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Master of Hounds #1
Master of Hounds: Book 1
An old soldier in search of redemption.
A condemned prisoner with the power to carve out his heart… or save it.
Caius Oppita has served the Alyrion Empire for more than half his life, watching with growing revulsion as the royal family descends ever deeper into corruption and depravity. Powerless to do more than stand by as the land he loves slides toward civil war and social upheaval, he longs for his days as a general on the battlefield rather than a tame palace lapdog.
When the execution of one of the emperor’s inconvenient bastard sons goes wrong, Caius has a choice to make—do his duty, or do what is right and spirit the innocent man away to safety.
It should have been simple—hide Decian in plain sight for a few days, then smuggle him out of the palace compound. Buy him passage on a ship sailing someplace far away from the capital city, and take quiet pleasure in fighting one single injustice among many.
Instead, the swirling undercurrents of politics and power struggles seem determined to drag them ever deeper into danger—even as Decian guilelessly slips past the armor surrounding Caius’ battered soul. Caius had never considered himself a fool… but only a fool would bed the emperor’s illegitimate son. Much less let the brash young idiot anywhere near his heart.
The problem with secrets is that they breed more secrets.
And betrayal only hurts when you cared in the first place.
* * *
Master of Hounds: Book 1 is the first installment in an M/M epic fantasy trilogy by USA Today bestseller R. A. Steffan. It is set in the world of The Eburosi Chronicles, but stands alone. The book contains adult content.
Other completed series set in this world:
The Complete Horse Mistress Collection (2016 Rainbow Award winner)
The Complete Lion Mistress Collection (2019 Rainbow Award winner)
The Complete Dragon Mistress Collection
A condemned prisoner with the power to carve out his heart… or save it.
Caius Oppita has served the Alyrion Empire for more than half his life, watching with growing revulsion as the royal family descends ever deeper into corruption and depravity. Powerless to do more than stand by as the land he loves slides toward civil war and social upheaval, he longs for his days as a general on the battlefield rather than a tame palace lapdog.
When the execution of one of the emperor’s inconvenient bastard sons goes wrong, Caius has a choice to make—do his duty, or do what is right and spirit the innocent man away to safety.
It should have been simple—hide Decian in plain sight for a few days, then smuggle him out of the palace compound. Buy him passage on a ship sailing someplace far away from the capital city, and take quiet pleasure in fighting one single injustice among many.
Instead, the swirling undercurrents of politics and power struggles seem determined to drag them ever deeper into danger—even as Decian guilelessly slips past the armor surrounding Caius’ battered soul. Caius had never considered himself a fool… but only a fool would bed the emperor’s illegitimate son. Much less let the brash young idiot anywhere near his heart.
The problem with secrets is that they breed more secrets.
And betrayal only hurts when you cared in the first place.
* * *
Master of Hounds: Book 1 is the first installment in an M/M epic fantasy trilogy by USA Today bestseller R. A. Steffan. It is set in the world of The Eburosi Chronicles, but stands alone. The book contains adult content.
Other completed series set in this world:
The Complete Horse Mistress Collection (2016 Rainbow Award winner)
The Complete Lion Mistress Collection (2019 Rainbow Award winner)
The Complete Dragon Mistress Collection
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2021
97 people are currently reading
472 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Steffan
85 books503 followersUSA Today bestselling author R. A. Steffan lives in New Mexico, where the sunsets paint the mountains purple, and roadrunners roam the desert endlessly in search of their coyote victims. When she’s not busy writing stories about people loving each other in all sorts of different and interesting ways, she can be found taking care of her small menagerie of critters.
A rebel to the core, she is currently sticking it to the man by illegally harvesting graywater from the kitchen and bathroom sinks to water trees outside. This fearless disregard for societal norms extends to her writing, as well. There, you will find polyamory along with straight, gay, bisexual, and non-gender conforming love of all flavors. You will also find families of choice, profound friendships, adventure, danger, and good triumphing over evil.
That, and sex. Lots of sex. Most of which is not the vanilla variety.
If any of that appeals, sign up at http://www.rasteffan.com/ to get a free starter library featuring the first books in several of her series. You can also follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RASteffanAut..., or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RA_Steffan.
A rebel to the core, she is currently sticking it to the man by illegally harvesting graywater from the kitchen and bathroom sinks to water trees outside. This fearless disregard for societal norms extends to her writing, as well. There, you will find polyamory along with straight, gay, bisexual, and non-gender conforming love of all flavors. You will also find families of choice, profound friendships, adventure, danger, and good triumphing over evil.
That, and sex. Lots of sex. Most of which is not the vanilla variety.
If any of that appeals, sign up at http://www.rasteffan.com/ to get a free starter library featuring the first books in several of her series. You can also follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RASteffanAut..., or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RA_Steffan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 2, 2021
3.5 stars
I should’ve known better than to start a trilogy with only the first book available 2 months before the second one’s release date. Of course, out of all the series by new-to-me authors that I’ve tried in recent months, this would be the one I wanted to continue immediately and couldn’t. Obviously.
Even though it wasn’t perfect or earth-shattering, the world-building and characterization were solid and the story engaging. There was some unnecessary repetition now and then, a small inconsistency in the MC’s background, and the odd editing oversight with some missing or double word, and I wasn’t surprised to learn that this author also writes m/f romances because I want to stress that that was the one and only instance I had a problem with that aspect, though.
I mention these shortcomings because that’s pretty much all I can find fault with. The story isn’t terribly original, but it’s well-crafted, with well-written secondary characters and a decent plot that managed to surprise me even when I could predict what was coming. The things I expected happened, but not exactly as I predicted, and one in particular had a development I didn’t see coming at all—although in retrospect I probably should have—and now I can’t wait to see how the author is planning to untangle that situation.
The romance, although I wouldn’t call it a romance at this stage, so the connection between the MCs felt maybe a bit too quick. While I wouldn’t call it insta-love, I would’ve preferred more of a slow-burn for the first book in a trilogy, but, without going into spoilery details, by the end of the book I was happy with the way their relationship was handled. It made sense for the characters and their situation and so far I’m trusting the author to know what they’re doing with that.
It’s a new-to-me author, so this could go well or really badly, there’s potential for some drama and I don’t know this author’s style so I can’t predict if the story will go there or not, or my current enthusiasm may not survive the 2-months wait for the next book, but for now all I know it’s that I’ve finished this book 2 days ago and I’m still thinking that I don’t want to leave these characters where they are for so long, I want them That’s why I’m rounding up for now, I’ll revisit my decision if the rest of the series doesn’t live up to my first impression.
I should’ve known better than to start a trilogy with only the first book available 2 months before the second one’s release date. Of course, out of all the series by new-to-me authors that I’ve tried in recent months, this would be the one I wanted to continue immediately and couldn’t. Obviously.
Even though it wasn’t perfect or earth-shattering, the world-building and characterization were solid and the story engaging. There was some unnecessary repetition now and then, a small inconsistency in the MC’s background, and the odd editing oversight with some missing or double word, and I wasn’t surprised to learn that this author also writes m/f romances because I want to stress that that was the one and only instance I had a problem with that aspect, though.
I mention these shortcomings because that’s pretty much all I can find fault with. The story isn’t terribly original, but it’s well-crafted, with well-written secondary characters and a decent plot that managed to surprise me even when I could predict what was coming. The things I expected happened, but not exactly as I predicted, and one in particular had a development I didn’t see coming at all—although in retrospect I probably should have—and now I can’t wait to see how the author is planning to untangle that situation.
The romance, although I wouldn’t call it a romance at this stage, so the connection between the MCs felt maybe a bit too quick. While I wouldn’t call it insta-love, I would’ve preferred more of a slow-burn for the first book in a trilogy, but, without going into spoilery details, by the end of the book I was happy with the way their relationship was handled. It made sense for the characters and their situation and so far I’m trusting the author to know what they’re doing with that.
It’s a new-to-me author, so this could go well or really badly, there’s potential for some drama and I don’t know this author’s style so I can’t predict if the story will go there or not, or my current enthusiasm may not survive the 2-months wait for the next book, but for now all I know it’s that I’ve finished this book 2 days ago and I’m still thinking that I don’t want to leave these characters where they are for so long, I want them That’s why I’m rounding up for now, I’ll revisit my decision if the rest of the series doesn’t live up to my first impression.
January 14, 2023
Master of Hounds: Book 1
By R.A. Steffan
I loved the cover! It looked like the adventure I wanted to join! The plot, what little there was, intrigued me. But the rest was gay sex! There was more sex than anything else! I was so disappointed.
A bastard son of the King was to be executed as all others before him. This one had been hid away. No one had been allowed to see his face. He is thrown to the starving hounds but lives. They don't attack.
Doesn't that sound cool? There is just a bit more but I don't want to spoil it. The rest, just sex! Ugh!
I do want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this book! I wish it was revised to add more content and less sex. This could be awesome!
By R.A. Steffan
I loved the cover! It looked like the adventure I wanted to join! The plot, what little there was, intrigued me. But the rest was gay sex! There was more sex than anything else! I was so disappointed.
A bastard son of the King was to be executed as all others before him. This one had been hid away. No one had been allowed to see his face. He is thrown to the starving hounds but lives. They don't attack.
Doesn't that sound cool? There is just a bit more but I don't want to spoil it. The rest, just sex! Ugh!
I do want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this book! I wish it was revised to add more content and less sex. This could be awesome!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2021
I really enjoyed this high-fantasy story about an aging soldier whose emperor is falling into senility, while three legitimate sons maneuver to take his place, none of them worthy of the role. Caius is no longer sure where honor drives him. What he does know is that the second son is the worst of the lot, crafty and sadistic, and since he's also not the true heir, Caius's conscience doesn't bother him when he helps a prisoner escape a cruel and unjust death. Developing an attachment to that prisoner, desire and affection combining for the first time in years, is a complication he didn't need, though. And when it turns out someone wants one of them, or perhaps both of them, dead, Caius's life becomes even more complicated.
Amid treasonous plots, religious fundamentalism stirred up for political gain, and the discovery that pagan magic is closer at hand than he thinks, Caius faces physical and emotional trauma. He handles both with stoicism, and as much integrity as he can afford to have. And Decian, the emperor's bastard whom he saved from death, turns out to be more than he seems.
This story moved quickly, and both Caius and Decian are appealing characters. I've always enjoyed a grumpy older competent main character, dealing with life as he's forced to. The ending isn't a painful cliffhanger, but it is very unresolved. Fortunately book 2 is available (and ends on a slightly more stable note) and I dove right into it. Looking forward to book 3.
Amid treasonous plots, religious fundamentalism stirred up for political gain, and the discovery that pagan magic is closer at hand than he thinks, Caius faces physical and emotional trauma. He handles both with stoicism, and as much integrity as he can afford to have. And Decian, the emperor's bastard whom he saved from death, turns out to be more than he seems.
This story moved quickly, and both Caius and Decian are appealing characters. I've always enjoyed a grumpy older competent main character, dealing with life as he's forced to. The ending isn't a painful cliffhanger, but it is very unresolved. Fortunately book 2 is available (and ends on a slightly more stable note) and I dove right into it. Looking forward to book 3.
August 3, 2022
Fantasy, intrigue, romance, and betrayal.
This is a somewhat Roman setting with thinly veiled references to the religious issues of the time. It was a strangely light and simple read for all of the intrigue it set up. It was more 3.5 stars for me, but it was easy to devour and I’m excited to see what happens next. I’m extremely angry with one of the MCs and must know how he redeems himself!
This is a somewhat Roman setting with thinly veiled references to the religious issues of the time. It was a strangely light and simple read for all of the intrigue it set up. It was more 3.5 stars for me, but it was easy to devour and I’m excited to see what happens next. I’m extremely angry with one of the MCs and must know how he redeems himself!
March 18, 2021
My review is written after listening to the audio version of this book.
The two main characters in this book are very different, different ages, different religions and different backgrounds. Caius Oppita has served the Alyrion Empire as a soldier for more than half his life. He's sustained injuries guarding the royal family, his career is all he has, his wife and child died years ago and he's never had a serious relationship with anyone since. But he's become disillusioned, there is so much corruption and depravity within the Court. He feels powerless and wishes he was anywhere else but stuck being a palace lapdog.
Decian is one of the emperor's bastards, although he doesn't know this, he's seen as a threat by one of the legitimate sons who is systematically executing any of the emperor’s inconvenient bastard sons he can find. Decian's spent the last ten years in jail but has no idea why. He's been brought to the palace for execution, the sentence to be torn apart by the palace hounds! But something goes wrong and incredibly he survives.
Caius already sickened by what he knows to be happening decides to forego his duty and help Decian escape. But with no way to get him out of the palace, he decides that Decian should hide in plain sight for a few days, while they work out how to smuggle him out of the palace compound.
Much against his better judgement Caius allows himself to form a bond with Decian and they become more than friends, perhaps there's a way Decian can stay? But then Caius's life is threatened and it's Decian's turn to come to his aid but their relationship is forever changed by what happens that night.
The narration of this book by Cornell Collins is excellent and added immensely to my enjoyment of the tale.
The two main characters in this book are very different, different ages, different religions and different backgrounds. Caius Oppita has served the Alyrion Empire as a soldier for more than half his life. He's sustained injuries guarding the royal family, his career is all he has, his wife and child died years ago and he's never had a serious relationship with anyone since. But he's become disillusioned, there is so much corruption and depravity within the Court. He feels powerless and wishes he was anywhere else but stuck being a palace lapdog.
Decian is one of the emperor's bastards, although he doesn't know this, he's seen as a threat by one of the legitimate sons who is systematically executing any of the emperor’s inconvenient bastard sons he can find. Decian's spent the last ten years in jail but has no idea why. He's been brought to the palace for execution, the sentence to be torn apart by the palace hounds! But something goes wrong and incredibly he survives.
Caius already sickened by what he knows to be happening decides to forego his duty and help Decian escape. But with no way to get him out of the palace, he decides that Decian should hide in plain sight for a few days, while they work out how to smuggle him out of the palace compound.
Much against his better judgement Caius allows himself to form a bond with Decian and they become more than friends, perhaps there's a way Decian can stay? But then Caius's life is threatened and it's Decian's turn to come to his aid but their relationship is forever changed by what happens that night.
The narration of this book by Cornell Collins is excellent and added immensely to my enjoyment of the tale.
August 25, 2021
Good writing!
This reminded me so much of Megan Derr and Ginn Hale stories. Glad I found another author with the same calibre.
The writing was awesome. I mean, it was engaging and interesting and way too short! Good thing the second book is out 😆
We haven’t seen much of the world building but I think that’s mostly cos it’s an existing world and a spin-off from the author’s earlier series so, it does feel like it’s only just beginning. So in that regard, it’s very exciting and interesting.
Can’t wait to read more! 🤩
This reminded me so much of Megan Derr and Ginn Hale stories. Glad I found another author with the same calibre.
The writing was awesome. I mean, it was engaging and interesting and way too short! Good thing the second book is out 😆
We haven’t seen much of the world building but I think that’s mostly cos it’s an existing world and a spin-off from the author’s earlier series so, it does feel like it’s only just beginning. So in that regard, it’s very exciting and interesting.
Can’t wait to read more! 🤩
June 28, 2021
Swords🔪 and Shapeshifters🐺
ADULT Historical Medieval Style Fictional World with M/M Relationships
This novel is about a fictional medieval world with Paranormal elements, specifically shapeshifters.
The book is quite violent with a lot of hand to hand combat with swords, knives, etc.
The main character is a middle aged warrior, a leader who, due to his debilitating injuries, can no longer lead an army. Despite his injuries, he is still the smartest and most calculating guy around. His years and years of being a general have taught him to trust no one, and to suspect everything and everyone.
The decision he makes to rescue a young man from execution by ravenous dogs, changes both their lives forever. The young man is supposed to be the illegitimate son of the 👑King.
This book ends in a cliffhanger.
ADULT Historical Medieval Style Fictional World with M/M Relationships
This novel is about a fictional medieval world with Paranormal elements, specifically shapeshifters.
The book is quite violent with a lot of hand to hand combat with swords, knives, etc.
The main character is a middle aged warrior, a leader who, due to his debilitating injuries, can no longer lead an army. Despite his injuries, he is still the smartest and most calculating guy around. His years and years of being a general have taught him to trust no one, and to suspect everything and everyone.
The decision he makes to rescue a young man from execution by ravenous dogs, changes both their lives forever. The young man is supposed to be the illegitimate son of the 👑King.
This book ends in a cliffhanger.
April 21, 2021
This was a rollercoaster.
It went from good to bad to boring to just... boring. It never got any good after, I don’t know, ~50%.
The last 70-78% I skipped A LOT.
The plot/story went almost nowhere here on this book, which huge mistake, HUGE. You want your first book to explain the story, not all of it but enough to grab your reader’s attention. This one barely grabbed my attention, just barely. I am not dying to read the 2nd book like I thought I was going to be.
I am giving it 3 stars instead of two because the bones of the plot are good and because Decian is an angel and I love him.
PS: It ends with a cliffhanger.
It went from good to bad to boring to just... boring. It never got any good after, I don’t know, ~50%.
The last 70-78% I skipped A LOT.
The plot/story went almost nowhere here on this book, which huge mistake, HUGE. You want your first book to explain the story, not all of it but enough to grab your reader’s attention. This one barely grabbed my attention, just barely. I am not dying to read the 2nd book like I thought I was going to be.
I am giving it 3 stars instead of two because the bones of the plot are good and because Decian is an angel and I love him.
PS: It ends with a cliffhanger.
May 14, 2021
Nice entry to a new series. Loved the worldbuilding and characterisation. Excellent writing and editing. Not five stars as I didn't find the story all that great (it's pretty sparse and primarily set in a couple of locations), but I'm keen to read on as I expect all of that will pick up.
February 20, 2023
4.5
A thornbush in blood-soaked dirt, a single rose blossoming from its wretched stems.
That's what this book feels like. A flower in the middle of an old battlefield. Twisted, clutching, craning for the weak sun leaking through gray-mist clouds.
It's grungy, it's gruff, and it's beautiful and tender and somehow so much more alive than I ever expected, sparks of color in an otherwise gray and tired world.
Master of Hounds Trigger Warnings located at the bottom of the review
I'm not sure what I was expecting going in to Master of Hounds, but a cast of characters, assassination plots, well-researched, historically accurate details naturally slipped in, all alongside a realistic and steamy romance had so much more... muchness than I had strapped in for, but I was quickly sucked in for the ride.
