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The Chronicles of Nerezia #2
Flooded Secrets
Fate and friendship brought Horace, Rumi, and Aliyah together in Rumi’s Wandering Wagon of Wonderful Wares, a sentient self-propelling wagon. They seek the forest haunting Aliyah’s dream, hoping for answers about their past and their unique abilities—but for that, they need to traverse a world haunted by Fragments, dangerous shards that can possess travellers.
With the Fragments in the wilderness, banditry was the last danger Horace had expected on the road—but not even that could stop Keza Nesmit. Swift and deadly with a staff, Keza drops on the Wagon crew, claiming most of their provisions before vanishing back into the Tesrima Ridge. As if to compound their bad luck, the tunnel that serves as the only pass through the mountain is flooded and impassable.
Keza reappears, and she’s willing to show them the source of the flooding, a waterway blocked by Fragments, in the hopes that they can unblock it—and just like with the stolen food, she won’t answer any questions about her motives, no matter how friendly. Abrasive, confident, and eager to bicker, Keza makes for a thorny companion, but they’ll need to work together to free the pass and continue their travel.
As they unravel the Fragments’ blockage, so, too, do they chip away at Keza’s walls. But the cost of breaking both is far higher than anticipated, and Horace is about to learn that some secrets are better left untouched.
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Flooded Secrets is the seconded of nine novellas of a fantasy adventure blending cozy fantasy vibes and D&D style side-questing, imbued with an aspec-focused queernormative world and strong platonic bonds.
With the Fragments in the wilderness, banditry was the last danger Horace had expected on the road—but not even that could stop Keza Nesmit. Swift and deadly with a staff, Keza drops on the Wagon crew, claiming most of their provisions before vanishing back into the Tesrima Ridge. As if to compound their bad luck, the tunnel that serves as the only pass through the mountain is flooded and impassable.
Keza reappears, and she’s willing to show them the source of the flooding, a waterway blocked by Fragments, in the hopes that they can unblock it—and just like with the stolen food, she won’t answer any questions about her motives, no matter how friendly. Abrasive, confident, and eager to bicker, Keza makes for a thorny companion, but they’ll need to work together to free the pass and continue their travel.
As they unravel the Fragments’ blockage, so, too, do they chip away at Keza’s walls. But the cost of breaking both is far higher than anticipated, and Horace is about to learn that some secrets are better left untouched.
-----
Flooded Secrets is the seconded of nine novellas of a fantasy adventure blending cozy fantasy vibes and D&D style side-questing, imbued with an aspec-focused queernormative world and strong platonic bonds.
174 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 2024
2 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Claudie Arseneault
27 books463 followersClaudie Arseneault is an asexual and aromantic-spectrum writer hailing from the very-French Québec City. Her long studies in biochemistry and immunology often sneak back into her science-fiction, and her love for sprawling casts invariably turns her novels into multi-storylined wonders. The most recent, City of Strife, came out on February 22, 2017! Claudie is a founding member of The Kraken Collective and is well-known for her involvement in solarpunk, her database of aro and ace characters in speculative fiction, and her unending love of squids. Find out more on her website!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 10, 2024
Thank you to Claudie Arsenault for sending me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always all thoughts and opinions written in this review are my own.
Very Similar to the first book - this series is just cozy found family vibes with a fun high-action plot. It was interesting to see where the plot went from Awakenings & I can't wait to see where it's going in the next book. I really like the main characters & the new character, Keza, brings a fun extra dynamic to the group.
Very Similar to the first book - this series is just cozy found family vibes with a fun high-action plot. It was interesting to see where the plot went from Awakenings & I can't wait to see where it's going in the next book. I really like the main characters & the new character, Keza, brings a fun extra dynamic to the group.
May 3, 2024
Just as cozy as the first one, with some BIG feels thrown in too. Love the new addition to the found family and lots more of the already established platonic love. Can't wait to see where it takes them next!
May 12, 2024
really enjoyed this second installment of the chronicles of nerezia. learning more about aliyah's magic is really interesting. also the wagon changing for different terrain!! that was awesome and i need some art/fanart of that immediately. keza is a great addition to the crew, and no spoilers but her arc through this novella was full of many different feelings - which was well done given the shortness of the story overall. looking forward to the next!
REP: aroace main characters, nonbinary main characters, queernorm world with other queer characters, poly side character (aroace author)
REP: aroace main characters, nonbinary main characters, queernorm world with other queer characters, poly side character (aroace author)
May 9, 2024
Even more engaging and exciting than the first book, and more emotionally hard hitting. As we learn more about the world and people in it (and their secrets), FLOODED SECRETS pulled me deeper and deeper in. It has me caring deeply about every character and hoping they find what they're looking for!
...And I've got a special soft spot for Keza and her [REDACTED], and very much hope they [REDACTED]!
...And I've got a special soft spot for Keza and her [REDACTED], and very much hope they [REDACTED]!
May 15, 2024
This was pretty good. It took me some time to warm up to Keza, but I do like her as a character. And the scene where Horace plays a tree with the little felnexi was adorable. I did enjoy the first book more though. I think the pacing in this one kind of dragged a bit more, but the next book sounds exciting.
May 17, 2024
4.5 / 5
The Chronicles of Nerezia is a series of cosy fantasy novellas that is focused on aspec characters in a queer normative world where platonic bonds are at the centre of the story.
Flooded Secrets is the second book after Awakenings which I also really enjoyed.
I already love and care about these characters, I can't even begin to imagine how I'm going to feel after even more books...
BRING. IT. ON.
The Chronicles of Nerezia is a series of cosy fantasy novellas that is focused on aspec characters in a queer normative world where platonic bonds are at the centre of the story.
Flooded Secrets is the second book after Awakenings which I also really enjoyed.
I already love and care about these characters, I can't even begin to imagine how I'm going to feel after even more books...
BRING. IT. ON.
April 24, 2025
I enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to continue the story. It took a bit of time to get back into the story, but quickly I was hooked and eager to see how their adventure continues. In this book Horace, Rumi and Aliyah encounter a felnexi named Keza, who demands all their food. And being low on food isn't their only problem when they find the pass they need to traverse blocked as it's flooded. So they have to stop and resolve things.
I didn't like Keza at first, but I think that's intentional. I didn't like her attitude and didn't get why she wanted all their food, but the reasons for her behavior later on get explained and make so much sense. She also has a softer side as is shown in some later scenes and I warmed up to her a bit. I like Horace's eagerness to make friends with her and how e welcomes her to their group quickly. I enjoyed reading more about these characters, Rumi helps out with some tinkering and Aliyah has some exciting scenes with her eldritch tree transformation. I like the found family theme.
I liked learning more about the felnexi species, who are humanoid cat-like creatures with ears, a tail and claws. There are some interesting scenes involving them. I also thought this book had a fun adventure vibe and reminded me a bit of D&D. I liked this vibe. This book had a some sad parts toward the end and I felt bad for Keza with what she went through. I liked seeing the group deal with the flooded pass and how they resolved it. And there is a new game they play as well, this time one with sticks that Keza introduces to them and reminded me of a game called Mikado that I played as a kid.
To summarize: I enjoyed this second adventure and reading about Horace, Rumi and Aliyah as they encounter a problem on their road to the sea. The pass is flooded and a felnexi called Keza demands all their food. I liked seeing how both of these got resolved. I didn't like Keza at first, but as the story progressed I warmed up to her and her behavior makes more sense. I enjoyed reading more about these characters and I liked the adventurous fun vibes this book has. This one does have a sad part later on and I felt for Keza and what she went through. I look forward to the next one!
I didn't like Keza at first, but I think that's intentional. I didn't like her attitude and didn't get why she wanted all their food, but the reasons for her behavior later on get explained and make so much sense. She also has a softer side as is shown in some later scenes and I warmed up to her a bit. I like Horace's eagerness to make friends with her and how e welcomes her to their group quickly. I enjoyed reading more about these characters, Rumi helps out with some tinkering and Aliyah has some exciting scenes with her eldritch tree transformation. I like the found family theme.
I liked learning more about the felnexi species, who are humanoid cat-like creatures with ears, a tail and claws. There are some interesting scenes involving them. I also thought this book had a fun adventure vibe and reminded me a bit of D&D. I liked this vibe. This book had a some sad parts toward the end and I felt bad for Keza with what she went through. I liked seeing the group deal with the flooded pass and how they resolved it. And there is a new game they play as well, this time one with sticks that Keza introduces to them and reminded me of a game called Mikado that I played as a kid.
To summarize: I enjoyed this second adventure and reading about Horace, Rumi and Aliyah as they encounter a problem on their road to the sea. The pass is flooded and a felnexi called Keza demands all their food. I liked seeing how both of these got resolved. I didn't like Keza at first, but as the story progressed I warmed up to her and her behavior makes more sense. I enjoyed reading more about these characters and I liked the adventurous fun vibes this book has. This one does have a sad part later on and I felt for Keza and what she went through. I look forward to the next one!
May 11, 2024
A great second novella in this series! I'm having a great time.
January 5, 2025
pretty sweet and short. i liked the first one better esp bc it felt like more happened. the mc kinda annoyed me at times but maybe that’s just the mood i’m in rn
April 10, 2025
Book Review: Flooded Secrets by Claudie Arseneault
Claudie Arseneault’s Flooded Secrets, the second instalment in The Chronicles of Nerezia, continues the cozy fantasy adventure established in the first novella, Awakenings. Packed with heartfelt themes, a diverse cast, and a narrative structure reminiscent of episodic D&D side quests, this novella is both a delightful continuation and an engaging standalone tale.
Plot Overview:
The story follows Horace, Rumi, and Aliyah as they traverse a world haunted by mysterious entities called Fragments. Their journey is interrupted by Keza Nesmit, a cat-person bandit who steals their provisions and later offers to help them navigate a flooded mountain pass blocked by Fragments. While initially abrasive and secretive, Keza gradually reveals her motivations—protecting her hidden community—and becomes a reluctant ally. As the group works together to resolve the flooding issue, deeper secrets emerge, forcing Horace to confront the cost of uncovering truths that might be better left hidden.
Strengths:
1. Character-Driven Narrative: Arseneault excels in crafting lovable and morally complex characters. Horace’s wide-eyed optimism, Aliyah’s mysterious past and tree-transforming abilities, Rumi’s ingenuity, and Keza’s sharp-edged personality create a dynamic ensemble that drives the story forward. The relationships between these characters—particularly their growing bond with Keza—highlight themes of found family and mutual aid.
2. Cozy Fantasy Vibes: Despite moments of danger and conflict, Flooded Secrets maintains a warm and comforting tone. The novella balances action with quieter moments that allow readers to connect deeply with the characters. This makes it an excellent choice for readers seeking escapism without sacrificing emotional depth.
3. Diverse Representation: Arseneault’s world is refreshingly inclusive, featuring LGBTQIA+ representation such as Horace’s use of e/em/eir pronouns and Aliyah’s non-binary identity. The queernormative setting adds richness to the story without overshadowing its central themes.
4. Episodic Format: The novella’s serialized structure mirrors the feel of playing a D&D campaign, with each book functioning as a self-contained adventure while contributing to overarching mysteries about the Fragments and Aliyah’s past. This format keeps the pace engaging while allowing for character development.
Criticism:
While Flooded Secrets shines in character development and thematic exploration, I wish that Keza’s backstory was explored in greater depth. Her motivations are intriguing but remain somewhat underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more insight into her life and struggles.
Themes:
Arseneault’s storytelling focuses on hope, community, and doing what is right—even when it is difficult or thankless. The conflicts in Flooded Secrets are not driven by typical sword-and-sorcery tropes but rather by moral dilemmas and interpersonal challenges. This makes the series stand out as both comforting and thought-provoking in today’s fantasy landscape.
Conclusion:
Flooded Secrets is a heartfelt addition to The Chronicles of Nerezia, offering readers cozy fantasy escapism with strong characters and meaningful themes. It balances action with introspection and showcases Arseneault's talent for weaving inclusive worlds filled with hope and camaraderie. Fans of character-driven narratives and D&D-inspired adventures will find much to love here. Recommended for readers who enjoy cozy fantasy, found family dynamics, and diverse representation in speculative fiction.
Claudie Arseneault’s Flooded Secrets, the second instalment in The Chronicles of Nerezia, continues the cozy fantasy adventure established in the first novella, Awakenings. Packed with heartfelt themes, a diverse cast, and a narrative structure reminiscent of episodic D&D side quests, this novella is both a delightful continuation and an engaging standalone tale.
Plot Overview:
The story follows Horace, Rumi, and Aliyah as they traverse a world haunted by mysterious entities called Fragments. Their journey is interrupted by Keza Nesmit, a cat-person bandit who steals their provisions and later offers to help them navigate a flooded mountain pass blocked by Fragments. While initially abrasive and secretive, Keza gradually reveals her motivations—protecting her hidden community—and becomes a reluctant ally. As the group works together to resolve the flooding issue, deeper secrets emerge, forcing Horace to confront the cost of uncovering truths that might be better left hidden.
Strengths:
1. Character-Driven Narrative: Arseneault excels in crafting lovable and morally complex characters. Horace’s wide-eyed optimism, Aliyah’s mysterious past and tree-transforming abilities, Rumi’s ingenuity, and Keza’s sharp-edged personality create a dynamic ensemble that drives the story forward. The relationships between these characters—particularly their growing bond with Keza—highlight themes of found family and mutual aid.
2. Cozy Fantasy Vibes: Despite moments of danger and conflict, Flooded Secrets maintains a warm and comforting tone. The novella balances action with quieter moments that allow readers to connect deeply with the characters. This makes it an excellent choice for readers seeking escapism without sacrificing emotional depth.
3. Diverse Representation: Arseneault’s world is refreshingly inclusive, featuring LGBTQIA+ representation such as Horace’s use of e/em/eir pronouns and Aliyah’s non-binary identity. The queernormative setting adds richness to the story without overshadowing its central themes.
4. Episodic Format: The novella’s serialized structure mirrors the feel of playing a D&D campaign, with each book functioning as a self-contained adventure while contributing to overarching mysteries about the Fragments and Aliyah’s past. This format keeps the pace engaging while allowing for character development.
Criticism:
While Flooded Secrets shines in character development and thematic exploration, I wish that Keza’s backstory was explored in greater depth. Her motivations are intriguing but remain somewhat underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more insight into her life and struggles.
Themes:
Arseneault’s storytelling focuses on hope, community, and doing what is right—even when it is difficult or thankless. The conflicts in Flooded Secrets are not driven by typical sword-and-sorcery tropes but rather by moral dilemmas and interpersonal challenges. This makes the series stand out as both comforting and thought-provoking in today’s fantasy landscape.
Conclusion:
Flooded Secrets is a heartfelt addition to The Chronicles of Nerezia, offering readers cozy fantasy escapism with strong characters and meaningful themes. It balances action with introspection and showcases Arseneault's talent for weaving inclusive worlds filled with hope and camaraderie. Fans of character-driven narratives and D&D-inspired adventures will find much to love here. Recommended for readers who enjoy cozy fantasy, found family dynamics, and diverse representation in speculative fiction.
July 25, 2024
What’s worse than not having a place in the world? Finding your place only to feel like it might be ripped away from you. Claudie Arseneault dangles this prospect in front of readers with Flooded Secrets, the second book in her Chronicles of Nerezia series of novellas. I was impressed by
Awakenings
because it felt so cozy. This book builds on that success while also revealing the first layer of even more potent themes Arseneault has cooked up.
No spoilers for this book but some for the first one!
Horace believes e has found eir place, guarding Rumi’s wandering wagon and protecting the mysterious Aliyah, who has no memory of their life beyond some flashes of forest—oh yeah, and the ability to turn into a tree. Horace isn’t a very good guard yet, but e has a growth mindset. That comes in handy when the wagon is waylaid by Keza, who pilfers their food stores before running afoul of her own people’s laws. Her life, and the lives of Horace and eir companions, weighed against the survival of her village.
Flooded Secrets, much like the first book, opens with a fair amount of action, then settles down to let us spend time with characters. For a novella, it packs a punch in terms of plot. I’m enjoying this decision of Arseneault’s to parcel out these stories in a more serialized format than a novel or two might allow. It more closely mimics the sensation of playing a session of DnD, echoes of which reverberate throughout this universe.
What makes this book stand out, of course, is how Keza meets the wagon crew. Rumi, Aliyah, and Horace joined together amicably, if reluctantly on Rumi’s part, and in their short time together, the three of them (four, if you count the wagon) have forged a strong bond. Keza, her personality irascible to start, is sharpened by the actions she has had to take to protect her village, not to mention what happens as the story goes on.
So of course Horace, lovable embo that e is, has to make friends, right?
This is, of course, what makes Flooded Secrets and this series as a whole so valuable. Arseneault’s story is not by any stretch of the imagination conflict-free. However, she goes out of her way to construct conflicts that belie one’s typical expectations of sword and sorcery. The set pieces are there, from the overarching mystery of the Fragments to the cornucopia of species populating Nerezia. But this is a story about found family, about putting right wrongs even when you aren’t the one who caused them—not for credit, not even in exchange for commutation or pardon, but simply because it’s the right thing to do.
In a world that seems darker by the day (at least some days), books like these are valuable because they remind us that hope comes from within. From ourselves and from each other. From working together, mutual aid, and community. If these ideas comfort you, this will be a comfort book. Even if they don’t, Flooded Secrets still has its share of action, intrigue, and of course, the games.
Originally posted on Kara.Reviews.
No spoilers for this book but some for the first one!
Horace believes e has found eir place, guarding Rumi’s wandering wagon and protecting the mysterious Aliyah, who has no memory of their life beyond some flashes of forest—oh yeah, and the ability to turn into a tree. Horace isn’t a very good guard yet, but e has a growth mindset. That comes in handy when the wagon is waylaid by Keza, who pilfers their food stores before running afoul of her own people’s laws. Her life, and the lives of Horace and eir companions, weighed against the survival of her village.
Flooded Secrets, much like the first book, opens with a fair amount of action, then settles down to let us spend time with characters. For a novella, it packs a punch in terms of plot. I’m enjoying this decision of Arseneault’s to parcel out these stories in a more serialized format than a novel or two might allow. It more closely mimics the sensation of playing a session of DnD, echoes of which reverberate throughout this universe.
What makes this book stand out, of course, is how Keza meets the wagon crew. Rumi, Aliyah, and Horace joined together amicably, if reluctantly on Rumi’s part, and in their short time together, the three of them (four, if you count the wagon) have forged a strong bond. Keza, her personality irascible to start, is sharpened by the actions she has had to take to protect her village, not to mention what happens as the story goes on.
So of course Horace, lovable embo that e is, has to make friends, right?
This is, of course, what makes Flooded Secrets and this series as a whole so valuable. Arseneault’s story is not by any stretch of the imagination conflict-free. However, she goes out of her way to construct conflicts that belie one’s typical expectations of sword and sorcery. The set pieces are there, from the overarching mystery of the Fragments to the cornucopia of species populating Nerezia. But this is a story about found family, about putting right wrongs even when you aren’t the one who caused them—not for credit, not even in exchange for commutation or pardon, but simply because it’s the right thing to do.
In a world that seems darker by the day (at least some days), books like these are valuable because they remind us that hope comes from within. From ourselves and from each other. From working together, mutual aid, and community. If these ideas comfort you, this will be a comfort book. Even if they don’t, Flooded Secrets still has its share of action, intrigue, and of course, the games.
Originally posted on Kara.Reviews.
June 15, 2024
“It was in many ways a horribly painful experience, but the constant stream of laughs and victorious screams helped ease the discomfort.”
This quote does illustrate the vibe of this book somewhat. The story continues as does the journey, and the friends encounter another interesting person. I like this set up of slowly making their way through the world and learning more about it as they meet new characters, but this book felt a bit slower to me than the first one. This might also in part be due to the scattered way of reading this as I was working on writing my thesis.
That being said the symbol of “your story is my story” as a theme throughout these books that is both magical and related to the friendships was really nice.
I also liked how every character clearly got to shine in this book and how they are all very distinct in their habits, ways of reacting to situations, and even in how they play games. It was really fun to see the group dynamics develop.
I do think I was more invested in the existing group than the new characters, which was a shame as they are clearly not the focus of this one. This is not to say that I disliked Keza, her mannerisms and backstory were interesting to me, but it felt inevitable that things would end up the way they did and so I got slightly impatient to just get to that point.
This did continue to build on the world and reveal some new information about the magic system, which is really intriguing and I can’t wait to see how the rest of the story unfolds.
“The world, for all its dangers, was full of wonders, and e wanted to see them all.
Unfortunately, e got to experience the dangers first.”
I too, would like to see all the wonders of this magical world filled with friendship.
I also found some typos, but they might be because I received an e-ARC so perhaps these have been fixed in newer versions.
Thank you to the author for providing the e-ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
This quote does illustrate the vibe of this book somewhat. The story continues as does the journey, and the friends encounter another interesting person. I like this set up of slowly making their way through the world and learning more about it as they meet new characters, but this book felt a bit slower to me than the first one. This might also in part be due to the scattered way of reading this as I was working on writing my thesis.
That being said the symbol of “your story is my story” as a theme throughout these books that is both magical and related to the friendships was really nice.
I also liked how every character clearly got to shine in this book and how they are all very distinct in their habits, ways of reacting to situations, and even in how they play games. It was really fun to see the group dynamics develop.
I do think I was more invested in the existing group than the new characters, which was a shame as they are clearly not the focus of this one. This is not to say that I disliked Keza, her mannerisms and backstory were interesting to me, but it felt inevitable that things would end up the way they did and so I got slightly impatient to just get to that point.
This did continue to build on the world and reveal some new information about the magic system, which is really intriguing and I can’t wait to see how the rest of the story unfolds.
“The world, for all its dangers, was full of wonders, and e wanted to see them all.
Unfortunately, e got to experience the dangers first.”
I too, would like to see all the wonders of this magical world filled with friendship.
I also found some typos, but they might be because I received an e-ARC so perhaps these have been fixed in newer versions.
Thank you to the author for providing the e-ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2024
I received this along with the first in the series as a free copy in exchange for a review. As always, Claudie Arsenault's characters are wonderfully diverse (the queer rep was one of the things that drew me to this author in the first place) and even in a short novella you can really get to know and care about the characters (and sentient wagons!).
The 'main' character is something of a Samwise Gamgee - e is happily in the 'sidekick who does the domestic chores' category but I have a feeling that e is more of a hero than e thinks. I love how easily Horace loves everyone their little travelling party meets and is just so happy to make new friends with all of these prickly, stoic characters. If anyone is going to save the world with the power of friendship it is going to be Horace!
I've never read something in this short, serialised format before - a novella every few months instead of a longer novel. It's different, but the episodic nature of the storytelling feels quite nice, and almost nostalgic for the days before streaming when you had to wait for the next instalment of a show.
The plot is fun and compelling, with mysteries surrounding the 'fragments' and the characters being built up nicely. I have some theories, but I am enjoying the not knowing as well!
I agree with other reviewers that this novella seemed to end rather abruptly, and it was a bit of a shock to find that the next page on my kindle was the 'next time in...' teaser. The first novella's ending seemed more natural. However, I will definitely be back for part three in September!
The 'main' character is something of a Samwise Gamgee - e is happily in the 'sidekick who does the domestic chores' category but I have a feeling that e is more of a hero than e thinks. I love how easily Horace loves everyone their little travelling party meets and is just so happy to make new friends with all of these prickly, stoic characters. If anyone is going to save the world with the power of friendship it is going to be Horace!
I've never read something in this short, serialised format before - a novella every few months instead of a longer novel. It's different, but the episodic nature of the storytelling feels quite nice, and almost nostalgic for the days before streaming when you had to wait for the next instalment of a show.
The plot is fun and compelling, with mysteries surrounding the 'fragments' and the characters being built up nicely. I have some theories, but I am enjoying the not knowing as well!
I agree with other reviewers that this novella seemed to end rather abruptly, and it was a bit of a shock to find that the next page on my kindle was the 'next time in...' teaser. The first novella's ending seemed more natural. However, I will definitely be back for part three in September!
June 1, 2024
Flooded Secrets continues Horace’s, Aliyah’s, and Rumi’s tale in what ends up being a bit of a side quest as they help clear a pass and meet a new friend. Just as warm and cozy as the first book, this one expands slightly on the world, the beings in it, and the main characters’ burgeoning relationships with one another.
The characters, in fact, continue to be the light and life of this tale, their morals and motivations pulling them into and out of danger. They’re each incredibly wholesome and GOOD in their own driven ways, making this story a comfort one for audiences of all ages.
Keza, the new character who enters the scene, who’s picture is on the cover, has a bit more of an edge to her than the others, willing to toe the lines of law for the good of those she protects. I honestly wish we could have gotten a little bit more of a deep dive into her history and home life, but, alas, we only got windows into what quickly became her past through the pages of this book. She’s an interesting character whom I think will add a snarky dynamic that was missing before, as well as some additional fighting training for Horace.
In any case, I love the way this series is set up with little jaunts into this world as our heroes continue their journey, and I’m eager to pick up the next book when it comes out. I would highly recommend this series to anyone looking for wholesome, platonic friends in a fantasy world on a quest surrounded by mystery and danger.
The characters, in fact, continue to be the light and life of this tale, their morals and motivations pulling them into and out of danger. They’re each incredibly wholesome and GOOD in their own driven ways, making this story a comfort one for audiences of all ages.
Keza, the new character who enters the scene, who’s picture is on the cover, has a bit more of an edge to her than the others, willing to toe the lines of law for the good of those she protects. I honestly wish we could have gotten a little bit more of a deep dive into her history and home life, but, alas, we only got windows into what quickly became her past through the pages of this book. She’s an interesting character whom I think will add a snarky dynamic that was missing before, as well as some additional fighting training for Horace.
In any case, I love the way this series is set up with little jaunts into this world as our heroes continue their journey, and I’m eager to pick up the next book when it comes out. I would highly recommend this series to anyone looking for wholesome, platonic friends in a fantasy world on a quest surrounded by mystery and danger.
August 9, 2024
I'm not sure what it was about this one, but I felt like it took me a little while to get into the story. I really didn't Keza Nesmit to begin with and she's the character introduced in those early chapters.
That said, by the end this character was so completely redeemed that it certainly paid off having her so disliked at the beginning.
In this book, Horace continues to be an amazing himbo, Aliyah is a tree and probably the most effective of the bunch, and Rumi makes things no one else can.
These three are travelling through the wilderness when they come across Keza who promptly holds them up to steal as much of their food as she can manage.
When the original trio come up against a flooded pass that they can't get the Wagon through, Keza comes back to show them about it. Again, we come up against the mysterious Fragments that were so much a part of the previous book in this series. This time they are the things blocking this waterway.
What's revealed is that Keza has been trying to fend for a whole hidden community. Not that they are incredibly thankful for it when Rumi is injured and Horace goes looking for wherever it is that Keza's taken him.
By the end of this book, we have a fourth party member in the Wagon
That said, by the end this character was so completely redeemed that it certainly paid off having her so disliked at the beginning.
In this book, Horace continues to be an amazing himbo, Aliyah is a tree and probably the most effective of the bunch, and Rumi makes things no one else can.
These three are travelling through the wilderness when they come across Keza who promptly holds them up to steal as much of their food as she can manage.
When the original trio come up against a flooded pass that they can't get the Wagon through, Keza comes back to show them about it. Again, we come up against the mysterious Fragments that were so much a part of the previous book in this series. This time they are the things blocking this waterway.
What's revealed is that Keza has been trying to fend for a whole hidden community. Not that they are incredibly thankful for it when Rumi is injured and Horace goes looking for wherever it is that Keza's taken him.
By the end of this book, we have a fourth party member in the Wagon
May 8, 2024
Flooded Secrets is the second book in a high fantasy series with amazing LGBTQIA+ representation. The main character, Horace, uses E/Em/Eir pronouns, and is more into adventuring and making new friends than romantic entanglements. Aliyah is a non-binary elf with no memory, and a rather interesting skillset.
In this book, the trio encounters increasingly dangerous situations as they navigate an unknown world. At least, unknown to Horace, who has never before left eir hometown. The group of newfound friends runs into a well-trained thief who steals their food and sends them on their way. It won't be long until they run into her again, and she just might find herself joining the companions on their journey.
I really enjoyed meeting Keza in book two. Her character is complex, and has an interesting story. She does what she has to do to keep her people safe and fed, no matter the cost, and I can appreciate that. I look forward to seeing more of her in the next one.
*I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
In this book, the trio encounters increasingly dangerous situations as they navigate an unknown world. At least, unknown to Horace, who has never before left eir hometown. The group of newfound friends runs into a well-trained thief who steals their food and sends them on their way. It won't be long until they run into her again, and she just might find herself joining the companions on their journey.
I really enjoyed meeting Keza in book two. Her character is complex, and has an interesting story. She does what she has to do to keep her people safe and fed, no matter the cost, and I can appreciate that. I look forward to seeing more of her in the next one.
*I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
May 15, 2024
Another lovely installment in the Nerezia novella series with an expansion on the found family of book one. I still love the world the author has created here, particularly with how it handles queerness, and somehow it manages to feel cozy while also having a lot of action. I was not a fan of Keza for most of the story until you learn exactly why she acts as she does, and I loved how the story handled those reveals in particular and brought you to that point of understanding. The strength of this being a novella series is you get a little more insight each time into the mysteries without outright solving all of them, so there's more to look forward to in future installments. Horace remains a lovely POV character, and eir personality is so singularly established and perfect to encompass this wonderfully varied found family. I really needed this dynamic in particular while going through a tumultuous time in the real world, and it was nice to escape with these characters for a little while.
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*
April 26, 2024
Horace continues eir journey with es companions across Nerezia. Along their way to the ocean, they are interrupted by a bandit by the name of Keza. They have to help her in order to continue their journey. After a few things go wrong, Horace finds eimself alongside Keza in jail where a beautiful new friendship is born.
I really love the introduction of Keza and how sassy she is. She brings in a great new dynamic to the already loveable crew Horace has formed around eimself. The characters' love can be felt so strongly in this chapter of Horace's adventure. I also really enjoyed Rumi getting a bit more page time this go around. He is quite the mastermind!
If you liked Awakenings, you're definitely going to love Flooded Secrets. I cannot wait to see where our friends' next adventure takes them!
I really love the introduction of Keza and how sassy she is. She brings in a great new dynamic to the already loveable crew Horace has formed around eimself. The characters' love can be felt so strongly in this chapter of Horace's adventure. I also really enjoyed Rumi getting a bit more page time this go around. He is quite the mastermind!
If you liked Awakenings, you're definitely going to love Flooded Secrets. I cannot wait to see where our friends' next adventure takes them!
May 7, 2024
I was gifted an eARC in exchange for a review.
I was so happy to be back with Horace, Rumi, and Aliyah! This second novella follows as they continue on their trek across the land looking for answers. Pretty quickly, they end up running into Keza and it's not exactly on great terms.
I was with Rumi initally and wasn't a huge fan of Keza until we get further into the story and learn more about her. This installment was more emotional than I expected, it definitely made me tear up a bit. Also, I love where the story went and how the found family worked together to solve the problems they ran into. Horace remains my favorite character, e is such a sweet cinnamon roll. Every time, the book is over too soon and I'm left wanting more of them!
Overall, I loved it and I can't wait for the next one!
I was so happy to be back with Horace, Rumi, and Aliyah! This second novella follows as they continue on their trek across the land looking for answers. Pretty quickly, they end up running into Keza and it's not exactly on great terms.
I was with Rumi initally and wasn't a huge fan of Keza until we get further into the story and learn more about her. This installment was more emotional than I expected, it definitely made me tear up a bit. Also, I love where the story went and how the found family worked together to solve the problems they ran into. Horace remains my favorite character, e is such a sweet cinnamon roll. Every time, the book is over too soon and I'm left wanting more of them!
Overall, I loved it and I can't wait for the next one!
May 8, 2024
This is the second Nerezia book I’ve read, and both times my only complaint has been that I can’t immediately binge-read the entire rest of the series. This is such a lovely, clever world, full of interesting settings, games I want to play and characters I want to befriend, and with just enough danger and mystery to spice things up. (The fragments fascinate me; I don’t recall having encountered another worldbuilding element quite like them, and I’m interested to know where they came from and exactly what they are).
While I like everyone, Horace is my favorite; e is so sweet and earnest. I wasn’t sure at first how I would feel about this book’s new character, Keza, but I ended up really caring about her too by the end. Cannot wait to read the next one!
(Many thanks to the author, who gave me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.)
While I like everyone, Horace is my favorite; e is so sweet and earnest. I wasn’t sure at first how I would feel about this book’s new character, Keza, but I ended up really caring about her too by the end. Cannot wait to read the next one!
(Many thanks to the author, who gave me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.)
August 13, 2024
Another portion of lovely characters and their epic quest across their world, this time colliding with some more trouble on their way. And I loved every part of it:) We got more of Aliyah - a mysterious elf who can shapeshift into a tree - and their intelligence, as well as Rumi, anxious and grumpy engineer and Horace, an extroverted overgrown sweetie who you just have to love even though eir wits sometimes don't really function the way they should xd. On top of that, we get to know some new characters and a new culture and it was nothing if not refreshing:D I also loved the descriptions of surroundings which weren't too long, but detailed enough for me to imagine the place, as well as the atmosphere. Simply perfect, bite-sized sequel of this lovely little series<3
Thank you to the author for the chance to read and review this gorgeous book 🫶
Thank you to the author for the chance to read and review this gorgeous book 🫶
April 5, 2024
I have a feeling that I'd enjoy this series more if I waited until all the volumes were available and read them as a whole. Which... isn't a very strong argument for the author to keep giving me advance copies to review, is it? But there you go.
As usual with Claudie Arseneault's writing, this is a fun story filled with intriguing characters. I'm eager to see where they go next—and that's my one real complaint with this installment: it felt to me as if it ended too soon, before we got to a natural stopping point. Of course, leaving the reader wanting more is far better than having them wish the book would end already! But this installment didn't feel fully satisfying to me.
My thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book.
As usual with Claudie Arseneault's writing, this is a fun story filled with intriguing characters. I'm eager to see where they go next—and that's my one real complaint with this installment: it felt to me as if it ended too soon, before we got to a natural stopping point. Of course, leaving the reader wanting more is far better than having them wish the book would end already! But this installment didn't feel fully satisfying to me.
My thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book.
November 9, 2024
another fun cozy fantasy adventure!! and their little family expands!! a secret cat village!! (love the unique characters of keza and rumi!! i hope we get to see more) more banter and playing games together and mystery and sweet and tender moments!! (keza and her kids?! so sweet - but her having to leave them?! 😭😭) only reason this isn’t 5 stars is that its too short - i wish these stories/plot - and the characters (eg keza and her family) and world (eg the story behind the village) were more fleshed out - but such a fun little series and im already getting into book 3
(loved the summary at the start of the book - all series should do this haha)
(loved the summary at the start of the book - all series should do this haha)
June 12, 2024
Just when I thought the found family was complete, Arseneault introduces us to Keza, and the dynamic between this feline rogue and our existing heroes is amazing. Combined with more layers to Nerezian lore, the mystery surrounding Aliyah, Horace's quest to be useful and Rumi's protectiveness, Flooded Secrets continues what is proving to be a delightful and gripping journey of friendship and purpose.
June 15, 2024
If you want a cosy fantasy book with queer rep, this is it! We continue to follow the unlikely trio of Horace, Aliyah and Rumi in the next step of their journey when they meet Keza, a snarky yet likeable opponent.
Just like the first one, I loved this book and can't wait to know about the rest of the character's journeys as well more about the world of Nerezia!
Still loving the enby and aroace representation!!
Just like the first one, I loved this book and can't wait to know about the rest of the character's journeys as well more about the world of Nerezia!
Still loving the enby and aroace representation!!
November 25, 2024
The chronicles of Nerezia has a lot of potential. I have been loving shorter fiction novellas. I’m struggling to want to continue this series though. This series seems to be revolving around the growth of the main character and their band of friends. The growth so far has been very minor which is making me struggle to continue with the series.
April 29, 2024
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review (thank you!).
I definitely enjoyed this installment more than the first one, I guess since we knew most of the characters at this point. Keza is an interesting character and I look forward to seeing more of here in the next books.
I definitely enjoyed this installment more than the first one, I guess since we knew most of the characters at this point. Keza is an interesting character and I look forward to seeing more of here in the next books.
May 20, 2024
This was a fun second installment in this queernormative fantasy series of novellas. Like with Awakenings (book 1), I love how this book feels like following the adventures of a found family D&D party. There are obstacles that need to be overcome but nothing seems as high stakes as it can in other high fantasy stories. Instead, we just get to spend time with our cast of fun characters and I cannot wait to see where their journey takes them next.
July 13, 2024
The catwoman joins the party! Here we meet Keza, who is great, and whose village elders deserve a few slaps over the head, because wtf.
Also, our four protagonists use four different pronoun sets, which I think is neat.
Also, our four protagonists use four different pronoun sets, which I think is neat.
January 4, 2026
I love the episodic structure of these Novellas. I wasn’t sure how the second novella would go and hoe tje character's arc could be expanded, but Arseneault did a great job imo. And again, the setting was amazing, rich, lush, and completely different from book one.
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