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Stories of Gereon #2
Boy of Shadows
A scarred boy.A power struggle.A unique bird.
And painful longing for love.
Tristan’s father has abused him since he was a small child, leaving his body scarred and in constant pain. But no matter much Father tries, torture doesn’t keep Tristan from falling in love with simple field worker Will. Falling in love? Easy. But showing Will his flaws? No. Damaged in both body and mind, he sends Will away, unwilling to let him see more weakness.
Alone and filled with self-hatred, Tristan must face the ambitious Overster Garrensor and his disdainful son—but all he wants is Will.
This novel is about forgiving yourself and that accepting friendship and love from others isn’t a sign of weakness, but strength. Contains another good helping of boys blind to their own best, hurt/comfort, and a gay relationship. It is the second novel in the series Stories of Gereon, taking place toward the end of Stone of Shadows and onward. Please read the trigger warnings if you need to, available on my website.
And painful longing for love.
Tristan’s father has abused him since he was a small child, leaving his body scarred and in constant pain. But no matter much Father tries, torture doesn’t keep Tristan from falling in love with simple field worker Will. Falling in love? Easy. But showing Will his flaws? No. Damaged in both body and mind, he sends Will away, unwilling to let him see more weakness.
Alone and filled with self-hatred, Tristan must face the ambitious Overster Garrensor and his disdainful son—but all he wants is Will.
This novel is about forgiving yourself and that accepting friendship and love from others isn’t a sign of weakness, but strength. Contains another good helping of boys blind to their own best, hurt/comfort, and a gay relationship. It is the second novel in the series Stories of Gereon, taking place toward the end of Stone of Shadows and onward. Please read the trigger warnings if you need to, available on my website.
- GenresM M RomanceFantasy
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2023
32 people want to read
About the author
Camilla Vavruch
17 books34 followersMeet Camilla Vavruch, a multitasking marvel and dragon-lover extraordinaire! By day, she’s a medical doctor. By night (and early morning and lunch breaks), she unleashes her wild imagination as a writer of fantasy novels filled with magic and, of course, dragons of all shapes and sizes.
Camilla is the author of two series, The Elemental Saga and Stories of Gereon. Both are set in the same universe, but with entirely different characters and focus. All of Camilla’s stories include found family (her favorite trope!), at least a touch of hurt/comfort, and a healthy dose of fantastical creatures.
When she’s not slaying dragons on the page, Camilla is also a mom of three (who somehow still finds time to sleep), a web and graphic designer, and a lover of all things creative – from writing to drawing and photography. It’s a wonder she has any time left to breathe, but Camilla wouldn’t have it any other way.
Join her on her wild and fantastical journey through life!
Camilla is the author of two series, The Elemental Saga and Stories of Gereon. Both are set in the same universe, but with entirely different characters and focus. All of Camilla’s stories include found family (her favorite trope!), at least a touch of hurt/comfort, and a healthy dose of fantastical creatures.
When she’s not slaying dragons on the page, Camilla is also a mom of three (who somehow still finds time to sleep), a web and graphic designer, and a lover of all things creative – from writing to drawing and photography. It’s a wonder she has any time left to breathe, but Camilla wouldn’t have it any other way.
Join her on her wild and fantastical journey through life!
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 2, 2024
If you want to feel something: read this book!
The story is told from Tristan's pov, and it overlaps the period after the big incident in book 1, after which Tristan and Will don't speak for 2 months. We get a more indepth look into Tristans feelings about the abuse he endured at the hands of his father and how he comes to grips with the realisation that many people were aware of what was happening to him and that nobody did anything to help him - until Will came along.
As someone who has suffered abuse from my parents throughout my childhood, I found this a beautiful and respectful story. I appreciated the way the author put Tristans feelings on the forefront. He recounts the abuse, but it's never traumaporn. This is a beautiful story about healing after trauma, finding love and family. I also really enjoyed the subplot with the fantastical birds and the friendship with the prince.
I think this is a wonderful story for anyone who's looking for a YA LGBTQI+ friendly story, with a historical, magical realism setting.
•••
I received an ARC from the author. My opinions are my own.
The story is told from Tristan's pov, and it overlaps the period after the big incident in book 1, after which Tristan and Will don't speak for 2 months. We get a more indepth look into Tristans feelings about the abuse he endured at the hands of his father and how he comes to grips with the realisation that many people were aware of what was happening to him and that nobody did anything to help him - until Will came along.
As someone who has suffered abuse from my parents throughout my childhood, I found this a beautiful and respectful story. I appreciated the way the author put Tristans feelings on the forefront. He recounts the abuse, but it's never traumaporn. This is a beautiful story about healing after trauma, finding love and family. I also really enjoyed the subplot with the fantastical birds and the friendship with the prince.