This book is an erotic romance, that's done superbly well (no insta-love! And a growing admiration only tinged with insta-attraction), but there's a lot more here than that. From the very first chapter, all the way through to the end, there's a heavy plot with twists and layers added chapter by chapter like sweeps of a paintbrush illustrating the author's vision.
Not only is there a danger for our main character in saving the life of a man meant for execution, but there's royalty, a king losing his mind, three sons all vying for the throne, and a queen in the shadows, surviving it all, not to mention the distant, subtle magic of shapeshifters and the religious upheaval of the "pagans" fighting for their right to worship. Everyone has sides, and those that don't are running out of time to pick one as unrest amongst the royalty as well as the citizens continues to rise as the backdrop Caius and Decian's burgeoning relationship.
Caius and Decian are the characters at the forefront of this story, Caius a gruff, experienced strategist, tired of the courtly games and questioning where his loyalties should lie henceforth; and Decian, the illigitimate son of a royal, imprisoned for ten years because of his genes and now grateful for whatever opportunity his new freedom grants him.
I found I liked both of these characters quite a lot, the dichotomy of the honored and the ex-prisoner, the reluctantly political and the ignorant, the wizened and the unrestrained, mingling well with their mutual attraction, dark histories, and agreeable conversation. The age gap was a subtle but interesting added depth to their chemistry.
These two are backdropped by a variety of characters, but my favorite is probably the sly Celine, a trans-woman running a brothel alonside her beloved partner.
All in all, this story was exciting, delicious, and addicting - satisying in ways I didn't know I was searching for! Steffan is a skilled writer, able to create a world and plot with characters that fit seemlessly into both. With superb writing, she creates visions in your mind that keep you enthralled to the very end. I can't wait to start book two, and once I've finished this trilogy, I'll be checking out her other books!
Master of Hounds **Trigger Warnings**
~Gore
~Blood
~Death by starving dogs
~Past animal cruelty
~Dead buck via hunting party, described in detail
~Killed horse
~Killing in self-defense
~Torture, brief
~Very brief, mentioned implied rape of off-screen characters (only mentioned in passing, no details)
~Past death via childbirth
~Past injuries
~Past torture
~Generally homophobic society, nothing on-screen, but queer relationships must be kept secret
~Slavery
~Implied societal racism
~Implied dementia
~Religious oppression (there is only one religion allowed by the government in this society)
~I think I covered everything, but keep in mind, this is a Roman-ish fantasy world with the expected weapons present, and the main character is a retired soldier, so violence in general is fairly abundant
A thornbush in blood-soaked dirt, a single rose blossoming from its wretched stems.
That's what this book feels like. A flower in the middle of an old battlefield. Twisted, clutching, craning for the weak sun leaking through gray-mist clouds.
It's grungy, it's gruff, and it's beautiful and tender and somehow so much more alive than I ever expected, sparks of color in an otherwise gray and tired world.
Master of Hounds Trigger Warnings located at the bottom of the review
I'm not sure what I was expecting going in to Master of Hounds, but a cast of characters, assassination plots, well-researched, historically accurate details naturally slipped in, all alongside a realistic and steamy romance had so much more... muchness than I had strapped in for, but I was quickly sucked in for the ride.
This book is an erotic romance, that's done superbly well (no insta-love! And a growing admiration only tinged with insta-attraction), but there's a lot more here than that. From the very first chapter, all the way through to the end, there's a heavy plot with twists and layers added chapter by chapter like sweeps of a paintbrush illustrating the author's vision.
Not only is there a danger for our main character in saving the life of a man meant for execution, but there's royalty, a king losing his mind, three sons all vying for the throne, and a queen in the shadows, surviving it all, not to mention the distant, subtle magic of shapeshifters and the religious upheaval of the "pagans" fighting for their right to worship. Everyone has sides, and those that don't are running out of time to pick one as unrest amongst the royalty as well as the citizens continues to rise as the backdrop Caius and Decian's burgeoning relationship.
Caius and Decian are the characters at the forefront of this story, Caius a gruff, experienced strategist, tired of the courtly games and questioning where his loyalties should lie henceforth; and Decian, the illigitimate son of a royal, imprisoned for ten years because of his genes and now grateful for whatever opportunity his new freedom grants him.
I found I liked both of these characters quite a lot, the dichotomy of the honored and the ex-prisoner, the reluctantly political and the ignorant, the wizened and the unrestrained, mingling well with their mutual attraction, dark histories, and agreeable conversation. The age gap was a subtle but interesting added depth to their chemistry.
These two are backdropped by a variety of characters, but my favorite is probably the sly Celine, a trans-woman running a brothel alonside her beloved partner.
All in all, this story was exciting, delicious, and addicting - satisying in ways I didn't know I was searching for! Steffan is a skilled writer, able to create a world and plot with characters that fit seemlessly into both. With superb writing, she creates visions in your mind that keep you enthralled to the very end. I can't wait to start book two, and once I've finished this trilogy, I'll be checking out her other books!
Master of Hounds **Trigger Warnings**
~Gore
~Blood
~Death by starving dogs
~Past animal cruelty
~Dead buck via hunting party, described in detail
~Killed horse
~Killing in self-defense
~Torture, brief
~Very brief, mentioned implied rape of off-screen characters (only mentioned in passing, no details)
~Past death via childbirth
~Past injuries
~Past torture
~Generally homophobic society, nothing on-screen, but queer relationships must be kept secret
~Slavery
~Implied societal racism
~Implied dementia
~Religious oppression (there is only one religion allowed by the government in this society)
~I think I covered everything, but keep in mind, this is a Roman-ish fantasy world with the expected weapons present, and the main character is a retired soldier, so violence in general is fairly abundant
January 3, 2023
I really enjoy these series set in the Eburosi Chronicles series, so I excitedly started this one when I was in the mood for a good series. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this book as much as I had hoped. I struggled a bit with. It was a bit slow at times with not as much progression, but the set up was promising, I didn't like the characters as much and there was little connection to the previous series set in the same universe.
