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Tales from Edovia #1
Something from Nothing
With an impending war breathing down his neck and an ornery group of councilmen trying to keep him on track, accidental and unlikely King, Alistair Ellesmere, struggles to find a balance between being young, having fun, and ruling the realm, his way. Alistair befriends Brandon, one of his prodigy new recruits, whose smart-ass personality drives him to the brink of insanity when he shows him up at every turn. Through an unexpected bit of witty manipulation, Alistair finds himself drawn down a forbidden path where he shares more than just a similar past with this man. Terrified at the idea of loving another man, but unable to tear himself away, Alistair is faced with the trials of secrecy, jealousy, and the law.
344 pages, Paperback
First published February 22, 2016
43 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Nicky James
75 books2,235 followersI live in the small town of Petrolia, Ontario, Canada and I am a mother to a wonderful teenage boy (didn't think those words could be typed together...surprise) and wife to a truly supportive and understanding husband, who thankfully doesn't think I'm crazy.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 32 reviews
February 4, 2017
3-3.5 stars
This was a well written story with pretty likeable MC's. The world building was good and I liked that Alistair was a bastard child who inherited the throne.
The big issue I had was that there was no heat. Now, there doesn't need to be explicit sex in every book I read, but when the two MC live in a time where their love is outlawed and around everyone they have to be very careful and measured, then I want them to explode on the page when they get alone. Fade to black and very vague descriptions do not work for me. I want details. I want to feel it. It would have been an easy 4 star read if I did.
I did have a minor issue with how they got together. But maybe that's just nit picking.
I'll probably skip the second book because I didn't warm up to Chase. He and Alistair bickered like 12yr old girls over Brandon towards the end and I just wanted to tell them to shut up.
Overall, this was enjoyable. I just wanted more from the romance. Hopefully the third book brings it.
This was a well written story with pretty likeable MC's. The world building was good and I liked that Alistair was a bastard child who inherited the throne.
The big issue I had was that there was no heat. Now, there doesn't need to be explicit sex in every book I read, but when the two MC live in a time where their love is outlawed and around everyone they have to be very careful and measured, then I want them to explode on the page when they get alone. Fade to black and very vague descriptions do not work for me. I want details. I want to feel it. It would have been an easy 4 star read if I did.
I did have a minor issue with how they got together. But maybe that's just nit picking.
I'll probably skip the second book because I didn't warm up to Chase. He and Alistair bickered like 12yr old girls over Brandon towards the end and I just wanted to tell them to shut up.
Overall, this was enjoyable. I just wanted more from the romance. Hopefully the third book brings it.
May 24, 2018
So...I'm a Nicky James fan, she writes very unique characters and situations and I always feel her peeps deeply. This didn't work for me as well as the others because I kinda wanted to smack the shit out of Alistair Aside from that, I enjoyed the characters and the novel. I was worried and happy for the ending, even if it did seem a bit too perfect.
July 22, 2017
Hi there, this is Rosa’s sabroso review.
Tales from Edovia 1 began as a story of friendship between an uncommon king and a street boy who has worked all his life to be someone. Soon their friendship evolved to something else, something forbidden by the gods and men, romantic love.
Theirs is an unique relationship, as it started with rivalry and some insults, but they are bound to become close because they both values the braveness and sincerity and for them the social labels are just that, they respect each other, without judging the others past or flaws.
But this lovely relationship can be sabotaged in any moment, for between sky and soil there is nothing hidden.
Tales from Edovia 1 began as a story of friendship between an uncommon king and a street boy who has worked all his life to be someone. Soon their friendship evolved to something else, something forbidden by the gods and men, romantic love.
Theirs is an unique relationship, as it started with rivalry and some insults, but they are bound to become close because they both values the braveness and sincerity and for them the social labels are just that, they respect each other, without judging the others past or flaws.
But this lovely relationship can be sabotaged in any moment, for between sky and soil there is nothing hidden.
January 28, 2021
Strong characters kept this story interesting. Kind of a mash up of medieval with the action but the language had a lot of modern times. Hot soldiers with swords, who wouldn’t like that?
June 23, 2016
WOW... This was a really heart warming read, that totally pulled me in right from the very beginning!!!
Alistair is King of Edovia and at 25 years old he is still trying to find his way, and goes through women like you can only imagine!!!
Brandon is a street rat, who struggles through life and wants more!!!
When Alistair is looking for Army recruits, Brandon applies... And neither of them will ever be the same again!!!
Without giving away spoilers... The first time they meet ends in a challenge and fight... But soon turns into friendship. When a bet turns serious, what will be the outcome? Will Alistair go through with it? What will happen if circumstances change? How will they deal with it?
With a wonderful love story building in the background, the story flow is spot on and i found i couldn't put it down!!! Sadly there were no toe curling scenes but to honest, this book really didn't need them!!!... It is perfect as it is!!!
Alistair is King of Edovia and at 25 years old he is still trying to find his way, and goes through women like you can only imagine!!!
Brandon is a street rat, who struggles through life and wants more!!!
When Alistair is looking for Army recruits, Brandon applies... And neither of them will ever be the same again!!!
Without giving away spoilers... The first time they meet ends in a challenge and fight... But soon turns into friendship. When a bet turns serious, what will be the outcome? Will Alistair go through with it? What will happen if circumstances change? How will they deal with it?
With a wonderful love story building in the background, the story flow is spot on and i found i couldn't put it down!!! Sadly there were no toe curling scenes but to honest, this book really didn't need them!!!... It is perfect as it is!!!
Currently reading
February 18, 2018Idk why but something in my brain kept telling me:"go check book 3 first, before u start reading this", and I'm glad I did....
April 6, 2016
A good solid read from a new/new-to-me author.
December 1, 2016
dnf......come on...I dare you to sleep with a man to be as bad as me.....ugh
May 20, 2018
Really enjoyed this story and these characters. Eager for more.
March 7, 2018
I debated a while about what to rate this because I didn't love this book but it is extremely well written. Most of the enjoyment comes from the beginning of this book where the characters are extremely well built. The author spends a great deal of time with both Brandon and Alistair building their friendship and trust between. Things begin to fall apart on me towards the middle when the two start to "fall in love" with each other. For me this wasn't really to believable because there isn't any heat between them and Alistair is straight. Brandon manipulates him into bed and I just don't get a romantic connection between them. The end
July 11, 2017
This is the first book from the Tales from Edovia series.
Although this is a MM book, this is a young adult book, so if you are looking for a book filled with a lot of sex, this is not the book for you. What sex there is, is tastefully written.
This book is however beautifully written and has a gladiator feel to it.
Alistair is a young handsome King who meets Brandon, a new recruit for his army.
This is the start of a strong friendship between a King and a commoner that quickly grows into something much deeper.
I received this book as a gift and I'm only sorry it took me so long to read it.
Nicky James has become a favourite author of mine!!
Although this is a MM book, this is a young adult book, so if you are looking for a book filled with a lot of sex, this is not the book for you. What sex there is, is tastefully written.
This book is however beautifully written and has a gladiator feel to it.
Alistair is a young handsome King who meets Brandon, a new recruit for his army.
This is the start of a strong friendship between a King and a commoner that quickly grows into something much deeper.
I received this book as a gift and I'm only sorry it took me so long to read it.
Nicky James has become a favourite author of mine!!
June 22, 2016
Really well written and the genre was the first for me & I absolutely loved it! Hot, sweet, funny, just a really great read for me. If you love m/m and knights or if you are willing to try something new, grab this book because it won't let you go and you won't mind one bit.
**received an ARC for an honest review**
**received an ARC for an honest review**
January 23, 2017
Wow
Iam speechless something from nothing was such a amazing story
I fell so in love with Brandon and Alistair
I loved being transported into the world of the edovia it was such a amazing place to be
Alistair and Brandon's journey was such a intense one wow I loved it
Thank you Nicky james for creating this wonderful world
Iam speechless something from nothing was such a amazing story
I fell so in love with Brandon and Alistair
I loved being transported into the world of the edovia it was such a amazing place to be
Alistair and Brandon's journey was such a intense one wow I loved it
Thank you Nicky james for creating this wonderful world
February 5, 2018
Love this story..great!!
I love Alistair and Brandon...I didn't want it to end. I hung on to every word anticipating what will happen next..that doesn't happen very often..lol
Trust me when I say you will love them too....
I love Alistair and Brandon...I didn't want it to end. I hung on to every word anticipating what will happen next..that doesn't happen very often..lol
Trust me when I say you will love them too....
September 21, 2019
Huh...Well that was confusing.
For a story in a medieval setting there certainly are lots of moderm terms.
Plus, one chptr has Brandon going on & on about how he can't tell Alistair the King that he’s gay. But then in the next chptr, he flips around and traps Alistair with it? Yeah, No!
For a story in a medieval setting there certainly are lots of moderm terms.
Plus, one chptr has Brandon going on & on about how he can't tell Alistair the King that he’s gay. But then in the next chptr, he flips around and traps Alistair with it? Yeah, No!
September 11, 2021
What a delightful and charming story. A sort of gladiators of old and a fairy tale combo. The same trials and social disgraces, the same bigotry and prejudice, but done in an olde world way that was expertly crafted and portrayed. As usual, well written in a way NJ does so well. Loved the MC's - the reluctant King and the determined commoner. Once Alistair moves past the shock at his attraction to Brandon these men become rock solid in their feelings for each other. The sneaking around only lasts so long, until a journey out of the castle blows the lid off their relationship and they face the very real threat of death by hanging - together. There is the heat of their love which takes you up to edge of the sexy times and then leaves you with your imagination. But somehow it works with fairy tale-esque vibe. I'm not sure any more detail was necessary (always fun to read mind you, but not necessary here). I am very much looking forward to the rest of the series. NJ is always a winning writer
December 29, 2020
I read a review for this book that was written around the time it came out. It says something about this being too tame for MM and NIcky James shouldn't write MM. They were wrong. Nicky has come a long way since this series, and she is the queen of angst and my favorite MM author. I didn't discover this series until years after their release. For me, it's refreshing to read a story that glosses over the sex. I felt the love between these characters, and I didn't need sex to believe it. Their kisses were passionate. Their intense stares were all-consuming. Their disagreements and conversations were real. Their entire relationship was believable. I loved that the king was like any normal man. I loved that Brandon came from nothing and fought to follow his dreams, never apologizing for who he is.
This was a fantastic read and I'm sad there are so few reviews. I can't wait to finish this series.
This was a fantastic read and I'm sad there are so few reviews. I can't wait to finish this series.
February 23, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it definitely won’t be my last.
Alistair and Brandon went from being rivals to lovers and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t rough and bumpy along the way. These two were drawn to each other yet things weren’t simple and straightforward. Alistair struggles and fights against his new attraction and the author captured his inner turmoil really well.
The events towards the end had my heart pounding and not in a good kind of way either. There was a touch and go moment that had me chewing my finger nails - I was a nervous wreck.
I loved this book but my only criticism would be that I wanted more heat. Their love making scenes were rushed and quickly skimmed over.
Alistair and Brandon went from being rivals to lovers and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t rough and bumpy along the way. These two were drawn to each other yet things weren’t simple and straightforward. Alistair struggles and fights against his new attraction and the author captured his inner turmoil really well.
The events towards the end had my heart pounding and not in a good kind of way either. There was a touch and go moment that had me chewing my finger nails - I was a nervous wreck.
I loved this book but my only criticism would be that I wanted more heat. Their love making scenes were rushed and quickly skimmed over.
February 8, 2019
3.5 This was enjoyable overall. I thought how Brandon got Alistair into bed was clunky, but once the two began their relationship the book really took off. Alistair came from nothing, as the last child of the king, and a bastard child as well, he becomes the next in line. He works hard on the field, but never conforms to what his counsel demands in him as ruler. He’s a King for as of the people. Which ends up saving his life when his relationship with Brandon is revealed.
There’s also a coming war with some people called The Outsiders, but that’s obviously a set up for later books.
There’s also a coming war with some people called The Outsiders, but that’s obviously a set up for later books.
March 1, 2019
Such a beautiful story
I really enjoyed reading Alisdair and Brandon’s story. Seeing how they both came from having nothing to being so great. At times I held my breath wondering what would happen if they were found out as having relations with them same sex was not allowed. I loved how Nicky handled the whole story and made me feel like that I was back in medieval times . you can tell she did her research on how a castle was run and the ways of the land when kings ruled the land and the people were commoners. I look forward to reading Chase’s story.
I really enjoyed reading Alisdair and Brandon’s story. Seeing how they both came from having nothing to being so great. At times I held my breath wondering what would happen if they were found out as having relations with them same sex was not allowed. I loved how Nicky handled the whole story and made me feel like that I was back in medieval times . you can tell she did her research on how a castle was run and the ways of the land when kings ruled the land and the people were commoners. I look forward to reading Chase’s story.
May 26, 2019
I like how Ms. James characters all have inner struggles. The back drop of the past made these characters shine in a different way. Yes, Allister character was not as like able as some but 3/4 of way you start to see a more open and loving character. One must consider the times this book is set in and the fact of his struggle to accept his feelings to me is a natural reactions to expectations.
December 4, 2020
It was great and exactly what I usually look for in a medieval historical setting, but I thought the whole was a little bit silly and unrealistic. I would have preferred them to fall into a relationship in a more gradual and believable way. Thankfully once past that point it was an enjoyable read.
February 10, 2017
The king has found love!
This story is well written, full of macho alpha strong men, and swoon worthy kissing that is fit for a king. If you enjoy reading a story where Knights of the Round Table meets forbidden love, then this tale is for you.
This story is well written, full of macho alpha strong men, and swoon worthy kissing that is fit for a king. If you enjoy reading a story where Knights of the Round Table meets forbidden love, then this tale is for you.
July 11, 2021
Good story even if parts don’t exactly mesh with the medieval theme. I wish the sex scenes hadn’t all been fade to black. I’m hoping that will change with the next two books. The ending was quite abrupt and fixed more quickly that that situation probably would have allowed back in those days.
October 20, 2017
Enjoyed but not overwhelmed
March 7, 2019
Accepting the fact you're not as good as you think you are can bring better things into your life, including love.
dnf
November 3, 2025dnf page 139, @chapter 16
I'm bored.
I'm bored.
June 15, 2016
I was given a free copy for an honest review
M/M romance with a Medieval settings. A knight and a sexy want-a-be knight, who is funny, silly and the link to the realms youth. Feelings start to surface and Alistair tries to fight them, but in the end he gives in and ohh my!
M/M romance with a Medieval settings. A knight and a sexy want-a-be knight, who is funny, silly and the link to the realms youth. Feelings start to surface and Alistair tries to fight them, but in the end he gives in and ohh my!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 32 reviews