Reforged

I really wanted to like this but I was underwhelmed. I feel like the book was written from the wrong perspective, and needed help with pacing, characterisation, plot, world building, etc. In short, it was in desperate need of a developmental editor. There were a few decent scenes, but they were few and far between. Overall, i was super bored and confused. It was just very disappointing as I've been waiting on this book to come out for the better part of a year.

I wanted to love this book as the summary was pretty interesting and it seemed to have a lot of things that I usually like in a story. However, my feelings were pretty mixed and generally bordering on the negative.

I'm not sure if it was the mood I was on or just maybe this book wasn't really just for me.

Things that I liked:

a. Magic system and the lore behind it - I think the concept and the execution of the powers of the paladins as well as the royal family was cool and intriguing. I'd have loved if it was explored more. Though there was explanation and a bit of information provided about the creatures whose remains they use, it would have been nice to have learned more about them.

b. Tender moments between Zavrius and Balen.

c. Lance and Mallet - the sensible characters!

d. Balen's loyalty

e. Zavrius' musical talent being his own weapon and magic.

Things that annoyed me:

a. Balen and Zavrius' constant bickering and the tension for almost half of the book really got on my nerves. Somehow the times they clashed really didn't add to the story nor their character development. It felt petty and rather shallow at times.

b. The lack of communication between the two as King and Protector. How would your protector be able to do his job properly if you won't even talk to him or give the information required to keep one safe?

c. I get that both characters are young and rather new to their positions, but the number of decisions the two of them make that just didn't make sense was infuriating to read.

d. Balen's constant anger and flaring temper really bothered me.

The plot was interesting in general and the pacing was alright but there were just a number of details that didn't make sense and the main characters are so hard to like. There were some parts of the politics and intrigue that were interesting but most of them fell flat.

If you're looking for a fantasy story with a second-chance romance with a bit politics and action, then Reforged by Seth Haddon might be for you.

This would be 3 stars out of 5 stars for me.

I bought this book after reading -- and loving -- Alexandra Rowland's "A Taste of Gold and Iron," a gay romance in a fantasy setting between a prince and his bodyguard. "Reforged" is another gay romance in a fantasy setting, this time between a bodyguard and the king. I liked the premise of two former lovers being thrown back together under trying circumstances. Yet where "A Taste of Gold and Iron" had delighted me, this failed to do so. The writing and the characters never drew me in. I didn't find the paladins convincing as an elite fighting force. And, more generally, I found the set-up unpersuasive e.g. servants are few and far between, even when the king is home at his palace. I just wasn't the right reader for this. Onward!

2.5 out of five reforged stars.

About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).

Compelling story, exciting narrative, juicy romance and wonderfully fantastic world plot. I love this story so much, it's ridiculous. If you enjoy fantasy and a M/M love story, you'll love this story.

I struggled first starting this book, getting my head back into long chapters and keeping many names and details in order, but after the first few chapters I was completely hooked and fell in love with this book.

Backstory, world building, and attention to detail were nearly outstanding and helped pull me into the story and feel rushes of adrenaline and emotion in ways that I haven’t experienced in fantasy for a long time. There is a good amount of suspense, combat, and mystery, that combine to make a fantastic adventure that is magical yet down to earth with realistic and universal journeys for the characters.

I especially loved the unyielding loyalty and protective nature of Balen, the playfulness and deep affection of Zavrius, and the brotherly love between twins Lance and Mallet. There is heartfelt exploration of what it means to be family and support and care about one another, and particularly an unconditional sense of found family bonds among Balen, Zavrius, Lance, and Mallet.

The family strife Zavrius faces and the preconceived judgement and lack of acceptance from his people was similar to the turmoils and hardships many queer people still face today, and it was carefully written in a way that reflected this world and our own.

Romance and love story? Brilliant. Pining, mutual desire, supremely satisfying slow burn, electrically charged and breathless spicy scenes, all present and some of the best I’ve read. It’s the smaller, intimate moments of genuine and warm affection between Balen and Zavrius that I loved the most, their selflessness toward each other, communication and banter, and their touches and kisses infuse their story with so much tenderness that is often not found in fantasies or romance.

I highly recommend this one if you can’t tell yet, it’s an intelligent and skillfully written fantasy romance I’m happy to have read and will definitely want to return to.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.