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The Rapier Brothers
Tales of brothers, swords, and the men they most desire...
Main Gauche — Though he was born to nobility, the loss of first his father, and then his mother, has left Dagger a peasant. His stepfather is cruel and greedy, and refuses to claim Dagger as his own. Instead of living the life for which he was meant, Dagger spends his days as the apprentice to a blacksmith. He spends his days sharpening the swords of others, rather than practicing with his own. He pines for the life he does not have--and for the handsome lord who frequents the smithy.
Then the King calls for a tournament to show off his son, the Crown Prince. The chance to be a duelist again, to see the lord he so admires but can never have, is more than Dagger can resist...
1000 Victories — Epee loathes the noble life; his heartless father, his overbearing brother, the hypocrites he must call peers. He wants the simpler, ordinary life of a peasant. It is a life he is slowly working toward, and soon to hold in his grasp, no matter the consequences.
All that holds him back is Lord Sharp, the man he has long loved but never been able to win. But, he is very close to winning his thousandth victory over Lord Sharp in the dueling ring. With that 1000th victory, Epee hopes to win at last the man he loves more than even freedom...
The Perfect Son — Sabre has always lived according to the wishes and desires of his father, to the exclusion of everyone and everything else. His father's eldest son, he strives to be what his father wants. He is affluent, educated, a talented duelist, respected, and feared. He is everything he is supposed to be.
Except happy.
Main Gauche — Though he was born to nobility, the loss of first his father, and then his mother, has left Dagger a peasant. His stepfather is cruel and greedy, and refuses to claim Dagger as his own. Instead of living the life for which he was meant, Dagger spends his days as the apprentice to a blacksmith. He spends his days sharpening the swords of others, rather than practicing with his own. He pines for the life he does not have--and for the handsome lord who frequents the smithy.
Then the King calls for a tournament to show off his son, the Crown Prince. The chance to be a duelist again, to see the lord he so admires but can never have, is more than Dagger can resist...
1000 Victories — Epee loathes the noble life; his heartless father, his overbearing brother, the hypocrites he must call peers. He wants the simpler, ordinary life of a peasant. It is a life he is slowly working toward, and soon to hold in his grasp, no matter the consequences.
All that holds him back is Lord Sharp, the man he has long loved but never been able to win. But, he is very close to winning his thousandth victory over Lord Sharp in the dueling ring. With that 1000th victory, Epee hopes to win at last the man he loves more than even freedom...
The Perfect Son — Sabre has always lived according to the wishes and desires of his father, to the exclusion of everyone and everything else. His father's eldest son, he strives to be what his father wants. He is affluent, educated, a talented duelist, respected, and feared. He is everything he is supposed to be.
Except happy.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2010
11 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Megan Derr
283 books2,936 followersMegan is a long time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.
meganderr.com
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meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
meganderr.blogspot.com
facebook.com/meganaprilderr
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
December 26, 2012
Only in the course of 4 months (I read hers for the first time in August 2012), Megan Derr's stories has become one of my comfort reads. I love her writing (she can write adorable grumpy characters like no others!) and her sweet brand of romance. Again, with this one, Megan makes me fall in love with the Rapier men ...
Main Gauche: 4 stars
This is basically a Cinderella story. A peasant enters a tournament (wearing a mask, since peasants are not permitted to join) with a goal to get his freedom and instead wins the heart of the Prince. Young Dagger is very, VERY sweet. Although the result of the duel is predictable, but it is needed for Dagger to win the Prince's love ^^
1000 Victories: 4.25 stars
Oh, Epee, sweet Epee, you broke my heart!! This is my favorite of the three stories. I love how Epee's character is not as easy going as he first seems to be. That there's a depth to his love towards Lord Sharp, a torch that has been carried around for almost a decade (OMG!), which makes his story a bit angsty *sniff*. I find Epee's attempts to show Sharp his worthiness and to win Sharp's love as romantic and heartwarming. I do have a couple of wishes: (1) I wish there's a scene (flashback is all right :p) about Epee and Sharp's first duel. (2) I want Sharp to grovel a little bit more, for trusting Mace easily, even if Mace has been away for seven years and returns to only sprout lies about Epee *hmph*.
The Perfect Son: 3.5 stars
Sabre reminds me of Creawick (from another of Megan Derr's story, Wick) in terms of he is portrayed at first as a jerk of a character -- which makes me wonder how he will be redeemed. Unfortunately, I find his story to be the less convincing. It's too easy to put the blame on the father (that Sabre does it all just to please his father). But what about the misery he has caused Epee and his stepbrother, Dagger? Plus his feeling for Lash is slightly instant and while I like Lash's character - who is 100% in contrast with Sabre - I feel that the story ends too abruptly for me to change my mind about Sabre.
PS: There are several ficlets on Megan Derr's website about these brothers. I think my favorite would be where Epee, Dagger, Sharp, and Katan get the shock of their lives to see Sabre and Lash at the ball.
Main Gauche: 4 stars
This is basically a Cinderella story. A peasant enters a tournament (wearing a mask, since peasants are not permitted to join) with a goal to get his freedom and instead wins the heart of the Prince. Young Dagger is very, VERY sweet. Although the result of the duel is predictable, but it is needed for Dagger to win the Prince's love ^^
1000 Victories: 4.25 stars
Oh, Epee, sweet Epee, you broke my heart!! This is my favorite of the three stories. I love how Epee's character is not as easy going as he first seems to be. That there's a depth to his love towards Lord Sharp, a torch that has been carried around for almost a decade (OMG!), which makes his story a bit angsty *sniff*. I find Epee's attempts to show Sharp his worthiness and to win Sharp's love as romantic and heartwarming. I do have a couple of wishes: (1) I wish there's a scene (flashback is all right :p) about Epee and Sharp's first duel. (2) I want Sharp to grovel a little bit more, for trusting Mace easily, even if Mace has been away for seven years and returns to only sprout lies about Epee *hmph*.
The Perfect Son: 3.5 stars
Sabre reminds me of Creawick (from another of Megan Derr's story, Wick) in terms of he is portrayed at first as a jerk of a character -- which makes me wonder how he will be redeemed. Unfortunately, I find his story to be the less convincing. It's too easy to put the blame on the father (that Sabre does it all just to please his father). But what about the misery he has caused Epee and his stepbrother, Dagger? Plus his feeling for Lash is slightly instant and while I like Lash's character - who is 100% in contrast with Sabre - I feel that the story ends too abruptly for me to change my mind about Sabre.
PS: There are several ficlets on Megan Derr's website about these brothers. I think my favorite would be where Epee, Dagger, Sharp, and Katan get the shock of their lives to see Sabre and Lash at the ball.
February 10, 2013
Reread (for the n-th time)
Main Gauche 4.5 stars
This is a nice take on the standard mysterious-knight-in-the-tournament story. Neither character realized who the real identity of the other man was.
1,000 Victories 5++ stars
One of my all-time favorite m/m stories. It's romantic, sweet, but not without angst. It's amazing how Ms. Derr could write such a complete, fascinating plot, and interesting characters in a short story. It has love, jealousy, perseverance, and misunderstood character in one package!
The Perfect Son 4 stars
Story of the redemption of the oldest brother.
These stories are beautiful.
Main Gauche 4.5 stars
This is a nice take on the standard mysterious-knight-in-the-tournament story. Neither character realized who the real identity of the other man was.
1,000 Victories 5++ stars
One of my all-time favorite m/m stories. It's romantic, sweet, but not without angst. It's amazing how Ms. Derr could write such a complete, fascinating plot, and interesting characters in a short story. It has love, jealousy, perseverance, and misunderstood character in one package!
The Perfect Son 4 stars
Story of the redemption of the oldest brother.
These stories are beautiful.
February 12, 2015
There's nothing more reassuring than a good book with a happy ending. This wonderful tale is no exception.
Megan Derr creates a wonderful re-telling of the classic story of Cinderella, only this time, everyone gets their happy ending. Well...almost everyone. .
Dagger's story was familiar and comforting; Epee's had a clever plot but didn't have much emotional pull on me somehow; Sabre's story however was my favorite and ironically the shortest. That last third of the book just made me laugh and blush with every unsolicited kiss he got from Lash. Such a refreshing approach and it was just too adorable!
And yes I know that the story might be unoriginal but the writing was fabulous and the lines were authentic enough to make me believe I was back in the renaissance period. What can I say? I love my fairy tales ^_^
June 4, 2015
Three short stories about three brothers: Dagger, Epee and Sabre. Fun and angst free.
April 21, 2014
Main Gauche
First read and reviewed as part of the Fairytale Volume 1
A sweet story. Would of liked a little closure with the step father and son. Also I found it hard to believe Dagger had no idea who Tan was. But still a sweet fairy tale.
Second reading as enjoyable as the first.
But as with a lot of Megan Derr shorts, I'm always left satisfied but craving just a little bit more.
3.5 stars
1000 Victories
Again Megan Derr manages to give me a complete love story in just a few well crafted pages.
Epee is adorable, Sharp a good but blind fool and Mace a villain of the lowest order.
A sweet little read.
3.5
The Perfect Son
The shortest story and yet I find it my favourite.
Hard to believe the obnoxious older brother Sabre could end up being the guy I felt the most for.
Loved Lash, but wish we could have had a little more.
I would of loved a little family reunion not to mention a little look at the father reaping what he sowed.
3.5
ETA
I urge anyone that enjoyed these tales to go read the free extras at http://maderr.com/?page_id=232 Such delightful little morsels. There is one downside however, they will leave you wanting more LOL.
First read and reviewed as part of the Fairytale Volume 1
A sweet story. Would of liked a little closure with the step father and son. Also I found it hard to believe Dagger had no idea who Tan was. But still a sweet fairy tale.
Second reading as enjoyable as the first.
But as with a lot of Megan Derr shorts, I'm always left satisfied but craving just a little bit more.
3.5 stars
1000 Victories
Again Megan Derr manages to give me a complete love story in just a few well crafted pages.
Epee is adorable, Sharp a good but blind fool and Mace a villain of the lowest order.
A sweet little read.
3.5
The Perfect Son
The shortest story and yet I find it my favourite.
Hard to believe the obnoxious older brother Sabre could end up being the guy I felt the most for.
Loved Lash, but wish we could have had a little more.
I would of loved a little family reunion not to mention a little look at the father reaping what he sowed.
3.5
ETA
I urge anyone that enjoyed these tales to go read the free extras at http://maderr.com/?page_id=232 Such delightful little morsels. There is one downside however, they will leave you wanting more LOL.
February 28, 2023
I find with this author that as soon as they have a new release I click buy. Sometimes it’s new but sometimes it’s a re-release and I end up with more than one copy, like this one. So yeah, re-release of The Rapier brothers. Dagger, Epee and Sabre. I’m a little disappointed the extras from the website aren’t in the book, because my favourite part is the reconciliation and Sabre just being shy and awkward. Favourite of the brothers is still Sabre and I love how Whip just destroys all his walls.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2012
Megan Derr has never disappointed me and that did not happen with The Rapier Brothers. We get the story of three Brothers in different circumstances and each with their own cross to bear. Add to it swords, kisses, and love and you have a hit.
February 25, 2018
Cute premise, but it has some issues
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 5/10
PROS:
- I like the idea here very much--three different stories about three brothers, and the brothers all appear in one another’s stories. (see cons below also)
- The author manages to create sympathy for her characters quite effectively without making them seem pathetic. They have hard lives, but they don’t pity themselves; they just accept the hardships and move on.
CONS:
- The third story is about the oldest Rapier brother. The problem with that is that I didn’t care about him--Derr spends the first two stories painting him as an utterly loathsome villain, so by the time his romance came around, it felt too late for attempts to humanize him. The story does redeem him slightly, but I think perhaps the author should have been more careful about making Sabre less vicious earlier.
- The stories didn’t quite feel like they happened in the same universe. The first one, for instance, seemed to me as though it was happening in the Middle Ages, whereas the second one gave me more of an 18th-century feel.
- There are several characters introduced toward the start, and not done terribly smoothly, so it gets a little confusing here and there, especially when some of their names are similar, like “Dagger” and “Hammer.”
Overall comments: This is an interesting enough premise, and I did find myself engaged by the story and rooting for most of the characters. But I think it would have benefited from some more development. The whole thing could have covered the same amount of time and been easily twice as long.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 5/10
PROS:
- I like the idea here very much--three different stories about three brothers, and the brothers all appear in one another’s stories. (see cons below also)
- The author manages to create sympathy for her characters quite effectively without making them seem pathetic. They have hard lives, but they don’t pity themselves; they just accept the hardships and move on.
CONS:
- The third story is about the oldest Rapier brother. The problem with that is that I didn’t care about him--Derr spends the first two stories painting him as an utterly loathsome villain, so by the time his romance came around, it felt too late for attempts to humanize him. The story does redeem him slightly, but I think perhaps the author should have been more careful about making Sabre less vicious earlier.
