Title

The title for this book is also just a single word; Forbidden. From this single word, I'm assuming the plot could be related to two characters falling in love but it's some kind of forbidden love or something of that sort. The title is nothing too fancy; it's very simple.

Cover

The cover is kind of interesting because it's got sheets of papers scattered everywhere and the papers have writing on them. I'm already assuming that they're either love letters or poems, but I don't really know from the cover alone.

It also has the stem and leaves of roses laid out flat with red powder thrown in the middle. The powder kind of looks like chilli powder if I'm being honest.

The cover does not grab my attention immediately, however, it's not a bad looking cover either. I'd say to try and use a clearer font for the title though because it's not the best of fonts.

Blurb

I would describe the blurb as standard. It doesn't make me want to carry on reading, but it's not inherently bad either. I mean, we're introduced to a servant and a Prince who both have a secret, so this does make me wonder what the secret could be, but by looking at the title and blurb, I'm assuming that this is related to their sexuality.

First Chapter

The first chapter had a interesting opening and the first line made me want to continue reading. You've used a broad range of vocabulary as well as descriptive language consistently throughout the first chapter which made me enjoy reading it as I felt like you had put effort into the writing.

My thoughts were definitely confirmed as I read the first chapter and realised it was related to sexuality and that being attracted to the same sex wasn't allowed in your book.

Plot / Theme

The plot of the book was really good. I did enjoy reading this book not only because of the characters but due to the fact that the plot had been constructed really well. There was a mixture of themes throughout the book: love of course being one of them and hardship in a way as well because it's clear that Gaven and Ethan have something between them.

On the other hand, I do feel as though the feelings between Ethan and Gaven grew very quickly as they only saw each other a couple of times and already Gaven is wanting to be with him. I would recommend developing the relationship further before they begin to think about dating, as this would make the book seem more realistic.

Writing

Your writing style makes the book very easy to read, you have a very broad use of descriptive language throughout the book, and each chapter is well constructed.

The vocabulary used also makes me want to carry on reading as I'm not getting bored of seeing the same words being used repeatedly and you've also used the words correctly in your sentences as well.

To improve, I would suggest you go over spelling and grammar in your writing as all writers make mistakes.

Characters

Ethan is first portrayed as a shy character who has very strong views and opinions but is afraid to voice them due to what can happen to him if he does. His character definitely develops throughout the book as he begins his relationship with Gaven which gives him a new found confidence and allows him to be himself without worrying about what others think.

Gaven is a character who has mixed feelings but specific views at the beginning. It is like he is unsure of who he needs to please; his father, or Ethan who he has feelings for. His character does develop throughout the book as he almost fights for his feelings and wants to be honest to himself without caring about what his father thinks.

I can't say I was too fond of Gaven's father, simply due to the fact that he was an arrogant man and he had no care or love for his son.

Overall Impression

The book was not a bad read, to be honest. I did quite enjoy reading it as it was something different that I haven't actually come across before.

What made your book enjoyable to read for me was your writing style, mainly as it didn't put me off reading and the way the characters were portrayed as they were was entertaining.

The plot was fairly interesting, it wasn't completely original but it wasn't cliche either so I was able to read it properly.

Reviewed by: Pixie