He Who Gazes Into The Abyss

by V R Cross

Vanitas Subitum must not feel. He must not get angry. He must not be happy. And above all, he must never stop his vigils. He knows these facts like he knows that he is a monster. But, when he enters into an arranged engagement for his crumbling town, everything he knows about himself and his life changes. And despite all his fear and pain, color re-enters his life.

Genres: Fantasy

348 pages, Paperback

Published February 26, 2025

Reviews

[Demi Goddess Solis · Rating 5 out of 5]

He Who Gazes Into the Abyss is a beautifully tragic and ultimately hopeful story that follows Vanitas Subitum, a man burdened by a terrible duty. He believes himself to be a monster, forced to suppress all emotion and maintain a lonely vigil to protect his town from a mysterious threat known as the Abyss.

His life of grim solitude is disrupted by an arranged marriage to the charming and optimistic Lord Sollus. The story unfolds through their tender, awkward, and heartfelt correspondence as they navigate their new engagement. Vanitas, haunted by a painful past, is determined to keep Sollus at a distance to protect him, while Sollus gently and persistently tries to reach the man hidden beneath the cold exterior.

This is a character-driven story that masterfully explores themes of grief, guilt, and the slow, difficult journey toward healing. The relationship between Vanitas and Sollus is the heart of the book, developing in a way that feels both earned and deeply satisfying. While you will feel Vanitas's pain and rage at the injustices he faces, you will also blush and smile as color and warmth slowly seep back into his world. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that is as heartbreaking as it is heartwarming, making for a truly captivating read.

[Kienn Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

queer fantasy romance! very character focused, following an arranged marriage, dashes of political intrigue, explores grief, trauma, emotional abuse, falling into the abyss. i love the diversity and the autistic rep in the relationship, how they communicate, they persevere through so much! there's so much sweetness and fluffy moments paired with angst and oo boy do they suffer... vanitas needs a hug omg

[A.J Keogh · Rating 5 out of 5]

VR Cross has created an AMAZING gaslamp romance with He Who Gazes into the Abyss. Although this book deals with grief, loss and trauma- which it does brilliantly- I found it incredibly cosy, cute and satisfying. I absolutely fell in love with the main characters- especially Lord Caelum. I can’t wait to read more from VR Cross!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good debut work! It is not a light and fluffy tale. There's a lot of deep grief, trauma, and on page violence. But, in contrast, there is a sweet romance that slowly unfolds at the same time that you cant help rooting for. Definitely one you will need tissues for, but ultimately leaves you with hope.

[Abby Dalpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading this book I was genuinely shocked how the aftermath of trauma is dealt with. I mean that in a good way. V. R. Cross does a great job detailing what it is like to hold the trauma you have experienced in your life without making it too triggering for readers. In addition, the (most) supporting characters are so therapeutic and understanding towards Vanitas as he navigates his emotions and reactions. To me, it was almost too understanding! They are there for him and forgive him everytime he has a post-traumatic stress reaction it almost doesn’t seem like the real world. In a way, I would rather live in a world like that where reactions and emotions are understood deeply. Personally, I would have loved to see Sollus learn to understand rather than seemingly understand and forgive right away. But hey, if that’s my only critique then I’ll take it! Beautifully written and the story keeps you wanting more. I can’t wait to see what happens in the sequel!

[Song Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

HWGITA is a romance with found family, a mystery, and a bit of intrigue mixed into it with the torturous nature of the abyss itself. After a very rocky start, both in letters and in person, I love the way Vanitas and Sollus develop good communication skills and how to support each other through harrowing ordeals. It was delightful seeing their relationship blossom into something healthy and beautiful.

While there are some darker elements to the story as Vanitas struggles with trauma, depression and C-PTSD. And Sollus has trauma from events that unfold as he stays with Vanitas. This wouldn't be classified as a dark romance, but it does have some darker tones, trauma, manipulation, emotional/ verbal abuse to name a few. The developing relationship between Vanitas and Sollus is very cute and heartwarming. Also, I appreciate the portrayal of Sollus's siblings. That felt very authentic and feels like the author did some research or at least consulted some black folx about family dynamics. Lol.

The story is very fast-paced, almost to its detriment in some places, as I'm still a little confused about the abyss itself. Why was it there? But it is still very enjoyable nonetheless.


SPOILERS*****






While I love Sequor so much, she does kind of branch into "Magical negro" territory, as the older black woman coming in and fixing Vanitas, most problematic people in her role of "bodyguard" for Sollus' family. We do discover that she assumed this role back in her realm and that she'll do anything to protect Sollus and his family. It helps, but it still sits kind of weird for me.