What if the magic that could save your loved ones condemns you to death?Rakish royal spy, Rustam Chalice, loves his life just the way it is, so when the kingdom he serves is threatened from within, he leaps into action. To his dismay the spymaster prince teams him up with an untouchable aristocratic assassin. And to make matters worse, she’s the most beautiful woman in the Five Kingdoms.Plunged … the Five Kingdoms.
Plunged into a desperate journey over the mountains, the mismatched pair struggle to survive deadly wildlife, the machinations of a spiteful god – and each other. When Rustam discovers he has magic of his own, he is forced to question his identity, his sanity, and his loyalty to his prince. For in Tyr-en, all magic users are put to death.
The Prince’s Man is the first book in The Five Kingdoms epic fantasy series. If you like action, intrigue, and magic, spiced with a touch of romance, then you’ll love Deborah Jay’s vividly realised characters.
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One of the best fantasy novels I have read in ages, The Prince’s Man combines court intrigue, nefarious plots, and dazzling realms. Rustam (Rusty) Chalice is a debonair dance master who lives a double life as a spy in the service of his prince, while also frequenting the beds of highborn ladies.
His life takes a turn when he is forced to team with Dart, the court’s royal assassin—a woman—with the goal of transporting a sickly elf across hostile, mountainous territory. Through the arduous journey, all three characters undergo brutal transformations and evolve as they are tested time and again, forced to rely on one another. At the same time, threats to the throne involve a traitorous noble, an illegitimate heir, and a diabolical torturer. There are layers upon layers of plot, all woven neatly together for a satisfying conclusion in this first book of what promises to be a stellar trilogy.
I was smitten with all three of the lead characters, especially Rustam who undergoes the most compelling transformation of all. You can’t read this book and not be caught up in the lives of Jay’s rakish spy, Risada, Elwaes and so many others. Even the secondary characters are fleshed out and vibrantly written. We meet so many along the journey, yet each leaves a distinctive mark.
The writing is exquisite, layered with beautifully detailed descriptions of enthralling realms, fantastical creatures, and breathless adventure. Every bit as riveting are the cloak-and-dagger machinations of several royal houses and the cruel manipulations of power-hungry men who seek the throne. From the moment I opened the first pages, I was sucked into the author’s expertly crafted world of intrigue and danger. A truly engaging story. Although book one delivers a wrap to the story as presented, I look forward to continuing for the full scope in books two and three. Highly recommended!
“The Prince’s Man,” begins with an introduction to the young Risada, as she listens in on a conversation between her parents. There’s trouble between the different houses in the kingdom, and Risada’s mother believes there is a spy in their midst. An assassin hiding in the shadows of the room steps forth and murders both her mother and father. From that day forward, Risada vows revenge on whoever killed her parents.
Twenty years later, the game is revealed when Rustam Chalice, an undercover spy in service to Prince Halnashead delivers to him the elixir of eternity, which of course gives eternal life to anyone who drinks it.
The political stability of the Kingdom of Tyr-en is at stake, and the veracity of the elixir’s power is questioned. The potion requires elven magic to be effective, and after the wars which ravished the kingdom, all magic has been banned. Additionally, the prince fears that whoever is selling the concoction is using the proceeds to fund some type of military action against him.
To save the kingdom, Chalice partners with Risada and together they save Elwaes, the captured elf, abused by Lord Melcard Rees-Charlay and Doctor Hensar, the resident physician for their domain. The poor creature requires immediate medical attention which must be given by his Elven community. Chalice and Risada set off after Prince Halnashead agrees on the journey believing the Elves will align with his kingdom.
The journey is long and treacherous. Along the way, the threesome is tormented by trolls, sprites, disgusting worm-like creatures, and many other trials and tribulations. Their journey heats up with the character addition of a water elemental who takes a liking to Chalice, pleasuring him in ways no human woman possibly could. The seducer becomes the seduced, and I would say Chalice has finally met his match.
There’s also high sexual tension between Chalice and Risalda, who manages to stay out of reach. But that wasn’t really the story. For me, it was Chalice’s connection to Elwaes and how he discovers his own magical abilities which transform his entire belief system. Along the way, this Casanova learns humility and acceptance, qualities that are sure to come into play in subsequent novels.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. In epic-fantasy, there are always new names, locations, and cultural nuances to be learned because of the world building. I took my time and immersed myself in this unusual and fascinating land. Be ready for the ending, because now I can’t wait to read the second book in the series, “The Prince’s Son: The Five Kingdoms: Book Two.”
MY RATING
Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 Stars
Really enjoyed the entire series
The Prince’s Man by Deborah Jay was one of my favourite books in 2020. What starts out as a typical fantasy tale of intrigue, develops into a thoroughly enjoyable, unpredictable tale. I enjoyed the brilliant plot with an excellent, uncliched ending that left me wanting more. Jay’s writing is vivid and sensual and the characters are well drawn and engaging. I adored Rustam with all the changes he had to go through, both physical and spiritually. And I definitely want to live in the land of Shiva! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
It was too slow starting and could not get interested in the characters
Interesting and captivating. Well developed characters and twisty plots keep the pages turning and leaves you wanting to know more about this new world.