In Master of Hounds the main character is Caius who has served the Alyrion Empire for a long time. I thought it was interesting we get to see more of the Alyrion Empire and the political struggles it's currently dealing with. Unfortunately the story didn't fully grip me and I felt like this first book was a lot of setting the stage and setting up the plot lines that would run throughout the series, but not a lot of progression in those plot lines yet. The ending was interesting and makes me hopeful the next book digs a bit more into the meat of the matter.
I didn't really find Caius as likable or interesting. The whole jaded soldier who doesn't recognize the empire he pledged to serve anymore is not a character type that really appeals to me. I understand his position and dedication to the Empire. It makes sense why he believes things and the way he acts and he probably will have to question some of his beliefs throughout the series, but it's still a bit of a struggle when I've read the previous series and Empire was always the bad guy basically. And then his one act of kindness is to save one person who mostly saved himself and besides that he doesn't really follow it up yet with anything else or take a solid stance on the matter. I did warm up to him slowly, he's not in an easy position with the Empire he served his whole life slowly becoming unrecognizable and I like seeing the seeds of doubt that get planted in his head. The way he cared about Dacian was well done too.
The romance was okay, but I didn't really feel the connection between the two yet. After Caius saves his life he and Decian become closer and quite quickly things turn steamy when they realize they have similar tastes. The steamy scenes were sadly a bit unremarkable and without feeling the connection between the two as strongly as I would've liked it was hard to fully feel invested. Decian was interesting enough, he has had a hard life spending most of it in prison and he doesn't even know why. He makes the most of things and seemed less jaded that Caius. His connection with the hounds was interesting as well and I hope we get to see more that in future books.
I just feel like I had too high expectations of this book and that this book is mostly setting the stage and things will probably get better in later books, but still that means the first book doesn't feel as strong as it could. The set up is interesting enough and I am curious what's going to happen to the Empire and the characters role in it. I had just hoped for more.
To summarize: I went in with high expectations due to enjoying previous series in this universe and struggled a bit with this one. The writing is well done and there are some interesting set ups plot wise, it just felt not enough happened in this book. It took me some time to warm up a bit to Caius as he wasn't as likable and interesting. I don't really care for the whole jaded old soldier characterization. The ending is quite interesting and I am curious to see what happens next. The romance develops quite quickly and I didn't fully feel their connection, but I liked seeing how they grew closer. Decian is a bit more optimistic and cheerful compared to Caius which worked well. There's a bit of a connection with previous series in the universe, not as much as I would like, but maybe that changes in future books.
In Master of Hounds the main character is Caius who has served the Alyrion Empire for a long time. I thought it was interesting we get to see more of the Alyrion Empire and the political struggles it's currently dealing with. Unfortunately the story didn't fully grip me and I felt like this first book was a lot of setting the stage and setting up the plot lines that would run throughout the series, but not a lot of progression in those plot lines yet. The ending was interesting and makes me hopeful the next book digs a bit more into the meat of the matter.
I didn't really find Caius as likable or interesting. The whole jaded soldier who doesn't recognize the empire he pledged to serve anymore is not a character type that really appeals to me. I understand his position and dedication to the Empire. It makes sense why he believes things and the way he acts and he probably will have to question some of his beliefs throughout the series, but it's still a bit of a struggle when I've read the previous series and Empire was always the bad guy basically. And then his one act of kindness is to save one person who mostly saved himself and besides that he doesn't really follow it up yet with anything else or take a solid stance on the matter. I did warm up to him slowly, he's not in an easy position with the Empire he served his whole life slowly becoming unrecognizable and I like seeing the seeds of doubt that get planted in his head. The way he cared about Dacian was well done too.
The romance was okay, but I didn't really feel the connection between the two yet. After Caius saves his life he and Decian become closer and quite quickly things turn steamy when they realize they have similar tastes. The steamy scenes were sadly a bit unremarkable and without feeling the connection between the two as strongly as I would've liked it was hard to fully feel invested. Decian was interesting enough, he has had a hard life spending most of it in prison and he doesn't even know why. He makes the most of things and seemed less jaded that Caius. His connection with the hounds was interesting as well and I hope we get to see more that in future books.
I just feel like I had too high expectations of this book and that this book is mostly setting the stage and things will probably get better in later books, but still that means the first book doesn't feel as strong as it could. The set up is interesting enough and I am curious what's going to happen to the Empire and the characters role in it. I had just hoped for more.
To summarize: I went in with high expectations due to enjoying previous series in this universe and struggled a bit with this one. The writing is well done and there are some interesting set ups plot wise, it just felt not enough happened in this book. It took me some time to warm up a bit to Caius as he wasn't as likable and interesting. I don't really care for the whole jaded old soldier characterization. The ending is quite interesting and I am curious to see what happens next. The romance develops quite quickly and I didn't fully feel their connection, but I liked seeing how they grew closer. Decian is a bit more optimistic and cheerful compared to Caius which worked well. There's a bit of a connection with previous series in the universe, not as much as I would like, but maybe that changes in future books.
January 21, 2025
Appearances can be everything. Sometimes all you need is to look like you're doing what you're supposed to, and no one bothers to pay attention. But some people have much keener eyes than others. Such is the case in Master of Hounds, by R.A. Steffan.
Cauis Opppita is a loyal warrior with a tragic, lonely past, having served his country's empire for most of his life. Unfortunately, the people around him are not so loyal, and it seems that the older he gets, the worse things are - until the day he meets Decian. Decian, who is set to be executed all for being the bastard son of the ruling king - not that he is aware of that fact.
The two men could not be more different from each other, and though it's obvious why they don't get along at first, it's also clear that they very much would like to. From their very sudden and forced first meeting they seem to constantly butt heads. The banter between them is adorable, both clearly caring more than they want the other to know. Then when they finally get a moment alone, they’re able to work out their frustrations - and comfort each other despite their surroundings.
The entire impetus for them being stuck together is a last minute plot to save Decian’s life by having him pretend to be someone else, at least until he is able to safely escape and hide somewhere far away. It seems as though there is someone lurking around every corner ready to discover the truth, causing Caius plenty of stress. And the longer he's with Decian, the more he cares for him, and the harder he (and we) knows it will be to say goodbye. Gotta love a good tragically doomed relationship. With all hat danger, there are more than a few action scenes, which I found well written and easy to follow
A few side characters get their own moments to shine, but I’m happy to say the cast is not overloaded. Celine runs the local brothel, a trans woman who at times will see to Caius' particular needs, while also offering counsel on occasion. We have Pip, the young assistant to the royal houndsman, and one of the few in on their secret. And of course the royal family, particularly the three princes, two of them vying to take the crown. The middle child, Kaeto, seems to be especially dangerous, something Caius is well aware of from the start.
This is a fantasy world, though the plot of the story rarely leaves the castle grounds or the surrounding city. Still there are hints of things in the world at large, and of course plenty of political intrigue via the fighting sons of the partially senile king. We get flashes of things like bits of magic that are not fully explained, and implications that something larger is at work, but I could have used a little more worldbuilding. Hopefully the sequels go into more detail!
A fun book, and one that is clearly setting up a larger story. Steffan did a great job in writing these two men, because I am already quite attached to their story, especially since I know there is more to come. Looking forward to reading book two very soon!
Cauis Opppita is a loyal warrior with a tragic, lonely past, having served his country's empire for most of his life. Unfortunately, the people around him are not so loyal, and it seems that the older he gets, the worse things are - until the day he meets Decian. Decian, who is set to be executed all for being the bastard son of the ruling king - not that he is aware of that fact.
The two men could not be more different from each other, and though it's obvious why they don't get along at first, it's also clear that they very much would like to. From their very sudden and forced first meeting they seem to constantly butt heads. The banter between them is adorable, both clearly caring more than they want the other to know. Then when they finally get a moment alone, they’re able to work out their frustrations - and comfort each other despite their surroundings.
The entire impetus for them being stuck together is a last minute plot to save Decian’s life by having him pretend to be someone else, at least until he is able to safely escape and hide somewhere far away. It seems as though there is someone lurking around every corner ready to discover the truth, causing Caius plenty of stress. And the longer he's with Decian, the more he cares for him, and the harder he (and we) knows it will be to say goodbye. Gotta love a good tragically doomed relationship. With all hat danger, there are more than a few action scenes, which I found well written and easy to follow
A few side characters get their own moments to shine, but I’m happy to say the cast is not overloaded. Celine runs the local brothel, a trans woman who at times will see to Caius' particular needs, while also offering counsel on occasion. We have Pip, the young assistant to the royal houndsman, and one of the few in on their secret. And of course the royal family, particularly the three princes, two of them vying to take the crown. The middle child, Kaeto, seems to be especially dangerous, something Caius is well aware of from the start.
This is a fantasy world, though the plot of the story rarely leaves the castle grounds or the surrounding city. Still there are hints of things in the world at large, and of course plenty of political intrigue via the fighting sons of the partially senile king. We get flashes of things like bits of magic that are not fully explained, and implications that something larger is at work, but I could have used a little more worldbuilding. Hopefully the sequels go into more detail!
A fun book, and one that is clearly setting up a larger story. Steffan did a great job in writing these two men, because I am already quite attached to their story, especially since I know there is more to come. Looking forward to reading book two very soon!
August 28, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this AU fantasy by a new-to-me author. The first in a trilogy, the book focuses on Caius Oppita, a retired soldier and now Lagatus of the Alyrion Empire, and Dacien the condemned bastard son of the emperor. Having narrowly evaded his execution, Dacien’s true fate is only known by Caius who tries to shield the young man by hiding him in plain sight. As he tries to plan a way for Dacien to leave the city, he can’t help but be drawn to the younger man who, despite his many years as a prisoner, sees the world with an optimism the weary soldier cannot find.
The worldbuilding in this series was beautifully done and I loved how the environment as well as the social dynamics were conveyed really clearly with the action. The political tussles are interesting and full of the Kind of intrigue and power dynamics I really enjoy reading about. The opening scene alone was fast paced and full of important details that set the story in motion from the beginning. I also felt very drawn to both characters immediately as their arcs revealed the nuanced layers in different ways. I loved the way they got to know each other, challenged each other and protected each other as they fell in love. And I adored many of the secondary characters, especially Seleene, whose snark and blunt nature added some well placed humour to the narrative and also as a way to be a necessary reality check for Caius.
With a truly hair-raising revelation at the end, the book extends into the next in the series and with the reader well and truly eager to find out what happens next.
The worldbuilding in this series was beautifully done and I loved how the environment as well as the social dynamics were conveyed really clearly with the action. The political tussles are interesting and full of the Kind of intrigue and power dynamics I really enjoy reading about. The opening scene alone was fast paced and full of important details that set the story in motion from the beginning. I also felt very drawn to both characters immediately as their arcs revealed the nuanced layers in different ways. I loved the way they got to know each other, challenged each other and protected each other as they fell in love. And I adored many of the secondary characters, especially Seleene, whose snark and blunt nature added some well placed humour to the narrative and also as a way to be a necessary reality check for Caius.
With a truly hair-raising revelation at the end, the book extends into the next in the series and with the reader well and truly eager to find out what happens next.
November 15, 2025
4.5 stars. Audiobook. 3-book series following same couple. Very interesting, great writing, I was able to really imagine the scenes and events, really well done. Paranormal romance with alot of plot, a big story unfolding over the three books and a wonderful set of side characters that pop in to add a bit of drama and support. Mild/medium gore in a few scenes, set in a semi-barbaric knights-riding-horses kind of world.
Read
December 4, 2021I read the free sample and would've bought if it weren't for the homophobia (homosexuality is forbidden by law in the country the story is based in) and the MC visiting prostitutes.
And to make my stance clear, I don't believe consent can be bought. It is not contempt for the people trapped in commercial sexual exploitation that is my reason for dnfing.
And to make my stance clear, I don't believe consent can be bought. It is not contempt for the people trapped in commercial sexual exploitation that is my reason for dnfing.
October 15, 2021
I saw a Facebook review on this book, thought it sounded interesting, and bought the audio version. What a great decision! The narrator did a fantastic job bringing the story to life, and what a story! This new-to-me author delivered great characters, great world-building, and a unique storyline.
The tale held my attention from beginning until the end. I love that it's not predictable and full of well-played twists and turns. The two main characters are so very different, yet sympathetic. I immediately dove into the second book after finishing this one.
I only have one complaint about this series, and that is that I have to wait until June of next year for the third installment. I want it now! Highly recommended!
The tale held my attention from beginning until the end. I love that it's not predictable and full of well-played twists and turns. The two main characters are so very different, yet sympathetic. I immediately dove into the second book after finishing this one.
I only have one complaint about this series, and that is that I have to wait until June of next year for the third installment. I want it now! Highly recommended!
Read
February 6, 2022Yep, I liked it! My kind of MM stories, so far!
March 2, 2022
After a very slightly shaky beginning where I wasn't quite sure if this was going to be a good book, I ended up being quite in love with the thing by the end of it. Can't say the sex scenes did much for me. A bit on the tame side and there's only a couple of them. The plot, characters, and setting are well-drawn and intriguing. Just ordered the next two books and can't wait to get my hands on them.
December 4, 2023
It was fine. I liked the idea but it didn’t draw me in enough to want to continue the series.
Read
March 16, 2021I have read and listened to the audiobook. They were both amazing!!! Absolutely a must read, and as always written well. I love the way the characters take life and are completely believable. Your heart goes along for the ride and as always I can't wait for the next book. As forbtge audiology I loved the narrarators voice!
March 5, 2022
At first glance this one seems like a typical epic fantasy in the same world where the Erubosi Chronicles took place, just a bit more south of that.
The worl building is very subtle, but that's easy when there is not much difference between your world and the middle ages of the real world. There is no need for boring info dumps, everyone knows how a sword or a horse works.
In theory there are a lot of politics and intrigue going on, but in practice our main character, Caius, is not a political animal. We can follow his very basic deductions, but we don't actually take part in the back stabbing and misguiding nature of court behavior. So we lost this part of a typical epic fantasy makeup.
There is most definitely action, and it's not even like with the undefeatable heroes of some writers. Caius is getting up there in age and he actually needs to recover between battles. No getting deadly wounded one day, running around the next for him. This slows down the pace but it leaves place for the romance to bud.
I liked the way Caius and Dacien got together even if there was a little bit of stockholm syndrome feel to it. Or maybe hero worhip? Caius most definitely felt like the one with more power in the relationship. Dacien was a little bit too carefree and optimistic for my tastes, especially after his experiences, but he did balace out Caius's gloomy doomy personality, so the whole story didn't have a really dark or tragic undertone; he turned it into something a little bit more light hearted, and I can appreciate that.
Ending with a cliffhanger, as I remember, is usually the way R. A. Steffan goes with her books and it didn't happen any other way in this one. That's the reason I usually only start reading a series when it's done.
The conclusion is that this is a great start for a new series that has pretty good balance between plot and romance and doesn't lack in action either.
The worl building is very subtle, but that's easy when there is not much difference between your world and the middle ages of the real world. There is no need for boring info dumps, everyone knows how a sword or a horse works.
In theory there are a lot of politics and intrigue going on, but in practice our main character, Caius, is not a political animal. We can follow his very basic deductions, but we don't actually take part in the back stabbing and misguiding nature of court behavior. So we lost this part of a typical epic fantasy makeup.
There is most definitely action, and it's not even like with the undefeatable heroes of some writers. Caius is getting up there in age and he actually needs to recover between battles. No getting deadly wounded one day, running around the next for him. This slows down the pace but it leaves place for the romance to bud.
I liked the way Caius and Dacien got together even if there was a little bit of stockholm syndrome feel to it. Or maybe hero worhip? Caius most definitely felt like the one with more power in the relationship. Dacien was a little bit too carefree and optimistic for my tastes, especially after his experiences, but he did balace out Caius's gloomy doomy personality, so the whole story didn't have a really dark or tragic undertone; he turned it into something a little bit more light hearted, and I can appreciate that.
Ending with a cliffhanger, as I remember, is usually the way R. A. Steffan goes with her books and it didn't happen any other way in this one. That's the reason I usually only start reading a series when it's done.
The conclusion is that this is a great start for a new series that has pretty good balance between plot and romance and doesn't lack in action either.
June 20, 2025
One of the best books I've read recently! This was my first time reading/listening to anything by this author. I enjoyed this book a lot, and didn't find myself feeling a lack of context despite starting from a later book in the overall series. Looking forward to reading more from this world.
This book has interesting characters and world building, snappy dialogue, and excellent prose (or at least it sounded that way from the audiobook). Recommended.
This book has interesting characters and world building, snappy dialogue, and excellent prose (or at least it sounded that way from the audiobook). Recommended.
April 15, 2022
I worried, at first, that I would have a difficult time getting into this book because it has been so long since I devoured the earlier installments in this series. However, this trilogy can easily stand on its own. Offhand references are made to events and issues recognizable as being from previous books, but they exist solidly in different countries and earlier times. The point of view character, Caius, did play a small part in the events of The Horse Mistress, and it was fascinating to read his interpretation of the events and how they shaped his future.
But Caius was a younger man then, at the earliest point in his career, and he’s all but retired now. I’ve always had a soft spot for cranky old soldiers, and Caius both fits the stereotype and breaks the mold at the same time. Everyone has their limits, and Caius finds his when ordered to assist in the execution of Decian. Little did he know how important the younger man would become to him personally as they fall into a physical relationship that both pretend isn’t anything more. The age-gap element is less interesting than the “opposites attract” dynamic. After all, Decian is so laid back that he might as well be horizontal, and Caius continues to cling to the ideals and duty to country he has upheld his entire life.
Steffan pulls more influence from the Greco-Roman empire for this slice of the world than just aspects of society and culture. Though Caius does his best to remain separate from the political maneuverings of his Emperor’s sons, his position in court puts him in a position of prestige and influence he does not know how to effectively wield. Political upheaval is imminent, with a side helping of religious conflict. Despite how he and Decian fall on opposites sides of the rhetorical argument on that front, their inconvenient love affair manages to take precedence.
Until it doesn’t. At first, Caius is willing to sacrifice his heart for Decian to reach safety. But when secrets are revealed, this book features a gut-wrenching dark moment. The cliffhanger is not stark, but it does prompt the reader to want to dive into book 2 immediately. This novel is very much the first act of a longer narrative rather than simply the first story.
But Caius was a younger man then, at the earliest point in his career, and he’s all but retired now. I’ve always had a soft spot for cranky old soldiers, and Caius both fits the stereotype and breaks the mold at the same time. Everyone has their limits, and Caius finds his when ordered to assist in the execution of Decian. Little did he know how important the younger man would become to him personally as they fall into a physical relationship that both pretend isn’t anything more. The age-gap element is less interesting than the “opposites attract” dynamic. After all, Decian is so laid back that he might as well be horizontal, and Caius continues to cling to the ideals and duty to country he has upheld his entire life.
Steffan pulls more influence from the Greco-Roman empire for this slice of the world than just aspects of society and culture. Though Caius does his best to remain separate from the political maneuverings of his Emperor’s sons, his position in court puts him in a position of prestige and influence he does not know how to effectively wield. Political upheaval is imminent, with a side helping of religious conflict. Despite how he and Decian fall on opposites sides of the rhetorical argument on that front, their inconvenient love affair manages to take precedence.
Until it doesn’t. At first, Caius is willing to sacrifice his heart for Decian to reach safety. But when secrets are revealed, this book features a gut-wrenching dark moment. The cliffhanger is not stark, but it does prompt the reader to want to dive into book 2 immediately. This novel is very much the first act of a longer narrative rather than simply the first story.
May 7, 2021
I keep looking for a book with that 'Captive Prince' vibe......and this isn't it.....
Caius, an officer in the king's army, has been sidelined from active duty by an injury, and is growing weary of the increasingly perverse events at the king's court. He 'goes along to get along,' until the day that Decian is brought to the kennels to be thrown to the dogs as punishment (kind of a Ramsey Bolton (GOT) moment...:)...for being one of the king's bastard sons. Caius, in a fit of insanity, decides to save Decian -- which will mean hiding him in plain sight, disguised as a member of the kennel staff, until Caius can figure out a way to get him off palace grounds. Thrown together by their predicament, a mutual attraction flares to life, and soon, Caius is falling hard for the quicksilver Decian, who's equally smitten. However, when the scheming and maneuvering at the palace gets too close for comfort, Caius must make his move...only to discover the truth about Decian, which changes everything...for both of them.
Caius is a well-drawn character -- he's the jaded soldier who has no taste for the vicious court intrigues that make palace life unbearable. He wants to serve honorably, not in support of the nest of vipers maneuvering around the ailing king. His affair with Decian means risking everything: his career, his future, and his heart...until he's faced with the reality about exactly who Decian is...We don't really get to know much about Decian -- or at least how he views the world -- but he's a wonderful counterpoint to Caius's exhausted stoicism.
The author does a good job with the necessary world-building, and the characters that inhabit it.
This is the first of two books -- and ends with a big reveal and cliffhanger. But..gotta say...I wasn't interested enough in the story to get the second book.
So...three stars.
Caius, an officer in the king's army, has been sidelined from active duty by an injury, and is growing weary of the increasingly perverse events at the king's court. He 'goes along to get along,' until the day that Decian is brought to the kennels to be thrown to the dogs as punishment (kind of a Ramsey Bolton (GOT) moment...:)...for being one of the king's bastard sons. Caius, in a fit of insanity, decides to save Decian -- which will mean hiding him in plain sight, disguised as a member of the kennel staff, until Caius can figure out a way to get him off palace grounds. Thrown together by their predicament, a mutual attraction flares to life, and soon, Caius is falling hard for the quicksilver Decian, who's equally smitten. However, when the scheming and maneuvering at the palace gets too close for comfort, Caius must make his move...only to discover the truth about Decian, which changes everything...for both of them.
Caius is a well-drawn character -- he's the jaded soldier who has no taste for the vicious court intrigues that make palace life unbearable. He wants to serve honorably, not in support of the nest of vipers maneuvering around the ailing king. His affair with Decian means risking everything: his career, his future, and his heart...until he's faced with the reality about exactly who Decian is...We don't really get to know much about Decian -- or at least how he views the world -- but he's a wonderful counterpoint to Caius's exhausted stoicism.
The author does a good job with the necessary world-building, and the characters that inhabit it.
This is the first of two books -- and ends with a big reveal and cliffhanger. But..gotta say...I wasn't interested enough in the story to get the second book.
So...three stars.
March 25, 2021
I love Steffan's books. Her characters come across as so realistically human, even the supernatural ones. This one is set in her Eburosi world, but can be read without going back to the earlier series. This is a tale of an older warrior who is an advisor to the King and the King's young bastard with little experience in the world. Caius saves Decian in a spur of the moment decision and changes both their lives. Mayhem and danger follow closely on their heels. There is M/M sex in this book, so beware if this is not your thing. The book ends in a cliffhanger and I am desperate to get the next one!
November 7, 2021
Honestly this is not a book I would have read if it wasn’t in audiobook form, so I’m very glad it is! The voice actor was great and kept the story engaging, and I’m definitely going to read book 2! I also really liked that both protagonists (for most of the book) too care of one another and it wasn’t a one way street. I think that keeps the characters endearing and stops it from being more of a bodice ripper kind of book (like younger man rescued by gruff older soldier, swoons in his arms six times a chapter sort of deal - not that that’s bad, but that wasn’t what I wanted to read here). From what I can tell there’s somewhere between a 10-20 year age gap between the protagonists.
March 27, 2021
Another great book from RA Steffan!
A tired wounded former solider turned royal adviser and a young royal bastard meet in a life or death situation, and become friends and lovers. Of course, nothing is simple in a royal court, so there are
assassins, infighting, and riots in the streets. I loved this first book in a new series occurring in the Eburosi Chronicles universe.
A tired wounded former solider turned royal adviser and a young royal bastard meet in a life or death situation, and become friends and lovers. Of course, nothing is simple in a royal court, so there are
assassins, infighting, and riots in the streets. I loved this first book in a new series occurring in the Eburosi Chronicles universe.
October 23, 2021
technically good, just…. long, while still ending way earlier in the plot line than expected it to. (spec. compared to other trilogies, where i feel like the same stage of plot development would have been reached by the first half of the first book, though i have nothing concrete to back this up)
July 6, 2022
Pros:
-Interesting characters and setup.
-Good pacing
Cons:
-It became pretty obvious at a certain point that I was jumping into a story already in motion which I wasn't aware of before I started, and took me out of the immersion quite a bit.
-Interesting characters and setup.
-Good pacing
Cons:
-It became pretty obvious at a certain point that I was jumping into a story already in motion which I wasn't aware of before I started, and took me out of the immersion quite a bit.
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