Family of Lies: Sebastian
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Family of Lies: Sebastian Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Sam Argent (Author), Cornell Collins (Narrator), Dreamspinner Press LLC (Publisher)
4.4 out of 5 stars 683
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Sebastian Orwell did the only thing a smart wizard could do when he stumbled upon the wounded Crown Prince: He healed him and dumped him in a tavern where he could continue not being Sebastian's problem. Unfortunately, the prince isn't content with being alive, and he hunts Sebastian down to thank him personally. Not only is Sebastian stuck with the prince's unwanted affections, but he's also confronted by growing evidence linking the assassination attempt to someone from his father's past.

Lord Orwell is a lot of things: thief, liar, drunk, and all-around horrible father, but Sebastian knows he's no murderer. In order to prove it, Sebastian has to keep the prince alive long enough to discover the truth - a task made considerably harder because the idiot prince prefers wooing Sebastian over securing his own survival. On top of everything, Sebastian needs to save the day without revealing his magical powers and the real reason he hides his appearance.

Sebastian had no intention of playing the hero, but whoever is stirring up shit in his country will pay for destroying his quiet life.

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  1. Listening Length
    10 hours and 22 minutes
  2. Author
    Sam Argent
  3. Narrator
    Cornell Collins
  4. Audible release date
    February 23, 2016
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Dreamspinner Press LLC
  7. ASIN
    B01C3FMN9K
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 10 hours and 22 minutes
Author Sam Argent
Narrator Cornell Collins
Audible.com Release Date February 23, 2016
Publisher Dreamspinner Press LLC
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B01C3FMN9K
Best Sellers Rank #123,338 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#567 in LGBTQ+ Literature & Fiction (Audible Books & Originals)
#1,169 in LGBTQ+ Romance (Audible Books & Originals)
#2,567 in Fantasy Romance (Audible Books & Originals)

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
683 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Avid Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2021
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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.
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T. Gray
4.0 out of 5 stars Had a few issues, but overall a fun fantasy read.
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2015
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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.
13 people found this helpful
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Riva
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and fun
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2016
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Audiobook Review:

Oh man, this is really a wonderful, unique story. Not like any fantasy book I have ever read. If you are a fan of the Nightrunner series, you will probably enjoy this. The Orwell family is a wonderful bunch of crazy, bordering on psychotic, people. There are 10 siblings and two crazy parents; a wizard and a fey. Sebastian is the youngest and hiding a secret curse; this is why he wears an enchanted hood. The siblings bickering is half the fun of this book in my opinion. It is witty and sarcastic dialogue and to an outsider it sounds like they loathe each other. However, when a threat to their family emerges, the reader experiences exactly how much they love each other and the lengths they will take to keep each other safe. Alongside this storyline is a really sweet enemies to lover romance between Sebastian and the Crown Prince. Their bickering is also very entertaining; especially during their first time having sex; so awkward. I also really enjoyed the Royal family, especially Queen Anne, the bad assed warrior wizard of the family; that was a really nice addition to the story. The story gives us a wonderful HEA and I hope there will be more with this crazy family.

The narrator does a really good job, although I thought his voice for 19 year old Sebastian seemed older than warranted. Also some of the voices blended together. But none of this took away from my enjoyment of this story.
4 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars ... now and I have to say this book is amazing! The first time I read it I was ...
Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2016
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My first time reading this was a few months ago but I've read it 4 times now and I have to say this book is amazing! The first time I read it I was wondering just how many damn siblings and wives and husbands are going to be introduced because it just felt like it would never stop. After my first time reading it though I just went back to restart it again because it was so good and now that I knew all the characters I wanted to go back and give it another go. Sebastian and Turren are both awesome characters, Sebastian is a grumpy smart ass and a bit of a liar too but he's so awesome, sarcastic and witty, I fell inlove with him almost immediately. Turren is such a prince charming with a great personality that makes him perfect for Sebastian and easily lovable. The story was strong from start to finish and fast paced. I can't complain about anything with this story and would recommend it to anyone who's looking for a good fantasy story.
2 people found this helpful
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Ginger
3.0 out of 5 stars who should know better behaved in the book
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2016
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This book was okay, I frequently found myself frustrated with the way the adults, who should know better behaved in the book. For them to be all knowing and royalty they more often than not acted like immature children. Especially Sebastion's (one of the main characters) father, he always knew more than he would share, even with the readers, and it led to a bunch of unnecessary confusion that put many people in danger. I really wanted to like this book and for the most part it was okay, but it definitely left me frustrated and wanting more.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Jeremy W Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars One of a kind
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 14, 2021
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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.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book!!
Reviewed in Canada on November 17, 2016
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This book was so good!! I couldn't put it down!! I Can't wait to see if any more books follow😊
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Querleser
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastiy fantasy story
Reviewed in Germany on June 20, 2015
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I really love Sebastian and his grumpy attitude. I loved getting to know him and seeing behind his hood to the lonly man yearning for sth he doesn't even know. The prince and his arrogance are excactly what Sebastian needs. Who else would ignore his resistance and try again and again to win him over if not a prince convinced to be "the one" for Sebastian (and seeing Sebastian as his "one" of course).
The story his well-written, the main characters convincing in their good or bad roles. The only problem I had was with Sebastian's family. His seemingly animosity absolutely convinced me, so I couldn't understand the change from "horrible family" (with Orphelia as only exception) to "wonderful if annoying family" who always helps and has his back whatever the danger.

If you like a fantasy story with magic (more or less powerful magicians as well as magic forests, elves, trolls, and others), powerful artefacts, suspense and drama, annoying brothers and sisters (and way too many siblings - and therefor in-laws - by the way) who don't mean well, but in case of danger have your back, horrible parents with a strange way to show that they care, a ruthless and rather powerful villain, kidnappings, blackmails, lies and schemes all around, a nice king with a wonderful and strong queen, well described characters and nice little things to make them even more authentic and believable, and of course a real love that conquers all: the annyoing family, the ruthless bad guy and all challenges of a relationship (personally, I really liked the idea of the shrinking spell! Handy - and funny as hell!).

A funny story with all the good stuff a fantastic love story needs.
4 people found this helpful
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Brendan Bang
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely funny and well drawn characters
Reviewed in Australia on January 22, 2016
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Extremely fast pace and even faster dialogues. Not your traditional story line but strong characters for both male and female. Absolutely funny and well drawn characters. There is a glossary with terms at the end of the book that is helpful to readers. If you like fantasy and gay romance, this is it.

Very similar vein to TJ Klune The lightning struck heart.
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Kitsune
4.0 out of 5 stars fun read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 27, 2017
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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 .
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