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Steel Bonds #1
Earth and Water
A life with no room for distraction
Earth mage Kane Nalamas may be on his first official contract as a mercenary, but his years of experience and training don’t prepare him for immediate betrayal. Within days, he loses both his client and his freedom.
A prison of his own creation
Water mage Archer Sophin would not wish his half-life as a human magical battery on anyone. Especially not the sweet mercenary who has no idea he’s stumbled upon one of the greatest secrets in the magical world: magic is dying.
An unlikely partnership
Kane will take any help he can get from the intriguing water mage, even if he’s not sure whether Archer’s role is villain or fellow victim. Drawn further together by an unexpected voyage, what begins as a temporary arrangement turns into the potential for so much more.
To live free in a world that craves their power, the elemental mages will have to use earth and water in ways never seen before. And for a chance to build a future together, they’ll have to escape the chains of their past.
Earth and Water is an M/M paranormal romance featuring a broody pansexual water mage, a stubborn gay earth mage, forced proximity, meddling best friends, and magic as an accidental aphrodisiac. It is set in the same universe as the author’s Steel Empires series but can be read as a standalone novel with a happily ever after and no cliffhanger.
Earth mage Kane Nalamas may be on his first official contract as a mercenary, but his years of experience and training don’t prepare him for immediate betrayal. Within days, he loses both his client and his freedom.
A prison of his own creation
Water mage Archer Sophin would not wish his half-life as a human magical battery on anyone. Especially not the sweet mercenary who has no idea he’s stumbled upon one of the greatest secrets in the magical world: magic is dying.
An unlikely partnership
Kane will take any help he can get from the intriguing water mage, even if he’s not sure whether Archer’s role is villain or fellow victim. Drawn further together by an unexpected voyage, what begins as a temporary arrangement turns into the potential for so much more.
To live free in a world that craves their power, the elemental mages will have to use earth and water in ways never seen before. And for a chance to build a future together, they’ll have to escape the chains of their past.
Earth and Water is an M/M paranormal romance featuring a broody pansexual water mage, a stubborn gay earth mage, forced proximity, meddling best friends, and magic as an accidental aphrodisiac. It is set in the same universe as the author’s Steel Empires series but can be read as a standalone novel with a happily ever after and no cliffhanger.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2024
53 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Gribble
14 books72 followersJ.L. Gribble writes speculative fiction and romance, but she’s happiest when combining the two and adding a dose of the unexpected or nontraditional. When not writing, Gribble reads an eclectic range of books, adds to her LEGO collection, and plays video games. She lives in Ellicott City, Maryland, with her husband and three vocal Siamese cats. Find her book review blog and info about her publications at jlgribble.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 5, 2024
Morbid fascination crossed Archer's face. "Were they hunting you?"
"No," Kane said. "Civilized beings do not eat each other. No one is getting eaten in Parisii."
"Not unless we get our own hotel room," Archer said.
Despite never having read of any this author's work before, I knew from the blurb, premise, and sneaky quotes that I would love it...and I was right.
Written as a standalone spin-off from Gribble's Steel Empires alternate reality spec-fic series (and her first MM!), Earth and Water can easily be consumed on its own, as I did, without feeling like you're missing something. Gribble effortlessly introduces us to a world that feels already well-established in its history, politics and magic while not being distracting from the story: two master mages (one who is part of a bonded pair, so there's extra facets to the relationship!) fighting their attraction to each other while trying to rescue a friend, avoid ritual sacrifices, face their lonely pasts/futures, and keep up the banter along the way.
While I confess that the two main characters had me tearing my hair out at times with their abject and ridiculous stubbornness that would have k!lled them if not for side characters' interference, they were also delightfully competent, sassy, and adorable.
If you're looking for an exceptionally well-written tale of magic, loyalty, spice, and witty one-liners, I highly recommend this book.
"Unfortunately for you," Hal continued, "I no longer have fur and have reacquired a mouth with which to ask questions."
"No," Kane said. "Civilized beings do not eat each other. No one is getting eaten in Parisii."
"Not unless we get our own hotel room," Archer said.
Despite never having read of any this author's work before, I knew from the blurb, premise, and sneaky quotes that I would love it...and I was right.
Written as a standalone spin-off from Gribble's Steel Empires alternate reality spec-fic series (and her first MM!), Earth and Water can easily be consumed on its own, as I did, without feeling like you're missing something. Gribble effortlessly introduces us to a world that feels already well-established in its history, politics and magic while not being distracting from the story: two master mages (one who is part of a bonded pair, so there's extra facets to the relationship!) fighting their attraction to each other while trying to rescue a friend, avoid ritual sacrifices, face their lonely pasts/futures, and keep up the banter along the way.
While I confess that the two main characters had me tearing my hair out at times with their abject and ridiculous stubbornness that would have k!lled them if not for side characters' interference, they were also delightfully competent, sassy, and adorable.
If you're looking for an exceptionally well-written tale of magic, loyalty, spice, and witty one-liners, I highly recommend this book.
"Unfortunately for you," Hal continued, "I no longer have fur and have reacquired a mouth with which to ask questions."
January 23, 2024
This is the author’s first attempt at romance and I thought it was a good one. The characters are well-thought out and well-written, though I wanted to shake them a few times with the denial and way they went about getting together, or not getting together in this case.
Kane and Toria are on their first assignment as mercenaries, and they run into Archer as part of the case. Archer and Kane are attracted right away, but their circumstances have them denying what they want. The connection between them can be seen right away, but these two rather be idiots than admit they like one another. It leads to frustration but also a satisfying HEA once they figure things out.
Kane and Toria are on their first assignment as mercenaries, and they run into Archer as part of the case. Archer and Kane are attracted right away, but their circumstances have them denying what they want. The connection between them can be seen right away, but these two rather be idiots than admit they like one another. It leads to frustration but also a satisfying HEA once they figure things out.
January 24, 2024
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 3.5 Hearts
When Kane goes on his first mission as a mercenary with his female partner, he doesn’t expect to encounter Archer, an enigmatic mage who is in a form of prison of the man’s own making. Despite wanting to help Archer – the man wasn’t his contract’s objective. Nevertheless, Archer can help Kane with his pursuit. But who will be pursued, and to what end?
Earth and Water is the first book of the Steel Bonds series, which is itself a spin-off from the Steel Empires Universe. As much as the blurb suggests that the tale can be enjoyed as a standalone, I suspect prior knowledge would be advantageous, allowing the reader to gain more from the novel.
The first novels in any series tend to contain an abundance of worldbuilding. I thought I was prepared. However, the sheer volume of information (presumably to negate reading the previous series) was somewhat overwhelming. Hence, I struggled to connect with some aspects of the author’s creation. While reading, it was clear to me that a considerable amount of thought has gone into the creation of ‘steel’, and that this impressive alternative universe is well-loved enough for this spin-off to occur. Therefore, I hope with all my heart that lovers of the previous series will love this one as much.
To those of us new to the universe, the blurb is a little misleading. It gives the impression that the betrayal is immediate and a huge factor. Technically, I guess the statement is true. However, during the opening chapters, I struggled to identify duplicity's culprit. By the time the deception was revealed, I was already wrapped up in another aspect of the story – so it wasn’t as important. Maybe if I’d read Steel Empires, the impact would have been greater.
Anyhoo, the story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Archer and Kane. As already intimated, worldbuilding is extensive, to the point where, occasionally, explanations interrupt the flow of dialogue and action scenes.
Kane and Archer are lovely people. Without the detours, their journey towards one another is splendid as the narrative merges their two worlds amid the backdrop of the mercenaries' contract. I wholeheartedly agreed with one statement from the blurb: magic was an aphrodisiac. The way that magic plays a part between Kane, his working partner, and Archer was inspired. Hal’s presence was fleeting, yet memorable, and I’d have liked to have seen more of him – but that would have been an unnecessary diversion – albeit a delightful one.
While the overall tale was a promising start to a new series/spin-off (whatever your level of entry), less would have been more for me. It would have given me more time and space to absorb the world created and fall in love with the characters. Hence the marking, for which I feel a tad guilty. I wanted this story to be something that I could get immersed in, and hanker for more. Instead, I needed breaks to process before returning.
It’s a fine art to encourage new readers to an existing universe, and I may yet go back and read the Steel Empires series before giving Earth and Water another bite at the cherry.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
When Kane goes on his first mission as a mercenary with his female partner, he doesn’t expect to encounter Archer, an enigmatic mage who is in a form of prison of the man’s own making. Despite wanting to help Archer – the man wasn’t his contract’s objective. Nevertheless, Archer can help Kane with his pursuit. But who will be pursued, and to what end?
