Ben Anderson’s A Betrayal of Storms is a sweeping epic that immerses the reader in a world where power, politics, and magic intertwine like the twisting winds of a coming storm. From the very first chapter, the story sets its tone—dark, brooding, and filled with the tension of an impending cataclysm. Anderson crafts a world that feels simultaneously vast and intimate, giving readers a sense of both the grand stakes involved and the personal struggles of his complex characters.

What stands out most is the world-building. Anderson doesn’t just sketch out a setting; he breathes life into it. The different regions, cultures, and systems of magic are intricately detailed, providing a rich backdrop for the narrative. The titular "betrayal" becomes a motif not only in the political machinations but also in the characters' personal relationships, lending emotional weight to the sprawling plot.

The characters themselves are a mix of familiar archetypes and fresh takes, especially the main protagonists who grapple with moral ambiguity. Anderson excels at presenting characters who are not wholly good or evil, but somewhere in between—a reflection of the chaotic world they inhabit. Each of them feels deeply human, driven by their own fears, desires, and motivations, which makes their journeys compelling.

However, where A Betrayal of Storms shines brightest—its detailed world-building—can sometimes be its downfall. The pacing suffers from the weight of its own ambition. There are moments where the plot feels sluggish, bogged down by exposition or descriptions that, while beautifully written, take away some of the urgency from the central conflict. For readers who appreciate diving deep into a world, this will be a bonus; for those looking for a faster-paced narrative, it might feel overwhelming.

Thematically, the book explores betrayal not just as a plot device but as a philosophical question—who can be trusted when even the elements themselves seem to have turned against humanity? This lends a layer of introspection to the otherwise action-heavy plot, adding depth to Anderson’s story. The unpredictability of alliances and shifting loyalties keeps readers on edge, never allowing us to fully settle into any one assumption about where the story is headed.

In conclusion, A Betrayal of Storms is a book that rewards patience. It’s not a light read, but for those who enjoy their fantasy dense with lore and nuanced characters, it’s a highly satisfying one. Anderson’s ability to blend the personal and the epic makes this story stand out in the crowded genre of high fantasy. It may not be perfect, but it’s undeniably an impressive feat of storytelling that leaves the reader eager for the next tempestuous installment.

I really enjoyed this story. The romance, the characters, and the plot were all well developed. The twist felt a bit rushed and not fully fleshed out, but other than that it was a solid read.

I absolutely adored this book! I loved each and every one of these characters and the romances between our two main boys was fantastic. Ben Alderson never fails to deliver fun, intriguing, and spicy fantasy novels. I enjoyed the fast paced style this book was written in and the end made me want to pick up book two immediately.

This was a new read for me and I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it or not but surprisingly I actually really enjoyed this book.Keeps you pulled into the story all the way till the end! Very exciting read!

A fascinating story full of twists and turns

There's a war brewing between the humans and the fey. But when the last Icethorn heir, Robin Vale, is found, things change. Raised by humans, he learns a whole lot of things about the fey world, aided by Princess Althea and his personal guard Erix. Danger, threats and magic surround him from all sides and he will have to learn a lot about himself to save his court and his two species.

Ben has done it again! This book was really entertaining. I loved how, from the first pages, we were thrust into the world with action and danger. Robin has no idea what's happening and neither do we and I loved understanding everything piece by piece along with him. The side characters were fascinating and interesting, and they really added some intensity to the story. The romance made perfect sense and was really sweet and hot at the same time, with some serious queer sexual tension that I LOVED. As for the world in itself, it was very unique and well built, we weren't drowned in information at all, which I appreciate. The plot twists and betrayals had me gasping in shock and I was there for it! I mean, there were so many deceptions and surprises that I felt like everything was going to explode but in a very good way. I was never bored and always wanted to keep reading and see what would happen next. The writing was addictive as well, making it even harder to put the book down. I am obsessed with Robin's character development and can't wait to see how he continues to grow in the next book!

I highly recommend to any NA gay fantasy fan!

"Never apologize for being you, my son. No matter how others make you feel."

** I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review **

I don't really want to have a negative review for this book because the Author put in a lot of work, time and heart into this novel.

I think this book could really go through a few more edits, maybe even a plot developer or two. There were so many gaps, so many loose ends that led no where. The writing needed to really be fleshed out. I don't know if I would consider this book to be similar to ACOTAR and From Blood and Ash. Maybe ACOTAR sure, but that seems like a bit of a stretch.

If this book gets re-released with another round (or several) of edits I would love to dive into this world again, the concept was magnificent!

A Betrayal of storms , Ben Alderson
Main tropes- M/M Romance- Bodyguard Trope- only one bed- Slow-burn- Touch him and die

The captivating fantasy world of a betrayal of storms quickly pulls you in from the first page to the last. The authors writing hooks your attention with enticing well placed plot twists which will have you unable to put the book down and keep you turning the pages.
The world building is simple and easy to follow and is not to over-whelming especially if you are a first-time fantasy reader and gives you enough to paint a vivid picture.
The main storyline I found intriguing especially the relationship between Robin and Erix their chemistry was undeniable. This was my first M/M romance and thought it was written really well and I loved the bodyguard trope.
Without giving too much away there is a lot to like about A betrayal of Storms with plenty of hidden gems throughout for lovers of Fae & Folklore. I do however feel it would benefit from a map and hopefully this will be explored further throughout the series with this book being a great starting point and the cliff-hanger ending leaving me wanting more.

thankyou to Angry Robot and Netgalley for the Arc

3.5⭐ rounded up
Robin Vale is a half fae make living in the town of Grove, until he is abducted at night by fey hunters. After being rescued by fey and stumbling into his power, Robin embarks on a journey of learning about his mother, his heritage, and what it might mean being the only remaining member of a lost court.

This is the first in a series of books in a works with humans and fae and it's my first novel I've read by Ben There's a lot of political plotting and intrigue as Robin is introduced to the world. I struggled to connect with the characters, but I imagine others will enjoy this, particularly if you enjoy court intrigue and assassins. I'm interested to see where the story goes next.

Thank you to Angry Robot Books for an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book is due to be published 10/22/24.

I DNF'd at chapter 6. It was all me. I was just not into the story. The writing is great, but my head was just not in it.

Fastpaced, action-packed romantasy with Fae and MM romance!
It was a fun read, with just enough fantasy and romance to keep you going.

3,5 interesting stars

A Betrayal of Storms was originally independently published and available through Kindle Unlimited. It, and all later books in the series, were bought by Angry Robot and are now being re-released. I did not read the series when it was originally posted, so I can't give details on any major changes but I did enjoy the book and I think fans of spicy male/male romance books will like it!

The book starts with Robin, our main character who is half-Fey, being kidnapped from his bed in the middle of the night. He quickly learns that his abduction is by an anti-Fey hate group. These first few chapters were surprisingly dark due to this horrifying political climate. Robin is soon saved and taken to Wychwood where the Fey (and other magical beings) live. He learns some life-changing information about his heritage and meets Erix, who will be his new personal guard.

Erix and Robin are immediately drawn to each other and have some fun banter. Erix is mysterious but incredibly protective of Robin - and not just because it's his job. Robin leans on Erix as one of his only trusted allies in a world he doesn't fully understand yet. The two are charming and I thought their dynamic was sweet and steamy.

While their relationship is playing out, there is a big political plot that Erix, Robin, and their friends must navigate. As with the politics in the human world, the politics of the Fae are also pretty dire. The two worlds are at a very dangerous crossroads. Robin is key to either preventing war or watching both of his people descend into bloodshed.

The romance between Robin/Erix is in its early stages in this book, as is the political story. Progress is made on both fronts but it's clear this is just the start of a much bigger story. The ending left me really interested in where the story could be heading in the future. I'm glad that the second book in the series releases so soon!

A Betrayal of Storms is a fast-paced political story woven into a very fun and spicy romance. The story follows some similar beats to other fantasy romances but it's told in a way that I found to be unputdownable. It's perfect for fans of "romantasy" who wish there were more queer options in the genre!

Even though the plot of this book seemed really intriguing and intresting, for some reason I couldn't connect to the characters and it was difficult to read.

"Then let us not waste another moment... little bird."

"If you ever have the displeasure of meeting the fey-folk, do yourself a favour and turn the other way. They are never to be trusted, not ever. The only language they speak is lies."

I really enjoyed reading this book. It felt reinvigorating. I wanted back into the fantasy world with fay and magic and everything that comes with that. And I did. I was back right into the mix of a war. Right into the story of a young man, half fay who’s captured from humans and then freed from a vexing, irritating and incredibly charming fay guard who will make it his life protecting him. I was there with Robin, trying to figure out the truth of his heritage and the uncertainty that comes with his future. Trying to figure out the truth about himself and his life and the war he will inevitably find himself in the midst of, without wanting. All the while meeting people who will be like a family to him (I do love a good found family trope) with whom he’ll start to open up a bit. More than anyone, this guard who will find a way to his heart and his mind (the romance was so sweet but also spicy) !!
I really liked it. Add to that a bit of tension and a bit of betrayal (those last pages felt like a bit of a surprise to be honest) and you have a book that will keep you in until the end and leave you wanting more from the future !!! I can’t wait !!

"I have a feeling you are going to be a handful, little bird."

“And if I had to bleed dry to prevent the war, then I was ready to be the one to wield the blade to ensure it never happened.”

I devoured this in a matter of days and have thought about it since.

The story starts fast and Robin is captured within a few pages. From that we quickly learn he's quite capable at fighting and handling himself but he is also very much a soft character. I'd hesitate to call him a cinnamon roll but it wouldn't be entirely wrong. Sometimes I think that his character was soft to the point of being unrealistic, like the immediate understanding of the people who captured him for coin. They sold you, Robin! Be angry!

There are a lot of little gems hidden for lovers of fae and folklore stories (iron, sneaky wording about things, etc). There are also some unique things I felt really added to the world. The wider fae people don't have magic but the ruling families of the seasons do, and the access to magic is diluted the bigger the family is. How without a family to dilute or control the magic of the season realms then it goes out of control. This is sort of the crux of things when it comes to the conflict because the uncontrolled magic is going to destroy the human realm, which is apparently called Durmain and that info could have been more clear when initially introduced.

The makeup of the realms, human and fae, could have been aided with a map. I know the story says the fae realm isn't mapped out but even a list would work. As I said, I didn't really catch at first the human realm was Durmain, I thought I'd missed something somewhere, and then the mention of the capital Lockinge didn't really mean anything since I didn't have an idea of where it was in comparison to Wychwood.

The travel between the fae realm and human realm was interesting. The idea of it being accessed only by invitation and navigating it without an invitation. This kind of goes back to the comment I had about little gems of things for fae and folklore lovers.

I love a lost heir, bodyguard x guarded romance, and a new trope I'm calling 'More than one bed but they're afraid of the dark' because yes.

I think this set up for a good follow on book(s) and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the realm, the court we haven't really met yet, Robin's realm and whatever else is going to come from it all.

A wonderous story of a man searching to find himself and where he belongs. This is a great story for any fan of romance and fantasy

*A Betrayal of Storms* by Ben Alderson offers a captivating and easy-to-follow fantasy world that quickly pulls readers in. From the very first page, the writing captures your attention with its well-paced plot and exciting twists that keep you turning the pages. The world-building is simple but effective, giving just enough detail to paint a vivid picture of the environments without overwhelming the reader. While some might wish for more backstory on the supporting characters, the main storyline is intriguing, especially with the relationship between Robin and Erix, which develops in unexpected ways.

The characters are engaging, particularly Robin, the main character, who shines throughout the story. The bodyguard trope adds an exciting dynamic, and the M/M romance is handled well, though Erix’s sudden intensity in his feelings for Robin left some readers a bit puzzled. Despite this, their chemistry is undeniable, and the plot builds a solid foundation for what promises to be a thrilling series. The balance between character development and action keeps the pace moving smoothly, making this an enjoyable read overall.

While some areas, like the supporting cast, could benefit from deeper exploration, the twists and turns in the story more than make up for it. *A Betrayal of Storms* is a strong start to what could become a standout fantasy series. Fans of the bodyguard trope and M/M romance will find much to enjoy, and the cliffhanger ending leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.

A Betrayal Of Storms was my first Fantasy MM Book. There were come great twists in the book that I did not see coming. Definitely keen to read the rest of the books. Given 4 stars, may be harsh but I give 5 stars to my roman empire books

A Betrayal of Storms is a fantasy focused on a half fae male with a hidden identity. I absolutely love that kind of trope. When I read about the MMC, Robin (great name), I found his character presented as a lot younger than I thought he was supposed to be. Very much a submissive character and his love interest is an over protective fae. I did like the spice scenes and felt these were better written than the rest of the book. Generally I felt I was being shown and told a lot and I prefer language that creates intrigue and thought. Some of the language and sentences are lush but they are lost within the context provided. Overall a fun book and I enjoyed the MM romance element. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

This was the first book that I have read by Ben Alderson, and an interesting foray into this new world. A Betrayal of Storms was a bit rocky, but I did like some of the characters and their progression. I liked the absolute betrayal that we continually saw, trust no one, kids. Trust no one. Will I read the next one? Absolutely. It wasn't unforgivable, just a few kinks to work out. We shall see how the next one goes! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC to be able to review this.

Unable to finish.


DNF at 23%

Not captivating or entertaining. I felt like I was forcing myself to go through something unpleasant.