-
Bonds of Brass
- The Bloodright Trilogy, Book 1
- Narrated by: James Fouhey
- Series: The Bloodright Trilogy, Book 1
- Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins
- Categories: LGBTQ+, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Audible Premium Plus
$14.95 a month
Buy for $28.00
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
The Fell of Dark
- By: Caleb Roehrig
- Narrated by: Michael Crouch, Jennifer Van Dyck
- Length: 12 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The only thing August Pfeiffer hates more than algebra is living in a vampire town. Located at a nexus of mystical energy fields, Fulton Heights is practically an electromagnet for supernatural drama. And when a mysterious (and annoyingly hot) vampire boy arrives with a cryptic warning, Auggie suddenly finds himself at the center of it. An ancient and terrible power is returning to the earthly realm, and somehow Auggie seems to be the only one who can stop it.
-
-
Surprisingly original, well written.
- By Yarden on 02-12-21
By: Caleb Roehrig
-
The Fascinators
- By: Andrew Eliopulos
- Narrated by: Michael Crouch
- Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Living in a small town where magic is frowned upon, Sam needs his friends James and Delia - and their time together in their school's magic club - to see him through to graduation. But as soon as senior year starts, little cracks in their group begin to show. Sam may or may not be in love with James. Delia is growing more frustrated with their amateur magic club. And James reveals that he got mixed up with some sketchy magickers over the summer, putting a target on all their backs.
-
-
So so
- By Davides on 07-25-20
By: Andrew Eliopulos
-
Boyfriend Material
- By: Alexis Hall
- Narrated by: Joe Jameson
- Length: 13 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Luc O'Donnell is tangentially - and reluctantly - famous. His rock-star parents split when he was young, and the father he's never met spent the next 20 years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad's making a comeback, Luc's back in the public eye, and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything. To clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice normal relationship...and Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come. He's a barrister, an ethical vegetarian, and someone who has never inspired a moment of scandal in his life. He’s perfect boyfriend material.
-
-
The right material!
- By Cranky Reader on 07-08-20
By: Alexis Hall
-
The Extraordinaries
- By: TJ Klune
- Narrated by: Michael Lesley
- Length: 13 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nick Bell? Not extraordinary. But being the most popular fan-fiction writer in the Extraordinaries fandom is a superpower, right? After a chance encounter with Shadow Star, Nova City’s mightiest hero (and Nick’s biggest crush), Nick sets out to make himself extraordinary. And he’ll do it with or without the reluctant help of Seth Gray, Nick's best friend (and maybe the love of his life).
-
-
A fantastic narrator!!
- By Kindle Customer on 07-21-20
By: TJ Klune
-
Happy Endings
- Demon Magic, Book 1
- By: Alice Winters
- Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
- Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Smart men never dabble with demons. I never claimed to be smart, but at least, I’m powerful enough to control them. When I bound Havoc to me nearly 300 years ago, I never realized how difficult he’d make my life, although “accidentally” lighting him on fire every now and then does bring a smile to my face. Havoc is handsome, mysterious, and somehow, my closest companion, even if we don’t always get along.
-
-
incredible as always.
- By Rebecca Azizov on 12-23-20
By: Alice Winters
-
Only Mostly Devastated
- A Novel
- By: Sophie Gonzales
- Narrated by: Mark Sanderlin
- Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Will Tavares is the dream summer fling - he’s fun, affectionate, kind - but just when Ollie thinks he’s found his happily ever after, summer vacation ends and Will stops texting Ollie back. Now Ollie is one prince short of his fairy-tale ending, and to complicate the fairy tale further, a family emergency sees Ollie uprooted and enrolled at a new school across the country. Which he minds a little less when he realizes it’s the same school Will goes to...except Ollie finds that the sweet, comfortably queer guy he knew from summer isn’t the same one attending Collinswood High.