Earth and Water is the first book of the Steel Bonds series, which is itself a spin-off from the Steel Empires Universe. As much as the blurb suggests that the tale can be enjoyed as a standalone, I suspect prior knowledge would be advantageous, allowing the reader to gain more from the novel.
The first novels in any series tend to contain an abundance of worldbuilding. I thought I was prepared. However, the sheer volume of information (presumably to negate reading the previous series) was somewhat overwhelming. Hence, I struggled to connect with some aspects of the author’s creation. While reading, it was clear to me that a considerable amount of thought has gone into the creation of ‘steel’, and that this impressive alternative universe is well-loved enough for this spin-off to occur. Therefore, I hope with all my heart that lovers of the previous series will love this one as much.
To those of us new to the universe, the blurb is a little misleading. It gives the impression that the betrayal is immediate and a huge factor. Technically, I guess the statement is true. However, during the opening chapters, I struggled to identify duplicity's culprit. By the time the deception was revealed, I was already wrapped up in another aspect of the story – so it wasn’t as important. Maybe if I’d read Steel Empires, the impact would have been greater.
Anyhoo, the story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Archer and Kane. As already intimated, worldbuilding is extensive, to the point where, occasionally, explanations interrupt the flow of dialogue and action scenes.
Kane and Archer are lovely people. Without the detours, their journey towards one another is splendid as the narrative merges their two worlds amid the backdrop of the mercenaries' contract. I wholeheartedly agreed with one statement from the blurb: magic was an aphrodisiac. The way that magic plays a part between Kane, his working partner, and Archer was inspired. Hal’s presence was fleeting, yet memorable, and I’d have liked to have seen more of him – but that would have been an unnecessary diversion – albeit a delightful one.
While the overall tale was a promising start to a new series/spin-off (whatever your level of entry), less would have been more for me. It would have given me more time and space to absorb the world created and fall in love with the characters. Hence the marking, for which I feel a tad guilty. I wanted this story to be something that I could get immersed in, and hanker for more. Instead, I needed breaks to process before returning.
It’s a fine art to encourage new readers to an existing universe, and I may yet go back and read the Steel Empires series before giving Earth and Water another bite at the cherry.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
January 20, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read by this new to me author but it certainly won’t be the last, I really enjoyed this story and really liked the MCs Kane and Archer and thought they were perfect for each other there was also some great side characters who I think come from the authors original series which I’m now going to read. Will read more from this author in the future.
January 21, 2024
4 stars. First time reading this author and will definitely read more (probably to find out what happens to a lot of the other characters in this book)!
Archer is a powerful water mage but entrapped by the Headmaster Burrows of the New Angouleme Mage School for feeding his energy. Kane is a journeyman mercenary earth mage who with his bonded partner Toria who is a storm mage are contracted by a family friend to investigate the recent decline of the local mage population and accompany the niece Syri of the family friend. Syri is an elf who is capable of self defence as well and is also a close friend of both, and their history is recounted during the adventures. Their starting point is New Angouleme Mage School, which is 200 miles north of Limani where the Mercenary Guild resides, all in the country of New Angouleme (which must be east coast of US/Canada).
The context this story is set in is an alternative version of modern world at least 2 millennia (?) post today (from what I picked up which was pretty easy, as don’t have the background from the series). The change came from magic being performed to prevent any further destruction of earth by its inhabitants, by returning it to low tech version of itself by using magic, preventing it from advancing. However there seems to be fewer mages being born which is the start of the investigation on where this impacts.
When the trio arrive and have a meeting with Barrows, Archer ensures he contacts them afterwards and warns them of the danger they're in, as Barrows wouldn't be able to resist syphoning off their power as well. They all get caught but they manage to escape other than Syri who is kidnapped and sent away to be a sacrifice, but for what they don't know and where she is.
Thanks to an influential ex-boyfriend/fiance werewolf of Archer and Archer's ability to scry a rough location for Syri, they are able to take the journey across the Atlantic ocean (renamed but recognisable) to Paris, and the relationship between Archer and Kane is well established by journey end. I really like that the relationships, rather like modern life, is complicated and yet straight forward - although Kane and Toria are bonded mages, they are not bonded romantically, but they are interdependent, so the possibility of relationships that understand that feels unlikely to Kane. Archer knew Toria before she and Kane met, and he understands the bonded mage relationship, and Toria in turn approves of the romantic bonding.
