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Flame and Shadow #1
A Dream of Flame and Shadow
A Nightmare with a dream. A diplomat desperate for peace. And the human that will change everything.
Nevahn
All Nevahn wants is a quiet life making tools at his forge. When a bargain with the Lord of Nightmares whisks him away to a land full of terrifying monsters, his entire world is turned upside down. Terrifying monsters like Hellion and the brooding Lord Cian. Falling for them is dangerous, but he can’t help himself. Thrust into the middle of an impending war, and decades-old rivalries, Nevahn must forge his own way forward, or die trying.
Cian
For fifty years, Lord Cian has let his quest for vengeance consume him, body and soul. Until Nevahn. Now, claiming him is all he can think about, especially since another old flame has resurfaced. With war on the horizon, it’s the worst possible time to be distracted. If he wants to free his people from the tyrannical grip of the Fire Lord, Cian must resist his baser urges, or his people face annihilation.
Hellion
On the outside, Hellion’s mission is repair relations between the Nightmare and Dream courts. It would be, if Lord Cian wasn’t their ex-lover, and if Cian hadn’t brought home a new, human plaything. But the human has a secret, one that could change everything . The closer Hellion gets to unraveling the truth, the more sparks fly, and not just between Hellion and Nevahn. There’s something between all three of them, something that could shatter the peace Hellion is so desperate to preserve. To prevent a war, Hellion must navigate a delicate balance between what their position demands, and what their hearts desire.
Even if it costs all three of them everything.
Please see the interior for CW/TW.
Nevahn
All Nevahn wants is a quiet life making tools at his forge. When a bargain with the Lord of Nightmares whisks him away to a land full of terrifying monsters, his entire world is turned upside down. Terrifying monsters like Hellion and the brooding Lord Cian. Falling for them is dangerous, but he can’t help himself. Thrust into the middle of an impending war, and decades-old rivalries, Nevahn must forge his own way forward, or die trying.
Cian
For fifty years, Lord Cian has let his quest for vengeance consume him, body and soul. Until Nevahn. Now, claiming him is all he can think about, especially since another old flame has resurfaced. With war on the horizon, it’s the worst possible time to be distracted. If he wants to free his people from the tyrannical grip of the Fire Lord, Cian must resist his baser urges, or his people face annihilation.
Hellion
On the outside, Hellion’s mission is repair relations between the Nightmare and Dream courts. It would be, if Lord Cian wasn’t their ex-lover, and if Cian hadn’t brought home a new, human plaything. But the human has a secret, one that could change everything . The closer Hellion gets to unraveling the truth, the more sparks fly, and not just between Hellion and Nevahn. There’s something between all three of them, something that could shatter the peace Hellion is so desperate to preserve. To prevent a war, Hellion must navigate a delicate balance between what their position demands, and what their hearts desire.
Even if it costs all three of them everything.
Please see the interior for CW/TW.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2022
126 people are currently reading
951 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
April 26, 2023
Are you kidding me? Are. you. kidding. me!? Eliza, babe, you got me fucked up with this one.
I don't even know where to begin; I love this book so much, I want to scream. A Dream of Flame and Shadow is the second book I've read by Eliza Eveland, but I can tell you definitively that she weaves her heart and soul into every sentence because it shines like a thread of gold throughout the story.
The characters, the attention to detail, the fight scenes, the magic, the queerness, the SPICE - UGHHHH!!! I AM OVERWHELMED. It has everything that I could want in a book. I said this before in my review of Court of Crows, but I treasure and applaud the attention to detail in Eliza's books. Whenever I find an author that, instead of just, let's say, having a war going on in the background, chooses to engage the characters in intricate battle strategy and tactics - it makes a book ten times more engaging for me. It's really the little things.
Another impeccable example - the blacksmithing! There's one particular scene in the book that I can't get out of my head. It's literally just Nevahn's thought process while he's forging, but it's so beautiful in its simplicity because so much passion comes through the scene. No words are spoken - it's just a man and his craft, and it's exquisite. It's not lost on me that Eliza did her research before writing that portion, and it's precisely those types of scenes that make her one of my favorite authors.
Speaking of things that are exquisite - Cian and Nevahn...Nevahn and Cian. These boys have stolen my heart and lit it on fire, and I am not complaining. I got so drunkenly giddy during some scenes that I had to put the book down for a minute before I got too overwhelmed, and isn't that just the best feeling!?
I would say that you could run me through with a sword because I can die happy having read this book, but there is a second book coming that I would very much like to be alive to read. I am more than confident that it will meet (if not exceed) all my expectations for Nevahn and Cian's story. I can't wait!!
Thank you, Eliza, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I don't even know where to begin; I love this book so much, I want to scream. A Dream of Flame and Shadow is the second book I've read by Eliza Eveland, but I can tell you definitively that she weaves her heart and soul into every sentence because it shines like a thread of gold throughout the story.
The characters, the attention to detail, the fight scenes, the magic, the queerness, the SPICE - UGHHHH!!! I AM OVERWHELMED. It has everything that I could want in a book. I said this before in my review of Court of Crows, but I treasure and applaud the attention to detail in Eliza's books. Whenever I find an author that, instead of just, let's say, having a war going on in the background, chooses to engage the characters in intricate battle strategy and tactics - it makes a book ten times more engaging for me. It's really the little things.
Another impeccable example - the blacksmithing! There's one particular scene in the book that I can't get out of my head. It's literally just Nevahn's thought process while he's forging, but it's so beautiful in its simplicity because so much passion comes through the scene. No words are spoken - it's just a man and his craft, and it's exquisite. It's not lost on me that Eliza did her research before writing that portion, and it's precisely those types of scenes that make her one of my favorite authors.
Speaking of things that are exquisite - Cian and Nevahn...Nevahn and Cian. These boys have stolen my heart and lit it on fire, and I am not complaining. I got so drunkenly giddy during some scenes that I had to put the book down for a minute before I got too overwhelmed, and isn't that just the best feeling!?
I would say that you could run me through with a sword because I can die happy having read this book, but there is a second book coming that I would very much like to be alive to read. I am more than confident that it will meet (if not exceed) all my expectations for Nevahn and Cian's story. I can't wait!!
Thank you, Eliza, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 29, 2022
It's bisexual ACOTAR. There's a line between being "inspired by" or blatantly ripping something off, but I don't want to be the judge of which side this falls on. My main question is why couldn't some of the more flagrantly copied story beats be reworked so it wouldn't feel so misappropriated?
The writing isn't half bad which is why I hesitate to label this as a rip-off. I like the characters and Nevahn's progression, so it's honestly disappointing that the story isn't more original.
The final 10-20% of the story feels authentic and fun, maybe it took that long for the book to find its own personality? maybe the sequels will feel more innovative? we'll see!
The writing isn't half bad which is why I hesitate to label this as a rip-off. I like the characters and Nevahn's progression, so it's honestly disappointing that the story isn't more original.
The final 10-20% of the story feels authentic and fun, maybe it took that long for the book to find its own personality? maybe the sequels will feel more innovative? we'll see!
February 15, 2023
I did enjoy this, I found the world and characters interesting and was invested in where things were going, but the pacing was a bit off for my tastes and unfortunately, while I did like the characters, I didn't feel much connection to the relationship between Nevahn and Cian. It just kind of... happened to me. I really did like the idea of the whole exchanging gifts thing, but it didn't feel like it was utilized to its full potential. We do get snippets of them together, but with the pacing it feels like they fall for each other way faster than you'd thing considering the circumstances. But maybe it's just me.
We'd get like fully detailed of Nevahn working at the forge, and I do admire that the author clearly had an interest in the topic and studied it, but personally I wish less time was spent on that and more on fleshing out stuff like their relationship or Nevahn's training. I wasn't a fan of how weeks would pass and suddenly Nevahn is muscular and fit and bearded and capable of capable of giving inspiring motivational speeches to soldiers.
Ultimately it was a good read, but I wish the relationship was focused on a bit more. They didn't spend a whole lot of time together and so it just ended up feeling like they fell in love really fast instead of fully developed. But I still found it enjoyable and was intrigued with a lot of stuff in the story and will likely be reading any future installments.
We'd get like fully detailed of Nevahn working at the forge, and I do admire that the author clearly had an interest in the topic and studied it, but personally I wish less time was spent on that and more on fleshing out stuff like their relationship or Nevahn's training. I wasn't a fan of how weeks would pass and suddenly Nevahn is muscular and fit and bearded and capable of capable of giving inspiring motivational speeches to soldiers.
Ultimately it was a good read, but I wish the relationship was focused on a bit more. They didn't spend a whole lot of time together and so it just ended up feeling like they fell in love really fast instead of fully developed. But I still found it enjoyable and was intrigued with a lot of stuff in the story and will likely be reading any future installments.
June 16, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
It’s a good sign to be 15% into a book and look to see if the second book in the series has been released, and that’s what I found myself doing while reading A Dream of Flame and Shadow. Fantasy and monsters are not my primary genre, but it’s great to pick a story up that truly captivates from the start. Nevahn is the first character we meet and, while we get POVs from Cian and Hellion and well, it feels mostly like his story. He gets swept away to a world he truly never knew existed and, despite everything, feels at home there.
While the land Nevahn goes to is filled with the most nightmarish of monsters, it’s not a scary or overly gory book. These characters maintain a softness to them despite all of the hardships they have endured. There is a lot going on in this story, with a land on the brink of war that has a long long history to it. There is the relationship between Cian and Hellion and lots of history between them and then the relationship between the three of them. I instantly liked all of them and Hellion is a particularly fascinating character. There is a lot that Nevahn doesn’t know and, when he finds out, it changes everything.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
It’s a good sign to be 15% into a book and look to see if the second book in the series has been released, and that’s what I found myself doing while reading A Dream of Flame and Shadow. Fantasy and monsters are not my primary genre, but it’s great to pick a story up that truly captivates from the start. Nevahn is the first character we meet and, while we get POVs from Cian and Hellion and well, it feels mostly like his story. He gets swept away to a world he truly never knew existed and, despite everything, feels at home there.
While the land Nevahn goes to is filled with the most nightmarish of monsters, it’s not a scary or overly gory book. These characters maintain a softness to them despite all of the hardships they have endured. There is a lot going on in this story, with a land on the brink of war that has a long long history to it. There is the relationship between Cian and Hellion and lots of history between them and then the relationship between the three of them. I instantly liked all of them and Hellion is a particularly fascinating character. There is a lot that Nevahn doesn’t know and, when he finds out, it changes everything.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
June 10, 2022
A Dream of Flame and Shadow was an amazing read! A fantastic fantasy. The premise and world building were fantastic! Nevahn is a blacksmith apprentice that has nightmares every night. A failed bargain send him to the Land of Nightmares and Lord Cian, the Lord of Nightmare himself. This story was easily demolished, I couldn’t stop reading it! I was so vested in it. I loved everything about it! Overall, a phenomenal read that is well written with fantastic pacing. It was over before I knew it and I definitely want more in this world the author has created.
May 18, 2023
This was my first time reading this author's work and I am so glad that I did. This book was absolutely amazing. I found myself completely immersed in this book from the start. It is a bit of a long read but it really is worse the time. I can not wait for book 2.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion.
October 8, 2022
Eliza Eveland’s sprawling first installment in this new fantasy series was an engrossing ride that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. Inspired by various mythologies, it included everything I love about this type of fantastical setting with a gripping plot and characters I absolutely fell in love with.
Our story introduces us to Nevahn, a blacksmith’s apprentice who is unexpectedly chosen by Cian, Lord of Nightmares, to be a somewhat unwilling guest of the Land of Nightmares for a year and a day. While Cian and Nevahn butt heads at first, they slowly begin to learn more about the other and respect their own brands of tenacity. And soon, Nevahn finds his affections growing, not just for the Lord of Nightmares, but also for this place he is slowly beginning to acknowledge as his home.
What I loved best was the masterful marrying of plot and character in this novel. The arc of the story was intricate and it is nowhere near finished at the end of this first book. Cian is battling a huge impending war with the Fire Lord, a war he has no hope of winning. The book evenly splits its time between the evolution of the characters’ relationship with each other as well as the ups and downs of a land at war. The battle scenes, in particular, were intricately written and full of suspense and emotion that kept me glued to the page.
I also really loved these two main characters. Neither of them are perfect but I loved how their flaws revealed what they held dear and how they saw themselves. Nevahn especially has such a beautifully explored arc as he comes to terms with his own sense of worth and in carving out an identity for himself in this land where he is a stranger. Cian, burdened by his duties to his people and his land that he loves very much also has to learn to balance his role as king and as man (or half-gargoyle as it were) as he makes tough decisions. Their relationship burned slow but it was so worth it to see them take their time given all the external stressors. With an entertaining and poignant supporting cast, this book combined so many things I love in a fantasy series and I cannot wait for the sequel. 5 big stars!
CW’s: severe injuries; violence and some gore; scenes of war; attempted assault of a minor background character (this is stopped); death; substance use as part of rituals.
Our story introduces us to Nevahn, a blacksmith’s apprentice who is unexpectedly chosen by Cian, Lord of Nightmares, to be a somewhat unwilling guest of the Land of Nightmares for a year and a day. While Cian and Nevahn butt heads at first, they slowly begin to learn more about the other and respect their own brands of tenacity. And soon, Nevahn finds his affections growing, not just for the Lord of Nightmares, but also for this place he is slowly beginning to acknowledge as his home.
What I loved best was the masterful marrying of plot and character in this novel. The arc of the story was intricate and it is nowhere near finished at the end of this first book. Cian is battling a huge impending war with the Fire Lord, a war he has no hope of winning. The book evenly splits its time between the evolution of the characters’ relationship with each other as well as the ups and downs of a land at war. The battle scenes, in particular, were intricately written and full of suspense and emotion that kept me glued to the page.
I also really loved these two main characters. Neither of them are perfect but I loved how their flaws revealed what they held dear and how they saw themselves. Nevahn especially has such a beautifully explored arc as he comes to terms with his own sense of worth and in carving out an identity for himself in this land where he is a stranger. Cian, burdened by his duties to his people and his land that he loves very much also has to learn to balance his role as king and as man (or half-gargoyle as it were) as he makes tough decisions. Their relationship burned slow but it was so worth it to see them take their time given all the external stressors. With an entertaining and poignant supporting cast, this book combined so many things I love in a fantasy series and I cannot wait for the sequel. 5 big stars!
CW’s: severe injuries; violence and some gore; scenes of war; attempted assault of a minor background character (this is stopped); death; substance use as part of rituals.
October 7, 2024
I think this was actually a book about black smithing with a couple side quests about a threesome and a war.
Why is there a war, you ask? Good question. You won’t actually find out the full reason why until 80% in. Additionally, the relationship between the three MCs isn’t something that I fully buy into. The dynamic between them was a blip within the entire storyline. I did appreciate the world building and the land of Nightmares was original and compelling. But I don’t find myself itching to read the second book in this series.
Why is there a war, you ask? Good question. You won’t actually find out the full reason why until 80% in. Additionally, the relationship between the three MCs isn’t something that I fully buy into. The dynamic between them was a blip within the entire storyline. I did appreciate the world building and the land of Nightmares was original and compelling. But I don’t find myself itching to read the second book in this series.
March 15, 2023
It's a long read, but the world building and characters are worth it
June 3, 2022
This has everything.
Wow. How can I summarize how much I love this book?
The character development was astonishing, not just for the main character, but all of the 'inner circle' as well. The imagery is superb and entirely immerses you in the story. Want dragons and war? Got it. Slow burn and tenderness, mixed with HOT intimate scenes? Got it. I say intimate because the relationship between Cian and Nevhan is exactly that, every brush of the hand or long held look had me cheering them on. The queer rep among the side characters is there as well. I am typically a skim through battle scenes person, but not this book. I am waiting on the edge of my seat for the next book.
Wow. How can I summarize how much I love this book?
The character development was astonishing, not just for the main character, but all of the 'inner circle' as well. The imagery is superb and entirely immerses you in the story. Want dragons and war? Got it. Slow burn and tenderness, mixed with HOT intimate scenes? Got it. I say intimate because the relationship between Cian and Nevhan is exactly that, every brush of the hand or long held look had me cheering them on. The queer rep among the side characters is there as well. I am typically a skim through battle scenes person, but not this book. I am waiting on the edge of my seat for the next book.
February 4, 2024
Randomly picked this up from kindle and oh my godddd I loved it. This is exactly what I was looking for and itched my fantasy scratch so well. All the characters were so fun and the dynamic of the mmx?? (mmm im not too certain what its marketed as ) pair was written really well!!
Need to start book two rn
Seen some comparison to acotar but I’ve never read it so can’t tell you if it’s similar.
Need to start book two rn
Seen some comparison to acotar but I’ve never read it so can’t tell you if it’s similar.
May 18, 2023
Different Than The Original But Still A Great Story
I read the original version of this story and absolutely loved it so I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this updated version. While the OG version is still my favorite, this version is great as well. I highly recommend reading this one and I can't wait to get to book two.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I read the original version of this story and absolutely loved it so I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this updated version. While the OG version is still my favorite, this version is great as well. I highly recommend reading this one and I can't wait to get to book two.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
May 18, 2023
I really liked the story and the romance, it's 3 stars for me, because I'm not a big fan of cliffhanger and MMM, but it's worth it anyway. I certainly look forward to the continuation of this series. I received an arc for an honest review.
August 10, 2023
All of the characters were very distinct in character and physical descriptions.
The world was really interesting, it reminded me a little bit of fae type stories, but it wasn’t quite that. All the individuals of difference species, some mixing, the different cities and courts with their own political leanings. It wasn’t too complicated or intricate of a plot, but it was definitely enough to keep me engaged.
The main characters were a lot of fun to watch. It maybe feels like the relationship grows a little quickly, but I felt fine with it, as there were some ups and downs. The sex scenes were spicier than the average for sure, some D/s vibes.
It ends with a bit of a cliffhanger, although nothing super dramatic, more of a “pause”, until the next book coming in December, which I’m sure I’ll read.
The world was really interesting, it reminded me a little bit of fae type stories, but it wasn’t quite that. All the individuals of difference species, some mixing, the different cities and courts with their own political leanings. It wasn’t too complicated or intricate of a plot, but it was definitely enough to keep me engaged.
The main characters were a lot of fun to watch. It maybe feels like the relationship grows a little quickly, but I felt fine with it, as there were some ups and downs. The sex scenes were spicier than the average for sure, some D/s vibes.
It ends with a bit of a cliffhanger, although nothing super dramatic, more of a “pause”, until the next book coming in December, which I’m sure I’ll read.
February 16, 2024
I cannot believe I actually enjoyed this given the content in here....... was absolutely wild at times.
I'm excited to continue my fantasy journey!! Romantasy I guess is better said.
I'm excited to continue my fantasy journey!! Romantasy I guess is better said.
October 18, 2023
Wasn’t bad per se, and was genuinely interesting at times. I read a 2022 arc and going off other reviews, the finished product is different (MMM instead of MM?). I’m also not the target audience if this is actually like ACOTAR which I’ve never and will never read. Also would like to preface that I’m aroace. So keeping all that in mind:
- I hoped Nevahn would stay as just human, to prove that he fit into the Land of Nightmares despite it. But got surprise nightmare royalty instead.
- Nevahn seemed to become a leader totally out of the blue. Just a pacing issue probably.
- on a similar note it felt like the romance became “love” too fast, but that’s likely a me thing 🙈
- I wanted more info on Ren and Hellion from Cian. I think that’s irrelevant now anyway.
- not a fan of prioritising s*x when there’s a literal war happening. The scene itself wasn’t egregious, just the timing…
- ribbed and dotted ,,,
All in all was easy enough to read and I wish Xeltec and Dorric were my dads. Maybe a 2.25⭐️
- I hoped Nevahn would stay as just human, to prove that he fit into the Land of Nightmares despite it. But got surprise nightmare royalty instead.
- Nevahn seemed to become a leader totally out of the blue. Just a pacing issue probably.
- on a similar note it felt like the romance became “love” too fast, but that’s likely a me thing 🙈
- I wanted more info on Ren and Hellion from Cian. I think that’s irrelevant now anyway.
- not a fan of prioritising s*x when there’s a literal war happening. The scene itself wasn’t egregious, just the timing…
- ribbed and dotted ,,,
All in all was easy enough to read and I wish Xeltec and Dorric were my dads. Maybe a 2.25⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2024
Shaky beginning, strong finish
I've tried 2 other series by this author and wasn't impressed. I wasn't sure, based on the blurb, if I even wanted to try another book by them. A friend talked this one up, races about it, but I've been burned by false reviews before. And, honestly, a couple chapters in and I was ready to put it down. It wasn't until about the 40 or 45 % point that everything started coming together. Nevahn starts off whining. He's annoying. Cian comes off as a jerk and vicious. Until we get his POV. Then we see him for the struggling ruler he is. Then Hellion enters the scene and things start really coming together. This was so much better than their other series. I just wish that the start wasn't so slow. I know it needed groundwork but so much of that filler wasn't helpful or constructive. It bogged things instead of setting the flow. Too many readers probably turn away because of it.
I've tried 2 other series by this author and wasn't impressed. I wasn't sure, based on the blurb, if I even wanted to try another book by them. A friend talked this one up, races about it, but I've been burned by false reviews before. And, honestly, a couple chapters in and I was ready to put it down. It wasn't until about the 40 or 45 % point that everything started coming together. Nevahn starts off whining. He's annoying. Cian comes off as a jerk and vicious. Until we get his POV. Then we see him for the struggling ruler he is. Then Hellion enters the scene and things start really coming together. This was so much better than their other series. I just wish that the start wasn't so slow. I know it needed groundwork but so much of that filler wasn't helpful or constructive. It bogged things instead of setting the flow. Too many readers probably turn away because of it.
April 2, 2023
This felt like a bi acotar, the nightmare court was basically built up like the inner circle. The main character was illicit like feyre and couldn’t read, struck a bargain with the nightmare lord. There is a war.
I did not like Cian, he was like a cheap mix between Tamlin and Rhysand, I mean he wasn’t all bad he did want to save his people and all that, but the ritual of fertility was soo much alike the calamara thingy in Acotar.
I would never be able to be with someone if they where having a old old tradition where they choose with magic who to fuck for a whole day just so that they would be blessed another year. Yeah no way that gives of Tamlin vibes.
I mean I didn’t hate the book, but I just can’t stand the guy, and the main character Navhan deserves better, at first I felt like maybe there would be another love interest but not at the end which is so disappointing.
I did not like Cian, he was like a cheap mix between Tamlin and Rhysand, I mean he wasn’t all bad he did want to save his people and all that, but the ritual of fertility was soo much alike the calamara thingy in Acotar.
I would never be able to be with someone if they where having a old old tradition where they choose with magic who to fuck for a whole day just so that they would be blessed another year. Yeah no way that gives of Tamlin vibes.
I mean I didn’t hate the book, but I just can’t stand the guy, and the main character Navhan deserves better, at first I felt like maybe there would be another love interest but not at the end which is so disappointing.
December 24, 2023
Stopped at 70% 😞
I stopped reading the book at around 70%. Although I tried to finish it, I just couldn't. The book had too much going on, and I found the descriptions of the characters to be off. Even though I love the world, I could not connect with two of the main characters, Hellion and Nevahn. The book was mostly told from Nevahn's perspective, even though it is an MMM. Hellion and Nevahn did not have any chemistry, and I could not stand Nevahn. However, I loved Cain so much, and my heart breaks for all he has been through. I really wanted to like this book.
I stopped reading the book at around 70%. Although I tried to finish it, I just couldn't. The book had too much going on, and I found the descriptions of the characters to be off. Even though I love the world, I could not connect with two of the main characters, Hellion and Nevahn. The book was mostly told from Nevahn's perspective, even though it is an MMM. Hellion and Nevahn did not have any chemistry, and I could not stand Nevahn. However, I loved Cain so much, and my heart breaks for all he has been through. I really wanted to like this book.
June 3, 2022
This is my first book by this author and I will be checking out their other work! The world building is just amazing. I was captured from page one. I adore the characters so much. I have read a lot of fantasy but this book is fantasy on a completely different level. I have never read anything like it.
August 1, 2023
5 stars for the original edition. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Why rewrite a great book to add a "they" third(wheel) to the main couple? smh. Now I don't even care to read the follow-up. But the original book was good.
Read
July 19, 2023DNF 60% - the main thrust of it is fine, but it’s a bit functional and lacking in chemistry. Got a bit bored. Also, if one of your trio is NB it probs shouldn’t be tagged MMM.
June 23, 2025
Clunky writing and really boring with little to no exposition.
November 22, 2022
I just finished this gem last night, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. It's been a while since I've read a fantasy romance, and this book was a great way to ease back into the genre.
The story follows human blacksmith apprentice, Nevahn. Nightmares have haunted him since he was a child and orphaned. Becoming a blacksmith apprentice was a need for survival. Stubborn Nevahan inadvertently ends up on list hill, where he meets the Lord of Nightmares, and his life changes forever.
Taken to Ezulari by Cian, Lord of Nightmares, Nevahn meets a world of new species. What he once thought were human fairy tales turn out to be very real monsters who go bump in the night.
Or do they?
Lord Cian, Lord of Nightmares, is on the brink of war, yet his forces are not nearly enough to protect his lands. With a quest to the human world every year, he takes one knight to help fight, yet none have returned. When Cian challenges Nevahn—and, surprise, Nevahn loses—Cian takes him across the Veil of Somnis into a broken world struggling to survive.
What I loved:
I think my favorite part of this novel was how Nevahn grew as a character. Tbh, I didn't like him so much in the beginning, but he really does grow into his own strong person with an identity, something he didn't really have at the beginning outside of being a blacksmith apprentice.
The romance:
So, whew, slowburns, amirite? Actually, it was really nice to slow down for a change since I mostly edit and read fast-paced romance on the daily. And the romance was there, and when it was, it was good. It was sweet, and from beginning to end, both Nevahn and Cian grow. I think the most refreshing thing about their romance was Cian eventually grows to let Nevahn be human in a world full of 'monsters'. He's protective for a time, but Nevahn proves himself. My only gripe with the romance was sometimes the characters would declare something about their love for the other, and I was like, but where was that? Not so much in a blink, and you miss it, but in a like 🤔 the declaration is stronger than the supposed scene which set it up? I might feel differently when I read it again (and I absolutely will) because it's possible I missed key moments I'll recognize the second way through.
The fantasy:
After so much paranormal and contemporary, the fantasy element was awesome. I loved the use of gargoyles (which I've not come across in my reading adventures), but I do wish I had a better visual in my mind of the Skaggs, Brenna, the dragons, etc. Not because they were described poorly but because of my tiny brain. I always find it hard to imagine species without a reference.
*itty bitty spoiler here* One thing I loved so much was the way Eliza molded in the backstory of the forging of dreamsteel. I'm totally butchering this part, so my apologizes, but how legend says the Veil of Somnis is the tears of a Goddess (curse my memory, I don't think she was a goddess. Tiny brain, remember) and Svai gave fire to mankind because they lived in darkness and were unable to see and so she gave humankind fire. Her human lover wanted to see her with his dying wish, (and I think this is a great parallel to Cian and Nevahn because Nevahn had to 'see' Cian before he could love him). She also forged the first dreamsteel alloy, a secret she took with her to the grave. And the reader unravels the mystery and history of Svai Neglyth with Nevahn, and I'm a sucker for this kind of writing. It reminds me a little of Genshin, how there is a living backstory to the main story, and it doesn't take over the main plot or characters. So, great balance there.
The side characters:
Um, Devonay book when?
The side characters in this book, for me, were more than side characters. They certainly didn't feel like plot devices, which I tend to see a lot as an editor. Each one had their own story and life outside of the main plot.
Devonay was probably my favorite, and I think my favorite scene with her was when Cian had given Nevahn the opal ring to control the Shadow Champions, and she dramatically throws herself off a cliff. My girl, it's not that deep, but it was hilarious. I also think her character design was beautiful. I wonder if any fanartists will spin their take on her, I'd love to see.
Nisang and Odan deserve the world. Both were great characters, and both taught Nevahn valuable lessons. 🤞 hoping for the best.
Overall:
This book was great. I enjoyed it a lot, and again, it was nice to slow down and really get into the world-building of a good fantasy book. I think anyone who loves slow burn and fantastical world-building would enjoy this book. I'd definitely recommend it to my MM lover friends, tho, I'd be hesitant to call it a monster romance, even tho Cian is part-Terror and part-gargoyle (he does have a monster dick tho, if that counts).
Anyhoo, eagerly awaiting book 2?! I have no idea when this book was published, and now I'm going to have to suffer while Eliza writes the sequel. But I'll thank her for it in the end.
The story follows human blacksmith apprentice, Nevahn. Nightmares have haunted him since he was a child and orphaned. Becoming a blacksmith apprentice was a need for survival. Stubborn Nevahan inadvertently ends up on list hill, where he meets the Lord of Nightmares, and his life changes forever.
Taken to Ezulari by Cian, Lord of Nightmares, Nevahn meets a world of new species. What he once thought were human fairy tales turn out to be very real monsters who go bump in the night.
Or do they?
Lord Cian, Lord of Nightmares, is on the brink of war, yet his forces are not nearly enough to protect his lands. With a quest to the human world every year, he takes one knight to help fight, yet none have returned. When Cian challenges Nevahn—and, surprise, Nevahn loses—Cian takes him across the Veil of Somnis into a broken world struggling to survive.
What I loved:
I think my favorite part of this novel was how Nevahn grew as a character. Tbh, I didn't like him so much in the beginning, but he really does grow into his own strong person with an identity, something he didn't really have at the beginning outside of being a blacksmith apprentice.
The romance:
So, whew, slowburns, amirite? Actually, it was really nice to slow down for a change since I mostly edit and read fast-paced romance on the daily. And the romance was there, and when it was, it was good. It was sweet, and from beginning to end, both Nevahn and Cian grow. I think the most refreshing thing about their romance was Cian eventually grows to let Nevahn be human in a world full of 'monsters'. He's protective for a time, but Nevahn proves himself. My only gripe with the romance was sometimes the characters would declare something about their love for the other, and I was like, but where was that? Not so much in a blink, and you miss it, but in a like 🤔 the declaration is stronger than the supposed scene which set it up? I might feel differently when I read it again (and I absolutely will) because it's possible I missed key moments I'll recognize the second way through.
The fantasy:
After so much paranormal and contemporary, the fantasy element was awesome. I loved the use of gargoyles (which I've not come across in my reading adventures), but I do wish I had a better visual in my mind of the Skaggs, Brenna, the dragons, etc. Not because they were described poorly but because of my tiny brain. I always find it hard to imagine species without a reference.
*itty bitty spoiler here* One thing I loved so much was the way Eliza molded in the backstory of the forging of dreamsteel. I'm totally butchering this part, so my apologizes, but how legend says the Veil of Somnis is the tears of a Goddess (curse my memory, I don't think she was a goddess. Tiny brain, remember) and Svai gave fire to mankind because they lived in darkness and were unable to see and so she gave humankind fire. Her human lover wanted to see her with his dying wish, (and I think this is a great parallel to Cian and Nevahn because Nevahn had to 'see' Cian before he could love him). She also forged the first dreamsteel alloy, a secret she took with her to the grave. And the reader unravels the mystery and history of Svai Neglyth with Nevahn, and I'm a sucker for this kind of writing. It reminds me a little of Genshin, how there is a living backstory to the main story, and it doesn't take over the main plot or characters. So, great balance there.
The side characters:
Um, Devonay book when?
The side characters in this book, for me, were more than side characters. They certainly didn't feel like plot devices, which I tend to see a lot as an editor. Each one had their own story and life outside of the main plot.
Devonay was probably my favorite, and I think my favorite scene with her was when Cian had given Nevahn the opal ring to control the Shadow Champions, and she dramatically throws herself off a cliff. My girl, it's not that deep, but it was hilarious. I also think her character design was beautiful. I wonder if any fanartists will spin their take on her, I'd love to see.
Nisang and Odan deserve the world. Both were great characters, and both taught Nevahn valuable lessons. 🤞 hoping for the best.
Overall:
This book was great. I enjoyed it a lot, and again, it was nice to slow down and really get into the world-building of a good fantasy book. I think anyone who loves slow burn and fantastical world-building would enjoy this book. I'd definitely recommend it to my MM lover friends, tho, I'd be hesitant to call it a monster romance, even tho Cian is part-Terror and part-gargoyle (he does have a monster dick tho, if that counts).
Anyhoo, eagerly awaiting book 2?! I have no idea when this book was published, and now I'm going to have to suffer while Eliza writes the sequel. But I'll thank her for it in the end.
June 3, 2023
I have a variety of feelings and thoughts about this book, but overall, I really enjoyed it! This is definitely a book that you read while snuggling under a blanket (with or without the A/C blasting) with a mug of coffee. Let me see if I can properly articulate my opinions on A Dream of Flame and Shadow... By the way, I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
First: L Eveland is an excellent writer; they are really talented with story flow, descriptive language, and expressing emotions. Fantasy world building is very difficult, and Eveland did a fantastic job establishing and sifting through the multitude of characters/locations/plotlines/timelines within this story. That said, there were definite moments in A Dream of Flame and Shadow that were not interwoven well. For example, the slow burn that the author establishes for the relationships among Cian, Hellion, and Nevahn (they even state this clearly in their content warning) is done well--until it isn't. One minute the three MCs are slowly moving toward each other, and the next they are getting spicy. It was the strangest non-transition from slow burn to insta-love I have ever encountered. Also, the love/spicy scenes are really well written, but the relationship scenes felt somewhat disconnected.
Second: I have to point out the obvious similarities between this book and the ACOTAR series: the two best friends are gargoyles with wings; Cian has wings that appear/disappear as he chooses; Nevahn is an illiterate human "tricked" into a bargain with the love interest; Hellion is the name of one of the MCs; and the most obvious example, Cian is called the Lord of Nightmares. If you haven't read the ACOTAR series, none of these similarities will matter or make sense. On the other hand, if you have read ACOTAR, then this may affect how you read and/or enjoy A Dream of Flame and Shadow (ADFS).
However, I want to be very clear-- even with the aforementioned similarities, I absolutely loved Flame and Shadow. And although I do feel that Eveland was inspired by ACOTAR, I think that Flame and Shadow very much has its own plot/characters/nuances that make it a unique addition within the MM+ fantasy/paranormal genre.
Third: I am glad that Eveland ended the story when they did; I actually would have been happy for them to have ended it earlier when Cian and Hellion initially leave for the war. Given how much information and world building takes place in ADFS, I think a 2nd book was a great choice. I'm actually hoping that there is also a Book 3 and Book 4, maybe for some of the supporting characters.
I'm so glad that I read this book, and honestly, I cannot wait for Book 2! I'm really hoping it comes out earlier than December 31st! Until then, I will be seeking out L Eveland's back catalogue.
First: L Eveland is an excellent writer; they are really talented with story flow, descriptive language, and expressing emotions. Fantasy world building is very difficult, and Eveland did a fantastic job establishing and sifting through the multitude of characters/locations/plotlines/timelines within this story. That said, there were definite moments in A Dream of Flame and Shadow that were not interwoven well. For example, the slow burn that the author establishes for the relationships among Cian, Hellion, and Nevahn (they even state this clearly in their content warning) is done well--until it isn't. One minute the three MCs are slowly moving toward each other, and the next they are getting spicy. It was the strangest non-transition from slow burn to insta-love I have ever encountered. Also, the love/spicy scenes are really well written, but the relationship scenes felt somewhat disconnected.
Second: I have to point out the obvious similarities between this book and the ACOTAR series: the two best friends are gargoyles with wings; Cian has wings that appear/disappear as he chooses; Nevahn is an illiterate human "tricked" into a bargain with the love interest; Hellion is the name of one of the MCs; and the most obvious example, Cian is called the Lord of Nightmares. If you haven't read the ACOTAR series, none of these similarities will matter or make sense. On the other hand, if you have read ACOTAR, then this may affect how you read and/or enjoy A Dream of Flame and Shadow (ADFS).
However, I want to be very clear-- even with the aforementioned similarities, I absolutely loved Flame and Shadow. And although I do feel that Eveland was inspired by ACOTAR, I think that Flame and Shadow very much has its own plot/characters/nuances that make it a unique addition within the MM+ fantasy/paranormal genre.
Third: I am glad that Eveland ended the story when they did; I actually would have been happy for them to have ended it earlier when Cian and Hellion initially leave for the war. Given how much information and world building takes place in ADFS, I think a 2nd book was a great choice. I'm actually hoping that there is also a Book 3 and Book 4, maybe for some of the supporting characters.
I'm so glad that I read this book, and honestly, I cannot wait for Book 2! I'm really hoping it comes out earlier than December 31st! Until then, I will be seeking out L Eveland's back catalogue.
June 1, 2023
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
SO! I will try to write a coherent review, cos I bloody loved this book! I'll explain why I gave it only 4 stars shortly.
It's a long book, a long drawn out dance between Nevahn, a human blacksmith; Cian, the Lord of Nightmares and Hellion, who is liason between Cian and his brother, the Lord of Dreams. It takes a long time for things to become clear, about what Cian and Hellion are (although Hellion is VERY vague about some things!), and how they relate to each other.
What also takes time, is the full story of what happened to Cian and Hellion, all those 50 years ago, and how its affects them still.
The world building is phenomenal! I loved that things are fed to you slowly, and at a steady pace, so you can keep up. I hate massive info dumps and I loved that here, even right near the end, you are still getting things fed you, full as you are. The war is a massive part of this story, and this book is full of planning and strategy and what ifs and I loved that.
It's dark and deadly: the Midsummer event especially. It's steamy and smexy: especially when all three are together. It's emotional and tearjerking: especially when you fully understand about Hellion and Cian. All three have a say, in the first person. Each change is clearly headed.
It's just flipping awesome!
So, why 4 stars and not 5?? 2 things.
While I appreciate that some readers like a list of trigger warnings at the beginning, a FULL list kinda spolit things a little bit, I thought. I don't mind a "look here for full lsit" type thing, but the list here really did feel a bit like spoilers.
AND! Cliffhanger, of epic proportions that saw my poor paperwhite launched across the room and I broke my case! I mean, I was warned it had a "minor" cliff hanger but no. NO. I'm sorry, that ending is as big a cliff hanger as Dover Cliffs! *google it* Just when I thought things were going to get good and Nevahn had pulled his head out his backside, the bloody book finished!
So I am not a happy chappie right, so please hurry and get book 2 finished, please!!
As a side note, and this in no way reflects on my review, there are different blurbs floating round. The blurb on the only listing of this book on one site is totally different to the blurb I found on 2 others. Maybe someone could sort that out? I'd hate for someone to bash this book cos they read an old blurb, since this book has been revamped (massively, if old reviews are anything to go by!)
Anyway, I loved this book (it got me a new kindle cover :-) ) and I can't wait to read book 2, hoping that things work out for Nevahn, Cian and Hellion.
4 amazing stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
SO! I will try to write a coherent review, cos I bloody loved this book! I'll explain why I gave it only 4 stars shortly.
It's a long book, a long drawn out dance between Nevahn, a human blacksmith; Cian, the Lord of Nightmares and Hellion, who is liason between Cian and his brother, the Lord of Dreams. It takes a long time for things to become clear, about what Cian and Hellion are (although Hellion is VERY vague about some things!), and how they relate to each other.
What also takes time, is the full story of what happened to Cian and Hellion, all those 50 years ago, and how its affects them still.
The world building is phenomenal! I loved that things are fed to you slowly, and at a steady pace, so you can keep up. I hate massive info dumps and I loved that here, even right near the end, you are still getting things fed you, full as you are. The war is a massive part of this story, and this book is full of planning and strategy and what ifs and I loved that.
It's dark and deadly: the Midsummer event especially. It's steamy and smexy: especially when all three are together. It's emotional and tearjerking: especially when you fully understand about Hellion and Cian. All three have a say, in the first person. Each change is clearly headed.
It's just flipping awesome!
So, why 4 stars and not 5?? 2 things.
While I appreciate that some readers like a list of trigger warnings at the beginning, a FULL list kinda spolit things a little bit, I thought. I don't mind a "look here for full lsit" type thing, but the list here really did feel a bit like spoilers.
AND! Cliffhanger, of epic proportions that saw my poor paperwhite launched across the room and I broke my case! I mean, I was warned it had a "minor" cliff hanger but no. NO. I'm sorry, that ending is as big a cliff hanger as Dover Cliffs! *google it* Just when I thought things were going to get good and Nevahn had pulled his head out his backside, the bloody book finished!
So I am not a happy chappie right, so please hurry and get book 2 finished, please!!
As a side note, and this in no way reflects on my review, there are different blurbs floating round. The blurb on the only listing of this book on one site is totally different to the blurb I found on 2 others. Maybe someone could sort that out? I'd hate for someone to bash this book cos they read an old blurb, since this book has been revamped (massively, if old reviews are anything to go by!)
Anyway, I loved this book (it got me a new kindle cover :-) ) and I can't wait to read book 2, hoping that things work out for Nevahn, Cian and Hellion.
4 amazing stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
October 11, 2023
I was immediately intrigued by this dark fantasy, especially with the added realization as I got further into the story that the brief glimpse I had of the human realm felt so much darker than the land of nightmares. Once I encountered the twist that the lord of nightmares needs some sort of help from the human main character, I was completely hooked.
Eveland creates a complicated and dynamic world that features a multicultural mix of fantasy species without ever leaning too far into any specific region’s stereotypes. The result is like nothing I’ve seen before, but at the same time, the best thing about speculative fiction is that no matter the species, all characters are still people with familiar agendas and motivations. Politics are still politics, even between fantasy realms, and I especially appreciated that Eveland trusts their readers to eventually put all the pieces together themselves instead of spoon-feeding us information that would disrupt the story’s pacing or be out of character for the narration.
The relationship tropes in this story aren’t quite “enemies to lovers” for any pairing, but I was definitely curious how Cian and Nevahn would become close after their conflict-laden introduction. In the same vein, Cian and Hellion are also nowhere near their previous status as lovers at the beginning of this book, which also gives us a healthy dose of second-chance. The details that unfold of their past together are poignant and painful, with Ren almost as much of a present character as the living heroes. That Cian and Hellion, as long-lived fantasy creatures, have interesting and complicated backstories (separately and together) is a given, but Nevahn shines as much more than the token human in this tale. He’s as competent in his own way as the others, and part of the appeal of his entering into a relationship with them is the implication that he’ll be there as an equal.
Never once does Nevahn feel like a replacement for Ren, but I imagine that’s an issue that might crop up in the future—because this story is certainly not finished. The dark moment for this individual story arc is painful for all, but it serves the dual purpose of reminding us just how inhuman Cian is at the same moment that it forces each main character to reexamine their role in each other’s lives. The book does not end on an overt cliffhanger, but much about the relationship and greater external plot is left unresolved, with Eveland giving us just enough to leave us wanting more. I adored this introduction to what promises to be a truly grand epic about death and creation, and I’m already counting down the days to the next installment in the series.
Eveland creates a complicated and dynamic world that features a multicultural mix of fantasy species without ever leaning too far into any specific region’s stereotypes. The result is like nothing I’ve seen before, but at the same time, the best thing about speculative fiction is that no matter the species, all characters are still people with familiar agendas and motivations. Politics are still politics, even between fantasy realms, and I especially appreciated that Eveland trusts their readers to eventually put all the pieces together themselves instead of spoon-feeding us information that would disrupt the story’s pacing or be out of character for the narration.
The relationship tropes in this story aren’t quite “enemies to lovers” for any pairing, but I was definitely curious how Cian and Nevahn would become close after their conflict-laden introduction. In the same vein, Cian and Hellion are also nowhere near their previous status as lovers at the beginning of this book, which also gives us a healthy dose of second-chance. The details that unfold of their past together are poignant and painful, with Ren almost as much of a present character as the living heroes. That Cian and Hellion, as long-lived fantasy creatures, have interesting and complicated backstories (separately and together) is a given, but Nevahn shines as much more than the token human in this tale. He’s as competent in his own way as the others, and part of the appeal of his entering into a relationship with them is the implication that he’ll be there as an equal.
Never once does Nevahn feel like a replacement for Ren, but I imagine that’s an issue that might crop up in the future—because this story is certainly not finished. The dark moment for this individual story arc is painful for all, but it serves the dual purpose of reminding us just how inhuman Cian is at the same moment that it forces each main character to reexamine their role in each other’s lives. The book does not end on an overt cliffhanger, but much about the relationship and greater external plot is left unresolved, with Eveland giving us just enough to leave us wanting more. I adored this introduction to what promises to be a truly grand epic about death and creation, and I’m already counting down the days to the next installment in the series.
June 6, 2022
ARC review (honest review) from Eliza Eveland
This book was a major surprise, if I found the summary interesting, I was truly not prepared for the story !!
Nevahn is a blacksmith apprentice who lives with the same nightmares every night, his life is plain and simple until the festival that will change everything. As he bargained with Cian the Lord of Nightmares itself, he has to leave his life for one year and one day to fulfil his end of the bargain. Meanwhile, Cian has over issues than entertaining Nevahn, each year he has to pay a tithe owned by his ancestor to the Fire Lord, but this year will not be the same as the others, war is upon them as they wish to regain their freedom. While learning how to live among Nightmares, Nevahn uses his blacksmith skills to participate in the war effort, but he wasn’t prepared for everything that’s coming at him.
Nevahn is an orphan, a desperate human filled with loneliness who only has his making skills. His journey along Nightmares will bring him strength, and he will grow to become more ! An interesting character who shows that even then, humans are not forcibly weak, he has strengths of his own. Cian is the Lord of Nightmares, he has the duty of a warden as he has to keep the Terror locked up. Worried for his people, he doesn’t want to respect the tithe anymore and will do everything to avenge his loved one and bring down the Fire Lord.
Everything in this book is magnificent, the story, the plot, the characters. It’s been a while since a read such as fantasy book, full of battles, tears and blood. I cannot wait to know what happens next, and all sides' characters are awesome and well-developed. Still, I have to say that Nevahn and Cian are quite a pair and I love them !!
I cannot recommend this book enough !!
This book was a major surprise, if I found the summary interesting, I was truly not prepared for the story !!
Nevahn is a blacksmith apprentice who lives with the same nightmares every night, his life is plain and simple until the festival that will change everything. As he bargained with Cian the Lord of Nightmares itself, he has to leave his life for one year and one day to fulfil his end of the bargain. Meanwhile, Cian has over issues than entertaining Nevahn, each year he has to pay a tithe owned by his ancestor to the Fire Lord, but this year will not be the same as the others, war is upon them as they wish to regain their freedom. While learning how to live among Nightmares, Nevahn uses his blacksmith skills to participate in the war effort, but he wasn’t prepared for everything that’s coming at him.
Nevahn is an orphan, a desperate human filled with loneliness who only has his making skills. His journey along Nightmares will bring him strength, and he will grow to become more ! An interesting character who shows that even then, humans are not forcibly weak, he has strengths of his own. Cian is the Lord of Nightmares, he has the duty of a warden as he has to keep the Terror locked up. Worried for his people, he doesn’t want to respect the tithe anymore and will do everything to avenge his loved one and bring down the Fire Lord.
Everything in this book is magnificent, the story, the plot, the characters. It’s been a while since a read such as fantasy book, full of battles, tears and blood. I cannot wait to know what happens next, and all sides' characters are awesome and well-developed. Still, I have to say that Nevahn and Cian are quite a pair and I love them !!
I cannot recommend this book enough !!
June 3, 2023
Nevahn sleeps every night haunted by nightmares of fire and blood. His work as an apprentice blacksmith provides a distraction. Then when delivering a sword, he makes bargain that he loses and finds himself off to the Land of Nightmares with none other than Lord Cian, the Lord of Nightmares. Nevahn finds his new life different and as he adjusts, he finds himself attracted to not only Cian but another. Cian is more than just the Lord of Nightmares. He is also the warden of the prison confining Terrors, put there by the gods. He has an enemy in the Fire Lord who requires a blood tithe every year, something Cian has decided it is time to refuse. He knows that winning in a war is not a sure thing but feels he must try. His feelings for Nevahn only complicates things.
Fifty years have passed since Cian suffered more than one loss. Every year since then he goes and bargains to bring back a human. This year’s bargain, Nevahn, stirs something in him that begins a healing process, but can he allow that to continue. He has so many duties and responsibilities. Nevahn has feelings for Cian but is not sure anything can come of this. As per his bargain, his time is one year and one day.
The world building is excellent in this novel. Cian, Nevahn and many other characters come to life and they will tug at your emotions. The plot is well done with all sorts of twists and turns. You never know what will happen next. One thing is for sure, you will want to keep reading until there is no more and then you will want the next book ASAP. This is excellent story and not to be missed.
Fifty years have passed since Cian suffered more than one loss. Every year since then he goes and bargains to bring back a human. This year’s bargain, Nevahn, stirs something in him that begins a healing process, but can he allow that to continue. He has so many duties and responsibilities. Nevahn has feelings for Cian but is not sure anything can come of this. As per his bargain, his time is one year and one day.
The world building is excellent in this novel. Cian, Nevahn and many other characters come to life and they will tug at your emotions. The plot is well done with all sorts of twists and turns. You never know what will happen next. One thing is for sure, you will want to keep reading until there is no more and then you will want the next book ASAP. This is excellent story and not to be missed.
June 6, 2023
For me this book illustrates the hazards of listing "content warnings, tropes, kinks, and fetishes." It's an important feature of many books, and for good reason, but sometimes it can set expectations that aren't met. In this case, the book came off as fairly mild, compared to what the warnings had conjured in my head.
Nevahn, a small but plucky young man is kidnapped for a year by Cian, the Lord of Nightmares, in lieu of the usual knight he kidnaps every year for reasons we don't understand. One of the things Eveland does so well is world-build without devoting excess time to it in the beginning, so that we gradually come to know the world, it's people and politics, and the threats that face our protaganists. Nevahn is a blacksmith's apprentice where he comes from, and spends his captivity learning how to work with the unique and fragile metal found in this new land. He gradually falls for Cian, and then Hellion, a very attractive visiting dignitary from the Land of Dreams. Cian and Hellion have a complicated history and have been estranged since the death of their other lover, but Nevahn serves as the go between and quickly they resolve into a throuple. It felt to me like all the tension, between Cian and Hellion, and between the three of then together was smoothed over swiftly. Sometimes books about three or four people together are insistent on harmony in a way that twosomes rarely are.
Nevahn, a small but plucky young man is kidnapped for a year by Cian, the Lord of Nightmares, in lieu of the usual knight he kidnaps every year for reasons we don't understand. One of the things Eveland does so well is world-build without devoting excess time to it in the beginning, so that we gradually come to know the world, it's people and politics, and the threats that face our protaganists. Nevahn is a blacksmith's apprentice where he comes from, and spends his captivity learning how to work with the unique and fragile metal found in this new land. He gradually falls for Cian, and then Hellion, a very attractive visiting dignitary from the Land of Dreams. Cian and Hellion have a complicated history and have been estranged since the death of their other lover, but Nevahn serves as the go between and quickly they resolve into a throuple. It felt to me like all the tension, between Cian and Hellion, and between the three of then together was smoothed over swiftly. Sometimes books about three or four people together are insistent on harmony in a way that twosomes rarely are.
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