The House of Grief

by Cyran Faringray

*This standalone novella is a dark villain romance set in an original fantasy universe.*

8 years ago, my stepbrothers disappeared.

In a world that left us for dead from the day we were born, Cynthian and Elias were my sanctuary amidst life’s cruel chaos.

Without them, I am haunted.

They are the lost specters wandering the corridors of my mind. Their phantom touches linger on my soul, the scorching brand of their love seared into my skin.

I can’t let them go.

I will never know peace until I discover what happened to them.

Now finally reunited, our freedom and our lives hang in the balance, trapped in a deadly game.

My stepbrothers have changed, but so have I. The once-tender threads of affection connecting our hearts have been forged into iron chains.

The innocence of our younger years has been lost, warped into something sinister and pitch-black.
I’m afraid, yet I can’t stop wanting them. And it seems after years of secret pining in my youth, Cyn and Eli want me, too.

But am I truly ready to become their plaything and satisfy the dangerous urges of my villainous stepbrothers?

*This book is only intended for an adult audience. It contains graphic violence, sexual content and strong language. Reader discretion is advised. Please refer to the trigger warnings inside the book and on the author's website.*

Genres: Fantasy, Dark Romance, Spicy, Dark, Paranormal, Adult, Romance

227 pages, ebook

Published October 27, 2023

About the author

Cyran [ˈsɪ-ræn] Faringray is a queer, chronically ill author of deeply emotional, dark (nec)romantic novels with a touch of horror and morally black villains as love interests. Their character-driven stories feature magic, monsters and everything in between.

Though redemption arcs won’t ever be found in their books, all endings are happy ones.

When they’re not writing, Cyran is usually playing videogames, reading, napping or spending time with their partner and their dog. Their adoration for anything macabre—and erotic—runs deep, and is mirrored in their ever-growing collection of art prints.

Cyran is currently not active on Goodreads and messages will go unread. Please contact them through Instagram (@cyranfaringray) or via email: cyran@cyranfaringray.com

You can find Cyran here:

Website: cyranfaringray.com

Instagram: @cyranfaringray

TikTok: @cyranfaringray

Twitter: @cyranfaringray

Reviews

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of The House of Grief and here are my honest thoughts:

-this is very taboo level romance and you should check all the warnings at the start of the novella!
-how is horror and gore so very ROMANTIC?
-cannibalism is now sexy?
-the peens are shaped in magical ways
-this is scary what is happening
-more sex
-murder
-HEA, who even cares about light murder??
-they’re just a murderous trio trying their best.

Side bar: yay to this Poly rep! m/m/f

Another side bar: so much gore!

[Marie-Hélène · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am i disturbed? Slightly. Am i turned on? Yes. Did i love this? Absolutely. Do i recommend it? 100%.

I love Cyran’s books and writing so much. Cyn and Eli were the perfect amount of morally black but make it hot, Myna is a badass mortal, and the entire story was great. The house of grief is such an amazingly thought up place and i enjoyed the story so much!

Amazing spooky season (or like, spooky life) read 🤍

[Sassy_momma_luvsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC copy for my honest review*

This was my first read by this author and was not sure what to expect. But WOW!! I was completely blown away!!

This story is very dark and a step into the taboo world. With it, having you question your morals at every turn.

This story was so beautifully written and kept you engaged with the characters and thier journey the whole time.

Three step siblings orphaned at a very young age, only had each other to rely on when they had no one else. Life was never easy for them.

They became separated and it took years of Myna spanning the world to find them.

Once found, thier reunion wasn't all happy and full of sunshine. Instead, they found themselves fighting for thier lives.

The House of Grief dives in to the state of emotions they face to find thier freedom and happiness once and for all. But it didn't come without a cost.

They had to rely on each other and gave themselves in more ways than one to survive and to protect one another. And love is the strongest defender after all. What would you do for those you love? How far would you go?

Please be sure to check the trigger warnings first. Not for those faint of heart.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
More to follow…

The House of Grief **ARC Copy**
First I’d like to say it was an honor and a privilege to be
able to read and review this book in advance of its release.

I absolutely loved this book! I adore the MC’s, Myna, Eli and Cyn.
Their dynamic of found family and the love they have for each other
is beyond what most people only hope for.
So, if you enjoy morally black villains, after all black is the new gray, I
recommend this book to you.

*Synopsis*
‘8 years ago, my stepbrothers disappeared.
In a world that left us for dead from the day we were born, Cynthian and Elias were my sanctuary amidst life’s cruel chaos.
Without them, I am haunted.
They are the lost specters wandering the corridors of my mind. Their phantom touches linger on my soul, the scorching brand of their love seared into my skin.
I can’t let them go.
I will never know peace until I discover what happened to them.
Now finally reunited, our freedom and our lives hang in the balance, trapped in a deadly game.
My stepbrothers have changed, but so have I. The once-tender threads of affection connecting our hearts have been forged into iron chains.
The innocence of our younger years has been lost, warped into something sinister and pitch-black.
I’m afraid, yet I can’t stop wanting them. And it seems after years of secret pining in my youth, Cyn and Eli want me, too.
But am I truly ready to become their plaything and satisfy the dangerous urges of my villainous stepbrothers?’

⚠️Be sure to check TW/CW!⚠️

[Mx. T *Chaotic Reader* · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

As always, I am in awe of Cyran's writing and worldbuilding. Their usage of beautiful words makes my brain tingle. The idea of The House of Grief itself was perfection and I have loved to learn more about A Toll of Flesh universe.
This novella is written in their unique brand of taboo dark romance, with pitch black villains as love interests, and a strong an resourceful FMC. Expect taboo themes, gore, vore and hot as Hells smut. And wholesome relationships ofc, because the MCs might be villains but my friends do they love like I wished to be loved.

Check TW!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a trip this was. Rating it 4 starts because it delivered just as it said. Morally black characters with no redeeming qualities that you couldn't help but still root for.

[Kate Anjou · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House Of Grief is a whirlwind of peril, suspense, lust, love and horror. From the first moment the tensions are high and you are afforded no reprieve. Each page is enriched in emotion and Faringray’s characters evoke those same emotions in you: love for our MMCs, arousal at their extreme and taboo relations and horror at the challenges that face them. Like our (morally black) antagonists in The House Of Grief, we are taken higher and higher in our own limits, our own boundaries and our own acceptance for what we would do for those we love.

This book may not be for everyone at first - gore, brutality, graphic sex and dubcon between self-proclaimed brothers and sisters (though not blood related and self-adopted, if that helps haha) but I implore you to take a chance and if you can enjoy these base, carnal and primal provocations, you will find yourself in a fully thought out world, with compelling and beautifully dark characters and a story that is enriching and enticing. As well as maybe unlocking some new kinks ;-)

Faringray is an author to watch. I’ve read The Unbeating Heart of the same high fantasy universe and was equally spoiled by their brilliant writing and characters. Please check out The House Of Grief, the other books in The Toll Of Flesh series and their stand alone novel, Love Like Guilded Bones.

[anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

i didn’t enjoy this book much. i cringed every time they called each other “brother/sister”. i think i wanted to see them in a more informal and domestic atmosphere without stress and danger. the whole book they were fighting for their lives trying to escape this torture chamber for amusement of rich people.

also wasn’t a fan of flesh eating.

“Almost disconnected from my body by the overload of lust and terror, I watched Elias’ teeth sink into my upper arm, tearing away a piece of my flesh. Blood flowed from the wound and over his lips. His eyes closed as he chewed, his jaw moving slowly as if he savored every second.”

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The House of Grief" is an incredible standalone novella (from the Toll of Flesh world- book 1 also standalone and excellent). It explores a dark world of love, obsession, trauma, and really the mysteries of the human heart.

It is set in an original fantasy universe, and revolves around Mynas quest to find her missing stepbrothers, Cynthian and Elias.

Cyran does an excellent job of exploring the trauma and scars of a cruel world that disregarded these three, essentially leaving them for dead since birth. You can feel the emotional turmoil within the Myna, who always found solace and sanctuary in her stepbrothers, the way that their past haunts them… Cyran takes you right there with them.

The way that Cyran navigates the complexities of all three characters emotions and psyche, painting such a detailed picture of past and present, *in Novella format no less* is magic! Surprises around every corner. I also found myself laughing along at times. A touch of humor in the darkest of moments was a welcome surprise.

Is it a pitch-black fantasy horror spicy romance with a HEA?
Yes.

Was it over far too quickly?
Also yes.

Read the TW. Then get ready for the ride!

Thanks Cyran for another fantastic read.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

My honest opinion is: this was amazing. The darkness, the found family, the characters, their dynamic was delicious.

When I was reading this it reminded me of the movie Cube but with smut.

As always Cyran’s writing made a good story absolutely delightfully dark and poetic. Nothing they write feels inconsequential, each line matters to the story and the characters.

If you like dark stories and dark characters please read this. But do read the Trigger Warnings.

[Jessisfullybooked]

House of Grief is an incredible novella length, pitch black romance that exists in Cyrans vill!an centered fantasy universe. This is the most perfect balance of h0rromr, g0re and romance tied up in a heart thumping package.

The connection between Myna, Eli and Cyn is like no other. The way Cyran weilds words is extraordinary, I will read everything they ever write. This story includes deliciously depr4v3d events, so much g0r€, and a sneaky cannab!list1c moment or two. Yet, proving Faringray truly is a talented wordsmith, this still feels incredibly romantic with found family, mental health rep and spine-tingling heat 🔥

This spooky read isn't going to be for everybody. Do no skip over the tr!gg€r ⚠️.
But for those who relish in a bl00dy good time, this is sensational! 5🌟

[AK McConnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Depression wielded our fears like a dagger. Our trepidation smelted in the fire of sorrow and shaped into a vile blade by the merciless hammer of our self-doubt. The pain stirred by what you saw is valid, your feelings are real—but the sharp point held to your neck is nothing but a lie.” - Elias (who literally can do wrong. I love him, your honor!)


Cyran Faringray is known for their twisted and steamy stories that feature violently dark villains. They’ve built a world that is sinisterly sexy and deviantly delicious, offering an escape into the macabre. However, that is not only where I find myself drawn to this novella. It’s the craft of the prose, the beautifully grotesque depictions of the wonderfully bizarre setting, the tenderness of the characters’ emotions. As a reader, I find myself diving into the words, becoming a spectator in the story, forming crystal clear images in my mind. The monologues of the characters as they recount the bleak disposition of their own world and how that commentary translates to modern reality is written so skillfully I long to experience it spoken from a stage. For anyone who wants to read something elegantly monstrous, riddled with blood, gore, desire, joy and love — look no further than the House of Grief.

[Chriss Fullenkamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this novella. It was nearly 200 pages and left me satisfied as a whole story, something a lot of novellas tend to fall short of. While the stages of grief have been dabbled with over the years, it’s still relatively untouched in comparison to the seven deadly sins, so it was a pleasant surprise to see the author playing with the tropes in their own house of horrors.

I love that Faringray promised us a dark romance and then delivered. As I’ve mentioned on their Instagram- they could have gone even darker (without crossing their boundaries) I think, namely in the scenes where Myna is reintroduced to her brothers.

If Faringray ever wished to expand this to a full-length novel, I think they could easily do so by adding in Eli’s and Cyn’s POVs, which I would have loved to have seen. Because we relatively know what Myna’s been up to for the past eight years, it would have been nice to live in the meaningful flashbacks that each of the guys went through. I also found myself intrigued by Denial, Depression, and Acceptance and would love to learn more about who they were before, during, and directly after being bonded- especially Denial. Denial was low key heartbreaking, but I wish I had had that emotional tie to be broken over her which would have juxtaposed nicely with the carefree way in which the three kill her, especially since those three are supposed to be villains.

One thing I wish that had been clarified is why Cyn and Eli were on the same level together- everyone else was separate, which makes since considering the stages of grief are separate. Is it meant to tie into Myna’s own emotional state over her brothers- she was still angry and bargaining because they were just gone with no closure that would have allowed for her to more properly spiral into denial and/or depression alongside acceptance? It’s a thought, but I almost wish Elias and Cyn had been separated… What if Cyn was her first stage, and he was the one who had to realize it was her? How much darker could it have gotten getting to see the cat and mouse game actually come to a conclusion, with Cyn very much so about to make good on his initial threat and then Myna turns the tables somehow? And then the two of them have to go into Bargaining together… I was seriously hoping she’d get r*iled on that altar, ngl.

The only “romance” scene that I found a little lackluster was their first time together… I think I wanted the guys to be rougher than what they were and maybe play into the virg*n bl*od idea. Absolutely ravenous.

The final critique I’m going to make on the plot is on the ending- it felt too rushed without true resolution. I was sincerely hoping they would hunt down the elite viewers and run them all through their future horror house!

I think Faringray is extremely talented; they made a novella a satisfying story, with multiple ups and downs. The language they used throughout was wonderful and intentional, and their dialogue contributed to individualizing their characters. Myna got a little too… flowery? at times, which seemed to be influenced by Elias, but I don’t think it quite worked- a moment that comes to mind is when she’s giving the short speech about villainesque love. It just didn’t seem to follow the rhythm of her speech up to that point, but this is also based on a first reading.

The descriptions of the different stages were so great! I have a very distinct image of what it all looks like, and it’s wonderfully terrifying. The portion with Anger and Bargaining took me to House of Wax- with Anger leaning into the slasher chase through an intentional slaughter town and Bargaining’s location being reminiscent of the cinema. Denial’s space being so peaceful and twisted and then the added layer of the three siblings f*cking within the same framework was subtly jarring. Depression’s space once again reminded me of House of Wax but if House of Wax and the courtyard of Narnia’s White Witch had a demented baby. And, funnily enough, for Acceptance, I felt like they were on a soundstage/stage. I don’t think that was intended, but it totally worked for me because Acceptance’s vibe was just so gouache and nouveau riche that it read as “look at me in all my finery amongst all of my fine things” while Myna and her brothers saw beyond it.

The “romantic” scenes were ultimately pretty fantastic, and Elias and Cyn both get A++ for their dirty talk. I was so waiting for Eli to take a bite of Myna’s finger in that one scene, but, when he didn’t, it heightened the intimacy of that moment to me. I will say that Faringray chose violence by teasing us with a br*eding kink during the first “romance” scene, but then denied us that kink for the rss rest of the story! Not cool, Faringray, not cool!

I read a lot of dark romance, and I think that this was refreshing in that the author wasn’t trying to make them read as the good guys, even if they read as the good guys in this situation. There could have definitely been more callous moments, such as killing the surrendering mercenaries just because. But the reason these characters read as “good” is because of their love and belief in one another. Outside of pure psychopathy, those with antisocial disorder can have meaningful attachments, and I found it sweet that these characters could switch so effortlessly between wanting to destroy Myna for their own pleasure without an ounce of shame or guilt and then being so completely overtaken with love once her identity was revealed.

Yes, I loved the story. It was my introduction to Faringray’s work, and I love that it has me thinking about and examining it from so many angles while also getting me excited to read their other works. If you’re into dark romance, I definitely recommend you give this a try!

[•mikaela• :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

Love this read! Dark, spooky, bloody and downright sinful, couldn’t ask for a better combo 🖤

[Diana Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: 4.5
FMC: Myna (Mynarin)
MMC(s): Cyn (Cynthian), Eli (Elias)
Tropes: Pitch Black, MMF, Step sibling, Villain romance, untouched heroine, demon brothers, death game
> Reviewer add: Slightly monstrous, blood magic, ritual scarification/branding
Perspective: First, through Myna
Plot or character driven: Both
Spicy scenes breakdown:
> Present? Yes
> Detailed? Yes
> Multiple, with only one character? No
> Multiple, with both/multiple characters? Yes
> Personal favorite? Chapter 13.
> State of the joystick? Eli: with ridges, bumps, upsized with a self-lubricating action. Cyn: Ridged, upsized, with black veins
Burn speed: Fast
Can this be read as a stand-alone: Yes.
Re-Readability: High.
Content/Trigger Warnings/Enticements: Lengthy. Check the front of the book.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my voluntary, honest review.

“Your screams sound so damn good. And your blood, little prey... it drives me mad. Sweeter than honey and richer than wine.”

Myna, Cyn, and Eli are the three orphans. Escaping their horrible “caretakers” they become the Three Orphans, out to challenge the status quo. They end up in a Dante-esque hell based on the stages of grief (hence the name) and must escape so they can challenge the crime lord that rules the city.

The challenge is bloody, gory, and it’s part horror and part tender story. Sometimes demons gotta be demonic, and yet they have a bond to a very human woman, and they express that bond in multiple ways while not betraying the truth of their natures.

Monster lovers will find this story pitch black, while darklings will find it more dark grey, I think. There’s not a complete loss of morality, but the boys morality is different, and Myna adapts to them. I enjoyed the hell out of this, and I’m glad my first book by this author was this one.

It won’t be the last one.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝕴𝖋 𝕴 𝖑𝖊𝖙 𝖍𝖎𝖒 𝖙𝖆𝖘𝖙𝖊 𝖒𝖊, 𝖜𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉 𝖍𝖊 𝖐𝖓𝖔𝖜 𝖍𝖔𝖜 𝖒𝖚𝖈𝖍 𝕴 𝖑𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖉 𝖍𝖎𝖒?

Thank you so much Cyran for the opportunity to review early!

I’ve said this before, and I’ll continue to say it, I absolutely LOVE the worlds and words Cyran brings to life. They’re so dark and delicious, and House of Grief delivers EXTRA. Plus… there’s Cyn… with his madness and his cleaver.

𝕴𝖋 𝕰𝖑𝖎𝖆𝖘 𝖉𝖊𝖛𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖊𝖉 𝖆 𝖕𝖎𝖊𝖈𝖊 𝖔𝖋 𝖒𝖞 𝖋𝖑𝖊𝖘𝖍, 𝖜𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉 𝖍𝖊 𝖐𝖓𝖔𝖜 𝖒𝖞 𝖘𝖔𝖚𝖑 𝖇𝖊𝖙𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖓 𝕴 𝖐𝖓𝖊𝖜 𝖒𝖞𝖘𝖊𝖑𝖋?

We follow the characters Myna, Cynthian and Elias - the three orphans that never stood a chance with normality. Growing up together, they only had each other… until one day, Cyn and Eli disappear. Gone without a trace and no word. Heartbroken, Myna makes it her mission to find the two that she loves, the only two that have ever protected her. Years pass, and she finds herself back in their arms… but there’s something different about them. Cyn and Eli have been bound to demons, living as creations in the House of Grief. Together, they must escape all stages. And Myna is taken on her own journey of the depravity and urges of her stepbrothers. 😈

“𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕮𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖘 𝖒𝖆𝖉𝖊 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖙𝖔 𝖇𝖊 𝖉𝖊𝖋𝖎𝖑𝖊𝖉 𝖇𝖞 𝖚𝖘. 𝕿𝖍𝖊𝖞 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖊𝖉 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖇𝖔𝖉𝖞 𝖙𝖔 𝖗𝖊𝖈𝖊𝖎𝖛𝖊 𝖚𝖘, 𝖙𝖔 𝖕𝖑𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖊 𝖚𝖘, 𝖙𝖔 𝖊𝖓𝖛𝖊𝖑𝖔𝖕 𝖚𝖘 𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖍 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖍𝖊𝖆𝖙 𝖔𝖋 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖙𝖊𝖓𝖉𝖊𝖗 𝖋𝖑𝖊𝖘𝖍.”

As always, this story is unique. Pitch black villainous acts, body horror, fast-paced, bloody, and has that delicious sprinkle that you can always find with Cyran’s work.

Dark, delicious, poetic.

“𝕴 𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉 𝖓𝖔𝖙 𝖗𝖊𝖘𝖎𝖘𝖙 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖆𝖓𝖞 𝖒𝖔𝖗𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖓 𝖋𝖑𝖊𝖘𝖍 𝖒𝖆𝖞 𝖗𝖊𝖘𝖎𝖘𝖙 𝖉𝖊𝖈𝖆𝖞. 𝕹𝖔 𝖒𝖔𝖗𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖙𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖘 𝖒𝖆𝖞 𝖗𝖊𝖘𝖎𝖘𝖙 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖒𝖔𝖔𝖓.”

Check your content warnings and triggers! I think this may be Cyran’s darkest and spiciest release so far. 🩸

I give it all the stars and all the spice.

[BookSpice_and_EverythingNice | Malika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not for the weak of heart... but if you can take it this story was FANTASTIC.

8 years ago the two most important people to Cyran’s life disappeared without a trace. It crushed her, they’d been inseparable since they were abused kids forced to live in an orphanage from hell. They are her brothers by fate and all of a sudden they are gone. For 8 years she’s been searching for any information on where they went and why. She finally gets a solid lead and ends up reunited with them locked in a gruesome house of horrors.

But Elias and Cynthian aren’t as they were. Both their appearance and mind have been poisoned with evil. Can they fight for their life and freedom or will the macabre House of Grief take everything from them?

Cyran Faringray is a new to me author and she has HOOKED ME. If you’re looking for a dark, deranged, horror romance then this is your read. For me, while the book is gory and violent, it wasn’t TOO much. The balance between plot, horror, romance, and character development was handled expertly.

The writing style in particular really pulled me in and I didn’t want to let go. The plot was interesting and literally loved the characters and how they loved each other. While part of me would’ve read more of these 3 I also really think the length and pacing was just right. I also enjoyed the use of dark religion. it was so interesting and captivating.

And it wouldn’t be a review of mine if I didn’t talk about the spice... wowza. This author is fearless and it shows. She said these boys were deranged and let them act it and I LOVED EVERY SECOND! No notes. it was perfect. Read it.

[India · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
First, thank you SO much Cyran for the opportunity to ARC read this as a part of your street team :) #imurbiggestfan I’m always so incredibly impressed with all your writing. You truly transport me into another world when I read your words. I’ve got to stop being surprised when I’m absolutely in love with your novels. I’m so proud, and I can’t wait for more of your work!

“I want to look into your eyes while we fuck you for the first time.”

House of Grief is definitely one of the most taboo reads of 2023 for me. We’ve got an MMF “siblings”* couple who call each other brother and sister when they fvck. I loved the contrast between Eli and Cyn in personalities, it makes their dynamic and tension with each other so much better, and feel so much stronger. Myna, was a FUCKIN BADDIE!! Holy crap I wanna be her when I grow up. Anyways, release day is on Friday! (10/27), and if you’ve made it this far into my review and are still intrigued you should most DEFINITELY add it to your tbr. It was a quick read, with fantastic plot execution and PLENTY of k!nky af smut sprinkled in there. And on top of that, even though it’s the second book in a series, you can absolutely read this as a stand alone novella, just like book 1!

Tw! CHECK THEM PLEASE!
🖤MMF (orphaned siblings)
🖤fantasy / magic & ritual
🖤blood/gore/torture
🖤blood play/knife play
🖤virgin FMC
🖤demon cocks
🖤exhibitionism
🖤BDSM
* I would just like to clarify, they are orphaned siblings and are not at all blood related.

[mama_reads24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

{ARC Review}

🧠 4
✨️5
🌶 3.5

"In this House of Grief, we tore every scrap of happiness and each spark of hope from the brutal claws of a cruel, bleak destiny. In this House of Grief, we anointed our savage love in rivers of blood and oceans of tears." - Myna

Despite Cyran being on my TBR for a while this was my first read and I cannot wait to read more!

Boston described this as being similar to a video game and I think that's a great way to describe this. It's a murder dungeon escape room.
The whole aspect of The House of Grief itself, the magic used, the stages of grief and the demons was all pretty interesting.

It was a short book, but I think it was evenly paced!

I adored the relationship between Myna, Cyn & Eli.
The dirty talk & 🌶 scenes were delicious.

“On your knees, sister. Prove your devotion and worship us.” - Cyn

Taboo - Step Siblings
MMF
Dem0n Bonds
G0re
Wax Play
Ritual Se×
V0yeŭrism
A Touch of C@nn!balism

"A hero cares too much about the world to care about you in equal measure. But to a villain in love, you are their world, and they would stop at nothing to save it." - Cyn

"You are the blood in my veins and the air in my lungs. Without you, I am forsaken. Without you, I am a husk of a man. A warm cadaver, moving, living, but not alive.” - Eli

“You are our gore-stained angel of death, protecting us with your darkened wings of poison shadow.” -Eli

[HeadCanonHeadCase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for childhood friends to lovers and found family, and The House of Grief combines them in the most perfectly dark way. Myna, Eli, and Cyn grew up together. Orphans that have been handed a hard lot in life, they band together to survive. Just as they start to build the life they've always wanted, Eli and Cyn go missing. Now, eight years later, Myna finds them again. But have they reunited only to be destroyed in a cruel and twisted game?

I loved every moment of this book. It was both dark and emotional, not to mention action packed. Where Cyran's other work is more character driven, the tension will grab hold of you in this one and not let up. The orphans' fight to survive kept me on the edge of my seat. And their emotional reunion? Oh so satisfying. Myna, Eli, and Cyn call themselves sister and brother, but they are not related. It's more of a found family situation. And the MMF romance is scorching hot.

This might be my favorite Cyran Faringray work yet! This book takes place in the Toll of Flesh world but can be read completely as a standalone. Do check out the TW/CW first, and if those don't turn you away, I highly recommend The House of Grief!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book from Cyran! At this point, I don’t believe it’s possible for them to write a bad book 🤔

This was an amazing horror novella. The usage of the 5 stages of grief in the story was phenomenal. The found family between Myna, Elias and Cyn… I have no words, because if you know me, you know it’s one of my favorite tropes. And Cyran hit every spot with it here! Those three will go the distance to reunite and defeat everything and everyone that is a threat to them.

There’s joy, there’s sorrow. The world building is fantastic as always.
The spice was absurdly hot - and thankfully, we are spoiled with the vore 🫠 One thing you should know, is that with their superpower of mixing horror and romance, combined with insanely good writing, Cyran makes us lose our breath even with stuff that would be considered disgusting otherwise.

If I had to give one critique, it would be… it should’ve been longer. But that’s only because I’m completely obsessed with their writing, and I was immersed so deeply in this story that I didn’t want it to end. In short, it’s not even a critique. It’s just me being greedy lol

Check the TW if needed and ENJOY!

[Marya · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝙏𝙤𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙤𝙣 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚, 𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙗𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙮. 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧. 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙮𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧”

Ok, so I’m gonna be adding yet another book to my @cyranfaringray trophy shelf. Three more deliciously dark villains being absolutely obsessed with each other, and let me tell you, the 🌶️ definitely had me fanning myself. 🥵

These three orphans have been together since they were young, and they would do anything to protect one another. When Myna’s two brothers go missing, her sole focus for 10 years is to find them, and when she finally does, they find themselves deep within a game for survival.

So we have Myna, who is hopelessly devoted to her brothers. Cyn who is so bubbly while still being ever so violent. And then theres Eli, the man with the prettiest words (but also, the dirtiest…🔥).

This story was fast-paced, dark with a dash of sweetness, and the spice was 🥵. Definitely recommend for when you’re in the mood for a spicy read with some violent gorey fun!

Check TW before jumping in!

Thank you to @cyranfaringray for providing me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What this book is giving:
✅ Dark Fantasy Romance
✅ Novella
✅ MMF
✅ Step Siblings
✅ Villain Love Interests
✅ Necromancy
✅ Murder Dungeon Escape Room
✅ Spicy Rituals
✅ Demon Bonds

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️½ / 5

[Catherine Jagos · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The House of Grief” by Cyran Faringray!

I devoured this book in one setting! It was so freakin’ clever!

The author is a friend and has been an autobuy for me (usually multiple copies- because you gotta catch them all!)
All their books are depraved, delightfully dark poetry!
All of their books are amazing!
And this book was no different! I was hooked from page one!

I was simultaneously on the edge of my seat, on the verge of tears, turned on, and swelling with love at the same time throughout the entire book!

I loved the characters so much and am curious how they are part of the “Toll of Flesh” Universe. 👀

Things to look forward to:
-”good girl” & “good boy” 👀
-eĐging/Ӧdenial
-BlꝎd play
-DP/DVP
-Lots of “group” activities
-MMF
-Special Pèéns
-Demons
-Hand Necklaces

This is a pitch black romance- so please read your trigger warnings before picking this up. The author lays all the triggers out very well!

It is live now on Amazon just go read it!
And “The Unbeating Heart” …
And “The Pale Daughter & The Tyrant Prince”…
And “Love like Gilded Bones”!

[Kristan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyran Faringray has written a deliciously dark fantasy romance book that was everything I ever wanted to read in this genre. The House of Grief features morally black main characters, taboo love interests, life or death scenarios, magic, lust, and love. I love the three main characters so much, Cyn, Eli, and Myna. Their relationships are so sweet and spicy. I adore how far they are willing to go for each other. The spice is exceptional and I love it when villain characters are allowed to be unabashedly villainous.
Just be sure to read the trigger warnings. There's plenty that might scare some people away, but I read the list and immediately wanted to read it. Just a few to look out for are gore, taboo relationships, blood play, dubious consent, and graphic violence. This book goes hard and is fantastic for it.
I was enjoying The House of Grief so much that I had not even finished the book when I purchased their other books: The Unbeating Heart - A Toll of Flesh Book One, The Pale Daughter & The Tyrant Prince, and Love Like Gilded Bones. I am so excited to read them.

[Victoria Alden · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🩸🩸🩸🩸

Thank you Cyran for allowing me to read this story!

This was an insanely creative and addictive story. The concept of this book was very creative and so dark, twisted and gory (don’t worry, it was also insanely spicy). The writing is exceptional in this with the descriptions phenomenally crafted and so beautifully I couldn’t stop reading. I was Completely blow away. Seriously the writing was sooooo beautiful I couldn’t get enough of it and ill certainly be getting all Cyran other books!

With it being under 200 pages, the pacing never felt rushed and the world building was described in perfect detail without it being overbearing.

The spice was so delicious, rough and bloody it will leave you wanting more (seriously it was hot). Also monster c**ks, enough said.
Cyn, Eli and Myna’s connection and love was so intoxicating and you could really feel how dedicated they are to each other.

Please note that there are some really dark and extreme scenes that might be triggering.


🩸MMF
🩸Demon Bonded MMCs
🩸Death Game Plot
🩸Virgin FMC
🩸Stepsiblings
🩸DP/DVP
🩸Monster C**ks
🩸Gory
🩸Pain for Pleasure
🩸light cannibalism

[Nicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start out by saying, please make sure you read the trigger warnings before starting this book. When the author says that the men in this are morally black, she means it.
That being said, I loved this novella. I quite literally couldn't put it down and read it all in one day. Not only were the characters compelling and very well written, but the whole book was beautifully written. The way Cyran Faringway writes was almost poetic in its delivery and made this dark fantasy romance more readable than most of the more tame books that I've read.
Though this says it is number 2 in the Toll of Flesh series, it is definitely able to be read as a standalone. This was the first book that I have ever read by this author but I have already downloaded the first book in the Toll of Flesh series and plan to read everything written by Cyran. If you are a fan of morally grey characters but find yourself getting bored with the formulaic grey men, do yourself a favor and read this. I promise these half elf men will not disappoint you. Thank you Cyran Faringway for shaking up my reading list!

[Lucipurr’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book from bookstagram section and took a chance since the genre is about what I normally really like.
The length was perfect. There was the right amount of detail.
The chemistry was well written. Their relationship as a whole was beautiful and spicy and just perfect. The way they fought for each other. The way they believed in each other. I'm so happy with the HEA that occured and their freedom. I may pick up more books from Cyran Faringray in the future!

Favorite Quote:
"We might be cruel and brutal and not give a damn about the greater good, but we don't abandon those few we do care about. That's why a hero's love can never compare. Why it's hollow. A hero cares too much about the world to care about you in equal measure. But to a villain in love, you are their world, and they would stop at nothing to save it." Cyn's heavy-lidded, glassy gaze found mine as I paused, stroking along his chest. "Let us save our world, brother."

[Sara Virasami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will always read ANYTHING Cyran writes simply because balance is Cyrans superpower and dark romance is their dominion. Their ability to immerse you so deep into a fictional world you feel it is unmatched. Their writing and phrasing is simply fantastic and never disappoints.

This dark, taboo romance between a strong mortal FMC and her two morally black, villainous step brothers is quite the gore filled story. How one can tell a story filled with gore, terror and romance while still character and world building is remarkable. After 8 years apart these chosen siblings are reunited, yet trapped in the House of Grief. They must band together to become free of the demonic bond upon the brothers; a demonic bond with a feral need to be satiated.

*as with any Cyran Faringray, read the trigger warnings first!*

[Book Eater · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy for my honest review.

First off, thank you Cyran for your generosity and kindness. You are a beautiful human being 💕

This book was soooo good! It's got incredible world building, and I love the lore behind the religion in the story and how much it plays into the plot and the character's actions.

I love how poetic and reverent the main characters are when speaking to eachother or in their actions. It truly made my heart flutter.

The spice is spicy and gets hotter and hotter the further you read!

BUT please make sure you read the triggers to decide if this is the book for you. It is not for the faint of heart, and doesn't let up on its spice, brutality, or taboos. If that isn't your cup of tea, then, sadly, skip this book. But if it is, give this book a shot!

[Raye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unsurprisingly, I loved this book and devoured it in one sitting. Cyran's ability to weave these stories and have it all come together in such a page-turning way has me in awe. Her mind and words are a work of art. And I will gluttonously consume that art.

I loved all three MCs, and true to her word they were all morally black. While Myna is a bit innocent, she definitely has a rabid side for her step-brothers. The brothers are black as sin and just as depraved as all of Cyran's other characters, I could not get enough!

This is a fast-paced and spicy story. I think this is why I love novellas so much. If you love dark, spicy, depraved, and gory tales, this is the book for you. The House of Grief is out on October 27th! Perfect for that last-minute spooky season read!