The King's Gift

Sanctuary Warriors #1

by Robyn Reigns

[Siren Classic Erotic Alternative Paranormal Romance, M/M, shape-shifters, HEA] Melech Sheehan is a hybrid warrior descended from the most powerful paranormal families. For over one thousand years he believed that true mates didn’t exist for his kind. Unexpectedly, in the aftermath of a battle between his warriors and rogues, he meets the human destined to complete his soul. As the pureblood races ride his back to become king of the paranormal community, Melech needs to accept his bloodlines while winning over his mate. Shai Liv, an empath and healer, is always bombarded by others’ emotions. When he meets the leader of the Sanctuary Warriors, for the first time in his life he finds peace and comfort in another man’s touch. However, learning to trust and bond with his powerful warrior is only one of the most difficult obstacles life hurls his way. The second is finding his abducted friend before time runs out, and the third is understanding that submitting to his dominant mate doesn’t equate to being owned. ** A Siren Erotic Romance

Genres: M M Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Fantasy

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2012

Reviews

[Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've finally finished and for the most part I really liked it. The writing was good and the story on the cusp of being great. As long as it was though (77,000 words), I felt as if I was dropped into the middle of the book. Genotech was an already encountered entity. Unlike the animosity between the hybrids and the purebloods, I felt Genotech should have been introduced as the new villian after we found out that Shai was the intended target of the first skirmish in the alley behind the bar.

In general I like the relationship between Melech and Shai. I like one mate being bigger and more dominant than the other and Melech wasn't obnoxious in the role, which made it enjoyable. And Shai, though not portrayed as a twink, realized and accepted immediately his role was the submissive partner. Well, at least in the bedroom. I do agree that having sex 5 minutes into their first conversation, mating bond or not, Melech's ability to touch Shai without inflicting pain or not, was a bit much.

I didn't mind the overlapping points of view, though the head-hopping did take a bit to get used to. Occasionally the sex scenes were a little jumbled or ended too abruptly for my own satisfaction, but in general they were well written with the right amount of spice. I enjoy endearments between characters and Melech calling Shai "little one" wouldn't have been bad if it wasn't mentioned constantly even during Melech's internal dialogue and in combination with "green eyes".

The secondary characters were enjoyable and I look forward to their stories especially Daniels. All in all an excellent read with great world building, and I'm looking forward to the next installment.

[Hc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Besides the title being misleading I don't have a lot of complaints about this! Mel, the most powerful hybrid is not actually king.. this subject comes up and is resolved later. Finding out exactly what kind of true hybrid he is was a treat. I definitely wanted to know about the shifter side of him and how he came to be in more depth than given.

Shai on the other hand I found to be an annoyance at the beginning. After being overwhelmed and needing repair to his shields he basically jumps Mel after finding out there is no pain involved in touching him. The aggravating part is the refusal, after begging to be claimed almost immediately, and determination he has to get away from Mel even when it is causing him pain from separation due to the mate bond. Once he settles into the mate bond he quickly becomes the endearing character he is meant to be.

[Neira Yen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many repetitive sentences and words. But the writing is easy to read.

The romance is really sweet. Despite all that sweet love between Mel and Shai which I REALLY love, it's annoying to have them aroused every single time and not focusing on stuff.

Also, it says that true mate is a rarity and they were all shocked to know Mel and Shai are one. But somehow throughout the story, there are 3 pairs including Mel and Shai. Quite a contradiction.

Then there's Shai. The evil org wanted him so bad but it was never explained why. I don't even see the end of that bad company. Too bad.

Well, I can only give 4 stars at most.

[Katalina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needs a better intro. Right at the start it mention of science experiments threw me for a loop coz it was mentioned in passing and not explained and I was like "What?" this isn't explained until later in the book.
Once the story really started I got into it really quick there are lots of funny bits and is an enjoyable read
An excellent story and I can't wait for the next book.

[Erticchic378 · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh please let the next one be released very soon.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely want the sequel asap.