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Vaengr
Archons are masters of information manipulation. Keeping secrets from them is hard. Especially when you’re in love with one.
Gage escaped the great cataclysm known as Ragnarök. Pursued by his enemies, he’s managed to hide amongst the unforgiving — a gang of the criminal underclass, wealthy mobsters for whom life means nothing but a trade for something more valuable—power. But it's not easy running from your past. With his returning memories comes a darker reality he'd rather forget. Gage buried his secrets at all costs. Until now!
Captured by his enemy Ash, who is intent on tormenting the truth from him, Gage must expose his dark past or risk losing Ash forever. But dredging up the grim past isn’t just about revealing secrets, it’s about reliving them. When faced with two impossible outcomes, do what an Archon of Elements would do, create a third option.
Marishka Grayson’s 2-book sci-fi M/M romance is a steamy and engaging exploration of the meaning of life, identity and what it means to truly love someone.
Content Warning! This series is about war and its devastating effect and trauma. It's a message of peace for humanity: may love conquer all!
Gage escaped the great cataclysm known as Ragnarök. Pursued by his enemies, he’s managed to hide amongst the unforgiving — a gang of the criminal underclass, wealthy mobsters for whom life means nothing but a trade for something more valuable—power. But it's not easy running from your past. With his returning memories comes a darker reality he'd rather forget. Gage buried his secrets at all costs. Until now!
Captured by his enemy Ash, who is intent on tormenting the truth from him, Gage must expose his dark past or risk losing Ash forever. But dredging up the grim past isn’t just about revealing secrets, it’s about reliving them. When faced with two impossible outcomes, do what an Archon of Elements would do, create a third option.
Marishka Grayson’s 2-book sci-fi M/M romance is a steamy and engaging exploration of the meaning of life, identity and what it means to truly love someone.
Content Warning! This series is about war and its devastating effect and trauma. It's a message of peace for humanity: may love conquer all!
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2022
1 person is currently reading
4 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 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 25, 2022
3 Stars
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via BookSirens. This has not influenced my review.*
I decided to continue with the second book in this duology because I wanted to see what would happen and if this book would clear up some of the confusion. I figured it might be one of those times when you need the full story in order for it to really hit home, and I wanted to give it a fair chance. Turns out, I was partly right, this book did explain some things and clear up some of my confusion, and there were definitely things I enjoyed! But I also still had a lot of the same problems.
This book started with an explanation of some scientific concepts about physics and the universe that put the whole story into the realm of sci-fi, rather than fantasy. (Maybe there was still a bit of fantasy, there was still the Norse myth stuff, but it definitely added some sci-fi.) I don't think I understood all of it, but I understood enough to get the story. It's clear the author has done her research and finds these concepts fascinating, and I think it's cool how she incorporated that into a story the way she did. There were a lot of interesting and unique ideas here!
Also, a lot more was explained in general this time. About the world, the mythology, the backstory, and the relationships.
Unfortunately, I was still often confused about the characters' actions, feelings, and motivations, and I never understood Gage's goal. Basically, he just kept getting rescued/kidnapped, hanging out with those people for a while, getting rescued/kidnapped by someone else, etc. It wasn't until near the very end when he seemed to have any sort of actual goal or plan.
The relationship element did shift from hate to love in this one, and there was an explanation that made Gage's feelings make more sense (in the first book, I couldn't understand why he was so in love with someone he barely know), but the shift still felt sudden, and I didn't have enough of a chance to really feel it.
I had also wanted to get to know the characters more, they seemed interesting, but I don't feel like I really did, except for Gage and Ash. And even Gage still kept me at somewhat of a distance.
Speaking of Gage though, it was refreshing to see such a... let's say imperfect main character. He was rough and crude and hard and avoidant of emotional vulnerability. He did selfish things. He used people sometimes. He could be cold and harsh. But he was changed in some ways too, not the same person in the present as he was in the past. He realized some of his mistakes, he felt guilt, and I think he wanted redemption.
And this book did complete the overall story. Though the ending was somewhat open, I liked it. It felt like the right ending.
If you really liked the first book---the story, the characters, the writing, etc.---you'll probably like this one even more! If you liked it but you were just confused about the mythology/world/relationships, then you'll probably get the answers you're seeking and also like this! If you're not feeling a connection with the characters though, you may not get what you're looking for. Or maybe you will. Or maybe you'll enjoy it anyway for other reasons. Personally I didn't quite get what I was looking for, but I was curious to know what would happen, I enjoyed the unique SFF elements, and this was still an interesting story.
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:
Fans of Book 1 in Marishka Grayson's Archon of Elements series. 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.*
I decided to continue with the second book in this duology because I wanted to see what would happen and if this book would clear up some of the confusion. I figured it might be one of those times when you need the full story in order for it to really hit home, and I wanted to give it a fair chance. Turns out, I was partly right, this book did explain some things and clear up some of my confusion, and there were definitely things I enjoyed! But I also still had a lot of the same problems.
This book started with an explanation of some scientific concepts about physics and the universe that put the whole story into the realm of sci-fi, rather than fantasy. (Maybe there was still a bit of fantasy, there was still the Norse myth stuff, but it definitely added some sci-fi.) I don't think I understood all of it, but I understood enough to get the story. It's clear the author has done her research and finds these concepts fascinating, and I think it's cool how she incorporated that into a story the way she did. There were a lot of interesting and unique ideas here!
Also, a lot more was explained in general this time. About the world, the mythology, the backstory, and the relationships.
Unfortunately, I was still often confused about the characters' actions, feelings, and motivations, and I never understood Gage's goal. Basically, he just kept getting rescued/kidnapped, hanging out with those people for a while, getting rescued/kidnapped by someone else, etc. It wasn't until near the very end when he seemed to have any sort of actual goal or plan.
The relationship element did shift from hate to love in this one, and there was an explanation that made Gage's feelings make more sense (in the first book, I couldn't understand why he was so in love with someone he barely know), but the shift still felt sudden, and I didn't have enough of a chance to really feel it.
I had also wanted to get to know the characters more, they seemed interesting, but I don't feel like I really did, except for Gage and Ash. And even Gage still kept me at somewhat of a distance.
Speaking of Gage though, it was refreshing to see such a... let's say imperfect main character. He was rough and crude and hard and avoidant of emotional vulnerability. He did selfish things. He used people sometimes. He could be cold and harsh. But he was changed in some ways too, not the same person in the present as he was in the past. He realized some of his mistakes, he felt guilt, and I think he wanted redemption.
And this book did complete the overall story. Though the ending was somewhat open, I liked it. It felt like the right ending.
If you really liked the first book---the story, the characters, the writing, etc.---you'll probably like this one even more! If you liked it but you were just confused about the mythology/world/relationships, then you'll probably get the answers you're seeking and also like this! If you're not feeling a connection with the characters though, you may not get what you're looking for. Or maybe you will. Or maybe you'll enjoy it anyway for other reasons. Personally I didn't quite get what I was looking for, but I was curious to know what would happen, I enjoyed the unique SFF elements, and this was still an interesting story.
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:
Fans of Book 1 in Marishka Grayson's Archon of Elements series. 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
May 29, 2022
Normally you’d see more objective reviews from me, but today I am full of all the feels about sharing my reflections on Vængr. After all, you know a book is good - when interrupted reading results in throwing death-stares to those that approach ☠️.
This is one of those stories where the reader is taken to another level of world building. I looked up the meaning of Vængr, or wing (Dear author please step in if my search is too simplistic) -of which Wing representation is an important element through the story. Symbols blend with science, philosophy, and Norse mythology, the beautiful cover is a reflection of all this. Archons are magnificent beings, sometimes called Gods -capable of great and terrible acts. My imagination painted vivid pictures of fantastical Archon abilities. If I ever lusted after being a powerful being it would be an Archon. But magnificent power always come with a price?
Book two fills in all the questions of book one- there were many “aha- now I see” moments where the author beautifully fits the pieces of this story together like a great jigsaw, whilst drawing it to a powerful and thought provoking conclusion.
At its grassroots this is a Sci-fi MM love story, but look beyond, you will see a story of forged hope and hard fought future. To say I’m a little obsessed with this world and Gage is an understatement. He is such a complex character- who I both loathed and loved, a fantastic antihero who draws everyone.
It is recommended to read book one first. A highly fascinating story of hope, love and peace after war- for those interested in a refreshingly different read.
CW: content reflects situations of war and everything it encompasses- reader discretion advised.
Steam level: high 🔥🔥🔥🔥
ARC provided- thoughts and opinions are very much my own.
June 28, 2022
This is the second book in the Archon of Elements Series and I believe it is the final book. That said, there are probably scores of sequels and spin-offs which could follow...the storyline is that complex and that skillfully crafted. But of course it is...just look at who wrote this. Let me say there is a glossary at the end of the book and I recommend reading it first. It gives nothing away about the story but it reminds you of what certain things are which help you follow the story.
Second, there is a LOT of quantum this and quantum that kind of things. Things that are believed by quantum physicists to be theoretically sound. You don't have to understand it but read the book knowing it is all based on real stuff. That alone makes this worth the read.
Read the blurb about the storyline but basically, the main protagonist, Gage, who is minding his own business... is stalked by a group of shady dudes, kidnapped by another, then after lots of drama finds out he is not who he thinks he is and actually is someone people should not mess with. At all. The book continues the roller coaster ride and while reading you pretty much experience the whole gamut of human emotion. Repeatedly.
But, as always, this is not a book for everyone. If you choose to get your romance fix through The Hallmark Channel...no disrespect intended....you might not enjoy the story because there are a lot of unpleasant things which happen to a lot of people. However, if you enjoy reading and don't mind taking a chance...this is a great book/series and one I think you would want to read more than once.
Second, there is a LOT of quantum this and quantum that kind of things. Things that are believed by quantum physicists to be theoretically sound. You don't have to understand it but read the book knowing it is all based on real stuff. That alone makes this worth the read.
Read the blurb about the storyline but basically, the main protagonist, Gage, who is minding his own business... is stalked by a group of shady dudes, kidnapped by another, then after lots of drama finds out he is not who he thinks he is and actually is someone people should not mess with. At all. The book continues the roller coaster ride and while reading you pretty much experience the whole gamut of human emotion. Repeatedly.
But, as always, this is not a book for everyone. If you choose to get your romance fix through The Hallmark Channel...no disrespect intended....you might not enjoy the story because there are a lot of unpleasant things which happen to a lot of people. However, if you enjoy reading and don't mind taking a chance...this is a great book/series and one I think you would want to read more than once.
June 21, 2022
This is a story about redemption. For the main character, who in the end, may not really deserve it. And maybe that’s the final message, that even those who cannot forgive themselves can be redeemed. Somewhere along the way, there is love and hate and all the emotions in between. Book 2 wraps up all the loose ends nicely. There were a few places where I thought this could not be going anywhere good. The main character was so passive, letting things happen to him instead of taking the lead, but I think his leadership past was so dark that he had to carve parts of himself away in order to survive. I’m not sure if I liked the ending, it was depressing but in a strange way also uplifting, but this author is a favorite of mine who always seems to find that soft lingering last note filled with longing.
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.)
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews