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The Chosen
Love or duty -- which would you choose?
Prince Severin has been brought up to put duty before all else. Now, his duty is to marry and produce an heir. He has his choice of princesses. Unfortunately, his passion is for princes.Havyn has been a slave all his life. When his powers are discovered, he finds himself purchased and freed by a Prince and apprenticed to the royal wizard, Ildar. His duty is to stay chaste to keep his powers strong. Unfortunately, his passion is for Severin.
With kingdoms at war, the throne hanging in the balance, and magic in the air, can the two men find happiness together, or is duty more important than love?
Prince Severin has been brought up to put duty before all else. Now, his duty is to marry and produce an heir. He has his choice of princesses. Unfortunately, his passion is for princes.Havyn has been a slave all his life. When his powers are discovered, he finds himself purchased and freed by a Prince and apprenticed to the royal wizard, Ildar. His duty is to stay chaste to keep his powers strong. Unfortunately, his passion is for Severin.
With kingdoms at war, the throne hanging in the balance, and magic in the air, can the two men find happiness together, or is duty more important than love?
Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2010
7 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Annette Gisby
23 books115 followersAnnette Gisby grew up in a small town in Northern Ireland moving to London when she was seventeen. Being a very small town there were no bookshops and a small library. When she’d devoured every book she could get her hands on in the library, she started writing her own stories so she would always have something to read later.
When not writing she enjoys reading, cinema, theatre, walks along deserted beaches or wandering around ruined castles (great places for inspiration!)
She still lives in England with her husband, a collection of porcelain dolls and stuffed penguins and enough books to fill a small library. It’s diminishing gradually since the discovery of ebooks but still has a way to go.
When not writing she enjoys reading, cinema, theatre, walks along deserted beaches or wandering around ruined castles (great places for inspiration!)
She still lives in England with her husband, a collection of porcelain dolls and stuffed penguins and enough books to fill a small library. It’s diminishing gradually since the discovery of ebooks but still has a way to go.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 11, 2010
The Chosen is a classic fantasy novel but without the epic length. Included are long journeys, prophesies, royalty, magic, oracles, wars at stake, forbidden love, runaway elopements, long lost princes, lengthy quests, true love, and a happy ending. Because the story stays pretty true to the fantasy origins, there is not originality offered but for those fans of the genre, the familiar themes are always welcome. The writing makes the story incredibly easy and fast to read so that kept my interest whereas if the pace had dragged I would have been bored. The characters are again right out of fantasy lore so nothing surprising but they are warm and likable. As a first novel, this is a decent fantasy offering that may be of interest to classic fantasy tales.
Severin is a prince out on a journey with his faithful wizard Ildar to find himself after a lifetime of being spoiled at his parent’s whim. Severin buys Havyn at a slave auction, intending to free the man once they return to his home. Along the way, they discover Havyn has magical ability and Ildar quickly makes the ex-slave his new wizard’s apprentice. Life isn’t easy once they reach home though as Severin is set to wed the niece of a neighboring land, yet his chemistry with Havyn causes havoc for both. When the royal family and entourage set out for the betrothal ceremony, there is no end of problems. Murder, intrigue, runaways, long lost royalty, quests, true love, and a happy ending are all involved as the various characters find their way in this realm of magic and mystery.
There is a lot going on in this story but surprisingly, the plot never feels overwhelmed or too fast. Each issue brought up is well handled and builds upon the next so each piece is simply part of a bigger, more complicated whole. Some of the elements are pretty predictable and the story on the whole isn’t wildly original. Often the plot feels obvious as the fantasy themes used are easy to identify so there is not a lot of suspense or wonder associated with reading. Yet the writing keeps the pace quick and characters interesting enough that even those who have read this type of story all the time will keep turning the page here.
Part of this is that the characters are pretty decent. Severin and Havyn narrate the story in alternating third person point of view and for the most part they stay well within the predictable roles. Havyn is slightly over the top with the orphan childhood sold into slavery from birth and never known a bath, clothing, food, or kindness. However this exaggeration is pretty typical of everyone in the book. All the characters seem to exist on the extremes of their description and supposedly almost all are virgins, which is necessary to fill their various roles. This is a bit of a stretch especially at the end when several of these mandates are flipped to provide a happy ending, but it didn’t really bother me since it was clearly coming.
The various characters have a bit of charm, a bit of scheming, and some interest which kept me reading even though I knew what would happen – usually a sign I give up and become bored. Yet again, there’s an ease to the writing that lets you enjoy the classic tale even if there is nothing surprising. The common themes are well loved for a reason and even though just about all used here, it pretty much works. This isn’t a book that leaves you breathless but it is one you enjoy while reading. Or at least I mostly did.
Severin is a prince out on a journey with his faithful wizard Ildar to find himself after a lifetime of being spoiled at his parent’s whim. Severin buys Havyn at a slave auction, intending to free the man once they return to his home. Along the way, they discover Havyn has magical ability and Ildar quickly makes the ex-slave his new wizard’s apprentice. Life isn’t easy once they reach home though as Severin is set to wed the niece of a neighboring land, yet his chemistry with Havyn causes havoc for both. When the royal family and entourage set out for the betrothal ceremony, there is no end of problems. Murder, intrigue, runaways, long lost royalty, quests, true love, and a happy ending are all involved as the various characters find their way in this realm of magic and mystery.
There is a lot going on in this story but surprisingly, the plot never feels overwhelmed or too fast. Each issue brought up is well handled and builds upon the next so each piece is simply part of a bigger, more complicated whole. Some of the elements are pretty predictable and the story on the whole isn’t wildly original. Often the plot feels obvious as the fantasy themes used are easy to identify so there is not a lot of suspense or wonder associated with reading. Yet the writing keeps the pace quick and characters interesting enough that even those who have read this type of story all the time will keep turning the page here.
Part of this is that the characters are pretty decent. Severin and Havyn narrate the story in alternating third person point of view and for the most part they stay well within the predictable roles. Havyn is slightly over the top with the orphan childhood sold into slavery from birth and never known a bath, clothing, food, or kindness. However this exaggeration is pretty typical of everyone in the book. All the characters seem to exist on the extremes of their description and supposedly almost all are virgins, which is necessary to fill their various roles. This is a bit of a stretch especially at the end when several of these mandates are flipped to provide a happy ending, but it didn’t really bother me since it was clearly coming.
The various characters have a bit of charm, a bit of scheming, and some interest which kept me reading even though I knew what would happen – usually a sign I give up and become bored. Yet again, there’s an ease to the writing that lets you enjoy the classic tale even if there is nothing surprising. The common themes are well loved for a reason and even though just about all used here, it pretty much works. This isn’t a book that leaves you breathless but it is one you enjoy while reading. Or at least I mostly did.
April 1, 2014
I want more!!! One book is not enough!
*begging for more*
*begging for more*
October 21, 2013
To read my full review, please visit http://onsilverwingz.blogspot.com/201...
Severin, the only prince of Arcathia, is bound by duty to marry a princess of Oscia to end their nation's old feud. He buys Hayvn from the slave market and then frees him to become Ildar's apprentice. He is attracted to Hayvn but resists his desires because of Ildar's beliefs that wizards can't have sex since it may lessen their magical power. Once he confirms their mutual attraction, Severin and Hayvn become unbearably horny and then find all kinds of ways to have sex.
I find Severin to be really immature. I can understand his rashness and recklessness in grief but not in other circumstances. He really puts his personal life before duty and the country's well-being. As the prince and heir to the throne, he should be more responsible and smarter in his decisions.
I don't believe in their love relationship either. Severin seems to only see the sex. Hayvn seems to like Severin because he's his savior. They are not quite on an equal footing. Between Severin and Hayvn, I like Hayvn better. His fears and background as an ex-slave brought another level to his character.
The best part of the book is the world-building and the Aldari, a magical race of people that disappeared from the world. The mystery behind the race and their magical powers is really interesting. All the major characters are related to the Aldari or are connected. Unfortunately, there are a lot of mixed signals regarding the Aldari and I feel like I missed the whole point or significance of the Aldari in the story. This part of the world-building is not really complete and leaves the reader guessing.
Overall, it's a great read that takes me to a magical land. I love the adventure the characters underwent, the sea journey, magical guides, and finding the damsel in distress (the Aldari princess). This part of the story reads like a fairy tale. If you love adventure and magical worlds, give this book a try.
*received review copy in exchange for an honest review*
Severin, the only prince of Arcathia, is bound by duty to marry a princess of Oscia to end their nation's old feud. He buys Hayvn from the slave market and then frees him to become Ildar's apprentice. He is attracted to Hayvn but resists his desires because of Ildar's beliefs that wizards can't have sex since it may lessen their magical power. Once he confirms their mutual attraction, Severin and Hayvn become unbearably horny and then find all kinds of ways to have sex.
I find Severin to be really immature. I can understand his rashness and recklessness in grief but not in other circumstances. He really puts his personal life before duty and the country's well-being. As the prince and heir to the throne, he should be more responsible and smarter in his decisions.
I don't believe in their love relationship either. Severin seems to only see the sex. Hayvn seems to like Severin because he's his savior. They are not quite on an equal footing. Between Severin and Hayvn, I like Hayvn better. His fears and background as an ex-slave brought another level to his character.
The best part of the book is the world-building and the Aldari, a magical race of people that disappeared from the world. The mystery behind the race and their magical powers is really interesting. All the major characters are related to the Aldari or are connected. Unfortunately, there are a lot of mixed signals regarding the Aldari and I feel like I missed the whole point or significance of the Aldari in the story. This part of the world-building is not really complete and leaves the reader guessing.
Overall, it's a great read that takes me to a magical land. I love the adventure the characters underwent, the sea journey, magical guides, and finding the damsel in distress (the Aldari princess). This part of the story reads like a fairy tale. If you love adventure and magical worlds, give this book a try.
*received review copy in exchange for an honest review*
January 4, 2015
I received a copy of this book via Goodreads' Don't Buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review.
Way to start with a bang and go out with a whimper!
The first 90% of this book is decent…wizards, mystical beings, oracles, destinies, and man love.
The problem is that everything is rather half-fast…if you know what I mean.
Prince Severin isn’t very princely…unless you mean a royal pain. It took me until the last page to figure out what I didn’t like about him and I finally realized that he just isn’t ANYTHING…except maybe horny…in fact he should probably see a healer about his condition. He isn’t a warrior, a scholar, a wizard, a wise counselor, a farmer, or much a friend. He spends the entire book sitting around watching people do stuff and feeling sorry for his fate. I can only assume he’s supposed to redeem himself with his waterboy duties and his ability to see beyond Havyn’s lack of rank or wealth…sorry no go.
Havyn on the other hand is something. He’s magical, hard-working, honest, and a VIRGIN! I’m going to be honest and say that despite the numerous references to Havyn’s past masters and horrible conditions…he’s life as a slave never felt real. He seemed to have more in common with Cinderella than someone who has managed to survive almost 20 years as a slave under extremely hostile conditions. He seems to have no sense of self-preservation or street smarts. The expansion of his magical powers seems to come in fits and starts and I would have like a more consistent picture of what powers he was supposed to have. At one point given the Aldari’s ability to change sexes and whatnot…I thought an mpreg story might be on offer…but sadly that was not to be.
Chemistry: 3/10
I never felt like these two had a believable physical bond. Despite the fact that both were supposed to be virgins, Severin always came off as the horny aggressor…in a creepy old dude sort of way no less. He pushed and pushed. He probably shouldn’t have been a virgin maybe he could have been just an almost virgin who had toyed with a prostitute or servant or maybe one of his father’s guards. Despite the learning curve that was expected on his wedding night to straight to home plate with no stumbling. It doesn’t help that I have an erection/masturbation cap. At some point, probably the Aldford bedroom scene, the book moved beyond the “see they’re attracted to each other” zone to the “nobody’s doing anything until the last page” zone. I’m not saying that sex is necessary but if gratification is going to be delayed…I feel the author needs to replace it with other ways that the couple grows closer together. They never just laughed together or had a moment of mutual respect.
Plot: 1/10
There are so many plot holes in the story that it is unbelievable. The prologue at the beginning of the story seems disconnected to the events that happen later on…even during the “big reveal” towards the end. Oh yeah that last 10%? It was RUSHED…in a MAJOR way. You got the feeling that the story was supposed to keep going and then somebody just decided to wrap everything up in five pages…THE END. It was so dissatisfying. Characters can’t just be killed off as a way of making the story move along. The world building was only so-so and I wasn’t always sure why things were happening.
I think this had the outline of what could have been a REALLY good book…If it was 3-5x longer with more background on the characters and customs of the people involved. I would like to see some growth in the MCs and their love for each other. There’s a reason all those fantasy books look like dictionaries.
Way to start with a bang and go out with a whimper!
The first 90% of this book is decent…wizards, mystical beings, oracles, destinies, and man love.
The problem is that everything is rather half-fast…if you know what I mean.
Prince Severin isn’t very princely…unless you mean a royal pain. It took me until the last page to figure out what I didn’t like about him and I finally realized that he just isn’t ANYTHING…except maybe horny…in fact he should probably see a healer about his condition. He isn’t a warrior, a scholar, a wizard, a wise counselor, a farmer, or much a friend. He spends the entire book sitting around watching people do stuff and feeling sorry for his fate. I can only assume he’s supposed to redeem himself with his waterboy duties and his ability to see beyond Havyn’s lack of rank or wealth…sorry no go.
Havyn on the other hand is something. He’s magical, hard-working, honest, and a VIRGIN! I’m going to be honest and say that despite the numerous references to Havyn’s past masters and horrible conditions…he’s life as a slave never felt real. He seemed to have more in common with Cinderella than someone who has managed to survive almost 20 years as a slave under extremely hostile conditions. He seems to have no sense of self-preservation or street smarts. The expansion of his magical powers seems to come in fits and starts and I would have like a more consistent picture of what powers he was supposed to have. At one point given the Aldari’s ability to change sexes and whatnot…I thought an mpreg story might be on offer…but sadly that was not to be.
Chemistry: 3/10
I never felt like these two had a believable physical bond. Despite the fact that both were supposed to be virgins, Severin always came off as the horny aggressor…in a creepy old dude sort of way no less. He pushed and pushed. He probably shouldn’t have been a virgin maybe he could have been just an almost virgin who had toyed with a prostitute or servant or maybe one of his father’s guards. Despite the learning curve that was expected on his wedding night to straight to home plate with no stumbling. It doesn’t help that I have an erection/masturbation cap. At some point, probably the Aldford bedroom scene, the book moved beyond the “see they’re attracted to each other” zone to the “nobody’s doing anything until the last page” zone. I’m not saying that sex is necessary but if gratification is going to be delayed…I feel the author needs to replace it with other ways that the couple grows closer together. They never just laughed together or had a moment of mutual respect.
Plot: 1/10
There are so many plot holes in the story that it is unbelievable. The prologue at the beginning of the story seems disconnected to the events that happen later on…even during the “big reveal” towards the end. Oh yeah that last 10%? It was RUSHED…in a MAJOR way. You got the feeling that the story was supposed to keep going and then somebody just decided to wrap everything up in five pages…THE END. It was so dissatisfying. Characters can’t just be killed off as a way of making the story move along. The world building was only so-so and I wasn’t always sure why things were happening.
I think this had the outline of what could have been a REALLY good book…If it was 3-5x longer with more background on the characters and customs of the people involved. I would like to see some growth in the MCs and their love for each other. There’s a reason all those fantasy books look like dictionaries.
June 6, 2015
when love and duty clash
"O hard, when love and duty clash!" - Alfred, Lord Tennyson, The Princess
what and who would you choose if the fate of your kingdom is in your hands? would you forego the chance to be with the only person you fell for and with whom you would want to spend the rest of your life? or would you rather embrace duty and responsibility above all?
in Hammerfort, kingdom of Oscia, Prince Severin purchases the slave Havyn and sets him free later when they get home to Arcathia. Ildar, the royal wizard, discovers Havyn's aptitude for magic and takes him on as an apprentice.
as the seasons change, the attraction between Severin and Havyn grows but their individual responsibilities prevent each from acting fully on their desires. war between the kingdoms of Oscia and Arcathia is a constant threat and Severin must marry an Oscian princess as a political move and to ensure the birth of an heir as well. Havyn, on the other hand, must control his raging hormones if he wants to keep his powers strong.
Annette Gisby's novel is set in a world where magic is commonplace and intimacy between people of the same gender are not frowned upon. she takes the reader on a journey filled with adventure, magic, treachery and romance.
the worldbuilding is done well and i loved how she brought me inside the story and allowed me to participate vicariously in what her characters were going through. i could see Arcathia and revel in its beauty, charm and neat surroundings. i could also feel some disgust over Oscia and its filth and at its rigid decrees and treatment of its citizens and slaves.
the characters are also well-developed. Severin's pining for his father's approval makes him insecure and violent at times but deep down he is a good person. Havyn, despite being enslaved his whole life has integrity and common sense and he too is looking for affection and love. as the story progressed, each matures and finds fulfillment in his hopes and dreams.
the other secondary characters are likeable as well especially the wizard Ildar, Severin's mother Queen Yinare and his bodyguards Kelandra and Chayal. the handful of "unsavory ones" are also well addressed and i could not help but feel triumphant when one was whisked away and finally brought to justice.
as to the romantic aspect, it was just right. other readers might find it too much of a slow burn. for me, though, it was justified. there was no rush and it had to be that way given the conflicts and decisions Severin and Havyn faced each single moment - whether they were away or near each other. albeit furtive and stolen, those moments both had only increased the ardor and excitement of their relationship.
overall, i loved and enjoyed the book. it was a page-turner or screen-swiper if you will. for a fantasy novel, it was surprisingly light and very readable. more importantly, it made me feel good once i was done. despite a few and very minor "technicalities" i saw (e.g. the mention of shampoo), i still got what i wanted from the author and her story - to be entertained.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
"O hard, when love and duty clash!" - Alfred, Lord Tennyson, The Princess
what and who would you choose if the fate of your kingdom is in your hands? would you forego the chance to be with the only person you fell for and with whom you would want to spend the rest of your life? or would you rather embrace duty and responsibility above all?
in Hammerfort, kingdom of Oscia, Prince Severin purchases the slave Havyn and sets him free later when they get home to Arcathia. Ildar, the royal wizard, discovers Havyn's aptitude for magic and takes him on as an apprentice.
as the seasons change, the attraction between Severin and Havyn grows but their individual responsibilities prevent each from acting fully on their desires. war between the kingdoms of Oscia and Arcathia is a constant threat and Severin must marry an Oscian princess as a political move and to ensure the birth of an heir as well. Havyn, on the other hand, must control his raging hormones if he wants to keep his powers strong.
Annette Gisby's novel is set in a world where magic is commonplace and intimacy between people of the same gender are not frowned upon. she takes the reader on a journey filled with adventure, magic, treachery and romance.
the worldbuilding is done well and i loved how she brought me inside the story and allowed me to participate vicariously in what her characters were going through. i could see Arcathia and revel in its beauty, charm and neat surroundings. i could also feel some disgust over Oscia and its filth and at its rigid decrees and treatment of its citizens and slaves.
the characters are also well-developed. Severin's pining for his father's approval makes him insecure and violent at times but deep down he is a good person. Havyn, despite being enslaved his whole life has integrity and common sense and he too is looking for affection and love. as the story progressed, each matures and finds fulfillment in his hopes and dreams.
the other secondary characters are likeable as well especially the wizard Ildar, Severin's mother Queen Yinare and his bodyguards Kelandra and Chayal. the handful of "unsavory ones" are also well addressed and i could not help but feel triumphant when one was whisked away and finally brought to justice.
as to the romantic aspect, it was just right. other readers might find it too much of a slow burn. for me, though, it was justified. there was no rush and it had to be that way given the conflicts and decisions Severin and Havyn faced each single moment - whether they were away or near each other. albeit furtive and stolen, those moments both had only increased the ardor and excitement of their relationship.
overall, i loved and enjoyed the book. it was a page-turner or screen-swiper if you will. for a fantasy novel, it was surprisingly light and very readable. more importantly, it made me feel good once i was done. despite a few and very minor "technicalities" i saw (e.g. the mention of shampoo), i still got what i wanted from the author and her story - to be entertained.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2015
I received a free copy of the book for an honest review.
I've given The Chosen 3.5 stars.
I really enjoined the story but found the plot to be predictable. Prince Severin goes off to explore the neighbouring country (and put some distance between him and his annoyed father) and buys himself a slave, knowing he was going to free him when they got back to his country. As it turns out his new slave, Havyn is a wizard, so gets the offer to be the new Kings magicians apprentice.
So here's the predictable part: The king wants the prince to marry the prince doesn't want to marry and the Prince is slowly falling in love with the slave. Actually I think the love bit happened pretty quick.
There are some really interesting characters in this book, even though the plot was predictable I really enjoyed it, which is unusual for me. I didn't really like Severin. I thought he actually regressed a bit as a character and still treated Havyn as a slave, or at least always below him as a person. I also thought he was very selfish, especially in his pursuit of Havyn.
I don't think we got enough time with Havyn. He was often confused and came to conclusions that I couldn't figure out why.
Yet despite this I really enjoyed the book. I really liked the world she created, most of the characters and the slight twists she put in. There were still so e things unanswered for me, but nothing major. I'm one of those people who likes everything wrapped up with a neat little bow, so some of the "it doesn't matter" answers annoyed me, but they really didn't matter for the story. I did get lost with how much time passed, but overall it was well written.
If you like fantasy novels with elves and magic, in different countries and lands, travel, kings and princes this is a good book to choose.
There was one thing that threw me in the beginning. All the ' were ". At first I found it hard to read, but after awhile my brain retrained to it and I didn't notice as much. But it did throw me at first.
I've given The Chosen 3.5 stars.
I really enjoined the story but found the plot to be predictable. Prince Severin goes off to explore the neighbouring country (and put some distance between him and his annoyed father) and buys himself a slave, knowing he was going to free him when they got back to his country. As it turns out his new slave, Havyn is a wizard, so gets the offer to be the new Kings magicians apprentice.
So here's the predictable part: The king wants the prince to marry the prince doesn't want to marry and the Prince is slowly falling in love with the slave. Actually I think the love bit happened pretty quick.
There are some really interesting characters in this book, even though the plot was predictable I really enjoyed it, which is unusual for me. I didn't really like Severin. I thought he actually regressed a bit as a character and still treated Havyn as a slave, or at least always below him as a person. I also thought he was very selfish, especially in his pursuit of Havyn.
I don't think we got enough time with Havyn. He was often confused and came to conclusions that I couldn't figure out why.
Yet despite this I really enjoyed the book. I really liked the world she created, most of the characters and the slight twists she put in. There were still so e things unanswered for me, but nothing major. I'm one of those people who likes everything wrapped up with a neat little bow, so some of the "it doesn't matter" answers annoyed me, but they really didn't matter for the story. I did get lost with how much time passed, but overall it was well written.
If you like fantasy novels with elves and magic, in different countries and lands, travel, kings and princes this is a good book to choose.
There was one thing that threw me in the beginning. All the ' were ". At first I found it hard to read, but after awhile my brain retrained to it and I didn't notice as much. But it did throw me at first.
December 27, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Severin and Ildar task themselves with going to Oscia to buy and free a slave (since they don't have the means to free more). Havyn is the slave they free and they find out he has an affinity for magic so Ildar takes him for an apprentice. Severin is very attracted to Havyn as is Havyn to Severin but find they can't act on it because of beliefs concerning magic and the duty Severin has to the crown.
I found I didn't enjoy reading about Severin being so determined to get Havyn to enter into a relationship with him it felt like he was an abusive man what with him taking out his pain (moment of grieving) on Havyn when he wouldn't attempt to heal his dead father. I didn't like any of the characters really and didn't find the story character driven enough. Through the book I never formed an attachment to the characters and no real backstory is given about them. We get the bare minimum on them. The plot itself wasn't very developed and at certain points I was just wondering what significant message the author was trying to get across (whats the moral of the story).
Close to the end everything became too convenient. People became sick or died and their attitudes changed. It also became too sappy. It felt rushed and like the author just went with simple over a more elaborated thought out tale. For me it felt a bit choppy. It was a summation of a tale instead of actual telling of accounts as they happened....it just was not for me.
Severin and Ildar task themselves with going to Oscia to buy and free a slave (since they don't have the means to free more). Havyn is the slave they free and they find out he has an affinity for magic so Ildar takes him for an apprentice. Severin is very attracted to Havyn as is Havyn to Severin but find they can't act on it because of beliefs concerning magic and the duty Severin has to the crown.
I found I didn't enjoy reading about Severin being so determined to get Havyn to enter into a relationship with him it felt like he was an abusive man what with him taking out his pain (moment of grieving) on Havyn when he wouldn't attempt to heal his dead father. I didn't like any of the characters really and didn't find the story character driven enough. Through the book I never formed an attachment to the characters and no real backstory is given about them. We get the bare minimum on them. The plot itself wasn't very developed and at certain points I was just wondering what significant message the author was trying to get across (whats the moral of the story).
Close to the end everything became too convenient. People became sick or died and their attitudes changed. It also became too sappy. It felt rushed and like the author just went with simple over a more elaborated thought out tale. For me it felt a bit choppy. It was a summation of a tale instead of actual telling of accounts as they happened....it just was not for me.
October 5, 2016
1,5 stars.
Love the cover. Unfortunately didn't like the rest.
Characters doing stupid things, saying stupid things, a glaring neglect of sociopolitical and economic factors and a boring lovestory. Everything ties up super neatly with a perfect happy ending, and in the process every ounce of believability is lost, not to mention any suspense.
That may sound harsh, but honestly, how am I supposed to take a character serioulsy who And how stupid does a man have to be to ask his lover .
