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Øystæinn
Love Dark Romance? Grab a copy of this steamy, M/M mafia fantasy novel.
Gage Carpel is a graduate student in the department of Scandinavian Studies. Up until now, he's managed to hold his life together. But the warning signs are there, everything is about to fall to pieces.
When the shadowy characters of his former life hunt him down, Gage is forced to relive his dark, brutal past.
Now, on the run from the Mob, Gage discovers his lover's true identity is his worst enemy. His world turns upside down as the real nightmare begins.
Marishka Grayson’s two book series is a tour de force of outrageous storytelling. A beautifully crafted, steamy M/M, enemies-to-lovers dark romance. Don’t miss this one!
Rated R for 18+. CONTENT WARNING! Contains graphic scenes of violence, self-harm, drug and alcohol use, sex and language. This list is not intended to be exhaustive. Reader discretion is advised. Not recommended for readers with sensitivity triggers.
Gage Carpel is a graduate student in the department of Scandinavian Studies. Up until now, he's managed to hold his life together. But the warning signs are there, everything is about to fall to pieces.
When the shadowy characters of his former life hunt him down, Gage is forced to relive his dark, brutal past.
Now, on the run from the Mob, Gage discovers his lover's true identity is his worst enemy. His world turns upside down as the real nightmare begins.
Marishka Grayson’s two book series is a tour de force of outrageous storytelling. A beautifully crafted, steamy M/M, enemies-to-lovers dark romance. Don’t miss this one!
Rated R for 18+. CONTENT WARNING! Contains graphic scenes of violence, self-harm, drug and alcohol use, sex and language. This list is not intended to be exhaustive. Reader discretion is advised. Not recommended for readers with sensitivity triggers.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2021
2 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Marishka Grayson
15 books44 followersI write books that I've always wanted to read. They're complex, filled with symbolism and bizarre characters, but in the end, they're entertaining, and very brazenly so...
My stories are dark, steamy fantasy infused with elements of fairy tales, historical fiction, science fiction and classical gothic literature. It’s unusual, but I think once you get a taste for it, you’ll enjoy the wildness of exploring something different with me.
My stories are dark, steamy fantasy infused with elements of fairy tales, historical fiction, science fiction and classical gothic literature. It’s unusual, but I think once you get a taste for it, you’ll enjoy the wildness of exploring something different with me.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 21, 2022
3 Stars
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via BookSirens. This has not influenced my review.*
Having read both books, I feel like this is best done as a review of the whole duology, though, to keep it spoiler-free, I'll be vague about some things.
Since my review is so long, TL;DR: Confusing (not so much the mythology, rather the characters and their motivations), but some interesting ideas and potential.
The description for this book (at the time of my review) doesn't explain much, so I'll start by clarifying some things.
1) This is sci-fi, though it feels a lot like urban fantasy (especially the first book, the sci-fi explanation is in the second), taking place in our world but including non-human abilities, characters/ideas from Norse mythology, and scientific concepts about physics and the universe (don't worry, you don't need to actually understand the science mentioned).
2) I don't know what "Gage discovers his lover's true identity is his worst enemy" is talking about. There's no identity reveal. They have always been enemies. It's just that Gage is in love with him. The description also says this is enemies-to-lovers, and that part is accurate, but the lovers part doesn't happen until the second book.
3) As for what the plot is about, it's mostly Gage trying to get away from, but also getting help from, various different Russian mafia men and supernatural/sci-fi beings who either want to use or kill him. Or, a slight spoiler version: *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
4) Book 1 is more like Part 1, so do be aware that it will not feel like a complete story, and everything will be left hanging (though Book 2 is already out, so you can get it right away).
Ok, moving on! I'll start with my complaints.
Before reading, I saw some reviewers say they were confused, but that it might help if you know about Norse mythology. I'm here to tell you that I don't think it will. (This is not the complaint, this is me saying you shouldn't be scared off if you don't know Norse myth.) I only knew about the Aesir gods, which this wasn't about, so I looked things up while reading, but it didn't affect the story to know, for example, that so-and-so was a god of battle. Also, the author has put her own twist on things. Also also, the author does explain the relevant info, for the most part. Even more is explained in the second book.
For me, this was confusing because it felt like information was missing, just about Gage and his life. He would think or talk about things, people, relationships, his past, and it was like I was supposed to understand, but I didn't. (For example, I still don't understand his relationship with Tetsuo or how he came to be with him in the first place or why he left him.) Also, I was in Gage's POV the whole time, but his mind was an enigma. I rarely knew what he was thinking or feeling or planning. Some things eventually got explained, but it was frustrating to spend half the book or series confused before reaching that point.
Also confusing was how the flashbacks were out of order. Sometimes I couldn't quite figure out the timeline. But that didn't really affect the present story.
Another thing, the romance felt less like "hate-to-love" and more like "scary obsession with inappropriate comments and sexual assault" from one person and "hate and disgust until suddenly it wasn't" from the other. There were reasons, but, without proper build-up, it was still like whiplash. And it happened so late in the story that there wasn't much time for me to feel the connection between them after that.
Now for some good things!
A lot of the confusing things do get explained eventually, in this or the second book. Especially in regards to abilities, backstory, and history between characters. So if you can wait, you'll get answers.
Also, there were some good ideas and potential here. A cool combination of mafia and Norse myth and science, with some unique twists. Characters sharing knowledge and memories and sometimes secrets via bodily fluids (kissing, sex, blood, etc.). Some characters who seemed interesting, if only I could've understood them a little better. Gage was hardened and guilt-ridden. Thorn was one of those people with violence always bubbling right under the surface. Stig was stoic and calculating. Leef was more emotional and sensitive. Ash was angry and vengeful. The various relationships were filled with a lot of history and betrayal and anger but, in some cases, also intimacy and/or love. There was a lot of violence and sex, sometimes combined.
So, overall, I was confused about character thoughts and motivations, but there were some unique ideas here and some angsty characters and relationships, and I was curious enough about all of it to keep reading the series.
Trigger/Content Warnings: Sexual assault, threats of rape/sexual assault, and dubcon (in large part because exchanging bodily fluids is how the characters give and receive information).
*Rating: 3 Stars // Read Date: 2022 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes unique blends of contemporary + science fiction + fantasy, Norse myth, mafia, angry and hardened characters, sex and violence (sometimes together), and m/m enemies-to-lovers relationships.
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via BookSirens. This has not influenced my review.*
Having read both books, I feel like this is best done as a review of the whole duology, though, to keep it spoiler-free, I'll be vague about some things.
Since my review is so long, TL;DR: Confusing (not so much the mythology, rather the characters and their motivations), but some interesting ideas and potential.
The description for this book (at the time of my review) doesn't explain much, so I'll start by clarifying some things.
1) This is sci-fi, though it feels a lot like urban fantasy (especially the first book, the sci-fi explanation is in the second), taking place in our world but including non-human abilities, characters/ideas from Norse mythology, and scientific concepts about physics and the universe (don't worry, you don't need to actually understand the science mentioned).
2) I don't know what "Gage discovers his lover's true identity is his worst enemy" is talking about. There's no identity reveal. They have always been enemies. It's just that Gage is in love with him. The description also says this is enemies-to-lovers, and that part is accurate, but the lovers part doesn't happen until the second book.
3) As for what the plot is about, it's mostly Gage trying to get away from, but also getting help from, various different Russian mafia men and supernatural/sci-fi beings who either want to use or kill him. Or, a slight spoiler version: *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
4) Book 1 is more like Part 1, so do be aware that it will not feel like a complete story, and everything will be left hanging (though Book 2 is already out, so you can get it right away).
Ok, moving on! I'll start with my complaints.
Before reading, I saw some reviewers say they were confused, but that it might help if you know about Norse mythology. I'm here to tell you that I don't think it will. (This is not the complaint, this is me saying you shouldn't be scared off if you don't know Norse myth.) I only knew about the Aesir gods, which this wasn't about, so I looked things up while reading, but it didn't affect the story to know, for example, that so-and-so was a god of battle. Also, the author has put her own twist on things. Also also, the author does explain the relevant info, for the most part. Even more is explained in the second book.
For me, this was confusing because it felt like information was missing, just about Gage and his life. He would think or talk about things, people, relationships, his past, and it was like I was supposed to understand, but I didn't. (For example, I still don't understand his relationship with Tetsuo or how he came to be with him in the first place or why he left him.) Also, I was in Gage's POV the whole time, but his mind was an enigma. I rarely knew what he was thinking or feeling or planning. Some things eventually got explained, but it was frustrating to spend half the book or series confused before reaching that point.
Also confusing was how the flashbacks were out of order. Sometimes I couldn't quite figure out the timeline. But that didn't really affect the present story.
Another thing, the romance felt less like "hate-to-love" and more like "scary obsession with inappropriate comments and sexual assault" from one person and "hate and disgust until suddenly it wasn't" from the other. There were reasons, but, without proper build-up, it was still like whiplash. And it happened so late in the story that there wasn't much time for me to feel the connection between them after that.
Now for some good things!
A lot of the confusing things do get explained eventually, in this or the second book. Especially in regards to abilities, backstory, and history between characters. So if you can wait, you'll get answers.
Also, there were some good ideas and potential here. A cool combination of mafia and Norse myth and science, with some unique twists. Characters sharing knowledge and memories and sometimes secrets via bodily fluids (kissing, sex, blood, etc.). Some characters who seemed interesting, if only I could've understood them a little better. Gage was hardened and guilt-ridden. Thorn was one of those people with violence always bubbling right under the surface. Stig was stoic and calculating. Leef was more emotional and sensitive. Ash was angry and vengeful. The various relationships were filled with a lot of history and betrayal and anger but, in some cases, also intimacy and/or love. There was a lot of violence and sex, sometimes combined.
So, overall, I was confused about character thoughts and motivations, but there were some unique ideas here and some angsty characters and relationships, and I was curious enough about all of it to keep reading the series.
Trigger/Content Warnings: Sexual assault, threats of rape/sexual assault, and dubcon (in large part because exchanging bodily fluids is how the characters give and receive information).
*Rating: 3 Stars // Read Date: 2022 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes unique blends of contemporary + science fiction + fantasy, Norse myth, mafia, angry and hardened characters, sex and violence (sometimes together), and m/m enemies-to-lovers relationships.
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
November 25, 2021
If I'm asked for a synopsis, here's what I say. Traumatized protagonist develops split personalities who literally (not metaphorically) chase after him to become whole again. In the meantime, he's trying to forget his dysfunctional and ill-fated love interest because of a dark past. Yeah, that pretty much sums up this story, :0) It may not be a quick beach read, I tend to delve deeply into the psyche of my protagonists making my stories complex, but if you're in for some good, dry dialog and steamy action, then give this story a try!
https://booksirens.com/book/VDM6FOP/K...
https://booksirens.com/book/VDM6FOP/K...
November 28, 2021
I love dark reads and Marishka Grayson’s Oystaeinn ticked all my checkboxes. I’m definitely going to read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2021
Øystæinn (Archon of Elements book one) by Marishka Grayson was released Nov 18.
“There can be no resurrection without pain and destruction” (Marishka Grayson)
Gage Carpel is a graduate student living in Seattle. He lives a seemingly quiet life, working on his dissertation. One evening he agrees to go out to a club with a friend, as the night continues it becomes evident Gage is not who we think he is.
This story has many elements to it. Norse mythology, philosophy, physics, hermetic principles and spirituality- it feels somewhat like a dark romantic sci-fi fantasy, and is full of symbolism- The title and cover are reflective of this.
Told from Gage’s POV - the reader quickly learns he can be manipulative, lewd, petulant, and secretive. Something about him though, draws you in- he’s desired by everyone in a fixated way-which only adds tension and drama when there are multiple parties wanting him, all for their own reasons.
Gage plots and plans towards his end goals - slowly revealing his layers to the reader, whilst the obsessive support characters are circling like sharks.
It’s all pretty trippy when you discover who this complex character is, his history, his loves, and potential future.
I could feel the story pouring at rapid pace from the author onto the pages, at times I was left a bit disoriented at the jumping between scenes- but a re-read consolidates it all. This is a story I will definitely read again -there is so much within it. I would also have liked a quick reference list with the Old Norse names/language -it would have assisted with reading flow.
When an old enemy captures Gage -we begin to question the foretold prophecies? The bold comment above by the author leads me to believe we’re in for an even bigger ride in book two.
Looking for an interesting multi-layered read, with a fascinating protagonist and support characters that will take you on a mind bending journey-then Øystæinn could ✅ the box.
4/5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️ sex scenes, profanity, violence and death
ARC provided - thoughts and opinions are my own.
“There can be no resurrection without pain and destruction” (Marishka Grayson)
Gage Carpel is a graduate student living in Seattle. He lives a seemingly quiet life, working on his dissertation. One evening he agrees to go out to a club with a friend, as the night continues it becomes evident Gage is not who we think he is.
This story has many elements to it. Norse mythology, philosophy, physics, hermetic principles and spirituality- it feels somewhat like a dark romantic sci-fi fantasy, and is full of symbolism- The title and cover are reflective of this.
Told from Gage’s POV - the reader quickly learns he can be manipulative, lewd, petulant, and secretive. Something about him though, draws you in- he’s desired by everyone in a fixated way-which only adds tension and drama when there are multiple parties wanting him, all for their own reasons.
Gage plots and plans towards his end goals - slowly revealing his layers to the reader, whilst the obsessive support characters are circling like sharks.
It’s all pretty trippy when you discover who this complex character is, his history, his loves, and potential future.
I could feel the story pouring at rapid pace from the author onto the pages, at times I was left a bit disoriented at the jumping between scenes- but a re-read consolidates it all. This is a story I will definitely read again -there is so much within it. I would also have liked a quick reference list with the Old Norse names/language -it would have assisted with reading flow.
When an old enemy captures Gage -we begin to question the foretold prophecies? The bold comment above by the author leads me to believe we’re in for an even bigger ride in book two.
Looking for an interesting multi-layered read, with a fascinating protagonist and support characters that will take you on a mind bending journey-then Øystæinn could ✅ the box.
4/5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️ sex scenes, profanity, violence and death
ARC provided - thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 9, 2021
This book was information packed and entertaining. The complexity of this story kept me engaged and I was left wondering how everything was connected. I do wish there was more sex but it was a great book overall. I have left this review as an honest opinion for an advance copy.
June 4, 2022
The description of this book read a bit like a Eurovision Song Contest best off: M/M romance, Russian mob, Norse Gods ... what more can a girl ask for? And this book delivers it all and then some.
I will be honest, the first few chapters (I'd say the first five or so) felt pretty weak to me. Descriptions were vague, the first person protagonist came accross as a bit of a doormat and the tropes were all over the place, from coffeeshop over academia to mafia. Everyone was lusting for everyone else, and the protagonist just keeps getting kidnapped in violent ways by different parties. And everyone wants to bang him, which he isn't all that opposed to most of the time.
The writing style completely changes later, though, the descriptions get more detailed and sensual, and I started to enjoy the book much more, once it had found it's rhythm. That rhythm, for most of the rest of the book, is one chapter set in the present (still with kidnappings, sex and violence galore), followed by one chapter of backstory set in some weird version of Norse mythology, that reminded me of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in places. Turns out, kidnappings, sex and violence are very much a thing of that time, too. But at least now some of the things happening in the present and some of the motivations of the groups that are after our protagonist start making sense. It's still confusing as fuck, though.
The main character is a bit all over the place. On the one hand he is this extremely powerful, knowledgeable and skilled deity, on the other hand, he remains very passive and just gives into his fate for most of the book. I can't really make up my mind if I like him or not, but we are stuck in his head throughout the book, because it is written in first person POV.
There are no women to speak of in this book. Actually, it took thirteen chapters or so before the first woman is even mentioned, and in that case it is an unnamed female flight attendant. The story focusses exclusively on a bunch of very gay men. Gods. Dragons. Whatever.
I'm not telling you all this to turn you off. I'm just mentioning it, because, even though it probably should have, none of it did turn me off. The truth is, I enjoyed this read much more than I probably should have. Partly that is due to the twisted but very well written sex scenes (What can I say? I'm an erotica writer. Smut is what I'm here for.), but mostly it is due to the author being so true to herself and to her writing this book exactly as she wanted to write it. That gives it a raw honesty, that is rare in more conventional genre-abiding books. Which brings me back to the Eurovision Song Contest. It is that same raw honesty, that produced many winners of that contest in the past. Because in this modern world, where everything is aimed at perfection, at following formulas and fullfilling norms, we crave something real, something coming directly from another persons heart.
The tropes of this book are hardly original, but the way they are woven together into something completely new and unexpected is. It is the kind of book that every literary agent and every editor on the planet would tell you is unsellable. It's a book that simply would not exist in the traditional publishing space. And that would be a shame. Because if you allow yourself to be swept up by it, it's a hell of a read.
Personally, I'm giving this book four stars, but I find it hard to recommend it to others, because I'm sure many readers will not enjoy it as much as I did.
You'll probably like this book if you like slash fanfiction, Sense8, The Sandman comic books and the Eurovision Song Contest, preferrably all at once. You'll probably not like this book if you love ironing your clothes, spend a lot of money on fancy planners and organize your bookshelf by color. There is nothing neat and organized about this book. It's a confusing, twirling, disorienting, very hot maelstrom.
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced reader copy of this book, but I'm under no obligation (except maybe a moral one) to review it.
I will be honest, the first few chapters (I'd say the first five or so) felt pretty weak to me. Descriptions were vague, the first person protagonist came accross as a bit of a doormat and the tropes were all over the place, from coffeeshop over academia to mafia. Everyone was lusting for everyone else, and the protagonist just keeps getting kidnapped in violent ways by different parties. And everyone wants to bang him, which he isn't all that opposed to most of the time.
The writing style completely changes later, though, the descriptions get more detailed and sensual, and I started to enjoy the book much more, once it had found it's rhythm. That rhythm, for most of the rest of the book, is one chapter set in the present (still with kidnappings, sex and violence galore), followed by one chapter of backstory set in some weird version of Norse mythology, that reminded me of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in places. Turns out, kidnappings, sex and violence are very much a thing of that time, too. But at least now some of the things happening in the present and some of the motivations of the groups that are after our protagonist start making sense. It's still confusing as fuck, though.
The main character is a bit all over the place. On the one hand he is this extremely powerful, knowledgeable and skilled deity, on the other hand, he remains very passive and just gives into his fate for most of the book. I can't really make up my mind if I like him or not, but we are stuck in his head throughout the book, because it is written in first person POV.
There are no women to speak of in this book. Actually, it took thirteen chapters or so before the first woman is even mentioned, and in that case it is an unnamed female flight attendant. The story focusses exclusively on a bunch of very gay men. Gods. Dragons. Whatever.
I'm not telling you all this to turn you off. I'm just mentioning it, because, even though it probably should have, none of it did turn me off. The truth is, I enjoyed this read much more than I probably should have. Partly that is due to the twisted but very well written sex scenes (What can I say? I'm an erotica writer. Smut is what I'm here for.), but mostly it is due to the author being so true to herself and to her writing this book exactly as she wanted to write it. That gives it a raw honesty, that is rare in more conventional genre-abiding books. Which brings me back to the Eurovision Song Contest. It is that same raw honesty, that produced many winners of that contest in the past. Because in this modern world, where everything is aimed at perfection, at following formulas and fullfilling norms, we crave something real, something coming directly from another persons heart.
The tropes of this book are hardly original, but the way they are woven together into something completely new and unexpected is. It is the kind of book that every literary agent and every editor on the planet would tell you is unsellable. It's a book that simply would not exist in the traditional publishing space. And that would be a shame. Because if you allow yourself to be swept up by it, it's a hell of a read.
Personally, I'm giving this book four stars, but I find it hard to recommend it to others, because I'm sure many readers will not enjoy it as much as I did.
You'll probably like this book if you like slash fanfiction, Sense8, The Sandman comic books and the Eurovision Song Contest, preferrably all at once. You'll probably not like this book if you love ironing your clothes, spend a lot of money on fancy planners and organize your bookshelf by color. There is nothing neat and organized about this book. It's a confusing, twirling, disorienting, very hot maelstrom.
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced reader copy of this book, but I'm under no obligation (except maybe a moral one) to review it.
June 4, 2022
First let me say, I have several favorite authors (all for different reasons) and Marishka Grayson is one of them. Her work is elegant. There is no fluff. Every word used is important to the plot. But behind the storyline is some ridiculously scientific...mind-blowing stuff. Stuff like quantum things. Information stored in elemental particles and stuff. Ok, I am sticking to gardening. You don't need to know or understand anything about the science it but it's sort-of a thing for the protagonist, Gage.
If you want to know more about the plot then read the blurb. Just know that the story is fascinating...but of course it is. It's actually a love story although I did not quite understand which other character was the love interest at first. I think it is supposed to be like that...keep you guessing. Then, BAM, surprise. There are several characters you need to remember and they don't have names like Bob and Betty but I think that is a cultural thing on my part...shame on me. One of the surprises for me is the story takes place in our current time, so there are things like universities, and mafia, and guns. There are a lot of flashbacks which are important. Ms. Grayson makes it easy though to keep up with it all.
The story is dark-ish and there is a lot of past sorrow and pain in the backstory. It's kind of the author's thing. But the author's thing is also a love story which is very subtly woven into the storyline. The book is heartrending and heartfelt. There is much passion in the characters. There is HUGE angst. HUGE.
The story hits the ground running and doesn't stop. I love a book where you haven't the foggiest idea of what is going on and then all is very slowly revealed and you are like, WOW, didn't see that coming. Actually, because of how the story unfolds I went back and read it again. You do NOT have to do that...it's just me.
If you are like me and can't put the book down then it is about an 8 hour read. If one is not familiar with Grayson's work I actually think this is a good book to start with. It does end with a bit of a cliffhanger but the second volume is already out so don't fret.
If you want to know more about the plot then read the blurb. Just know that the story is fascinating...but of course it is. It's actually a love story although I did not quite understand which other character was the love interest at first. I think it is supposed to be like that...keep you guessing. Then, BAM, surprise. There are several characters you need to remember and they don't have names like Bob and Betty but I think that is a cultural thing on my part...shame on me. One of the surprises for me is the story takes place in our current time, so there are things like universities, and mafia, and guns. There are a lot of flashbacks which are important. Ms. Grayson makes it easy though to keep up with it all.
The story is dark-ish and there is a lot of past sorrow and pain in the backstory. It's kind of the author's thing. But the author's thing is also a love story which is very subtly woven into the storyline. The book is heartrending and heartfelt. There is much passion in the characters. There is HUGE angst. HUGE.
The story hits the ground running and doesn't stop. I love a book where you haven't the foggiest idea of what is going on and then all is very slowly revealed and you are like, WOW, didn't see that coming. Actually, because of how the story unfolds I went back and read it again. You do NOT have to do that...it's just me.
If you are like me and can't put the book down then it is about an 8 hour read. If one is not familiar with Grayson's work I actually think this is a good book to start with. It does end with a bit of a cliffhanger but the second volume is already out so don't fret.
November 20, 2021
Whoa, this is some sophisticated fare. It's a solid mixture of dark romance and science fiction fantasy for those who enjoy the mix, which I did. The book takes us on a journey of the protagonist, Gage, who is a graduate student of Scandinavian Studies. Unfortunately, all is not as it seems, and we're soon led to varying levels of realities that force an identity crisis with Gage. I loved how the author weaves in Norse mythology, but in all honesty, there is very little there except for a sprinkling of names and some minor characters from the original myth. Like everything else in this multi-layered book, the Norse myth seems to be a backdrop for the story to unfold. The main concern is the impending doom (Ragnarok) that faces the characters and what they're planning to do about it. As always in Grayson's books, there's lot of hot steamy action both in terms of physical fights and sex. The original myth of the end of time has launched many interesting works of art and this book is no exception.
June 4, 2022
This book kept you reading cause you just what your why question answered. It was a bit of a slow start so wasn’t sure if I would like it then it got me hooked. Gage had no memory of who he really was but I think he preferred it that way so he wouldn’t have to live with what he did. He wasn’t a good person before his downfall. But there seemed to be something about him that made people care about him. Plus I think despite Ash’s aversion he was a bit curious. The question is will he give Gage what he wants if he finds out the real truth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2021
I’ll probably read on just to see if things make sense with more information, but I wasn’t impressed…
I don’t know what I think of this book. Gage was really well developed enough in my understanding before the confusion regarding his past started muddying the waters. The restoration of his memories made some sense, but I don’t understand why he is certain that he will destroy everything if he gets his powers back.
And why does freezing the rivers not impact Midgard? Same with the poison?
I don’t know what I think of this book. Gage was really well developed enough in my understanding before the confusion regarding his past started muddying the waters. The restoration of his memories made some sense, but I don’t understand why he is certain that he will destroy everything if he gets his powers back.
And why does freezing the rivers not impact Midgard? Same with the poison?
February 7, 2022
I received a copy for an honest review.
I found this book interesting but a little hard to get through just because I knew it wasn't going to end well. This story has strong elements of Norse Mythology and deals with the coming of Ragnarok. If you know nothing of Norse Mythology it can get a little confusing. I found the author's take on the mythology interesting as they imagined these dimensional/alien races to take the part of the mythology. The story goes back and forth to the past (millennia ago) and the present. All the characters are reincarnations and have had hundreds of lives. There is constant fighting and everyone hates each other yet there is also obsessive and sick love; unrequited love and forced love. Really none of the characters are likable. They constantly hurt each other verbally and physically.
The story is well written but contains dark themes like, sexual abuse, physical abuse, drug use, alcohol abuse, genocide to name a few. May not be to the liking of many, although I curious how the story will end as this book ends in a cliff hanger.
I found this book interesting but a little hard to get through just because I knew it wasn't going to end well. This story has strong elements of Norse Mythology and deals with the coming of Ragnarok. If you know nothing of Norse Mythology it can get a little confusing. I found the author's take on the mythology interesting as they imagined these dimensional/alien races to take the part of the mythology. The story goes back and forth to the past (millennia ago) and the present. All the characters are reincarnations and have had hundreds of lives. There is constant fighting and everyone hates each other yet there is also obsessive and sick love; unrequited love and forced love. Really none of the characters are likable. They constantly hurt each other verbally and physically.
The story is well written but contains dark themes like, sexual abuse, physical abuse, drug use, alcohol abuse, genocide to name a few. May not be to the liking of many, although I curious how the story will end as this book ends in a cliff hanger.
March 31, 2022
I was very confused reading this book, and I didn't find any of the characters particularly relatable. However, I put much of my confusion on not knowing much about Norse mythology and Ragnarok, so YMMV. I plan to go read up on the subject and then try this book again. I recommend you have complete knowledge of Norse mythology before you attempt this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2022
The story is well written. However, the jumping around from memories to the present is very confusing. My concentration was more on the 'love story.' (I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
June 14, 2024
Thank goodness it's done
The first 3rd of so wasn't bad. Gage has been hiding from he mafia, who has been pimping him out. Then the book completely loses me. It becomes Sci fi/Norse mythology fantasy. Dumb is an understatement. I gave myself credit for finishing.
The first 3rd of so wasn't bad. Gage has been hiding from he mafia, who has been pimping him out. Then the book completely loses me. It becomes Sci fi/Norse mythology fantasy. Dumb is an understatement. I gave myself credit for finishing.
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