Capture the Crown
A book review of The Henchmen of Zenda by KJ Charles
He became Jasper Detchard after his family made it clear that they no longer wanted any association with him. With his savvy and his swordsmanship, Jasper built a reputation as a thief, a murderer, and a sodomite. The newest bidder for Jasper’s blade is none other than Michael Elphberg, half-brother to the King of Ruritania. Michael wants the throne, and Jasper’s reputation asserts he’d be quite helpful in a coup.
Among the co-conspirators is one Rupert of Hentzau. Ruthless and reckless, with intolerable wit and devilish good looks, Rupert is playing his own game and he seems to see Jasper as a prize. Jasper’s not averse to playing games, especially with a pretty young thing who knows his way around a sword. Especially since games where one wins or dies are his favorite kind.
When Michael makes his move for the throne, nothing goes according to plan. As the possibility of losing the crown grows, so does Michael’s agitation, along with the likelihood of the whole lot of them being beheaded. Amidst sword fights, schemes, and assignations, Jasper must find a way to get away with treason without forfeiting his life.
Two brothers, one crown. Let the games begin.
What a great, rollicking adventure. From beginning to end, this book illustrates both how titillating and how tiresome living a dangerous life can be. Only a certain type of person can endure such a life, and Jasper Detchard happens to be one. Having seen — and been — some of the worst the world has to offer, Jasper cherishes his few genuine friendships dearly. Which is how he finds himself in the middle of a plot for the crown of a small European country.
Jasper is a gentleman scoundrel, by preference and profession. He doesn’t mind murder and mayhem, but he doesn’t see the point of it for its own sake. He likes the thrill of danger, not necessarily harming others. It’s one of the reasons he gets along so well with Rupert. The more perilous a situation, the more unlikely they’ll make it out with their lives, the more these two daredevils can be likened to children in a candy shop.
There’s an age gap between them, and Jasper takes his role as mentor quite seriously. His student’s dedication is, of course, its own reward. Jasper makes an effort to guide Rupert and teach him the best ways to stay alive in their line of work. Less of a temper, better discernment on when to flay someone with his wit, and quite a bit more generosity in bed. Rupert works on his temper, insists on mouthing off to infuriate people, and makes great advancements in his intimacy tutorials.
5 stars! Recommended for anyone interested in the thrill of danger, faithful friendships, and love in the least appropriate places.
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Or check out my reviews on books by other LGBTQ authors!
