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Genesis: An Alter Arlo Bonus Novella
Ever wondered how Cadoc and Zade ended up in Genesis? This is their story.
From the pivotal moment on the cliffs of Synner’s Lake, with Zan’s death changing them into new people, Cadoc and Zade have no time to grieve. But their hatred and agony mingle, creating a tension so tight it acts as a tether between them.
In the months leading up to their arrival at Genesis, Cadoc must learn to live with the loss of his true love, and Zade needs to channel his sadness into anger without letting it consume him.
Really, their choice is simple. Live or die? Break a promise or keep it?
While this is a prequel novella, it is best read AFTER Alter Arlo. Please check content warnings at the beginning of the book.
From the pivotal moment on the cliffs of Synner’s Lake, with Zan’s death changing them into new people, Cadoc and Zade have no time to grieve. But their hatred and agony mingle, creating a tension so tight it acts as a tether between them.
In the months leading up to their arrival at Genesis, Cadoc must learn to live with the loss of his true love, and Zade needs to channel his sadness into anger without letting it consume him.
Really, their choice is simple. Live or die? Break a promise or keep it?
While this is a prequel novella, it is best read AFTER Alter Arlo. Please check content warnings at the beginning of the book.
86 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2023
20 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Nordika Night
17 books1,800 followersOpenness. Acceptance. Tolerance. Respect.
Nordika is a coffee-addicted Canadian with a love of the outdoors and the fictional worlds inside books.
Reading is a joy, writing is an adventure, and together, they are an addiction.
Writing mostly MM romance with all the banter, bullish!t and boys!
Working in multiple genres and tropes, Nordika has lots more to come.
Follow on IG: nordikanightauthor
Nordika is a coffee-addicted Canadian with a love of the outdoors and the fictional worlds inside books.
Reading is a joy, writing is an adventure, and together, they are an addiction.
Writing mostly MM romance with all the banter, bullish!t and boys!
Working in multiple genres and tropes, Nordika has lots more to come.
Follow on IG: nordikanightauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 6, 2023
I thought I'd cried enough for Zade already but NOPE! I was crying from page one of this, I swear.
It's definitely best to read this after Alter Arlo, and it shows why Zade and Cadoc would never really truly be happy together even though there's definitely love between them, but my little heart still kinda wants them together anyway 😬
This short is definitely dark, but it's so emotional. Even though I didn't particularly like how Alter Arlo ended, I do love the characters of Cadoc and Zade and seeing how they came to be 'stuck' together was really interesting and I couldn't stop reading.
It's definitely best to read this after Alter Arlo, and it shows why Zade and Cadoc would never really truly be happy together even though there's definitely love between them, but my little heart still kinda wants them together anyway 😬
This short is definitely dark, but it's so emotional. Even though I didn't particularly like how Alter Arlo ended, I do love the characters of Cadoc and Zade and seeing how they came to be 'stuck' together was really interesting and I couldn't stop reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2023
I loved Alter Arlo and the relationship between Cadoc and Zade.
But this novella made me love them even more. Their relationship is real, raw, authentic, sincere, painful, imperfect, unhealthy, beautiful.
I like their respective romantic partners in Alter Arlo, but it is true that a part of me would have appreciated seeing something happen between the two. But I think it's perfect as it is. That's what makes me love their relationship so much.
They are stuck together because of a promise made to Zan. But are they really?
And I want to say that Nordika's writing style is incredible and particularly poetic in this book. I look forward to read more about Alter Arlo universe.
𝙃𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙝𝙞𝙢, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙, 𝙝𝙚’𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚.
𝙄 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙕𝙖𝙙𝙚
𝘾𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙘 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙚’𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙕𝙖𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙩, 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙. 𝙏𝙤𝙤 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙.
« 𝙒𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜, » 𝘾𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙘 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙. « 𝙒𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙡? 𝘼𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨? »
𝙄 𝙣𝙤𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙙, 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙡𝙮. « 𝘼𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨. »
« 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚. 𝙏𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩? 𝙉𝙤 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙗𝙪𝙩… »
𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙡𝙖𝙠𝙚.
But this novella made me love them even more. Their relationship is real, raw, authentic, sincere, painful, imperfect, unhealthy, beautiful.
I like their respective romantic partners in Alter Arlo, but it is true that a part of me would have appreciated seeing something happen between the two. But I think it's perfect as it is. That's what makes me love their relationship so much.
They are stuck together because of a promise made to Zan. But are they really?
And I want to say that Nordika's writing style is incredible and particularly poetic in this book. I look forward to read more about Alter Arlo universe.
𝙃𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙝𝙞𝙢, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙, 𝙝𝙚’𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚.
𝙄 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙕𝙖𝙙𝙚
𝘾𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙘 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙚’𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙕𝙖𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙩, 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙. 𝙏𝙤𝙤 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙.
« 𝙒𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜, » 𝘾𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙘 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙. « 𝙒𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙡? 𝘼𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨? »
𝙄 𝙣𝙤𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙙, 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙡𝙮. « 𝘼𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨. »
« 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚. 𝙏𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩? 𝙉𝙤 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙗𝙪𝙩… »
𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙡𝙖𝙠𝙚.
November 26, 2023
Although Genesis is a prequel novella to Alter Arlo, I would strongly suggest that you read Alto Arlo FIRST to fully appreciate Genesis.
And just quietly, I totally adore these two broken boys! Zade and Cadoc are just desperately fighting to find reasons to survive in the crazy, dystopian world that the amazing Nordika Night has created.
This is not a romance, which you’ll understand after reading Alter Arlo. But I still really, really wish it was…..🖤
Generally I’m not a fan of novellas (always waaaay too short) but for these boys it’s 5 stars all the way!
Love love love.
And just quietly, I totally adore these two broken boys! Zade and Cadoc are just desperately fighting to find reasons to survive in the crazy, dystopian world that the amazing Nordika Night has created.
This is not a romance, which you’ll understand after reading Alter Arlo. But I still really, really wish it was…..🖤
Generally I’m not a fan of novellas (always waaaay too short) but for these boys it’s 5 stars all the way!
Love love love.
November 3, 2023
Alter Arlo is one of my favourite reads this year and when Nordika announced she was going to be doing a little prequel novella for Zaden and Cadoc I may have actually squealed.
If you haven't read Alter Arlo yet what are you waiting for?! Go do it now. And once you finish you'll want to run and download this to read as well. You get to see the tragedies and heartbreaks that led our broken boys to Genesis and have a better understanding of their relationship.
If you haven't read Alter Arlo yet what are you waiting for?! Go do it now. And once you finish you'll want to run and download this to read as well. You get to see the tragedies and heartbreaks that led our broken boys to Genesis and have a better understanding of their relationship.
October 26, 2025
“Genesis. New beginnings, I guessed. We’d see.”
Oh my boysss… this was so painful. When I was reading Alter Arlo, I kept wishing I could see how it all began for them, and even though I loved getting more context and understanding why Cadoc and Zade are the way they are, I didn’t expect it to hurt this much. I knew it was going to be heavy on grief and pain, but still… it broke me.
“I hated Cadoc Dire with so much of my broken heart, but would I live through the loss of him now that he was the only one I had left? A part of me knew that if he died, I’d die with him.”
I already knew that Zade lost his whole family, but I never imagined how cruelly everything happened. Nordika Night, what the hell is wrong with you? Why would you do that to me? Man, that destroyed me. And I completely understood why Zade was so angry.
“Death was all around us, but this one… this one turned me into a new person. No longer half of a whole, I had to carry the burden of two lives in my tainted soul”
“Cadoc grabbed it and walked away. He waved at the lake like a madman, and just as I was scoffing at that, I nodded at the lake behind his back. I’ll be back for you, Zan. I don’t know when, but I’ll visit.”
We also got to see a dark and really bloody part of their story. They really let loose in this one, trying to feel anything other than pain and heartbreak. Obviously, I’m not a fan of all their actions, but I didn’t expect anything less, since I knew Cadoc and Zade are morally grey characters — and, well, the book is dark. So yeah… it was sad. But it was also really interesting to see how they became part of Gemenis and to understand the reasons they decided to join.
“Dire, wait.” He grabbed my wrist and my body burned. “One word from you and I’ll leave. Together, alright? No fucking matter where it is. You hate me and I hate you, but…” But we were stuck together for life because of a promise and a lake.
This prequel helped me understand so much more about Cadoc and Zade’s relationship. There were moments and words they shared that made me wish for a romantic relationship between them, but there were also others that made me realize it could never be good for them if it happened. Even when they hated each other, I could see that they also cared. Getting a little more insight into their feelings for each other made it clear that they did love each other— a love not meant to go anywhere, but a love nonetheless.
“I’m sorry I hated you for having what I wanted.” I linked our fingers together, somehow hoping we’d travel together in the afterlife. My eyes got heavy. “I’m sorry I loved you when I shouldn’t have. I’m sorry for wishing you were mine sometimes. I saw the way you looked at him, and I wanted it for myself. No one had ever… and you…” My eyes closed completely, the sound of my beating heart slowing to a lulling rhythm—the lullaby of a dream this time. “I’m sorry I picked you when you didn’t pick me.”
“My boyfriend died, but his body stayed. My love died, and his body hated me. I begged for death, but life was my punishment. A life with the body I desired but could never have. I deserved it.”
“I saw it. I recognized it because I understood it, had been through it, and knew what it felt like to put on a smile I didn’t recognize. Zade did that every fucking day. He did it to make Zan happy, and that made me love Zade even more. He picked his brother. He chose his twin as the winner, the chosen one, the one who got to experience life, and Zade chose himself as the tribute, to suffer for all of us.”
The writing was incredible, as always. It cleared up so many of my questions about what exactly happened to make the world the way it is in Alter Arlo. I also noticed that a lot of the things Cadoc and Zade said in their inner monologues— things they wanted or wished for — matched so perfectly with the partners they each ended up with later on. That was such an incredible detail from the author. It actually made me happy, because even though this book is full of sadness, heartbreak, and pain, I already knew what happens to them later, so it made it easier to get through it with that knowledge that things would eventually get better for them.
“Zan used to paint my nails because of the nicotine stains on the tips of my first two fingers on both hands. Those moments meant a lot to me, and I didn’t think there’d ever be another person I’d let paint my nails. It was an act of trust and honour now, and it’d never belong to anyone but the man I loved.”
“Would anyone ever strip their gloves off, reach for me, and press their skin to mine, showing me what it felt like to be touched, picked, desired? As myself. As Zaden Enge. Had anyone ever wanted me?”
“I’d become attracted to insanity. Chased that shit on the regular. Craved a bit of depravity, and wasn’t afraid to sink into it. Lord fucking help the next person who drew my romantic attention. They better be a madman because I’d kill anything less.”
“I feel dirty. Everything I’ve done… that’s been done to me… I need a cleanse. Someone to sanitize me.”
Incredible prequel,it brought so much clarity and made me feel even more for these two characters. I really wish there were a second full novel set in this world. I don’t think there is, and that makes me so sad, but I still enjoyed exploring this insane, captivating world.
“A sign above told us the name, spray-painted in terrible script. He’d enter Genesis as anger embodied. I’d enter Genesis as a man chasing death.”
Oh my boysss… this was so painful. When I was reading Alter Arlo, I kept wishing I could see how it all began for them, and even though I loved getting more context and understanding why Cadoc and Zade are the way they are, I didn’t expect it to hurt this much. I knew it was going to be heavy on grief and pain, but still… it broke me.
“I hated Cadoc Dire with so much of my broken heart, but would I live through the loss of him now that he was the only one I had left? A part of me knew that if he died, I’d die with him.”
I already knew that Zade lost his whole family, but I never imagined how cruelly everything happened. Nordika Night, what the hell is wrong with you? Why would you do that to me? Man, that destroyed me. And I completely understood why Zade was so angry.
“Death was all around us, but this one… this one turned me into a new person. No longer half of a whole, I had to carry the burden of two lives in my tainted soul”
“Cadoc grabbed it and walked away. He waved at the lake like a madman, and just as I was scoffing at that, I nodded at the lake behind his back. I’ll be back for you, Zan. I don’t know when, but I’ll visit.”
We also got to see a dark and really bloody part of their story. They really let loose in this one, trying to feel anything other than pain and heartbreak. Obviously, I’m not a fan of all their actions, but I didn’t expect anything less, since I knew Cadoc and Zade are morally grey characters — and, well, the book is dark. So yeah… it was sad. But it was also really interesting to see how they became part of Gemenis and to understand the reasons they decided to join.
“Dire, wait.” He grabbed my wrist and my body burned. “One word from you and I’ll leave. Together, alright? No fucking matter where it is. You hate me and I hate you, but…” But we were stuck together for life because of a promise and a lake.
This prequel helped me understand so much more about Cadoc and Zade’s relationship. There were moments and words they shared that made me wish for a romantic relationship between them, but there were also others that made me realize it could never be good for them if it happened. Even when they hated each other, I could see that they also cared. Getting a little more insight into their feelings for each other made it clear that they did love each other— a love not meant to go anywhere, but a love nonetheless.
“I’m sorry I hated you for having what I wanted.” I linked our fingers together, somehow hoping we’d travel together in the afterlife. My eyes got heavy. “I’m sorry I loved you when I shouldn’t have. I’m sorry for wishing you were mine sometimes. I saw the way you looked at him, and I wanted it for myself. No one had ever… and you…” My eyes closed completely, the sound of my beating heart slowing to a lulling rhythm—the lullaby of a dream this time. “I’m sorry I picked you when you didn’t pick me.”
“My boyfriend died, but his body stayed. My love died, and his body hated me. I begged for death, but life was my punishment. A life with the body I desired but could never have. I deserved it.”
“I saw it. I recognized it because I understood it, had been through it, and knew what it felt like to put on a smile I didn’t recognize. Zade did that every fucking day. He did it to make Zan happy, and that made me love Zade even more. He picked his brother. He chose his twin as the winner, the chosen one, the one who got to experience life, and Zade chose himself as the tribute, to suffer for all of us.”
The writing was incredible, as always. It cleared up so many of my questions about what exactly happened to make the world the way it is in Alter Arlo. I also noticed that a lot of the things Cadoc and Zade said in their inner monologues— things they wanted or wished for — matched so perfectly with the partners they each ended up with later on. That was such an incredible detail from the author. It actually made me happy, because even though this book is full of sadness, heartbreak, and pain, I already knew what happens to them later, so it made it easier to get through it with that knowledge that things would eventually get better for them.
“Zan used to paint my nails because of the nicotine stains on the tips of my first two fingers on both hands. Those moments meant a lot to me, and I didn’t think there’d ever be another person I’d let paint my nails. It was an act of trust and honour now, and it’d never belong to anyone but the man I loved.”
“Would anyone ever strip their gloves off, reach for me, and press their skin to mine, showing me what it felt like to be touched, picked, desired? As myself. As Zaden Enge. Had anyone ever wanted me?”
“I’d become attracted to insanity. Chased that shit on the regular. Craved a bit of depravity, and wasn’t afraid to sink into it. Lord fucking help the next person who drew my romantic attention. They better be a madman because I’d kill anything less.”
“I feel dirty. Everything I’ve done… that’s been done to me… I need a cleanse. Someone to sanitize me.”
Incredible prequel,it brought so much clarity and made me feel even more for these two characters. I really wish there were a second full novel set in this world. I don’t think there is, and that makes me so sad, but I still enjoyed exploring this insane, captivating world.
“A sign above told us the name, spray-painted in terrible script. He’d enter Genesis as anger embodied. I’d enter Genesis as a man chasing death.”
November 27, 2024
5/5⭐️ - Cadoc and Zaden backstory
——• 🖤
This novella is the back story on how Cadoc and Zaden found refuge in Genesis, which includes how and why they lost Zander. It was filled with heartache and so much grief but it makes you understand why they are the way they are.
Also, it’s recommended that you read the main book Alter Arlo before you read this novella BUT now that I have read it after, I would have probably read this first as it makes the main book make sense 🙃
——• 🖤
This novella is the back story on how Cadoc and Zaden found refuge in Genesis, which includes how and why they lost Zander. It was filled with heartache and so much grief but it makes you understand why they are the way they are.
Also, it’s recommended that you read the main book Alter Arlo before you read this novella BUT now that I have read it after, I would have probably read this first as it makes the main book make sense 🙃
January 14, 2025
Nordika es una maldita sádica masoquista... La amo. La odio.
Muchas cosas.
Muchas cosas.
January 22, 2025
I love those boys so damn much 😭💙
May 24, 2025
let me sit here in a puddle of tears okay 😭
January 26, 2024
Even if GENESIS I technically a prequel, I would suggest reading it after Alter Arlo. I think you will understand the guys better that way.
We meet them just after the tragic death of Zan. It broke my heart. Thier pain and grief. Conflict between them. I felt it all.
Read it to find out 🖤
We meet them just after the tragic death of Zan. It broke my heart. Thier pain and grief. Conflict between them. I felt it all.
Read it to find out 🖤
December 24, 2023
“We stick together, deal? Always?” I nodded liking that and hating it simultaneously. “Always.” Second promise of my life.
💀Alter Arlo & Genesis
💀By Nordika Night
💀Dark mm romance
💀Dystopian
💀MMC Zaden Enge
💀MMC Cadoc Dire
💀Mental Health issues
💀Grief
💀Check TW.
Read this after Alter Arlo, it contains the background story on Cadoc and Zaden. The devastation and grief are written in such a painfully realistic way, it just grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go.
💀Alter Arlo & Genesis
💀By Nordika Night
💀Dark mm romance
💀Dystopian
💀MMC Zaden Enge
💀MMC Cadoc Dire
💀Mental Health issues
💀Grief
💀Check TW.
Read this after Alter Arlo, it contains the background story on Cadoc and Zaden. The devastation and grief are written in such a painfully realistic way, it just grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go.
June 13, 2025
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Oh I didn't realise how much I needed this novella!!! To get more of an insight into Zade and Cadoc and how their... I don't know what to call it... Not friendship but bond, maybe, grew.
I need more from this world please!!!!!!! 🙏🙏🙏
Oh I didn't realise how much I needed this novella!!! To get more of an insight into Zade and Cadoc and how their... I don't know what to call it... Not friendship but bond, maybe, grew.
I need more from this world please!!!!!!! 🙏🙏🙏
December 20, 2025
I thought I’d never read this tbh (since Keiran is not in it), but while I was cleaning my TBR, I found it and immediately wanted to start it. I loved it. We see a bit more of this fascinating apocalyptic world, and I feel like we sort of get a glimpse of Zander too. The little details, were just beautiful.
I remember hating Zade mainly because of how he treated Cadoc, but now that I know their futures, it was weirdly funny when Zade mistreated Cadoc and he just… couldn’t care less. They do care for each other and have this annoying sibling dynamic that is very entertaining to read. Yes, I suffered for these poor souls, but I appreciate their relationship more now. Well, except for…
My main fear while reading Alter Arlo was that Yeah, I understand the situation they were in, and not to be dramatic, but that’s the only reason I could stomach it. Still, I’m gonna pretend that didn’t happen.
So, besides that one thing that didn’t happen, this novella was amazing. Loved seeing my babies (and Zade) again. Just kidding, ly2 Zade 🖤
I remember hating Zade mainly because of how he treated Cadoc, but now that I know their futures, it was weirdly funny when Zade mistreated Cadoc and he just… couldn’t care less. They do care for each other and have this annoying sibling dynamic that is very entertaining to read. Yes, I suffered for these poor souls, but I appreciate their relationship more now. Well, except for…
My main fear while reading Alter Arlo was that Yeah, I understand the situation they were in, and not to be dramatic, but that’s the only reason I could stomach it. Still, I’m gonna pretend that didn’t happen.
So, besides that one thing that didn’t happen, this novella was amazing. Loved seeing my babies (and Zade) again. Just kidding, ly2 Zade 🖤
February 11, 2024
Genesis is the bonus novella for Alter Arlo.
This is your vibe if you like:
Twisty vibes
Cadoc/Zade from Alter Arlo
This was a great step back into the Alter Arlo world. It's very different from Nordika's other books that she's written since then and its probably the thing I enjoy most about her writing. They're different. They're not carbon copies of her other works. This book might be a short baby one, but i don't think it lacked anything at all.
If you're yet to read Alter Arlo, make sure you read it first. It might be listed as a prequel but I think it should absolutely be read after.
This is your vibe if you like:
Twisty vibes
Cadoc/Zade from Alter Arlo
This was a great step back into the Alter Arlo world. It's very different from Nordika's other books that she's written since then and its probably the thing I enjoy most about her writing. They're different. They're not carbon copies of her other works. This book might be a short baby one, but i don't think it lacked anything at all.
If you're yet to read Alter Arlo, make sure you read it first. It might be listed as a prequel but I think it should absolutely be read after.
February 29, 2024
Genesis is technically a prequel but it should be read after Alter Arlo, Genesis is telling us exactly what happened with Cadoc and Zade before settling in Genesis and the source of their grief and conflicting feelings
“I'm sorry I wasn't enough. I'm never enough”
“I'm sorry I picked you when you didn't pick me ”
I loved Genesis, it was heartbreaking as expected and the writing was great as expected
the way grief is talked about in Alter and Genesis is real and raw, and the dystopian world is the perfect setting for these characters to shine
* Alter Arlo is a dark romance but Genesis is not a romance *
“I'm sorry I wasn't enough. I'm never enough”
“I'm sorry I picked you when you didn't pick me ”
I loved Genesis, it was heartbreaking as expected and the writing was great as expected
the way grief is talked about in Alter and Genesis is real and raw, and the dystopian world is the perfect setting for these characters to shine
* Alter Arlo is a dark romance but Genesis is not a romance *
April 20, 2024
~ ranting: 4 ☆
~ spice: 0 🌶
Coming to the beginning and see how everything started, was hard to read. These two broken boys went through so much, but I'm glad they always stuck together even at the worst events and never gave up because at the end they only had each other.
Note: It is best to read AFTER Alter Arlo.
~ spice: 0 🌶
Coming to the beginning and see how everything started, was hard to read. These two broken boys went through so much, but I'm glad they always stuck together even at the worst events and never gave up because at the end they only had each other.
“We stick together, deal? Always?” I nodded, liking that and hating that simultaneously. “Always.”
Note: It is best to read AFTER Alter Arlo.
June 8, 2024
I just finished my reread of Alter Arlo and decided it was time to read Genesis. Oh my gosh my poor heart was not prepared. I cried throughout the entire hour I read this. At one point I was crying hard enough I had to stop reading because I couldn’t see the words anymore.
It definitely made me see Cadoc in a slightly different light. I didn’t expect to get the ick from him.
But man, do we understand where these guys got their bond and strength from.
It definitely made me see Cadoc in a slightly different light. I didn’t expect to get the ick from him.
But man, do we understand where these guys got their bond and strength from.
November 13, 2023
Genesis
Cadoc and Zade
Oh, people, prepare yourselves for this one. It had me choked up. Alter Arlo was a wildly amazing story. To read this now and get to know Cadoc and Zade was just so heartbreakingly crazy. It makes me want to immediately reread Alter Arlo. Seriously prepare yourselves.
Cadoc and Zade
Oh, people, prepare yourselves for this one. It had me choked up. Alter Arlo was a wildly amazing story. To read this now and get to know Cadoc and Zade was just so heartbreakingly crazy. It makes me want to immediately reread Alter Arlo. Seriously prepare yourselves.
March 10, 2025
March 2025
Kindle edition
Nice little extra. The bit about the romance in the future made me pause since Cadoc was so caught up in suicide and grief over Zan. Zade and Cadoc were a mess. I did like how he just swiped the gun from Dante and set up. Would've been nice to see a hint of Finn or Kei.
Kindle edition
Nice little extra. The bit about the romance in the future made me pause since Cadoc was so caught up in suicide and grief over Zan. Zade and Cadoc were a mess. I did like how he just swiped the gun from Dante and set up. Would've been nice to see a hint of Finn or Kei.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2023
I could die happy right now. Nordika Night surprised us with the novella to end all novellas. “Genesis” is the prequel
to “Alter Arlo” and man. I didn’t know no much I needed this in my life until i literally devoured it in record time.
This novella is the before, how Cadoc and Zade arrive in Genesis and what they had to endure before calling it home. You 100% need to read it AFTER finishing “Alter Arlo.” I know, I know. It doesn’t seem to make much sense but trust me. READ AFTER NOT BEFORE!
Nordika Night does not wrong and “Genesis” is just another perfect example of why this is true! This is not a spicy novella but you don’t miss it because of how deeply you get invested into Cadoc and Zade. Your heart will break for them so don’t expect rainbows and sunshine. Thank you Nordika for completing my soul with this story!
Rating: 5/5⭐️
Spice: .5/5🌶️🥵
to “Alter Arlo” and man. I didn’t know no much I needed this in my life until i literally devoured it in record time.
This novella is the before, how Cadoc and Zade arrive in Genesis and what they had to endure before calling it home. You 100% need to read it AFTER finishing “Alter Arlo.” I know, I know. It doesn’t seem to make much sense but trust me. READ AFTER NOT BEFORE!
Nordika Night does not wrong and “Genesis” is just another perfect example of why this is true! This is not a spicy novella but you don’t miss it because of how deeply you get invested into Cadoc and Zade. Your heart will break for them so don’t expect rainbows and sunshine. Thank you Nordika for completing my soul with this story!
Rating: 5/5⭐️
Spice: .5/5🌶️🥵
November 4, 2023
Emotional and dark
Read this novella so fast. Alter Arlo was one of my favorite reads of this year and this was a great little bit of bonus content getting to see Zade and Cadocs journey to Genesis. Emotional and dark and heartbreaking... It made me want to read Alter Well again.
Read this novella so fast. Alter Arlo was one of my favorite reads of this year and this was a great little bit of bonus content getting to see Zade and Cadocs journey to Genesis. Emotional and dark and heartbreaking... It made me want to read Alter Well again.
December 28, 2023
Loved
I absolutely loved Alter Arlo so getting this little bonus addition was absolutely amazing! Fantastic to get the before Genesis story. So much pain and heartbreak. If you haven't read Alter Arlo, go read it now.
I absolutely loved Alter Arlo so getting this little bonus addition was absolutely amazing! Fantastic to get the before Genesis story. So much pain and heartbreak. If you haven't read Alter Arlo, go read it now.
October 16, 2025
I like how we got more background on Zade and Cadoc and this was super sad!!! It made me understand why they didn’t end up together (even tho I eat up an enemies to lovers so bad). Super sad on both their sides :c
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2023
I absolutely loved this insight into how Cadoc and Zade came to be at Genesis and the heartbreak they’ve been though
November 28, 2023
Brilliant prequel
Short and snappy, full of action. A great unraveling, the beginnings of a relationship changing between people. Read Alter Arlo first!
Short and snappy, full of action. A great unraveling, the beginnings of a relationship changing between people. Read Alter Arlo first!
December 13, 2023
Fast, perfect explanation of how Cadoc & Zade ending up where and when they did.
December 14, 2023
Answers so many questions and really fills in the backstory. Loved it so much I wish it was longer!
January 20, 2024
must read
This made me feel complete about everything! Loved this!!! I wanted more Cadoc and Zaden! This def made me cry and just what I wanted!
This made me feel complete about everything! Loved this!!! I wanted more Cadoc and Zaden! This def made me cry and just what I wanted!
January 30, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0
Tears: 💔
Was fun to visit these boys again even if it was a heartwrenching origin story. Read Alter Arlo first, but then come back for the prequel novella!
Spice: 0
Tears: 💔
Was fun to visit these boys again even if it was a heartwrenching origin story. Read Alter Arlo first, but then come back for the prequel novella!
December 4, 2024
Tragic with a capital T
Heartbreaking and raw 😪
Heartbreaking and raw 😪
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