maeclair's review
5.0
One of the best fantasy novels I have read in ages, The Prince’s Man combines court intrigue, nefarious plots, and dazzling realms. Rustam (Rusty) Chalice is a debonair dance master who lives a double life as a spy in the service of his prince, while also frequenting the beds of highborn ladies.
His life takes a turn when he is forced to team with Dart, the court’s royal assassin—a woman—with the goal of transporting a sickly elf across hostile, mountainous territory. Through the arduous journey, all three characters undergo brutal transformations and evolve as they are tested time and again, forced to rely on one another. At the same time, threats to the throne involve a traitorous noble, an illegitimate heir, and a diabolical torturer. There are layers upon layers of plot, all woven neatly together for a satisfying conclusion in this first book of what promises to be a stellar trilogy.
I was smitten with all three of the lead characters, especially Rustam who undergoes the most compelling transformation of all. You can’t read this book and not be caught up in the lives of Jay’s rakish spy, Risada, Elwaes and so many others. Even the secondary characters are fleshed out and vibrantly written. We meet so many along the journey, yet each leaves a distinctive mark.
The writing is exquisite, layered with beautifully detailed descriptions of enthralling realms, fantastical creatures, and breathless adventure. Every bit as riveting are the cloak-and-dagger machinations of several royal houses and the cruel manipulations of power-hungry men who seek the throne. From the moment I opened the first pages, I was sucked into the author’s expertly crafted world of intrigue and danger. A truly engaging story. Although book one delivers a wrap to the story as presented, I look forward to continuing for the full scope in books two and three. Highly recommended!
His life takes a turn when he is forced to team with Dart, the court’s royal assassin—a woman—with the goal of transporting a sickly elf across hostile, mountainous territory. Through the arduous journey, all three characters undergo brutal transformations and evolve as they are tested time and again, forced to rely on one another. At the same time, threats to the throne involve a traitorous noble, an illegitimate heir, and a diabolical torturer. There are layers upon layers of plot, all woven neatly together for a satisfying conclusion in this first book of what promises to be a stellar trilogy.
I was smitten with all three of the lead characters, especially Rustam who undergoes the most compelling transformation of all. You can’t read this book and not be caught up in the lives of Jay’s rakish spy, Risada, Elwaes and so many others. Even the secondary characters are fleshed out and vibrantly written. We meet so many along the journey, yet each leaves a distinctive mark.
The writing is exquisite, layered with beautifully detailed descriptions of enthralling realms, fantastical creatures, and breathless adventure. Every bit as riveting are the cloak-and-dagger machinations of several royal houses and the cruel manipulations of power-hungry men who seek the throne. From the moment I opened the first pages, I was sucked into the author’s expertly crafted world of intrigue and danger. A truly engaging story. Although book one delivers a wrap to the story as presented, I look forward to continuing for the full scope in books two and three. Highly recommended!
ksmarsden's review
5.0
Tyr-en is one of the Five Kingdoms, and prides itself on being the most educated and civilised. But even in a country run by noble Families (all ranked by land and wealth), not everybody is acting honestly.
The closest relative to King Marten, Prince Halnashead, is in charge of security and recruits those best at playing the game of subterfuge. Two of his best agents are Charmer and Dart must work together to discover who is behind a plot to usurp the throne.
Rustam, also known as Charmer (no further explanation needed) is a talented dancer, who is confident in himself and in his unswerving loyalty to Halnashead and Marten. He never feels out of his depth, and his only real worry is making sure his appearance remains perfect.
Risada, our assassin Dart, is on the surface a respectable lady of the Second house. She keeps herself distant from the rest of the nobles, hardened by a constant fear and worry for her younger brother, and a desire to finally find her parents' killer.
The story initially revolves around the splendour of the noble houses, where the game is much more subtle, while they hone in on their suspects. But when they find things are on a bigger scale than they could have imagined, they suddenly finding themselves in the wilderness as they try to both escape their enemy and find new allies.
Jay paints a vivid world, that we are treated to in this dangerous adventure that tests our heroes to every limit. Including having them question everything they had ever taken for granted.
Rustam's trials and changes are most clearly portrayed. He was a very effective spy, but he develops some very useful extra skills, as well as throwing off the shallow persona and actually taking time to think about the world around him.
Risada stays true to herself, and to her friends the whole way through, but it is clear that the adventure has also opened her mind to possibilities she never considered.
I loved all the extra characters that were around, either in the background, or just coming forward for a chapter or two. They were all convincingly strong and well-written.
Princess Annasala; Betha; Leith - Jay has a knack for writing strong female characters.
And of course, we can't forget Nightstalker!
There were a couple of niggles I had with reading this story that stopped the flow a little. I found the section in the mountains, and the repeated troll problem a little long; I just wanted them to get to Kishtan.
Also I found it unclear how old Lord Melcard was, he kept being described as a handsome man, with dark features, always very reserved etc. I got the feeling that he was slightly older than Rustam and Marten etc. But then there was the reveal that the elf had been captive for possibly 30 years or more, which would make him twice that if he had been the one to do the capturing.
There was also a small issue with the format of the text. Whenever an Italic thought was used, the font of the whole paragraph was larger. I thought my eyes were playing tricks at first.
But overall, a bloody good read, with adventure and plenty of amusing turns. I can't wait for the next in the series!
The closest relative to King Marten, Prince Halnashead, is in charge of security and recruits those best at playing the game of subterfuge. Two of his best agents are Charmer and Dart must work together to discover who is behind a plot to usurp the throne.
Rustam, also known as Charmer (no further explanation needed) is a talented dancer, who is confident in himself and in his unswerving loyalty to Halnashead and Marten. He never feels out of his depth, and his only real worry is making sure his appearance remains perfect.
Risada, our assassin Dart, is on the surface a respectable lady of the Second house. She keeps herself distant from the rest of the nobles, hardened by a constant fear and worry for her younger brother, and a desire to finally find her parents' killer.
The story initially revolves around the splendour of the noble houses, where the game is much more subtle, while they hone in on their suspects. But when they find things are on a bigger scale than they could have imagined, they suddenly finding themselves in the wilderness as they try to both escape their enemy and find new allies.
Jay paints a vivid world, that we are treated to in this dangerous adventure that tests our heroes to every limit. Including having them question everything they had ever taken for granted.
Rustam's trials and changes are most clearly portrayed. He was a very effective spy, but he develops some very useful extra skills, as well as throwing off the shallow persona and actually taking time to think about the world around him.
Risada stays true to herself, and to her friends the whole way through, but it is clear that the adventure has also opened her mind to possibilities she never considered.
I loved all the extra characters that were around, either in the background, or just coming forward for a chapter or two. They were all convincingly strong and well-written.
Princess Annasala; Betha; Leith - Jay has a knack for writing strong female characters.
And of course, we can't forget Nightstalker!
There were a couple of niggles I had with reading this story that stopped the flow a little. I found the section in the mountains, and the repeated troll problem a little long; I just wanted them to get to Kishtan.
Also I found it unclear how old Lord Melcard was, he kept being described as a handsome man, with dark features, always very reserved etc. I got the feeling that he was slightly older than Rustam and Marten etc. But then there was the reveal that the elf had been captive for possibly 30 years or more, which would make him twice that if he had been the one to do the capturing.
There was also a small issue with the format of the text. Whenever an Italic thought was used, the font of the whole paragraph was larger. I thought my eyes were playing tricks at first.
But overall, a bloody good read, with adventure and plenty of amusing turns. I can't wait for the next in the series!
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