Seed of the Black Oak

by Christian Chiakulas

Synopsis TK

A barbarian warrior named Epi returns to her homeland years after it was conquered by an evil sorcerer when she learns that her first love, the princess of her tribe, Aly, is actually alive. Determined to rescue the princess, Epi joins a resistance movement to topple the sorcerer's rule, uncover the secret of why he has kept Aly prisoner all these years, and reunite with the love of her life.

Paperback

Expected publication September 1, 2026

About the author

I was born in Chicago and grew up in Oak Park. My 7th-grade English teacher got me into fiction writing with the short story contests he held in class on Fridays.

I live in Chicago with my wife Sara, two kids, and too many animals.

I write fantasy and hardboiled fiction, tabletop RPGs, and history-related nonfiction.

Reviews

[Gio.reads.sapphic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warrior's return. A love thouth lost. A kingdom under a shadow.

Reading this book I would never have guessed it was a debut if they hadn't told me before. The writing, the descriptions and narration make a person think of an experienced writer.

You'll start to love some characters right away and hate others – trust me you'll immediately understand who I'm referring to, btw I'm not one to like violence but that character deserves a lot of suffering 🙃.

It's all so well structured and planned that you won't see the plot twist coming until you're reading it.

Honestly, it wasn't quite what I expected. Not much space is given to depicting the actual love story between the two protagonists, in fact, even if it is precisely the feelings that Epi feels from the past that move the entire story, there are very few scenes between the two MCs in the present.

Don't get me wrong, the story works, I just wish there was an extra chapter once they found each other again.

It's a story about friendships, new and fortuitous acquaintances, girl power and love, but it also has very dark folds, so I ask you to check out the CWs before starting it. I myself, despite having read darker and more disturbing books, still think about some scenes – not all in a bad wayeh, after all I liked the book!

Over all it's a 4.5 ⭐ and 2 🔥(closed door)

Now the tropes:
-Dual timeline
-First love
-Second Chance
-Forbidden Love
-Touch her and die
-Romantasy
-HEA
-First time
-Princess × Commoner
-I would die to keep you safe
-Vengeance
-Lesbian with sword


CW:Human sacrifice - violence - assassinations - crude language - blood and gore - M/F & M/M/F sex scenes - cheating (not between MCs) - threat of rape - mention of a mother dying during childbirth - suicidal thoughts and actions - seeing and setting men on fire - seeing your whole family been slaughtered - decapitation - imprisonment - war

[kadairh · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 epic.

Really well written and pretty brutal at times so read the content warnings, but this is a huge adventure following Epi, who lost her home 6 years ago and at 19 has survived to become a paid assassin. She is called back to her homeland by a mysterious parcel that is a dagger she only associates with her love, the princess Alywael.

I really enjoyed reading this book from a first time novelist, the only reason I didn't put 5 stars is because some continuity of side characters and also the ending had a little of a familiar feel to it but very minor points. Very interested to read more of this author. Enjoy!

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[isthisakink]

No rating. And, honestly, the nicest thing I can say is no thanks. Just … no thanks. It looks like I might never actually find a good sapphic epic fantasy. I keep trying, and it never happens. I’m disappointed and disheartened, but considering this was an ARC read and it doesn’t come out for months, I figure I just need to shut my mouth because no one wants my essay of a rant sesh or for my soapbox to come out. If it makes you feel better, you can pretend I DNF-ed it. Idk.


—I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews (GRR). All ratings, reviews, and very clearly unwanted opinions are my own.—

[Bobbee Cummins]

Seed of the Black Oak is a love story, a story of lost love, a story of forbidden love, of love denied, a story of yearning, a story of duty and service to the Kingdom. Where intrigue and plot twists swirl around the reader. Brutality and barbarians abound. Treachery, revenge and freedom are sought. Myth and magic and legend direct everyday life. Betrayal occurs and darkness descends.
Easy reading, interesting story, lots of sex but not too graphic.

[Sandy Rinartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The start of this book was a little difficult for me. There is a lot of cities and names I had real difficulty pronouncing. I got so wrapped on in trying to pronounce some names I forgot about the story. I did continue with the read and I really enjoyed the story line and characters. I’m happy I stuck with it.

[Kayla]

I had high hopes going into this, however it was just not it. Will not rate this book to bring down a rating prior to release.