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Epimeliad
Five nymphs with special powers are called together to form an elite team to fight against natural and supernatural disasters. One of those called to serve is an idealistic young apple tree nymph named May. May joins the group hoping for a better life than he had amongst his sisters and father, who all shunned him for being only half-Epimeliad. But unless he finds his tree, May’s time with the team may be short-lived; his missing tree and lack of powers are a huge liability.
The river-god Cydnos goes to the meeting to discover who is trying to manipulate him and for what purpose. What he finds is an old apprentice turned warrior turned trainer who knows more than he’s letting on, a couple of nymphs who can handle themselves, and a couple of naïve kids who believe they’re there to help save the world. On top of that, Cyd learns he has a unique bond to one of the kids, a distraction the centuries-old warrior doesn’t need. He intends to walk away, but his conscience won’t let him leave the untrained kids there to get themselves killed.
When May’s powers suddenly begin to manifest, Cyd has to figure out the secret of May’s tree before May accidentally kills himself. If Cyd doesn’t, the team may end up lacking a member. Or two.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
The river-god Cydnos goes to the meeting to discover who is trying to manipulate him and for what purpose. What he finds is an old apprentice turned warrior turned trainer who knows more than he’s letting on, a couple of nymphs who can handle themselves, and a couple of naïve kids who believe they’re there to help save the world. On top of that, Cyd learns he has a unique bond to one of the kids, a distraction the centuries-old warrior doesn’t need. He intends to walk away, but his conscience won’t let him leave the untrained kids there to get themselves killed.
When May’s powers suddenly begin to manifest, Cyd has to figure out the secret of May’s tree before May accidentally kills himself. If Cyd doesn’t, the team may end up lacking a member. Or two.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
84 pages, ebook
First published July 10, 2013
97 people want to read
About the author
Adara O’Hare
8 books56 followersAdara is a geek in writer’s clothing—a mild-mannered website designer by day and a wife, mother, reader, and sometimes writer by night. She enjoys Star Wars, Firefly, manga (includes yaoi), anime (very little yaoi), and a whole lot of other hobbies, mostly encompassed by the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). She still has her collections of board and card games, stuffed animals, original My Little Ponies, and Star Wars books and action figures, though not really anyplace to put them at the moment. Thank goodness most of her M/M romance collection is eBook, not physical, or there would be no space at all left to walk in the dining room.
(NOTE: If you are sending me a friend request just to try to promote your books to me or invite me to release events, I will unfriend and block you.)
(NOTE: If you are sending me a friend request just to try to promote your books to me or invite me to release events, I will unfriend and block you.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 20, 2013
3.5 stars – A fun fantasy novella from a new-to-me author. (And has the extra bonus being free-free-free!)
May and Cyd are nymphs living in our modern world, and are brought together to be a part of an Avengers-like team of other nymphs. The purpose of their team is still a mystery though, which greatly bothers Cyd whose powers had been exploited in the past. What also bothers Cyd is the electric connection he feels between him and May, one that even allows them to understand the other’s feelings. Cyd want to steer far-far away from feelings though, especially for anything related to young, naïve, kind-hearted May, so he tries to stomp down on the unexpected soul bond between them.
I like the fantasy elements in the story a lot. (I totally dig Greek mythology.) I also dug the MCs and their developing chemistry and I am a SUCKER for a soul bond story. Shared empathy? I’m there!!
What was a little harder for me was the author’s stylistic choice to bounce between POVs. I thought about it as I was reading. Was the author trying to show fluidity between the two main characters? I don’t think it was third POV omniscient, but I’m not always stellar with recognizing POVs. It did make reading a little more cumbersome though as the POVs switched from paragraph to paragraph, especially in the beginning. It did lessen, so either I got used to it, or the POVs were more consistent for longer stretches.
That, and the pacing slowed down a little bit for me in the second half. But overall, it’s a fun story, especially if you like fantasy and urban fantasy (and soul bonds. Yum!) And at over 20,000 words, is a nice-sized novella, especially for being free-free-free. The story ends very well, but if the author ever decided to continue on with these characters, I would check it out.
The story can be downloaded for free here.
May and Cyd are nymphs living in our modern world, and are brought together to be a part of an Avengers-like team of other nymphs. The purpose of their team is still a mystery though, which greatly bothers Cyd whose powers had been exploited in the past. What also bothers Cyd is the electric connection he feels between him and May, one that even allows them to understand the other’s feelings. Cyd want to steer far-far away from feelings though, especially for anything related to young, naïve, kind-hearted May, so he tries to stomp down on the unexpected soul bond between them.
I like the fantasy elements in the story a lot. (I totally dig Greek mythology.) I also dug the MCs and their developing chemistry and I am a SUCKER for a soul bond story. Shared empathy? I’m there!!
What was a little harder for me was the author’s stylistic choice to bounce between POVs. I thought about it as I was reading. Was the author trying to show fluidity between the two main characters? I don’t think it was third POV omniscient, but I’m not always stellar with recognizing POVs. It did make reading a little more cumbersome though as the POVs switched from paragraph to paragraph, especially in the beginning. It did lessen, so either I got used to it, or the POVs were more consistent for longer stretches.
That, and the pacing slowed down a little bit for me in the second half. But overall, it’s a fun story, especially if you like fantasy and urban fantasy (and soul bonds. Yum!) And at over 20,000 words, is a nice-sized novella, especially for being free-free-free. The story ends very well, but if the author ever decided to continue on with these characters, I would check it out.
The story can be downloaded for free here.
July 22, 2013
Such an awesome and ultra cool Fabulous Four type story from the equally amazing LHNB picture prompt event.
4.5*
I love paranormal/magical/mythological kind of stories and so this one was right up my alley.
The world building and everything that entails was so entertaining and interesting. I felt like I got to know the whole team and would love to know all their stories.
I don't even want to try and give a review of this story, it needs to be read and experienced.
It's free, it's amazing and I would really love to read more about this couple and the others on the team and Adam and of course the little apple blossoms in the making...
Go on..read it.
4.5*
I love paranormal/magical/mythological kind of stories and so this one was right up my alley.
The world building and everything that entails was so entertaining and interesting. I felt like I got to know the whole team and would love to know all their stories.
I don't even want to try and give a review of this story, it needs to be read and experienced.
It's free, it's amazing and I would really love to read more about this couple and the others on the team and Adam and of course the little apple blossoms in the making...
Go on..read it.
July 14, 2013
Wow, This story was FANTASTIC! I loved the world you built, it was detailed and explained. I usually find in shorter stories when a new world is introduced either the plot is compromised because the words are used up on "world building" or the "world" is not explained well enough to really get the story. But you did a fantastic job on both! As I said before the world you created was FABULOUS and the plot was DIVINE!
I truly enjoyed this story, it was amazing! I look forward to reading more from this beautiful Greek mythological world and the adventures that the team gets into. I want to read about all of them and how each fond their own HEA.
I truly enjoyed this story, it was amazing! I look forward to reading more from this beautiful Greek mythological world and the adventures that the team gets into. I want to read about all of them and how each fond their own HEA.
July 11, 2013
4,5* upgrade in hope of a sequel.
November 7, 2013
Loved, loved, loved it!!
Great mythology and world.
Thank you so much!
[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation.]
Great mythology and world.
Thank you so much!
[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation.]
December 31, 2024
3.5⭐
This had an interesting setting of superhero team from Greek mythology. I was sucked in but it felt a bit hasty, not quite complete. One of stories I'd really like to see redone with some editing and more content.
This had an interesting setting of superhero team from Greek mythology. I was sucked in but it felt a bit hasty, not quite complete. One of stories I'd really like to see redone with some editing and more content.
wrote
August 29, 2015This story was written based on the following prompt:
Dear Author,
We met at the academy, aware of the other by name and reputation but never crossing paths until now. In a place for the best of the best, those talented beyond the norm, I daresay we would stand out if only they knew… We immediately sensed a connection, a pull as if a cable stretched taut between us, made stronger by proximity. At first it was fleeting, a shivering sensation that grew over time until our very thoughts and desires were made known to each other. How is this possible? Is it our nightmare or our blessing?
Please help us find our way…
Alt Uni/UST/HEA or HFN (no insta-love, no GFY please)
Sincerely,
Elizabetta
along with a photo prompt, described thusly:
Two young men with brown hair of roughly the same age stare each other in the eyes intently. The slimmer, sweet-looking guy on the left holds the other gently around his ribs. The stockier, protective-looking guy on the right has both hands wrapped around the first’s head and neck so his thumbs stroke the other’s cheeks in a caress. Something important passes between them in that look.
The original photo can be found within the GoodReads M/M Romance Group. (You must be a group member to follow this link.)
Thank you to Elizabetta for the prompt and letting me play with it in an alternate universe/paranormal setting.
Dear Author,
We met at the academy, aware of the other by name and reputation but never crossing paths until now. In a place for the best of the best, those talented beyond the norm, I daresay we would stand out if only they knew… We immediately sensed a connection, a pull as if a cable stretched taut between us, made stronger by proximity. At first it was fleeting, a shivering sensation that grew over time until our very thoughts and desires were made known to each other. How is this possible? Is it our nightmare or our blessing?
Please help us find our way…
Alt Uni/UST/HEA or HFN (no insta-love, no GFY please)
Sincerely,
Elizabetta
along with a photo prompt, described thusly:
Two young men with brown hair of roughly the same age stare each other in the eyes intently. The slimmer, sweet-looking guy on the left holds the other gently around his ribs. The stockier, protective-looking guy on the right has both hands wrapped around the first’s head and neck so his thumbs stroke the other’s cheeks in a caress. Something important passes between them in that look.
The original photo can be found within the GoodReads M/M Romance Group. (You must be a group member to follow this link.)
Thank you to Elizabetta for the prompt and letting me play with it in an alternate universe/paranormal setting.
July 11, 2013
I loved the end. I was like when are the going to talk about those seeds... HAHA Honestly, the first chapter was not to my liking. It was very hard to follow and I might have skipped some of it... but I am happy I decided to go with me two chapter rule. Because after the first chapter, it was much easier to follow. It ended up being a delightful story.
July 28, 2013
LHNB Story released 10.7.13
Heading towards 4.5 stars
This is an extremely clever and well written story based in Greek mythology and in particular the relationship between a water and tree nymph who are fated/bound to be together. Really enjoyed this one.
Heading towards 4.5 stars
This is an extremely clever and well written story based in Greek mythology and in particular the relationship between a water and tree nymph who are fated/bound to be together. Really enjoyed this one.
April 18, 2015
I enjoyed this sweet story, the characters, and the world building. Nice interpretation of the photo and the story letter. Thank you Adara O’Hare for donating your story, your time and your talent.
July 11, 2013
Oooh Greek mythology! I LOVED this! I really enjoyed all of the characters and their powers, and I loved Cyd and May. I really loved this and would love to read more too! Thank you for a beautiful, wonderful story!
July 11, 2013
Loved this story - very clever use of Greek elemental myths.
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July 29, 2017
This needs a continuation. I loved the closing of some of the mysteries and the revelations. BUT... it cannot just end like that. I loved Cyd though and May was a cutie.
Wait... still confused about whether this is Mpreg or not... hehehe
Wait... still confused about whether this is Mpreg or not... hehehe
November 3, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was different. May and Cyd had me at hello. Their relationship was so unique and I was enthralled. Kudos to the author.
August 25, 2013
So very much fun. A story that combines a mysterious empathic link between soon-to-be-lovers, Greek mythology, and a superhero-like story line just hits so many of my "I'm such a nerd, but I love this!" buttons.
I was sucked in right from the start when we're first introduced to the "team" of nymphs and what each of their powers are. Having Cyd and May be dealing with suddenly discovering they can feel what the other is feeling during these introductions added an extra level of fascination for me, as empathic/telepathic abilities are one of my favorite abilities to see get played around with in books and movies.
And the story didn't disappoint. We're just as unsure as the team is what they're there to be training for. We just get to watch them train. And I thought that was great good fun. Having little Argo be the one they get sent against when they need a challenge was entertaining.
The end perhaps felt a little rushed, and the climax was slightly anti-climactic, but the story as a whole was still just really fun to read. And, yes, I was able to guess a few of the surprises before they were revealed, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment of the overall story.
This felt, perhaps, like it might possibly be the set-up for a series or a longer work, and I'd love to get to read more!
Favorite Quote:
"You are gentility and sweetness and innocence.... You believe the best in everyone and everything... You are my heart and my home, and I love you."
I was sucked in right from the start when we're first introduced to the "team" of nymphs and what each of their powers are. Having Cyd and May be dealing with suddenly discovering they can feel what the other is feeling during these introductions added an extra level of fascination for me, as empathic/telepathic abilities are one of my favorite abilities to see get played around with in books and movies.
And the story didn't disappoint. We're just as unsure as the team is what they're there to be training for. We just get to watch them train. And I thought that was great good fun. Having little Argo be the one they get sent against when they need a challenge was entertaining.
The end perhaps felt a little rushed, and the climax was slightly anti-climactic, but the story as a whole was still just really fun to read. And, yes, I was able to guess a few of the surprises before they were revealed, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment of the overall story.
This felt, perhaps, like it might possibly be the set-up for a series or a longer work, and I'd love to get to read more!
Favorite Quote:
"You are gentility and sweetness and innocence.... You believe the best in everyone and everything... You are my heart and my home, and I love you."
January 11, 2016
This is a free story written as part of the Romance without boundaries event. This is where writers of M/m romance were asked to select a photo and writing prompt supplied by a fan of the genre and write an original tale.
This story was said to be a fantasy but with heavy influence from Greek myth. This intrigued me as they are two genres that I really enjoy. I was not disappointed. The story plot is original as are many of the details. Not necessarily in the fact that nymphs have powers over nature etc, but in the details and the way they are all layered together.
Although this story is complete and well formed, I found myself not ready for it to end. There is plenty of scope for expansion as a series of novellas or even fully fledges novels. I really hope that the writer considers this. I would like to hear more about all of the characters and their missions to aid the world on behalf of Gaia.
This story was said to be a fantasy but with heavy influence from Greek myth. This intrigued me as they are two genres that I really enjoy. I was not disappointed. The story plot is original as are many of the details. Not necessarily in the fact that nymphs have powers over nature etc, but in the details and the way they are all layered together.
Although this story is complete and well formed, I found myself not ready for it to end. There is plenty of scope for expansion as a series of novellas or even fully fledges novels. I really hope that the writer considers this. I would like to hear more about all of the characters and their missions to aid the world on behalf of Gaia.
Read
June 25, 2014Not going to rate this because I just couldn't finish. I had difficulties with the writing style...maybe it gets better further in the story but for me the beginning reads like a childs essay for school. Most sentences have the same structure: subject/verb/object. Additionally I had the feeling that something was missing in between the lines - but that it's probably just me ...so thanks to the author for donating time and effort, we were just not meant to be, but that's okay, there are others for you and me :)
August 22, 2013
Ok, so first chapter had me confused a bit. Then I got intrigued. Then I came to dislike Cyd quite a bit which spoiled the story for me. Also we are left without solution for the teams assignment as well as a real explanation why these mythological creatures have been chosen, Mach's' role in the whole thing, which wars Cyd had fought (with Mach) and so on. Many open questions for me which left me unsatisfied with the whole story.
September 1, 2013
Yup, can very much appreciate the Myth behind this story - but.....I would LOVE it to be expanded into a full length novel - with character backrounds etc (and a bit more myth explanation).
OK, I'm a weirdo who does read mythology (and stories which result!), and I appreciate the research which goes into these sort of things :)
May and Cyd's relationship could have been more passionate (or violent!) but for a LHNB story, this was very well done!!!
OK, I'm a weirdo who does read mythology (and stories which result!), and I appreciate the research which goes into these sort of things :)
May and Cyd's relationship could have been more passionate (or violent!) but for a LHNB story, this was very well done!!!
July 11, 2013
3.5 stars
July 12, 2013
3.5 stars
July 16, 2013
3.5 stars.
July 19, 2013
I loved this. I hope there is a sequel as it ends in sort of an odd place.
August 18, 2013
This story is fresh and good. I'm really imprest in Adara O’Hare work here. I hope we will get a sequel, because this story isn't complete, at least for me.
September 9, 2013
This was good. I liked the concept. There might have been a small hole or two but the writing was good and it flowed well. I'd like to read more about Cyd and May.
September 10, 2013
Really enjoyed. Bonus that it was free!
Will be checking out this authors future work.
Will be checking out this authors future work.
April 14, 2014
4.5 stars
June 16, 2015
It was an interesting story but I found the pov changes a little confusing.
April 16, 2014
Not a bad story, just not really my thing. I found the juxtaposition of ancient greek mythology with the modern world didn't work for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews