Adventus

Future Love Affair #3

by Nando Gray

Humanity is Reborn.
Embark on a thrilling race against time to preserve what is left of humanity in the heart-pounding conclusion to the 'Future Love Affair' series...

A plan a generation in the making is on the brink of collapse. Old faults and older enemies appear in every direction. Witness pandemonium as the remnants of two fallen civilizations prepare themselves for the extermination fleet that has hunted them across the universe. From familiar faces to all-new heroes, this is the love story of the future...

Auren had never expected to survive Vesperion, let alone everything else. He hadn't aged a day in a century. And yet, somehow, he feels far older than his hundred-some years. Shouldered with a burden he'd never been meant for, in a galaxy that wasn't home, he has a legacy to humanity's. Follow him to the epic conclusion of his story as he clings to love in the face of certain doom, and discover for yourself that love is a weapon...

Megiddo was born in fire. The flames of armageddon were the first warmth he'd ever felt. Like his brothers and sisters, he held the key to the future in their genetically enhanced lineage--or at least that was the hope. But if it were true, then where were these dark whispers coming from? And why were they urging him to act against the best interest of his people? What will it mean for him as he tries to explore the gentler sides of his twin genetic ancestries? If he wants answers to the riddles of the past he'll have to survive the future...

The stars are filled with adventure.
Get lost in them.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Novella

124 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2024

About the author

NANDO GRAY is a DARK ROMANCE AUTHOR based in the misty Olympic National Forest in Washington State’s wilderness.

When he's not evading his local Sasquatch, Nando Gray is crafting intense, heart-pounding love stories. His characters are put through the wringer, promising a thrilling adult adventure in each novel. Rest assured, a satisfying happily ever after awaits in every M/M Romance, regardless of the category.

When he’s not drenching his keyboard with coffee or preparing feasts for an audience of two, Nando Gray cherishes moments with his two canine companions, who provide all the love he needs.

Happy reading.

-Nando

Reviews

[Bradley Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho-Ho-Holy Sh*t! What a gripping, dark and sexy little adventure this book was! It's a little early for my Christmas media binge, but if you're gearing up for yours, I'd highly recommend adding this just for some variety.

Where others bring hallmark cutesiness (which I'm not slamming, because I'm genuinely a fan) Nando Gray brings a dark, dystopian take on the North Pole, with brutal enforcer robots, vengeful force-of-nature reindeer, evil extradimensional-entity Santa and - of course - a hearty holiday helping of gay sex between two touch-starved elf-clones.

This was a quick read and a wild ride, and I'm really glad I picked it up. I'd recommend it to a friend in a heartbeat! Loved it.

[Mags · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this one and I’m not saying it was bad it was just stranger than I’m used to. It’s my fault I read the description weeks ago and when I finally went to read it I didn’t double check what it was about.

I have to say that I did like the fact that Zero found Dash and they finally find out there is more to life than their work for the overseer.

[Tate Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Freedom

This was a bloody good time. Turning Santa into something diabolical is a stroke of genius. I hope that Dash and Zero realize all of their dreams.

[Darrianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️ plot
4/5 🌶️ spice
3/5 💕 romance

I really really enjoyed this short but dark and spicy book. I thoroughly enjoyed the action packed and high energy of this book. I loved how the author fed you lore throughout this short novella without it feeling like a lore dump, it was beautiful integrated into the story. It was such a unique take on Santa and his elves, I loved this sci-fi / eldritch thing that was happening . It gets a little gory but I was here for it.

This is a total 4.5/5 for me because it was so short ! I think what really drove it to 5/5 would be to have fleshed out the romance, things happen fast… but they had to so I’m taking that into consideration. Definitely worth the read if you like thriller / slasher and romance.

The spice? So good, the second scene was a fever dream and it was wild but it was so hot.

I will be reading more from Nando Gray.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maryann Kafka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zero worked the labyrinthian machine twelve hours a day. Even though the fabricator was very old it was well maintained. It took him ten years to learn how to operate it and the next fifteen to perfect how to use it. He made tablet like devices, over ten thousand in the recent years. There were other facilities within The Workshop. Zero stayed to himself as best he could and didn’t get involved with the other clones he worked with. After all there were rules, no touching, no time for friendships just work. They all had identification with a unique number cauterized on their left arms and physically they all had slight differences. They never went outside the facility. The only source of sustenance was milk. They slept in a bunk room and did everything under the control of The Overseer.

The Overseer brought doom with the jingling bells of the avatars. The avatars were brutal, humanoids, soulless with a vice like metal claw. All Zero and the others had to do were follow the rules: submit, produce and obey. At anytime the avatars/clock workers would come with the jingling of the bells and place the claw around a clones neck, who apparently didn’t follow the rules. When the avatars came Zero and the other clones were in fear and they never knew who would face immediate death. He was approached by Forty after they witnessed one such death. Forty wanted to take action against the avatars but it was impossible. What could Zero do? What could any of them do?

Dash had existed in total solitude. He never was allowed out of his cell. He had the minimal to survive and his milk was sent every day. He hated the milk but it was the only way to survive. It had been so long, he believed others were just a dream. He always remembered learning the three rules and basic reading of machine operations. Everyday, eighteen hours a day, he welded and fabbed as instructed. But he wasn’t making trinkets or toys. His task was to manufacture the automata, that took months to assemble. When one was complete he would insert the demonic red censor into the head plate, and the tinkling of bells would sound. Once the automata was complete it would leave his cell and the door would close immediately. His cell had never been monitored. There was a time he thought he had gone mad or sane but one thing he did know he was angry. Being angry terrified him and he was going to do something about it. The only one that prevented freedom was The Overseer and Dash had a plan.

As Zero was asleep one night, he was frighteningly awaken by the metal claw around his throat. He was dragged into unknown parts of The Warehouse and taken to a cell. The cell was not empty, there he met Dash. Zero and Dash made a connection that was against the rules, but they found something special. As much as Zero was afraid he joined Dash in his plan for freedom. Once they take that step to find freedom, they will face a danger they may not be able to break free of.

Nando Gray is amazingly creative with “Adventus”. It’s a tale with incredible world building and an abundance of descriptions of the world in The Warehouse. There is the mystery of The Overseer and the strange avatars/clock workers/that are humanoid which makes this tale feel much like cyber punk. There’s a great horned beast and doors that tell a story. It’s a twist to a holiday tale, with suspense, danger, excitement, a little romance and erotica. It gives Zero and Dash a chance to actually get to know their true feelings. There’s also a very good message in this story, to always be yourself and never let anyone make you feel you are worthless.

I highly recommend this strange tale of “Adventus”. Not only is Nando Gray a magnificent writer but he knows how to spin a tale that holds interest and opens your mind to the world of imagination. What I love most about Nando Grays stories is the art work at the beginning of every chapter. Another outstanding story from Nando Gray, he never disappoints.

[Stephanie Oldeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was blessed to read an Advanced Reader Copy of Adventus.

This is definitely a wicked spin on Christmas! In this dark novella, Zero and Dash are slaves to the Overseer. Zero is forced to work long days in the workshop, fabricating electronics, and Dash is in isolation, forced to build the menacing automata that enforce the will of the Overseer. For some unknown reason, Zero is relocated to share Dash's cell, and their connection is immediate. When their relationship breaks all the rules, the automata come to collect them, but Dash is angry and has been plotting for a long time. As Zero and Dash try to make their escape, they must face untold horrors on their journey to eliminate the Overseer, and in the end, they must make a choice to simply live or exact revenge.

I really liked this! It was a creepy spin on Christmas lore, but it was really intriguing. I liked the concept of Zero, Dash, and the others being unwilling slaves rather than cheery elves. I liked the concept of the milk...but I have questions. What the heck is the milk? Is it what I think it is??? Because if so, gross! But if it's not, is it used in the clone factory?? I had a lot of questions about that.

I really liked Zero and Dash. I like that their exposure to each other was unexpected and gave them feelings they'd never had before. I thought it a little strange that they knew what to do, but it wasn't too distracting. I liked that they were supportive of each other and that it motivated them to do something about their sad existence.

My only complaint is that I wanted more! This was a quick read, but there was so much left out. I want to know more about the reindeer and the cycles and the history of the Overseer. I want to know more about the milk! I wanted Dash and Zero to slowly fall in love and explore each other. I just wanted there to be more. Also, it felt like Zero and Dash kind of flipped personalities at the end. I want to know why that was and if it would stay that way.

Overall, I enjoyed this read, though. Gives a new spin on Christmas lore and on what drives Christmas. I liked the characters and loved this dark retelling. I just wanted more! 4/5 🌟

[Vance Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nando has done it again; this time, with a gory dose of holiday spirit! Adventus is a thoughtfully stirring MM tale of fantasy and action, brilliantly driven by uncovering the true meaning of Christmas. The story is subtly laced with eroticism and romance, and steered by the need to find connection in a perpetually cruel, cold world.

I sometimes think Nando has memorized the pages of a thesaurus cover to cover. His stories are incredibly well written, and the immersive language he uses to describe his characters, build their surroundings, and urge the story along is nothing less than stunning.

This story, though. It centers around Zero and Dash, two “clones” tasked with operational jobs in different departments of what is more or less Santa’s workshop. Only, Santa’s workshop sounds a lot more like a sweat shop, and after years of abuse and surviving on only what is necessary to keep them working, a few of the clones finally decide to rise up and make a break for it. They simply have no idea what “it” is, considering they’ve never been allowed to exit the four walls of their own departments.

Nando, somehow, within the pages of a concise, fantastical story, manages to expose the ingrained evils of the corporatism, capitalism, and misguided conformity that have come to define the modern holiday season. It might be said best with the following passage:

“The little beings began to fight for what remained of the once-bountiful presents. They tore each other limb from limb, scrambling over each other’s bodies to steal from their neighbors. This continued until so few of them remained that the great being had no problem overpowering those that remained. It was monstrous.”

If you like a little eat-the-rich seasoning sprinkled atop your MM romance, you should read this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[EvaReadsWithDog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing dark, twisted tale… the story of Zero and Dash in a dystopian Christmas-y kind of world. I absolutely love the writing style here. It’s captivating!

Adventus: The Latins would say “arrival”, the Greeks would say “presence” and I’d say… never ever drinking milk again. Zero and Dash are clones, brainwashed, living the only life they’ve known. They wake up every single day with one purpose, that of following the rules: submit, produce, obey. Otherwise they get terminated by the automata. And above all? The master puppeteer of all, the Overseer.
And then, one day, you finally realize that you are angry. That you want to know what is out there beyond the factory you were destined to work at. You slowly start to seek touch and interaction for the first time in your life. You want to know what it is to dream happy dreams. To have free will.
“Zero realized they were made to be soulless, just like the machines. But no… that wasn’t it. Not exactly. He hadn’t been made to be soulless-he’d been made to feel soulless”

So, if you are looking for a twisted, thrilling MM romance, with milk, a black reindeer, lots of automata and a bit of spice, then don’t think twice.
Thank you Nando for this ARC!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenna | The Rebel Quill · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, the addition of imaging at the begging of each chapter that sets the scene was amazing and I quickly switched from my kindle paperwhite so I could see them in color. The descriptive wording Nando uses also allowed the scene to really be built in my head and not just flatly described.

As soon as I saw the summary I knew I needed to read this book. It’s a creepy take on Christmas and where all of the toys and gadgets come from that people receive for the holidays (no happy elf toymakers here). Deprived of touch and basic human interaction to be kept in line, our clones live the lives they’ve always known until our main characters Dash and Zero come together (ahem…literally).

With their eyes opened to what they’ve been deprived of and no longer happy with the status quo, they begin a journey to right the injustices of their situation. With beautifully written twists and turns, we discover what’s truly going on in their world and why they’re kept that way.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caleb Ambrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book.

This was a quick, action-filled read in which the author managed to portray so much on so few pages! I adored the writing style, it managed to transport you right to the factory with Zero and Dash, showing their dire and hopeless life in this dark, dystopian world where they just exist as manpower to work and produce, not knowing any joy or what it means to live and not simply to exist.

Their entire existance is being steered by someone called the Overseer. When they eventually start to rebel, breaking all the rules that dominated their lives so far, eventually their protest leads them to the Overseer and they face him with the goal to destroy him.

With the identity of the Overseer, who or what he is, the author managed to portray a brilliant, dark and twisted metaphor that probably will leave you questionning when you might see certain Christmas-y things now in the upcoming weeks before Christmas...

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventus - Demanding Justice!

‘He hadn’t been made to be soulless—he’d been made to feel soulless. And there was a difference. He felt it when he thought of Dash. He’d felt it when he’d eaten that food or given in to touch. And he’d felt it when he’d exercised his free will—when he’d allowed his anger to overwhelm his fear.’

A brilliantly created story of clones that are created for use by the Overseer, yet filled with a spark of humanity, allowing some, well one in particular, to move beyond their expected duties.

Nando Gray has written what can be considered a simple story line that projects layers of feeling and possibilities. As we straddle the robotic discoveries we use in our own daily lives, the scenery for Adventus feels much closer to a true possibility that previously imagined.

What makes a grand story? One, like Adventus, that leaves its reader with a sense of intense emotion, especially when it ties us into the reality of the fiction!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely not your usual Christmas story with Santa and his reindeer. Are they in the story? In a way, but not as you would think. Zero and Dash have spent their lives in a controlled metallic world, assembling things and automatons. When an opportunity to escape happens, they find things they never dreamed of, hard to comprehend, unsure of what to do in this different reality.
It’s hard to try to say too much without spoilers, but it is definitely an engrossing read, complete with lessons if you choose to think of them as such. Weird and thought-provoking at the same time. If you want strange and unusual, this is the Christmas read for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - This is a quick and DIRTY take on what happens at the North Pole! Wow, I'm pretty sure I've never met a Santa like this - it's definitely a chance of pace from all the, er, more wholesome Christmas series I've been reading and I am so here for it! Santa is big meanie, there are black reindeer, an Overseer, and our MCs are enslaved, rather than being cute elves! I would have liked a little more in the way of the romance, but that's always my wish with a shorty. If you love dark/unhinged spicy reads, this is for you! It was definitely for me ;)


I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emma Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adventus is a unique sci-fi with a gripping premise and complex characters. Zero and Dash’s awakening in a bleak, controlled world creates intense tension, and their emotional connection grows as they question their existence. The dystopian setting is compelling, though it could use more development. The cover doesn’t quite match the tone, but the story delivers an intriguing mix of rebellion and holiday chaos. While not perfect, it’s an engaging read for fans of dark sci-fi and M/M romance. Worth checking out for its unique take on a holiday twist.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, the cover and blurb are wrong. This is an erotic horror novella with romance undertones. The relationship between Dash and Zero was kinda cute, but takes a backseat to the horror.
I liked it, it was kinda chilling, and the illustrations are gorgeous. I wish there were more detailed descriptions, both of the gore and of the characters' feelings. That would make it more horrifying.
There are no TW, and they seemed necessary. Those include blood, gore (not too explicit), depression, death, imprisonment, suicidal thoughts (minimal), explicit sex scenes, consumption of bodily fluids (implied), animal cruelty (they're some sort of reindeer monstrosities, but still), and I might have missed something.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different take on Christmas? "There are only three: submit, produce, obey." This is all Dash & Zero knew from the day they became "human". Dash & Zero are clones who have been "locked up" in some sort of factory. They don't know what the world is like outside their "home". Zero gets taken from his corner of the factory & rooms with Dash. Dash is fed up with how he is being treated & with Zero's help he hopes to escape. This is a short story that if I go any further it will ruin the excitement of the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a unique story that I couldn’t put down. It was a twisted Christmas story that will have you going from page to page until the end.

Not only is there darkness, but you will be getting that romance within two individuals who have only known to do one thing and that is to work for someone else above them. I was really rooting for these two.

I loved how this book was so different to any santa books. It was full of such details and the way this was written was so good. I really enjoyed this twisted book.

[SlashReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventus
By Nando Gray

5⭐️ 1🌶

What a truly fascinating take on society! Told through Zero and Dash, who worked as laborers for The Overseer, their love story is one for the books. Nando's writing is that which makes you both feel and think. I went in blind and I LOVE being pleasantly surprised by just how well written and thoughtful a story can be! This one will definitely stick with you long after you finish it. A story with a purpose, for one last fucking Christmas, ever.

[CactusReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an exciting and creative spin on a popular Christmas story! Each chapter was exhilarating, intriguing, and addicting. This story is beautifully written with a healthy dose of spice. While I would have loved to have more detailed character descriptions and development the overall story was absolutely enthralling. It was a quick and “light” story, exactly what I needed to transition me from my Spooky to Holliday reads!

[Sara Irons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zero and his clone mates are controlled in every aspect of life. They work to exact specifications and sleep. Their lives are not their own.

Dash has been alone for so long he has no idea if others exist anymore. Until one day Zero was put in his cell with him.

Together they discover new things and make the decision to escape. They find many enemies and many allies as they fight for their freedom.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lola Jansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes yes yes!!!!! Omg so good!

I read so much horror romance that a lot of it starts to look alike after a while, but this really stood out!

I really liked the combination of holiday, romance, horror and steam. And it read like a train, finished the entire thing in 1 night!

Highly recommend!

[Lisa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story of Zero and Dash, clones/slaves on a planet(?) where work is all there is and punishment for going against the rules (submit, produce, obey) is death. Watching these two experience so many new things, including their feelings, is mesmerizing. Shorter novel but so much is packed into it you may want to reread to pick up what you may miss the first time.

[Tony Williamson,jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very different for sure

Well, this was a very different telling of Santa and his Elves! But, I think there is also a current events lesson here. Read it for yourself. It is a good read.

[tobifun.pp · Rating 4 out of 5]

rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
spice: 🌶️🌶️
darkness: 🖤🖤🖤
feelings: 😱🥵☠️😍

Adventus is a very dark dystopian interpretation of Santa Claus. Unusual but a refreshing change from the saccharine sweet usual Christmas stories for lovers of the dark side of the spectrum.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very dark and unusual story, one that I won't be forgetting any time soon. The world building was particularly original and well written, and while this is not a story I would normally read, I trusted that the author would make an impressive story - and they certainly didn't disappoint.

[brenda hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting read that had me turning the pages. I can't wait to read more from this author. I recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Casey Ritchie · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

This is the first story that I have read by the author. It was a very interesting take on the Christmas holiday in a dystopian post-apocalyptic setting. I thought that the story was a very interesting concept and did keep me engaged. It is a very short read and did have some very good action scenes. Romance and spice are subtly thrown in surrounding two of the clones in the Overseer's service. I found myself looking for references to Christmas as I read. A good dark and gritty holiday story.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another superb read in this compelling storyline. Be prepared to be taken on a wild action packed adventure with brilliant characters as we reached the conclusion of what has been a fantastic series. You seriously should read the first two books though! This is a definite re-read now in a couple of months all the books are out so I can do a back to back! Highly recommend
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[❄ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book has a great premise, very original and something I've never imagined. It's a twisted Christmas themed novella, where the plot is about Zero, a clone that is forced to labor under three rules: submit, produce and obey. Tired of his repetitive life, he doesn't have another option but to follow them, but this changes when there's a disruption and one of the executers from said place tries to kill him. This leads to encountering another clone, Dash, and starts working with him to try getting free of The Overseer, the maximum authority that has them enslaved.

The book has an interesting concept. Who wouldn't want to read about Santa being evil and having clones under his thumb, until said creatures rebeal agaisnt his treatment? The story has some fantasy elements with some gore, which makes it even more entertaining. I highlight this because I'm not a fantasy fan, but the concept was too intriguing and it didn't disappoint, I love dark and twisted spins on old tales. The pacing was great as well, the story was always moving and it never felt boring. I came to enjoy the bond formed between Zero and Dash due to their shared experiences. The writting style was great too, it made me immerse myself into the story easily. I loved the addition of the art at the beginning of each chapter.

The only thing I wished is that this was a bit longer, because I really wanted more of Dash and Zero. I understand that due to the circumstances and the fast moving events from the plot, it wasn't possible. I still would've loved to read more about them, because it felt very focused on the fantasy than the MM element, which is alright if that was the intention, I personally just wanted more of a balance. I liked this more as a fantasy than a MM book.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I'll be looking forward to this author's next works, since it's the first time I read anything from their catalogue and I enjoyed their ideas.

-I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Tags: (might miss some of them)
-POV: third person
-Content warnings: references to slavery, captivity, non consensual drugging, abuse, gore/blood, murders
-Elements: aphrodisiacs
-Kinks: none
-Sexual act(s): barebacking, creampie, blowjobs, humping-grinding, riding
-Dynamic: strict top and bottom