Arcanym

by Jamie M. Samland

Elvan, eldest of House Galmoth, is content to stay in and always eager to jump into character. Someday, he will find a facade that suits him, one that meets his mother's expectations of him. He's spent the last two years playing investigator, raking through ledgers to clear his mother's name while ignoring his family business and noble House crumbling around him. When the last servant quits, Elvan is forced back into the world and must choose between continuing his fruitless investigation and saving his home from the collectors.
On his last lead, he meets Drace, a lonely shopkeeper who sweeps him away on a flight from the royal inquisitors, who is the same man that arrested Elvan's mother.
They dive deep into the kingdom of Spheris, shrouded by the smog of rising industry, lit by the flicker of gas lamps. Here, the magic users must practice their art in secret, away from the eyes of the crown.
After discovering their intertwined pasts, Elvan and Drace forge forward, uncovering the plot that led to his mother's exile, but who can they go to when the guilty ones are at the highest level of power?
Can they dodge the inquisitors and questionable motivations of Elvan's sister, the Duchess, long enough to bring the crown to justice? Or will they fall to the same fate as Elvan's mother?
Elvan will have to prepare for his greatest role Himself.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, LGBT

300 pages, Paperback

Published March 28, 2023

About the author

Author also writes under J.M. Samland

Jamie M Samland is a fantasy author based in Canton, MI, USA. He is passionate about creating vivid worlds and compelling characters that transport readers to new realms of imagination. Drawing inspiration from his love of storytelling, Jamie spends his free time playing board games, roleplaying with friends, and indulging in other hobbies like martial arts and home repair. When he is not writing, Jamie is often found lost in thought, dreaming up new and exciting stories to share with readers.

Reviews

[Alex Mascia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC reader, and it was also my first time reading a book by this author.
You are pulled straight into it and want to know more about what happens in the prologue.

Characters
The two main characters are well thought out and make you care about them, their relationship feels natural. Their progression is well-written without too much drama.
Secondary characters are interesting and made me want to know more about them, at by the end of the I was not disappointed.

Worldbuilding
The world is well made and the author is hinting at more outside of where the story takes place., which makes me curious and want to know more.
Magicians (artists in this world), their powers and their place in society were well defined and explained.

Plot
The plot was interesting and was woven into the worldbuilding, the characters and is fast-paced.

Overall
This book is a real page-turner, I had to stop myself several times to have some sleep! I really enjoyed it and I recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy.

[S.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book as a giveaway on the clock app, and it is the best thing I have ever won! I loved this book so much! If you're looking for a feel good m/m romantacy this is it! Elvan has endeared himself to me in such a way that other characters haven't in a while. Elvan is shy noble who would rather spend his days pretending to be someone else, that is... when he's not pouring over his mother's accounting books to see why she was mysteriously exiled years ago. While looking for answers he meets a young shop keeper, Drace, who instantly triggers an attraction.

This story follows the duo through the kingdom to find answers to why magic is being repressed, why artifacts are being hidden or destroyed, all while trying to hold up the ill king's final wishes... even when his scheming daughter tries to under mind it all.

5 stars for the story! The spice is what I would call minimal... I would say 1.5 chilli peppers

[Tanya.Henderson #FairyWyvern TikTok · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such an easy read that you will just fall into this fantasy world, and you will be totally caught up in the suspense and angst. This book has a very small Romance subplot, and it’s a gay romance subplot, but the romance in this book is so subtle and sweet and it’s everything that it should be. This is such a great book with representation without unnecessary calling out. It was just a really great story with a small romance sub plot that had no shame no callout just the sweetest little love building together. This was a really well written book. It’s an easy read I would highly recommend and anyone as a young adult That the spice in this book is barely one pepper. it’s almost completely fade to black with just some small hints. It’s just tipping your toe when it is it’s just so it’s a sweet sweet read.

[Sarah R. Krzyzanski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Elvan's character was instantly endearing. You find yourself rooting for him against the crown, his family, and his own bumbling lack of confidence. Drace was also a charming character, with a refreshing blend of flirtatious sexiness and sweet vulnerability.

The plot is filled with mystery, intrigue, magic, and romance. I think it has a little something for everyone. My only complaint is that once the ball really got rolling, the story was over quickly, leaving me wishing for more!

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is billed as a "fantasy romance," but in reality, it's fantasy with romantic interludes. I wish I had gone in with an expectation of a fantasy book rather than a romance book set in a fantasy storyline; I think I would have been less confused for the first portion of the book. I enjoyed the fantasy elements greatly, and a few of the twists even took me by surprise! Thank you for the e-ARC in exchange for my review of the book.

[LaRay Delgado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book and the characters! When I was finished I was wanting more. I think I'm going to read the stories written about a side character now!! I was a little shocked with one particular chapter because it's spicy 🌶️ I don't usually read spice but didn't mind at all. Would definitely read more books by J.M. Samland!!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a lot of plot and action. It was very fast paced and at some points I wish it had slowed down and explored the characters and what was going on better. I think if the book has been a tiny bit longer, there would be a less abrupt ending to certain story lines. Overall, it was a pretty fun, fast, and easy read. I will be trying more books from this author.

[J. McGrath · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC reader, but these opinions are my own.
I'll start with my pleasures. I like that same sex relationships are normal in this world. It feels like that is always an option for fantasy, and we don't see it enough. The romance scenes are also sweet and well written, so it feels nice to avoid the social pressure angle. The action is easy to follow and can give a thrill.
On the other hand, these scenes are few and far between, with the action basically only coming in the last few pages of the book. What takes up the space is the mystery and the building relationship between the two leads. The mystery is alright, not anything too shocking but not immediately predictable. The building relationship is... flat. There isn't enough friction, and while the couple might be cute, they and their relationship doesn't grab enough attention. That goes double for the world; I couldn't tell you almost anything about it.
If you want some low stakes, low friction gay romance, I think it will work for you.

[Theld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put the book down! Definitely historical romance meets fantasy with the most intriguing plot. Never a dull moment during the read. Highly recommend!

[Ryan Carrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Samland books! He does a wonderful job at world/ magical building. He enjoys layer thoughtful twist and turns that leaves you anticipating how the story will end!

[emily curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable paranormal fantasy, well written with likable characters, narration is good too.

[E.L Leroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received the book as an ARC reader in exchange for an honest review . It was enjoyable at first, but a bit of lengthy moment in the middle, especially Evan second guessing everything he was doing in a frantic way. the plot and intrigue very well set at the beginning could have been further exploited, however hint and new information were dropped right on time with a sense of “ what next”so I like that . I love the two character Drace and Evan, and I loved Evan insecurities ( up to a certain point though). The magical word element was really interesting and I also liked Ser Vazadon character. I think the character arc and the world building could have been expended further and polished a bit… but overall it was really enjoyable!!!

[Ruth A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept my attention from the beginning, and I was emerged into this other world full of surprises. I enjoyed watching the characters grow throughout the novel. This book was hard to put down!

[Samantha Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fantasy romance novel

The two main characters were well realised, and easy to root for.
The magic system was interesting.
I enjoyed this fantasy read.