Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Does a repentant assassin deserve to find peace ... or love?

Prince Talal has met his soulmate and gained a blessing, exactly as prophecy foretold. He’s never been happier. Kit has never felt more lost. Raised to despise Talal’s religion, he believes soulmates a heresy, while his blessing is more of a curse.

Time away from court should give them both chance to understand their soulmate bond and strengthen their connection. Instead, Kit’s demons dig their claws deeper into his troubled mind.

Talal knows Kit is a new man, but persuading him of the fact is a different matter. Must he accept that there are some wrongs even a prince cannot right?

Book Review

For those who have read ‘Assassin,’ the opening installment of Katy Hayes’s ‘The Prince’s Soulmate’ series, I hope your reaction justified my rave review. Now is a chance to find out whether such quality entertainment continues in book two, to your satisfaction. Actually, looking below, many may also be excited to note that this is a five-part series and engaging in it may be akin to following those old-time Saturday movie theater shorts thrillingly shown many (many) years ago.

 

As with the first installment, ‘Protector’ is a collection of episodic events through which we gain even more familiarity with the heroes – Prince Talal, the son of the sultan of Sudharain, and its emir, and of Kit, a fourth son (i.e., totally unnecessary spare!) of the ruler of Lindumia, and now a visitor to Sudharain. Of immediate interest is the different religion each practice: Kit adheres to an apparent form of Christianity (absent references to Jesus) and Talal, an apparent believer in a form of Islam (surprisingly, absent references to Mohamed). Oh my, are they much as nonalcoholic beverages?  Both heroes pray to the Almighty Father, and thus author Hayes has sufficiently universalized the settings. Their differences and commonalities, though all slight, are well explicated but neutralized for the reader – but then, are occasionally seasoned with a touch of mysticism, leading to an olio of fantasy events. Talal tends to wax intellectually: “The Almighty has set us on a path together. … We simply need to keep our faith as we walk it.” And, to Kit: “You can worship your God in your own way. He’s the same God and He hears us both.” ).   Oh – in case you forgot, as soulmates, the main characters seem to have some form of self-healing. Is that a kind of immortality?

 

This is an adult story: Talal and Kit are in love. While they occasionally show public affection (and much private foreplay) both men agree “We shouldn’t put ourselves on display.” This seems quite suitable to the sense of the tale, as there is very little detailed sex here, and that occurs mostly towards the end – as though the preceding events are but an engaging courtship, and coitus the crowning fillip.

 

‘Protector’ is quite an engaging story. The secondary characters are most individually presented. There is enough geographic movement and description to emulate an imaginary travel guide. The story is also laced with distracting tensions and terrors (of sorts). Finally, and an aspect that graduates the read to adult fodder, there are several fine discussions about religion, love, and sin (punishment and free will). These are highlights.

 

The ending is a Saturday matinee cliff-hanger, with the appearance of Kit’s father, filling the role of a potential villain. Then towards the conclusion, author Hayes generously provides a brief summarizing reiteration (for those who may have gone potty, or went out to buy popcorn?). Seemingly whetting our appetites and directing us to coming episodes of this adventure, the ending reinforces the principals’ love and commitment to each other, and whatever the future may bring.

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by the author for the purpose of a review.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 323 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	23-August-2023
Price	$3.99 ebook, $13.99 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Protector-Princes-Soulmate-Book-2-ebook/dp/B0C7RQT2HS