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The Vale Chronicles #1
Puppet/Master
Can an assassin who exists only for one man accept his destiny as the treasured possession of four elite warriors?
The world of Teros is full of beautiful, twisted things. Elves who’ve traded their magical birthright for biogenetic enhancements. Shifters who transform into the beasts of legend. Vampires who feed on their human subjects with impunity and enforce their rule with servants honed into deadly creatures of destruction—and seduction. None is rarer than the chimera, a special class of human and a vessel of limitless power for any lover strong enough to tame them.
As the favored "Puppet" of the Master Vampire of Ark, Arden exists to enact his master’s will. When the Brotherhood of Aeon, an elite force from the subterranean realm of the Vale, turns the tables and kidnaps the rare creature, Arden is thrown into the world of the fae, where nothing is as it seems.
The Vale is a realm of old magic and exquisite beauty beyond imagination, ruled by Dusk, the Prince of the Fae. When Dusk strips Arden of his vampire nature and the purpose that has guided him from birth, his only focus is escape. But the Brotherhood insists that he’s more than just a Puppet. To them, he’s a being deserving of love and protection, and he must be guarded at all costs.
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
The world of Teros is full of beautiful, twisted things. Elves who’ve traded their magical birthright for biogenetic enhancements. Shifters who transform into the beasts of legend. Vampires who feed on their human subjects with impunity and enforce their rule with servants honed into deadly creatures of destruction—and seduction. None is rarer than the chimera, a special class of human and a vessel of limitless power for any lover strong enough to tame them.
As the favored "Puppet" of the Master Vampire of Ark, Arden exists to enact his master’s will. When the Brotherhood of Aeon, an elite force from the subterranean realm of the Vale, turns the tables and kidnaps the rare creature, Arden is thrown into the world of the fae, where nothing is as it seems.
The Vale is a realm of old magic and exquisite beauty beyond imagination, ruled by Dusk, the Prince of the Fae. When Dusk strips Arden of his vampire nature and the purpose that has guided him from birth, his only focus is escape. But the Brotherhood insists that he’s more than just a Puppet. To them, he’s a being deserving of love and protection, and he must be guarded at all costs.
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2019
195 people are currently reading
967 people want to read
About the author
Joel Abernathy
47 books1,282 followersJoel Abernathy, also writing as L.C. Davis, is a trans author of MM romance. He enjoys writing dark and emotional romance about men loving men in all genres.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
March 12, 2019
3.4 Stars....
This was a very interesting read. I admit it was confusing at first, and I had a hard time figuring out what exactly was going on and what type of world I was dealing with.
By the end of the book, it made more sense, but a lot of the world building still felt vague.
There are a lot of characters involved, and a lot of plots about. There is some sex, but not a lot—and there is only one MMM scene at the very end.
My favorite character was Vox—the ghoul. All of the characters were interesting, in fact.
So, I know I don’t give much actual information on the book, but I enjoyed it—not up to the writing standards of other Joel Abernathy books—well enough and will gladly read the next book.
FYI: cliffhanger HFN!
This was a very interesting read. I admit it was confusing at first, and I had a hard time figuring out what exactly was going on and what type of world I was dealing with.
By the end of the book, it made more sense, but a lot of the world building still felt vague.
There are a lot of characters involved, and a lot of plots about. There is some sex, but not a lot—and there is only one MMM scene at the very end.
My favorite character was Vox—the ghoul. All of the characters were interesting, in fact.
So, I know I don’t give much actual information on the book, but I enjoyed it—not up to the writing standards of other Joel Abernathy books—well enough and will gladly read the next book.
FYI: cliffhanger HFN!
May 18, 2019
Not quite 5 stars but WAY better than just 4...
I'm not all that fond of typical fantasy fae/elf stories as a whole but combined with vampires and a sentient magic source, this one really captivated me.
I'm not all that fond of typical fantasy fae/elf stories as a whole but combined with vampires and a sentient magic source, this one really captivated me.
February 15, 2019
Really good...but it's a cliffhanger!
March 4, 2019
This review is also posted on my blog.
I didn't really know what to expect from this book. I've read Joel Abernathy books before, and enjoyed them, so OF COURSE I was going to pick them book up, but it was confusing that the cover on Goodreads is different than what I'm guessing is the official cover on Amazon. But in some ways, the cover on Amazon is stunning, but not really who the main character is.
The main focus of the story is Arden. When he was 20, he was turned into a vampire by his vampire master and trained as an assassin. He's one of the best, and he lives to serve his master, Eric. This story is one where vampires, fae, and elves are at war. Shifters too, but they're really only ever mentioned in passing and not one of the main players as far as I can tell. And this is where there is a lot of world-building, but also the part of the story where everything gets confusing.
Children are chosen to one day, when they are 20, to be given the chance to turn into vampires. To turn into a vampire is viewed as a great honor, but it also hides something much more insidious. Not everyone survives the transformation, and those who don't get turned into vampires and are turned into something known as ghouls. These are the lowest in the hierarchy and are kept silent and do whatever anyone tells them. The true test of turning people into vampires is to find the rare few who are stronger, more powerful than the rest of the immortal beings - the chimera.
Not that I've seen in this book, but the chimera isn't quite what I expected to see? For all intents and purposes Arden is a chimera, but he's not a fire-breathing monster from Greek mythology with a lion's head, goat's body, and a serpent's tail. No, this is the more scientific term for someone with a genetic mutation. I did NOT know that while I was reading this book, so I kept expecting Arden to transform into a beast at any given point. But he doesn't, and that's probably a good thing.
This book has a lot of layers and I was expecting this to be a lot darker than it turned out to be. I'm not sure which way I would prefer it, to be honest. I was initially worried this was going to be a dark romance with non-con but I was pleasantly surprised that it's not. So, in a way the title and blurb are a tiny bit misleading, but I did like that consent does get brought up in this book.
Arden has spent decades being brainwashed by Eric, and when Arden gets taken as part of a rescue mission, he views it as a kidnapping. He does spend most of the book actively wanting to escape, and for all his rescuers try to show him otherwise, Arden doesn't quite have the capacity to view his situation any differently.
This story is told from multiple POVs, but the main voice is Arden's. I do love the other "main" characters. Because this is a MMMMM endgame, there are quite a few characters. There's fae prince Dusk (the one pictured on the cover), his lover Leo, vampire Elan, and a ghoul named Vox. It's unconventional maybe, but their dynamic works and I'll be interested in seeing how this romance develops. I wouldn't really say there's any BIG sex scene in this book, but different sex scenes with different pairings? And anyways, there is a fair bit of politics, backstabbing, and murder happening that kind of takes precedence. One death hit particularly hard because I just wasn't expecting it and I was firmly in denial until the very end.
This book is very interesting and got me reading the story pretty fast, but I will say that for all the intricacies and STORY, the characterizations still felt very...surface level? I didn't quite feel a DEPTH to the characters like I would have liked and the backstory does get confusing at times. The whole chimera thing was confusing, first of all. And I guess I didn't quite understand Arden's plight as much as I was being TOLD I should. I just never felt it.
So, this story ends in a cliffhanger, but I see it as more of a HFN for the romance piece and with a plot that has more room to unravel. I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series, and I can't wait to see where the story takes us.
I didn't really know what to expect from this book. I've read Joel Abernathy books before, and enjoyed them, so OF COURSE I was going to pick them book up, but it was confusing that the cover on Goodreads is different than what I'm guessing is the official cover on Amazon. But in some ways, the cover on Amazon is stunning, but not really who the main character is.
The main focus of the story is Arden. When he was 20, he was turned into a vampire by his vampire master and trained as an assassin. He's one of the best, and he lives to serve his master, Eric. This story is one where vampires, fae, and elves are at war. Shifters too, but they're really only ever mentioned in passing and not one of the main players as far as I can tell. And this is where there is a lot of world-building, but also the part of the story where everything gets confusing.
Children are chosen to one day, when they are 20, to be given the chance to turn into vampires. To turn into a vampire is viewed as a great honor, but it also hides something much more insidious. Not everyone survives the transformation, and those who don't get turned into vampires and are turned into something known as ghouls. These are the lowest in the hierarchy and are kept silent and do whatever anyone tells them. The true test of turning people into vampires is to find the rare few who are stronger, more powerful than the rest of the immortal beings - the chimera.
Not that I've seen in this book, but the chimera isn't quite what I expected to see? For all intents and purposes Arden is a chimera, but he's not a fire-breathing monster from Greek mythology with a lion's head, goat's body, and a serpent's tail. No, this is the more scientific term for someone with a genetic mutation. I did NOT know that while I was reading this book, so I kept expecting Arden to transform into a beast at any given point. But he doesn't, and that's probably a good thing.
This book has a lot of layers and I was expecting this to be a lot darker than it turned out to be. I'm not sure which way I would prefer it, to be honest. I was initially worried this was going to be a dark romance with non-con but I was pleasantly surprised that it's not. So, in a way the title and blurb are a tiny bit misleading, but I did like that consent does get brought up in this book.
Arden has spent decades being brainwashed by Eric, and when Arden gets taken as part of a rescue mission, he views it as a kidnapping. He does spend most of the book actively wanting to escape, and for all his rescuers try to show him otherwise, Arden doesn't quite have the capacity to view his situation any differently.
"Did you ever consider the fact that he [Arden] doesn't want to be saved?"
"Of course he doesn't. He's been brainwashed his entire life," said Dusk. "That hardly means he isn't deserving of a chance."
This story is told from multiple POVs, but the main voice is Arden's. I do love the other "main" characters. Because this is a MMMMM endgame, there are quite a few characters. There's fae prince Dusk (the one pictured on the cover), his lover Leo, vampire Elan, and a ghoul named Vox. It's unconventional maybe, but their dynamic works and I'll be interested in seeing how this romance develops. I wouldn't really say there's any BIG sex scene in this book, but different sex scenes with different pairings? And anyways, there is a fair bit of politics, backstabbing, and murder happening that kind of takes precedence. One death hit particularly hard because I just wasn't expecting it and I was firmly in denial until the very end.
This book is very interesting and got me reading the story pretty fast, but I will say that for all the intricacies and STORY, the characterizations still felt very...surface level? I didn't quite feel a DEPTH to the characters like I would have liked and the backstory does get confusing at times. The whole chimera thing was confusing, first of all. And I guess I didn't quite understand Arden's plight as much as I was being TOLD I should. I just never felt it.
So, this story ends in a cliffhanger, but I see it as more of a HFN for the romance piece and with a plot that has more room to unravel. I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series, and I can't wait to see where the story takes us.
February 26, 2019
Engaging story, lots of intrigue and many characters and motivations to sort through. There were a couple of times I was surprised and a few times when I felt I should have felt more but just didn't. I had a hard time connecting to all of the characters set on their various paths collectively and apart. There is very little romance or even sex in this book. A bit of intimacy but not a lot of real connection at this point.
This is a cliffhanger so we'll see what happens in the next book because well written, well edited books are harder to find.
This is a cliffhanger so we'll see what happens in the next book because well written, well edited books are harder to find.
June 4, 2019
Liked this and I am hoping there is more to come in the series.
February 28, 2019
Very interesting book!
If you go on expecting MMMMM (menage?) like the book says, well, it's not like that. But be aware that this is a beginning and the book ends in a somewhat cliffhanger. Nothing is solved. Just a temporary HFN.
Though it took me a while to get into the story, get to know the world and the characters and what was going on, I really enjoyed reading it. The characters, 6 of them, were all unique and I instantly got attached to them. We switch between characters POV and it fit nicely!
Our main mostly protagonist, Arden, who is a vampire, or is he? He is ready to do what his Master wants but his Master doesn't see him as nothing more than a weapon to use.
Then, there is Dusk, a fae, that is working to bring good to the world with the help of Leo, an elf, Vox, a ghoul, Elan, a vampire and Harding, a human. But things don't go as planned.
Arden seems to not believe anyone and it frustrated me. Of course he doesn't remember his previous life, before he turned into a vampire. He is being tossed between all them, used by his Master and a lot of things happened to him. Finding who he really is or what he is, is going to take a while.
The relationships were there, happening, throughtout the whole book. Friendships and love. Some may have happened fast but it's still nothing yet.
There's so much story which I am trying not to spoil. There's so much going on and it's only the first book. I can't wait to see what happens next!
I recommend it! :D
If you go on expecting MMMMM (menage?) like the book says, well, it's not like that. But be aware that this is a beginning and the book ends in a somewhat cliffhanger. Nothing is solved. Just a temporary HFN.
Though it took me a while to get into the story, get to know the world and the characters and what was going on, I really enjoyed reading it. The characters, 6 of them, were all unique and I instantly got attached to them. We switch between characters POV and it fit nicely!
Our main mostly protagonist, Arden, who is a vampire, or is he? He is ready to do what his Master wants but his Master doesn't see him as nothing more than a weapon to use.
Then, there is Dusk, a fae, that is working to bring good to the world with the help of Leo, an elf, Vox, a ghoul, Elan, a vampire and Harding, a human. But things don't go as planned.
Arden seems to not believe anyone and it frustrated me. Of course he doesn't remember his previous life, before he turned into a vampire. He is being tossed between all them, used by his Master and a lot of things happened to him. Finding who he really is or what he is, is going to take a while.
The relationships were there, happening, throughtout the whole book. Friendships and love. Some may have happened fast but it's still nothing yet.
There's so much story which I am trying not to spoil. There's so much going on and it's only the first book. I can't wait to see what happens next!
I recommend it! :D
February 8, 2019
He needed to belong to someone. He craved submission, acceptance, the bond that could only exist when power was given freely. It was an inborn need, but he didn’t want just any Master. He wanted them. He needed them. Together.
Wow this book wrecked me and I'm not sure why I'm surprised. Joel Abernathy creates settings that are perfectly built and characters you can't help but care for. Arden and Vox stole my heart and didn't give it back. I was a bit nervous about this being an MMM+ story but Leo, Dusk, Elan, and Harding each brought something unique and special to the group. I really enjoyed that we saw from all their different point of views, it really made you feel like you were part of their brotherhood. A dark paranormal romance full of ghouls, vampires, fae, elf, and shifters. An addicting world that I can't wait to get back to in book 2!!
"Some things were just meant to be felt rather than understood, and Arden decided this was one of them."
Wow this book wrecked me and I'm not sure why I'm surprised. Joel Abernathy creates settings that are perfectly built and characters you can't help but care for. Arden and Vox stole my heart and didn't give it back. I was a bit nervous about this being an MMM+ story but Leo, Dusk, Elan, and Harding each brought something unique and special to the group. I really enjoyed that we saw from all their different point of views, it really made you feel like you were part of their brotherhood. A dark paranormal romance full of ghouls, vampires, fae, elf, and shifters. An addicting world that I can't wait to get back to in book 2!!
"Some things were just meant to be felt rather than understood, and Arden decided this was one of them."
November 12, 2019
I’ve had this on my list for awhile but wanted to wait until book 2 was out before I started it... And once book 2 came out I was a little apprehensive since I’ve had such rotten luck with LC Davis, whom is Joel Abernathy. In fact I’ve DNFd almost all the books I’ve started by them, but keep grabbing new ones because I’ve read one that ended up being a favorite. So far though I’ve had great luck reading books under the Abernathy name.
The world building in this book was fantastic! Really it’s some of the best I’ve read this year. It was a little hard to follow at times but it always ended up being wrapped up and coming together nicely.
The romance was also well done. In fact it’s still slowly building up and hasn’t been fully formed yet. Which I love!
Anyways I’m not going to go into a lengthy review (I really want to start the next book) so alls I’ve got to say is if you like harem/poly type romance with fae, elves, vampires, ghouls and many more, then this is worth the read.
The world building in this book was fantastic! Really it’s some of the best I’ve read this year. It was a little hard to follow at times but it always ended up being wrapped up and coming together nicely.
The romance was also well done. In fact it’s still slowly building up and hasn’t been fully formed yet. Which I love!
Anyways I’m not going to go into a lengthy review (I really want to start the next book) so alls I’ve got to say is if you like harem/poly type romance with fae, elves, vampires, ghouls and many more, then this is worth the read.
July 1, 2020
Reread: October 2019
Enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time I read it.
Rating: 4.5 stars
I really liked this book and quickly became invested in the outcome of all the characters. Arden especially. My heart hurt for him and everything that he is going through. I really like book where we get multiple points of view and we are not limited to just one or two MCs. The story itself was really good. It didn’t really bother me that we are left hanging at the ending with not even HFN for comfort. All in all, a really good book. I can’t wait for the next installment.
Enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time I read it.
Rating: 4.5 stars
I really liked this book and quickly became invested in the outcome of all the characters. Arden especially. My heart hurt for him and everything that he is going through. I really like book where we get multiple points of view and we are not limited to just one or two MCs. The story itself was really good. It didn’t really bother me that we are left hanging at the ending with not even HFN for comfort. All in all, a really good book. I can’t wait for the next installment.
March 14, 2019
Captivating!
While this isn't my first Fantasy/Sci-Fi Romance, let alone my first homoerotic novel, I found this story to be darkly beautiful and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for something more than just smut. I especially loved the incorporations of the Leather Fetish, and the Poly & BDSM culture.
While this isn't my first Fantasy/Sci-Fi Romance, let alone my first homoerotic novel, I found this story to be darkly beautiful and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for something more than just smut. I especially loved the incorporations of the Leather Fetish, and the Poly & BDSM culture.
February 9, 2019
I loved it!
I loved this new series by Joel Abernathy. The characters are vibrant and damaged and twisted and dark and I couldn't get enough of them. I can't wait to read the next book in the series when it comes out. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I loved this new series by Joel Abernathy. The characters are vibrant and damaged and twisted and dark and I couldn't get enough of them. I can't wait to read the next book in the series when it comes out. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
dnf
March 4, 2019DNF @34%
I absolutely hate to do this but I just couldn’t get into the story. Too many players. Too many different species. Completely different world.
I really wanted to like it because Joel Abernathy is an awesome author. But alas, I just couldn’t 😖
I absolutely hate to do this but I just couldn’t get into the story. Too many players. Too many different species. Completely different world.
I really wanted to like it because Joel Abernathy is an awesome author. But alas, I just couldn’t 😖
March 8, 2019
Very enjoyable!
October 21, 2019
Kinda loved this. I have some issues with the confusing world, but not enough to knock a star off. Lovely, well-written m/m, heavy on the political intrigue and some spicey scenes.
Read
March 19, 2020DNF @ 20%
March 16, 2022
No clear sense of character or plot...Who is talking when...it was a jumbled mish mash of bad writing...The premise was good but badly executed...
February 7, 2019
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
5*
This is the first book in the series and I think I can safely say I’m completely and utterly hooked.
The author delivers a story that’s not only truly refreshing but unique in many aspects. The world building was fantastic yet it was the complexity of Arden’s character that had my heart physically aching especially, towards the end.
Poor Arden was pulled in many different directions to the point he didn’t know know who to trust. Arden had so many layers and the author captured the vulnerability in his eyes in the most haunting of ways. The events towards the end hurt him deeply and although he didn’t show it, his pain, sadness and broken heart cried for everything he thought he wanted but would never get.
Dusk was an intriguing character yet by the end his actions spoke for themselves. Can he redeem himself and undo the damage he caused?
This was an amazing story which truly deserved more than 5 stars. I’ve never read anything quite like this which made it that much more gripping and captivating. This instalment showed many low points in Arden’s life and I’m hoping the second book will highlight more positive moments capturing everything he deserves yet hasn’t been given.
5*
This is the first book in the series and I think I can safely say I’m completely and utterly hooked.
The author delivers a story that’s not only truly refreshing but unique in many aspects. The world building was fantastic yet it was the complexity of Arden’s character that had my heart physically aching especially, towards the end.
Poor Arden was pulled in many different directions to the point he didn’t know know who to trust. Arden had so many layers and the author captured the vulnerability in his eyes in the most haunting of ways. The events towards the end hurt him deeply and although he didn’t show it, his pain, sadness and broken heart cried for everything he thought he wanted but would never get.
Dusk was an intriguing character yet by the end his actions spoke for themselves. Can he redeem himself and undo the damage he caused?
This was an amazing story which truly deserved more than 5 stars. I’ve never read anything quite like this which made it that much more gripping and captivating. This instalment showed many low points in Arden’s life and I’m hoping the second book will highlight more positive moments capturing everything he deserves yet hasn’t been given.
February 8, 2019
A delightfully complex, breathtakingly beautiful and intensely dark fantasy. The story is enriched by the telling of multiple points of view. Characters are multi-dimensional with strengths and flaws that will show their courage and their despair. The story-line is amazing, action packed and so well developed that i could not put the book down. This is a terrific m/m/m with steamy moments that will heal your heart and lots of moments that remind you that this is a dark romantic fantasy.
The world-building was incredible! So much created and woven with magic, and populated with paranormal beings like; Vampires, Faes, Elves, Humans, ghouls, chimera, and an intelligent Chrysalus that chooses to communicate with Arden. The creation of the Brotherhood (resistance) creates a wonderful dynamic and adds a fabulous level of suspense and intrigue.
This book has stayed with me because of the rare intensity of connection that i developed with these characters. Each of our characters have struggles and have triumphs. There is so many emotions from betrayal, obsession, heartbreak, hope, disappointment, fear, loss and ultimately love. The impact of this book was intense for me, i carried the sorrow and pain in my heart and looked for validation and love for Arden, our central MC. I wanted to heal the hurt for Vox, Dusk and Leo and of course Arden.
I am impatiently looking forward to the next book. I cannot wait for more of this delicious story!
The world-building was incredible! So much created and woven with magic, and populated with paranormal beings like; Vampires, Faes, Elves, Humans, ghouls, chimera, and an intelligent Chrysalus that chooses to communicate with Arden. The creation of the Brotherhood (resistance) creates a wonderful dynamic and adds a fabulous level of suspense and intrigue.
This book has stayed with me because of the rare intensity of connection that i developed with these characters. Each of our characters have struggles and have triumphs. There is so many emotions from betrayal, obsession, heartbreak, hope, disappointment, fear, loss and ultimately love. The impact of this book was intense for me, i carried the sorrow and pain in my heart and looked for validation and love for Arden, our central MC. I wanted to heal the hurt for Vox, Dusk and Leo and of course Arden.
I am impatiently looking forward to the next book. I cannot wait for more of this delicious story!
February 7, 2019
Arden is a Chimera, the greatest treasure and rare to all creatures. Unfortunately, Arden is a puppet to Eric, a Master Vampire. He’s the favorite. Fortunately, there is a brotherhood who fights to save Chimeras and give them back the life they original had… whether the Chimera wants to or not.
“Sorry, kid,” Harding muttered, looking down at him. “May not seem like it now, but trust me, we’re doing you a favor.”
I absolutely loved this story. The complexity of the story and the depth of the characters are all wrapped up in a wonderful dark fantasy. There’s action, love, heartbreak, death, betrayal, forgiveness and the intimate moments are hot. The world created was beautiful, intense and magical.
I enjoyed that the story was told from multiple points of views. It let each character really come to life and helped me understand what was going on with all of them.
I can’t wait to read more and see what happens not only to Arden but to all the men now in his life, especially Vox.
“Sorry, kid,” Harding muttered, looking down at him. “May not seem like it now, but trust me, we’re doing you a favor.”
I absolutely loved this story. The complexity of the story and the depth of the characters are all wrapped up in a wonderful dark fantasy. There’s action, love, heartbreak, death, betrayal, forgiveness and the intimate moments are hot. The world created was beautiful, intense and magical.
I enjoyed that the story was told from multiple points of views. It let each character really come to life and helped me understand what was going on with all of them.
I can’t wait to read more and see what happens not only to Arden but to all the men now in his life, especially Vox.
July 15, 2020
Well written, but I'm thinking more and more that this author is not for me. Violence is pretty constant in their books, both physical and mental, and there usually seems to be either coercion or brainwashing or something rather unethical going on. Part of me wants to see how the hell Arden recovers from this point, but I don't know if I really want to put myself through finding out.
February 12, 2019
Oh my goodness this book was a complete surprise to me, it was incredible! The world building, all the characters are so distinctive, the plots and subplots...wow the entire thing blew me away! I really need the next book as soon as physically possible.
February 15, 2019
Loved it, great worldbuilding, set in a nice fantasy world. And such great characters. Can't wait for the next book to come out!!!
Absolutely a must read!
Absolutely a must read!
April 13, 2020
3.5/5
A decent read with interesting world building and characters.
While I enjoyed the general read of the story, some aspect of it wasn't for me.
A decent read with interesting world building and characters.
While I enjoyed the general read of the story, some aspect of it wasn't for me.
December 27, 2023
*3.5 stars*
October 2, 2019
Loved it
This book was nonstop, impossible to put down. Arden had been through so much at the hands of the master vampire. Can’t wait to read what happens next!!
This book was nonstop, impossible to put down. Arden had been through so much at the hands of the master vampire. Can’t wait to read what happens next!!
September 18, 2019
5/5 - Joel Abernathy does not disappoint!
This is a really cool PNR story. It’s labeled as MMM+ but honestly when I see harem I’m thinking all the characters are gonna get down together or at the very least they are all going to have intimacy scenes. That is not this book.
It centers around a Brotherhood: a fae, elf, vampire, ghoul, human, and chimera. They are tasked with keeping the Vale safe from all who want to destroy the Sanctuary that houses the Chrysalus — a sentient life force.
The story is told from different POV’s but it’s not confusing. Mr. Abernathy writes impeccably. We see the events from:
Arden- chimera, Puppet, assassin for the Master (Eric)
Vox - ghoul, Arden’s bodyguard
Elan - vampire and Eric’s brother
Dusk - fae and Prince
Leo - Elf, general badass
Arden was taken as a child and trained to be a vampire and hopefully a chimera (a special snowflake with powers greater than any other species).
“Chimeras were rare and indistinguishable from humans, so the human children collected from the farms were gathered and sifted through like sand, all in hopes of finding that one gold nugget in a million grains.”
He’s brainwashed and made an assassin, killer for his abusive and manipulative Master. He’s “kidnapped” by Dusk and the Brotherhood because they need to keep the most powerful chimera out of the wrong hands.
The story is about love and loyalty. Betrayal, heartbreak and redemption. The author is a master at writing emotional stories set in supernatural settings. I can’t wait for book 2!
FYI:
Even though this story is advertised as MMMM+ there are only 2 sex scenes. And they are all MM scenes.
1) human giving oral sex to a vampire.
2) a ménage involving anal sex and oral sex at the same time.
Neither scene is overtly graphic but you know what is happening.
This is a really cool PNR story. It’s labeled as MMM+ but honestly when I see harem I’m thinking all the characters are gonna get down together or at the very least they are all going to have intimacy scenes. That is not this book.
It centers around a Brotherhood: a fae, elf, vampire, ghoul, human, and chimera. They are tasked with keeping the Vale safe from all who want to destroy the Sanctuary that houses the Chrysalus — a sentient life force.
The story is told from different POV’s but it’s not confusing. Mr. Abernathy writes impeccably. We see the events from:
Arden- chimera, Puppet, assassin for the Master (Eric)
Vox - ghoul, Arden’s bodyguard
Elan - vampire and Eric’s brother
Dusk - fae and Prince
Leo - Elf, general badass
Arden was taken as a child and trained to be a vampire and hopefully a chimera (a special snowflake with powers greater than any other species).
“Chimeras were rare and indistinguishable from humans, so the human children collected from the farms were gathered and sifted through like sand, all in hopes of finding that one gold nugget in a million grains.”
He’s brainwashed and made an assassin, killer for his abusive and manipulative Master. He’s “kidnapped” by Dusk and the Brotherhood because they need to keep the most powerful chimera out of the wrong hands.
The story is about love and loyalty. Betrayal, heartbreak and redemption. The author is a master at writing emotional stories set in supernatural settings. I can’t wait for book 2!
FYI:
Even though this story is advertised as MMMM+ there are only 2 sex scenes. And they are all MM scenes.
1) human giving oral sex to a vampire.
2) a ménage involving anal sex and oral sex at the same time.
Neither scene is overtly graphic but you know what is happening.
February 6, 2019
Thos book is epic. The author has created such a beautiful world. Everything is so intricate, so colourful and intriguing, with all kinds of magical creatures.
It's such a rollercoaster of questions, doubts and intrigue. Just when you've got something figured out, you turn the page,and the next information you get changes it.
The story revolves around Arden, who,at the age of 20,has been turned into an artificially created vampire,a chimera,becoming a Puppet for his master,Eric. But,during the book, he finds out that a chimera is a whole lot more and holds so much more power than he was led to believe by his Master.
It takes being kidnapped by the Brotherhood of Aeon and reversing his vampirism, to help him develop thoughts and feelings of his own.
The Brotherhood is another greatly crafted part of the book. We get some of its members points of view and that helps you get in tune with their personal intake of the story, so much so that by the end of the book, I couldn't choose a favourite.
I already was a fan of Joel Abernathy, but I'm in awe after "Puppet/ Master"
It's such a rollercoaster of questions, doubts and intrigue. Just when you've got something figured out, you turn the page,and the next information you get changes it.
The story revolves around Arden, who,at the age of 20,has been turned into an artificially created vampire,a chimera,becoming a Puppet for his master,Eric. But,during the book, he finds out that a chimera is a whole lot more and holds so much more power than he was led to believe by his Master.
It takes being kidnapped by the Brotherhood of Aeon and reversing his vampirism, to help him develop thoughts and feelings of his own.
The Brotherhood is another greatly crafted part of the book. We get some of its members points of view and that helps you get in tune with their personal intake of the story, so much so that by the end of the book, I couldn't choose a favourite.
I already was a fan of Joel Abernathy, but I'm in awe after "Puppet/ Master"
March 2, 2019
I became so attached to these characters that I literally have put the book on hold because I can’t deal with the idea of anything happening to any of them... I don’t THINK any of my favorites are going to die.. but I don’t know! So I’m waiting to finish the last 20% until I have more mental strength saved up! 😂 (you guys probably think I’m crazy now)
This author has done an incredible job with character building in this story. TOP NOTCH. It’s not often that I find a story (especially in anything mm) that has such well fleshed out characters with amazingly distinct personalities.
Another thing this author is obviously quite good at, is fantasy world building! The world being shown and explored by us in this story is so vivid and well thought out. Unique and original.
I won’t even start gushing about how great the writing is.. how engrossing the plot is..
RECOMMENDED!
This author has done an incredible job with character building in this story. TOP NOTCH. It’s not often that I find a story (especially in anything mm) that has such well fleshed out characters with amazingly distinct personalities.
Another thing this author is obviously quite good at, is fantasy world building! The world being shown and explored by us in this story is so vivid and well thought out. Unique and original.
I won’t even start gushing about how great the writing is.. how engrossing the plot is..
RECOMMENDED!
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