Demonica

by Megan Derr

Life as a mercenary isn't kind or easy, and Shale has lost one family, then another, one leg, one arm, one eye, and the love of his life when pain and medication left him disinterested in sex. The last thing he wants is to accept a job from his ex-lover's mother, but the pay is too good to refuse, especially as it should be a relatively simple job. But crucial information was withheld, and the man they've been sent to escort home is like no one Shale has ever met—despite the dangerous reason he's spent so much of his life sequestered, and the fact he's part of the family that hurt Shale once before. author's note This story was originally published in Magic And Fiction and Essays Celebrating LGBTQ Romance

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Romance, Magic, Short Stories, M M Fantasy, Paranormal

72 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 6, 2016

About the author

Megan is a long time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.

meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
meganderr.blogspot.com
facebook.com/meganaprilderr
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr

Reviews

[Funzee Shu · Rating 2 out of 5]

My HUGE complaint is...

THE STORY WAY TOO SHORT!!!!!

It's like the story being grabbed one or two chapter from one full length book and you felt so 'lost' because you need the beginning & the few missing chapters before the story reach it end...

The poor things is....I think the story have potential to develop into interesting full length story....

[Maberan Potato · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was kinda disappointed in this one. I liked the magic system and stuff, but there was world-building stuff that was just confusing. There's a king and a bunch of lords, and they're women? Like, I'm not shocked women are ruling, but... there's words for noble/royal women, and those are not it. I was just very very confused for way too long when characters said "The Grand Duke asks for your presence" and everyone's "oh not her". Like, everything passed through my mind- oh they're trans and... someone/thing is misgendering them. Oh, are they the person that left Shale? Or is this book confusing? Hmm

Talking about Shale, I liked him but I felt like there wasn't enough attention on his metal limbs and medication. Like, he never talks about the pain once when he has to take meds for the rest of his life to make it disappear. I know that sort of thing changes people, but it's barely even mentioned.

And on the heartbreak part... one, it wasn't very present. Shale isn't sad bout Tellish, he's sad about his family. And two... Tellish is portrayed as in the wrong by pretty much everyone except Shale. Which, you know, good, because the situation they were in isn't a case of black and white. It's a gray, very real place that a lot of people can find themselves in when in a relationship, and while Tellish was def very selfish about it, we shouldn't demonize these people. Basically, after Shale lost his limbs and started taking the meds, it killed his sexual drive, and Tellish couldn't live with that.

And don't get me wrong, he totally should've done better by Shale, but sex is important in relationships. Whether you do it or not, sexual drives are a thing and Tellish shouldn't have to suffer a relationship that can't help him this way. So I am glad Shale isn't treating Tellish like he was a bad person.

Also I understand this was for a box-set/anthology of sorts based around LGBT stuff but there's the big implication of polyamory just everywhere in the bg (Shale's parents with the metalsmith and Annai's mom and dad with the mercenary dude) and ._. ehhh

The romance was cute tho :> but it didn't really hit the stuff I like.

[Skirmish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2018/06/28/...
Rating: 3.5 Stars - that place between like and love

[Rozarka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of instalove, but the worldbuilding was interesting.

[D. Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it.

I also realize it was published in Magic And Mayhem: Fiction and Essays Celebrating LGBTQ Romance,and because of the format it is a short story. But Demonica is so intriguing,the world in which the action is set seems to be so full of surprises...there is so much to Annai's character and I need to read more about Shale.

I hope Megan Derr will decide to make that one into a full- length novel.

[Stephanie GooglyEyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish it was extended into a novel so I can read more of the epicness, but, it was very nicely done for being such a short story. Even the insta-attraction was believable, and I find that hard for some authors to do.

My favorite character I Keira, Shales partner in crime. She kicks ALL the ass...no srsly, ALL the ASS!

Anyways, great short story.

[Kendra Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy a good, steamy m/m romance, but I was drawn to Demonica because other reviews said it was an asexual romance, and I am asexual, so I was intrigued. At first, I thought Shale was being labelled as the asexual, which isn’t correct. His medication makes him have a disinterest in sex, but meds don’t make one an asexual. It turns out Annai is the asexual.

This is a very sweet romance. They want to kiss and cuddle, but no more. It’s endearing, and as an asexual, it made me smile. My only complaint about this story is that I wish it were longer. Derr gave us hints of a very interesting world that I wished could have been explored more. I think this would have done very well as a full-length novel. Nevertheless, a heartwarming read.

[Shelba · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd have to give this a 2.5... I just really didn't like this compared to most of the other short stories I've read from Derr. The whole magica thing, with it's three branches and sub-branches seemed like it had a lot going on to just throw in a short story... I think either the length of the story should have been more, or maybe the whole magica thing should have been a bit more simplified, seeing as a lot of it wasn't really relevant to the story anyway.

[Deeze · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book should be much longer.

I want to see some of Shale and Tellish relationship so I can hate on Tellish before deciding maybe he is not as much of an ass as I think.

I want to see more of Annai growing up and the reasons why he did what he did.

Oh lets face it I just want more more more, please

[aspeccharactersoftheday]

https://aspeccharactersoftheday.tumbl...

[Laks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars on reread

A magical story with some fighting and loving. At par with Megan Derr's usual books.

[Raymond Mathiesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demonica

A slightly fishy job for two aging merinaries…

Shale and Keira, veteran mercenaries, are just back in the city after their latest adventure. Suddenly they are accosted by the palace guards and taken to Lord Sara Halruul, the Grand Duke of Soria Bell. Halruul is no lady to be messed with and soon the mercenaries find that, without much choice they are hired to bring her son, Annai, to the city. Annai, for mysterious, unexplained reasons, has been hiding out in a monastery. Fishy as this job may be, the real problem for Shale is that at one point he was engaged to Annai's half-brother, Tellish. That whole affair ended badly and Shale suffers from the memory.

This novel is an interesting mix of steampunk and sorcery, though it tends more on the sorcery side. Megan Derr gives the book a medieval flavour, with swords, armour and transport by horse. The book moves along nicely, maintaining the reader's interest throughout. The style is smooth and uncluttered, and the dialogue and descriptions convey the emotions well, with the occasional trace of humour. While there is emotional discomfort in the plot, this book is largely good natured and affable. If you want dark angst you certainly should look elsewhere.

Shale, the main character from who's point of view the story is told, is a likable fellow, but is perhaps a little too hard on himself, expecting the worst in fortune. Shale is certainly hurt, but he has made the best of his situation (as he sees it). He certainly presents himself as an ordinary fellow, not carried away by his previous position in the court. The reader feels for him and hopes things will work out for him. Keira is a feisty woman of strong capabilities, able in battle and not willing to put up with nonsense. She indeed is the leader of the pair, often making the decisions, though the two are more friends than commander and soldier. Annai is the scholarly type, friendly and unassuming. He has made mistakes in the past and as a result does not put on airs or make demands. The reader gets the impression that, like Shale, he too is an ordinary fellow. While there is mystery about him, we like him and are on his side.

This story is really pure adventure, but the theme of the discrepancy between appearance and reality is present. Sometimes we think we know how things stand, only to find that our interpretations are not quite right.

While this is a gay romance novel, it is completely free of spicy bits. Don't expect anything other than a kiss and a hug. This is a wholly a sweet story.

At just 72 pages, this book is ideal for busy people.

I am happy to award this book 5 stars.

[Rosie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bluurrghhhh I'm getting to the point where I'm gonna have to give up on Megan Derr. A few of her books I've loved, but the other 95% just aren't worth it anymore. Like the rest, this has so much potential. The world-building has some interesting aspects and an overview of the storyline is cool. Plus, the LI is ace - that should've been enough for me to love it!

But it's all done so terribly. I hated how black and white it was and how Tellish is portrayed as pure evil just because he wants a relationship with a sexual aspect to it. I get that it was all about how he should've loved Shale enough that he should've been able to look past that he's disinterested in sex now, but 1 - it wasn't really portrayed like that, Tellish was just the instant villain, and 2 - it's okay if that's a big thing in the relationship. Jfc, he's not a monster for wanting that. I HATED that part of it.

Also, it didn't fell like a proper portrayal of an ace relationship. It was just so superficial and the LI was such a piece of cardboard that I can't remember his name.

[Maura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn't too awfully impressed with this one. Unique ideas for world building with the whole magic category thing, but not enough time was dedicated to establishing it. I don't know that the length of this story allowed for this complicated system of magic to be explained well. This story also involves some insta-love, since our MC, Shale, meets Annai (the person he's supposed to protect but also the step-brother of his ex-fiance, and who is also possessed by a demon but it's okay because they've come to an accord...it's complicated) and just knows he's going to be in love with this guy. Their relationship forms into a kind of sweet, romantic one...no passion, but I get the sense that neither of these two is interested in sex. Annai was probably originally asexual, but Shale has lost his sex drive because of medication because of his mechanical parts (also not very well explained). So this was just kind of meh for me. I didn't find myself really invested in any of the characters the way I usually do with this author's books.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather enjoyable short read.

Megan Derr is one of my favourite MM writers so I was looking forward to reading this short story and I wasn't disappointed.

The story is fairly simple. Two mercenaries Keira the leader and Shale who used to be the Queens son's boyfriend are tasked with escorting her youngest son Annai home but what they weren't told us that their is a bounty out for the capture of Annai and the demon who possesses him. Shale and Annai are drawn to each other, now if only they can get home to the palace in one piece.

[Soraya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute.
It is short, but to me the worldbuilding was concise and clear. Some of the other reviews were unsure of the use of masculine titles (lord and king) for female characters. After the first one, I rolled with the idea that the title doesn't change just because of the gender of the person who's holding it. It worked for me, since sometimes the feminine versions imply that there's husband with the real power around somewhere.
This is a shorter story that could easily be expanded. Or have a sequel. Or stories in the same world with different characters. Any of those would be good.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Megan's short stories because she never has any problem bringing on the feels, even when the word count is low. As much as I would love a longer tale in this verse, I enjoyed my short stay with Shale and Annai. And, personally, I always find an ace story sooooo refreshing. Especially a well-written ace story with very likeable characters and interesting world-building.

[Jane (PS) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these sort of fantasies by Derr. They are simple but with some great characters (main and secondary) and we have a 'mission' to undertake. There is zero sex in this instance, but it is the journey to love that I enjoy, and there is plenty of reason why no smexin' ~ one MC is asexual and one is on meds that impact desire.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute gentle story

This is the sort of story that I love from Megan Derr. Just enough world building to give you a flavour without being over long, gentle, quite short and doesn't quite end as you expect, although a happy ending is guaranteed.
The writing encourages you in to care about the characters so easily, that you want the best, both for Shale and for Keira.

[(╯`▭´）╯︵ ǝɔnɒꓷ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It had a lot of potential, but I just didn't feel myself too sucked into this world. I know it's a relatively short story, but I've read one of Derr's other pieces that have been shorter that I found myself falling immediately in love with. It had the recipe for me to like it, especially because it's one of the rare stories that actually includes asexual representation, it just unfortunately missed the mark for me.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how this short worked out both with lost expectations and changed plans. Figuring out life after a huge change and losing love and support when it was needed most, and now trying to see where to go when the past calls back. It had a sweet if quick romance, some kickass characters, and frank discussions about love and life. Lovely short!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

A cute, short read. Many of the elements such as the combination of magic and technology reminded me of Full metal Alchemist. I'd like to read a longer story about this universe. Also love the inclusion of an asexual character and romance.

[Sonic14 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the description and the world sounded interesting, but then the story was way too short! not enough for a whole world building, the story felt rushed, coming to a closure way too fast. A pity to loose that much potential.

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet with a chance to give back what was stolen. Shale is a broken mercenary thrown away by his ex and supposedly their family. I liked how Shale copes with his pain and revisiting the past. Annai was strong and wise, the two of them finding their way home. M/M but ace characters.

[Kassu · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The story has very interesting and likable main characters but it feels like it doesn't utilise all its potential. It works as a short story like this but would have probably been excellent in a longer story with some more drama and danger.

[Don Bradshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely well written with very likable characters. It's very different to read a M/M romance without sex but it was a welcome change. Anyone can write a sex scene but an interesting story with no sex isn't that easy.

[Miran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a surprising amount of adventure and worldbuilding for such a short read. I would love to read more stories in this universe. One of the MCs in this story is disabled and one is a poc who is ace. Cute quick read.

[Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would love an expanded version.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

This is a good short read. Did enjoy the characters. Story line was ok. Wouldn't mind seeing these characters again.