What do you think?
Rate this book
Prodigal #1
Prodigal
At eighteen, Ethan Wilde left his stifling, rural hometown of Kingston, North Carolina, and he never looked back. But something has always been missing from his life, he isn’t sure what—or who. Twelve years later, an article about the bizarre murder of a childhood friend lands in his inbox, and an instinct deep inside of Ethan insists he return to Kingston. He only plans to stay in town for a few hours, but at the funeral, he runs into a man he never expected to see again: his former-best-friend and lover Jesse.
Rooted in Kingston by forces he can't explain, Jesse couldn't leave with Ethan twelve years ago, but he doesn’t regret it. Ethan is free to live his life, while Jesse remains behind, protecting a terrible secret—a secret that began when he and five others were only nine years old. They were taken into the woods, and no one knows what happened. And only Ethan has ever left Kingston—but now he’s back, and Kingston isn’t letting Ethan leave a second time.
After twenty dormant years, the evil that wanted them is back and it's collecting the souls who defeated it once before. Ethan and Jesse's love is as powerful as it ever was, but are they strong enough to save each other a second time?
Note: This book was previously published under the same title. No significant changes have been made.
Rooted in Kingston by forces he can't explain, Jesse couldn't leave with Ethan twelve years ago, but he doesn’t regret it. Ethan is free to live his life, while Jesse remains behind, protecting a terrible secret—a secret that began when he and five others were only nine years old. They were taken into the woods, and no one knows what happened. And only Ethan has ever left Kingston—but now he’s back, and Kingston isn’t letting Ethan leave a second time.
After twenty dormant years, the evil that wanted them is back and it's collecting the souls who defeated it once before. Ethan and Jesse's love is as powerful as it ever was, but are they strong enough to save each other a second time?
Note: This book was previously published under the same title. No significant changes have been made.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2011
21 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Arthur
87 books1,235 followersNo stranger to the writing world, A.M. Arthur has been creating stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long. She credits an early fascination with male friendships (bromance wasn't a thing yet) with her later discovery of and subsequent affair with m/m romance stories. When not writing, she can be found in her kitchen, pretending she's an amateur chef and trying to not poison herself or others with her cuisine experiments. You can contact her at AM_Arthur(at)yahoo(dot)com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 29, 2011
I think the story "suffers" a bit from the length. Truthfully, the idea of how six children came back from the woods holding a secret between them, and how their life is surrounding by dark unexplainable things, is appealing. It has some sort of Stephen King-like. But the novella type makes the tension build-up in reaching that climax as a bit weak as well as choppy. I do like both main characters, I have a soft-spot for stories about ex-lovers because of the emotional attachment and idea of second chances :)
December 14, 2011
-->3.5 Stars!<-- But this could have easily been a 4 or 4.5 stars but I'm getting ahead of myself. It is definitely worth reading. This story starts out strong with "Nothing brings family together like a murder." What a way to get my attention.
Then it kept my attention by using the death of a woman, who happens to share the name of a new (to me) favorite author Jacquelyn Frank, as the reason for Ethan to return to his hated and feared home town twelve years after leaving it.
Early on, this story had the feeling of one of my favorite Stephen King books, It . I still, to this day, keep my hair away from drains because of that book. Anyway, this story has some loose parallels to that book.
When he was nine, Ethan Wilde, walked out of the woods to find tattoos on his left arm but he doesn't remember hardly anything about that day. Now they are aching ... until he reaches the town limits. Jackie was one of the six who were in the woods the day he received the tattoos. His first sight of Jessie, another one of the six, steals his breath away; he still loves him dearly.
Jesse was there that day and also walked out of the woods with tattoos, the only other one to get them. Staying in their home town has subtly changed him but he is still very much in love with Ethan too.
This story keeps building the suspense and the rekindled romance between Ethan and Jessie.
Even though I only gave this a Steamy (2/4) sexual rating, be aware this is an M/M romance and there is descriptive anal penetration in it. But the focus of the romance and the sex is more on the emotions and there are really only two sexual scenes in it - thus the Steamy (2/4) rating.
I was totally let down by the ending. The story builds and builds and then when it could have, and should have, finished with fireworks, it just fizzled out like sparklers. It's not that it ended wrong; in fact the end result is what I think it should be but other than saying the way it got there was weak, I won't go into specifics because it will spoil the whole story.
Even so, this is a very good story line and definitely worth reading. I usually put the types of characters in the review but if I did here, it would spoil everything.
So, while it is not what paranormal romance fans are used to, it is a very good paranormal story with some romance and a little bit of a horror story feeling. Urban fantasy fans, who enjoy some sex with their story, will be at home with this one.
Then it kept my attention by using the death of a woman, who happens to share the name of a new (to me) favorite author Jacquelyn Frank, as the reason for Ethan to return to his hated and feared home town twelve years after leaving it.
Early on, this story had the feeling of one of my favorite Stephen King books, It . I still, to this day, keep my hair away from drains because of that book. Anyway, this story has some loose parallels to that book.
When he was nine, Ethan Wilde, walked out of the woods to find tattoos on his left arm but he doesn't remember hardly anything about that day. Now they are aching ... until he reaches the town limits. Jackie was one of the six who were in the woods the day he received the tattoos. His first sight of Jessie, another one of the six, steals his breath away; he still loves him dearly.
Jesse was there that day and also walked out of the woods with tattoos, the only other one to get them. Staying in their home town has subtly changed him but he is still very much in love with Ethan too.
This story keeps building the suspense and the rekindled romance between Ethan and Jessie.
Even though I only gave this a Steamy (2/4) sexual rating, be aware this is an M/M romance and there is descriptive anal penetration in it. But the focus of the romance and the sex is more on the emotions and there are really only two sexual scenes in it - thus the Steamy (2/4) rating.
I was totally let down by the ending. The story builds and builds and then when it could have, and should have, finished with fireworks, it just fizzled out like sparklers. It's not that it ended wrong; in fact the end result is what I think it should be but other than saying the way it got there was weak, I won't go into specifics because it will spoil the whole story.
Even so, this is a very good story line and definitely worth reading. I usually put the types of characters in the review but if I did here, it would spoil everything.
So, while it is not what paranormal romance fans are used to, it is a very good paranormal story with some romance and a little bit of a horror story feeling. Urban fantasy fans, who enjoy some sex with their story, will be at home with this one.
November 8, 2025
Interesting Mystery
This may start off a bit slow but I think it helps to build up the mystery of what's to come. It really was interesting to read.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This may start off a bit slow but I think it helps to build up the mystery of what's to come. It really was interesting to read.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
December 23, 2011
Let me start by saying, if I’d known what this book was about, I would not have touched it with a ten-foot pole. See, I am basically a wimp. I say that nightlight in the bathroom is for my kids, but truth be told…I’m scared of the dark.
Prodigal scared the bejezus out of me…and I like it. From word one there is a dark tone to this book. You don’t know what drove Ethan from his hometown, but you do know that death is bringing him back.
The romance is secondary to the mystery, for sure. And there is just enough paranormal to make reality even more frightening. Page turning anticipation kept me reading well in the wee hours. This book, for me, was absolutely fantastic. Like I said, I’m pretty much a newbie with the genre, but, I’m pretty sure I’ll pick up A. M. Arthur’s next book. But, Trust me…I’ll be reading it with the lights on. Highly recommend.
Prodigal scared the bejezus out of me…and I like it. From word one there is a dark tone to this book. You don’t know what drove Ethan from his hometown, but you do know that death is bringing him back.
The romance is secondary to the mystery, for sure. And there is just enough paranormal to make reality even more frightening. Page turning anticipation kept me reading well in the wee hours. This book, for me, was absolutely fantastic. Like I said, I’m pretty much a newbie with the genre, but, I’m pretty sure I’ll pick up A. M. Arthur’s next book. But, Trust me…I’ll be reading it with the lights on. Highly recommend.
February 27, 2015
4.5 stars
I have to say that finishing this book right before bed was not the best idea, an hour or 2 later I woke up to a noise, paralyzed thinking someone(thing) had crawled through my window. Although not a terribly long story, it sure packed a punch. I feel it should have been just a bit longer, I was left with some questions at he end. I was curious why Papa Wilde felt the way he did, did he know something he couldn't speak of? (Who knows maybe I totally missed some of the explanations.) But I truly enjoyed this story and its MCs. Off to read Frozen now.
I have to say that finishing this book right before bed was not the best idea, an hour or 2 later I woke up to a noise, paralyzed thinking someone(thing) had crawled through my window. Although not a terribly long story, it sure packed a punch. I feel it should have been just a bit longer, I was left with some questions at he end. I was curious why Papa Wilde felt the way he did, did he know something he couldn't speak of? (Who knows maybe I totally missed some of the explanations.) But I truly enjoyed this story and its MCs. Off to read Frozen now.
February 19, 2012
Excellent, chilling paranormal metaphor for growing up gay, or otherwise "different" in a small town. Ever felt isolated, trapped by your environment? Or that even years after you'd escaped, some part of you was left behind?
Skilled use of flashbacks to add tension (and I am normally a flashback-averse reader. AM Arthur does it how it should be done.)
Probably best not to do what I did, and read it last thing at night... ;)
Skilled use of flashbacks to add tension (and I am normally a flashback-averse reader. AM Arthur does it how it should be done.)
Probably best not to do what I did, and read it last thing at night... ;)
July 26, 2014
Short, but definitely worth a try (best read without even taking a look at synopses before).
October 25, 2025
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I’m new to AM Arthur’s work and I’m looking forward to reading more. I would’ve enjoyed this read even more if it was longer but that’s just a small complaint, still a quick, spooky and enjoyable read. I was hooked from page one and I thought that it was a good start to the Prodigal Series.
I’m usually not much of a fan of novellas since they’re insta-love but since the characters have a previous relationship it didn’t bother me like it usual does and the blurb sounded very interesting. I adored Ethan & Jesse and I felt that the quick rekindling of their romance after all the time apart was realistic for them, especially with what happened to them and four old school friends twenty years ago.
Ethan left his rural hometown of Kingston, North Carolina at 18 years old but the mysterious death of an old school friend and one of the six brings him back to town twelve years later. When another one of six ends up dying while Ethan’s in town, it’s pretty obvious what happened twenty years ago hasn’t finished what it started. I’m looking forward to reading Frozen next, as well as more from AM Arthur in the future. I’d definitely recommend this novella, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
I’m new to AM Arthur’s work and I’m looking forward to reading more. I would’ve enjoyed this read even more if it was longer but that’s just a small complaint, still a quick, spooky and enjoyable read. I was hooked from page one and I thought that it was a good start to the Prodigal Series.
I’m usually not much of a fan of novellas since they’re insta-love but since the characters have a previous relationship it didn’t bother me like it usual does and the blurb sounded very interesting. I adored Ethan & Jesse and I felt that the quick rekindling of their romance after all the time apart was realistic for them, especially with what happened to them and four old school friends twenty years ago.
Ethan left his rural hometown of Kingston, North Carolina at 18 years old but the mysterious death of an old school friend and one of the six brings him back to town twelve years later. When another one of six ends up dying while Ethan’s in town, it’s pretty obvious what happened twenty years ago hasn’t finished what it started. I’m looking forward to reading Frozen next, as well as more from AM Arthur in the future. I’d definitely recommend this novella, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
October 30, 2025
Ethan left his weird small town behind at 18 and never looked back even though he left his first and only love behind because he wanted to leave but Jesse felt he had to stay. Now 12 years later after hearing about a childhood friend's death through an anonymous email he heads back to the town he left behind where he doesn't remember much of his childhood except that something happened to him and 5 other kids in the woods when they were nine years old but not what it was just that they came out alive but changed. Now he must face a sinister truth about the town he grew up in and the man he left behind all those years ago. I flew through this book and could not put it down. It was spooky, a but eerie and gave me some IT vibes that kept me invested. There was also romance and some spice just like an A.M Arthur book which I loved. The sacrifices Jesse made for love and the way Ethan just wanted to protect Jesse was beautiful and equally heartbreaking but Ethan wasn't going to leave Jesse to fend for himself again. They stick together even when things are hard and possible death is closing in. Just read the book and the rest in the series and I can bet you won't be disappointed. I know I wasn't.
November 7, 2025
This took a completely different turn than expected.
The writing is good and I was captivated from the start. I’m a sucker for second chance and small town romance so it was right up my alley. Ethan and Jesse are likeable MCs, although their getting together again was way too fast for me.
As for the plot and story arc, I don’t know. On the one hand I was engaged and captivated and wanted to find out what happened to these kids in their past. When Ethan comes back to his hometown, weird things start to happen to the now grown up kids and they’re starting to die one after another. Ethan is determined to find out and get Jesse out of there.
On the other hand I wasn’t really satisfied with the end plot wise. It felt too easy and out of left field for me, without the world building I need for such a turn of events.
The writing is good and I was captivated from the start. I’m a sucker for second chance and small town romance so it was right up my alley. Ethan and Jesse are likeable MCs, although their getting together again was way too fast for me.
As for the plot and story arc, I don’t know. On the one hand I was engaged and captivated and wanted to find out what happened to these kids in their past. When Ethan comes back to his hometown, weird things start to happen to the now grown up kids and they’re starting to die one after another. Ethan is determined to find out and get Jesse out of there.
On the other hand I wasn’t really satisfied with the end plot wise. It felt too easy and out of left field for me, without the world building I need for such a turn of events.
November 10, 2025
This is the first published book by AM Arthur (or at least that’s what it says in the forward) and part of a three book paranormal series. Originally published in 2011 (second edition 2018, likely around the time of the third book) this is the story of Jesse and Ethan. Ethan was the only person in their town to actually get out of town, but something called him back (quite literally) and now that hems back he’s not likely going to leave again until he and his childhood friends die or figure out what’s going on. It was a little slow to start but I liked the relationship between Jesse and Ethan and some of the twists and turns I was not expecting. A generally quick read that kept my attention and was a good intro to the series (though each books stands alone without interconnected characters).
November 17, 2025
3.5 stars
This is a good story with a mix of the paranormal and horror, the latter of which made me almost not finish it a number of times. The vibe kept putting me off, because that's the one genre I DON'T read. However, I wanted to see if my suspicions about the villain were accurate---they weren't---and witness the complete reconciliation between Ethan and Jesse. The suspense, ably developed with the paranormal/horror vibe, was well-handled. As to the romance, their past history made the present move return to friends and then lovers more believable, even if all the events occurred in 24 hours, which did stretch my suspension of disbelief to the max. It was there enough to make me root for the young men, though it was overshadowed by Ethan's returning memory of the events of that night that changed them forever ... until the climax and defeat of their enemy.
This is a good story with a mix of the paranormal and horror, the latter of which made me almost not finish it a number of times. The vibe kept putting me off, because that's the one genre I DON'T read. However, I wanted to see if my suspicions about the villain were accurate---they weren't---and witness the complete reconciliation between Ethan and Jesse. The suspense, ably developed with the paranormal/horror vibe, was well-handled. As to the romance, their past history made the present move return to friends and then lovers more believable, even if all the events occurred in 24 hours, which did stretch my suspension of disbelief to the max. It was there enough to make me root for the young men, though it was overshadowed by Ethan's returning memory of the events of that night that changed them forever ... until the climax and defeat of their enemy.
November 7, 2025
Datsun pickup, sweet potato pie, Brutus, seat spring, little lambs, kaleidoscope, Bruthea, puce, puppeteer, burning bacon
This was originally published Oct 2011. I've always liked A.M. Arthur's books. Her writing style is phenomenal, and "Prodigal" is no exception. For a short book, she manages to craft a compelling story as if it was a regular novel. The ending seems abrupt, but ends decisively.
There's a supernatural slant here, and it makes for good fiction. Jesse and Ethan are wonderful and adorable together. With them, it appears that love conquers time and distance. But, their road to romance is fraught with speedbumps and potholes.
This is a great and intriguing read. I earnestly recommend it.
This was originally published Oct 2011. I've always liked A.M. Arthur's books. Her writing style is phenomenal, and "Prodigal" is no exception. For a short book, she manages to craft a compelling story as if it was a regular novel. The ending seems abrupt, but ends decisively.
There's a supernatural slant here, and it makes for good fiction. Jesse and Ethan are wonderful and adorable together. With them, it appears that love conquers time and distance. But, their road to romance is fraught with speedbumps and potholes.
This is a great and intriguing read. I earnestly recommend it.
November 10, 2025
Review for (Prodigal-1) Prodigal by A.M. Arthur
Wow, this story had my feelings going all over the place. Fear is a dark tone in the story. This was an intriguing story that drew me in from the start—the story of Ethan Wilde and what happened to him for him to leave his hometown. Years later, he reads that a childhood friend from his past has died, which draws him back to his hometown. Then we meet Jesse, his past lover and best friend. Add in some paranormal intrigue—oh yes, my type of story. This had a fantastic storyline that kept me reading till I knew what happened. These types of books are the ones that keep me reading even if it is 3 in the morning. That shows me I need more by this author and series. So, hint, hint, I need more :).
Nicole Harvey
Wow, this story had my feelings going all over the place. Fear is a dark tone in the story. This was an intriguing story that drew me in from the start—the story of Ethan Wilde and what happened to him for him to leave his hometown. Years later, he reads that a childhood friend from his past has died, which draws him back to his hometown. Then we meet Jesse, his past lover and best friend. Add in some paranormal intrigue—oh yes, my type of story. This had a fantastic storyline that kept me reading till I knew what happened. These types of books are the ones that keep me reading even if it is 3 in the morning. That shows me I need more by this author and series. So, hint, hint, I need more :).
Nicole Harvey
November 18, 2025
Jesse and Ethan went through something horrifying when they were children but Ethan barely remembers until he gets a mysterious email about a friend passing away that brings him back to a town he wanted to leave forever and to man he never wanted to leave behind. We get to learn what actually happened along with Ethan as he remembers more and more about that night the longer he’s in town, and sitting on the edge of our seats in suspense waiting for the next twist.
This book told the story of a love between two people that was never forgotten and stronger than ever when reunited. There was death, heartbreak, love and mystery but it all made the story very enjoyable to read. ❤️😁
This book told the story of a love between two people that was never forgotten and stronger than ever when reunited. There was death, heartbreak, love and mystery but it all made the story very enjoyable to read. ❤️😁
November 3, 2025
Prodigal is the first book in the Prodigal series. This is the story of Ethan and Jesse. This book was hard to put down once I started it. I was expecting a romance with some mystery but wasn't expecting the wonderful horror story this was. I loved the characters and world building. I really enjoyed all the twists and turns this rollercoaster ride of a story took me on. All I can say is what an amazing story this was. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book.
November 13, 2025
I wasn't sure going in if this was going to be a dark mystery or a horror story and it's actually both. We follow Ethan as he returns to the small town he physically left at eighteen but we quickly see he's never mentally left. When he returns for a funeral, he gets caught back up in the secrets of what happened to him and some of his friends one night in the woods when he was nine as well as a romance with his friend Jesse who never left town. If you're a fan of King, Koontz, et al., you'll love this.
November 7, 2025
A chilling, gripping paranormal story that doubles as a powerful metaphor for growing up gay—or just feeling “different”—in a small town. The tension is expertly built with flashbacks that deepen both the mystery and the emotional stakes. Ethan and Jesse’s reunion is heart-wrenching and intense, and the sense of a past that won’t let you go is palpable. A brilliantly written, atmospheric read… but maybe not for bedtime!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
November 10, 2025
Intense! Ethan and Jesse have history. Then Ethan left and only returns to mourn the death of a former friend. Jesse and a few others, feel compelled to stay. They have secrets from when they were kids and don't know what they are or why. The mysteries and secrets, keep you glued to the story while scaring the sense out of you. A.M rivals Hitchcock story this is so intense. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2025
Ooooh this is one spooky tale....lost memories, small town, hidden secrets, second chances and twists galore. Short time frame but really does pack a punch !! I just couldn't put the book down - story is very well paced without an overload of information.....it's fed in drips and drabs as you uncover another clue. Story told solely from one POV - characters well written and you are totally caught up with the mystery of it all. Really good story.
November 8, 2025
This was definitely an interesting read. At first I wasn’t sure what exactly was going on with Nathan’s friends not being able to leave.
I definitely didn’t expect the plot twist regarding what happened to them when there were kids. Definitely took me by surprise.
Looking forward to finding out more about what happens next.
I definitely didn’t expect the plot twist regarding what happened to them when there were kids. Definitely took me by surprise.
Looking forward to finding out more about what happens next.
November 23, 2025
This is an exciting supernatural romance. The characters are enticing and realistic, it deals with real life issues along with the supernatural ones. When Ethan comes back to his cursed hometown he doesn’t only have to deal with the supernatural but also figuring out things with the love of his life Jesse. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
November 25, 2025
That could’ve been a very gay episode of Supernatural and I mean that as the highest compliment
It was spooky, gay and so intriguing! Would’ve liked more interactions between the original six before the plot unfolded but that’s what you get with a novella!
I received an ARC but all thoughts are my own
It was spooky, gay and so intriguing! Would’ve liked more interactions between the original six before the plot unfolded but that’s what you get with a novella!
I received an ARC but all thoughts are my own
April 13, 2018
Damn my heart is pounding! I shouldn't have read this... it's horror... my nerves can't take it. But damn it was well written, Steven King style. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes horror and for those who don't, run .
October 25, 2025
This is a short novella that packs a punch!
It was spine-tingly!
Memory loss, murder, childhood best friends, an inability to leave town.
Plus a change in eye color and mysterious tattoos.
Just be glad there is a huge dog to help.
Thanks to GRR and A.M. for this very interesting story.
It was spine-tingly!
Memory loss, murder, childhood best friends, an inability to leave town.
Plus a change in eye color and mysterious tattoos.
Just be glad there is a huge dog to help.
Thanks to GRR and A.M. for this very interesting story.
November 6, 2025
This novella fit a surprising amount of story, with a few unexpected twists and quite a bit dose of horror. I wasn't sure at any time exactly what was happening until the wrap-up at the end. Quite clever and pretty scary.
July 16, 2020
3.5 Stars
October 25, 2025
I have to admit, towards the end I was a little scarred and needed the lights in to go to sleep. 😁
Cool read and the writing picked me up as well.
Cool read and the writing picked me up as well.
October 30, 2025
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews