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When Nightmares Reign #1
Hunted
Enter the land of Valdenia, where dreams rot and nightmares rule.
Raine Chambrin always knew he had a secret. He just didn’t expect to be the secret.
One ill-conceived act is all it takes. Now, the truth is out, and he’s being hunted by the Guardians of Vale—his childhood heroes.
Finding his mate amid the danger and chaos should be a cause for celebration. A sliver of sunlight in a stormy sky.
Only, it isn’t. Because Sidian Wade, a ruthless captain in the Guardians, seeks Raine’s capture and execution at all costs.
Enemies are plentiful and allies, spare. Raine wonders what it says about him, that those sworn to protect his country are after his death?
Raine Chambrin always knew he had a secret. He just didn’t expect to be the secret.
One ill-conceived act is all it takes. Now, the truth is out, and he’s being hunted by the Guardians of Vale—his childhood heroes.
Finding his mate amid the danger and chaos should be a cause for celebration. A sliver of sunlight in a stormy sky.
Only, it isn’t. Because Sidian Wade, a ruthless captain in the Guardians, seeks Raine’s capture and execution at all costs.
Enemies are plentiful and allies, spare. Raine wonders what it says about him, that those sworn to protect his country are after his death?
443 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2024
202 people are currently reading
1179 people want to read
About the author
Misu Loy
4 books52 followersMISU LOY published her first romance novel in April of 2023 and has many more in the works. She's a huge fan of brooding heroes and clumsy or silly heroines. Save fade-to-black for the movies, because she also wants all the heat. She loves books that don't take themselves too seriously but are also written with the attentiveness and care of a passionate storyteller. Misu strives for this in her own craft, as well.
Triggers are for being pulled. She doesn't shy away from dark subjects.
Humor is the spice of life. Every single one of her stories makes her laugh out loud at some point. She hopes her readers will, too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
February 4, 2024
I loved this!!! Look, it snared me with the cover. Of course it did. Pretty man in cuffs with another pretty man glowering at him? Take my money. I’m also a slut for dragons, let’s be real. So I devoured this story. I read this on KU and immediately purchased a copy afterwards. Well, I did that after I immediately preordered book 2.
It technically started off a tiny bit iffy for me, at least in the first few pages. I wasn’t sure I’d like the writing style—an excessive amount of adjectives—and Raine seemed really shallow. But I got past that worry super fast. Within pages. I think the writing tightened up nicely, too; it seemed to me like it was just an overly-descriptive introduction to set the scene, which then eased comfortably into a less flowery style.
Raine became more endearing quickly, too. Behind his vanity, self-assuredness, and less-than-stellar decisions, he was a wounded little teddy bear who needed someone to hug him and braid his shiny hair, okay? And that’s so perfect because I really, really adored seeing a male character who a) had a tactile and warm relationship with his father, c) was by all counts a strong and capable warrior, and c) actually displayed a variety of emotions. Raine had range. He felt irrational rage, could be easily provoked, got hurt and saddened enough to cry, dealt with inappropriate boners, and was at times playful enough to be silly. 10/10, would hug & braid his hair.
Raine is not the only great character, though! Obviously I loved broody and honorable Sidian, but the whole cast was good here. We were introduced to a number of side characters that felt like unique and well-rounded people. I don’t want to spoil anything here, but it’s always a good thing in my book (heh) when side characters have their own motivations and feel fleshed-out enough that I have no problem keeping them straight.
Some other reviews mentioned the slow burn or said this moved at a snail’s pace, so let me share my thoughts on that: I actually felt the pacing was fantastically managed. To be clear: yes, this is indeed a slow-burn enemies-to-almost-lovers romance. The MCs hadn’t so much as kissed by the end of the book, though the tension was palpable enough. They didn’t meet until around 45% in, and didn’t spend any time together until about 60% in. Raine felt quite a lot of delicious UST, though.
To me, the pace of the romance is not reflective of the pacing of the book itself. It wasn’t a slow story that dragged or crawled along. I was consistently interested and entertained. Things did not feel boring or slow at any time. When characters spent time traveling, there were time skips that skimmed over what would otherwise have gotten repetitive and boring. I had a hard time putting it down, and I thought about it when I wasn’t reading. So by my judgement, that’s a well-paced story.
This story is so much more than the romance, but the romance is certainly going to be rewarding. I knew going in that it was a duology, so the story wouldn’t be complete yet. It ends on a HFN note, not too cliffhanger-like, but I preordered book 2 before I even shut off my kindle.
I don’t actually want to say much about the plot itself or the worldbuilding because I don’t want to spoil any part of this. I think there’s more tension when you’re left figuring everything out along with Raine. But I really did enjoy the worldbuilding here, too. There weren’t any painful info-dumping pages or “wait what the fuck are they talking about” moments. It felt unique enough to keep me interested, but not so complex that I got exhausted or frustrated. Some fantasy books can get a bit pretentious and overwhelming in the worldbuilding, let’s be real. This was well-balanced. I liked having the map, but I didn’t feel like I’d have been wildly lost if I didn’t refer back to it.
So, yeah. How do I wrap up reviews when my thoughts are so scattered? In summary, I loved this and highly recommend it. Looking forward to more in this universe and from this author.
It technically started off a tiny bit iffy for me, at least in the first few pages. I wasn’t sure I’d like the writing style—an excessive amount of adjectives—and Raine seemed really shallow. But I got past that worry super fast. Within pages. I think the writing tightened up nicely, too; it seemed to me like it was just an overly-descriptive introduction to set the scene, which then eased comfortably into a less flowery style.
Raine became more endearing quickly, too. Behind his vanity, self-assuredness, and less-than-stellar decisions, he was a wounded little teddy bear who needed someone to hug him and braid his shiny hair, okay? And that’s so perfect because I really, really adored seeing a male character who a) had a tactile and warm relationship with his father, c) was by all counts a strong and capable warrior, and c) actually displayed a variety of emotions. Raine had range. He felt irrational rage, could be easily provoked, got hurt and saddened enough to cry, dealt with inappropriate boners, and was at times playful enough to be silly. 10/10, would hug & braid his hair.
Raine is not the only great character, though! Obviously I loved broody and honorable Sidian, but the whole cast was good here. We were introduced to a number of side characters that felt like unique and well-rounded people. I don’t want to spoil anything here, but it’s always a good thing in my book (heh) when side characters have their own motivations and feel fleshed-out enough that I have no problem keeping them straight.
Some other reviews mentioned the slow burn or said this moved at a snail’s pace, so let me share my thoughts on that: I actually felt the pacing was fantastically managed. To be clear: yes, this is indeed a slow-burn enemies-to-almost-lovers romance. The MCs hadn’t so much as kissed by the end of the book, though the tension was palpable enough. They didn’t meet until around 45% in, and didn’t spend any time together until about 60% in. Raine felt quite a lot of delicious UST, though.
To me, the pace of the romance is not reflective of the pacing of the book itself. It wasn’t a slow story that dragged or crawled along. I was consistently interested and entertained. Things did not feel boring or slow at any time. When characters spent time traveling, there were time skips that skimmed over what would otherwise have gotten repetitive and boring. I had a hard time putting it down, and I thought about it when I wasn’t reading. So by my judgement, that’s a well-paced story.
This story is so much more than the romance, but the romance is certainly going to be rewarding. I knew going in that it was a duology, so the story wouldn’t be complete yet. It ends on a HFN note, not too cliffhanger-like, but I preordered book 2 before I even shut off my kindle.
I don’t actually want to say much about the plot itself or the worldbuilding because I don’t want to spoil any part of this. I think there’s more tension when you’re left figuring everything out along with Raine. But I really did enjoy the worldbuilding here, too. There weren’t any painful info-dumping pages or “wait what the fuck are they talking about” moments. It felt unique enough to keep me interested, but not so complex that I got exhausted or frustrated. Some fantasy books can get a bit pretentious and overwhelming in the worldbuilding, let’s be real. This was well-balanced. I liked having the map, but I didn’t feel like I’d have been wildly lost if I didn’t refer back to it.
So, yeah. How do I wrap up reviews when my thoughts are so scattered? In summary, I loved this and highly recommend it. Looking forward to more in this universe and from this author.
November 9, 2024
It s hard for me to rate this book bc the writing style is incredibly tedious. I almost DNF so many times. We don t need to know every move a character makes: he sat down, a fat bee flew past his ear, he bent to tie his shoelace. The amount of boring, info dump was immense, this could have easily been half in length. I did like the characters & I will pick up book 2 to see how this unfolds, but keep in mind, if u re looking for romance this has none. Raine meets his mate at 60% of the book and it is not bc the action is so complex, but bc the writing style is dragging & too descriptive. It took forever for things to pick up
February 1, 2025
Do you know that feeling: while reading a book you like the setup and start to dive into the world the author is creating but at some point you start asking yourself what would another author, one you're familiar with, made out of such a story? Would it have been as dark as a story with a 'geno'cide, a deceitful government, fake news and family issues due to a big secret is supposed to be? Would you have liked the MCs better even while one of them is showing a reckless and vain YA attitude? Would you have been okay with the overly restricting and dangerous fated-mate concept? Then you probably understand why it's not easy for me to rate this book. As always I'm all for a slow-burn and I'm completely okay that there is no sex; also I don't mind that the e2l concept is only at best a enemy to friends at the end of the book. What bothers me more is that I don't believe that there even would have been an e2f without that odd imprinting-based fated-mate concept. I never warmed up to Reine or saw him as a well-thought-out character and even at the end of this first book I don't know what to make of Sidian or how he changed for someone ready to kill his suspect into someone openly supporting him against his government (yes, there are the usual reasons for such a transformation but I wasn't convinced).
January 5, 2024
I really liked this book! While I understand that some people prefer more fast paced stories slow burn just does it for me. And this story has it in abundance as well as humor mixed in with the sometimes a little bit darker themes. If you are searching for something that’s not completely about the love story this is it. The author really creates a detailed storyline outside of the love interest.
I can’t lie and say I liked everything e.g. sometime it was too lighthearted and in some situations I couldn’t really identify with the mcs choices and actions. Nonetheless I am impatiently awaiting the second book in this series, mainly because I really enjoy the MCs slow burn in the end of the book.
I can’t lie and say I liked everything e.g. sometime it was too lighthearted and in some situations I couldn’t really identify with the mcs choices and actions. Nonetheless I am impatiently awaiting the second book in this series, mainly because I really enjoy the MCs slow burn in the end of the book.
June 1, 2024
DNF at 45%.
The writing gets better as the book progresses, but the pace doesn't pick up. There are too many distractions and a lot of juvenile silliness. For example, the MC is excited about possibility of getting "shitfaced" while running from mortal danger. Priorities, I guess.
45% in and still there is not a single glimpse of a romance, budding or otherwise. I suspect we've met a potential mate in earlier chapters, but those couple of pages were just a hint of a hint, IMO.
I don't think it's a bad book, but it definitely needs editing to speed up the pace.
2 stars. This rating is my own impression, let it not deter you from reading and forming your own opinion.
The writing gets better as the book progresses, but the pace doesn't pick up. There are too many distractions and a lot of juvenile silliness. For example, the MC is excited about possibility of getting "shitfaced" while running from mortal danger. Priorities, I guess.
45% in and still there is not a single glimpse of a romance, budding or otherwise. I suspect we've met a potential mate in earlier chapters, but those couple of pages were just a hint of a hint, IMO.
I don't think it's a bad book, but it definitely needs editing to speed up the pace.
2 stars. This rating is my own impression, let it not deter you from reading and forming your own opinion.
August 22, 2024
Do I like romantasy more when it’s queer? Unclear.
This book still suffers from some of the weaknesses of the genre. Though our main characters—Raine and Sidian—are relatively interesting if not entirely compelling, the plot is still pretty flimsy and drags for long stretches at points. The author is clearly struggling to stitch scenes to each other. (There’s a dragon storyline and a hunter storyline—and the dragon storyline just falls off halfway through.) The magical system and world lore is admittedly more detailed than is usual for the genre—but it still kind of feels superfluous.
So, there are issues.
But, that said, the author also made more of an attempt at crafting a plot than I anticipated—which I really appreciate. Plus, this is a story about dragon shifters rather than faeries for a change—so there’s that as well. There are still “fated mates” in this story. But, half the book is spent developing the central romantic relationship and there’s really no *spice* here—so I don’t know how mad I can actually be?
By all accounts, I think this author is actually trying to tell a fun story here rather than just capitalizing off of trends.
So, while I can’t totally excuse flimsy plots or silly tropes, I can’t say I hated the storytelling here.
Actually, I had a lot of fun reading this book.
Which, is a huge deal. (I’m usually frustrated reading anything in this genre.)
There’s a lot of funny, situational moments in this book paired with some rom-com elements that make for an entertaining read.
Do I think you need to read this book? No. But, if the description sounds interesting to you, would I tell you to go ahead? Yeah, check this book out and see if it’s your flavor~
This book still suffers from some of the weaknesses of the genre. Though our main characters—Raine and Sidian—are relatively interesting if not entirely compelling, the plot is still pretty flimsy and drags for long stretches at points. The author is clearly struggling to stitch scenes to each other. (There’s a dragon storyline and a hunter storyline—and the dragon storyline just falls off halfway through.) The magical system and world lore is admittedly more detailed than is usual for the genre—but it still kind of feels superfluous.
So, there are issues.
But, that said, the author also made more of an attempt at crafting a plot than I anticipated—which I really appreciate. Plus, this is a story about dragon shifters rather than faeries for a change—so there’s that as well. There are still “fated mates” in this story. But, half the book is spent developing the central romantic relationship and there’s really no *spice* here—so I don’t know how mad I can actually be?
By all accounts, I think this author is actually trying to tell a fun story here rather than just capitalizing off of trends.
So, while I can’t totally excuse flimsy plots or silly tropes, I can’t say I hated the storytelling here.
Actually, I had a lot of fun reading this book.
Which, is a huge deal. (I’m usually frustrated reading anything in this genre.)
There’s a lot of funny, situational moments in this book paired with some rom-com elements that make for an entertaining read.
Do I think you need to read this book? No. But, if the description sounds interesting to you, would I tell you to go ahead? Yeah, check this book out and see if it’s your flavor~
January 8, 2024
Who didn't sleep last night reading a book? Yeah, that's me. And to think that I almost DNFed it at the beginning. It looked a bit shallow in the first chapters, but then I realized it was intentional to show how young, stupid, and vain the main character was. Doesn't sound likable, does it? But he was instantly redeemed as soon as I realized he was aware of it and had self-deprecating humor. Anyhow, the book ensnarled me around 40% in. It has several tropes I like. (enemies-to-lovers, captive) and it is a slow burn ❤️
I didn't expect it would be done so professionally since the cover, to be honest, looked amateur. The only downside is that it is a series and now I have to wait.
I didn't expect it would be done so professionally since the cover, to be honest, looked amateur. The only downside is that it is a series and now I have to wait.
August 8, 2024
A great KU find!
Oh I was hooked on this. A good adventure-heavy fantasy book duet that’s slower burn on the romance but so worth the wait. Good world-building and great characters. Excellent romance. First book is a cliffhanger ending but it handles the ending beautifully in the second book! I’m so glad I stumbled upon this on KU!
Spice: 1/5 first book with the slow burn but it’s worth it.
Angst: 4/5
Oh I was hooked on this. A good adventure-heavy fantasy book duet that’s slower burn on the romance but so worth the wait. Good world-building and great characters. Excellent romance. First book is a cliffhanger ending but it handles the ending beautifully in the second book! I’m so glad I stumbled upon this on KU!
Spice: 1/5 first book with the slow burn but it’s worth it.
Angst: 4/5
June 24, 2024
Review for duology in 2nd book
Want to read
August 9, 2025𝑷𝑹𝑬 𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫
ts better serve bro i cant wait to read transmasc!paedyn gray au 💔 i actually hope this is better than powerless bc powerless was lowk mid
ts better serve bro i cant wait to read transmasc!paedyn gray au 💔 i actually hope this is better than powerless bc powerless was lowk mid
January 3, 2026
What have I done to 2026. I wanted to like this because dragons and enemies to lovers? Yes, please. But the characters were insufferable, the plot made no sense and I just didn’t enjoy this.
July 28, 2024
THE FUCKING CLIFFHANGER. I can't even upset about it - it was perfectly executed. I'm definitely stressed now, but I can't even bring myself to give the book a lower rating. It deserves nothing but 5 stars. The beginning was pretty slow, then suddenly kicked off and didn't slow down once until the end. You know you've written a literary masterpiece when your readers stay up all night to finish the first book and pick up the second installment without hesitation.
First off, when Loy said this was a slow-burn I didn't expect the chemistry to START building at the 80% mark. This book was so good it honestly didn't need a romantic subplot but GODDAMN. The next book better have hand holding, furtive glances, ANYTHING. Honestly, it was a relief finding a mm fantasy romance that wasn't solely insta-love and kinky smut (the bar is so low for this genre it's in hell). But really? Not a single kiss at the end to tide us over into the next book? We're really just going off of good vibes and the hope that they'll get together eventually. When? I swear, if the next book ends in a cliffhanger as well... The sequel BETTER have some action at least. There was one shared-bed-esque tent scene at the 90% mark but the only thing that happened was Raine talking in his sleep. Which we still don't know the full extent of. The romance (we didn't necessarily need) was dangled over our heads like a carrot and yanked away with a brutal TBC page.
The storyline was strong enough to stand on its own. Think: Frodo's trek to Mordor, meets Jon Snow's precarious heritage, meets The Last Unicorn's and Luke Skywalker's quests to confront a corrupt ruling power about eradicating their species/race. Seriously, I can't remember the last time I found a good mm fantasy with such an established world that a map was included. Loy set the bar HIGH.
I'm going to need Loy, their editor and publishing team, and a representative from Amazon to sit down together in a locked room until they finalize details on making this a Prime Original Series.
First off, when Loy said this was a slow-burn I didn't expect the chemistry to START building at the 80% mark. This book was so good it honestly didn't need a romantic subplot but GODDAMN. The next book better have hand holding, furtive glances, ANYTHING. Honestly, it was a relief finding a mm fantasy romance that wasn't solely insta-love and kinky smut (the bar is so low for this genre it's in hell). But really? Not a single kiss at the end to tide us over into the next book? We're really just going off of good vibes and the hope that they'll get together eventually. When? I swear, if the next book ends in a cliffhanger as well... The sequel BETTER have some action at least. There was one shared-bed-esque tent scene at the 90% mark but the only thing that happened was Raine talking in his sleep. Which we still don't know the full extent of. The romance (we didn't necessarily need) was dangled over our heads like a carrot and yanked away with a brutal TBC page.
The storyline was strong enough to stand on its own. Think: Frodo's trek to Mordor, meets Jon Snow's precarious heritage, meets The Last Unicorn's and Luke Skywalker's quests to confront a corrupt ruling power about eradicating their species/race. Seriously, I can't remember the last time I found a good mm fantasy with such an established world that a map was included. Loy set the bar HIGH.
I'm going to need Loy, their editor and publishing team, and a representative from Amazon to sit down together in a locked room until they finalize details on making this a Prime Original Series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2024
4.75 stars. This novel turned out to be more epic than I'd expected. I love being pleasantly surprised! 3rd-person single POV, an incredibly slow burn in the most fascinating of circumstances, immersive world-building and dynamic characters, I truly wasn't expecting the amount of quality that had been placed into crafting this novel. Even the plot developed so organically that it wasn't overtly obvious to me when each of the 'plot points' would occur. While I do think sometimes we were given too much information (re: every small movement the main character made); and I do feel this first book ended rather abruptly (which made it feel as though one large book had simply been cut in two), I thoroughly enjoyed this and immediately moved on to the next book!
Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Absolutely!
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: Because the story is told from Raine's POV, it's important for him to be compelling and I believe this has been achieved. He's 19 and I appreciate that we see his youth in some of his impetuous decisions. At the same time, having secrets kept from him and his choices without knowing all the information are so relatable as well. On some levels he's incredibly solid in who he is and won't apologize for his quirks. Additionally, he isn't perfect with his emotions and we aren't treated to a character with morals who isn't still wrapped in all the confusion that comes with humanity and emotions. He's gifted in terms of strength and fighting, but has a vulnerability to him in other ways that lends to his complexity and realism. And when we finally meet Sidian, the circumstances of their meeting and their relationship are utterly compelling. While I can't fully describe it, the author has done a brilliant job of crafting a love interest that is compelling even when sharing many traits we'd expect to find in a male LI. Their relationship is a slow burn that makes sense. It's truly brilliant to read! Note: when I say enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, this first book tackles the enemies-to-friends aspect. The supporting cast rounds out this world and I truly enjoy reading with all of them on the page, which is saying something!
PLOT: The book takes a little time to pick up, but once we get going, we're gifted with a medium-paced plot that is packed with mystery, revelations, and a quest. Forced to hide a lot of his quirks, Raine is discovered after he attempts to join the Guardians (following his father's footsteps), and becomes, as the title says: hunted. We have a revelatory plot where we learn how history has been rewritten, who the real villains are, and so much more about the lore and history of dragons in this world. The book ends rather abruptly, but not without a cliffhanger. If there's an arc, I would say it ends when Raine and Sidian have moved from enemies-to-friends.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
3:5/medium. I'm absolutely immersed in this world. It doesn't touch on any super dark themes and I personally don't have a concern about the stakes, although they are high. So this has been wonderfully entertaining without worry!
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
75%. Again, this book ends rather abruptly, but with a major turning point in the relationship between the main pairing and without a cliffhanger. I still wanted to immediately move on to the next book and left with the overall feeling of enjoyment when I finished!
Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Absolutely!
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: Because the story is told from Raine's POV, it's important for him to be compelling and I believe this has been achieved. He's 19 and I appreciate that we see his youth in some of his impetuous decisions. At the same time, having secrets kept from him and his choices without knowing all the information are so relatable as well. On some levels he's incredibly solid in who he is and won't apologize for his quirks. Additionally, he isn't perfect with his emotions and we aren't treated to a character with morals who isn't still wrapped in all the confusion that comes with humanity and emotions. He's gifted in terms of strength and fighting, but has a vulnerability to him in other ways that lends to his complexity and realism. And when we finally meet Sidian, the circumstances of their meeting and their relationship are utterly compelling. While I can't fully describe it, the author has done a brilliant job of crafting a love interest that is compelling even when sharing many traits we'd expect to find in a male LI. Their relationship is a slow burn that makes sense. It's truly brilliant to read! Note: when I say enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, this first book tackles the enemies-to-friends aspect. The supporting cast rounds out this world and I truly enjoy reading with all of them on the page, which is saying something!
PLOT: The book takes a little time to pick up, but once we get going, we're gifted with a medium-paced plot that is packed with mystery, revelations, and a quest. Forced to hide a lot of his quirks, Raine is discovered after he attempts to join the Guardians (following his father's footsteps), and becomes, as the title says: hunted. We have a revelatory plot where we learn how history has been rewritten, who the real villains are, and so much more about the lore and history of dragons in this world. The book ends rather abruptly, but not without a cliffhanger. If there's an arc, I would say it ends when Raine and Sidian have moved from enemies-to-friends.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
3:5/medium. I'm absolutely immersed in this world. It doesn't touch on any super dark themes and I personally don't have a concern about the stakes, although they are high. So this has been wonderfully entertaining without worry!
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
75%. Again, this book ends rather abruptly, but with a major turning point in the relationship between the main pairing and without a cliffhanger. I still wanted to immediately move on to the next book and left with the overall feeling of enjoyment when I finished!
August 8, 2024
Ultimately, this book did eventually capture my attention and I have started the second installment so I am rating this 3 stars.
With that said, I agree with another reviewer in that this book, and the writing, felt tedious at times.
I always appreciate the world-building that goes into books like this, but in this case, the writing felt monotonous. It was a chore to get through.
When I can skim multiple pages and still fully understand what is going on, then to me that’s an indication of overly detailed, unnecessary writing.
Regardless, I did start to enjoy the book at around the 70% mark. But make no mistake, this is not a romance book. Nothing romantic happens between the two MCs at all.
In fact, we don’t even meet Sidian until over 50% into the book.
So if you are expecting a romance heavy plot, you’ll be severely disappointed.
I will say that I am 25% into book two and the romance has picked up, but if it weren’t for me skipping paragraphs in the first book, I probably wouldn’t have even gotten there.
With that said, I agree with another reviewer in that this book, and the writing, felt tedious at times.
I always appreciate the world-building that goes into books like this, but in this case, the writing felt monotonous. It was a chore to get through.
When I can skim multiple pages and still fully understand what is going on, then to me that’s an indication of overly detailed, unnecessary writing.
Regardless, I did start to enjoy the book at around the 70% mark. But make no mistake, this is not a romance book. Nothing romantic happens between the two MCs at all.
In fact, we don’t even meet Sidian until over 50% into the book.
So if you are expecting a romance heavy plot, you’ll be severely disappointed.
I will say that I am 25% into book two and the romance has picked up, but if it weren’t for me skipping paragraphs in the first book, I probably wouldn’t have even gotten there.
January 7, 2024
Good story but slower than a snail burn
I don't tend to read slow burns as a rule unless I really like the authors work and I don't think I've ever finished a MM book without getting to a 🔥 scene I usually stop reading if I get over half way and still nothing but nope I read the whole thing because the story was just so good , I wanted to know what was going to happen I really hope the 2nd one is 100 times more smuttier as this one had none lol its the promise of it being so good. I knew instantly what would be the outcome as soon as it started but that didn't make it any less enjoyable in the last couple of pages lol. Read this book it's very good but don't expect there to be real romance...yet
I don't tend to read slow burns as a rule unless I really like the authors work and I don't think I've ever finished a MM book without getting to a 🔥 scene I usually stop reading if I get over half way and still nothing but nope I read the whole thing because the story was just so good , I wanted to know what was going to happen I really hope the 2nd one is 100 times more smuttier as this one had none lol its the promise of it being so good. I knew instantly what would be the outcome as soon as it started but that didn't make it any less enjoyable in the last couple of pages lol. Read this book it's very good but don't expect there to be real romance...yet
December 20, 2024
DNFed at 70%. Can’t believe I just wasted so much of my life waiting on a man who can excuse rape. Absolutely fucking not. I loved the story at first. Loved Raine. But there is no redemption for Sidian for me. The minute he blamed Raine for Tayo fucking trying to rape him? Saying that Tayo made a mistake and could be forgiven? Absolutely fucking not. I tried to read on. I did. But the ignorance of this man kept getting worse. The disgusting things he kept saying? Look I realize that his brother was probably killed by a dragon. It’s not that hard to assume. But that does NOT excuse ANYTHING. Wish I could finish this series without Sidian. Wish he could just die and have someone else be Raine’s real mate, but unfortunately I don’t think that will be the case.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2024
2.5 starts
This book had a lot of high points and emotional storyline. But the other part was just too long and boring to read. This book could have been written with half the word count, and being more fast-paced. Too many side characters.
This book had a lot of high points and emotional storyline. But the other part was just too long and boring to read. This book could have been written with half the word count, and being more fast-paced. Too many side characters.
September 8, 2024
Ok let's start. Firstly, 6 stars just so you know, I'm 70% into the second book. But originally I went into this as it was a mm romantasy suggestion but let it be known book one does NOT read like a romantasy, this IS a fantasy book in book one. There will be no romance not even an inkling till about 40-50% where the two mcs finally have their first encounter of the book and even then it's literally slow burn business if you can even call it that. The romantasy really doesn't start until book two so please keep that in mind and give this a chance just based on the fantasy element alone as it is amazing. This book one is fleshing out the story, world, and the politics for you.
WITH THAT ASIDE, this DUOLOGY was a blessing sent from the heavens. I'm sucker for fantasy, political turmoil, found family and shifting humans. And I'm totally fine with going into a book thinking its romantasy heavy and finding out it's a fantasy seeing as fantasy is my prefered genre in the first place. I love this to the moon back. The world building, DRAGONS, the lore, everything. Also Raine is probably definitely my close second favorite character I've ever read about. Everyone saying the story is a bit shallow and he was shallow but that's one of the things I genuinely loved about this book and his character. Because everytime I read a fantasy book ngl I would be thinking when the fuck do they bathe ya know and I LOVED his vanity and hyperfixation on hygiene and self care. He was also such a charming character, so sweet, empathic, snarky, funny and just my babyyy. Can't speak much of them as a couple as I mean there isn't much here yet; but there's definitely some kicking my feet moments in the last 3rd of the book. And I'm DEEP into book two and they're just perfect. Sidian is just.....perfect.
WITH THAT ASIDE, this DUOLOGY was a blessing sent from the heavens. I'm sucker for fantasy, political turmoil, found family and shifting humans. And I'm totally fine with going into a book thinking its romantasy heavy and finding out it's a fantasy seeing as fantasy is my prefered genre in the first place. I love this to the moon back. The world building, DRAGONS, the lore, everything. Also Raine is probably definitely my close second favorite character I've ever read about. Everyone saying the story is a bit shallow and he was shallow but that's one of the things I genuinely loved about this book and his character. Because everytime I read a fantasy book ngl I would be thinking when the fuck do they bathe ya know and I LOVED his vanity and hyperfixation on hygiene and self care. He was also such a charming character, so sweet, empathic, snarky, funny and just my babyyy. Can't speak much of them as a couple as I mean there isn't much here yet; but there's definitely some kicking my feet moments in the last 3rd of the book. And I'm DEEP into book two and they're just perfect. Sidian is just.....perfect.
August 6, 2024
4⭐ because I think this was actually a great book, buut... The romantic development – very much a slow, slow-burn – was a miss for me personally and with that being my main motivation for reading this I decided to DNF. The breaking point for me was very petty on my part. Very much a “me” problem that I think would not phase 99% of readers. 😂
Despite my disappointment in the romance, I thought this was charmingly well-written and I did greatly enjoy Raine as a character. He's vain, arrogant, naïve... but he is also witty, funny and loyal to those he considers family. His and Aly's fast friendship as the two youngsters was great fun. Raine ended up being quite lovable! It was a nice change of pace from the usual standard faire of perfect angel heroes or deeply traumatised and abused brooding heroes.
Despite my disappointment in the romance, I thought this was charmingly well-written and I did greatly enjoy Raine as a character. He's vain, arrogant, naïve... but he is also witty, funny and loyal to those he considers family. His and Aly's fast friendship as the two youngsters was great fun. Raine ended up being quite lovable! It was a nice change of pace from the usual standard faire of perfect angel heroes or deeply traumatised and abused brooding heroes.
July 2, 2024
idk, this ready very YA, using more towards a heteronormative descriptors, with more focus on breasts and womenswear than mens' descriptors (biceps, bulges, you name it, it wasn't there), if you get what I'm saying. More time was spent developing the tepid, gal-pal friendship between Aly and Raine than the actual romantic development of Raine and Sidian.
Also, Raine was really a pretty unreliable main character. Instead of being devastated when his father tells him the truth of his identity, which forces him to leave home and his dreams, he is laughing. There was never any insight on his feelings, he never considered the reality. When he meets Sidian, his mate, he just sort of leaves him, doesn't think about it. Doesn't care. Very anticlimactic. Even during fight scenes, he is saying something sarcastic or something that is meany to be funny and I am just completely pulled out of the scene. Like, isn't this supposed to be a high-stakes moment? What is the point of this?
There was too much lacking in the world building. Not enough explanation around the dragon riders, on Raine's upbringing, on social norms, on a BUNCH of stuff. It seems to be inspired by medieval times. Is it a patriarchy? Sometimes it was, sometimes it wasn't. It was all over the place.
I think this was definitely a miss, in terms of execution. Some folks seemed to like it, though!
Also, Raine was really a pretty unreliable main character. Instead of being devastated when his father tells him the truth of his identity, which forces him to leave home and his dreams, he is laughing. There was never any insight on his feelings, he never considered the reality. When he meets Sidian, his mate, he just sort of leaves him, doesn't think about it. Doesn't care. Very anticlimactic. Even during fight scenes, he is saying something sarcastic or something that is meany to be funny and I am just completely pulled out of the scene. Like, isn't this supposed to be a high-stakes moment? What is the point of this?
There was too much lacking in the world building. Not enough explanation around the dragon riders, on Raine's upbringing, on social norms, on a BUNCH of stuff. It seems to be inspired by medieval times. Is it a patriarchy? Sometimes it was, sometimes it wasn't. It was all over the place.
I think this was definitely a miss, in terms of execution. Some folks seemed to like it, though!
January 5, 2024
Gah, I'm a sucker for pretty book covers and slow burn and this pings everything. I was hesitant at first because lately, I've been coming across not so good books from new M/M authors and was hitting a slump, but I'm so glad I gave this a try! The writing is beautiful, the story is intriguing and the characters are well written. It has a bit of comedy I wasn't expecting(considering the hunting and dark aspects), mainly from Raine and honestly? It made the book so much better, I didn't want to put it down cause I wanted to see what he would say or think next lol. There's not much romance from the main couple until almost at the end of the book, which I'm ok with since we're getting a second book and can't wait to see how their relationship flourishes. Overall, a solid read!
Also want to thank Misu Loy for getting me out of this M/M slump I've been plagued for the past 3 months. Excited to see what else she comes up with in the future!
Also want to thank Misu Loy for getting me out of this M/M slump I've been plagued for the past 3 months. Excited to see what else she comes up with in the future!
February 2, 2026
idk what to say. i think im just a little more miffed than i should be because this is the second book in a row i’ve been bamboozled by a synopsis. it takes reading to page 258 out of 434 to get to the part of the romance plot the synopsis sold. sickening. i just wish how this book was marketed better reflected that.
the writing style at the beginning felt like a drag to read with all the descriptors and random adjectives and random similes and flowery prose. but i think it really hit its stride when, what do you know it, raine gets caught by sidian! from then on, reading the book felt smooth.
still, i believe the book could’ve been halved just by losing the long and super repetitive descriptions of boobs (and then raine going “but idgaf about boobs and sex 🙄” right after) and raine’s prick getting hard. the amount of times i had to read raine’s blood rushing where?? SOUTH!!!!!!!!! even after a plot twist reveal we get hit with another and then my dick got hard. i couldn’t believe my eyes. i couldn’t believe my eyes
the writing style at the beginning felt like a drag to read with all the descriptors and random adjectives and random similes and flowery prose. but i think it really hit its stride when, what do you know it, raine gets caught by sidian! from then on, reading the book felt smooth.
still, i believe the book could’ve been halved just by losing the long and super repetitive descriptions of boobs (and then raine going “but idgaf about boobs and sex 🙄” right after) and raine’s prick getting hard. the amount of times i had to read raine’s blood rushing where?? SOUTH!!!!!!!!! even after a plot twist reveal we get hit with another and then my dick got hard. i couldn’t believe my eyes. i couldn’t believe my eyes
June 23, 2024
I'm glad I gave this one a try
I read a earlier review someone left stating they thought they read every good book already and was in a slump constantly reading but never finding a truly good story until they found this. which is how I felt for over a year so I read this. They were 100% right. Their review was spot on and accurate . I'm not good at reviews but I really liked this and knowing I'm gonna love the second part where I know there will b romance. First book not really a romance as it is a intro into a world, it's characters and watching emotional bonds form despite a world a ignorance and hate. Which if u ain't a insta love type then this is a good thing, but even if u I strongly recommend giving this a chance. And there isn't a single point where I got bored or lost interest ( which seems to happen a lot to me)Lots of world building, good humor, timing, strong emotion.
I read a earlier review someone left stating they thought they read every good book already and was in a slump constantly reading but never finding a truly good story until they found this. which is how I felt for over a year so I read this. They were 100% right. Their review was spot on and accurate . I'm not good at reviews but I really liked this and knowing I'm gonna love the second part where I know there will b romance. First book not really a romance as it is a intro into a world, it's characters and watching emotional bonds form despite a world a ignorance and hate. Which if u ain't a insta love type then this is a good thing, but even if u I strongly recommend giving this a chance. And there isn't a single point where I got bored or lost interest ( which seems to happen a lot to me)Lots of world building, good humor, timing, strong emotion.
January 3, 2024
First review I’ve ever written, but I had to since I LOVED this book. It’s everything that I have been searching for. It’s a fantasy book with a single pov, likeable fleshed out main character (and the love interest is promising). I liked that it is a story first, and a love story second and didn’t mind the wait for the love interest to show up. I would say it falls in the category of a slow burn, even though the two main characters are mates. Moreover, I really liked that the main character has a secret identity and therefore is being hunted. Enemies to lover trope was included as well and thought that the gradual shift in their relationship was well done, believable and not too fast. Book was well written as well! Overall, a 5 out of 5 stars read for me and would recommend it!! Seriously, you won’t regret it!
June 20, 2025
I enjoyed this book. I would consider it a lighthearted read (for the most part, there are some angsty and violent moments). my main qualm is literally so silly: It’s that the dragons refuse to dye or “ink” their hair whatsoever. like??? I get that dragons are vain creatures but cmon now. you’re running for your life, why does it matter if your hair gets a little bit altered or damaged in the process? I just felt like sometimes the mc didn’t take his situation seriously enough. despite that, the mc is very lovable. I had a few other minor pet peeves (e.g. the excessive boners 💀 which was humerous but If I got one everytime my bf looked at me I would kms) but for the most part I had fun (and even shed a tear towards the end).
July 16, 2024
Oh. My. God. Where to begin?
A fantasy book with gay romance that isn’t the main plot point?
Count me in.
Honestly, this book started off as a cover read, but I genuinely could not put it down. It was raw, and authentic, and so beautifully written.
The characters all felt so realistic and human (ha ha) and not to be dramatic or anything, but I would die for Aly.
This is genuinely one of the most enjoyable fantasy books I’ve read in a while. It has dragons, friendships to die for, uncovering relationships, self discovery, love, and soooo much more.
5/5 read! I’m looking forward to reading the sequel!
A fantasy book with gay romance that isn’t the main plot point?
Count me in.
Honestly, this book started off as a cover read, but I genuinely could not put it down. It was raw, and authentic, and so beautifully written.
The characters all felt so realistic and human (ha ha) and not to be dramatic or anything, but I would die for Aly.
This is genuinely one of the most enjoyable fantasy books I’ve read in a while. It has dragons, friendships to die for, uncovering relationships, self discovery, love, and soooo much more.
5/5 read! I’m looking forward to reading the sequel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2026
i went into this thinking it would be an easy low stakes read and then i got sucked into the world, politics, and characters. i love a compelling premise and constantly find myself getting invested in books due to it. this one was no exception. i liked the way the dragons are handled and enjoyed the structure of the societies presented. i was also gagged at the ending and immediately picked up book 2.
honestly, i enjoyed that this book was a little goofy. obviously there’s tension and serious plot but the characters are fun and take the time to maintain comedic relief and quirks. books need to take themselves a little less seriously sometimes and this is a great example.
honestly, i enjoyed that this book was a little goofy. obviously there’s tension and serious plot but the characters are fun and take the time to maintain comedic relief and quirks. books need to take themselves a little less seriously sometimes and this is a great example.
June 2, 2024
Great Read!
I wasn’t sure about this book for the simple fact it had been out for a while with hardly any reviews. After reading this incredible story, I’m shocked that it isn’t more well known! The world building and characters were wonderful! Action and suspense throughout. Raine was so very likable, you can’t help but root for him. The only thing I would’ve changed about this story was to have a dual pov with Sidian. The next book in the series is out and I can’t wait to read it!
I wasn’t sure about this book for the simple fact it had been out for a while with hardly any reviews. After reading this incredible story, I’m shocked that it isn’t more well known! The world building and characters were wonderful! Action and suspense throughout. Raine was so very likable, you can’t help but root for him. The only thing I would’ve changed about this story was to have a dual pov with Sidian. The next book in the series is out and I can’t wait to read it!
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