Review by Ekta Swarnkar -- Masters and Bastards

[Ekta Swarnkar]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Masters and Bastards" by Christopher J. Penington.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

What results when Iberia, a highborn dominant region is to be ruled by a bastard of Arpathia? Will this bring peace among humankind? Or is this another onset of war?

Andreas Marset, a young and handsome Arpathian is a new recruit in the Iberian army. Unaware of his strengths, Andreas leads an ordinary life. Everything is changed when an angelic gaze falls into his. He couldn't grasp this unwelcomed surprise when Isabella, the bastard daughter of King Constantine, chooses him as her escort. She is pure beauty. On the other side, the vastly populated Vulgarians become the biggest threat to human extinction in the universe and someone must lead the forces to secure human existence. To much surprise, Marset is promoted from a legionary to the Imperator of the domain. His adventures made him familiar with his magical powers but will he be able to use them tactically to win the war? Or like other powerful psionipaths, he also reaches the stage of insanity?

The fantasy novel Masters and Bastards is written by Christopher J. Pennington. The era of kings and kingdoms is depicted with the active participation of computers, beastly creatures and magic. The vehemently used theme is politics with the orderings of love, war, power, and betrayal. This suspense drama opens with a twist, it flows with twists and so does it ends. The narrator is the writer. I loved the part where the infrastructure is described. They all appeared majestic buildings. The latest technology is also made use of in the story.

The story is of Andreas Marset. The young man is an impressive character. He is unaware of his excellence and he was last to know anything related to him. The frustration is pleasantly shown in his dialogues. I liked his sentiments during the war scenes, but I would have loved the character only if he was not easily manipulated by others. Isabella is the master planner of the politics behind. She was the keeper of secrets. Hannah was Marset's love interest. She was a powerful character until Isabella was not around. Other characters were sufficiently defined. I liked the friendship shared by Marset and Holst.

The language used is variant in the text. I enjoyed the description of the objects in an ancient accent and for the other concepts, modern English is made use. The dialogues are flawlessly written to distinguish between characters. I liked that the incorrect grammar was used to express the lowborn traits of Constantine and the rich and eloquent dialogues were bestowed on Isabella. The concepts were fairly detailed. Although the first war was intricately presented but the second was not as good as the first. I also wanted to read the wedding in more detail. Another thing I didn't like was the cover page design. The base of the story is the color tone of the characters and for such a developed book the cover page is not justice. It should be given more time.

Leaving the few errors aside, I think the book is professionally edited. It includes erotic descriptions. There are also profane words. Readers who love to read politics, war and magic with a twisted plot will find this book a fit.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I completely enjoyed reading this book as twists are my favorite.

******
Masters and Bastards
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Prisallen]

This sounds like an intriguing book. I read the author's other novel, The Hand Bringer, and enjoyed it very much. Thanks for the interesting review!

[Ekta Swarnkar]

This sounds like an intriguing book. I read the author's other novel, The Hand Bringer, and enjoyed it very much. Thanks for the interesting review!

I have heard of that book too. I'm sure it's a nice book!
Thanks for the comment!

[unamilagra]

This sounds like a very creative plotline. I like that it is well written as well. Thanks for a great review!

[Ekta Swarnkar]

This sounds like a very creative plotline. I like that it is well written as well. Thanks for a great review!

Yes, it is very well written and executed. Thanks for stopping by!

[Nerea]

The introductory questions are quite intriguing. I would love to read the book, but can't because there are certain traits in the story that don't impress me like, magic. You did great in your review.

[Ekta Swarnkar]

The introductory questions are quite intriguing. I would love to read the book, but can't because there are certain traits in the story that don't impress me like, magic. You did great in your review.

I understand that not everyone is entertained by everything. Thanks for commenting!

[rumik]

I always found this book's title rather catchy; I might try this now after reading your review. Thanks!

[Ekta Swarnkar]

I always found this book's title rather catchy; I might try this now after reading your review. Thanks!

The book deserves to be read. Thanks for your interest!

[Anon_Reviewer]

It's always a treat when an author uses dialogue creatively to help the reader tell characters apart. This sounds like a good one. Thanks for the review!

[Ekta Swarnkar]

It's always a treat when an author uses dialogue creatively to help the reader tell characters apart. This sounds like a good one. Thanks for the review!

Yes, words are the weapons to a writer. Thanks for stopping by!

[Kanda_theGreat]

Penington writes excellent sci-fi that keep you glued to the last page. I reviewed his other book, The Hand Bringer and I'm definitely gonna read this one.
Thank you for the review.

[Ekta Swarnkar]

Penington writes excellent sci-fi that keep you glued to the last page. I reviewed his other book, The Hand Bringer and I'm definitely gonna read this one.
Thank you for the review.

He definitely does! I'm thinking of reading that one too. Thanks for the comment!

[AvidBibliophile]

Beastly creatures, magic, and suspense! And I’d like someone’s “angelic gaze” to fall upon me too, haha. Sounds like a creatively woven tale for sure!

[Ekta Swarnkar]

Beastly creatures, magic, and suspense! And I’d like someone’s “angelic gaze” to fall upon me too, haha. Sounds like a creatively woven tale for sure!

Haha, I bet! Thanks for stopping by!