Royal Bastards By Andrew Shvarts - Restarting July 13th 2021

[Abi]

Being a bastard blows. Tilla would know. Her father, Lord Kent of the Western Province, loved her as a child, but cast her aside as soon as he had trueborn children.

At sixteen, Tilla spends her days exploring long-forgotten tunnels beneath the castle with her stablehand half brother, Jax, and her nights drinking with the servants, passing out on Jax’s floor while her castle bedroom collects dust. Tilla secretly longs to sit by her father’s side, resplendent in a sparkling gown, enjoying feasts with the rest of the family. Instead, she sits with the other bastards, like Miles of House Hampstedt, an awkward scholar who’s been in love with Tilla since they were children.

Then, at a feast honoring the visiting princess Lyriana, the royal shocks everyone by choosing to sit at the Bastards’ Table. Before she knows it, Tilla is leading the sheltered princess on a late-night escapade. Along with Jax, Miles, and fellow bastard Zell, a Zitochi warrior from the north, they stumble upon a crime they were never meant to witness.

Rebellion is brewing in the west, and a brutal coup leaves Lyriana’s uncle, the Royal Archmagus, dead—with Lyriana next on the list. The group flees for their lives, relentlessly pursued by murderous mercenaries; their own parents have put a price on their heads to prevent the king and his powerful Royal Mages from discovering their treachery.

The bastards band together, realizing they alone have the power to prevent a civil war that will tear their kingdom apart—if they can warn the king in time. And if they can survive the journey

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

5% (view spoiler)[This is just the kind of book that I love! I was sucked into this story immediately.

Jax seems to really care for his half sister, Tilla. I wouldn't say that he is jealous, but he feels strongly about the fact that Tilla has to act like a royal, but it never treated like one since she is the Lord's bastard child.

When Tilla found her father in her room, she was very surprised. He seemed to say a lot and nothing all at once. He seemed to care for her without saying so. I liked learning the back history in the story he told her. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

12% (view spoiler)[I think that Zell is an interesting character. He seems very intimidating, but very bound by honor. Miles is a cross between adorable and highly annoying. The princess was nice, but seemed very out of her element sitting with the bastard table.

It is refreshing to find a fantasy book with a nice dose of humor. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

25% (view spoiler)[The situation on the beach that the five teens witness is pretty hardcore. I just could not stop reading. Now after almost dying, the five of them are on the run from three of their parents with Zell's sociopath brother and his men hunting them.

Finding out that Lyriana is a mage was quite the surprise. She was fairly annoying at first, but she is growing on me. I'm not certain, but Miles seems like the type to try and betray the others to be able to go back to his mother. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

34% (view spoiler)[I feel really bad for Jax and Tilla because of the outcome with their childhood friends. I had a feeling that was going to happen with the way that they were acting. And boy, have I got a huge crush on Zell! He can save me any day. =P

Finding the Whisper regarding their order of execution has seemed to baffle Miles, and dash Tilla's dreams of ever having her father's love. I would be so conflicted if I were her. On the one hand, her father squashed the opressors from their ancestors past, but her father also tried to murder an innocent girl, her brother, friends, and herself. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

40% (view spoiler)[Learning about Lyriana and the Sisterhood of Kaia makes me want to know more. Especially since it is so controversial. I wonder if it will come into play more in the story, since their order aren't sworn to the king. Hearing her story about how she chose that order of magic was really touching.

The graphic scene with the burned cabin was so heart wrenching. (hide spoiler)]

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

Vanessa wrote: "5% This is just the kind of book that I love! I was sucked into this story immediately.

Jax seems to really care for his half sister, Tilla. I wouldn't say that he is jealous, but he feels strong..."

I completely agree about the father. :)

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

Vanessa wrote: "12% I think that Zell is an interesting character. He seems very intimidating, but very bound by honor. Miles is a cross between adorable and highly annoying. The princess was nice, but seemed very..."

I agree that is was really funny. But at the same time I think some of the language might offend a younger audience. This might be a little more NA than YA. :)

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

Vanessa wrote: "25% The situation on the beach that the five teens witness is pretty hardcore. I just could not stop reading. Now after almost dying, the five of them are on the run from three of their parents wit..."

(view spoiler)[The situation on the beach that the five teens witness is pretty hardcore. (I completely agree. Hence my comment about this being a bit more NA than YA.) I just could not stop reading. Now after almost dying, the five of them are on the run from three of their parents with Zell's sociopath brother and his men hunting them.

Finding out that Lyriana is a mage was quite the surprise. She was fairly annoying at first, but she is growing on me. (My sentiments exactly! )I'm not certain, but Miles seems like the type to try and betray the others to be able to go back to his mother. (You were pretty spot on!! O.o) (hide spoiler)]

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

Vanessa wrote: "34% I feel really bad for Jax and Tilla because of the outcome with their childhood friends. I had a feeling that was going to happen with the way that they were acting. And boy, have I got a huge ..."

(view spoiler)[I feel really bad for Jax and Tilla because of the outcome with their childhood friends. I had a feeling that was going to happen with the way that they were acting. (I agree. There was definitely something off. The fact that the boys tried to kill them either out of loyalty to the lord or money is really sad. The fact that Till had to kill the first boy she kissed is especially sad.) And boy, have I got a huge crush on Zell! He can save me any day. (hide spoiler)]

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

Vanessa wrote: "40% Learning about Lyriana and the Sisterhood of Kaia makes me want to know more. Especially since it is so controversial. I wonder if it will come into play more in the story, since their order ar..."

(view spoiler)[I was also intrigued a by the sisterhood and how Lyriana was drawn to it. :) (hide spoiler)]

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

Review:(view spoiler)[So this was a really interesting read. I did not see some of the twists that happened!

I hate Miles for his betrayal! I can see where he was coming from but still it was horrible of him and got Jax killed!

I was very happy that the author wrote the characters so realistically. The fact that Tilla was confused most of the book about her feelings for her father and how she really wanted to love him and have him love her but it didn't work out. How she wanted to be a legitimate member of the family but wasn't able to.

I also liked how all the characters changed. All except Miles of course. They all became stronger, and closer.

I also like Zell and Tilla. I think they will make a really cute couple.

I really hope this is not a standalone as it doesn't feel like it should be. If it is the ending sucked. Too many things left unsaid, undone. I'm really hoping for another! :D (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

52% (view spoiler)[I thought that it was beautiful how the five of them worked together to bury the family and care for the girl.

I really love that Tilla asked Zell to help her learn to fight. It shows that she is stronger than she seems.

The creatures in the cave sounded horrific! I hate spiders and crabs and the image of a spider/crab hybrid monster really bothered me. =P

I assume that Lyriana won't perish because of the bite she received. Otherwise there probably wouldn't be much of a story, but I don't know what to anticipate next. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Bookbuyer wrote: "Vanessa wrote: "12% I think that Zell is an interesting character. He seems very intimidating, but very bound by honor. Miles is a cross between adorable and highly annoying. The princess was nice,..."

I kind of felt the same. The language was more for older young adults. I also felt that the language was very modern for a fantasy book.

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Fisnished! (view spoiler)[MY REVIEW:

I didn't really have any expectations going into this book, so I was thrilled when I finished this book and felt such awe. Initially the title appealed to me, and then I read the synopsis and though, "Hmm...that sounds pretty damn awesome." It was wholly justified!

The character development in this book is the best! The best thing about it, is that it is realistic. The main character, Tilla, is a badass girl, but in a totally realistic way. She isn't a lost princess, an assassin, a magic wielder, or a "chosen one". Her power lies in her heart. In her ability to do what is right and push herself to keep her friends safe. To learn what she must and practice every day learning how to defend herself. Even the fight scenes were written in a realistic way, depicting how ungraceful she was in a fight, even if she got the job done. I just loved that about her. The character development doesn't stop there. There is a special bond formed between the group of teenagers in the story. They are being hunted after seeing something that the shouldn't have, and being on the run brings them closer.

The world building is very nice as well. The story takes place in an elaborate kingdom with a bloody past. Some of that past is unearthed as the story goes along. I think that there could have been more information about the Titans and the Old Kings. More about the distant past. Sadly, I think that this is a stand alone book, and it would have made an epic series.

The plot is very solid. I just loved it! Parts of it were somewhat predictable, but there were some parts that I didn't see coming at all. The plot flowed very nicely. I breezed through this book. I just could not stop reading!

The only thing that I could critique about this book would be the language. This is a fantasy book set in a fantasy world, yet the characters talked like modern teenagers. That didn't go over well with me. At times it almost felt contemporary because of the language used by the characters. It certainly didn't take away from the story, but it is something that bothered me while I was reading.

Overall, wow, this is just a fantastic book! My rating of 4 stars is based on my previous critique, and the fact that this is a stand alone. This has so much more potential. It could really shine bright as a series. The ending was kind of left open for something more. I think that if made into a series there could have been more room for tiny details and an extended plot. I recommend this book tenfold, though I would recommend it for an older young adult audience. There were quite a few adult themed jokes and talk that seemed too much for a younger audience. This book will not disappoint!

MORE THOUGHTS:

@Bookbuyer - I absolutely agree with you about the realistic characters. I was overjoyed with the characters.

I really, really, really love Tilla and Zell as a couple! OMG, I am so fangirling over them. =D I sensed that Lyriana cared for Jax and vice versa. I am so upset when Jax was killed.

I really wish that this had been a series instead of a stand alone. I hope that the author chooses to continue this story. I would be all over it! =P (hide spoiler)]

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

Vanessa wrote: "Fisnished! MY REVIEW:

I didn't really have any expectations going into this book, so I was thrilled when I finished this book and felt such awe. Initially the title appealed to me, and then I read..."

There HAS to be a sequel of some kind. There HAS TO BE! I can't have it finish like that.

:(

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Bookbuyer wrote: "Vanessa wrote: "Fisnished! MY REVIEW:

I didn't really have any expectations going into this book, so I was thrilled when I finished this book and felt such awe. Initially the title appealed to me,..."

I agree. When I finished, I wanted MORE! I need to know what happens to Miles and Tilla's father. I need to know what happens to Tilla and Zell. I just need more. =P

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date Changed. Restarting December 10th 2017. Happy Reading ☺

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[Alaina]

Chapter 1-6: (view spoiler)[Wow this is so good so far! I don't know how I just put it down but I obviously have to write a comment. Okay, I'm in love with Tilla! I have no idea if I'm supposed to ship her with anyone yet but god damn is she a bad ass. Actually all of the bastards are bad asses - except for Miles. Maybe he will learn how to become one. Maybe. Also, what the hell is with all of this god damn betrayal??! IT'S ONLY CHAPTER 6 GUYS! I can count on two hands how many people have been betrayed. God damn. Things are intense. I need more! (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Chapters 7-12: (view spoiler)[I can't believe that there parents ordered a kill order on them. Or that their supposed friends tried to kill them. Thank god Zell was there because he killed both of the brothers, who were friends to Jax and Tilla. I feel really bad for them too because they were betrayed again but by friends instead of family - but then again by their family because of the god damn kill order. Also, I'm freaking shipping the hell out of Zell and Tilla. PLEASE GET TOGETHER!! (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Chapter 13-18: (view spoiler)[Well things have gotten worse for these bastards. The princess is basically dying from the poison and Razz shows up to the bar that the group is at. I mean, they are disguised but I wonder how this whole thing is going to play out.. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Chapter 19-24: (view spoiler)[YAY THEY ARE ALL SAFE! woohoo I hope nothing goes wrong and I'm also still shipping the fuck out of Zell and Tilla!!! I wonder if the plan to fight for the right side of the war is going to work or if it's all going to backfire on them? (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Chapter 25-30, aka..
Finished: (view spoiler)[WHAT AN ENDING! Okay, Tilla is a fucking badass and I'm beyond thrilled that Zell is never going to leave her side, EVER AGAIN. I'm swooning guys because I just love those two. They are so freaking adorable! Then Lyriana becoming a princess mage bastard because she broke her vow was cute - I feel so bad for her though because of JAX. and omg I'm probably going to be sad for the rest of the night because of his death. Now I will patiently wait for Tilla's dad to die and for Miles death too. REVENGE guys - that is what I want! (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

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Date changed. Restarting June 5th 2021. Happy Reading ☺

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[Krystal]

A little bit in (view spoiler)[ I like the idea of the main character being a "bastart" and the struggle to decide what she wants. (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

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Date changed. Restarting July 13th 2021. Happy Reading ☺

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[Aly]

Ch 1-9 (view spoiler)[ I feel so bad for Lyriana. Her uncle is brutally killed right in front of her and now she's being hunted. I hope Tilla keeps having compassion for her.

All the kids are in a bad position now, maybe they can get back to the king for help? (hide spoiler)]

[Krystal]

I'll get this started tomorrow. I'm a bit behind.

[Aly]

No worries!

[Aly]

Ch 10-16 (view spoiler)[ I feel bad that Tilla didn't know she was supposed to marry Miles. It seems like she and Zell will be together instead.
I'm kind of surprised that Jax's friends turned on him so quickly. Clearly they can't trust anyone. (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Ch 17-23 (view spoiler)[ I don't think they're safe and I'm worried the mages won't be warned in time. But I am glad they have a short respite for now and I like that Tilla and Zell are getting closer (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Ch 24-End (view spoiler)[ I did not think Jax would die! I don't like that, so sad :(
I am glad Tilla got out okay, but with her dad still out there, I'm sure he'll continue to be a problem.

I was also very surprised that Miles turned on them. He's a good actor because I didn't think he was capable of that. (hide spoiler)]