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Ravenous Prophecy
What you can’t see can hurt you.
Bradley Brooks spends his days with his nose buried in rare and precious books. A scholar and researcher of all things occult, but his life’s work — some would call it his obsession — is the study of the Hive, a society of locust-like creatures so deadly that they’ve ended entire civilizations.
Except for one problem. No one believes the Hive even exists, least of all Griffin Gallows, a mercenary with a taste for exotic artifacts. And then a run-in with the magical authorities forces him to go on bodyguard duty.
Together, Bradley and Griffin must investigate a spate of grisly ritual murders tied to a local billionaire. But their trail leads them to a hideous The Hive may well be real.
And they’re coming to consume us all.
Ravenous Prophecy is a 45,000-word MM urban fantasy with a HEA ending.
Bradley Brooks spends his days with his nose buried in rare and precious books. A scholar and researcher of all things occult, but his life’s work — some would call it his obsession — is the study of the Hive, a society of locust-like creatures so deadly that they’ve ended entire civilizations.
Except for one problem. No one believes the Hive even exists, least of all Griffin Gallows, a mercenary with a taste for exotic artifacts. And then a run-in with the magical authorities forces him to go on bodyguard duty.
Together, Bradley and Griffin must investigate a spate of grisly ritual murders tied to a local billionaire. But their trail leads them to a hideous The Hive may well be real.
And they’re coming to consume us all.
Ravenous Prophecy is a 45,000-word MM urban fantasy with a HEA ending.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2026
About the author
Kai Butler
28 books602 followersKai has been reading and writing romance novels since she was a teenager. She lives in California with her two children and her very supportive husband.
She writes M/M romance with an emphasis on HEAs and all the feels. Her current series are San Amaro Investigations and the Imperial Space Regency Novels. She likes dashing heroes and couples with banter.
She writes M/M romance with an emphasis on HEAs and all the feels. Her current series are San Amaro Investigations and the Imperial Space Regency Novels. She likes dashing heroes and couples with banter.
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June 5, 2026Oh I'm so sad I didn't love this one. I've loved both authors in the past, but unfortunately just didn't jive with the writing style this time around.
Review of advance copy
2.5 stars rounding up
‘Ravenous Prophecy’ reads like a rich, urban fantasy world compressed into a pinhole, with a story that really has potential beyond the short length of a novella.
Bradley Brooks is your head-in-the-clouds academic who has spent his life being ridiculed for his wild theories about the Hive, until he’s unexpectedly proven right about an ancient enemy that’s weaponised by a bad-guy billionaire. Griffin Gallows on the other hand, is a retrieval expert who’s roped into this adventure without really knowing any better, it seems. Under somewhat dubious circumstances, they become unwitting partners trying to figure out a plan to help save the world, hurriedly assembling a group of ragtag people to help them on the way.
I jumped on the ARC because this felt like an exciting supernatural action-adventure type story that screams something akin to the summer blockbuster. But going into the book felt as though I was being dragged along by a river’s strong current without really being able to take a breath to figure out the entire world before we’re thrust into its magical system and environment. Adding the late, growing attraction between Bradley and Griffin only felt like yet another element to iron out, and their relationship felt stunted in the light of the already crowded narrative.
At least, that’s what ‘Ravenous Prophecy’ seems to be, because there’s so much here to digest: too many variables, too many characters who’ve suddenly entered stage left, such that it feels as though this should have been the start of a series than a short standalone. I was left feeling more overwhelmed than intrigued by its ambitious scope and think this would better suit those who really like the breathlessly fast-paced kind of stories.
*ARC kindly provided by GRR for an honest review
‘Ravenous Prophecy’ reads like a rich, urban fantasy world compressed into a pinhole, with a story that really has potential beyond the short length of a novella.
Bradley Brooks is your head-in-the-clouds academic who has spent his life being ridiculed for his wild theories about the Hive, until he’s unexpectedly proven right about an ancient enemy that’s weaponised by a bad-guy billionaire. Griffin Gallows on the other hand, is a retrieval expert who’s roped into this adventure without really knowing any better, it seems. Under somewhat dubious circumstances, they become unwitting partners trying to figure out a plan to help save the world, hurriedly assembling a group of ragtag people to help them on the way.
I jumped on the ARC because this felt like an exciting supernatural action-adventure type story that screams something akin to the summer blockbuster. But going into the book felt as though I was being dragged along by a river’s strong current without really being able to take a breath to figure out the entire world before we’re thrust into its magical system and environment. Adding the late, growing attraction between Bradley and Griffin only felt like yet another element to iron out, and their relationship felt stunted in the light of the already crowded narrative.
At least, that’s what ‘Ravenous Prophecy’ seems to be, because there’s so much here to digest: too many variables, too many characters who’ve suddenly entered stage left, such that it feels as though this should have been the start of a series than a short standalone. I was left feeling more overwhelmed than intrigued by its ambitious scope and think this would better suit those who really like the breathlessly fast-paced kind of stories.
*ARC kindly provided by GRR for an honest review
Review of advance copy
I feel like I need to say that there are parts of this book that I would rate 4 stars, potentially even 5, but when I think of it as a whole I've settled at 3 stars overall. Bradley and Griffin are definitely an opposites-attract pair and I liked how they learned to work together and see beneath the masks each of them presented to others. There's a lot going on in the story and some of the action sections had me completely hooked, unable to put the story down. I think the world that the story is set in is an interesting one and I'd have loved if it was explored just a bit more. The secondary characters that form their 'team' all again seemed really interesting in their own right and I liked their banter and dynamic.
My biggest niggle about the story was the pacing of it. Although there was action throughout, the main climax to the story happened so near to the end that it did seem as if it went 'bam, sorted, story finished' when there was lots left that could still be covered in more depth. Combined with the fact that there was a slow-burn chemistry between Bradley and Griffin and then suddenly right at the end it went 100 miles an hour and they were together with a HEA epilogue, it just didn't sit right. At the end, I was left unsure if this was a continuing world and series but it almost felt that the main plot was too big for a book of this length; it either needed to extend into wider plot for a book 2 or there needed to be an extension to this book with the pace better balanced. Overall, it's a story with likeable characters, good world building and lots of potential but it didn't entirely hit all the right notes for me to rate it higher. Definitely still worth a read though if you like this genre.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
My biggest niggle about the story was the pacing of it. Although there was action throughout, the main climax to the story happened so near to the end that it did seem as if it went 'bam, sorted, story finished' when there was lots left that could still be covered in more depth. Combined with the fact that there was a slow-burn chemistry between Bradley and Griffin and then suddenly right at the end it went 100 miles an hour and they were together with a HEA epilogue, it just didn't sit right. At the end, I was left unsure if this was a continuing world and series but it almost felt that the main plot was too big for a book of this length; it either needed to extend into wider plot for a book 2 or there needed to be an extension to this book with the pace better balanced. Overall, it's a story with likeable characters, good world building and lots of potential but it didn't entirely hit all the right notes for me to rate it higher. Definitely still worth a read though if you like this genre.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
June 18, 2026
This was an utter disappointment. I read the blurb and thought that sounds great - we are getting a sort of action adventure investigation plot with an opposites attracts relationship. Did we get that? Kinda, maybe….
First off, this was incredibly short in respect of what needed to be covered off. We get our introduction to Bradley & Griffin and are then thrown straight into investigating these murders which are linked to the mysterious Hive. We are given literally no information about the Hive and why Bradley is determined they exist. Yet they’re the main focus of the plot.
You can tell it’s written by two co-authors as it just lurches from one action scene to the next. There’s no ‘down time’ as to Bradley and Griffin getting to know each other, as a result i just didn’t feel any connection between them. They also get together practically at the end of the book, so no relationship time at all.
The main action scene - that resolves everything - happens at 90% then everything is wrapped up (kinda) in the epilogue. We are left with a big plot point around Bradley as unresolved so I’m unclear if the authors plan another book - I really hope not - to clear this up.
To do this properly it needed to a) be a longer book or b) a series of novellas. I’m struggling to find something positive, the idea was good, just badly executed - I’m not sure that counts somehow.
I received this as an ARC from gayromancereviews and I really wish I hadn’t! I can confirm this is my honest opinion.
First off, this was incredibly short in respect of what needed to be covered off. We get our introduction to Bradley & Griffin and are then thrown straight into investigating these murders which are linked to the mysterious Hive. We are given literally no information about the Hive and why Bradley is determined they exist. Yet they’re the main focus of the plot.
You can tell it’s written by two co-authors as it just lurches from one action scene to the next. There’s no ‘down time’ as to Bradley and Griffin getting to know each other, as a result i just didn’t feel any connection between them. They also get together practically at the end of the book, so no relationship time at all.
The main action scene - that resolves everything - happens at 90% then everything is wrapped up (kinda) in the epilogue. We are left with a big plot point around Bradley as unresolved so I’m unclear if the authors plan another book - I really hope not - to clear this up.
To do this properly it needed to a) be a longer book or b) a series of novellas. I’m struggling to find something positive, the idea was good, just badly executed - I’m not sure that counts somehow.
I received this as an ARC from gayromancereviews and I really wish I hadn’t! I can confirm this is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I thoroughly enjoyed Kai Bulter’s San Amaro Investigations Series. I just adore Nick & Parker, so I thought that I’d give this book a go. I’m completely new to Nazri Noor’s work. This was a quick and okay read. I would’ve enjoyed this novella so much more if it was longer since it felt extremely rushed. I thought that Bradley and Griffin made a good team, and the secondary characters made the story that more enjoyable. Bradley and Griffin meet in a MEA holding cell and don’t really get off to the best start. Griffin is a mercenary who retrieves exotic magical artefacts, whereas Bradley comes from a uber wealthy prominent magical family.
He doesn’t have magic himself and has spent years studying the Hive, a society of locust-like creatures so deadly that they’ve ended entire civilisations that no one believes that they exist, and has been ridiculed because of it. These two team up to investigate a spate of grisly ritual murders tied to the billionaire JA Williams, that had hired Bradley to authenticate a document for him but it actually turned out to be ritual of some kind to summon the Hive. While investigating it turns out that Bradley may have been right all these years and the Hive aren’t just a myth. I’m looking forward to reading more books from Kai & Nazri in the future. Even though this was just an okay read for me I’d recommend this novella and both authors to others, as someone may absolutely love it.
I thoroughly enjoyed Kai Bulter’s San Amaro Investigations Series. I just adore Nick & Parker, so I thought that I’d give this book a go. I’m completely new to Nazri Noor’s work. This was a quick and okay read. I would’ve enjoyed this novella so much more if it was longer since it felt extremely rushed. I thought that Bradley and Griffin made a good team, and the secondary characters made the story that more enjoyable. Bradley and Griffin meet in a MEA holding cell and don’t really get off to the best start. Griffin is a mercenary who retrieves exotic magical artefacts, whereas Bradley comes from a uber wealthy prominent magical family.
He doesn’t have magic himself and has spent years studying the Hive, a society of locust-like creatures so deadly that they’ve ended entire civilisations that no one believes that they exist, and has been ridiculed because of it. These two team up to investigate a spate of grisly ritual murders tied to the billionaire JA Williams, that had hired Bradley to authenticate a document for him but it actually turned out to be ritual of some kind to summon the Hive. While investigating it turns out that Bradley may have been right all these years and the Hive aren’t just a myth. I’m looking forward to reading more books from Kai & Nazri in the future. Even though this was just an okay read for me I’d recommend this novella and both authors to others, as someone may absolutely love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2026
Pretty good. Interesting premise, but the gaslighting and ignoring of the obvious that goes on for most of the book was slightly bothersome at times. Personally, I couldn’t connect with either Griffin or Bradley, but I liked their behavior, I liked how they took care of each other, and I liked how Griffin says “he was my monster”. That was super heartwarming and gave the book an extra dose of sweetness. It was a faster read than I expected, so it doesn’t go too much into a lot of details, but the world building is fascinating, and I think there could be several books set in this same world, just without the Hive. Also, the Hive and everything surrounding it was really interesting, and when you find out what Williams was planning, a lot of little things and details make sense. The fight was anticlimactic, but it is more romance than SciFi, so it’s to be expected. Very different from what I had in mind, but didn’t disappoint. Cute nerd and handsome guy that skirts the law getting together, with some friends, family, spoiled rich people, and a healthy dose of magic, it has the ingredients to make your afternoon pass quickly and pleasantly.
(Received an SRC and this is my voluntary review).
(Received an SRC and this is my voluntary review).
June 19, 2026
I really enjoyed the blend of urban fantasy, mystery, and romance in this one. The concept of the Hive was genuinely creepy, and the slow reveal of what was really happening kept me hooked. Every new discovery added another layer to the mystery, making it difficult to put the book down.
Bradley and Griffin made an entertaining pair. Bradley's obsession with proving the Hive exists has left him dismissed by almost everyone around him, while Griffin starts out as the reluctant bodyguard who would rather be anywhere else. Watching skepticism slowly turn into trust and eventually something much deeper was one of my favourite parts of the story.
The world-building was another highlight. I loved the magical undercurrent running beneath everyday life, and it felt like there was so much more to explore beyond this single story. The Hive itself was unsettling and original, giving the book a darker edge without overwhelming the romance.
Although the novella length means some elements move quite quickly, the pacing kept me engaged throughout. There was always another clue to uncover or another danger waiting around the corner, and the relationship developed naturally alongside the investigation.
I received a free arc and this is my honest review
Bradley and Griffin made an entertaining pair. Bradley's obsession with proving the Hive exists has left him dismissed by almost everyone around him, while Griffin starts out as the reluctant bodyguard who would rather be anywhere else. Watching skepticism slowly turn into trust and eventually something much deeper was one of my favourite parts of the story.
The world-building was another highlight. I loved the magical undercurrent running beneath everyday life, and it felt like there was so much more to explore beyond this single story. The Hive itself was unsettling and original, giving the book a darker edge without overwhelming the romance.
Although the novella length means some elements move quite quickly, the pacing kept me engaged throughout. There was always another clue to uncover or another danger waiting around the corner, and the relationship developed naturally alongside the investigation.
I received a free arc and this is my honest review
Review of advance copy
I'll be honest, I wasn't sure what I was expecting with this, but I'm happy to report it turned out to be an enjoyable read.
It's short, and whilst there is some good world building here, I was still left with a lot of questions. Similarly, the plot, which was intense, needed more depth and again I have a lot of questions. If this was to be a series, I would expect to find answers, but this appears to be a standalone.
However, after a slowish start, I was fully committed and read the story in one sitting. I liked the characters. Griffin, the charming retrieval specialist (merc 😉) and Bradley, the researcher/historian who nobody believes. They bounced off each other easily, with snarky banter and smouldering looks, but this isn't really a romance. The side characters (the 'A' Team) were quirky and fun and the big bad, particularly villainous.
This book could easily have been 300 pages if the authors had taken the time to flesh out the world, characters and plot and I would have been so down for that. As it was, it was a fun afternoon interlude with magic, mayhem and some fairly nasty bugs. For what it was, I really enjoyed it. 3.75*
It's short, and whilst there is some good world building here, I was still left with a lot of questions. Similarly, the plot, which was intense, needed more depth and again I have a lot of questions. If this was to be a series, I would expect to find answers, but this appears to be a standalone.
However, after a slowish start, I was fully committed and read the story in one sitting. I liked the characters. Griffin, the charming retrieval specialist (merc 😉) and Bradley, the researcher/historian who nobody believes. They bounced off each other easily, with snarky banter and smouldering looks, but this isn't really a romance. The side characters (the 'A' Team) were quirky and fun and the big bad, particularly villainous.
This book could easily have been 300 pages if the authors had taken the time to flesh out the world, characters and plot and I would have been so down for that. As it was, it was a fun afternoon interlude with magic, mayhem and some fairly nasty bugs. For what it was, I really enjoyed it. 3.75*
June 17, 2026
What does it say about a book when the blurb tacks on like an after thought 'well there's a HEA'? I'm not sure Kai Butler and Nazri Noor's style compliment each other. There's a lot of plot here. But it is quite disparate. Jarring even.
Bradley, the scholar, and Griffin, the mercenary, are extreme examples of opposites attract. As is the slow burn of their relationship against a rapid fire plot. The ending is rather abrupt. 'Save the world, get the bad guy.... oh, and HEA'. Parts of the story are draw you in. edge o' seat writing. There's gore and gore.
Both MCs are interesting, likeable, intelligent folk. Their team that they work with are great secondaries. The wealthy big bad is suitably evil. The Hive takes a dark fantasy and shoots it straight to horror Sci Fi.
I enjoy both authors. Individually. This was more clash than collab though. It was a fast read, and I think it's a standalone. Which is good. Bradley and Griffin could probably carry another adventure or two. But I wouldn't be in a rush to read them.
I received an advanced copy from GRR and this is my honest review.
Bradley, the scholar, and Griffin, the mercenary, are extreme examples of opposites attract. As is the slow burn of their relationship against a rapid fire plot. The ending is rather abrupt. 'Save the world, get the bad guy.... oh, and HEA'. Parts of the story are draw you in. edge o' seat writing. There's gore and gore.
Both MCs are interesting, likeable, intelligent folk. Their team that they work with are great secondaries. The wealthy big bad is suitably evil. The Hive takes a dark fantasy and shoots it straight to horror Sci Fi.
I enjoy both authors. Individually. This was more clash than collab though. It was a fast read, and I think it's a standalone. Which is good. Bradley and Griffin could probably carry another adventure or two. But I wouldn't be in a rush to read them.
I received an advanced copy from GRR and this is my honest review.
June 17, 2026
Bradley Brooks has spent his life researching and writing papers on the Hive, a locust-like creature that is absolutely deadly. The only problem is that no one believes the Hive existed. Griffin Gallows is among those nonbelievers. He is a mercenary with a taste for hunting relics. When he has a run in with the Magical Enforcement Agency, he is forced to go with Bradley as a kind of body guard while they investigate a series of gruesome murders. It turns out Bradley is correct and the Hive does exist.
These two were opposites in so many ways. One after real life adventure while the other preferred his adventures in books. Another opposite trait is that one has experience while the other does not. It does make for exciting reading. The concept of the Hive is intriguing and it was good to see Bradley vindicated. Griffin does find his opinions changing to the benefit of both. If you enjoy urban fantasy, a different creature, and men with same letter initials, look no further, you have found your next book. Be prepared to be entranced.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
These two were opposites in so many ways. One after real life adventure while the other preferred his adventures in books. Another opposite trait is that one has experience while the other does not. It does make for exciting reading. The concept of the Hive is intriguing and it was good to see Bradley vindicated. Griffin does find his opinions changing to the benefit of both. If you enjoy urban fantasy, a different creature, and men with same letter initials, look no further, you have found your next book. Be prepared to be entranced.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Standalone. Urban fantasy. Quick read. Opposites attract. Slow burn/no burn. Dual POV.
An artifact hunter and a translation scholar get locked up in the same cell by the Magical Enforcement Agency, and are pushed together into a dangerous adventure. The possibility of a fabled evil entity returning, ritualistic murders, and a rich bad guy that wants to end the world have Bradley and Griffin teaming up to stop it.
I enjoyed being dropped into Bradley and Griffin’s world as they have a mutual attraction that simmers while they investigate and add comrades to help fight the baddies. Would I have loved to read more world building, more of Bradley and Griffin’s backgrounds, more explanations of Bradley’s power, more about the growing found family - absolutely. For a quick story this was entertaining and I liked the opposites attracting while trying to save the world aspect. Note to two favorite authors - Any chance of more for these two? 4.25
An artifact hunter and a translation scholar get locked up in the same cell by the Magical Enforcement Agency, and are pushed together into a dangerous adventure. The possibility of a fabled evil entity returning, ritualistic murders, and a rich bad guy that wants to end the world have Bradley and Griffin teaming up to stop it.
I enjoyed being dropped into Bradley and Griffin’s world as they have a mutual attraction that simmers while they investigate and add comrades to help fight the baddies. Would I have loved to read more world building, more of Bradley and Griffin’s backgrounds, more explanations of Bradley’s power, more about the growing found family - absolutely. For a quick story this was entertaining and I liked the opposites attracting while trying to save the world aspect. Note to two favorite authors - Any chance of more for these two? 4.25
Review of advance copy received from Author
2.5⭐️
I was looking forward to this collaboration; unfortunately, Ravenous Prophecy didn’t hit for me. To me it channels old school and UF adventure with wannabe “Romancing the Stone” MC energy. However, there’s no chemistry, and the story comes across as rote and dry. Bradley and Griffin are likable enough, but their initial attraction seems forced, and I only saw an inkling of it toward the end. Sadly, I was more interested in the side characters.
I couldn’t even get into the world ending threat. For me, there’s no tension in any of the action scenes; the action descriptions are somewhat static. There's no real sense of peril; it’s just set piece to set piece until the anticlimactic ending. I've read Butler's San Amaro series and other action adventure works, so I know they write very good action. I guess my surprise turned into a lack of enthusiasm and without any investment in the MCs, I checked out.
I was looking forward to this collaboration; unfortunately, Ravenous Prophecy didn’t hit for me. To me it channels old school and UF adventure with wannabe “Romancing the Stone” MC energy. However, there’s no chemistry, and the story comes across as rote and dry. Bradley and Griffin are likable enough, but their initial attraction seems forced, and I only saw an inkling of it toward the end. Sadly, I was more interested in the side characters.
I couldn’t even get into the world ending threat. For me, there’s no tension in any of the action scenes; the action descriptions are somewhat static. There's no real sense of peril; it’s just set piece to set piece until the anticlimactic ending. I've read Butler's San Amaro series and other action adventure works, so I know they write very good action. I guess my surprise turned into a lack of enthusiasm and without any investment in the MCs, I checked out.
June 18, 2026
I’m kind of all over the place with this book. The characters are great. I really enjoyed them--- what I got to see of them, anyway. I enjoyed the world--- but needed some world building, for sure.
I feel like this book was just…unfinished. Rushed. Almost like this was just the first draft and could be beefed up to make it feel more immersive than it was.
The magical world they live in is interesting, but we aren’t really told much about the magic and its laws. It just sort of exists, but is hidden from the general population. There are oracles, but we aren’t told much about them…a magic policing system, but we aren’t really told much about it, even though the characters spend a decent amount of time there. It’s all very…unfinished. Like we’re just getting a tiny peek at something really big.
The story has so much potential, but as it is, it’s GOOD, but not as good as it could have been.
*ARC review, my opinions are my own
I feel like this book was just…unfinished. Rushed. Almost like this was just the first draft and could be beefed up to make it feel more immersive than it was.
The magical world they live in is interesting, but we aren’t really told much about the magic and its laws. It just sort of exists, but is hidden from the general population. There are oracles, but we aren’t told much about them…a magic policing system, but we aren’t really told much about it, even though the characters spend a decent amount of time there. It’s all very…unfinished. Like we’re just getting a tiny peek at something really big.
The story has so much potential, but as it is, it’s GOOD, but not as good as it could have been.
*ARC review, my opinions are my own
Review of advance copy
The world building here is interesting and the premise is full of potential (magic, artifacts, arcane threats, shadowy agencies, evil rich people). It’s weird in all the best ways. There’s a fascinating cast of supporting characters as well as solid leads in Griffin and Bradley, whose chemistry is real and who complement each other nicely. Everything about this book is super interesting, but also feels a little rushed: the overall plot arc, the relationship development— the outlines are there but the depth isn’t quite. Despite wishing it were longer and moved a little more slowly, I really enjoyed the story overall, and I’d love to see these characters and this world again. There’s definitely plenty of potential to see where the overall premise (and the romance) go next, if the authors are so inclined.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Review of advance copy
i received an ARC from the authors via GRR & this review only contains my honest thoughts and feelings about this book.💐
honestly the first thing i noticed about the book was that kai butler co-authored it, i loved her san amaro investigations series, but the blurb made be stay. nazri is a new author to me, but after this book i might have to read more of his books.👀
i really liked the characters, they reminded me a little of kai butler's other characters. the plot was also pretty interesting but i feel like this should have a few more chapters? or a prequel and a sequel? i mean what happened at the end, how was bradley connected to the hive father? did i miss something?
i feel like we needed more background information, but i still enjoyed this book.
ja williams was partially correct. this world HAS gone to shit but not for the reasons he claims!
honestly the first thing i noticed about the book was that kai butler co-authored it, i loved her san amaro investigations series, but the blurb made be stay. nazri is a new author to me, but after this book i might have to read more of his books.👀
i really liked the characters, they reminded me a little of kai butler's other characters. the plot was also pretty interesting but i feel like this should have a few more chapters? or a prequel and a sequel? i mean what happened at the end, how was bradley connected to the hive father? did i miss something?
i feel like we needed more background information, but i still enjoyed this book.
ja williams was partially correct. this world HAS gone to shit but not for the reasons he claims!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2026
Personally didn't know what I was getting into when I was reading this book. But I had heard fabulous things about both of these authors and was like okay let's give this a shot. So glad I did it was so freaking worth it for me.
Bradley I really like the fact that he was constantly in books and constantly studying the occult and the hive even though he was mocked and ridiculed they didn't exist.
Then can Griffen the skeptic and now bodyguard. Together there or polar Opposites but the banter was pretty spot on. Together they're investigating murder of civilians which lead to a gruesome discovery of things that we didn't think were possible.
Overall, this is a really good book I know it's not everybody's cup of tea and it usually isn't mine but it really hit the spot and I really enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more from both of these amazing authors.
Bradley I really like the fact that he was constantly in books and constantly studying the occult and the hive even though he was mocked and ridiculed they didn't exist.
Then can Griffen the skeptic and now bodyguard. Together there or polar Opposites but the banter was pretty spot on. Together they're investigating murder of civilians which lead to a gruesome discovery of things that we didn't think were possible.
Overall, this is a really good book I know it's not everybody's cup of tea and it usually isn't mine but it really hit the spot and I really enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more from both of these amazing authors.
Review of advance copy
I’m going to start this review by saying this book felt like a prequel to me, so much so that when I’d finished it I had to go back and check that the info still said it’s a standalone. The reason? There’s so much world building here and a whole host of engaging side characters supporting Bradley and Griffin. Then there’s their slow burn ‘definitely not friends’-to-lovers relationship which has all the break-neck speed action serving as a backdrop. It just all feels like it's setting up for a much longer story arc, then out of nowhere the baddie is defeated and our MCs are settling into their HEA epilogue.
Does any of this mean I don’t like Ravenous Prophecy? No, there’s definitely the bones of a really good urban fantasy book here. I liked the plot's premise and the characters, with that underdog hero who was seen as something of a fantasist but was proved to be right all along. Yes, there's a lot of great foundation here. I would just have loved for the important bits between the action set pieces to be fleshed out - especially the MC’s emerging bond in the transition from unwilling investigative partners to having feelings that run deeper. Would I read more stories set in this world? Yeah! For this book, however, it’s 3*.
An e-copy was provided by GRR. This is my honest opinion.
Does any of this mean I don’t like Ravenous Prophecy? No, there’s definitely the bones of a really good urban fantasy book here. I liked the plot's premise and the characters, with that underdog hero who was seen as something of a fantasist but was proved to be right all along. Yes, there's a lot of great foundation here. I would just have loved for the important bits between the action set pieces to be fleshed out - especially the MC’s emerging bond in the transition from unwilling investigative partners to having feelings that run deeper. Would I read more stories set in this world? Yeah! For this book, however, it’s 3*.
An e-copy was provided by GRR. This is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
While I’ve read one of these authors, I haven’t the other, so I was excited about reading this title. And I am really glad I did. I will admit upfront that I wasn’t sure at first I wasn’t going to like the two main characters, Bradley and Griffin. For some reason, they both annoyed me at first, but as I kept reading, they grew on me. From then on, it was a fun ride to uncover and stop a plot to release a ravenous predator into this world. I loved all the characters in this (after my first hesitation), and I’m hoping there will be more coming. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
June 15, 2026
As a novella-length urban fantasy, this book does a lot of stuff well. The worldbuilding, the cast of characters, the plot - I enjoyed them all. Griffin and Bradley are a popular version of opposites attract in this subgenre, the academic and the adventurer thrown together because only they can save the world. Butler and Noor obviously had fun writing together, and these two MCs are engaging and likable from the beginning. My one caveat is that this could have been longer in all the best ways. The ending almost feels rushed, and I did wonder if this was setting up for future books in a series.
June 22, 2026
I liked so many parts of this: the way Bradley and Griffin are thrown together, at odds; the way Griffin come around to recognizing Bradley's strength. I love when Bradley realizes, even in peril, that his life's work is actually valid and true, despite being diminished by his colleagues.
The dynamics were great, and the way they changed Bradley and Griffin's physical attraction into something m0re was admirable. I think the novella form was wrong for this, though. There was not enough space for the characters and relationships to develop, the action to not lurch from scene to scene, or any other interstitial exposition that illuminate the story.
The dynamics were great, and the way they changed Bradley and Griffin's physical attraction into something m0re was admirable. I think the novella form was wrong for this, though. There was not enough space for the characters and relationships to develop, the action to not lurch from scene to scene, or any other interstitial exposition that illuminate the story.
June 18, 2026
This was a highly enjoyable urban fantasy novel. I found the world building and character development to be on point.
It didn’t have the same level of intensity I’ve experience with these authors in the past. Both the “fight” and the romance feel like they meander along. So if you are looking for a high intensity story this might not be for you. If you are looking for an entertaining, unique world with fun characters, you should definitely check it out.
Thank you Gay Romance Reviews, Kai Butler, and Nazri Noor for the advanced copy. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
It didn’t have the same level of intensity I’ve experience with these authors in the past. Both the “fight” and the romance feel like they meander along. So if you are looking for a high intensity story this might not be for you. If you are looking for an entertaining, unique world with fun characters, you should definitely check it out.
Thank you Gay Romance Reviews, Kai Butler, and Nazri Noor for the advanced copy. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Review of advance copy
This book felt really chaotic to me, unfortunately, not in a good way. From the start, there's not really any world building/explaining, even though we learn magic and magical artifacts are real. I like both, so give me the goods. How does magic work in this world? What about the artifacts? What else is there?
Putting that aside, the characters just felt flat to me. Bradley and Griffin are thrown together, instantly lust for each other, and try to navigate the threat of the Hive. And for all the research Bradley has done about the Hive, we only get a bare minimum of information about them. (And again, where does a whole new, magical, species fit in this world?)
Next there's a couple of strange occurrences, with Bradley trying to prove the Hive are real and they are coming. Griffin initially just goes along with everything, until the strange stuff is piling up so high, even he might start to believe in the Hive.
All of this ends in a unsatisfying ending, again with no explanation about what is really going on. It just all worked out. The end.
O, and of course Bradley and Griffin are now a couple. Even though there was no real romance for me in the whole book.
It's such a shame, because I love other books of Kai Butler and the premise of this one really had the bones to be a good read. However, this one was just not for me.
Putting that aside, the characters just felt flat to me. Bradley and Griffin are thrown together, instantly lust for each other, and try to navigate the threat of the Hive. And for all the research Bradley has done about the Hive, we only get a bare minimum of information about them. (And again, where does a whole new, magical, species fit in this world?)
Next there's a couple of strange occurrences, with Bradley trying to prove the Hive are real and they are coming. Griffin initially just goes along with everything, until the strange stuff is piling up so high, even he might start to believe in the Hive.
All of this ends in a unsatisfying ending, again with no explanation about what is really going on. It just all worked out. The end.
O, and of course Bradley and Griffin are now a couple. Even though there was no real romance for me in the whole book.
It's such a shame, because I love other books of Kai Butler and the premise of this one really had the bones to be a good read. However, this one was just not for me.
June 19, 2026
Overall I felt this was a good book, though it doesn’t live up to the plot complexity and emotional depth of the San Amaro series.
I liked the urban magic feel to the world, and the mystery surrounding the Hive. Main characters were interesting, though I wish there was more on-page chemistry. The bad guy felt more like a caricature than a character, which gave the book a bit of a goofy or satirical vibe. I don’t think that was the intention by the authors.
I liked the urban magic feel to the world, and the mystery surrounding the Hive. Main characters were interesting, though I wish there was more on-page chemistry. The bad guy felt more like a caricature than a character, which gave the book a bit of a goofy or satirical vibe. I don’t think that was the intention by the authors.
June 19, 2026
Ravenous Prophecy is an excellent collaboration between these authors. I am familiar with one of the authors, which is why I picked it up. I’m so glad I did. I loved every bit of this story and will definitely reread it in the future.
The storyline is well thought out and implemented. Every character brought substance and color to the piece, regardless of their role. The action is fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. The romance is nicely written and believable. I hope these authors continue this as a series.
I look forward to more from this author.
The storyline is well thought out and implemented. Every character brought substance and color to the piece, regardless of their role. The action is fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. The romance is nicely written and believable. I hope these authors continue this as a series.
I look forward to more from this author.
June 17, 2026
Bureaucracy almost ruined everything 🤦🏾♀️
Griffin and Bradley barely had time to catch their breath. They hit the ground running, and it took a bit, but Griffin couldn't deny the truth of Bradley's claims. Bradley was better than an industrial sized can of Raid when it came to dealing with the hive. This was a fun read.
Griffin and Bradley barely had time to catch their breath. They hit the ground running, and it took a bit, but Griffin couldn't deny the truth of Bradley's claims. Bradley was better than an industrial sized can of Raid when it came to dealing with the hive. This was a fun read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you are looking for a fast paced, urban fantasy palette cleanser this is for you.
The story moves fast, isnt high angst and low spice.
I'm giving 4 stars as while this wasn't for me, given I knew the novella status going in, it was still enjoyable.
The story moves fast, isnt high angst and low spice.
I'm giving 4 stars as while this wasn't for me, given I knew the novella status going in, it was still enjoyable.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was really good story. It had me hooked and craving to not put it down. I had to keep reading and know what happened. Really action packed
Leaving you loving the characters and just wanting to keep reading to see what happens.
Leaving you loving the characters and just wanting to keep reading to see what happens.
June 20, 2026
This book started a little slow, but quickly became very exciting and fast-paced. I liked that Bradley came into his own and grew a spine, and he made Griffin softer. I think Brigette was my favorite character, followed by Corazón!
June 21, 2026
Perfectly enjoyable novella for the genre. I little faster on the relationship development than I'd prefer, and I think it would have been stronger as just Bradley's POV, but the length + coauthor aspect are clear reasons for both. Zero heat, though.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! So good and couldn't put it down, loved Bradley and Griffin.
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