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Metal & Magic #0.5
Revenant
He’d be beautiful if he wasn’t there to kill me. Being the witch of the Black Dog Pack keeps Kova safe in The Between, but it’s never stopped the man in his dreams from coming after him, night after night. When that man steps out of his dreams and into reality, Kova is forced to confront the truth of his own power as well as the dangerous attraction he’s always harbored for his would-be assassin. Revenant is a prequel to Metal & Magic, a dystopian urban fantasy romance series.
58 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2022
67 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Frost
53 books485 followersRomance writer. Dog mom. Hoarder of coffee cups. She/her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 19, 2022
This is one of those stories you enter knowing they're short but end up so wrapped up in them you feel disappointed when they end up being short. Michelle expanding this universe is definitely a treat!
January 20, 2023
REVENANT was a great series introduction and I wish this had been published before METAL HEART because the timeline makes a lot more sense if you read this one first. Kova and Erik fall fast for each other but they were really great together.
February 13, 2024
An intriguing introduction to this series
It's short but still manages to pass on a lot of background information without it feeling like you're getting it dumped on you.
I'm intrigued by the setting, even though I don't usually read dystopian set paranormal romance, and by the premise that's lightly touched on here.
As it's a pretty short novella, there's not a lot of time for building up the relationship, but it's also not an instalove either.
When it ends, it's very clear this is just the start of their journey and I'm hoping we'll see more of them both in the rest of the books.
It's short but still manages to pass on a lot of background information without it feeling like you're getting it dumped on you.
I'm intrigued by the setting, even though I don't usually read dystopian set paranormal romance, and by the premise that's lightly touched on here.
As it's a pretty short novella, there's not a lot of time for building up the relationship, but it's also not an instalove either.
When it ends, it's very clear this is just the start of their journey and I'm hoping we'll see more of them both in the rest of the books.
January 8, 2022
This was a new to me author, found from the Your Book Boyfriend’s Boyfriend Giveaway.
It was a fast, short read with lots of information thrown in. Has me curious enough to want to start the series.
It was a fast, short read with lots of information thrown in. Has me curious enough to want to start the series.
July 17, 2022
3.5 Stars
March 2, 2022
This was a decent novella/series prequel (though I see the second book was published in ...2018?? How does this work)
The world is an interesting setting, with paranormal magic/shifters, plus a sort of post-apocalyptic thing going on.
The characters were alright, but kind of surface in general. Just not very interesting as people, despite backgrounds that I would think would be more interesting? It ended up with a bit fast on the feels for them too, but whatever.
The magical problem was solved lickety split no problemo with like 0 training so that was a bit ...too easy. Bland that way. I know it's a novella, but the problem was set up to be very large and this little dude just kinda cooks it out of them accidentally. I guess he's super powerful or whatever.
Which, overall, is kind of my opinion. Whatever.
The world is an interesting setting, with paranormal magic/shifters, plus a sort of post-apocalyptic thing going on.
The characters were alright, but kind of surface in general. Just not very interesting as people, despite backgrounds that I would think would be more interesting? It ended up with a bit fast on the feels for them too, but whatever.
The magical problem was solved lickety split no problemo with like 0 training so that was a bit ...too easy. Bland that way. I know it's a novella, but the problem was set up to be very large and this little dude just kinda cooks it out of them accidentally. I guess he's super powerful or whatever.
Which, overall, is kind of my opinion. Whatever.
September 29, 2022
“I’m surprised Bram let you play delivery boy.” Kova shot me a look, harmless irritation written all over his face. For some reason, it made me smile wider. Getting a rise out of someone wasn’t usually this fun. “Um… he may not actually be aware of my location at present.” — Erik and Kova
Warnings: references to deaths and brainwashing (?).
This is such a sweet story. It follows 20-year-old witch Kova as he comes to terms with a recent development in his normally near non-existent power and Erik Jarsten the man Kova has been seeing in his dreams for years. To talk about Erik is to go into spoilers. But given Kova is a witch it is fairly safe to say the title is relevant to Erik. Their story isn't overly complicated. By the time they meet Kova is already half in love with Erik and Erik is well complicated. He has a lot of baggage to deal with and secrets. Their relationship is as much a knowledge exchange and healing and romantic match. Kova gets his knowledge. Erik gets his freedom. It's a fair trade. Erik is my kind of character. Guilt-ridden, Scandinavian and desperate for relief with a side of teasing. The almost sunshine that is Kova is a good match.Erik and Kova's simple relationship is well suited to a prequel. Easy to follow while the lore of the Magic & Metal universe is introduced. Beyond the basic rules governing the shifters and others in the verse, it includes the war, the In Betweeen and the set-up therein. I can see a lot of potential in the world, the lore and the characters. There is still plenty more lore to be understood. That Bram has a story already makes me want to keep reading, I really like his history with Kova's mother. The chapter lengths are just done well. Erik's are so short while he is controlled by Nero but get longer as Kova helps him. Kova's are longer and there is a linguistic difference between them. I keep coming back to the prologue, it is fantastic.
Some quotes and comments...
• I knew it was a dream.
Knowing didn’t make the palm pressed against my throat any less rough. Didn’t lessen the fierce set of his jaw. Didn’t make the striking color of his eyes any less blue. — This has such a beautiful opening. It's definitely the beginning of a stunning mental image. I love the whole prologue so much. A dream. Or maybe fantasy, that depends very much on Kova. It is such an insight into them. Their antagonistic dynamic. (Kova)
• Michelle Frost creates and uses interesting lore for her paranormal romance and I'm totally here for it. Of particular interest is the multi-animal werecreature packs. Kova's pack, the Black Dogs, is larger than we see but there are three main characters we meet. The Alpha of the pack Bram is a bear shifter and a paternal figure for Kova. His second is raven shifter Cyder. Kova's closest friend, Remy is a lion shifter.
• It left his face in shadow save the gleam of his eyes and half a twisted smirk. His blond hair was tucked behind his ears. And as I watched, all the shadows in the room seemed to writhe and slither, gathering around him like a pulsing heart of darkness. He’d be beautiful, I thought wildly, if he wasn’t there to kill me.
“Hello, Kova.” —Those shadows are important to Erik. Erik uses to travel through space. Also, sue me I love this descriptive passage. Not sure why but Erik's voice always sounds near seductive in my head. It really isn't supposed to here. (Kova)
• The dream had missed so many details— the burnt spice smell of him, the dark lines of a tattoo peeking above the v in the collar of his shirt, the way his sheer presence filled up the room. He was dressed simply, in jeans, boots, and a t-shirt, all in black. I’d never noticed before. The simplicity of his garments didn’t detract from the power rolling off him in waves. — (Kova)
• “You’re thinking awfully hard, Kova.” Erik’s voice came from beneath the trees beside me, making me jump.
I huffed. “I think you enjoy startling me.” — There is such a sweet teaing in Erik's nature. That the man can slink through shadows (like a cat, huh is he feline in nature... hmmm) teasing the slight sunshine that is Kova comes natural. It's their chemistry too. (Erik and Kova)
• I liked the meditation moment we get we Erik and Kova. Frost chose well a lake is ideal for Kova.
• I nodded, climbing to my feet as Remy’s body changed from human to lion. He was beautiful in this form, larger than a natural lion and covered in golden fur. Except for his mane. It was dark brown like his hair in human form. He looked back at me, same warm brown eyes as always, — When Kova is right he's right. Remy really is a beautiful lion. It is worth saying that the height of Cyder's raven form is something like his natural height (maybe a bit taller). The lore governing the shifters' sizes is also intelligent. (Kova)
His blond hair was tucked behind his ears. And as I watched, all the shadows in the room seemed to writhe and slither, gathering around him like a pulsing heart of darkness. He’d be beautiful, I thought wildly, if he wasn’t there to kill me. — Kova
A representative gif:
I was completely unable to resist using long haired Eric Northman for this.
September 25, 2023
I honestly picked this up because 1) it was free, and 2) that cover is beautiful, but when I learned it was post-apocalyptic I kinda got excited for the plot. Too bad the plot is by-the-numbers fluff provided as a mere framework for the romance. Which would be fine if the worldbuilding concept wasn't so darn good. It's a shame to see it kind of handwaved aside like that. IDK.
The writing style was also too vague and lacked any personal style for my taste. It felt a little too bland and undescriptive where it had many wasted chances to shine. I think this is a case of a story needing more polishing before being released. Especially since this is supposed to set up and provide context for the main characters of books 1 & 4, Bram and his adopted son Kova, and their respective romances, the writing style should have carried it.
I don't know what my takeaway was really supposed to be here. It had a lot of potential and big ideas but ignored them all in favor of stubbornly trying to usher us along to a forced conclusion. It felt like a ride on wheels, in a bad way. Go off that track, Michelle Frost, you have something good here if you dig deeper!
More development on the prose and what the two MCs must be feeling and going through psychologically would result in a way better story.
I liked Kova, from his name, to his disposition, to his backstory, and the general idea of him as a character. He doesn't realize how important he is to his family and he's discovering new parts of his history and identity. It's good stuff. Plus the imagery of him as the light mage freeing all these brainwashed enslaved magical warriors is a cool concept. It's just rushed and underdeveloped here to the point where it feels like we're given nothing.
The side characters don't get a full chance to shine and the world is pushed to the backburner. There's just no way this should have been a short story, it should have been fleshed out to novella length with way more scenes and actual room for natural development.
I liked the joke about the Spongebob pants though. And the descriptions of different shifters in the pack. I'm not sure if the lion or the raven are cooler.
The writing style was also too vague and lacked any personal style for my taste. It felt a little too bland and undescriptive where it had many wasted chances to shine. I think this is a case of a story needing more polishing before being released. Especially since this is supposed to set up and provide context for the main characters of books 1 & 4, Bram and his adopted son Kova, and their respective romances, the writing style should have carried it.
I don't know what my takeaway was really supposed to be here. It had a lot of potential and big ideas but ignored them all in favor of stubbornly trying to usher us along to a forced conclusion. It felt like a ride on wheels, in a bad way. Go off that track, Michelle Frost, you have something good here if you dig deeper!
More development on the prose and what the two MCs must be feeling and going through psychologically would result in a way better story.
I liked Kova, from his name, to his disposition, to his backstory, and the general idea of him as a character. He doesn't realize how important he is to his family and he's discovering new parts of his history and identity. It's good stuff. Plus the imagery of him as the light mage freeing all these brainwashed enslaved magical warriors is a cool concept. It's just rushed and underdeveloped here to the point where it feels like we're given nothing.
The side characters don't get a full chance to shine and the world is pushed to the backburner. There's just no way this should have been a short story, it should have been fleshed out to novella length with way more scenes and actual room for natural development.
I liked the joke about the Spongebob pants though. And the descriptions of different shifters in the pack. I'm not sure if the lion or the raven are cooler.
February 9, 2024
Since I read Metal Heart first, I pretty much knew where this one was going to go... until I didn't! LOL!!!
It was interesting to see how Erik and Fergus came to be revenants and as I don't want to post a spoiler, let's just say that Kova saves the day and leave it at that! Looking forward to continuing with this series and as a cover whore, this cover was an absolute WIN for me!
It was interesting to see how Erik and Fergus came to be revenants and as I don't want to post a spoiler, let's just say that Kova saves the day and leave it at that! Looking forward to continuing with this series and as a cover whore, this cover was an absolute WIN for me!
January 9, 2022
3 Stars
This was a cute small novella. I liked it. I enjoyed the main characters and the "plot".
I give this 3 stars because k don’t feel strongly about the book. I’m kinda between meh and ok/good. So 3 stars it is.
Maybe when I have time, I’ll read the next books in the series.
Anyways, have a good people. Toodles!
This was a cute small novella. I liked it. I enjoyed the main characters and the "plot".
I give this 3 stars because k don’t feel strongly about the book. I’m kinda between meh and ok/good. So 3 stars it is.
Maybe when I have time, I’ll read the next books in the series.
Anyways, have a good people. Toodles!
January 4, 2022
⭐️3.5⭐️
September 24, 2023
Interesting
You have a male mage that has an assassin after him. It starts with dreams that turn in to reality. He needs to learn how to use his magic to save himself and others.
You have a male mage that has an assassin after him. It starts with dreams that turn in to reality. He needs to learn how to use his magic to save himself and others.
March 26, 2022
This is sort of the second time around starting up the Metal and Magic series. It started with a short the first time which was then expanded into the full novel Shifting Shadows. It is a fascinating world and promises to be a great series, but this time around this starter short works a lot better to truly start everything off. There is an excellent explanation of the world without overwhelming the story or bogging it down with pure information. There is a small introduction to the Black Dog shifter pack who this series seems to often follow and the players involved in upcoming stories. The build between Kova and Erik is sweet but also fraught with the uncertainty of the past and future between them. The ending has hope and expands the need for the stories in this world. Looking forward to seeing the new direction for this series!
March 11, 2023
"He showed up out of the shadows, put his hand around my neck, and chocked me to death." - This terrible nightmare has been haunting young Nova for 5 years. And just as his magic first awakens, he comes face to face with his dark killer. An ancient creature created to carry out the deadly will of another under the protection of the shadows.
Erik and Kova's love story combines shadow and light. It is a well-written short story introducing the new dystopian urban fantasy M/M romance series "Metal & Magic".
Erik and Kova's love story combines shadow and light. It is a well-written short story introducing the new dystopian urban fantasy M/M romance series "Metal & Magic".
June 27, 2023
Series: Magic & Metal #0.5
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
“I haven’t gotten to make many choices for myself in a long time, but”—his gaze locked on mine—“ I choose you. I don’t have any intention of leaving your side, if you’ll have me.”
This was a wonderful introduction to the Metal & Magic series. I was instantly sucked into this world filled with witches, shifters, and who knows what else. Kova and Erik fell very fast for each other but were still a great couple. I hope we can see more of what Kova can do in future books.
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
“I haven’t gotten to make many choices for myself in a long time, but”—his gaze locked on mine—“ I choose you. I don’t have any intention of leaving your side, if you’ll have me.”
This was a wonderful introduction to the Metal & Magic series. I was instantly sucked into this world filled with witches, shifters, and who knows what else. Kova and Erik fell very fast for each other but were still a great couple. I hope we can see more of what Kova can do in future books.
January 4, 2022
This was an interesting read but felt a bit on the short side (and was only 80% of the book) and was resolved very quickly. It felt a little disjointed so I’m not sure what the set up was for the series or who the first book would focus on, but there was enough world building to make it feel like there could be a series.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
February 22, 2022
I thought it was a good little prequel. Very short which is absolutely fine for what it was. I was confused about the dystopian world setting. Like was this only the US that was affected or has this happened all over? Is there a connection between the dragon and Nero? I would hope that the future books in this series have more world building.
April 9, 2023
. . .
É uma leitura F(. . .), desculpe pela palavra, eu amei 🖤. . .
Amei! Aiiii, como eu amo uma poder das sombras, e devo dizer que sonhar que vai ser assassinado, e bom, no meio disso salvar seu assassino e se apaixonar por ele, e gostoso demais. 🤭 Super apoio. Adoro. . . Boa Leitura 😘
December 8, 2023
Revenant (Metal and Magic #0.5) by Michelle Frost – This series is on kindle unlimited, and the first book was a free series starter. Now that was a way cooler world than I was expecting! I will absolutely be reading the rest of this dystopian, shifter, magical, chaotically cool series! Happy Reading!
February 25, 2024
A dystopian world where paranormal creatures have been forced out of hiding and into The Between. Kova is a witch with the Black Dog pack and has being seeing a man in his nightmares for ages. When they finally meet in real life, they find they have a connection neither of them expected. This short read is a great intro into a new series and I'm looking forward to reading more
January 10, 2022
I wish this was longer with a little more between Erik and Kova. They moved from enemies to lovers very fast. That being said, the world is an interesting mix of paranormal and post apocalyptic genres. I look forward to more in this world!
October 22, 2022
Wow! I’m blown away! The world building coupled with the romance in this short novella leaves me itching to read the first full length book in the series. This is why you always buy the free prequels! They can lead to magical new worlds! Bram… I’m coming for you next.
July 28, 2025
Interesting prequel. I assumed (shame on me) that the next books in the series would follow Erik and Kova as they work on trying Kova’s abilities and then going after Nero, the dark mage. To see that isn’t what happens has me unsure whether I want to read any more.
January 4, 2022
Good start to this series, got me pulled in and wanting more!
January 7, 2022
Good precuel to start the series XD
January 10, 2022
3.5 stars
January 10, 2022
3.5 stars
January 14, 2022
3.5 stars
January 17, 2022
A little rushed, but easily readable and I liked the characters and world. I'll happily check out the rest of the series.
February 16, 2022
I loved this short freebie and will definitely read the other books in this series. The cover is outstanding. Main characters were well developed despite the short book length.
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