Servitude by Rebecca Cohen is a homoerotic paranormal romance.

High Lord Tancorix Regalos has many duties as ruler of the city Katraman, but even with all his power, he's never measured up to the magical abilities of his father, Romanus. Romanus knew that he would have a descendent that would make his power look like child's play, but he didn't live long enough to see him. Tancorix's son, Lornyc, is supposed to have such powers, but he has never shown them. Lornyc is happy with his studies and his secret love for Methian Hadral, the heir to the thrown of Xenetra. Methian's mother is refusing to accept Lornyc, making them publically deny their feelings and hide their love for each other. Lornyc's life is disrupted when he learns of the magical contract agreed to by Romanus, compelling the next High Lord to become a servant to the youngest Hadral, which is Methian. Lornyc has no choice but to comply, but neither of them expected that situations would be set in motion that would change their lives forever. Lornyc and Methian are forced to fight for their lives and each other as individuals attempt to destroy their love for each other.

Hopefully, this incredible story is the first book in a new series. Lornyc may be a self-serving individual, but he has hidden depths that few people see. Methian knows all of his faults and loves him in spite of them because he knows that Lornyc would do what needed to be done in a crisis to protect his people. It was fascinating to experience Lornyc's feelings as he began to learn how to use his hidden magical abilities. It was funny at times how he would lose control and havoc would ensue. The visual descriptions of the orbs in the caverns under Katraman were astonishing as they reacted to Lornyc and Methian's magical abilities. The absurdity of Lornyc having to play servant and perform menial tasks when he was used to giving the orders was not lost on him, even though he didn't see that until later. Even Lornyc acknowledged that he learned many things during the contract and that might have been Ronamus's intent all along. The love between Lornyc and Methian was inspiring, showing the reader that true love can conquer all.

Reviewed by: Teresa