The Shadow Lord's Son is the first book in the To Take Away His Voice series by Voron Forest. Brannan Marec Mavrenn, a.k.a. Master Bard, was living a fulfilling life playing his harp when it all changed. One eventful day, a childhood friend, Mara, was accused of witchcraft by her husband Samir, Warlord of Torrent Mountain. Brannan helped her escape, and because of that crime, he was enslaved and imprisoned. Tormented by physical violence and sexual suppression, Brannan had no idea if he would ever get out of this mess. However, things changed when Samir discovered a threat that could destroy the whole planet. Brannan’s shocking secret was revealed, and his innocence was proven. As love blossomed between the two, he was tasked by Samir to find out what the threat was and where it was coming from. Joining him on his journey was Nijal, an Alsar Guardian, and Geraint, an old warrior. Brannan the Bard had all the reasons to find his way back home to Samir. But would he?

This book isn’t for everyone. It has dark themes that some might not enjoy or feel comfortable reading. With that being said, the story was entertaining, to say the least. Samir was a hard man to love, and honestly, I couldn’t truly understand Brannan until later in the story when their relationship developed. Apart from the erotic nature of the story, the plot was good, and the world-building was impeccable. Samir’s character development was great. He changed from a brutal man to someone who loved Brannan dearly. The mystery behind Brannan’s secret and how it was revealed was exciting, and the narrative did justice to it! If you enjoy erotica with darker tones, you will love this series!

Samir, a warlord and the protector of Torrent Mountain City, had imprisoned his wife, aiming to have her put to death after hearing unsettling rumors about her. A Ruithin priest named Brannan Marec Mavrenn intervenes to help her escape before she suffers a terrible fate. After realizing Brannan's betrayal, Samir puts him in jail, thinking the priest is involved in a plot to depose him. The warlord has no idea that Brannan's actions are motivated by a looming threat that will affect all of them if they are not acted upon promptly. Will he listen to the bard's pleas, or have his actions doomed them all? Only time will tell in Voron Forest's The Shadow Lord's Son.

In this expanding series, the world-building in The Shadow Lord's Son is meticulous, covering all the information readers will need to know about the magical world of Alsar. It also includes brief origin stories for the main characters and a glossary at the end of the narrative. The novel's most intriguing feature is how much focus Voron Forest places on the emotional aspects of the story. Perceptive readers will recognize this from the tension that permeates Samir and Brannan's dialogue and helps to explain the warlord's seemingly senseless acts of brutality toward the bard. Forest's unique narrative style leaves nothing to the imagination, be it Samir's creative torture techniques, sexual activities, or the vivid battle scenes. The Shadow Lord's Son is a compelling option for readers seeking something different because of its clever plot and smooth transition from an intense love story to a daring adventure.

The Shadow Lord's Son: To Take Away His Voice by Voron Forest is an LGBTQ+ fantasy novel that follows Brannan Marec Mavrenn, a Master Bard who is imprisoned and tortured by the ruthless Warlord Samir for aiding his wife's escape. As Brannan endures physical and psychological torment, a secret love forms between him and the Warlord. Together, they must face an impending planetary threat, as Brannan unravels a dark heritage tied to the Shadow Lord. This book weaves together eroticism, high stakes, and dark themes of power, love, and survival in a complex world of fantasy.

Author Voron Forest has crafted a sensual work that blends high fantasy with deeply emotional and erotic storytelling, creating an intense and unique narrative for fans of male-male romances and interesting dynamics. Brannan is a complex and well-developed central figure whose experiences are told with a close narrative viewpoint that lets you feel every high and low of his adventures. There’s a powerful focus on how the different relationships, sensual situations, and action-packed fantasy moments change his viewpoint and his personal growth. Samir, a fierce and antagonistic force, goes through a very different journey as he works out his own emotions from a more aggressive standpoint, but the bold portrayal of power dynamics, submission, and survival is handled with sensitivity, making the book thought-provoking and provocative. Forest’s vivid world-building is also immense and sweeping, adding plenty of atmosphere and moody touches to the dark, intricate themes. Overall, The Shadow Lord's Son is a tale that is both captivating and challenging and I would highly recommend it to fans of edgy LGBTQ+ romance.