Ace of Blades

Super good! This book got me hooked and I read it in one night! I absolutely loved the writing and I will definitely read more from this author when I can!

I read this in a single day which, considering other books have sat half-finished for three years on my currently-reading shelf, says a lot. The fact that this is Knightley's debut book is astonishing and I am so excited to see where the future takes this talented author. The main character, Nox, was someone I immediately identified with and his flaws feel realistic while providing a reason to both be frustrated with his behavior and have him grow as a person. Curtis was a riot, positioned from the perspective of an ages-old being that hasn't quite figured out how being human works and gets caught off guard when his normal tricks don't immediately work. I loved the fact that Nox is demisexual (as someone who is asexual) and was absolutely delighted when his sexuality wasn't treated like he had to be kept innocent or chaste and instead explored the desire to connect with another being and be sensual without it being sexualized. I was intrigued by Drew and appreciated the balance of his reaction to his ex being trans vs his own interest in Nox as well as the relationships fostered between the three by the end of the book. Many people in the reviews are calling it a love triangle but as someone who is polyamorous, I found it far more akin to that experience. They all have different needs from one another and (based on the end of the book) it seems like as those needs change their relationships with one another will change too.

All in all I am super excited to read the next book and have definitely added Knightley to my watched authors list!

This was so good! Actual rating: 4,5 stars

I am always happy to read more books with trans(masc) characters because it is great to read about people like me and I think the queerness in this book was really well done! The main character is a trans man who is also demisexual and there's many queer side characters which I loved. Books that center queer people is definitely my thing.
I haven't read much paranormal (romance) stories these last few years so I don't know much about things that are done by many books but I can say that I enjoyed this aspect of the book a lot as well.
I disliked Curtis Duchesne from page one and was scared that I wouldn't like the book because of him but as the story continues we get to know him as a complex character who I found really interesting. The romance plot really surprised me. I usually don't like love triangles, they're usually way to much rooted in toxic monogamy but think the way it was done in this book was really good (if you even want to call it a love triangle).

I'm not rating the book 5 stars because there's many questions I have at the end of it but that leaves a lot of potential for the second book. (I only realised it was part of a series after I finished reading so this might be on me.)

I can't wait to read more by the author!

4 stars.

Ace of Blades, written by Michael Nyx Knightley, was a very interesting read. I did have expectations and this book surpassed it. Why, you ask? The characters did it for me. Transmasc and gay protagonists? Queer best friends? Hell yes, I dived in headfirst. And a beautifully framed plot! Of course!

On a personal level, the pace was just right for me, neither too slow nor too fast. All the chapters were connected, and there weren’t many time skips, so I liked that.

Nox Caldwell, a trauma surgeon, a forty year old fraternal twin, lived in Stony Hollow. He was close with his family, but his grandfather always treated him badly, because Nox was trans masc.

Curtis AKA Olivier Duchesne, a philanthropist and a millionaire, moved to Stony Hollow with his two sons for reasons.

Nox hated Curtis’ guts the moment he laid his eyes on him, because he was tall, intimidating and frustrating. But not for long, I say. Curtis was a born charmer, and Nox soon found himself wooed into his life. He discovers secrets about the infamous Olivier Duchesne and about himself. He needs to stay alert at all times. Even hanging out with his friends proved to be disastrous.

Okay so this book also happens to be the author’s debut novel. To say I am shocked would be an understatement. He has some real talent for writing, and when I say that he should keep doing this, I hope that his books would find great successes.

I could not give this book 5 stars because I couldn’t find closure on the love triangle. I really enjoyed the moments between Curtis and Nox, and even though the ending part was cool, I wish it were a clear picture on where they stood. What was to come next. But that’s okay.

To sum it up, this is a marvellous and intriguing novel, well written and worth reading. You know I am choosy when it comes to writing styles and I loved this author’s one. I definitely recommend giving this book a try. Good luck to the author on this book and the next, which I guess will be an addition to the series?

A powerful and ancient vampire meets a born hunter. What follows is a dark and twisted tale of need and personal transformation. With important Trans-masculine representation and a story that delves into unexpected directions. not a book that I will soon forget!