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On Wings Saga #1
On Wings of Thunder
A Story from the On Wings Saga
Trystan is an unchosen angel—shunned by society, bullied, and without a future. In a hidden well, Trystan discovers a carving of a dragon, who were once the commanders of demons and now believed extinct. But Trystan learns the carving doesn’t depict an ordinary dragon. Stories tell that millennia ago, the great dragon Asagoroth and his demon army nearly conquered the three realms but was killed by the five elders. The powerful angels combined their life forces to cast a spell, sacrificing their lives.
But history is full of falsehoods. The five elders only managed to imprison the dragon, and Asagoroth had cast his own spell—one of releasement. It only needs the blood of an angel to liberate him from his cage….
Asagoroth, enemy of angels, conqueror of realms, is free. But even as the angels prepare for war, the great dragon surprises them with an hand over the angel who awakened him or face annihilation.
Trystan is an unchosen angel—shunned by society, bullied, and without a future. In a hidden well, Trystan discovers a carving of a dragon, who were once the commanders of demons and now believed extinct. But Trystan learns the carving doesn’t depict an ordinary dragon. Stories tell that millennia ago, the great dragon Asagoroth and his demon army nearly conquered the three realms but was killed by the five elders. The powerful angels combined their life forces to cast a spell, sacrificing their lives.
But history is full of falsehoods. The five elders only managed to imprison the dragon, and Asagoroth had cast his own spell—one of releasement. It only needs the blood of an angel to liberate him from his cage….
Asagoroth, enemy of angels, conqueror of realms, is free. But even as the angels prepare for war, the great dragon surprises them with an hand over the angel who awakened him or face annihilation.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2016
47 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
M.D. Grimm
52 books120 followersM.D. Grimm has wanted to write stories since second grade (kind of young to make life decisions, but whatever) and nothing has changed since then (well, plenty of things actually, but not that!).
Thankfully, she has indulgent parents who let her dream, but also made sure she understood she’d need a steady job to pay the bills (they never let her forget it!). After graduating from the University of Oregon and majoring in English, (let’s be honest: useless degree, what else was she going to do with it?) she started on her writing career and couldn’t be happier.
Working by day and writing by night (or any spare time she can carve out), she enjoys embarking on romantic quests and daring adventures (living vicariously, you could say) and creating characters that always triumph against the villain, (or else what’s the point?) finding their soul mate in the process.
Thankfully, she has indulgent parents who let her dream, but also made sure she understood she’d need a steady job to pay the bills (they never let her forget it!). After graduating from the University of Oregon and majoring in English, (let’s be honest: useless degree, what else was she going to do with it?) she started on her writing career and couldn’t be happier.
Working by day and writing by night (or any spare time she can carve out), she enjoys embarking on romantic quests and daring adventures (living vicariously, you could say) and creating characters that always triumph against the villain, (or else what’s the point?) finding their soul mate in the process.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
July 7, 2019
Ummm, this one was "mostly" working for me up until the very last battle; however, the thing...
WOW.
Nope, I didn't see that Most Bizarre Conflict Resolution E-V-A-H coming. Not even one little bit.
Then the parallels to I didn't even know what to do with that.
3.25 stars.
March 31, 2017
4.5 dragon stars rounded down because still no 1/2 stars here on GR.
This is definitely not Puff the Magic Dragon...
There's a dragon in my story!!! So you know I'm already a happy, happy girl...but damn, this dragon is HOT!!! He's big and black and has piercing blue eyes and if he says he's going to set the world on fire...than you can be sure things are going up in flames. I know I damned near did.
"On Wings of Thunder" was my first time reading this author and quite honestly they impressed the hell outta' me. Not only was there an amazing dragon in the story. A dragon who was suppose to be 'the bad guy' but we've got angels and while I like angels...I mean they're not as cool as dragons...or should I say hot. Since in this story it's the angels who are cold blooded...whatever, angels are ok, dragons are amazing!!! I have to admit while I'll jump into a dragon story without hesitation, I am usually a little more reserved when it comes to angels. I like my angels to be the angels of fantasy and not theology and happily they were.
Asagoroth was imprisoned by the angels but what no one knew was that he cast his own spell one that would eventually free him when the right time came. It is Trystan one of the 'unchosen' who unknowingly sets events in motion that bring about Asagoroth's freedom. The angels are ready to go to war and Asagoroth tells them 'give me the one who freed me and we shall leave you alone'. The angels refuse, but Trystan has his own ideas about this and he chooses to go with the dragon.
While the sex between these two was scorching hot and I totally approve. The one thing I do wish was that there'd been a little bit more story because what we got was awesome and I admit I'm being greedy when I say that I would have been willing to sacrifice a itsy, bitsy amount of the sex if it would have gotten me a tiny bit more story. Not because I didn't enjoy that part of the story trust me...I did, I was just really, really into this story and these characters...so yeah, it just comes down to "Please sir, I want more."...did I mention I'm greedy that way, when it comes to an awesome story?
This may have been a story about 'angels' and 'demons', but, what it wasn't was your typical...'angels good, demons bad' concept. There really wasn't a clearly defined good and bad here...more like a lot of misguided souls. People who believed what they were doing was the right thing but sadly their beliefs were also based on some bad information. This story was like catnip for me...dragons, demons, angels, fantasy, battles, love, passion...serious catnip here folks.
Add in Pavi Proczko, a narrator who totally rocked that dragons voice. Don't get me wrong I liked all of the books narration but the dragon's voice for me was absolute perfection...it was deep, gravelly, filled with power and passion, fearless...see totally a dragon's voice, I loved it. This was also my first time listening to this narrator and I was impressed. I found that his narration of this story contained the elements that I've come to look for and enjoy in an audio book. The reading was well paced, his voices were distinct and consistent, they conveyed the characters emotions whether it was happiness, sadness, anger, passion, love, etc. The continuity of what I was hearing and how well it blended with the words of the story simply made my audio experience with this new to me author and narrator a total pleasure.
All in all I'm definitely putting this one firmly in the win category...awesome story, excellent new author and narrator. If you like fantasy and dragons as much as I do...check this one out. I think you'll be impressed.
********************
An Audiobook of "On Wings of Thunder" was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is definitely not Puff the Magic Dragon...
There's a dragon in my story!!! So you know I'm already a happy, happy girl...but damn, this dragon is HOT!!! He's big and black and has piercing blue eyes and if he says he's going to set the world on fire...than you can be sure things are going up in flames. I know I damned near did.
"On Wings of Thunder" was my first time reading this author and quite honestly they impressed the hell outta' me. Not only was there an amazing dragon in the story. A dragon who was suppose to be 'the bad guy' but we've got angels and while I like angels...I mean they're not as cool as dragons...or should I say hot. Since in this story it's the angels who are cold blooded...whatever, angels are ok, dragons are amazing!!! I have to admit while I'll jump into a dragon story without hesitation, I am usually a little more reserved when it comes to angels. I like my angels to be the angels of fantasy and not theology and happily they were.
Asagoroth was imprisoned by the angels but what no one knew was that he cast his own spell one that would eventually free him when the right time came. It is Trystan one of the 'unchosen' who unknowingly sets events in motion that bring about Asagoroth's freedom. The angels are ready to go to war and Asagoroth tells them 'give me the one who freed me and we shall leave you alone'. The angels refuse, but Trystan has his own ideas about this and he chooses to go with the dragon.
While the sex between these two was scorching hot and I totally approve. The one thing I do wish was that there'd been a little bit more story because what we got was awesome and I admit I'm being greedy when I say that I would have been willing to sacrifice a itsy, bitsy amount of the sex if it would have gotten me a tiny bit more story. Not because I didn't enjoy that part of the story trust me...I did, I was just really, really into this story and these characters...so yeah, it just comes down to "Please sir, I want more."...did I mention I'm greedy that way, when it comes to an awesome story?
This may have been a story about 'angels' and 'demons', but, what it wasn't was your typical...'angels good, demons bad' concept. There really wasn't a clearly defined good and bad here...more like a lot of misguided souls. People who believed what they were doing was the right thing but sadly their beliefs were also based on some bad information. This story was like catnip for me...dragons, demons, angels, fantasy, battles, love, passion...serious catnip here folks.
Add in Pavi Proczko, a narrator who totally rocked that dragons voice. Don't get me wrong I liked all of the books narration but the dragon's voice for me was absolute perfection...it was deep, gravelly, filled with power and passion, fearless...see totally a dragon's voice, I loved it. This was also my first time listening to this narrator and I was impressed. I found that his narration of this story contained the elements that I've come to look for and enjoy in an audio book. The reading was well paced, his voices were distinct and consistent, they conveyed the characters emotions whether it was happiness, sadness, anger, passion, love, etc. The continuity of what I was hearing and how well it blended with the words of the story simply made my audio experience with this new to me author and narrator a total pleasure.
All in all I'm definitely putting this one firmly in the win category...awesome story, excellent new author and narrator. If you like fantasy and dragons as much as I do...check this one out. I think you'll be impressed.
********************
An Audiobook of "On Wings of Thunder" was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2017
A Hearts On Fire Review
FOUR HEARTS--M.D. Grimm's On the Wings of Thunder is a high fantasy novel that features angels, demons and dragons. The story starts with a battle, angels against the most powerful dragon ever created, Asagoroth. He's pissed at the beings in the Upper Realm and wants revenge. Five of the strongest angels create a spell to bind the dragon since they couldn't defeat him. But Asagoroth had a trick of his own and created a counterspell on how to be released.
The dragon, is the leader of demons, whom reside in the (Lower Realm) and was the last of his kind. He's caged for a millennia, waiting for the key to set him free... his beloved.
The Upper Realm is sort of like a heaven where angels reign supreme, demons are their sworn mortal enemies. I won't lie, I'm not the biggest fan of angels. They're usually too goody goody and not as interesting as their demonic counterparts. Other than McCormack's angels (highly recommended btw), I haven't read a book in awhile that dirties the angels' standing. Me likey!
Bullied and nineteen, Trystan is an Unchosen angel - an angel who isn't assigned a future role in the Upper Realm at birth is consider one. He's been either pitied, ridiculed or bullied his entire life. Most turn a blind eye. An incident leads to the biggest change in his entire life.
Someone frees the beast and the beast is 1000% devoted on finding his mate aka the one who freed him.
Asagoroth demands, orders and inserts himself in Trystan's life. He knows his scent and he wants it all over him.
This novella is packed with information that didn't feel like an info dump. I like the way the author twisted heaven, Earth and hell mythos and made it different, yet interesting. The Middle Realm (like Earth) is adaptable to the beings who reside there. The Lower Realm isn't as bad as imagined and the Upper Realm isn't as squeaky clean.
There is a mystery of what happened on the fateful day Asagoroth was bound, what really happened prior and who Trystan really is. I felt bad for Trystan and hated the system the angels came up with, classification of angel roles at birth. Talk about a lot of pressure. And then the way Unchosen were shunned? Not cool.
The sex is possessive and pounding. We know Trystan is untouched... once Asagoroth gets a hold of him, they make up for lost time. 3:) There is a lot of pet names like "my beloved", "my love". It is laid on thick. And there are slight point when it got repetitive and felt the plot got stuck in a sugar trap. The author was able to move the plot along more often than not. I think the length is appropriate, any longer and the sugar would probably outweigh the neat 'beauty and the beast'-ish plot it had going on.
It's my first time listening to narrator Pavi Proczko. I'd rate 3.75 Hearts for his performance. It wasn't bad. But the inflections at the end of every few sentence made it sound like a robot was reading rather than a person. It wasn't every line but when it happened it threw me off. I try to search for less robotic narrators not get to thrown off a story. (My pet peeve) I did read along with the audio, there were some word changes that didn't ruin the experience. I'd tell potential audio buyers try a sample first. Once he got into a good part of a story, it was enjoyable. There some distinction between characters.
The writing was really good. I was starting to get a little peeved with the insecurity plot with Trystan, but I kept having to remind myself it's due to the way he was raised. I do think it would take time for him to get over, so I won't gripe as much. It is my first time reading this author and midway through, it hit me once the possessive dragon demon shifter touch his mate telepathically...the dragon gave me Calmes/Cardeno C. vibes.
And I'm not mad at it.
The story wraps up neatly. And as I read further and further, I'd think, "you know what would make this story better?" and the author would do it in the next passage or scene. I totally enjoyed myself with his passionate, possessive, tale.
If this is the type of writing this author churns out, consider me swimming through their back list!
Recommended to readers who like an unusual shifter who demands and controls, a virgin who loves his beast, angelic/demonic battles and beauty and the beast themes!
FOUR HEARTS--M.D. Grimm's On the Wings of Thunder is a high fantasy novel that features angels, demons and dragons. The story starts with a battle, angels against the most powerful dragon ever created, Asagoroth. He's pissed at the beings in the Upper Realm and wants revenge. Five of the strongest angels create a spell to bind the dragon since they couldn't defeat him. But Asagoroth had a trick of his own and created a counterspell on how to be released.
The dragon, is the leader of demons, whom reside in the (Lower Realm) and was the last of his kind. He's caged for a millennia, waiting for the key to set him free... his beloved.
The Upper Realm is sort of like a heaven where angels reign supreme, demons are their sworn mortal enemies. I won't lie, I'm not the biggest fan of angels. They're usually too goody goody and not as interesting as their demonic counterparts. Other than McCormack's angels (highly recommended btw), I haven't read a book in awhile that dirties the angels' standing. Me likey!
Bullied and nineteen, Trystan is an Unchosen angel - an angel who isn't assigned a future role in the Upper Realm at birth is consider one. He's been either pitied, ridiculed or bullied his entire life. Most turn a blind eye. An incident leads to the biggest change in his entire life.
Someone frees the beast and the beast is 1000% devoted on finding his mate aka the one who freed him.
Asagoroth demands, orders and inserts himself in Trystan's life. He knows his scent and he wants it all over him.
The angel was unchosen. Wasn't that poetic? It was only right he held no place within angelic society. Because the angel was chosen: by him. Always and forever.
The angel belonged to him.
This novella is packed with information that didn't feel like an info dump. I like the way the author twisted heaven, Earth and hell mythos and made it different, yet interesting. The Middle Realm (like Earth) is adaptable to the beings who reside there. The Lower Realm isn't as bad as imagined and the Upper Realm isn't as squeaky clean.
There is a mystery of what happened on the fateful day Asagoroth was bound, what really happened prior and who Trystan really is. I felt bad for Trystan and hated the system the angels came up with, classification of angel roles at birth. Talk about a lot of pressure. And then the way Unchosen were shunned? Not cool.
The sex is possessive and pounding. We know Trystan is untouched... once Asagoroth gets a hold of him, they make up for lost time. 3:) There is a lot of pet names like "my beloved", "my love". It is laid on thick. And there are slight point when it got repetitive and felt the plot got stuck in a sugar trap. The author was able to move the plot along more often than not. I think the length is appropriate, any longer and the sugar would probably outweigh the neat 'beauty and the beast'-ish plot it had going on.
It's my first time listening to narrator Pavi Proczko. I'd rate 3.75 Hearts for his performance. It wasn't bad. But the inflections at the end of every few sentence made it sound like a robot was reading rather than a person. It wasn't every line but when it happened it threw me off. I try to search for less robotic narrators not get to thrown off a story. (My pet peeve) I did read along with the audio, there were some word changes that didn't ruin the experience. I'd tell potential audio buyers try a sample first. Once he got into a good part of a story, it was enjoyable. There some distinction between characters.
The writing was really good. I was starting to get a little peeved with the insecurity plot with Trystan, but I kept having to remind myself it's due to the way he was raised. I do think it would take time for him to get over, so I won't gripe as much. It is my first time reading this author and midway through, it hit me once the possessive dragon demon shifter touch his mate telepathically...the dragon gave me Calmes/Cardeno C. vibes.
And I'm not mad at it.
The story wraps up neatly. And as I read further and further, I'd think, "you know what would make this story better?" and the author would do it in the next passage or scene. I totally enjoyed myself with his passionate, possessive, tale.
If this is the type of writing this author churns out, consider me swimming through their back list!
Recommended to readers who like an unusual shifter who demands and controls, a virgin who loves his beast, angelic/demonic battles and beauty and the beast themes!
July 20, 2016
I really love this novella because I recognized these characters, the archetypes, the misunderstood hero/villain, and his sweet, shy, unseen for his true worth, mate. I loved that Trystan just didn't accept but questioned, almost to his detriment, but then realized what he was about to give up. I loved that the demon was patient and nurturing but also fearsome and very scary. This is beauty and the beast in a new incarnation but where we don't lose the beast completely at the end so there remains a fierce protector, gentle lover and a force of nature. I was smitten with the dragon-demon Asagoroth and even more so by beautiful and curious Trystan. Don't miss this one.
March 19, 2017
I really enjoyed both the story and the narration!
I loved how Trystan, though either ignored or bullied and tormented his entire life, with the exception of his sister, finds his true mate in Asagoroth, a dragon feared by all Angels.
Told entirely from Trystan's POV, I loved how Proczko conveyed the loneliness and frustration with life that Trystan feels.
I loved how fierce a protector Asagoroth was, and how much he did out of love for Trystan. This has such great Fantasy elements as well as a really passionate romance between Trystan and his Dragon.
“Trystan, all my power, all my strength, I give to you. They are yours to command. I am yours. That was a decision I made a millennium ago.”
I especially loved how there was no real religious sermonizing in the story, just a beautiful mates romance between angel and dragon.
“We are meant to be together. Always and forever. You are my angel. I am your dragon.”
Pavi Proczko is a new-to-me narrator, but I enjoyed his varied character voices, his timing, pacing, and inflection. I'll definitely be checking out some of his other work.
I recommend this if you're looking for a fantasy romance with strong characters, hot passion, good plot, and entertaining narration.
Audio copy of On Wings of Thunder provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
July 21, 2016
‘On Wings of Thunder’ starts out as an epic battle of good versus evil – angels versus demons – and when the five elder angels combine forces to kill Asagoroth, the demon leader, yet only succeed to imprison the mighty dragon, I thought I knew where the story was going. As the tale picks up a thousand years later with the dragon awakening, it turns out I was wrong. In fact, I was wrong on more than one level. The characters surprised me, the events twisted and turned a few times, the epic battle still happened but in an entirely unexpected way… and the final resolution was logical, yet its consequences surprised me in a good way. I love it when a book (or rather, its author) can do that to me!
Trystan may be an angel, and the angels are beings of light, yet they are not what I imagine angels to be. They are cold, cruel, set in their ways, and have more rules and regulations than should be allowed. Everyone is “chosen” from birth as to what they will be when they grow up – except very few “unchosen” angels – like Trystan. He is ignored, even shunned, by everyone, including most of his family. When he discovers a carving of a great dragon he is ready to listen to the one everyone calls a beast, and what he finds out surprises him.
Trystan has to learn to accept himself and Asagoroth’s love for him, and his need goes much deeper than it seems at first glance. But the angels keep hunting them down, unwilling to let them live in peace, and Trystan begins to understand Asagoroth’s anger. He is determined to find a way out… and that is when the surprises start to take over. I can’t say too much more without spoiling the story, but let me tell you - I followed the events with breathless anticipation and loved the final resolution.
If you like epic tales that combine existing legends and myths into a new whole, if you believe that opposites attract for a reason, and if you’re looking for an action-packed read full of love, betrayal, discoveries, and a perfect ending that is just the beginning, then you will probably like this novella as much as I do. It’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Trystan may be an angel, and the angels are beings of light, yet they are not what I imagine angels to be. They are cold, cruel, set in their ways, and have more rules and regulations than should be allowed. Everyone is “chosen” from birth as to what they will be when they grow up – except very few “unchosen” angels – like Trystan. He is ignored, even shunned, by everyone, including most of his family. When he discovers a carving of a great dragon he is ready to listen to the one everyone calls a beast, and what he finds out surprises him.
Trystan has to learn to accept himself and Asagoroth’s love for him, and his need goes much deeper than it seems at first glance. But the angels keep hunting them down, unwilling to let them live in peace, and Trystan begins to understand Asagoroth’s anger. He is determined to find a way out… and that is when the surprises start to take over. I can’t say too much more without spoiling the story, but let me tell you - I followed the events with breathless anticipation and loved the final resolution.
If you like epic tales that combine existing legends and myths into a new whole, if you believe that opposites attract for a reason, and if you’re looking for an action-packed read full of love, betrayal, discoveries, and a perfect ending that is just the beginning, then you will probably like this novella as much as I do. It’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 4, 2017
2.5 stars
Hmmm, after finishing an edgier book this one came as too mushy for me with all the my love, my angel, my beloved. Too bad, I had hope because it involved angels, demons, and dragon. But the whole mated thing just didn't work for me this time *shrugs*
Hmmm, after finishing an edgier book this one came as too mushy for me with all the my love, my angel, my beloved. Too bad, I had hope because it involved angels, demons, and dragon. But the whole mated thing just didn't work for me this time *shrugs*
August 4, 2016
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review.
Okay, so I had several issues with this book. The general plot idea sounds good and I love dragons and demons and angels (as long as they aren’t sent by God or something), so it definitely had the potential to be great. Unfortunately, “On Wings of Thunder” mostly fell flat.
The beginning felt a little unrealistic to me. Trystan falls into an old well and discovers a gorgeous carving of a dragon at the bottom. He realizes that the blood from his cut hand does strange things with the carving. Instead of being scared or at least a little cautious, he’s fascinated and makes the cut worse to get more blood on the carving. And didn’t for a second think about the consequences. He lives in a world full of magic and doesn’t worry that blood magic and an ancient carving of an evil dragon might be a bad idea? That’s extremely naïve.
When Asagoroth is finally awakened, he essentially blackmails Trystan into joining him. He’s all, “Come with me, my love, or I will kill every last angel, destroy your entire realm and take you by force afterwards.” (Not his exact words, but the gist of them) And yet again, Trystan isn’t scared or worried at all. He seems to think that’s incredibly romantic. I was kind of uncomfortable with that premise. It didn’t feel like a very good start for a consensual relationship.
Once Trystan and Asagoroth are finally joined, self-doubt ensues on Trystan’s part. So much self-doubt it soon had me rolling my eyes. I do get that he’d be unsure about Asagoroth’s love for him, given his life as an Unchosen, but it was just too much.
One of my biggest issues was the sex scenes. With phrases along the lines of, “Trystan shuddered at the violation of his secret entrance”, it almost read like rape wrapped up in purple prose.
There wasn’t all that much plot overall. Around the 80% mark I was still looking for things to really get going. There is a big showdown at the end, but even that left me a little bored.
Essentially, “On Wings of Thunder” very much wasn’t for me. It felt a little silly and I was kind of bored for the most time. I’m sure there are people who will enjoy this, but I’m not one of them.
The cover by sin shows Trystan and Asagoroth. Just like the story itself, it isn’t really to my tastes.
Okay, so I had several issues with this book. The general plot idea sounds good and I love dragons and demons and angels (as long as they aren’t sent by God or something), so it definitely had the potential to be great. Unfortunately, “On Wings of Thunder” mostly fell flat.
The beginning felt a little unrealistic to me. Trystan falls into an old well and discovers a gorgeous carving of a dragon at the bottom. He realizes that the blood from his cut hand does strange things with the carving. Instead of being scared or at least a little cautious, he’s fascinated and makes the cut worse to get more blood on the carving. And didn’t for a second think about the consequences. He lives in a world full of magic and doesn’t worry that blood magic and an ancient carving of an evil dragon might be a bad idea? That’s extremely naïve.
When Asagoroth is finally awakened, he essentially blackmails Trystan into joining him. He’s all, “Come with me, my love, or I will kill every last angel, destroy your entire realm and take you by force afterwards.” (Not his exact words, but the gist of them) And yet again, Trystan isn’t scared or worried at all. He seems to think that’s incredibly romantic. I was kind of uncomfortable with that premise. It didn’t feel like a very good start for a consensual relationship.
Once Trystan and Asagoroth are finally joined, self-doubt ensues on Trystan’s part. So much self-doubt it soon had me rolling my eyes. I do get that he’d be unsure about Asagoroth’s love for him, given his life as an Unchosen, but it was just too much.
One of my biggest issues was the sex scenes. With phrases along the lines of, “Trystan shuddered at the violation of his secret entrance”, it almost read like rape wrapped up in purple prose.
There wasn’t all that much plot overall. Around the 80% mark I was still looking for things to really get going. There is a big showdown at the end, but even that left me a little bored.
Essentially, “On Wings of Thunder” very much wasn’t for me. It felt a little silly and I was kind of bored for the most time. I’m sure there are people who will enjoy this, but I’m not one of them.
The cover by sin shows Trystan and Asagoroth. Just like the story itself, it isn’t really to my tastes.
July 13, 2019
**grm**
I had conflicted feelings about this story, until the epilogue. Sometimes Trystan annoyed me, also if I could understand that he didn't want to be compared to Roland, but in the end they were the same person, he was the other man's reincarnation, his essence, and Asagoroth loved them both, because for him they were the same person. The Dragon and lord of the demons, had a lot of potential as character but the story was too short, and in some pages too repetitive, to really show all "his glory". I really liked him, and thinking about the 1000 years he had to spend alone trapped, reviving the day he lost his true love, when Roland was killed, made me sad. Thankfully Trystan was able to free him and they had a chance at happiness again.
I hated the angels with their stupid principles and arrogance, they deserved to be wiped out. Asagoroth had given then an ultimatum, leave him alone and he would do the same with them, but no, they had to fight and act like morons.
They should be grateful there were two smart angels like Trystan and his sister, that understood how to end this war and avoid the angels annihilation. I admit that the plan sounded strange, but I'm all for "make love and not war", and that was what litterally happened. Demons and Angels were pushed to mate and the war was forgotten. 9 months later the race of the men was born and we met the newborns Eve and Adam(there were also other children)...the rest is History.
Too bad there wasn't mpreg in this book, I wanted to see Trystan and Asagoroth's child, but they still formed their family adopting the little baby they will call Adam. Not a great story, but interesting nonetheless.
I had conflicted feelings about this story, until the epilogue. Sometimes Trystan annoyed me, also if I could understand that he didn't want to be compared to Roland, but in the end they were the same person, he was the other man's reincarnation, his essence, and Asagoroth loved them both, because for him they were the same person. The Dragon and lord of the demons, had a lot of potential as character but the story was too short, and in some pages too repetitive, to really show all "his glory". I really liked him, and thinking about the 1000 years he had to spend alone trapped, reviving the day he lost his true love, when Roland was killed, made me sad. Thankfully Trystan was able to free him and they had a chance at happiness again.
I hated the angels with their stupid principles and arrogance, they deserved to be wiped out. Asagoroth had given then an ultimatum, leave him alone and he would do the same with them, but no, they had to fight and act like morons.
They should be grateful there were two smart angels like Trystan and his sister, that understood how to end this war and avoid the angels annihilation. I admit that the plan sounded strange, but I'm all for "make love and not war", and that was what litterally happened. Demons and Angels were pushed to mate and the war was forgotten. 9 months later the race of the men was born and we met the newborns Eve and Adam(there were also other children)...the rest is History.
Too bad there wasn't mpreg in this book, I wanted to see Trystan and Asagoroth's child, but they still formed their family adopting the little baby they will call Adam. Not a great story, but interesting nonetheless.
September 10, 2019
Jan 2019: Another bump in the rating as I keep recommending it! So, 3.5 stars bumped to a 4-star rating. It's nowhere near perfect but it must fill some need in my mind and heart.
A fun Saturday afternoon read. A bit too much sex...skipped over some of that. Characters were on the shallow side, but I must say the descriptions of the dragon were magnificent...which is probably the only reason I'm going to remember this story. I wish there had been more character development and more (better?) world building. In the end it was an interesting take on angels and demons, and while the ending was kind of unique, it was a bit cheesy.
July 17, 2016
“So different and yet… they seemed to match each other. Two sides of the same coin. Perfect opposites.”
Angels and Demons are meant to be enemies. They represent the Good and the Bad, Pure and Evil. So, what happens when an Angel and a Demon fall in love???
Trystan is an unchosen in the perfect world of the angels. Except his sister, none of his siblings or his parents has ever made him feel wanted or loved. Being an unchosen, Trystan have to live his life without a mate or Love. He is tired of his existence as a disgrace to his family and to the whole angel community. He wants to belong, to be appreciated and most of all to be loved. When Trystan chances upon a strange stone carving inside the well of his city, he is unaware that his life is about to change forever. His blood awakens the fearsome Asagoroth, the mighty dragon leader of the demons who was imprisoned during the Great Battle a millennium ago. And now the Dragon wants him. To save his kind, Trystan agrees to go with the Demon Lord. But that’s not the only reason. Trystan feels an unexplained but intense connection to Asagoroth. The mighty dragon loves him and Trystan though scared, can’t deny his attraction to the dragon. But they have forces working against them to keep them apart. Will Trystan get his HEA with his Dragon??? Read to find out.
“I missed you,” Asagoroth said. “I longed for you. To hear you, touch you, to become one with you again. Your elegance and your softness. How I need you.”
This read was about two star crossed lovers and they get a happy ending, for which I was very happy.
Trystan and Asagoroth are eternal mates and they are meant to be together but they are from two different worlds. Angels and Demons are eternal enemies, so falling in love and living happily ever after is not in the cards for Trystan and Asagoroth. They have to fight for their love and also attempt to bring their two worlds together.
“I am your dragon, dear angel. You lead, and I shall follow.”
I liked the rendition of “How the Earth or the Earthlings came into being” in this read. The Angels and Demons are opposites but they are also tied to each other by a bond created by the Lord himself. There is one Angel created for each Demon and when they finally come together to mate rather than to fight, the mortal Earthlings are created, who populate the Middle Realm.Trystan and Asagoroth are meant to lead their people to the path of Love rather than Hate.
Trystan and Asagorath’s love was intense and beautiful. Trystan is drawn to Asa from the beginning. He knows that he is reincarnation of Asa’s lover but he is unsure of Asa’s affection for him. Asa has missed his lover and mate for an eternity and now when he has Trystan in his arms, he is ready to do anything to convince Trystan of his powerful Love for him. So what ensues is some intense love making, which were pretty HOT. Asagoroth is a Dragon with horns and scales and with a breath of fire, so you must be wondering how the intimacy is possible. I won’t tell you*wink* Just know that they made a pretty scorching couple.
“Trystan, all my power, all my strength, I give to you. They are yours to command. I am yours. That was a decision I made a millennium ago.”
I enjoyed this book. It was a great Fantasy read with a sweet and passionate romance between a delicate Angel and a fire breathing, charismatic Dragon, who will do anything for his Mate. It is very nicely written and I did not get bored for a second. There are no religious preaching in this book, just a romance between two completely opposite beings who happens to be an Angel and a Demon.
“We are meant to be together. Always and forever. You are my angel. I am your dragon.”
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
Angels and Demons are meant to be enemies. They represent the Good and the Bad, Pure and Evil. So, what happens when an Angel and a Demon fall in love???
Trystan is an unchosen in the perfect world of the angels. Except his sister, none of his siblings or his parents has ever made him feel wanted or loved. Being an unchosen, Trystan have to live his life without a mate or Love. He is tired of his existence as a disgrace to his family and to the whole angel community. He wants to belong, to be appreciated and most of all to be loved. When Trystan chances upon a strange stone carving inside the well of his city, he is unaware that his life is about to change forever. His blood awakens the fearsome Asagoroth, the mighty dragon leader of the demons who was imprisoned during the Great Battle a millennium ago. And now the Dragon wants him. To save his kind, Trystan agrees to go with the Demon Lord. But that’s not the only reason. Trystan feels an unexplained but intense connection to Asagoroth. The mighty dragon loves him and Trystan though scared, can’t deny his attraction to the dragon. But they have forces working against them to keep them apart. Will Trystan get his HEA with his Dragon??? Read to find out.
“I missed you,” Asagoroth said. “I longed for you. To hear you, touch you, to become one with you again. Your elegance and your softness. How I need you.”
This read was about two star crossed lovers and they get a happy ending, for which I was very happy.
Trystan and Asagoroth are eternal mates and they are meant to be together but they are from two different worlds. Angels and Demons are eternal enemies, so falling in love and living happily ever after is not in the cards for Trystan and Asagoroth. They have to fight for their love and also attempt to bring their two worlds together.
“I am your dragon, dear angel. You lead, and I shall follow.”
I liked the rendition of “How the Earth or the Earthlings came into being” in this read. The Angels and Demons are opposites but they are also tied to each other by a bond created by the Lord himself. There is one Angel created for each Demon and when they finally come together to mate rather than to fight, the mortal Earthlings are created, who populate the Middle Realm.Trystan and Asagoroth are meant to lead their people to the path of Love rather than Hate.
Trystan and Asagorath’s love was intense and beautiful. Trystan is drawn to Asa from the beginning. He knows that he is reincarnation of Asa’s lover but he is unsure of Asa’s affection for him. Asa has missed his lover and mate for an eternity and now when he has Trystan in his arms, he is ready to do anything to convince Trystan of his powerful Love for him. So what ensues is some intense love making, which were pretty HOT. Asagoroth is a Dragon with horns and scales and with a breath of fire, so you must be wondering how the intimacy is possible. I won’t tell you*wink* Just know that they made a pretty scorching couple.
“Trystan, all my power, all my strength, I give to you. They are yours to command. I am yours. That was a decision I made a millennium ago.”
I enjoyed this book. It was a great Fantasy read with a sweet and passionate romance between a delicate Angel and a fire breathing, charismatic Dragon, who will do anything for his Mate. It is very nicely written and I did not get bored for a second. There are no religious preaching in this book, just a romance between two completely opposite beings who happens to be an Angel and a Demon.
“We are meant to be together. Always and forever. You are my angel. I am your dragon.”
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
June 30, 2019
Book – On Wings of Thunder
Author – M.D. Grimm
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 144
Cover – Gorgeous!
POV – 3rd person, dual POV.
Would I read it again – Yes!!
Genre – LGBT, Paranormal, Angel/Demon, Romance, MM, Creation
** Reviewed for Divine Magazine **
Wow. I don't know what else to say except, Wow!
The moment I saw the cover, I was intrigued and, after reading the blurb, I was desperate to read this story. I bought it on pre-order, but had to wait a few days to get other things done and, honestly, nothing was harder to do than avoid this book to read another in its place. Now I know my first instinct was right.
I really don't want to give away too much of the plot, because this is a story that you need to read to understand.
To start with, this is pretty much a creation story with a twist. I really loved the names and history of the Angels and Demons that were used in the plot; the way that they were just a little different to what we know. It added a sense of familiarity and yet, uniqueness, to the story.
The fact that the Angels were raised in a sort of school environment, complete with bullies and the Unchosen (those without purpose in life) was very different to all other Angel stories I've read. The thought of an Angel outcast, bullies and a connection between Angels and Demons, was so clever and original that I was hooked right from the first page. The addition of a Dragon being a Demon leader was all amazingly realistic, creative and really made sense.
As for characters, I really loved Trystan, Asagoroth and, of course, Annalise.
Beyond that, I don't want to say anything else. Read it and you'll love it.
Author – M.D. Grimm
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 144
Cover – Gorgeous!
POV – 3rd person, dual POV.
Would I read it again – Yes!!
Genre – LGBT, Paranormal, Angel/Demon, Romance, MM, Creation
** Reviewed for Divine Magazine **
Wow. I don't know what else to say except, Wow!
The moment I saw the cover, I was intrigued and, after reading the blurb, I was desperate to read this story. I bought it on pre-order, but had to wait a few days to get other things done and, honestly, nothing was harder to do than avoid this book to read another in its place. Now I know my first instinct was right.
I really don't want to give away too much of the plot, because this is a story that you need to read to understand.
To start with, this is pretty much a creation story with a twist. I really loved the names and history of the Angels and Demons that were used in the plot; the way that they were just a little different to what we know. It added a sense of familiarity and yet, uniqueness, to the story.
The fact that the Angels were raised in a sort of school environment, complete with bullies and the Unchosen (those without purpose in life) was very different to all other Angel stories I've read. The thought of an Angel outcast, bullies and a connection between Angels and Demons, was so clever and original that I was hooked right from the first page. The addition of a Dragon being a Demon leader was all amazingly realistic, creative and really made sense.
As for characters, I really loved Trystan, Asagoroth and, of course, Annalise.
Beyond that, I don't want to say anything else. Read it and you'll love it.
July 27, 2016
Finally an angel/demon story with a good twist. I felt bad for Trystan being unchosen and bullied for it. Ana was awesome and devoted to Trystan and her books. Asagoroth was perfect for the lonely angel. A well written easy read with well developed characters.
July 18, 2019
I really liked the prequel and this book did not disappoint. It prolly helped that I was in the mood to suspend all disbelief and reality hahaha! This book might not go over well with other people who want some sort of realism. But Asa is just the perfect jealous possessive anti-hero for me!
July 20, 2016
Book: On the Wings of Thunder
Author: M.D. Grimm
Rating: 4.5 Stars
One born of light. One born of dark. Trystan is the unchosen in the world of perfect angels. Asagoroth is a dragon and powerful leader of the demons. What starts as an accident and curiosity leads Trystan down a path he never could have imagined straight to the one he is not supposed to love.
“In a world where one’s life, profession, and destiny were determined at birth by a seer, the unchosen were a disgrace.”
Trystan lives his life day to day with no love or friends to call his own all because he was born as an unchosen. But he wasn’t just an unchosen he was an unchosen born of accomplished and revered commanders in the Upper Realm’s armies. Only one angel in the whole Upper realm he has any emotional connection to was his sister Annalise, who herself was a knowledge keeper. But he was alone most days with nothing of importance to do because he was nothing of importance.
“A beast moved in the dark. Partially awakened from his stupor, he listened and he felt. Now he sensed someone he’d never forgotten, heard a whisper of their voice, felt the slight brush of their touch.”
Until the day he stumbled upon a carving under the garden and that is when everything changed. Unbeknownst to him his blood has awakened Asagoroth, the fearsome dragon who was imprisoned in the cage during the Great Battle more than a millennium ago. And now the dragon wants him. In order to save his kind he has to give himself over to Asagoroth. What he doesn’t know is that the dragon doesn’t just want him, he loves him. And as much as Trystan wants to save the angels of the Upper Realm he doesn’t just go to save them, he goes because he feels this intense connection to Asagoroth that he cannot explain. But things aren’t so easy as him just leaving because they are forces that want to keep Asagoroth and him apart.
“I longed for you. To hear you, touch you, to become one with you again. Your elegance and your softness. How I need you.”
There is just so much to say about this wonderful story. First the world building is excellent made better by the depiction of why the Middle realm was made. The author created her own story of “How the Human’s came to be” and it was awesome. She gives these two characters not just a love story but that their love had a purpose. Trystan and Asagoroth are meant, by coming together, to lead their people to the path of love and togetherness not war.
Trystan is drawn to Asagoroth from the beginning, even before he is released from the cage he was trapped in, but throughout the story struggles with believing that a dragon as mighty and magnificent as Asagoroth could love him and want him for himself. Being unchosen he has always been unwanted which further complicates their love no matter how much Asagoroth tries to tell him otherwise.
“We are meant to be together. Always and forever. You are my angel. I am your dragon.”
I guess you can say their love was instant but it wasn’t easy. Asagoroth just knows that he see’s his love from a millennia ago in Trystan; loves the things that are the same and the things that are different. And no one will take away what is his again. He will do whatever it take to convince Trystan of his love which translates to some pretty hot, intense, and steamy sexy times.
“I am your dragon, dear angel. You lead, and I shall follow.”
This was a beautifully written story that I couldn’t put down. I will be looking for more future books from this author because there is nothing I love more than an author who can write fantasy as well as this!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/ *
Author: M.D. Grimm
Rating: 4.5 Stars
One born of light. One born of dark. Trystan is the unchosen in the world of perfect angels. Asagoroth is a dragon and powerful leader of the demons. What starts as an accident and curiosity leads Trystan down a path he never could have imagined straight to the one he is not supposed to love.
“In a world where one’s life, profession, and destiny were determined at birth by a seer, the unchosen were a disgrace.”
Trystan lives his life day to day with no love or friends to call his own all because he was born as an unchosen. But he wasn’t just an unchosen he was an unchosen born of accomplished and revered commanders in the Upper Realm’s armies. Only one angel in the whole Upper realm he has any emotional connection to was his sister Annalise, who herself was a knowledge keeper. But he was alone most days with nothing of importance to do because he was nothing of importance.
“A beast moved in the dark. Partially awakened from his stupor, he listened and he felt. Now he sensed someone he’d never forgotten, heard a whisper of their voice, felt the slight brush of their touch.”
Until the day he stumbled upon a carving under the garden and that is when everything changed. Unbeknownst to him his blood has awakened Asagoroth, the fearsome dragon who was imprisoned in the cage during the Great Battle more than a millennium ago. And now the dragon wants him. In order to save his kind he has to give himself over to Asagoroth. What he doesn’t know is that the dragon doesn’t just want him, he loves him. And as much as Trystan wants to save the angels of the Upper Realm he doesn’t just go to save them, he goes because he feels this intense connection to Asagoroth that he cannot explain. But things aren’t so easy as him just leaving because they are forces that want to keep Asagoroth and him apart.
“I longed for you. To hear you, touch you, to become one with you again. Your elegance and your softness. How I need you.”
There is just so much to say about this wonderful story. First the world building is excellent made better by the depiction of why the Middle realm was made. The author created her own story of “How the Human’s came to be” and it was awesome. She gives these two characters not just a love story but that their love had a purpose. Trystan and Asagoroth are meant, by coming together, to lead their people to the path of love and togetherness not war.
Trystan is drawn to Asagoroth from the beginning, even before he is released from the cage he was trapped in, but throughout the story struggles with believing that a dragon as mighty and magnificent as Asagoroth could love him and want him for himself. Being unchosen he has always been unwanted which further complicates their love no matter how much Asagoroth tries to tell him otherwise.
“We are meant to be together. Always and forever. You are my angel. I am your dragon.”
I guess you can say their love was instant but it wasn’t easy. Asagoroth just knows that he see’s his love from a millennia ago in Trystan; loves the things that are the same and the things that are different. And no one will take away what is his again. He will do whatever it take to convince Trystan of his love which translates to some pretty hot, intense, and steamy sexy times.
“I am your dragon, dear angel. You lead, and I shall follow.”
This was a beautifully written story that I couldn’t put down. I will be looking for more future books from this author because there is nothing I love more than an author who can write fantasy as well as this!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/ *
October 20, 2016
4.5* Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
Labeled as a child as one of the unchosen, Trystan has lived his life merely existing from one day to the next with only the occasional visits from his sister to brighten an otherwise dull and unhappy existence. Constantly tormented and bullied, and with no friends, it isn’t surprising that when Trystan accidentally discovers a chamber hidden away under the center of the city, he wants to keep that knowledge for himself. After all, why should he share something so amazing with those who decided he was worthless? When Trystan unknowingly releases the demon general Asagoroth from his imprisonment, however, he sets in motion a series of events that could either lead to the angels’ destruction or something so much greater than either the angels or the demons could’ve ever imagined. And in the midst of all the turmoil, he may also find a love and a purpose that transcends being just another of the unchosen.
From the very beginning, this story had me hooked! You’re given enough context to understand the past events that led to the current situation and storyline before jumping right into Trystans’s story. I really liked how Trystan was an atypical angel, in part because of what society has labeled him as, but also because he has a spirit about him that was just really appealing. Asagoroth was also great, he was a bit of a contradiction with being such an ‘evil’ demon bent on destruction yet so careful and gentle with Trystan. I think both main characters brought out the best in the other and I really enjoyed them together.
The premise of the story was really interesting and even when things were more focused on just the main characters, I never felt as though things were dragging on. It was nice seeing the relationship progress and while I did wish that Trystan hadn’t spent so much time worrying that he’d never be enough for Asagoroth, I do really like how the author took care of that particular problem. Things weren’t all smooth sailing, however, and the skirmishes with other angels offered a nice break from the relationship focus. The resolution to the war between the angels and demons was certainly one I hadn’t seen before, which made it that much better, and led to an interesting take on the creation story that I enjoyed.
This was a low angst, really enjoyable read that combined a lot of my favorite things. This was also my first book by this author though I’m sure it won’t be my last! If you enjoy fantasy books, angels, demons, dragons or are just looking for a different kind of shifter story this could be something you’ll enjoy. :)
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2016/10/1...
Labeled as a child as one of the unchosen, Trystan has lived his life merely existing from one day to the next with only the occasional visits from his sister to brighten an otherwise dull and unhappy existence. Constantly tormented and bullied, and with no friends, it isn’t surprising that when Trystan accidentally discovers a chamber hidden away under the center of the city, he wants to keep that knowledge for himself. After all, why should he share something so amazing with those who decided he was worthless? When Trystan unknowingly releases the demon general Asagoroth from his imprisonment, however, he sets in motion a series of events that could either lead to the angels’ destruction or something so much greater than either the angels or the demons could’ve ever imagined. And in the midst of all the turmoil, he may also find a love and a purpose that transcends being just another of the unchosen.
From the very beginning, this story had me hooked! You’re given enough context to understand the past events that led to the current situation and storyline before jumping right into Trystans’s story. I really liked how Trystan was an atypical angel, in part because of what society has labeled him as, but also because he has a spirit about him that was just really appealing. Asagoroth was also great, he was a bit of a contradiction with being such an ‘evil’ demon bent on destruction yet so careful and gentle with Trystan. I think both main characters brought out the best in the other and I really enjoyed them together.
The premise of the story was really interesting and even when things were more focused on just the main characters, I never felt as though things were dragging on. It was nice seeing the relationship progress and while I did wish that Trystan hadn’t spent so much time worrying that he’d never be enough for Asagoroth, I do really like how the author took care of that particular problem. Things weren’t all smooth sailing, however, and the skirmishes with other angels offered a nice break from the relationship focus. The resolution to the war between the angels and demons was certainly one I hadn’t seen before, which made it that much better, and led to an interesting take on the creation story that I enjoyed.
This was a low angst, really enjoyable read that combined a lot of my favorite things. This was also my first book by this author though I’m sure it won’t be my last! If you enjoy fantasy books, angels, demons, dragons or are just looking for a different kind of shifter story this could be something you’ll enjoy. :)
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2016/10/1...
July 20, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
Oh, you guys! I’m going to try to do this one justice and I’m not sure that I can. This story was clever, enticing, well developed, and so much more than I imagined it to be. Trystan had so many lovely layers, he kept me riveted to the page. He was so lost, so lonely, but he was such a sweetheart, a truly good soul, that I wanted nothing more than for him to get what he deserved. Asagoroth, a demon, a dragon, was so stalwart and true to his love, while still retaining an edge of malevolence that I was just was blown away by him. This was a book that I really liked upon finishing, but the more I thought about it, the more I loved it.
So this is really Trystan’s story. When he was born, the seer didn’t see a future for him, so he is unchosen. As such, he’s an outcast to society, and he is all but shunned. His family, save for his sister, have very little to do with him. He’s bullied and mistreated, and while it’s not exactly condoned, no one stops it either. He’s a lost and broken young man, and he believes all the negative stuff he’s been told his whole life. But when he finds his connection to Asagoroth, it’s like a whole new being emerges. For the first time in his life, he’s wanted. And he wants and craves that so desperately, and can feel the affection and connection directly from Asagoroth, that he accepts readily. Yes, he wants to save his people, despite how terribly they treat him. But more than that, Trystan needs to be wanted. He finds that with his dragon. And yet, it’s not all easy. The reason for their connection, which I don’t want to spoil, has Trystan doubting how Asagoroth feels. Or, more accurately, has him fearing Asagoroth will end up finding him wanting or be disappointed. These fears are warranted and valid. And it takes a bit of time, and a mystical conversation for Trystan to really accept what he hears and feels from Asagoroth. I liked that it wasn’t a magical “everything is perfect” kind of thing and it felt true to his character. I loved Trystan’s backbone and determination, despite how he’d been treated. And I thought the times his insecurities came through felt real. Trystan was an exceedingly well-crafted character, from beginning to end.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
Oh, you guys! I’m going to try to do this one justice and I’m not sure that I can. This story was clever, enticing, well developed, and so much more than I imagined it to be. Trystan had so many lovely layers, he kept me riveted to the page. He was so lost, so lonely, but he was such a sweetheart, a truly good soul, that I wanted nothing more than for him to get what he deserved. Asagoroth, a demon, a dragon, was so stalwart and true to his love, while still retaining an edge of malevolence that I was just was blown away by him. This was a book that I really liked upon finishing, but the more I thought about it, the more I loved it.
So this is really Trystan’s story. When he was born, the seer didn’t see a future for him, so he is unchosen. As such, he’s an outcast to society, and he is all but shunned. His family, save for his sister, have very little to do with him. He’s bullied and mistreated, and while it’s not exactly condoned, no one stops it either. He’s a lost and broken young man, and he believes all the negative stuff he’s been told his whole life. But when he finds his connection to Asagoroth, it’s like a whole new being emerges. For the first time in his life, he’s wanted. And he wants and craves that so desperately, and can feel the affection and connection directly from Asagoroth, that he accepts readily. Yes, he wants to save his people, despite how terribly they treat him. But more than that, Trystan needs to be wanted. He finds that with his dragon. And yet, it’s not all easy. The reason for their connection, which I don’t want to spoil, has Trystan doubting how Asagoroth feels. Or, more accurately, has him fearing Asagoroth will end up finding him wanting or be disappointed. These fears are warranted and valid. And it takes a bit of time, and a mystical conversation for Trystan to really accept what he hears and feels from Asagoroth. I liked that it wasn’t a magical “everything is perfect” kind of thing and it felt true to his character. I loved Trystan’s backbone and determination, despite how he’d been treated. And I thought the times his insecurities came through felt real. Trystan was an exceedingly well-crafted character, from beginning to end.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
September 29, 2016
**reviewed for www.prismbookalliance.com***
The plot of this book basically follows the tried and tested knit pattern of many a fantasy novel. There is good vs. evil; order vs. chaos; magical secrets and doomsday prophecies; a youthful, underdog hero who is destined for singularity; epic battles with all the bells and whistles; betrayal, dangerous journeys, unlikely alliances and miraculous salvations. All familiar elements yet fleshed out in a unique way and set before the imaginative background of the Three Realms.
There were many aspects of this book that I really liked. The writing, for one; even though the prose tended toward purple at times, the words sucked me in and made it all come alive for me: the cold, ordered, sterile splendor of the angel’s city, the dark, fiery chaos of the demon world and the wild beauty of the middle realm. Then, Asagoroth the dragon/ demon lord, who was such a fierce, powerful being and yet had so much tenderness in him. I loved the twists and turns of the plot; some of them took me completely by surprise and kept me turning pages, eager to see what would happen next. There were adorable little moments, particularly in the way Asagoroth cared for Trystan and kept him safe, and breathtakingly suspenseful fight scenes.
However, I had two big issues with this book that spoiled an otherwise very pleasant reading experience for me. The first, and biggest, was Trystan. As far as I’m concerned, he’s one of those archetypical adolescent heroes that so many mainstream fantasy novels put forward. And not only is he a somewhat cookie-cutter naïve innocent, his constant shilly-shallying with Asagoroth really bugged me after a while. Yes, he’d been an Unchosen, unwanted and constantly told he was worthless all his life; yes, there was this whole backstory with Asagoroth’s past, yes, he was young and insecure, I got all that, but after it had been mentioned one way or the other for the first dozen times, it got a bit much for me.
The other thing was the ending; I won’t say too much in order to avoid spoilers, only this much – while certainly imaginative and even kind of cute, I found the conclusion of this story just… corny.
So, if you like high fantasy, epic battles and dragons, if you like fated mates and chosen-savior scenarios, you can’t go wrong with this book. It’s not overly long, but it certainly packs a lot of story into its less than 50 k words
The plot of this book basically follows the tried and tested knit pattern of many a fantasy novel. There is good vs. evil; order vs. chaos; magical secrets and doomsday prophecies; a youthful, underdog hero who is destined for singularity; epic battles with all the bells and whistles; betrayal, dangerous journeys, unlikely alliances and miraculous salvations. All familiar elements yet fleshed out in a unique way and set before the imaginative background of the Three Realms.
There were many aspects of this book that I really liked. The writing, for one; even though the prose tended toward purple at times, the words sucked me in and made it all come alive for me: the cold, ordered, sterile splendor of the angel’s city, the dark, fiery chaos of the demon world and the wild beauty of the middle realm. Then, Asagoroth the dragon/ demon lord, who was such a fierce, powerful being and yet had so much tenderness in him. I loved the twists and turns of the plot; some of them took me completely by surprise and kept me turning pages, eager to see what would happen next. There were adorable little moments, particularly in the way Asagoroth cared for Trystan and kept him safe, and breathtakingly suspenseful fight scenes.
However, I had two big issues with this book that spoiled an otherwise very pleasant reading experience for me. The first, and biggest, was Trystan. As far as I’m concerned, he’s one of those archetypical adolescent heroes that so many mainstream fantasy novels put forward. And not only is he a somewhat cookie-cutter naïve innocent, his constant shilly-shallying with Asagoroth really bugged me after a while. Yes, he’d been an Unchosen, unwanted and constantly told he was worthless all his life; yes, there was this whole backstory with Asagoroth’s past, yes, he was young and insecure, I got all that, but after it had been mentioned one way or the other for the first dozen times, it got a bit much for me.
The other thing was the ending; I won’t say too much in order to avoid spoilers, only this much – while certainly imaginative and even kind of cute, I found the conclusion of this story just… corny.
So, if you like high fantasy, epic battles and dragons, if you like fated mates and chosen-savior scenarios, you can’t go wrong with this book. It’s not overly long, but it certainly packs a lot of story into its less than 50 k words
October 1, 2017
2.5
Maybe it's just the wrong book for my current mood. It feels like a mix of an all-age book and a fairytale. It has the reduced to the minimum world building and the simplified characters of a fairytale but somehow it lacks its magic. The style is more like a plain and easy all-age book but misses the dark between the lines that those books so often show. The romance is a bit mushy and Trystan lost my sympathy at that moment when he used pixies captured in a crystal as a flashlight - can't bring myself to care about a guy who suffers from being unchosen and bullied when he uses other beings so carelessly and without a second thought.
Maybe it's just the wrong book for my current mood. It feels like a mix of an all-age book and a fairytale. It has the reduced to the minimum world building and the simplified characters of a fairytale but somehow it lacks its magic. The style is more like a plain and easy all-age book but misses the dark between the lines that those books so often show. The romance is a bit mushy and Trystan lost my sympathy at that moment when he used pixies captured in a crystal as a flashlight - can't bring myself to care about a guy who suffers from being unchosen and bullied when he uses other beings so carelessly and without a second thought.
July 23, 2016
Do not pass this one by!! I really loved the setting of this book and all the characters, good and bad. I will definitely have this in my reread pile for later. Everyone deserves a chance to love, no matter who they are.
November 20, 2016
This was amazing, a true rollercoaster and a book after my heart. Asa is amazing, I would have loved more backstory on him. See how he developed and see how he went from guarding Roland to loving him. This was a perfect sunday read though. Of course I was bawling my eyes out at the ending
July 9, 2019
What a book. I was so torn with Trystan for all he had to go through but yet torn for Ass for the same reason. It was hell on both of them for different reasons. All because of love. A love that was different. But it was beautiful. They were beautiful and I just loved this story.
March 12, 2020
Really enjoyed this one. It wasn't perfect, but a wonderful distraction and a quick read. I'd definitely recommend.
December 31, 2017
What an amazing little story!
June 17, 2020
A REVIEW IN FIVE ACTS
PROLOGUE
An angry demon dragon who was sealed away, Asagoroth, is released by a reincarnated angel twink, Trystan, who was his lover in his past life.
ACT 1. Y’ALL SAY WHAT?
When I began reading this book, what immediately struck me was the style and quality of prose. The writing definitely felt less sophisticated than I was expecting. I’m not saying I was expecting, or even looking for, the next Charles Dickens, but I wanted a bit more than was delivered. The descriptions were fairly bare bones and often felt shoe-horned in, like little exposition dumps one might find in a video game. I was disappointed that the author wasn’t able to more seamlessly blend in information about the characters looks or the structure of their angelic city in a nonobtrusive way. Particularly when the characters’ appearances were being described, I got echoes of My Immortal:
Poor baby is cursed to be skinny and beautiful. The book isn’t from first person point of view, but the third person follows Trystan, so it’s weird to describe his appearance as such –it feels like this is how he’s describing himself.
An aspect of the prose that stood out to me was the weird vacillation between swearing and child-like exclamation. Going from yelling, “You don’t give a fuck about me,” and “Fuck them all” to “But he still couldn’t read the freaking text” and “Did Asagoroth just hear his freaking thoughts?” and “In fact, he was riding the freaking dragon” was strange. The swears felt out of place anyway, but pairing them with Trystan using “freaking” like he’s a twelve year old whose parents won’t let him swear was jarring.
ACT 4. 100% ALL-BEEF THERMOMETER
I skimmed the sex scenes, but there weren’t too many and they were actually pretty short. However, there was some recurring language that I thought was silly. First of all, there was lot of “exploding,” which is a really violent and extreme word for an orgasm. Secondly, Trystan’s eyes almost always rolled up into the back of his head and he passed out after orgasm. Thirdly, no lube, just dragon spit. Fourthly, and perhaps most importantly: midair. sex. acts. I guess you gotta get the most bang for your buck when your characters have wings.
FIN
PROLOGUE
An angry demon dragon who was sealed away, Asagoroth, is released by a reincarnated angel twink, Trystan, who was his lover in his past life.
ACT 1. Y’ALL SAY WHAT?
When I began reading this book, what immediately struck me was the style and quality of prose. The writing definitely felt less sophisticated than I was expecting. I’m not saying I was expecting, or even looking for, the next Charles Dickens, but I wanted a bit more than was delivered. The descriptions were fairly bare bones and often felt shoe-horned in, like little exposition dumps one might find in a video game. I was disappointed that the author wasn’t able to more seamlessly blend in information about the characters looks or the structure of their angelic city in a nonobtrusive way. Particularly when the characters’ appearances were being described, I got echoes of My Immortal:
“Most of the unchosen were even less attractive than the chosen. But for some reason, Trystan was blessed—or cursed—with a slim body, delicate features, heavy-lidded golden eyes, and pale-gold hair that shimmered whenever he moved his head.”
Poor baby is cursed to be skinny and beautiful. The book isn’t from first person point of view, but the third person follows Trystan, so it’s weird to describe his appearance as such –it feels like this is how he’s describing himself.
“Annalise’s hair was the deepest black and it shimmered with blue highlights, and her eyes were a piercing green that could stare down an angel three times her height.”
Shimmered. With. Highlights. This isn’t anime. OR IS IT???
An aspect of the prose that stood out to me was the weird vacillation between swearing and child-like exclamation. Going from yelling, “You don’t give a fuck about me,” and “Fuck them all” to “But he still couldn’t read the freaking text” and “Did Asagoroth just hear his freaking thoughts?” and “In fact, he was riding the freaking dragon” was strange. The swears felt out of place anyway, but pairing them with Trystan using “freaking” like he’s a twelve year old whose parents won’t let him swear was jarring.
ACT 4. 100% ALL-BEEF THERMOMETER
I skimmed the sex scenes, but there weren’t too many and they were actually pretty short. However, there was some recurring language that I thought was silly. First of all, there was lot of “exploding,” which is a really violent and extreme word for an orgasm. Secondly, Trystan’s eyes almost always rolled up into the back of his head and he passed out after orgasm. Thirdly, no lube, just dragon spit. Fourthly, and perhaps most importantly: midair. sex. acts. I guess you gotta get the most bang for your buck when your characters have wings.
FIN
February 7, 2019
While there was a lot of repetition of information that seemed to pad the story, I like the characters, settings, and premise. The cover illustration is great an well represents the descriptions in the book other than scale.
March 17, 2017
4.0 stars!
May 7, 2017
If you’ve got a hankering for a fantastic tale of angels, demons and dragons, then this story is definitely for you. While the idea of an abused character who’s lived without love and then another character comes along and goes all alpha on his angel bunz and shows him his worth is not unheard of, I really liked the way the author weaved the world building into the relationship between Trystan and Asagoroth. The balance between the fantasy and the connection between the two MC’s was great for those of us who come for the fantasy and stay for the romance.
Poor Trystan broke my heart from the get go. He’s an unchosen angel and is basically shunned by his society and most of his family. He gets picked on mercilessly and spends his days attending pointless lessons, avoiding bullies and drifting along lonely and sad. And, while he’s sad and lonely, he’s got a strong personality and so much to give if anyone would give him a chance.
Enter Asagoroth . . .
He’s a dragon that’s been caught in a caging spell for many, many years and an accidental encounter with Trystan in the garden frees him to make Trystan his again. Wait, what? Again? Yes, there are supernatural shenanigans afoot and Trystan and Asagoroth are meant to be together on more than just a horny level, this is spiritual forever and always stuff here and the story woven around them is unique and fun to listen to.
When I first heard the narrator’s voice (and this is the first story I’ve listened to by him) I thought he sounded a bit . . . stilted. No, that’s not it, just slightly clipped in his words. But, the more I listened the more his tone worked for the story. The fantasy element leads to some very proper speech in contrast to a contemporary tale and his voice was spot on for both MC’s as well as the supporting characters.
The angle with Asagoroth, his lost love and now his relationship with Trystan was handled realistically (I mean, as realistically as a relationship between an angel and a shapeshifting dragon can be) but the feelings that Trystan had about being a replacement and wanting to be loved for himself were legit and weren’t glossed over or solved with magical peen. I had a lot of respect for how the author explained things to Trystan and to the reader/listener. Bits like that gave the story more depth and gave focus to the romance on a more personal level than just saying it was meant to be and everyone being happy with it. That drives me nuts when I’m reading and props to the author for giving this story and the characters more substance.
For a pretty all-world-encompassing story line, the book is easy to listen to and follow. There’s a lot going on but it was never overwhelming because the author keeps the focus on the characters and their relationship to their world and the narrator gave each player a distinct voice. I liked the story and while I’ve read M.D. Grimm before, this story reminded me that I need to read more.
**a copy of this audiobook was provided for an honest review**
Poor Trystan broke my heart from the get go. He’s an unchosen angel and is basically shunned by his society and most of his family. He gets picked on mercilessly and spends his days attending pointless lessons, avoiding bullies and drifting along lonely and sad. And, while he’s sad and lonely, he’s got a strong personality and so much to give if anyone would give him a chance.
Enter Asagoroth . . .
He’s a dragon that’s been caught in a caging spell for many, many years and an accidental encounter with Trystan in the garden frees him to make Trystan his again. Wait, what? Again? Yes, there are supernatural shenanigans afoot and Trystan and Asagoroth are meant to be together on more than just a horny level, this is spiritual forever and always stuff here and the story woven around them is unique and fun to listen to.
When I first heard the narrator’s voice (and this is the first story I’ve listened to by him) I thought he sounded a bit . . . stilted. No, that’s not it, just slightly clipped in his words. But, the more I listened the more his tone worked for the story. The fantasy element leads to some very proper speech in contrast to a contemporary tale and his voice was spot on for both MC’s as well as the supporting characters.
The angle with Asagoroth, his lost love and now his relationship with Trystan was handled realistically (I mean, as realistically as a relationship between an angel and a shapeshifting dragon can be) but the feelings that Trystan had about being a replacement and wanting to be loved for himself were legit and weren’t glossed over or solved with magical peen. I had a lot of respect for how the author explained things to Trystan and to the reader/listener. Bits like that gave the story more depth and gave focus to the romance on a more personal level than just saying it was meant to be and everyone being happy with it. That drives me nuts when I’m reading and props to the author for giving this story and the characters more substance.
For a pretty all-world-encompassing story line, the book is easy to listen to and follow. There’s a lot going on but it was never overwhelming because the author keeps the focus on the characters and their relationship to their world and the narrator gave each player a distinct voice. I liked the story and while I’ve read M.D. Grimm before, this story reminded me that I need to read more.
**a copy of this audiobook was provided for an honest review**
August 10, 2016
This had me from the start, pulling me in with the wonderful world building and quick building of the back story. It was beautifully written and the flow was so good, I did not even notice that I had finished the entire book.
The characters, though banking on some well worn tropes like one who does not know his own worth and learns it before its too late, and another one who is almighty and ruthless but gentle and kind towards the one he loves, were still pretty fresh and well drawn and befitting this tale. Trystan the unchosen angel, who discovers that he is unchosen for a reason, overcomes his doubts and insecurities and accepts that he is really wanted by Asagoroth the dragon. Whilst almost bordering on annoying at times with his repetitive doubts, the author manages to reign it in just enough to make it not so, and at the same time driving the story forward effectively. And although Asagoroth can at first glance seem to be a pretty 2 dimensional character, he was still brought to life by the author giving him subtle emotions and intelligence that were believable of a formidable and powerful beast.
A unique twist to the creationism story. Pace gripping, with great writing and angels and demons mating. Whats not to like?
The characters, though banking on some well worn tropes like one who does not know his own worth and learns it before its too late, and another one who is almighty and ruthless but gentle and kind towards the one he loves, were still pretty fresh and well drawn and befitting this tale. Trystan the unchosen angel, who discovers that he is unchosen for a reason, overcomes his doubts and insecurities and accepts that he is really wanted by Asagoroth the dragon. Whilst almost bordering on annoying at times with his repetitive doubts, the author manages to reign it in just enough to make it not so, and at the same time driving the story forward effectively. And although Asagoroth can at first glance seem to be a pretty 2 dimensional character, he was still brought to life by the author giving him subtle emotions and intelligence that were believable of a formidable and powerful beast.
A unique twist to the creationism story. Pace gripping, with great writing and angels and demons mating. Whats not to like?
February 6, 2017
Enjoyable
3 stars
I enjoyed this take on Angels and Demons. I felt for Trystan being considered an unchosen angel and bullied by other angels.
I also liked Trystan and Asagoroth together. Asagoroth was quite patient as Trystan worked out their relationship
3 stars
I enjoyed this take on Angels and Demons. I felt for Trystan being considered an unchosen angel and bullied by other angels.
I also liked Trystan and Asagoroth together. Asagoroth was quite patient as Trystan worked out their relationship
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