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Deity Chronicles #2
First Rose
Five years after the cataclysmic events in Tadena, Helio is living her best life—until her sister, Zalika, gets attacked and her niece, Nyssa, is kidnapped. And to make matters worse, Zalika has transferred her responsibility as the deity of technology to Helio.
Desperate to find the culprit and her niece, Helio sets out on a journey with her best friend, Julyen, to enlist the help of two other deities, Zanoah and Caean. Not only is she worried about Nyssa, she's also having to deal with the new forces coursing through her, which she’s unable to fully grasp and control.
Their journey brings them to Evergarden, the home of Ambroz, the deity of lust and Helio’s new mentor. But learning to control her powers from him isn’t the only connection they form. As the two fall for each other, Helio finds herself torn between her attraction to Ambroz, missing her peaceful life in Tadena, worries about Nyssa and Zalika, and her fear of facing her sister's attacker—who wants to vanquish every single deity and cleanse the world of them.
Can she face the man she once loved? And what will happen when she does?
Desperate to find the culprit and her niece, Helio sets out on a journey with her best friend, Julyen, to enlist the help of two other deities, Zanoah and Caean. Not only is she worried about Nyssa, she's also having to deal with the new forces coursing through her, which she’s unable to fully grasp and control.
Their journey brings them to Evergarden, the home of Ambroz, the deity of lust and Helio’s new mentor. But learning to control her powers from him isn’t the only connection they form. As the two fall for each other, Helio finds herself torn between her attraction to Ambroz, missing her peaceful life in Tadena, worries about Nyssa and Zalika, and her fear of facing her sister's attacker—who wants to vanquish every single deity and cleanse the world of them.
Can she face the man she once loved? And what will happen when she does?
- GenresFantasy
Unknown Binding
First published May 25, 2025
17 people want to read
About the author
Jake Vanguard
10 books26 followersJake Vanguard (they/them) is an indie author of queer dark fantasy, science fantasy, horror, and a slice of erotica. In their stories, they love exploring queerness and contradictions, love and connections, family and friendship.
The first two books of the Deity Chronicles trilogy – FIRST SNOW and FIRST ROSE – are available now, as well as the paranormal novel, HIGANBANA (Angelverse 1), with more to come.
REMNANTS OF RELICS is their first curated anthology, a product of love and community, about the struggles and joys one works with when losing or gaining a new part of themselves.
When not writing, they love gaming and cuddling their kitties.
The first two books of the Deity Chronicles trilogy – FIRST SNOW and FIRST ROSE – are available now, as well as the paranormal novel, HIGANBANA (Angelverse 1), with more to come.
REMNANTS OF RELICS is their first curated anthology, a product of love and community, about the struggles and joys one works with when losing or gaining a new part of themselves.
When not writing, they love gaming and cuddling their kitties.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 13, 2025
“First Rose”, the second instalment in Jake Vanguard’s “Deity Chronicles”, surpasses its predecessor, “First Snow”, which I adored, delivering an even richer, more immersive experience. This time, the story centres on Helio, the newly ascended God of Technology, whose journey of self-discovery and power mastery pulls readers deeper into Vanguard’s brilliantly crafted, character-driven world. Through Helio’s eyes, we explore the intricacies of this world, learning alongside her as she grapples with her new role.
The narrative is propelled by the urgent search for Helio’s kidnapped niece, Nyssa, but to succeed, Helio must first embrace and harness her newfound abilities. Returning favourites like Jules, Zanoah, and Caean add depth, while newcomers like Ambroz, the God of Lust, steal the spotlight. Far from the expected archetype, Ambroz is a masterfully written character—complex, magnetic, and unexpectedly endearing. His dynamic with Helio, both as her mentor and love interest, adds a compelling layer to the story.
Vanguard expertly balances tender, character-driven moments with high-stakes action. The looming threat of Ferox’s mission to eradicate all deities intensifies, drawing the wrath of the Elders and keeping tension razor-sharp. The pacing is relentless, each scene crackling with energy, and just as I thought I could catch my breath, Vanguard delivered yet another jaw-dropping cliffhanger.
“First Rose” is a breathtaking ride with expansive world-building, emotional depth, and heart-pounding drama, all woven together seamlessly. I’m already desperate for the next book!
The narrative is propelled by the urgent search for Helio’s kidnapped niece, Nyssa, but to succeed, Helio must first embrace and harness her newfound abilities. Returning favourites like Jules, Zanoah, and Caean add depth, while newcomers like Ambroz, the God of Lust, steal the spotlight. Far from the expected archetype, Ambroz is a masterfully written character—complex, magnetic, and unexpectedly endearing. His dynamic with Helio, both as her mentor and love interest, adds a compelling layer to the story.
Vanguard expertly balances tender, character-driven moments with high-stakes action. The looming threat of Ferox’s mission to eradicate all deities intensifies, drawing the wrath of the Elders and keeping tension razor-sharp. The pacing is relentless, each scene crackling with energy, and just as I thought I could catch my breath, Vanguard delivered yet another jaw-dropping cliffhanger.
“First Rose” is a breathtaking ride with expansive world-building, emotional depth, and heart-pounding drama, all woven together seamlessly. I’m already desperate for the next book!
October 18, 2025
ok wow....what was that ending??? I can't. I need answers like..right now...
with this book it was so easy to feel connected with the characters. The main one resonated with me from the start and I loved reading from her point of view.
also there were so many new things we learned but it did not feel like they were thrown at us but rather they fit perfectly in their place. I loved the new things that just added more to the story and made us understand more things from the first book also.
and every time we thought we knew what was going on we got proven that we actually don't. It was such a beautiful journey and the new characters made us go through all the emotions possible.
and I loved how it changed to the "enemy" point of view showing us his thoughts and making us wonder who the enemy really is👀
AND THE ENDING 😫🫠 THEY REALLY KNOW HOW TO WRITE AN ENDING DON'T THEY?
with this book it was so easy to feel connected with the characters. The main one resonated with me from the start and I loved reading from her point of view.
also there were so many new things we learned but it did not feel like they were thrown at us but rather they fit perfectly in their place. I loved the new things that just added more to the story and made us understand more things from the first book also.
and every time we thought we knew what was going on we got proven that we actually don't. It was such a beautiful journey and the new characters made us go through all the emotions possible.
and I loved how it changed to the "enemy" point of view showing us his thoughts and making us wonder who the enemy really is👀
AND THE ENDING 😫🫠 THEY REALLY KNOW HOW TO WRITE AN ENDING DON'T THEY?
May 22, 2025
First Rose is book two in the Deity Chronicles series, and picks up five years after the events of the first book. Whereas book one had us following Zanoah, book two focuses on Helio as its main point of view character for the majority of the book... and she's a little bit different than we'd left her off at the end of book one!
I adored this book. I really love all the rich and varied representation in Jake Vanguard's books. There are so many different concepts of love, of heroism, of community. And as in the first book, the worldbuilding blew me away with how cool and uniquely utilized it is (that hand scene... IYKYK). Our cast of characters here are thrown into a lot of dire situations and forced into moral conundrums. They're faced with choices, the consequences of some which will haunt them forever. I appreciated how real this story was, even while set in speculative worldbuilding, because at its heart, it was about love, and about wanting to heal together. Sweet angel Helio stole my heart with her own journey and how she fought so hard in every way she could to protect the people she loved and in her forgiving, compassionate nature. This is a book that shows power isn't always something seized through violence and battle... sometimes it's simply in getting up again and again and extending a hand to those who are hurting.
I'm also unashamedly obsessed with Ferox, who in this book plays a very fascinating and enigmatic role that I won't spoil. He's deeply tormented and facing down his own inner demons, and I love me a morally gray character. I couldn't help but latch onto him and every time his occasional POV chapters came up, I was doing a happy dance in my seat, absolutely glued to the page.
Also... when do get get the next book?! It's going to be hard to wait after an ending like that...
Beautiful story with all sorts of representation, including a lovely trans heroine with an absolute heart of gold. I'll be thinking about this book (and First Snow) for a very, very long time to come.
I adored this book. I really love all the rich and varied representation in Jake Vanguard's books. There are so many different concepts of love, of heroism, of community. And as in the first book, the worldbuilding blew me away with how cool and uniquely utilized it is (that hand scene... IYKYK). Our cast of characters here are thrown into a lot of dire situations and forced into moral conundrums. They're faced with choices, the consequences of some which will haunt them forever. I appreciated how real this story was, even while set in speculative worldbuilding, because at its heart, it was about love, and about wanting to heal together. Sweet angel Helio stole my heart with her own journey and how she fought so hard in every way she could to protect the people she loved and in her forgiving, compassionate nature. This is a book that shows power isn't always something seized through violence and battle... sometimes it's simply in getting up again and again and extending a hand to those who are hurting.
I'm also unashamedly obsessed with Ferox, who in this book plays a very fascinating and enigmatic role that I won't spoil. He's deeply tormented and facing down his own inner demons, and I love me a morally gray character. I couldn't help but latch onto him and every time his occasional POV chapters came up, I was doing a happy dance in my seat, absolutely glued to the page.
Also... when do get get the next book?! It's going to be hard to wait after an ending like that...
Beautiful story with all sorts of representation, including a lovely trans heroine with an absolute heart of gold. I'll be thinking about this book (and First Snow) for a very, very long time to come.
March 22, 2025
First Rose is a compelling second installment in this beautifully world-built character AND plot driven series. Once again, Vanguard has managed to steal my heart with a relatable Main Character and a secondary POV that steals my attention every time.
The representation in this book is spot on, favourite figures from the first return to grace the pages with their incredible presence, and new unforgettable characters are also introduced. It's quite impossible to tear your eyes away from the page when Ambroz walks in.
The plot is riveting and had me turning pages, eager to find out what would happen next, but there was enough breathing space to allow us to *live* within the character and to experience everything new with her firsthand. The pacing for this book is incredible. It starts with a bang and ends with another, and we get to experience all the emotions underneath the sun while we're reading.
When I read the first book in this series, I remember being very impressed by the world-building. In this, Vanguard delivers once again too. The new settings we explore in First Rose are beautiful, the descriptions immersive, making each setting its own character.
We also get to delve more deeply into lore and learn more about these important deities for whom the series is named.
The spice level also goes up a few notches and the romantic spicy scenes are handled expertly. All-round beautiful storytelling.
First Rose is an impeccable read that leaves you eager for more. I cannot wait for this series to culminate in the next book. Vanguard has become one of those writers for whom I can say: 'If it's written by Jake, then I'm going to read it.' Sign me right up.
I received this book as an eARC and am writing this review freely. All opinions are my own.
The representation in this book is spot on, favourite figures from the first return to grace the pages with their incredible presence, and new unforgettable characters are also introduced. It's quite impossible to tear your eyes away from the page when Ambroz walks in.
The plot is riveting and had me turning pages, eager to find out what would happen next, but there was enough breathing space to allow us to *live* within the character and to experience everything new with her firsthand. The pacing for this book is incredible. It starts with a bang and ends with another, and we get to experience all the emotions underneath the sun while we're reading.
When I read the first book in this series, I remember being very impressed by the world-building. In this, Vanguard delivers once again too. The new settings we explore in First Rose are beautiful, the descriptions immersive, making each setting its own character.
We also get to delve more deeply into lore and learn more about these important deities for whom the series is named.
The spice level also goes up a few notches and the romantic spicy scenes are handled expertly. All-round beautiful storytelling.
First Rose is an impeccable read that leaves you eager for more. I cannot wait for this series to culminate in the next book. Vanguard has become one of those writers for whom I can say: 'If it's written by Jake, then I'm going to read it.' Sign me right up.
I received this book as an eARC and am writing this review freely. All opinions are my own.
May 25, 2025
Such an amazing follow on from First Snow, and no less of an emotional gut-punch.
The story follows Helio a trans woman who has inherited celestial powers from her sister Zalika and now must find her niece, protect her friends, and most importantly embrace every part of her new identity.
It was such a wonderful surprise to open the book and discover one of our known, and well-loved characters from First Snow had taken on a new identity and begun her journey to becoming who she was always meant to be before all the angst got in the way. Then of course further angst comes for her because my baby cannot have one moment of peace but I digress.
The world building and inclusion of Helio's trans identity in that is done wonderfully --- especially when looking at the medical advancements in the city of Tadena. And with each new place added to the novels fantastical map Vanguard shapes for the reader a home. The cottage, the Evergarden, all of them come to life in the readers imagination and feel like extraordinarily familiar and safe.
Every character, every side character feels like a friend, lover, or family member, who's backstories will have you sobbing in anguish. Each antagonist a dire foe who's pain has you jumping up and down in your seat and jeering.
Vanguard has created settings so inhabitable, and characters so tangible that novel will become each readers safe place, and each authors hope for their own works.
I truly cannot wait to read more
The story follows Helio a trans woman who has inherited celestial powers from her sister Zalika and now must find her niece, protect her friends, and most importantly embrace every part of her new identity.
It was such a wonderful surprise to open the book and discover one of our known, and well-loved characters from First Snow had taken on a new identity and begun her journey to becoming who she was always meant to be before all the angst got in the way. Then of course further angst comes for her because my baby cannot have one moment of peace but I digress.
The world building and inclusion of Helio's trans identity in that is done wonderfully --- especially when looking at the medical advancements in the city of Tadena. And with each new place added to the novels fantastical map Vanguard shapes for the reader a home. The cottage, the Evergarden, all of them come to life in the readers imagination and feel like extraordinarily familiar and safe.
Every character, every side character feels like a friend, lover, or family member, who's backstories will have you sobbing in anguish. Each antagonist a dire foe who's pain has you jumping up and down in your seat and jeering.
Vanguard has created settings so inhabitable, and characters so tangible that novel will become each readers safe place, and each authors hope for their own works.
I truly cannot wait to read more
September 9, 2025
What a gorgeous story!😍😍
First Rose is the second book in the Deity Chronicles series. First Snow was book 1 which i enjoyed immensely, and First Rose is set 5 years after those events, in the same universe and with some of the cast returning (lovely to see more of Julyen!), but focusing on a different MC for this book, Helio.
First Rose has a trans woman FMC, Helio, and we follow her journey as she has newfound abilities/powers and has to master those before she can rescue her niece, Nyssa.
I was so excited to see more of this world with Sci-Fi cities here, and cottagecore gardens and lush jungle/forests there. It's such a fun blend of unique worlds, Sci-Fi and Fantasy together.
Getting to know Helio was wonderful! I loved delving into her backstory, and how she mixes with the cast of the characters.
There is some angst and hurt/comfort vibes; everyone has quite a lot happening to them! Much like in book 1. Helio especially goes through some feelings, but this is done really well imho. If hurt/comfort is your vibe, then you'll love this book!
Ambroz, god of lust, is a compelling new character and love interest. I absolutely adored him and his dynamic with Helio!
I also found the villain of the piece interesting! I love depth to the villains/antagonists.
I had a great time reading this book, recommended! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First Rose is the second book in the Deity Chronicles series. First Snow was book 1 which i enjoyed immensely, and First Rose is set 5 years after those events, in the same universe and with some of the cast returning (lovely to see more of Julyen!), but focusing on a different MC for this book, Helio.
First Rose has a trans woman FMC, Helio, and we follow her journey as she has newfound abilities/powers and has to master those before she can rescue her niece, Nyssa.
I was so excited to see more of this world with Sci-Fi cities here, and cottagecore gardens and lush jungle/forests there. It's such a fun blend of unique worlds, Sci-Fi and Fantasy together.
Getting to know Helio was wonderful! I loved delving into her backstory, and how she mixes with the cast of the characters.
There is some angst and hurt/comfort vibes; everyone has quite a lot happening to them! Much like in book 1. Helio especially goes through some feelings, but this is done really well imho. If hurt/comfort is your vibe, then you'll love this book!
Ambroz, god of lust, is a compelling new character and love interest. I absolutely adored him and his dynamic with Helio!
I also found the villain of the piece interesting! I love depth to the villains/antagonists.
I had a great time reading this book, recommended! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews