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The Resistance #1
Into Elysium
Eben had one job at Elysium—keep the barrier wall lit at all costs. As a Dusk Guard, he was safe from the war raging across the country, from the rebels, and the new world. He was safe from the laws that would see him dead if they knew his one secret. But after being called inside Elysium to watch over one of the rebel prisoners, every wall he’d created to protect himself comes crashing down.
Cale never thought he’d survive the virus that turned the world dark and threw his country into chaos. He never thought his last days would be drawn out inside a cell in one of the most notorious prisons in the west.
Elysium was a place for the dead.
But in the pitch of night, the one person he’d thought he couldn’t trust becomes his savior and so much more.
Into Elysium is a M/M Dystopian, Hurt/Comfort Romance Novella/Pre-quel with heart, hope, and a touch of suspense.
**Does not end in a cliffhanger for the couple. This will be a series of interconnected novellas all different couples, same world, HEA/HFN.
Cale never thought he’d survive the virus that turned the world dark and threw his country into chaos. He never thought his last days would be drawn out inside a cell in one of the most notorious prisons in the west.
Elysium was a place for the dead.
But in the pitch of night, the one person he’d thought he couldn’t trust becomes his savior and so much more.
Into Elysium is a M/M Dystopian, Hurt/Comfort Romance Novella/Pre-quel with heart, hope, and a touch of suspense.
**Does not end in a cliffhanger for the couple. This will be a series of interconnected novellas all different couples, same world, HEA/HFN.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2025
16 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Johnson
41 books2,039 followersA.M. Johnson lives in Utah with her family where she works as a full-time nurse. If she’s not at the hockey rink with her kiddos, you’ll find her buried in a book or behind the keyboard. She loves romance and all things passionate. Amanda enjoys exploring all genres and bringing life to the human experience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 22, 2025
Loved the tension in this book! I haven't read many dystopian books where they're actively fighting or the downfall of society has happened so recently, so this was really engaging and had me anticipating what was coming next.
Eben and Cale are fighting for their lives with no promises of tomorrow and they're so easy to root for. Their relationship is pretty instant but given the high stakes circumstances it made sense and felt like it was progressing naturally.
I enjoyed the world building and the set up for the next book too, and I'm so intrigued to see where this series goes.
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
Eben and Cale are fighting for their lives with no promises of tomorrow and they're so easy to root for. Their relationship is pretty instant but given the high stakes circumstances it made sense and felt like it was progressing naturally.
I enjoyed the world building and the set up for the next book too, and I'm so intrigued to see where this series goes.
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
April 7, 2025
3.75 stars
I liked this, it has set up the beginning of a series, or at least a follow up. I did think the relationship developed rather quickly. I wish they were at the settlement longer and settled in a bit more before the attack. Since it was short, and just a book that seemed to be setting up a future series, it felt rushed but it was still entertaining and ended on a bit of a cliffhanger.
ARC received for review
I liked this, it has set up the beginning of a series, or at least a follow up. I did think the relationship developed rather quickly. I wish they were at the settlement longer and settled in a bit more before the attack. Since it was short, and just a book that seemed to be setting up a future series, it felt rushed but it was still entertaining and ended on a bit of a cliffhanger.
ARC received for review
March 27, 2025
"He was painfully beautiful, even here, in Elysium, where men come to die."
A.M. Johnson has done it again- there is nothing this author writes that I don't love!
This one is different from her usual-- this is a dystopian novella, a MM romance that is the first in a series. Novellas often don't pack enough of a punch for me, but I trusted Amanda, and she did not let me down- Eben and Cale's romance was beautifully written, fully fleshed out and stunning.
This story takes place in a world that, scarily enough, feels not a far jump from the state of our current society here in the United States. The pace at which things can go from warning level to all out panic, where rebels have taken over and the world is crippled by hatred, disease and ignorance- it hits very close to home.
However, there is hope. I felt that hope was the underlying message here- and it was so heartwarming in places that it made me choked up. Eben is a prison guard in Elysium, the darkest and most desolate of all rebel prisons, and Cale is a prisoner there. The tentative friendship that forms between them is the only thing holding each of them together at times- and when that friendship turns into something more, it becomes their lifeline.
The romance that formed between them was very organic, very real- I loved the snippets of heat we saw between the two as they found safety and could finally let themselves embrace that instinct. I laughed at the sex jokes made by the other NEA members, the way that "life" shone through, despite the hell they were all existing in.
"Into Elysium" is the story of Eben and Cale's escape from hell, and of their journey to fight for a better world. We meet a cast of characters who feel very special already, and the stage is set for the next couple in this series. I am really loving this new subgenre the author is exploring- I can't wait to read Jack and Landon's story next!
**I received a copy of this ARC from Gay Romance Reviews- all opinions are my own.**
Thank you for the ARC!
A.M. Johnson has done it again- there is nothing this author writes that I don't love!
This one is different from her usual-- this is a dystopian novella, a MM romance that is the first in a series. Novellas often don't pack enough of a punch for me, but I trusted Amanda, and she did not let me down- Eben and Cale's romance was beautifully written, fully fleshed out and stunning.
This story takes place in a world that, scarily enough, feels not a far jump from the state of our current society here in the United States. The pace at which things can go from warning level to all out panic, where rebels have taken over and the world is crippled by hatred, disease and ignorance- it hits very close to home.
However, there is hope. I felt that hope was the underlying message here- and it was so heartwarming in places that it made me choked up. Eben is a prison guard in Elysium, the darkest and most desolate of all rebel prisons, and Cale is a prisoner there. The tentative friendship that forms between them is the only thing holding each of them together at times- and when that friendship turns into something more, it becomes their lifeline.
The romance that formed between them was very organic, very real- I loved the snippets of heat we saw between the two as they found safety and could finally let themselves embrace that instinct. I laughed at the sex jokes made by the other NEA members, the way that "life" shone through, despite the hell they were all existing in.
"Into Elysium" is the story of Eben and Cale's escape from hell, and of their journey to fight for a better world. We meet a cast of characters who feel very special already, and the stage is set for the next couple in this series. I am really loving this new subgenre the author is exploring- I can't wait to read Jack and Landon's story next!
**I received a copy of this ARC from Gay Romance Reviews- all opinions are my own.**
Thank you for the ARC!
April 6, 2025
ARC review
Wow, this was so good. For a short book, it had the perfect length and nothing was missing. The pace was good, the characters fantastic, the scenary well written.
Cale was ready to die until Eben showed up at his cell. Suddenly, both of them had something to fight for and that was terrifying.
Eben would do anything to protect Cale and Cale felt the same way. They both loved each other and just wanted to be free together.
I honestly can't wait for more of these series
Wow, this was so good. For a short book, it had the perfect length and nothing was missing. The pace was good, the characters fantastic, the scenary well written.
Cale was ready to die until Eben showed up at his cell. Suddenly, both of them had something to fight for and that was terrifying.
Eben would do anything to protect Cale and Cale felt the same way. They both loved each other and just wanted to be free together.
I honestly can't wait for more of these series
April 6, 2025
*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*
I really enjoyed this quick little read, something completely different from A.M. Johnson. While it is a novella; the pacing, romance, and story line were well balanced. I adored the tender bond between Cale and Eben, they are both characters that instantly draw you in and you can't help but want to cheer them on. I liked the dash of suspense as well as the hint of more to come. Overall, it was just a delightful little escapism read.
I really enjoyed this quick little read, something completely different from A.M. Johnson. While it is a novella; the pacing, romance, and story line were well balanced. I adored the tender bond between Cale and Eben, they are both characters that instantly draw you in and you can't help but want to cheer them on. I liked the dash of suspense as well as the hint of more to come. Overall, it was just a delightful little escapism read.
March 28, 2025
I really liked the beginning, their tragic back stories and how they came together. The first half of this book I found gritty and moody. The second half of the book just didn’t hold my interest, unfortunately.
It should probably also be said that while the title makes sense once you know it’s just the name of the prison, the cover could be confusing… this is in no way paranormal or fantasy.
It should probably also be said that while the title makes sense once you know it’s just the name of the prison, the cover could be confusing… this is in no way paranormal or fantasy.
April 9, 2025
B- / 3.5 stars
Into Elysium is the first in a series of dystopian novellas set in a future where an unnamed virus has led to war and the destruction of society and life as we know it. There’s no electricity and the US is engaged in another civil war, one sparked by a coup by a militia fuelled by hatred, bigotry and ignorance. The parallels between what’s going on in the story and what’s going on in the US of 2025 may not be intentional but this scenario certainly makes for discomfiting reading, so I’d advise anyone considering picking this one up to read the author’s note and the content warning at the beginning.
Eben is a Dusk Guard, his job to light the lamps every night at Elysium, a desolate prison/fortress that is the exact opposite of the peace and harmony the name would suggest. Unfit for military service owing to the damage done to his lungs by the virus, he’d been a prisoner himself for a short while, but then was pardoned and put to work by the militia.
Cale has been a prisoner in Elysium for over a month, thrown in a cell to rot after his parents were killed for being traitors to the new regime. When the new guard appears to be showing him some kindness, Cale is immediately suspicious, but as the days pass and the guard, Eben, continues to talk to him and bring a little extra food, Cale starts to warm to him and a bond begins to form between them, a bond which slowly becomes a lifeline for them both. When the opportunity presents itself, Eben helps Cale to escape and goes on the run with him, determined to find the nearest NEA (North Essential Army) camp/base, ask for shelter and hopefully join their fight against the militia.
This opening part of the story is tense and the worldbuilding is very good; the author does a great job of creating a sense of foreboding and unease as the reader learns more about the situation and the threat faced by the characters and the world at large, and the background detail is skilfully and organically integrated into the story and not doled out in info-dumps. Cale and Eben are likeable and easy to root for, and while their romance is certainly plausible given the circumstances (shared trauma, close proximity etc.) I wasn’t quite convinced by it, perhaps because the character and relationship development isn’t quite as extensive as I’d have liked – something I often find problematic in novellas. Eben is more fully-rounded than Cale, however; he’s a victim of circumstance who finds it hard to believe he deserves happiness, while I’m finding it hard to recall much about Cale other than how badly mistreated he’s been.
Once the pair have found shelter with the NEA and the immediate danger is past, the pacing slacks off a little as Eben and Cale build new friendships with the members of the group and start to find a place and purpose among them. Given what they’ve been through, it’s nice to see them getting to be at least a little bit ‘normal’ – joking around with the other rebels, allowing themselves to feel joy and hope and enjoying intimate moments (although the first sex scene is a bit oddly placed – Cale has been starved and beaten while in prison and they’ve hiked for miles across rough terrain and almost collapsed from hypothermia getting to the encampment; I can’t believe either of them would be well enough to even think about getting it on, let alone actually do it!) Still, I liked them together, and the way their love for each other shows that there is still something good to be had in the darkest of times.
The writing is excellent, but while I enjoyed the story, the limited page count (Amazon shows 127 pages) means there are some elements that are glossed over. For a book set during wartime there aren’t many action scenes, and the author is guilty of more telling than showing when it comes to the conflict between the NEA and the militia. We’re also given next-to-no information about the state of the virus that supposedly broke civilisation as we know it, and as I’ve said above, the character and relationship development is a bit stunted.
The author says there are more stories (novellas) in The Resistance series to come, and indeed, sets up the next one towards the end of this one when Cale and Eben learn that one of their new friends has gone missing while out on patrol. Despite the reservations I’ve expressed, I’m sufficiently intrigued by the setting and the world the author has created to want to continue with the series.
Into Elysium is the first in a series of dystopian novellas set in a future where an unnamed virus has led to war and the destruction of society and life as we know it. There’s no electricity and the US is engaged in another civil war, one sparked by a coup by a militia fuelled by hatred, bigotry and ignorance. The parallels between what’s going on in the story and what’s going on in the US of 2025 may not be intentional but this scenario certainly makes for discomfiting reading, so I’d advise anyone considering picking this one up to read the author’s note and the content warning at the beginning.
Eben is a Dusk Guard, his job to light the lamps every night at Elysium, a desolate prison/fortress that is the exact opposite of the peace and harmony the name would suggest. Unfit for military service owing to the damage done to his lungs by the virus, he’d been a prisoner himself for a short while, but then was pardoned and put to work by the militia.
Cale has been a prisoner in Elysium for over a month, thrown in a cell to rot after his parents were killed for being traitors to the new regime. When the new guard appears to be showing him some kindness, Cale is immediately suspicious, but as the days pass and the guard, Eben, continues to talk to him and bring a little extra food, Cale starts to warm to him and a bond begins to form between them, a bond which slowly becomes a lifeline for them both. When the opportunity presents itself, Eben helps Cale to escape and goes on the run with him, determined to find the nearest NEA (North Essential Army) camp/base, ask for shelter and hopefully join their fight against the militia.
This opening part of the story is tense and the worldbuilding is very good; the author does a great job of creating a sense of foreboding and unease as the reader learns more about the situation and the threat faced by the characters and the world at large, and the background detail is skilfully and organically integrated into the story and not doled out in info-dumps. Cale and Eben are likeable and easy to root for, and while their romance is certainly plausible given the circumstances (shared trauma, close proximity etc.) I wasn’t quite convinced by it, perhaps because the character and relationship development isn’t quite as extensive as I’d have liked – something I often find problematic in novellas. Eben is more fully-rounded than Cale, however; he’s a victim of circumstance who finds it hard to believe he deserves happiness, while I’m finding it hard to recall much about Cale other than how badly mistreated he’s been.
Once the pair have found shelter with the NEA and the immediate danger is past, the pacing slacks off a little as Eben and Cale build new friendships with the members of the group and start to find a place and purpose among them. Given what they’ve been through, it’s nice to see them getting to be at least a little bit ‘normal’ – joking around with the other rebels, allowing themselves to feel joy and hope and enjoying intimate moments (although the first sex scene is a bit oddly placed – Cale has been starved and beaten while in prison and they’ve hiked for miles across rough terrain and almost collapsed from hypothermia getting to the encampment; I can’t believe either of them would be well enough to even think about getting it on, let alone actually do it!) Still, I liked them together, and the way their love for each other shows that there is still something good to be had in the darkest of times.
The writing is excellent, but while I enjoyed the story, the limited page count (Amazon shows 127 pages) means there are some elements that are glossed over. For a book set during wartime there aren’t many action scenes, and the author is guilty of more telling than showing when it comes to the conflict between the NEA and the militia. We’re also given next-to-no information about the state of the virus that supposedly broke civilisation as we know it, and as I’ve said above, the character and relationship development is a bit stunted.
The author says there are more stories (novellas) in The Resistance series to come, and indeed, sets up the next one towards the end of this one when Cale and Eben learn that one of their new friends has gone missing while out on patrol. Despite the reservations I’ve expressed, I’m sufficiently intrigued by the setting and the world the author has created to want to continue with the series.
April 13, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Into Elysium is the first in an interconnected series by A.M. Johnson, with a shared world and stories each featuring different couples. This book started as a short story in the Mad World anthology and has now been expanded into a shorter novel. We jump right into the action after a little background on both men and the state of the world. There is an interesting dynamic here, as on one hand, it is a dystopian, post-apocalyptic tale of a society that has fallen apart in the aftermath of a pandemic and rebel uprising. At the same time, there are very clear parallels to what is going on in our world right now. In fact, Johnson notes they wrote the original short in 2020, during our own pandemic. It makes the story all the more chilling and adds to the intensity. However, this story is very much one of hope, of finding your happiness where you can and celebrating love and connection. So there is very much a bright spot here that gives some balance.
ohnson sets things up nicely here, giving an HEA for Cale and Eben, as well as leading into the next couple that will be featured. I like the idea of exploring multiple stories all set within this same backdrop and think there is a lot of interesting potential here.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Into Elysium is the first in an interconnected series by A.M. Johnson, with a shared world and stories each featuring different couples. This book started as a short story in the Mad World anthology and has now been expanded into a shorter novel. We jump right into the action after a little background on both men and the state of the world. There is an interesting dynamic here, as on one hand, it is a dystopian, post-apocalyptic tale of a society that has fallen apart in the aftermath of a pandemic and rebel uprising. At the same time, there are very clear parallels to what is going on in our world right now. In fact, Johnson notes they wrote the original short in 2020, during our own pandemic. It makes the story all the more chilling and adds to the intensity. However, this story is very much one of hope, of finding your happiness where you can and celebrating love and connection. So there is very much a bright spot here that gives some balance.
ohnson sets things up nicely here, giving an HEA for Cale and Eben, as well as leading into the next couple that will be featured. I like the idea of exploring multiple stories all set within this same backdrop and think there is a lot of interesting potential here.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
April 3, 2025
What an amazing comeback! Ever since A. M. Johnson announced her new novella, I was excited to get my hands on it and believe me when I tell you this was a reminder why I love her books!
In this one we meet Cale and Eben, a couple of guys who’re struggling with this new bigotry regime. Cale is a prisoner and Eben his guard but they have a common background, being the target of the current people running the country. Despite all the imposed rules, Eben treats Cale as a human being and brings a new ray of light to him.
They share the burden, the trauma, and the frustration of not being able to do anything to stop the madness. But, as you can imagine, they develop feelings for each other and one thing for sure is their love is a resistance. The chaotic situation they’re in means they shouldn’t get life for granted and whilst that might be a bit sad perspective, it also brings them closer.
I absolutely loved the way they gave each other hope, how they built new friendships among the rebel group and how they allowed themselves to feel love.
We’re living in a time when the news are scarier than what we see in fiction books, so this novella felt like a breath of fresh air, and a reminder that love, compassion and empathy for others can help build a new community, a place we can feel safe and where our feelings are valid.
I’m honored I got to see Cale and Eben’s love bloom despite the world crumbling to pieces. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves a dystopian story with characters who feel real in a time like this.
I received an e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In this one we meet Cale and Eben, a couple of guys who’re struggling with this new bigotry regime. Cale is a prisoner and Eben his guard but they have a common background, being the target of the current people running the country. Despite all the imposed rules, Eben treats Cale as a human being and brings a new ray of light to him.
They share the burden, the trauma, and the frustration of not being able to do anything to stop the madness. But, as you can imagine, they develop feelings for each other and one thing for sure is their love is a resistance. The chaotic situation they’re in means they shouldn’t get life for granted and whilst that might be a bit sad perspective, it also brings them closer.
I absolutely loved the way they gave each other hope, how they built new friendships among the rebel group and how they allowed themselves to feel love.
We’re living in a time when the news are scarier than what we see in fiction books, so this novella felt like a breath of fresh air, and a reminder that love, compassion and empathy for others can help build a new community, a place we can feel safe and where our feelings are valid.
I’m honored I got to see Cale and Eben’s love bloom despite the world crumbling to pieces. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves a dystopian story with characters who feel real in a time like this.
I received an e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2025
The world building packed into this novella is intricate and just sweeps you away. It’s also a bit too close for comfort 😅.. this is a reality that felt like it could well be a future we are staring into. Maybe that thread of familiar makes this book all the more moving. Its dystopian plot is eerily scary but it also lifts the hope and love our protagonists have, up higher for us to cling to. It’s beautifully written as are all things by this author. It’s a story of oppression, survival, community, hope and triumph and I can’t wait to read more in this world.
It’s a great start to a series, perfectly balancing nuances of the world it’s set in, characters introductions and a sense of found family, emotional build up and relationship dynamics and o can’t wait to see what’s next for these scrappy survivors and the NEA.
Cale and Eben stole my heart with their novella which is a wonderful read if you’re looking to be moved and immersed completely in a fantastic dystopian romance.
Highly recommend reading it.
It’s a great start to a series, perfectly balancing nuances of the world it’s set in, characters introductions and a sense of found family, emotional build up and relationship dynamics and o can’t wait to see what’s next for these scrappy survivors and the NEA.
Cale and Eben stole my heart with their novella which is a wonderful read if you’re looking to be moved and immersed completely in a fantastic dystopian romance.
Highly recommend reading it.
March 30, 2025
Omg my heart just LOVED this! I really wish it was full length so that we could spend more time with these two but it's okay and I won't let it impact my rating. Cale and Eben were so precious and the hurt/comfort was a 10/10. I could easily have read another couple hundred pages of them, I was that obsessed.
I'm so intrigued by this plot line and I am so excited that more is coming!
I'm so intrigued by this plot line and I am so excited that more is coming!
April 15, 2025
I love AM’s writing and I’m loving this world she created.
This book is set in a post apocalyptic US, after a virus caused mass havoc and robbed the world of peace, electricity, and any normalcy. Eben is a Dusk Guard in Elysium, lighting lamps every night and staying out of the fray. His world is dark and mundane, until he meets a beautiful prisoner who’s been treated terribly. Cale has lost everything, and his world has narrowed to the walls of his cell. He has nothing left to lose or fight for, until Eben. The two know there is no hope for them in Elysium, but there’s also no way out. The two form a tentative friendship, until they’re thrown into the fight of their lives, and all they have is each other.
This book is set in a post apocalyptic US, after a virus caused mass havoc and robbed the world of peace, electricity, and any normalcy. Eben is a Dusk Guard in Elysium, lighting lamps every night and staying out of the fray. His world is dark and mundane, until he meets a beautiful prisoner who’s been treated terribly. Cale has lost everything, and his world has narrowed to the walls of his cell. He has nothing left to lose or fight for, until Eben. The two know there is no hope for them in Elysium, but there’s also no way out. The two form a tentative friendship, until they’re thrown into the fight of their lives, and all they have is each other.
April 3, 2025
SO glad AM Johnson is back!
I am a huuuuuuge fan of Amanda so I was beyonddddd excited when I first heard about this series. All novellas set in a dystopian world?! YES PLEASE.
With Amanda’s signature writing that’s full of heart and depth, you also get a new type of angst with this dystopian world that is just delicious! (The angst… the dystopian world doesn’t sound very delicious. But it is developed really well!!!)
This is definitely a little different than Amanda’s other work. There’s still a beautiful romance and still her stunning character development and brilliant one-liners, but now we get this heartbreaking world that feels like something that could actually be happening now. I felt a bit uncomfortable only because it truly could happen and let’s be real… the BEST kind of art is the art that makes you question your own world and reality.
Usually, novellas are pretty hard for me to buy into, unless it’s a continuation of a previous, full-length novel. However, I really was bought in with INTO ELYSIUM. I do think that as the series goes on, the world-building will grow, which will make the next few novellas even more exciting. But even with this first installment, the world-building is stunning!
Eben and Cale are beyond special. Regardless of how fast things happened, which wasn’t too fast, it was just that the reader didn’t get to experience it in the book. I loved their love so much! There’s something so beautiful about holding onto whatever happiness you can during such a dark and scary time. And it was so stunning and heartwarming. It felt incredibly meaningful and I love that I got to experience their love.
Beyond stoked for the rest of this series.
Thank you AM Johnson for the ARC! 🫶🏼
I am a huuuuuuge fan of Amanda so I was beyonddddd excited when I first heard about this series. All novellas set in a dystopian world?! YES PLEASE.
With Amanda’s signature writing that’s full of heart and depth, you also get a new type of angst with this dystopian world that is just delicious! (The angst… the dystopian world doesn’t sound very delicious. But it is developed really well!!!)
This is definitely a little different than Amanda’s other work. There’s still a beautiful romance and still her stunning character development and brilliant one-liners, but now we get this heartbreaking world that feels like something that could actually be happening now. I felt a bit uncomfortable only because it truly could happen and let’s be real… the BEST kind of art is the art that makes you question your own world and reality.
Usually, novellas are pretty hard for me to buy into, unless it’s a continuation of a previous, full-length novel. However, I really was bought in with INTO ELYSIUM. I do think that as the series goes on, the world-building will grow, which will make the next few novellas even more exciting. But even with this first installment, the world-building is stunning!
Eben and Cale are beyond special. Regardless of how fast things happened, which wasn’t too fast, it was just that the reader didn’t get to experience it in the book. I loved their love so much! There’s something so beautiful about holding onto whatever happiness you can during such a dark and scary time. And it was so stunning and heartwarming. It felt incredibly meaningful and I love that I got to experience their love.
Beyond stoked for the rest of this series.
Thank you AM Johnson for the ARC! 🫶🏼
March 28, 2025
5 ⭐.
I need more book in this series. This novella is enough to tell me how good this series is going to be.
This book, is not what I was expecting.
The plotline was strong and grasping.
It sound good when I picked up, But I have no idea it will be that good.
This book is all about reality.
There war is going in between this book.
Among two parties. One who is conservative, all about religion and sin.
And one is liberal who seek freedom to love in peace.
This book is set in dystopian, but talk what happening in real life.
Eben is dusk guard who us also guy but can't tell other, otherwise he will be dead.
He met another MMC,Cale who is a prisoner durk a task.
Eben and Cale both MMCs are suffer from the higher ups , who only seek power.
They find their salavation and home in each other.
In order to live freely ( cause being gay is crime) and safely they need to run.
I totally enjoy this story. Its written so well.
As novella, it was successful to delivered to what author wants to. It was not rush nor slow. Everything happened with a proper pace.
Thanks Gay Romance review fo this copy.
I need more book in this series. This novella is enough to tell me how good this series is going to be.
This book, is not what I was expecting.
The plotline was strong and grasping.
It sound good when I picked up, But I have no idea it will be that good.
This book is all about reality.
There war is going in between this book.
Among two parties. One who is conservative, all about religion and sin.
And one is liberal who seek freedom to love in peace.
This book is set in dystopian, but talk what happening in real life.
Eben is dusk guard who us also guy but can't tell other, otherwise he will be dead.
He met another MMC,Cale who is a prisoner durk a task.
Eben and Cale both MMCs are suffer from the higher ups , who only seek power.
They find their salavation and home in each other.
In order to live freely ( cause being gay is crime) and safely they need to run.
I totally enjoy this story. Its written so well.
As novella, it was successful to delivered to what author wants to. It was not rush nor slow. Everything happened with a proper pace.
Thanks Gay Romance review fo this copy.
March 27, 2025
This was sooo good! I could have read a whole novel about these two. Full review coming tomorrow.
- For a novella A. M. Johnson manages to jam pack this read with everything, but at the same time makes it flow effortlessly. The world building feels like the right amount for this size read and is woven into the storyline very well. All the tension and suspense throughout had me zooming through to find out if these boys were safe and OK. I couldn’t get enough!
Cale and Eben’s relationship doesn’t come easily due to their surroundings. The journey of survival and resistance these boys went on melted my heart and I felt so much for them.
“𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆.”
I love A. M. Johnson’s style of writing and for a short read I highlighted so many lines. This one gave us a similar romance and beauty as her previous books, but with a gritty dark atmosphere due to the setting and what these people have to endure. This was a great step into this world and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
- For a novella A. M. Johnson manages to jam pack this read with everything, but at the same time makes it flow effortlessly. The world building feels like the right amount for this size read and is woven into the storyline very well. All the tension and suspense throughout had me zooming through to find out if these boys were safe and OK. I couldn’t get enough!
Cale and Eben’s relationship doesn’t come easily due to their surroundings. The journey of survival and resistance these boys went on melted my heart and I felt so much for them.
“𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆.”
I love A. M. Johnson’s style of writing and for a short read I highlighted so many lines. This one gave us a similar romance and beauty as her previous books, but with a gritty dark atmosphere due to the setting and what these people have to endure. This was a great step into this world and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
March 30, 2025
Dedication - To the ones who fight for a better tomorrow. you find your horizon.
AM gives us hope, light in the dark! While there is so much to fear, there is love to show us the way!
“There wasn’t shit left in this world to fight for. But I found myself desperately wanting to fight for him.”
Phew, I am just in awe and have goosebumps writing this because AM just wrote the MOST compelling, gripping, emotional novella! I Immediately captured my attention and HELD it until the last word. I mean impeccably written with characters that pull you into their harsh reality (which feels not far off, and scary for many of us in today’s world)! Paced to perfection. I am hooked…I want more hope…I want more of this world!
“The sun is rising, and every day is a new breath, each step we take means something.”
If you are looking for that read that will remind you how incredible the reading experience can be, look no further! Oh, and there will be more too!
Into Elysium is a M/M Dystopian, Hurt/ Comfort Romance Novella with heart, hope, and a touch of suspense.
AM gives us hope, light in the dark! While there is so much to fear, there is love to show us the way!
“There wasn’t shit left in this world to fight for. But I found myself desperately wanting to fight for him.”
Phew, I am just in awe and have goosebumps writing this because AM just wrote the MOST compelling, gripping, emotional novella! I Immediately captured my attention and HELD it until the last word. I mean impeccably written with characters that pull you into their harsh reality (which feels not far off, and scary for many of us in today’s world)! Paced to perfection. I am hooked…I want more hope…I want more of this world!
“The sun is rising, and every day is a new breath, each step we take means something.”
If you are looking for that read that will remind you how incredible the reading experience can be, look no further! Oh, and there will be more too!
Into Elysium is a M/M Dystopian, Hurt/ Comfort Romance Novella with heart, hope, and a touch of suspense.
June 23, 2025
✨MINI REVIEW✨
MY RATING: 🔉🔉🔉🔉🔉
I asked for a dystopian and got one with heartache. Be careful what you wish for. I’m usually not one for a guard/prisoner romance, but I’ll make an exception for this one. Eben and Cale just made me want to wrap them both up in bubble wrap. For a novella it was concise and engaging. I’m already invested in the other characters. I look forward to reading more in this series. Please read the content warnings.
✨My Rating System✨
🔉🔉🔉🔉 🔉- Hit all the vibes
🔉🔉🔉🔉 - Hit some good vibes
🔉🔉🔉 - I vibed
🔉🔉 - The vibes were meh
🔉 - Barely found a vibe
DNF - Zero vibes
My rating system does not equate to the quality of the books, therefore, you’re still on your own. It’s legit just about how I vibed with the book at the time.
MY RATING: 🔉🔉🔉🔉🔉
I asked for a dystopian and got one with heartache. Be careful what you wish for. I’m usually not one for a guard/prisoner romance, but I’ll make an exception for this one. Eben and Cale just made me want to wrap them both up in bubble wrap. For a novella it was concise and engaging. I’m already invested in the other characters. I look forward to reading more in this series. Please read the content warnings.
✨My Rating System✨
🔉🔉🔉🔉 🔉- Hit all the vibes
🔉🔉🔉🔉 - Hit some good vibes
🔉🔉🔉 - I vibed
🔉🔉 - The vibes were meh
🔉 - Barely found a vibe
DNF - Zero vibes
My rating system does not equate to the quality of the books, therefore, you’re still on your own. It’s legit just about how I vibed with the book at the time.
March 27, 2025
The beginning to the end of civilization as we know it. Eben, a guard not by choice for the Elysium prison, is sent to torment Cole, a young man sentenced to death. However, fate interferes, and these two on opposite sides of the wall learn to trust and give each other hope for a future where they can be free and together.
When things go crazy, Eben knows he must save Cole along with himself. Together, they must find the other side of this neverending battle and start anew. They land in a camp where, for once, they are treated as equals. AM does a beautiful job in world building where you feel this could really happen in our not so distant future. I hope to see more from this universe. Enough was left as open-ended hope for more.
When things go crazy, Eben knows he must save Cole along with himself. Together, they must find the other side of this neverending battle and start anew. They land in a camp where, for once, they are treated as equals. AM does a beautiful job in world building where you feel this could really happen in our not so distant future. I hope to see more from this universe. Enough was left as open-ended hope for more.
April 27, 2025
I liked the story, but didn’t feel the chemistry between the mcs. I am looking forward to the next one, though.
March 27, 2025
Oh this was excellent. I want more immediately. I’d have literally read a 500 page book about Cale & Eben, but it really does work well as a novella.
This story has all of the heart you expect from an AM Johnson novel but with added grit and horrors that, honestly, are far too prevalent to the world we currently live in.
I loved this. 100% recommend! I cannot wait to see where this series goes next.
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
This story has all of the heart you expect from an AM Johnson novel but with added grit and horrors that, honestly, are far too prevalent to the world we currently live in.
I loved this. 100% recommend! I cannot wait to see where this series goes next.
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
March 31, 2025
3.5 stars
Whew well this was an experience! Super gritty dystopian world that looks depressingly similar to the way our own is going. Apparently this was originally an 8k short that was later rewritten into its current 30k ish incarnation. So it's still super short, but it used to be shorter still? I kinda regret I didn't read the 8k one, cos this still felt like it was bursting at the seams with plot and action and romance. I honestly think that plot could have been 90k and it wouldn't have felt too long. There were a few places, particularly early on, where I was just desperate for the author to unpack a little more, just give me a bit more info to work with. I had to work hard to keep up, but we got there in the end, and I have to say I really enjoyed it. The writing was excellent, and in some ways it was 5 stars, but in other ways it was 3 stars, so I'm rating it 3.5. I really loved the passion and emotion between them, but was less keen on the parts where it said it was a new kind of love. Please, those two are trauma-bonded as fuck. Now, in the circumstances that's very understandable, even realistic, but I sincerely hope those sections were the characters trying to understand the depth of their feelings rather than the author trying to convince the reader it's True Love™, because I for one am not buying it. Not that trauma-bonding can't turn into real love, but they're definitely not there yet. I also don't think half an hour after collapsing from hypothermia is the ideal time to have sexy times, especially when one of the MCs has been starved for months, beaten half to death and hiked for miles across rough terrain. No idea how he managed that, given he'd been imprisoned for god knows how long, he'd have been terribly weak, Eben would have had to carry him.
I loved that they didn't just bounce back from their ordeal and that both struggled mentally, and had to console each other. Those attempts at realism unfortunately also highlighted how batshit crazy a lot of it is-- and I'm not talking about the dystopia, that seemed all too real. This could have been an easy five stars if it had been developed and expanded more, but as a novella it feels super rushed and not very satisfying, unfortunately. A lot to love but a lot that didn't hit the mark for me.
Whew well this was an experience! Super gritty dystopian world that looks depressingly similar to the way our own is going. Apparently this was originally an 8k short that was later rewritten into its current 30k ish incarnation. So it's still super short, but it used to be shorter still? I kinda regret I didn't read the 8k one, cos this still felt like it was bursting at the seams with plot and action and romance. I honestly think that plot could have been 90k and it wouldn't have felt too long. There were a few places, particularly early on, where I was just desperate for the author to unpack a little more, just give me a bit more info to work with. I had to work hard to keep up, but we got there in the end, and I have to say I really enjoyed it. The writing was excellent, and in some ways it was 5 stars, but in other ways it was 3 stars, so I'm rating it 3.5. I really loved the passion and emotion between them, but was less keen on the parts where it said it was a new kind of love. Please, those two are trauma-bonded as fuck. Now, in the circumstances that's very understandable, even realistic, but I sincerely hope those sections were the characters trying to understand the depth of their feelings rather than the author trying to convince the reader it's True Love™, because I for one am not buying it. Not that trauma-bonding can't turn into real love, but they're definitely not there yet. I also don't think half an hour after collapsing from hypothermia is the ideal time to have sexy times, especially when one of the MCs has been starved for months, beaten half to death and hiked for miles across rough terrain. No idea how he managed that, given he'd been imprisoned for god knows how long, he'd have been terribly weak, Eben would have had to carry him.
I loved that they didn't just bounce back from their ordeal and that both struggled mentally, and had to console each other. Those attempts at realism unfortunately also highlighted how batshit crazy a lot of it is-- and I'm not talking about the dystopia, that seemed all too real. This could have been an easy five stars if it had been developed and expanded more, but as a novella it feels super rushed and not very satisfying, unfortunately. A lot to love but a lot that didn't hit the mark for me.
March 31, 2025
I think that the first line of this book summarises pretty well what we can find inside it: “The night sky was littered with drifting embers, washing out the stars I’d known since I was a kid”.
Here you can have a full image of what’s waiting for you: darkness, pain, but also fire, love, and light. Cale and Eben are on the opposites sides of a war they both didn’t want: Cale is a prisoner, and Eben the guard who’s sent to keep an eye on him.
But Eben is different from his colleagues. He actually was a prisoner exactly as Cale at first, but having been graced, he’s been also forced to work for the army as a Dusk Guard. As soon as he sees Cale, he knows there’s something magnetic about him, and night after night, they start talking, and gaining trust in each other, until one day they manage to escape and to reach a safe place.
But the war is not over, so danger is around the corner. Anyway, they not only can count on each other, but also on a group of friends ready to help them. So they just try to face everything following the motto: new day, new breath.
I loved everything about this book right from the start. I loved the way Eben takes care of Cale, and the other way around, because, despite being strong, Eben is actually really fragile, and needs Cale’s help to believe in himself, especially to believe he is a good person.
With her words, the author manages to let the readers feel what the characters feel, and takes them through a roller coaster of emotions.
Now the only “problem” is that I can’t wait for a second book to know more about Landon. Recommended, no doubt!
Here you can have a full image of what’s waiting for you: darkness, pain, but also fire, love, and light. Cale and Eben are on the opposites sides of a war they both didn’t want: Cale is a prisoner, and Eben the guard who’s sent to keep an eye on him.
But Eben is different from his colleagues. He actually was a prisoner exactly as Cale at first, but having been graced, he’s been also forced to work for the army as a Dusk Guard. As soon as he sees Cale, he knows there’s something magnetic about him, and night after night, they start talking, and gaining trust in each other, until one day they manage to escape and to reach a safe place.
But the war is not over, so danger is around the corner. Anyway, they not only can count on each other, but also on a group of friends ready to help them. So they just try to face everything following the motto: new day, new breath.
I loved everything about this book right from the start. I loved the way Eben takes care of Cale, and the other way around, because, despite being strong, Eben is actually really fragile, and needs Cale’s help to believe in himself, especially to believe he is a good person.
With her words, the author manages to let the readers feel what the characters feel, and takes them through a roller coaster of emotions.
Now the only “problem” is that I can’t wait for a second book to know more about Landon. Recommended, no doubt!
March 28, 2025
***ARC Review***
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
Cale and Eben are living in dark times (literally). A pandemic has broken out, electricity isn’t available, and war has broken out. The world is bleak and there’s very little to look forward to, until they come across one another inside a hellish landscape. Eben is 25 and a Dusk Guard. Cale is 24 and a prisoner in Elysium. Both men are doing what they can to survive, including hiding an essential part of themselves. They form a bond and do what they can to remember who they were before the world fell away. Cale and Eben’s anxiety, guilt, and concern is palpable as they navigate a path back to kindness.
I love the sincerity in this novella. It’s very clear that Eben and Cale care for one another. I enjoyed the NEA settlement that the MCs come across once they find a way to flee the grounds of the militia. It’s a stronghold of support, resistance, and as much normality as is possible in such dark times.
I absolutely adored Thomas and Sammie in this novella! The cast of (side) characters are interesting and I would happily read their own novellas as well. Speaking of which, gah, am I invested in Landon (and hopefully Jack’s) story!
This novella is set against a pretty scary backdrop. I’d recommend checking out the content/trigger warnings (as well as the Author’s Note) prior to reading. Once that’s done, enjoy a beautifully told story of how love, kindness, and community can help to heal.
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
Cale and Eben are living in dark times (literally). A pandemic has broken out, electricity isn’t available, and war has broken out. The world is bleak and there’s very little to look forward to, until they come across one another inside a hellish landscape. Eben is 25 and a Dusk Guard. Cale is 24 and a prisoner in Elysium. Both men are doing what they can to survive, including hiding an essential part of themselves. They form a bond and do what they can to remember who they were before the world fell away. Cale and Eben’s anxiety, guilt, and concern is palpable as they navigate a path back to kindness.
I love the sincerity in this novella. It’s very clear that Eben and Cale care for one another. I enjoyed the NEA settlement that the MCs come across once they find a way to flee the grounds of the militia. It’s a stronghold of support, resistance, and as much normality as is possible in such dark times.
I absolutely adored Thomas and Sammie in this novella! The cast of (side) characters are interesting and I would happily read their own novellas as well. Speaking of which, gah, am I invested in Landon (and hopefully Jack’s) story!
This novella is set against a pretty scary backdrop. I’d recommend checking out the content/trigger warnings (as well as the Author’s Note) prior to reading. Once that’s done, enjoy a beautifully told story of how love, kindness, and community can help to heal.
April 8, 2025
3,5 stars!
Intriguing start to a series! First off, I love dystopia and I love A.M. Johnson’s writing. So I was pretty excited about this! And it didn’t disappoint. I loved the setting, Johnson perfectly managed to paint a somber, hopeless and kind of dark world. It has a very special kind of feeling.
A virus has turned the world into chaos, killing humans and enabling the wrong people to rise. Eben once was a captive of these people, but got a chance to work for them.
He now is a dusk guard, his job is to keep the wall of Elysium lit. Although he isn’t happy, he has no hope of getting away. While news from the front get more dreary and bad, he meets Cale. Captive at Elysium. He is in really bad shape, malnourished and broken. But Eben is captivated by him. He finds it horrible how Cale is treated and tries to give him
Small glimpses of normal and happiness in his miserable situation. Slowly they develop a friendship and feelings for each other. When the get the chance, they take it and escape to try and follow the Resistance.
As I said, I loved the world building and the setting. For me the feelings and relationship between Cale and Eben went way too fast, but I get why it was written this way. I really loved the side characters from the Resistance and can’t wait to read what’s in store for all of them in the future. Can’t wait to read the next installment!
Intriguing start to a series! First off, I love dystopia and I love A.M. Johnson’s writing. So I was pretty excited about this! And it didn’t disappoint. I loved the setting, Johnson perfectly managed to paint a somber, hopeless and kind of dark world. It has a very special kind of feeling.
A virus has turned the world into chaos, killing humans and enabling the wrong people to rise. Eben once was a captive of these people, but got a chance to work for them.
He now is a dusk guard, his job is to keep the wall of Elysium lit. Although he isn’t happy, he has no hope of getting away. While news from the front get more dreary and bad, he meets Cale. Captive at Elysium. He is in really bad shape, malnourished and broken. But Eben is captivated by him. He finds it horrible how Cale is treated and tries to give him
Small glimpses of normal and happiness in his miserable situation. Slowly they develop a friendship and feelings for each other. When the get the chance, they take it and escape to try and follow the Resistance.
As I said, I loved the world building and the setting. For me the feelings and relationship between Cale and Eben went way too fast, but I get why it was written this way. I really loved the side characters from the Resistance and can’t wait to read what’s in store for all of them in the future. Can’t wait to read the next installment!
April 6, 2025
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
This quote perfectly encapsulated this short and sweet, thought-provoking dystopian romance. It's not a sub-genre i read too often, primarily because it just hits too close to the current trajectory of world affairs and i'd rather not feed that monster. But Eben and Cale were the most precious baes and i loved them right from the jump. And i know it's a story, but i'm just so happy that they'd found each other in Elysium at the perfect time, and that by surviving the horrors of their past and being together in the end, their love truly was an act of resistance! I'm still reeling from the ride ngl. So so good!
So yeah i'm pretty invested in where this series is going because Into Elysium captured my attention with its well-written narrative, beautiful love story, and a call for hope in the darkest of times! Ahhhh can't wait for the day when The Resistance series is completed so i could binge them all in one shot and not feel like my heart's still in a vice from that ending! Mega feels for days and i would not have it any other way! Loved this!
“Our love is resistance.”
This quote perfectly encapsulated this short and sweet, thought-provoking dystopian romance. It's not a sub-genre i read too often, primarily because it just hits too close to the current trajectory of world affairs and i'd rather not feed that monster. But Eben and Cale were the most precious baes and i loved them right from the jump. And i know it's a story, but i'm just so happy that they'd found each other in Elysium at the perfect time, and that by surviving the horrors of their past and being together in the end, their love truly was an act of resistance! I'm still reeling from the ride ngl. So so good!
So yeah i'm pretty invested in where this series is going because Into Elysium captured my attention with its well-written narrative, beautiful love story, and a call for hope in the darkest of times! Ahhhh can't wait for the day when The Resistance series is completed so i could binge them all in one shot and not feel like my heart's still in a vice from that ending! Mega feels for days and i would not have it any other way! Loved this!
March 27, 2025
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Into Elysium by AM Johnson is a dystopian romance novella involving a prisoner and guard who falls for each other under the absolute worst circumstances. The world is in turmoil and Eben is forced to guard the nightmare that is Elysium prison. Eben struggles every day with the guilt of being pardoned but it isn’t until he’s faced with Cale, a man barely surviving that he realizes things have to change. When an opportunity arises to escape, Eben is given the chance to do something right and maybe get a chance at a life after all.
This novella was quick paced and had characters you immediately wanted to root for. Eben is a victim of circumstance and although he doesn’t believe it, he deserves the happiness he finds with Cale. Cale has lost everything and refuses to lose Eben as well. Although their meet is far from cute, the two find hope in each other and will fight to the end to keep it.
No, what I had with Cale was a deeper lover. A new type of love, born from hope.
4 stars for the hopeful new love of Cale and Eben.
Into Elysium by AM Johnson is a dystopian romance novella involving a prisoner and guard who falls for each other under the absolute worst circumstances. The world is in turmoil and Eben is forced to guard the nightmare that is Elysium prison. Eben struggles every day with the guilt of being pardoned but it isn’t until he’s faced with Cale, a man barely surviving that he realizes things have to change. When an opportunity arises to escape, Eben is given the chance to do something right and maybe get a chance at a life after all.
This novella was quick paced and had characters you immediately wanted to root for. Eben is a victim of circumstance and although he doesn’t believe it, he deserves the happiness he finds with Cale. Cale has lost everything and refuses to lose Eben as well. Although their meet is far from cute, the two find hope in each other and will fight to the end to keep it.
No, what I had with Cale was a deeper lover. A new type of love, born from hope.
4 stars for the hopeful new love of Cale and Eben.
March 28, 2025
I was very in the mood for dystopia and the book gave a great backstory to make it eerie and imaginable. The world was very interesting and I really want to know more!
Cale is in prison in camp Elysium. He is held in inhumane conditions.
But the guard Eben takes a liking to him and shows kindness.
They start talking and become kind of friends.
I anxiously waited for the longest time for them to be found out, because I couldn’t imagine that no one overheard them talking and maybe told some guards or something. Thankfully that didn’t happen!
At some point they escaped, ran and were accepted to a new settlement.
They got welcomed there very fast and easily felt into place.
That didn’t hold for long, but it was nice to have them at peace for a while.
The romance itself was actually very sweet. They were quite cute together, because Eben was so caring and protective of Cale. I really just wanted to hold and protect them myself!
It was nice to read a dystopian book that wasn’t filled with angst.
But also everything happened fast and there was a lot of survival and adrenaline involved.
Cale is in prison in camp Elysium. He is held in inhumane conditions.
But the guard Eben takes a liking to him and shows kindness.
They start talking and become kind of friends.
I anxiously waited for the longest time for them to be found out, because I couldn’t imagine that no one overheard them talking and maybe told some guards or something. Thankfully that didn’t happen!
At some point they escaped, ran and were accepted to a new settlement.
They got welcomed there very fast and easily felt into place.
That didn’t hold for long, but it was nice to have them at peace for a while.
The romance itself was actually very sweet. They were quite cute together, because Eben was so caring and protective of Cale. I really just wanted to hold and protect them myself!
It was nice to read a dystopian book that wasn’t filled with angst.
But also everything happened fast and there was a lot of survival and adrenaline involved.
March 26, 2025
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the books I’ve read by AM Johnson and this one was no exception – but it was a bit different from her others that I’ve read. Dystopian stories are not my normal type of book to pick up but I had to try this one because I loved her other books so much. I’m so glad I was given the opportunity to get a review copy of Into Elysium.
It’s the beginning of a new series of interconnected novellas. The MCs get their HEA/HFN but the ongoing war isn’t over. AM Johnson has crafted a beautiful and poignant love story in relatively few words (about 33,000). The words just seemed to flow for me and I finished this very quickly, even considering that’s not long. The blurb is excellent and I’m not sure I could say much more without giving any spoilers.
I’m not sure where the series is going next but I’ll be here for the next book when it becomes available.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
It’s the beginning of a new series of interconnected novellas. The MCs get their HEA/HFN but the ongoing war isn’t over. AM Johnson has crafted a beautiful and poignant love story in relatively few words (about 33,000). The words just seemed to flow for me and I finished this very quickly, even considering that’s not long. The blurb is excellent and I’m not sure I could say much more without giving any spoilers.
I’m not sure where the series is going next but I’ll be here for the next book when it becomes available.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
March 27, 2025
Cale and Eben are living during uncertain times. There are paramilitary factions rising up against the government, and they've taken out the power and caused other destruction as they've waged war. Both of our MCs are living in Elysium, a prison, and both have been prisoners there, though Eben is a Dusk Guard, having been 'pardoned' for crimes that weren't even his own. Living conditions aren't any better for Eben than they are for Cale, and when many of the guards are sent to the front lines of the war, the men grow closer, bonding as Eben tries to share any meager bit of food he can with the man who is still a prisoner. I love that this novella takes us from bonding through escape to a new, different type of settlement life, where they finally get a chance to breathe and a new future can begin. There are so many amazing side characters introduced in the settlement camp, and it provides this overwhelming feeling of hope, if not peace. I am excited to see what happens to my favorites now and can't wait for more in this world.
April 5, 2025
In this dystopian novella we have 2 men on opposite sides. One a dusk guard the other a prisoner. Even is a dusk guard who is transfer inside to guard prisoners. What he encounters stuns him. He meets Cale who somehow reaches into his soul and finds that small kernel of humanity. Cale questions the kindness shown to him until he finally gives in to his need for kindness. Eben and Cale find that connection, they hold on to that small flame of life and attraction.
They watch as the resistance makes inroads so they make a plan to escape. Their escape is harrowing and not without troubles. When they find the resistance they are surprised by the truth. What had been beat into them was lies. Both men step gingerly into their new reality. They realize that their future can actually come to fruition. Their attraction turns to something deeper and more profound.
I’m a huge fan of dystopian fiction and this novella was the perfect setup for the next book. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was in the story length and was so torqued that it ended. I wanted more of the story.
They watch as the resistance makes inroads so they make a plan to escape. Their escape is harrowing and not without troubles. When they find the resistance they are surprised by the truth. What had been beat into them was lies. Both men step gingerly into their new reality. They realize that their future can actually come to fruition. Their attraction turns to something deeper and more profound.
I’m a huge fan of dystopian fiction and this novella was the perfect setup for the next book. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was in the story length and was so torqued that it ended. I wanted more of the story.
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