Family of Lies: Sebastian Paperback – March 18, 2015

4.5 stars - Surprisingly, this might be one of my fave reads of the year. Surprisingly because I had some issues, but in the end, I really enjoyed it. For fantasy fans, it can be a fun ride.Do you like fantasy? If so, that’s good, because I think that might be necessary. This is based in a magical world with wizards, the fey, trolls, and other magical beings. There is little-to-no-explanation or exposition about the world and all the magical beings, so you have to either go in with some idea of fairies and incubi, or just take a relaxed “go with the flow” feeling.What this reminded me of? Argent’s style, especially with its crowds of characters, reminded me a lot of Diana Wynne Jones' books. Jones, who wrote a truckload of awesome YA fantasy books, also would often toss you into the deep end of the pool with little explanation, and you just had to swim through her imagination and magical worlds.Argent’s style, especially MC Sebastian, who is quick with an insult, grouchy (yet secretly kind) and loves books, reminded me also of Megan Derr’s works, and other fantasy works from Less Than Three. If you like fantasy, and stories like Derr’s Dance in the Dark or Isabella Carter’s Dragon Slayer, this may also work well for you too. (I’m personally a big fan of both those books.)What was harder for me? This book is CROWDED. Sebastian has, like, nine siblings? Plus his parents, the kids of some siblings, the partners of other siblings, his romantic interest, the prince (who is gloriously persistent against Sebastian’s grouchiness), the prince’s parents, the castle guards, some villains, LOTS of people. It took a while to sort through, and because there are a lot, I didn’t always feel connected, and at times, they just felt like listed names. I sound like one of the heartless villains, but if I could have removed 3-4 of Sebastian’s siblings, I would have been happier, although his family would not since even when they’re devising poisons for each other, they really do love each other.The amount of characters and how there was not a lot of explanation were probably the hardest parts for me. I was more frustrated in the beginning, but then I got into the “go with the flow” vibe, and like Sebastian in the story, I warmed to this frenetic world and its devious (but loving) characters, especially Sebastian, who feels like he can never let down his shields, but then he meets his match with the tireless Turren. (I have such a soft spot for those who can wear down grouches!)When I knew I really dug this book? I have two commute choices—the twenty minute express bus that is usually too crowded to sit or the 40 minute slower bus that leaves at erratic times but you can always get a seat. (Great for reading!) And I found myself making sure I could take the slow bus so I can spend 40 more minutes reading about what will happen to Sebastian next. After wading in, I was HOOKED, and really enjoying the story, the emerging romance, and even the crowded dinner table at Sebastian’s house. (It’s also nicely long! At over 300 pages or 100,000 words, so I was able to enjoy a few commutes with this one!)If you’re a big fantasy fan, you may also really dig this. Heads-up that it can be confusing, and there are a lot of people running around, but within it, there’s a sweet romance about a young magical man, and his tenacious, ever hopeful prince.Would I read more? Well, my jury is out. Sebastian was definitely my fave character, so I would be up for reading more with him, but I didn't feel much for other potential romantic leads.I think Argent did a fun job and is an author I want to keep tabs on. You may also dig this one too.

This story starts with the familiar premise of a spoiled, insolent prince who falls quickly in love in his callow youth, only to be rejected and forced to better himself to be worthy of love. The tale takes place in a land of magic and castles and shadowed mysterious forests. I confess that I love that setting. Unfortunately, the author spends so little time describing the features of the country or characters-- that I couldn't "fall into" this new world. The story would have benefited from a good deal more descriptions illustrating the places we go to and the people who live there. It often felt as if I was traveling through a tunnel, unable to see anything around me, but knowing I was being pushed forward towards some direction.Where the author excels is in the wit and humor of the dialog. The second "hero" of our story is the mysteriously cloaked Sebastian. He's surrounded by a huge family of wise cracking and embarrassingly blunt hellions, who when they aren't hitting someone with their fists are throwing a well worded barb at their enemy. They had me frequently laughing out loud with their uncivilized ways and vocal family fights. Through Sebastian's interactions with his family we slowly get a clearer picture of a strong, humorous young man trying to make his own way, despite the fact that his family constantly hinders his attempts at bettering his future.This story was overall a lot of fun to read. It was money well spent as I know I will be saving this on my kindle to read again and again. Essentially a fairytale of boy meets boy, struggles must be overcome and finally the couple is allowed their happily ever after. I sincerely hope the author continues to write more stories about this world and Sebastian's family.

Unless a book is extremely good or extremely bad, I rarely give reviews. I read too damn much. I'd spend half my time writing. This was an excellent read! Unique characters, fun dialog, and hot sex. Though not in excess in a way that takes away from the story. It's rare that real love is portrayed so well. Most stories are: he/she is gorgeous with a beautiful body, so love at first site. Very unrealistic and trite. I like that the author did NOT make a series of spin offs using this world of its characters. I would hate for such wonderful creations to evolve into unrecognizable blandness. I also like the magic. So many writers try to make magic so different and unique, that most of the book is spent explaining tedious, in-depth analysis of how and it works. Well done Sam Argent! I can't wait to see your next world and those who inhabit it.

After reading so many romance and fantasy books and getting board with F/M authors following the same patterns in there stories. I decided to Borden my reading and lets face it love is love no matter weather M/M or F/M if you have an open mind so this is the second M/M book I have ever read I must say I really enjoyed this book its not just about Sebastian its his whole family this book had me laughing out loud Sabastian and his family has a wicked sense of family values and coming from a large family my self I can relate and prince Turren and his family was the icing on the cake .

I've read this book countless times over the years. The author builds the characters and the scene to draw in the reader.And I can't wait for the next instalment.

Well written, this book me laughing out loud a lot. I've read it a second time within 3 months of purchasing it. The Orwell family are impossible and totally crazy, Sebastian is a delight and his budding romance with the crown prince is entertaining. I'm sure it will remain a firm favourite of mine.

This book is just wonderful. Sexy, funny and heartwarming. If you're feeling down pick up this book and let yourself escape! I found the writing a little rough around the edges at times, but it's a solid story with great characters. Interaction between the protagonist and his love interest/family is delightful to read and I don't think I stopped smiling throughout the whole book. The humour is done well, I'm quite sensitive in this regard and not once did I cringe. I would like to see a sequel where more of this world and it's lore is explored please!

Awesome book, really ticks all my boxes. Can't believe I've never heard of Sam Argent before--absolutely as good as Megan Derr! The developing relationship between the main characters is sexy and hillarious.