child's coming to power, the role of kings and queens, the weapon that focuses a user's magic, the use of magic in every day life and how it disrupts Llyskel's world and inhibits most things he does. In a short span the multitude of these minor elements all added up to paint world picture.

In addition to this, the descriptions used throughout the writing brought the story to life. The narrator is an artist and rightly gives beautiful (sexy) descriptions of the things he sees: flowers, men, fights, gardens, etc. It was gorgeous and sexy and one of my favorite things about this story!

As I mentioned before, I had some difficulties understanding Llyskel's thing for shooters, but I did enjoy how it propelled certain knowledge to come out and how Llyskel and Ariv deal with the obstacle. Their second bedroom scene is very nice. It helps that Llyskel gives vivid details about Ariv's appearances and the description of their night together is wonderfully sensual. I enjoyed my time with them ;)

Weaknesses
While I enjoyed the climactic action and resolution, the ordeal felt somewhat forced--or at least it didn't flow with the rest of the story. Logically it made sense and wasn't abrupt, but something about it felt off to me, as if the story itself were a fantasy romance with a plot tagged on. I was perfectly happy with Llyskel and Ariv exploring their relationship and the needs in that relationship, but I may be unique in that.

Received this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.(less)

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Apr 14, 2012 Jayhjay rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review was originally published on my blog Joyfully Jay

Llyskel lives in a world where magic is everywhere, but unlike everybody else, he has no magical powers. As the fifth son of the king, Llyskel is sheltered and protected, unable to serve in the military or go out unguarded, his family worrying that he is unable to protect himself in the face of others with magical abilities. Although Llyskel's passions lie in his artwork, part of him still chafes at the restrictions he faces and wishes...more This review was originally published on my blog Joyfully Jay

Llyskel lives in a world where magic is everywhere, but unlike everybody else, he has no magical powers. As the fifth son of the king, Llyskel is sheltered and protected, unable to serve in the military or go out unguarded, his family worrying that he is unable to protect himself in the face of others with magical abilities. Although Llyskel's passions lie in his artwork, part of him still chafes at the restrictions he faces and wishes for more independence and freedom.

Along with his passion for art, Llyskel's other love is the handsome Captain Ariv of his father's army. Llyskel is thrilled when the handsome man returns his interest. Ariv alone seems to understand Llyskel's secret sexual need and is able to satisfy him perfectly.

Although Llyskel has no magical abilities, he one day realizes that he is not without power. His first clue is when Ariv is unable to immobilize him with a magical stunner. Soon Llyskel's world opens up, as he is finally able to train in combat like others his age and he's given more independence. And through his training he realizes he is a stronger fighter than he knew. But when a queen from a neighboring land begins to express interest in Llyskel, he learns that he may be in more danger than he realized.

I really loved this story and was caught up in Llyskel's world. Arden does a wonderful job of letting us see things through his artist's eyes, and the colors and light and images are all so beautifully explained. The world of magic the story creates is richly detailed, but not overwhelming in its world building for such a short book. I could really understand Llyskel's pain at being the lone person without power in a world where magic is everywhere. Especially since as a member of the royal family, everyone knows about his lack of magic and it is a source of embarrassment, not to mention placing great restrictions on his activities.

I also really liked Llyskel and Ariv together. They had a great combination of a sweet, traditional courtship, combined with hot (and kinky) sex. Ariv alone understands what Llyskel really wants and is able to provide it. My only quibble with this part is that until we first see them having sex, I found myself confused about what the deal was with the stunner and I felt like I needed a bit more information to totally follow the early parts of the story. However, I loved the way it all comes together and the perfect way the men's sexual interests align.

As the book continues, we move into more action and suspense as Llyskel faces threats from the neighboring country. It was quite exciting and fast paced and Arden does a great job moving from the romance to the action. I really appreciated that we see Llyskel as able to help himself and not totally dependent on rescue. Although he is at a disadvantage without magic, he manages to use the power that he does have to help himself get out of trouble. I would have liked to see the resolution to this rounded out a bit more though. I felt the plot was wrapped up with the bad guys a bit too quickly and neatly, but I did really enjoy this section.

Overall I thought The Fifth Son was a great story. It had a wonderful combination of sweet romance, hot sex, and exciting action. I would definitely recommend it.
(less)

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Mar 10, 2012 Melanie Tushmore rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, m-m, fantasy-romance, m-m-romance, romantic

This is a lovely story. At just over 60 pages, I could easily have read more, but it still felt complete, starting with yearning need, and finishing with love and happiness :)

The reader sees through the eyes of Prince Llyskell, a painter. His language is vibrant and colourful, as he describes what he sees and wishes to paint next, and also very dreamy, which fits Llyskell's character.

I thought he was adorable, and the additon of his carefully guarded, secret fantasies were a hidden kink i wasn't...more

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May 23, 2012 DarienMoya rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-reads, favorites, my-m-m-lovin, m-m-short-stories, release-2012, tie-me-up-and-use-me, pants-off-reviews

Llyskel likes to paint and he does it in abundance, since he has no other duties as a fifth son and prince in his family. His life is even more dull because he is magic less in a world filled with magic. He is doted on by his parents, and protected like a newborn because he has no way to protect himself. So Llyskel spends his time painting, and watching his brothers and soldiers train. There is that odd time when he gets to spend a little time by himself but it takes a bit of scheming and hoping...more

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Mar 24, 2012 Top 2 Bottom Reviews Interviews and More rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Apr 08, 2012 BD Whitney BookWenches rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Blaine D. Arden’s fantasy "The Fifth Son" combines magic, romance, kink, and a little bit of humor into a story about a young man who comes into his own after having been underestimated his entire life. This is a very brief tale which is easily read in one sitting, and while I did enjoy it and found it to be well-written overall, the brevity of the piece left me a little unsatisfied in the end.

Full review: http://www.bookwenches.com/april12rev...

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Mar 24, 2012 Leann Marshall rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, light-themed, romance

Sweet, fun and light read. Some light bondage.

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Mar 18, 2012 Andi Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Very sweet story. I liked it a lot.

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Apr 08, 2012 Kris added it · review of another edition

Will ponder this one...

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Sep 21, 2012 MsMiz (Tina) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: glbt-all, kindle-mobi

3.5

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Jan 23, 2013 Togainunochi(Jude) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, romance, scifi-fantasy

I enjoyed this very much, but I was disappointed that it seemed to end so abruptly. The characters were very interesting. I wish there had been a little more to flesh them out. I admit that by the end I didn't really understand what a "shooter" was. I still recommend it as a very pleasant fantasy.

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May 21, 2013 Drizzt rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm-rom, bdsm

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About Blaine D. Arden

Blaine is a purple haired, forty-something, writer of gay romance with a love of men, music, mystery, magic, fairies, platform shoes and the colours black, purple and red, who sings her way through life.

Born and raised in Zutphen, the Netherlands, Blaine spent many hours of her sheltered youth reading, day dreaming, making up stories and acting them out with her barbies.

Though she wrote her first...more

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