- The stories didn’t quite feel like they happened in the same universe. The first one, for instance, seemed to me as though it was happening in the Middle Ages, whereas the second one gave me more of an 18th-century feel.
- There are several characters introduced toward the start, and not done terribly smoothly, so it gets a little confusing here and there, especially when some of their names are similar, like “Dagger” and “Hammer.”
Overall comments: This is an interesting enough premise, and I did find myself engaged by the story and rooting for most of the characters. But I think it would have benefited from some more development. The whole thing could have covered the same amount of time and been easily twice as long.
dnf
December 5, 2023DNF. Just not in the mood for this one.
February 13, 2012
Another great Megan Derr book in my opinion. This is an anthology that has three separate stories of the Rapier brothers. One brother is featured in each story. I enjoyed all of the stories. This is a good book for the YA audience because there are no explicit love scenes at all. It's a genuine (gay) fairy tale romance.
Main Gauche — Dagger was noble-born, but after his mother left her fortune to his step-father, Dagger was left in the cold. As the apprentice to the local blacksmith, Dagger works hard and enjoys his work, but he misses his swordplay. As a peasant, it's against the law to practice swordsmanship. After the King hosts a tournament, however, Dagger thinks this just may be the chance for him to show people he's not just a peasant. And just maybe he'll get a chance to meet and duel the young nobleman that comes to his smithy. Dagger was an extremely likable character. I thought this was a very cute story and I enjoyed it. 4 stars
1000 Duels — Unlike his stepbrother, Dagger, Epee is living the noble life...but all he wants to do is live the ordinary life of a peasant. With an overbearing father, Rapier, and a malicious brother, Sabre, Epee must engage in secrecy in order to put his plan into action. Lord Sharp is the man he has been dueling with for many years. The dueling began when Epee overheard Lord Sharp say he would love the man who beat him 1000 times. Epee is so very close to that 1000th victory, but a friend from Sharp's past could ruin everything. Epee's crusade to win the favor of Lord Sharpe is very touching and romantic. I really loved the premise and the dedication that Epee showed in order to demonstrate his love and show his worthiness. It was very sweet all around. 5 stars
The Perfect Son — Sabre is a despicable man, who lives to please his even more despicable father. After realizing that 29 years of kowtowing to Rapier has gained him nothing but a life of misery with no friends to speak of, Sabre sneaks away to drown his sorrows. When he meets a mysterious stranger in a seedy inn, Sabre takes the opportunity to spend time with someone who does not know of his infamous reputation. Are these few days of stolen time enough to erase 29 years of misery? This wasn't my favorite story because Sabre was such a bastard in the first two stories and he didn't do quite enough to redeem himself. I think it should have been a little longer and depicted more actions that showed he was truly remorseful.3 stars
Main Gauche — Dagger was noble-born, but after his mother left her fortune to his step-father, Dagger was left in the cold. As the apprentice to the local blacksmith, Dagger works hard and enjoys his work, but he misses his swordplay. As a peasant, it's against the law to practice swordsmanship. After the King hosts a tournament, however, Dagger thinks this just may be the chance for him to show people he's not just a peasant. And just maybe he'll get a chance to meet and duel the young nobleman that comes to his smithy. Dagger was an extremely likable character. I thought this was a very cute story and I enjoyed it. 4 stars
1000 Duels — Unlike his stepbrother, Dagger, Epee is living the noble life...but all he wants to do is live the ordinary life of a peasant. With an overbearing father, Rapier, and a malicious brother, Sabre, Epee must engage in secrecy in order to put his plan into action. Lord Sharp is the man he has been dueling with for many years. The dueling began when Epee overheard Lord Sharp say he would love the man who beat him 1000 times. Epee is so very close to that 1000th victory, but a friend from Sharp's past could ruin everything. Epee's crusade to win the favor of Lord Sharpe is very touching and romantic. I really loved the premise and the dedication that Epee showed in order to demonstrate his love and show his worthiness. It was very sweet all around. 5 stars
The Perfect Son — Sabre is a despicable man, who lives to please his even more despicable father. After realizing that 29 years of kowtowing to Rapier has gained him nothing but a life of misery with no friends to speak of, Sabre sneaks away to drown his sorrows. When he meets a mysterious stranger in a seedy inn, Sabre takes the opportunity to spend time with someone who does not know of his infamous reputation. Are these few days of stolen time enough to erase 29 years of misery? This wasn't my favorite story because Sabre was such a bastard in the first two stories and he didn't do quite enough to redeem himself. I think it should have been a little longer and depicted more actions that showed he was truly remorseful.3 stars
September 22, 2011
Excellent collection of three fantasy stories about three brothers. I took away the star from the rating because the last story - The Perfect Son - wasn't as developed as the other two (Main Gauche was was a well-done Cinderfella story, while 1000 Duels was a very touching enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story). The ficlets available on author's site remedied that somewhat, but I wanted to learn more about Sabre and Lash. Overall, very romantic and sweet collection. Recommended.
September 13, 2022
Reread September 2022
Aww 1000 victories is still my favorite story of the book. And Sabre is still as annoying! 😒 He got off too easily.
Main Gauche
Such a sweet story with a nice ending!
1000 Victories
Definitely my favorite story of the book. Epee was a really friendly character, and I applaud
him for sticking to his "challenge". I wanted Sharp to DESTROY Mace! Ugh
The Perfect Son
I really didn't want to read about Sabre. It was interesting to have his point of view though.
Aww 1000 victories is still my favorite story of the book. And Sabre is still as annoying! 😒 He got off too easily.
Main Gauche
Such a sweet story with a nice ending!
1000 Victories
Definitely my favorite story of the book. Epee was a really friendly character, and I applaud
him for sticking to his "challenge". I wanted Sharp to DESTROY Mace! Ugh
The Perfect Son
I really didn't want to read about Sabre. It was interesting to have his point of view though.
June 28, 2012
I can't believe I never found this before. This is just -- oh gosh.
This is too sweet. Oh my bloody god, the perfect curl-up-on-a-rainy-day-by-the-window book. A must read if you're into this genre, and even if you're not!
Sex is very very tame. Romance is utterly sweet and everyone is adorable!
-le sigh-
I need another book like this.
Definitely recommended for those who enjoy this genre, and for those who want to try it
This is too sweet. Oh my bloody god, the perfect curl-up-on-a-rainy-day-by-the-window book. A must read if you're into this genre, and even if you're not!
Sex is very very tame. Romance is utterly sweet and everyone is adorable!
-le sigh-
I need another book like this.
Definitely recommended for those who enjoy this genre, and for those who want to try it
July 21, 2011
I will never get tired of these stories, and how they make me smile and hurt and smile again. They give me such joy!
September 29, 2016
The stories are, to be honest, sweet (that is not to say that they aren't, at points, angsty or bittersweet), well written, often over dramatic and every bit the kind of tale you'd expect from Megan Derr.
Main Gauche was great. Simply great. Admittedly, the concept, the tropes, the character designs themselves weren't very fresh (we deal with similar stuff in her other works), but when put together, they formed a beautifully executed and wonderfully readable tale.
1000 Victories was the kind of story which, while not being particularly revolutionary or groundbreaking, stay with you for a long time. The characters, the concepts were both brilliant, realistic, and heart-touching. Some lines from this story were some of the most beautiful I've ever encountered.
Perfect Son was the most 'original' story of the book, but I personally didn't like it like the other stories, maybe because of the subject of the tale: Sabre, the eldest and least liked rapier brother. Still, I didn't much enjoy anything from the story; the characters, the plot, the tropes.
All the stories have good endings, and there are situations which make you want to squee and others which make you yell. All in all, a great book.
Main Gauche was great. Simply great. Admittedly, the concept, the tropes, the character designs themselves weren't very fresh (we deal with similar stuff in her other works), but when put together, they formed a beautifully executed and wonderfully readable tale.
1000 Victories was the kind of story which, while not being particularly revolutionary or groundbreaking, stay with you for a long time. The characters, the concepts were both brilliant, realistic, and heart-touching. Some lines from this story were some of the most beautiful I've ever encountered.
Perfect Son was the most 'original' story of the book, but I personally didn't like it like the other stories, maybe because of the subject of the tale: Sabre, the eldest and least liked rapier brother. Still, I didn't much enjoy anything from the story; the characters, the plot, the tropes.
All the stories have good endings, and there are situations which make you want to squee and others which make you yell. All in all, a great book.
August 5, 2016
Legendary duelists and master swordsmen who...
...whine and moon and mope and sulk and feel sorry for themselves like teenage girls. OMG, it's, um, like, Swashbucklers High! To wit: a 29-year-old thug gets stroppy in a tavern because nobody likes him and his "stupid father" forgot his birthday. TWENTY-NINE! And he's sulking because "OMG, Daddy like totes forgot my bday! I totally hate him!" Sudden anachronistic and juvenile) phrases pop up further pull the reader out of the action. Characters are inexplicably named after weapons. I was waiting to meet a pair of chefs named "Fork" and "Spoon." Alas, no dice. Or "Dice," for that matter.
...whine and moon and mope and sulk and feel sorry for themselves like teenage girls. OMG, it's, um, like, Swashbucklers High! To wit: a 29-year-old thug gets stroppy in a tavern because nobody likes him and his "stupid father" forgot his birthday. TWENTY-NINE! And he's sulking because "OMG, Daddy like totes forgot my bday! I totally hate him!" Sudden anachronistic and juvenile) phrases pop up further pull the reader out of the action. Characters are inexplicably named after weapons. I was waiting to meet a pair of chefs named "Fork" and "Spoon." Alas, no dice. Or "Dice," for that matter.
January 13, 2021
All stories can be read as standalones, one for each brother.
I rated it 4.5 stars the first time, 3.5 stars the second time. Very fairytale-esque.
Main Gauche - 0h 44min - a Cinderella story with a blacksmith who just wants to duel again.
1000 Victories - 0h 38min - Eepie's story has more feeling, and Sharp really is a tool.
The Perfect Son - 0h 28min - the evil step-brother also gets his HEA. Though I do wonder if the version I read is the final one, I would have expected a few paragraphs more... Sadly, I have no way of obtaining the book, it's not available (in paper or digital).
All in all sweet, short and easy reads. I liked it.
I rated it 4.5 stars the first time, 3.5 stars the second time. Very fairytale-esque.
Main Gauche - 0h 44min - a Cinderella story with a blacksmith who just wants to duel again.
1000 Victories - 0h 38min - Eepie's story has more feeling, and Sharp really is a tool.
The Perfect Son - 0h 28min - the evil step-brother also gets his HEA. Though I do wonder if the version I read is the final one, I would have expected a few paragraphs more... Sadly, I have no way of obtaining the book, it's not available (in paper or digital).
All in all sweet, short and easy reads. I liked it.
December 21, 2014
Main Gauche: 4 stars
1000 Victories: 6 stars
The Perfect Son: 4 stars
I am torn between 4 and 5 stars.
1000 Victories: 6 stars
The Perfect Son: 4 stars
I am torn between 4 and 5 stars.
January 2, 2020
My favourite anthology written by Megan Derr. Read twice so far. Will definitely read this one again!
Main Gauche — 5+
1000 Duels — 5+
The Perfect Son — 4+
Overall rating: 5 stars
Main Gauche — 5+
1000 Duels — 5+
The Perfect Son — 4+
Overall rating: 5 stars
April 7, 2021
I really enjoyed these stories when I read them before as The Rapier Brothers. I was pleased to find them again under their new name. I’m still hoping for some more adventures with Dagger, Epee and Sabre!
September 5, 2021
This is actually a re-read for me, as the book was previously published under a different title ("The Rapier Brothers"). I still enjoyed the stories - again -, even though they are not particularly elaborate. Just a fun read ...
June 8, 2010
Three lovely little short stories focused on the three brothers Rapier. I just wish they were longer.
May 31, 2015
Cute stories with 3 brothers and I really liked all 3 stories! I'm in love with fairytale like stories full of true love and happy endings, and Megan Derr always gives me enough of those~
June 13, 2015
Just what I was in the mood for. Sweet and low-angst and uncomplicated. I liked the first two the best, the third one not so much.
March 2, 2018
Another great collection of shorts from Megan Derr. The only thing that I can say I didn't like about this collection was the naming of the characters.. .I get it, it just didn't work for me.
August 21, 2021
Review to come… maybe
March 3, 2022
I have to say I'm pretty disappointed with this one from Megan Derr. Normally I can get her rather-less-than-stellar writing slide, but at times this was just annoying in how details were left out, jumped over, or left to the reader to infer. Add on top that it was a collection of short stories and I was not very impressed.
This is a collection of 3 short stories about 3 brothers, each story getting of poorer quality as you go on.
