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The Witness of the Sun
🌳❤An epic YA post-apocalyptic love story.
🐺🌊A paranormal with a difference.
🌳❤MC’s that are fated with a capital F.
Ilya knows little about the world Before. All his village has left are pictures in books of glittering cities made of glass, of dangerous creatures like bears and wolves that used to haunt more than the forests. Ilya knows little of the wars that forced people to flee the cities and hide.
One dusk, when Ilya and his sister are hunting rabbits, a bear, a creature that they were told no longer exists, comes into the glade, and everything Ilya thought he knew about his world begins to disintegrate. Especially everything he thought he knew about Caleb, the mysterious boy none of the villagers can understand. Getting to know Caleb feels secret. But Ilya has too many secrets of his own—he can feel heartbeats, sense the forest, the warmth of all life within it. And Ilya has not always lived in the village…though where he comes from, he does not know…
🐺🌊A paranormal with a difference.
🌳❤MC’s that are fated with a capital F.
Ilya knows little about the world Before. All his village has left are pictures in books of glittering cities made of glass, of dangerous creatures like bears and wolves that used to haunt more than the forests. Ilya knows little of the wars that forced people to flee the cities and hide.
One dusk, when Ilya and his sister are hunting rabbits, a bear, a creature that they were told no longer exists, comes into the glade, and everything Ilya thought he knew about his world begins to disintegrate. Especially everything he thought he knew about Caleb, the mysterious boy none of the villagers can understand. Getting to know Caleb feels secret. But Ilya has too many secrets of his own—he can feel heartbeats, sense the forest, the warmth of all life within it. And Ilya has not always lived in the village…though where he comes from, he does not know…
Paperback
First published September 23, 2022
11 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Suki Fleet
33 books682 followersAbout the author:
Suki Fleet is an award winning author, a prolific Reader (though less prolific than they'd like), and a lover of angst, romance and unexpected love stories.
They write lyrical stories about memorable characters and believe everyone should have a chance at a happy ending.
Their first novel This is Not a Love Story won Best Gay Debut in the 2014 Rainbow Awards, and was a finalist in the 2015 Lambda Awards. Their novel Foxes won Best Gay Young Adult in the 2016 Rainbow Awards.
If you’d like to offer your support and buy Suki Fleet a coffee you can do that here: https://ko-fi.com/sukifleet
If you would like info on upcoming releases and the occasional free story, please sign up to Suki’s newsletter: https://sukifleet.wordpress.com/newsl...
If you’re interested in reading first drafts of Suki’s new stories, or reading stories that are no longer available or cuts that can’t be published on Amazon, and other extras, please consider signing up to Suki’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sukifleet
Suki Fleet is an award winning author, a prolific Reader (though less prolific than they'd like), and a lover of angst, romance and unexpected love stories.
They write lyrical stories about memorable characters and believe everyone should have a chance at a happy ending.
Their first novel This is Not a Love Story won Best Gay Debut in the 2014 Rainbow Awards, and was a finalist in the 2015 Lambda Awards. Their novel Foxes won Best Gay Young Adult in the 2016 Rainbow Awards.
If you’d like to offer your support and buy Suki Fleet a coffee you can do that here: https://ko-fi.com/sukifleet
If you would like info on upcoming releases and the occasional free story, please sign up to Suki’s newsletter: https://sukifleet.wordpress.com/newsl...
If you’re interested in reading first drafts of Suki’s new stories, or reading stories that are no longer available or cuts that can’t be published on Amazon, and other extras, please consider signing up to Suki’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sukifleet
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 7, 2022
**** 4.5 stars ****
I rarely read paranormal stories and I have a particular dislike for wolves, but Suki Fleet is in a league of her own, one I cannot miss. Her unique voice calls to me.
✅Her storytelling is tender, warm, gorgeous and so rich.
✅The richness of the atmosphere she creates is enchanting and this particular story was just magical with the forest element so fresh added to it.
✅Her characters are so lovable and special.
I rarely read paranormal stories and I have a particular dislike for wolves, but Suki Fleet is in a league of her own, one I cannot miss. Her unique voice calls to me.
✅Her storytelling is tender, warm, gorgeous and so rich.
✅The richness of the atmosphere she creates is enchanting and this particular story was just magical with the forest element so fresh added to it.
✅Her characters are so lovable and special.
October 2, 2022
Wow. Rarely am I left speechless from a story, but leave it to Suki to steal my breath and words simultaneously. Fleet not only has magnificent powers when it comes to creating beautiful souls, but the way she takes you on a journey is unique to her and her alone. As I've mentioned before, I believe Suki is one of the most underrated authors and this story is a case in point. There's more than one reason I think of foxes when I think of Suki. In regards to their writing, they are enchanting, cunning, and a little ferocious. Their characters always have soft hearts and are cloaked in innocence. Ilya and Caleb are no exception.
As soon as I met Ilya, I knew he was going to be special. Ilya lives in a village or a makeshift village during 'the after'. He was born after the world was destroyed and his memories begin when he found a boy in the forest. This boy is peculiar and precious to Ilya. His supersonic, sporadic speech is endearing. His watchful stare is comforting. Every little quirk and quip makes Ilya's heart sing. In a bitter world, Caleb makes Ilya buzz and feel full of possibilities. Caleb and his family live outside the village, on the edge of the forest. They somehow survive without the aid of the village, and for some reason, Ilya is drawn to them. Caleb's dad is enormous and his mom is soothing in a way Ilya doesn't understand. But then again, there's much Ilya doesn't understand.
Life is all about survival. Ilya lives with his mom and younger siblings and struggles to find his place with the village leaders. They are hunters and have expectations of the villagers. Despite his family's empty bellies, he can't take another life. Until one fated day, a savage bear attacks him and his sister leaving him no choice. A lone wolf appears out of nowhere, attacking the bear and giving Ilya the chance to use his dreadful gun. We teeter on the precipice of a second before and after. Where did the bears come from? How many wolves are there? Why can Ilya feel the forest? Is there something stronger than mates? Can one heart solely beat for another? And what about...? Oh, and how did...? But...but...but. See what I mean? This is just the beginning of my questions and while Ilya and Caleb's story is complete and full of answers, this whimsical adventure is not over.
I could go on and on about their tender explorations and their extraordinary connection. I could rave over the intricate world-building and tangled paranormal components. I could gush about the strong family bonds and incredible side characters. I could tell you how I battled to race through the pages and fought to slowly savor each one. I could tell you, without a doubt, I've never read anything similar. But I'd better move along so you have time to read! I'll finish with this...Like a diamond spinning in the morning's first light, this multifaceted story will take your breath away. Suki delivers a dreamy and mysterious air, with eloquence and intrigue.
Beware of: A gentle and easy pace. A mystery inside of a mystery. And a love so pure, so bright, you can't help but see stars.
This book is for: If you're looking for a story like no other, a love unlike any you've ever known, Caleb and Ilya's love is a force to be reckoned with.
As soon as I met Ilya, I knew he was going to be special. Ilya lives in a village or a makeshift village during 'the after'. He was born after the world was destroyed and his memories begin when he found a boy in the forest. This boy is peculiar and precious to Ilya. His supersonic, sporadic speech is endearing. His watchful stare is comforting. Every little quirk and quip makes Ilya's heart sing. In a bitter world, Caleb makes Ilya buzz and feel full of possibilities. Caleb and his family live outside the village, on the edge of the forest. They somehow survive without the aid of the village, and for some reason, Ilya is drawn to them. Caleb's dad is enormous and his mom is soothing in a way Ilya doesn't understand. But then again, there's much Ilya doesn't understand.
Life is all about survival. Ilya lives with his mom and younger siblings and struggles to find his place with the village leaders. They are hunters and have expectations of the villagers. Despite his family's empty bellies, he can't take another life. Until one fated day, a savage bear attacks him and his sister leaving him no choice. A lone wolf appears out of nowhere, attacking the bear and giving Ilya the chance to use his dreadful gun. We teeter on the precipice of a second before and after. Where did the bears come from? How many wolves are there? Why can Ilya feel the forest? Is there something stronger than mates? Can one heart solely beat for another? And what about...? Oh, and how did...? But...but...but. See what I mean? This is just the beginning of my questions and while Ilya and Caleb's story is complete and full of answers, this whimsical adventure is not over.
