Greylith

by F.A. Seng

Embark on a thrilling adventure with Phoenix Greylith as he steps into his role as one of Aetheria's most powerful Weavers. His journey commences at Fort Weave, the esteemed military training base of Aetheria, where he hones his newfound powers to combat the menacing Shadow Army. However, mastering his abilities is only half the battle. Phoenix must also confront his innermost emotions, navigating the delicate balance between power and restraint to truly fulfill his destiny. Join Phoenix on a gripping quest filled with magic, courage, and the timeless struggle between light and darkness.

350 pages, Hardcover

Published June 11, 2024

Reviews

[Ericka · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars rounded up.

I wanted to love this book so much, and I really do think the foundation for this series is HERE. It’s present… but I think this is a new author and he is coming into his writing style with room for growth.

I did find that as I read, I felt I was being told about the chemistry between the characters but I never really FELT that chemistry. Because of this, the main romance was not something I could get on board with.

I also felt as though the main character was much younger than he actually was, so when the spice came it just felt… off for me I guess? I genuinely felt like this would’ve been a great YA book, the spice just didn’t fit for me.

I feel as though with the plans the author has for the series (I think 6+ books!), this could be a really great coming of age series for young boys struggling with identity and finding themselves. I am excited to see how the characters grow and where the storyline takes us! But ultimately I am excited to see the growth this author shows as he steps into his true potential!

[Sabrina Burroughs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little nervous with this being a debut book and my first MM romance, but it did not disappoint. I was hooked from the beginning & every chapter end had me wanting to continue reading. I can not wait to see this author grow and read the next book.

[Ashley🩶 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be chosen as an ARC reader for this book! And let me tell you this book was amazing, it hooked me from the very beginning. This was my first ever MM book and so I was a little nervous about it but F.A. Seng knocked it out of the park. Everything about this book was great, the storyline was so good and the characters were everything!!!!! I can’t wait to see where this series takes us and how the characters grown and change. I would 100% recommend this book to my friends even if they have never read MM before. Everyone needs to give this book a chance, you will not be disappointed

[Lauren💜 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved being an Arc reader for this debut novel!
This story is so captivating! It hooks you from the very first chapter. The author pulls out all the emotions! I loved the uniqueness of this world and its magic system. It wasn’t super predictable and the plot flowed nicely. There is still so much to know and discover, which I am super excited to read about in book 2.
There is a trigger warning, please make sure you check that before reading.
Little things about this book:
💜MM romantasy
💜Magic
💜War and conflict
💜Mental Health growth
💜Little bit of delicious spice🔥
💜Very protective MMC
💜Will be a multiple book series surrounding the MMC
💜Small cliffhanger

[JayReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a great start, and is an excellent first novel. There’s plenty of room for growth.

This is a first person POV. I found the story very interesting and we have a great cast of characters. The magical abilities are very interesting and I liked how the idea was introduced.

I would have liked to have seen the story filled out and the ideas (sorry to trigger high school English ptsd) expanded upon. Adding more world building. You get to know the main characters, but very little of their surroundings, for example we don’t get to know very much about Fort Weave. Currently this reads as a retro cartoon, not an HD movie in my mind, if that analogy makes sense. I’m a very visual reader, and I could have used more descriptive language and details to really immerse myself in the book.

I wish there were a few more chapters to build up and explain events and feelings that come about later in the book. Without that explanation, some heavy and potentially impactful events in storyline felt rushed and sometimes a bit choppy.

I personally became annoyed with the main character partway through the book, and never really moved past that. He is impulsive and emotional, and I wish he grew out of that through the story. Speaking loudly, with authority or with passion is different than yell-talking. All of the characters would be having a conversation to yelling at one another rather suddenly. That can be a personality trait for one character, but for all is a bit much for me. This is perhaps just a me issue, I just found that irritating.

It ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens going forward.

0.5 star was removed for typos and another 1.5 for the the above reasons.

On a personal level I adore this author and truly cannot wait to see his growth in writing going forward.

[Grace E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to be chosen as an arc reader for F. A. Seng’s debut!! This book was everything I wanted it to be. The author did an amazing job creating an engaging, emotional rollercoaster of a story. From the unique magic system to the really well written MM romance, this book captivated me from page one. Incredible read!

Things to note:
Take the trigger warnings seriously!!
MM Romance
Amazing found family 🖤
Touch him and die trope 😍
Mental health focus was fantastic
Cliffhanger!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Ashley ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FANTASTIC debut novel with:
- 🪄A clever, unique magic system
- 🌶️ MM romance
- 💕 Found family
- 🧗🏻‍♀️ Cliffhanger

READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS
1. Always put your mental health first.
2. I don’t think I have ever seen such a beautifully written trigger page.

I could not put this book down and loved watching the author’s growth throughout the alpha and ARC reads, excited to watch that growth continue. There are songs placed throughout that really help you to feel the emotions of the scene. Absolutely cannot WAIT to read more from this series with all the author has planned!

PS Chapter 14 is hands down one of the best chapters I have ever read in a book EVER. Hold your breath.

Read it. Now.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greylith is a debut novel from this author and is book one of a planned series. It’s a MM romantasy that takes you on a journey of personal struggle and growth, as the MMC, Phoenix, learns to wield his newly developed powers that come with the weight of the world while also navigating a brand new life at Fort Weave.

I think what really hit home for me was the underlying plot. The pressure that is immediately placed on him while having no say or control over himself. His friends and family, while their heart is in the right place, are so concerned with keeping him safe that they don’t realize they are pushing him to the edge because he feels like he has no control over his own choices. I think a lot of people could easily connect with Phoenix, and really feel the emotional turmoil and growth that this book will take you through.

I am definitely excited for book 2!

[Megz✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I even begin to get into this book?

What a beautiful debut novel. I had the privilege of arc reading and it has been a devastatingly gorgeous ride. This magic system is so unique and just left me craving more. The tension between the MMC and his love interest was everything I could have hoped for. Cannot wait to see what this world evolves into.

🖤 Found Family
🖤MM Romance
🖤Unique Magic System
🖤Delicious Cliff Hanger

*check your triggers*

🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Leeanna Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 stars for me. This book has it all, I can’t wait till the second book comes out. The world building is absolutely amazing, the characters are so unique and relatable, the romance is just enough to keep me wanting more. F. A. Sent is THE author to keep your eye on, absolutely phenomenal. Plus the ending had at at the edge of my seat!!!

[Mel's Book Buzz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greylith was a great debut novel by F. A. Seng.
As the cover suggests it is part of a series and ends on a cliffhanger that will have you begging to know what happens to the characters. This book includes a playlist, which I always love, and Forrest listed the song with the scene. This was a really unique and thoughtful addition I think everyone will appreciate.

MM Romantasy with magical powers and warrior academy vibes.
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Check you trigger warnings!


Note: I was lucky enough to be chosen as an ARC reader for this debut novel, and was not compensated in any way for this review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very fortunate to be chosen to be an ARC reader for this book. It was my 1st fantasy and MM romance. I was nervous going in but it was soo easy to read I loved the magic aspect of it. It had me hooked from the 1st chapter. F.A SENG wrote this book amazingly with the magic and the romance I loved it all can’t wait to read more of this world.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, thank you to the author for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this novel.

Things I loved:
- An amazing/unique magic system
- Fast paced
- War conflict
- Plot is unique and well thought out
- The cliffhanger! So good!!!
- Mental health growth
- LQBTQ
- Romance with a couple spicy scenes

This book didn't earn a higher rating from me, mainly because of the author's writing style. However, considering that this is their debut novel, I understand that they are still finding their voice and honing their craft. As I continued reading, I noticed improvement in the writing and a growing confidence in storytelling. I am genuinely intrigued to witness the author's growth and development in future works.

[Alyssa F 📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is giving so much!

MM Spice
Instant Love
Unique Magic System
Chosen One
Reluctant Hero

There is definitely triggering content in this book, please check the trigger page before you read.

I really found myself wanting to keep reading to see where this book took me. We ended on a cliff hanger and I’m excited to learn what comes next on this journey with Phoenix. I feel like we have really gotten to see him go from that reluctancy to hero and I’m here for it!

This is a debut novel and I can’t wait to see the growth to come for this author.

[Chriss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to review an ARC for the debut by F.A. and was immediately entranced with this world. This is a lgbtq romantansy in a unique magical world of Aletheria. I can’t wait for the next novel and getting to learn more about Phoenix Greylilth.


*read trigger warning

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greylith is a wonderful story filled with a unique magic system, romance and action! I was lucky enough to be chosen to be an ARC reader for this fantastic story and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! I cannot wait for the next one!! 🖤

[Kaytlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an interesting story!!! If you like Fantasy with a cool magic system plus a steamy MM romance this is the book for you. I had the privilege of reading the ARC of this book and gave zero regrets. It’s fast paced, captivating, and has characters you can connect to.

[Annette Hatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I do feel like there could have been a bit more to it but I enjoyed it nonetheless! The cliffhanger has me excited for the next book!!

[Morgan Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately hooked when I started reading this book! I love the world F.A has created. I was a little nervous with this being the first book I have read with MM, but I can’t wait for book two and see where the next book takes us. The characters were amazing, the magic and world is very unique! 🩷
Before reading this book, please read the trigger warning in the beginning!