-
-
Great story with a lot of emotion
- By Aly P on 03-12-20
By: Sophie Gonzales
-
The Fell of Dark
- By: Caleb Roehrig
- Narrated by: Michael Crouch, Jennifer Van Dyck
- Length: 12 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The only thing August Pfeiffer hates more than algebra is living in a vampire town. Located at a nexus of mystical energy fields, Fulton Heights is practically an electromagnet for supernatural drama. And when a mysterious (and annoyingly hot) vampire boy arrives with a cryptic warning, Auggie suddenly finds himself at the center of it. An ancient and terrible power is returning to the earthly realm, and somehow Auggie seems to be the only one who can stop it.
-
-
Surprisingly original, well written.
- By Yarden on 02-12-21
By: Caleb Roehrig
-
The Fascinators
- By: Andrew Eliopulos
- Narrated by: Michael Crouch
- Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Living in a small town where magic is frowned upon, Sam needs his friends James and Delia - and their time together in their school's magic club - to see him through to graduation. But as soon as senior year starts, little cracks in their group begin to show. Sam may or may not be in love with James. Delia is growing more frustrated with their amateur magic club. And James reveals that he got mixed up with some sketchy magickers over the summer, putting a target on all their backs.
-
-
So so
- By Davides on 07-25-20
By: Andrew Eliopulos
-
Boyfriend Material
- By: Alexis Hall
- Narrated by: Joe Jameson
- Length: 13 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Luc O'Donnell is tangentially - and reluctantly - famous. His rock-star parents split when he was young, and the father he's never met spent the next 20 years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad's making a comeback, Luc's back in the public eye, and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything. To clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice normal relationship...and Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come. He's a barrister, an ethical vegetarian, and someone who has never inspired a moment of scandal in his life. He’s perfect boyfriend material.
-
-
The right material!
- By Cranky Reader on 07-08-20
By: Alexis Hall
-
The Extraordinaries
- By: TJ Klune
- Narrated by: Michael Lesley
- Length: 13 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nick Bell? Not extraordinary. But being the most popular fan-fiction writer in the Extraordinaries fandom is a superpower, right? After a chance encounter with Shadow Star, Nova City’s mightiest hero (and Nick’s biggest crush), Nick sets out to make himself extraordinary. And he’ll do it with or without the reluctant help of Seth Gray, Nick's best friend (and maybe the love of his life).
-
-
A fantastic narrator!!
- By Kindle Customer on 07-21-20
By: TJ Klune
-
Happy Endings
- Demon Magic, Book 1
- By: Alice Winters
- Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
- Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Smart men never dabble with demons. I never claimed to be smart, but at least, I’m powerful enough to control them. When I bound Havoc to me nearly 300 years ago, I never realized how difficult he’d make my life, although “accidentally” lighting him on fire every now and then does bring a smile to my face. Havoc is handsome, mysterious, and somehow, my closest companion, even if we don’t always get along.
-
-
incredible as always.
- By Rebecca Azizov on 12-23-20
By: Alice Winters
-
Only Mostly Devastated
- A Novel
- By: Sophie Gonzales
- Narrated by: Mark Sanderlin
- Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Will Tavares is the dream summer fling - he’s fun, affectionate, kind - but just when Ollie thinks he’s found his happily ever after, summer vacation ends and Will stops texting Ollie back. Now Ollie is one prince short of his fairy-tale ending, and to complicate the fairy tale further, a family emergency sees Ollie uprooted and enrolled at a new school across the country. Which he minds a little less when he realizes it’s the same school Will goes to...except Ollie finds that the sweet, comfortably queer guy he knew from summer isn’t the same one attending Collinswood High.
-
-
Great story with a lot of emotion
- By Aly P on 03-12-20
By: Sophie Gonzales
-
Conventionally Yours
- By: Annabeth Albert
- Narrated by: Kirt Graves, Joel Froomkin
- Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Charming, charismatic, and effortlessly popular, Conrad Stewart seems to have it all...but in reality, he's scrambling to keep his life from tumbling out of control. Brilliant, guarded, and endlessly driven, Alden Roth may as well be the poster boy for perfection...but even he can't help but feel a little broken inside. When these mortal enemies are stuck together on a cross-country road trip to the biggest fan convention of their lives, their infamous rivalry takes a backseat as an unexpected connection is forged.
-
-
Narrator was awful
- By Rorie Raquel Lopez on 07-16-20
By: Annabeth Albert
-
The Hanged Man
- By: K. D. Edwards
- Narrated by: Josh Hurley
- Length: 15 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Tarot Sequence imagines a modern-day Atlantis off the coast of Massachusetts, governed by powerful Courts based on the traditional Tarot deck. Rune Saint John, last child of the fallen Sun Throne, is backed into a fight of high court magic and political appetites in a desperate bid to protect his ward, Max, from a forced marital alliance with the Hanged Man. Rune's resistance will take him to the island's dankest corners, including a red light district made of moored ghost ships and the floor of the ruling Convocation, where a gathering of Arcana will change Rune's life forever.
-
-
Need more MM sci-fi books like this
- By Drew Ashlock on 09-12-20
By: K. D. Edwards
-
Sometime After Midnight
- By: L. Philips
- Narrated by: Will Ropp, Andrew Eiden
- Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Late one night in a dingy Los Angeles club, Nate and Cameron meet and discover they have much more in common than their love of an obscure indie band. But when Nate learns that Cameron is the heir to a soul-sucking record label - the very one that destroyed his father’s life - he runs away as fast as he can. The only evidence of their brief but intense connection is the blurry photo Cameron snaps of Nate’s Sharpied Chuck Taylors.
-
-
SO GOOD
- By Cynthia Shepp on 01-03-20
By: L. Philips
-
Date Me, Bryson Keller
- By: Kevin van Whye
- Narrated by: Vikas Adam
- Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Everyone knows about the dare: Each week, Bryson Keller must date someone new - the first person to ask him out on Monday morning. Few think Bryson can do it. He may be the king of Fairvale Academy, but he's never really dated before. Until a boy asks him out, and everything changes. Kai Sheridan didn't expect Bryson to say yes. So when Bryson agrees to secretly go out with him, Kai is thrown for a loop. But as the days go by, he discovers there's more to Bryson beneath the surface, and dating him begins to feel less like an act and more like the real thing.
-
-
dear potential reader
- By Amazon Customer on 05-29-20
By: Kevin van Whye
-
The Last Sun
- By: K. D. Edwards
- Narrated by: Josh Hurley
- Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rune Saint John, the last child of the fallen Sun Court, is hired to search for Lady Judgment's missing son, Addam, on New Atlantis, the island city where the Atlanteans moved after ordinary humans destroyed their original home. With his companion and bodyguard, Brand, he questions Addam's relatives and business contacts through the highest ranks of the nobles of New Atlantis. But as they investigate, they uncover more than a missing man: a legendary creature connected to the secret of the massacre of Rune's Court.
-
-
Holy shit that was so good!!!
- By SMC on 10-12-18
By: K. D. Edwards
-
Cemetery Boys
- By: Aiden Thomas
- Narrated by: Avi Roque
- Length: 13 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his true gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend, Maritza, he performs the ritual himself and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free. However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school's resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death.
-
-
Absolutely amazing!!!
- By Anonymous User on 09-06-20
By: Aiden Thomas
-
The King's Dragon
- Fire and Valor, Book 1
- By: W. M. Fawkes, Sam Burns
- Narrated by: Lessa Lamb, Greg Boudreaux
- Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lord Tristram Radcliffe has a secret - he is the only dragon at the king’s court in Llangard. It’s a secret he’s kept from the knights he’s fought beside, from the ladies who bat their lashes at him, and from his closest companion, Prince Reynold. If it were to get out, he’d be banished to the Mawrcraig Mountains along with the rest of his kind, but the kingdom of men is the only one he’s ever known, and his heart lives in the stone halls of those who’d count him an enemy.
-
-
Didn't Work For Me
- By Kindle Customer on 05-16-20
By: W. M. Fawkes, and others
-
On the Wings of War
- Soulbound, Book 5
- By: Hailey Turner
- Narrated by: Gary Furlong
- Length: 10 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The coveted Morrígan’s staff is up for sale on the black market to the highest bidder, and SOA Special Agent Patrick Collins will do whatever it takes to ensure the Dominion Sect doesn’t get their hands on it. Returning the weapon to its rightful owner is another step on the long road toward clearing Patrick’s soul debt, but he won’t walk it alone. Jonothon de Vere won’t let him. Obeying the gods means Patrick must travel to London. For Jono, it means facing a past he thought he’d left behind forever.
-
-
A fast paced, urban fantasy!
- By RACHEL REED on 10-27-20
By: Hailey Turner
-
Cutie and the Beast
- Fae Out of Water, Book One
- By: E.J. Russell
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 9 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Temp worker David Evans has been dreaming of Dr. Alun Kendrick ever since that one transcription job for him, because holy cats, that voice. Swoon. So when his agency offers him a position as Dr. Kendrick’s temporary office manager, David neglects to mention that he’s been permanently banished from offices. Because, forgiveness? Way easier than permission. But cheeky David isn’t intimidated, and despite himself, Alun is drawn to David in a way that can only spell disaster: When fae consort with humans, it never ends well. And if the human has secrets of his own?
-
-
Love this!
- By Stephanie VO on 11-28-20
By: E.J. Russell
-
The State of Us
- By: Shaun David Hutchinson
- Narrated by: Dan Bittner, Vikas Adam
- Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Dean Arnault’s mother decided to run for president, it wasn’t a surprise to anyone, least of all her son. But still, that doesn’t mean Dean wants to be part of the public spectacle that is the race for the White House - at least not until he meets Dre. The only problem is that Dre Rosario's on the opposition; he’s the son of the Democratic nominee. But as Dean and Dre’s meetups on the campaign trail become less left to chance, their friendship quickly becomes a romantic connection unlike any either of the boys have ever known.
-
-
Shallow and Predictable
- By WH on 07-16-20
-
The Heart of the Lost Star
- Tales of the High Court, Book 3
- By: Megan Derr
- Narrated by: Michael Stellman
- Length: 11 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Kamir is on the verge of losing everything. Knowing full well he can't meet the ultimatum his parents have issued, he instead finally puts in motion his plans to live completely independent of them. His plans are interrupted, however, by the unexpected return of his despised ex-husband - and thrown even further into upheaval when he ends up comforting the man he's secretly loved for years.
-
-
Fresh air
- By Amazon Customer on 11-30-20
By: Megan Derr
-
Silk Dragon Salsa
- The Kai Gracen Series
- By: Rhys Ford
- Narrated by: Greg Tremblay
- Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
SoCalGov Stalker Kai Gracen always knew Death walked in his shadow. Enough people told him that, including his human mentor, Dempsey. Problem was, the old man never told him what to do when Death eventually caught up. Where Tanic, his elfin father and the Wild Hunt Master of the Unsidhe Court, brought Kai pain and suffering, Dempsey gave him focus and a will to live...at least until everything unraveled.
-
-
Great world building and intriguing twists.
- By Dana Piazzi on 12-29-20
By: Rhys Ford
Publisher's Summary
A young pilot risks everything to save his best friend - the man he trusts most and might even love - only to learn that his friend is secretly the heir to a brutal galactic empire.
"Riveting, wildly fun, and incredibly smart." (Emily A. Duncan, New York Times best-selling author of Wicked Saints)
Ettian's life was shattered when the merciless Umber Empire invaded his world. He's spent seven years putting himself back together under its rule, joining an Umber military academy and becoming the best pilot in his class. Even better, he's met Gal - his exasperating and infuriatingly enticing roommate who's made the academy feel like a new home.
But when dozens of classmates spring an assassination plot on Gal, a devastating secret comes to light: Gal is the heir to the Umber Empire. Ettian barely manages to save his best friend and flee the compromised academy unscathed, rattled that Gal stands to inherit the empire that broke him, and that there are still people willing to fight back against Umber rule.
As they piece together a way to deliver Gal safely to his throne, Ettian finds himself torn in half by an impossible choice. Does he save the man who's won his heart and trust that Gal's goodness could transform the empire? Or does he throw his lot in with the brewing rebellion and fight to take back what’s rightfully theirs?
Praise for Bonds of Brass:
“Skrutskie’s Bonds of Brass is a high-octane galactic adventure replete with heart, drama, and a keen edge of pain.” (Caitlin Starling, author of The Luminous Dead)
“Full of breathless action and dazzling characters, Bonds of Brass is space opera at its most exciting.” (Adam Christopher, author of Stranger Things: Darkness on the Edge of Town)
Critic Reviews
"An exciting space opera full of action and adventure that explores the bonds of loyalty and love, and what happens when they are stretched to their limits." (Rebecca Roanhorse, Nebula and Hugo Award-winning author of Trail of Lightning)
"A fast-paced space opera with heart and style, Bonds of Brass had me screaming KISS ALREADY on every page." (Delilah S. Dawson, New York Times best-selling author of Star Wars: Phasma)
"Thrilling and unpredictable, this book kept me on the edge of my seat all the way to an end that I did not see coming. All I can say now is...wait for it...wait for it." (Mindee Arnett, author of Onyx & Ivory)
Featured Article: The Best LGBTQIA+ Listens by Queer Authors
Inclusivity and representation has always been, and continues to be, one of the most important and positive aspects of literature. Unfortunately, listeners on the hunt for the best LGBTQIA+ books out there knows that finding stories about gay characters isn’t always the easiest. So, we’ve put together a series of lists detailing some of the best LGBTQIA+ listens available, from lesbian works to bisexual listens to trans stories. Discover some of the best.
More from the same
Author
What listeners say about Bonds of Brass
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Zell Oakley
- 04-15-20
I didn't like it, but your mileage may vary
Here's a fun thought experiment you can do when you have a moment:
Make a list of some mainstream sci-fi/fantasy novels with male/female romances. Now check off which of them have bisexual protagonists. Then make a list of sci-fi/fantasy novels with male/male romances, and check off the bisexual protagonists. Chances are, you're going to see a discrepancy; actual gay men are very, very rare in fiction compared to bisexuals, particularly when the novel is written by a straight woman. Consequently, you get a disproportionate number of novels like Bonds of Brass where BOTH partners in the m/m romance are bisexual.
I have a number of theories as to why this might be the case. The most likely one is that authors who are progressive enough to include a central m/m romance are often so progressive that they believe sexuality is fluid for everyone. This sounds wonderful (not to me, but I suppose to some people it must anyway) but it has the unintended consequence of pretty much erasing gay men entirely. We don't really fit into their worldview. It's the homophobia of the political left, and I'm sick of it.
"But Zell!" I hear you say. "Aren't you being biphobic here? Disliking a book simply because it has bisexual characters?" Good point, you. This is the reason for my thought experiment at the beginning of this review. This happens almost exclusively in m/m novels. Once bisexual characters start popping up left and right in sci-fi novels with m/f romances, get back to me and maybe my answer will change. In fact, I defy you to name ONE m/f sci-fi novel where both protagonists are bisexual. And let me be clear: I'm fully aware that the fact that--ONCE AGAIN--I'm reading a m/m romance with no actual gay characters is a terrible reason not to like a book. So accordingly, I'm not giving this less than three stars even though I have no interest in finishing it, ever (you can disregard this sentence, I got myself worked up writing this and downgraded it to two stars). It really did start out well written. But be warned, if you're a young gay man looking for a good non-romance sci-fi novel to pass the time, you won't find yourself in this one.
Narration was superb, incidentally.
11 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Chris
- 06-29-20
I feel manipulated and not in a good way
This book was a frustrating experience. I honestly feel like I finished the story knowing less about the main character than when I started it. Main character and narrator, Ettian, spends most of the book fluctuating between supporting his friend and eventual love interest... and betraying him to support the empire that Gal's, said friend and love interest, mother destroyed. You would think that this would create lots of tension for the relationship between Gal and Ettian. You would be right, but that tension gets displayed in increasingly frustrating ways: Ettian complains about Gal questioning his loyalty in one chapter and actively questioning his loyalty to Gal in the next. Keep in mind, Ettian acts increasingly shady as the book progresses, making decions that, even knowing the big twist at the end, are not explainable. What this actually produces in the book is a really uneven character arc for Ettian. The relationship between Ettian and Gal, while being the main conflict in the book, is shelved so Ettian can express his feelings to a manic pixie dream girl, Wen.
I really hate Wen in this book. She is introduced as a street smart, savvy youth with a burned face and a rainbow umbrella that has a hidden switch blade. I shit you not, it's a character that screams, "Quirky NLOG here." But, even though it's a bit cliche, that is not my problem with Wen. It's just that the way she is written, and the way she comes off in the story is that of an interloper. She is a character that shouldn't care about what Ettian and Gal are doing, but does anyway because the writer wanted her there. She also becomes the cipher for Ettian to express his growing dissatisfaction with the direction Gal is taking, politically, in the book. And, reading between the lines, will be a future romantic interest for Ettian, however much the idea of this upsets me. It really floors me that, in a supposed queer romance novel, most of the expressed romantic tension is found in a m/f friendship.
I mentioned it briefly earlier, but we really need to talk about the twist. Writer Emily Skrutskie managed to make a twist ending that was both predictable and incredibly silly. Warning for spoilers ahead.......
It turns out that Ettian and Gal have something in common: they are both blood heirs to their respective empires. Now, blood heir is a term that is painfully common in fantasy, but seems to be seen less often in sci-fi. I guess that most societies that perfect space travel have already passed the "monarchies are a stable way to run a government" phase of adolescence but "Bonds of Brass," asks us to pretend with them anyway. The novel asks us to take the whole blood heir thing seriously, even alluding to a potential supernatural effect of having royal blood. Gal is able to go from an apparent Umber empire deserter to a key force in the Archon rebellion taking back their home planet (Gal and Ettian are both 17, btw). Gal even leads the strike mission that was actually a Machiavellian plot to undermine and defeat the Archon rebellion and solidify his future role in the Umber empire. The truth of Ettian's blood line is revealed, almost incidentally, in the penultimate chapter in the novel. I swear, it was so god damn upsetting I almost returned the book for that, alone. Gal is captured and held prisoner by Ettian's Archon forces and the reader is left wondering how much of Ettian's actions in the book were actively planning for this outcome (it is somewhere between 0 and 100 percent, I'm certain.) I really hate the whole blood heir thing. Letting your main characters have super powerful king blood that makes them fit to rule a multi-planet empire comes off as kinda... fascist? I dunno, ymmv.
World building was nice and the narration was superb. I had no idea who Ettian was as a person, but James Fouhey sure sold it well.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Pup Cerberus
- 05-21-20
swinging between a 2 and a 4
predictable book end guessed at chapter 1, characters IQs drop when Wen joins the party.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lola
- 05-15-20
Bonds of Brass
After reading a review for this book by one of my blogger friends I knew I had to read this one. It sounded exactly like the type of book I would enjoy. After listening to the sample I decided to get the audio format and I am so glad I did as this book was a joy to listen to. And one of the first male narrators I listened to that really worked for me.
Bonds of Brass jumps right into the action, after a short introduction scene you get thrown right into an explosive action scene and I was immediately pulled into the story. The rest of the story continues in a similar feel, some calmer scenes and plenty of action. The story captivated me and the role of these two boys who would do anything for each other in the middle of a galaxy wide conflict. The ending was awesome, while I shortly before predicted the twist I did enjoy the direction the story took, but at the same time I have no idea where this series will go next and I can't wait to see how the author handles it.
I love how this series mingles the romance storyline with the action and the more political tinted storyline in this galaxy with different empires. And ofcourse the two main characters are at the center of it all. Add in a totally reckless and adorable female side character. And this was one awesome listen. There are plenty of twists and reveals, a lot of action and great characters.
I really liked main character Ettian, in the first chapter you already get a good feel for him. how loyal he is to his friend Gal and how much he cares about him. But that is only the start. Throughout the book you really get to know him and how conflicted he feels over the whole situation. He loves Gal, but when something he never dared wish for is in his path he struggles deciding what to do. I really liked his character and enjoyed following his story. The flight scenes were amazing, you could really feel his love for flying and see how capable he was at it as well.
I love a good sci-fi romance book and this book handled the romance really well, especially amidst the whole big galaxy spanning political plot line. I really liked Gal and Ettian together. They started out as friends and the author did a good job giving that vibe that they were good friends already and that slowly turns into more. It was clear how much they cared for one another. But they also have some struggles to go through. Gal is a prince and Ettian a nobody and they could never make this work, but at the same time trying to stay apart is hurting them. And I liked how early on it becomes clear they both feel the same about the other. It's not a question of whether their feelings are reciprocated, but more of whether they are willing to go that way if they know it can't last. And when they finally do grow closer it's amazing and also sad at the same time as you know what is waiting for them. And that ending was beautiful and so heartbreaking. I can't wait to see what happens to their romance in book 2. I hope we get to see more of them together as there wasn't nearly enough of that in this book.
One thing that did bother me is how much Ettian gives up for Gal and while I loved seeing how deep his feeling were and how much he was willing to do for him. I also would've loved to see some of that dedication from Gal's side as well. I wanted Gal to show Ettian how much he meant to him as well. I would've liked to get a bit more insight into Gal's personality. I liked the glimpses we got, but I would've liked to know more, maybe that will come in the future books.
I liked the world building in this book. You get a good feel for the 3 mayor factions/ empires in this part of the galaxy. There is enough about the political situation and how Umber gained power to get an insight in how things work. I liked how this was worked out and throughout the book you learn more. The story takes place in space and two different planets so you also get to see a bit of the galaxy. I liked the sci-fi spacy feel mixed in with the political plotlines of the Umber empire and the rebellion
I am really glad I picked up the audio version of this one. The narrator did a great job with the narration. I liked his voice for Ettian and it was pleasant to listen to. He did the other voices and even the female ones pretty well too. I especially liked his voice for Gal and Wen. I also liked how you could hear the emotion in his voice in some scenes, like when Ettian was happy or angry. It really came across in the narration, which was really well done. I definitely plan on listening to the rest of the series as well.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this action packed sci-fi book with a great romance. There is plenty of action, twists and turns. The plot gripped me from the start and I liked seeing where the story went. Ettian made for a great main character and I liked getting to know him. He was so loyal to his friends and I liked how deep his feeling for Gal went and how much he was willing to do for him. But it was also clear how conflicted he was later during the story. I liked their romance and how much they care for one another. Although I would've liked to get to know Gal a bit better and see how much he was willing to do for Ettian as now it felt like Ettian sacrificed so much more for Gal. The scifi world was well done with how we get a good feel for the political situation and how it impacts the galaxy. There are some great space and flying scenes as well. The narrator did a great job with this one. His voice was pleasant to listen to and I liked how he did the different voices. All in all I would definitely recommend this one to those who like action packed scifi stories with a MM romance.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 03-02-21
Intentionally misleading
I don't write too many reviews. Particularly, I don't write negative reviews that often. However, I was very excited for this book and the beginning was excellent. Then, I struggled along through the middle and felt utterly betrayed at the end.
Thank God for the narrator.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Michael
- 02-10-21
Can't wait for next book
Starting this book I had no idea what to expect, but by the second chapter I was completely drawn in. I am a sci-fi fan and I was impressed with the level of detail about what happens when any space battle occur.
Ettian and Gal are surprisingly stubborn for their intelligence. Which is why the introduction of Wen is perfect for the dou. I admit I did not see the ending coming, and can't help but wonder how the main characters are going to get themselves out of this problem. Ettian definitely does not make things easier in the last chapter.
This book in some ways reminds me of similar story called Lost Stars where the main characters are in a very similar situation. That book was awesome and so was this one, I look forward book 2.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jonathan Elipe
- 02-03-21
Amazing story, but the relationship feels... Toxic
The story is pretty amazing, and draws you in pretty quickly. This is the first book I've had the privilege of reading where the two main characters are LGBT and it does a fantastic job of not making it a ridiculous coming out story like so many books do. It's not forbidden, or looked down on, or taboo in anyway. It just is what it is. I love stories like that.
Also, Wen is absolutely amazing. Best character in the book by far.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Saritza Hernandez
- 01-26-21
Talk about a plot twist!
Wow! This book has it all, dogfights in space, shenanigans galore, a hidden prince, a galactic war, and two young men fighting their feelings for each other. Loved this book! I need Book 2 yesterday!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 11-23-20
Amazing
absolutely amazing. Can't wait for the next book!!! action adventure just so awesome. So Good!!!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kindle Customer
- 07-28-20
hold in to the end
loved Edian from start to finish. Gale however is hard to like just to whiney for my like. huge twist at the end which I didn't not see coming at all. can't wait for the next book.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 09-29-20
One of my favorite books this year
An amazing story with excellent tropes and character development! I instantly loved Ettian and Gal, as well as Wen when she came along. It was bittersweet, funny, heartbreaking and soft. I can’t wait for the second book, the cliffhanger is simply too much 🥺
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Chris Holland
- 09-05-20
A light bit of MM sci-fi fluff
This is a light and unchallenging story with an above-average performance by the narrator.
I will probably listen to the second book when it is released.
There were some things that just didn't read true: in a universe with multi-galaxy empires and faster than light travel by fleets of spacecraft the materials for which are mined from asteroids and whole planets, the peak of land-based public transport is a monorail which uses paper tickets and landbased vehicles sound suspiciously as if they still use internal combustion engines.
The technological advances these civilizations have achieved are generic to many other sci-fi scenarios with no new ideas.
The blossoming romance is sweet and the boys float through their adventures, seemingly untouchable and unhindered by normal military security routines or any evidence of advances in military security or spy technology beyond what is available in 2020.
There is a plot twist towards the end of this book which, again, is not original but is well-timed, sits well in the story and makes the experience of listening to the story familiar and comforting.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- katarina lithgow
- 06-20-20
Gays in Space, what's not to love!
honestly one of my new favourites, a great read for someone wants a story where the characters are lgbt but the whole story isnt just that they are gay.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Brighid Lee
- 04-08-20
Incredible space opera
This book was so amazing. It made me want to stay up all night reading and as it was I finished it in less than 24 hours. This is such a fast-paced adventure with twists and turns and a wonderful romance at its heart. Honestly one of the best sci-fi books I've read in ages and I can't wait to see what is next for these characters in the other books to come in the trilogy.
Cannot recommend it highly enough!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Ev
- 01-05-21
Epic
Fantastic! Skrutskie writes with such skill, I was transported into the middle of this carefully crafted universe. The narrating is top level. Looking forward to the next one.