Survival and other Scars

Mytho Collapse #3

by T.J. Nichols

Pan and Noah's story continues...that fur coat creates troublevampires see daylightold friends returnMM urban fantasy romance between a god without magic and a human discovering his own.

Genres: Audiobook, Magic, M M Romance, Urban Fantasy

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

TJ Nichols (they/them) is the author of the Studies in Demonology and Familiar Mates series. They write mostly gay fantasy and paranormal romance, but sometimes gay action/horror as Toby J. Nichols.

After traveling all over the world and Australia, TJ now lives in Perth, Western Australia.

Free gay shifter novella when you join TJ's newsletter: http://tjnichols-author.com/lp/

You can find TJ on
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Reviews

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great return to the Mythos world.
Pan and Noah return with the world still broken, mixing those from the human world and a world used to magic and gods. Pan is in trouble with Noah, though, having given him a selkie coat at the end of book two and it turns out that Noah may have some family history involving them as he turns into a Selkie! Pan also continues to struggle with his lack of connection to magic, which he has always had, and without prayers, he's not able to get more or feel connected to those around him. His only source, is Noah, but in a very limited, and physical, capacity.
This book, for me, is about getting Pan out into their local area and helping people, in any way that they are able,and without magic. Getting him to connect to the community without his normal way of sex or magic. Noah is a big influence on this and, together, they are able to bring the mytho community out and into working/moving forward. What goes against them is the frustrating red tape that the government and councils make you go through for every tiny thing, even when it's short term to help everyone, there are still rules and regulations to be followed! Then, of course, the humans aren't happy with anything different and feel the need to showcase their anger and just how scared they are through riots and violence. Support is not incoming from all sides and to see Noah and Pan stand up is great.
I'm really interested to see how this all develops, especially the relationship between the MC's as well as both of their connections to magic. This is definitely a series to be read in order, not a standalone read.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Survival and other Scars is the third book in the Mytho Collapse series. In my opinion this series is best read in order. We are back with Pan and Noah for more of the story. We start right where the last book ended. I loved this book so much. Pan and Noah are trying their best to help other Mythos while still working on their relationship. I loved all the characters and world building that went into this book. I loved the happy moments as well as the sad. It was great to see Nate and Rohan from the first book in the series. I really enjoyed the story and can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
received a free review copy

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.5 stars

Survival and Other Scars is the second novel (and third book) in the Mytho Collapse series. This story picks up soon after the end of Magic and Other Mishaps and they are best read in order. The prequel, Minotaurs and Other Magic, is more indirectly related and isn’t required to enjoy this one, though Noah and Rohan do make an appearance here in a very minor role. This series is a prequel to Nichols’ Mytho Investigations series, which I loved, and this gives us a look back to where it all started. I like a lot about the approach Nichols is taking here.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving this series. Pan and Noah are both interesting characters. I’m enjoying reading about them navigating each other’s societies as the full impact of the collapse unfolds. The world building is wonderful, especially seeing it from different viewpoints.

I love how Pan is slowly coming into his own as mortal without godly powers, and realising that someone wants him for who he is, not what he is, although he still has a lot to learn about relationships. I suspect Noah’s learning curve in regard to magic is far from over, and I’m waiting for his so-called friend to cause some major trouble.

I love the draks, although I wouldn’t want to get on their wrong side. Their description as ‘fire-breathing murder cats’ is very apt!

I enjoyed meeting more characters, and different mythos and seeing Nate and Rohan again. Human behaviour isn’t great, but sadly not unexpected, considering their track record with anyone who is different.

I’m hanging out for what happens next.

[Elaine White · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **

~

Survival and Other Scars (Mytho Collapse, 03)
by T.J. Nichols
★★★★★

258 Pages
3rd person, dual POV
Themes: MM, Mythical creatures, Urban Fantasy, Two Worlds Collide, Magic
Triggers: mentions of mythological creatures being attacked and hunted, loss and grief

~

Survival and Other Scars is the third installment of the Mytho Collapse spin-off series. This book picks up exactly where Book 2 ended, with Noah being stuck in the selkie coat. That part of the story doesn't take a long time to resolve, but it does have a lasting effect on Noah and Pan's relationship.

I really loved the continuation of their story, how Noah and Pan are adapting to each other and how to make magic work between them. I loved that the elder community members – who are ignored by the human authorities for being too old – are actually the ones getting things done and helping the mytho community recover.

As well as the regulars of this spin-off, it was really great to see Nate and Rohan reappearing, from Minotaurs. Their part was small but it made sense, especially with Nate being from the area. I also thought it was awesome to see that Linda is dating! I love how easily Pan accepts it and that although Noah is initially surprised, he just likes seeing her happy.

Overall, T.J. Knocked it out the park again. Where Book 1 needed time to build up to the complexity of what was going on, this book feels settled and starts layering on what already exists to add more depth and intrigue. There was intrigue, adventure, and a totally different view of the Collapse and the inevitable fallout. I love how Pan is slowly starting to see the bigger picture, while Noah is learning to accept himself exactly how he is. I'm interested to see if Liam will eventually have a bigger part in the story, and how things with Web turn out.

I think I'd definitely like to read this series again, when it's complete. I'd like to put them all in chronological order, then read them from Minotaurs right through Collapse and into Inestigations, to get the full picture in order.

I can't wait for the next book in the series.

~

Favourite Quote

“He doesn't like me because of who I am.”
“No, he likes you in spite of it.”

“If he'd never been enough for his parents, how could he ever be enough for a god – even a god currently without magic.”

[AshPenny37 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pan and Noah return with the next installment of their helping to rebuild the world, well rather build a new world, after the collapse of Tariko into the human realm. The problem, of course, is that people rarely cope well with change…let alone with learning to coexist with mythological folks and the concepts of magic and the gods. So, add in a different kind of identity crisis for both Pan and Noah as well as trying to wrangle enough Tarikians and humans to keep the town afloat and people as happy as they're going to get in the circumstances, and it's clear to see the god and his partner have got their work cut out for them.

I do still like the world being created here and there are hints already at how some elements pan out (no pun intended) in the Mythos series. The building of the tension in the town, however, due to the lack of empathy and willingness to pull together for common goals on the human side gives the right kind of uneasiness as a backdrop to Noah just trying to do the right thing by everyone and Pan’s increasing worries about who he is outside of being a god.

I also still like Noah and Pan together - they balance each other well: Noah keeps Pan grounded even whilst being his closest link to the magic missing since the collapse. Pan, in return, allows Noah to explore mythological life and experiences more. I like that each book is bringing a new layer to both their character and relationship development.

If I have an issue with Survival And Other Scars, it's the pretty slow pace. That's not the fault of the story or the writing given where we are in the timeline after the dramatic shift in the worlds, though. That's all on me, but I look forward to seeing how the building tension here plays out in the next book in the series. 3.5* rounded up.

An e-copy was provided by GRR. This is my honest opinion.

[Tony Farnden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Survival and Other Scars (Mytho Collapse book 3) follows on from the previous book Magic and Other Mishaps. Noah is trapped in the selkie skin / coat and is panicking until Pan gets him to calm down and try to open the coat. Success! With Noah free, the two have to navigate the new world everyone has to live in now, both humans and Tarikians or mythos. People need housing, food, medical care, transport and no one has quite got a hand on it yet. The human organisations are geared for working with their fellow humans but what about the mythos. They seem to be left at the bottom of the list and when they start sorting things out for themselves, the humans start putting obstacles in their way or actively knocking down everything they fix or doing much worse.

Yeah so that's the world everyone is dealing with, unless you happen to be Pan and Noah who are trying to be what people need. From rescuing mythos from collapsed buildings to finding food and clothes for them as well as planning for religious festivals. Pan is still trying to garner prayers and magic from everyone he can while still hiding the fact he is a god from the same people as far as he can. Unluckily for him Noah seems to be his only real source of magic and he is having to deal with needing others and meeting their needs as well. Poor ex-party going guy.

The book is teeming with great characters, with Noah’s family and with a strega entering the scene with a minotaur and his mate in tow from the first book in the series. There are a multitude of wonderful scenes, some fun and some quite sad. The drak, the shape shifting red cats, bring quite a few smiles with them. All in all a great addition to the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pan and Noah’s story continues in Survival and Other Scars. Trying to pick up the pieces after the collapse, Pan works on many things and makes numerous decisions. His worse decision ever was gifting Noah a coat that turned him into a selkie. Learning how to return to human was difficult but Noah does succeed. Putting aside that problem, the two try to help mythos find new homes. Along the way, they have to fight supply chain issues and prejudices as well as lack of clothes, homes, food, and schools. The two also have to work finding Noah some instructions on being a selkie and trying to find Pan’s lost magic.

This book in the series illustrates so clearly how prejudices develop. The mythos were working together and getting things done. Humans were jealous leading to actions that were not addressed while they were ready to take more action against the mythos. I love the dragons who were more than willing to contribute their fair share. The drakos were cat like mythos with human hands and feet. They were fearless and ready to help. All-in-all, this is an excellent book which shows us how the problems addressed in earlier books came about, even though Noah and Pan were more than willing to work with the humans. This series is a must read. Start with the Minotaurs and Other Magic, which is story of Nate and Rohan. They return in this one.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Shana W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating read with terrific world building and three-dimensional characters. The story picks up right where the second book ended. We find out that Noah is now a selkie due to the magical fur coat, which he greatly resents. Pan is as impatient as ever to regain his magic, but finding worshipers in this new world is difficult. He and Noah are working hard to help the hapless Mythos whose world has collapsed. However, their efforts are hampered by the selfish and suspicious humans who seem to be constantly undoing all their hard work. I love the variety of unusual characters in this narrative. Amongst several problems, they need to get more food and water, teach the Mythos how to speak English, find a Strega, rebuild the destroyed buildings, and figure out if Noah can be separated from the selkie coat. It seems they are in it for the long haul and things are really desperate.

This entertaining book is hard to put down and very easy to read, but you will want to read the first two in the series before this one. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alias11 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series that is something of a prequel series to the author's Mytho Investigations books. There is fantastic world-building and character development, both primary and secondary characters. (There are no cardboard cut-outs here.) We get to see the very ugliest aspects of (most) humans and some of the mythos as they try to cope with the collapse of Tariko into Earth. The first response isn't how to work together to achieve the best outcome for everyone, but who to blame and how to get the best outcome for themselves, and the results aren't always pretty. (Now magicless) god Pan and (presumed) human Noah are working to help the mythos in their new and unexpected home, but Pan's efforts don't always work out as intended, as Noah discovered to his chagrin. They need to work together to help the mythos, but can Noah trust the 'trickster' god again? I enjoyed this book, which is alternately serious and funny, with it's share of twists and surprises, and a good helping of snark as well. I look forward to more in the series.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Survival and other Scars, book three in the Mytho Collapse series, begins where Magic and Other Mishaps ends, with a panicked Noah barking in the Selkie language at an equally panicked, but 'I'm holding it together' Pan. This story goes through the ups and downs of their relationship while dealing with the displaced Tarikians. Noah and Pan also have to deal with the beginnings of hate groups. Rather than blaming the scientists that caused the collapse and the joining of two worlds, some blame the mythologicals. A bit of violence and some surprising plot arcs. And cameos.
Loving a trickster god isn't easy as Noah finds out, but eventually he forgives Pan for being so secretive and devious. And the story ends on a high, hopeful note, neither a HEA nor a HFN.
The pacing is smooth, and the worldbuilding is good. I really like how the author spends time on the secondaries. Not just cardboard "and they were very supportive".
This was a fun read, I'm already guessing who will be getting together next.
I received an advanced copy from GRR and this is my review.

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A continuation of a kind of post-apocalyptic fantasy story. Two worlds collided, and now they are navigating a new world with so many unknowns and destruction.

Tensions are high as everyone tries to figure out how to rebuild, fix food supplies and learn to live human and mythical together.

Pan and Noah and trying their best to help fix what they can and lead where they can, but it’s an uphill battle.

It’s a fascinating world, and the notion of a magicless god and young man discovering he might have some, surrounded by vampires, dragons and drak.

I’m not gonna lie, this book felt a little more bleak than the first two, but maybe it’s because it reflected a little too accurately the division the world is experiencing at the moment, but I’m definitely looking forward to how this will sort itself out, and what things for Pan and Noah will look like along the way.

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second installment of Noah & Pan’s story, Nichols displays their usual grasp of banter, humor, and understanding of human nature. It is perhaps telling that in the face of an extinction event, the things that still exist are red tape and humans prioritizing their own needs over those of others, but some good people still shine through. Noah is seen to grow throughout this novel, while Pan may still be screaming at the void. The nature of their relationship is still evolving, although they seem to be linked closely to assist in the survival of this disaster.
I did not see a strong emotional connection between the MCs, which is something I look for, but perhaps that is still to come. The strengths here are the story and the writing. My copy had a few too many typos, but I’m hoping there is minor editing before publication.

Thanks to GRR for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! TJ Nichols is an amazing world builder. What I love the most is how complex the world is. The actions of the characters is led by the mindset of the mythos and humans. Just like in our world there are those who wish to help and support and there are those who wish to hate and destroy. Humans have a long history of being against anything they can’t understand and those that are different. Pan and Noah wish for coexistence peacefully. I do believe Noah is getting stronger and have some theories on that. Things don’t truly disappear. They change, relocate, and adapt. The same goes for those who inhabit the worlds. I can’t wait to see where this story goes. TJ Nichols is truly amazing. I highly recommend checking out all of their work.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pan and Noah are still working on being a couple while also trying their best to help other mythos. And also Pan is trying not to make so many mistakes. They are trying to figure out how to make their magic work as well. There are so many things in this story line to work on resolving and the folks in these pages are not always appealing to the sources of knowledge where help is available. So much like what happens on earth. The adaptation that has had to happen since Tariko collapsed into Earth provides a challenge and makes for very interesting reading. I am enjoying this series a lot.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pan and Noah story continues with more challenges, secrets reveals, new survivors, and the tedious way they try to coexist.
Their connection seems to deepen, but insecurities and past hurts run deep, as well as all the unknown that starts to take a tool on them.
Fear, greed, and violence are a couple of the obstacles they found in their way, as well as all the problems caused by the language barrier and a short mind.
A new challenge is on the horizon and with it new possibilities.


* this is an ARC review and is my honest opinion

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pan and Noah's story continues here (gentle note that this book is part of a series best read in order, so it’s a good idea to start at the beginning, if you haven’t already). Character development and world building are nicely balanced here, and it’s interesting in all the best ways to see Pan and Noah’s relationship evolve as events unfold. The plot events are worth experiencing on their own terms, so no spoilers (or even hints) here, but tl;dr: well worth a read.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for (Mythe Collapse-3) Survival and Other Scars by T.J. Nichols

T.J. Nichols is an author whom I read for. Her paranormal stories are so beautifully written into a fantastic book. I love how this story continues for Pan & Noah. I love MM urban stories, and then they throw in vampires and paranormal, and I'm so there. I haven't read that man's stories with gods. This book made me see what I have been missing. I can't wait to read more of these two stories. Waiting patiently? Nope, lol. Can't wait.

Nicole Harvey 

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was interesting in watching Pan and Noah's relationship change as the world changes. We're seeing humans and paranormals trying to figure out how to interact with each other and with those different from themselves when they are fearful of the changes they don't understand. Predictably, fear does not make for a generally positive place from which to move into a changing world. You'll find some interesting parallels with today and be given food for thought. An excellent entry in the Mythos world.

[Jeanine Beaulieu St Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this story,,,Pan is a god and he always has magic and now he do have magic he is clinging to Noah in hope in getting his magic back and Pan doesn’t want anyone knowing that he was a god ,,,,there is misunderstanding and mistakes on all sides but along the way will it work come and read this third book in this series I can’t wait for the next book,,,I have read this book for this author for my honest opinion

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back with a continuation of Pan and Noah's story. Such great main characters and thoroughly enjoyed following Pan and Noah who are busy helping others whilst building their relationship. So many great secondary characters too and was nice to "see" them again. As always from TJ a well written storyline with exceptional word building. Highly recommend this book and series and so looking forward to more!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[Kelsey Rhodes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Mytho Collapse series by author T.J. Nichols. We return for more of Pan and Noah. There is quite a bit of political intrigue as Pan tries to build community and reconnect to his magic. This does not work as a standalone. I did like it. The series as a whole, is starting to feel long, without quite enough happening for me, but it is an overall enjoyable read.

[b00ks_in_nature · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the series, and must be read in order. This picks up where book 2 left off and continues to build on the plot and the world building. I enjoyed Pan and Noah working on their relationship, while trying to deal with all the changes and keep others safe and happy. I'm eager for the next book and to see where this goes.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three of the Mythos Collapse series and we’re back with Pan and Noah, this book continues were the last book finished and we see them try to navigate the new reality and help the Mythos the world building is great and I can’t wait to see what challenges comes next in book four.

[Leslie Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ unfortunately this one wasn’t my favorite! I didn’t like how it ended and I guess I’m learning that even in a series with the same characters I like a beginning, middle and end. I will still read the next one though!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pan and Noah's story continues. Noah is given a fur coat which is in fact his Selkie's coat.
The town is trying to get back on its feet. However there seems to be some distrust between the Humans and Supes. However Noah tries to get them to work together.

[Samantha Cato · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore TJ Nichols work and this is no exception! I'm really digging these new stories in the Mythos universe and this one was excellent! Love the storyline and they definitely need to be read in order. Looking forward to the next one!

[Darryl Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow, this series just keeps getting better!!! It needs to be a tv series! Love the new characters and the direction the existing ones are headed. I can see lots of real world bits seeping into the book, which I love. Keep the books coming!

[Adoraboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series. I have only read this one and thought it was well written. It was a bit hard to follow along but thats due to not reading prior books.

[Sandy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this series is going and I can't wait to read more about Pan and Noah and how things turn out for them.