In this special edition, both prequels to PLEDGE, "The First Pledge" and "Pledged to the Kingdom" are combined in one book.
PLEDGED TO THE Before the bond...
Before Gabriel...
Before "Ollie"...
Before he was even next in line for the throne, Olympio of Sefaera was the spare of the royal family, the second born, never to sit on the throne, never to worry about the ancient magic protecting their line, never to be bonded to a soulmate. Free to explore life for himself without the worries of being a future king, unlike his older brother Vasileios, who has just felt his soulmate bond for the first time.
But it all comes crashing down in flames when Vasileios inadvertently breaks his bond, leaving the throne unprotected, and ends his own life out of shame.
Now the former Master of the Hunt is thrust into a new role, a new life, with expectations he's never had placed upon him. And the lingering fallout of his brother's actions may have left the throne in permanent jeopardy, making Olympio and the entire royal family overly diligent about keeping the scandal quiet... and preventing those who would overthrow them to take Sefaera for their own.
THE FIRST Before Gabriel ever goes to college and meets "Ollie," he was just a normal kid, trying to figure himself out. Well, as normal as a billionaire's son could be. And long before he ever made his presence known. Prince Olympio has been watching Gabriel from the shadows, protecting him and their magical connection so that, when he comes of age, they can consummate the bond. But that protection isn't without hurdles--big ones. Olympio may be in for more than he bargained for, and Gabriel is wildly unprepared for the twists life throws at him.
Eleanor Rose is a celebrated author in the fantasy genre, known for her dynamic storytelling that prominently features queer couples. Her dedication to representation extends beyond the pages of her novels, as she actively advocates for the accurate portrayal of transgender individuals and those living with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD).
Eleanor's literary journey began with her debut fantasy novel, "Pledge," which was released on October 3rd and met with widespread acclaim. The book marked the beginning of an enchanting series following the adventures of Gabe and Ollie, characters who have resonated deeply with readers. The anticipation for the continuation of their journey is palpable, as Eleanor has already hinted at plans for the next installment.
Beyond her writing, Eleanor is an enthusiastic traveler, with a particular fondness for exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of Europe. These travels serve as a wellspring of inspiration for her writing, enriching her narratives with vivid descriptions and diverse perspectives.
When not traversing continents, Eleanor finds solace and creativity in her cozy casita nestled in the Southwest. This tranquil haven is where she weaves her spellbinding tales, often accompanied by the quiet company of her beloved cats. Her affection for these feline companions is not just limited to her personal life; it also finds expression in her writing, where cats often play significant roles.
Eleanor Rose's unique blend of passionate advocacy, rich storytelling, and a life filled with adventure and warmth makes her a distinct and cherished voice in the world of fantasy literature.
I loved getting a glimpse at what happened before Ollie and Gabe because Ollie-and-Gabe! This made me sad, made me laugh, and made me blush just like Pledge did. And it was a taste of the boys to hold me over until Paragon comes out!
Pledged basically takes on the stance of what happens when responsibility, duty and expectation is pressed on a person their entire life. And when one fatal mistake is done, a chain reaction happens that affects everyone else involved and changes their lives in ways they would never have known. While there is plenty of acceptance in sexual orientation and how one had relationships, when it came to positons of higher power, it's seen as a much more rigid structure and one that Olypio felt he was never destined for. Probably because people just treated him that way like they always treated Vaselios as the one to be because he was the older sibling.
Lots of emotions felt in this novella that leads into Pledge because it had to. The way this world was set up was meant to sound as if it was perfect, if but for that one detail and it just worked. I've never read a book like this before so and I don't like comparing books even though pretty much every book out there vibes off each other. If there is something similar to this one, I haven't read it yet.
💕 Two gorgeous prequels to the ever-loving story of Gabe and Ollie
Pledged to the Kingdom by Eleanor Rose
💕 I don’t know why I decided to re-read this story when I cried my eyes out the first time. But time heals and months later, as I read this again, I am reminded of the beautiful bond of siblings. A bond of friendship that is unlike any other. And the way this story tore my heart out. It’s a heartbreaking look at Olympio and how his life is flipped upside down. The tears shed following the death of his brother left me broken. His relationship with Vass…I won’t say anymore and will just leave it at that.
The First Pledge by Eleanor Rose
💕 I love the moment when Olympio feels the creation of the bond between him and Gabriel. So beautiful and innocent. He’s no longer the man we met in Pledged to the Kingdom. His path is clear. His heart determined. The future full of hope. And he pledges his eternal service to the new babe.