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The Warrior's Guild #2
His Sacred Incantations
A Secret Desire
Lucían left behind his cloister, his vows, and his self-denial when he joined Glory, first for a quest and then in her bed. He tells himself he should be happy, but when he looks at her strong arms, her sharp smile, and her easy dominance, he wants, wants something he can't put a name to...
A Deadly Foe
Something dangerous lurks in the mountains above Granite Falls, something with fangs and claws and a horrible curse. No one has yet found the cause, and Lucían can't help wondering why it all seems so familiar, and why his dreams are full of cold stone and dark magic...
A Dangerous Mission
When the source of the attacks turns out to be something from Lucían's past, he finds himself once more embroiled in an adventure he wasn't expecting. He'll end this, once and for all, or die trying... But his friends from the Warrior's Guild won't let him do it alone!
Lucían left behind his cloister, his vows, and his self-denial when he joined Glory, first for a quest and then in her bed. He tells himself he should be happy, but when he looks at her strong arms, her sharp smile, and her easy dominance, he wants, wants something he can't put a name to...
A Deadly Foe
Something dangerous lurks in the mountains above Granite Falls, something with fangs and claws and a horrible curse. No one has yet found the cause, and Lucían can't help wondering why it all seems so familiar, and why his dreams are full of cold stone and dark magic...
A Dangerous Mission
When the source of the attacks turns out to be something from Lucían's past, he finds himself once more embroiled in an adventure he wasn't expecting. He'll end this, once and for all, or die trying... But his friends from the Warrior's Guild won't let him do it alone!
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2021
105 people are currently reading
538 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
October 8, 2021
3.5
This is a hard book to review. Because I liked it. There's no denying that. But I so liked book one and just don't feel like this one stands up to it. And it's hard not to let my disappointment color my objectivity and general opinion.
Like His Secret Illuminations (HSI), the writing here is fun and easy to read. It's full of a diverse and quirky cast of characters, all of whom I like. But unlike HSI it didn't have the glorious sexual tension to carry the long, slow plot. Instead it had all the sex instead. And while I enjoy a good sex scene (and I'll grant that the scenes here were at least varied) I eventually started skimming them because I was bored of them. I felt like they got in the way of the plot.
Plus, while HSI was full of Lucian's internal conflict, which grabbed and held me rapt. His Sacred Incantation has Lucian and Glory's wholesome love. And while that's not a bad thing, it too became super repetitive. For example, my kindle tells me the word love was used 131 times in the book. Between calling each other "my love" and telling each other that they love one another that's a lot of love. What's worse, my kindle also tells me the word kiss (or variations of the word—kissing, kissed, etc) was used 168 times. And that's just kiss; it doesn't include "pecked on the cheek" or "pressed her lips to his temple," or any of a million other ways to describe a kiss. The book isn't even 400 pages long. That's an awful lot of kissing going on, like more than one every other page! I just got bored with it all. It's sweet, but sweet won't carry a book like internal conflict will, in my experience.
Lastly (and I'm not entirely sure how to phrase this), some of the kink-play felt too recognizably modern to fit the fantasy setting. While I'm well aware that there really isn't anything new under the sun, humans have done it all before, when Gale brought out the kinky collars and leashes (for example) if just felt so very like this moment in time, instead of the fantasy historical time period of the rest of the book. It's not that I didn't think it fit Lucian and Glory's kink, it's that I felt like the kink being expressed in such a stereotypically recognizable way didn't fit the the fantasy world. Like maybe Gale was trying to catch the market since that was, after all, fairly common in trope in erotica for a while. It stood out from the rest of the story, the leash especially.
All in all, this is a likeable book. Despite my complaints, I liked it. I'll probably read anything Gale puts out after this. But I simply couldn't like it as much as HSI and that's a shame.
This is a hard book to review. Because I liked it. There's no denying that. But I so liked book one and just don't feel like this one stands up to it. And it's hard not to let my disappointment color my objectivity and general opinion.
Like His Secret Illuminations (HSI), the writing here is fun and easy to read. It's full of a diverse and quirky cast of characters, all of whom I like. But unlike HSI it didn't have the glorious sexual tension to carry the long, slow plot. Instead it had all the sex instead. And while I enjoy a good sex scene (and I'll grant that the scenes here were at least varied) I eventually started skimming them because I was bored of them. I felt like they got in the way of the plot.
Plus, while HSI was full of Lucian's internal conflict, which grabbed and held me rapt. His Sacred Incantation has Lucian and Glory's wholesome love. And while that's not a bad thing, it too became super repetitive. For example, my kindle tells me the word love was used 131 times in the book. Between calling each other "my love" and telling each other that they love one another that's a lot of love. What's worse, my kindle also tells me the word kiss (or variations of the word—kissing, kissed, etc) was used 168 times. And that's just kiss; it doesn't include "pecked on the cheek" or "pressed her lips to his temple," or any of a million other ways to describe a kiss. The book isn't even 400 pages long. That's an awful lot of kissing going on, like more than one every other page! I just got bored with it all. It's sweet, but sweet won't carry a book like internal conflict will, in my experience.
Lastly (and I'm not entirely sure how to phrase this), some of the kink-play felt too recognizably modern to fit the fantasy setting. While I'm well aware that there really isn't anything new under the sun, humans have done it all before, when Gale brought out the kinky collars and leashes (for example) if just felt so very like this moment in time, instead of the fantasy historical time period of the rest of the book. It's not that I didn't think it fit Lucian and Glory's kink, it's that I felt like the kink being expressed in such a stereotypically recognizable way didn't fit the the fantasy world. Like maybe Gale was trying to catch the market since that was, after all, fairly common in trope in erotica for a while. It stood out from the rest of the story, the leash especially.
All in all, this is a likeable book. Despite my complaints, I liked it. I'll probably read anything Gale puts out after this. But I simply couldn't like it as much as HSI and that's a shame.
May 7, 2021
What a thrilling conclusion to Lucían and Glory's story! I'm fully in love with both of them, and I have no regrets! Should I have been packing for my move instead of reading this? NO, everything is perfect, and I will move on sheer vibes alone!
This story has everything!!!
- brilliant love story between Strong Warrior Lady and Smol Magical Monk
- action-packed adventure
- found family
- femdom
- healthcare for all
- this baby can fit so many tropes
- necromancers
- warrior friend with a pet hawk
- pegging
- witty banter
- just so many queer characters yay
- an ending that made me cry from happiness
If you're not sold yet, check out this recommendation because THAT PICTURE!
This story has everything!!!
- brilliant love story between Strong Warrior Lady and Smol Magical Monk
- action-packed adventure
- found family
- femdom
- healthcare for all
- this baby can fit so many tropes
- necromancers
- warrior friend with a pet hawk
- pegging
- witty banter
- just so many queer characters yay
- an ending that made me cry from happiness
If you're not sold yet, check out this recommendation because THAT PICTURE!
March 5, 2023
A lot to love about this. I cried! The family reunion at the end was so sweet. Their love was so sweet.
I enjoyed that there was zero conflict in their relationship. There was no breakup, no big misunderstanding, no separation, no confusion. They talked things out, even when that wasn't easy. There were no secrets. No one hid anything. Even when they went back to the monastery to confront the abbot, there was no doubt or mind changing or breakup etc. They stood firm in their love and there was no shame or hiding it, even though the mmc used to be a monk
Onto the spicy stuff. I'll just write a list lol
Face sitting
The FMC wears a strap on and fucks the MMC twice!
Lots of fingers in the mmcs booty
Lots of orgasms for everyone
They don't delve into detail but at one point the FMC brings out a leash for the MMC
Lots of leaking cocks
The mmc gets spanked
"Good boy"s
Can it get any better than this??
I love that the author took all the stereotypes and just flipped it around. I love that the fmc is the dominant one who takes control and the mmc wants to be taken, wants to be hurt, wants to be over powered etc
Also, once again, I love all the diversity. We have a trans character, characters who are not heterosexual, and characters who identify as they. Love it. I love the normalcy of it all. How, even in the church, it was all accepted with no hatefulness. Like the relationships in this book are just as accepted as a heterosexual relationship. I live in the bible belt of Texas where there is a lot of hate, a lot of small mindedness. This was so refreshing. It was just ~normal~. I suck at expressing myself so I hope the intent comes through. Just super happy about this series and I'm so sad to say goodbye to the characters
I enjoyed that there was zero conflict in their relationship. There was no breakup, no big misunderstanding, no separation, no confusion. They talked things out, even when that wasn't easy. There were no secrets. No one hid anything. Even when they went back to the monastery to confront the abbot, there was no doubt or mind changing or breakup etc. They stood firm in their love and there was no shame or hiding it, even though the mmc used to be a monk
Onto the spicy stuff. I'll just write a list lol
Face sitting
The FMC wears a strap on and fucks the MMC twice!
Lots of fingers in the mmcs booty
Lots of orgasms for everyone
They don't delve into detail but at one point the FMC brings out a leash for the MMC
Lots of leaking cocks
The mmc gets spanked
"Good boy"s
Can it get any better than this??
I love that the author took all the stereotypes and just flipped it around. I love that the fmc is the dominant one who takes control and the mmc wants to be taken, wants to be hurt, wants to be over powered etc
Also, once again, I love all the diversity. We have a trans character, characters who are not heterosexual, and characters who identify as they. Love it. I love the normalcy of it all. How, even in the church, it was all accepted with no hatefulness. Like the relationships in this book are just as accepted as a heterosexual relationship. I live in the bible belt of Texas where there is a lot of hate, a lot of small mindedness. This was so refreshing. It was just ~normal~. I suck at expressing myself so I hope the intent comes through. Just super happy about this series and I'm so sad to say goodbye to the characters
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2021
While I inhaled the first book in this series in a day and was super excited to start the second one, "His Sacred Incantations" dragged a bit for me and I abandoned it in the middle of the quest to . I think it was a combo of the journey being too long and me disliking anything that has to do with I did finish it eventually and the ending was awesome and fulfilling. I'm looking forward to more books by this author.
October 10, 2024
HIS SACRED INCANTATIONS was a fun follow up to the previous book and what I loved most about it was getting to read more about Glory and Lucían. I really liked their relationship and how much they take care of each other. They understand each other, they communicate, and they listen to what the other person wants. The previous book gave us a lot of pining on Lucían’s part but this time around all that pining has paid off with some very sexy scenes, especially once Lucían works up the nerve to tell Glory what he really wants in the bedroom.
For me, the overall plot of hunting down the last sacred book and defeating the necromancer didn’t really engage me and that’s why my rating isn’t higher. I got a little bored with them traveling to find the necromancer and the actual battle was one incredibly loooong chapter. I’ve never been a big fan of drawn out travel sequences in fantasy books so take my lack of engagement with a grain of salt. That being said if you like found family, buff cinnamon roll heroines, blushing smol heroes, and magic then you’ll probably enjoy this one (though read the previous book first).
Content Warning: Lucían has been raised in a monastery that uses abusive practices to punish the monks; graphic violence
For me, the overall plot of hunting down the last sacred book and defeating the necromancer didn’t really engage me and that’s why my rating isn’t higher. I got a little bored with them traveling to find the necromancer and the actual battle was one incredibly loooong chapter. I’ve never been a big fan of drawn out travel sequences in fantasy books so take my lack of engagement with a grain of salt. That being said if you like found family, buff cinnamon roll heroines, blushing smol heroes, and magic then you’ll probably enjoy this one (though read the previous book first).
Content Warning: Lucían has been raised in a monastery that uses abusive practices to punish the monks; graphic violence
October 23, 2024
I'm a little disappointed with how this turned out especially since the first book was such a hit for me, this one just really missed the mark. For starters, the pacing was really bad I felt like some parts were rushed while others parts were so slow it took me ages to get through it, The side characters where very bland and interchangeable and didn’t really add anything to the story, I love Lucian and Glory but at some point the dynamic between the two seemed a little bland? everything just seemed to go their way even in the most dire of situations and yes this is a fantasy book but we still need to be a little realistic. I love Lucian, I do but his delivery of the news on the Abbot was so corny I struggled to finish it without cringing ick Lucian and Glory will always hold a special place in my heart and I can see myself rereading the first book because it was just so good but please skip this one if you can it’ll just be a waste of time.
March 8, 2024
i think it's my destiny to just keep rereading this duology until i die or the author (HOPEFULLY) releases more. this series lives in my head so rent free. i need more, i need a prequel i need 5 more sequels i need it all.
March 22, 2024
This here is a solid second book . It resolves the basic plot but really that's not the point. The point is that the book convinced me that Big Woman & Tiny Monk are madly fucking in love with each other, even after only 6-7 months of being together, can handle hard times, and will in fact have many (big) kids in the future. I dropped a star because the pacing was off towards the end, the magic system was botched, and I still can't stand the use of real-life languages (like Spanish and Norse in this book) as "fantasy" languages (was more prevalent in this book than the first).
Overall 4.5/5 ⭐ cause I got the HEA ending I wanted and the exploration of bedroom play between She-wolf & Lucian was fire! 🥵😈
Overall 4.5/5 ⭐ cause I got the HEA ending I wanted and the exploration of bedroom play between She-wolf & Lucian was fire! 🥵😈
June 11, 2022
2 stars
I was really excited that my library obtained this book after I requested that they do so, but I DNFed at 40%, unfortunately. I didn’t enjoy this sequel nearly as much as the first book, and felt like I was slogging through it. Perhaps it was the lack of longing/pining from the first book, but it just felt too low stakes. Also, even as someone who likes the praise kink and wants my MCs to cherish each other (no alphaholes for me), the book felt overwhelmingly saccharine quite often. Found family is nice but every person they meet becomes their bff immediately! So much hugging! But maybe I’m just a grump. And at 40% in they’ve made close to zero progress on the whole undead/grimoire plot line, it’s mostly just hanging out with their nun and warrior friends, or banging.
A couple of stylistic qualms: the stupid graphic at the beginning of each chapter covers part of the text (at least in the ebook version I’m reading), and the exorbitant number of words that are italicized for emphasis. Let me decide how I want the speech to be emphasized! I don’t think so much emphasis is necessary! In a three-page span I spotted 9 words italicized for emphasis, all completely unnecessary, and it takes me out of the book when I have to notice things like that.
I also wish everyone would stop acting so surprised about what is possible with magic. It’s magic, lots of things are possible. Get used to it!
I did like some aspects, though. The various representation is cool to see. The BDSM aspects with a female dom, male sub is not my cup of tea, but I appreciate that someone’s doing it.
Granted, I had just forced myself through a different slog, so maybe I had a short fuse for what I was willing to tolerate while reading this book.
I was really excited that my library obtained this book after I requested that they do so, but I DNFed at 40%, unfortunately. I didn’t enjoy this sequel nearly as much as the first book, and felt like I was slogging through it. Perhaps it was the lack of longing/pining from the first book, but it just felt too low stakes. Also, even as someone who likes the praise kink and wants my MCs to cherish each other (no alphaholes for me), the book felt overwhelmingly saccharine quite often. Found family is nice but every person they meet becomes their bff immediately! So much hugging! But maybe I’m just a grump. And at 40% in they’ve made close to zero progress on the whole undead/grimoire plot line, it’s mostly just hanging out with their nun and warrior friends, or banging.
A couple of stylistic qualms: the stupid graphic at the beginning of each chapter covers part of the text (at least in the ebook version I’m reading), and the exorbitant number of words that are italicized for emphasis. Let me decide how I want the speech to be emphasized! I don’t think so much emphasis is necessary! In a three-page span I spotted 9 words italicized for emphasis, all completely unnecessary, and it takes me out of the book when I have to notice things like that.
I also wish everyone would stop acting so surprised about what is possible with magic. It’s magic, lots of things are possible. Get used to it!
I did like some aspects, though. The various representation is cool to see. The BDSM aspects with a female dom, male sub is not my cup of tea, but I appreciate that someone’s doing it.
Granted, I had just forced myself through a different slog, so maybe I had a short fuse for what I was willing to tolerate while reading this book.
December 15, 2021
Ok. I went back and forth on this one. So, first up, any issues I had with this book were all on me. I knew going in that it was going to be a fairly steamy romance, and I guessed from the previous book that things were going to take dom/sub bdsm turn, and I wasn't particularly in the mood for steamy romance, and I'm never in the mood for dom/sub romance (nothing against it, it's just not my thing), but I HAD to know what happened to Lucian, Glory, and the whole gang after book 1, so I read it anyway. And look, I pretty much skipped about 90% of the sex scenes. These characters were all so awesome, and the story so fun, that I was perfectly willing to just flip pages until I got past the scenes I wasn't in the mood for. And friends, the delightful fantasy adventure and personal growth arc for Lucian that happens between those scenes was well worth it. So, really, to get maximum enjoyment out of this book you should probably be in the mood for a lot of sex scenes and a very well written dom/sub relationship. But if you're really just dying to know what happens to Lucian and the gang, you can just skip those parts and still enjoy the awesome story woven around those scenes. All in all, a strong sequel.
October 31, 2023
rep: latino coded hero, bisexual heroine
cw: religious bigotry, slut shaming, sexism/misogyny, purity culture (all challenged), violence
Can’t say much about the plot but the romance was definitely nice! The sex scenes were great and the hero was a short king virgin that was downright pathetic over the heroine so it was simply a grand old time. The ending of this duology was just very satisfying.
cw: religious bigotry, slut shaming, sexism/misogyny, purity culture (all challenged), violence
Can’t say much about the plot but the romance was definitely nice! The sex scenes were great and the hero was a short king virgin that was downright pathetic over the heroine so it was simply a grand old time. The ending of this duology was just very satisfying.
January 21, 2024
This was so sweet, a wonderful conclusion to Lucían and Glory's story. Didn't quite hit the level of pinning and yearning like the first did, but we did get a lot more action (both fighting and sexy).
These are definitely a precious and special little duology and one I'll keep in my heart for a long time.
These are definitely a precious and special little duology and one I'll keep in my heart for a long time.
July 1, 2022
Still has the same issues as the first one (too long, everyone is too perfect, there is no real risk) but I also truly enjoyed it. If you want to read something that is a bit kinky but also heartwarming and sweet, then this series ought to do it for you.
March 22, 2022
Or as I call it: Once More, with Social Justice, Zombies, and Pegging.
I admit I didn't love this one with the fervor I loved the first one. The biggest letdown for me was halfway in the book when Lucian and Glory embark on their quest to vanquish a necromancer--and bring a whole roster of RPG party members along with them. I liked these characters a lot, the characters themselves weren't the problem, the problems for me were:
1. How much the danger was scaled back as a consequence. I understand why it had to be, both because it just makes sense (why wouldn't you arm yourself to the teeth with warriors and mages in a battle against the undead) and it fits with the book's themes of family and friendship. But because the characters aren't as fully-realized as Lucian and Glory (which I'm glad they aren't because good lord that'd be too many to keep track of) and because they've got at least three healers on their team, it's harder to feel any sense of urgency during the battle scenes.
It's a problem I have with a lot of fantasy stories that start out with one or two heroes on a dangerous quest that eventually have to gain a whole band. I even remember when I read Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince for the first time, feeling that initial rush of excitement because Oh, shit, Harry has to be on his own now, only for that to deflate when Hermione and Ron come rushing in to ensure it doesn't have to be that intense for him. On one hand, yes it makes sense, friendship is good, safety in numbers, the more the merrier, but on the other hand I just want danger.
There's still danger here, don't get me wrong, but that sense of intimacy connected to it is faded, and that sort of brings me to my next problem.
2. I don't know how better to phrase it than that I, I just want Lucian and Glory. I don't just need danger! I loved the first book's tense scenes of Glory rescuing a fever-ridden Lucian as much as I did the laid-back moments of them sitting in the field with unicorns piling up into their laps, and I missed those moments so, so terribly. They're not entirely absent, and there's still a great deal of pages dedicated to just them, but those solitary adventures have undergone significant reduction, and I can't recall any scenes I'd replay in my head again and again like I did the first book's.
That said! I still loved it. There was a lot to love, but I'm mostly going to talk about Lucian.
I was worried about where Lucian's character development would be heading in this book, because something I appreciated about the first book was seeing him grow without losing the shyness and sensitive heart I could connect to, in addition to being competent and cool without turning into a warrior. There's, of course, nothing wrong with becoming a warrior as character development--but most of the time it feels like a shortcut the writer (or writers, in the case of more collaborative mediums) takes when they can't figure out where to take a major, less combat-oriented character, rather than drawing on their strengths. It's practically inevitable with male protagonists of stories like these, and I feel like we could use a lot more male heroes who have the strengths you'd be more likely to find in a female character.
So it's refreshing and fantastic that Lucian remains a healer and a mage in the story. There's times where he has bouts of self-consciousness over being the weakest fighter on the team, despite being more experienced in learning combat than a couple of the newest recruits, but those are tied to his fears of uselessness resulting from his upbringing at the monastery, and they're something he gets past when he learns why his prowess doesn't lie in physical combat (the answer being his circumstances are different, and learning combat isn't the same as partaking in it).
It all comes to a rewarding conclusion when he joins the Guild and, even after demonstrating his amazing skills as a mage in defeating the necromancer, fully embraces his position as a healer, first and foremost, wanting to spread hope, comfort, and guide others in need. His "I'm not a warrior" repeated throughout the story (without any cut-ins of characters ever going "Oh, but of course you're a warrior, Lucian") even comes in his speech when he's sworn into the Guild, showing he understands the value he brings just as himself, and furthermore, so does the story.
I also appreciated Lucian still being traumatized from killing in self-defense in the first book, vomiting when emotionally overwhelmed, crying easily (including during sex), startling easily, flustering easily...I loved that despite his newfound confidence and strength, he was still allowed his vulnerabilities, and these weren't things that needed correcting. Also loved that he was tempted to return to the monastery! It felt very real that, as shitty as the place was, there was a comfort in its predictability and routine--but in the end, he chooses the outcome that's less predictable, more terrifying, and it's worth it because he has someone he loves to share it with.
Scattered thoughts...actually, just one additional thought:
- I love that the story continues after the couple gets together. I vehemently reject the sentiment that a story is uninteresting or no longer worth telling once the romance is resolved. Even as they had less solitary scenes together, I appreciated they were still together and openly loving each other (and having hot hot sex) and being the best kind of power couple.
I love these books, I'm so grateful they exist. There's usually a bittersweetness that comes with finishing a story, but this one was so heartwarming and fulfilling and still allowed room for imagining further adventures with Lucian and Glory. I know I'll be doing just that.
I admit I didn't love this one with the fervor I loved the first one. The biggest letdown for me was halfway in the book when Lucian and Glory embark on their quest to vanquish a necromancer--and bring a whole roster of RPG party members along with them. I liked these characters a lot, the characters themselves weren't the problem, the problems for me were:
1. How much the danger was scaled back as a consequence. I understand why it had to be, both because it just makes sense (why wouldn't you arm yourself to the teeth with warriors and mages in a battle against the undead) and it fits with the book's themes of family and friendship. But because the characters aren't as fully-realized as Lucian and Glory (which I'm glad they aren't because good lord that'd be too many to keep track of) and because they've got at least three healers on their team, it's harder to feel any sense of urgency during the battle scenes.
It's a problem I have with a lot of fantasy stories that start out with one or two heroes on a dangerous quest that eventually have to gain a whole band. I even remember when I read Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince for the first time, feeling that initial rush of excitement because Oh, shit, Harry has to be on his own now, only for that to deflate when Hermione and Ron come rushing in to ensure it doesn't have to be that intense for him. On one hand, yes it makes sense, friendship is good, safety in numbers, the more the merrier, but on the other hand I just want danger.
There's still danger here, don't get me wrong, but that sense of intimacy connected to it is faded, and that sort of brings me to my next problem.
2. I don't know how better to phrase it than that I, I just want Lucian and Glory. I don't just need danger! I loved the first book's tense scenes of Glory rescuing a fever-ridden Lucian as much as I did the laid-back moments of them sitting in the field with unicorns piling up into their laps, and I missed those moments so, so terribly. They're not entirely absent, and there's still a great deal of pages dedicated to just them, but those solitary adventures have undergone significant reduction, and I can't recall any scenes I'd replay in my head again and again like I did the first book's.
That said! I still loved it. There was a lot to love, but I'm mostly going to talk about Lucian.
I was worried about where Lucian's character development would be heading in this book, because something I appreciated about the first book was seeing him grow without losing the shyness and sensitive heart I could connect to, in addition to being competent and cool without turning into a warrior. There's, of course, nothing wrong with becoming a warrior as character development--but most of the time it feels like a shortcut the writer (or writers, in the case of more collaborative mediums) takes when they can't figure out where to take a major, less combat-oriented character, rather than drawing on their strengths. It's practically inevitable with male protagonists of stories like these, and I feel like we could use a lot more male heroes who have the strengths you'd be more likely to find in a female character.
So it's refreshing and fantastic that Lucian remains a healer and a mage in the story. There's times where he has bouts of self-consciousness over being the weakest fighter on the team, despite being more experienced in learning combat than a couple of the newest recruits, but those are tied to his fears of uselessness resulting from his upbringing at the monastery, and they're something he gets past when he learns why his prowess doesn't lie in physical combat (the answer being his circumstances are different, and learning combat isn't the same as partaking in it).
It all comes to a rewarding conclusion when he joins the Guild and, even after demonstrating his amazing skills as a mage in defeating the necromancer, fully embraces his position as a healer, first and foremost, wanting to spread hope, comfort, and guide others in need. His "I'm not a warrior" repeated throughout the story (without any cut-ins of characters ever going "Oh, but of course you're a warrior, Lucian") even comes in his speech when he's sworn into the Guild, showing he understands the value he brings just as himself, and furthermore, so does the story.
I also appreciated Lucian still being traumatized from killing in self-defense in the first book, vomiting when emotionally overwhelmed, crying easily (including during sex), startling easily, flustering easily...I loved that despite his newfound confidence and strength, he was still allowed his vulnerabilities, and these weren't things that needed correcting. Also loved that he was tempted to return to the monastery! It felt very real that, as shitty as the place was, there was a comfort in its predictability and routine--but in the end, he chooses the outcome that's less predictable, more terrifying, and it's worth it because he has someone he loves to share it with.
Scattered thoughts...actually, just one additional thought:
- I love that the story continues after the couple gets together. I vehemently reject the sentiment that a story is uninteresting or no longer worth telling once the romance is resolved. Even as they had less solitary scenes together, I appreciated they were still together and openly loving each other (and having hot hot sex) and being the best kind of power couple.
I love these books, I'm so grateful they exist. There's usually a bittersweetness that comes with finishing a story, but this one was so heartwarming and fulfilling and still allowed room for imagining further adventures with Lucian and Glory. I know I'll be doing just that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
first things first, the fact that this is a quest based plot rather than a war/political plot (there’s some politics in it) was so fun. i think political/war plots are just what i usually get recommended so it was a nice switch up.
watching Lucien grow into himself and what he enjoys was such a different take on the normal romantasy book, and it was well done.
Lucien’s angst was driving me up a wall actually, but for his character it definitely fit.
Lucien at times read more like a teenager than a 27 year old man, but it didn’t put me off enough to stop reading it.
first things first, the fact that this is a quest based plot rather than a war/political plot (there’s some politics in it) was so fun. i think political/war plots are just what i usually get recommended so it was a nice switch up.
watching Lucien grow into himself and what he enjoys was such a different take on the normal romantasy book, and it was well done.
Lucien’s angst was driving me up a wall actually, but for his character it definitely fit.
Lucien at times read more like a teenager than a 27 year old man, but it didn’t put me off enough to stop reading it.
November 23, 2024
An amazing conclusion to an even better story. I loved how everything wrapped up and all of the storylines were addressed. I adore the romance between Glory and Lucian and I couldn't be happier that they have found one another. Incredible.
February 1, 2025
Listen, no hate at all to this author, in fact, I think as a whole, this duo-logy was super solid. Where my problem comes in, is what I really loved in the first book, was the slow burn, having a hard focus on plot development, and the romance bubbling up. But this second one, because of how the first book ends, has this one filled to the brim with sex scene after sex scene, and even though it should have even more action and plot than the first, it doesn’t feel like it.
Also, some of this writing was just extremely cringey to push through, at times I had to stop the audiobook and do something else because I was so immersion broken that I couldn’t push myself to get back into it. I think most of it comes from what are supposed to be badass and heroic moments, but those aren’t really the strong suit of this series, the strong moments are the passing on of knowledge, the gentler healing and stuff of that nature, when Lucian pivoted to more of a ‘strong’ guild member, it felt almost like a forced arc that didn’t even really need to be there.
All that said, the author really has a talent with immersion when they manage to pull you in. Particularly the last couple chapters of this book, when Lucian goes back to the monastery, and the reunion and epilogue ensue.
Happy Reading!
(As I’m about a year and half into my reading journey, I have to say, I cannot believe that some people skip Afterwords and Acknowledgements. It’s insane to me that you’d go into a book, through a journey, and skip the person that created its words and thanks. Long live end of book acknowledgements.)
Also, some of this writing was just extremely cringey to push through, at times I had to stop the audiobook and do something else because I was so immersion broken that I couldn’t push myself to get back into it. I think most of it comes from what are supposed to be badass and heroic moments, but those aren’t really the strong suit of this series, the strong moments are the passing on of knowledge, the gentler healing and stuff of that nature, when Lucian pivoted to more of a ‘strong’ guild member, it felt almost like a forced arc that didn’t even really need to be there.
All that said, the author really has a talent with immersion when they manage to pull you in. Particularly the last couple chapters of this book, when Lucian goes back to the monastery, and the reunion and epilogue ensue.
Happy Reading!
(As I’m about a year and half into my reading journey, I have to say, I cannot believe that some people skip Afterwords and Acknowledgements. It’s insane to me that you’d go into a book, through a journey, and skip the person that created its words and thanks. Long live end of book acknowledgements.)
October 17, 2023
Not as much delicious aching intense yearning as the first book, naturally. But Lucían's growth from meek and anxious monk to kickass battlemage is so much fun. He and his super buff love Glory continue to hunt for the stolen books, while undead abominations stalk the land. Could it have something to do with the missing grimoire? You know it does! Time to gather up a classic adventuring party (with some tanks, a glass cannon, a sassy rogue, and don't forget the healers), and hunt down a necromancer.
I was worried for a while that we wouldn't get to see Lucían confront
Cozy fantasy world in which love and acceptance is the norm, and the monastery's cruel small-minded bigotry is an aberration.
I was worried for a while that we wouldn't get to see Lucían confront
Cozy fantasy world in which love and acceptance is the norm, and the monastery's cruel small-minded bigotry is an aberration.
May 15, 2021
Just as good as the first one!!! The pages just flew by!
I wish that more fantasy could be as heartwarming and wholesome as this! I know part of that is probably because this is fantasy romance but who cares! Less grimdark! More happiness! Other books are like, what if the world was completely different and also most people were inexplicably mean? Whereas this book is like, the same thing but what if people were on the whole just kinder? And it's GREAT.
Also I cried over Sister Evelyn. I LOVE HER. More trans representation like this, please.
I'm so happy Lucían and Glory got their happy ending ;_;
I wish that more fantasy could be as heartwarming and wholesome as this! I know part of that is probably because this is fantasy romance but who cares! Less grimdark! More happiness! Other books are like, what if the world was completely different and also most people were inexplicably mean? Whereas this book is like, the same thing but what if people were on the whole just kinder? And it's GREAT.
Also I cried over Sister Evelyn. I LOVE HER. More trans representation like this, please.
I'm so happy Lucían and Glory got their happy ending ;_;
May 23, 2024
This was fantastic, I liked it more than the first one. The quest plot is interesting but not too complicated, the side characters are fun and the main characters are perfect. It probably could have used a little more conflict and plot. I like how it subverts some of the usual romance tropes by having a small and fairly timid man and larger, stronger woman. I love Lucien’s character development over the two books and the ending was perfect. Also, can't really talk about this book without talking about the wonderful femdom and praise kink between Glory and Lucian.
The audiobook narrator is also fantastic.
The audiobook narrator is also fantastic.
July 30, 2021
Just as good as the first and so satisfying! I love how careful the characters are with each other, I love the ensemble, I love the kindness.
August 26, 2021
💚 Communication
💚 Gentle femdom
💚 Pegging
💚 Trans and non-binary characters
💚 Personal growth and mental health
In short... bliss
💚 Gentle femdom
💚 Pegging
💚 Trans and non-binary characters
💚 Personal growth and mental health
In short... bliss
August 28, 2021
The continued adventures of Lucían and Glory.
The two leads continue to be extremely sweet and I really enjoy their dynamic together, but there are major pacing problems in this book.
The two leads continue to be extremely sweet and I really enjoy their dynamic together, but there are major pacing problems in this book.
April 16, 2023
Jeez, dude. Que exaustivo
September 11, 2022
It's no secret that His Secret Illuminations was not just one of my favorite reads of last year, but one of my favorite books of all time. It was a book that slipped deep into my romantic heart, connected with my submissive soul, and joyously celebrated my love of high fantasy.
Part of me wanted to read the sequel immediately, to find out how Glory and Lucian's relationship developed, and to discover how the overall quest was resolved.
Another part of me wanted to wait as long as possible, to spread out the enjoyment, and to save what was sure to be another wonderful comfort read for when I really needed it.
Yet another part of me (and this was a small part) was afraid to read it all, lest the realization of that sweet female-led love somehow not stand up to the dance of submissive male seduction that was so artfully woven in the first book.
Since it would be unfair to the rest of my library to have two favorite reads from the same author in the same year, I decided to wait just long enough to reacquaint myself with Scarlett Gale to make His Sacred Incantations my first favorite read of the new year - and I am delighted to say it didn't disappoint.
This is a different book than the first, more mature in terms of both sex and violence and, as such, I loved it differently. It is the culmination of everything that was set up in the first book, resolving all the plot threads that were established there, and it does a fabulous job of tying up loose ends while providing closure for many of the characters. It's a story that peaks three times, the first being the big plot climax, the second being a character climax, and the third being the romantic climax, and all of them are wonderfully satisfying.
With the sweet dance of seduction and submission having been realized by the end of the first book, this second story follows our lovers into female-led passion and kink. We get to see timid Lucian become an enthusiastic lover, but one who still suffers shame over his darker desires. I adored how Glory gave him time and space to confess those desires, while lovingly supporting him and tenderly reassuring him at every turn. What it lacks in the will-they-won't-they angst of the first book, it more than makes up for with erotic anticipation of the inevitable.
The first book planted a lot of plot seeds, but it's only here that we begin to understand how significant each of them is. The search for the missing books is still the driving force, but as the shadow of one looms ever darker over Lucian, the story finds its threat, Lucian finds his heroic arc, and Glory gets to show us why she's the feared She-Wolf. The fantasy aspect of the story shifts from light-hearted adventuring to high-stakes sword-and-sorcery, and Gale handles that perfectly, not just crafting a suitable villain for the story, but a perfect antagonist who connects so much of the underlying religious, philosophical, and social conflicts.
As part of that shift to sword-and-sorcery, the traveling duo of Glory and Lucian becomes a proper quest party, complete with familiar faces and some important new ones - including Sister Evelyn, a transgender woman with whom Lucian shares a surprising history. Her introduction into the story is part of resolving those underlying conflicts I mentioned, particularly the religious one, and she adds a whole new dimension of friendship to things, rounding out Lucian's found family with a second sister (The Knife, who is back and bad-ass as ever, being the first).
In terms of theme, structure, and genre convention, His Sacred Incantations is a better, stronger, more well-rounded book than the first . . . but, in terms of novelty, originality, and romantic convention, I have to give the edge to His Secret Illuminations. I struggled over how to compare the two, how to gauge my enjoyment and my appreciation, and it all comes down to what I said earlier - I didn't necessarily love one more than the other, I just loved them differently.
https://www.sallybend.com/2022/01/fan...
Part of me wanted to read the sequel immediately, to find out how Glory and Lucian's relationship developed, and to discover how the overall quest was resolved.
Another part of me wanted to wait as long as possible, to spread out the enjoyment, and to save what was sure to be another wonderful comfort read for when I really needed it.
Yet another part of me (and this was a small part) was afraid to read it all, lest the realization of that sweet female-led love somehow not stand up to the dance of submissive male seduction that was so artfully woven in the first book.
Since it would be unfair to the rest of my library to have two favorite reads from the same author in the same year, I decided to wait just long enough to reacquaint myself with Scarlett Gale to make His Sacred Incantations my first favorite read of the new year - and I am delighted to say it didn't disappoint.
This is a different book than the first, more mature in terms of both sex and violence and, as such, I loved it differently. It is the culmination of everything that was set up in the first book, resolving all the plot threads that were established there, and it does a fabulous job of tying up loose ends while providing closure for many of the characters. It's a story that peaks three times, the first being the big plot climax, the second being a character climax, and the third being the romantic climax, and all of them are wonderfully satisfying.
With the sweet dance of seduction and submission having been realized by the end of the first book, this second story follows our lovers into female-led passion and kink. We get to see timid Lucian become an enthusiastic lover, but one who still suffers shame over his darker desires. I adored how Glory gave him time and space to confess those desires, while lovingly supporting him and tenderly reassuring him at every turn. What it lacks in the will-they-won't-they angst of the first book, it more than makes up for with erotic anticipation of the inevitable.
The first book planted a lot of plot seeds, but it's only here that we begin to understand how significant each of them is. The search for the missing books is still the driving force, but as the shadow of one looms ever darker over Lucian, the story finds its threat, Lucian finds his heroic arc, and Glory gets to show us why she's the feared She-Wolf. The fantasy aspect of the story shifts from light-hearted adventuring to high-stakes sword-and-sorcery, and Gale handles that perfectly, not just crafting a suitable villain for the story, but a perfect antagonist who connects so much of the underlying religious, philosophical, and social conflicts.
As part of that shift to sword-and-sorcery, the traveling duo of Glory and Lucian becomes a proper quest party, complete with familiar faces and some important new ones - including Sister Evelyn, a transgender woman with whom Lucian shares a surprising history. Her introduction into the story is part of resolving those underlying conflicts I mentioned, particularly the religious one, and she adds a whole new dimension of friendship to things, rounding out Lucian's found family with a second sister (The Knife, who is back and bad-ass as ever, being the first).
In terms of theme, structure, and genre convention, His Sacred Incantations is a better, stronger, more well-rounded book than the first . . . but, in terms of novelty, originality, and romantic convention, I have to give the edge to His Secret Illuminations. I struggled over how to compare the two, how to gauge my enjoyment and my appreciation, and it all comes down to what I said earlier - I didn't necessarily love one more than the other, I just loved them differently.
https://www.sallybend.com/2022/01/fan...
February 26, 2022
Lucían and Glory aka the She-Wolf, are closing in on the final book that was stolen in transit from Lucían's old monastery. Its theft has caused a plague of undead to terrorize the countryside and Lucían feels more than a little guilty about it; he was the one to complete that tome, after all. Luckily his ever deepening relationship with Glory and his newfound friendships with other warriors, as well as rekindling of old friendships, is a great support to lean on while preparing to face the unknown.
This book is a great romance with lots of wonderfully hot sex scenes! If that's what you're looking for, get this book! I've been invested in Glory and Lucían falling in love and Lucían accepting his own desires and kinks since chapter one of book one. In short, great romance, great erotica, highly recommend!
The one thing that slowed this read for me (other than me having made the mistake of picking this up as an ebook because I keep forgetting I have ebooks on my phone - yes, I know, silly problem to have, but that's apparently how my brain works :/) was the disconnect between the main plot aka Glory and Lucían's developing relationship, and the whole necromancer rising to power plot. The villain who's pulling undead from the ground is thematically linked to Lucían, but that comes up only at the end of the book. For the rest of these two books, the necromancer is a background event happening "over there", so it feels like a bit of a break in the 'actual' plot when the group goes off on a quest to try and stop him. Would have liked more build-up for that.
Really enjoyed this duology and will be checking out more from this author! It just would have been an even better book if I'd been made as invested in defeating the necromancer as I was in the Lucían/Glory romance and getting back to fix things at Lucíans awful monastery.
This book is a great romance with lots of wonderfully hot sex scenes! If that's what you're looking for, get this book! I've been invested in Glory and Lucían falling in love and Lucían accepting his own desires and kinks since chapter one of book one. In short, great romance, great erotica, highly recommend!
The one thing that slowed this read for me (other than me having made the mistake of picking this up as an ebook because I keep forgetting I have ebooks on my phone - yes, I know, silly problem to have, but that's apparently how my brain works :/) was the disconnect between the main plot aka Glory and Lucían's developing relationship, and the whole necromancer rising to power plot. The villain who's pulling undead from the ground is thematically linked to Lucían, but that comes up only at the end of the book. For the rest of these two books, the necromancer is a background event happening "over there", so it feels like a bit of a break in the 'actual' plot when the group goes off on a quest to try and stop him. Would have liked more build-up for that.
Really enjoyed this duology and will be checking out more from this author! It just would have been an even better book if I'd been made as invested in defeating the necromancer as I was in the Lucían/Glory romance and getting back to fix things at Lucíans awful monastery.
July 27, 2022
4.5 stars🤩
This is the book 2 in the duology following His Secret Illuminations and this was such a good follow up to the first book as it really fills us up from what happened right where the first book ended. This is another great journey and adventure for our couple but this time they are against a monster and a villain from the previous book (I will not tell who since it's very obvious already for those who read the first book) and there are also many new characters that are such an incredible addition to the Guild. Also, I just loved how the character developments are highlighted in this book, everyone really had growth, most especially, Lucian himself.
The romance here was wayyyyy romantic, compelling and hotter than the first book. The couple have finally learned a lot more about each other, discovered how to balance their love and life and friends as well as their missions altogether. Lucian have also learned how to express his feelings for Glory more (and how he would also finally, finally unravel his hidden kink to Glory 🤭)Their love story was so satisfying and heartwarmingly amazing to read on the pages, you can feel the passion and intimacy through the pages. And warning, this is so fucking STEAMYYYY, LIKE STEAMY ALERTTT🥵🌡this has some kinks and light BDSM and uhm pegg*ng (and it was done so so goodddd) it was so fuckin' sexyyyy, this book has some of the hottest and most intimate love scenes I have ever read (no kidding).
This is a great conclusion to the duology, the ending was so so cute and sweet and Lucian, finally, our boy have got his long overdue but well deserved HEA. I know both books are so so long but if you'll reach the end, you'll eventually realize that it was actually the perfect ending both Lucian and Glory deserves. I was satisfied with the way it ended and the author have really tied all the loose ends so yeah, a must read!👌
This is the book 2 in the duology following His Secret Illuminations and this was such a good follow up to the first book as it really fills us up from what happened right where the first book ended. This is another great journey and adventure for our couple but this time they are against a monster and a villain from the previous book (I will not tell who since it's very obvious already for those who read the first book) and there are also many new characters that are such an incredible addition to the Guild. Also, I just loved how the character developments are highlighted in this book, everyone really had growth, most especially, Lucian himself.
The romance here was wayyyyy romantic, compelling and hotter than the first book. The couple have finally learned a lot more about each other, discovered how to balance their love and life and friends as well as their missions altogether. Lucian have also learned how to express his feelings for Glory more (and how he would also finally, finally unravel his hidden kink to Glory 🤭)Their love story was so satisfying and heartwarmingly amazing to read on the pages, you can feel the passion and intimacy through the pages. And warning, this is so fucking STEAMYYYY, LIKE STEAMY ALERTTT🥵🌡this has some kinks and light BDSM and uhm pegg*ng (and it was done so so goodddd) it was so fuckin' sexyyyy, this book has some of the hottest and most intimate love scenes I have ever read (no kidding).
This is a great conclusion to the duology, the ending was so so cute and sweet and Lucian, finally, our boy have got his long overdue but well deserved HEA. I know both books are so so long but if you'll reach the end, you'll eventually realize that it was actually the perfect ending both Lucian and Glory deserves. I was satisfied with the way it ended and the author have really tied all the loose ends so yeah, a must read!👌
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2023
How to follow up one amazing book? Well, by writing ANOTHER amazing book! I swear, I had no idea what to expect with the sequel but holy moly, this is as great as the first one or even better! Once again, the author does a fantastic job showing us such an amazing relationship and chemistry between Lucian and Glory. The first book ended with both of the characters now being together. So this story follows it up with how their relationship now progress' and how are they together. And let me just say, it is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Jesus, their relationship is so sweet and wholesome that I can't stop gushing about it. Everytime they are together is just perfect and always makes me smile. Along with it though, we see more sexy scenes which really leans towards BDSM with some kinks. The first book had them for sure, but this book with its sex scene, its straight up Femdom. But once again, its just SOO perfect and well illustrated! Even though Glory is rough and strong, how the author represents their relationship is so well done. It NEVER seems like abusive because of how well the two main characters openly communicate with each other on what do they want to do. I swear, WHY CAN'T WE HAVE MORE BOOKS LIKE THIS AND THE FIRST ONE!
Scarlett Gale gave us an amazing duodolgy that delivered in every way, and I cannot wait to read her new books!
Scarlett Gale gave us an amazing duodolgy that delivered in every way, and I cannot wait to read her new books!
June 4, 2024
I was so happy to be able to read this, I could not wait after the first book (though it is more like one book split into two). I am now feeling an emptiness and yearning, I might have to re-read again from the beginning to try to cope. This is a very sweet romance, and I am not sure where I am going to find another wonderful role-reversal story like this, especially one with characters that I like so much. I am crying a little bit as I write this (I am a hopeless romantic kinda guy), Lucian is so relatable to me in many of his mannerisms and anxieties in a way that I have never seen before, and Glory is just amazing. I suppose I need to stop before I start ranting.
One additional thing: I have seen a bunch of criticism about how the main couple and their friends/acquiantences are all "too nice" and communicate "too well" and that Lucian is too easily accepting of LGBTQ folks considering his background. While I see where they are coming from saying that, I do not really care. I actually really like how thoroughly pleasant these two books are, and I love that the leads communicate well, there is no BS drama over silly things, and I like that Lucian is not some reactionary who has to go through a whole arc about accepting LGBTQ folks, he is just a open minded guy. I understand the criticism leveled at stories that try too hard to be wholesome, but like I do not know what to tell you, as long as your book diet has healthy variety, it is nice to have something sweet. Also there somehow no other books with this sort of big warrior woman/smol guy relationship and I am glad that if I can only have one it is one that feels good to read. I read alot of history, I need something to stave off the intense depression that comes with that, and these books also help me feel like I am a good sort of person and not some kind of horrible freak just because I am shy and sweet instead of big extrovert dude.
looks like I ended up ranting anyway, I could go on but I will not bother you any longer.
I do wish the final section of the book after the final fight was longer,
One additional thing: I have seen a bunch of criticism about how the main couple and their friends/acquiantences are all "too nice" and communicate "too well" and that Lucian is too easily accepting of LGBTQ folks considering his background. While I see where they are coming from saying that, I do not really care. I actually really like how thoroughly pleasant these two books are, and I love that the leads communicate well, there is no BS drama over silly things, and I like that Lucian is not some reactionary who has to go through a whole arc about accepting LGBTQ folks, he is just a open minded guy. I understand the criticism leveled at stories that try too hard to be wholesome, but like I do not know what to tell you, as long as your book diet has healthy variety, it is nice to have something sweet. Also there somehow no other books with this sort of big warrior woman/smol guy relationship and I am glad that if I can only have one it is one that feels good to read. I read alot of history, I need something to stave off the intense depression that comes with that, and these books also help me feel like I am a good sort of person and not some kind of horrible freak just because I am shy and sweet instead of big extrovert dude.
looks like I ended up ranting anyway, I could go on but I will not bother you any longer.
I do wish the final section of the book after the final fight was longer,
August 13, 2023
Absolutely inhaled this duology over a long weekend camping - I was fixated hard!
When I got to the start of the final battle, just over halfway through the second book, I was worried that something else would befall our heroes and that they would get a rushed or incomplete ending, but I needn't have worried! The author writes a beautifully indulgent conclusion, following up on every single thread that was left throughout the book, and answering every question that the reader might have. I found it wonderfully refreshing, to have an author truly care about the characters and the reader's experience without trying to shock with insane plot twists or leave the reader tantalisingly lacking for resolution!
The kind of book you might recommend to your bookworm family for the plot and forget about the searingly hot sex scenes until you see your mum blush redder than the tomato that started it all...
Now to enter a period of seclusion while I search for anything similar to satisfy my need for more books in the same vein!
When I got to the start of the final battle, just over halfway through the second book, I was worried that something else would befall our heroes and that they would get a rushed or incomplete ending, but I needn't have worried! The author writes a beautifully indulgent conclusion, following up on every single thread that was left throughout the book, and answering every question that the reader might have. I found it wonderfully refreshing, to have an author truly care about the characters and the reader's experience without trying to shock with insane plot twists or leave the reader tantalisingly lacking for resolution!
The kind of book you might recommend to your bookworm family for the plot and forget about the searingly hot sex scenes until you see your mum blush redder than the tomato that started it all...
Now to enter a period of seclusion while I search for anything similar to satisfy my need for more books in the same vein!
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