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Aurethia Rising
Two centuries ago, House Henly of Aurethia and House Volkov of Griea penned an engagement, promising a union between rival houses and their respective homeworlds.
Elio Henly has been preparing for marriage his entire life. As the Henly heir and future steward of Aurethia, he will inherit great power, including control of a lucrative trade route, and ownership of the most precious substance in the Greater Universe — Avara. The mysterious blue crystal native to Aurethia is the sole treatment for parsec sickness, an epidemic ravaging space travelers within the Greater Universe. But when he meets Cael Volkov, the charming heir of the outfitted military planet, Griea, everything he thought he knew about his homeworld, his family, and his heart is turned upside down.
Cael Volkov has been raised to conquer. Champion in the Tupinaire, commander of the Royal Reserve, and son to the mighty Legatus, Cael knows his mission is gain the Aurethian heir’s trust, learn everything he can about the forest moon, and prepare to take it by force. But the longer he spends with Elio Henly, the quiet, brilliant Aurethian prince, the more he questions everything he was taught, and begins to push back against the rhetoric seeded in him by a lust for vengeance.
Aurethia Rising is an Achillean Space Opera with a happily ever after promise. Content warnings are available inside the novel.
Elio Henly has been preparing for marriage his entire life. As the Henly heir and future steward of Aurethia, he will inherit great power, including control of a lucrative trade route, and ownership of the most precious substance in the Greater Universe — Avara. The mysterious blue crystal native to Aurethia is the sole treatment for parsec sickness, an epidemic ravaging space travelers within the Greater Universe. But when he meets Cael Volkov, the charming heir of the outfitted military planet, Griea, everything he thought he knew about his homeworld, his family, and his heart is turned upside down.
Cael Volkov has been raised to conquer. Champion in the Tupinaire, commander of the Royal Reserve, and son to the mighty Legatus, Cael knows his mission is gain the Aurethian heir’s trust, learn everything he can about the forest moon, and prepare to take it by force. But the longer he spends with Elio Henly, the quiet, brilliant Aurethian prince, the more he questions everything he was taught, and begins to push back against the rhetoric seeded in him by a lust for vengeance.
Aurethia Rising is an Achillean Space Opera with a happily ever after promise. Content warnings are available inside the novel.
468 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2025
132 people are currently reading
868 people want to read
About the author
atlas laika
3 books31 followersAtlas Laika is a bestselling science fiction author with a passion for bringing lyrical, queernormative, big-world storytelling to life. By day, they're an animal lover, fitness and yoga enthusiast, downtime doodler, and tea drinker. They spend their evenings writing about space travel, stardust, sword fights, and smooching.
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August 18, 2025This was incredible
February 15, 2025
What happens if House Atreides and House Harkonnen made a deal to marry off their grand-children? Sprinkle in some Captive Prince and Winter's Orbit vibes, and you get Aurethia Rising!
This book has everything. Arranged marriage, different cultures clashing, dangerous politics, space travel, a lush planet as the main setting and a frost planet as secondary setting, family love and hate - and of course pinning, fighting and finally deep and true love.
Laika's writing is incredibly immersive, keeping the reader captive from the very beginning. The characters have all such clear voices and struggles, making them feel real and three-dimensional. Every chapter, I feared and laughed and cried with them, afraid what'd happen next to Elio and Cael.
I love that there's not a clear black-and-white divide, everyone has their past - and future. There's not one family at fault, but it's much more nuanced and complicated than that.
There's of course queerness as well, considering Cael and Elio are both men. Subtle mentions of Elio's transition are well implemented and woven into the worldbuilding, without taking over his character. There's much more to him than his body, which was refreshing to read about.
All in all, Aurethia Rising is a superb debut novel, perfect for fans of dangerous political play and gay yearning.
I received an advance review copy for free, all thoughts are mine.
This book has everything. Arranged marriage, different cultures clashing, dangerous politics, space travel, a lush planet as the main setting and a frost planet as secondary setting, family love and hate - and of course pinning, fighting and finally deep and true love.
Laika's writing is incredibly immersive, keeping the reader captive from the very beginning. The characters have all such clear voices and struggles, making them feel real and three-dimensional. Every chapter, I feared and laughed and cried with them, afraid what'd happen next to Elio and Cael.
I love that there's not a clear black-and-white divide, everyone has their past - and future. There's not one family at fault, but it's much more nuanced and complicated than that.
There's of course queerness as well, considering Cael and Elio are both men. Subtle mentions of Elio's transition are well implemented and woven into the worldbuilding, without taking over his character. There's much more to him than his body, which was refreshing to read about.
All in all, Aurethia Rising is a superb debut novel, perfect for fans of dangerous political play and gay yearning.
I received an advance review copy for free, all thoughts are mine.
March 23, 2025
Okay, so. I've literally just finished my ARC of AURETHIA RISING and I have SO MANY THOUGHTS and SO MANY EMOTIONS and I both want to throw myself out my window and immediately start rereading it.
I feel obligated to be honest, so I will admit that there was a lot of lengthy description and paragraphs that could've been cut to tighten up the book, but the prose was just SO BEAUTIFUL that I couldn't care less. I need another 500 pages of this. I need a never ending supply of books following Cael and Elio's love story.
God, the relationship is TO DIE FOR. The angst, the sexual tension, the yearning, the CHEMISTRY. I was foaming at the mouth and waiting breathlessly for Elio and Cael to get together, and then I was kicking my feet and screaming like a banshee.
The plot KILLED ME. The trials and tribulations Cael and Elio faced had be begging for a happy ending, and the ending didn't disappoint.
At first, I didn't like Bracken all that much, and I skimmed through his POV chapters impatiently waiting to get back to Elio and Cael, and while his POV was a lot less captivating than Elio and Cael's, I still enjoyed the glimpse into his mind. Bracken is such a complex character, and I liked how much thought and effort was put into his mind, his thoughts, his character arc. As much as he annoyed me at first, I stopped skimming his chapters towards the end, and found I had more sympathy and understanding for him than I anticipated.
Sometimes I thought the decisions Elio made and the way he saw the world and held himself seemed far too mature for his age, considering he's only 18, but I do think his character is so well written and aptly explains the impact being raised as a lord with such big expectations and an arranged marriage over his head has had.
Overall, this is the best thing I've read all year, and I highly recommend it. Atlas Laika, please pay for my therapy and also deliver me another hundred Elio and Cael books, please and thank you.
I feel obligated to be honest, so I will admit that there was a lot of lengthy description and paragraphs that could've been cut to tighten up the book, but the prose was just SO BEAUTIFUL that I couldn't care less. I need another 500 pages of this. I need a never ending supply of books following Cael and Elio's love story.
God, the relationship is TO DIE FOR. The angst, the sexual tension, the yearning, the CHEMISTRY. I was foaming at the mouth and waiting breathlessly for Elio and Cael to get together, and then I was kicking my feet and screaming like a banshee.
The plot KILLED ME. The trials and tribulations Cael and Elio faced had be begging for a happy ending, and the ending didn't disappoint.
At first, I didn't like Bracken all that much, and I skimmed through his POV chapters impatiently waiting to get back to Elio and Cael, and while his POV was a lot less captivating than Elio and Cael's, I still enjoyed the glimpse into his mind. Bracken is such a complex character, and I liked how much thought and effort was put into his mind, his thoughts, his character arc. As much as he annoyed me at first, I stopped skimming his chapters towards the end, and found I had more sympathy and understanding for him than I anticipated.
Sometimes I thought the decisions Elio made and the way he saw the world and held himself seemed far too mature for his age, considering he's only 18, but I do think his character is so well written and aptly explains the impact being raised as a lord with such big expectations and an arranged marriage over his head has had.
Overall, this is the best thing I've read all year, and I highly recommend it. Atlas Laika, please pay for my therapy and also deliver me another hundred Elio and Cael books, please and thank you.
April 27, 2025
*I received an arc from the author, who I do not know personally; this in no way affects my review.*
Massively overwritten, to a cringe-inducing level. Occasionally the actual meaning of the sentence isn’t the one the author clearly intends (from context). I have no patience for this sort of thing, so nope, hard DNF. (I didn’t even make it to the second chapter, ffs.)
‘a partial hole’?
…he what.
I get what you’re trying to say, but no.
…I’ve spun this about in my head every which-way, but it still doesn’t make sense as a sentence. If the inevitable snaps, doesn’t that mean it breaks? As in, doesn’t happen? (In context, the author is saying ‘the inevitable happened/arrived’.)
What is an impossible undercurrent?
Nooooooooo thank you!
Massively overwritten, to a cringe-inducing level. Occasionally the actual meaning of the sentence isn’t the one the author clearly intends (from context). I have no patience for this sort of thing, so nope, hard DNF. (I didn’t even make it to the second chapter, ffs.)
the extravagant manor punched a partial hole in the horizon
‘a partial hole’?
Today was his eighteenth birthday. He pushed the pungent taste of destiny down his throat.
…he what.
realizing his life would radically change the very moment he crossed the threshold between classified child and perceived adult.
I get what you’re trying to say, but no.
the inevitable snapped like a twig.
…I’ve spun this about in my head every which-way, but it still doesn’t make sense as a sentence. If the inevitable snaps, doesn’t that mean it breaks? As in, doesn’t happen? (In context, the author is saying ‘the inevitable happened/arrived’.)
the impossible undercurrent of what the next day might bring
What is an impossible undercurrent?
Nooooooooo thank you!
May 5, 2025
An absolutely amazing scifi debut with beautifully written prose and characters that are so well depicted, you’ll remember them for a long time coming.
The descriptions of the overall environment were so vivid, it felt like you were there with the characters. The feasts, the scenery and let’s not forget the stunning map with the several planets in the Lux System - you can tell a lot of thought went into not only this book, but this world & its characters.
I really enjoyed the buildup and the development that we follow between the two main characters, Elio and Cael, and having this book be multi POV really amplified this for me. It got really tense at times (in the most interesting of ways) and the author depicts and describes this political tension and the effects thereof really really well.
The pacing of the book is on the slower side (given it is a 600 pager) but it really works for this story. The slower pace allows you to linger in the atmosphere the author creates, alongside the characters. Regardless, the book reads really fast and those 600 pages go by way too fast.
If you enjoyed the overall “vibes” of Winter’s Orbit, the character dynamics of Captive Prince, and the political atmosphere of Dune, I think you’ll love this one!
*I received an eARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions stated above are my unbiased own.
The descriptions of the overall environment were so vivid, it felt like you were there with the characters. The feasts, the scenery and let’s not forget the stunning map with the several planets in the Lux System - you can tell a lot of thought went into not only this book, but this world & its characters.
I really enjoyed the buildup and the development that we follow between the two main characters, Elio and Cael, and having this book be multi POV really amplified this for me. It got really tense at times (in the most interesting of ways) and the author depicts and describes this political tension and the effects thereof really really well.
The pacing of the book is on the slower side (given it is a 600 pager) but it really works for this story. The slower pace allows you to linger in the atmosphere the author creates, alongside the characters. Regardless, the book reads really fast and those 600 pages go by way too fast.
If you enjoyed the overall “vibes” of Winter’s Orbit, the character dynamics of Captive Prince, and the political atmosphere of Dune, I think you’ll love this one!
*I received an eARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions stated above are my unbiased own.
February 22, 2025
"I fell in love with him like I was falling on a sword."
Aurethia Rising is a queer (m/m trans) romance between the icy warrior prince of the frozen planet Griea and the golden bookish prince of the wealthy moon Aurethia. Set in a sci-fi world with lavish feasts, Dune-like politics, and a sprinkle of the fantastical, it features an arranged political marriage where love is intended to be used as a weapon to the benefit of each prince's house until that same love devolves into something entirely too real, and more importantly, something entirely Forbidden.
Yes please. Sign me up.
I absolutely loved the decadence of the arranged marriage (promised generations in the past) at last coming to fruition like the blossoming of a golden age so ready to be plucked, with one house rich and overripe and the other a predator waiting to devour. I loved the poltical subterfuge between the two houses and how each house vies for power in a different way based on their different cultures, with one using brute force and the other manipulating trade routes, exacerbated by another major difference: the posession (or lack thereof) of Avara, a rare crystalline substance used for healing and sustaining life in space. Griea is all blood and teeth, Aurethia is indulgent and sweet.
The lush descriptions made me want to live on these worlds with them so badly ugh, and I especially enjoyed the honeymoon phase of the romance with all the descriptions of Aurethia's scenery and delicacies. The pacing let me linger with the characters in a way I really enjoy, and I especially appreciated Elio getting his moment to prove he's a political threat of equal measure to that of the warrior Cael. If you're a fan of Winter's Orbit, Captive Prince, or Dune-but-make-it-gay, then you'll enjoy this one <3
I received an Advance Reader Copy of Aurethia Rising in exchange for an honest review
Aurethia Rising is a queer (m/m trans) romance between the icy warrior prince of the frozen planet Griea and the golden bookish prince of the wealthy moon Aurethia. Set in a sci-fi world with lavish feasts, Dune-like politics, and a sprinkle of the fantastical, it features an arranged political marriage where love is intended to be used as a weapon to the benefit of each prince's house until that same love devolves into something entirely too real, and more importantly, something entirely Forbidden.
Yes please. Sign me up.
I absolutely loved the decadence of the arranged marriage (promised generations in the past) at last coming to fruition like the blossoming of a golden age so ready to be plucked, with one house rich and overripe and the other a predator waiting to devour. I loved the poltical subterfuge between the two houses and how each house vies for power in a different way based on their different cultures, with one using brute force and the other manipulating trade routes, exacerbated by another major difference: the posession (or lack thereof) of Avara, a rare crystalline substance used for healing and sustaining life in space. Griea is all blood and teeth, Aurethia is indulgent and sweet.
The lush descriptions made me want to live on these worlds with them so badly ugh, and I especially enjoyed the honeymoon phase of the romance with all the descriptions of Aurethia's scenery and delicacies. The pacing let me linger with the characters in a way I really enjoy, and I especially appreciated Elio getting his moment to prove he's a political threat of equal measure to that of the warrior Cael. If you're a fan of Winter's Orbit, Captive Prince, or Dune-but-make-it-gay, then you'll enjoy this one <3
I received an Advance Reader Copy of Aurethia Rising in exchange for an honest review
April 28, 2025
I think this was the most achingly romantic space opera I have ever read. I wasn't really prepared for the way it put my heart through the blender but here we are. Reading this definitely took some years off my life. I say that as a compliment though, because it can take a lot to make me white knuckle my kindle while I read but this one did it.
This is a quite large and sweeping saga set in space with a sprinkle of arranged marriage and enemies to lovers. Carl and Elio start off mistrusting of each other but over time their lives entwine and they come to respect each other before falling for each other. I loved Elio and thought Carl complimented him well. And let me tell you the spice was ..... Ahem. It wasn't even spice it was just some heavy flirting and I was swooning a bit. It's um.... very romantic. That's all I'll say lol
Despite the few gray hairs I now have I'd willingly go through it again for more of this world and more of Elio and Cael. A very dramatic and complex space opera that combines strength of character with how far you'd go for those you love.
This is a quite large and sweeping saga set in space with a sprinkle of arranged marriage and enemies to lovers. Carl and Elio start off mistrusting of each other but over time their lives entwine and they come to respect each other before falling for each other. I loved Elio and thought Carl complimented him well. And let me tell you the spice was ..... Ahem. It wasn't even spice it was just some heavy flirting and I was swooning a bit. It's um.... very romantic. That's all I'll say lol
Despite the few gray hairs I now have I'd willingly go through it again for more of this world and more of Elio and Cael. A very dramatic and complex space opera that combines strength of character with how far you'd go for those you love.
February 28, 2025
" Death itself could not keep you from me."
Aurethia Rising is a spectacular spectacle of modern Sci-fi. It roped me in. I fell in love, and I won't be able to think of anything else for an age.
Two worlds Griea and Aurethia are brought together by a centuries old agreement by two powerful families. The oldest great-child from each must marry and bring together societies that have been at odds for a lifetime. Elio accepts his duty and hopes his marriage will help mend the void. Cael, however, has been trained as a warrior and has been raised to do anything for his planet, even if that means seducing Aurethias Prince and taking over his moon by force. Elios charm, however, worms its way into Caels' icy heart, and together, they must face something much bigger than their own worlds.
This space opera had me hooked from chapter one. If you love arranged marriage, political intrigue, forbidden love, betrayal, and war, then this is the book you need to read this year. This is sci-fi and romance at its very best set in a unique queer-normative universe. The relationship between Elio and Cael is beautiful and heartbreaking. Watching them fall in love with each other has been carefully crafted from the multi pov. I especially liked the lack of fuss when Elios trans status is revealed.
I would love to learn more about this world and hope this is not a stand-alone.
Aurethia Rising is a spectacular spectacle of modern Sci-fi. It roped me in. I fell in love, and I won't be able to think of anything else for an age.
Two worlds Griea and Aurethia are brought together by a centuries old agreement by two powerful families. The oldest great-child from each must marry and bring together societies that have been at odds for a lifetime. Elio accepts his duty and hopes his marriage will help mend the void. Cael, however, has been trained as a warrior and has been raised to do anything for his planet, even if that means seducing Aurethias Prince and taking over his moon by force. Elios charm, however, worms its way into Caels' icy heart, and together, they must face something much bigger than their own worlds.
This space opera had me hooked from chapter one. If you love arranged marriage, political intrigue, forbidden love, betrayal, and war, then this is the book you need to read this year. This is sci-fi and romance at its very best set in a unique queer-normative universe. The relationship between Elio and Cael is beautiful and heartbreaking. Watching them fall in love with each other has been carefully crafted from the multi pov. I especially liked the lack of fuss when Elios trans status is revealed.
I would love to learn more about this world and hope this is not a stand-alone.
July 5, 2025
Aurethia Rising
Fantastic! This book blew me away! I absolutely loved everything about it from the world building to the characters. I will say the characters are what really made the story for me. Elio and Cael were flawed and real. I enjoyed their relationship.
Elio was a kinder soul who was curious, smart, and caring. I absolutely loved watching him grow into a stronger more confident version of himself.
Cael was all war, strength, and loyalty. His journey was the best. I enjoyed watching his perspective and heart open throughout the story.
The two of them together were perfect! They complimented and challenged each other bringing out the best in each other.
While their relationship made the story, there were other characters I enjoyed as well like Vik!
I can’t say enough about this book but I highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy space operas, slow burn, arranged marriage, forced proximity, sword fighting, action packed, hurt/comfort, multiple POVs, political drama, betrayal, secrets, heartfelt romance, touch him and xx vibes, morally grey characters, and so much more!
Fantastic! This book blew me away! I absolutely loved everything about it from the world building to the characters. I will say the characters are what really made the story for me. Elio and Cael were flawed and real. I enjoyed their relationship.
Elio was a kinder soul who was curious, smart, and caring. I absolutely loved watching him grow into a stronger more confident version of himself.
Cael was all war, strength, and loyalty. His journey was the best. I enjoyed watching his perspective and heart open throughout the story.
The two of them together were perfect! They complimented and challenged each other bringing out the best in each other.
While their relationship made the story, there were other characters I enjoyed as well like Vik!
I can’t say enough about this book but I highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy space operas, slow burn, arranged marriage, forced proximity, sword fighting, action packed, hurt/comfort, multiple POVs, political drama, betrayal, secrets, heartfelt romance, touch him and xx vibes, morally grey characters, and so much more!
October 15, 2025
I am just going to say it, guys. This book might be my TOP READ OF 2025.
I have decided I am going to make it my mission- I want EVERYONE to read this masterpiece. I am seriously blown away by the talent it takes to write something of this scope- and IT IS A DEBUT, which just makes it that much more impressive.
"Elio Henly, designed for Cael by the stars themselves, changed everything."
This is the one for all of you readers who love reading about fate. It is a "star-crossed lovers" kind of romance, wrapped up in a supremely exciting fight for power spanning hundreds of years. I absolutely loved this when I first read it, trying so hard to slow myself down so I could savor it, while at the same time canceling every real-life commitment so I could stay wrapped in this world for longer.
When my physical copy arrived (which is stunning, by the way-) I spent HOURS annotating and tabbing, and fell in love with the story all over again. And then, when I finally sat down a few weeks later to write my review, I found myself ONE MORE TIME enchanted by the writing, the quotes, the most touching and desperate declarations of an impossible love- HOT DAMN.
I mean- WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING IF YOU ARE NOT READING THIS??
Sometimes I hate comps- I always worry I will offend an author by comping their books to another author's-- but this author loves the comps and uses them as a tool so I am going to do the same. Not since C.S. Pacat has a story felt like this for me--the way the tension built- slowly, piece by piece, with underlying sexual tones- and very real danger as the characters wage war and fight for their lives- it was so well done. C.S. Pacat fans- this is your book. Winter's Orbit fans- this is for you, too, although for me, "Aurethia Rising" was so much better than Winter's Orbit.
What is this book about??
Elio Henly and Cael Volkov are the respective heirs to their families' homelands. Cael has been raised on Greia, the Universe's military planet, and Elio on Aurethia, the lush home to the crystal "Avara," which the Universe depends on to cure it's space epidemic. A battle for power between their great-grandparents two centuries ago ended up in a treaty- arranging a marriage between the two heirs. These two have been preparing for this arranged marriage their entire lives, Cael being bred and trained to use this union to finally overthrow Aurethia, and take the land for Greia. What on paper looks to be a union penned out of good faith is actually a powder-keg ready to explode.
"You are the lion cub of Aurethia, heir to the most powerful house in the Greater Universe, and you are my son. You're not a prize to be won, Elio, and you're not a weapon to wield. You carry the spirit of our forest moon. You are the heart of our pride... and you do not bow to a basilisk."
And hot damn. Greia and Aurethia are run by power-hungry men, whose bad decisions over the years have left Greia hungry for revenge. The political part of this story is so good. I could NOT look away, and as pieces and plot twists were revealed, and the stakes climbed higher and higher.
But that damn romance.... YOU GUYS- IT WAS TO DIE FOR.
Cael, a warrior and champion of his planet's fighting arena, the Tupinaire, has known his whole life he would infiltrate Aurethia one day and finally take back what his planet, his people, are owed. He is ready- he was born and bred for this. But he never expected to be met with an opponent worthy of him- someone whose brain and cunning were a match for him- and he never expected to fall so hard for both Aurethia, and his husband-to-be.
"This is a political union. This will set my heart on fire."
I cried- things got more brutal here than I had imagined they would, and I really loved that the author did not shy away from death, terror, and absolute destruction- and with it, she really made that HEA seem out of reach. Betrayals, secret alliances, all of it spurring on a story that was just galloping towards pain. I COULD NOT LOOK AWAY. And above all, the romance simmered, destined to ruin everything.
"I'm his, entirely."
This one is everything I want in a book- nailed every single piece of what makes my heart race and my pulse soar- I cannot tell you how excited I am to experience everything this author writes next. After I have reread "Aurethia" again and again, of course!
I have decided I am going to make it my mission- I want EVERYONE to read this masterpiece. I am seriously blown away by the talent it takes to write something of this scope- and IT IS A DEBUT, which just makes it that much more impressive.
"Elio Henly, designed for Cael by the stars themselves, changed everything."
This is the one for all of you readers who love reading about fate. It is a "star-crossed lovers" kind of romance, wrapped up in a supremely exciting fight for power spanning hundreds of years. I absolutely loved this when I first read it, trying so hard to slow myself down so I could savor it, while at the same time canceling every real-life commitment so I could stay wrapped in this world for longer.
When my physical copy arrived (which is stunning, by the way-) I spent HOURS annotating and tabbing, and fell in love with the story all over again. And then, when I finally sat down a few weeks later to write my review, I found myself ONE MORE TIME enchanted by the writing, the quotes, the most touching and desperate declarations of an impossible love- HOT DAMN.
I mean- WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING IF YOU ARE NOT READING THIS??
Sometimes I hate comps- I always worry I will offend an author by comping their books to another author's-- but this author loves the comps and uses them as a tool so I am going to do the same. Not since C.S. Pacat has a story felt like this for me--the way the tension built- slowly, piece by piece, with underlying sexual tones- and very real danger as the characters wage war and fight for their lives- it was so well done. C.S. Pacat fans- this is your book. Winter's Orbit fans- this is for you, too, although for me, "Aurethia Rising" was so much better than Winter's Orbit.
What is this book about??
Elio Henly and Cael Volkov are the respective heirs to their families' homelands. Cael has been raised on Greia, the Universe's military planet, and Elio on Aurethia, the lush home to the crystal "Avara," which the Universe depends on to cure it's space epidemic. A battle for power between their great-grandparents two centuries ago ended up in a treaty- arranging a marriage between the two heirs. These two have been preparing for this arranged marriage their entire lives, Cael being bred and trained to use this union to finally overthrow Aurethia, and take the land for Greia. What on paper looks to be a union penned out of good faith is actually a powder-keg ready to explode.
"You are the lion cub of Aurethia, heir to the most powerful house in the Greater Universe, and you are my son. You're not a prize to be won, Elio, and you're not a weapon to wield. You carry the spirit of our forest moon. You are the heart of our pride... and you do not bow to a basilisk."
And hot damn. Greia and Aurethia are run by power-hungry men, whose bad decisions over the years have left Greia hungry for revenge. The political part of this story is so good. I could NOT look away, and as pieces and plot twists were revealed, and the stakes climbed higher and higher.
But that damn romance.... YOU GUYS- IT WAS TO DIE FOR.
Cael, a warrior and champion of his planet's fighting arena, the Tupinaire, has known his whole life he would infiltrate Aurethia one day and finally take back what his planet, his people, are owed. He is ready- he was born and bred for this. But he never expected to be met with an opponent worthy of him- someone whose brain and cunning were a match for him- and he never expected to fall so hard for both Aurethia, and his husband-to-be.
"This is a political union. This will set my heart on fire."
I cried- things got more brutal here than I had imagined they would, and I really loved that the author did not shy away from death, terror, and absolute destruction- and with it, she really made that HEA seem out of reach. Betrayals, secret alliances, all of it spurring on a story that was just galloping towards pain. I COULD NOT LOOK AWAY. And above all, the romance simmered, destined to ruin everything.
"I'm his, entirely."
This one is everything I want in a book- nailed every single piece of what makes my heart race and my pulse soar- I cannot tell you how excited I am to experience everything this author writes next. After I have reread "Aurethia" again and again, of course!
October 26, 2025
Do not let the artsy cover pic mislead you ... this is not a space regency romance drama (at least the typical type anyways). There might be some enemy-to-begrudging friendship build up in the first half of the read but then bam! The action suddenly kicks in with political coup violence, murderous rampages, civilian exterminations (mostly off page happenings TG) and battlefront action scenes galore.
I really liked how the historical 'reveals' unfolded throughout - changing my understanding of the initial overarching planetary hatred/enmity between the MCs familias. Fantastic character development for both the main as well as multiple secondary characters ... with the female characters nicely depicted as equally badasses as their male counterparts.
This was a clear 5 plus star read for me from start to finish.
I really liked how the historical 'reveals' unfolded throughout - changing my understanding of the initial overarching planetary hatred/enmity between the MCs familias. Fantastic character development for both the main as well as multiple secondary characters ... with the female characters nicely depicted as equally badasses as their male counterparts.
This was a clear 5 plus star read for me from start to finish.
May 5, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Thank you so much Atlas Laika for sending me an eARC. As a sucker for space operas I am so very grateful and was sucked into the story right away!
The way Atlas Laika writes the scenery, for me, it feels like I'm there. The same way with the characters. I can still vividly FEEL how Cael felt when he ate fruit for the first time. It's just, it made me want to go buy fruit that doesn't even exist!
I'll admit and say I was worried that things were developing too was between Elio and Cael (in hindsight nope), but it made sense the more I read and I was overly committed to their romance when promised betrayal happened and I wanted to throw my phone at someone.
I like that the book is multi POV, it made sense to get both Elio, Cael and even Bracken's view of things. Things are never as simple as you've been taught and there's always a different side to history depending on who writes it. Although, Bracken became "the foot guy" after a certain chapter and I couldn't let it go 😅 I am sorry.
Thank you so much Atlas Laika for sending me an eARC. As a sucker for space operas I am so very grateful and was sucked into the story right away!
The way Atlas Laika writes the scenery, for me, it feels like I'm there. The same way with the characters. I can still vividly FEEL how Cael felt when he ate fruit for the first time. It's just, it made me want to go buy fruit that doesn't even exist!
I'll admit and say I was worried that things were developing too was between Elio and Cael (in hindsight nope), but it made sense the more I read and I was overly committed to their romance when promised betrayal happened and I wanted to throw my phone at someone.
I like that the book is multi POV, it made sense to get both Elio, Cael and even Bracken's view of things. Things are never as simple as you've been taught and there's always a different side to history depending on who writes it. Although, Bracken became "the foot guy" after a certain chapter and I couldn't let it go 😅 I am sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2025
How does one even recover from a piece of literature like this?
May 27, 2025
2.5 stars.
A political sci-fi arranged marriage romance that unfortunately failed at both genres.
Elio is a sheltered prince of Aurethia, a verdant breadbasket moon that produces Avara, a rare mineral that cures fatal parsec sickness. Elio was betrothed to Cael, Duke of Griea, a militaristic ice planet, centuries ago to cement their families' alliance. Unknown to Elio, Cael comes to Aurtheia to seduce and manipulate Elio in order to enable Griea's invasion of Aurethia. Elio and Cael spend a year together before their marriage, where Elio learns that his family is not as generous with their resources as he believed and Cael begins to question his mission. After some brief hostility, Elio and Cael fall for each other and get together. Cael decides to abandon his mission and tells his father to call off the attack.
The attack is not called off and Elio and Cael both barely escape with their lives. They separately run for their lives (with Elio cutting off contact after realizing the betrayal) but reunite after a week at the mysterious xenobiology division (it turns out that the mineral Avara is actually the byproduct of a giant alien being). Elio stabs Cael but regrets it and quickly decides he needs Cael by his side. Cael and Elio are eventually captured by Griea, with Elio volunteering to take a deal to marry Cael’s cousin. This turns out to be a ploy, and Cael is able to kill his father and take over Griea. Peace in the universe and in the marriage.
This started off extremely strong, but I was struggling to finish by the end. I really enjoy a political arranged marriage and was excited to see how the secret invasion played out and impacted the relationship. In the beginning it was fun to see Elio and Cael get to know each other -- the flirting by sparring was wonderful and sexy. But I started to feel frustrated once Elio and Cael got together; it was a real 0 to 100, with them having sex and saying I love you in the course of one night. We then get pretty much nine months of honeymoon period, with Elio and Cael just being in love and talking about what good rulers they are going to be.
Given the age of the characters (18 and 20), I think a generous interpretation is that the first half of the book is meant to show their naivete and inexperience. There are some discussions of the political issues between Griea and Aurtheia, but nothing really beyond the fact that parsec sickness is really bad on Griea and Aurtheia is greedy and a poor trade partner. Elio and Cael are determined to "make things better" but never really engage with how that will logistically and politically work.
WhileI think the excuse of youth and inexperience can be applied to Elio, I don't think Cael has any excuse. He is a trained killer (his first scene in the book shows him murdering a prisoner in a fight that was explicitly not to the death), leader of the most elite military group, and has spent his entire life preparing to invade and take over Aurtheia. He has no reason to be so delusional as to believe that a quick "hey never mind, cancel the attack" message to his father would legitimately stop a conquest decades in the making. He literally sent one message, never heard back, and then was 100% confident his father would listen to him. And it's not as if he and his father have a close relationship! His father was repeatedly shown as being cold hearted and mission driven above all else. The author elevated plot over character and made me have absolutely zero respect for Cael.
Once shit hits the fan, Cael doesn't even bother to wake up Elio (from their marriage bed) before darting off to haphazardly throw himself into the fray. I was also very frustrated with how the betrayal was handled. I did enjoy Elio literally fatally stabbing Cael when they were reunited (Cael is then saved by Avara). Extremely iconic. But after that Elio pretty immediately decides to forgive Cael. To be fair, he more specifically puts aside his feelings of betrayal because he still loves Cael and Cael is doing the right thing now and they need to deal with the whole invasion issue. But we never actually deal with those feelings! Cael is the reason both of Elio's parents are murdered and literal children from his planet are killed. It is such an extreme betrayal and it felt insane to me that Elio so quickly just accepted that everything between them was real. Don't you have more questions Elio?? The stabbing scene felt like a way to "honor" the strength of the betrayal while also giving Elio an excuse to move on extremely quickly. I was very disappointed in how the emotional stakes of the betrayal were shoved aside to deal with the political/military conflict.
I was also disappointed in the world building and the political conflict. It felt like we were meant to see Griea as "right reasons, wrong methods" in that they were innocent victims of Aurtheia's greed. But the reason their population suffers so much from parsec sickness is because the majority of their citizens travel constantly as contracted military forces for the rest of the universe. Which makes Griea a ton of money. So I'm supposed to feel sorry for the military plane that sends cops all over the place? Maybe Griea could have used their vast technological infrastructure to build something other than weapons? Griea is also a monarchy with large social stratification and is just as greedy as Aurethia!
I also found the greater universe to be very underdeveloped. Several other planets and space stations are mentioned, but the political context is mostly "these other places care what happens here and their leaders will have some vague meetings with our characters that impact nothing." I also could never understand if the other named locations were all that existed of the universe or just made up the immediate area.
The subplot around Avera was also underbaked to me. The reveal that it's not a mineral but actually a byproduct of a big blue alien that crashed into Aurethia felt pointless. We're given the reveal and then immediately have to go deal with the invasion, but it doesn't really change anything. The characters use the alien as even more motivation to protect Aurethia and stop the invasion but we didn't need any more motivation! There was plenty already!
Overall, this was a miss for me. The quality of the prose was high and Elio was a great character, but Cael's idiocy and the underdeveloped world overwhelmed me with frustration. I think this needed to either be a political sci-fi story with a hint of romance, or vice versa. It got caught up trying to do both and ended up doing neither well.
Random side note: I love a trans MC and loved that it was something important about Elio, but wasn't really a focus. And I understand that different trans people have different preferences as to how their bodies are described, but I really hated this: "molten heat pooled deep in the private cavern of his body." Private cavern was truly a first for me.
A political sci-fi arranged marriage romance that unfortunately failed at both genres.
Elio is a sheltered prince of Aurethia, a verdant breadbasket moon that produces Avara, a rare mineral that cures fatal parsec sickness. Elio was betrothed to Cael, Duke of Griea, a militaristic ice planet, centuries ago to cement their families' alliance. Unknown to Elio, Cael comes to Aurtheia to seduce and manipulate Elio in order to enable Griea's invasion of Aurethia. Elio and Cael spend a year together before their marriage, where Elio learns that his family is not as generous with their resources as he believed and Cael begins to question his mission. After some brief hostility, Elio and Cael fall for each other and get together. Cael decides to abandon his mission and tells his father to call off the attack.
The attack is not called off and Elio and Cael both barely escape with their lives. They separately run for their lives (with Elio cutting off contact after realizing the betrayal) but reunite after a week at the mysterious xenobiology division (it turns out that the mineral Avara is actually the byproduct of a giant alien being). Elio stabs Cael but regrets it and quickly decides he needs Cael by his side. Cael and Elio are eventually captured by Griea, with Elio volunteering to take a deal to marry Cael’s cousin. This turns out to be a ploy, and Cael is able to kill his father and take over Griea. Peace in the universe and in the marriage.
This started off extremely strong, but I was struggling to finish by the end. I really enjoy a political arranged marriage and was excited to see how the secret invasion played out and impacted the relationship. In the beginning it was fun to see Elio and Cael get to know each other -- the flirting by sparring was wonderful and sexy. But I started to feel frustrated once Elio and Cael got together; it was a real 0 to 100, with them having sex and saying I love you in the course of one night. We then get pretty much nine months of honeymoon period, with Elio and Cael just being in love and talking about what good rulers they are going to be.
Given the age of the characters (18 and 20), I think a generous interpretation is that the first half of the book is meant to show their naivete and inexperience. There are some discussions of the political issues between Griea and Aurtheia, but nothing really beyond the fact that parsec sickness is really bad on Griea and Aurtheia is greedy and a poor trade partner. Elio and Cael are determined to "make things better" but never really engage with how that will logistically and politically work.
WhileI think the excuse of youth and inexperience can be applied to Elio, I don't think Cael has any excuse. He is a trained killer (his first scene in the book shows him murdering a prisoner in a fight that was explicitly not to the death), leader of the most elite military group, and has spent his entire life preparing to invade and take over Aurtheia. He has no reason to be so delusional as to believe that a quick "hey never mind, cancel the attack" message to his father would legitimately stop a conquest decades in the making. He literally sent one message, never heard back, and then was 100% confident his father would listen to him. And it's not as if he and his father have a close relationship! His father was repeatedly shown as being cold hearted and mission driven above all else. The author elevated plot over character and made me have absolutely zero respect for Cael.
Once shit hits the fan, Cael doesn't even bother to wake up Elio (from their marriage bed) before darting off to haphazardly throw himself into the fray. I was also very frustrated with how the betrayal was handled. I did enjoy Elio literally fatally stabbing Cael when they were reunited (Cael is then saved by Avara). Extremely iconic. But after that Elio pretty immediately decides to forgive Cael. To be fair, he more specifically puts aside his feelings of betrayal because he still loves Cael and Cael is doing the right thing now and they need to deal with the whole invasion issue. But we never actually deal with those feelings! Cael is the reason both of Elio's parents are murdered and literal children from his planet are killed. It is such an extreme betrayal and it felt insane to me that Elio so quickly just accepted that everything between them was real. Don't you have more questions Elio?? The stabbing scene felt like a way to "honor" the strength of the betrayal while also giving Elio an excuse to move on extremely quickly. I was very disappointed in how the emotional stakes of the betrayal were shoved aside to deal with the political/military conflict.
I was also disappointed in the world building and the political conflict. It felt like we were meant to see Griea as "right reasons, wrong methods" in that they were innocent victims of Aurtheia's greed. But the reason their population suffers so much from parsec sickness is because the majority of their citizens travel constantly as contracted military forces for the rest of the universe. Which makes Griea a ton of money. So I'm supposed to feel sorry for the military plane that sends cops all over the place? Maybe Griea could have used their vast technological infrastructure to build something other than weapons? Griea is also a monarchy with large social stratification and is just as greedy as Aurethia!
I also found the greater universe to be very underdeveloped. Several other planets and space stations are mentioned, but the political context is mostly "these other places care what happens here and their leaders will have some vague meetings with our characters that impact nothing." I also could never understand if the other named locations were all that existed of the universe or just made up the immediate area.
The subplot around Avera was also underbaked to me. The reveal that it's not a mineral but actually a byproduct of a big blue alien that crashed into Aurethia felt pointless. We're given the reveal and then immediately have to go deal with the invasion, but it doesn't really change anything. The characters use the alien as even more motivation to protect Aurethia and stop the invasion but we didn't need any more motivation! There was plenty already!
Overall, this was a miss for me. The quality of the prose was high and Elio was a great character, but Cael's idiocy and the underdeveloped world overwhelmed me with frustration. I think this needed to either be a political sci-fi story with a hint of romance, or vice versa. It got caught up trying to do both and ended up doing neither well.
Random side note: I love a trans MC and loved that it was something important about Elio, but wasn't really a focus. And I understand that different trans people have different preferences as to how their bodies are described, but I really hated this: "molten heat pooled deep in the private cavern of his body." Private cavern was truly a first for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2025
THIS. This is exactly what I want in a book. A sci-fi book that focuses heavily on both characters and plot set in a queernormative world with bot queer characters and a queer romance as the focal point. Oh my god, I loved this so much.
Both Elio and Cael have my whole heart. They were such distinct and individual characters (as were the side characters), and their relationship was heart-wrenchingly stunning. Circumstances made it fast and heartbreaking at times, but them growing through all of that together was so beautiful.
And the story had SUBSTANCE. It wasnt just a romance set in space. It was a sci-fi novel about political/governmental injustices, betrayal, brutality, battles, scientific discoveries, etc WITH a romance. That is what I always seem to be looking for over and over again. A sci-fi/dystopian/fantasy stories full of people to fight for and injustices to be made right, but lead by queer characters with an incredible queer romance as the side plot. And boy did I find one.
The first has is relatively slower paced with characters getting to know each other and plotting happening behind other characters' backs but that the reader's are privy to. Then everything explodes in a whirlwind of brutality and emotion and consequences. It was so good.
Now, was it perfect? No. It felt like it had a couple minor plot holes, wasn't as otherworldly as I had anticipated, and a post from the author stated this was a slow burn when the romance was NOT. But I story enjoyed it so thoroughly and loved the characters so much that it was a 5 star read for me.
Both Elio and Cael have my whole heart. They were such distinct and individual characters (as were the side characters), and their relationship was heart-wrenchingly stunning. Circumstances made it fast and heartbreaking at times, but them growing through all of that together was so beautiful.
And the story had SUBSTANCE. It wasnt just a romance set in space. It was a sci-fi novel about political/governmental injustices, betrayal, brutality, battles, scientific discoveries, etc WITH a romance. That is what I always seem to be looking for over and over again. A sci-fi/dystopian/fantasy stories full of people to fight for and injustices to be made right, but lead by queer characters with an incredible queer romance as the side plot. And boy did I find one.
The first has is relatively slower paced with characters getting to know each other and plotting happening behind other characters' backs but that the reader's are privy to. Then everything explodes in a whirlwind of brutality and emotion and consequences. It was so good.
Now, was it perfect? No. It felt like it had a couple minor plot holes, wasn't as otherworldly as I had anticipated, and a post from the author stated this was a slow burn when the romance was NOT. But I story enjoyed it so thoroughly and loved the characters so much that it was a 5 star read for me.
July 20, 2025
DNF @ 19%
Although I'm a sucker for the "arranged marriage for the sake of peace" trope, the overwritten descriptions and lengthy paragraphs landing the story in 500pgs were a deterrent to me continuing this, even though Elio and Cael were very compelling as characters and their chemistry was jumping off the pages.
Actually what I'll probably do before I return this to KU, is MASSIVELY skim this.
Although I'm a sucker for the "arranged marriage for the sake of peace" trope, the overwritten descriptions and lengthy paragraphs landing the story in 500pgs were a deterrent to me continuing this, even though Elio and Cael were very compelling as characters and their chemistry was jumping off the pages.
Actually what I'll probably do before I return this to KU, is MASSIVELY skim this.
June 1, 2025
An astounding, highly accomplished debut. Shakespearean arc and drama.
Very impressive, rich vocabulary, haunting characters.
Weaning oneself away from this takes a while. Hoping to see more!
Very impressive, rich vocabulary, haunting characters.
Weaning oneself away from this takes a while. Hoping to see more!
July 3, 2025
Aurethia Rising grabbed me and didn’t let go. An unforgettable slow burn with perfect tension in a space opera setting. Give me more!
November 16, 2025
“It’s a delicate situation,” Elio said, as if the excuse might matter. “It is,” Vik agreed. “Tricky, explaining delicacy to the dire.”
i haven't felt this way about a book in a good while.
Aurethia Rising is about an arranged political rising, two centuries in the making, negotiated to bring together two ruling families from rival feuding planets in the same star system. this is intergalactial stakes on how agricultural & medical inequity can tip the scales into war. this is a love story, but make it a sci-fi romantasy. this is about how pride, ego, greed and familial expectation can bring forth betrayal and conflict.
you can say i'm being vague, but i guess i just always expect people to also read official summaries before or after reading my reviews, so go do that if you haven't yet.
it's interesting to me how when i was younger i couldn't stand purple prose, and of course there's always a risk of overwriting when authors attempt lush atmospheres, but when they can write in a lyrical way that just does it for you, the feral levels can be through the roof.
i'm all for crass and dirty descriptions, but sometimes you just need to work for it and parse out pretty words to feel alive, you know?
this is an absolute banger of a debut novel and i'm really excited for the sequel the author recently announced in their IG: we can expect Serpent Song, second book in The Great Remaking series in june, 2026.
i haven't felt this way about a book in a good while.
Aurethia Rising is about an arranged political rising, two centuries in the making, negotiated to bring together two ruling families from rival feuding planets in the same star system. this is intergalactial stakes on how agricultural & medical inequity can tip the scales into war. this is a love story, but make it a sci-fi romantasy. this is about how pride, ego, greed and familial expectation can bring forth betrayal and conflict.
you can say i'm being vague, but i guess i just always expect people to also read official summaries before or after reading my reviews, so go do that if you haven't yet.
it's interesting to me how when i was younger i couldn't stand purple prose, and of course there's always a risk of overwriting when authors attempt lush atmospheres, but when they can write in a lyrical way that just does it for you, the feral levels can be through the roof.
i'm all for crass and dirty descriptions, but sometimes you just need to work for it and parse out pretty words to feel alive, you know?
this is an absolute banger of a debut novel and i'm really excited for the sequel the author recently announced in their IG: we can expect Serpent Song, second book in The Great Remaking series in june, 2026.
September 15, 2025
Nope. DNF’ed at page 5. I don’t usually tap out this early, but I just can’t. It’s overwritten and florid to the point of being nonsensical. The definition of purple prose. So many weird phrases and unnecessary details, too.
It begins thus: “Looming on the outskirts of the farthest glittering ring coiled around the great planet Draitune orbited two spherical moons. One white as a bared tooth. The other a suspension of clashing hues.”
- Spherical seems pretty redundant here. I suppose they could be oval or oblong moons, but what does that detail add besides another word?
- “A suspension of clashing hues” sounds like the author wrote “a lot of different colors,” decided that was too basic, pulled out a thesaurus, and substituted words willy-nilly. The result is awkward.
Speaking of awkward, on the next page we find, “the undeniably stable moon was a perfect example of awkward anomalies and undisputed accidents.”
- Who is determining moon stability, and who is denying it? Is there a formal review process? Is it a conspiracy theory?
- Why are the anomalies awkward? That word choice is awkward. (Again, we are talking about a moon.)
- Someone needs to dispute those accidents!
And also, this:
“Aurethia hosted an uncompromised, wild terrain. It was fertile, as most places hoped to be, and it was inhabited. Past the threadbare cloud cover painted beneath low orbit, the living moon trembled with ocean song. Orange-breasted swallows cut sharply through briny air scented by sea moss and lizard scat left behind from native iguanas peppering the tidepools. Wide-billed pelicans shoveled in the shallows.“
- I get what you mean, but I don’t think the word uncompromising works here very well.
- “It was fertile, as most places hope to be,” just made me cackle.
- “The living moon trembled with ocean song.” Again, I know what you wanted to convey (mostly), but this prose is so purple that it’s about to turn blue and pass out.
- “Wide-billed” adds nothing. We know they have wide bills, they’re pelicans.
I don’t think it’s spicy, which is good, because I cannot begin to imagine how this author would write sex scenes or what awkward phrasing would be involved.
Good try?
It begins thus: “Looming on the outskirts of the farthest glittering ring coiled around the great planet Draitune orbited two spherical moons. One white as a bared tooth. The other a suspension of clashing hues.”
- Spherical seems pretty redundant here. I suppose they could be oval or oblong moons, but what does that detail add besides another word?
- “A suspension of clashing hues” sounds like the author wrote “a lot of different colors,” decided that was too basic, pulled out a thesaurus, and substituted words willy-nilly. The result is awkward.
Speaking of awkward, on the next page we find, “the undeniably stable moon was a perfect example of awkward anomalies and undisputed accidents.”
- Who is determining moon stability, and who is denying it? Is there a formal review process? Is it a conspiracy theory?
- Why are the anomalies awkward? That word choice is awkward. (Again, we are talking about a moon.)
- Someone needs to dispute those accidents!
And also, this:
“Aurethia hosted an uncompromised, wild terrain. It was fertile, as most places hoped to be, and it was inhabited. Past the threadbare cloud cover painted beneath low orbit, the living moon trembled with ocean song. Orange-breasted swallows cut sharply through briny air scented by sea moss and lizard scat left behind from native iguanas peppering the tidepools. Wide-billed pelicans shoveled in the shallows.“
- I get what you mean, but I don’t think the word uncompromising works here very well.
- “It was fertile, as most places hope to be,” just made me cackle.
- “The living moon trembled with ocean song.” Again, I know what you wanted to convey (mostly), but this prose is so purple that it’s about to turn blue and pass out.
- “Wide-billed” adds nothing. We know they have wide bills, they’re pelicans.
I don’t think it’s spicy, which is good, because I cannot begin to imagine how this author would write sex scenes or what awkward phrasing would be involved.
Good try?
June 30, 2025
I will come back and write a proper review but currently I don’t think I could put into words quite the effect this book had on me. Caelio forever.
June 30, 2025
Very much enjoyed this one, from the romance to the world building to the intergalactic battle and political drama. I was devastated multiple times throughout Elio and Cael’s story but in the back of my mind had to keep reminding myself that I was confident they’d find a way to be together and find a tentative peace between Aurethia and Griea in the end…
I really appreciated all the interesting side characters - Lena, Lorelei, Vik, Bracken, Constance, Kindra, Holland, etc. All of these characters were complex and multidimensional and felt very real, which seems like something I don’t always find in romance novels.
I enjoyed the combat and battle scenes as well!
POSSIBLE SPOILERS—
The only part of this story I didn’t really love is that I wish I could have seen more inner turmoil from Cael about following through on the true intentions of his mission to Aurethia upon realizing he was falling for Elio - it seemed a little naive and out of character (imo) for him to think that things would just work out if he told Griea’s forces to hold off. I guess I’m a glutton for punishment for wanting to see much more consternation and torment 😅
Overall I give this book 4.5 stars. I look forward to reading more from Atlas Laika!
I really appreciated all the interesting side characters - Lena, Lorelei, Vik, Bracken, Constance, Kindra, Holland, etc. All of these characters were complex and multidimensional and felt very real, which seems like something I don’t always find in romance novels.
I enjoyed the combat and battle scenes as well!
POSSIBLE SPOILERS—
The only part of this story I didn’t really love is that I wish I could have seen more inner turmoil from Cael about following through on the true intentions of his mission to Aurethia upon realizing he was falling for Elio - it seemed a little naive and out of character (imo) for him to think that things would just work out if he told Griea’s forces to hold off. I guess I’m a glutton for punishment for wanting to see much more consternation and torment 😅
Overall I give this book 4.5 stars. I look forward to reading more from Atlas Laika!
May 6, 2025
Happy Release Day
Whew.
I am not sure I am going to do this beautiful book justice but I will try.
Science fiction was go-to for a long time. But not space battles. I like exploring new worlds a s cultures and alien technology. Dune and Star Wars universes where high-tech meets low-tech, that sort of gritty-advance feeling.
I prefer swords to guns. Slow travel over fast.
This book delivers.
It had everything I need in a space adventure. Danger, political unrest, hidden history, questionable motives, and two cultures clashing and trying to find peace.
In the midst of it there is a transformative love story.
Cael is my favorite character.
And Braken.
Both men wanting to do the right thing. Both men fighting a past and future.
The worlds are well described.
Battles rage.
Swords clash.
Consequences are handed out without mercy.
Mysteries revealed.
Politics unraveled and reraveled.
It’s perfect.
Read it.
#dunebutgay #mmscifiromance #epicspacebook #transrepresentation #mmauthor #releaseday
Whew.
I am not sure I am going to do this beautiful book justice but I will try.
Science fiction was go-to for a long time. But not space battles. I like exploring new worlds a s cultures and alien technology. Dune and Star Wars universes where high-tech meets low-tech, that sort of gritty-advance feeling.
I prefer swords to guns. Slow travel over fast.
This book delivers.
It had everything I need in a space adventure. Danger, political unrest, hidden history, questionable motives, and two cultures clashing and trying to find peace.
In the midst of it there is a transformative love story.
Cael is my favorite character.
And Braken.
Both men wanting to do the right thing. Both men fighting a past and future.
The worlds are well described.
Battles rage.
Swords clash.
Consequences are handed out without mercy.
Mysteries revealed.
Politics unraveled and reraveled.
It’s perfect.
Read it.
#dunebutgay #mmscifiromance #epicspacebook #transrepresentation #mmauthor #releaseday
July 13, 2025
Fantastic book! I was hooked from beginning to end and couldn’t put the book down.
The characters intrigued me and I was just sitting back waiting for the fireworks to begin. Cael came such a long way but sadly, despite his change of heart, things went downhill fast. There were times I questioned his motives and whether he was being genuine or not as it was difficult to tell. Elio was cautious until everything came crashing down. Their fighting was a form of art and dance - I actually enjoyed the simmering tension that built up between them.
Brilliant book! Well written, intriguing characters and the author did an amazing job with the world building.
The characters intrigued me and I was just sitting back waiting for the fireworks to begin. Cael came such a long way but sadly, despite his change of heart, things went downhill fast. There were times I questioned his motives and whether he was being genuine or not as it was difficult to tell. Elio was cautious until everything came crashing down. Their fighting was a form of art and dance - I actually enjoyed the simmering tension that built up between them.
Brilliant book! Well written, intriguing characters and the author did an amazing job with the world building.
May 14, 2025
I wish I could go back and reread this for the first time. This was hauntingly, achingly beautiful, with vivid description and characterization so well-crafted it had me plotting murder in my kitchen. This was romantic and suspenseful and everything I could ever have wanted it to be, based on the summary.
May 17, 2025
This is an incredible story. I love every moment of it❤️
August 25, 2025
WHEeeewww what a fucking rollercoaster 👏 worth every page. Part space opera, part starcrossed lovers, part a Shakespearen family drama... it's got it all 🙏
November 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A strong debut with great potential 🚀
I wanted to give this book 5 stars, because it’s really good. The plot is intriguing, maybe a bit too close to Dune at first, but hey, it’s not the only space opera to borrow from it (looking at you, Star Wars 👀). After a few chapters, though, it becomes its own thing.
There are three POVs here: Elio, Cael, and Bracken. For a setup book, not all characters are developed evenly, I felt like I understood Bracken’s mindset and motivations far better than Elio’s for almost a third of the story.
That’s probably because Elio serves as the “reader” for part of the book, the one being told everything we need to know about this complex world and its socio-political web. Which is fine, except… why Elio? You’re telling me that an 18-year-old heir, raised for a 200-year-old political agreement, is somehow unaware of the political climate of his own universe, the one he’s destined to influence? I’m sorry, what?! 😅
If that’s the case, what exactly were his parents expecting from him, other than being treated like a “bride” and inheriting a centuries-old problem? 🙃
Now, Cael, the imperator of Greia, was possibly my favorite. At least he understands the inequalities of their world. His perspective felt grounded and emotional, and I really felt for him. Poor guy falls for Elio almost instantly, he never stood a chance.
And then there’s Bracken, Cael’s cousin. His first chapters dragged a bit, but ultimately he became one of the most interesting characters. He’s what Cael could have been if he hadn’t fallen in love. He’s loyal, purposeful, and tragically manipulated throughout the story.
Elio, meanwhile, is described as young, smart, cunning, the lion of Aurethia, but those qualities are more told than shown. It took a while for the book to convince me he was actually clever and brave for his age.
I’m glad this is part of a series, because there’s a B-plot here that deserves way more space and isn’t anywhere near resolved. This installment is heavy on worldbuilding, very much the stage-setter for what’s to come, and it does close the arcs of the three main characters. But apparently, the next books will focus on new protagonists… and honestly, I’m not thrilled about that. Especially since these new MCs are rivals. 😬
The not-so-good:
Elio being called “the bride” — umm, no thank you. 🫠
Elio being treated like a damsel in distress for part of the book — double no thank you.
This book is wordy. Like, so wordy.
I found myself skimming through some descriptions and mentally replacing them with my own Dune-inspired visuals 🫢. A few details pulled me out of the story, like someone sitting on a plastic chair (in space?!), or wearing a green blouse for no apparent reason. Even a side character’s vitiligo gets mentioned way later, after I’d already imagined them completely differently.
Okay, maybe I’m nitpicking, but it’s wordy.
TL;DR: Overall, a solid, promising debut with an ambitious world and emotional core. I’ll definitely be reading the sequel, even if I’m side-eyeing that character switch 👀.
A strong debut with great potential 🚀
I wanted to give this book 5 stars, because it’s really good. The plot is intriguing, maybe a bit too close to Dune at first, but hey, it’s not the only space opera to borrow from it (looking at you, Star Wars 👀). After a few chapters, though, it becomes its own thing.
There are three POVs here: Elio, Cael, and Bracken. For a setup book, not all characters are developed evenly, I felt like I understood Bracken’s mindset and motivations far better than Elio’s for almost a third of the story.
That’s probably because Elio serves as the “reader” for part of the book, the one being told everything we need to know about this complex world and its socio-political web. Which is fine, except… why Elio? You’re telling me that an 18-year-old heir, raised for a 200-year-old political agreement, is somehow unaware of the political climate of his own universe, the one he’s destined to influence? I’m sorry, what?! 😅
If that’s the case, what exactly were his parents expecting from him, other than being treated like a “bride” and inheriting a centuries-old problem? 🙃
Now, Cael, the imperator of Greia, was possibly my favorite. At least he understands the inequalities of their world. His perspective felt grounded and emotional, and I really felt for him. Poor guy falls for Elio almost instantly, he never stood a chance.
And then there’s Bracken, Cael’s cousin. His first chapters dragged a bit, but ultimately he became one of the most interesting characters. He’s what Cael could have been if he hadn’t fallen in love. He’s loyal, purposeful, and tragically manipulated throughout the story.
Elio, meanwhile, is described as young, smart, cunning, the lion of Aurethia, but those qualities are more told than shown. It took a while for the book to convince me he was actually clever and brave for his age.
I’m glad this is part of a series, because there’s a B-plot here that deserves way more space and isn’t anywhere near resolved. This installment is heavy on worldbuilding, very much the stage-setter for what’s to come, and it does close the arcs of the three main characters. But apparently, the next books will focus on new protagonists… and honestly, I’m not thrilled about that. Especially since these new MCs are rivals. 😬
The not-so-good:
Elio being called “the bride” — umm, no thank you. 🫠
Elio being treated like a damsel in distress for part of the book — double no thank you.
This book is wordy. Like, so wordy.
I found myself skimming through some descriptions and mentally replacing them with my own Dune-inspired visuals 🫢. A few details pulled me out of the story, like someone sitting on a plastic chair (in space?!), or wearing a green blouse for no apparent reason. Even a side character’s vitiligo gets mentioned way later, after I’d already imagined them completely differently.
Okay, maybe I’m nitpicking, but it’s wordy.
TL;DR: Overall, a solid, promising debut with an ambitious world and emotional core. I’ll definitely be reading the sequel, even if I’m side-eyeing that character switch 👀.
November 18, 2025
I LOVE THIS BOOK. I.JUST.LOVEE.IT.
cael and elio have buried deep in my heart and made themselves at home there. The plot, the imagery,the metaphors, the worldbuilding, every dialogue ,every execution, each and every character --- everything is utter perfection. the author wielded them with the precision of an archer, moved them like they were extensions of his own body.
and this is a debut?!? holy shitt. I bow down before this work of art (and I fall on my head because I've been up for 32hrs straight reading this)
cael and elio have buried deep in my heart and made themselves at home there. The plot, the imagery,the metaphors, the worldbuilding, every dialogue ,every execution, each and every character --- everything is utter perfection. the author wielded them with the precision of an archer, moved them like they were extensions of his own body.
and this is a debut?!? holy shitt. I bow down before this work of art (and I fall on my head because I've been up for 32hrs straight reading this)
December 13, 2025
Girl bye.
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