Title: Servitude
Author: Rebecca Cohen
Genre: High Fantasy
Length: Super Novel (310pgs)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (4th June 2012)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Lornyc Reagalos, future High Lord of the city of Katraman, enjoys his life as a student, even if he has to keep his relationship with Methian Hadral, heir to the throne of Xenetra, a secret. Unfortunately, Lornyc isn’t just any royal student—he’s also the grandson of an infamous magic user named Romanus Reagalos, and his grandfather’s wild youth is about to catch up with him. Unknown to anyone else, Romanus saw fit to sign his grandson into the life of a valet. Specifically, Methian’s valet.
The contract—and the strain it puts on his relationship with Methian—is just the start of Lornyc’s troubles. Though the Reagalos family was once famous for its magic, Lornyc’s father never showed any aptitude, and Lornyc hasn’t either—though that doesn’t make the next contract, the one that says Lornyc must learn to use his latent powers, any less binding. When Lornyc learns of a plot to remove his father from power, he finds himself racing against time. If he can’t master his magic and identify the leader of the plot, he stands to lose everything he knows and loves: his parents, his rank, and Methian.
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3002
Review: Lornyc is not happy to learn that he has to pay for his grandfather’s debts, especially as it makes him a valet for an awfully long time. But, that isn’t the end of his problems, he also has to learn to master his powers to their full extent (which he doubts) and his family learns of a plot to assassinate his father. With the help of family, friends, his grandfather’s old friend and his lover, Lornyc must get to the bottom of who wants his father gone and take care of the problem.
Okay, so in the interest of giving a completely fair review I read the book twice *innocent look* (that’s my excuse and I am sticking to it!) I had to make sure that it really was as good as I thought it was. So I will introduce you to Lornyc, youngest son to High Lord Reagalos, but he is next in line for the title. Lornyc is in a secret relationship with Methian, but now due to his grandfather’s wicked ways he has to become Methian’s valet. Methian is sure that it won’t affect their relationship, but he hadn’t counted on the magic being used to enforce the contract. In the background someone is plotting the downfall of the Reagalos and it falls on Lornyc’s shoulders to protect his family and friends.
Watching as Lornyc and Methian try to make their relationship work as they fall into their roles was wonderful, because they both seem to have a very similar temperament and the spell is playing havoc. Seeing what Vella (Lornyc’s sister) does after the attack on her brother was interesting (a woman after my own heart). The characters are all well-rounded and although we don’t get to know them all well, we get to know them enough to like them. I found the story behind the Reagalos magic to be really interesting and I liked the way that the different magics were explained and the descriptions were wonderful.
Watching as the story unfolds was interesting and kept me fully into the book. There are some twists and you will never guess who the mastermind behind the plot is. Shocked the hell out of me. It is also interesting to see how Lornyc develops, as his power develops and how he can be cold-hearted when angry. Methian is a support to Lornyc and he is also obsessed with sex ;-). They do have a few on page scenes but mostly it is off page. This is a really well written high fantasy story with was a joy to read… and I loved the cover.
So, after careful reading I have come to the conclusion that this is a bloody fantastic book, loads of magic, loads of love, intrigue, danger, manipulation, deaths, revenge, restitution and oh so much more. I have to recommend that you give this story a go, because it is really enjoyable.