King Olympio and Justice Gabriel return in this stunning sequel that explores the chaos when fantasy collides with reality. Fresh from their "consummation adjournment," Gabe and Ollie are thrust into their first crisis as a ruling couple. Animals from Gaiada—also known as Earth—are mysteriously appearing in Sefaera, wreaking havoc and attacking its inhabitants.
Suspicious of Typhir's involvement, Olympio struggles to focus as he's distracted by Gabe's new confidant—Lexios, Typhir's son and Olympio's former friend. While Gabriel insists Lexios is trustworthy, even saving Gabe's life, Ollie is wary due to his ties with Typhir.
With forces conspiring to keep the soulmates apart, can a grand tour of Sefaera—escorted by Lexios, Gabe's new personal guard, and Gryfian, Olympio’s most trusted protector—rekindle their bond and remind them of their hard-won love?
Dive back into the magical world of Sefaera and join Olympio and Gabriel as they navigate love, loyalty, and looming threats in this epic continuation of their journey.
Eleanor Rose is a celebrated author in the fantasy genre, known for her dynamic storytelling that prominently features queer couples. Her dedication to representation extends beyond the pages of her novels, as she actively advocates for the accurate portrayal of transgender individuals and those living with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD).
Eleanor's literary journey began with her debut fantasy novel, "Pledge," which was released on October 3rd and met with widespread acclaim. The book marked the beginning of an enchanting series following the adventures of Gabe and Ollie, characters who have resonated deeply with readers. The anticipation for the continuation of their journey is palpable, as Eleanor has already hinted at plans for the next installment.
Beyond her writing, Eleanor is an enthusiastic traveler, with a particular fondness for exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of Europe. These travels serve as a wellspring of inspiration for her writing, enriching her narratives with vivid descriptions and diverse perspectives.
When not traversing continents, Eleanor finds solace and creativity in her cozy casita nestled in the Southwest. This tranquil haven is where she weaves her spellbinding tales, often accompanied by the quiet company of her beloved cats. Her affection for these feline companions is not just limited to her personal life; it also finds expression in her writing, where cats often play significant roles.
Eleanor Rose's unique blend of passionate advocacy, rich storytelling, and a life filled with adventure and warmth makes her a distinct and cherished voice in the world of fantasy literature.
Paragon is book 2 in the Sefaeran Bond Trilogy. In Pledge, book 1 of the series, Olympio (Ollie) and Gabriel (Gabe) captured my heart. This time around they took my heart for a ride all over Sefaera and beyond. This book is truly an adventure filled with so much suspense, danger, and intrigue it leaves you on the edge of your seat the entire time. That is unless you are squirming during the spicy scenes or swooning during the sweet loving moments between Ollie and Gabe.
The authors have taken their amazing story and built on it to make it even more outstanding. There is still plenty of wonderful pansexual and bisexual representation. Diversity of characters of all shapes, sizes, and colors. And we still see mental health issues demonstrated. All of this seamlessly woven into the story to make it fuller and more beautiful.
If you haven't read Pledge yet, do it now, because you want to read Paragon. If you love an exciting and thrilling fantasy with diverse characters, wonderful representation, and the sweetest and spiciest main couple to ever rule your heart, get this book!
Ya, no that ending did not need to happen. I was looking forward to this book because I enjoyed the first one, but I don't think it needed to happen. Gabe kind of just comes off as a child that throws a temper tantrum when he doesn't get his way. Then there were some... unneeded sub plots. That ending I don't think should have happened, and even though it's supposed to make you want to read the third book, I don't know if I will. This is just a me thing though, but for me don't end a book with unresolved cheating. I'm sorry 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Highly anticipated sequel not only fulfills, but surpasses the expectations set by Pledge.
King Olympio and Justice Gabriel face their first major crisis as a ruling couple following their Adjournment. A mysterious phenomenon is causing animals from Earth to invade Sefaera, leading to chaos and danger for its inhabitants. Suspicious of Typhir's involvement, Olympio grapples with distractions stemming from Gabe’s new confidant, Lexios—Typhir's son and Olympio's former friend. While Gabe trusts Lexios, Ollie remains wary of his connections. As forces conspire to keep the soulmates apart, a grand tour of Sefaera with Lexios and Gryfian, Olympio's trusted protector, becomes a chance to rekindle their bond amid love, loyalty, and looming threats.
Fans craving a deeper exploration of the vibrant world of Sefaera will find themselves immersed in its rich, vibrant landscapes and the plethora of unique creatures that inhabit it. The lush descriptions breathe life into the fantasy realm, transforming it into a character in its own right.
As we delve deeper into the histories and motivations of existing characters, the emotional stakes are raised, making every twist and turn of the plot resonate on a more profound level. The expansion of the cast adds layers of complexity to an already intricate narrative, making it a delight for readers who relish character-driven stories.
At the heart of Paragon is the tumultuous relationship between Ollie and Gabe, whose soulmate bond faces relentless trials. Their journey is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Feelings can be hurt instantaneously leaving the reader reeling from intense sex and plummeting into chaos and conflict. The narrative deftly navigates their struggles as they adapt to their new royal roles, highlighting the strain it places on their connection. The exploration of trust, loyalty, and the impact of external pressures offers a gripping look at love tested by circumstance. The sexual high from Pledge continues unabated, introducing new kinks and scenarios that keep the reader on their toes.
While the relationship is fraught with tension, the banter and comedic moments serve as a delightful counterbalance, providing levity in the midst of turmoil. These humorous interludes not only enhance the reading experience but also deepen the connection to the characters, making their journey all the more relatable.
Overall, Paragon is a colorful artwork of world-building, character development, and emotional storytelling. Whether you’re drawn in by the exploration of Sefaera or the tumultuous bond between Ollie and Gabe, this book is sure to leave you eagerly awaiting the final installment after an intense cliff hanger.
The honeymoon phase is over in Paragon! I couldn't put this one down (except to sleep and go to work!)
When soulmates Olympio and Gabriel come home from their year-long honeymoon, they are immediately thrust back into royal life. Before long, we see them struggling not only in their roles as King and Justice but as a couple.
One of the biggest plot drivers is Gabe's palpable loneliness. His desire to make just one new friend on Sefaera drives a wedge between himself and Ollie. Gabe seeks the friendship of Ollie's former friend Lexios, which leads to jealousy and rage in Olympio. (And lots of 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ as Ollie makes it clear who Gabe belongs to.) We also get a much deeper look at the pain, sadness, and anxiety Gabe feels from losing his parents and being taken from his world.
Another is the journey to find out what - or who - is letting animals from earth get to Sefaera? The boys' trip gives fans exactly what they want from a fantasy - beautiful and immersive descriptions of the other areas of Sefaera. In Pledge, readers learned so much about the architecture of the palace. In Paragon, we're taken to different cities. You can feel the heat of Hyxelon. (Especially if you're from the southwestern U.S. like I am.) You can imagine the dancing of waves in the ocean, and imagine the feel of the sand under your toes at Gabriel's Island. You can perfectly picture the creatures - both dangerous and tame.
This book put me on a rollercoaster of emotions, and the end hit me like a ton of bricks! (Number one: How dare you!) The stakes couldn't be higher as we're left with a massive cliffhanger! I have so many questions! This will live in my head rent-free for weeks and weeks.
💕 A little sadistic, maybe, but I love a good sequel where the happy couple are threatened to be torn apart. Gabriel and Olympio start off the book in blissful contentment, and frankly, it was lovely to see them again. But soon enough, jealousy rears her ugly head. And Olympio has every reason to be wary. Lexios is gorgeous and charming. He and Olympio have history. Some good, and some very, very bad blood. Lexios says he’s changed, but has he? Can he really be trusted or is Gabriel just being too naive?
As expected from this trio, the writing style is part storytelling and part poetry. I just can’t get enough of both. The words flow so effortlessly on the page. The imagery is divine. The characters complex. The story gripping. I love closing my eyes and envisioning what Sefaera would be like. How the characters look and dress. Ari, especially, is always a fun one to imagine.
This story fabulously tackles the age old story of jealousy. Gabriel’s deep desire to make a friend. One that is only his. Olympio struggles with his need to claim Gabriel as his own and to make it known around the kingdom. He’s fiercely possessive of his soulmate.
But Safaera is in danger and the group must figure out how these foreign animals are getting into Sefaera. Their road trip brings us to new lands within the kingdom. Everything is so vividly described, it’s as though you’re really there. I get goosebumps every time Olympio’s demon form shows itself. Sometimes just a little, sometimes a lot. Every time..goosebumps.
I’ve truly loved reading this sequel. The relationship dynamics are fabulous and believable. The cliffhanger is amazing, the spice is sometimes sensual and sometimes erotic. Always fitting the scene. The battle scenes yummy. What can I say? I love a good action packed scene. All in all, I can’t wait for the spice free daylight and darker bond versions to come out, so I can revisit the story again in a slightly different light.
Paragon is the second book of The Sefaera Bond Triology. Follow Gabe and Ollie after they finally become bonded. They spend their time away from Sefaera as "newlyweds" and when they arrive back, there is so much to deal with.
This story is truly beautiful but also heart wrenching. The twists and turns thrown into the mix really made me experience every emotion under the sun. And will I endure it all again when I do my re-read before the final book comes out, you best believe it.
The way the authors describe scenes sp vividly really make you able to visualize what is happening. And I will stand by the fact that Sefaera is by far the most beautiful book world. I could truly imagine the creatures, the architecture, the events, and all the vivid colors.
This is a beautiful MM Romantasy and I will never stop recommending it to anyone that enjoys romantasy period!!! If you haven't read this series, what are you even doing with your life?
Ollie and Gabe forever! I immensely enjoyed the continuation of Ollie and Gabe’s story.
In Paragon, Eleanor, Chase, and August explore how relationships are not all unicorns and rainbows, even if you are bonded soulmates! While the duo can’t get enough of each other and you can feel their love and devotion, jealousy rears its ugly head, feelings are questioned, and nefarious plots bring us to a suspenseful, mind blowing conclusion that has me wanting book 3 immediately!
This book made me smile, laugh, tear up and gasp. I was invested in it from beginning to end, loving Ollie and Gabe’s dynamics. I knew there was some shady shenanigans going on and even when I finished, I am still not sure who is behind the betrayals and my mind keeps going round and round about one character in particular.
This book has stayed with me and I cannot wait for more! Gimme gimme!
Ollie and Gabe are back and it's so nice to see them together bonded for life. The intensity and the chemistry between them has continued and even more adorable in this. The responsibility that arises creating dilemma to choose between it and love feels so real and perfectly written. I love the writing style and the povs each done perfectly. This book has all the elements that made it lovable, from love to jealousy, to political issues, to inner conflicts, to pain and all so perfectly portrayed. Beautiful. The ending devastated me 😭 the way it ended my heart was pounding, like nooo… this cannot happen. What happens next .. I wanna know..
If you haven't already read it please do.. it's just a wonderful read.
I can't even begin to explain how excited I was for this book! This was such an amazing follow-up to Pledge. There was so much character growth displayed. It made it so enjoyable to read. The authors also have a way of adding so much detail that it vividly creates each scene in the readers mind. That's such a great quality for a book to have! I was so captivated the whole way reading, and again, I'm stuck on that cliffhanger! I'll be anticipating the next read!
Thanks so much to the authors and Finch Benson Publishing for the ARC!
When I tell you all that this book made me laugh so hard it scared my dog and cry so hard it scared my dog - it should tell you everything you need to know about how amazing this book is. It took everything we loved about Pledge and made it BETTER!
"But the way Ollie looked at me was like I was oxygen itself, and my body was his only means of inhaling it."
Paragon was a brilliant sequel to Pledge, as we see Olympio and Gabe navigate their roles as both newlyweds and newly crowned rulers of Sefaera - the complexities of both proving a challenge for the pair.
The only thing more feverishly hot than the spice between them is my FURY at that ending. From a plot perspective, I must commend the authors on the cliffhanger. I have so many questions and too few answers, waiting with bated breath for the next book. It's a testament to how much I've grown to care for these characters that I have had so visceral a reaction. That is where my benevolence ends. Nobody speak to me for at least a week, please, as I gather the remains of my mangled heart ☠️🫠