Love the cover. Unfortunately didn't like the rest.
Characters doing stupid things, saying stupid things, a glaring neglect of sociopolitical and economic factors and a boring lovestory. Everything ties up super neatly with a perfect happy ending, and in the process every ounce of believability is lost, not to mention any suspense.
That may sound harsh, but honestly, how am I supposed to take a character serioulsy who And how stupid does a man have to be to ask his lover .
September 6, 2013
This was my first book by Annette Gisby and I enjoyed it. This is a fantasy story and the world building was good. The story flowed pretty well. It was fast and easy read, which isn't always the case with fantasy novels. The main characters were great. It was hard not to root for them to get an HEA.
September 21, 2014
Xiana (Aldari) & King Eltan had made love she was now P/G. He had promised to marry her, but he had not returned for 3 moons.
Prince Severin of Arcathia (21, Master, magic, gay) & Ildar (advisor, virgin, wizard) were in Oscia (town) & Severin bought Havyn (slave, Truth Seeker, wizard, apprentice, Iri) at an auction. What would his father King Faran think? Slavery was illegal in Arcathia (town).
Ildar told the 2 about the legend/tale/myth about the Aldari (Chosen, Guardians) & a 1,000 yrs. ago there was a battle between the human & the demon world.
The trio arrived at the White Palace. They were greeted by Chayal (guard, Raven Brotherhood) & Princess Kelandra (Daughter of the Sword, Prince Severin bodyguard).
Prince Severin asked Lady Kessarie (chief lady-in-waiting) to see Queen Yinare (Severin mother).
King Faran laid down the law to Prince Severin (heir) about getting married & having a male child.
Prince Severi reminded King Faran he was not interested in woman. But he must somehow carry on his father’s wishes.
Prince Severi is getting betrothed to Princess Ythrin (Faran niece) in a week.
Prince Severi went to the temple to seek the guidance from the Priestesses of the Raven. They sat in the Oracle.
King Faran had been killed, but by who? Prince Severi wanted him buried. He was now King Severi of Oscia & Arcathia. King Faran had signed the wedding contract. King Severi goal was to abolish all slavery.
King Severin, Chayal (tracker), Ildar, Princess Kelandra & Havyn were now off to see King Eltan at Fair Haven. Upon arrival the 4 were greeted by Lord Joran (Chancellor).
King Eltan or his men had anything to do with King Faran death. Princess Ythrin had been kidnapped.
The 5 were now aboard the Calira under Captain Kanmor & Saleth (sailor) headed for Beren then Aldford. Princess Kelandra cleans up very well (Pretty Woman).
Will the bunch find Princess Kelandra? Will King Severin marry her & carry on the linage?
Will King Severin & Havyn have a gay relationship?
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written gay romantic magical fantasy book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great gay romance fantasy movie, animated cartoon, or paid-per-view mini TV series. Not my cup of tea but I will still rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free book (Author)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Prince Severin of Arcathia (21, Master, magic, gay) & Ildar (advisor, virgin, wizard) were in Oscia (town) & Severin bought Havyn (slave, Truth Seeker, wizard, apprentice, Iri) at an auction. What would his father King Faran think? Slavery was illegal in Arcathia (town).
Ildar told the 2 about the legend/tale/myth about the Aldari (Chosen, Guardians) & a 1,000 yrs. ago there was a battle between the human & the demon world.
The trio arrived at the White Palace. They were greeted by Chayal (guard, Raven Brotherhood) & Princess Kelandra (Daughter of the Sword, Prince Severin bodyguard).
Prince Severin asked Lady Kessarie (chief lady-in-waiting) to see Queen Yinare (Severin mother).
King Faran laid down the law to Prince Severin (heir) about getting married & having a male child.
Prince Severi reminded King Faran he was not interested in woman. But he must somehow carry on his father’s wishes.
Prince Severi is getting betrothed to Princess Ythrin (Faran niece) in a week.
Prince Severi went to the temple to seek the guidance from the Priestesses of the Raven. They sat in the Oracle.
King Faran had been killed, but by who? Prince Severi wanted him buried. He was now King Severi of Oscia & Arcathia. King Faran had signed the wedding contract. King Severi goal was to abolish all slavery.
King Severin, Chayal (tracker), Ildar, Princess Kelandra & Havyn were now off to see King Eltan at Fair Haven. Upon arrival the 4 were greeted by Lord Joran (Chancellor).
King Eltan or his men had anything to do with King Faran death. Princess Ythrin had been kidnapped.
The 5 were now aboard the Calira under Captain Kanmor & Saleth (sailor) headed for Beren then Aldford. Princess Kelandra cleans up very well (Pretty Woman).
Will the bunch find Princess Kelandra? Will King Severin marry her & carry on the linage?
Will King Severin & Havyn have a gay relationship?
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written gay romantic magical fantasy book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great gay romance fantasy movie, animated cartoon, or paid-per-view mini TV series. Not my cup of tea but I will still rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free book (Author)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
July 31, 2013
Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
Prince Severin of Arcathia occassionally wanders into Oscia, in disguise, as not to upset the tentative peace after centuries of waging war against each other. He uses money he saved to buy slaves and set them free. This time, his eyes falls on Havyn, a young slave, who Severin decides to rescue. But Havyn isn’t an ordinary slave. With abilities far surpassing the ordinary, and traces of magic in his blood, plus a sharp tongue and a good amount of wit, he makes an excellent match for Severin, who has no interest in women or ever getting married, and would much prefer Havyn’s company. However, Severin doesn’t want to force the young man into something he may not entirely agree with, so he stays mute about his feelings.
When Severin and his travel companion, the royal wizard Ildar, leave to go back to Arcathia, it is decided that Havyn, with his magical aptitude, will become Ildar’s newest apprentice. However, this means it is the young man’s duty to stay chaste…Something that grows increasingly tougher the more time he spends with Severin. Relationships between princes and former slaves are highly frowned upon, naturally, but that doesn’t stop Severin and Havyn from longing for each other…
I was surprised by the depth of this story. At only 96 pages in .pdf format, it’s a quick, but intriguing read. The fantasy world we’re introduced to, with the neighbouring kingdoms of Oscia and Arcathia, is a vast, imaginative world, and well-explained, even in such a short time frame. We’re straightaway introduced to our main cast, and the relationships between the characters take shape rather quickly, but not too quick. I’m a fan of slow romance, the kind that builds gradually over time, starting with attraction and only over time developing in love. While there was definitely a build up here, I would have no problem if the build up had lasted longer.
The book started straight into the action though. Fantasy novels often start by rambling off the world’s history in the first few chapters, but this certainly didn’t happen here. The story is very character-driven, and it’s the characters who shine and make the book come alive. I preferred Severin over Havyn, but I liked both of them. Severin had a more serious attitude, which I preferred. His internal struggle was very well described, and I could easily relate to him.
Story-wise, I was hooked. This was a fast-paced, intriguing, romantic read.
Prince Severin of Arcathia occassionally wanders into Oscia, in disguise, as not to upset the tentative peace after centuries of waging war against each other. He uses money he saved to buy slaves and set them free. This time, his eyes falls on Havyn, a young slave, who Severin decides to rescue. But Havyn isn’t an ordinary slave. With abilities far surpassing the ordinary, and traces of magic in his blood, plus a sharp tongue and a good amount of wit, he makes an excellent match for Severin, who has no interest in women or ever getting married, and would much prefer Havyn’s company. However, Severin doesn’t want to force the young man into something he may not entirely agree with, so he stays mute about his feelings.
When Severin and his travel companion, the royal wizard Ildar, leave to go back to Arcathia, it is decided that Havyn, with his magical aptitude, will become Ildar’s newest apprentice. However, this means it is the young man’s duty to stay chaste…Something that grows increasingly tougher the more time he spends with Severin. Relationships between princes and former slaves are highly frowned upon, naturally, but that doesn’t stop Severin and Havyn from longing for each other…
I was surprised by the depth of this story. At only 96 pages in .pdf format, it’s a quick, but intriguing read. The fantasy world we’re introduced to, with the neighbouring kingdoms of Oscia and Arcathia, is a vast, imaginative world, and well-explained, even in such a short time frame. We’re straightaway introduced to our main cast, and the relationships between the characters take shape rather quickly, but not too quick. I’m a fan of slow romance, the kind that builds gradually over time, starting with attraction and only over time developing in love. While there was definitely a build up here, I would have no problem if the build up had lasted longer.
The book started straight into the action though. Fantasy novels often start by rambling off the world’s history in the first few chapters, but this certainly didn’t happen here. The story is very character-driven, and it’s the characters who shine and make the book come alive. I preferred Severin over Havyn, but I liked both of them. Severin had a more serious attitude, which I preferred. His internal struggle was very well described, and I could easily relate to him.
Story-wise, I was hooked. This was a fast-paced, intriguing, romantic read.
January 4, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book had the bones of a fascinating high fantasy series. It opens in a parallel realm, where a people called the Aldari live apart from humans, since humans have come to abuse and exploit them and their magic. A woman is about to be banished, as she is pregnant by a human lover. Her lover's name means nothing at the outset, and I didn't realize who he was until I was done with the story and went back to check if it was who it turned out to be, as it's not clear later on.
We then move to the human realm, and meet Severin, a prince, and his court magician and mentor, Ildar, who are buying a slave in order to save him. That slave, Havyn, turns out to have magical potential, and becomes Ildar's apprentice. Court politics and conflicts between lands form the basis of the plot, which involves a journey to find and return the princess of their rival land, the one in which Havyn was enslaved.
I liked Ildar and Havyn, as well as a few of the secondary characters like Kelandra. Severin was described as spoiled, and that is how he came across, as well as largely clueless, which made it hard to connect to him. I liked the fact that there were an assortment of women in this tale, as sometimes m/m stories are written as if women don't exist in the world, or there's just one sassy sidekick. This one had more than that, and I appreciated it.
Unfortunately, the interesting bones of this story didn't play out as effectively as they could. There was way too much deus ex machina resolution to the plot, from the multiple convenient deaths, to the blurting out of a confession from a barely noted villain, to the production of a viable heir. The hints of dire prophecy never really come to pass, but the reasons fate turned in other directions are not clear, which ends up leaving those prophecies looking like just artificial means of introducing conflict that doesn't exist. I could have seen it easily develop into a compelling trilogy, full of intrigue and conflict, but it all ended up too neatly wrapped up and a bit superficial.
It would have been 3 stars for readability, but the formatting was the final straw. The chapters didn't even have a line break between them, contractions had quotation marks rather than apostrophes, and phrases that were placed in quotes had an odd placement of those quotation marks. If someone said something in dialogue that continued past a dialogue tag, it was moved to a new line, which often made me question who was talking, and pulled me out of the story.
This book had the bones of a fascinating high fantasy series. It opens in a parallel realm, where a people called the Aldari live apart from humans, since humans have come to abuse and exploit them and their magic. A woman is about to be banished, as she is pregnant by a human lover. Her lover's name means nothing at the outset, and I didn't realize who he was until I was done with the story and went back to check if it was who it turned out to be, as it's not clear later on.
We then move to the human realm, and meet Severin, a prince, and his court magician and mentor, Ildar, who are buying a slave in order to save him. That slave, Havyn, turns out to have magical potential, and becomes Ildar's apprentice. Court politics and conflicts between lands form the basis of the plot, which involves a journey to find and return the princess of their rival land, the one in which Havyn was enslaved.
I liked Ildar and Havyn, as well as a few of the secondary characters like Kelandra. Severin was described as spoiled, and that is how he came across, as well as largely clueless, which made it hard to connect to him. I liked the fact that there were an assortment of women in this tale, as sometimes m/m stories are written as if women don't exist in the world, or there's just one sassy sidekick. This one had more than that, and I appreciated it.
Unfortunately, the interesting bones of this story didn't play out as effectively as they could. There was way too much deus ex machina resolution to the plot, from the multiple convenient deaths, to the blurting out of a confession from a barely noted villain, to the production of a viable heir. The hints of dire prophecy never really come to pass, but the reasons fate turned in other directions are not clear, which ends up leaving those prophecies looking like just artificial means of introducing conflict that doesn't exist. I could have seen it easily develop into a compelling trilogy, full of intrigue and conflict, but it all ended up too neatly wrapped up and a bit superficial.
It would have been 3 stars for readability, but the formatting was the final straw. The chapters didn't even have a line break between them, contractions had quotation marks rather than apostrophes, and phrases that were placed in quotes had an odd placement of those quotation marks. If someone said something in dialogue that continued past a dialogue tag, it was moved to a new line, which often made me question who was talking, and pulled me out of the story.
October 8, 2014
I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for a review.
If this were a fanfic and the heroes had been two hot guys I could personally get into, even then, I would have found a sense of suspense lacking in this story. There are other things lacking, but, if this were, say, about Loki and Tony Stark, their perceived sexiness could get me over the hump of not having found the chemistry between the two leads compelling enough to justify them having sex, much less falling in love.
As it is, the plot vaguely saunters along, happening to run into events along the way and dismissing or ignoring the drama that they could have caused. For instance, the decision to bury the dead king versus leave him exposed to the elements as per his beliefs. That could have generated pages of angst over trying to make that decision, the nausea of the lead over the choice, wondering why his father would have wanted that, talking about it with his romantic interest, agonizing over whether to decide against tradition and what it will do to public opinion and whether he'll anger a powerful brotherhood by not respecting their beliefs, and then all the fall-out of the decision. As it is, the protagonist throws a short temper tantrum and then the subject is closed, never to be raised again. This is a recurring issue with many events in the story and one of the main reasons it falls short.
I was also mystified about why the protagonist, the grown heir to the kingdom, didn't know about his father's beliefs. This lack of knowledge that you would think any responsible heir would have studied comes up other times over the course of the story, and leaves me wondering about the character's motivation. Did he just show up at the beginning of the story and take the job of crown prince? Did he not grow up with the responsibility to rule and the knowledge that he would one day need to know this stuff?
The language of the story is easy to get into, and the pacing was fine. I didn't get bored or wander off as might have been expected given the lack of suspense. The sex was all right, but not spine-tingling. And don't get me started about how it's all-important not to have it in order to keep using magic, and then all of sudden, it isn't anymore.
If this were a fanfic and the heroes had been two hot guys I could personally get into, even then, I would have found a sense of suspense lacking in this story. There are other things lacking, but, if this were, say, about Loki and Tony Stark, their perceived sexiness could get me over the hump of not having found the chemistry between the two leads compelling enough to justify them having sex, much less falling in love.
As it is, the plot vaguely saunters along, happening to run into events along the way and dismissing or ignoring the drama that they could have caused. For instance, the decision to bury the dead king versus leave him exposed to the elements as per his beliefs. That could have generated pages of angst over trying to make that decision, the nausea of the lead over the choice, wondering why his father would have wanted that, talking about it with his romantic interest, agonizing over whether to decide against tradition and what it will do to public opinion and whether he'll anger a powerful brotherhood by not respecting their beliefs, and then all the fall-out of the decision. As it is, the protagonist throws a short temper tantrum and then the subject is closed, never to be raised again. This is a recurring issue with many events in the story and one of the main reasons it falls short.
I was also mystified about why the protagonist, the grown heir to the kingdom, didn't know about his father's beliefs. This lack of knowledge that you would think any responsible heir would have studied comes up other times over the course of the story, and leaves me wondering about the character's motivation. Did he just show up at the beginning of the story and take the job of crown prince? Did he not grow up with the responsibility to rule and the knowledge that he would one day need to know this stuff?
The language of the story is easy to get into, and the pacing was fine. I didn't get bored or wander off as might have been expected given the lack of suspense. The sex was all right, but not spine-tingling. And don't get me started about how it's all-important not to have it in order to keep using magic, and then all of sudden, it isn't anymore.
August 17, 2013
3 1/2 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Severin is a prince in his own country of Arcathia, he is traveling in Oscia, who they are recently at peace with after a three year war, and comes across a slave market. Arcathia doesn't have slaves and Severin wishes he could but them all, but buy's one of them to set free once he reaches Arcaitha. Havyn has always been a slave, the kindness of his new master astounds him and to be offered an apprenticeship with a wizard! Severin must marry a princess to continue his line but he would much prefer Havyn under him, Havyn must stay chaste to keep his magic pure and fights the temptation the prince offers. With two kingdoms in the balance, murder and betrayal Severin must decide if duty is more important than love.
This is a great fantasy story that has intrigue, mystery and secrets buried. Severin doesn't want to marry but knows he has to do his duty, when he gets to know Havyn he can't help but dream for a different outcome. Havyn discovers that he is much more than just a slave when he meets Prince Severin and the wizard Ildar, and he has difficultly keeping chaste when Severin tempts him so much. Setting off to meet his future bride a terrible tragedy occurs and Severin faces more difficulties to come.
I quite enjoyed this fantasy story and the developing relationship between Havyn and Severin. I liked the storyline and the mystery that is hovering just on our peripheral vision, you know there is a secret that will be revealed you just don't know when or by who. There are a couple of things that happen that make this story interesting but I won't ruin the surprise. The relationship between Havyn and Severin is rocky but they find their way with some sweet loving and gentle reassurances. The journey that Severin, Havyn and Ildar undertake is a decent adventure and it never bores and it does lead to the solution to Severin's marriage problem.
I recommend this to those who love fantasy, interesting storylines, twists, murder, betrayal, hopeless love, sweet lovemaking and a great ending that wraps everything up nicely.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Severin is a prince in his own country of Arcathia, he is traveling in Oscia, who they are recently at peace with after a three year war, and comes across a slave market. Arcathia doesn't have slaves and Severin wishes he could but them all, but buy's one of them to set free once he reaches Arcaitha. Havyn has always been a slave, the kindness of his new master astounds him and to be offered an apprenticeship with a wizard! Severin must marry a princess to continue his line but he would much prefer Havyn under him, Havyn must stay chaste to keep his magic pure and fights the temptation the prince offers. With two kingdoms in the balance, murder and betrayal Severin must decide if duty is more important than love.
This is a great fantasy story that has intrigue, mystery and secrets buried. Severin doesn't want to marry but knows he has to do his duty, when he gets to know Havyn he can't help but dream for a different outcome. Havyn discovers that he is much more than just a slave when he meets Prince Severin and the wizard Ildar, and he has difficultly keeping chaste when Severin tempts him so much. Setting off to meet his future bride a terrible tragedy occurs and Severin faces more difficulties to come.
I quite enjoyed this fantasy story and the developing relationship between Havyn and Severin. I liked the storyline and the mystery that is hovering just on our peripheral vision, you know there is a secret that will be revealed you just don't know when or by who. There are a couple of things that happen that make this story interesting but I won't ruin the surprise. The relationship between Havyn and Severin is rocky but they find their way with some sweet loving and gentle reassurances. The journey that Severin, Havyn and Ildar undertake is a decent adventure and it never bores and it does lead to the solution to Severin's marriage problem.
I recommend this to those who love fantasy, interesting storylines, twists, murder, betrayal, hopeless love, sweet lovemaking and a great ending that wraps everything up nicely.
January 7, 2015
Note: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review, through the Don't Buy My Love programme
The Chosen is a short and compact story about a magical system that includes wizards, non-magical humans and a lost (elven kind of?) race. The two MCs are Severin, heir to Arcathia, and Havyn a slave from Oscia that Severin frees. Havyn is taken on as apprentice to the royal wizard, while Severin has to face up to the fact that he needs to marry the Oscian princess and beget an heir even though he prefers men, specifically Havyn.
It is clear that Havyn too prefers Severin.
The story is short so all this happens about a third of the way in. The rest of the novel is about the journey to Oscia and what happens when they reach there.
I think the quick resolutions helped the story. The novel works because it is just compact enough to be read quickly. If it had been longer it would need a lot more detail and would work only if it were epic length. It would certainly make for a very good epic length novel because it has the right themes and a very interesting set of characters. We get to see Severin as an idealistic man but he has issues of self-worth. At the same time, If this book were longer Severin would be a joy to read. It is evident that despite his self-worth issues he has made something of himself. That bit was missing and I would have enjoyed learning more about it.
Havyn comes to his own only towards the end and even then we get to see him mostly from Severin's point of view. I think that worked all right. He needed to come across as diffident which happened.
Issues - the plot was predictable in parts. The end was rushed. Some smaller characters were very sketchy and some plot points seemed unnecessary
Overall I liked it.
March 3, 2014
The Chosen follows the adventures of Prince Severin, a spoiled and somewhat moody hero who has a sense of being incomplete because his father does not approve of him. His big problem is that he is not attracted to women, and yet, when his father is killed and he becomes king, he must marry and produce an heir to the throne. He is already half in love with the beautiful young male slave he purchased on a trip to Oscia, a neighboring country, in order to set him free. The former slave, Havyn, has accepted an apprenticeship to Ildar, the court magician, and is already showing signs of having great ability in the ways of magic.
When Severin is promised to the princess of Oscia, in order to avoid war, he sets out with Ildar and Havyn on a quest which has the usual ups and downs of a fantasy tale. He encounters the magical race of Aldari, finds that his betrothed has eloped with a commoner, and when he finds her, she has many secrets to reveal about the true identify of Havyn.
The story is enjoyable, and the character of Havyn is endearing, as was Ildar and the female bodyguard who saves the day in an unlikely manner. Prince Severin was initially unlikeable, as I don’t care for petulance in grown men, but he gradually matured as his love for Havyn grew. None of the characters were particularly deep or thoughtful, but in this type of story, that may not be a problem. The sex scenes were a bit by the book, and the language was workmanlike. I noticed many places where some judicious editing would have helped, and there were a few typos and misspellings.
Despite the relative explicitness of the sex, I considered this romance more on the “sweet” than the “erotic” side. I did appreciate a world where same sex couplings were considered normal and pair bonding was celebrated by the population.
When Severin is promised to the princess of Oscia, in order to avoid war, he sets out with Ildar and Havyn on a quest which has the usual ups and downs of a fantasy tale. He encounters the magical race of Aldari, finds that his betrothed has eloped with a commoner, and when he finds her, she has many secrets to reveal about the true identify of Havyn.
The story is enjoyable, and the character of Havyn is endearing, as was Ildar and the female bodyguard who saves the day in an unlikely manner. Prince Severin was initially unlikeable, as I don’t care for petulance in grown men, but he gradually matured as his love for Havyn grew. None of the characters were particularly deep or thoughtful, but in this type of story, that may not be a problem. The sex scenes were a bit by the book, and the language was workmanlike. I noticed many places where some judicious editing would have helped, and there were a few typos and misspellings.
Despite the relative explicitness of the sex, I considered this romance more on the “sweet” than the “erotic” side. I did appreciate a world where same sex couplings were considered normal and pair bonding was celebrated by the population.
July 3, 2014
Prince Severin is the Prince of Arcathia and one day, traveling with his trusted friend, the wizard Idlar he rescues a slave named Havyn. Havyn who has led a life of slavery, is severely hurt and Severin and Idlar take care of him, but Severin soon realizes that he has feelings for Havyn. Havyn, who is grateful just to be rescued and to have a proper meal and a bed, falls head over heels with Severin too. During their travel, Idlar notices Havyn’s magical abilities and vows to take him on as an apprentice.
When they finally go back to the White Palace, Severin is faced with the same problem that made him want to run away in the first place—his father the King wanting him to get married. Even though Severin keeps saying no, because he knows inside his heart that he can never make love to a girl, it turns out his father was actually aware of this fact. Which is why the King tells him to choose a male lover and still marry Princess Ythin of Oscia, so Severin can be King of both Oscia and Arcathia.
We learn the story from both main characters perspectives which is great and we know everything that they’re going through. The writing is good, and a well-developed plot keeps the reader engaged. I loved the descriptions, because in a fantasy world you need the writer to create that picture for you and Annette was very adept at doing that. The entire story, all the characters struggles and everything, comes down to a nice little HEA which, after everything that they went through, was about time! Despite the fact that the story is about slaves, the material is not dark, but on the same hand the author didn’t give an unrealistic picture of slavery either.
Enjoyable read for sure.
When they finally go back to the White Palace, Severin is faced with the same problem that made him want to run away in the first place—his father the King wanting him to get married. Even though Severin keeps saying no, because he knows inside his heart that he can never make love to a girl, it turns out his father was actually aware of this fact. Which is why the King tells him to choose a male lover and still marry Princess Ythin of Oscia, so Severin can be King of both Oscia and Arcathia.
We learn the story from both main characters perspectives which is great and we know everything that they’re going through. The writing is good, and a well-developed plot keeps the reader engaged. I loved the descriptions, because in a fantasy world you need the writer to create that picture for you and Annette was very adept at doing that. The entire story, all the characters struggles and everything, comes down to a nice little HEA which, after everything that they went through, was about time! Despite the fact that the story is about slaves, the material is not dark, but on the same hand the author didn’t give an unrealistic picture of slavery either.
Enjoyable read for sure.
October 23, 2013
Gisby’s unique combination of fantasy and reality creates a story that everyone can identify with in some way or another. She works a social commentary in behind this very imaginative tale that gives the reader something to think about, even if they don’t necessarily realise it’s there. She brilliantly captures your imagination through vividly clear descriptions that allow your imagination to soar. Gisby has also developed a very solid storyline that pulls her reader forward throughout.
The contrast of characters in this novel was quite unique. I enjoyed the fact that neither of the main characters were perfect. Both were fighting who they were and trying to become more than what they thought they should be. They were quite well developed as individuals trying to find their place within a world that society has dictated for them. The supporting cast was also quite unique. Although not an overly large cast, they definitely filled the bill perfectly. A couple of them could have used a bit more development so that we could get to know them as people, but as a whole they fulfilled their roles within the story quite well. The complete about-face in the viewpoints of a couple of the characters right at the end of the novel was a bit odd, but yet fit perfectly with the storyline as a whole. It suited who they were and showed much growth on their part.
Overall, this was a novel that kept me completely captivated throughout. Gisby’s combination of fantasy and real world prejudices created a platform for her gripping tale of love’s triumph.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The contrast of characters in this novel was quite unique. I enjoyed the fact that neither of the main characters were perfect. Both were fighting who they were and trying to become more than what they thought they should be. They were quite well developed as individuals trying to find their place within a world that society has dictated for them. The supporting cast was also quite unique. Although not an overly large cast, they definitely filled the bill perfectly. A couple of them could have used a bit more development so that we could get to know them as people, but as a whole they fulfilled their roles within the story quite well. The complete about-face in the viewpoints of a couple of the characters right at the end of the novel was a bit odd, but yet fit perfectly with the storyline as a whole. It suited who they were and showed much growth on their part.
Overall, this was a novel that kept me completely captivated throughout. Gisby’s combination of fantasy and real world prejudices created a platform for her gripping tale of love’s triumph.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2017
Fantasy with a side of Romance
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
When I began reading this, I expected the plot and events leading up to the end to go a certain way and was pleasantly surprised to find I was pretty much completely wrong. The relationship between Severin and Havyn went along as I had expected but the rest of the story went off in a bunch of other directions and every time I thought I knew where the story was going, I found I was wrong. I thought the interactions between the two MCs were on the sweet side, as neither had been with anyone else before, and that fit in well with them both. I also thought the pacing of the overall story was good...a little rushed at times, but nothing too bad and it didn't detract from the storyline at all.
If I had any complaints, it would be that I wished there was a little more development of the main characters; I kept waiting for Havyn to come into his own, and to an extent he did, but I wanted to see more. I felt the same was about Severin after he felt free to be himself. I think an epilogue would've done that nicely but the book did leave off on a good note and in a good place with all of the loose ends tied up. I've never read anything by this author before but would certainly look her up in the future as I did enjoy this novel. If you're looking for an easy to read fantasy with a HEA, you might consider giving this one a try.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
When I began reading this, I expected the plot and events leading up to the end to go a certain way and was pleasantly surprised to find I was pretty much completely wrong. The relationship between Severin and Havyn went along as I had expected but the rest of the story went off in a bunch of other directions and every time I thought I knew where the story was going, I found I was wrong. I thought the interactions between the two MCs were on the sweet side, as neither had been with anyone else before, and that fit in well with them both. I also thought the pacing of the overall story was good...a little rushed at times, but nothing too bad and it didn't detract from the storyline at all.
If I had any complaints, it would be that I wished there was a little more development of the main characters; I kept waiting for Havyn to come into his own, and to an extent he did, but I wanted to see more. I felt the same was about Severin after he felt free to be himself. I think an epilogue would've done that nicely but the book did leave off on a good note and in a good place with all of the loose ends tied up. I've never read anything by this author before but would certainly look her up in the future as I did enjoy this novel. If you're looking for an easy to read fantasy with a HEA, you might consider giving this one a try.
July 9, 2013
The Chosen by Annette Gisby was an exciting, adventurous, and a fast read that you will not want to put down. I have always been a fan of fantasy and this book did intrigue my interest so I am glad I received it as a first read. I wasn't disappointed in the story in fact I was very happy with the book that I didn't put it down.
The story is an age old story that has been done before with (duty or love; to be or not to be) but I always love those stories. When I started the book I was glad it got straight to the point and not take many chapters to get to the story. I enjoyed the ups and downs and the plot was thrilling. I took pleasure in the adventure that took place in the book.
I found the romance in the story cute and funny. I will admit there were times I just couldn't help but feel the story was so short that the author had to throw it all together quickly and left out some character building. The characters though I still liked.I truly enjoyed the main characters Severin and Havyn. I even liked Ildar and his uptight ways. Even the secondary characters like Yinare, Kelander and Kanmor I liked and I usually don't care for those one.
I will say this though, I will definitely would recommend this book. It is short, fun, and easy to read. Anyone should give it a shot and read it at least once.
The story is an age old story that has been done before with (duty or love; to be or not to be) but I always love those stories. When I started the book I was glad it got straight to the point and not take many chapters to get to the story. I enjoyed the ups and downs and the plot was thrilling. I took pleasure in the adventure that took place in the book.
I found the romance in the story cute and funny. I will admit there were times I just couldn't help but feel the story was so short that the author had to throw it all together quickly and left out some character building. The characters though I still liked.I truly enjoyed the main characters Severin and Havyn. I even liked Ildar and his uptight ways. Even the secondary characters like Yinare, Kelander and Kanmor I liked and I usually don't care for those one.
I will say this though, I will definitely would recommend this book. It is short, fun, and easy to read. Anyone should give it a shot and read it at least once.
October 8, 2013
So I really felt Prince Severin. He was stuck in the stereotype of society and their expectations for him. Poor guy was being forced into a no win situation. He did not wish to have a intimate relationship with a woman but that is what is expected of him. As he is trying to find his way through life and his struggles of acceptance of what is role is, he meets cute as a button Havyn. Havyn was a slave Severin freed by purchasing him but boy do those two have some serious hankerings for each other.
Havyn though is to be the wizard's apprentice and that means he is chaste and Severin is to marry a princess to make peace. As they try to navigate through there life and find a way to be friends while accepting their fate, things take strange turns. Turns that discombobulate them and set them into a tailspin.
these two are so adorable as they try to deny one another and deal with their feelings and life roles. Severin seems to sometimes act like a petulant child but than again he does sometimes deserve a vacation from adulthood as things pile on him. Havyn had to grow up to soon and deserves love and a career. He is so sweet and it's so hard to watch them struggle.
A sweet story of how two young men who love each other and are in circumstances that have them need to accept the fate that is handed to them while they grow towards one another and up.
Havyn though is to be the wizard's apprentice and that means he is chaste and Severin is to marry a princess to make peace. As they try to navigate through there life and find a way to be friends while accepting their fate, things take strange turns. Turns that discombobulate them and set them into a tailspin.
these two are so adorable as they try to deny one another and deal with their feelings and life roles. Severin seems to sometimes act like a petulant child but than again he does sometimes deserve a vacation from adulthood as things pile on him. Havyn had to grow up to soon and deserves love and a career. He is so sweet and it's so hard to watch them struggle.
A sweet story of how two young men who love each other and are in circumstances that have them need to accept the fate that is handed to them while they grow towards one another and up.
March 17, 2016
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
Prince Severin bought a slave at an auction with the only intention of setting him free. However, Havyn has nowhere else to go and when they realize he has aptitude for magic and is indeed a Truth Seeker, Severin decides he should be Ildar, the Royal Mage's apprentice.
Severin and Havyn are both attracted to each other, but Severin has to marry the Oscian princess to cement the tentative truce among their reigns. When they arrive for the wedding, they find that the princess has been kidnapped and they set up on a quest to find her.
Severin and Havyn are unable to hide their feelings, but there are many things that set them apart.
I have to admit I'm not much for reading fantasy books, however, once I saw the gorgeous cover I just couldn't help myself and I'm glad for that. This was a very detailed book, through which I was transported to another time and place.
Havyn was adorable and while Severin behaved a bit spoiled sometimes, he's quite likable, too. The array of supporting characters make this story deeper and richer and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Very recommendable!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
Prince Severin bought a slave at an auction with the only intention of setting him free. However, Havyn has nowhere else to go and when they realize he has aptitude for magic and is indeed a Truth Seeker, Severin decides he should be Ildar, the Royal Mage's apprentice.
Severin and Havyn are both attracted to each other, but Severin has to marry the Oscian princess to cement the tentative truce among their reigns. When they arrive for the wedding, they find that the princess has been kidnapped and they set up on a quest to find her.
Severin and Havyn are unable to hide their feelings, but there are many things that set them apart.
I have to admit I'm not much for reading fantasy books, however, once I saw the gorgeous cover I just couldn't help myself and I'm glad for that. This was a very detailed book, through which I was transported to another time and place.
Havyn was adorable and while Severin behaved a bit spoiled sometimes, he's quite likable, too. The array of supporting characters make this story deeper and richer and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Very recommendable!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
January 10, 2015
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I was really drawn in by the opening scene where the fantasy world of the Aldari and the pregnant with a half human mother of one of the main characters are introduced. She seemed very young and convinced that her baby daddy really loved her, while her father was against their love, etc. Unfortunately, that's about the last thing that really caught me. Havyn, for all his frequently mentioned horrible masters and beatings is instantly in lust with Severin, who is just as in lust with him. The romantic tension between the two completely failed to materialize for me, and even the potential stumbling blocks in their path were quickly and dully dispatched. The ending felt very rushed and poorly thought out, although it was at least happy.
I did very much enjoy the premise and what bits of the world we were shown, but the characters were too bland and depthless for me to really get into. Also, while it may just be the copy I was given, the formatting of this book left a lot to be desired.. All the apostrophes were quotation marks among other issues.
I was really drawn in by the opening scene where the fantasy world of the Aldari and the pregnant with a half human mother of one of the main characters are introduced. She seemed very young and convinced that her baby daddy really loved her, while her father was against their love, etc. Unfortunately, that's about the last thing that really caught me. Havyn, for all his frequently mentioned horrible masters and beatings is instantly in lust with Severin, who is just as in lust with him. The romantic tension between the two completely failed to materialize for me, and even the potential stumbling blocks in their path were quickly and dully dispatched. The ending felt very rushed and poorly thought out, although it was at least happy.
I did very much enjoy the premise and what bits of the world we were shown, but the characters were too bland and depthless for me to really get into. Also, while it may just be the copy I was given, the formatting of this book left a lot to be desired.. All the apostrophes were quotation marks among other issues.
January 3, 2015
I got this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this magical fantasy with a society that has wizards who are descended from a race that I would call elvish in nature. The prologue starts with the banishment of the pregnant mother of one of the MC. He become a slave when his mother send him away to protect him. he is also one of the most powerful Wizard after training because he is a half-elvish direct descendant. Havyn is this wizard and a unknown prince to his Kingdom of Oscia. he is bought by Severin, Prince of Arcathia, with the intentions of setting him free. they fall in love. they go on a quest for the niece and heir of the King of Oscia, Havyn's fatherand find her in another country married to a man she love. the niece's husband become the new King of Oscia and Havyn and Severin become bonded in a state similar to marriage. Severin royal bodyguardess got pregnant by a sea Captain during the quest to find and rescue the princess. Serverin and Havyn will adopt the child who will become their heir to the throne. Peace reign in both lands now.
I thoroughly enjoyed this magical fantasy with a society that has wizards who are descended from a race that I would call elvish in nature. The prologue starts with the banishment of the pregnant mother of one of the MC. He become a slave when his mother send him away to protect him. he is also one of the most powerful Wizard after training because he is a half-elvish direct descendant. Havyn is this wizard and a unknown prince to his Kingdom of Oscia. he is bought by Severin, Prince of Arcathia, with the intentions of setting him free. they fall in love. they go on a quest for the niece and heir of the King of Oscia, Havyn's fatherand find her in another country married to a man she love. the niece's husband become the new King of Oscia and Havyn and Severin become bonded in a state similar to marriage. Severin royal bodyguardess got pregnant by a sea Captain during the quest to find and rescue the princess. Serverin and Havyn will adopt the child who will become their heir to the throne. Peace reign in both lands now.
January 30, 2015
I received a copy of this book for free, in exchange for an honest review.
This is a good m/m fantasy to read if you want something short and sweet. The world building is interesting, but could be expanded – lots of potential for more in-depth backstory to flesh out the world even more.
The plot is predictable and the characters could use a little more development. I just felt that there was something lacking between Severin and Havyn to make their romance a bit more convincing. All in all, the whole story feels rushed, which is a shame because, man, so much potential.
The world-building really intrigued me, but left me with more questions than answers, such as “Why the hostility between Arcathia and Oscia?” Also, Eltan’s death was sort of a bummer. There was no closure between him and Havyn. I just don’t like loose ends.
So, in other words: short, sweet, and a little too rushed. Just lacking a little more oomph to give it four stars, but otherwise it was a good read.
This is a good m/m fantasy to read if you want something short and sweet. The world building is interesting, but could be expanded – lots of potential for more in-depth backstory to flesh out the world even more.
The plot is predictable and the characters could use a little more development. I just felt that there was something lacking between Severin and Havyn to make their romance a bit more convincing. All in all, the whole story feels rushed, which is a shame because, man, so much potential.
The world-building really intrigued me, but left me with more questions than answers, such as “Why the hostility between Arcathia and Oscia?” Also, Eltan’s death was sort of a bummer. There was no closure between him and Havyn. I just don’t like loose ends.
So, in other words: short, sweet, and a little too rushed. Just lacking a little more oomph to give it four stars, but otherwise it was a good read.
January 2, 2015
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
The Chosen by Annette Gisby contains elements of fantasy, adventure, and romance. It is the story of Severin, a young prince and Havyn his slave whom he sets free and is later discovered to have magical abilities. Severin has an immediate attraction to Havyn, but Havyn must remain chaste or he could lose his magic.
For me as a reader, The Chosen was kind of a paradox. The writing is quite good, but the plot, characters, and world-building were not fully brought to life. I thought the premise of the book had a lot of potential that was not realized. The characters were not especially compelling or well-developed, and their interactions were only superficially emotional. The attraction between the characters was described, but not felt.
The Chosen was a quick read that didn’t quite live up to it’s potential, but was a good way to spend a couple hours.
The Chosen by Annette Gisby contains elements of fantasy, adventure, and romance. It is the story of Severin, a young prince and Havyn his slave whom he sets free and is later discovered to have magical abilities. Severin has an immediate attraction to Havyn, but Havyn must remain chaste or he could lose his magic.
For me as a reader, The Chosen was kind of a paradox. The writing is quite good, but the plot, characters, and world-building were not fully brought to life. I thought the premise of the book had a lot of potential that was not realized. The characters were not especially compelling or well-developed, and their interactions were only superficially emotional. The attraction between the characters was described, but not felt.
The Chosen was a quick read that didn’t quite live up to it’s potential, but was a good way to spend a couple hours.
January 8, 2015
(This story was received free in return for an honest review via the Goodreads Don't Buy my Love program)
This story was a round down for me. A solid 3.5 stars.
I'm a fan of fantasy and magic, m/m for sure, even the Cinderella slave to prince story. BUT the overall storyline and dialogue fell flat for me. Definitely a little predictable. Of course, the gay prince feels angst over his father's hate for him, of course he must marry a princess, of course he's the good guy freeing all the slaves, of course .
It was a twisting tale of anything that could go wrong did. The MCs were constantly lusting after one another and I felt it took entirely too long to finally get there.
This story was a round down for me. A solid 3.5 stars.
I'm a fan of fantasy and magic, m/m for sure, even the Cinderella slave to prince story. BUT the overall storyline and dialogue fell flat for me. Definitely a little predictable. Of course, the gay prince feels angst over his father's hate for him, of course he must marry a princess, of course he's the good guy freeing all the slaves, of course .
It was a twisting tale of anything that could go wrong did. The MCs were constantly lusting after one another and I felt it took entirely too long to finally get there.
May 8, 2016
This was an enjoyable story but almost YA in feel. There is no real sex until the end, just pining, stolen kisses, and a bit of frotting. The storyline is a little muddled, there is almost too much going on. There were times that things seemed to be heading in one direction and then stopped. There were inexplicable illnesses, mysterious origins, a quest, and more. I kept wondering how a king could manage to be away so long. Despite all this, I was fond of the MCs and secondary characters. I thought that the concept of the Oracle and the priestess was cool and the wedding traditions were very original and charming. I would definitely read other works by this author and could easily see other stories set in this world--maybe the guard finds someone?
June 13, 2015
Beautifully Written
Set in a richly developed fantasy world, The Chosen is a beautifully written and described story detailing the struggle to reconcile love and duty.
The Chosen was a true pleasure to read, The love blossoming between Severin and Havyn had me crossing my fingers that it would somehow work out for them and by the end I was smiling through my tears (although that could have been exhaustion as I finished this at 3am because I couldn't put it down). I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys an HEA fantasy romance.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
Set in a richly developed fantasy world, The Chosen is a beautifully written and described story detailing the struggle to reconcile love and duty.
The Chosen was a true pleasure to read, The love blossoming between Severin and Havyn had me crossing my fingers that it would somehow work out for them and by the end I was smiling through my tears (although that could have been exhaustion as I finished this at 3am because I couldn't put it down). I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys an HEA fantasy romance.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2018
This has the bones of a decent fantasy romance, but the writing is just so-so and the world and characters are underdeveloped. Everything happens WAY too fast, and I don't buy the MC's attraction enough to endure reading on just to get to what are likely to be embarrassing sex scenes.
Sample line (from Chapter Four): "[Havyn] had been foolish to assume that perhaps Severin thought of him as anything other than a slave." This, THE DAY AFTER Severin has purchased Havyn as a slave. THE DAY AFTER. *facepalm*
Sample line (from Chapter Four): "[Havyn] had been foolish to assume that perhaps Severin thought of him as anything other than a slave." This, THE DAY AFTER Severin has purchased Havyn as a slave. THE DAY AFTER. *facepalm*
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