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Money. Power. Countless lovers.

In his monotonous life as a drug lord, Gustavo has seen and done it all and has long forgotten the taste of excitement.
Things change when he watches a man murder and take the victim’s heart.
Leaving behind a bloody crime scene, the killer flees and makes Gustavo a dangerous witness and the sole holder of all the evidence.
Drunk on a toxic mix of fascination and morbid curiosity, Gustavo places his life at stake and enters the murderer’s twisted world to play a game of dare for the thrill of it. But the more he plays with Seth, the deeper he sinks into a web of attraction.

How far can he tempt Death before Death strikes back?

Serial killer
Drug lord
Obsession
Fireplay
BDSM
Severe depression
Bloody art
God complex
Blood, gore, mass murder, graphic murder
Dark humor
Not a romance
The Three Kings' World. Yep, this is Gustavo's story.

Not a standalone.
Length: ~125k words

Welcome to the dark world of Malicious Gods: Egypt. A collection of modern tales, both magical and non-magical, featuring deities from Ancient Egypt. You’ll find reincarnated Gods, assassins, gangs, madness, and different realities. Expect high heat and morally ambiguous themes. Seductive and often twisted, they are not for the fainthearted.

357 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2021

36 people are currently reading
332 people want to read

About the author

Nero Seal

18 books625 followers
Journalist, poker player, casino events manager, designer, and SEO specialist, Nero Seal tried it all before committing to the idea of being an M/M fiction writer. Living in one of the most homophobic countries in the world, he has a lot to say. Being an avid traveler, he creates his imaginary worlds from the places he’s been and the people he’s met.
Characters always talk in his head, forcing him to write their stories, using his 49 kinks as the ultimate weapon of allure. When the voices in his head aren’t slaving him around, he is drawing, hiking, and procrastinating important things in favor of momentary gratification.

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5 stars
65 (45%)
4 stars
34 (23%)
3 stars
22 (15%)
2 stars
15 (10%)
1 star
6 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Mug.
515 reviews123 followers
May 19, 2024
i don’t even know what the fuck i just read but no🖤
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,864 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2021
The prologue is absolutely magnificent, from the first page I was intrigued, watching Seth working out the act he organized.
Then, there was Gustavo watching Seth, mesmerized by the man and by what he showed him.

Gustavo can’t get him out of his mind and will find out why this bloody scene happened and who that killer was.

We are taken into the world of slavery, obsession, BDSM, dark humor, livid dreams, dead obsession, madness, craziness, murder, architecture, similarities with ancient rituals, craziness, dedication, revenge.

Two obsessed minds, working from different angles.

Gustavo tried to understand the how and the why of Seth’s rituals. He goes deep to uncover Seth’s secrets.

Seth’s mind is ingenious, my mouth hang open in astonishment

Gustavo and Diego like to bet, it’s horrible and hilarious.

Seth and Gustavo’s encounters are extraordinary and exquisite

Tiny little details made this story moody and thrilling, a twisting muscle, macabre touches,
I’m a bit out of words. I’m exhausted
Profile Image for Szidi ☼.
946 reviews61 followers
September 1, 2021
Oh my fucking god!!! Perfection.

ALL THE FREAKING STARS TO THIS AMAZING AND DELICIOUSLY DARK BOOK


Okay, but hear me out! HOW! How could something be this perfect? And I don't know who said it's not a romance, because just shut up! It's the perfect romance ever and oh gosh, give me SETH right now! He is the fluffiest serieal killer and all he wants is someone to love him. Aww my poor baby!

I can't say how much I loved this book. I thought Iblis was perfection, but now... NOW! Wow. The things Seth did to me, phew.

I loved the dual POV, Seth and Gustavo. I loved both men, they were really intriguing and exciting. And on Gustavo's part, Diego! Oh shit, that guy was hilarious and I loved those fun moments he brought into this story. The book is really dark but Diego was the perfect contrast.

Loved, looooved everything about it. It's so long and so dark and just so romantic! And Seth is really a ball of fluff.
All the BDSM stuffs, all the killing and torturing scenes (OMG brilliant!!!)

I wanted Seth and Gustavo to be together and I thought their relationship will be the main romance, it was hilarious how Gustavo behaved and tought about Seth. Poor Hans hahaha. BUT! Ignaz! Gosh. I fell for Ignaz and Seth. I was madly in love with these two. Poor Ignaz *broken heart emoji*.

That ending though. Phew! WHY! I need the next book yesterday. Give it to me, I need answers and more of Seth.

Clearly one of my favorite book this year. It's just perfect.

ps. Seth's personality is just wow.
Profile Image for Lauren Hall.
17 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2021
My favorite book in this Malicious Gods series!! This author does dark and evil excellently!! Who else can make you fall in love with a psychopath?!? He also brings in a character from the Egoist books, Gustavo, which I loved. Warning: This book is a cliffhanger. It is not a romance, but there is the hint of something to come.

Gustavo is one of the mob bosses of the S-syndicate. He enjoys all of the sex, drugs, and worldly indulgences that his life offers. But, life has gotten boring and predictable. Until he accidentally discovers a murder being committed. Not just any murder, but a mysterious killing that piques his interest. He becomes obsessed with the murderer and the murder, to the point of ignoring his young lover. Even his assistant, Diego, thinks he's crazy for getting so close to danger.

Seth is a mysterious man with an obscure past. A brilliant architect, his designs are works of art with beautiful glass infused with special elements. His dreams of a dark god and swirling sand and death haunt him.

It was hard to put this book down! I wanted to keep reading to find out the secrets in Seth's life and to see what Gustavo would do. This author does not let me down when it comes to "dark." He even added some humor in Diego's character. Some of the lines made me laugh out loud. I highly recommend this book!!!!
257 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2021
Wow. This book was one of the darker, more violent and psychologically messed-up books I’ve read in the MM genre – and I absolutely loved it.

There are so many dark themes in this book, I’m not sure I even caught them all. Obsession, psychosis, sociopathy, casual violence, murder, torture, suicide… you get the idea. It’s dark. And like most of this series, it is not a romance. With that being said, even with all its darkness, there are some romantic and intimate elements that feel more pure and intense than what you see in a romance. Maybe a little light in the darkness feels brighter than it would be in a more normal environment? But there is some and it’ll flay your heart open.

The book starts off slow. There’s a lot of foundation building and setup for the story. The prologue will shock you and energize you to make it through the foundation building – starting off with that strong of a prologue was excellent, otherwise the setup is a bit sluggish. Once the story hits full stride, though, it’s not something you can easily stop reading. You get locked into the story, your emotions are all over the place, your mind is saying “WTF” constantly, and it’s absolutely imperative you see what happens next.

Seth himself is a study of contrasts. He’s unbelievably intriguing; getting to know him better, and maybe figure him out a little, was a significant part of my enjoyment of the book. Gustavo is a bit more obvious but still extremely complex.

There is no HEA or HFN (not a romance, remember?). There is an indication the author will continue the story, and it ends in a way that could be continued, or could end satisfactorily as-is. But I want more – so much more!

It’s not an easy read by any means, but is a brilliant creation that deserves to be read.
Profile Image for Devoted❤️Reader.
1,615 reviews31 followers
August 22, 2021
Obsession

If pitch black had a mascot it would be this book. Although I felt it was a bit long at times, I kept coming back to this book as the world entranced me. “It’s not a blade that kills but arrogance.” One thing I’ll say for Gustavo is that he is arrogance personified. Next to Mio he may be my new character I love to hate. Diego was my favorite in this. He brought a lot of comedic relief to what was an extremely dark thriller. I’m holding out that he’ll get his own book at at least novella. Then, we have Seth who I actually love. Throughout this book, I kept hoping he would find what he yearned for, the connection his soul hungers for but alas… I still have hope though as the cliffhanger of an ending allows me to believe that his story has only just begun.

*Not a romance, no HEA at all and there are no fluffy, happy times in this book. You’ve been warned.*
817 reviews7 followers
August 28, 2021
So I loved this book way more than I thought I would. I am also disappointed because I did not realize that it was going to be continued. Ugh!
Profile Image for Ana.
1,043 reviews
August 22, 2021
I’m still trying to gather my feelings towards this book since I just finished it. One thing is for sure, I’m in love with it.

I had no idea what to expect when I start reading it. I’m glad the feeling keep all along the book. It was so hard to predict everything that happened. This is really a dark book. It is full of events that might not be suitable for every reader, so beware the tags before start it.

I loved the plot. Everything was so intriguing. It was so hard to put it down, even if at times it took a slow pace. Another thing I loved about it was the details; from the descriptions of the art, the way every person look, the scents, and texture of everything. It was all so detailed, I could feel myself seeing the places, or the art pieces. It was really an outstanding experience.

As for the characters, Seth made me fall in love with him. Such and odd thing to love someone like him. He was such an attractive character. His mind was marvelous. Sure, in a kind of creepy way, but I found him so fascinating that I couldn’t help to love him. Gustavo had some appeal as well, but he was so frustrating that I felt like screaming at him all the time, still I appreciate he made me feel something, so I care for him, just not as much as for Seth. There are also some extremely beautiful secondary characters who, I insist, deserve a book for their own.

Overall, I think this was a piece of art. As it’s being say in the promos, not a romance. It is beautifully dark, maybe not for every reader, but certainly a magnificent book. Definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Kirstin.
2,105 reviews19 followers
August 30, 2021
Every damn time Nero blows me away with his writing style, his words, his dark places, and his stunning characters. Seth is no exception. While there are quite a few major players in this long novel about crime, murder, and passion, Seth definitely comes across as one messed up man, but the romance that bleeds from him is so beautiful. How can anyone read this and not want more?
Profile Image for Arge.
36 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2021
This book was great! I love Nero Seal´s Love of the Egoist Series and I´m waiting for what comes next in those series. This book comes from that universe and it ended in the best to come yet, it´s a consolation to know that there will be more to it, I have to know what will happen with Seth and Gustavo. Great job, Nero, I´m a fan of yours. By the way, great idea these series of Malicious Gods: Egypt.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,544 reviews48 followers
August 21, 2021
If you take some vibes and ideas from the Lord Peter Wimsey short story "The Abominable History of the Man with Copper Fingers" and Charlie David's story "Pygmalion Revisited" and then mix in characters who fit into the Malicious Gods series you get this dark and heartbreaking story. Seth is a character who is broken but redeemable, Ignaz is broken beyond repair and Gustavo is a mystery. He may or may not be broken, or breakable, but if anyone can do it, it would be Seth. There are interesting side characters here as well, but it is these three who take center-stage. There is a resolution, but for me it opened more questions and possibilities than it answered. A read that will stay with me for a good, long while.
207 reviews
August 24, 2021

Overall 10/10

Story (Was this more than just a simple romance?) 10/10
Emotion (Did I laugh, cry? Did my heart stop beating?) 10/10
Quality of writing 9/10
Grammar, typos etc 7/10

I'm going to need more than a few days to recover from reading this incredible story.
671 reviews
August 23, 2021
I don´t have words to describe what I feel. Just WOW! This is DARK but so good!
Profile Image for Millie  SK.
182 reviews
August 30, 2021
Such a great read

One thing to note when reading any book from this author is that his work is totally unpredictable. He captures your attention and you won’t know what hit you. His ability to make you fall in love with the “villain” is one of my favorite thing about this book. Although honestly speaking, there are no good guys in this story.
The character Seth is just the sweetest thing, as much as he is a “bad guy”, I just want to wrap him up and keep him. He is smart, talent and loves very very hard, which never ends well for him or his lovers. However, Gustavo being bored out of his mind, is determined to test that theory.
I can’t wait for the next book. It’s such a good read.
Profile Image for Joyffree.
3,411 reviews62 followers
August 21, 2021
"Don't worry Little One. No one will ever hurt you again."

Blessed Sand Storms! My heart is still beating too hard
It took everything and I do mean everything! Not to peek at the end. I can not even tell you how many times my subconscious whispered to me to look, taunted how it would ease my stress to know, and once I knew I could breathe again.
I didn't - peek that is
I rode the storm out

This is not a romance. There is no HEA or should I say no standard HEA's - because I believe Set did provide second chances and what was done with those well...
I'll let you decide

This has all the suspense I have come to expect from Seal's work nicely layered in rivers of crimson that at times threaten to drown the reader leaving them fighting to catch their breath
I love when I'm confused but not -
I know what is happening to a degree but at the same time there are so many unknowns - it is a bit like a funhouse each new twist and turn just adds to the thrill

It's hard to describe Seth but think serial killer vigilante who is just a bit skewed meets bored highly functioning psychopath kingpin then add in a bodyguard best friend who also provides comic relief and at times is the words of sanity (should tell you how crazy things get) when our infatuated drug lord goes blind obsession

If graphic suspense thrillers with some serious twists are your thing this is one you don't want to pass up
FYI - this ends on a to be continued
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
August 28, 2021
Seth is dark, twisted, arrogant and controlling! Gustavo is a drug lord himself, but he’s enthralled by Seth. I was hooked into this story from the beginning, excellent! I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for Hono.
38 reviews
August 24, 2021
wth did i just read! its reaaaally good(for me at least) this author is easily becoming one of my favorites if im looking for something dark twisted nero seal really delivers. and for a book that says no romance.. this for me showed a lot of romance and more.. i dont know what it says about me but the MCs in this book has a lot of love to give its just they have their own way of expressing it. 4 stars because it ended in a cliffhanger but at the same time i want that since it means i get more Seth and Gustavo. i still want more of them ❤❤❤
Profile Image for Kassandra  Knight.
1,528 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2021
Wow. That was a tense roller coaster read. Definitely read the tags. There’s no romance, no HEA, no fluff.

Highly recommend if you like these tropes.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Elin.
938 reviews8 followers
August 20, 2021
There is no one that can make me sympathise with a killer as well as Nero Seal, to see the world through his eyes is something special.

As the author have pointed out, this is not a romance. But it's got heart, however dark and twisted that heart is.

It's a search of connection and understanding, to find a place to belong. It's dark, raw and at times intense. Gustavo's obsession which morphs from a game to reality, Seth's search for something elusive and in it all, Diego's humour.
Diego was my soft spot as he was so different to everything intense , I adored his relationship with Gustavo as well.

It all fits together so well and of course it made me crave more.
It's a heavy read, but I had trouble putting it down because it just grabbed a hold of me and wouldn't let me go until the end.
Profile Image for Nu.
713 reviews20 followers
October 2, 2021
What. Did. I. Just. Read? (Don't worry I loved it)

I'm appalled at myself because I enjoyed reading every bit of it. What is wrong with me? I guess I simply like what I like and we all know I certainly like Nero Seal!

We have an MC, Seth, who is very complex and unique with a distinct and way of life. I mean what goes on in his mind....I've never read of any person like him. Fascinating to witness his thought process and to feel his strange emotions; on every level, despite the atrocities.

The other MC we know from the "Egoist" series Yugo's business partner, Gustavo. But just as Gustavo's curiosity grows and unfolds during the book, so does the reader's! We get to experience it all!

This book is hard to review in my opinion because of the complex layers, amazing characters and plot. I certainly can't do it justice.

But trust and believe, it does not disappoint. Now I need more!!!
Profile Image for Gwen.
1,360 reviews5 followers
September 8, 2021
I have followed this author for a little while now and I can certainly say they turned me to the dark side. I enjoyed this book and every character. Seth is a great example of oh so dark… a killer and a mafia boss. Gustavo is lured by this dark tender soul who only wants someone to love him back, in his own way. Seth just loves too much. I want to hug him. He is like a dark angel. But there’s so much blood and suspense. What an ordeal! I was warned this was not a romance but I can’t help but wish… maybe the next book huh?
Awesome writing!
Profile Image for Valentina.
117 reviews
October 12, 2021
Definitely the best one in the M Gods series. I can’t begin to explain how much I loved this book and how much I’m craving for the sequel. Dark and twisted but with a perfect dosage of humour; I believe that this is Nero’s best work so far and a utterly masterpiece. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Wickedly Sweet & Synful Book Blog Janet Lysk-Wolf .
101 reviews17 followers
August 30, 2021
Absolutely Delicious! I'm not even sure what to say about this book. Mr. Seal has done it again! I believe it is a bloodthirsty romantic comedy, but I've been vetoed. Please read the trigger warnings, they are accurate! This book is beyond dark, but somehow you end up falling in love with the characters. Yet again the author made me fall in love with another psychopath. The dark, however, is portrayed in a romantic style. Everything Seth does, he does for love. Diego is the best side character I've ever met; he provides comic relief and relieves tension. This dark, bloody, violent book is so freaking HAWT! Read it if you dare.
22 reviews
January 31, 2022
I jumped eagerly to finish Seth when I found out it was about Gustavo from Egoist, without even bothering to read reviews, so missed the whole memo that the book ends in cliffhanger. . The book had a potential of 4 stars from me but settling with 3 stars because I'm a bit disappointed, pyscopath or not lol. The writing gripped me and I was looking forward to scenes with Gustavo and Deigo, loved their banter. Really want to know what happens next, but guess need to wait for a while. Definitely looking forward to the next book because I need more Gustavo.
235 reviews7 followers
September 30, 2021
Brilliant, luminescent darkness
The dark genius of Nero Seal brings together the world of an organized crime lord, a particularly fascinating genius-killer, and a subtle background of onyric antique Egyptian mythology. Feeble glass strings of hope, constantly being shattered by betrayals, delusions, and terrible realities start winding through the plot from the very first chapter and encapsulate the protagonists, and the reader, with their beautiful, deadly fragility throughout.
The promise, at the end, of more leaves hope - not as a cliffhanger, but as a thirst for more that consumes an avid reader of this incredibly talented writer
Profile Image for Ella.
4 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2025
W oczekiwaniu na 3. część serii "Egoist" postanowiłam sięgnąć po inną książkę Autora...

Nie jest to łatwa lektura. Dostajemy tu dokładnie to, co obiecywała - obsesję, nieco szaleństwa i ogromną dawkę emocji. I właśnie przez natłok emocji, które przedstawione tu treści wywołują, przeczytanie tej książki zajęło mi tyle czasu.
Jak zwykle bohaterowie nakreśleni są w sposób perfekcyjny - żywi i niejednoznaczni. Uwielbiam Diego i jego poczucie humoru.
Dodatkowo Autor ma tę rzadką umiejętność ukrywania faktów przed czytelnikiem i ujawniania ich tuż przed końcem lektury :) Doceniam!
Profile Image for Nikita Choudhary.
5 reviews
December 4, 2022
Are there any updates on second book yet?? I’m dying here.
We read 1100 pages and no Seth-gustavo moment happened . This is torture 😭😭
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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