I think this is a wonderful story for anyone who's looking for a YA LGBTQI+ friendly story, with a historical, magical realism setting.
•••
I received an ARC from the author. My opinions are my own.
January 22, 2024
I loved the continuation of this story. Reading the story through Tristans eyes was so interesting. I appreciate the emotional and physical trauma he experienced and seeing how he was dealing with it and that it wasn't just swept away. There were some heartbreaking parts of finding out how many people knew and did nothing to help him but so much more triumph as he finds true love and friendship. Seeing him come into himself while still struggling is really powerful as so many people can relate to finding their own path through tragedy. Ya appropriate, LGBT friendly. I highly recommend this book to someone looking for a heartwarming series.
December 12, 2023
BOY OF SHADOWS overlaps with Stone of Shadows, but this time we hear from Tristan. What a story he has to tell! I loved the overlap! Seeing it through Tristan's eyes made it much more real, especially when you get an inside view of just what Tristan went through. My heart broke for him when he realised how many people had known what was going on and no one had acted on his behalf.
The relationship between Will and Tristan continues to grow, already being exactly what Tristan needs. The caring and compassionate nature of Will means he does everything he can to help. Their relationship doesn't feel out of balance in any way, because I know Tristan would do anything to help Will.
I loved the new characters--especially Orson and Liam. I'm hoping to see more of them in the future. The pacing was perfect and it was an absolute page-turner. I'm so happy the author returned to this world. An outstanding book that I read in one sitting, as it was just too good to put down.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
The relationship between Will and Tristan continues to grow, already being exactly what Tristan needs. The caring and compassionate nature of Will means he does everything he can to help. Their relationship doesn't feel out of balance in any way, because I know Tristan would do anything to help Will.
I loved the new characters--especially Orson and Liam. I'm hoping to see more of them in the future. The pacing was perfect and it was an absolute page-turner. I'm so happy the author returned to this world. An outstanding book that I read in one sitting, as it was just too good to put down.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
January 6, 2024
Fabulous book in this series. If I haven't read lost wings I would go read that one as well
December 8, 2024
This series is like a cosy blanket and hot chocolate, it's wholesome, comforting and heartwarming, and Will and Tristan's relationship is so sweet, it can endure anything.
Following the events in Stone of Shadows told from Will's POV, this story follows Tristan's POV and his journey in overcoming his trauma, embracing his feelings for Will, and adjusting to his new role as Overster.
It's a beautiful story about hope and love, and a fun adventure with drama, uncovering secrets and exposing villains.
This is written so beautifully, and it shows the vulnerability and rawness of what Tristan has endured and survived, coupled with the unwavering support, love and care from Will.
It was lovely seeing more of Tristan's personality in this story, as well as being introduced to new characters, and the intriguing Prince Orson.
Shade is also such an amazing animal companion with unique abilities which adds to the enchanting fantasy elements of this world.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story, and very excited for the next book's adventures!
(The cover art for this series is stunning)
Honest and Voluntary ARC review ❤️
Following the events in Stone of Shadows told from Will's POV, this story follows Tristan's POV and his journey in overcoming his trauma, embracing his feelings for Will, and adjusting to his new role as Overster.
It's a beautiful story about hope and love, and a fun adventure with drama, uncovering secrets and exposing villains.
This is written so beautifully, and it shows the vulnerability and rawness of what Tristan has endured and survived, coupled with the unwavering support, love and care from Will.
It was lovely seeing more of Tristan's personality in this story, as well as being introduced to new characters, and the intriguing Prince Orson.
Shade is also such an amazing animal companion with unique abilities which adds to the enchanting fantasy elements of this world.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story, and very excited for the next book's adventures!
(The cover art for this series is stunning)
Honest and Voluntary ARC review ❤️
November 19, 2023
‘Love is not unnatural’
Boy of Shadows by Camilla Vavruch is the second book in the stories of Gereon series.
While book one follows Will Park, this one follows his friend Tristan Arrington. Camilla does a wonderful job of creating parallels between Will and Tristans different tormentors, showing how no matter your background there will always be people who are tough to deal with.
The rawness and honesty with which Vavruch describes trauma and immerses the reader into Tristans mindset is very refreshing. Many times authors graze over tough subjects or push away true feelings, but reading something that I have experienced made me connect all the more to these characters.
I love reading Lgbt+ novels and series, and ones that showcase soft boy love has my heart each time. Reading about boys not afraid to stand up for what they want and believe in, but also comfortable enough to let their walls down around those they love is a good break from all the rough and tough male characters in books nowadays.
This is the second time I have worked with Camilla as an ARC reader for this series, and each time I love diving into this world of hers. Go check out Boy of Shadows, available December 12th! I cant recommend it enough 🫶🏼
Boy of Shadows by Camilla Vavruch is the second book in the stories of Gereon series.
While book one follows Will Park, this one follows his friend Tristan Arrington. Camilla does a wonderful job of creating parallels between Will and Tristans different tormentors, showing how no matter your background there will always be people who are tough to deal with.
The rawness and honesty with which Vavruch describes trauma and immerses the reader into Tristans mindset is very refreshing. Many times authors graze over tough subjects or push away true feelings, but reading something that I have experienced made me connect all the more to these characters.
I love reading Lgbt+ novels and series, and ones that showcase soft boy love has my heart each time. Reading about boys not afraid to stand up for what they want and believe in, but also comfortable enough to let their walls down around those they love is a good break from all the rough and tough male characters in books nowadays.
This is the second time I have worked with Camilla as an ARC reader for this series, and each time I love diving into this world of hers. Go check out Boy of Shadows, available December 12th! I cant recommend it enough 🫶🏼
February 13, 2024
Expected more
I enjoyed the continuation of Will and Tristan's romance, but I might have entered this with too high expectations.
First of all, still no development around the dragons. This is a world where dragons can just swoop in and eat people, but the royal council spends the entire book discussing international trade. I did not appreciate ignoring the dragons.
Second, too much focus on Tristan's self-pity. He did not feel like the same character. Trauma is one thing but he felt like he didn't know how to function in civilized society. In the previous book at least he could pretend. He became more bearable when he reunited with Will halfway into the book, but getting there took a lot of effort for me.
Despite all that, the writing was good, Shade was awesome, and when Will and Tristan were together they were adorable. Boy of shadows could have been better and I think it should have been longer.
I enjoyed the continuation of Will and Tristan's romance, but I might have entered this with too high expectations.
First of all, still no development around the dragons. This is a world where dragons can just swoop in and eat people, but the royal council spends the entire book discussing international trade. I did not appreciate ignoring the dragons.
Second, too much focus on Tristan's self-pity. He did not feel like the same character. Trauma is one thing but he felt like he didn't know how to function in civilized society. In the previous book at least he could pretend. He became more bearable when he reunited with Will halfway into the book, but getting there took a lot of effort for me.
Despite all that, the writing was good, Shade was awesome, and when Will and Tristan were together they were adorable. Boy of shadows could have been better and I think it should have been longer.
November 20, 2023
Boy of Shadow, a continuation of the characters we grew to love in the first novella, grow to love themselves. With Tristain being the main focus of this Novella, we really took a hard look at the scars both on the surface and beneath. The trauma that he suffered from and the obstacles and lasting damage that a person must suffer through made for a really touching read.
The fantasy element is both classic and unique and blended together rather nicely. If you read the first book than I don't need to tell you to read this one because I'm sure you will be as hook as I was.
The fantasy element is both classic and unique and blended together rather nicely. If you read the first book than I don't need to tell you to read this one because I'm sure you will be as hook as I was.
January 23, 2024
The second book as good as the first put on a different plan.
The book took a turn and not in a bad way. More in a intriguing and interesting way.
The change, the struggle, the hardship, the love and trust are noticeable like you are in the room with them. The past that wakes you up and linger around, the warmth of trust and support that makes you keep going on.
Camilla did not lose the spirit and feeling from the first book, she enhanced the feeling on a deeper level.
I can not wait to get my hands on the third book.
The book took a turn and not in a bad way. More in a intriguing and interesting way.
The change, the struggle, the hardship, the love and trust are noticeable like you are in the room with them. The past that wakes you up and linger around, the warmth of trust and support that makes you keep going on.
Camilla did not lose the spirit and feeling from the first book, she enhanced the feeling on a deeper level.
I can not wait to get my hands on the third book.
August 24, 2024
Boy of Shadows is a beautiful sequel to Stone of Shadows. The story has some overlap, and normally I'm not a fan of that, but it worked well here, and I didn't feel like I was reading things twice. It was interesting to get a glimpse into Tristan's mind and to see how Will helps him deal with his traumas. Sometimes his thoughts felt a bit repetitive, though it's understandable that his father's words often resurface. The characters had enough depth for this novella/short novel, and the storyline was also nicely compact. In short: a solid sequel!
July 28, 2024
The exploration of Tristan and the trauma he has feels personal to me. Will is there to love him through all that self-hatred, and it's heart-warming to see the level of devotion they have to each other. Loved the suspense and once again, a feet-kicking and giggling experience!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews