A Prince Among Men is the first book in the ‘Fortress’ series. It stars Sebastian Chase, aka ‘Bash’, a special op soldier, and Sean Grimaldi, a pediatric doctor. This is told in third person from both Bash and Sean’s povs.



First the cover. It’s nice. I’m guessing that the cover model represents Sean. It seems to suit him.

At the time I’m writing my review, the blurb hasn’t been uploaded yet to the book so I’ll give a short rundown. Bash works for a special op group called ‘Fortress’. He goes into dangerous situations and fixes whatever needs to be fixed. The first time we meet him, he’s on a mission with his team to rescue an American hostage and his family. This takes place in the Prologue. It’s not until the first chapter that Bash meets Sean. Both are in prison cells held in the King’s castle in Akkadia. Bash plans to escape and Sean wants Bash to take him with Bash. Briefly, there’s the harrowing escape from the castle, return to Fortress, then subsequent return to Akkadia because someone has attempted to murder the King, who is Sean’s grandfather. Sean has been chosen by this grandfather to be the next King. Fortress is involved in finding who the assassin is and how to stop the next victim…Sean. There’s a lot of action and intrigue in this story once you get past the prologue. When I first started reading, I was concerned the book was going to be heavy on military ops, which thankfully it wasn’t once I got to the first chapter. Because I have to be honest, the prologue was extremely dry and boring for me, but that’s because I don’t like reading about military missions. Others may find it interesting, but I seriously questioned how I could finish reading the book if it was written like the prologue. But like I mentioned, thank goodness it wasn’t. Instead, it turned into an adventure, romance mystery that I didn’t want to put down.

The story contained a lot of different aspects from current events that bothered me. I guess I’d say it was too close to what is happening in the world and I didn’t want to read a story that reminded me of the mess the world is in right now. The book mentioned Russia, the Wagner Group, assassination attempts, and trying to install a puppet leader so Akkadia could be controlled by Russia. It was all just too close to home.

Now about Fortress. Fortress is run by an extremely rich man named Nick, who has made his fortune through shipping. He is probably one of the richest men in the world. He has created the secret Fortress, which is not connected to any country. Fortress is a secured facility on an island where all the men like Bash, and their families, live. Nick asks Sean to join the group. There’s a lot more detail on how Fortress is run, why it was first created, and what it does in the world. I thought the author did a great job in creating this secret world.

As to the characters, I really liked them. They had distinct voices that were carried throughout the story. Bash had a quick temper, and his actions were also quick considering his job. He was probably the best operative Fortress had. He did have a loneliness to him in that his job kept him from finding someone to love. Also, he never knew his father, so there is a hole at his core of not belonging that leads him to taking chances to the point of recklessness. He is passionate and feels deeply. His work is his life. Sean never wanted to be King of Akkadia. He was raised in the UK and was tricked into visiting Akkadia by his grandfather until Sean agrees to become King. But his grandfather also has ulterior motives for bringing Sean back to Akkadia. Sean loves his pediatric work and wouldn’t hurt a fly. He is patient and observant, more than most people. Bash and Sean’s emotional outward appearances are of opposites, but at their centers they are both strong, brave, and willing to take risks. I could definitely see them as a couple.

I have one important thing to say if the author reads this review. Please write the next book where Bash goes to see Nick in Nick’s office at the end of the story! I desperately need to know how that conversation went down. Don’t write an after the fact story, based on a later conversation, but write a book that picks up right after this story. And then maybe you can proceed on to Sean and Bash’s wedding! I really want to read about Bash and Nick’s conversation, even a short story will do. I very much hope you’ll consider it.

Overall, A Prince Among Men was a highly entertaining read once I got past the prologue and the close similarity to current events. Bash, Sean, and Nick were all distinct and interesting characters. If there was another book about them, I would definitely read it. I recommend this book for readers who like, action, intrigue, and romance. This book has it all. I do have to mark down for the prologue because I felt like it wasn’t like the rest of the book in action or emotional feel. I give this story, 4 Stars.



I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. I am giving my honest and unbiased opinion about this story. ( )