His Whipping Boy

By: J.A. Jaken

Narrated by: Dan Calley

Length: 1 hr and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Cedric de Breos was an average son from an average farmer’s family before he was chosen—by royal decree—to befriend Alain Tomolia, the solemn and enigmatic crown prince of Dunn. As Cedric dutifully pursues their strange friendship, he begins to suspect that Alain is haunted by a dark secret, one which has its roots sunk deep in the crown prince’s past.

Cedric’s situation is complicated by the gradual realization that his intended purpose is not only to serve as a companion to the crown prince, but also as his surrogate in the whipping yard, taking the punishment for Alain’s misdeeds. Will Cedric find a way to come to terms with the resentment, pity, curiosity, and reluctant attraction he feels toward the crown prince, or will he allow the circumstances around them to command their fate?

©2019, 2023 J.A. Jaken (P)2023 J.A. Jaken

Interesting

I usually do not listen to books that are so shoe because it always leaves me wanting more. This book was no exception. i liked the characters and the story was very goos but I wanted more. I did not hate the narrator but I did not love him either and found. myself drifting in and out of the story and has to listen to it twice. Overall a well written story

Enjoyed It a Lot

I liked this story, short and sweet, so well written if unfolds with perfect pacing and captivated me from the fist words. The world Cedric and Alain live in is both magical and dark in some ways. I loved following their character development from the moment Cedric learns what his role is and meets Alain. Narrator did a good job telling this story. Overall this was a very enjoyable listening experience.

An intriguing story

It’s an interesting short piece that makes me wish it was elaborated on and expanded. For the lenght it is it quite packed with both character and world-building and it does end on a hopeful note for the future of the two boys, a HFN.

I am not sure exactly how old the two teenage characters are (did I miss a mention?) but perhaps a younger sounding narrator would fit the story better. Dan Calley does have a nice voice though and there isa a sort of a fairy tale vibe to the way he narrates this story.

Loved it!

I was impressed with the richness of this author’s writing style. Dan Calley’s narration was perfect. This short story evoked a deep hate and then deep empathy and by the time their story ended I was pulled deep into it and wanted to hear more.
Definitely a must!

A Sweet Love

Cedric and Alian are two boys from different backgrounds brought together by a forced friendship where love and understanding grow.

This book was short and sweet. The narrator did an awesome job capturing the tone of the book.

Enjoyable Novella

Cedric is purchased to be Alaines companion. Part of that means when Alaine is to be punished Cedric takes that punishment. Alaine is a tragic character. Cedric is very compassionate (maybe too much) Narration was great. It ends as an HFN, though at the ending I felt like it could go either way. Would have enjoyed it a little longer.