Any Cost

The Powers That Be #2

by Hazel Domain

Sometimes people are more monstrous than the monsters.

Micah and Dominic have a new roommate. Gestalt—the last survivor of the Hellfires’ desperate attempt to cover their tracks—has the wings of a raven and the personality of a feral cat. Powerful magic binds him, with no counterspell to be found. Gestalt would never ask Dominic or Micah for help, if the life force shared through their psychic link weren’t the only thing keeping him alive. That said, he finds some of the glimpses through that link quite interesting.

Micah isn’t used to having people in his head. His relationships are performances, his behavior tailored to whatever his audience requires. If Dominic finds out, he’ll want to meet the real Micah—the man behind the mask. Too bad Micah doesn’t know how to play that role.

Dominic has problems of his own. As the range of the Hellfires’ empire is revealed, he realizes how many cracks exist in a system he’s always trusted. With the pillars of his faith crumbling by the day, and his feelings for Micah and Gestalt growing by the night, he’s forced to decide just how far outside the system he’s willing to work.

Genres: Paranormal

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2024

About the author

Hazel Domain is a cryptid who escaped Ohio and can now be found roaming the woods of eastern Maine. Hazel spends their time fixing computers, fiddling with databases, making renaissance faire costumes and, when all alternatives have been exhausted, writing.
Hazel has five Nanowrimo certificates, a doctorate in parapsychology, and a cat.

Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/hazeldomain
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HazelDomain
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theehazeldomain

Reviews

[Kala B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have got to say Hazel Domain is an interesting writer. The plot in this book got deeper and deeper as the reader continues to read. All of the characters are trying to find a balance between one another. I cannot wait for the third book. I’m giving 4.5 stars overall.

This book picks up where the first one left off. Dominic and Miach are left with a being called a diayura. Most everyone else calls him an angel, but he goes by Gestalt (Ges). Ges has a lot of trust issues when it comes to humans. I cannot really blame him for that. He was pulled away from his world then tortured by humans for their own amusement. Miach and Ges have that in common. They both were tortured by the same people. Needless to say, Dom and Miach have their work cut out for them. The other issue is that they have a bond between the three of them. It takes time for them to trust one another, and eventually they let the bond develop between them.

However, this is only the beginning. Ges has been given information from an enemy that is very upsetting. He needs to go back to where he was first summoned to complete this task he already thought was done. This means he will have to work together with Dom and Miach. It also means they have to face demons they thought they were done with.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I was provided an electronic ARC through GayRomanceReviews. Thank you!**

Hazel Domain returns to the world of Any Price with the sequel, Any Cost. Readers continue precisely where they left off in Any Price and should not start the series here. Readers continue to follow Dom and Micah as they navigate taking down a criminal underworld with the addition of the prickly daiyura, Gestalt.

All content warnings from book one carry into book two, with the added warning that this book is more graphic as the content happens on page and not only in recollection or memory. Read with care.

It is difficult to discuss this book without spoilers given the way the content wraps up the story arc introduced in book one. The addition of Gestalt provides a mediator to the miscommunication between Dom and Micah and introduces a better sense of balance between the three of them. As said, this book does offer a reasonable conclusion to the story in book one, but also leaves quite a lot of room for series expansion.

I enjoyed my time with Any Cost and look forward to future series installments from Domain.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt Gestalt's desperation here as his psychic connection with Micah and Dominic seems to be the only thing keeping him alive and might hold the clue to freeing him. His effects on Micah and Dominic were dramatic and fascinating. I found Micah's dilemma particularly interesting. He's managed to maintain relationships all his life by pretending to be the person other people want. He's become so good at adapting that he no longer knows who he really is and the fact that Gestalt is in his head, will know this and might let Dominic in on it scares him to death. What will he do if they confront him and demand he show his true self? Dominic's crisis of faith is also very well depicted. We see a man who sees all his beliefs about how his world works being blown apart. He has to try to find what's really true and how to build a new life based on that without losing Micah or Gestalt.

[Miruru Shouting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picks up immediately after Book 1 and turns into an MMM.

I'm actually so glad Gestalt was added to the dynamic. With the way he was introduced at the end of book 1 and being connected/chained to both Dom and Micah's life force after in order to survive, I was hoping Gestalt wouldn't leave (like he was going to do in Book 1) and would stay and integrate with Dom and Micah. So happy with how that storyline went.

This book also carries the same dark undertones of plot like book 1 with discovering all the hidden trafficking and slavery of others. I love the world building and all the (good) main and side characters. Cannot wait to see where else this goes in the following book! Hazel Domain is a new favorite author for me.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one. Again, read the CWs for this, as the content moves from memory to on page action. In the acknowledgements of Any Price, the author mentions a long time difference in between the writing and release of that book, and that shows in some of the small details of this story as well, such as a shift from CDs to hooking a phone up to a car system. This book also developed an MMM storyline, with Gestalt providing a much needed balance between Dominic and Micah's very different personalities and experiences. I felt like this story wrapped up all the pieces really well, and had a satisfying conclusion. I know there is another story in the works and I'm keen to see where that takes us.

[Jvles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks up exactly where the previous one ended. I loved the story telling. It was gripping and painful and emotional. The relationship between Micah and Dom changes significantly with someone else in the picture and I liked the way that transition was handled. I can't put my finger on why I like these books so much but I really enjoyed reading them. Now I would love a continuation of the series where they just have one weird controller case after the other with a lot of fun and love thrown in until they get old.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a continuation of The Powers That Be series by Hazel Domain. I really enjoyed this book as I did the first one. Domain carries on with the terrific world building and brings in Gestalt who is a great character and a good addition to Micah and Dominic. It’s hard to describe what goes on because so much happens in this book. Definitely at this point it’s a bit of a hidden gem based on the lack of reviews for these books. I’m hopeful that they will be found and read by more and more people because they are great stories.

[Susan Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I jumped in at the second book, I don't advise it, but it happened so here we are. It took me a while to figure out what was going on but I was able to catch on to who each of the players were. Dominic the controller, Gestalt, the angel, and Mikah, the former slave. My heart went out to both Gestalt and Mikah. The angel far from home and Mikah not knowing how to accept that Dominic and Gestalt care for him.

The story was real good. I loved the characters. I should probably go back and read the first book! That said, there are triggers, abuse, etc. But such a good book.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sequel to “Any Price,” and Dom and Micah (and now Gestalt’s) story continues here. There’s plenty to catch readers’ attention here: a depth of world building, character development, and narrative progression that makes for immersive reading. Note that some themes are on the more impactful side, so heed the content warnings accordingly.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Soumets et' Obéir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read! View the trigger alerts before reading. And book one, Any Price, should be read first!

Enjoyed how Micah and Dom’s relationship develops further. With Gestalt provides balance between the pair. Each man has the own quirks and a part of themselves they attempt to hide.

The book ended too soon and I still wish there had been more. Amazing world building once again. Characters are perfect. One wonders who the true monsters are. Loved it.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the first book and this book follows straight on so do read it first! Definitely a bonus turning into a MMM 😜 which I was hoping for! Exceptional word building and character development from Hazel really helps you bond with them all and follow this brilliant story. Gestalt was the perfect addition to Dom and Micah's relationship - such a great dynamic between them all. Loved it!
I received a free arc copy from GRR and this is my honest review

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is a survivor from the battle but is unsure how to deal with it all. His powers are bonded and he will see glimpses of how they live. He is not sure how he feels about what he sees in their minds. Will they welcome him? Will he find a new way to live? Will he be about to find a way to love? See how he gets on

[MM Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy the three boys went through a ringer!!! Any Cost was the perfect conclusion to the series that started with Any Price. Ges, Dom and Micah were the heroes along with Ian and Amanda. I loved this series so much!!!!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A ROLLERCOASTER OF A READING EXPERIENCE.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It starts right away when the last book ends. Wow, the story is amazing and kept me on my toes. The characters, just everything, are one great read.

[Rani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picks up from the previous book and has once again a lot happening. I was sucked into the story from the first page. Dominic,Micah and Gestalt are put through so much and I had to finish the book once started to see how it finished.

[Thurman]

DNF 50%
I found the slavery and torture issue disturbing. This book definitely wasn't for me. Free will should be the bare minimum someone gets even in a book.
the relationship was confusing. I didn't read the first book. Maybe I should have.

[Sarah Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely mind your triggers on this one. An epic conclusion to book one with violence, horror, even more trauma for our poor baby Micah, and a feathered third wheel with some exceptional talents.

[Karen Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The two books together are *chef's kiss*.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely had a compelling story that makes you think. Add in characters you become invested in and excellent world building. You have a great book.

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

continues from book 1 and will still unique mystery on our hands. can they trust their roommate or is there more then meets the eye

[hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

basically i would die for this fucked up little polycule.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Any Cost” by Hazel Domain picks up right after “Any Price” ends, and centers around Gestalt as he becomes integrated into Micah and Dominic’s lives. Unfortunately, the threat from the Hellfires still exists, and for Gestalt to eliminate the threat to his home dimension, may require the ultimate sacrifice from the other two males in his life.

This adult gay paranormal story is compelling, but it has very dark elements that were a bit difficult to read, so those with triggers should use caution. It was fascinating to watch Gestalt learn how to deal with Micah and Dominic, and his very alien way of looking at the bonds and interactions they have gives the story an interesting twist. The delicate dance as they explore whether they are comfortable with a sexual triad is sharply contrasted with the horrific and sadistic environment that two of them have experienced, and the sacrifice that each makes is inspiring. The author has created a fascinating world, and I hope there are more adventures to come.

A copy of this title was provided for review

[Snailboat64 · Rating 5 out of 5]

First up, have you read Any Price? You sure?
Okay, good. Because you can't just jump into this series partway through.

Any Cost picks up where Any Price left off, and it is intense. We have Dom, the supernatural pest controller, and Micah, the recently freed "hospitality" slave fumbling through finding a way to maybe start a relationship, who have begrudgingly been joined by Ges, an angel still bound by the magic bonds of his and Micah's former masters.

There's a lot for them to unpack. Dominic can't get his head around why Micah can't just embrace his freedom. Micah can't make him understand his identity and how that shapes his needs. And Ges? He neither understands nor trusts either of them, but he is reliant on feeding on their life force to survive, which has the tiny complication of creating a psychic bond between all three.
Oh, and there's the small matter of taking down the bad guys.

There is tons of action, angst, unconventional love scenes for unconventional lovers, and a plot that kept me on edge throughout.

I love Hazel Domain's writing style. The pace is perfect, the character have depth and genuine emotion. I was sucked into this world immediately.

If you are a Supernatural fan you will feel its influence, but it's still a different world, where magic is known and integrated in modern life in a way I just LOVE.