I could go on and on about their tender explorations and their extraordinary connection. I could rave over the intricate world-building and tangled paranormal components. I could gush about the strong family bonds and incredible side characters. I could tell you how I battled to race through the pages and fought to slowly savor each one. I could tell you, without a doubt, I've never read anything similar. But I'd better move along so you have time to read! I'll finish with this...Like a diamond spinning in the morning's first light, this multifaceted story will take your breath away. Suki delivers a dreamy and mysterious air, with eloquence and intrigue.
Beware of: A gentle and easy pace. A mystery inside of a mystery. And a love so pure, so bright, you can't help but see stars.
This book is for: If you're looking for a story like no other, a love unlike any you've ever known, Caleb and Ilya's love is a force to be reckoned with.
Read
September 30, 2022Little scene from Caleb's POV going out in my newsletter tomorrow 💜
https://sukifleet.wordpress.com/newsl...
****
Coming 23rd September...
Maybe the most romantic book I've ever written. Definitely the longest. Probably took me the most time to write (five years ish). And like everything I write, it doesn't quite fit into any one genre lol--it's romance, YA ish, post-apocalyptic, paranormal and also fairly different.
Hope you enjoy it x
https://sukifleet.wordpress.com/newsl...
****
Coming 23rd September...
Maybe the most romantic book I've ever written. Definitely the longest. Probably took me the most time to write (five years ish). And like everything I write, it doesn't quite fit into any one genre lol--it's romance, YA ish, post-apocalyptic, paranormal and also fairly different.
Hope you enjoy it x
September 19, 2022
Suki Fleet has a unique and distinctive voice. Her stories always feature characters who are, in some way or another, out of the mainstream, quirky, ‘other’ and who have the most endearing and gentle souls. I love her characters and worlds, they resonate deeply and offer the most comforting escape from the real world. The Witness of the Sun is no exception and takes signature Suki Fleet storytelling to a whole new level.
The Witness of the Sun is an immersive, intriguing post-apocalyptic, paranormal story reminiscent of a folktale. The theme of oneness with nature and the earth took me on a captivating journey that felt primitive yet contemporary at the same time. Ilya’s deep connection to the forest was magical, delightfully unexpected and enchanting. Caleb has a similar, more subtle connection to the earth which unfolds more slowly but no less wondrously. While those mysterious and fantastic connections form the backbone of the story, Ilya and Caleb’s connection to each other is the beating heart.
Added to the fascinating world building are really well crafted character interaction and development. Not only are Ilya and Caleb beautifully rendered and portrayed, the side characters, particularly the women, are also skillfully constructed. These women, Ilya’s sister and mother, Caleb’s mother and their friend, Anika, are fierce, loyal, brave and smart; they added beautiful depth and nuance to the story.
Though the primary love story is that between the young adults, Ilya and Caleb, there is an equally intriguing underlying love story that transcends time and defies the laws of nature. All these things together create a wondrous, gripping tale that is completely unexpected yet full of all the things we expect from Fleet: rich/complex, kind hearted, gentle characters with the most lovely souls; compelling storyline and character interaction; a little bit of angst; a little bit of heartache and heartbreak; and a whole lot of comfort.
4.5 stars entwined with a riot of tiny yellow and white flowers
PS My review doesn’t do this story justice, it’s so beautiful and touching that my words feel wholly inadequate. Just know it is so much more than I am able to articulate.
The Witness of the Sun is an immersive, intriguing post-apocalyptic, paranormal story reminiscent of a folktale. The theme of oneness with nature and the earth took me on a captivating journey that felt primitive yet contemporary at the same time. Ilya’s deep connection to the forest was magical, delightfully unexpected and enchanting. Caleb has a similar, more subtle connection to the earth which unfolds more slowly but no less wondrously. While those mysterious and fantastic connections form the backbone of the story, Ilya and Caleb’s connection to each other is the beating heart.
Added to the fascinating world building are really well crafted character interaction and development. Not only are Ilya and Caleb beautifully rendered and portrayed, the side characters, particularly the women, are also skillfully constructed. These women, Ilya’s sister and mother, Caleb’s mother and their friend, Anika, are fierce, loyal, brave and smart; they added beautiful depth and nuance to the story.
Though the primary love story is that between the young adults, Ilya and Caleb, there is an equally intriguing underlying love story that transcends time and defies the laws of nature. All these things together create a wondrous, gripping tale that is completely unexpected yet full of all the things we expect from Fleet: rich/complex, kind hearted, gentle characters with the most lovely souls; compelling storyline and character interaction; a little bit of angst; a little bit of heartache and heartbreak; and a whole lot of comfort.
4.5 stars entwined with a riot of tiny yellow and white flowers
PS My review doesn’t do this story justice, it’s so beautiful and touching that my words feel wholly inadequate. Just know it is so much more than I am able to articulate.
September 21, 2022
Sometimes you start reading a book, and you flick through the pages just enjoying the story, then BAM the book smacks you in the face and your life seems to shift. This was the case with Witness of the Sun. I went in blind with no expectations, knowing I can always trust Suki to give me all the angsty feels and raw bleak gritty settings. All Suki's usual style was here, and yet slowly and carefully the reader got pulled into a world that you were all of a sudden fully immersed in. Ilya was a beautiful narrator, and you could feel all his fragility deep in your bones, as he slowly and painfully grew into himself. I'm not going to give anything away, but this book is now right up there with the book of the year candidates, and I am still having to stop myself in my tracks and let myself feel every time I think about it. There is also a second book on the way, and that will go straight on my pre-order list.
October 11, 2022
I really liked this new book by Suki Fleet. Great world building and characters and an atmosphere that reminds the reader of a fairytale.
Really looking forward book 2
Really looking forward book 2
October 3, 2022
Suki Fleet never fails to make me cry.
Witness of the sun is a wonderful, gritty and emotional post apocalyptic
fantasy. As always, Suki paints a picture with language and you find yourself transported into the world alongside
the characters, so much so that I found myself reaching for a blanket because I could almost feel the cold and
damp of the forest where this story is set.
I love the concept and world in which Witness of the Sun is set. The characters were real and compelling. I fell in
love with llya and Caleb and all their surrounding friends and family. I always do love every character Suki writes.
Even the most minor of characters is treated with the same care and attention to detail giving the whole
experience (because reading a Suki Fleet novel is an experience) an extra layer that is uniquely Suki.
I don't like including spoilers in reviews, and this isn't a spoiler but it is advice: do not read the last chapter whilst
taking your break at work, it broke me.
This is the first part of a series, and whilst there is a satisfying, if emotional ending, the story also ends on a cliff
hanger that will leave you waiting breathlessly for the second instalment. I know I am.
Witness of the sun is a wonderful, gritty and emotional post apocalyptic
fantasy. As always, Suki paints a picture with language and you find yourself transported into the world alongside
the characters, so much so that I found myself reaching for a blanket because I could almost feel the cold and
damp of the forest where this story is set.
I love the concept and world in which Witness of the Sun is set. The characters were real and compelling. I fell in
love with llya and Caleb and all their surrounding friends and family. I always do love every character Suki writes.
Even the most minor of characters is treated with the same care and attention to detail giving the whole
experience (because reading a Suki Fleet novel is an experience) an extra layer that is uniquely Suki.
I don't like including spoilers in reviews, and this isn't a spoiler but it is advice: do not read the last chapter whilst
taking your break at work, it broke me.
This is the first part of a series, and whilst there is a satisfying, if emotional ending, the story also ends on a cliff
hanger that will leave you waiting breathlessly for the second instalment. I know I am.
September 24, 2022
Beautifully written fantasy romance.
An imaginative and unusual book set in a post apocalyptic world. I loved the evocative description of the setting; the author pays so much loving attention to the detail , it made it so easy to fall into the world depicted. As a first book in a new series, the story is built up nicely, painting an excellent background for future stories. The story has a magical and mysterious quality about it, as is often the case in Suki Fleet's books. There are a few surprises along the way, which just made me want to see what was going to happen next. Ilya and Caleb's story is the first in the series, I really fell in love with them. The way their innocence is taken from them is heartbreaking, they have to grow up very quickly. The story line is different, unusually contains a variety of genres, also the characters are very well fleshed out. I really enjoyed it, and am looking forward to the next book.
An imaginative and unusual book set in a post apocalyptic world. I loved the evocative description of the setting; the author pays so much loving attention to the detail , it made it so easy to fall into the world depicted. As a first book in a new series, the story is built up nicely, painting an excellent background for future stories. The story has a magical and mysterious quality about it, as is often the case in Suki Fleet's books. There are a few surprises along the way, which just made me want to see what was going to happen next. Ilya and Caleb's story is the first in the series, I really fell in love with them. The way their innocence is taken from them is heartbreaking, they have to grow up very quickly. The story line is different, unusually contains a variety of genres, also the characters are very well fleshed out. I really enjoyed it, and am looking forward to the next book.
September 23, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
I alway look forward to a new Suki Fleet book. The author’s writing speaks to me and although the main characters in all of their books always live in different levels of peril, I find the author’s writing soothing.
The Witness of the Sun is filled with beautiful imagery and I was transported to Ilya’s small village. The author’s characters are once again cold and hungry, but this is also a different type of story. Ilya lives in a post-apocalyptic world where life is harsh. The setting is also part fairytale and part fantasy. Ilya’s life is with his mother and his sisters and even though they are not related by blood, they are his true family. Ilya has always felt himself to be dispensable, which is compounded by his not wanting to hunt, and when he is tasked for a journey, he learns it might be because his life is valued less by the village leader.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
I alway look forward to a new Suki Fleet book. The author’s writing speaks to me and although the main characters in all of their books always live in different levels of peril, I find the author’s writing soothing.
The Witness of the Sun is filled with beautiful imagery and I was transported to Ilya’s small village. The author’s characters are once again cold and hungry, but this is also a different type of story. Ilya lives in a post-apocalyptic world where life is harsh. The setting is also part fairytale and part fantasy. Ilya’s life is with his mother and his sisters and even though they are not related by blood, they are his true family. Ilya has always felt himself to be dispensable, which is compounded by his not wanting to hunt, and when he is tasked for a journey, he learns it might be because his life is valued less by the village leader.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
September 28, 2022
4.5 stars
Just lovely. My favourite Suki Fleet in a long time.
Just lovely. My favourite Suki Fleet in a long time.
May 3, 2023
3.5 Stars
September 3, 2022
An absolutely whimsical, magical, emotional, and beautiful story by Suki Fleet 💜
When Ilya is a small child, he finds an injured boy in the forest and is compelled to help him. Ilya doesn’t remember anything before this point in his life, but he feels connected to this boy. He leads him to village where a lovely family takes him in, and Ilya knows the boy is safe.
Over the years, Ilya keeps feeling connected to Caleb. Caleb is a bit odd, his speech strange and is his appearance lighter than everyone else, but Ilya still wants to be close to him. When a bear, which the villagers thought were all but extinct, tries to hurt Ilya, a lone wolf comes to save him. Somehow he knows this wolf will help him, not hurt him.
Both Ilya and Caleb know they are different from others in their village, but they can’t explain how. They are connected to nature, to each other, in unexplainable ways.
These boys and their family and friends go through so much. The bears and wolves are much more than they thought, and they are fighting for their lives and the village they call home. The story is riveting and takes twists and turns you’d never expect.
I loved everything about this book, as I always do when reading Suki Fleet. The vivid landscape, the amazing characters, the hard fought for romance. Suki managed to find love in this scary, post apocalyptic world.
Just stunning 💜💜
When Ilya is a small child, he finds an injured boy in the forest and is compelled to help him. Ilya doesn’t remember anything before this point in his life, but he feels connected to this boy. He leads him to village where a lovely family takes him in, and Ilya knows the boy is safe.
Over the years, Ilya keeps feeling connected to Caleb. Caleb is a bit odd, his speech strange and is his appearance lighter than everyone else, but Ilya still wants to be close to him. When a bear, which the villagers thought were all but extinct, tries to hurt Ilya, a lone wolf comes to save him. Somehow he knows this wolf will help him, not hurt him.
Both Ilya and Caleb know they are different from others in their village, but they can’t explain how. They are connected to nature, to each other, in unexplainable ways.
These boys and their family and friends go through so much. The bears and wolves are much more than they thought, and they are fighting for their lives and the village they call home. The story is riveting and takes twists and turns you’d never expect.
I loved everything about this book, as I always do when reading Suki Fleet. The vivid landscape, the amazing characters, the hard fought for romance. Suki managed to find love in this scary, post apocalyptic world.
Just stunning 💜💜
September 27, 2022
“I felt you were different too. Always…” He took a deep breath. “It was always you. Ilya. Always.”
The Witness of the Sun is a truly gorgeous book, a magical paranormal story about two not-so-ordinary boys fated to fall in love. It’s oh, so romantic and I was enchanted. As a couple, these innocent boys make my heart skip a beat. I just want to gather Caleb in my arms and give him a massive hug, smothering him in love, not because he doesn’t have plenty of love in his life but because I just adore him. Guileless, devoted, shy misunderstood – he has become one of my favorite MM heroes. Ilya, with his love of family, the earth, and all living things – and likewise keeping a big secret – is his perfect match.
Ilya, Caleb, and their families live in a small village in a post-apocalyptic world where supplies and food are running low, most animals are extinct, and most humans are gone, too. The boys are different from others and there's danger in that. Ilya secretly likes boys, not girls, and it would not be safe for him if others knew. And even more disparate from other humans, he has a special gift: he is unusually aware of the world around him, somehow connected to the forest. He can push his senses outwards to feel the warmth and heartbeats of living beings. Caleb’s differences are more distinguishable – he’s disconnected from others, sometimes growling or babbling disjointed words. “He drifts around as though he’s been blown by the wind.” The villagers think he’s weird.
Ilya feels extremely protective over Caleb and senses him more strongly than anyone else. When Caleb is lost and possibly injured in the forest one night, Ilya is overwhelmingly desperate to find him. They have a special connection – a kinship – perhaps from when Ilya found Caleb alone in the forest when he was young. Ilya was found in the forest, also, with no family or memories of a past life. Ilya has always wanted to be friends but he didn’t know how. Now they are becoming something more than friends, something beautiful and ethereal. Ilya is giddy around Caleb, with a longing deep inside he doesn’t know what to do with.
“I didn’t know what it meant, but right then, half-drunk with breathing him in, I didn’t care. I just wanted him to feel as close to me as possible too. “Missed you,” I whispered, pressing my face into his hair, losing myself a little to the soft warmth of his skin beneath it. He smelled of the forest, all deep dark earth and soaring trees.”
The intimate scenes are both sexy and swoon-worthy, and so worth the wait.
"The kiss probably only lasted a few heartbeats, but the way we ended up all pressed against one another felt like a moment pulled out of time. I could feel all the sharp lines of his body. All the hardness. All the heat. And I just wanted to melt into him. For him to melt into me. For both of us to become part of the same thing."
Love of family is strong and each of their family members is an excellent character, Caleb's father, Fyodor, and his brothers Josef, Luka, and Sonny among them. I could happily read about Caleb's family for weeks; in fact, book two of the series is Sonny's story. Ilya’s sister, Masha, is lovely, too. There’s a well-written, loathsome villain to heighten the conflict.
I don’t read much in the paranormal or fantasy genres, but Suki Fleet is my favorite young adult author; I would read a refrigerator repair manual if they wrote it, so I definitely wanted to give this one a try. It’s a special book, as most of theirs are. If you're a fan of the author, paranormal, or YA romance, this novel is not to be missed. I suspect this was a passion project for Fleet. It certainly melted my heart.
ARC kindly provided to Love Bytes Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
The Witness of the Sun is a truly gorgeous book, a magical paranormal story about two not-so-ordinary boys fated to fall in love. It’s oh, so romantic and I was enchanted. As a couple, these innocent boys make my heart skip a beat. I just want to gather Caleb in my arms and give him a massive hug, smothering him in love, not because he doesn’t have plenty of love in his life but because I just adore him. Guileless, devoted, shy misunderstood – he has become one of my favorite MM heroes. Ilya, with his love of family, the earth, and all living things – and likewise keeping a big secret – is his perfect match.
Ilya, Caleb, and their families live in a small village in a post-apocalyptic world where supplies and food are running low, most animals are extinct, and most humans are gone, too. The boys are different from others and there's danger in that. Ilya secretly likes boys, not girls, and it would not be safe for him if others knew. And even more disparate from other humans, he has a special gift: he is unusually aware of the world around him, somehow connected to the forest. He can push his senses outwards to feel the warmth and heartbeats of living beings. Caleb’s differences are more distinguishable – he’s disconnected from others, sometimes growling or babbling disjointed words. “He drifts around as though he’s been blown by the wind.” The villagers think he’s weird.
Ilya feels extremely protective over Caleb and senses him more strongly than anyone else. When Caleb is lost and possibly injured in the forest one night, Ilya is overwhelmingly desperate to find him. They have a special connection – a kinship – perhaps from when Ilya found Caleb alone in the forest when he was young. Ilya was found in the forest, also, with no family or memories of a past life. Ilya has always wanted to be friends but he didn’t know how. Now they are becoming something more than friends, something beautiful and ethereal. Ilya is giddy around Caleb, with a longing deep inside he doesn’t know what to do with.
“I didn’t know what it meant, but right then, half-drunk with breathing him in, I didn’t care. I just wanted him to feel as close to me as possible too. “Missed you,” I whispered, pressing my face into his hair, losing myself a little to the soft warmth of his skin beneath it. He smelled of the forest, all deep dark earth and soaring trees.”
The intimate scenes are both sexy and swoon-worthy, and so worth the wait.
"The kiss probably only lasted a few heartbeats, but the way we ended up all pressed against one another felt like a moment pulled out of time. I could feel all the sharp lines of his body. All the hardness. All the heat. And I just wanted to melt into him. For him to melt into me. For both of us to become part of the same thing."
Love of family is strong and each of their family members is an excellent character, Caleb's father, Fyodor, and his brothers Josef, Luka, and Sonny among them. I could happily read about Caleb's family for weeks; in fact, book two of the series is Sonny's story. Ilya’s sister, Masha, is lovely, too. There’s a well-written, loathsome villain to heighten the conflict.
I don’t read much in the paranormal or fantasy genres, but Suki Fleet is my favorite young adult author; I would read a refrigerator repair manual if they wrote it, so I definitely wanted to give this one a try. It’s a special book, as most of theirs are. If you're a fan of the author, paranormal, or YA romance, this novel is not to be missed. I suspect this was a passion project for Fleet. It certainly melted my heart.
ARC kindly provided to Love Bytes Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2022
4.25 stars from me. Interesting start to Suki's new series, the second story of which Bury the Moon, will appear next year, and which I'm assuming will be Sonny and Tris's story. There's far more to discover about the Volk and Vashna worlds surely?
February 9, 2025
So good. I really hope the next book Bury the Moon will be written.
September 24, 2022
Even after the apocalypse, nature, its forests, its glades, all of it, still holds secrets. Just like in a fairy tale, those most deeply connected to the natural world often hold the keys to survival and the rebuilding of a better world. Ilya and Caleb in all their complexity are gradually revealed to the reader and to each other in this amazing story that's definitely as much for adults as for YA readers.
October 27, 2022
I'm so torn on rating this one. I love this author's books so, so much, and she's honestly written a couple of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read. The premise and characters in this one had everything I want right now... and yet the further I read, the more of a slog it felt like to finish. I think if some of the beautiful-but-seriously-fucking-wordy journey could have just been taken with less dithering and less convoluted imagery, I might have enjoyed it more. As it was, by the end, I'd actually lost some of my interest and investment in Caleb and Ilya thanks to the glacial pace of the action, and just as everything dramatic was happening and being revealed, I ended up skimming the last 15-20% with kind of impatience to just be done already that was one step down from DNfing it altogether ☹ Sadly, while there was still quite a bit that I enjoyed here, I doubt I'll continue with what's clearly set up to be quite the series.
November 4, 2022
Good story, but way too much rambling
This book could have had a third of it edited out and the story would have flowed easier.
The repetitive angst of the main character - way too much 'talking in his head' - pages of it!
I found myself skipping over pages of internal dialogue that brought nothing to the story..it was seriously just repetitive rambling. More dialogue and growth between the supporting characters would have been great to see.
This book could have had a third of it edited out and the story would have flowed easier.
The repetitive angst of the main character - way too much 'talking in his head' - pages of it!
I found myself skipping over pages of internal dialogue that brought nothing to the story..it was seriously just repetitive rambling. More dialogue and growth between the supporting characters would have been great to see.
October 3, 2025
Stunning work! Gorgeous on its own, but it has an added charm in the echoes of T.J. Klune's Wolfsong and Stephen King's Dark Tower series threaded through it. So much going on in this tale, every inch of it wonderful, if sometimes heart-shredding. Quite different than the majority of the rest of Suki Fleet's books I've read so far; quite magical. That said, I am bereft: While complete in itself, this does have a kind of cliff-hanger. Apparently there was a second book to follow with Sonny's tale, titled
Bury the Moon but it doesn't exist. Since this book was copyrighted in 2022, I'm guessing it just didn't happen. I do so with it would.
Bury the Moon but it doesn't exist. Since this book was copyrighted in 2022, I'm guessing it just didn't happen. I do so with it would.
September 25, 2022
This is 4.5 stars for me. I enjoyed the world building and relationship between Caleb and Ilya. It seems to be a HEA (which I always look for) but possibly a little open-ended since this looks to be a series, and I'm not sure if this couple will be in future books. Definitely looking forward to the next book!
September 25, 2022
Beautiful and bittersweet
Beautiful and haunting fairy tale. And I want more. As all Suki Fleet's stories it's deep and complicated, but also very beautiful. The characters and world are built beautifully.
Beautiful and haunting fairy tale. And I want more. As all Suki Fleet's stories it's deep and complicated, but also very beautiful. The characters and world are built beautifully.
September 26, 2022
There is nothing like a Suki Fleet romance … and this one has a fairytale feel to boot. Fantasy, post apocalyptic, moody, and magical. The imagination and the details and the world building are top notch.
More people need to pick up Suki Fleet books.
More people need to pick up Suki Fleet books.
October 1, 2022
Brilliant
There was a kind of poetic symmetry about Ilya and Caleb and their connection. I really enjoyed these characters and their fantastical world, I'm looking forward to the next step in their journey (hopefully to the sea).
There was a kind of poetic symmetry about Ilya and Caleb and their connection. I really enjoyed these characters and their fantastical world, I'm looking forward to the next step in their journey (hopefully to the sea).
September 27, 2022
4.5 Stars
October 5, 2022
Such a beautiful, lyrical story with exquisite world building. Just gorgeous!
September 25, 2022
Ilya has always had a connection with the forest he lives in. He has a mysterious ability to sense heartbeats and the warmth of the creatures there. Abilities he knows must be kept secret. He has another secret–his growing feelings for Caleb, the strange and beautiful boy he found in the forest when they were children. He feels protective of the boy that everyone in his village thinks is odd. When bears and wolves are seen in the forest, animals that were said to be extinct, the safety of his village becomes threatened and Ilya can feel his world turning upside down. As he tries to protect the village, he spends more time with Caleb and Caleb’s family, Ilya realizes he may not be the only one having a hard time keeping his secrets.
It’s no secret that I’m a huge Suki Fleet fan! I’ve read a bunch of their books and this one was very different in some obvious ways–the rural/post-apocalyptic setting, the paranormal elements, the magical realism. But the characters–sweet boys who are different from their peers, sensitive cinnamon rolls dropped into a world that is too harsh, where they must fight for their happiness and safety–those are the classic Suki Fleet themes and those elements are strong in this story. I fell in love with these sweet boys! The story was exciting, romantic, a little angsty, full of natural magic and wonder, and had some found family elements.
There is going to be a second book in the series, but it will be about a different couple. Ilya and Caleb get their hard-won HEA in this book. I loved this book and am excited to read the next one. I’m totally invested in the lives of these characters and need to find out what happens with this other couple!
It’s no secret that I’m a huge Suki Fleet fan! I’ve read a bunch of their books and this one was very different in some obvious ways–the rural/post-apocalyptic setting, the paranormal elements, the magical realism. But the characters–sweet boys who are different from their peers, sensitive cinnamon rolls dropped into a world that is too harsh, where they must fight for their happiness and safety–those are the classic Suki Fleet themes and those elements are strong in this story. I fell in love with these sweet boys! The story was exciting, romantic, a little angsty, full of natural magic and wonder, and had some found family elements.
There is going to be a second book in the series, but it will be about a different couple. Ilya and Caleb get their hard-won HEA in this book. I loved this book and am excited to read the next one. I’m totally invested in the lives of these characters and need to find out what happens with this other couple!
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