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Deviant
Revenge blossoms high in the branches of the divine city of Tabulrossa, twisting into something dangerous, mysterious, and seductive. The gods will reap what they’ve sown.
Born of darkness, Deviants scour the earth, bringing death and destruction—or so the great spirits, the Tal’Rach of Tabulrossa, say.
Branded a Deviant for his love of men, Laithe has known only loss and exile. When survival forces him to the city that hunts his kind, he must confront his deepest fears and hidden desires.
As he steps into Tabulrossa’s treacherous underbelly, he discovers that his only hope comes in the form of the city’s most feared entity, the rogue god Veremund. But Veremund is more than a ruthless Tal’Rach; he is driven by a passion and pain that mirrors Laithe’s own.
Bound by a shared darkness, Laithe and Veremund’s worlds collide in an explosive mix of danger and desire. But as the lines between love, hatred, and vengeance blur, their bond will lead to the city’s salvation or destruction.
Deviant is a dark, gritty MM fantasy romance that plunges you into a world of perilous secrets, forbidden love, and the ultimate battle between good and evil. Enter the city of Tabulrossa, where every choice comes at a deadly price, and love could be the most dangerous force of all.
Born of darkness, Deviants scour the earth, bringing death and destruction—or so the great spirits, the Tal’Rach of Tabulrossa, say.
Branded a Deviant for his love of men, Laithe has known only loss and exile. When survival forces him to the city that hunts his kind, he must confront his deepest fears and hidden desires.
As he steps into Tabulrossa’s treacherous underbelly, he discovers that his only hope comes in the form of the city’s most feared entity, the rogue god Veremund. But Veremund is more than a ruthless Tal’Rach; he is driven by a passion and pain that mirrors Laithe’s own.
Bound by a shared darkness, Laithe and Veremund’s worlds collide in an explosive mix of danger and desire. But as the lines between love, hatred, and vengeance blur, their bond will lead to the city’s salvation or destruction.
Deviant is a dark, gritty MM fantasy romance that plunges you into a world of perilous secrets, forbidden love, and the ultimate battle between good and evil. Enter the city of Tabulrossa, where every choice comes at a deadly price, and love could be the most dangerous force of all.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2025
10 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Howell
2 books17 followersJ.T. Howell was born in suburban Minnesota, his penchant for daydreaming led him down a path lined with books and an obsession with all things fantasy. In college he studied both film and design, discovering a fervent love for the creative art of storytelling.
His true passion lies in telling LGBTQ+ stories he wished he had when he was growing up, igniting the imagination with accessible fantasy, fast-paced plots, and a dash of spicy romance.
He currently resides in Minneapolis and on any given night you can find him playing video games, trying a new restaurant with friends, or lazing on the couch with a good book.
His true passion lies in telling LGBTQ+ stories he wished he had when he was growing up, igniting the imagination with accessible fantasy, fast-paced plots, and a dash of spicy romance.
He currently resides in Minneapolis and on any given night you can find him playing video games, trying a new restaurant with friends, or lazing on the couch with a good book.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 4, 2025
Deviant was fantastic!! The entire premise was really cool and the magic system was really interesting. The characters all had their own unique personalities and I got easily invested in all of them. This MM(M) story was the perfect blend of adventure, romance, and fantasy. The world J.T. Howell has created was both beautiful and terrifying. This is one of those books I wish was a series because I could easily read many more books set in this world.
May 6, 2025
This is closer to 4.5 stars for me than 4.
I didn’t realize that this is a stand alone book in the series as I have read the first book. I was trying to remember elements from that but ultimately it didn’t matter.
It took me a minute to get into this book and understand all the intricacies of how this world & magic function. While it did eventually make sense, I was sometimes a little confused.
The relationships and bonds between the characters was endearing and complex. I loved that it wasn’t a traditional relationship and contained layers. The spicy scenes were 🥵 and definitely added to the book.
As always it was filled with action and the battle scenes were entertaining. I felt the ending was satisfying and full of hope.
Definitely read this book if you like a different twist on the Romantasy genre and are missing Fourth Wing
I didn’t realize that this is a stand alone book in the series as I have read the first book. I was trying to remember elements from that but ultimately it didn’t matter.
It took me a minute to get into this book and understand all the intricacies of how this world & magic function. While it did eventually make sense, I was sometimes a little confused.
The relationships and bonds between the characters was endearing and complex. I loved that it wasn’t a traditional relationship and contained layers. The spicy scenes were 🥵 and definitely added to the book.
As always it was filled with action and the battle scenes were entertaining. I felt the ending was satisfying and full of hope.
Definitely read this book if you like a different twist on the Romantasy genre and are missing Fourth Wing
May 6, 2025
The first two chapters were difficult for me and I almost gave up. There is just so much information being given. (I also haven’t read the author’s other book, as it’s not listed as being necessary, but it might have helped?) Stick with it! Each chapter is from a different viewpoint and we get to hear from several different characters. It’s fascinating and incredibly interesting to see the different sides of the story.
You can make a lot of allegories between modern day society and what is happening here, with the treatment of the Deviants and the Edicts.
The characters, the plot, and the world building are all excellently written. Be prepared for a LOT of twists and turns, to constantly second guess who is good/bad, and to never guess exactly what is going to happen next. An enthralling read!
You can make a lot of allegories between modern day society and what is happening here, with the treatment of the Deviants and the Edicts.
The characters, the plot, and the world building are all excellently written. Be prepared for a LOT of twists and turns, to constantly second guess who is good/bad, and to never guess exactly what is going to happen next. An enthralling read!
April 17, 2025
{ ARC REVIEW }
Do you like magic? ✨
Stories of love & loss? 💞💔
Violence? ⚔️
Betrayal & revenge? 🎭
Revolutions? 🎉
🧝🏻♀️Badass FMCs; as well as, burly MMCs? 🪓
This fantastical journey highlights those that are different and empowers the voices of the oppressed. And how when we find the courage to come together, we can stand as a formidable force against our foe. Deviant not only featured MM but also shown light on FF.
A well balanced & inclusive read! 🏳️🌈
Do you like magic? ✨
Stories of love & loss? 💞💔
Violence? ⚔️
Betrayal & revenge? 🎭
Revolutions? 🎉
🧝🏻♀️Badass FMCs; as well as, burly MMCs? 🪓
This fantastical journey highlights those that are different and empowers the voices of the oppressed. And how when we find the courage to come together, we can stand as a formidable force against our foe. Deviant not only featured MM but also shown light on FF.
A well balanced & inclusive read! 🏳️🌈
May 7, 2025
The tension between them crackled on every page. They built a world hidden from judging eyes, a fragile sanctuary of shared dreams. But the weight of their secret threatened to crush them both. The fear of discovery hung heavy in the air, tainting even their sweetest moments. The world outside their hidden bubble pressed in, demanding that they conform. The book tackled some real topics of family abandonment, acceptance, and fighting for who you are.
June 5, 2025
Oh this book! it had been a while since I read a fantasy book and it was everything I didn't know I needed!!
The magic system was really interesting, the characters were intriguing and endearing, the plot twists plottwisted and the fast pace had me clutching my kindle for dear life, not wanting to miss a second of it! I laughed, and I gasped, and I cried.
The magic system was really interesting, the characters were intriguing and endearing, the plot twists plottwisted and the fast pace had me clutching my kindle for dear life, not wanting to miss a second of it! I laughed, and I gasped, and I cried.
May 12, 2025
This story introduces captivating characters who learn to rely on each other. The suspense keeps us guessing what's next. I'm excited to see more of this well-crafted world.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews