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Flos Magicae #1.6
The Solstice Cabin
Six months ago, David's best friend disappeared from the city. Now, David has found him tucked away in a secluded cabin, in the heart of the Great White North. Amaruq begs David not to ask why he left without saying goodbye, but David can't forgive the panic and heartache Amaruq put him through. Not without an explanation. And with winter closing in, David can't exactly turn around and go straight back home.
Amaruq has always kept his personal life closely guarded. Between his parents' mysterious disappearance twenty years earlier, his powers that only come out in the cold, and his reason for abandoning his comfortable city job, David hardly knows him.
As the snow piles up and the nights grow colder, Amaruq's secrets gradually come to light, and David realizes he has only ever scratched the surface of who Amaruq really is. He has until the spring thaw to learn Amaruq's story and understand the man he barely recognizes anymore—and find the nerve to confess his own feelings, and tell his best friend why he couldn't just let him go.
The Solstice Cabin is a 27,000-word friends-to-lovers novella in the Flos Magicae series, a collection of queer romances set in an alternate 1920s universe with magic. All the stories are standalones and can be read in any order.
Amaruq has always kept his personal life closely guarded. Between his parents' mysterious disappearance twenty years earlier, his powers that only come out in the cold, and his reason for abandoning his comfortable city job, David hardly knows him.
As the snow piles up and the nights grow colder, Amaruq's secrets gradually come to light, and David realizes he has only ever scratched the surface of who Amaruq really is. He has until the spring thaw to learn Amaruq's story and understand the man he barely recognizes anymore—and find the nerve to confess his own feelings, and tell his best friend why he couldn't just let him go.
The Solstice Cabin is a 27,000-word friends-to-lovers novella in the Flos Magicae series, a collection of queer romances set in an alternate 1920s universe with magic. All the stories are standalones and can be read in any order.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2022
22 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
Arden Powell
26 books419 followersArden Powell (they/them) is a Canadian author and illustrator with stories in Lightspeed Magazine, Baffling Magazine, and Haunt Publishing, and whose books include The Faerie Hounds of York, The Bayou, the Flos Magicae series, and their short story collection, The Carnelian King and Other Stories. A nebulous entity, they live with a senior rescue hound and an exorbitant number of houseplants, and enjoy the company of both.
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November 25, 2022My new cozy fantasy, winter holiday romance comes out on Tuesday! I've read it five hundred times during editing so yes, I'm counting today's last-minute final pass towards my reading challenge.
CWs:
CWs:
November 28, 2022
3.5 stars (the half is for the bear)
I have read, and loved to pieces, Faerie Hounds of York and The Botanist's Apprentice (the first one ripped my heart from my chest and the second one gave me a warm hug). The Solstice Cabin left me wanting in this regard.
The pacing was good, it didn't feel rushed even though the novella is just 100 pages long, the sense of place was solid and there were interesting ideas (the bear! the dogs! I would have also loved to learn more about the magic of Amaruq and his parents) but I didn't warm up (pun intended) to the characters. Maybe it's because I don't like plots hinged on miscommunication - if you don't mind it, you'll probably enjoy the book more than I did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have read, and loved to pieces, Faerie Hounds of York and The Botanist's Apprentice (the first one ripped my heart from my chest and the second one gave me a warm hug). The Solstice Cabin left me wanting in this regard.
The pacing was good, it didn't feel rushed even though the novella is just 100 pages long, the sense of place was solid and there were interesting ideas (the bear! the dogs! I would have also loved to learn more about the magic of Amaruq and his parents) but I didn't warm up (pun intended) to the characters. Maybe it's because I don't like plots hinged on miscommunication - if you don't mind it, you'll probably enjoy the book more than I did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2024
3.5 Stars Rounded Up!
I think I liked this more as a sort of magical realism story than a romance. The imagery of the magic and nature was beautiful, and the political commentary was interesting.
The romance wasn't bad, and I did feel like it coupled well with the message of the story, but I found it kind of frustrating and sad until the ending. The miscommunication, along with the focus on the heavy political reality of the time period (in a novella length story), kept this from being cozy.
It was well written. It just depends on what kind of story you're looking for. I think if I'd gone into this with a different mindset, I would've liked it quite a bit more.
I think I liked this more as a sort of magical realism story than a romance. The imagery of the magic and nature was beautiful, and the political commentary was interesting.
The romance wasn't bad, and I did feel like it coupled well with the message of the story, but I found it kind of frustrating and sad until the ending. The miscommunication, along with the focus on the heavy political reality of the time period (in a novella length story), kept this from being cozy.
It was well written. It just depends on what kind of story you're looking for. I think if I'd gone into this with a different mindset, I would've liked it quite a bit more.
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November 18, 2024This is set in 1920s Nunavut, which is such a wonderful and unusual setting even aside from the magic, which I also love. David has been been chasing his friend Amaruq, who fled Toronto following the conviction (and subsequent death by suicide) of their mutual friend Paul for “gross indecency.” Both David and Amaruq are heartbroken about Paul and also about their separation, which left much unspoken between them. That makes this novella sound melancholy, which it is, but it’s about the sweetness of reconnecting with someone you thought you’d lost. The stark beauty of winter plays a huge role, since once David finally finds Amaruq, the snow forces them to stay in Amaruq’s cabin together until the spring thaw.
November 30, 2022
Wonderful sense of place and atmosphere perfect for this time of year. The romance didn't fully work for me but I still had a lovely time with this one.
June 13, 2023
I probably should have read this around Christmas, or at least winter, for the full effect, but it's a fun read at any time of the year.
Arden Powell is great at writing novellas, and this one was no different. They have created a wonderful sense of atmosphere and place with the story taking place in Canada's Northern Territories at the height of winter, when the world is white all around.
Additionally, I loved the characters of David and Amaruq, and the slow drip of information we get about their past. There's no info-dumping here - the reader finds out about our two MCs as we read the book, and that added to the fun of it. I also like the way that we're learning more about wild magic as the series goes on - between this book and Winter's Dawn, the slow worldbuilding in the Flos Magicae series is really fun.
I should note that, more than the first two books in this series, this (like Winter's Dawn) deals with some heavy topics, including the past offscreen suicide of a character and some heavily referenced homophobia. The book is still a warm, comforting read, but reading the CWs here are a must.
One of my favorite parts of the book was undoubtedly the little wooden bear and Nukka the dog (and her wolf beau). The relationship between the two main characters was adorable, but animal friends are always adorable as well!
3.75/5 stars (I'm not the biggest fan of the miscommunication trope), rounded up to 4 stars.
Arden Powell is great at writing novellas, and this one was no different. They have created a wonderful sense of atmosphere and place with the story taking place in Canada's Northern Territories at the height of winter, when the world is white all around.
Additionally, I loved the characters of David and Amaruq, and the slow drip of information we get about their past. There's no info-dumping here - the reader finds out about our two MCs as we read the book, and that added to the fun of it. I also like the way that we're learning more about wild magic as the series goes on - between this book and Winter's Dawn, the slow worldbuilding in the Flos Magicae series is really fun.
I should note that, more than the first two books in this series, this (like Winter's Dawn) deals with some heavy topics, including the past offscreen suicide of a character and some heavily referenced homophobia. The book is still a warm, comforting read, but reading the CWs here are a must.
One of my favorite parts of the book was undoubtedly the little wooden bear and Nukka the dog (and her wolf beau). The relationship between the two main characters was adorable, but animal friends are always adorable as well!
3.75/5 stars (I'm not the biggest fan of the miscommunication trope), rounded up to 4 stars.
December 24, 2024
Star score will be revealed at the end of round one of SFINCS2.
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Solstice Cabin
The Solstice Cabin deals with the heartbreaking concepts of losing a friend to suicide and having to hide a person's sexual orientation. When David’s friend Amaruq leaves his life due to accusations shortly after losing Paul to suicide, it is too much for David to bear. With nothing but a cryptic note left behind David tracks Amaruq to the freezing and snow-covered lands of northern Canada.
Arden Powell builds a picturesque setting of the Great White North. From the frigid temperatures to the howling wolf packs, readers will be fully immersed in this winter world. And with David used to city life, there will be a learning curve for him to adjust to the wilderness. But he isn’t alone.
While the novella deals with heavy themes, it is about two friends finding comfort in one another. And through their shared experience, realizing how to open up about how they feel. As the characters bond, the reader is granted pieces of their pasts, slowly uncovering who they are and what they have experienced. There is even a thread of magic woven within the story.
The Solstice Cabin is a novella for those who enjoy reading stories about friends to lovers. While it does have a cozy budding romance, keep in mind David and Amaruq have to endure terrible circumstances, revealed in memories, to find their paths into each other's lives a second time.
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Solstice Cabin
The Solstice Cabin deals with the heartbreaking concepts of losing a friend to suicide and having to hide a person's sexual orientation. When David’s friend Amaruq leaves his life due to accusations shortly after losing Paul to suicide, it is too much for David to bear. With nothing but a cryptic note left behind David tracks Amaruq to the freezing and snow-covered lands of northern Canada.
Arden Powell builds a picturesque setting of the Great White North. From the frigid temperatures to the howling wolf packs, readers will be fully immersed in this winter world. And with David used to city life, there will be a learning curve for him to adjust to the wilderness. But he isn’t alone.
While the novella deals with heavy themes, it is about two friends finding comfort in one another. And through their shared experience, realizing how to open up about how they feel. As the characters bond, the reader is granted pieces of their pasts, slowly uncovering who they are and what they have experienced. There is even a thread of magic woven within the story.
The Solstice Cabin is a novella for those who enjoy reading stories about friends to lovers. While it does have a cozy budding romance, keep in mind David and Amaruq have to endure terrible circumstances, revealed in memories, to find their paths into each other's lives a second time.
November 28, 2022
Arden Powell's The Solstice Cabin is an easy to read novella about two men coming to terms with the things they've been holding inside them, amidst a gorgeous and secluded snowy setting. I am always impressed with the author's pacing in their novellas. I think it can be tricky to set up and tell a story in so few pages, and was once again executed perfectly.
One of my favorite things about these books as well, is Arden Powell's tendency to write surreal descriptions of other worldly occurrences. I have devoured, and loved The Faerie Hounds of York, The Bayou, and Obsidian Island and always look forward to the strange and magical occurrences happening around the characters of the story.
My only complaint about this book is that coming from their gothic horror works, this is the first romance novella I've read. While it was fun and I enjoyed reading it I think their talent for writing horror is far stronger. I enjoyed it but it did not feel absolutely sucked into the story with the character in the same way as I have before.
Regardless, I definitely plan on exploring more of their Flo's Magicae series, and I think that overall, this was a nice read for December.
I received a free eARC of this book from BookSprout in exchange for my honest review.
One of my favorite things about these books as well, is Arden Powell's tendency to write surreal descriptions of other worldly occurrences. I have devoured, and loved The Faerie Hounds of York, The Bayou, and Obsidian Island and always look forward to the strange and magical occurrences happening around the characters of the story.
My only complaint about this book is that coming from their gothic horror works, this is the first romance novella I've read. While it was fun and I enjoyed reading it I think their talent for writing horror is far stronger. I enjoyed it but it did not feel absolutely sucked into the story with the character in the same way as I have before.
Regardless, I definitely plan on exploring more of their Flo's Magicae series, and I think that overall, this was a nice read for December.
I received a free eARC of this book from BookSprout in exchange for my honest review.
December 11, 2023
4.5⭐
These guys were being stupid - a conversation away from a happy ending - but that's the case in a lot of romances, isn't it?
Great wintery atmosphere with beautiful magic, pining and grief. This is a lovely story, a little less humorous than some of the others in the series but it's still there in the little things. There's also a lot of criticism towards the fast city life and the constraints of society.
The magic in this AU is such a wonderful living thing and the indigenous connections in this novella brought some extra enchantment to it. This is one of my favourite series for sure.
These guys were being stupid - a conversation away from a happy ending - but that's the case in a lot of romances, isn't it?
Great wintery atmosphere with beautiful magic, pining and grief. This is a lovely story, a little less humorous than some of the others in the series but it's still there in the little things. There's also a lot of criticism towards the fast city life and the constraints of society.
The magic in this AU is such a wonderful living thing and the indigenous connections in this novella brought some extra enchantment to it. This is one of my favourite series for sure.
February 13, 2024
3.5 rounded down
Another interesting book in this series. I thought the miscommunication dragged a bit long and lacked a bit of nuance, and I'm dubious that the two of them staying in the secluded wilderness will actually work long term for them both, but I enjoyed overall.
Another interesting book in this series. I thought the miscommunication dragged a bit long and lacked a bit of nuance, and I'm dubious that the two of them staying in the secluded wilderness will actually work long term for them both, but I enjoyed overall.
January 15, 2025
me when we get maybe two cumulative inches of snow
July 16, 2024
This one was darling. I can definitely see how the author's work grew and expanded between the first prequel I read and this one. The characters' and their backgrounds and relationships felt much more fleshed out and the world felt more dynamic.
I think what I loved most was getting to explore different types of magic though. It's rare to see Inuit magic in books, and getting to explore that through these characters and see the exciting ways that could take shape between the natural world and the magic world was just wonderful. I'd read it again just for that. Actually, I could've read a whole novel just about that and now I'm disappoint this wasn't longer, haha.
There were a few little loose ends that I felt like weren't clearly explained or worked out, but I'm hoping that comes up if these characters are seen in other books since this is one of the "prequel" short stories. We'll see I suppose.
But yes, if all the author's books start to delve into different layers of history and magic like this one did, then I'm looking forward to reading more of them.
I think what I loved most was getting to explore different types of magic though. It's rare to see Inuit magic in books, and getting to explore that through these characters and see the exciting ways that could take shape between the natural world and the magic world was just wonderful. I'd read it again just for that. Actually, I could've read a whole novel just about that and now I'm disappoint this wasn't longer, haha.
There were a few little loose ends that I felt like weren't clearly explained or worked out, but I'm hoping that comes up if these characters are seen in other books since this is one of the "prequel" short stories. We'll see I suppose.
But yes, if all the author's books start to delve into different layers of history and magic like this one did, then I'm looking forward to reading more of them.
January 6, 2023
Beautiful in writing & in feelings
This was a short & sweet read. Like the other Flos Magicae books, it shares a world but no other connections, so it can be read as a true standalone. It's full of beauty & wonder at the natural world of the far northern Canada, with writing you could live in, and the romance was perfectly understated and heartfelt. Ideal for a holiday season romance read with far less emphasis on the Christmas aspects than a lot of others, exactly what I was looking for
This was a short & sweet read. Like the other Flos Magicae books, it shares a world but no other connections, so it can be read as a true standalone. It's full of beauty & wonder at the natural world of the far northern Canada, with writing you could live in, and the romance was perfectly understated and heartfelt. Ideal for a holiday season romance read with far less emphasis on the Christmas aspects than a lot of others, exactly what I was looking for
January 1, 2023
Powell's books seem to appeal more to me when they're a little darker and a lot longer. This is very much a cosy romance fuelled by miscommunication and, at less than 100 pages, pretty unsatisfying. I finished this a few days ago an honestly can't remember how it ended, like I didn't actually finish it.
I thought the magic theory was kind of interesting but, even though this is the 4th book in the series, I feel like it isn't explained very well at this point. Are everyone's powers tied to an/the element(s)? If Amaruq fought off the urge to go north, would it kill him or just be uncomfortable? Also following someone on foot thousands of miles in the snow is insane, no matter how much you love them.
I love Powell's writing but the plots of this series have left me disappointed. I hope they write some longer books this year more in the vein of The Faerie Hounds of York or The Bayou.
I thought the magic theory was kind of interesting but, even though this is the 4th book in the series, I feel like it isn't explained very well at this point. Are everyone's powers tied to an/the element(s)? If Amaruq fought off the urge to go north, would it kill him or just be uncomfortable? Also following someone on foot thousands of miles in the snow is insane, no matter how much you love them.
I love Powell's writing but the plots of this series have left me disappointed. I hope they write some longer books this year more in the vein of The Faerie Hounds of York or The Bayou.
December 2, 2022
Subtle and imaginative
Rating: 4🌈
Arden Powell has been writing such an amazing selection of books for the Flos Magicae series. All have been crafted with a certain subtlety, the world building and any foundation information is such that the reader has to cobble together the hints scattered throughout the book or from the odd statements in dialogue to try to understand the societal framework the novels take place in.
Sometimes it frustrating, other times it flows perfectly within the magical quiet flow of the narrative. Here, it’s a bit of both.
We start off in 20th century Toronto. A ugly city, where homosexuality is a severe crime punishable by long term imprisonment or even death. There’s magic and magic wielders but those with major powers seem to be few . Or not heard of within the lowest orders of the working class. If you’re truly without magic, then your prospects are dim.
Non magical David, who works, like his parents did, for the big distillery in Toronto, barely has any money to his name. Again much like his parents who scraped to feed him.
We come upon him as he’s fighting his way through the blizzard, up towards Manitoba, looking for a friend who disappeared months ago.
The backstory comes out in bits and pieces throughout this tale, as David, and Amaruq, the friend he’s been looking for, struggle to communicate.
I mean struggle. There’s a lot of silence, started conversations that go nowhere. Snow. Freezing temperatures. A sense of deep pain and fatigue that surrounds them both. There’s a ghost. Whether he’s real or not, that’s left up to each reader to decide.
But Powell makes it all feel believable, even down to the magical elements. The stumbling blocks they’ve raised between themselves, the misconceptions. It’s as much due to the times and circumstances in which they lived rather than who they actually were.
I could have done more with the ending and a vast spiritual experience that occurred than what was left on the page. I felt it was way too brief for the magnitude of the events.
But that seems par for the course with the stories within this series.
I find my imagination keeps returning to different aspects of this couple and the story. That is a huge plus for me in any story. And another reason I’m recommending The Solstice Cabin (Flos Magicae) by Arden Powell.
Rating: 4🌈
Arden Powell has been writing such an amazing selection of books for the Flos Magicae series. All have been crafted with a certain subtlety, the world building and any foundation information is such that the reader has to cobble together the hints scattered throughout the book or from the odd statements in dialogue to try to understand the societal framework the novels take place in.
Sometimes it frustrating, other times it flows perfectly within the magical quiet flow of the narrative. Here, it’s a bit of both.
We start off in 20th century Toronto. A ugly city, where homosexuality is a severe crime punishable by long term imprisonment or even death. There’s magic and magic wielders but those with major powers seem to be few . Or not heard of within the lowest orders of the working class. If you’re truly without magic, then your prospects are dim.
Non magical David, who works, like his parents did, for the big distillery in Toronto, barely has any money to his name. Again much like his parents who scraped to feed him.
We come upon him as he’s fighting his way through the blizzard, up towards Manitoba, looking for a friend who disappeared months ago.
The backstory comes out in bits and pieces throughout this tale, as David, and Amaruq, the friend he’s been looking for, struggle to communicate.
I mean struggle. There’s a lot of silence, started conversations that go nowhere. Snow. Freezing temperatures. A sense of deep pain and fatigue that surrounds them both. There’s a ghost. Whether he’s real or not, that’s left up to each reader to decide.
But Powell makes it all feel believable, even down to the magical elements. The stumbling blocks they’ve raised between themselves, the misconceptions. It’s as much due to the times and circumstances in which they lived rather than who they actually were.
I could have done more with the ending and a vast spiritual experience that occurred than what was left on the page. I felt it was way too brief for the magnitude of the events.
But that seems par for the course with the stories within this series.
I find my imagination keeps returning to different aspects of this couple and the story. That is a huge plus for me in any story. And another reason I’m recommending The Solstice Cabin (Flos Magicae) by Arden Powell.
December 26, 2024
I was given a complimentary digital copy of this book as part of the SFINCS judging process. My review is honest and my opinions are my own. 7/10
The Solstice Cabin is a heartwarming queer (M/M) friends to lovers story which takes place in a cabin in the frozen north. Six months before the start of the story, David and Amaruq were living in 1920s Toronto, where their friend Paul was tragically persecuted to the point of suicide for his romantic choices, which led to Amaruq fleeing in fear of retribution for his own desires.
The friendship between these two characters after their heartbreaking experience is brave and touching and I found myself rooting for David to declare his love for Amaruq. The addition of the adorable dog Nukka who seemed to be falling in love with a wolf was a nice touch.
I did not understand the relevance of the magic possessed by Amaruq and felt that this novella read more like a historical romance – but with a little magic added in. I imagine the magic must be important in the larger universe of which this novella is a small part but I felt it was a little superfluous to this particular story – apart from as a way to heat up David and keep him alive.
The prose was really well-written and engaging, making it easy to imagine the relentless, yet magical, snowy world in which the two friends now find themselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. It would be a great story to read on a snowy day with a blanket and a mug of hot chocolate to hand!
The Solstice Cabin is a heartwarming queer (M/M) friends to lovers story which takes place in a cabin in the frozen north. Six months before the start of the story, David and Amaruq were living in 1920s Toronto, where their friend Paul was tragically persecuted to the point of suicide for his romantic choices, which led to Amaruq fleeing in fear of retribution for his own desires.
The friendship between these two characters after their heartbreaking experience is brave and touching and I found myself rooting for David to declare his love for Amaruq. The addition of the adorable dog Nukka who seemed to be falling in love with a wolf was a nice touch.
I did not understand the relevance of the magic possessed by Amaruq and felt that this novella read more like a historical romance – but with a little magic added in. I imagine the magic must be important in the larger universe of which this novella is a small part but I felt it was a little superfluous to this particular story – apart from as a way to heat up David and keep him alive.
The prose was really well-written and engaging, making it easy to imagine the relentless, yet magical, snowy world in which the two friends now find themselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. It would be a great story to read on a snowy day with a blanket and a mug of hot chocolate to hand!
November 27, 2022
I don't really agree with the blurb that the story can be read as a standalone, this was the first novella of this world which I have read and I was honestly a bit lost with the lack of previous understanding about this world with regards to things like magic use. The physical location (in the middle of nowhere in winter in the Arctic) and the descriptions of nature, animals, the Northern Lights and so on were beautiful. The connection between the MCs and how that deepened away from the extremely dangerous situation in the cities was lovely, as was the way they remembered their dead friend, and how this friend was still intertwined in this story. If I ever have the chance to read other stories in this series I will definitely come back to reread this with more understanding.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
January 11, 2024
Really lovely addition to the Flos Magicae series! The setting was beautifully written and described, and it made for a unique backdrop to the themes of identity, relationships, and grief. I also enjoyed the characters quite a bit, although I'd be interested to hear an inuit perspective on the inuit character and his magic and relation to the land. The story did also feel a bit underdeveloped, especially toward the beginning. I think I just wanted more backstory so I really understood these characters and their history before diving in. But the writing and romance was so lush and charming and the emotions so perfectly suited to the setting, I just really enjoyed reading this book overall. Apparently I just want to read every Flos Magicae story I possibly can forever, because they're always fun and make me happy.
December 25, 2023
TLDR: This novella is a beautiful story.
This story is sad, and beautiful, and sweet, and wonderful. The historic difficulties (injustices) associated with being a gay man is a huge theme in this story. This gives an overall sad caste to the entire thing. Despite the awful prejudice and danger our main characters experience just from being themselves, they find beauty and friendship. At times I did have the thought that the magic portion of this novella was completely unnecessary but ultimately it didn't detract from the story and did add a scene or two that I would have missed.
🌶️: 1/5 - one explicit scene
🎄: 2/5 - they decorate for and celebrate the winter solstice (this is probably a 1 and not a 2 but I was excited that it was the solstice instead of Christmas)
This story is sad, and beautiful, and sweet, and wonderful. The historic difficulties (injustices) associated with being a gay man is a huge theme in this story. This gives an overall sad caste to the entire thing. Despite the awful prejudice and danger our main characters experience just from being themselves, they find beauty and friendship. At times I did have the thought that the magic portion of this novella was completely unnecessary but ultimately it didn't detract from the story and did add a scene or two that I would have missed.
🌶️: 1/5 - one explicit scene
🎄: 2/5 - they decorate for and celebrate the winter solstice (this is probably a 1 and not a 2 but I was excited that it was the solstice instead of Christmas)
September 9, 2023
So very beautiful: Toronto native David tracks his Inuit friend Amaruq north, all the way up to Nunavut, to find out why he suddenly disappeared and left David behind.
There's so much to love here - the men, the snow, the animals, David's talks with their dead friend, and magic so beautiful it made me cry several times. I grew up in Greenland, and the description of the northern lights made me cry all over again. Sniff.
There's so much to love here - the men, the snow, the animals, David's talks with their dead friend, and magic so beautiful it made me cry several times. I grew up in Greenland, and the description of the northern lights made me cry all over again. Sniff.
November 29, 2022
Magical and lovely ❄
January 25, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
felt a little light on the romance but it was heavy on the friends to lovers, character development, and native magic so it was a win in my book
felt a little light on the romance but it was heavy on the friends to lovers, character development, and native magic so it was a win in my book
October 5, 2025
I did really enjoy this. It was a simple, quick read that I ordinarily might have finished in a single sitting, but I came upon it during an exceptionally busy and stressful week when I had very little time to read and even less time to myself, so it took three days and four separate sittings, but it was perfect because it was simple and stress free - a perfect antidote to real life, and consequently a great escape for a few minutes here and there. My only issue is with what’s unaddressed, which is what is David going to do with his life in the north? This novella needs a sequel for all it pretends to have a happy-ever-after ending, which I maybe would have believed when younger. But I’m not younger. I’m a practical romantic, and when the heart bubbles and sex haze wears off a bit, David has no career or vocation or anything, really, to entertain himself or to use to make himself feel a productive equal to Amaruq in their partnership. I can see the opening chapter of such a sequel, focusing on David’s restlessness and growing unhappiness - not with Amaruq or their relationship - but with the rest of his life. I can see a conversation between the two about it. I can see David, having adjusted to the wild beauty and wilderness of the north, to whatever degree Powell wishes, recognizing that his job in Toronto wasn’t exactly fulfilling either…or maybe it was? Or maybe parts of it were and parts weren’t. David’s now got some perspective and can reflect on it. I think he’ll need to figure out what he wants to do in the north and I wish that had been included in this story because it leaves it feeling unfinished to me. The relationship, I think, can be/will be/is likely to be fine.
I also kind of wonder how the original threesome of friends might have played out if Paul had lived. This whole story could have been told without Paul in it. He’s an odd addition, who in some ways makes the story feel more real and true because he makes it messy and forces the reader to acknowledge the antithesis of that central romance trope: happily ever after, generally with a one-and-only type of love that probably doesn’t truly exist in real life. Romance is fantasy with or without magic, after all. Paul’s inclusion makes me wonder, what if he had lived? What if no one threatened Amaruq? Would the three of them have become a romantic threesome in the city? Would Amaruq ever have shared his truths with the other two? Would Amaruq have feel compelled at some point to travel north? Clearly David would have gone with him…would Paul? Or was it more a case of Amaruq and David are friends and David and Paul are friends? And David is romantically interested in Amaruq and vice versa, and Paul is simply a good friend to David, or even to both? If Paul is in the city and Amaruq is in the north, does David travel back and forth between the two? So many possibilities.
I also, having only read the Bachelor and Valet entry to this series before this one, spent a lot of this tale wondering if David was going to turn out to have some sort of unknown-beforehand magical ability involving dreams or speaking to the dead, maybe…but apparently not. Meanwhile, Amaruq’s powers seem almost godlike in breadth and depth and limitlessness, and almost elemental in the truest sense of the word - sort of world-shaping.
Except for the poinsettia at the end. That felt off. Poinsettias are subtropical flowers and it seemed odd to me that someone whose magical abilities won’t even work outside the far north unless it is cold or snowing would pull a southern - or rather a closer-to-the-equator bloom out of a piece of wood.
However, I loved the character development for Amaruq - his silences and how David felt about him, and how Amaruq’s leaving damaged David’s trust…not so much in Amaruq as in his own sense of Amaruq and what their relationship was and had meant. It’s a subtle but important distinction, and I loved that Powell made it, and how it comes up and rankles at David, and thus the reader.
