The Honor of Duty

De: A. R. Rend

Narrado por: Andrea Parsneau

Phillip had spent his life living by his mother’s code of honor. One she had instilled in not just him, but her household staff, her soldiers under her command as a general, and all his siblings.

One that called to the familial bonds and the importance of putting those above all else. Second only to the land and the crown.

If he was being honest with himself, Phillip valued that code of honor. It was something the Curis family was known for. An honorable military family led by a Duchess, Phillip’s grandmother.

That code, the honor of duty, is about to be tested in Phillip.

He and it will be put through the forge of conflict and forced to become either hardened, or terribly brittle.

On the day of his formal marriage agreement, Phillip’s family is called to war.

What would have been a celebration now turns to a swift goodbye as his family rolls into action. Sharpening swords, mending armor, and readying horses to fight for the queen.

Being sent off quickly as there was no time to waste.

Now Phillip will need to adapt to his new in-laws and family members, a mercantile family of great worth but no noble standing. Their marriage to him will rise them up to the lowest strata of the nobility, but still nobility.

At the same time, Phillip will have to navigate through the murky political waters of the new city he’ll now call home. As well as fight to carve out a role for himself that fits his desire.

All while hopefully growing to understand his wife - whom he had only just met. A young woman his own age named Alice.

Cunning and bright, she’s nearly ready to take over the family mercantile business as a whole.

Armed with his intelligence, his uncanny ability to read people, and his stubborn nature, Phillip has to become his own man, and define how his code will fit in his new life.

Regardless of what anyone else wants of him.

Warning and minor spoiler: This novel contains graphic violence, undefined relationships/harem, and unconventional opinions/beliefs.

©2020 A. R. Rend (P)2021 A. R. Rend

Honestly, better than I was expecting.

As far as I can tell, the bulk of negative reviews seem to stem from a betrayal of expectations, so hopefully a quick breakdown will help. The story takes place in what I'd guess to be an alternate reality, pre-industrial europe. Basically, expected gender roles have been swapped completely. Women in this world are physically larger and stronger than men and do most jobs, while men usually are responsible for taking care of the home.
The main character, after being pushed into a political marriage, hopes to at least be of use to his new family. Being physically weak, his only tools are a sharp, intuitive mind and his apparently freakishly handsome face.
It should be said that there is very little action in this story, The thing is, I found myself more interested in the realtionships between characters anyway. It took an hour or so before I warmed up to anyone, but from then on the story went by in a flash.
Long story short, if you think you'll enjoy a book from this author that barely contains any fighting, you'll probably have fun.

excellent, refreshing

This book was great and a refreshing take in gender roles. I can't wait for the rest of the series.

wishing for more

different take on gender rolls but a good story and enjoyed it making me want more.

Cliff hanger

Please finish the series. I read it first when the book first came out. Having it performed made feel like I'm not just hearing the story but watching and enjoying it mentally.

Seriously Surprising Book With Evolving Emotions

This Book is definitely not your average Fantasy Story. Our MC is young and vulnerable to his changing circumstances. But yet he is strong and capable of thriving in unbearable and treacherous situations. His goals are simple but extremely important to the overall story. I was very impressed with this whole Book. We all were along for the ride as a young fledgling personality was molded by his life circumstances into a totally different but still very strong individual. I was unable to stop listening.