Rating: 5🌈
Well, based on this series alone, Isabel Murray is a new must read/autobuy for me. These are simply breathtakingly memorable pieces of storytelling. At once brilliantly subtle works of characterization and yet still hilariously funny, threaded through with heartbreaking pathos, and sweet romance.
Such amazing work on the part of this author. From the subtle world building to deeply layered characters, from the laugh-out-loud scenes and dialogue to quiet moments of conversation and those of revelatory sexuality, it’s an amazing narrative journey Murray takes us and her characters through.
I so appreciate the subtlety with which Murray is able to create a depiction of her character’s background and the layers of that history without actually stating any specific facts or graphic details. We don’t have to know exactly what happened to Gary in his horrific adolescence, what abuses specifically he was subjected to, and we don’t have to. Thanks to Murray, it’s written into his demeanor, the manner and care in which those around him now treat him, the poor sense of self he carries. This is such an amazing portrait of a person that Murray has sensitively built that Gary speaks to us, engages with us on many emotional levels.
And it’s not just Gary. It’s every character. From the brilliant Magnus, whose history is one that’s enabled him to control a network of dubious spies and assassins to keep Gary safe to consorting with some unlikely friends. All this is guessing from the hints and subtle clues left by the author along with more new information about some beloved supporting characters and new friends as well. Truly astounding work here considering its peripheral role in the story but its bulwark narrative nature in Gary’s world.
I will be so disappointed if this series is really over at two books. Yes, sweet, beautiful Gary gets finally to be a Former King and live with Magnus in his new home. But Murray has gone and extended the already deeply loved family with new intriguing characters, mysteriously familiar looking lords, and possibly new connections. All important supporting characters or new introduced characters with impactful roles to play.
Yes, please, I want more.
Consider both stories a must read.
The Unwanted King:
✓ Gary of a Hundred Days #1
✓ Gary the Once and Former King #2
Buy Link:
Gary the Once and Former King: MM Fantasy Romance (The Unwanted King Book 2)
Blurb:
The Kingdom of Estla is in turmoil. Power plays, intrigue, and plots seethe in the corridors of power. And Gary of a Hundred Days, Last of the Tyrant Kings is…well.
He’s dead.
That’s what (almost) everyone thinks, anyway.
As far as Gary’s concerned, they can go ahead and keep thinking it. He’s busy living a whole new life with his beloved Magnus on a homestead in the heartland of Caithen—a kingdom where they don’t want to kill him—and he’s learning all sorts of interesting things about exactly what it means to be a husband and a bondmate.
Okay, he’s trying to learn. It’s turning out to be a lot harder than he thought.
Callin, the ex-stable lad and Gary’s new (first!) best friend, has been less than helpful when it comes to giving Gary the correct advice on how to proceed in intimate matters.
The books Gary ordered for instructional purposes are taking forever to arrive.
And just as he’s starting to make progress in the bedchamber, Gary’s past as the rightful King of Estla rises up once more…
Gary the Once and Former King is a sequel to Gary of a Hundred Days. It’s a low-angst fantasy romantic comedy in which a sheltered ex-king continues to undergo quite the awakening at the hands of his rugged ex-stable master, and everyone’s still way more interested in kissing and romance than in all that rightful heir to the throne business.
And this time?
Gary’s definitely getting his happily ever after.
• Publisher: (February 26, 2024)
• Publication date: February 26, 2024
• Language: English
• Print length: 242 pages
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 