I also kind of wonder how the original threesome of friends might have played out if Paul had lived. This whole story could have been told without Paul in it. He’s an odd addition, who in some ways makes the story feel more real and true because he makes it messy and forces the reader to acknowledge the antithesis of that central romance trope: happily ever after, generally with a one-and-only type of love that probably doesn’t truly exist in real life. Romance is fantasy with or without magic, after all. Paul’s inclusion makes me wonder, what if he had lived? What if no one threatened Amaruq? Would the three of them have become a romantic threesome in the city? Would Amaruq ever have shared his truths with the other two? Would Amaruq have feel compelled at some point to travel north? Clearly David would have gone with him…would Paul? Or was it more a case of Amaruq and David are friends and David and Paul are friends? And David is romantically interested in Amaruq and vice versa, and Paul is simply a good friend to David, or even to both? If Paul is in the city and Amaruq is in the north, does David travel back and forth between the two? So many possibilities.
I also, having only read the Bachelor and Valet entry to this series before this one, spent a lot of this tale wondering if David was going to turn out to have some sort of unknown-beforehand magical ability involving dreams or speaking to the dead, maybe…but apparently not. Meanwhile, Amaruq’s powers seem almost godlike in breadth and depth and limitlessness, and almost elemental in the truest sense of the word - sort of world-shaping.
Except for the poinsettia at the end. That felt off. Poinsettias are subtropical flowers and it seemed odd to me that someone whose magical abilities won’t even work outside the far north unless it is cold or snowing would pull a southern - or rather a closer-to-the-equator bloom out of a piece of wood.
However, I loved the character development for Amaruq - his silences and how David felt about him, and how Amaruq’s leaving damaged David’s trust…not so much in Amaruq as in his own sense of Amaruq and what their relationship was and had meant. It’s a subtle but important distinction, and I loved that Powell made it, and how it comes up and rankles at David, and thus the reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 30, 2025The romance in this one was pretty underwhelming and I don’t think this is Arden Powell’s best writing (lots of telling not showing), but the best part is definitely the way this book talks about the land and spirituality.
One of the MCs is indigenous (which I’ve never read before in a historical romance) and there’s a lot of beautiful musings on connections to land and animals and using the fictional magic system in this universe to give a physical embodiment to indigenous spirituality.
“The Northern Lights swayed like ocean currents against the velvety blanket of stars. Tipping his head back, David stared at them through the cave mouth and felt insignificant. The mountains, the snow, the wolves, the lights: they had been here before him and they would be here long after. But somehow, his insignificance didn't feel as lonely in the North as it had in southern Ontario. There, he had been an easily-replaced cog in a churning machine that chewed people up and spat them out without even bothering to learn their names. Paul had a plain gravestone in a crowded cemetery and one day, that would be all that was left of David, too. At least in the North, he felt connected to the land around him.” (Powell, 76)
One of the MCs is indigenous (which I’ve never read before in a historical romance) and there’s a lot of beautiful musings on connections to land and animals and using the fictional magic system in this universe to give a physical embodiment to indigenous spirituality.
“The Northern Lights swayed like ocean currents against the velvety blanket of stars. Tipping his head back, David stared at them through the cave mouth and felt insignificant. The mountains, the snow, the wolves, the lights: they had been here before him and they would be here long after. But somehow, his insignificance didn't feel as lonely in the North as it had in southern Ontario. There, he had been an easily-replaced cog in a churning machine that chewed people up and spat them out without even bothering to learn their names. Paul had a plain gravestone in a crowded cemetery and one day, that would be all that was left of David, too. At least in the North, he felt connected to the land around him.” (Powell, 76)
January 23, 2025
Unique, city boy and wilderness boy (Pop Gap?) best-friends-to-lovers story with low key supernatural elements.
Amaruq flees the big city leaving his nearly life long best friend with only a flimsy, incredibly vague note. Said best friend David spends months in brutal north country tracking him down with nothing but insufficient gear and a small carved bear. Once David tracks him down, the pair and a rambunctious dog settle in for the harsh winter months. What pushes them apart outweighs what brings them together, that is until David opens up to the beauty of the wilderness and Amaruq lets his sky high walls fall. David chips away at Amaruq’s reserved nature, and he in turn convinces David that busy city life was spiritually and personally hollow after their good friend’s passing. They both grieve the loss of a friend to the unjust oppressive laws and ultimately break themselves free of societal and internal homophobic pressures.
The story has a beautiful message, but is sparse on the intimate details. That being said there are so many adorable, harrowing, and awe-inspiring moments in this short book. Both the snowed-in pressure and forced-proximity intimacy tropes are present, but the pair’s story amounts to so much more than that. Solstice Cabin is a great read for anyone looking for a gentle close quarters story that delves into social inequity, first nations beliefs, and extensive self-policing of desire.
Amaruq flees the big city leaving his nearly life long best friend with only a flimsy, incredibly vague note. Said best friend David spends months in brutal north country tracking him down with nothing but insufficient gear and a small carved bear. Once David tracks him down, the pair and a rambunctious dog settle in for the harsh winter months. What pushes them apart outweighs what brings them together, that is until David opens up to the beauty of the wilderness and Amaruq lets his sky high walls fall. David chips away at Amaruq’s reserved nature, and he in turn convinces David that busy city life was spiritually and personally hollow after their good friend’s passing. They both grieve the loss of a friend to the unjust oppressive laws and ultimately break themselves free of societal and internal homophobic pressures.
The story has a beautiful message, but is sparse on the intimate details. That being said there are so many adorable, harrowing, and awe-inspiring moments in this short book. Both the snowed-in pressure and forced-proximity intimacy tropes are present, but the pair’s story amounts to so much more than that. Solstice Cabin is a great read for anyone looking for a gentle close quarters story that delves into social inequity, first nations beliefs, and extensive self-policing of desire.
January 16, 2023
The cover is really the only thing this has going for it. It’s a novella but I could not get through it even for this short of a story. Essentially the whole premise is David asking/begging his friend to explain himself and said friend refusing while being angsty about it. That’s the story until the end I suppose where it all works out because he finally tells David what’s up.
The other point is that it started out just so highly unbelievable and I don’t mean the magic. It’s the 1900-1920s and David, without having a clue where he’s going, no wilderness experience and no experience being near the arctic circle goes on a quest to find him?? Like after he makes it, we discover that David can’t handle the cold and only has Toronto winter gear, a flimsy tent and a sleeping bag which he used to sleep in -10F weather. There is no way I can believe this journey ended in anything but a dead frozen David
The other point is that it started out just so highly unbelievable and I don’t mean the magic. It’s the 1900-1920s and David, without having a clue where he’s going, no wilderness experience and no experience being near the arctic circle goes on a quest to find him?? Like after he makes it, we discover that David can’t handle the cold and only has Toronto winter gear, a flimsy tent and a sleeping bag which he used to sleep in -10F weather. There is no way I can believe this journey ended in anything but a dead frozen David
March 23, 2023
3.25⭐
"... When I left," Amaruq said, "you were at the forefront of my mind." With his heart in his mouth, David whispered, "Why?" "That's where you always were."
Another sweet installment from this historical romance series but this time with more angst and pining. 🤌🏻
✔️ M/M Friends to lovers
✔️ I hate you for making me chase you down in the middle of nowhere, but wait just kidding, I've been in love with you for years.
✔️ Alone in the wilderness of Northern Canada
✔️ One bed to stay toasty
✔️ Sweet wolf-doggy companion
I almost wish this one had been longer. More pining! More tension! More pretending that they aren't hopelessly in love with one another! (Also the whole backstory is very tragic)
I loved Amaruq's magic and the connection with his indigenous culture.
And I can't forget Nukka because she is a good girl 🥹❤️
CW: suicide of a supporting character before the events of the book take place.
"... When I left," Amaruq said, "you were at the forefront of my mind." With his heart in his mouth, David whispered, "Why?" "That's where you always were."
Another sweet installment from this historical romance series but this time with more angst and pining. 🤌🏻
✔️ M/M Friends to lovers
✔️ I hate you for making me chase you down in the middle of nowhere, but wait just kidding, I've been in love with you for years.
✔️ Alone in the wilderness of Northern Canada
✔️ One bed to stay toasty
✔️ Sweet wolf-doggy companion
I almost wish this one had been longer. More pining! More tension! More pretending that they aren't hopelessly in love with one another! (Also the whole backstory is very tragic)
I loved Amaruq's magic and the connection with his indigenous culture.
And I can't forget Nukka because she is a good girl 🥹❤️
CW: suicide of a supporting character before the events of the book take place.
March 29, 2024
Unfortunately, this novella didn't work for me at all. The romance plot was one of those typical "we've been pining in silence for years now and both suppressed it for yea— oh wait, we've been stupid, we're happily together and in love now" cases, and those hardly ever work for me. In addition to that, I have some serious questions about the backstory of the love interest, Amaruq, and the story of the disappearance of his parents. No matter what, it makes no sense to leave behind your twelve-year-old child to fend for himself in a big city and for him to subsequently forgive his parents. 1.5/5 stars.
[Book 5 read for the Trans Rights Readathon 2024]
[Book 5 read for the Trans Rights Readathon 2024]
August 11, 2025
3.5 rounded up
I mostly enjoyed it. I like friends to lovers stories anyway, and this was a cozy vibe. The only real issues I had was it was late, late in the book before David was described at all and by that point, I already had a firm picture of him in my mind that agreed not at all with the physical description in the book. And, secondly, the fact that there are a couple instances that conversations were not had, solely to prolong drama, even if the conversation should had been had at that point. In fact, miscommunication was kind of a theme in this book and... I've just talked my rating down a half star.
I mostly enjoyed it. I like friends to lovers stories anyway, and this was a cozy vibe. The only real issues I had was it was late, late in the book before David was described at all and by that point, I already had a firm picture of him in my mind that agreed not at all with the physical description in the book. And, secondly, the fact that there are a couple instances that conversations were not had, solely to prolong drama, even if the conversation should had been had at that point. In fact, miscommunication was kind of a theme in this book and... I've just talked my rating down a half star.
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