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Guardians of Boston #1
Runaway Magic
Freak. Disaster. Mistake. Cym had heard it all.
His family wasn’t content to lock him away ‘for the greater good’ anymore. No. Now they wanted him dead.
Protection? What was that? Cym had never known anyone who wanted to keep him safe. Either he relied on himself or he was toast. So when he landed in the lap of an assassin, Cym thought his luck was up. Little did he know his story was only beginning.
No morals and a quick mind. How many times had Fourteen heard himself described that way? Usually right before sending him on a mission they’d have to delete from his mind once he completed it.
But The Company would never be able to make him forget the terrified young man who landed in his lap during a firefight. Not when his touch made the icy cage of Fourteen’s conditioning burn away.
For someone who could barely be considered a person, Fourteen was finding it shockingly easy to act like one around Cym. Maybe that was why he was willing to do anything to keep him safe. He’d have to break Cym’s bad habit of running from him first, though.
Runaway Magic is a 109,000 word, slow-burn bodyguard romance with more gayness than you can shake a stick at. You’ll find found family, obsessive love interests, and, of course, magic.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2024
76 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 29, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this one. The worldbuilding is fresh and complex, and the cast of characters is varied and interesting. At one point, I was enjoying this so much and was sure this would be a five-star read.
What threw me off was Cym’s character arc. He starts off as a seemingly independent 19-year-old, but as the story progresses, he begins to sound and behave more like a (young) teenager. That shift, combined with how mature and definitely adult Fourteen comes across, makes their romance feel off-balance and weird.
I also feel like things are too rushed. The entire 400+ page story unfolds over just a few days, yet we’re introduced to four different groups. Witches, dreamwalkers, mercenaries, mythical beings (fairies, elves, brownies), and demons, all make an appearance. It’s a whirlwind of actions and different plots, and it sometimes felt too much, too fast, and not deep enough.
I saw someone describe this as a slow burn, and I’m genuinely confused. The entire book takes place over a few days and the main couple are already promising forever, even if they’ve only kissed—isn’t that insta-love, instead of slow burn?
That said, I’m deeply invested in Marshall and his gang. I really hope we see more of them. Marshall and Jack, in particular, seem like they could carry a compelling story of their own. This is only the first book, so I guess there’s still a lot to unpack here. I might still give the next one a chance.
3.5⭐️
What threw me off was Cym’s character arc. He starts off as a seemingly independent 19-year-old, but as the story progresses, he begins to sound and behave more like a (young) teenager. That shift, combined with how mature and definitely adult Fourteen comes across, makes their romance feel off-balance and weird.
I also feel like things are too rushed. The entire 400+ page story unfolds over just a few days, yet we’re introduced to four different groups. Witches, dreamwalkers, mercenaries, mythical beings (fairies, elves, brownies), and demons, all make an appearance. It’s a whirlwind of actions and different plots, and it sometimes felt too much, too fast, and not deep enough.
I saw someone describe this as a slow burn, and I’m genuinely confused. The entire book takes place over a few days and the main couple are already promising forever, even if they’ve only kissed—isn’t that insta-love, instead of slow burn?
That said, I’m deeply invested in Marshall and his gang. I really hope we see more of them. Marshall and Jack, in particular, seem like they could carry a compelling story of their own. This is only the first book, so I guess there’s still a lot to unpack here. I might still give the next one a chance.
3.5⭐️
July 9, 2024
New Zile Elliven? Sign me up.
"slow-burn bodyguard romance" doesn't quite hit the mark since this is primarily two sad bois (in different ways) fighting their personal demons (and literal ones!) in two action-packed days while falling into an instantaneous connection the way only Elliven writes. This book does not focus on romance and the storyline will continue in another book(s). So it's actually more like insta-obsession but no sex accidental bodyguard romance :D I wasn't bored for a second although this isn't my typical genre and am looking forward to book 2!
I recommend this is if you're looking for
- high action
- found family
- obsessive love interest
- cuddles
- sad bois
- fantasy without sex
- more Zile Elliven
Quotes
tags:
NSFW infos:
- 26 year old MC, big and scarred, dark brown soft and thick hair, doesn't like being touched apart from by the other MC
- 19 year old MC, long white hair, pocket-sized
- size difference
- kisses and cuddles
I received this as an ARC by signing up via a Google Form
"slow-burn bodyguard romance" doesn't quite hit the mark since this is primarily two sad bois (in different ways) fighting their personal demons (and literal ones!) in two action-packed days while falling into an instantaneous connection the way only Elliven writes. This book does not focus on romance and the storyline will continue in another book(s). So it's actually more like insta-obsession but no sex accidental bodyguard romance :D I wasn't bored for a second although this isn't my typical genre and am looking forward to book 2!
I recommend this is if you're looking for
- high action
- found family
- obsessive love interest
- cuddles
- sad bois
- fantasy without sex
- more Zile Elliven
Quotes
"You're worried about me." It was a statement, not a question. It was a first for him – someone worrying about his welfare. p. 11
Hesitantly, he reached out and touched the boy's cheek. It felt like his entire body had been plunged into warm sunshine after being cold for far too long.
It burned.
He wanted more.
Who was this boy?
p. 18
Fourteen slung an arm over Cym's chest, a leg over his hip, and curled around Cym like a dragon protecting his precious hoard. p. 350
tags:
NSFW infos:
- 26 year old MC, big and scarred, dark brown soft and thick hair, doesn't like being touched apart from by the other MC
- 19 year old MC, long white hair, pocket-sized
- size difference
- kisses and cuddles
I received this as an ARC by signing up via a Google Form
July 22, 2025
This is NOT an ARC review, but rather a review by a person who actually bought and loved the book (I hate all the 5 star ARC reviews if you didn't know that about me)
This is low fantasy (regular, contemporary Earth with magical component; high fantasy is whole different world with magical component). As such, there is a LOT of world building that has to take place, which is why it's 412 pages. The rising action takes about 350 pages. I think the climax hit somewhere around 90%. There is no spice, just cuddling. There is NOT a cliffhanger*, as some reviewers have mentioned. No cheating, no mmm+, no HEA. There, I think I've hit the usual suspects.
I loved this book. There's nothing I like more than a plot heavy fantasy novel without much sexy stuff. It's not going to be for everyone, but fantasy lovers will love it. I was hesitant to read it because I know how slow this author writes (we're not talking GRR Martin but pretty slow). However, even though there was a set up for the next book in the series and it will be a long time before we get it, I'm not sorry I read it.
*RE: the cliffhanger: a cliffhanger suggests that a story is not complete and that the climax that solves or answers the problem was not sufficient. The problem in this story is, "Why is Cym's family doing the things they are doing?" The climax is more than sufficient to answer this problem/question, and as such, the story is complete and doesn't end on a cliffhanger. The next book in the series will have a totally different problem to solve, so that is why this isn't a cliffhanger. The series isn't complete, no, but the story of Cym and his family is complete now.
This is low fantasy (regular, contemporary Earth with magical component; high fantasy is whole different world with magical component). As such, there is a LOT of world building that has to take place, which is why it's 412 pages. The rising action takes about 350 pages. I think the climax hit somewhere around 90%. There is no spice, just cuddling. There is NOT a cliffhanger*, as some reviewers have mentioned. No cheating, no mmm+, no HEA. There, I think I've hit the usual suspects.
I loved this book. There's nothing I like more than a plot heavy fantasy novel without much sexy stuff. It's not going to be for everyone, but fantasy lovers will love it. I was hesitant to read it because I know how slow this author writes (we're not talking GRR Martin but pretty slow). However, even though there was a set up for the next book in the series and it will be a long time before we get it, I'm not sorry I read it.
*RE: the cliffhanger: a cliffhanger suggests that a story is not complete and that the climax that solves or answers the problem was not sufficient. The problem in this story is, "Why is Cym's family doing the things they are doing?" The climax is more than sufficient to answer this problem/question, and as such, the story is complete and doesn't end on a cliffhanger. The next book in the series will have a totally different problem to solve, so that is why this isn't a cliffhanger. The series isn't complete, no, but the story of Cym and his family is complete now.
July 20, 2024
Uh, all I got is I need more now. The world building in this urban fantasy is truly brilliant. You are immediately drawn in and not let go until the end, and all you can do is can I have more, please, and thank you.
Cym & Fourteen are both broken in their own unique ways that draw them together and yet have them not trusting the draw. These two have to fight their demons(past and present) to even have a chance at something. Then you have Marshall, Adelle, and Jack of the Guard whose story is happening along with Cym and Fourteens story, which draws you even more. And oh boy, once both stories collide pure utter chaos and excitement. Now, this is how you start an urban fantasy series. Yes, this book is more urban fantasy than romance, but as a first book in a series, for me, it just has you wanting more to see how it all plays out.
Cym & Fourteen are both broken in their own unique ways that draw them together and yet have them not trusting the draw. These two have to fight their demons(past and present) to even have a chance at something. Then you have Marshall, Adelle, and Jack of the Guard whose story is happening along with Cym and Fourteens story, which draws you even more. And oh boy, once both stories collide pure utter chaos and excitement. Now, this is how you start an urban fantasy series. Yes, this book is more urban fantasy than romance, but as a first book in a series, for me, it just has you wanting more to see how it all plays out.
July 14, 2024
Cym is on the run- trying to escape his magical family trying to kill him. Too bad he's supposed to be their leader. Fourteen is a human normal who works for The Company as a killer agent but saves Cym and protects him. Marshall, Adelle and Jack are Guardians called in to figure out what's going on. This is a fascinating book packed with magicians fighting among themselves, with demons and just plain doing the right thing. Cym and Fourteen are fire themselves and Marshall and his team are justice and righteousness bundled into a mind blowing experience. Though it is an almost non-existent slow burn, the passion, possessiveness and desire is there and building to a frenzy when you realize this whole book takes place over a few days. It is going to be continued in another book after a HFN. I loved this book and I can't wait for the next!
August 17, 2024
I really loved the characters and concepts overall. My only issue with it is that between the three viewpoint characters, it seemed like the book wasn't sure whose story it wanted to tell. All three flowed together and made sense, but with how tightly interwoven 2/3 of the stories are, the 3rd stuck out.
Don't get me wrong, I greatly enjoyed that viewpoint and am really hoping he gets his own book because it sounds super fun, but his sections were much farther divorced from the rest of the story. I'm not sure how some of the information would have been portrayed without his sections, so the book would lack without it. I'm not sure how I would fix this, but it is a minor thing.
There were also some points where it seemed like a character knew something they shouldn't. As an example, we would be in character A's viewpoint and learn something, then go to character B's viewpoint and B would also know that thing without having discussed it with A or having a way to know that. This may have been my own flawed reading, but there were a couple instances that definitely made me go "waiiiit"
But other than those two things, I really really loved the book and will totally be reading the sequel(s).
Don't get me wrong, I greatly enjoyed that viewpoint and am really hoping he gets his own book because it sounds super fun, but his sections were much farther divorced from the rest of the story. I'm not sure how some of the information would have been portrayed without his sections, so the book would lack without it. I'm not sure how I would fix this, but it is a minor thing.
There were also some points where it seemed like a character knew something they shouldn't. As an example, we would be in character A's viewpoint and learn something, then go to character B's viewpoint and B would also know that thing without having discussed it with A or having a way to know that. This may have been my own flawed reading, but there were a couple instances that definitely made me go "waiiiit"
But other than those two things, I really really loved the book and will totally be reading the sequel(s).
November 25, 2024
3.75 stars. This book has some really great worldbuilding and characters, though some areas of the plot and pacing felt wanting. A really fun start that juuuuuust missed that extra bit of magic needed to truly bring it to life. We have triple 3rd-person POV (the two love interests and a third), which also creates a really fascinating dynamic. The book ultimately brings together Cym and Fourteen, and then brings them together with Marshall, Adelle, and Jack. So we have the beginnings of a really fascinating found family. There are no steamy scenes (which, based on the kissing and semi-frottage scenes we did get, I think it's best that there weren't any steamy scenes). As romantic partners I could see their characters slipping into trope roles (that make no sense for their characters) just in the moments we do get in the book. This urban fantasy world is so full of magic that sometimes it borderlined too much information needed, and other times the pacing of the book would get all wonky because we were dealing with moments where time could be slowed, for example. But the book itself was very immersive and I absolutely enjoyed it.
Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Yes.
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: Fourteen is fascinating. I personally haven't seen anyone written quite like him yet. A lot of who (what?) he is remains a mystery even by the end of this novel, but he has a horrifying backstory that's left him with something akin to a broken soul and mind. He's part human, part machine, and coming into contact with Cym starts to shake things loose. But his POV is one of the best to read, in my opinion, simply because of the way he IS. The author absolutely nailed him. Marshall's POV came as a surprise, but most of what I found interesting about his POV came from the dynamic established between Marshall, his sister Addie, and his best friend Jack (I have a feeling that's going to develop into more). Jack is personally my favorite of all the characters. Marshall, Jack, and Fourteen are all similarly tall and fairly large men, so there is a certainly commonality between the three which is fascinating to read, especially the dichotomy between Marshall and Fourteen: They're both highly skilled and able to kill and wield power quite easily, so to see how they go about that is really brilliant.
As for Cym: an entire class could write a term paper for Gender Studies 101 when it comes to his character. In sum: he wasn't my favorite. The author mentions changing the gender of Cym's character from female to male at the beginning in the A/N (which is awesome!). That being said, perhaps because I knew that information, I felt a lot of his characteristics came across as either 'lazy'/didn't feel like changing it or took me out of the story with a reminder that the author changed his gender. So where his characteristics may be seen as complex and different in another book, for me it kept knocking me out of the story because it felt like moments I could see the author's hand at work. For example: he's super short. Shorter than every single male and female character in the story, and we are constantly reminded of this. Additionally, he's referred to as a kid, despite being 19, by everyone else. Sure, eventually that changes a bit, but the damage is done for me as a reader. Then we have him being a runaway wearing "a pink tank top and white yoga pants." And Fourteen finding a pink sparkly Hello Kitty zip-up and deciding that would be best for Cym even though they're on the run and he goes on and on about needing to be wearing dark clothing all the time. All of these instances together left me at a disconnect from his character.
PLOT: Cym and Fourteen collide while Cym is on the run from his family and Fourteen is on an assassination mission. The two end up running and sticking together because their connection isn't all as it seems. The plot is medium-paced even though it starts up right away. Then we shift between medium- and slow-paced, alternating between three POVs. The plot is comprised of mystery, running away/quest, and a little romance on the side. In the end, our main characters all finally find their way together and succeed, only to be left with the set-up for the next antagonist at the very end of the book.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
3:5/medium. I think the way it's written keeps this one at a level that's entertaining without taking too much out of me. I appreciated that, because this one could absolutely have been quite a lot more intense if it had been written slightly differently.
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
50%. Even though we aren't left with a cliffhanger, there is a LOT that remains unanswered, including things that I would have wished to be answered by the end of this book, rather than later. Even when we learn the title for Cym's brand of magic, we never get an answer to exactly how it works, for example. Or the mystery of Fourteen's 'modifications'. It appears Marshall et. al. know something, so to not have that given to us here was a bit frustrating. And finally, the climactic moment felt like a plunk of a coin in a bucket, compared to the tsunami surge of the build up.
Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Yes.
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: Fourteen is fascinating. I personally haven't seen anyone written quite like him yet. A lot of who (what?) he is remains a mystery even by the end of this novel, but he has a horrifying backstory that's left him with something akin to a broken soul and mind. He's part human, part machine, and coming into contact with Cym starts to shake things loose. But his POV is one of the best to read, in my opinion, simply because of the way he IS. The author absolutely nailed him. Marshall's POV came as a surprise, but most of what I found interesting about his POV came from the dynamic established between Marshall, his sister Addie, and his best friend Jack (I have a feeling that's going to develop into more). Jack is personally my favorite of all the characters. Marshall, Jack, and Fourteen are all similarly tall and fairly large men, so there is a certainly commonality between the three which is fascinating to read, especially the dichotomy between Marshall and Fourteen: They're both highly skilled and able to kill and wield power quite easily, so to see how they go about that is really brilliant.
As for Cym: an entire class could write a term paper for Gender Studies 101 when it comes to his character. In sum: he wasn't my favorite. The author mentions changing the gender of Cym's character from female to male at the beginning in the A/N (which is awesome!). That being said, perhaps because I knew that information, I felt a lot of his characteristics came across as either 'lazy'/didn't feel like changing it or took me out of the story with a reminder that the author changed his gender. So where his characteristics may be seen as complex and different in another book, for me it kept knocking me out of the story because it felt like moments I could see the author's hand at work. For example: he's super short. Shorter than every single male and female character in the story, and we are constantly reminded of this. Additionally, he's referred to as a kid, despite being 19, by everyone else. Sure, eventually that changes a bit, but the damage is done for me as a reader. Then we have him being a runaway wearing "a pink tank top and white yoga pants." And Fourteen finding a pink sparkly Hello Kitty zip-up and deciding that would be best for Cym even though they're on the run and he goes on and on about needing to be wearing dark clothing all the time. All of these instances together left me at a disconnect from his character.
PLOT: Cym and Fourteen collide while Cym is on the run from his family and Fourteen is on an assassination mission. The two end up running and sticking together because their connection isn't all as it seems. The plot is medium-paced even though it starts up right away. Then we shift between medium- and slow-paced, alternating between three POVs. The plot is comprised of mystery, running away/quest, and a little romance on the side. In the end, our main characters all finally find their way together and succeed, only to be left with the set-up for the next antagonist at the very end of the book.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
3:5/medium. I think the way it's written keeps this one at a level that's entertaining without taking too much out of me. I appreciated that, because this one could absolutely have been quite a lot more intense if it had been written slightly differently.
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
50%. Even though we aren't left with a cliffhanger, there is a LOT that remains unanswered, including things that I would have wished to be answered by the end of this book, rather than later. Even when we learn the title for Cym's brand of magic, we never get an answer to exactly how it works, for example. Or the mystery of Fourteen's 'modifications'. It appears Marshall et. al. know something, so to not have that given to us here was a bit frustrating. And finally, the climactic moment felt like a plunk of a coin in a bucket, compared to the tsunami surge of the build up.
July 22, 2024
highly recommended, great characters, engaging story
Rating: 4.5🌈
Zile Elliven is a relatively new author for me as I’ve only read one other book by them, a very interesting and engaging one. So I immediately picked up Elliven’s newest release to see what it was about.
What Runaway Magic holds is an amazing array of elements in its narrative , beginning with the fascinating characters. This is especially true of the main couple of Cym and Fourteen, as well as the side group of Guardians, a trio that reads as found family with an engaging powerful dynamic.
To bring all that together, Elliven has to set up a foundation for a world that includes norms, otherworldly beings, witches, an paranormal organizational hierarchy, dream walkers, demons, and the Other, a vast sea of spiritual powers that runs everything and through those that have the ability to make magic. The knowledge about this is slowly imparted into the story as some of the characters learn about magic themselves. Also about the Guardians, the magical law enforcement powers.
Elliven uses a three-person POV, a format which isn’t a favorite of mine. But here it’s necessary for the characters and universe building because of the complexity of the storylines and the various characters’ critical plot line situations. Whether it’s understanding the different traumatic backgrounds that have formed Fourteen and Cym, ones that make them uniquely vulnerable and yet so powerful. Or the world of the Guardians and Marshall, it’s head, who are soon to come into contact with the duo above.
There’s so much more to dive into, a corrupt family, an anonymous government agency, and a demon world, all of which needs further investigation and looks to receive additional exploration in the series.
I can’t wait for Killer Magic to come.
For those who are fans of this author or have read previous books by Zile Elliven, don’t miss the author’s Preface, which clears up some potential questions. I hadn’t read the earlier book the author had written.
I found Runaway Magic (Guardians of Boston Book 1) by Zile Elliven a fascinating and highly entertaining story and can’t wait to continue the series.
Check it out! It’s a definite recommendation.
Guardians of Boston:
- [x] Runaway Magic #1
- [ ] Killer Magic #2 - TBD
Rating: 4.5🌈
Zile Elliven is a relatively new author for me as I’ve only read one other book by them, a very interesting and engaging one. So I immediately picked up Elliven’s newest release to see what it was about.
What Runaway Magic holds is an amazing array of elements in its narrative , beginning with the fascinating characters. This is especially true of the main couple of Cym and Fourteen, as well as the side group of Guardians, a trio that reads as found family with an engaging powerful dynamic.
To bring all that together, Elliven has to set up a foundation for a world that includes norms, otherworldly beings, witches, an paranormal organizational hierarchy, dream walkers, demons, and the Other, a vast sea of spiritual powers that runs everything and through those that have the ability to make magic. The knowledge about this is slowly imparted into the story as some of the characters learn about magic themselves. Also about the Guardians, the magical law enforcement powers.
Elliven uses a three-person POV, a format which isn’t a favorite of mine. But here it’s necessary for the characters and universe building because of the complexity of the storylines and the various characters’ critical plot line situations. Whether it’s understanding the different traumatic backgrounds that have formed Fourteen and Cym, ones that make them uniquely vulnerable and yet so powerful. Or the world of the Guardians and Marshall, it’s head, who are soon to come into contact with the duo above.
There’s so much more to dive into, a corrupt family, an anonymous government agency, and a demon world, all of which needs further investigation and looks to receive additional exploration in the series.
I can’t wait for Killer Magic to come.
For those who are fans of this author or have read previous books by Zile Elliven, don’t miss the author’s Preface, which clears up some potential questions. I hadn’t read the earlier book the author had written.
I found Runaway Magic (Guardians of Boston Book 1) by Zile Elliven a fascinating and highly entertaining story and can’t wait to continue the series.
Check it out! It’s a definite recommendation.
Guardians of Boston:
- [x] Runaway Magic #1
- [ ] Killer Magic #2 - TBD
July 21, 2024
This book is intense, I'll start off with that. Be prepared for a lot to be going on all at once, getting introduced to new characters frequently, and lots, and lots, of magic.
Cym's character, along with Fourteen's broke my heart. Both were broken in different ways, and have faced a lot of pain. Fourteen hasn't had to feel any feelings until he meets Cym, after coming into close contact with him he starts becoming less of a robot he was made to be, and more of a person.
This story was really intriguing, I enjoyed the fantasy world this was set in, along with all the different types of magic. There wasn't just witches with invisibility, but witches who could cast fire, demolish buildings... Or who can turn into someone else. I found the variety of magic really interesting and I'm impressed that the author came up with so many different types of characters, that also had their own magic.
The pacing of the story was a bit slow honestly. It's action packed from the beginning to the end, these characters do not get an easy time, or chances to take a breath. They are in the thick of it throughout the whole story. While I enjoyed the plot itself, there wasn't much as far as romance in this story. Cym and Fourteen eventually started to tentatively get to know each other, and learn to count on one another, but the romance took a bit of a backseat. Towards the end of the book is really where their feelings for one another came to light.
I loved Marshall, Adelle, and Jack's characters, they were all lovely and each had their own unique personality. Marshall was more aloof on the outside but cared deeply for those around him. Adelle is a strong independent woman who tries to make sure her brothers stay levelheaded. And Jack is the bubbly one full of life and rainbows, but knows how to protect his family. The further this story went on the more I began to understand each of these characters, cause the further you read more of the story unravels.
I enjoyed reading this book, while it isn't a 'typical' romance book I still liked it regardless. To me it feels like it ended with a HFN, I definitely think there will be another book in this series. I hope so anyways.
Cym's character, along with Fourteen's broke my heart. Both were broken in different ways, and have faced a lot of pain. Fourteen hasn't had to feel any feelings until he meets Cym, after coming into close contact with him he starts becoming less of a robot he was made to be, and more of a person.
This story was really intriguing, I enjoyed the fantasy world this was set in, along with all the different types of magic. There wasn't just witches with invisibility, but witches who could cast fire, demolish buildings... Or who can turn into someone else. I found the variety of magic really interesting and I'm impressed that the author came up with so many different types of characters, that also had their own magic.
The pacing of the story was a bit slow honestly. It's action packed from the beginning to the end, these characters do not get an easy time, or chances to take a breath. They are in the thick of it throughout the whole story. While I enjoyed the plot itself, there wasn't much as far as romance in this story. Cym and Fourteen eventually started to tentatively get to know each other, and learn to count on one another, but the romance took a bit of a backseat. Towards the end of the book is really where their feelings for one another came to light.
I loved Marshall, Adelle, and Jack's characters, they were all lovely and each had their own unique personality. Marshall was more aloof on the outside but cared deeply for those around him. Adelle is a strong independent woman who tries to make sure her brothers stay levelheaded. And Jack is the bubbly one full of life and rainbows, but knows how to protect his family. The further this story went on the more I began to understand each of these characters, cause the further you read more of the story unravels.
I enjoyed reading this book, while it isn't a 'typical' romance book I still liked it regardless. To me it feels like it ended with a HFN, I definitely think there will be another book in this series. I hope so anyways.
July 21, 2024
From the moment you open the book and see that Cym is running for his life, you are drawn into an action pack, at times tense read and it made we want to know more about Cym.
What did I learn about Cym, none of his family loved him, locked away and then after escaping was on the run. For someone who had no one, he did really well looking after himself without using his magic and really on his instincts, even when he ran into Fourteen, he trusted that he was going to be safe. even though no one had shown him love, he was always thinking of others and keeping them safe.
Fourteen was the complete opposite, detached, showed no compassion and was a killing machine. If you are old like me then you would remember Universal Soldier, Fourteen was like Dolph Lundgren's character. But with Cym he was different and I loved that he went out to protect him, even without fully understanding what was going on.
Thrown into the story was Marshall, Jack and Adele, guards who end up getting involved. All three of these characters added to the story and with their individual characteristics coming out, made this story better.
The world building was one of the best, with every new chapter more of the world that they lived in was revealed and this was Urban Fantasy at its finest.
Written mainly from Cym and Fourteen's POV, you get a detailed description what was going on and with Marshall's POV, you get the fully story.
Whilst the romance is there, it is in the background. I did enjoy Fourteen's possessiveness when it came to Cym and in one scene how he did not main Jack was a miracle.
Whilst not ending on a cliffhanger as the main story was wrapped up. It has left me wanting/knowing more especially when it comes to The Company and if there is another book in the works and if it follows a certain 2 guards then I would be extremely happy.
Even whilst writing this review there is so much I can add but I do not want to spoil it for anyone and as I am still thinking of this story I have upped my star rating from 4 to 5. An exciting read
What did I learn about Cym, none of his family loved him, locked away and then after escaping was on the run. For someone who had no one, he did really well looking after himself without using his magic and really on his instincts, even when he ran into Fourteen, he trusted that he was going to be safe. even though no one had shown him love, he was always thinking of others and keeping them safe.
Fourteen was the complete opposite, detached, showed no compassion and was a killing machine. If you are old like me then you would remember Universal Soldier, Fourteen was like Dolph Lundgren's character. But with Cym he was different and I loved that he went out to protect him, even without fully understanding what was going on.
Thrown into the story was Marshall, Jack and Adele, guards who end up getting involved. All three of these characters added to the story and with their individual characteristics coming out, made this story better.
The world building was one of the best, with every new chapter more of the world that they lived in was revealed and this was Urban Fantasy at its finest.
Written mainly from Cym and Fourteen's POV, you get a detailed description what was going on and with Marshall's POV, you get the fully story.
Whilst the romance is there, it is in the background. I did enjoy Fourteen's possessiveness when it came to Cym and in one scene how he did not main Jack was a miracle.
Whilst not ending on a cliffhanger as the main story was wrapped up. It has left me wanting/knowing more especially when it comes to The Company and if there is another book in the works and if it follows a certain 2 guards then I would be extremely happy.
Even whilst writing this review there is so much I can add but I do not want to spoil it for anyone and as I am still thinking of this story I have upped my star rating from 4 to 5. An exciting read
July 20, 2024
I have liked everything I’ve read by Zile Elliven, “Runaway Magic” is something special. It drops the reader into the action from the first page and doesn’t let up until the end. There is so much action and magic and danger that it could have been overwhelming but there are enough spaces left for characters to breathe and the excitement to settle that it doesn’t get to be too much. There isn’t a cliffhanger so much as there is a build up to what’s to come for the characters and progression of the storyline.
This is an Urban Fantasy book with an MM Romance subplot. So don’t expect the romance to be the focus, though it is definitely there and it is definitely in the insta-attraction and insta-possessiveness category.
This book is from the POV of three characters. Cym and Fourteen, plus a new found ally, Marshall (I really hope we get more with him, Adelle and Jack.) It is very much UF so there is a lot of magic, action, fight scenes, and monsters. It has the beginnings of a found family that UF is so great with so the book being written in the different POV from very different perspectives is needed. There is simply too much going on with the book and all the characters that only having one or two POV would leave a lot of the story and the world building out.
And the world building. Damn! It is fantastic! There are no info dumps. The book starts with action and the world building is so slow that it adds to the chaos portrayed in the book. It adds a sense of the confusion to the action and danger. It’s not a lot of confusion, but it enhances what the characters are going through, with their own world discoveries. It’s a nice evolution and twist to read.
I can’t wait to see where this series will lead.
I received a copy of this book and this is my hones opinion.
This is an Urban Fantasy book with an MM Romance subplot. So don’t expect the romance to be the focus, though it is definitely there and it is definitely in the insta-attraction and insta-possessiveness category.
This book is from the POV of three characters. Cym and Fourteen, plus a new found ally, Marshall (I really hope we get more with him, Adelle and Jack.) It is very much UF so there is a lot of magic, action, fight scenes, and monsters. It has the beginnings of a found family that UF is so great with so the book being written in the different POV from very different perspectives is needed. There is simply too much going on with the book and all the characters that only having one or two POV would leave a lot of the story and the world building out.
And the world building. Damn! It is fantastic! There are no info dumps. The book starts with action and the world building is so slow that it adds to the chaos portrayed in the book. It adds a sense of the confusion to the action and danger. It’s not a lot of confusion, but it enhances what the characters are going through, with their own world discoveries. It’s a nice evolution and twist to read.
I can’t wait to see where this series will lead.
I received a copy of this book and this is my hones opinion.
July 20, 2024
I received an ARC, and this is my honest opinion of the novel.
I will preface this review by stating that I have read multiple of Zile Elliven’s other books and you can tell the author has really upped their writing skills.
The story follows Cyn as he is escaping his magical family and lands in Fourteen’s lap. Fourteen is robotic like in nature due to being an assassin for “The Company” and has an almost “insta-obsession” with Cym. I would say this book has a slow burn with no end result yet, but I’m hoping in book two this comes to fruition. There is a lot of buildup but the two always seem to be interrupted when the opportunities present themselves. These two are both truly broken in their own ways, and I can’t wait to explore their relationship in the next one.
One of my favorite parts of this book has to be the side characters Marshall, Jack, and Adelle. I usually am passive over the side characters, but I could read a whole series about these three, especially Jack, because they are so entertaining. I was surprised to see more than 2 POV as I am not usually someone who enjoys that, but I loved getting a direct insight into Marshall. I think that really helped the reader understand the complexities of the world especially surrounding the magic system and demons.
I was so pleasantly surprised with how much the book was able to pack into it without seemingly like a cliché with the magic systems, bodyguard romance, and insta-love. I wholeheartedly cannot wait for the next installment.
I will preface this review by stating that I have read multiple of Zile Elliven’s other books and you can tell the author has really upped their writing skills.
The story follows Cyn as he is escaping his magical family and lands in Fourteen’s lap. Fourteen is robotic like in nature due to being an assassin for “The Company” and has an almost “insta-obsession” with Cym. I would say this book has a slow burn with no end result yet, but I’m hoping in book two this comes to fruition. There is a lot of buildup but the two always seem to be interrupted when the opportunities present themselves. These two are both truly broken in their own ways, and I can’t wait to explore their relationship in the next one.
One of my favorite parts of this book has to be the side characters Marshall, Jack, and Adelle. I usually am passive over the side characters, but I could read a whole series about these three, especially Jack, because they are so entertaining. I was surprised to see more than 2 POV as I am not usually someone who enjoys that, but I loved getting a direct insight into Marshall. I think that really helped the reader understand the complexities of the world especially surrounding the magic system and demons.
I was so pleasantly surprised with how much the book was able to pack into it without seemingly like a cliché with the magic systems, bodyguard romance, and insta-love. I wholeheartedly cannot wait for the next installment.
July 26, 2024
Love, love, love!!
Okay, I absolutely loved Cym and Fourteen's story! The emotion this book made me feel, over and over and over, were absolutely perfect! And let's not ignore the Marshall and Jack connection (though they seem to be taking slow burn to the extreme... how many decades have to pass before the get hit with a clue-by-four??) Three quick things to note:
First, this book ends on a HFN with a nice lead-in to the next book. Not quite a cliffhanger, but enough to make you anxious to read book 2. Be aware of that if you're looking for everything to be typed up in a prefect bow with an HEA. (If it helps, I'm excited more than frustrated and I hate cliffhangers.)
Second, this is a slow burn book; if you're looking for something with a lot of heat, this isn't it. There's so much cuddling and heart warming moments that you won't miss the spicy heat unless that's the reason you're reading.
Finally, it may help to think of this as more of an urban fantasy book than a romance. Don't get me wrong, the romance is there and will probably heat up in the next book, but this book is more about exploring and understanding the world Zile is building. Maybe like 2/3 fantasy and 1/3 romance? But all mixed together... I'm not explaining this well. Either way, get this book, you won't be sorry!
Okay, I absolutely loved Cym and Fourteen's story! The emotion this book made me feel, over and over and over, were absolutely perfect! And let's not ignore the Marshall and Jack connection (though they seem to be taking slow burn to the extreme... how many decades have to pass before the get hit with a clue-by-four??) Three quick things to note:
First, this book ends on a HFN with a nice lead-in to the next book. Not quite a cliffhanger, but enough to make you anxious to read book 2. Be aware of that if you're looking for everything to be typed up in a prefect bow with an HEA. (If it helps, I'm excited more than frustrated and I hate cliffhangers.)
Second, this is a slow burn book; if you're looking for something with a lot of heat, this isn't it. There's so much cuddling and heart warming moments that you won't miss the spicy heat unless that's the reason you're reading.
Finally, it may help to think of this as more of an urban fantasy book than a romance. Don't get me wrong, the romance is there and will probably heat up in the next book, but this book is more about exploring and understanding the world Zile is building. Maybe like 2/3 fantasy and 1/3 romance? But all mixed together... I'm not explaining this well. Either way, get this book, you won't be sorry!
July 28, 2024
4.25 star read
This was another great book by Zile and I will be reading the next book in the series when it comes out. The concept was great and the story really draws you in.
There is only one thing that kept this from being five stars and that is Marshall. Now, it’s not that I didn’t like Marshall as he was quite charming and easy to empathize with. I removed .75 of a star because his POV somehow both took me out of the story and added depth (more the former than the latter). When his POV came up initially, it annoyed me. I didn’t want to be removed from the MLs and I was frustrated that we had the introduction of new issues that only impacted a side character. Then I became frustrated for another reason. Marshall was so well fleshed out and nuanced that the “main characters” started to feel like side characters. It was like he was in 4D and they had just barely became 3D. At the heart of it, I think it would have been better for Marshall to have his own novel (with Jack obviously as his love interest) than divert the focus of the narrative in so many places.
This was another great book by Zile and I will be reading the next book in the series when it comes out. The concept was great and the story really draws you in.
There is only one thing that kept this from being five stars and that is Marshall. Now, it’s not that I didn’t like Marshall as he was quite charming and easy to empathize with. I removed .75 of a star because his POV somehow both took me out of the story and added depth (more the former than the latter). When his POV came up initially, it annoyed me. I didn’t want to be removed from the MLs and I was frustrated that we had the introduction of new issues that only impacted a side character. Then I became frustrated for another reason. Marshall was so well fleshed out and nuanced that the “main characters” started to feel like side characters. It was like he was in 4D and they had just barely became 3D. At the heart of it, I think it would have been better for Marshall to have his own novel (with Jack obviously as his love interest) than divert the focus of the narrative in so many places.
July 25, 2024
Incredible
I can't explain how much I loved this book! But I'll try 😂 it's filled with so much action that I used to love about books I grew up with. Zile created a whole new world and the beginning of an epic story I can't wait to read. Cym is such a powerful character, while he finds himself so often lost, he has the power to help people at every turn and is such an amazing protagonist in the story. His human shield Fourteen is this complex mix of confusion and a person trying to break free of the hold of his past. I loved their story, loved the way it ended and how there is a bit of the story that is exciting to follow in the next book. The introduction of the guardians was such a brilliant inclusion in the book, Marshall, Jack and Adelle are the most insane, powerful and fun group of people. Zile created a world I can see in my head and it's playing out like my favorite tv show! Can't wait for more. Seriously, you need to read this book!
I can't explain how much I loved this book! But I'll try 😂 it's filled with so much action that I used to love about books I grew up with. Zile created a whole new world and the beginning of an epic story I can't wait to read. Cym is such a powerful character, while he finds himself so often lost, he has the power to help people at every turn and is such an amazing protagonist in the story. His human shield Fourteen is this complex mix of confusion and a person trying to break free of the hold of his past. I loved their story, loved the way it ended and how there is a bit of the story that is exciting to follow in the next book. The introduction of the guardians was such a brilliant inclusion in the book, Marshall, Jack and Adelle are the most insane, powerful and fun group of people. Zile created a world I can see in my head and it's playing out like my favorite tv show! Can't wait for more. Seriously, you need to read this book!
July 7, 2024
First, I'd probably classify this as fantasy with a romantic element, but I wouldn't consider this a romance. I didn't realize that going in and that normally would have turned me off since I almost exclusively read romance, but I really enjoyed this book.
I loved the way magic works in this world. I loved the politics of the magical world. I loved Cym and Fourteen, but I *also* loved Marshall and Jack and Adelle, and I even sort of loved Sterling by the end. This author is fantastic at writing quirky, unique characters that you just CARE ABOUT, and so even though this wasn't what I was expecting, I loved it anyway and will definitely read any other books in this series.
I loved the way magic works in this world. I loved the politics of the magical world. I loved Cym and Fourteen, but I *also* loved Marshall and Jack and Adelle, and I even sort of loved Sterling by the end. This author is fantastic at writing quirky, unique characters that you just CARE ABOUT, and so even though this wasn't what I was expecting, I loved it anyway and will definitely read any other books in this series.
July 15, 2024
Runaway Magic is the first book in the new Guardians of Boston series by Zile Elliven. Another outstanding story from Zile Elliven. This one is about Cym who is running from his magical family because of his magic and Fourteen who works for the company as an assassin and helps Cym. I love the characters and how they interact with each other. I also love the side characters who look like they will be part of the series. This book pulled me in from the start and I couldn't put it down because I had to see what was going to happen next. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book because for me it was a 5 star read.
July 17, 2024
I really can't wait for the next book in this series. The way this author combines magic with action is nnnnnnniiiiiicccceeee! Excellent worldbuilding. A great cast of characters, both main and secondary. And a little bit of humor thrown in. Every time Cym and Fourteen get cozy, something interrupts. So, lots of thwarted steam between the two. The found family the two find together is wonderful. Even though the book has a cliffhanger, the end of book one is rather satisfying.
This is a new author for me. I can't remember who turned me in their direction. But they definitely deserve all the tacos.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
This is a new author for me. I can't remember who turned me in their direction. But they definitely deserve all the tacos.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
July 22, 2024
Runaway Magic is an action packed story. Cym and Fourteen's connection is intense. Fourteen would do anything he had to in order to protect Cym, but the real struggle is protecting Cym from himself. A life of being locked away and abused by his family has left Cym with some real trauma to deal with. It meshes well with the trauma that Fourteen suffered from his brainwashing. Together they can heal. There's strong hurt/comfort themes in this book.
The world building was excellent. It was woven in and around all the action and suspense. Cym, Fourteen, and the Guardians (magical police-ish) have their hands full dealing with the nightmares invading their world.
The world building was excellent. It was woven in and around all the action and suspense. Cym, Fourteen, and the Guardians (magical police-ish) have their hands full dealing with the nightmares invading their world.
September 12, 2024
Great first book in the series
OK, so the first thing I have to say is I really wish in the beginning of the book. Maybe the forward the author said how cym is supposed to be pronounced. I literally had to Google it. Now other than that the book as pretty great world building and the characters really draw you in and by the end you are completely invested and want to read the next book just to know what's going to happen next ( I hope that book comes out super soon! ) I would say this book is for people who like magic and tech mixed mixed in a new fun way!
I really enjoyed the book.
OK, so the first thing I have to say is I really wish in the beginning of the book. Maybe the forward the author said how cym is supposed to be pronounced. I literally had to Google it. Now other than that the book as pretty great world building and the characters really draw you in and by the end you are completely invested and want to read the next book just to know what's going to happen next ( I hope that book comes out super soon! ) I would say this book is for people who like magic and tech mixed mixed in a new fun way!
I really enjoyed the book.
February 2, 2025
Love love love! ❤️
I love this world Zile Elliven has created and the fascinating magics. Fourteen is so hot and a total badass. I love that he's morally grey and how possessive he is of Cym. He's so cool! For not having a lot of spice, this book is absolutely hot af. I love Jack and Marshall and Adelle. Cym and Fourteen's newfound family. I love their banter. It's hilarious. 😂
I hope there will be more books about them to come. I love this story! Cym is such a sweet little power bomb. I just want more of this story already!! I really want the colonel to get his comeuppance. I can not get enough of this amazing story. Runaway Magic is very well written.
I love this world Zile Elliven has created and the fascinating magics. Fourteen is so hot and a total badass. I love that he's morally grey and how possessive he is of Cym. He's so cool! For not having a lot of spice, this book is absolutely hot af. I love Jack and Marshall and Adelle. Cym and Fourteen's newfound family. I love their banter. It's hilarious. 😂
I hope there will be more books about them to come. I love this story! Cym is such a sweet little power bomb. I just want more of this story already!! I really want the colonel to get his comeuppance. I can not get enough of this amazing story. Runaway Magic is very well written.
July 22, 2024
Great start to a new series!
I loved Runaway Magic by Zile Elliven. It's the first book in the Guardians of Boston series. I loved Cym and Fourteen's story. I also loved Marshall, Adelle, and Jack. Sterling has promise and we'll see if he ends up betraying Cym again. So much happens in such a short amount of time, and I loved the plot and how much growth Fourteen has already gone through just being around Cym. I eagerly await the next book in the series.
I read this book using the Kindle unlimited app.
I loved Runaway Magic by Zile Elliven. It's the first book in the Guardians of Boston series. I loved Cym and Fourteen's story. I also loved Marshall, Adelle, and Jack. Sterling has promise and we'll see if he ends up betraying Cym again. So much happens in such a short amount of time, and I loved the plot and how much growth Fourteen has already gone through just being around Cym. I eagerly await the next book in the series.
I read this book using the Kindle unlimited app.
July 22, 2024
Wow! My head is reeling from the world that Zile has built here. I thought the slow burn would aggravate me but I was so engrossed by the story that I never missed anything. The little bits of Fourteen and Cym that Zile allowed to happen was enough to carry me along, and then the end interaction was almost enough till the next book. It is truly amazing that this world, these characters and this amount of magic was in Zile's imagination, but now I know. I would also LOVE if Jack of the rainbow eyes and Marshall had their own book! Okay Pookie?
July 26, 2024
ugh love this
Seriously, Cym and Fourteen are everything! The hurt comfort! The mysterious magical shield! The righteous side characters and *their* whole plot arc. Love seeing the journey both Cym and Fourteen go on through the book, both independently and together.
I’m torn between being delighted that we’ll get more of them (hopefully!) as they take down the bad guys once and for all and also being devastated that we have to wait for their complete HEA. Luckily, I have every confidence Elliven will deliver with the sequel bc ever since book of his is wonderful.
Seriously, Cym and Fourteen are everything! The hurt comfort! The mysterious magical shield! The righteous side characters and *their* whole plot arc. Love seeing the journey both Cym and Fourteen go on through the book, both independently and together.
I’m torn between being delighted that we’ll get more of them (hopefully!) as they take down the bad guys once and for all and also being devastated that we have to wait for their complete HEA. Luckily, I have every confidence Elliven will deliver with the sequel bc ever since book of his is wonderful.
Read
September 19, 2024DNF after a certain point
What can I say? I kept at this longer than I wanted (at one point it caused me to toss and turn instead of sleeping). I was all in with the two main characters, despite all their respective vague, mysterious backgrounds. But once the third, also completely opaque character was added, I noped out.
I know I can handle some vagueness, but not this trifecta-level of vagueness. I wanted to like it more, I just needed some more solid grounding before that could happen.
What can I say? I kept at this longer than I wanted (at one point it caused me to toss and turn instead of sleeping). I was all in with the two main characters, despite all their respective vague, mysterious backgrounds. But once the third, also completely opaque character was added, I noped out.
I know I can handle some vagueness, but not this trifecta-level of vagueness. I wanted to like it more, I just needed some more solid grounding before that could happen.
September 21, 2025
Loved this!
Cym (who's name Google instantly and oddly corrected to something dirty it's odd because usually that particular dirty word makes my Google's autocorrect run for the hills...) and Fourteen's story was a freaking amazing ride to go on!
I'm currently obsessed with Carl Jung and this story feels very Carl Jung...
Especially where both Cym (again with the autocorrect to the dirty word...) meeting and embracing his authentic self and Fourteen accepting his authentic monster...
Cym (who's name Google instantly and oddly corrected to something dirty it's odd because usually that particular dirty word makes my Google's autocorrect run for the hills...) and Fourteen's story was a freaking amazing ride to go on!
I'm currently obsessed with Carl Jung and this story feels very Carl Jung...
Especially where both Cym (again with the autocorrect to the dirty word...) meeting and embracing his authentic self and Fourteen accepting his authentic monster...
July 4, 2024
I completely absolutely loved this story. This story sucked me in from the beginning and would not let go. I was fascinated by the characters and the world building and I just couldn’t stop. This needs way more than five stars and I literally cannot wait for the next story. Cym and Fourteen were so amazing together and I really just wanted to hug them both even if Fourteen wouldn’t have allowed it. This was a fantastic story.
July 20, 2024
𝐌𝐂𝐬: Cym + Fourteen
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝘁.”
When I saw that Zile was returning to this series and updating it to fit their true life, I knew I HAD to jump on this one to celebrate. And y’all, this is one heckuva way to start a series and despite zero sexy times (it’s SLOOOW BURN) in book one, I didn’t miss it at all because I know we’ll get enough of it in the upcoming books (yes, we’re getting a whole series!).
I adored both Cym and Fourteen. Such well developed, sweet, self-sacrificing characters. These two were drawn to each other from the beginning. Cym’s small, innocent, gentle nature offset Fourteen’s robotic personality and I was obsessed with it. The entire dream sequence was a favorite! In all honesty, the entire book is only two days but HOLY CRAP does a lot happen in two days. And I really REALLY liked that both Fourteen and Cym wanted to wait.
“𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗖𝘆𝗺. 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲.”
Y’all. 🥹🥹🥹🥹 The feeling behind this is just…GAH!
I loved Marshall and Adelle and Jack (Marshall and Jack vibes 🤌🏻🤌🏻). I’m intrigued by Sterling. The plot was SO GOOD. Magic and violence and humor. Fast-paced and addictive! And I can’t WAIT to finally meet the Colonel. I know gel be a great villain. And man oh man, I know Cym and Fourteen are gonna burn the sheets when they finally come together. So much fun!!!!
𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦: July 20, 2024
𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣.
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝘁.”
When I saw that Zile was returning to this series and updating it to fit their true life, I knew I HAD to jump on this one to celebrate. And y’all, this is one heckuva way to start a series and despite zero sexy times (it’s SLOOOW BURN) in book one, I didn’t miss it at all because I know we’ll get enough of it in the upcoming books (yes, we’re getting a whole series!).
I adored both Cym and Fourteen. Such well developed, sweet, self-sacrificing characters. These two were drawn to each other from the beginning. Cym’s small, innocent, gentle nature offset Fourteen’s robotic personality and I was obsessed with it. The entire dream sequence was a favorite! In all honesty, the entire book is only two days but HOLY CRAP does a lot happen in two days. And I really REALLY liked that both Fourteen and Cym wanted to wait.
“𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗖𝘆𝗺. 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲.”
Y’all. 🥹🥹🥹🥹 The feeling behind this is just…GAH!
I loved Marshall and Adelle and Jack (Marshall and Jack vibes 🤌🏻🤌🏻). I’m intrigued by Sterling. The plot was SO GOOD. Magic and violence and humor. Fast-paced and addictive! And I can’t WAIT to finally meet the Colonel. I know gel be a great villain. And man oh man, I know Cym and Fourteen are gonna burn the sheets when they finally come together. So much fun!!!!
𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦: July 20, 2024
𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣.
July 20, 2024
An enjoyable tale with some very unusual aspects, and with magic represented in an interesting way. Fourteen with his conditioning and Cym with his misunderstood magic, combined in unexpected ways but were exactly what the other needed. It was sweet how attached Fourteen became to Cym, and frustrating how self-sacrificing Cym was. Fortunately, it all works out in the end, although it leaves an opening for further stories in this world.
July 20, 2024
Great PNR
This was filled with amazing world building, intriguing characters, found family, and a really interesting concept of combining action and magic.
Cym and Fourteen really don't have any significant intimate moments because this an extremely slow burn romance.
To that end something always interrupts them and it's usually combined with some humor.
I can't wait for more from this world.
This was filled with amazing world building, intriguing characters, found family, and a really interesting concept of combining action and magic.
Cym and Fourteen really don't have any significant intimate moments because this an extremely slow burn romance.
To that end something always interrupts them and it's usually combined with some humor.
I can't wait for more from this world.
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