My favorite was easily the first, of Dagger, the poorest brother, as he is forced to work as a blacksmith, though his heart apparently lies in dueling. And in the mysterious Lord Tan (Prince Katan) who comes to visit him for sword repairs regularly. It's a charming story, though far too simplistic. Glossing over the exciting dueling part was especially aggravating.
The second story features the middle brother, Eppe, whose boyhood acquaintance in university (Lord Sharp) boasted the only person who'll ever win his heart must have beat him in 1000 duels. So Eppe starts to write them secretly down, hoping to win Lord Sharp's heart at the final duel. Unfortunately his love rival and also sworn enemy Mace returns in time to ruin his entire life, Eppe is disowned and now has to see if Lord Sharp even wants anything to do with a peasant.
Lastly there's the eldest brother, Saber, who has a mean temper, who ruined his previous brothers stories, and I don't care how much Derr tries to paint him in a positive light he's just a horrible person. Add on top of that that his romantic interest, Lash (secretly a Duke), uses coercion, non-consent, and is generally a bully to seduce Saber, and I have to say I'm really hating this book by now. It's also the least fleshed out story with large jumps in narrative, which annoyed me even more.
So as you can tell, everyone in this book is named after a weapon. It's really silly. On top of that there is a weird law that if your (doesn't-even-have-to-be-biological) blood relative does not acknowledge you, you lose your status as noble. It would seem the nobility would have greater empathy of the "peasants" but that's not the case at all, which is especially seen when the nobles discuss who could be hiding under the mask in the first story (spoiler: it was a peasant by circumstance, not birth).
Overall I thought there was an interesting premise (but what is with these names?) but just not great execution (hah) at all. One of my most favorite parts was how this book was more romance than sex focused, something I'm beginning to appreciate when done well.
This is a collection of 3 short stories about 3 brothers, each story getting of poorer quality as you go on.
My favorite was easily the first, of Dagger, the poorest brother, as he is forced to work as a blacksmith, though his heart apparently lies in dueling. And in the mysterious Lord Tan (Prince Katan) who comes to visit him for sword repairs regularly. It's a charming story, though far too simplistic. Glossing over the exciting dueling part was especially aggravating.
The second story features the middle brother, Eppe, whose boyhood acquaintance in university (Lord Sharp) boasted the only person who'll ever win his heart must have beat him in 1000 duels. So Eppe starts to write them secretly down, hoping to win Lord Sharp's heart at the final duel. Unfortunately his love rival and also sworn enemy Mace returns in time to ruin his entire life, Eppe is disowned and now has to see if Lord Sharp even wants anything to do with a peasant.
Lastly there's the eldest brother, Saber, who has a mean temper, who ruined his previous brothers stories, and I don't care how much Derr tries to paint him in a positive light he's just a horrible person. Add on top of that that his romantic interest, Lash (secretly a Duke), uses coercion, non-consent, and is generally a bully to seduce Saber, and I have to say I'm really hating this book by now. It's also the least fleshed out story with large jumps in narrative, which annoyed me even more.
So as you can tell, everyone in this book is named after a weapon. It's really silly. On top of that there is a weird law that if your (doesn't-even-have-to-be-biological) blood relative does not acknowledge you, you lose your status as noble. It would seem the nobility would have greater empathy of the "peasants" but that's not the case at all, which is especially seen when the nobles discuss who could be hiding under the mask in the first story (spoiler: it was a peasant by circumstance, not birth).
Overall I thought there was an interesting premise (but what is with these names?) but just not great execution (hah) at all. One of my most favorite parts was how this book was more romance than sex focused, something I'm beginning to appreciate when done well.
June 27, 2017
A great trio of fairy tales where each of the brothers finds their match. What's not to love?
Main Gauche is Cinderella where instead of balls and glass slippers, there are duels and unique sword pairs. I love it because Katan wants someone who will challenge him and keep up with him, while Dagger wants to have love and respect even when he has had to work as a commoner. Excellent re-imagining.
1000 Victories tells us the story of what is happening with those duels Epee keeps having with Sharp from the first story. A long and romantic courting, this story was sweet and sharp, packed with so much sorrow and hope for such a short span. Epee was a darling, the always happy man who has worked so hard to build a life, but to question if it will all come crashing down. Sharp is so certain and yet so confused, a beautiful contradiction and a great pairing. Absolutely loved it!
The Perfect Son does what feels impossible and makes us love the impossible brother, Sabre. The heir, the right hand of his father, and the most miserable of them all, not that anyone knows. Sabre has given up everything in his life to try to satisfy his cruel and demanding father, but gets nothing in return. When a stranger at an inn gives him attention and affection that he has never received Sabre is happy, which he realizes he has never been. Learning little bits along the way of how Sabre has tried to stand up, tried to help his brothers, and what he has done present day, just melted my heart. In a way this one is the most humourous, but still has such heart.
A beautiful trio of fairy tales where everyone finds their match in love and life. Beautiful!
Main Gauche is Cinderella where instead of balls and glass slippers, there are duels and unique sword pairs. I love it because Katan wants someone who will challenge him and keep up with him, while Dagger wants to have love and respect even when he has had to work as a commoner. Excellent re-imagining.
1000 Victories tells us the story of what is happening with those duels Epee keeps having with Sharp from the first story. A long and romantic courting, this story was sweet and sharp, packed with so much sorrow and hope for such a short span. Epee was a darling, the always happy man who has worked so hard to build a life, but to question if it will all come crashing down. Sharp is so certain and yet so confused, a beautiful contradiction and a great pairing. Absolutely loved it!
The Perfect Son does what feels impossible and makes us love the impossible brother, Sabre. The heir, the right hand of his father, and the most miserable of them all, not that anyone knows. Sabre has given up everything in his life to try to satisfy his cruel and demanding father, but gets nothing in return. When a stranger at an inn gives him attention and affection that he has never received Sabre is happy, which he realizes he has never been. Learning little bits along the way of how Sabre has tried to stand up, tried to help his brothers, and what he has done present day, just melted my heart. In a way this one is the most humourous, but still has such heart.
A beautiful trio of fairy tales where everyone finds their match in love and life. Beautiful!
November 23, 2025
The first two stories were pretty sweet, and just what I had expected having read A Trilogy of Knights and Always There. The names were a bit distracting, and I didn't get more used to them as I kept on reading, but the plot was good enough for me to try to ignore it.
What I can't ignore is the romanticization of sexual assault in The Perfect Son.
Despite it being a trope I despise, I tend to be flexible in my judgment and can get behind non-verbal consent, tsunderes, dubious consent in general. But if a person is so drunk they have trouble staying upright, if they keep scowling and pushing and shouting and telling you to stop, you stop. Even Saber's internal monologue made it clear he was not in the mood and that Lash's behavior angered him, and even despite his mind being clouded by alcohol and admitting that Lash was handsome and better than being alone, not once did he mention liking Sabre's molesting, even when he finally caved in to spending the night with Lash
Truly romantic
What I can't ignore is the romanticization of sexual assault in The Perfect Son.
Despite it being a trope I despise, I tend to be flexible in my judgment and can get behind non-verbal consent, tsunderes, dubious consent in general. But if a person is so drunk they have trouble staying upright, if they keep scowling and pushing and shouting and telling you to stop, you stop. Even Saber's internal monologue made it clear he was not in the mood and that Lash's behavior angered him, and even despite his mind being clouded by alcohol and admitting that Lash was handsome and better than being alone, not once did he mention liking Sabre's molesting, even when he finally caved in to spending the night with Lash
Truly romantic
June 30, 2022
A Dagger By Any Other Name
Three tales of dueling, dashing, daring do, as sword work is the definition of nobility in this verse.
Dagger was deprived of his ancestral home, when his mother left it to her second husband. Not being entailed, his stepfather could and did disown him.
Epee may be a younger son, but he has ambitions to be his own man. Until an old adversary returns and sets out spoil the competition, once and for all.
Sabre has been the perfect son of a disagreeable father. But when no one seeks him out to remember his name day, he takes stock of his life.
These stories need Little Moments to round them out, but collecting them together was a great first step.
Three tales of dueling, dashing, daring do, as sword work is the definition of nobility in this verse.
Dagger was deprived of his ancestral home, when his mother left it to her second husband. Not being entailed, his stepfather could and did disown him.
Epee may be a younger son, but he has ambitions to be his own man. Until an old adversary returns and sets out spoil the competition, once and for all.
Sabre has been the perfect son of a disagreeable father. But when no one seeks him out to remember his name day, he takes stock of his life.
These stories need Little Moments to round them out, but collecting them together was a great first step.
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