Story Rating: 4 stars
Audio Rating: 4.5 stars
Narrator: Gary Furlong
Length: 3 hours, 56 minutes
Audiobook Buy Links: Amazon/Audible | iBooks
Book Buy Links: Amazon | iBooks
Ezra is a Soldati, a tiger shifter soldier, but more importantly, he’s a healer and a conduit for the Eye, a prophet-like power for the Soldati. He’s one of the King’s most trusted advisors, but Ezra would almost always rather have his nose in a book. He’s awkward, gentle, and sweet. Which is why he doesn’t realize that Segreti’s interest in him might be more than friendship.
Segreti was a general with the Orso army, but now that his corrupt king has been defeated, he’s finally free of his oath and able to retire. Spending time in the Soldati kingdom is a vacation of sorts, but more than just pleasant, as he gets to spend time and converse with Ezra. Ezra has always intrigued Segreti, but he’s kept his distance, knowing that nothing can ever come of it.
The more time the two spend together, the more their attraction blooms. But outside forces are still threatening Khalon, the Soldati King, and Segreti is in the middle of it. When Ezra gets a glimpse of the future from the Eye, he can’t believe what he sees is true and it threatens to tear apart Ezra and Segreti’s newfound relationship. With life and love on the line, secrets are key to rooting out the trouble. And when the truth is revealed, Ezra and Segreti, as well as the Soldati, come out stronger than ever.
The Soldati General is the third, and seemingly final, story in the main Soldati Hearts series. Cochet has managed to create a fairly complex world within these three novellas, and while I would have liked a bit more information in some regards, it’s well done. Overall, I think the author has a nice balance between the romance plot lines and the larger through plot.
Ezra has been a secondary character from the start, quietly adding to the tale without taking over. Here he gets his moment to shine and I found myself quickly adoring him. He’s awkward and sweet, neurodivergent coded, and just a slightly oblivious delight. I liked watching him bloom under Segreti’s attention, as well as seeing his backbone. Ezra stands on his own, and I enjoyed him.
I found Segreti a bit more of a mystery, and much of his personality is taken on faith. But I loved how sweet and careful he was with Ezra, and the way he catered to Ezra’s needs. There’s a bit of a caretaker dynamic here for me, which I adore, and Segreti takes Ezra as he is. It’s really lovely to see. He also is staunchly loyal, and when he shifts that loyalty to Khalon and the Soldati, he will do whatever it takes to save the Soldati.
As much as I liked the MCs, I was a little dissatisfied with the mystery plot resolution. Given the shorter length of the story, I thought Cochet did a decent job with wrapping things up. But for me, the resolution was a little too quick and easy. By that, I mean, the secret plot was a little too pat and everything worked out a little too well. Given the previous world building points, I thought it took a leap I wasn’t quite ready to go with.
Gary Furlong’s narration is spot on and wonderful for this book, just as the rest of the series. The continuity is so good, consistent throughout all the books. Furlong’s performance really elevates the story for me, as he dials into the emotion of each scene. Furlong’s narration of Cochet’s words paints a great picture, making it so the movie of the story plays in my head as I listen.
The books in this series are quick reads, or listens, and I enjoy them quite a bit. If you haven’t had a chance yet, the audios here are easy recommendations.
