Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: The Spy Prince of Basadesh
SERIES: The Spy Prince of Basadesh #1
AUTHOR: HM Heath
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 279 Pages
RELEASE DATE: May 28, 2024
BLURB:
The world is at war, and Arjun’s country is falling. As the prince of Basadesh he must risk everything to protect his people-no matter how dangerous. The plan is simple, if perilous; go undercover, infiltrate the enemy’s castle, and bring them down from within. If he’s caught, death is certain, both for himself and for his countrymen.
He soon meets the high wizard responsible for his country’s rapid decline, and everything changes. Taken into the man’s service and working undercover as his servant, Arjun is determined to do whatever it takes to win the war. But hatred battles with admiration as he slowly begins to see a different side of his enemy.
Eldrin ‘Frostfire’ Glaser is capable, driven and devilishly handsome. He’s undoubtedly at the pinnacle of his power and prestige. But he’s never met anyone like Arjun. Even in disguise, the spy prince is dazzling, an irresistible spark of light in the frigid castle he calls home.
When the two meet, sparks fly and both must question everything they thought they knew.
Don’t miss this epic tale of love and war, where nothing is as it seems and every choice could mean the difference between victory and defeat. Order your copy of “The Spy Prince of Basadesh” today, and embark on a passionate journey of love and loyalty.
REVIEW:
With the enemy effectively knocking on the door, Arjun uses the tools at his disposal to infiltrate the enemy camp. He didn’t expect to find a particular pre-conceived idea turned on its head.
The Spy Prince of Basadesh is a book that I was both entertained and annoyed with. Despite what is in the Amazon titles, when you look at the book cover closely, this is book one of a series – a factor that was not provided by the author when presented for review, and my bad that I didn’t look closer at the cover. I like a good series when each book has its arc and characters crossover. When (as in this case), the storyline continues to the next book, I prefer to read the series in one go. Nevertheless, some readers thrive on the thrill of a cliffhanger who will eat up every word. Me – not so much, hence the annoyance.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Arjun and Eldrin. Technically there are a couple of typos. On one occasion Eldrin is misspelled and on another ‘arousing suspension’ should have been ‘arousing suspicion’, although arousing suspension could have been amusing. It is possible that I received an uncorrected proof, so there is some leeway. On a positive note, there are some beautiful illustrations, and worldbuilding provides some clear images of people, places, and lifestyles. The author has a talent for creating atmosphere and building tension which made the lack of a completed storyline more frustrating because the build-up was almost faultless.
Arjun is a brave soul with a good heart willing to do anything for his country and family. Eldrin is a more complicated person. A man from humble beginnings, he loves the thrill of everything that magic can do, which has almost made him blind to its applications. He is also extremely patriotic. He too, will do anything to defeat the enemy. But love has a magic of its own.
The tale is well-written with plenty of heart-thumping moments and a gradual build to a nail-biting end. But there are huge secrets to be revealed that are carried over to the next book. I’m sure they will provide more angst and a super story, but all it made me do was want to throw my Kindle up the wall. Again – my bad for not doing the research.
So, if you are a reader who has hangups over cliffhangers, then wait till the series has been finished. And I have no doubt it will be a good series, worth reading. If you thrive on the adrenaline of waiting for the next installment – this is a must-read.
RATING: 
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