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Amongst the remnants of the ancient Saidican Empire lies Golias Hollow, an underground community of people who’ve taken refuge from the tainted surface. Completely cutoff from the outside world, the men and women of the Hollow follow the teachings of the prophet Dormiar, sacrificing a select few to the outside each year in a ceremony known as “The Choosing.”

Aristial Stoneblood, orphan and occasional trouble maker, is one of this year’s Chosen. Along with his beautiful childhood friend, Kerys Weaver, Aristial leaves the safety of the Hollow and enters an unfamiliar world of shapeshifting swords, respawning monsters, and dangerous dungeons. It’s a new beginning, a place where intimate bonds can hold power and the price of life is paid in magical essence.

A post-apocalyptic, dungeon crawling, fantasy harem adventure.

WARNING: This book contains a significant amount of explicit sexual content and some adult emotional situations. Reader discretion is advised.

Audible Audio

Published March 11, 2019

290 people are currently reading
131 people want to read

About the author

Edmund Hughes

31 books118 followers
Hey, I'm Edmund Hughes. I like to write fantasy novels with strong erotic themes, gratuitous amounts of sex and violence, and offensive humor. If that's what you're looking for, you've come to the right place.

Check out my page on Booksprout (https://booksprout.co/author/1303/edm...) for freebies and discounts. Check out my website (https://edmundhughes.com) for random musings and behind the scenes content.

Thanks for reading. Reviews are always appreciated

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5 stars
86 (27%)
4 stars
106 (34%)
3 stars
68 (21%)
2 stars
35 (11%)
1 star
16 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Jay Collins.
1,630 reviews15 followers
March 22, 2019
2 stars, DNF 80%, not very good. I found the very beginning pretty good but it went down hill fast for me. It fails as a survival story, it fails as a harem/male Erika and it has a strange triangle relationship that does not help the story. Others have given this book more stars but I did not find it enjoyable so I will not be continuing with this series.
Profile Image for Joshua Berkey.
13 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2019
Blithering Idiocy

The world was an interesting concept. The magical system was old hat, but still entertaining. The characters, however, were just remarkably stupid. They were well written and had distinct personalities, don’t get me wrong.

The issue comes when they repeatedly do things that are so idiotic and counter productive to their own survival that I found myself astounded and voraciously yearning that it would get them killed. But no, amazingly, despite their infantile and moronic decision making skills, they live. It’s like the universe decided that morons should live to and gives them a pass.

One final thing. No one, and I mean ABSOLUTELY no one, is capable of picking up a great sword, having never even held a sword before, and can effectively use one (however unskilled) in combat. They require muscles that most people never even realize they have, much less a teenager who spent the majority of his time in fist fights and shoveling feces. He was far, far, FAR, more likely to injure or kill himself trying to use one than he ever would be against an opponent.

To conclude: Two stars for the quality of the writing itself, disregarding its content. You’re not getting any higher than that when you have an absurd amount of stupidity in your characters and you’ve never even bothered to understand how weapons work.
134 reviews3 followers
March 22, 2019
Ehhhhh, how to word it? It's everything you would expect from this author. If I had to read it, I probably wouldn't but since I'm listening to it, I am conflicted. I do like Amy Soakes's narration. It's not "amazing" but it's chirpy, kiddish and I like it.

The world is interesting but it's weird. I wouldn't say it makes no sense at all but it's not fleshed out. The characters are nice. They are pretty well defined personalities but, again, it's weird and not fleshed out.

Someone complained about the first love interest wanting marriage in a survival world before having sex. I cannot disagree or agree. I can understand that even at that point of time, a girl can still wish for a crappy marriage/wedding. In the old traditional Chinese ceremony, it's performing three obeisance to the "world", to their parents and to each other, respectively in that order. And in the most dire situation, you can dump all but the three obeisance and become husband and wife.

Likewise, I can understand the girl wanting a simple ceremony like that, a simple vow. But the protagonist just had to be a jerk, joke around and avoid it.

But the relationship between the protagonist, first love (childhood friend) and second love (a sword construct) is weird and messed up. I don't want to spoil it but simply consider that their conflict between their relationship is due to plot-induced stupidity. Like, if they acted on it, there would be no issue. But no, they must be stupid and cause drama. It's out of character, sorta.

I'm 50% through and Amy Soakes has a lovely voice. It's why I'm still listening. That aside, here's the premise of the sword construct. Someone crafted a sword that can changed into a sexy girl. And in order to do so, the someone had to infuse the sword with a soul. It's not very humane. Next, in order to ensure the sword won't be used against the owner, you need to bond with the sword. How? Not a drip of blood or a fancy ritual or some spell binding circle, it's sex or semen. Yeah, you need to sleep with the construct to form the bond and you need to continue doing so to keep the form and make it stronger. And to transfer mana (f*** essence, mana is easier to understand), you need to kiss the construct.

Sounds like every teenager's wet dream right? Let's take a step back. The protagonist is not the first owner. He's, at most, the second owner. The sword construct had a gap in her memory. But let's just say, he's the second owner. Here's a bit of info about the first owner. The first owner's race wants immortality, so they probably had a very long lifespan. And the sword construct didn't like her first owner. All that leads to a perv owner f**king the sword construct to build a stronger bond and kissing/touching the construct to transfer mana. And the sword construct portrayed a lot of experience. And there's more than one sword. 65% through the book and I really really really want to stop, but the supposedly antagonist picked up one of these swords. It's not a nice one like the protagonist's but a blood thirsty one. If this is a Japanese/Korean erotica/drama/comic, this is totally a setup for some stealing the protagonist's girl (sword).

So yeah. The protagonist literally picked up a sex toy and decided that it's more important than his first love because it's a damn sexy sex toy and one that can help him fight.

I hate this kind of bullsh*t. I understand it's an erotica and the author needed ways to introduce more sex. But this kind of "sword construct" is bs. It tossed the protagonist out of character.

Yes, I understand the sword construct is a "person" too. But, at the end of the day, she's literally created like a sex toy. But, even if we put that aside, please consider the priorities!!!
Profile Image for Steve.
1,612 reviews60 followers
October 29, 2019
I'm being generous with a 3, and I'll say up front that tried to read the next one after this and just gave up.

The MC is an idiot, and that will kill things for me almost every time. There were some good elements, but the relationships didn't make sense and the MC continually sexually harassing his friend (who said "no" very clearly and often) got old really quickly. I've noticed that smart-ass male MCs who do absolutely self-destructively stupid things in dangerous situations seem to be a trope in this author's books. This is probably it for me, as it's a pattern I don't like.
Profile Image for Luiz.
129 reviews10 followers
January 7, 2019
Great.

Has a typical start, poor boy, noble girl, bullying etc, like countless others. Fortunately, it doesn't last long. The characters are interesting enough, some more than others.

The main character just happens to find a rare object half-way through the book and guess what? so does one of his acquaintances, in a completely unrelated fashion. You'd think that those things would be beneath every rock.

It has a surviving in the wild feel to it, but it could have been better explored if the author let go a little and stopped trying to describe every hour that passed and just tried "they spent the next day looking for food". The potential to both survival and base building was left a little unexplored, and it seems the author has the story time constrained so that everything has to happen now! or else... They've been holed up for a few centuries already, why not let a few days go by?

The magic was a little meh. Otherwise the book is alright.
Profile Image for Clinton Stanturf.
221 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2020
While I enjoyed the main plot of the story and the concept greatly. I felt there was very little explained now I realize there are multiple books and that's ok but the majority of the first part of the book felt very rushed, There was not really much in the way of explaining the back story why people are underground or why Kids get sent out to the surface It had a Giving Tree vibe Except in the reverse instead of elderly It was the children.

Other than those few points I was impressed The erotic scenes We're well written in the point of view of two eighteen-year-olds and not overly done to the extreme which was nice.

Amy Soakes did an amazing job there was definitely different infections for each character and clear-cut distinction based on who was talking which was also really nice.

Over all the story Is good It definitely has aspects from multiple books without being without being its predecessors clone.
Profile Image for Robert Warburton.
11 reviews
January 4, 2019
Another great series from Edmund Huges ( Author of the Dark Impulse ) series.

in this new series, Edmund spins us another slow burn harem fantasy, this time in a more traditional high fantasy setting, with elements of many beloved classics, and ideas all his own. This is a tail of swords, sorcery and sexuality as our hero discovers what he can about his world, faces untold dangers, and reaps the rewards of heroism in the form of wondrous items, and lovely female companions.

Like in Dark Impulse, the hero's girls are not mindless sex toys, each has a distinct personality, that both challenge and complement our hero, each makes his world more complete.

The adventure is outstanding, and every step leads to more compelling discoveries, and terrifying dangers.

I am already waiting for the next book.
Profile Image for Lachiel Vaher.
16 reviews
March 25, 2019
I'm a big fan of Edward's other series Dark Impulse, this new adventure is much more traditional fantasy, sent in a unique world, some some familiar elements, but a really interesting twist all it's own.    There is much potential for adventure and steamy sex in this world plagued by weather blite. 

The main Character Ari, is interesting and sympathetic, an easy guy to root for.   While he makes mistakes and doesn't always choose courses of actions, I would wish for him, he is a great hero. 

This story is the start of something great I think.   

Great adventure, Hot sex & Steamy sex, Monsters and Magic, and very minimal Game Lit Lingo.  It's really an enjoyable read, left me wanting more.
42 reviews
January 4, 2019
This story follows the trials and tribulations of Aristial and Kerys as they are thrust into an apocalyptic world full of monsters and magic. They started out in an underground cave system that supposedly can only sustain a population of 300, so each year the young have to draw lots to see who has to leave.
Aristial finds a sentient sword that can transform into a woman warrior and has to strengthen his bond with her by having sex. The sex is not as graphic as in the authors previous series, as yet.
All in all a promising start and I look forward to the next installment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lawrence James.
90 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2019
Good book until the last few chapters

I was really enjoying this book until the part where he is ambushed by jarvis. That whole scene was annoying. Jarvis was no more trained as a sword fighter than Air he should have been able to take him, even with the sword tip at his throat. Which the villain to steal 2 powerful artifacts. Then the author forgot he only had 3 wards to activate and mysteriously made it four. Like I said the ending is annoying. It was really good up to that point.
Profile Image for Jerome.
36 reviews
December 19, 2019
The protagonist is inherently unlikable & stupid and the whole cocky, failing upward trope is completely unappealing. childhood friend / love interests is purely there as a whiny damsel in distress that contributes nothing. The majority of their relationship is "Well now I finally have a shot at bedding you" which means constant sexual harassment even when she clearly says no.

The auidobook performance needs some work as the characters lack alot of inflection / emotion behind their words and it leaves them with a flat delivery in service of have a separate voice for each character.
Profile Image for Danae.
615 reviews5 followers
April 13, 2023
Young people living in a sheltered cave community are send out in the overworld. Several dangers waiting for them. Ari the MC finds a magic sword that contains a mysterious girl from the past.
As i liked the light tone of the "Arcane dropout" book from this author i hoped for another good entertainment but this book is not as good. The characters are partly so stupid you want to bash their heads. Especially that girl Kery is an annoying pampered princess that nobody would miss if she would die.
Profile Image for Wolfgarr.
342 reviews20 followers
February 13, 2021
Did not finish
Once again this author has proven to be a total Dud.
This was the last chance i was willing to give this author.
No more

..Its not the worlds he builds. Its not the concepts etc
Its the Character building or lack of it that totally destroys this authors books

Its almost as if..The Author has no concept of rational interaction between two or more people.

Its a Shame because i really wanted to enjoy this book.
342 reviews4 followers
December 25, 2021
Interesting ?

First I have read of this author and it was okay. Ended up reading all four and didn’t mind the characters portrayed except for one of them. His childhood crush from their home complained about her virginity the whole time. In a world where one might die at anytime and that’s what was her primary worry especially since she did not bring much to the table as far as survival skills.
689 reviews11 followers
May 2, 2019
Going to be great?

The story was enjoyable, but I felt like I kept expecting something more to happen. I enjoyed the MR learning to use what little magic he had to help those around him, but when does something actually happen. And the end... Really?
I don't plan on reading the next when it comes out.
278 reviews5 followers
January 9, 2019
Hmmmm....

So far..... I think this is my favorite series from Mr. Hughes. MC isn't a schlub, main love interest is actually pretty adorable, and the harem is gaining natural steam. Can't wait for the next book in Feb.
949 reviews23 followers
January 14, 2019
Disappointed!

This book was very disappointing. It was interesting and exciting over so much of it, then to have written Kerys repeatedly saying she was going to wait until she was married before having sex. Married By Whom???????
4 reviews
Read
November 23, 2019
A great new Adventure from Edmund Hughes .A and unique premise for this new series from the author.it was quick paced and well written .Very entertaining read with twists and turns a plenty Highly enjoyable .
19 reviews
April 15, 2024
Captivating world

This was a surprisingly good read. Yes, there's sexual stuff in it, but it never takes over the storytelling, which so many other books of this type do. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series.
210 reviews4 followers
January 12, 2019
Great book

Really enjoyed this title and the new world starting to bud. It really feels like Edmund is growing as a writer and I am excited for book two.
Profile Image for Michael Burnett.
1,258 reviews7 followers
January 14, 2019
Good book

Good book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this book to anyone
Profile Image for Brian.
83 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2019
A great read

Another great book from Edmund. A good start to what I hope will be a great series. Another fine work
Profile Image for Amanda Kern.
726 reviews8 followers
February 27, 2019
Good starting book

I will be reading the second book. I wonder what will happen next. Especially between the Lord and the lady☺
Profile Image for Simon.
4 reviews
April 9, 2019
Why good start, nothing else. The mc is just useless when the begaining and ending mirroring itself with no growth a waste of time. Really disappointed it had such potential
11 reviews
April 16, 2019
Okay more alien/dystopian word then anything else. probably will not read rest of the series.
586 reviews7 followers
May 4, 2019
Great start

This is a good book. You should read it. I like the story. The characters are fun. Interesting tale. Like the mystery and world building.
Profile Image for David .
97 reviews7 followers
November 4, 2022
At my request I received a copy of this audiobook in order to give a fair and unbiased review

Genre: Harem progressive fantasy

Ari has lived in the caves beneath the surface all his life. But finds himself and his childhood friend and crush suddenly having to face the harsh realities of the surface.
Together they fight to adapt and meet others along the way, and soon Ari finds himself surrounded with beautiful women he cares for.

Power dynamics in harem: MC is central, but everyone has a say.
Sex scenes: Explicit. Diverse. Not over the top.

Narrator
Voice diversity: Good, characters can easily be recognised by voice
Pacing and intonation: Very good. Creating intensity at dramatic and passionate moments.
Sex scenes: Passionate, at times delicate and never awkward. Perfect balance.
Amy Soakes is a great story teller and had me fully immersed throughout my binge.
Overall: 4.5 / 5 stars

Writing
Fast and engaging. A "page turner".
Lots of banter and likeable characters that are way more than just fan service, with their own struggles, growth and goals.
In general it feels lively, engaging and well written.

The book’s strengths.
- Great narration
- Interesting World with threats bound to weather and hints at a deep lore
- Characters that have more depth than HaremLit can often have; fewer characters, but with more depth.

The book’s weaknesses.
Nothing was holding me back from just relaxing and enjoying the story.

Overall: 4.5/5 stars
Profile Image for SaKen .
340 reviews
January 6, 2019
Pathetic

The main is pathetic.The lead female whines about her dam virginity all through the book.I have diarrhea from reading this drivel
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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