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Rengara #1
Salt in the Wound
Indrie has spent five years keeping a dying king alive, and all it's earned him is bruises
So when Rengaran barbarians storm the castle and Indrie is handed over to their king as a parting gift, he doesn't fight it. He clutches his healer's satchel to his chest and braces himself for a new kind of cruelty.
King Eskil is, by every measure, the most dangerous man Indrie has ever met. He's also the first person who has ever helped Indrie to his feet instead of putting him on the floor.
But when a stolen aphrodisiac fruit from the pilfered stores leaves the king burning with a deadly fever only Indrie can break, the careful distance between them shatters in a single passionate night, and with it, a bond neither of them want to undo.
Salt in the Wound is a m/m romantic fantasy story about a barbarian king and a healer. It deals with themes of abuse, power imbalance, and continuous misunderstandings. It contains an age gap, size difference, class difference, found family, a virgin MC, and an accidental marriage.
This is book 1 in the series and should be read in order.
So when Rengaran barbarians storm the castle and Indrie is handed over to their king as a parting gift, he doesn't fight it. He clutches his healer's satchel to his chest and braces himself for a new kind of cruelty.
King Eskil is, by every measure, the most dangerous man Indrie has ever met. He's also the first person who has ever helped Indrie to his feet instead of putting him on the floor.
But when a stolen aphrodisiac fruit from the pilfered stores leaves the king burning with a deadly fever only Indrie can break, the careful distance between them shatters in a single passionate night, and with it, a bond neither of them want to undo.
Salt in the Wound is a m/m romantic fantasy story about a barbarian king and a healer. It deals with themes of abuse, power imbalance, and continuous misunderstandings. It contains an age gap, size difference, class difference, found family, a virgin MC, and an accidental marriage.
This is book 1 in the series and should be read in order.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 1, 2026
Gorgeous story, but there better be another book after!
The story was fantastic and I enjoyed it a great deal. The writing is beautiful, the material addressed with kindness and understanding both by the author and by the characters, and the pacing moves along well.
I think it might serve the author well to let buyers know if this is intended to be part of a series or a standalone, particularly as it’s a romance. I might have waited to read it if it’s part of an unfinished series, instead of starting a new book at 3am, which was the soonest Kindle Unlimited would give it to me. >.> I’m devoutly hoping it is part of a series, as otherwise the ending is a little too abrupt and open for my taste.
All that aside, this book is a collection of most of my favorite tropes, and I was quite delighted by it. Thank you, Atlas Jones, for another delicious story. I’m very much a fan!
The story was fantastic and I enjoyed it a great deal. The writing is beautiful, the material addressed with kindness and understanding both by the author and by the characters, and the pacing moves along well.
I think it might serve the author well to let buyers know if this is intended to be part of a series or a standalone, particularly as it’s a romance. I might have waited to read it if it’s part of an unfinished series, instead of starting a new book at 3am, which was the soonest Kindle Unlimited would give it to me. >.> I’m devoutly hoping it is part of a series, as otherwise the ending is a little too abrupt and open for my taste.
All that aside, this book is a collection of most of my favorite tropes, and I was quite delighted by it. Thank you, Atlas Jones, for another delicious story. I’m very much a fan!
August 11, 2026
3.5. It's a guilty pleasure but much better and more nuanced that I expected. I also liked both main characters, what does not happen often to me, but hot damn, the side characters stole the show - Gunnar, you can cook for me every time you want.
August 15, 2026
Really strong start
I was immediately sucked in because the two main characters hit all my favorite trope buttons, and I was on board (literally) during their whole voyage up until the contrived miscommunications started. The ending was awfully abrupt and their one sex scene dropped in random magical fruit that no one expected or needed. I see the second book is coming out soon, so I’m wondering why the split is happening so early- this installment just feels like the first part of a whole, not something that can stand on its own.
I was immediately sucked in because the two main characters hit all my favorite trope buttons, and I was on board (literally) during their whole voyage up until the contrived miscommunications started. The ending was awfully abrupt and their one sex scene dropped in random magical fruit that no one expected or needed. I see the second book is coming out soon, so I’m wondering why the split is happening so early- this installment just feels like the first part of a whole, not something that can stand on its own.
August 5, 2026
Please let the next book come quickly!
I have never read a book so fast in a long time. The word building and imagery was breathtaking, and all the MC and supporting characters were just luminous. This book ends in a cliffhanger, which made me sad, because I was hoping for a beautiful resolution…I pray the next book comes out soon in this gorgeous series!
I have never read a book so fast in a long time. The word building and imagery was breathtaking, and all the MC and supporting characters were just luminous. This book ends in a cliffhanger, which made me sad, because I was hoping for a beautiful resolution…I pray the next book comes out soon in this gorgeous series!
Did Not Finish
August 3, 2026Really weird writing style, like trying to be super poetic, but coming off very performative and repetitive. Kind of long winded and unnatural. Also, the characters felt unbelievable, all the instalove and ... It felt way off and life is too short to spend it on books not made for my taste.
August 25, 2026
OKAY SO. I have so much to say about this book. I did give this book 4 stars and I will explain why, but I want to make it clear first that I absolutely DEVOURED this book. I could not put it down, I finished it in a day. I absolutely loved it, and I was absolutely devastated to see that the second book doesn’t come out for another week. Trust me, come September 1st, it is getting added to the library so fast. READ THIS. Truly wish I could give it 5 stars (I’m usually a pretty biased eater so this is a surprise to me) because of how much I enjoyed it, but there were some pretty glaring issues. So let’s get into it!
1. How the author tackled the language barrier made no sense. Indrie understood way too much way too fast, be able to have full conversations, but then randomly wouldn’t be able to really have any of them? I get that the author was probably writing it that way more for our understanding but it just felt like the language barrier was kind of an after thought in a lot of scenes.
2. Miscommunication trope. Absolutely LOATHE this trope so maybe it’s not fair of me to put this incredibly biased feeling in a review (bc I do think the trope is valid), but whatever. The issue was not the language barrier and there were SO many instances where eskil could’ve clarified, my god that shit was driving me insane.
3. A fruit? Really? That’s what’s gonna do it? I think a medicinal aphrodisiac would’ve been much more believable, the fruit just seemed so cheesyyyy. And you’re gonna sit here and tell me that eskil, somebody completely obsessed with indrie, could only comment on sex?? You couldn’t call him beautiful or anything ONE TIME? He said “you’re perfect” and then immediately followed with “you take my c*** so perfectly.” Like come onnnnnn there’s no way he knows what that means but he would probably understand things like beautiful or idkkk just anything!!! Infuriating.
4 WHY WAS INDRIE THE ONLY ONE LEARNING A LANGUAGE. Why did this literal KING not try to educate himself and learn indies language too? Indrie is over here bending over backwards just to try and communicate with this man and eskil draws a mf picture (v cute but still) instead of listing one of the several other people on board that speak a bit of indies language. Like just a few words or phrases would’ve gone a long way.
5. Not enough dialogue, which I understand because the language barrier is kind of the plot of this whole book. But if it was stretched out, instead of being 3 weeks, it would’ve given opportunity for more dialogue. Just felt like 3 weeks was way too short. Finding myself comparing this to daughter of no worlds, and how well the language barrier with Tisaanah was written in that.
I have never written a review this long but I had to get it out! All in all, still recommend this book lol.
1. How the author tackled the language barrier made no sense. Indrie understood way too much way too fast, be able to have full conversations, but then randomly wouldn’t be able to really have any of them? I get that the author was probably writing it that way more for our understanding but it just felt like the language barrier was kind of an after thought in a lot of scenes.
2. Miscommunication trope. Absolutely LOATHE this trope so maybe it’s not fair of me to put this incredibly biased feeling in a review (bc I do think the trope is valid), but whatever. The issue was not the language barrier and there were SO many instances where eskil could’ve clarified, my god that shit was driving me insane.
3. A fruit? Really? That’s what’s gonna do it? I think a medicinal aphrodisiac would’ve been much more believable, the fruit just seemed so cheesyyyy. And you’re gonna sit here and tell me that eskil, somebody completely obsessed with indrie, could only comment on sex?? You couldn’t call him beautiful or anything ONE TIME? He said “you’re perfect” and then immediately followed with “you take my c*** so perfectly.” Like come onnnnnn there’s no way he knows what that means but he would probably understand things like beautiful or idkkk just anything!!! Infuriating.
4 WHY WAS INDRIE THE ONLY ONE LEARNING A LANGUAGE. Why did this literal KING not try to educate himself and learn indies language too? Indrie is over here bending over backwards just to try and communicate with this man and eskil draws a mf picture (v cute but still) instead of listing one of the several other people on board that speak a bit of indies language. Like just a few words or phrases would’ve gone a long way.
5. Not enough dialogue, which I understand because the language barrier is kind of the plot of this whole book. But if it was stretched out, instead of being 3 weeks, it would’ve given opportunity for more dialogue. Just felt like 3 weeks was way too short. Finding myself comparing this to daughter of no worlds, and how well the language barrier with Tisaanah was written in that.
I have never written a review this long but I had to get it out! All in all, still recommend this book lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2026
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the vibe of this book. The premise, the characters, the story development, the world building. But I really wish that the author wasn’t so hell bent on having the MCs misunderstand each other at every turn. It was wildly frustrating right up until the very end.
The premise is that a failing kingdom is raided by what in the context of this book is a band of Viking-like warriors. In the midst of this raid we meet Indrie, a slave-healer tending to the sick king. Indrie is a wonderful character, sharp and resilient but beaten down and abused by the court he serves. In a weird exchange he is given to the invading party who kind of take what they can from the palace, Indrie included, and leave.
This where the book really begins and we meet the cast of characters with whom Indrie will share a sea voyage. Chief among them is Eskil, king of the ‘barbarians’. A classic strong and decisive type, and he is immediately drawn to Indrie. These people are nothing like Indrie imagined, they are kind and patient, they teach him their language and share their provisions and do their best to include him. Eskil, wary of the power differential, treads carefully with him. These two are clearly drawn to each other but we get the world’s slowest burn, with the two of them having the same misunderstanding like 4 times. Sure, there’s a language barrier but I found it so irritating.
Then we get this weird macguffin at the 80% mark that forces intimacy between them that I thought was just deeply unnecessary. And still nothing is resolved. The book is clearly the first in a series and so ends, not exactly in a cliffhanger, but certainly in a very open-ended way.
While this was a decent book, I do think it played out pretty oddly and weird plot choices were made. I’m a little nervous that AI was used because this author has published a bunch of books in a very short time period and I’m afraid that I’m just not savvy about enough to tell the difference between bad plot decisions and AI. Anyway, I do kind of want to know what happens to Indrie so I’ll probably stick it out.
The premise is that a failing kingdom is raided by what in the context of this book is a band of Viking-like warriors. In the midst of this raid we meet Indrie, a slave-healer tending to the sick king. Indrie is a wonderful character, sharp and resilient but beaten down and abused by the court he serves. In a weird exchange he is given to the invading party who kind of take what they can from the palace, Indrie included, and leave.
This where the book really begins and we meet the cast of characters with whom Indrie will share a sea voyage. Chief among them is Eskil, king of the ‘barbarians’. A classic strong and decisive type, and he is immediately drawn to Indrie. These people are nothing like Indrie imagined, they are kind and patient, they teach him their language and share their provisions and do their best to include him. Eskil, wary of the power differential, treads carefully with him. These two are clearly drawn to each other but we get the world’s slowest burn, with the two of them having the same misunderstanding like 4 times. Sure, there’s a language barrier but I found it so irritating.
Then we get this weird macguffin at the 80% mark that forces intimacy between them that I thought was just deeply unnecessary. And still nothing is resolved. The book is clearly the first in a series and so ends, not exactly in a cliffhanger, but certainly in a very open-ended way.
While this was a decent book, I do think it played out pretty oddly and weird plot choices were made. I’m a little nervous that AI was used because this author has published a bunch of books in a very short time period and I’m afraid that I’m just not savvy about enough to tell the difference between bad plot decisions and AI. Anyway, I do kind of want to know what happens to Indrie so I’ll probably stick it out.
August 3, 2026
I enjoyed the story of King Eskil and Indrie, although I didn't realize that this book would end on a cliffhanger and there is no resolution to their romance. In fact, there is undeclared longing, but no romance or intentions in this book. A lot of the story arc reflects the fact that Indrie was first discovered as a healer slave to a dying king. Eskil rescues him, but it very careful to not take advantage of Indrie, due to his fragile state. There are many communication issues, as they learn each other's languages. Almost all of the story takes place at sea, so much of it is focused on relationships and feelings. I expect Bk 2 will evolve their relationship further.
August 11, 2026
4.5 stars
I took a chance on a new author, and I’m so glad I did! I really loved the first part of Indrie and Eskil’s story, and I’m counting down the days until book 2 releases. With that being said, I really hope there’s less miscommunication in book 2. At that point, the language gap wouldn’t make sense to the extent it did in book 1, and honestly? They deserve better! ❤️ I could definitely understand the frustration behind some of the reviews by the end.
The spicy scene was super well done and while given the situation, I don’t think more spice in book 1 made sense I do hope for more in the 2nd. 🌶️
PS I LOVE Bohdi and hope he gets his own HEA soon!
I took a chance on a new author, and I’m so glad I did! I really loved the first part of Indrie and Eskil’s story, and I’m counting down the days until book 2 releases. With that being said, I really hope there’s less miscommunication in book 2. At that point, the language gap wouldn’t make sense to the extent it did in book 1, and honestly? They deserve better! ❤️ I could definitely understand the frustration behind some of the reviews by the end.
The spicy scene was super well done and while given the situation, I don’t think more spice in book 1 made sense I do hope for more in the 2nd. 🌶️
PS I LOVE Bohdi and hope he gets his own HEA soon!
August 6, 2026
Too short
The entirety of this book was one misunderstanding after another. I understand a language barrier but it was just a constant problem and became extremely frustrating. I really liked the characters and the storyline could have been even better without this issue. I hope book two happens quickly. Like other books by this author its well written but so short. Instead of these series of novellas these stories would be better suited as one longer novel. Obviously at 4 stars I enjoyed it but the frustration is real
The entirety of this book was one misunderstanding after another. I understand a language barrier but it was just a constant problem and became extremely frustrating. I really liked the characters and the storyline could have been even better without this issue. I hope book two happens quickly. Like other books by this author its well written but so short. Instead of these series of novellas these stories would be better suited as one longer novel. Obviously at 4 stars I enjoyed it but the frustration is real
August 16, 2026
Cliffhanger
First, this book ends on a cliffhanger and now I have to wait over two weeks for the next book! I debated about reading this book because other reviews mentioned the misunderstandings being too much and normally I hate that, but I didn’t have any issues with it and I thought it was cleverly done. I really enjoyed it and will be anxiously awaiting the next book. Sex was on the page.
First, this book ends on a cliffhanger and now I have to wait over two weeks for the next book! I debated about reading this book because other reviews mentioned the misunderstandings being too much and normally I hate that, but I didn’t have any issues with it and I thought it was cleverly done. I really enjoyed it and will be anxiously awaiting the next book. Sex was on the page.
August 9, 2026
3.5/5. Still needs all of the editing and proofing, but I liked this one a lot. It was also a perfect break from heavy stuff while still having some weight to it. I forgot that this author likes to write duologies, so I was Big Mad when I got to the end and realised I had to wait to get to the end-end. It be like that sometimes.
August 11, 2026
I enjoyed this actually
Atlas is becoming one of my fav MM authors.
However this was painful to read. I was not expecting a sequel until i was getting closer to the end and the misunderstanding wasn’t getting resolved
And omgg i get it!!! like its needed for the plot and wouldn’t make sense otherwise but my heart breaks for both boys and i need that second book ASAP.
Atlas is becoming one of my fav MM authors.
However this was painful to read. I was not expecting a sequel until i was getting closer to the end and the misunderstanding wasn’t getting resolved
And omgg i get it!!! like its needed for the plot and wouldn’t make sense otherwise but my heart breaks for both boys and i need that second book ASAP.
August 11, 2026
C est une belle histoire pleine de bons sentiments. Comme une douceur sucré e. Mais j ai du mal a concilie ces bons vertus avec le début de l histoire : ces barbares qui prennent les ressources d une région au lieu de faire du commerce.... C est trop de qualités, juste un passager clandestin agresseur qui est jugé et exécuter mais conforme au code marin, l auteur le rapelle....
August 17, 2026
I really liked the blurb and will be reading the second book. The only reason I give this book 3 stars is because it draaags.
Every incident is told from both MCs point of view, leading to unnecessary repetition. There is very less dialog.. i think all the dialogs can be put in 10 to 15 pages.
But as I said, the story is different and intriguing enough for me to want to read the 2nd part.
Every incident is told from both MCs point of view, leading to unnecessary repetition. There is very less dialog.. i think all the dialogs can be put in 10 to 15 pages.
But as I said, the story is different and intriguing enough for me to want to read the 2nd part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2026
MM/ forced proximity/ virgin MMC/ slow burn/ miscommunication trope/ no OM drama/ unresolved ending
Trigger warning: slavery/ violence/ trauma/ abuse/ attempted murder/ strangulation/ murder/ drowning/ dub con
Because of the language barrier, the constant miscommunication is to be expected. It did get a bit frustrating though.
Trigger warning: slavery/ violence/ trauma/ abuse/ attempted murder/ strangulation/ murder/ drowning/ dub con
Because of the language barrier, the constant miscommunication is to be expected. It did get a bit frustrating though.
August 24, 2026
I very much liked this! I thought the story was good and easy to follow. It was a slow burn but I thought done well. I usually don’t love books with minimal dialogue and at times the monologues felt a bit long winded but I really didn’t mind.
I was very surprised with how it ended and am very excited to read book 2.
I was very surprised with how it ended and am very excited to read book 2.
August 15, 2026
Would have rated it 3 stars before getting to 80%. Why spend the whole book talking about power imbalances and their dynamic with each other just to throw away all of the progress for a porno scenario of “He ate a spiritual fruit and now must have sex or he will die”?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2026
genuinely terrible
Read
August 12, 2026Dnf
August 13, 2026
No warning
This book gives no warning that it is a sweet romance, or that it does not have a happy ending.
This book gives no warning that it is a sweet romance, or that it does not have a happy ending.
August 16, 2026
3.25*
August 18, 2026
Didn’t realize it left on a cliffhanger. No HEA here -_-
August 20, 2026
this surprised me :,) so sweet & heartwarming
August 23, 2026
If you dislike miscommunication, this is not the book for you
August 25, 2026
SUCH good potential but seemed to drag on a little too long.
Unresolved ending.
Unresolved ending.
August 12, 2026
I know there’s a language barrier, but damn the miscommunications here had such simple solutions. Other than that, I liked the premise of the story and I think the writing is good. Once they get some sense in their heads, Indrie and Eskil will be sweet together. Looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews