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Dreaming of Fire
Dear Author,
Naxom was orphaned at five and taken in by a monk of the secretive Order of Cett. He and his wife raised Naxom as their son. Outside the Order, Cett is often derided as the god of nothing because he never claimed dominion over anything. But to those special few who have been called, Cett is the god of all— warrior, scholar, woodsmen, mage, sailor, smith— whatever he desires. Like their god, those of his order must be everything, yet nothing.
Naxom’s father has sent him on his first mission— it is as simple as it is hard— find his other.
Photo Description:
A lean male holds a drape of red cloth around his hips with one gauntleted fist, while the other hand rests on his head, the position displaying his muscular arms and torso to perfection. His long, dark-blond hair blows around him, blending with swirling mist. A ghostly full moon glows over his shoulder, and obscured weapons form a horizon below a dark sky. Around his neck is a gold chain with a round ruby pendant.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
Naxom was orphaned at five and taken in by a monk of the secretive Order of Cett. He and his wife raised Naxom as their son. Outside the Order, Cett is often derided as the god of nothing because he never claimed dominion over anything. But to those special few who have been called, Cett is the god of all— warrior, scholar, woodsmen, mage, sailor, smith— whatever he desires. Like their god, those of his order must be everything, yet nothing.
Naxom’s father has sent him on his first mission— it is as simple as it is hard— find his other.
Photo Description:
A lean male holds a drape of red cloth around his hips with one gauntleted fist, while the other hand rests on his head, the position displaying his muscular arms and torso to perfection. His long, dark-blond hair blows around him, blending with swirling mist. A ghostly full moon glows over his shoulder, and obscured weapons form a horizon below a dark sky. Around his neck is a gold chain with a round ruby pendant.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
70 pages, ebook
First published July 29, 2014
5 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Cassidy
17 books37 followersJ.J. Cassidy has worked for a riding stable, been a receptionist, an insurance clerk, and a freight forwarder. After that came the job at the steamship line, the Japanese Securities firm and the bank that doesn't exist anymore.
She's worked with animals -- dogs, primarily -- since 1994, and is much happier that way.
She's worked with animals -- dogs, primarily -- since 1994, and is much happier that way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 1, 2014
Gratuitous kilting pic because I can.
Naxom wears the kilts around here. He's also from a powerful and somewhat feared order called Cettai-very interesting bunch. Sort of monks and warriors who have magical powers, and are highly secretive, only passing on their knowledge orally.
Naxom has been dreaming of fire and believes it's a calling from his Other, so he sets out to attend the Sun Festival and runs into Lefi ap Horas and his gang who have captured a dhourgan. They say they are taking him to Abderan as a gift to the Emperor. This sets the stage for the adventure fantasy that is Dreaming of Fire.
The dhourgan and Naxom bond quickly and Naxom begins having very vivid dreams where he meets a man named Zeri who has several characteristics eerily similar to the dhourgan…
*nodding*
I DO say.
Then the good stuff…
And then there was some GROWLING!
You can NEVER go wrong with growling.
I have to say some really cool shit happens in this story. There are a lot of creatures, magic and different lands mixed in among the adventure that were entertaining to read about but weren't described very well. It would be helped by a glossary and maybe a map which may be included in the downloadable version. There is a to be continued… ending that wasn't too cliffy.
An enjoyable, quick read and a nice addition to the LL event. Thanks to the author and her team for participating.
WTH one more kilting pic never hurt anybody!
Think of them as a trio of Cettai.
Naxom wears the kilts around here. He's also from a powerful and somewhat feared order called Cettai-very interesting bunch. Sort of monks and warriors who have magical powers, and are highly secretive, only passing on their knowledge orally.
Naxom has been dreaming of fire and believes it's a calling from his Other, so he sets out to attend the Sun Festival and runs into Lefi ap Horas and his gang who have captured a dhourgan. They say they are taking him to Abderan as a gift to the Emperor. This sets the stage for the adventure fantasy that is Dreaming of Fire.
The dhourgan and Naxom bond quickly and Naxom begins having very vivid dreams where he meets a man named Zeri who has several characteristics eerily similar to the dhourgan…
*nodding*
I DO say.
Then the good stuff…
Our mouths parted ways as we found a rhythm of sorts, and kissing was replaced by sucking bites to throats and shoulders― I breathed in his scent and tasted the salt of his sweat, whining in frustration at not being closer, at still being two bodies separated by skin.
And then there was some GROWLING!
“You taste like the air in the mountains, and you smell―” One of his hands found my lower back and pressed until our rigid shafts were separated only by leather and silk. “You smell of earth.” His wicked growl urged me to lean into him, one of my bare thighs slipping between his leather-clad ones. “I want that all over me.”
You can NEVER go wrong with growling.
I have to say some really cool shit happens in this story. There are a lot of creatures, magic and different lands mixed in among the adventure that were entertaining to read about but weren't described very well. It would be helped by a glossary and maybe a map which may be included in the downloadable version. There is a to be continued… ending that wasn't too cliffy.
An enjoyable, quick read and a nice addition to the LL event. Thanks to the author and her team for participating.
WTH one more kilting pic never hurt anybody!
Think of them as a trio of Cettai.
August 26, 2014
4.5, rounded up
My comment on the M/M Romance story thread:
Holy. Crap.
THAT WAS AWESOME!
Wow. Just...wow. I started reading the story to see if I wanted to add it to my tbr, and I didn't stop. I didn't stop reading until the end. I'm still in my pajamas! Luckily, I had nothing on my calendar today except walk the dog. Sorry, Charlie, that you had to wait for me :)
I'm just going to ramble, because I didn't take notes as I read. The story is intense, fast paced, with fascinating characters, and incredible world building. It is AMAZING!
*twirls around*
I CAN'T WAIT TO READ MORE!!!
...yes, I'm on a total book high right now.
My comment on the M/M Romance story thread:
Holy. Crap.
THAT WAS AWESOME!
Wow. Just...wow. I started reading the story to see if I wanted to add it to my tbr, and I didn't stop. I didn't stop reading until the end. I'm still in my pajamas! Luckily, I had nothing on my calendar today except walk the dog. Sorry, Charlie, that you had to wait for me :)
I'm just going to ramble, because I didn't take notes as I read. The story is intense, fast paced, with fascinating characters, and incredible world building. It is AMAZING!
*twirls around*
I CAN'T WAIT TO READ MORE!!!
...yes, I'm on a total book high right now.
September 13, 2014
Adventurer's tale with magic and soul mates.
This was fun. Some nice groundwork on establishing a new world that was pleasant and not heavy handed. Things are different enough to be clearly another world, but similar enough to grasp easily. Characterization is good. Definitely room for more as Naxom has only partially completed his heroic journey.
This was fun. Some nice groundwork on establishing a new world that was pleasant and not heavy handed. Things are different enough to be clearly another world, but similar enough to grasp easily. Characterization is good. Definitely room for more as Naxom has only partially completed his heroic journey.
August 17, 2014
The writing is pretty fantastico, rollicking and rolling with the best of them.
It definitely wandered into overly detailed territory for my tastes. But they're just that, my tastes. I'm not the biggest fan of most fantasy reads but I am definitely glad I read this.
I saw the particular connection coming but not too far in advance. Points plus.
I liked the dialogue and individual personalities of these characters.
Some parts of the legend of this world are mentioned, but with not enough meat to support all of the possible storylines, they sometimes felt superfluous.
I do very much like the ending and would read the continuation of this book if we were to get that. The writing is that good. :)
Oh, and yes, it's got it's own healthy level o steam.
It definitely wandered into overly detailed territory for my tastes. But they're just that, my tastes. I'm not the biggest fan of most fantasy reads but I am definitely glad I read this.
I saw the particular connection coming but not too far in advance. Points plus.
I liked the dialogue and individual personalities of these characters.
Some parts of the legend of this world are mentioned, but with not enough meat to support all of the possible storylines, they sometimes felt superfluous.
I do very much like the ending and would read the continuation of this book if we were to get that. The writing is that good. :)
Oh, and yes, it's got it's own healthy level o steam.
August 30, 2014
4.5 stars - Adored this fantasy/paranormal story! It was free, kept me reading like mad, and the author made it clear that the story will continue which has me very happy with all the potential for this world and characters. Nuff said. It's only 70 pages and has dhourgans in it (sounds a bit like dragon doesn't it), so jump in and enjoy.
December 10, 2014
This is a good beginning for a story. And maybe in the longer story, I will be able to connect better with the characters, and especially with their relationship which is a kind of fated relationship or soul mates, whatever.
May 30, 2016
I cannot say the chemistry between the MCs is perfect, I felt very little of it, considering the boys are destined for each other. I cannot claim each twist and turn to be unpredictable and non-cliche. But the writing is incredible, the world is rich and mythology quite interesting. Most important part, I want more. Much more. In the end I am rounding my rating up to 5 stars.
February 23, 2023
Except for the abrupt ending (please can this go on for another 5 books?) this was nearly perfect. Masterful world building - complex, original, and unfurled with a light touch. Language and characterization felt spot on. Well paced with believable romantic developments - in a sense it’s a fated mates book, but without the abrupt I love you’s… I’ll definitely be searching for more from this author !
October 8, 2014
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love's Landscapes event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
This wasn't my favorite prompt pic for whatever reason, but I think J.J. did a wonderful job with it. Really interesting world building, and I enjoyed the way Naxom slowly came to realize what was going on with his Other.
I do think that last adventure was a little slap-dash, and the magic was used as too easy of a fix. I'm okay with this being Part One, things ended well and the relationship wasn't left hanging. But given how much attention was payed to plot, it shouldn't have been resolved so easily.
Also, while they weren't shy with the hand-jobs, I wasn't feeling the steam connection as much as I was when they had their first hands-on-hips and chest-to-chest type encounter at the river. It just didn't follow through as well as it could have, and therefor the connection felt a little lacking.
November 1, 2014
Naxom was raised in the ‘Order’. His Order’s secrets are kept within, outsiders are not very sure about them. Well, he is aware of his true nature(who he really is) he keeps it a secret. It is better if people think his previous self was dead. Then, he starts to have dreams about his ‘Other’. So, he is sent to find his other half. He stumbles upon a caravan of men who are taking a ‘gift’ to the Emperor. It is a mystical creature that is from myth. Naxom is drawn towards this intelligent beast.
In his dreams he meets his ‘Other’, Zeri. Now to me it was easy for figure out the truth about Zeri. We follow their journey. We/they find out a lot about each other, truths no one else(or very few) are aware. I think overall this was a good story. There were a few parts that were harder to follow, only because there was so much detail. Details that you needed to read word for word and let it formulate inside your head to get the clear picture. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and the world they lived.
In his dreams he meets his ‘Other’, Zeri. Now to me it was easy for figure out the truth about Zeri. We follow their journey. We/they find out a lot about each other, truths no one else(or very few) are aware. I think overall this was a good story. There were a few parts that were harder to follow, only because there was so much detail. Details that you needed to read word for word and let it formulate inside your head to get the clear picture. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and the world they lived.
August 5, 2014
As others who created prompts for the event have said, I might be biased, but. . . . I loved this story. JJ did an amazing job of taking the bare bones idea I had and making it special. I really like how she wove Cett, the God who claimed nothing yet was the God of all, into the story in a way I never imagined. Her world is unique and interesting, with creatures we've never seen or heard of, yet elements of things we recognize. Magic is central to the story, but it is not the overwhelming force that can move mountains or destroy with a thought.
JJ spent time giving us Naxom, his power, skill, intellect and impulsiveness that made him Naxom. The little details like how he squeezed water from his kilt, the way his lover moved Naxom's hair out of his face or the way the fur on the animals rest, leave you with images that keep you in the story long after your done.
Like others I'm waiting for the next installment. Bravo JJ and thank you for making this story real.
-AQG
JJ spent time giving us Naxom, his power, skill, intellect and impulsiveness that made him Naxom. The little details like how he squeezed water from his kilt, the way his lover moved Naxom's hair out of his face or the way the fur on the animals rest, leave you with images that keep you in the story long after your done.
Like others I'm waiting for the next installment. Bravo JJ and thank you for making this story real.
-AQG
October 25, 2014
3.5 stars!! This was a great story-engaging and sexy-and I cared about what was going on as well as the characters individually. Thank you so much!
September 12, 2018
Interesting and mostly enjoyable fantasy that appears to have closely followed the prompt. I didn’t really warm up to the main characters. Naxom seemed to be more of an impulsive hot-head and Zeri liked to play mind games. As their respective “Others” I didn’t really feel the connection. Yes, there was physical intimacy but the emotional intimacy was missing. I also had a hard time really visualizing Zeri in his dhourgan animal form. The discriptors were just too vague. If there was anything that held my interest, it was the molassas. I would have really liked to learn more about them.
My biggest peeve with this story is, to use the author’s words, “The End - For Now.” Huh? Really? It ends in a cliffhanger but considering the amount of time since this story was published, it ends with a promise that was never fulfilled.
My biggest peeve with this story is, to use the author’s words, “The End - For Now.” Huh? Really? It ends in a cliffhanger but considering the amount of time since this story was published, it ends with a promise that was never fulfilled.
February 26, 2018
This was amazing!
I've been a huge fantasy fan for as long as I can remember, and this story made my inner fantasy nerd just so happy.
The world, the history, the characters, the magic, the creatures, all of it just had me captivated.
(Not to mention that it's one of the best-written and best-edited of the Don't Read in the Closet stories that I've yet come across.)
The end with the implication that there might be more had me thrilled. Hopefully that's still the plan, because I'd love to read more set in this world and spend more time with these characters.
Some Favorite Quotes:
and some inner part of my heart unfurled a little at the sight, like a plant sensing the warmth of the sun after a long cold season.
The ragged spaces inside me lost their edges
I've been a huge fantasy fan for as long as I can remember, and this story made my inner fantasy nerd just so happy.
The world, the history, the characters, the magic, the creatures, all of it just had me captivated.
(Not to mention that it's one of the best-written and best-edited of the Don't Read in the Closet stories that I've yet come across.)
The end with the implication that there might be more had me thrilled. Hopefully that's still the plan, because I'd love to read more set in this world and spend more time with these characters.
Some Favorite Quotes:
and some inner part of my heart unfurled a little at the sight, like a plant sensing the warmth of the sun after a long cold season.
The ragged spaces inside me lost their edges
July 31, 2017
I felt the significance of Naxom's identity wasn't conveyed well. Spending entire book having no idea what's going on and then only at the end having a sudden full explanation felt underwhelming, bcz there wasn't anything to be rounded up and tied together.
Maybe it's just that 5am in the morning.
Some of the world building was hard to follow, like the animals that were p much just a made up name and no viable description. I bet it's the 5am in the morning.
Maybe it's just that 5am in the morning.
Some of the world building was hard to follow, like the animals that were p much just a made up name and no viable description. I bet it's the 5am in the morning.
January 30, 2019
Interesting world. I am curious to know how it ends.
July 31, 2014
There is no info dump with this story; from the moment you begin to read you're immersed into a truly unique fantasy world. Patience is the key here, you learn as you go and answers reveal themselves near the end. But it's not a frustrating experience, this journey you go on, because the details are so rich, with a wonderful mysterious plot, and the setting is perfect.
Told from the POV of Naxom, a monk/mage familiar with earth and air elemental magic, on his journey to find his "Other", his soul-mate who will complete him. Fire and water is what he is looking for, and he certainly finds it in a surprising form and manner. Both he and his other are hiding secrets and when they are finally exposed, things get interesting.
This is clearly a HFN, as there is another installment on it's way in early 2015. I look forward to continue reading about this fantasy world (if I can remember to watch out for the next one).
Excellent writing and world building, with steamy scenes and an intriguing plot. A great installment for this event. Highly recommended to fantasy lovers.
My thanks to the author for their time and participation in this event.
Told from the POV of Naxom, a monk/mage familiar with earth and air elemental magic, on his journey to find his "Other", his soul-mate who will complete him. Fire and water is what he is looking for, and he certainly finds it in a surprising form and manner. Both he and his other are hiding secrets and when they are finally exposed, things get interesting.
This is clearly a HFN, as there is another installment on it's way in early 2015. I look forward to continue reading about this fantasy world (if I can remember to watch out for the next one).
Excellent writing and world building, with steamy scenes and an intriguing plot. A great installment for this event. Highly recommended to fantasy lovers.
My thanks to the author for their time and participation in this event.
July 29, 2014
Very enjoyable, light, fantasy, one sitting read.
Naxom is a monk, it's the red kilt and matching cowl that give it away. Dreaming of fire he follows his calling and goes in search of his soulmate. That he finds him in the last place he is expecting is only fitting as he's a stubborn soul, impatient and quick to anger, or so his teachers tell him. He is also rubbish with fire, it being one element over which he has as much control as his impatience.
Beautifully descriptive this story bounces along, showing us a world full of almost familiar animals, and the all too familiar weaknesses of men. There is magic, romance, heat and sweat. Even a HEA. Every library has a place on its shelves for some of that.
Naxom is a monk, it's the red kilt and matching cowl that give it away. Dreaming of fire he follows his calling and goes in search of his soulmate. That he finds him in the last place he is expecting is only fitting as he's a stubborn soul, impatient and quick to anger, or so his teachers tell him. He is also rubbish with fire, it being one element over which he has as much control as his impatience.
Beautifully descriptive this story bounces along, showing us a world full of almost familiar animals, and the all too familiar weaknesses of men. There is magic, romance, heat and sweat. Even a HEA. Every library has a place on its shelves for some of that.
February 6, 2017
Rating this an an unprofessional, self-published book, not as a polished final work.
This was a fun read, and the story had a lot of potential for an interesting book or series. That being said, the story it was trying to tell was much to large for the small word count, so it suffered with a large amount of information that was never really addressed, and a relationship that is a bit too sudden. Even fated relationships need a chance to actually form! It looks like the author has intentions to continue the book, which I would be excited to read!
It could use the work of an editor to help develop it out further and clean the content up.
This was a fun read, and the story had a lot of potential for an interesting book or series. That being said, the story it was trying to tell was much to large for the small word count, so it suffered with a large amount of information that was never really addressed, and a relationship that is a bit too sudden. Even fated relationships need a chance to actually form! It looks like the author has intentions to continue the book, which I would be excited to read!
It could use the work of an editor to help develop it out further and clean the content up.
July 1, 2020
One character isn't good with fire, the other isn't good at planning, so guess who plans in secret and who sets fires? ;)
More accurately this is a story about a monk, well educated in mind, body and magic, from an order where one is houseless, friendless and nameless, only seeking knowledge, always behaving justly and logically. When our monk starts dreaming about his Other, someone or something that completes him, he sets out to find them. On his way he comes across a caravan with a captured mystical beast and the monk is drawn to the beast. But things aren't as they seem.
I rated it 3,5 stars.
More accurately this is a story about a monk, well educated in mind, body and magic, from an order where one is houseless, friendless and nameless, only seeking knowledge, always behaving justly and logically. When our monk starts dreaming about his Other, someone or something that completes him, he sets out to find them. On his way he comes across a caravan with a captured mystical beast and the monk is drawn to the beast. But things aren't as they seem.
I rated it 3,5 stars.
April 2, 2016
I enjoyed the characters, and their world and hope I get the chance to read the story again and/or to read more within the series.
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
December 2, 2014
Wow! I don't typically care for paranormal reads--especially shifters, and historicals are not among my favorites either. Yet this book--again,wow--I loved it. The writing was excellent, the tone was fitting, and the tempo was perfect. It was even well edited. I certainly hope Cassidy follows through on her final words, and there will be a sequel!
August 9, 2014
I heartily enjoyed this story. The start was a bit rough on world-building details but very quickly smooths out into an adventure.
I would have liked to see more of why our main character needed to hide identity earlier on in the story. Most of those details are saved for the last scene, so some of the tension is lost.
However I enjoyed the world and would love to see more.
I would have liked to see more of why our main character needed to hide identity earlier on in the story. Most of those details are saved for the last scene, so some of the tension is lost.
However I enjoyed the world and would love to see more.
August 17, 2014
I really enjoyed the world building in this one. I love the idea of the Cettai. Zeri and Naxom are fascinating characters. The ending was a tad rushed but otherwise I had fun with this one. I'm looking forward to seeing more.
August 31, 2015
3.5 stars rounded up because I loved the world building. There's magic and mystic creatures and conflicts. And in between this is a story about soulmates who found each other. I enjoyed it but I wish I could read the sequel. I just got into the story and then there's the end... for now.
event-stories-unread
September 22, 2014[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation and gift.]
August 9, 2014
The author built a great world and I really enjoyed this. I want more!
July 21, 2015
Good, much sense of wonder, but the story felt incomplete. In addition, the hero (a member of an order devoted to knowledge) burned a library. :( Therefore only 3 stars.
August 26, 2014
Wow - this story is simply wonderful. Rich world-building and captivating storyline. Can't wait for the continuation!
August 30, 2014
Thank you! Well paced, brilliant world & belief system building. Lovely descriptions. I'd read more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews