Genre: Fantasy
LGBTQ+ Category: Bi, Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Lornyc is good at keeping secrets, because secrets can get you killed.
Lornyc’s forbidden relationship with Methian, heir to Xenetra, has caused him enough grief. Ripped from his life as a student to fulfil a magical contract as punishment for his family’s past, he now has to play valet to Methian for ten years. It’ll be hell on their already strained relationship.
And with his city of Katraman under attack, Lornyc needs to connect to the powers he’s been hiding. If he can’t master his powers and find the leader of the plot, he could lose everything he knows and loves: his family, his future as High Lord, and Methian.
Trigger warning: mind control, attempted assault
Previously published, this second edition has been edited and reworked for release.
The Review
I’m always cautious about reading fantasy and magic because it’s not my usual genre. I was pleasantly surprised with “Servitude,” the first novel of the “Reagalos” series, and the first time I’ve read something by Rebecca Cohen. I’m sharing some highlights to this novel as there’s so much to absorb.
There’s an old saying, “the son pays for the sins of the father” but in this case, it’s the grandson who pays. But were they really sins, pranks, or lesson to be learned? Just what was Romanos up too?
Lornyc Reagalos is a brilliant young man who holds a power that no one in the current Reagalos family does. HIs grandfather, Romanos, seemed to know that Lornyc would be “the one” with powers stronger than his. Unfortunately, his dear grandfather committed a sin, ay least according to the others. Romanos, now passed, and contracts laced in magic, place poor Lornyc in some very sticky situations.
One of the conditions is that Lornyc has to become servant to Methian Hardal for ten years. Unbeknownst to the battling families of Reagalos and Hardal, Lornyc and Methian have been secretly seeing each other for a couple of years.
Lornycs father, High Lord of Katraman, Tancorix, has a dilemma. He’s trying desperately to keep a secret about Lornyc. They are up against some suspicious goings on with his Konsultariate, who are supposed to be loyal, but betrayal abounds. Knowing he will be the next High Lord, this sets things in motion that young Lornyc is barely prepared to take on.
Along with being the High Lord, Lornyc already has some magical abilities with secret portals and orbs, but he is in need of some serious training. His Father calls upon mage Kat Warrenger, who’s an old friend to Romanos, to train and hone Lornycs’ powers.
Rebecca Cohen does some amazing world-building, along with creating many colorful characters. The novel is well written, and the fast pace flows smoothly, a heady a mix of magic, orbs, science, secret portals, conspiracy, betrayal, politics, adventure and danger.
I really liked Lornyc. He’s smart, loves to read and doesn’t enjoy all the pomp that comes with his position. Methian is his opposite. He has that pompous rich boy attitude, a reputation to go along with it, and likes attention. He always has Lornyc on edge with jealousy. Their relationship can be fragile at times, but the love they share is a magic in itself.
Lornyc’s siblings are certainly interesting too. His sister Villa is a doctor, and she is protective of those she loves and dangerous to those out to harm her family. There’s also two. Tilas owns a club, and has no problem going along with Villa. And Anthon has a secret of his own. But both they have a great love for and loyalty to Lornyc.
My favorite character is mage Kat Warrenger – he’s snarky, funny and doesn’t care that he shows up at the most inappropriate times.
I highly recommend “Servitude” for those who like magic and excitement! I was very entertained by the “Reagalos” series so far and can’t wait to see where book two “Idolatry” takes Lornyc and Methian!
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.