"We didn't feel like random companions thrown together by fate. We felt like one of those companies of soldiers who had fought hundred battles together. We felt like friends who'd known each other since we were born. We felt like family." 
 well, this was disappointing 
 imo it's a character driven story so let me introduce you to the five protagonists: 
 * Tilla: she's the narrator. She's the bastard of the high lord of the west. She's pretty funny but she basically spent the entire book lusting after Zell, friendzoning Miles and thinking about making out. At least she bothered to learn how to fight unlike the princess who was so annoying ohmygod 
 * Jax, Tilla's half brother: I actually really liked him, he was the comic relief and I loved his relationship with Tilla (they're half brothers, they have the same mother). They were always there for each other and they also made fun of each other! But also, instalove ugh 
 * Lyriana, the princess: I hated her. So much. She's the pampered princess who just wants to see the ocean and grow plants and save all the animals and who doesn't want to use her powers when the group is in a life threatening situation because she doesn't want to hurt anybody. Like, go die in a hole please. Luckily there was a bit of character development in the final pages but I still can't stand her. 
 * Zell, the love interest: well, he's alright I guess. The typical pretty face with a tragic back story. Obviously, instalove. Instalove everywhere. 
 * Miles, the dumbass: this guy. He must die like now. I can't stand him. Useless, annoying, that one guy that you don't like and who keeps coming after you anyway. 
 I think my main problem with Royal bastards is that I didn't connect with the characters, I felt nothing when some major things happened. And I really think the story needed more POVs. 
 Besides, I can't bring myself to care for the couples because it's one of the worst cases of instalove I've ever read about so ... i don't know if i'm going to read the sequels