Thank you, Netgalley, for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.

I'm a little torn about this particular book, hence the solid three stars.

On one hand, I was never bored. The action is practically nonstop once it gets going (I was exhausted near the end just from everything that had been going on), and the world itself is interesting. I'd really love to know more about the mythology and history, especially about the Titans and the rings the mages use, not to mention something the princess said later on in the story that I won't get into because of potential spoilers.

On the other hand, I was really thrown off by the very modern way of speaking the characters had. There were lots of terms bandied about that just didn't jive with a medieval type setting and it always jarred me out of the story whenever one of them cropped up. And Tilla got on my nerves every time she mentally commented about how good looking a male character was; especially if said male character was getting ready to attack her sword point first.

I can see why fans of Game of Thrones would enjoy this. There's betrayals, magic, and lots of bloodshed. Curious to see if there's a sequel and where the story will go from here.

This YA fantasy adventure about a group of misfits is fast-paced and action-packed, if predictable. The magic was interesting and acted as a good set up for the plot that followed. The modern dialogue was unfortunately very off-putting, and overall the characterization and romantic plots felt shallow. Still, readers interested in action-filled fantasy may enjoy this.

Tilla Kent is a bastard. Raised in her father's house but second to his "trueborn" children, she knows her place. When her father commits a horrible crime and stirs a rebellion, she must go on the run with a princess, her half-brother, an old friend, and a warrior to try to save the kingdom (and themselves).

I give the book four stars. I have the book four stars because most of it was predictable. However, I did enjoy reading the world the author created and I enjoyed reading about the characters. I can not wait to read the next story. I would recommend the book.

I loved this story! Royal Bastards ended up being everything I hoped it would:

- Kingdoms
- Awesome, rebellious, brave characters
- Magic!!

I think the best thing for me was the characters. There were five main ones and they were all fantastic in their own ways. They each had really distinct personalities, motives, and backgrounds.

1) There’s the main character, Tilla. She’s the bastard daughter of the “Lord of the Western Province”.
2) There’s Jax, Tilla’s half brother (same mother, different father, also a bastard).
3) Miles is one of their friends and also a bastard. He’s an awkward scholar.
4) Zell is a Zitochi warrior from the north (a totally different culture).
5) Then there's Princess Lyriana. (I really adored her development! Maybe the most!)

The book is about this band of friends stumbling together under weird circumstances, adventuring, and trying to protect their kingdom.

I love how the characters changed and hardened throughout the story. You could really see how they were affected by what they saw and were trying to accomplish.

My one main critique is with the romance. I loved it in theory; I adored the main character and the love interest. But I don’t feel like enough time was spent developing their relationship. They had a few sweet moments together, but honestly, I can only think of like two really significant ones, and that wasn’t enough for me to be 100% sold on them falling for each other. But I think this romance could have been really amazing if developed a bit further!

And god, the ending! Emotional, heart-wrenching, but also pretty awesome.

If you're a fantasy fan, Royal Bastards is a MUST READ!

What a fun and fast paced, action packed adventure! I felt like I was right there with the characters helping them with their story! A group of unlikely heros become fast friends trying to protect an heir to the throne and get her to safety. I loved every minute of this fun ride! Thanks for letting me read an ARC I feel privileged and excited to get the word out about this fantastic story!

This book caught me a bit by surprised. When you read the synopsis it doesn't seem that different from other High Fantasy YA novels. But the most important thing in this book were the relationships, the platonic ones. The writer could've easily put all of the focus on the romance and neglected the friendships (which was my biggest concern when I started) but didn't. The friendships are without a doubt my favorite part of this book.

Now as for the romance, the initial signs towards a love triangle had me worried but I like how it was handled. To explain I'd have to get spoilery and I'd like to avoid that for the time being.

I read that this book is the first of a trilogy. At this point, a duology would seem more logical, given how this book ended but I'm very curious to see what the writer has planned.

I gave this book 4,5 stars. The only thing I was missing was for a certain character to get what's coming to him/her. But I guess that's for the sequels.

If you like High Fantasy YA novels, I totally recommend this one.

This book was an enjoyable read for both me and my 16 year old. Interesting fantasy world and compelling characters made it a fairly quick read. It seems like a setup for a longer story arc. We will probably buy and continue the series.

[I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review]

"If you're not a Sister of Kaia, then what are you?"
"An apostate. A mage without a school." Lyriana smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "A bastard."

I personally find the figure of the "bastard" in literature rather fascinating, since it is often one of the most complex characters, rich of determination, courage and intelligence. In "Royal Bastards" these people are not only side characters, but the main ones, and seeing how they cope with their situation, how they felt about their status was really interesting. Also because it shows different kind of "bastards": of blood, but even for law or decision, and it's is not a so common thing.

It surely won't become one of my favourite books ever, but its perk is a smooth and simple style that allows to read it quite quicky and without getting bored. I was really curious to know how the adventure of the little gang would end, and even though the plot wasn't very complex and offered few plot twist, I enjoyed it anyway.

The characters' development is a quality but also a flaw at the same time. It was nice seeing them changing slowly and not in a rush like too often happens, but there is one of them that suddenly acts too much out of character, at least in my opinion. His action seemed a bit forced, like an escamotage placed there just to create the "biggest plot twist", that for this very reason didn't have the hoped effect.

Another little flaw is that there are some episodes treated a bit too superficially or even not mentioned at all, leaving me a little puzzled (such as the discourse about magic). Moreover, from my point of view there should have been some chapters reserved to the villains' POV in order to give an overall view of the situation. Instead the only one present is Tallia's, narrated in first person.

To some up, there are certainly many things that could be improved, but if you're looking for a light reading to relax a bit without struggling with dozens of names and complicated plot you should give it a try.

First of all, I absolutely loved reading from Tilla's perspective and her bond with her half brother Jax. They were so quirky,funny, and so tight with each other. I knew something was a little off about Miles but he was lovable in the first 100 pages too. I really liked how there were so many twists and turns. Everytime I was expecting something to happen, it ended up going the complete way. All in All, I'd really recommend this to people that like fantasy or historical fiction

Dark, edgy, thrilling!

ROYAL BASTARDS by Andrew Shvarts is a stand-alone teen epic fantasy, suitable for readers aged 16 and over due to graphic violence, alcohol consumption, and one sexual situation.

What in the frozen Hell did I just read?

I requested this title from NetGalley because I loved the cover. Didn't even bother reading the blurb, and honestly, if I had known I'd have an epic fantasy on my hands, I'd have steered clear, because high fantasy ALWAYS puts my brain to sleep, and I'd long ago given up my hunt for the unicorn of high fantasy--that one that can immediately suck me in and send my heart racing.

Well, turns out I found it! I'm glad I didn't skip this one--this is THE EPIC FANTASY written for impatient readers like me who love the movies but fall asleep reading LOTR. Dripping with adrenaline, ROYAL BASTARDS is just what the title and cover promise: an edgy, so-wrong-it's-right read.

Except for that first line "Being a bastard blows," the back cover blurb (now that I've read it) doesn't do this book justice. Tilla's the 16-year-old bastard daughter of a regional Lord, who pretty much ignores her now that he has a proper wife and three "legitimate" daughters. Why he hasn't disowned her and tossed her out on the street is the question that fixes hope in her heart--that her father will one day decide to legitimize her (give her his last name, let her eat at the family table, etc) and thereby save her from a life as a servant. But when Tilla and her beloved half-brother (also a bastard) witness her father kill a visiting Mage from the king's court (an act of war), it's game on. Tilla along with a band of other misfit bastards embark on a mission to deliver the visiting teenage princess safely back to her kingdom before her bloodthirsty father kills her (and Tilla, too).

Shvarts does so much so well. The opening pages immediately sucked me in, and while there were bits of backstory I skimmed, I felt pretty much glued to these characters and this plot. As far as world-building goes, Shvarts nails it. Nothing is over done, and everything weaves together beautifully, subtly, and--oh yeah--THRILLINGLY. There's a thread of subtle humor that offsets the sometimes over-the-top graphic violence (though the main character is a chick, it's clear a dude wrote this). Though I didn't actually laugh out loud, I did get a bit misty-eyed at the end, and I was a little angry with Shvarts for killing my favorite character. I think I might've actually blurted, "You bastard!" But that's the beauty of this book, it totally screws the rules of fair play. So, reader be warned: this is a fast-paced, violent book that skirts the edge of inappropriate in the best and most thrilling way!

Though it's marketed as YA, this book may be a little too edgy for readers under 16, as it depicts the 16-year-old main character drinking loads of alcohol, engaged in sex, and bashing in skulls in all the gory detail. ROYAL BASTARDS will appeal to fans of dark fairy tales, those who loved the LOTR movies, and anyone with a chip on their shoulder. I loved this book so much, I want to share it with a hardcover giveaway (scroll down).

ROYAL BASTARDS earns 4 North of Normal stars!

Very readable new YA title. Grabs the reader right away! Can't wait to see what happens but don't want the book to end! Highly recommend to all YA readers! Adventure, romance, fantasy lovers will enjoy!

Royal Bastards is a fun read that will have teens waiting for the next installment. The characters, a motley and dissimilar crew, are thrown together and placed in the position of helping save the kingdom. Choices must be made. Secrets are shared. Sides are chosen. And the young protagonists find ways to work together...or not. Romance, mystery, and adventure. This book has enough variety to pull in a variety of YA readers!

I was completely enthralled by this novel. Full of twists and turns, from the start, this novel is hard to put down. I am looking forward to the sequel!

I was hooked on the title and didn’t let go until the end. This novel was fast-paced with a historical feel and just enough magic to make it a good story for a variety of readers. Tilla, Zell, Miles, Lyriana, and Jax are a wonderful blend of characters. They each have their own personalities and stand out in their own ways. They are highly detailed and each grow and develop through the story.
The premise is an original one: seeing through the eyes of the children that are generally cast off as non-important. This is, of course, an underdog story that follows through and gets the reader on our hero’s side quickly. It was nice to see that all the characters were faulted and mostly learned to except these faults and strengthen themselves with them.
I enjoyed the settings that were captured throughout the novel. Shvart’s writing was fluid and descriptive on all accounts. People, places, and dialogues were well thought out and pieced together with perfection. Then end had some final touches, but maybe a hint at a following novel. If that novel does happen, I will be jumping in line to read it.

This book was a lot of fun. I would categorize it in the same realm of fantasy as MY LADY JANE. Not exactly steeped in any sort of realism, but it's self-aware and funnier for the ways it's anachronistic and light-hearted. It's pretty fast-paced, and while maybe more suited to a slightly younger YA reader, was definitely readable and entertaining--if predictable. The friendship dynamics worked in its favor, the romance felt a bit stilted. Not a big game-changer, but a fun solid book.

3.5 Stars. I would classify this as High Fantasy Lite.

It has the action, adventure, betrayal, humor, magic, and romance I've come to expect in a HF story, but something was missing for me. It was almost as if this was intended to be more than one book but someone decided it to fit it all into one.

I really enjoyed the relationships though, whether they be sibling, friends, or romantic.

If you're looking for a fast, fun, and entertaining read, definitely give this one a shot.

OMG! This one, hands down, is going to be a HUGE hit with YA readers. It's fun, fast-paced, has just the right balance of light and dark, and it has the word "bastards" in the title. Seriously, teens are already sold! My only criticism (and I wouldn't even call it that) is that I would have loved the characters to be a bit more developed. But seeing that this is the first in a planned trilogy - my hope is that the subsequent books will reveal even more of what are sure to be some well-loved characters. Definitely a debut I'm on board with and one I can't wait to share with my teen readers this summer!

Royal Bastards focuses on the life of Tilla, a bastard who wants nothing more than to be seen as the legitimate daughter of her father, the Duke of Somewhere or Other (I forgot. That should tell you something about the book). However, when the Princess of the Other Land (welp. Two for two on remembering where places are in this book) visits, Tilla's father reveals his scheme for taking control of the West and starting a new Great War. Tilla, her friends, and the Princess must flee the castle and make it to safety before the whole kingdom in embroiled in a new war.

I wanted to love and adore this book so damn much. Powerful female protagonist? Check! More than one character of color? Check! Fantasy, a favorite genre or mine? Check! Friendly attitude towards LGBT people? Check! A title that I feel comfortable recommending to my students? Erhm. No. A love triangle? Oh dear god. Yeah, there's sort of kind of one of those.

However, the above is minor when compared to my biggest gripe with the book: the use of modern slang in a fantasy novel. Every single time I came across modern slang, I was violently jarred out of the world I had built in my head while reading. A book using modern slang reminds me of a grandma who's trying to be hip and cool: while it's occasionally endearing, overall it just makes you look kind of needy while you're trying too hard to get the cool kids to like you.

Ultimately, Royal Bastards is an okay novel. Someone who enjoys fantasy will probably like this book; however, I'd save your money, kiddos, and borrow this one from the library.