Family of Lies: Sebastian

Title: Family of Lies: Sebastian

Author: Sam Argent

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-63216-681-4

Genre: {M/M} Fantasy

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Sebastian Orwell doesn’t want to have anything to do with wounded Crown Prince Turren, who he finds in the woods. So to keep from getting involved, he uses his magical ability to heal him as much as possible and leaves him in the safety of a city tavern. The prince won’t let the good deed go, leaving Sebastian to deal with unwanted affection and assassination attempts that won’t stop.

Sebastian and his father have an odd relationship but that doesn’t mean Sebastian wants him to get in trouble unnecessarily. Finding the truth is difficult when he can’t get rid of a love-addled prince, who won’t take no for an answer. With assassins trying to kill Turren, it’s an added job to keep the prince alive. Making the situation worse is keeping the secret that he has magical ability—as well the reason behind why he wears a hood and never shows his face.

Family of Lies: Sebastian is the first release by Sam Argent as far as I can discover. Let me say right off that I enjoyed this book. While it’s not a roller coaster ride, the pace is even and I didn’t find that it had any place where it dragged. Overall, I found it fun, engaging and the world building is creative and filled with interesting details that brought the plot to life.

Yes, it’s long but that’s okay with me because there’s so much that I liked. It’s filled with adventure, action, betrayal, miscommunication and fun, snappy dialogue that made me smile. I loved all the magic and spells and that Sebastian’s family is filled with so many unique but difficult individuals. Then there’s Turren. He’s a quirky guy, who knows what he wants—snarky Sebastian—and he refuses to give up on his quest for true love. And all this happens in the middle of lies, assassination attempts and family intrigue mixed with some seriously dangerous villains. I really want a sequel to this well crafted story, so take the hint Ms. Argent and start writing.