What do you think?
The God Jars Saga #1
Saviors: Duty and Sacrifice 1
Trust is more terrifying than any weapon. Valis' father wants to sacrifice him to the evil God, Qos. His uncle wants to use him as a magical battery and sex slave. All Valis wants is to live in peace, without fear of constant abuse. When he escapes his father's sacrificial knife and runs away, he lands in the camp of his two saviors, Kerac and Darolen, holy Aesriphos warriors powerful enough to put his family in their place. But trusting anyone could be fatal, and the warriors ask the impossible: to sell his father's farmstead and abandon his old life to join their monastery. They're his only hope and when he learns to trust them, they're the father figures he always wanted, but Valis isn't sure he's strong enough to put aside his fear and start over.
266 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2017
About the author
Devon Vesper
49 books248 followersIf there’s one thing Devon likes most, it’s chaos. They have a chaotic mind and a messy house, and they throw their characters into every calamitous situation possible. When they aren’t writing, they’re editing or formatting other authors’ works, building websites, creating graphics, reading, playing video games, or watching Fortnite streams on Twitch. They like to stay busy. So yes. Chaos.
Working full time, Devon spends as much time as they can talking to their readers. So if you want to get in touch with them, join their Facebook Group Devon’s Dreamers’ Den, or their newsletter, or email them directly at devon.vesper@gmail.com.
Working full time, Devon spends as much time as they can talking to their readers. So if you want to get in touch with them, join their Facebook Group Devon’s Dreamers’ Den, or their newsletter, or email them directly at devon.vesper@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 7, 2021
I don't think I will continue. The ending creeped me out. Totally.
Valis, 17yo, can't wait to get away from his abusive SOB of a father, but by the end of the book he gets two(!) new fathers (paladins who saved him): one quick on a "teaching" blow, the other on guilt trips (tears, snot, unhealed bruises on display and all). Sure, they are not trying to kill him, so that might be an improvement.
After saving Valis from his father, the two paladins (100+++ yo each) go on to randomly selling Valis's property. Hey, not my farm, but I am selling it! - really? O.o Is that how it usually goes? But whatevers,
Then they pack gold and valuables on a wagon and set off on a 3(? don't remember now) month journey through dangerous lands and territories. I was worried, but guess what - nothing happened! No adventures on the road except for a couple of minor ones!
As for sex, romance, the 3 men gave each other sympathy hand-jobs freely, the two older men had sex and didn't mind the 17 yo watching. You were thinking of a good mmm romance budding? So did I.
Here is the kicker, though: in the very end the kid ends up calling the paladins "father" and "papa" and they start calling the kid "son". This is m/m/m romance? I didn't see any "daddy" tags. I don't think I can't deal with this! =:( Incest is not my thing even if the parents are adoptive.
There are no real adventures. The little group traveled for 3 long winter months with tons of gold and no real protection and ran into problems only twice, and due to their own stupidity, imho. There was another piece of action with Valis's uncle, due to "Papa"s piss poor attitude and his love for a good cry, but even then, why did it take the uncle 3 months to catch up?
2.5 stars
Sorry for a jumbled review, my brain is mush today. Might edit it later, but I had to get this review out of my system ASAP.
Valis, 17yo, can't wait to get away from his abusive SOB of a father, but by the end of the book he gets two(!) new fathers (paladins who saved him): one quick on a "teaching" blow, the other on guilt trips (tears, snot, unhealed bruises on display and all). Sure, they are not trying to kill him, so that might be an improvement.
After saving Valis from his father, the two paladins (100+++ yo each) go on to randomly selling Valis's property. Hey, not my farm, but I am selling it! - really? O.o Is that how it usually goes? But whatevers,
Then they pack gold and valuables on a wagon and set off on a 3(? don't remember now) month journey through dangerous lands and territories. I was worried, but guess what - nothing happened! No adventures on the road except for a couple of minor ones!
As for sex, romance, the 3 men gave each other sympathy hand-jobs freely, the two older men had sex and didn't mind the 17 yo watching. You were thinking of a good mmm romance budding? So did I.
Here is the kicker, though: in the very end the kid ends up calling the paladins "father" and "papa" and they start calling the kid "son". This is m/m/m romance? I didn't see any "daddy" tags. I don't think I can't deal with this! =:( Incest is not my thing even if the parents are adoptive.
There are no real adventures. The little group traveled for 3 long winter months with tons of gold and no real protection and ran into problems only twice, and due to their own stupidity, imho. There was another piece of action with Valis's uncle, due to "Papa"s piss poor attitude and his love for a good cry, but even then, why did it take the uncle 3 months to catch up?
2.5 stars
Sorry for a jumbled review, my brain is mush today. Might edit it later, but I had to get this review out of my system ASAP.
October 13, 2018
Readers meet Valis as he is trying to outrun his father and tiring. During his race to get away from his father he sends a prayer/plea for help to his pantheon for aid in escaping his father. When it seems all hope is lost Valis comes across two men who turn out to be paladins, known in this book as Aesriphos warriors. The two men, Darolen and Kerac, are able to subdue Valis's father and capture him to bring him back to the monastery to answer for his crimes. Valis is barely of age (just 17 and close to his 18th birthday) and is orphaned so maintaining his homestead would be impossible alone as he doesn't have the skill or manpower. It is suggested to Valis that he sell the only home he knew to start his life anew at the monastery. Valis has a lot of misgivings seeing as his life has been wrought with pain, betrayal and disregard. But when it seems he could fall into the hands of his lecherous uncle, Valis agrees woth trepidation. Their journey isn't an easy one and Valis will have to grow the strength to protect himself, his new found friends/companions and find the strength to change his mindset after years of abuse.
It was a nice start to the series. I liked learning about the world, the characters and their position and life. Valis behavior was erratic and I expected it since he came off as a character who suffered through some horrible abuse and had plenty of fear. That being said his behavior was starting to get a tad annoying. I liked that Darolen showed it at time since it felt like a realistic reaction and helped to make the world the author was building more realistic. Darolen and Kerac were likable characters and they balanced each other off really well. I liked that they were trying and willing to support Valis. That they treated him as a friend and son and showered him with love and were very understanding and willing to teach him about themselves and appease him with information about the monastery.
I do have to warn other readers that Valis doesn't have a romantic love interest in this story yet. The M/M pairing come from Darolen and Kerac who are a mated/married? couple. Though sometimes Valis thoughts points to more than familial affection. For those who want to know if there is any sex scenes there is a few. There wasn't much that I didn't like about the book and frankly I read it all in one day so it just goes to show how interesting it was. I'm looking forward to reviewing the next book.
A free copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
It was a nice start to the series. I liked learning about the world, the characters and their position and life. Valis behavior was erratic and I expected it since he came off as a character who suffered through some horrible abuse and had plenty of fear. That being said his behavior was starting to get a tad annoying. I liked that Darolen showed it at time since it felt like a realistic reaction and helped to make the world the author was building more realistic. Darolen and Kerac were likable characters and they balanced each other off really well. I liked that they were trying and willing to support Valis. That they treated him as a friend and son and showered him with love and were very understanding and willing to teach him about themselves and appease him with information about the monastery.
I do have to warn other readers that Valis doesn't have a romantic love interest in this story yet. The M/M pairing come from Darolen and Kerac who are a mated/married? couple. Though sometimes Valis thoughts points to more than familial affection. For those who want to know if there is any sex scenes there is a few. There wasn't much that I didn't like about the book and frankly I read it all in one day so it just goes to show how interesting it was. I'm looking forward to reviewing the next book.
A free copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2017
This is the first time I've read anything by Devon Vesper, but it won't be the last! I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the second one....buying it today! I loved the story and characters. Very fast paced and well written. I felt like I was in a different world. I'm not going to give anything away, but it made me happy when the bad guy got what he deserved!
July 29, 2019
This, I have a feeling is going to turn out to be one hell of a series. It's off to a very good start. An abused child, trying to hide from his abusive father and perv of an uncle, has nowhere to turn, especially when his father murders his mother for power. Now he's on the run and is saved just in time.
Valis may have been saved my Kerac and Darolen, but he doesn't know how to trust. Being abused as he has been, has left him trying no one and in fear of being hurt at every turn. But they are determined to protect Valis, no matter what. Valis fights at every turn. Every turn. Just when he thinks he can settle and trust them, memories surface or something happens and all the old comes forward and it's back to square one. But he finally gets it. Or starts to. And he is ready to move forward into the new life waiting for him. If they can just make it there alive.
I hate how bad Kerac's heart got hurt so bad in this story. He's such a soft hearted man, but Valis had dealt with so much abuse, he only knew how to cower and finally after too much, lash out. It was a long tough journey for all of them. Kerac and Darolen knew they had to handle Valis with kid gloves, but even that can be wearing after a while. Tempers frayed, feeling hurt. Valis usually realized what he did and apologized, but it was a long battle. He had so much to overcome in such a short time. And added to the fact that people were trying to kill them or his nasty uncle was trying to kidnap him to use him as his boytoy.
But the three of them finally find a rhythm. I had honestly thought as the three of them got closer it would become an intimate relationship, but it turned out really different and I like the way it's going. Kerac and Darolen seem to as well.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/.
Valis may have been saved my Kerac and Darolen, but he doesn't know how to trust. Being abused as he has been, has left him trying no one and in fear of being hurt at every turn. But they are determined to protect Valis, no matter what. Valis fights at every turn. Every turn. Just when he thinks he can settle and trust them, memories surface or something happens and all the old comes forward and it's back to square one. But he finally gets it. Or starts to. And he is ready to move forward into the new life waiting for him. If they can just make it there alive.
I hate how bad Kerac's heart got hurt so bad in this story. He's such a soft hearted man, but Valis had dealt with so much abuse, he only knew how to cower and finally after too much, lash out. It was a long tough journey for all of them. Kerac and Darolen knew they had to handle Valis with kid gloves, but even that can be wearing after a while. Tempers frayed, feeling hurt. Valis usually realized what he did and apologized, but it was a long battle. He had so much to overcome in such a short time. And added to the fact that people were trying to kill them or his nasty uncle was trying to kidnap him to use him as his boytoy.
But the three of them finally find a rhythm. I had honestly thought as the three of them got closer it would become an intimate relationship, but it turned out really different and I like the way it's going. Kerac and Darolen seem to as well.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/.
October 16, 2018
A great beginning.
September 28, 2017
I have to be completely honest here in saying that I was really skeptical when I started reading this book. Some of the lingo really through me at the beginning and I was lost for a little bit on what to expect from this book but I pressed through and kept reading. Turns out this was really an incredible book in the end. Once I started to figure out what was going on I was sucked in.
This is a story about a boy who was neglected and abused by his family as a whole. Valis did not trust anyone to tell him the truth because that is all he has ever known. Lies and Deception. So when two men come riding in and become his savior against his father and then later his uncle, Valis's first instinct was to run and then it was to mistrust.
This made becoming his friend very hard for Darolen and Kerac. Both men wanted to save Valid and show him that life could be different from what he was raised but it was not an easy task to accomplish. Each time they took what felt like a step forward, in return they all went back two more paces. So needless to say it was not an easy task for any of them.
As he threat of danger increased, both Darolen and Kerac realized that unless they taught Calis how to stand up for himself, he could be in harms way. Again one step forward and two steps back scenario all over again.
In the end trust is what gets these men through the worst of their journey. Now they may have a chance at being something more together, a family.
This turned out to be such a great read. Once you are past the first chapter or so the book really starts to take off and you are engrossed in it all the way to the very end. I truly enjoyed this read and cannot wait for the next book to come out. I want to see what is next for these three and where the future is going o take Valis. Very interesting series thus far.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
This is a story about a boy who was neglected and abused by his family as a whole. Valis did not trust anyone to tell him the truth because that is all he has ever known. Lies and Deception. So when two men come riding in and become his savior against his father and then later his uncle, Valis's first instinct was to run and then it was to mistrust.
This made becoming his friend very hard for Darolen and Kerac. Both men wanted to save Valid and show him that life could be different from what he was raised but it was not an easy task to accomplish. Each time they took what felt like a step forward, in return they all went back two more paces. So needless to say it was not an easy task for any of them.
As he threat of danger increased, both Darolen and Kerac realized that unless they taught Calis how to stand up for himself, he could be in harms way. Again one step forward and two steps back scenario all over again.
In the end trust is what gets these men through the worst of their journey. Now they may have a chance at being something more together, a family.
This turned out to be such a great read. Once you are past the first chapter or so the book really starts to take off and you are engrossed in it all the way to the very end. I truly enjoyed this read and cannot wait for the next book to come out. I want to see what is next for these three and where the future is going o take Valis. Very interesting series thus far.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
January 22, 2023
Wow...
I don't understand why some reviewers were confused during this story, when it was so simple yet absolutely wonderful! I've completed it within 12 hours and cannot wait to continue the series!
I don't understand why some reviewers were confused during this story, when it was so simple yet absolutely wonderful! I've completed it within 12 hours and cannot wait to continue the series!
February 21, 2019
I adored this book, absolutely loved the characters. It was a wonderful start to the series and I can't continue the rest.
October 12, 2017
Saviors is the first book in The God Jars Saga by Devon Vesper. I am a huge fantasy buff, which I have mentioned in other reviews. I have read a few fantasy/LGBTQIA books that I loved and a few that tanked. So, when I had the opportunity to review Saviors, I jumped on it. I am glad I did because I loved this book.
Saviors is a somewhat dark book. It starts with Valis running away from his father. He had already sacrificed Valis’s mother and was determined to do the same to Valis. Valis, in his haste to get away, runs into Kerac and Darolen. They are two warriors who serve the god Aesriphos and they live to fight Qos’s evil followers. They rescue Valis. It is after rescuing Valis that a heartbreaking truth comes to light. Valis has been abused to the point where he doesn’t trust anyone….even if they are helping. Kerac and Darolen make the decision to take Valis back to the monastery with them. There he can heal. But the journey to their land is full of danger and some surprising truths about Kerac and Darolen. Truths that will either make Valis trust them and accept them as the fathers that he needs or push them away in fear.
I felt awful for Valis. He had such a hard life up until he met Kerac and Darolen. His father used him as a punching bag. On that horrible night, tried to sacrifice him to the god that he worshipped….Qos. It was a miracle that he ran right into Kerac and Darolen. They protected him and vowed to help him in any way that they can. Valis does not trust them. I mean, he came out of a lifelong abusive relationship with someone who was supposed to protect him. But I liked seeing the trust in Kerac and Darolen emerge in Valis. It reminded me of a butterfly coming out of a chrysalis. It was so fragile and it wavered back forth. I was glad when he finally made the decision to trust them. It was like I was reading a new character.
Kerac and Darolen surprised me. They were two huge warriors with big hearts and in love with each other. They cared for Valis like he was their son. Even when Valis was running away and lashing out, they stood by him and loved him. They showed Valis what love is and what love could be like. I couldn’t have asked for better people to be Valis’s adopted parents. What I liked was how they explained the religion of Aesriphos to Valis after he spied on them making love. It made perfect sense and I loved it.
There is sex in Saviors but it is not graphic. Like I said above, it led into a conversation about the religion that Kerac and Darolen serve. I also loved the fantasy element of Saviors. It made the book. The magic that Kerac and Darolen wield was impressive.
The end of Saviors was somewhat of a cliffhanger but it was good. I have stated in many reviews that I cannot stand cliffhangers. I am going to amend that to I cannot stand cliffhangers that aren’t done right. If they are done right, you need to read the next book. And guess what. Saviors cliffhanger makes me was to read book 2!!
Saviors is a well-written fantasy book that has LGBTQIA elements in it. The plot is fantastic. The characters are fleshed out and grow on you. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
Will I reread: Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes
Age range: Adult
Why: Sex and violence
I would like to thank Devon Vesper and Magelight Press for allowing me to read and review Saviors
All opinions in this review of Saviors are mine
I received no compensation for this review
**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**
Saviors is a somewhat dark book. It starts with Valis running away from his father. He had already sacrificed Valis’s mother and was determined to do the same to Valis. Valis, in his haste to get away, runs into Kerac and Darolen. They are two warriors who serve the god Aesriphos and they live to fight Qos’s evil followers. They rescue Valis. It is after rescuing Valis that a heartbreaking truth comes to light. Valis has been abused to the point where he doesn’t trust anyone….even if they are helping. Kerac and Darolen make the decision to take Valis back to the monastery with them. There he can heal. But the journey to their land is full of danger and some surprising truths about Kerac and Darolen. Truths that will either make Valis trust them and accept them as the fathers that he needs or push them away in fear.
I felt awful for Valis. He had such a hard life up until he met Kerac and Darolen. His father used him as a punching bag. On that horrible night, tried to sacrifice him to the god that he worshipped….Qos. It was a miracle that he ran right into Kerac and Darolen. They protected him and vowed to help him in any way that they can. Valis does not trust them. I mean, he came out of a lifelong abusive relationship with someone who was supposed to protect him. But I liked seeing the trust in Kerac and Darolen emerge in Valis. It reminded me of a butterfly coming out of a chrysalis. It was so fragile and it wavered back forth. I was glad when he finally made the decision to trust them. It was like I was reading a new character.
Kerac and Darolen surprised me. They were two huge warriors with big hearts and in love with each other. They cared for Valis like he was their son. Even when Valis was running away and lashing out, they stood by him and loved him. They showed Valis what love is and what love could be like. I couldn’t have asked for better people to be Valis’s adopted parents. What I liked was how they explained the religion of Aesriphos to Valis after he spied on them making love. It made perfect sense and I loved it.
There is sex in Saviors but it is not graphic. Like I said above, it led into a conversation about the religion that Kerac and Darolen serve. I also loved the fantasy element of Saviors. It made the book. The magic that Kerac and Darolen wield was impressive.
The end of Saviors was somewhat of a cliffhanger but it was good. I have stated in many reviews that I cannot stand cliffhangers. I am going to amend that to I cannot stand cliffhangers that aren’t done right. If they are done right, you need to read the next book. And guess what. Saviors cliffhanger makes me was to read book 2!!
Saviors is a well-written fantasy book that has LGBTQIA elements in it. The plot is fantastic. The characters are fleshed out and grow on you. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
Will I reread: Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes
Age range: Adult
Why: Sex and violence
I would like to thank Devon Vesper and Magelight Press for allowing me to read and review Saviors
All opinions in this review of Saviors are mine
I received no compensation for this review
**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**
December 29, 2019
4.5 🌟 rounded up
It's not often I find an MM fantasy series. It's even more rare to find a decent one. But, when the opportunity to read a Nine book MM fantasy series is placed in front of me, I'm not going to turn it down. This is a new author to me, but I like what I've read so far. This book was an excellent introduction to what has the promise to be an epic fantasy series.
Valis, whom I believe is to be our overall main character, hasn't quite reached his majority yet when the story opens. In fact, he is running for his life from the monster that has made his life a living nightmare; his father. Just as he is about to lose all hope, he literally slides into two Paladin, or Aesriphos, as they are known in this world. When his father turns on the charm, Valis reveals that his father is a follower of Qos, and the Aesriphos immediately put him in stasis.
The two holy magic wielding warriors introduce themselves as Kerac and Darolen, and lead Valis back to deal with a daunting task. Once completed, the two men realize that Valis won't be able to run the homestead on his own, and after learning that his uncle is also a follower of Qos, tell Valis about the monastery from which they hale, and explain why he should sell his home and journey with them.
But after years of abuse and neglect, Valis doesn't trust kindness. He doesn't believe in good intentions or honesty. He lashes out, and only realizes that Kerac might be true by his reaction. When an attack puts the Aesriphos in danger, Valis sees the true devotion between the two men. Is possible that he could learn to trust them?
They set off on a long and arduous journey, with danger dogging there trail. Along the way, the men teach Valis more about where they are going, and Valis learns exactly how close the relationship between Kerac and Darolen is. He slowly begins to trust, maybe even more, but soon something brings back memories, and once again, the process must begin all over. When an incident overwhelms Valis's senses, he once again lashes out, but this time Darolen pushes back. This situation lends credibility to the story, as up to this point, the two men have been more than patient, with Kerac's soft heart being battered time and again.
The author sets a good pace through their travels, never making the story feel drawn out or drag. The characters are well developed, and although the relationship between the three characters is unique, it never leads to what could have been. Instead it leads to a family unit being formed, with strong bonds between the two mates and their adopted son, Valis. The ending is just the beginning, and I am excited to see what happens next. There are some sexy times, but not overwhelming the storyline. There is plenty of action for a first introduction, danger, and some angst. But it ends with the hope of better things to come, although I am sure that there will be plenty in store for Valis along the way.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
It's not often I find an MM fantasy series. It's even more rare to find a decent one. But, when the opportunity to read a Nine book MM fantasy series is placed in front of me, I'm not going to turn it down. This is a new author to me, but I like what I've read so far. This book was an excellent introduction to what has the promise to be an epic fantasy series.
Valis, whom I believe is to be our overall main character, hasn't quite reached his majority yet when the story opens. In fact, he is running for his life from the monster that has made his life a living nightmare; his father. Just as he is about to lose all hope, he literally slides into two Paladin, or Aesriphos, as they are known in this world. When his father turns on the charm, Valis reveals that his father is a follower of Qos, and the Aesriphos immediately put him in stasis.
The two holy magic wielding warriors introduce themselves as Kerac and Darolen, and lead Valis back to deal with a daunting task. Once completed, the two men realize that Valis won't be able to run the homestead on his own, and after learning that his uncle is also a follower of Qos, tell Valis about the monastery from which they hale, and explain why he should sell his home and journey with them.
But after years of abuse and neglect, Valis doesn't trust kindness. He doesn't believe in good intentions or honesty. He lashes out, and only realizes that Kerac might be true by his reaction. When an attack puts the Aesriphos in danger, Valis sees the true devotion between the two men. Is possible that he could learn to trust them?
They set off on a long and arduous journey, with danger dogging there trail. Along the way, the men teach Valis more about where they are going, and Valis learns exactly how close the relationship between Kerac and Darolen is. He slowly begins to trust, maybe even more, but soon something brings back memories, and once again, the process must begin all over. When an incident overwhelms Valis's senses, he once again lashes out, but this time Darolen pushes back. This situation lends credibility to the story, as up to this point, the two men have been more than patient, with Kerac's soft heart being battered time and again.
The author sets a good pace through their travels, never making the story feel drawn out or drag. The characters are well developed, and although the relationship between the three characters is unique, it never leads to what could have been. Instead it leads to a family unit being formed, with strong bonds between the two mates and their adopted son, Valis. The ending is just the beginning, and I am excited to see what happens next. There are some sexy times, but not overwhelming the storyline. There is plenty of action for a first introduction, danger, and some angst. But it ends with the hope of better things to come, although I am sure that there will be plenty in store for Valis along the way.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
October 4, 2017
**I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it**
I loved it. It was angsty, and heart breakng, but sweet, hilarious, and absolutely filled with adorableness. And some very sexy time in there too. The storyline is solid and and attention grabbing with characters that are believable in their reactions and emotions. The author, Devon Vesper, writes some very affectionate characters and I love it. makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Haha. On another note, the story is easy to follow and understand even with all the undertones of magic and war ravaged countries, it manages to not deviate from the plot.
Valis' character really digs into my heart and kicks me right in the feels. The scenes where he's overcome with emotion, be it fear, rage, happiness, or sorrow, and barely getting a word out is written comprehensively enough that, as a reader, it's still easy for me to relate and feel these emotions right with him. The same could be said of Kerac's character as well. Darolen's character is a lot less emotional but also easy to understand, and connect with even through the negative connotation of being compared to Valis' biological father.
Something that confused me, or maybe left me wondering is a better description, later in the book is how the relationship between the three characters developed. The scene where he witness Kerac and Darolen having sex and is aroused by it, and again later in the novel when he is trying to sleep by himself for the first time in months. It feels like the characters might develop a sexual relationship, not necessarily intercourse but maybe voyeuristic at the least, based how he describes his attraction, or feelings, for the pair. But later in that scene he calls them Father and Papa and views them as paternity figures. Vesper did use the word paternal to describe how they spoke to Valis but only when he was in a distraught state. It leaves me seriously curious as to where that's going in future novels because right now it sounds like the beginning of a serious daddy kink to me. *laughs* BUT maybe I've just read one too many of those. Haha.
Overall the book is nicely put together, well paced, and very entertaining. It reads very much like a prequel, but since it's the first in a 9 book serial that seems right on target or at least acceptable. The ending was satisfying as far as cliffhangers go since it doesn't leave off in the middle of a conflict, but at the start of a brand new beginning for Valis. I'm really looking forward to reading the next novel.
I loved it. It was angsty, and heart breakng, but sweet, hilarious, and absolutely filled with adorableness. And some very sexy time in there too. The storyline is solid and and attention grabbing with characters that are believable in their reactions and emotions. The author, Devon Vesper, writes some very affectionate characters and I love it. makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Haha. On another note, the story is easy to follow and understand even with all the undertones of magic and war ravaged countries, it manages to not deviate from the plot.
Valis' character really digs into my heart and kicks me right in the feels. The scenes where he's overcome with emotion, be it fear, rage, happiness, or sorrow, and barely getting a word out is written comprehensively enough that, as a reader, it's still easy for me to relate and feel these emotions right with him. The same could be said of Kerac's character as well. Darolen's character is a lot less emotional but also easy to understand, and connect with even through the negative connotation of being compared to Valis' biological father.
Something that confused me, or maybe left me wondering is a better description, later in the book is how the relationship between the three characters developed. The scene where he witness Kerac and Darolen having sex and is aroused by it, and again later in the novel when he is trying to sleep by himself for the first time in months. It feels like the characters might develop a sexual relationship, not necessarily intercourse but maybe voyeuristic at the least, based how he describes his attraction, or feelings, for the pair. But later in that scene he calls them Father and Papa and views them as paternity figures. Vesper did use the word paternal to describe how they spoke to Valis but only when he was in a distraught state. It leaves me seriously curious as to where that's going in future novels because right now it sounds like the beginning of a serious daddy kink to me. *laughs* BUT maybe I've just read one too many of those. Haha.
Overall the book is nicely put together, well paced, and very entertaining. It reads very much like a prequel, but since it's the first in a 9 book serial that seems right on target or at least acceptable. The ending was satisfying as far as cliffhangers go since it doesn't leave off in the middle of a conflict, but at the start of a brand new beginning for Valis. I'm really looking forward to reading the next novel.
February 29, 2024
Different
Valis leads a miserable life until the day his father kills his mom and then turns on him. Abuse, he knows and expects. Slaughter is new. But on his flight from the mad mage he meets 2 paladins who rescue him. But is ripping him away from everything familiar a rescue? Or a new kind of torture?
Spoilers ahead.
So, before you dive in thinking 18 is adulthood understand that only applies to humans. Mages age slower. So Valis is 18 going on 11-12. Be prepared for teen angst, hormones, tears, and trauma recovery. He doesn't understand trust in others. Other have always hurt him. Except his mom, who just died. Trigger warnings for that, and his uncle attempting to SA him and keep him as a slave. Warnings also for Valis learning weapons to defend himself and being forced to use said training- with bloody results. This was suggested at the end of a M/M romance I finished and has romantic elements. Just none involving Valis. His protectors are a bonded pair of mage knights. The setting is interesting. There's not a lot of world building. Countries and towns are mentioned as they pass through but not much of any customs, day to day lives (outside of travel), social structures, or anything is mentioned about this world. Character development is thin, too. Valis learns to trust. Eventually. But not before several TSTL moments, and some rage scenes that make you want to shake him. Until you remember that mage 18 is much younger than human 18. The plot is shaky and wanders. They need to get to the compound mage knights train in. They tote along a prisoner in stasis for later questioning but it seems a bit risky to do so that way. I'm also confused as to why the knights can't have families. They can marry a same gender spouse, they can apparently adopt as seen with Valis. So why would they not be allowed to birth their own children? It would add to the ranks, breed in loyalty to their cause of fighting the dark gods, and just doesn't make sense considering everything they revealed to Valis. But the story was still interesting and I plowed through to the end.
Valis leads a miserable life until the day his father kills his mom and then turns on him. Abuse, he knows and expects. Slaughter is new. But on his flight from the mad mage he meets 2 paladins who rescue him. But is ripping him away from everything familiar a rescue? Or a new kind of torture?
Spoilers ahead.
So, before you dive in thinking 18 is adulthood understand that only applies to humans. Mages age slower. So Valis is 18 going on 11-12. Be prepared for teen angst, hormones, tears, and trauma recovery. He doesn't understand trust in others. Other have always hurt him. Except his mom, who just died. Trigger warnings for that, and his uncle attempting to SA him and keep him as a slave. Warnings also for Valis learning weapons to defend himself and being forced to use said training- with bloody results. This was suggested at the end of a M/M romance I finished and has romantic elements. Just none involving Valis. His protectors are a bonded pair of mage knights. The setting is interesting. There's not a lot of world building. Countries and towns are mentioned as they pass through but not much of any customs, day to day lives (outside of travel), social structures, or anything is mentioned about this world. Character development is thin, too. Valis learns to trust. Eventually. But not before several TSTL moments, and some rage scenes that make you want to shake him. Until you remember that mage 18 is much younger than human 18. The plot is shaky and wanders. They need to get to the compound mage knights train in. They tote along a prisoner in stasis for later questioning but it seems a bit risky to do so that way. I'm also confused as to why the knights can't have families. They can marry a same gender spouse, they can apparently adopt as seen with Valis. So why would they not be allowed to birth their own children? It would add to the ranks, breed in loyalty to their cause of fighting the dark gods, and just doesn't make sense considering everything they revealed to Valis. But the story was still interesting and I plowed through to the end.
November 13, 2018
I loved this book. And even though it's a book with magic and adventure, I found the core story to be utterly human and relatable, a true coming of age story at its core. *Spoilers*
Watching Valis grow from terrified, abused child to a confident young person on the cusp of adulthood was really rewarding to me as a reader. I found his crashing through emotions to be utterly believable considering how he spent his entire life before the book terrified to express anything that might draw attention. Even when I wanted to throttle him for being a brat, I could see why he was acting that way.
My one issue was the confusion between Valis wanting to alternately be either be child or lover to Darolen and Kerac, even when it becomes clear they see him as barely older than adolescent. That part I didn't really get. I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be "awkwardly confused adolescent" or "daddy kink" and as a result the sexual aspect of the story confused me. Especially when Valis declares himself adopted son to his mentors.
But even with that, I loved this book and would gladly keep reading the series. The characters are complicated, interesting, and ever-evolving and the story only gets more and more fascinating as it builds. Excellent!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Watching Valis grow from terrified, abused child to a confident young person on the cusp of adulthood was really rewarding to me as a reader. I found his crashing through emotions to be utterly believable considering how he spent his entire life before the book terrified to express anything that might draw attention. Even when I wanted to throttle him for being a brat, I could see why he was acting that way.
My one issue was the confusion between Valis wanting to alternately be either be child or lover to Darolen and Kerac, even when it becomes clear they see him as barely older than adolescent. That part I didn't really get. I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be "awkwardly confused adolescent" or "daddy kink" and as a result the sexual aspect of the story confused me. Especially when Valis declares himself adopted son to his mentors.
But even with that, I loved this book and would gladly keep reading the series. The characters are complicated, interesting, and ever-evolving and the story only gets more and more fascinating as it builds. Excellent!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2020
Truth be told I was on board when I read the description of the book but about halfway through I became very hesitant when Valis first discovers the true relationship between Darolen and Kerac. I've never read anything from DV before and didn't know if I could trust the author. I'm not a fan of polyamory and to take a child out of an abusive environment and then add them to that kind of scenario didn't sit well with me and I almost stopped reading. Like Valis putting his trust in the two paladins, I trusted DV not to break me either, and I will assure you that Valis forms a parental bond with the two men and not a sexual. Valis is just beginning to go through puberty and there is frank description of the abuse he has suffered at the hands of his father and uncle and the resulting PTSD. Trigger warnings. He spends much of the first book running away and freaking out, but it was really nice to see the support of Darolen and Kerac helping him to survive and eventually flourish. The story pacing was nice with peaks and valleys and even a couple of humorous pop references at the end which was welcomed after the serious tone of the rest of the story. No mention of the "God jars" in this book, so I guess I have stuff to look forward to.
October 2, 2017
Okay, I'm Intrigued
I'm going to come right out and say this: the heat was almost non-existent in this one. I'm cutting it some slack because the blurb comes right out and says that it's a nine installment slow-burn. Okie-dokey then. So on to the next thing. The plot, so far, is also a little slow. This first book is more about relationship building and self-discovery on the part of V- ... Valis? Crap. Read too many books this week. Yeah, that's it. Valis.
This poor kid was raised by his father, a practitioner of black magic and follower of some jacked up god named Qos, and his mother, who offered him as much love as she could under the yoke of some pretty powerful (mostly) off-page abuse. His creepy uncle was constantly perving on him and tried to get his hands and more on Valis after some rather poetically just events in the beginning of the book left Valis alone and nominally unprotected.
Enter the Aesriphos Darolen and Kerac, uber-hot, badass warrior-priests and kindness personified. Think magical Knights Templar with unimpeachable morals and big hearts. Their purpose is apparently to weed out these followers of Qos wherever they find them, so running into Valis as he was running from his father was providential. The rest of the Aesriphos' mission, if there is more to it, is as yet unclear. What follows is basically a road trip across a continent to take Valis for testing and training at the city/monastery the Aesriphos call home.
In the meantime, Valis is on a journey of self-discovery. He must learn what kindness is, how to trust when it's warranted, and how to treat people as if they aren't all out to abuse him. Returning kindness and trust, hell, trusting in kindness is a helluva mindfuck for Valis. It's a vicariously harrowing experience.
I enjoyed the world-building, what we got to see of it so far. The book doesn't go into any great detail about places per se, but you get a decent idea of what the Aesriphos are like and how much of a departure it is for Valis, whose life has been anything but easy so far. The medieval flavor allows some relationship building between the partnered Aesriphos and Valis that would probably be skeevy in our day and age but makes perfect sense here from a "Mother Earth" kind of perspective only with fathers instead. Everything is very earthy ... down-to-earth-y? LOL. Read it; you'll see what I mean.
I'm intrigued because I'm kind of getting a glimpse of a widespread horizon in the landscape of what's to come, though there's nothing concrete to point at and say, "Hey! There's going to be some of [this and that] ... coming up." I can feel the threads of the plot and storyline being woven and can't wait to see what the tapestry starts shaping up to be.
I do know that Valis is in for some trials and tribulations and he's likely meant for some great things along the way. My guess is that he's unique and needed for a purpose, even though right now it's not clear that he's anything special and it likely won't be right away. Between the mark he's borne since infancy, put there by his father, and where his heart lies, I think it's going to be interesting to find out what exactly Valis is in for.
Just call it gut instinct and lots of fantasy reads in my lifetime speaking to me. Plus, he's got backup now in the form of some super-hot, crazy powerful, really nice, Aesriphos adoptive fathers. It might be too slow-going for some, but I highly recommend it anyway. Exercise some patience people! I think it will be worth it.I'm liking the way this series is shaping up and y'all can count me in on the next one!
Other reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be read here.
Images (if present) may be subject to copyright
Galley copy of Saviors: Duty and Sacrifice 1 (The God Jars Saga) provided by Magelight Press in exchange of an honest review.
I'm going to come right out and say this: the heat was almost non-existent in this one. I'm cutting it some slack because the blurb comes right out and says that it's a nine installment slow-burn. Okie-dokey then. So on to the next thing. The plot, so far, is also a little slow. This first book is more about relationship building and self-discovery on the part of V- ... Valis? Crap. Read too many books this week. Yeah, that's it. Valis.
This poor kid was raised by his father, a practitioner of black magic and follower of some jacked up god named Qos, and his mother, who offered him as much love as she could under the yoke of some pretty powerful (mostly) off-page abuse. His creepy uncle was constantly perving on him and tried to get his hands and more on Valis after some rather poetically just events in the beginning of the book left Valis alone and nominally unprotected.
Enter the Aesriphos Darolen and Kerac, uber-hot, badass warrior-priests and kindness personified. Think magical Knights Templar with unimpeachable morals and big hearts. Their purpose is apparently to weed out these followers of Qos wherever they find them, so running into Valis as he was running from his father was providential. The rest of the Aesriphos' mission, if there is more to it, is as yet unclear. What follows is basically a road trip across a continent to take Valis for testing and training at the city/monastery the Aesriphos call home.
In the meantime, Valis is on a journey of self-discovery. He must learn what kindness is, how to trust when it's warranted, and how to treat people as if they aren't all out to abuse him. Returning kindness and trust, hell, trusting in kindness is a helluva mindfuck for Valis. It's a vicariously harrowing experience.
I enjoyed the world-building, what we got to see of it so far. The book doesn't go into any great detail about places per se, but you get a decent idea of what the Aesriphos are like and how much of a departure it is for Valis, whose life has been anything but easy so far. The medieval flavor allows some relationship building between the partnered Aesriphos and Valis that would probably be skeevy in our day and age but makes perfect sense here from a "Mother Earth" kind of perspective only with fathers instead. Everything is very earthy ... down-to-earth-y? LOL. Read it; you'll see what I mean.
I'm intrigued because I'm kind of getting a glimpse of a widespread horizon in the landscape of what's to come, though there's nothing concrete to point at and say, "Hey! There's going to be some of [this and that] ... coming up." I can feel the threads of the plot and storyline being woven and can't wait to see what the tapestry starts shaping up to be.
I do know that Valis is in for some trials and tribulations and he's likely meant for some great things along the way. My guess is that he's unique and needed for a purpose, even though right now it's not clear that he's anything special and it likely won't be right away. Between the mark he's borne since infancy, put there by his father, and where his heart lies, I think it's going to be interesting to find out what exactly Valis is in for.
Just call it gut instinct and lots of fantasy reads in my lifetime speaking to me. Plus, he's got backup now in the form of some super-hot, crazy powerful, really nice, Aesriphos adoptive fathers. It might be too slow-going for some, but I highly recommend it anyway. Exercise some patience people! I think it will be worth it.I'm liking the way this series is shaping up and y'all can count me in on the next one!
Other reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be read here.
Images (if present) may be subject to copyright
Galley copy of Saviors: Duty and Sacrifice 1 (The God Jars Saga) provided by Magelight Press in exchange of an honest review.
August 26, 2020
Me encantaron la historia y los personajes, la interacción entre Kerac, Darolen y Valis, y cómo su relación fue evolucionando. La trama fue un poco lenta en algunas escenas, y hubo un giro un poco precipitado para mi gusto, que hubiese quedado mejor uno o dos libros después, pero el estilo de Devon me encanta, la forma de explicar todo, los diálogos, en especial lo psicológicamente fascinante que es Valis. Es una historia muy bien elaborada, con una dosis bastante ligera de fantasía, pero que te mantiene atento, te enamora te hace querer saber más. ¡Un buen inicio para una buena saga!
I loved the story and the characters, the interaction between Kerac, Darolen and Valis, and how their relationship evolved. The plot was a bit slow in some scenes, and there was a bit of a hasty twist for my taste, which would have been better a book or two later, but I love Devon's style, the way she explains everything, the dialogues, especially how psychologically fascinating Valis is. It's a very well-crafted story, with a fairly light dose of fantasy, but that keeps you attentive, makes you fall in love and makes you want to know more. A good start to a good saga!
I loved the story and the characters, the interaction between Kerac, Darolen and Valis, and how their relationship evolved. The plot was a bit slow in some scenes, and there was a bit of a hasty twist for my taste, which would have been better a book or two later, but I love Devon's style, the way she explains everything, the dialogues, especially how psychologically fascinating Valis is. It's a very well-crafted story, with a fairly light dose of fantasy, but that keeps you attentive, makes you fall in love and makes you want to know more. A good start to a good saga!
October 18, 2017
3.5
“If his father was the purest evil in the world, he felt these men might be the purest good. And if that were true, then there had to be things in between, terrible and wonderful things.”
“Saviors” is the beginning of an epic fantasy about Valis, a young man abused by his mage father who worships a dark magic entity named Qos. Following a devastating loss and his father’s attempt to sacrifice him to Qos, Valis is offered an opportunity that sets him on the path to the difficulties he must face in this first part of his journey—learning to trust, accepting the risk inherent in hoping and being able to confront and deal with pain without running away. “Saviors” is more a coming-of-age tale and feels almost like a prologue because before Valis can truly begin his journey, he must first grow and develop into a person capable of accepting love and new possibilities, while keeping the darkness that his family gloried in out of his heart. I look forward to continuing Valis’s story.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author.
“If his father was the purest evil in the world, he felt these men might be the purest good. And if that were true, then there had to be things in between, terrible and wonderful things.”
“Saviors” is the beginning of an epic fantasy about Valis, a young man abused by his mage father who worships a dark magic entity named Qos. Following a devastating loss and his father’s attempt to sacrifice him to Qos, Valis is offered an opportunity that sets him on the path to the difficulties he must face in this first part of his journey—learning to trust, accepting the risk inherent in hoping and being able to confront and deal with pain without running away. “Saviors” is more a coming-of-age tale and feels almost like a prologue because before Valis can truly begin his journey, he must first grow and develop into a person capable of accepting love and new possibilities, while keeping the darkness that his family gloried in out of his heart. I look forward to continuing Valis’s story.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author.
September 16, 2020
Saviors, Duty and Sacrific, 1 and the first The God Jar series by author Devon Vesper, it is a great fantasy novel. If you are looking for a romance, it is therewith Kerac and Darolen but Valis does not get a love interest yet. To me, he was just not ready emotionally for one yet anyways.
This is Valis’ story. We met him in the prequel. He is the boy Darolen and Kerac save. The boy Kerac had been dreaming about calling him dad. Both of these men help Valis.
Valis if you ask me has PTSD. He has been through hell and survived. He is growing in strength of spirit and body. He is learning trust comes hard. But he is a good soul who deserves happiness and love.
As I mentioned the love interests in this story are already established in the prequel. I liked going deeper into that relationship. I also loved the world-building in this book. I feel it is a great start to what is looking like a wonderful new series to sink into.
Five Shooting Stars
This is Valis’ story. We met him in the prequel. He is the boy Darolen and Kerac save. The boy Kerac had been dreaming about calling him dad. Both of these men help Valis.
Valis if you ask me has PTSD. He has been through hell and survived. He is growing in strength of spirit and body. He is learning trust comes hard. But he is a good soul who deserves happiness and love.
As I mentioned the love interests in this story are already established in the prequel. I liked going deeper into that relationship. I also loved the world-building in this book. I feel it is a great start to what is looking like a wonderful new series to sink into.
Five Shooting Stars
April 20, 2024
Valian was written well as a traumatised child with little to no experiences with the outside world.
His fears builds from the moment things change to their release at the end of their seven month long journey.
The paladin's had virtue, kindness and brave souls, just as they should have. Doing everything to protect their charge, even if they can't understand his trauma.
Other than Valian growing as a person, very little happens during their journey, other than confuse me as a reader further, since it read as a very long slow burn.
I'll admit, through the whole book I was sure this would be an MMM story, and every touch, comforting hug and fantasising made me more sure that this was where it would end up.
Valian dreamt of these men, thought about them and spied on them countless times all while pleasuring himself.
Nothing prepared me for Valian calling the men he had been lusting after, father and papa, and it not being meant in some kinky way but as family.
I'm having a hard time getting past that so going to put the rest of the series on the backburner.
His fears builds from the moment things change to their release at the end of their seven month long journey.
The paladin's had virtue, kindness and brave souls, just as they should have. Doing everything to protect their charge, even if they can't understand his trauma.
Other than Valian growing as a person, very little happens during their journey, other than confuse me as a reader further, since it read as a very long slow burn.
I'll admit, through the whole book I was sure this would be an MMM story, and every touch, comforting hug and fantasising made me more sure that this was where it would end up.
Valian dreamt of these men, thought about them and spied on them countless times all while pleasuring himself.
Nothing prepared me for Valian calling the men he had been lusting after, father and papa, and it not being meant in some kinky way but as family.
I'm having a hard time getting past that so going to put the rest of the series on the backburner.
November 10, 2018
At the start Valis is running from his very abusive father and his hounds. His father killed his mother for her power and has abused him Valis for years. While running he calls out for help and it is sent in the form of Karachi and Darolen. These men have come to his rescue however, due to all the abuse handed to him by his father Valis doesn’t trust them so he runs from them every chance he gets regardless of how many times they save him. When asked if he has family that can take care of him his reply is no. His uncle from his dads side pretty much wants to use him as a sex slave and to slowly drain him of his power. So far this is a great start to the series an I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2019
Valis is rescued from his father’s wrath by Darolen and Kerac a pair of Aesriphos/Paladins. The men know he is meant for bigger/better things so they convince him he needs to go with them to the Cadoras monastery, a whole world away from where they are.
I liked this book. There are several more in the series which I expect to get better. So many names and places to keep straight. At times it was overwhelming. Pretty angsty with all of Valis’s issues. Some action. Nice world building but I think there will be a whole lot more of that.
This was more of a thinking book for me. The relationship the Paladins and Valis developed was both familial and adversarial. Limited m/m in this one.
There is a link to a wiki page at the end of the book. This would of been very helpful in the beginning to give an idea of the length they had to travel.
I received a review copy of this book.
I liked this book. There are several more in the series which I expect to get better. So many names and places to keep straight. At times it was overwhelming. Pretty angsty with all of Valis’s issues. Some action. Nice world building but I think there will be a whole lot more of that.
This was more of a thinking book for me. The relationship the Paladins and Valis developed was both familial and adversarial. Limited m/m in this one.
There is a link to a wiki page at the end of the book. This would of been very helpful in the beginning to give an idea of the length they had to travel.
I received a review copy of this book.
October 14, 2017
Received arc for an honest review.
It was a bit of a slow read for me, but Vesper always writes a sweet story and though it isn't my usual like in a romance, I usually enjoy her stories. I am of course talking about her other pen name, but this seems like a different route, which may well be why she wrote it under a different pen name. Either way, I enjoyed it and I am excitedly waiting for the next installment.
It was a lovely story about making a family and getting over pains. The men seemed a bit too feminine for my liking, but they were decent characters. The author also did a great job writing from the first-person perspective, which with some of the bits in the story seemed impossible to do with the content that was covered.
It was a bit of a slow read for me, but Vesper always writes a sweet story and though it isn't my usual like in a romance, I usually enjoy her stories. I am of course talking about her other pen name, but this seems like a different route, which may well be why she wrote it under a different pen name. Either way, I enjoyed it and I am excitedly waiting for the next installment.
It was a lovely story about making a family and getting over pains. The men seemed a bit too feminine for my liking, but they were decent characters. The author also did a great job writing from the first-person perspective, which with some of the bits in the story seemed impossible to do with the content that was covered.
October 27, 2017
This was an advance copy I had been given to read and review. The story takes place in an ancient time in a world apart from ours, a story about a young man (Valis), who is trudgingly bound to his evil father and knows no other live, but servitude. One day, two knights in shining armor (Kerac and Darolen), come across him, freeing him from this life, taking him on a journey to a strange land... their land and in the process he finds he likes freedom, although he achieves this only after a few missteps. He looks forward to his new world and I am as well. It was a good read, not the typical M/M romance, but good nonetheless and I look forward to what the future holds for him.
October 3, 2018
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
3.5 stars
This story was very slow paced and ill be totally honest, it tested my patience.
Valis suffered constant abuse throughout his life. Trust doesn’t come easily to him which is why he ran hot/cold with Kerec and Darolen. The author captured his fears, vulnerability and even his loss really well. Kerec and Darolen were very caring and affectionate towards Valis but sometimes it came across a little OTT.
This book highlighted the low points of Valis’s life so far but I hope the next book starts showing more positive things.
3.5 stars
This story was very slow paced and ill be totally honest, it tested my patience.
Valis suffered constant abuse throughout his life. Trust doesn’t come easily to him which is why he ran hot/cold with Kerec and Darolen. The author captured his fears, vulnerability and even his loss really well. Kerec and Darolen were very caring and affectionate towards Valis but sometimes it came across a little OTT.
This book highlighted the low points of Valis’s life so far but I hope the next book starts showing more positive things.
December 15, 2019
I never thought I’d give 5 stars to a book where the romance hadn’t even started yet, but here I am. This book is so wonderfully written it’s near impossible to put down. Like I said, this first book isn’t about romance, but at its heart it’s still about love. Familial love from those with no blood relations, when your own family has let you down time and time again. Valis’s story is heartbreaking, but it only adds to seeing how he is growing and learning what it means to have people be there for you. I loved Kerac’s boisterous personality, Darolen’s quiet and sturdy strength, and Valis’s evolution from a scared beaten down boy.
October 7, 2017
This book is absolutely engrossing, it starts off with a bang and races head long until the end. Valis, the main protagonist, bursts onto the page running for his life from his murderous abusive father. While fleeing through the forest he runs into two strangers who become his saviors, surrogate fathers and his entry into a life after fear. I loved it and if you're anything like me you will be left wanting more, I can't wait to read the next book.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book*
December 25, 2017
NOTE: I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. This is the 1st book I have read from Devon Vesper and I must say I am very happy! The writing is superb, the characters are very well outlined and you get a great sense of the era in which it is set. I know that Valis will continue to steal my heart. The 2 men that save him and become "Father and Papa" are Angels. If you like a good fantasy with Mages, magic and a touch of family and all that goes with that, then you will love this book as much as I.
February 13, 2020
Valis has some trust issues, which are completely understandable after a lifetime spent under his father's abuse and everything that he has seen. Even with Kerac and Darolen there at the exact right time to save him from his father, Valis doesn't really believe they are as nice as they seem. As these three work together to figure out the future, you will find yourself shaking your head and wanting to get Valis to trust them but it's not that simple.
It is definitely a slow burn but the story is amazing and I cannot wait to read the next one.
It is definitely a slow burn but the story is amazing and I cannot wait to read the next one.
August 12, 2020
This a new to me author and series. Valis is still a young man when we meet him and he’s running away from his father, who’s a horrible person. He is saved by Kerac and Darolen who are magical warriors. They talk him into selling his home because he would not be able to run the homestead. They eventually take off on a magical, dangerous journey. This is a fantasy m/m book. Its full of magic, intrigue, action of course some danger. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
November 26, 2022
An excellent beginning to what I imagine will be en exciting (if at times harrowing) fantasy adventure series. I usually stay away from stories with parental abuse, but the unconditional love in a “found family” always warms my heart. This first installment covers the Valis getting to know and learn to trust Darolen and Kerak. From rescuing the abused boy who trusts no one to their journey of many months back to the Monastery, the new bonds are tested and strengthened and by the end of the book Valis regards his two saviors as his Father and Papa. Looking forward following this journey.
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