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Axios
Eryx: A Spartan Tale
My father once told me, above all else...
Live and die for Sparta.
Honor. Loyalty. Duty. These were the things that mattered most.
And then Axios came into my life, teaching me other lessons: humility, brotherhood... love.
There were moments when the brutal training stripped me of my humanity, where it turned me into a mindless beast of flesh and muscle set to destroy everything in my way. But then Axios stood in my way, ever vigilant, never failing to bring me back to myself.
Love had no place in Sparta, they said. It made you weak.
So why did I feel stronger with him by my side?
*Eryx: A Spartan Tale is a 149k word historical gay fiction featuring a love story between Spartan warriors. Although told in an alternate point of view of the events in Axios, it includes extended scenes and more content. It can be read as a complete standalone.*
Live and die for Sparta.
Honor. Loyalty. Duty. These were the things that mattered most.
And then Axios came into my life, teaching me other lessons: humility, brotherhood... love.
There were moments when the brutal training stripped me of my humanity, where it turned me into a mindless beast of flesh and muscle set to destroy everything in my way. But then Axios stood in my way, ever vigilant, never failing to bring me back to myself.
Love had no place in Sparta, they said. It made you weak.
So why did I feel stronger with him by my side?
*Eryx: A Spartan Tale is a 149k word historical gay fiction featuring a love story between Spartan warriors. Although told in an alternate point of view of the events in Axios, it includes extended scenes and more content. It can be read as a complete standalone.*
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2020
112 people are currently reading
1051 people want to read
About the author
Jaclyn Osborn
50 books1,784 followersAs an avid reader and coffee addict, Jaclyn Osborn can always be found with either a book in her hand or one being written on her laptop. The men in her stories mean the world to her, and she's thankful for each day she's able to do this as a career.
She writes M/M romance across all genres and worlds, including contemporary, historical, fantasy, and paranormal.
She writes M/M romance across all genres and worlds, including contemporary, historical, fantasy, and paranormal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
May 15, 2024
WHY DO I KEEP DOING THIS TO MYSELF???!!!! I knew it was coming. I was prepared for it and my heart was still ripped out and stomped on.
I loved reading Eryx perspective. I knew he was different from Axios I just didn't know how much until I was reading his inner monologue. I was scared that this would be too similar to the first book but it wasnt. I mean it was similar in the beginning but its starts to get different when Eryx grows a bit distant. I love Theon, Quill, Haden and Leanna I just wish they all had a happy ending.
_________
Pre Read:
You guys don’t know how excited I am to read this. I get to re-read one of my favourite book but from Eryx’s perspective. I am so freaking excited 😆 I hope you guys are having an amazing week my loves 🫶🏻🥰
I loved reading Eryx perspective. I knew he was different from Axios I just didn't know how much until I was reading his inner monologue. I was scared that this would be too similar to the first book but it wasnt. I mean it was similar in the beginning but its starts to get different when Eryx grows a bit distant. I love Theon, Quill, Haden and Leanna I just wish they all had a happy ending.
_________
Pre Read:
You guys don’t know how excited I am to read this. I get to re-read one of my favourite book but from Eryx’s perspective. I am so freaking excited 😆 I hope you guys are having an amazing week my loves 🫶🏻🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2021
4.75 stars
Ugh it was worth the tears to reread Eryx's POV!
It's been years since I read Axios and I still cried in the end.
It's not a spoiler that this book, and Axios, don't have an HEA.
Both our MCs die in the end...
But to follow their relationship from the moment they met as kids and growing up with them as their feelings shift from friends and comrades to lovers and soulmates is as epic as their love story.
More than 16 years of them together, training, hurting, in love and besotted.
This book is an experience and it's hard to read while simultaneously be unputdownable.
I know that some may not like to read it because it's an almost exact replica of Axios, but the ending of this one made all the difference for me. they both still die... but we get a glimpse of more. Their afterlife and how life moved on after their death... It was beautiful.
Now as for Adam Stubbs' narration... All I can say is that it was PHENOMENAL.
The tones, voices, inflections, emotions... Wow! What a performance that was. He raised this book to a higher level for sure.
The only reason I shaved off a quarter of a star was Axios and the King's relationship. For me, the effect the king had on Axios was too much and not really understandable.
Ugh it was worth the tears to reread Eryx's POV!
It's been years since I read Axios and I still cried in the end.
It's not a spoiler that this book, and Axios, don't have an HEA.
Both our MCs die in the end...
But to follow their relationship from the moment they met as kids and growing up with them as their feelings shift from friends and comrades to lovers and soulmates is as epic as their love story.
More than 16 years of them together, training, hurting, in love and besotted.
This book is an experience and it's hard to read while simultaneously be unputdownable.
I know that some may not like to read it because it's an almost exact replica of Axios, but the ending of this one made all the difference for me. they both still die... but we get a glimpse of more. Their afterlife and how life moved on after their death... It was beautiful.
Now as for Adam Stubbs' narration... All I can say is that it was PHENOMENAL.
The tones, voices, inflections, emotions... Wow! What a performance that was. He raised this book to a higher level for sure.
The only reason I shaved off a quarter of a star was Axios and the King's relationship. For me, the effect the king had on Axios was too much and not really understandable.
July 5, 2021
NOTHING NEW IN OLD SPARTA...
This is the same exact story as in the previous book, "Axios", simply narrated from Eryx's point of view... well, in theory. Quite disappointing as the chronology and the succession of events, and dialogues, are a perfect copy/paste from the first book. There's nothing new, nothing that we didn't guess in book 1. I didn't feel the story being told from someone else's point of view either. This is not how it should have been written, but I am here to criticize the books I read, not to teach authors the basics of writing. It was developed with the same wording, the same anecdotes, the same scenes, the same thoughts, the same feelings, the same suppositions... at the same sauce, hence the deserved rating.
No sweat = No reward!
I only read a third of it. I dropped it when I understood the mascarade. I loved the first book and didn't want to ruin my love for it with this one. Writing a book from another person's POV is harder than writing it a first time. As much as the author impressed me with the first book, I am totally dejected with this one because she chose the easiest way out. Honestly, given the result, it was totally unnecessary to write it.... and I am not some fake, author-friendly critic, I do always call a spade a spade. It's not worth the money you'd put on it as the only thing that's different is the cover, and I don't like it either. It doesn't equal Axios'.
I rated 4 stars the first book. Unfortunately, this one isn't worth half the rating. It's a waste of time and money for the reader; it's pointless to spend time and energy on something that doesn't bring anything new... if not new adventures, new emotions would have made a difference. As for the author, I think she didn't really waste time on it. Changing names and pronouns, and proceeding to a few alterations here and there, to make it look as if it were different, can't fool anyone. With the magic of writing applications, it can be done in days.
The saddest is that a failed sequel does always harm a fantastic prequel. I will never see Axios the same ever again.
This is the same exact story as in the previous book, "Axios", simply narrated from Eryx's point of view... well, in theory. Quite disappointing as the chronology and the succession of events, and dialogues, are a perfect copy/paste from the first book. There's nothing new, nothing that we didn't guess in book 1. I didn't feel the story being told from someone else's point of view either. This is not how it should have been written, but I am here to criticize the books I read, not to teach authors the basics of writing. It was developed with the same wording, the same anecdotes, the same scenes, the same thoughts, the same feelings, the same suppositions... at the same sauce, hence the deserved rating.
No sweat = No reward!
I only read a third of it. I dropped it when I understood the mascarade. I loved the first book and didn't want to ruin my love for it with this one. Writing a book from another person's POV is harder than writing it a first time. As much as the author impressed me with the first book, I am totally dejected with this one because she chose the easiest way out. Honestly, given the result, it was totally unnecessary to write it.... and I am not some fake, author-friendly critic, I do always call a spade a spade. It's not worth the money you'd put on it as the only thing that's different is the cover, and I don't like it either. It doesn't equal Axios'.
I rated 4 stars the first book. Unfortunately, this one isn't worth half the rating. It's a waste of time and money for the reader; it's pointless to spend time and energy on something that doesn't bring anything new... if not new adventures, new emotions would have made a difference. As for the author, I think she didn't really waste time on it. Changing names and pronouns, and proceeding to a few alterations here and there, to make it look as if it were different, can't fool anyone. With the magic of writing applications, it can be done in days.
The saddest is that a failed sequel does always harm a fantastic prequel. I will never see Axios the same ever again.
February 19, 2020
Jenn Reviewed for Diverse Reader
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I admit that I was thrilled when Jaclyn Osborn announced she’d be writing a follow up to her incredible novel, Axios. This time we get Eryx, the epic love story told from Eryx’s POV with added content.
Eryx and Axios’s story is a love story for the ages, one that can only be described as EPIC! Axios and Eryx are born as Spartans and have their whole future planned for them from birth. They are meant to be warriors for Sparta and if they’re lucky…they’ll die an honorable death fighting for their home, for their people. This is a story of strong warriors who are brave enough to die for Sparta, but strong enough to want to live for each other.
If you read Axios, you may think you know this story already, but you don’t…not all of it. As we see the world through Eryx’s eyes and heart, we get something completely new and still as tragically beautiful as Axios’s version. Eryx is a Spartan through and through, he seems to live for duty, for training, to serve his purpose. But there is so much more to Eryx, there is something more important than duty and war…there is Axios.
Now is where I tell you that I can’t say anything more about the book itself because of spoilers. So I will tell you how this book made me feel. Eryx’s love for Axios is so incredibly pure, so big that I’m not sure how he carries it all in his heart. I was in tears so many times while reading this, its beauty overwhelmed me at times. Seeing Eryx from the boy we meet to the man he becomes is an eye opening journey. I understand his loyalty, his work ethic, his belief in their way of life so clearly now. The bonds Eryx forms with his friends, his teachers, and some of the other warriors is so fun to watch. Seeing the very serious warrior tease and play shows us a whole new side to him and I found myself smiling at seeing joy from this boy and from the man he becomes.
But nothing and I mean nothing comes close to seeing the love he has for Axios. Each conversation, each small touch, and every stolen moment together feeds Eryx’s soul and touched my heart so completely. I found myself no longer thinking of Eryx as a warrior, but as a warrior poet. Strong and deadly on the outside with an inner strength and a poet’s heart. I didn’t think I could love this story more than I already did, but I was wrong. Reading this book was a joy and a privilege. The amount of work Jaclyn Osborn put into this book has to have been insane. Matching timelines, conversations and so many little descriptions…it’s all so flawless. This book reads like the author’s love story to her warriors, you feel how beloved these characters all are to her. When you decide to go back and do something more to a story as cherished as this one, it has to be frightening endeavor. Jaclyn slayed this book, she gives us everything we could wish for and so much more. This book is a perfect example of what happens when you put together an incredible determination to get it right and pure talent. I cannot shout my recommendation for Eryx: A Spartan Tale loud enough.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I admit that I was thrilled when Jaclyn Osborn announced she’d be writing a follow up to her incredible novel, Axios. This time we get Eryx, the epic love story told from Eryx’s POV with added content.
Eryx and Axios’s story is a love story for the ages, one that can only be described as EPIC! Axios and Eryx are born as Spartans and have their whole future planned for them from birth. They are meant to be warriors for Sparta and if they’re lucky…they’ll die an honorable death fighting for their home, for their people. This is a story of strong warriors who are brave enough to die for Sparta, but strong enough to want to live for each other.
If you read Axios, you may think you know this story already, but you don’t…not all of it. As we see the world through Eryx’s eyes and heart, we get something completely new and still as tragically beautiful as Axios’s version. Eryx is a Spartan through and through, he seems to live for duty, for training, to serve his purpose. But there is so much more to Eryx, there is something more important than duty and war…there is Axios.
Now is where I tell you that I can’t say anything more about the book itself because of spoilers. So I will tell you how this book made me feel. Eryx’s love for Axios is so incredibly pure, so big that I’m not sure how he carries it all in his heart. I was in tears so many times while reading this, its beauty overwhelmed me at times. Seeing Eryx from the boy we meet to the man he becomes is an eye opening journey. I understand his loyalty, his work ethic, his belief in their way of life so clearly now. The bonds Eryx forms with his friends, his teachers, and some of the other warriors is so fun to watch. Seeing the very serious warrior tease and play shows us a whole new side to him and I found myself smiling at seeing joy from this boy and from the man he becomes.
But nothing and I mean nothing comes close to seeing the love he has for Axios. Each conversation, each small touch, and every stolen moment together feeds Eryx’s soul and touched my heart so completely. I found myself no longer thinking of Eryx as a warrior, but as a warrior poet. Strong and deadly on the outside with an inner strength and a poet’s heart. I didn’t think I could love this story more than I already did, but I was wrong. Reading this book was a joy and a privilege. The amount of work Jaclyn Osborn put into this book has to have been insane. Matching timelines, conversations and so many little descriptions…it’s all so flawless. This book reads like the author’s love story to her warriors, you feel how beloved these characters all are to her. When you decide to go back and do something more to a story as cherished as this one, it has to be frightening endeavor. Jaclyn slayed this book, she gives us everything we could wish for and so much more. This book is a perfect example of what happens when you put together an incredible determination to get it right and pure talent. I cannot shout my recommendation for Eryx: A Spartan Tale loud enough.
May 5, 2025
second read: this is the greatest book i have and will ever know.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
first read: the last time i read a book that was the same story, different povs was twilight/midnight sun. only this (axios/eryx) was better, and gayer. the last time i read anything to do with greek history was the song of achilles. only this was better, so much better.
i don't know if i'll be able to accurately put my thoughts and feeling into words, so bear with me while i try.
i bought axios months ago after i saw someone on booksta (so sorry i don't remember who) say that it's better than the song of achilles. so obvi i had to check. except it just sat on my tbr pile because i just didn't have it in me. then i found out there is a companion novel thats the exact same story, but told for the pov of the love interest in axios, eryx. i was sold!
i decided to read along with the audiobook because my brain is riding the stuggle bus presently. and oh man, i'm so glad i did!!! not only was axios AMAZING, but the audiobook aided in painting the whole picture the author created. I FELL IN LOVE INSTANTLY. axios and eryx's very quickly, very easily have become my favorite bookish couple of all time. their friendship, their love is the greatest love the universe has ever known. the author has crafted such rich characters within ancient greek's sparta. not only are axios and eryx rarefied within their depths, each side character stole my heart too. by the end of this book i was CRYING! omg i don't think i cried this hard since reading jordon greene's a mark on my soul. axios was pure perfection!
so i decided to jump right into eryx pov and read the entire story again from his pov. and, y'all, IT'S EVEN BETTER THAN AXIOS. like, i didn't know it could just keep on getting better, but IT DID. i was not able to contain myself, and i still can't.
eryx's pov gave us the same story, as stated, but it also gave us so much more than was told in axios. eryx is about 100 pages longer, released 3ish years after axios was released. AND IT WAS EVERYTHING! eryx gave you so many amazing little surprises. especially at the end. holy shit the way i CRIED again! i couldn't have been happier.
prepare for these two books/characters to become my entire personality. if ANYONE asks me for a book rec, i will mention these first. always. before the scottish boy, before green creek or the tarot card sequence. and y'all KNOW how i feel about those books. eryx is my favorite book of all time. nothing can compare! the love, the character arcs, the story, the war/fighting, the training, the sex (OOF!!), even the ending was so sad and heartbreaking, but still beautiful and satisfying. everything about eryx and axios was just... IT'S SO AMAZING!
anyway, i'm obsessed. i'm so glad i finally read/listened to them. please, PLEASE, PLEASEEEE do yourself the great of favors and read these books! even if you don't want to read them both, just read eryx. i just know you'll fall in love the way i did. if you love m/m historical romance books, then READ THIS BOOK. if you loved the song of achilles, READ THIS BOOK. you won't regret it. i promise you won't.
it's truly the greatest book(s) i've ever known.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
first read: the last time i read a book that was the same story, different povs was twilight/midnight sun. only this (axios/eryx) was better, and gayer. the last time i read anything to do with greek history was the song of achilles. only this was better, so much better.
i don't know if i'll be able to accurately put my thoughts and feeling into words, so bear with me while i try.
i bought axios months ago after i saw someone on booksta (so sorry i don't remember who) say that it's better than the song of achilles. so obvi i had to check. except it just sat on my tbr pile because i just didn't have it in me. then i found out there is a companion novel thats the exact same story, but told for the pov of the love interest in axios, eryx. i was sold!
i decided to read along with the audiobook because my brain is riding the stuggle bus presently. and oh man, i'm so glad i did!!! not only was axios AMAZING, but the audiobook aided in painting the whole picture the author created. I FELL IN LOVE INSTANTLY. axios and eryx's very quickly, very easily have become my favorite bookish couple of all time. their friendship, their love is the greatest love the universe has ever known. the author has crafted such rich characters within ancient greek's sparta. not only are axios and eryx rarefied within their depths, each side character stole my heart too. by the end of this book i was CRYING! omg i don't think i cried this hard since reading jordon greene's a mark on my soul. axios was pure perfection!
so i decided to jump right into eryx pov and read the entire story again from his pov. and, y'all, IT'S EVEN BETTER THAN AXIOS. like, i didn't know it could just keep on getting better, but IT DID. i was not able to contain myself, and i still can't.
eryx's pov gave us the same story, as stated, but it also gave us so much more than was told in axios. eryx is about 100 pages longer, released 3ish years after axios was released. AND IT WAS EVERYTHING! eryx gave you so many amazing little surprises. especially at the end. holy shit the way i CRIED again! i couldn't have been happier.
prepare for these two books/characters to become my entire personality. if ANYONE asks me for a book rec, i will mention these first. always. before the scottish boy, before green creek or the tarot card sequence. and y'all KNOW how i feel about those books. eryx is my favorite book of all time. nothing can compare! the love, the character arcs, the story, the war/fighting, the training, the sex (OOF!!), even the ending was so sad and heartbreaking, but still beautiful and satisfying. everything about eryx and axios was just... IT'S SO AMAZING!
anyway, i'm obsessed. i'm so glad i finally read/listened to them. please, PLEASE, PLEASEEEE do yourself the great of favors and read these books! even if you don't want to read them both, just read eryx. i just know you'll fall in love the way i did. if you love m/m historical romance books, then READ THIS BOOK. if you loved the song of achilles, READ THIS BOOK. you won't regret it. i promise you won't.
it's truly the greatest book(s) i've ever known.
July 4, 2022
Siendo sincera, está bilogia me ha decepcionado bastante.
Esperaba otro tipo de relación entre ellos, no tanta fresa ni tan rápido, algo más de desarrollo.
Odio el instantlove que es lo que pasa aquí, quitandole mucho las novelas.
Esperaba otro tipo de relación entre ellos, no tanta fresa ni tan rápido, algo más de desarrollo.
Odio el instantlove que es lo que pasa aquí, quitandole mucho las novelas.
February 12, 2020
I was a bit worried this book would be too similar to its predecessor and yes, it was. BUT, it honestly works. At least in my mind it did.
The beginning is a bit too similar to the first book but once we get to the moments where Eryx was distant, MAN, that's when the story begins.
Eryx's mind is such a complex place. He's managed to hide his feelings behind a wall of indifference so it's a lot of fun to actually hear his thoughts.
In his mind, he tells Axios he loves him every time he looks at him. In his mind he calls Axios his raven. In his mind, he's equally, if not more insecure than Axios was in the relationship.
"I dreamed of a raven soaring above the treetops, its black wings catching the sun. I ran after it, cutting through the tall grass in the valley during my pursuit. The bird flew higher, in my sight but out of my reach. Do not leave me, I begged of the raven. But then it was gone."
Like, man! Eryx's perspective was a joy to read and
It did make me cry again so, great work, great writing, great characters. Axios & Eryx, along with, Quill, Theon, Haden and Leanna all have a place in my heart.
“My every sunrise and every sunset are yours"
The beginning is a bit too similar to the first book but once we get to the moments where Eryx was distant, MAN, that's when the story begins.
Eryx's mind is such a complex place. He's managed to hide his feelings behind a wall of indifference so it's a lot of fun to actually hear his thoughts.
In his mind, he tells Axios he loves him every time he looks at him. In his mind he calls Axios his raven. In his mind, he's equally, if not more insecure than Axios was in the relationship.
"I dreamed of a raven soaring above the treetops, its black wings catching the sun. I ran after it, cutting through the tall grass in the valley during my pursuit. The bird flew higher, in my sight but out of my reach. Do not leave me, I begged of the raven. But then it was gone."
Like, man! Eryx's perspective was a joy to read and
It did make me cry again so, great work, great writing, great characters. Axios & Eryx, along with, Quill, Theon, Haden and Leanna all have a place in my heart.
“My every sunrise and every sunset are yours"
Want to read
February 29, 20202/29/20 Currently on sale for 99c via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084D8F11V/...
November 12, 2024
Yes, it was the exact same storyline of the first book from a different pov, and yes I loved every second of it and still cried a little at the end even after knowing what was going to happen☆ミ
*Axios lifted his head and observed me a moment. “What would I do without you? What would I be?”
“What is the moon without the stars?”
His brow crinkled as he thought. “Without the stars, the moon is still the moon.”
I touched his jaw. “And without me, you would still be you. The stars may help the moon shine, but they do not give it its light. You have a light inside you, Ax, and nothing can take it from you.”
“I never wish to test that theory,” he said, turning his face against my palm and closing his eyes.
Neither did I.*
*Axios lifted his head and observed me a moment. “What would I do without you? What would I be?”
“What is the moon without the stars?”
His brow crinkled as he thought. “Without the stars, the moon is still the moon.”
I touched his jaw. “And without me, you would still be you. The stars may help the moon shine, but they do not give it its light. You have a light inside you, Ax, and nothing can take it from you.”
“I never wish to test that theory,” he said, turning his face against my palm and closing his eyes.
Neither did I.*
November 16, 2024
It’s the same story as Axios but from Eryx’s pov. I think I liked it even more. Axios never really understood how Eryx could love him but now we know. I love them so much it hurts. The ending was even more emotional and beautiful. I will never get over these gorgeous books.
February 6, 2020
Eryx
This book is heartbreaking and beautiful. I am so glad that Jaclyn wrote this book from Eryx point of view. We all get to see a whole new side of this beautiful man. I wish I could give these guys more than five stars. I wish I could give them all the stars in the sky
Eryx is the true meaning of a Spartan Warrior. He is devoted, strong, brother, determined, and a whole lot more. I mean I could sit here for days explaining him. What I left out is he is tender, kind, protector, lover, and more. These words describe him when it comes to Axios. We see this whole other side of him with thoughts on their relationship, heart break, and war.
In those moments had that me in hysterics, it brought me comfort to know he was feeling the same fears and sadness I was feeling.
Eryx and Axios will forever be my all time favorite couple and books ever. I really have a hard time thinking anyone will bury deeper into my heart than them and their brothers. The brotherhood they developed with Haden, Quill, and Theon is so special and we got to know a few characters even more. It was a wonderful addition to the book and I loved the additional content added in this book
Jaclyn has become an all time favorite author of mine. I am at the point that I don’t need summaries/blurbs/teasers because if she wrote it I will gladly go into it blindly because it will be a five star book.
This book is heartbreaking and beautiful. I am so glad that Jaclyn wrote this book from Eryx point of view. We all get to see a whole new side of this beautiful man. I wish I could give these guys more than five stars. I wish I could give them all the stars in the sky
Eryx is the true meaning of a Spartan Warrior. He is devoted, strong, brother, determined, and a whole lot more. I mean I could sit here for days explaining him. What I left out is he is tender, kind, protector, lover, and more. These words describe him when it comes to Axios. We see this whole other side of him with thoughts on their relationship, heart break, and war.
In those moments had that me in hysterics, it brought me comfort to know he was feeling the same fears and sadness I was feeling.
Eryx and Axios will forever be my all time favorite couple and books ever. I really have a hard time thinking anyone will bury deeper into my heart than them and their brothers. The brotherhood they developed with Haden, Quill, and Theon is so special and we got to know a few characters even more. It was a wonderful addition to the book and I loved the additional content added in this book
Jaclyn has become an all time favorite author of mine. I am at the point that I don’t need summaries/blurbs/teasers because if she wrote it I will gladly go into it blindly because it will be a five star book.
June 10, 2024
Ouch 🥲😭
October 20, 2024
reading all of this again but from eryx’s pov is a different kind of pain.
June 16, 2024
”Ax,” I whispered, feeling like I was about to shatter into a million pieces. “In all the ages, there has never been a love like ours. No one has ever loved another as I have loved you. If we fall today, my soul will find yours. For I am eternally yours… in this life and the next.”
This is the best book I’ve ever read. Trying to wrap my head around my emotions. I will say that getting Eryx POV was a complete game changer. I’ve never read someone who is more in love. Idk. I don’t have thoughts. I have tears. And a very full heart.
Read the freaking series. It’s f*cking amazing.
This is the best book I’ve ever read. Trying to wrap my head around my emotions. I will say that getting Eryx POV was a complete game changer. I’ve never read someone who is more in love. Idk. I don’t have thoughts. I have tears. And a very full heart.
Read the freaking series. It’s f*cking amazing.
September 17, 2025
I knew exactly what was going to happen & yet it still destroyed me
:: “𝘼𝙭𝙞𝙤𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙙 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙨𝙠𝙮: 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙤𝙨.”
I waited seven months after finishing Axios to read this one because I knew it would hurt & even knowing exactly how this book was going to end it still wrecked me. This story was just as beautiful & heartbreaking the second time around. Axios is our dreamer but Eryx is our soldier, ever vigilant in his role as a Spartan male. Getting into Eryx’s head was actually essential to this love story because we get to see a vulnerable side of him that most times he doesn’t even allow Ax to see. His internal battle with fulfilling his duty to Sparta & loving Axio was so tough to experience at times because he was truly so torn. In the end this story ends exactly as expected for these men though we do get a small (tiny, minuscule, itty bitty) moment of their HEA that we did not get in Axios’s book. These two are true soulmates & I will never stop thinking of their love.
“𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖 𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚.”
🤍 MM
🤍 Single POV
🤍 Historical Romance
🤍 Friends to Lovers
🤍 Found Family
🤍 Unconventional HEA
:: “𝘼𝙭𝙞𝙤𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙙 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙨𝙠𝙮: 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙤𝙨.”
I waited seven months after finishing Axios to read this one because I knew it would hurt & even knowing exactly how this book was going to end it still wrecked me. This story was just as beautiful & heartbreaking the second time around. Axios is our dreamer but Eryx is our soldier, ever vigilant in his role as a Spartan male. Getting into Eryx’s head was actually essential to this love story because we get to see a vulnerable side of him that most times he doesn’t even allow Ax to see. His internal battle with fulfilling his duty to Sparta & loving Axio was so tough to experience at times because he was truly so torn. In the end this story ends exactly as expected for these men though we do get a small (tiny, minuscule, itty bitty) moment of their HEA that we did not get in Axios’s book. These two are true soulmates & I will never stop thinking of their love.
“𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖 𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚.”
🤍 MM
🤍 Single POV
🤍 Historical Romance
🤍 Friends to Lovers
🤍 Found Family
🤍 Unconventional HEA
February 6, 2020
Eryx
I want to start by saying I loved Axios so much and when I heard there was to be a book from Eryx's point of view I was so excited but not sure my poor heart could stand it. After reading it and crying my eyes out and snotting everywhere I will just say they are the same and yet different and the best books I have ever read.
I want to start by saying I loved Axios so much and when I heard there was to be a book from Eryx's point of view I was so excited but not sure my poor heart could stand it. After reading it and crying my eyes out and snotting everywhere I will just say they are the same and yet different and the best books I have ever read.
October 27, 2025
After I finished Axios I ran to Amazon to order this book. I know it’s the same story but from Eryx point of view but the love story is so beautiful. The additional context adds so much to the first book. I cried throughout, one day I hope to find something like Axios and Eryx share :)
March 23, 2020
Four stars for their love alone!!
This review is basically going to be quotes of Eryx confessing his undying love to the soul mate he’s had since he was TEN. My heart😭
“You are my heart,” I confessed, and the weight of the words nearly crushed me. But Axios kept me strong.”
Eryx is about two boys who fall in love amid the chaos of Sparta. One who dreams of becoming the ultimate Spartan warrior and the other who wants nothing more than to run away. Yet they both decide to stay together through it all.
He was the moon in my sky and the blood in my veins. I belonged to him.
The ending ripped out my heart but, I’m happy the author added an extra peace in comparison to the first book, Axios- same story told from Axios’s pov- it showed they do actually get their happy ending, even if it was a unconventional one.
Axios was my other half, and finally, my soul could breathe again
In addition to Eryx and Axios, the bond between their friends- Haden, Quil and Theon- was also delightful to see. Even in war they do their best to left everyone’s spirits and though the book was difficult to read at times, their group brought the humour and lightness,the book sometimes needed.
Anyways - this totally would have been five stars if not for a certain King and a love that made no sense.
This review is basically going to be quotes of Eryx confessing his undying love to the soul mate he’s had since he was TEN. My heart😭
“You are my heart,” I confessed, and the weight of the words nearly crushed me. But Axios kept me strong.”
Eryx is about two boys who fall in love amid the chaos of Sparta. One who dreams of becoming the ultimate Spartan warrior and the other who wants nothing more than to run away. Yet they both decide to stay together through it all.
He was the moon in my sky and the blood in my veins. I belonged to him.
The ending ripped out my heart but, I’m happy the author added an extra peace in comparison to the first book, Axios- same story told from Axios’s pov- it showed they do actually get their happy ending, even if it was a unconventional one.
Axios was my other half, and finally, my soul could breathe again
In addition to Eryx and Axios, the bond between their friends- Haden, Quil and Theon- was also delightful to see. Even in war they do their best to left everyone’s spirits and though the book was difficult to read at times, their group brought the humour and lightness,the book sometimes needed.
Anyways - this totally would have been five stars if not for a certain King and a love that made no sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2020
This is a sweeping epic spanning nearly 30 years, set in ancient Greece. I am not normally one for historicals, but I read Axios based on reviews by people I trust and loved it. This is the same story, but told from the perspective of Eryx. And although it is the same story, it is a wholly different story.
This book follows Axios and Eryx from the time they were young boys and first sent off to the Spartan version of boot camp until their last battle.
In the first book, we got the story from Axios' perspective. He was a dreamer, a lover, never one for fighting and war. He did his duty to Sparta but he questioned it all of the time. He hated it.
Now we get to hear directly from Eryx. His mother died in childbirth, his father took his own life in shame for abandoning the army (really the poor man has serious PTSD). Eryx couldn't wait to become a warrior. He knew he sole purpose in life was to fight for and possibly die for Sparta. And he looked forward to it.
Axios and Eryx really were like Yin and Yang. Two halves of a whole that balanced each other out. Whereas Eryx pushed Axios to be the warrior he needed to be, Axios taught Eryx that there were other things in life- friendship and love. Over the years they became inseparable, and filled out their circle with a few more boys they called their brothers.
As the book is very long and spans quite a long time, the first half is them growing and training. They begin discovering their feelings for each other when they reach their teenage years. It was so innocent and beautiful in the middle of this horrible training.
Once they reach the age to go to battle, they are still inseparable. Everyone knows that they are together and really no one discourages it. The battle scenes are brutal and horrific. This is not something for the weak hearted. Although you can skim over.
Get the tissues. A box of tissues. I convinced myself that I wouldn't cry this time because I cried during Axios and I knew what would happen. HA! That was a big lie I told myself as I sobbed. More than once. Ok, a lot.
The entire love story is just beautiful. How they lived, trained, fought, was heart breaking. And as vicious as it was, in real life it was probably a lot worse.
If you read Axios, read this book. If you didn't read Axios, read this then go back and read Axios. Or read Axios and then this. The order doesn't matter and you don't have to read both. But you'll want to.
This book follows Axios and Eryx from the time they were young boys and first sent off to the Spartan version of boot camp until their last battle.
In the first book, we got the story from Axios' perspective. He was a dreamer, a lover, never one for fighting and war. He did his duty to Sparta but he questioned it all of the time. He hated it.
Now we get to hear directly from Eryx. His mother died in childbirth, his father took his own life in shame for abandoning the army (really the poor man has serious PTSD). Eryx couldn't wait to become a warrior. He knew he sole purpose in life was to fight for and possibly die for Sparta. And he looked forward to it.
Axios and Eryx really were like Yin and Yang. Two halves of a whole that balanced each other out. Whereas Eryx pushed Axios to be the warrior he needed to be, Axios taught Eryx that there were other things in life- friendship and love. Over the years they became inseparable, and filled out their circle with a few more boys they called their brothers.
As the book is very long and spans quite a long time, the first half is them growing and training. They begin discovering their feelings for each other when they reach their teenage years. It was so innocent and beautiful in the middle of this horrible training.
Once they reach the age to go to battle, they are still inseparable. Everyone knows that they are together and really no one discourages it. The battle scenes are brutal and horrific. This is not something for the weak hearted. Although you can skim over.
Get the tissues. A box of tissues. I convinced myself that I wouldn't cry this time because I cried during Axios and I knew what would happen. HA! That was a big lie I told myself as I sobbed. More than once. Ok, a lot.
The entire love story is just beautiful. How they lived, trained, fought, was heart breaking. And as vicious as it was, in real life it was probably a lot worse.
If you read Axios, read this book. If you didn't read Axios, read this then go back and read Axios. Or read Axios and then this. The order doesn't matter and you don't have to read both. But you'll want to.
June 12, 2024
Eryx • Axios…♾️.
….
“Axios came into my life like a star that’d fallen from the night sky: beautiful amongst the chaos.”
.
“I could live a million different lifetimes and I’d still choose him in every single one.”
….
One gave strength and believe to build a protecting shield inside to survive. The other with his gentle touch and mind pushed one’s shield aside and gave back humanity and everything that’s good. It was an honor to be in Eryx’s head. Down bad. Down bad. Beautiful soul.
I will never move on from them. I left my heart by their side. The sky has no limit. The sky is theirs.
⭐️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️.
….
Tony Ann - ICARUS
.
SYML - How I Got Home
….
��Better to harden my heart against the world and everything residing within it.” // “The very first time I laid eyes on him, it was as if the earth shifted beneath me. One moment, I was alone—numb to the world and everything in it—and then there he was, breathing life back into me.” // “I had a feeling I’d never leave.” // “I’d found myself observing him a bit longer than necessary, staring at the nearly imperceptible patch of freckles on his cheeks…” // “This boy… this raven-haired boy with burning eyes of amber… would be my downfall.” // “I liked feeling his heart beat against mine. Liked the tickle of his breath on my skin.” // “He found so many things beautiful, and yet, the only beauty I saw was the boy staring back at me right then.” // “It took more strength to continue fighting than to surrender to another’s way of thinking.” // “Where have you gone, my raven?” // “I stare at you the most of all, storing every detail of you to memory. You anchor me to this earth and keep me fighting. You keep me strong.” // “Axios was my other half, and finally, my soul could breathe again.” // “He was the moon in my sky and the blood in my veins. I belonged to him.” // “I thought the stars seemed like a beautiful place to rest…” // “I would give my life for yours.” // “I knew he saw the answer in my eyes. That I would always choose him first.” // “Tell me the story of the moon…” // “About time you got here…” …
….
….
“Axios came into my life like a star that’d fallen from the night sky: beautiful amongst the chaos.”
.
“I could live a million different lifetimes and I’d still choose him in every single one.”
….
One gave strength and believe to build a protecting shield inside to survive. The other with his gentle touch and mind pushed one’s shield aside and gave back humanity and everything that’s good. It was an honor to be in Eryx’s head. Down bad. Down bad. Beautiful soul.
I will never move on from them. I left my heart by their side. The sky has no limit. The sky is theirs.
⭐️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️.
….
Tony Ann - ICARUS
.
SYML - How I Got Home
….
��Better to harden my heart against the world and everything residing within it.” // “The very first time I laid eyes on him, it was as if the earth shifted beneath me. One moment, I was alone—numb to the world and everything in it—and then there he was, breathing life back into me.” // “I had a feeling I’d never leave.” // “I’d found myself observing him a bit longer than necessary, staring at the nearly imperceptible patch of freckles on his cheeks…” // “This boy… this raven-haired boy with burning eyes of amber… would be my downfall.” // “I liked feeling his heart beat against mine. Liked the tickle of his breath on my skin.” // “He found so many things beautiful, and yet, the only beauty I saw was the boy staring back at me right then.” // “It took more strength to continue fighting than to surrender to another’s way of thinking.” // “Where have you gone, my raven?” // “I stare at you the most of all, storing every detail of you to memory. You anchor me to this earth and keep me fighting. You keep me strong.” // “Axios was my other half, and finally, my soul could breathe again.” // “He was the moon in my sky and the blood in my veins. I belonged to him.” // “I thought the stars seemed like a beautiful place to rest…” // “I would give my life for yours.” // “I knew he saw the answer in my eyes. That I would always choose him first.” // “Tell me the story of the moon…” // “About time you got here…” …
….
April 2, 2025
I wanted to rate this 5 stars for the amount that it made me feel my feelings, but in comparison to Axios I didn’t feel like Eryx was as strong.
Much of the story and dialogue is of course exactly the same, so I can’t fault it (it’s stunning, and wholesome, and heartbreaking, and uggghh), but certain parts of the story felt more impactful when told through Axios’ POV (e.g. the plot with the king). This book was fantastic as a way for me to reread the original story with a slightly different spin on it, but I prefer the original. I personally wouldn’t recommend reading them back to back—unless you want to essentially reread the same book again immediately.
Overall though, this is an absolutely stunning read, and I adore Axios and Eryx. The coming of age and found family vibes are impeccable, and I love that we got a little extra snippet at the end to make it just a fraction less devastating than Axios.
Much of the story and dialogue is of course exactly the same, so I can’t fault it (it’s stunning, and wholesome, and heartbreaking, and uggghh), but certain parts of the story felt more impactful when told through Axios’ POV (e.g. the plot with the king). This book was fantastic as a way for me to reread the original story with a slightly different spin on it, but I prefer the original. I personally wouldn’t recommend reading them back to back—unless you want to essentially reread the same book again immediately.
Overall though, this is an absolutely stunning read, and I adore Axios and Eryx. The coming of age and found family vibes are impeccable, and I love that we got a little extra snippet at the end to make it just a fraction less devastating than Axios.
March 10, 2020
I realize that kill or be killed was the basics of Greek life historically, but I could not enjoy the continual physical abuse bestowed on one another, even the bride and groom fight at their wedding, because they are both to prove their strength, one for battle the other for childbirth. Not my kind of book, repetitive, moving at a snails pace, although supposedly each new chapter was two years later, but nothing has changed. I decided at 46% that I was unwilling to spend anymore time with something that I was getting no enjoyment from.
October 18, 2021
What a beautiful cover image.
I told myself I wouldn't cry again...but I did. Even though I knew what was coming it still got to me.
It was nice to learn more about Eryx as he was usually closed-off and hard to read. We got to see him interact with Paris/Garan. It was so cute how he asked them how to "please" a man ;D
I wondered why Eryx never bottomed, but I guess I'll never know.
Axios and Eryx will stay with me for a long time.
I told myself I wouldn't cry again...but I did. Even though I knew what was coming it still got to me.
It was nice to learn more about Eryx as he was usually closed-off and hard to read. We got to see him interact with Paris/Garan. It was so cute how he asked them how to "please" a man ;D
I wondered why Eryx never bottomed, but I guess I'll never know.
Axios and Eryx will stay with me for a long time.
December 28, 2024
“If so, hear these words and hold them close whenever you are in the clutches of doubt. You and I will never part, my warrior. In this life and the next, we will be just as we have forever been: side by side. There is not a thing that can take me from you, neither the slashing of a sword nor the impalement from a spear, for I will always find you.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2024
A tremendous story. Even better than Axios which was also amazing. Told from the looks of Eryx is retraces the first book but doesn’t feel repetitive. And the ending will make even the iciest hearts thaw.
December 24, 2024
I love them so much. Not only were they lovers but they were best friends. Their whole beings were wrapped in each other. The love, compassion and understanding they had for the other was so beautiful.
August 24, 2024
3 stars
I DNF at 61%. It was too similar to Axios which was fine but it got too boring. Maybe I'll try again in the future
I DNF at 61%. It was too similar to Axios which was fine but it got too boring. Maybe I'll try again in the future
February 7, 2020
Okay. I'll admit that I read the ending first before starting this so I could adequately prepare myself. And yet, it's still not enough. I haven't read Axios, just this one but I think that's enough. It feels like my heart's been wrung like wet laundry and the tears were squeezed out of me. While they were together till the end, I just wished they could have lived in peace and enjoyed their retirement.
March 16, 2020
I knew how this was going to end, and much of what was going to transpire. I've read Axios.
However, I can acknowledge that Eryx is a book that can actually be read as a standalone. Unlike most other books to claim to be the same, you won't feel like you're missing out on anything at all. Yes to experience the full brunt of what the story has to offer, reading Axios would enhance it, but its still not needed. Although I still can't help but recommend Axios too. Just give it a few months or a couple of years to give that one a go too.
There were a few times I damn near cried, but that is the power. It was what pushed me to continue. This book is to be treasured, which is why I not only had to buy the ebook, but a paperback copy as well. Because that is what I do with the books I love. Especially in the vault of my heart.
I will always treasure this Spartan Tale.
However, I can acknowledge that Eryx is a book that can actually be read as a standalone. Unlike most other books to claim to be the same, you won't feel like you're missing out on anything at all. Yes to experience the full brunt of what the story has to offer, reading Axios would enhance it, but its still not needed. Although I still can't help but recommend Axios too. Just give it a few months or a couple of years to give that one a go too.
There were a few times I damn near cried, but that is the power. It was what pushed me to continue. This book is to be treasured, which is why I not only had to buy the ebook, but a paperback copy as well. Because that is what I do with the books I love. Especially in the vault of my heart.
I will always treasure this Spartan Tale.
February 16, 2020
When you think you have a perfect OTP from other stories, then these books (First hit Axios and second, Eryx, though doesnt matter thr order of read) come to your life to destroy everything and take for them the biggest spot in your heart to stay.
I'm cryng a river... and ocean. What a beautiful story despite spartatian violence and cruelty. I'm earning new favorite characters in life and a lot of wonderful love quotes.
I can't bear so much love in my tiny person. Oh lord.
I'm in love.
I'm going to look for these books in physical to cherish them forever. They're perfect reading for February.
“A red rose is lovely, yet the thorns on the stem can make you bleed if you aren’t careful. Same as love. It can be both beautiful and painful, depending on how you treat it.”
Axios.
I'm cryng a river... and ocean. What a beautiful story despite spartatian violence and cruelty. I'm earning new favorite characters in life and a lot of wonderful love quotes.
I can't bear so much love in my tiny person. Oh lord.
I'm in love.
I'm going to look for these books in physical to cherish them forever. They're perfect reading for February.
“A red rose is lovely, yet the thorns on the stem can make you bleed if you aren’t careful. Same as love. It can be both beautiful and painful, depending on how you treat it.”
Axios.
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