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Tangled Threads: Poison
All of life is connected by a web of invisible threads. Magic is made by those who navigate through it and make connections.
In the isolated mountainous kingdom of Stone Roll, Prince Snow bears the weight of expectations and the icy burden of his own mysterious power - or lack thereof. Amid a royal ball designed to solidify his future and strengthen alliances, Snow grapples with his true desires for freedom and adventure, and a kingdom in need of hope.
Before Snow's destiny is set in stone, the enigmatic Prince Ali arrives. Old friendships rekindle and emotions ignite. Their connection transcends tradition and duty, but with alliances at stake, love and freedom may come at a cost neither prince is willing to pay.
Just as all seems possible and a happy ending approaches, Prince Snow's father is suddenly murdered, and the blame points of Ali's kingdom. As political tensions rise and magic and betrayal simmers beneath the surface, Snow must confront his fears, his kingdom's future, and the question of whether love can truly conquer all.
In the isolated mountainous kingdom of Stone Roll, Prince Snow bears the weight of expectations and the icy burden of his own mysterious power - or lack thereof. Amid a royal ball designed to solidify his future and strengthen alliances, Snow grapples with his true desires for freedom and adventure, and a kingdom in need of hope.
Before Snow's destiny is set in stone, the enigmatic Prince Ali arrives. Old friendships rekindle and emotions ignite. Their connection transcends tradition and duty, but with alliances at stake, love and freedom may come at a cost neither prince is willing to pay.
Just as all seems possible and a happy ending approaches, Prince Snow's father is suddenly murdered, and the blame points of Ali's kingdom. As political tensions rise and magic and betrayal simmers beneath the surface, Snow must confront his fears, his kingdom's future, and the question of whether love can truly conquer all.
- GenresGayFantasyFairy Tales
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2025
1 person is currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Calw Walker
1 book4 followersCalw resides in Japan where he's a college professor, stand-up comedian, and improv actor.
He often does all his writing on his lunch breaks. When not writing, he's a raving metalhead and gamer. He looks forward mostly to his next trip abroad and adding whichever nation's Taco Bell to his international ranking. Portugal has yet to be beaten.
He often does all his writing on his lunch breaks. When not writing, he's a raving metalhead and gamer. He looks forward mostly to his next trip abroad and adding whichever nation's Taco Bell to his international ranking. Portugal has yet to be beaten.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 19, 2025
Tangled Threads is a queer fantasy novel that is very intimate, with multilayered characters and lots of heart and heat. The story revolves around the forbidden love between two princes: Prince Ali of Nayzaria, who is warm-blooded and a fire-wielder, and Prince Snow of Stone Roll, who is quiet and emotionally repressed.
The problem the two face is that they are living in a world where no one will accept this kind of relationship — especially since they are heirs, expected to marry women and eventually produce heirs of their own. Ali’s sister, Princess Paribanu, is Snow’s bride-to-be. This makes things even more complicated for the two lovers.
I’ll do my best not to reveal any spoilers here. However, I think it’s worth talking about how the magic system and adventures in this book compare to those in both epic and non-epic fantasy novels I’ve read. The magic in Tangled Threads doesn’t follow any structured system. It’s a minimalist kind of magic, rooted in elemental and personal power. Ali is born of fire — warm and emotionally open — while Snow is born of ice, unnaturally cold and withdrawn. There’s an elemental pairing here, where both magic types manifest through touch, temperature, and sensation.
This magic might feel subtle on the surface, but it has emotional depth. It becomes a catalyst for the characters' attraction and evolving relationship. Ali’s touch brings warmth to Snow — not just physically, but emotionally. You can think of their magic not only as power, but as a metaphor for personality, emotion, and connection.
As for adventure, don’t expect quests, monster hunts, or sweeping journeys. The story is centered on court intrigue and forbidden romance. Most of the plot unfolds in and around Stone Roll Palace. This gives the reader a feeling of being trapped alongside the characters — which really helps you connect to their struggles and vulnerabilities.
The author didn’t just do a fantastic job with the main couple. The supporting characters are well-written too. Paribanu stood out to me — she’s young, but dignified and wise beyond her years. She’s not portrayed as a jealous obstacle but as someone quietly navigating the same oppressive system. She became one of my favorite characters alongside Ali and Snow.
Because this is a love story, the steamy scenes are important — and Calw Walker handled them brilliantly. The sex scenes are explicit enough to arouse the reader, but they’re not pornographic. I personally enjoy pornographic erotica — as many of you know — but only when it fits the story. Here, the sensual and emotionally charged approach was the right call. It made the scenes more meaningful and better aligned with the tone of the book.
What makes these scenes even more intense is the chemistry between Snow and Ali. Their lovemaking feels rebellious — a way of breaking the rules and reclaiming themselves. It’s through these moments of intimacy that they let down their guard and become their true selves. If you’re an erotic romance reader, you’ll likely appreciate the emotional and sensual depth here. If you’re not into explicit scenes, they are easy to skip — though personally, I wouldn’t recommend it. These scenes are where I truly felt that Snow and Ali were soulmates. Thankfully, the author uses distinct dividers to signal what’s ahead. Flower page breaks indicate upcoming sex scenes, giving readers control over their experience.
Tangled Threads has so much going for it. If I had to criticize something, it would be the lack of resolution. I did wish for a clearer wrap-up. Yes, I know it’s not a standalone, and the emotional climax is strong — but it ends with more questions than answers. I understand this is a technique authors use to build interest for the sequel, and it might work for some readers more than others. Personally, I would have liked a little more closure, even if I’m definitely intrigued for what comes next.
To wrap up this review: Tangled Threads is a beautiful and elegantly written, character-driven queer fantasy. It takes you into a world where people are forced to choose between love and duty, or between staying true to themselves or becoming who society wants them to be. It’s touching, sexy, and full of tension — and it stays with you long after the final page.
The Review
The problem the two face is that they are living in a world where no one will accept this kind of relationship — especially since they are heirs, expected to marry women and eventually produce heirs of their own. Ali’s sister, Princess Paribanu, is Snow’s bride-to-be. This makes things even more complicated for the two lovers.
I’ll do my best not to reveal any spoilers here. However, I think it’s worth talking about how the magic system and adventures in this book compare to those in both epic and non-epic fantasy novels I’ve read. The magic in Tangled Threads doesn’t follow any structured system. It’s a minimalist kind of magic, rooted in elemental and personal power. Ali is born of fire — warm and emotionally open — while Snow is born of ice, unnaturally cold and withdrawn. There’s an elemental pairing here, where both magic types manifest through touch, temperature, and sensation.
This magic might feel subtle on the surface, but it has emotional depth. It becomes a catalyst for the characters' attraction and evolving relationship. Ali’s touch brings warmth to Snow — not just physically, but emotionally. You can think of their magic not only as power, but as a metaphor for personality, emotion, and connection.
As for adventure, don’t expect quests, monster hunts, or sweeping journeys. The story is centered on court intrigue and forbidden romance. Most of the plot unfolds in and around Stone Roll Palace. This gives the reader a feeling of being trapped alongside the characters — which really helps you connect to their struggles and vulnerabilities.
The author didn’t just do a fantastic job with the main couple. The supporting characters are well-written too. Paribanu stood out to me — she’s young, but dignified and wise beyond her years. She’s not portrayed as a jealous obstacle but as someone quietly navigating the same oppressive system. She became one of my favorite characters alongside Ali and Snow.
Because this is a love story, the steamy scenes are important — and Calw Walker handled them brilliantly. The sex scenes are explicit enough to arouse the reader, but they’re not pornographic. I personally enjoy pornographic erotica — as many of you know — but only when it fits the story. Here, the sensual and emotionally charged approach was the right call. It made the scenes more meaningful and better aligned with the tone of the book.
What makes these scenes even more intense is the chemistry between Snow and Ali. Their lovemaking feels rebellious — a way of breaking the rules and reclaiming themselves. It’s through these moments of intimacy that they let down their guard and become their true selves. If you’re an erotic romance reader, you’ll likely appreciate the emotional and sensual depth here. If you’re not into explicit scenes, they are easy to skip — though personally, I wouldn’t recommend it. These scenes are where I truly felt that Snow and Ali were soulmates. Thankfully, the author uses distinct dividers to signal what’s ahead. Flower page breaks indicate upcoming sex scenes, giving readers control over their experience.
Tangled Threads has so much going for it. If I had to criticize something, it would be the lack of resolution. I did wish for a clearer wrap-up. Yes, I know it’s not a standalone, and the emotional climax is strong — but it ends with more questions than answers. I understand this is a technique authors use to build interest for the sequel, and it might work for some readers more than others. Personally, I would have liked a little more closure, even if I’m definitely intrigued for what comes next.
To wrap up this review: Tangled Threads is a beautiful and elegantly written, character-driven queer fantasy. It takes you into a world where people are forced to choose between love and duty, or between staying true to themselves or becoming who society wants them to be. It’s touching, sexy, and full of tension — and it stays with you long after the final page.
The Review
March 22, 2025
*READ THE ADVANCED REVIEW COPY*
You can tell the author wanted this to come out in time for the live action Snow White.
This was still a better experience.
I don’t think I was the intended audience, but it was still a nice adventure.
Note: I’m a straight a guy, and I appreciated the markings for sexual scenes, so I could skip ahead. This was a thoughtful decision from the author, to best accommodate any reader who have trauma with sexual content.
But also, why the dwarf orgy?
You can tell the author wanted this to come out in time for the live action Snow White.
This was still a better experience.
I don’t think I was the intended audience, but it was still a nice adventure.
Note: I’m a straight a guy, and I appreciated the markings for sexual scenes, so I could skip ahead. This was a thoughtful decision from the author, to best accommodate any reader who have trauma with sexual content.
But also, why the dwarf orgy?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2025
Disclaimer: I did get this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
First, I want to say WOW. This book was really good. It had me turning the page, eager to know what was next. I have a lot of thoughts about this book, but overall enjoyed it from beginning to end.
Tangled Threads is a story about the power of love, how much you’ll sacrifice to be with your beloved, betrayal, and the innate power of magic. From the beginning, I adored Snow as a character. How his lack of resolve and fears of being the ruler of Stone Roll shaped him, along with his feelings for Prince Ali, the heir to a kingdom the opposite of his. Fire and Ice are great opposites of each other, and I feel that they really played off one another.
Now, as for the environment, this is where the book shines. Every environment is described in incredible detail. I really got a feel for what happened within the book and enjoyed it a lot. Personally, the worldbuilding and characters had me hooked.
I enjoyed the supporting cast, especially the dwarves, King Chaim and Prince Bambi, and how there are ongoing tensions between the forest and Stone Roll. Seeing that Snow’s father, despite his best intentions, did not create the best relationships for others was interesting. This is manifested in the dwarves, who hate Snow from the get-go. I even laughed in surprise at what the dwarves asked him to do at the end of the chapter they’re introduced (no spoilers, of course!)
As for the lore, it is jam-packed with intriguing fantasy and other details. I loved the alludes to different fairy tales and Shakespearian stories. The nods were great.
Personally, the only area I say needs to be improved is that flashback when they’re in the kingdom of Nayzaria with the Wyrm and Roc. I just felt that’s the one really slow section, even if it did remind me of Dune. Otherwise, it’s action-focused, had some great characters, and the ending climax had me on the edge of my seat.
So my favorite scenes are the altercation between Snow and Fowler and the apple scene. That had chills running down my spine. I had to see what was next! I also liked the scene introducing the dwarves as well because it showed that not all is well between Stone Roll and its neighbors.
Probably my favorite quote of all of this is in chapter 3. It’s so simple, but it really hammers the theme of this book and Snow’s kindness, making him a different kind of ruler. “Perhaps Father was right. Kindness can be a strength.” I feel that this one, and a later one, “‘Love is strength. You need only use it as such,’ he repeated out loud this time,” really drives in the type of protagonist Snow is. A man who is not a fighter but will show up if it means saving those he loves.
The cover’s really good, too. It fits the story without giving too much away.
I’m excited for the next book, whenever that is. If you’re a fan of fantasy stories that put a unique spin on the genre, you’ll love this!
First, I want to say WOW. This book was really good. It had me turning the page, eager to know what was next. I have a lot of thoughts about this book, but overall enjoyed it from beginning to end.
Tangled Threads is a story about the power of love, how much you’ll sacrifice to be with your beloved, betrayal, and the innate power of magic. From the beginning, I adored Snow as a character. How his lack of resolve and fears of being the ruler of Stone Roll shaped him, along with his feelings for Prince Ali, the heir to a kingdom the opposite of his. Fire and Ice are great opposites of each other, and I feel that they really played off one another.
Now, as for the environment, this is where the book shines. Every environment is described in incredible detail. I really got a feel for what happened within the book and enjoyed it a lot. Personally, the worldbuilding and characters had me hooked.
I enjoyed the supporting cast, especially the dwarves, King Chaim and Prince Bambi, and how there are ongoing tensions between the forest and Stone Roll. Seeing that Snow’s father, despite his best intentions, did not create the best relationships for others was interesting. This is manifested in the dwarves, who hate Snow from the get-go. I even laughed in surprise at what the dwarves asked him to do at the end of the chapter they’re introduced (no spoilers, of course!)
As for the lore, it is jam-packed with intriguing fantasy and other details. I loved the alludes to different fairy tales and Shakespearian stories. The nods were great.
Personally, the only area I say needs to be improved is that flashback when they’re in the kingdom of Nayzaria with the Wyrm and Roc. I just felt that’s the one really slow section, even if it did remind me of Dune. Otherwise, it’s action-focused, had some great characters, and the ending climax had me on the edge of my seat.
So my favorite scenes are the altercation between Snow and Fowler and the apple scene. That had chills running down my spine. I had to see what was next! I also liked the scene introducing the dwarves as well because it showed that not all is well between Stone Roll and its neighbors.
Probably my favorite quote of all of this is in chapter 3. It’s so simple, but it really hammers the theme of this book and Snow’s kindness, making him a different kind of ruler. “Perhaps Father was right. Kindness can be a strength.” I feel that this one, and a later one, “‘Love is strength. You need only use it as such,’ he repeated out loud this time,” really drives in the type of protagonist Snow is. A man who is not a fighter but will show up if it means saving those he loves.
The cover’s really good, too. It fits the story without giving too much away.
I’m excited for the next book, whenever that is. If you’re a fan of fantasy stories that put a unique spin on the genre, you’ll love this!
June 19, 2025
Not a review, just a bit about the book. I started writing this during the 2020 Pandemic when I found myself with a lot of free time. With all the chaos around, I threw myself into fairytales, other books, movies, and so on to try and cope with what was happening. So much changed in the five years it took me to finish this, and all of it influenced the writing process.
In the end, Tangled Threads is a dream come true. It is a passion project about honesty, integrity, love, and life. It's the gay fairy tale that I always wanted to read. I hope those feelings come through to the readers.
In the end, Tangled Threads is a dream come true. It is a passion project about honesty, integrity, love, and life. It's the gay fairy tale that I always wanted to read. I hope those feelings come through to the readers.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews