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Saga of the City by the Flowers #1
In Life, in Death
As a prince, Ahmiki knows that his purpose in life is to serve their city and help its people find prosperity. Until the night that he is named as the living representative of the god Teska’atl, to be sacrificed at the end of the year. Ahmiki has to endure one year of humiliating rituals, unpleasant ceremonies, and a fraught political landscape.
At least he can take some comfort in the handsome and strangely unbowed servant who has been assigned to him…
Note: This 30k novella is a dark romance and does not include a happy ending.
At least he can take some comfort in the handsome and strangely unbowed servant who has been assigned to him…
Note: This 30k novella is a dark romance and does not include a happy ending.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2018
31 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Adara Wolf
51 books438 followersI write almost exclusive m/m, but I have a fondness for bisexual protagonists. I enjoy a lot of darker themes, so you'll see a lot of that around here.
When I’m not writing, I’m reading, painting, playing video games, and rescuing cats. I also enjoy learning about languages and other cultures.
If you're ever curious about the contents of my works, I put content notes on my website (http://adarawolf.com)
You can also follow me on facebook and twitter. I also have a Patreon account
When I’m not writing, I’m reading, painting, playing video games, and rescuing cats. I also enjoy learning about languages and other cultures.
If you're ever curious about the contents of my works, I put content notes on my website (http://adarawolf.com)
You can also follow me on facebook and twitter. I also have a Patreon account
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 3, 2018
*ruminating*
This book is messing with my rating system, so you can pick any of the ratings below:
2 stars -> because I was very, very bored. I couldn't strike a connection with any of the characters and by the end of the book the great city of Xochititlan could have burned in a thousand flames and I wouldn't have cared. Also Ahmiki, our main character, was a blind, naive ninny.
But also, maybe, just maybe, I may have awoken on the wrong side of the bed today and not even Mary Renault's lost pages on Alkibiades couldn't have managed to stir any emotion in me (and I would sell 10 years of my life for this).
3 stars -> because I liked very much the documentation behind the world built by the author. I liked the writing style. I liked the descriptions of the clothes, the places, the rituals, the governmental structure. I love details like this.
4 stars -> because maybe I wasn't meant to care about the characters after all but regard them from afar like an observer without any emotion. Like the god Teska’atl in the story.
5 stars --> everything I said under 4 stars plus there is finally one book that comes through on the premise of the story and we don't have a ending. That takes guts. So I'm impressed and definitely a new fan of Adara Wolf.
Final rating an average of the above: 3.5.
This book is messing with my rating system, so you can pick any of the ratings below:
2 stars -> because I was very, very bored. I couldn't strike a connection with any of the characters and by the end of the book the great city of Xochititlan could have burned in a thousand flames and I wouldn't have cared. Also Ahmiki, our main character, was a blind, naive ninny.
But also, maybe, just maybe, I may have awoken on the wrong side of the bed today and not even Mary Renault's lost pages on Alkibiades couldn't have managed to stir any emotion in me (and I would sell 10 years of my life for this).
3 stars -> because I liked very much the documentation behind the world built by the author. I liked the writing style. I liked the descriptions of the clothes, the places, the rituals, the governmental structure. I love details like this.
4 stars -> because maybe I wasn't meant to care about the characters after all but regard them from afar like an observer without any emotion. Like the god Teska’atl in the story.
5 stars --> everything I said under 4 stars plus there is finally one book that comes through on the premise of the story and we don't have a ending. That takes guts. So I'm impressed and definitely a new fan of Adara Wolf.
Final rating an average of the above: 3.5.
March 20, 2019
Adara Wolf has been a delightful find for me this year. She brings something unique, and so far she's surprised me every time. I’ll be reading along, enjoying the narrative and story that she’s building, and then I get slowly sideswiped and it becomes... more... than I’d initially thought.
In Life, In Death reads like a dark and twisted fable. The characters are relatively flat in stories like this. They represent traits, light/dark, good/evil, etc. But the story itself is quite nuanced, and the world the author built is fascinating. It pissed me off and broke my heart in turns, and while this volume is a stand-alone, I’m interested to read the other stories in this universe.
In Life, In Death reads like a dark and twisted fable. The characters are relatively flat in stories like this. They represent traits, light/dark, good/evil, etc. But the story itself is quite nuanced, and the world the author built is fascinating. It pissed me off and broke my heart in turns, and while this volume is a stand-alone, I’m interested to read the other stories in this universe.
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December 26, 2018
3.75 stars! Really liked the story idea (amazing setting) and the writing style of the author. On the other hand the intimate, romantic sub plot wasn't as gripping. Partly because we only get Ahmiki's point of view, while his lover remains cloaked in shadows. Even though the love story was somewhat lacking, it's a book that will stay with me for a long while. It was quite unique.
not-interested
September 21, 2018BEWARE no HEA!
Freebie at amazon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Life-Death-S...
Freebie at amazon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Life-Death-S...
May 12, 2018
This book made me FEEL.
Important Note before you read this book!!: If you go to her website and sign up for her mailing list, you will get a prequel to this story. It is not necessarily needed but I definitely appreciated it and recommend to read that first! It has great world building. After I finished the book, I went back and reread part of the prequel because how amazing the book and me wanting to get that connection even further. Okay, back to my review!
Oh Ahmiki, I felt for him in this book. It is so hard for me to describe his character, because of how much I felt for him. His wisdom, strength, loyalty, compassion and a million other things make him the perfect MC for this story. Since we only get Ahmiki's POV in this book, the connection to Masatl is not as strong but I still felt for his character. He was bold, strong, wise and comforting to me.
As the book says, this is not a HEA. And this is not your typical MM book. For me, this story was a journey that left me feeling so sad and happy and content all at once. While I do not read many historical set books, this novella was truly great and had so much depth to be a novella. The writing is beautiful and poetic.
I NEED more from this author.
Important Note before you read this book!!: If you go to her website and sign up for her mailing list, you will get a prequel to this story. It is not necessarily needed but I definitely appreciated it and recommend to read that first! It has great world building. After I finished the book, I went back and reread part of the prequel because how amazing the book and me wanting to get that connection even further. Okay, back to my review!
Oh Ahmiki, I felt for him in this book. It is so hard for me to describe his character, because of how much I felt for him. His wisdom, strength, loyalty, compassion and a million other things make him the perfect MC for this story. Since we only get Ahmiki's POV in this book, the connection to Masatl is not as strong but I still felt for his character. He was bold, strong, wise and comforting to me.
As the book says, this is not a HEA. And this is not your typical MM book. For me, this story was a journey that left me feeling so sad and happy and content all at once. While I do not read many historical set books, this novella was truly great and had so much depth to be a novella. The writing is beautiful and poetic.
I NEED more from this author.
January 28, 2024
Good writing as per usual. Also as per usual, a pretty f**** up story where the hero goes through hell and doesn't necessarily get a good ending. Although, this ending was pretty good all things considered. I think this is a three and not more because I didn't really connect to any characters.
January 7, 2026
This one was beautiful and sad and tragic and ripped my heart out.
I buddy read this with my friend in 2024 and we were both so drawn to the world, the characters and even if we both usually don't read tragedies, this one was amazing.
Definitely plan to read more of the Sagas
I buddy read this with my friend in 2024 and we were both so drawn to the world, the characters and even if we both usually don't read tragedies, this one was amazing.
Definitely plan to read more of the Sagas
July 2, 2018
Very interesting story
Interesting take on sacrifice, love, and devotion. I disliked the king from the beginning, and thought the slaves were much better people.
Interesting take on sacrifice, love, and devotion. I disliked the king from the beginning, and thought the slaves were much better people.
May 21, 2019
3.75 stars I would like to see what happens 20 years after the book ends.
May 22, 2019
A very good book by a gifted author. A "pre-Columbian" universe and 3-D characters really set it apart. It's dark and bright. Kudos!
June 11, 2019
Before I start my review, I'd like to point out that simply describing the Saga of the City by the Flowers as a MM romance series would be a huge understatement. Of course, there is eroticism and beautiful depictions of love, passion, fear and other emotions - everything a reader might expect or hope for when picking out a romance/erotic novel. However, what surprised me when reading this book, was that even though I *came* for the hot & steamy tension between two interesting characters, I actually stayed for the story and the wonderfully composes world it was set in.
It is not just a random fantasy world that serves as a backdrop or showplace for the characters to exist in, like in some other novellas that put the focus on the characters and their relationship. The characters, the lore and the world, they all intertwine like gears in a clockwork. You simply cannot pull the characters out from their world and put them somewhere else, they belong there; they are part of a big picture that is amazingly detailed and intriguing to look at.
When ready the story you can really tell how much time and effort the author has put into creating the world and especially the religion that is a huge part of it. I loved reading about every little ritual, cultural tradition or superstition that make the place feel so real and natural.
Now when having such an elaborate world you might assume that it starts carrying the characters more than it should do, but that was definitely not the case. Ahmiki still is very much his own person, as are all the other characters. While he sort of takes the role of the 'captain' of the ship that lets you sail through the beautiful imagery and atmosphere of the world Adara has created, you never gaze away from him. He is part of the scenery after all, it is *his* journey you are being part of, you see everything through his eyes and you follow his path. He’s more than just a tour guide, he is the tour.
The writing style itself is also very much different from what I've read so far, from other MM writers and also from other works of Adara herself (as far as I can tell). Another reviewer descripted it as 'fable-like' and I find that description very fitting. At first I thought it would maybe make the erotic scenes lose their 'spark', as it can be hard to describe something vulgar in a poetic way, but oh my god Adara delivered that so much! Sex scenes became a religious experience, for the characters *and* for the reader.
The aesthetic and the worldbuilding are definitely the strongest suits and the focus of this series and if you truly want to read something *beautiful*, in the literal sense of the word, this is the right book for you. Characters and story are also amazing, but those two factors where the things that really stood out to me as a reader. I was surprised and immediately hooked. I really recommend this to everyone, especially because it truly is something different, compared to other fantasy MM novels.
It is not just a random fantasy world that serves as a backdrop or showplace for the characters to exist in, like in some other novellas that put the focus on the characters and their relationship. The characters, the lore and the world, they all intertwine like gears in a clockwork. You simply cannot pull the characters out from their world and put them somewhere else, they belong there; they are part of a big picture that is amazingly detailed and intriguing to look at.
When ready the story you can really tell how much time and effort the author has put into creating the world and especially the religion that is a huge part of it. I loved reading about every little ritual, cultural tradition or superstition that make the place feel so real and natural.
Now when having such an elaborate world you might assume that it starts carrying the characters more than it should do, but that was definitely not the case. Ahmiki still is very much his own person, as are all the other characters. While he sort of takes the role of the 'captain' of the ship that lets you sail through the beautiful imagery and atmosphere of the world Adara has created, you never gaze away from him. He is part of the scenery after all, it is *his* journey you are being part of, you see everything through his eyes and you follow his path. He’s more than just a tour guide, he is the tour.
The writing style itself is also very much different from what I've read so far, from other MM writers and also from other works of Adara herself (as far as I can tell). Another reviewer descripted it as 'fable-like' and I find that description very fitting. At first I thought it would maybe make the erotic scenes lose their 'spark', as it can be hard to describe something vulgar in a poetic way, but oh my god Adara delivered that so much! Sex scenes became a religious experience, for the characters *and* for the reader.
The aesthetic and the worldbuilding are definitely the strongest suits and the focus of this series and if you truly want to read something *beautiful*, in the literal sense of the word, this is the right book for you. Characters and story are also amazing, but those two factors where the things that really stood out to me as a reader. I was surprised and immediately hooked. I really recommend this to everyone, especially because it truly is something different, compared to other fantasy MM novels.
October 7, 2020
Not what I expected but still really good!
Ok preface the review with - I read Adara’s Under His Heel series and immediately downloaded this one without even reading the synopsis or anything thinking that this was another series with a continuing story line like that one! Which it is NOT! The story was good. The characters were good. I feel like so much could have been more fleshed out. It’s not really a romance and the ending was - to be truthful - incredibly unsatisfying for me. Not that it wasn’t good- it was! But that bastard brother of his should have been strung up and burned at the damn stake. Maybe that happens further in the series, but with book 2 having different characters I just don’t know if that is going to happen. 4 stars because I felt it was a bit rushed and I can’t believe the ending, but overall a very enjoyable read!
Ok preface the review with - I read Adara’s Under His Heel series and immediately downloaded this one without even reading the synopsis or anything thinking that this was another series with a continuing story line like that one! Which it is NOT! The story was good. The characters were good. I feel like so much could have been more fleshed out. It’s not really a romance and the ending was - to be truthful - incredibly unsatisfying for me. Not that it wasn’t good- it was! But that bastard brother of his should have been strung up and burned at the damn stake. Maybe that happens further in the series, but with book 2 having different characters I just don’t know if that is going to happen. 4 stars because I felt it was a bit rushed and I can’t believe the ending, but overall a very enjoyable read!
October 28, 2018
I was thoroughly enchanted by this book!
It sets itself apart from any other MM romance I’ve read not only with its theme – human sacrifice and the participants and the relationships of those intimately involved with it -- and content but Adara’s beautiful writing that really manages to bring the story and the setting to life. Ahmiki and those who surround him are wonderful (and often terrible) characters and although the ending is very bittersweet (which is not usually my thing) I loved every second of it.
It sets itself apart from any other MM romance I’ve read not only with its theme – human sacrifice and the participants and the relationships of those intimately involved with it -- and content but Adara’s beautiful writing that really manages to bring the story and the setting to life. Ahmiki and those who surround him are wonderful (and often terrible) characters and although the ending is very bittersweet (which is not usually my thing) I loved every second of it.
June 28, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book
At first I didn't think I would enjoy this book. The ending was so touching I cried. I loved the world building and the people you created I would go on but to write too much more I am afraid of spoiling it for someone else. If you are looking for not only a great story that is different then this should be your next read.
At first I didn't think I would enjoy this book. The ending was so touching I cried. I loved the world building and the people you created I would go on but to write too much more I am afraid of spoiling it for someone else. If you are looking for not only a great story that is different then this should be your next read.
June 25, 2020
I had expected that plot twist! But still it amazed me and it was just so fitting. Ahmiki is so honorable and kind. I just wish we could have had an epilogue where they were together. Just to appease my broken heart at that ending.
June 19, 2024
Yeah, not a fan. I was incredibly bored throughout and didn’t particularly care for the setting (I’m a Colombian who doesn’t love the pre-Columbian era). I also actively disliked the
June 2, 2018
Some really interesting ideas in this one and definitely different, but personally I found the story a little unfulfilling and felt it didn't quite live up to it's potential.
August 31, 2020
Fuck. No words. Slow build, but that ending. Much more spiritual than I was expecting. Most of the sexual acts distant. Beautiful story.
****
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****
If you want content warnings: http://adarawolf.com/index.php/book/i...
January 31, 2022
I’m so happy I’d read this book. It’s was beautiful. I keep listening about the author and I wanted to give it a chance. I’m happy I did because it was a great experience.
I’ll admit that I struggle a little at the beginning. I have a bit of trouble getting myself into the story, but near the half of the book I was so captivated by the story that I couldn’t put it down. It has a very interesting plot. Very unusual and with a historical feeling around it.
I liked the main characters. There was particularly one, a slave, who got my attention with his imposing attitude but also very caring and sweet at times. I think it is easy to care for Ahmiki, he is very noble character. Getting to know the culture was also something that I enjoyed a lot. How respectful everyone was for their traditions and Gods. It was a wonderful book to read. Fair warning, it doesn’t have a HEA
I’ll admit that I struggle a little at the beginning. I have a bit of trouble getting myself into the story, but near the half of the book I was so captivated by the story that I couldn’t put it down. It has a very interesting plot. Very unusual and with a historical feeling around it.
I liked the main characters. There was particularly one, a slave, who got my attention with his imposing attitude but also very caring and sweet at times. I think it is easy to care for Ahmiki, he is very noble character. Getting to know the culture was also something that I enjoyed a lot. How respectful everyone was for their traditions and Gods. It was a wonderful book to read. Fair warning, it doesn’t have a HEA
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews