A Bastard's Birthright

Though it doesn’t no have a standout cover, this book surprised me by how good it actually is. The story is engaging and I hope that there will be a sequel to boot.

Thanks alot for a chance to read this book!

There's alot t0 like about this book.

I've become quite invested in these characters from Calris and his marine tough personality to jasmine and her fiery disposition that matches her hair.

Some original & time honored magic with a great adventure thats not overly dark.

Well written and enjoyable!

I honestly found this book a joy to read. The relationship the characters had between each other, especially between Ban, Calris and Jasmine, and the hilarity because of it just added to the read. The story itself regarding the artifact felt like it could easily be something you see on a big screen, which, as I was reading, is how it came to me in my head. I do wish there was a little bit more story building between battle sequences because it felt almost suffocating (which I'm sure is how our heroes felt). Another thing I wish could be added would be clear labeling that point of views would be changing. At the beginning of the book, it feels almost like it happens every chapter which could turn readers away. Later down the line in reading though, I got used to it. All in all though, the concept and actual story in this novel was so gripping and now I'm left waiting for the next installment that I hope happens. 4.5/5

This is a great story with a lot of potential. The back story of its creation gives a good perspective to read it from and gave the story more "soul" for me

The writing style is skillfull and the book is very well drafted, following a logical progression, there was just a slight clinical nature to the narrative. Very descriptive, but to the point.

I found Jasmine more likable than Calris but loved the dynamic between them which is fuelled by the polarised dichotomy of their personalities

I would definitely recommend this book, it has great potential

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. My review is left voluntarily

An enjoyable read that after a slowish start really picked up the pace.

Good world-building with interesting monsters and lands, along with a nice cast of characters. The plot is also intriguing with some twists and turns that I did not see coming. I'm intrigued to know more about what may happen next.

This book thrusts readers into a riveting contest as an ancient artifact discovered in the Marduk jungle becomes the epicenter of a brutal struggle for control. With fleets sailing, mages plotting, and assassins lurking in the shadows, the race for supremacy unfolds. Amidst this chaos is Calris Telruson, a Royal Calandorian Marine living his best life sailing the high seas, and Jasmine Fastra, an ambitious apprentice mage on the cusp of achieving her dreams. When their paths collide with the artifact, their lives take an unexpected turn as they become entangled in a fight against formidable forces. With fists, flames, and an ever-reliable headbutt, Calris and Jasmine must protect the artifact, even as its true nature remains a mystery to all.

The author skillfully crafts a gripping tale that seamlessly blends action, magic, and humor. "A Bastard's Birthright" introduces readers to a richly developed world where the stakes are high, and the characters, including the charismatic Calris and ambitious Jasmine, are caught in a whirlwind of danger and intrigue. The novel keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, eagerly anticipating the unfolding consequences of the artifact's power and the characters' resilience against the unknown

A story following the marine Calris Telruson and a rich cast of characters as parties fight to be the first to discover what a mysterious artifact’s true purpose might be. Along the way they might just uncover something that truly shakes the history of their world.

The relationships in this book help to carry the story, particularly the friendships. I will say- the romance element did feel a touch cliché- bickering rivals turned lovers- though not unenjoyable.

This book doesn’t shy away from humor, which is nice in a fantasy tale- which can sometimes take themselves very seriously. On occasion there is the odd joke or turn of phrase that feels slightly to of this world and time, and can briefly take me out of the moment, but apart from that I have no complaints, and welcome the awkward moments, playful banter between friends, and more.

The world and mystery is fed out bit by bit, feeling digestible and increasingly intriguing as you start to work out some of your own theories. I was not able to correctly predict some of the major twists, and that is always a fun surprise.

I would definitely recommend giving this book a read and seeing if it hooks you.

I would genuinely recommend this book for the banter alone. However, in addition to the absolutely golden humor, there's also a solid and entertaining plot. The main characters, Calrius and Ban, are part of a marine company loaned out to a mage named Ferez to assist with the transportation of a mysterious artifact called the Key that does, well, something. While Ferez and his apprentice, Jasmine, attempt to figure out what exactly that something is, all involved parties are frequently thrown into mass amounts of chaos. And there is a lot of chaos to be thrown into.
This book has great friendship dynamics, the aforementioned wonderful banter and humor, and a whole bunch of action.
I could've gone without the romance plot but it wasn't a huge part of the book and it's nice that it was actually based on more than just physical attraction.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and or the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review A Bastard's Birthright.

It was one of the unique books that I have ever read and I loved it very much.

The author was amazing when describing people, places, etc.

This book made me feel I was among friends, great banter and real affection. To have those friends set down in a fantastic adventure just made it better. I cannot wait for the next book! Excellent writing.

Corporal Calris may have bit off a bit more than he could chew when on a mission to escort a magical artefact he asked the gods to provide a bit of entertainment. As he now finds himself and his best friend Ban to be wrapped up in something far larger than just an escort mission. With the fate of the world literally at stake Calris must escort one of the world's most powerful mages Ferez and his maddeningly adorable apprentice Jasmine across the world while being chased by assassins and fighting monsters from another world. All in a day's work for a marine though right?

The Bastard's Birthright was absolutely a very straight forward, very predictable fantasy adventure with a military twist and I loved every minute of it! Okay well not every minute of it, because while I totally get the author is in the military he may have taken is whole "I'm a badass marine" to an extreme only a marine is able to (a character actually says Huzzah! at one point I've never rolled my eyes harder in my life) but other than that it was amazing. And quite frankly since we've recently had the wife of U.S. Service Member write a book that pales in comparison to this I'm willing to forgive him.

This book is 100% character driven and honestly there's not one character in it I disliked. Even the bad guys. Actually probably especially the bad guys. The Guild Master and High Mage Politis are so freaking over the top in their whole "I'm going to rule the world" thing it's absolutely wonderful. Sometimes you just need a straight forward bad guy who has no other motivation than be an Evil Overlord to really make the good guys shine. And shine they do. Calris, Ban, and Jasmine have such a wonderfully normal friendship given the circumstances it was really a joy to read. Especially when the whole story really does revolve around first Ban and Calris but then the three of them being stronger together. And Jasmine is definitely my hero. I love that she is awkward around people and she has to learn that she's not the smartest guy in the room. It is absolutely realistic and was really wonderful to read. And the fact that Payne is bound and determined to make his marines intelligent (outside of wartime knowledge) I found to be a refreshing and much need piss off to the typical stereotypes that surround this branch of the military.

The action scenes in this were well done as well. I wouldn't say they are as good as say Dalglish's but pretty damn close. The monsters were unique and were described in perfect detail. Which I find to be important. Sure yes I've seen a troll before but not a troll in this world and certainly not whatever the hell the Guild Master ended up being, so I truly appreciated that attention to detail. And while the magic system wasn't really original I liked how it was adaptable. As Ferez and Jasmine are both fire mages the adaptability and individuality of their arts are easily seen here. Both of them have found styles that work for them even though they are using the same exact weapon.

And yes the romance side of this was absolutely adorable. Calris and Jasmine and too cute together and I probably would have been furious if Payne had ended the book without addressing this in a satisfactory manner.

Overall, I found this to be a witty, absolutely hilarious, and surprisingly fun fantasy novel and I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys Dalglish, Johnston, heck I'd actually say Lackey to because the characters definitely have her brand of smart ass charm all over them. Genuinely, can't imagine this not being in my Top Ten for 2024.

As always thanks to BooksGoSocial and Netgalley for the eArc!

I really enjoyed A Bastards Birthright. The characters were engaging and funny and very easy to picture. The story was well paced and easy to read. I honestly couldn’t put it down. A very good fantasy book.

A taught thriller with lots of twists and turns that will keep audiences intrigued throughout the story. Lots of magic, intrigue, and action that held me enraptured until I finished the story.

This is a smooth read full of beasts, fighting, sergeants, impulse, assassin’s and more. If you want a book full of action, a bit of magic and a lot of banter then this is the book for you! A Bastard’s Birthright is an adventure you don’t want to miss!

I really enjoyed reading this, it had everything that I was looking for in a scifi novel. The concept worked well with what I was looking for and thought the characters worked with the world that was set. I enjoyed the way JE Payne wrote this and it left me wanting to read more from them. It left me wanting to read more in this world and glad I got to read this.

This was exactly the read I needed.
Fast-paced, easy to follow and an interesting story.

If you're looking for a book with lots of fighting, magic, monsters, magical artifacts, assassins and lots of banter you hit the jackpot.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. My review is freely given and honest.