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The Oracle #3
The Oracle's Golem
Golem has never known anything but pain. He exists solely to serve the Oracle's whims and needs. Determined to escape a life of abuse and servitude, he runs away and finds refuge in a cave.
Then one day a child falls asleep in his lap...
Marl isn't anyone special. He's low in the Earth Caste, set to watch over the Caste's problem child, Lichen. In search of the errant Lichen one day, he unexpectedly comes across Golem hiding deep in the mountains. Even more surprising is the reason that Golem is hiding, a reason that forces Marl to make a Oracle or Golem.
Then one day a child falls asleep in his lap...
Marl isn't anyone special. He's low in the Earth Caste, set to watch over the Caste's problem child, Lichen. In search of the errant Lichen one day, he unexpectedly comes across Golem hiding deep in the mountains. Even more surprising is the reason that Golem is hiding, a reason that forces Marl to make a Oracle or Golem.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2015
4 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Mell Eight
69 books276 followersWhen Mell Eight was in high school, she discovered dragons. Beautiful, wondrous creatures that took her on epic adventures both to faraway lands and on journeys of the heart. Mell wanted to create dragons of her own, so she put pen to paper. Mell Eight is now known for her own soaring dragons, as well as for other wonderful characters dancing across the pages of her books. While she mostly writes paranormal or fantasy stories, she has been seen exploring the real world once or twice.
For more information on Mell’s stories and future writing plans, visit her website.
For more information on Mell’s stories and future writing plans, visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 22, 2015
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is my favorite of the series so far. I liked the story of what happened to Golem, and the choices that the Oracle was forced to make. It added a touch of darkness to an otherwise sweet series, and gave it a nice balance. I liked how things weren't as simple as they first appeared, and sometimes bad things have to happen in order for better things to come. I liked that the story wasn't simply about Marl and Golem, but about Lichen and the Oracle as well. I really liked Marl, and how he didn't let not being the strongest stop him from learning his element to the best of his ability. The plot to this story was nicely paced, and I really liked how things turned out. Can't wait to read the next one.
art credit - Earth Dragon by koneko no arashi
This is my favorite of the series so far. I liked the story of what happened to Golem, and the choices that the Oracle was forced to make. It added a touch of darkness to an otherwise sweet series, and gave it a nice balance. I liked how things weren't as simple as they first appeared, and sometimes bad things have to happen in order for better things to come. I liked that the story wasn't simply about Marl and Golem, but about Lichen and the Oracle as well. I really liked Marl, and how he didn't let not being the strongest stop him from learning his element to the best of his ability. The plot to this story was nicely paced, and I really liked how things turned out. Can't wait to read the next one.
art credit - Earth Dragon by koneko no arashi
February 18, 2024
Reread 2024
Still a great read, I loved the quiet strength of Marl, even after the way he was treated by the people in his caste he is still a genuinely nice person and takes great care of Lichen.
I felt for Golem, yes I could understand the Oracles thought process when it was explained but she caused him such pain.
Great
4.25 ⭐️
I think this series gets better as it goes along
I really enjoyed this one. I enjoyed the look into what happens to the ones whose lives the oracle manipulates when something bad happens like The Dragon of the earth.
He carried a lot of guilt as to what he did to the oracle by making her pregnant and then a lot of anger when he realised she knew what would happen. I was a bit like Marl and considered it cruel by the oracle but I could also see her point of why it had to happen. I just wish that Golem actually got to know his son as his son also had a crappy life until he left the monastery and could have used his friendship.
I loved Marl and felt so very sorry for the way he was treated just because he didn’t rate high on their system, I think the masters and elders forget that every army also needs soldiers and too many generals can’t do anything without the infantry.
I love that Marl just got on with life and tried his best even taking little Lichen under his wing, what a handful he is but also so loveable.
Can’t wait to see where this goes next.
Still a great read, I loved the quiet strength of Marl, even after the way he was treated by the people in his caste he is still a genuinely nice person and takes great care of Lichen.
I felt for Golem, yes I could understand the Oracles thought process when it was explained but she caused him such pain.
Great
4.25 ⭐️
I think this series gets better as it goes along
I really enjoyed this one. I enjoyed the look into what happens to the ones whose lives the oracle manipulates when something bad happens like The Dragon of the earth.
He carried a lot of guilt as to what he did to the oracle by making her pregnant and then a lot of anger when he realised she knew what would happen. I was a bit like Marl and considered it cruel by the oracle but I could also see her point of why it had to happen. I just wish that Golem actually got to know his son as his son also had a crappy life until he left the monastery and could have used his friendship.
I loved Marl and felt so very sorry for the way he was treated just because he didn’t rate high on their system, I think the masters and elders forget that every army also needs soldiers and too many generals can’t do anything without the infantry.
I love that Marl just got on with life and tried his best even taking little Lichen under his wing, what a handful he is but also so loveable.
Can’t wait to see where this goes next.
January 14, 2015
The third installement of the Oracle's series, The Oracle's Golem, is everything that I wanted it to be.
The story revolves around Marl, a low Earth Caste, and the Golem, whose story was one of the most touching in the series, and the one who steals the show, Lichen. (who will get his own story!!! ^_^)
I read the first two of the series when they first came out, so I was a little bit confused in the beginning. (I won't spoiler you anything, but this book is definitely not a stand alone book, so make sure you've read at least the second one.)
However, it didn't take long for me to, once again, get lost in the world Mell Eight created - and I have to say, I loved the Oracle's Golem.
Yes, it was way too short.
Yes, there is more or less insta-love and I would have wished it to be longer so we could experience Marl's and Golem's growing love.
Yes, there were no real problems, but who cares? Sometimes, all you need is love.
The only thing that didn't work for me was the sex scene - it didn't really fit into the story, and I think sometimes it's better to leave it out entirely - which is purely my opinion.
Apart from that, the Oracle's Golem was the perfect example of one of these short romance stories that I absolutely crave and I can't wait for the next one in the series!
Thank you for this enjoyable read, and I'll make sure to come back for the next one.
FF
The story revolves around Marl, a low Earth Caste, and the Golem, whose story was one of the most touching in the series, and the one who steals the show, Lichen. (who will get his own story!!! ^_^)
I read the first two of the series when they first came out, so I was a little bit confused in the beginning. (I won't spoiler you anything, but this book is definitely not a stand alone book, so make sure you've read at least the second one.)
However, it didn't take long for me to, once again, get lost in the world Mell Eight created - and I have to say, I loved the Oracle's Golem.
Yes, it was way too short.
Yes, there is more or less insta-love and I would have wished it to be longer so we could experience Marl's and Golem's growing love.
Yes, there were no real problems, but who cares? Sometimes, all you need is love.
The only thing that didn't work for me was the sex scene - it didn't really fit into the story, and I think sometimes it's better to leave it out entirely - which is purely my opinion.
Apart from that, the Oracle's Golem was the perfect example of one of these short romance stories that I absolutely crave and I can't wait for the next one in the series!
Thank you for this enjoyable read, and I'll make sure to come back for the next one.
FF
March 21, 2015
I’ve read the other books in this series and enjoyed them because of how different they are. But with this one, I completely loved it.
I thought that the author did a great job with Golem’s character because I was actually able to feel his pain and suffering. And then, his happiness. It is very rare for me to be able to connect with a character on that level, but with him it was so easy too.
Marl is a great character as well with his soft-spoken nature and his true love for the Earth. I couldn’t help but root for him while I was reading because of the way he was being treated. And of course, Lichen added his amount of cuteness to the story that helped to lighten up the serious times of the book.
With how short this story was, the author was able to pack a huge punch into it. There was drama, action, love, romance, friendship, heartache, and everything else that you could want. But it wasn’t done in a way that it felt like I was overloaded with information.
I completely loved this book and I can’t wait to read more into the series in the future!
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
**Copy provided for review**
I thought that the author did a great job with Golem’s character because I was actually able to feel his pain and suffering. And then, his happiness. It is very rare for me to be able to connect with a character on that level, but with him it was so easy too.
Marl is a great character as well with his soft-spoken nature and his true love for the Earth. I couldn’t help but root for him while I was reading because of the way he was being treated. And of course, Lichen added his amount of cuteness to the story that helped to lighten up the serious times of the book.
With how short this story was, the author was able to pack a huge punch into it. There was drama, action, love, romance, friendship, heartache, and everything else that you could want. But it wasn’t done in a way that it felt like I was overloaded with information.
I completely loved this book and I can’t wait to read more into the series in the future!
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
**Copy provided for review**
June 11, 2015
4.5 STARS
This was my favourite story in the series so far!
Once again the story begins with the Oracle searching through possible futures and deciding which one to choose. This time the future belongs to the Dragon of Earth and she’s forced to make a decision that will mean pain and despair for the Dragon but offer the greatest outcome for the rest of the kingdom that she’s sworn to protect. This third story begins in the past and the future the Oracle sets in motion begins with her seducing her Earth Dragon and creating Ling, the scorned main character from the second story. When the Oracle dies from complications from birthing their son, the Dragon of Earth disappears into the mountain that houses the Oracle’s monastery. He intends to stay there until he dies but the earth won’t allow that and turns him to stone to preserve him until he is ready to reawaken. And fifteen years later, he does.
Marl is as low as one can possibly get in the Earth caste. While everybody else has at least a single tree tattooed on their back, Marl has nothing but a brown barren field from top to bottom. He spends his days working with the plants in the fields and looking after the endlessly curious four-year-old, Lichen. One of Lichen’s adventures finds the two of them deep within the earth, where they awaken a half man, half stone creature who calls himself Golem.
This was the first of the Oracle stories that’s told in the point of view of both main characters. Actually, now that I’ve written that I’m not a hundred percent certain that’s correct, but if the previous two books did also have a split point of view then it wasn’t anything to note. Those previous books really did just have the one main character plus a love interest. Or interests, as the case may be. The Oracle’s Golem had both men very present throughout. They each had their own story which of course, came together perfectly for romance to bloom.
I loved that this story was set at the monastery rather than out in the world, so we got to learn a lot more about how the castes worked. We learned more about the tattoos, which I’ve been kind of fascinated with from the very beginning. Also, the Oracle was more present in this book than the others. I liked having the chance to know her as a flawed “real” person rather than just some sort of omnipotent deity.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2015/06/1...
This was my favourite story in the series so far!
Once again the story begins with the Oracle searching through possible futures and deciding which one to choose. This time the future belongs to the Dragon of Earth and she’s forced to make a decision that will mean pain and despair for the Dragon but offer the greatest outcome for the rest of the kingdom that she’s sworn to protect. This third story begins in the past and the future the Oracle sets in motion begins with her seducing her Earth Dragon and creating Ling, the scorned main character from the second story. When the Oracle dies from complications from birthing their son, the Dragon of Earth disappears into the mountain that houses the Oracle’s monastery. He intends to stay there until he dies but the earth won’t allow that and turns him to stone to preserve him until he is ready to reawaken. And fifteen years later, he does.
Marl is as low as one can possibly get in the Earth caste. While everybody else has at least a single tree tattooed on their back, Marl has nothing but a brown barren field from top to bottom. He spends his days working with the plants in the fields and looking after the endlessly curious four-year-old, Lichen. One of Lichen’s adventures finds the two of them deep within the earth, where they awaken a half man, half stone creature who calls himself Golem.
This was the first of the Oracle stories that’s told in the point of view of both main characters. Actually, now that I’ve written that I’m not a hundred percent certain that’s correct, but if the previous two books did also have a split point of view then it wasn’t anything to note. Those previous books really did just have the one main character plus a love interest. Or interests, as the case may be. The Oracle’s Golem had both men very present throughout. They each had their own story which of course, came together perfectly for romance to bloom.
I loved that this story was set at the monastery rather than out in the world, so we got to learn a lot more about how the castes worked. We learned more about the tattoos, which I’ve been kind of fascinated with from the very beginning. Also, the Oracle was more present in this book than the others. I liked having the chance to know her as a flawed “real” person rather than just some sort of omnipotent deity.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2015/06/1...
December 10, 2015
This wasn’t a bad story at all. It was just vastly different from the others. I would definitely classify this one as paranormal romance while the previous two stories I would classify as fantasy. This story focuses on the relationship of the two men and not on some greater overall plot, which it could easily have done if not designed to be a short story.
I did love the relationship between these two, how they both had their own trials and tribulations to deal with and how the power/helping aspect alternated between the two of them. This is definitely a healing/comfort piece to read. Add in to that the aspect of family, which while though not biological, certainly comes through for an added sense of awww.
I’m not a huge fan of romance, which is why this story compared to the other two was probably not for me. I would have much preferred a story focused on the plot twists that pop up later (trying not to spoil here) as that would have made it a far more interesting piece to me.
**I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads**
~AJ
I did love the relationship between these two, how they both had their own trials and tribulations to deal with and how the power/helping aspect alternated between the two of them. This is definitely a healing/comfort piece to read. Add in to that the aspect of family, which while though not biological, certainly comes through for an added sense of awww.
I’m not a huge fan of romance, which is why this story compared to the other two was probably not for me. I would have much preferred a story focused on the plot twists that pop up later (trying not to spoil here) as that would have made it a far more interesting piece to me.
**I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads**
~AJ
February 8, 2015
Honestly, I didn't expect that there's such a big **** (I won't spoil,hehe) in the book since it wasn't describe in the summary but I give this book a 4-star rating. As expected with a writer who specializes in dragons (>////<) pls. don't refute cause it's my own opinion. The only thing that lacks in this book is its length. But all in all, it's very good, I hope the next installation will come soon.
August 5, 2015
Now this one really hit the spot. I loved Golem and Merl.
The story was a bit slow to start and all the excitement happened at the end and was over far to quickly for my liking, and I really would of liked to see what happened the next day. Maybe we will get a flash back in the next book.
But the highlight for me was Lichen. He is simply adorable and while I would love to see more of him at this age I hope one day we get his grown up story.
The story was a bit slow to start and all the excitement happened at the end and was over far to quickly for my liking, and I really would of liked to see what happened the next day. Maybe we will get a flash back in the next book.
But the highlight for me was Lichen. He is simply adorable and while I would love to see more of him at this age I hope one day we get his grown up story.
February 22, 2015
I reread the first two to "get back into the world" of dragons, etc.
I enjoyed them all. I look forward to the final installment.
I also enjoyed the Dragon's Hoard series which I also reread. I think Finding the Wolf is one of my all time favorite stories.
I enjoyed them all. I look forward to the final installment.
I also enjoyed the Dragon's Hoard series which I also reread. I think Finding the Wolf is one of my all time favorite stories.
April 10, 2023
Person or object
This Oracle story took a different path than the first two. The story doesn't leave the Monastery but instead occurs entirely there. It also follows one of the least powerful of the casts instead of the most powerful. And most importantly it brings some question to the impunity of the Oracle's actions.
Nothing is known about the father of Ling in the second book. Here we learn who the father is and how he was manipulated into the birth of the child that would save a nation after a childhood of being hated. Golem decides to leave the Monastery and no longer follow the Oracle if that is the way she treats her most loyal followers.
Marl is the lowest of the Earth caste and is treated as such. His powers are well refined, highly detailed and useful, but since his tattoo placed him low that is all others of the Monastery see. When taking care of a child Marl finds Golem and is confused about this powerful man that hid himself away. It brings to question the allowances that those of the Monastery make for the Oracle in her decisions, never questioning the consequences or asking for more information. It also quickly reveals the deep prejudices in the monastery as Marl's knowledge and discoveries are discounted simply because of his power.
Having the problems in this book occur within the Monastery was refreshing as it addressed the concerns brought up in other books. It felt wrong how the Oracle could act and this really gives a full look at it. Add in the treatment of those in the monastery and this shows that there is work to be done there as well, along with hope that it will.
This Oracle story took a different path than the first two. The story doesn't leave the Monastery but instead occurs entirely there. It also follows one of the least powerful of the casts instead of the most powerful. And most importantly it brings some question to the impunity of the Oracle's actions.
Nothing is known about the father of Ling in the second book. Here we learn who the father is and how he was manipulated into the birth of the child that would save a nation after a childhood of being hated. Golem decides to leave the Monastery and no longer follow the Oracle if that is the way she treats her most loyal followers.
Marl is the lowest of the Earth caste and is treated as such. His powers are well refined, highly detailed and useful, but since his tattoo placed him low that is all others of the Monastery see. When taking care of a child Marl finds Golem and is confused about this powerful man that hid himself away. It brings to question the allowances that those of the Monastery make for the Oracle in her decisions, never questioning the consequences or asking for more information. It also quickly reveals the deep prejudices in the monastery as Marl's knowledge and discoveries are discounted simply because of his power.
Having the problems in this book occur within the Monastery was refreshing as it addressed the concerns brought up in other books. It felt wrong how the Oracle could act and this really gives a full look at it. Add in the treatment of those in the monastery and this shows that there is work to be done there as well, along with hope that it will.
December 7, 2022
Title: The Oracle’s Golem
Author: Mell Eight
Publisher: NineStar Press
ISBN: 978-164890-541-4
Buy Link: https://ninestarpress.com/product/the...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
The Oracle 3
Abused and used like scrap, Golem has never known anything but pain. He exists to serve the Oracle’s whims and needs. After escaping the Monastery, he hid himself away where no one would be able to use him again. Then one day a child falls asleep in his lap…
Marl is nothing special. He’s low in the Earth Caste, set to watch over the Caste’s problem child, Lichen. In search of the errant Lichen one day, he unexpectedly comes across Golem hiding deep in the mountains. Unlike his usual behavior, he desires to see Golem again.
Then Marl learns why Golem is hiding, and he realizes he must make a choice: the Oracle or Golem.
Total Score: 5/5
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Summary:
Golem left everything behind to take comfort in the very earth that he was master of. That is until a child, Lichen, found him insistent on spending time with him as stone. Marl was tasked in keeping Lichen safe and to his duties, but he never expected to find Golen sleeping deep in the earth. Lichen is very difficult to ignore bringing Golem’s humanity back to life.
With coming back to life, Golem is forced to deal with all the pain he walked away from. Marl has never meant anything to his cast, but together Golem and he might change things for the better.
This was an incredible edition to The Oracle series.
Author: Mell Eight
Publisher: NineStar Press
ISBN: 978-164890-541-4
Buy Link: https://ninestarpress.com/product/the...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
The Oracle 3
Abused and used like scrap, Golem has never known anything but pain. He exists to serve the Oracle’s whims and needs. After escaping the Monastery, he hid himself away where no one would be able to use him again. Then one day a child falls asleep in his lap…
Marl is nothing special. He’s low in the Earth Caste, set to watch over the Caste’s problem child, Lichen. In search of the errant Lichen one day, he unexpectedly comes across Golem hiding deep in the mountains. Unlike his usual behavior, he desires to see Golem again.
Then Marl learns why Golem is hiding, and he realizes he must make a choice: the Oracle or Golem.
Total Score: 5/5
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Summary:
Golem left everything behind to take comfort in the very earth that he was master of. That is until a child, Lichen, found him insistent on spending time with him as stone. Marl was tasked in keeping Lichen safe and to his duties, but he never expected to find Golen sleeping deep in the earth. Lichen is very difficult to ignore bringing Golem’s humanity back to life.
With coming back to life, Golem is forced to deal with all the pain he walked away from. Marl has never meant anything to his cast, but together Golem and he might change things for the better.
This was an incredible edition to The Oracle series.
August 5, 2017
*NOTE: This is a review of the entire series*
I love reading LGBTQ+ fiction. I also love reading fantasy books. When the two genres are combined, it's a must read for me. I saw the Oracle series, and fell in love with the covers. After seeing them, I knew I had to read the series. Unfortunately, after reading all four books in the series, it was just okay. There were parts that I liked, but the parts that I disliked outweighed that.
I have different feelings about each of the books. In the first book in the series, The Oracle's Flame, the twincest made me very uncomfortable. I did love the way that both of the guys fell in love with who they did, but the twincest just creeped me out. However, I did think that the next book in the series, The Oracle's Hatchling was enjoyable. I had problems with a few things in the book, but I thought it brought something new and different to the story of the dragon's world that Mell Eight had created. The third book in the series, The Oracle's Golem was really good as well. I liked how the two main characters took the time to build their relationship, instead of just instantly falling in love. I did expect a different ending to The Oracle's Golem, and was really disappointed when it didn't happen. The last book in the series, The Oracle's Sprite, was just weird. I wasn't sure what to think of it at first. when the big plot twist was revealed, I understood it better, but I still thought it was odd. It was definitely my least favorite book in the series.
Even though I have a lot of mixed feelings on The Oracle series, I did find it enjoyable. The ending of The Oracle's Sprite said that there would be a fifth book, but as far as I know, it was never released. If a fifth book does get released, I will probably read it because I've invested a lot in reading the series up until this point.
I love reading LGBTQ+ fiction. I also love reading fantasy books. When the two genres are combined, it's a must read for me. I saw the Oracle series, and fell in love with the covers. After seeing them, I knew I had to read the series. Unfortunately, after reading all four books in the series, it was just okay. There were parts that I liked, but the parts that I disliked outweighed that.
I have different feelings about each of the books. In the first book in the series, The Oracle's Flame, the twincest made me very uncomfortable. I did love the way that both of the guys fell in love with who they did, but the twincest just creeped me out. However, I did think that the next book in the series, The Oracle's Hatchling was enjoyable. I had problems with a few things in the book, but I thought it brought something new and different to the story of the dragon's world that Mell Eight had created. The third book in the series, The Oracle's Golem was really good as well. I liked how the two main characters took the time to build their relationship, instead of just instantly falling in love. I did expect a different ending to The Oracle's Golem, and was really disappointed when it didn't happen. The last book in the series, The Oracle's Sprite, was just weird. I wasn't sure what to think of it at first. when the big plot twist was revealed, I understood it better, but I still thought it was odd. It was definitely my least favorite book in the series.
Even though I have a lot of mixed feelings on The Oracle series, I did find it enjoyable. The ending of The Oracle's Sprite said that there would be a fifth book, but as far as I know, it was never released. If a fifth book does get released, I will probably read it because I've invested a lot in reading the series up until this point.
October 11, 2022
The Oracle's Golem is about the Earth dragon who has been used to create a child. He escapes the Monastery and disappears into the mountain. Lichen is a wandering child; he finds Golem and wants to know him better. Marl is always looking for Lichen. One day he realizes that Lichen has been visiting Golem. As time goes on Lichen and Marl want to spend time with Golem. But Marl learns why Golem has been hiding and he’s stunned. When Marl’s life is in danger, Golem realizes he must come back to the Monastery and save Marl. This is a really sweet story but this one has a hint of darkness in it. Each of these stories keep getting better and betters as more layers are added. Well written with fast pacing! 5 stars
September 26, 2022
While I liked the first two Oracle stories by Mell Eight, the third, The Oracle’s Golem, was especially enjoyable. Rather than main characters being sent on a quest, all the action takes place at the Monastery with its existing inhabitants. The plot line links to elements from the first two books and satisfactorily resolves them. This book shares the triumph of underdog characters found in much of the author’s writing, which is not a complaint at all. And of course there is a HEA. I even liked the child character and I don’t usually. I received a copy of The Oracle’s Golem by Mell Eight from Indigo Marketing and Design and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2022
Me encantó, creo que este libro fue más detallado y enriquecedor sobre lo que sucede en el mundo de los dragones y las inmensas posibilidades que hay.
Definitivamente esta autora es increíble.
Definitivamente esta autora es increíble.
October 25, 2015
Reviewed at The Blogger Girls.
Two decades ago, Golem did something that changed his life forever and when he found out he was manipulated into doing it, he was devastated and retreated into the mountain. When Marl is forced to find his young charge, Lichen, he goes deep into the mountain finding Lichen on Golem’s lap, where he’s made himself part of the mountain. With the help of Lichen and Marl, Golem slowly starts to regain his humanity but he can’t forget what he once did. But when Marl’s life is put in danger, Golem has to make a choice: continue to wallow in pity or fight the man he’s come to love.
*sigh* I’m such a sucker for emotionally damaged men in fantasy stories, especially when they have such vast power. Even more than that, I loved that this one had the ‘strong’ and ‘weak’ dynamic when it came to Golem and Marl’s magic. It made things interesting especially since Golem respected Marl’s power and the way he controlled it while maximizing his limited abilities. As characters, I loved seeing Golem slowly melt to Marl and Lichen and just couldn’t help but smile at the way Lichen had Marl and Golem wrapped around his finger. Even Marl was an endearing character because of the way others treat him but also because that didn’t stop him from being compassionate and understanding.
I really adored this book but I wanted it to be so much longer! I wanted to see more of Golem and Marl but I also wanted to see how everyone reacted to finding out who Golem was and how they treated him when he came back. Not to mention, I wanted to see the shock from everyone who ever treated Marl like he was nothing when they realized he’s now SOMETHING.
In the end, though, this was still a fabulous short story to add to the series. I’m loving these novellas because they always seem to pack a lot of emotional turmoil considering the length isn’t all that long. Not to mention, the characters are always so lovable! I can’t wait to see what comes next for this series!
Two decades ago, Golem did something that changed his life forever and when he found out he was manipulated into doing it, he was devastated and retreated into the mountain. When Marl is forced to find his young charge, Lichen, he goes deep into the mountain finding Lichen on Golem’s lap, where he’s made himself part of the mountain. With the help of Lichen and Marl, Golem slowly starts to regain his humanity but he can’t forget what he once did. But when Marl’s life is put in danger, Golem has to make a choice: continue to wallow in pity or fight the man he’s come to love.
*sigh* I’m such a sucker for emotionally damaged men in fantasy stories, especially when they have such vast power. Even more than that, I loved that this one had the ‘strong’ and ‘weak’ dynamic when it came to Golem and Marl’s magic. It made things interesting especially since Golem respected Marl’s power and the way he controlled it while maximizing his limited abilities. As characters, I loved seeing Golem slowly melt to Marl and Lichen and just couldn’t help but smile at the way Lichen had Marl and Golem wrapped around his finger. Even Marl was an endearing character because of the way others treat him but also because that didn’t stop him from being compassionate and understanding.
I really adored this book but I wanted it to be so much longer! I wanted to see more of Golem and Marl but I also wanted to see how everyone reacted to finding out who Golem was and how they treated him when he came back. Not to mention, I wanted to see the shock from everyone who ever treated Marl like he was nothing when they realized he’s now SOMETHING.
In the end, though, this was still a fabulous short story to add to the series. I’m loving these novellas because they always seem to pack a lot of emotional turmoil considering the length isn’t all that long. Not to mention, the characters are always so lovable! I can’t wait to see what comes next for this series!
February 5, 2015
3.5 stars round up.
I liked the story but, as one reviewer posted, the blurb was giving out wrong impression of what or rather who was Golem.
I have minor issue with Golem...
I like this one more than the previous book. Ms. Eight style of given information as little as possible, to the point of lacking, was not quite the case here as we got to read from the Oracle's POV as well.
The romance part was pretty much typical of this genre, instant attraction with not much reason and seems to be purely chemistry with no explanation.
With this book as my second book in this series, it seems that the people of the monastery seems to grew up to be rather cold and calculating adults who lack compassion and other quality of a decent person. Perhaps it was because we always read from the POV of characters who were in negative situations. And it wasn't only about their rank either.
Also, at the climax of this book,
I liked the story but, as one reviewer posted, the blurb was giving out wrong impression of what or rather who was Golem.
I have minor issue with Golem...
I like this one more than the previous book. Ms. Eight style of given information as little as possible, to the point of lacking, was not quite the case here as we got to read from the Oracle's POV as well.
The romance part was pretty much typical of this genre, instant attraction with not much reason and seems to be purely chemistry with no explanation.
With this book as my second book in this series, it seems that the people of the monastery seems to grew up to be rather cold and calculating adults who lack compassion and other quality of a decent person. Perhaps it was because we always read from the POV of characters who were in negative situations. And it wasn't only about their rank either.
Also, at the climax of this book,
February 19, 2017
The saddest of the series so far. And the first time I didn't wish it were longer. I still thoroughly enjoy this world.
October 6, 2024
The thing I like about this series is that really the relationships are really all very sweet. Yes there's bad things afoot, but the characters themselves are good souls that you're rooting for. As with the previous books this another case of instalove, but with the length of these books you pretty much are stuck with that trope. I wish they were longer as I do like this world and the characters are always enjoyable.
Golem has retreated from the Monastery and become one with the mountain that calls to his Dragon of Earth. He never intended to return, but one bright little boy keeps interrupting his slumber and Lichen stirs something in him. But it's the bright soul that follows the boy into the earth in Marl that truly catches at Golem's attention. He has such a low amount of earth power, but it's so finely honed. Marl makes the most of all that he has and still has the time to clearly care about one little boy struggling to find his place.
Lichen definitely made me smile with his young antics, but I truly did love Marl. He knows who he is, but is still so surprised by what comes to be revealed. He in no way deserves the ridicule of so much of the higher powers in his caste. Golem understands and respects all that Marl is and his defense of him is lovely.
Golem has retreated from the Monastery and become one with the mountain that calls to his Dragon of Earth. He never intended to return, but one bright little boy keeps interrupting his slumber and Lichen stirs something in him. But it's the bright soul that follows the boy into the earth in Marl that truly catches at Golem's attention. He has such a low amount of earth power, but it's so finely honed. Marl makes the most of all that he has and still has the time to clearly care about one little boy struggling to find his place.
Lichen definitely made me smile with his young antics, but I truly did love Marl. He knows who he is, but is still so surprised by what comes to be revealed. He in no way deserves the ridicule of so much of the higher powers in his caste. Golem understands and respects all that Marl is and his defense of him is lovely.
February 3, 2015
Liked this story, though I was expecting something a little different from the way the blurb was written. It didn't have an effect on my enjoyment, I was just slightly bemused.
May 8, 2024
Another sweet short story. Though the ending wasn't completely satisfying and felt unfinished.
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