The challenges continue when the trio land in Paris to find Syri and meet an unexpected relative of Toria, The first climactic event of finding Syri and discovering why she was taken occurs with troubling results (which I won't go into here as spoiler). The second climax is back in New Angouleme, where Barrows fate is determined.
This was a well written novel, with lots of different paranormals and interesting alternative world. I got invested in the characters, so really want to know if Syri and Toria have follow on stories so will be checking out The Steel Empires series!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Archer is a powerful water mage but entrapped by the Headmaster Burrows of the New Angouleme Mage School for feeding his energy. Kane is a journeyman mercenary earth mage who with his bonded partner Toria who is a storm mage are contracted by a family friend to investigate the recent decline of the local mage population and accompany the niece Syri of the family friend. Syri is an elf who is capable of self defence as well and is also a close friend of both, and their history is recounted during the adventures. Their starting point is New Angouleme Mage School, which is 200 miles north of Limani where the Mercenary Guild resides, all in the country of New Angouleme (which must be east coast of US/Canada).
The context this story is set in is an alternative version of modern world at least 2 millennia (?) post today (from what I picked up which was pretty easy, as don’t have the background from the series). The change came from magic being performed to prevent any further destruction of earth by its inhabitants, by returning it to low tech version of itself by using magic, preventing it from advancing. However there seems to be fewer mages being born which is the start of the investigation on where this impacts.
When the trio arrive and have a meeting with Barrows, Archer ensures he contacts them afterwards and warns them of the danger they're in, as Barrows wouldn't be able to resist syphoning off their power as well. They all get caught but they manage to escape other than Syri who is kidnapped and sent away to be a sacrifice, but for what they don't know and where she is.
Thanks to an influential ex-boyfriend/fiance werewolf of Archer and Archer's ability to scry a rough location for Syri, they are able to take the journey across the Atlantic ocean (renamed but recognisable) to Paris, and the relationship between Archer and Kane is well established by journey end. I really like that the relationships, rather like modern life, is complicated and yet straight forward - although Kane and Toria are bonded mages, they are not bonded romantically, but they are interdependent, so the possibility of relationships that understand that feels unlikely to Kane. Archer knew Toria before she and Kane met, and he understands the bonded mage relationship, and Toria in turn approves of the romantic bonding.
The challenges continue when the trio land in Paris to find Syri and meet an unexpected relative of Toria, The first climactic event of finding Syri and discovering why she was taken occurs with troubling results (which I won't go into here as spoiler). The second climax is back in New Angouleme, where Barrows fate is determined.
This was a well written novel, with lots of different paranormals and interesting alternative world. I got invested in the characters, so really want to know if Syri and Toria have follow on stories so will be checking out The Steel Empires series!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
February 10, 2024
Very slow moving to start, picked up with good action in middle, very anticlimactic ending
This was a really slow moving book. The story arc moved at a glacial pace for more than half the book. I nearly called it quits several times. When things finally picked up at about 60% I was fully engaged, the action and suspense had me holding my breath and I really enjoyed it. That lasted until about 90% and what should have been the big climactic scene. It had the buildup for an epic confrontation and then POOF! Also a really stupid and not well rationalized decision for a key member of the group to be absent from the bit crisis moment. They spent most of the book discussing how vital the partnership was and now in this make or break moment the partner isn’t there? Bad story flow. And as for the big crisis moment? Anticlimactic doesn’t even begin to describe it. So disappointing. The ending was nice but also brief and lacking in details we deserved after all the slow moving stuff at the beginning.
I liked the three MCs but could have used more character development there. There’s a lot of angst but it’s repetitive angst so after a while more annoying than angsty. I wish we got to know Toria better as well she isn’t part of the romantic duo she’s certainly a key part of the story and their lives.
I also felt like I came in one the beginning of something. It says it’s book one in a series but I felt like there had to have been books before this to explain what the heck was going on. There certainly should have been some type of preface with an intro to the world and a map would have helped a lot. I was in a perpetual state of confusion at the beginning trying to figure out what the rules of the game were in this unfamiliar universe. There’s this whole scene just after the middle when the action finally picks up that never gets fully explained. We have no idea what the result of that huge dust up was. I finished the book with so many questions of things that were unresolved. So many lines tossed out and never tied up. This book truly needed the efforts of a good editor. Doubtful I’ll read more in the series.
This was a really slow moving book. The story arc moved at a glacial pace for more than half the book. I nearly called it quits several times. When things finally picked up at about 60% I was fully engaged, the action and suspense had me holding my breath and I really enjoyed it. That lasted until about 90% and what should have been the big climactic scene. It had the buildup for an epic confrontation and then POOF! Also a really stupid and not well rationalized decision for a key member of the group to be absent from the bit crisis moment. They spent most of the book discussing how vital the partnership was and now in this make or break moment the partner isn’t there? Bad story flow. And as for the big crisis moment? Anticlimactic doesn’t even begin to describe it. So disappointing. The ending was nice but also brief and lacking in details we deserved after all the slow moving stuff at the beginning.
I liked the three MCs but could have used more character development there. There’s a lot of angst but it’s repetitive angst so after a while more annoying than angsty. I wish we got to know Toria better as well she isn’t part of the romantic duo she’s certainly a key part of the story and their lives.
I also felt like I came in one the beginning of something. It says it’s book one in a series but I felt like there had to have been books before this to explain what the heck was going on. There certainly should have been some type of preface with an intro to the world and a map would have helped a lot. I was in a perpetual state of confusion at the beginning trying to figure out what the rules of the game were in this unfamiliar universe. There’s this whole scene just after the middle when the action finally picks up that never gets fully explained. We have no idea what the result of that huge dust up was. I finished the book with so many questions of things that were unresolved. So many lines tossed out and never tied up. This book truly needed the efforts of a good editor. Doubtful I’ll read more in the series.
January 21, 2024
3.5/5 I didn’t quite click with this as much as I wanted to, and I’m not entire sure why. I enjoyed the intricate world-building, and I liked Kane, Archer, Toria, and Hal a lot. I think I found Kane and Archer’s relationship a little …distanced. At points where I hoped they’d get to know one another better and really spend time together, they were mostly purely physically intimate (while also keeping as many barriers up as possible during this intimacy, thinking they had no future together). There was a slow-down of action at this point, and I was hoping for stronger emotional growing to replace it. (There were still confessions and discussions and tender moments, just not quite in the ratio I prefer.)
I enjoyed the magic, especially the connection between Kane and Toria and between Kane and Archer. It was interesting to see what they could do and how they were limited. I enjoyed the generally excellent parental figures and strong friendships that existed. I felt like the MCs went into some of the confrontations woefully unprepared, but they are pretty young and learning, so perhaps that’s just par for the course. I think some of the action might have packed a more emotional punch if I’d read the series from which this spun off. There was clearly a lot more going on in the world that we only started to delve into, but I still felt there was a solid resolution here to what became this book’s main conflict for me to be satisfied. I enjoyed the epilogue(s) to give us a lovely glimpse into the future.
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
I enjoyed the magic, especially the connection between Kane and Toria and between Kane and Archer. It was interesting to see what they could do and how they were limited. I enjoyed the generally excellent parental figures and strong friendships that existed. I felt like the MCs went into some of the confrontations woefully unprepared, but they are pretty young and learning, so perhaps that’s just par for the course. I think some of the action might have packed a more emotional punch if I’d read the series from which this spun off. There was clearly a lot more going on in the world that we only started to delve into, but I still felt there was a solid resolution here to what became this book’s main conflict for me to be satisfied. I enjoyed the epilogue(s) to give us a lovely glimpse into the future.
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
January 24, 2024
Liquid Gold + 2 Epilogues!
What an unbelievably great read! I thoroughly enjoyed myself and am awe of the phenomenal world-building and characters' developments. I can't say enough good things about this story.
This is the first book in the Steel Bonds series and is a continuation of the Steel Empire series. I haven't read the first series and may have to read it to find out the stories that lead up to this new series.
It follows two bonded warrior/mages on their first journeyman contract. Toria is a Storm Mage, while Kane is a Water Mage. They are accompanying the elf, Syri on a mission to investigate why there is a decline in Mages. At their destination they meet a Water Mage, Archer. While there, Syri is abducted and the three Mages set out to find and rescue her. This story is about their quest and the vampires, werewolves, and magic they encounter along the way. This is an easy "highly recommended" for this book.
What an unbelievably great read! I thoroughly enjoyed myself and am awe of the phenomenal world-building and characters' developments. I can't say enough good things about this story.
This is the first book in the Steel Bonds series and is a continuation of the Steel Empire series. I haven't read the first series and may have to read it to find out the stories that lead up to this new series.
It follows two bonded warrior/mages on their first journeyman contract. Toria is a Storm Mage, while Kane is a Water Mage. They are accompanying the elf, Syri on a mission to investigate why there is a decline in Mages. At their destination they meet a Water Mage, Archer. While there, Syri is abducted and the three Mages set out to find and rescue her. This story is about their quest and the vampires, werewolves, and magic they encounter along the way. This is an easy "highly recommended" for this book.
January 26, 2024
I was intrigued from the beginning by the relationship between Kane and Toria who are a bonded partnership. They work together and that made me wonder how things would play out when his love interest would be revealed. Kane is an earth mage and Toria a storm mage. As the story opens the world they are working within sounds like quite a challenge but they are early in their work and seem up for challenge not expecting that it would come so soon or be so troubling. Archer, a water mage, and Kane feel the attraction right away once they meet but do not act on it right away. A little forced proximity helps them get on with it. I really liked the levels of relationship in this story. There was intrigue, good world building and characters that I wanted to get to know. This was my first story by this author but won't be my last. 4.5 stars.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2024
Fun read
This was a fun read into a magical world. Well actually a world where magic is dying. Toria and Kane are mercenaries looking into why there is a reduction in students and mage instructors. They head out to a other area to see if anyone else is having same issue. They wind up at the school where former classmate Archer is working. Archer has his own problems with the headmaster and he sets out to make sure Kane and Toria do not fall under headmasters control.
Kane and Archer have an attraction to each other but Archer and Toria had an attraction when they were in school. Kane is undecided what to do.
Kane and Toria are bonded mages, platonic, just friends. So that is a downside to having any kind of boyfriend or girlfriend for either of them.
Now they are embroiled in the danger and mystery of finding out where the magic has gone.
It's a fun read. I enjoyed the characters and the story. I would definitely read another feom this author.
This was a fun read into a magical world. Well actually a world where magic is dying. Toria and Kane are mercenaries looking into why there is a reduction in students and mage instructors. They head out to a other area to see if anyone else is having same issue. They wind up at the school where former classmate Archer is working. Archer has his own problems with the headmaster and he sets out to make sure Kane and Toria do not fall under headmasters control.
Kane and Archer have an attraction to each other but Archer and Toria had an attraction when they were in school. Kane is undecided what to do.
Kane and Toria are bonded mages, platonic, just friends. So that is a downside to having any kind of boyfriend or girlfriend for either of them.
Now they are embroiled in the danger and mystery of finding out where the magic has gone.
It's a fun read. I enjoyed the characters and the story. I would definitely read another feom this author.
January 20, 2024
This book is set in Gribble's Steel Empire universe. There is a note that this can be read as a standalone, but I'm doubting it. Not having read the prior series, I was a little lost. Kane and Toria, journeymen mercenaries have a bonded partnership. He's an Earth mage, she's a Storm mage. They're sent to the New Angouleme mage school to find out if the city is as short students as the one in their native, Limani. They meet an old friend of Toria, a Sea Water mage, Archer. And lose their friend, Syrie in the city.
The chemistry between Kane and Archer is immediate The secondaries are interesting. The villain is suitably villainous. Good worldbuilding. I wasn't immediately enthralled by the book, but it grew on me as I began to understand the world.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
The chemistry between Kane and Archer is immediate The secondaries are interesting. The villain is suitably villainous. Good worldbuilding. I wasn't immediately enthralled by the book, but it grew on me as I began to understand the world.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
January 26, 2024
Terrifically magical mm series
The world building is definitely the stand out in this book that begins this new series by J.L. Gribble. I haven’t read the Steel Empires series that is apparently the precursor to this series yet but I’m hoping it’s a good a read as this is and I intend to dive right into it. The relationships between these characters are well crafted and fun to read about and while the emphasis is on Kane and Archer they are surrounded by interesting people, both good and bad (and some we aren’t quite sure about yet!). This is a very different take on what might happen to earth if WW3 happened, with magic being the biggest change but also the effects on technology. Gribble does a great job of working in explanations of these things without any of those explanations seeming like a lecture. More please.
The world building is definitely the stand out in this book that begins this new series by J.L. Gribble. I haven’t read the Steel Empires series that is apparently the precursor to this series yet but I’m hoping it’s a good a read as this is and I intend to dive right into it. The relationships between these characters are well crafted and fun to read about and while the emphasis is on Kane and Archer they are surrounded by interesting people, both good and bad (and some we aren’t quite sure about yet!). This is a very different take on what might happen to earth if WW3 happened, with magic being the biggest change but also the effects on technology. Gribble does a great job of working in explanations of these things without any of those explanations seeming like a lecture. More please.
February 4, 2024
I wasn't sure about this one at first. Took me a few chapters to get into it, but then I was hooked. I liked the idea that just because two people are very close, doesn't mean they have to be romantically involved with each other. There is room for another person. They just have to understand that relationship and have trust.
Also liked the world building. The idea that technological advancement has been stunted due to magic was very interesting. And keeping the balance of old world feel, with some advancements, was very well done.
Also intrigued by the possibility of a book 2, that will not focus on the main characters from this story, as it will happen many years into the future. So it will be nice to see them in the peripheral, but focus on some new characters.
Also liked the world building. The idea that technological advancement has been stunted due to magic was very interesting. And keeping the balance of old world feel, with some advancements, was very well done.
Also intrigued by the possibility of a book 2, that will not focus on the main characters from this story, as it will happen many years into the future. So it will be nice to see them in the peripheral, but focus on some new characters.
January 17, 2024
This was my first book by this author, and I am happy to report it won't be the last.
I absolutely adored the MCs and loved their connection. Archer and Kane fit perfectly together, and Toria is a hoot.
The story was very interesting and well written. I found out afterwards that Toria and her mother are the MCs of the series of the author ... but in my opinion, if you want to read the series, you should start there and then read this one.
One character who stole my heart was Hal. I would love to read his story because I need him to have a happy end as well.
All in all, this was a great adventure, and I am really glad I read it
I absolutely adored the MCs and loved their connection. Archer and Kane fit perfectly together, and Toria is a hoot.
The story was very interesting and well written. I found out afterwards that Toria and her mother are the MCs of the series of the author ... but in my opinion, if you want to read the series, you should start there and then read this one.
One character who stole my heart was Hal. I would love to read his story because I need him to have a happy end as well.
All in all, this was a great adventure, and I am really glad I read it
January 24, 2024
This story offers multifaceted world building, intriguing characters, and a plot that moves along well. There’s magic and intrigue and interesting interpersonal dynamics for the central characters— Archer and Kane have plenty of chemistry are a pleasure to watch together. I haven’t read any of the author’s other works (something I plan to rectify) but learned afterward that this story fits into the world of an existing series— I think it definitely works as a standalone, but readers of previous books will no doubt pick up on nuances and connections that I, a new reader, probably missed.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
January 26, 2024
My first book by this author and I really enjoyed this story. Though this is a standalone I do think I would have been better off reading the "Steel Empires" series first to fully understand the world the author has created as I did feel a bit overwhelmed. However MCs Kane and Archer were brilliant characters and perfect for each other. Alot of great secondary characters too but not sure if they were from "Steel Empires" series so am off to read that!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
January 28, 2024
I enjoyed the world building in this story. The author did an excellent job of setting us up with the politics, culture and the way magic works, or doesn't work, in the world. The characters of Kane and Archer are a hoot. They are deadly serious about their mission, but fight/deny their attraction to each other all the way but finally come to their senses and we get a great HEA. I'm glad this one was written as a standalone rather than as the beginning of a series where we might not have gotten these two sorted out until several books down the road.
February 13, 2024
What a great ride this book was. The characters all had plenty of sass and I loved the world that it was set in, mixing the familiar with the unfamiliar. It’s quite spicy in parts, which as an M/M audiobook narrator, I’m quite attuned to! Sex scenes were well written, so plenty for you to get stuck into there. Some fantastic turns of phrase dotted around the book as well. I’d definitely be interested in finding out more about their world and as a narrator, I’d bite the author’s hand off to wrapped my tonsils around these great characters!
January 14, 2024
While I don't usually read romance, I had to see the full story of how Archer and Kane got together. It was absolutely worth it.
Having to relive Syri's death still sucked.
Disclaimer: I read an advanced reviewer e-copy of this book from the author, who is a friend (and one of the former players in my Friday night D&D game). Didn't stop me from ordering a dead tree copy for my Steel Empire shelf!
Having to relive Syri's death still sucked.
Disclaimer: I read an advanced reviewer e-copy of this book from the author, who is a friend (and one of the former players in my Friday night D&D game). Didn't stop me from ordering a dead tree copy for my Steel Empire shelf!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
did-not-finish
January 30, 2024DNF @ 62%. I’m trying to understand to plot and failing. Are the mages supposed to go investigate something? Why was the elf with them? Apparently they all appear in a whole different series, have their own book there, from when Kade and Toria trained to become mercenaries and left on their first mission (which is what this book is about), including a second book set years after this one. So, I’m not sure what’s the point of this book unless is to add another POV from Archer?
dnf
April 18, 2025Eh, unfortunately, it's a DNF at 20%.
This book was already fighting an uphill battle because I’m one of those psychos who prefer first-person POV. Or maybe I should’ve read the Steel Empires series first so it would all make more sense. But for the love of everything holy, I just couldn’t keep my attention from wandering. It was too slow and, honestly, kind of boring.
Maybe I didn’t push through far enough to uncover the good stuff, but I can’t. I just can’t.
This book was already fighting an uphill battle because I’m one of those psychos who prefer first-person POV. Or maybe I should’ve read the Steel Empires series first so it would all make more sense. But for the love of everything holy, I just couldn’t keep my attention from wandering. It was too slow and, honestly, kind of boring.
Maybe I didn’t push through far enough to uncover the good stuff, but I can’t. I just can’t.
January 28, 2024
This is my first read from this author, and I'll definitely pick up more. From what I understand, this is a spinoff from another series that can be read as a stand alone. I definitely felt that there was enough world building for newbies without rehashing everything for dedicated readers. The world seemed really well established and fleshed out, and everything made sense to me even without having read the original series. The magic system was also very cool, and the action was fun and exciting. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions as well, of course. Really solid storytelling and fantastic world building.
February 9, 2024
Very Interesting
This was the first book that I've read by this author, and it has a wonderful storyline, engaging characters, it's a real page turner. This is a take on what might happen to earth if WW3 happened, with magic being the biggest change but also the effects on technology.
This was the first book that I've read by this author, and it has a wonderful storyline, engaging characters, it's a real page turner. This is a take on what might happen to earth if WW3 happened, with magic being the biggest change but also the effects on technology.
May 2, 2025
clingy, like mud
A real touchy-feely earth mage meets a water mage, sparks fly, and they fumble towards love.
While the stereotype of earth magic is solid, dependable and ponderous, would have been interesting if they played with those ideas, earthquakes, lava, barren sand rather than green growing things.
A real touchy-feely earth mage meets a water mage, sparks fly, and they fumble towards love.
While the stereotype of earth magic is solid, dependable and ponderous, would have been interesting if they played with those ideas, earthquakes, lava, barren sand rather than green growing things.
January 25, 2024
Wow! This was the first book that I've read by this author and I was blown away! Wonder storytelling, engaging characters and a real page turner! I can't wait for book two! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!
January 26, 2024
He is about to start a new job as an earth mage and within days his life will be turned upside down. He loses his client and will learn a massive secret, magic is dying. What will he do now? What the water mage? How will it all go? See just how it will go
February 11, 2024
Kane and Archer
This started a little slow for me, but I was soon caught up in the story, engrossed in finding out "what happens next." A very good read, I will be waiting for the next book!
This started a little slow for me, but I was soon caught up in the story, engrossed in finding out "what happens next." A very good read, I will be waiting for the next book!
January 11, 2024
I did enjoy this book, and I really liked the characters. The story was great and the chemistry between Archer and Kane was off the scale.
Thanks to GRR for the ARC.
Thanks to GRR for the ARC.
January 26, 2024
a sweet book
January 26, 2024
This truly kick-started this series. we see soul-bonded pairs come into a conflict of attraction. we decline of mages there is a mystery out there that they must solve
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