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Juxtan #2
The Gathering Storm
After betraying the only man he ever loved, Hadrian ni Leyanon waits for death amidst the ruins of a sorcerous battle. Before that can happen he is recruited by the Council of Elders which governs the use of magick in Juxtan. The Council needs him to track down his evil sorcerer father and force him to face a justice they aren't powerful enough to inflict on their own. Wracked with guilt, Hadrian agrees to join the mage-led mission in the hopes it will allow him to redeem himself. But when Caled, the handsome mercenary whom Hadrian betrayed, insists on joining the mission too, Hadrian discovers that redemption needs to come from the man who hates him most. Previously published as The Gathering.
Fantasy M/M Romance.
Fantasy M/M Romance.
150 pages, ebook
First published September 1, 2012
15 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Owens
97 books539 followersI write urban fantasy, paranormal romance, m/m fiction and menage fiction, with probably more genres to come! Please visit my website and sign up for my newsletter so you'll be kept apprised of my frequent new releases:
Website: http://www.triciaowensbooks.com/
Website: http://www.triciaowensbooks.com/
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 21, 2019
I am torn by this book. So torn. For one, it was left hanging again, and I hate that. I really need the next book now to find out what happens and if frick and frack ever get their acts together. But I’m the most torn for Hadrian. This book and this series have been so good. I need to know what happens next.
Caled is pissed and for good reason. Every day and night he sees and hears the screams and burned flesh of those people of his town. His best friend. He’s sworn an oath to avenge those people and he is determined to see it through. No matter what. But what he didn’t expect was how it felt to really see Hadrian again after all the destruction. He’s torn. He still loves Hadrian, no matter what he says, but after what happened, he needs to avenge his people. But what he hasn’t done is given Hadrian any chance to explain. And he refuses to listen. But Hadrian isn’t wanting to tell the tale anyway. After everything he hears from Life itself, it’s enough to make him insane. Plus, after what he did, he doesn’t want to live anyway. After Caled used one of the people where they were staying, the mage was pissed and tried to kill them by setting the forest on fire. And Caled’s automatic reaction gave him his wish. He threw his knife and stabbed Hadrian right in the heart. And now, he’s dying. But the Council with him won’t let him die before they finish the mission they are sent out to do and does something he shouldn’t have. And now, Caled can’t get his wish and Hadrian can’t die. And they still have no desire to be around each other but have no choice. It’s not going to bode well for the mission they have to accomplish.
You know I truly feel for Caled losing his friend and for the town being burned. But even though Hadrian was there and sort of a part of it, he really wasn’t there. He was forced. And no one but one other person, besides his father, knows that. And he hates himself for it. He knows that town’s life is in his hands. He knows what he did was wrong by not stopping his father. But he didn’t know he was strong enough at the time. It wasn’t until it was all over and he was fighting his own father that he realized what his father was and what he had kept from him. And it is truly Hadrian I feel for. Yes, he may be just as guilty, but he lived a life of abuse and suffering that no one truly knew of. He was constantly belittled and treated like dirt. He was never taught anything because he thought he wasn’t good enough. He still believes that. He doesn’t know that his father held him back because of the power Hadrian truly has. He lived a life of hell day in and out for years and years. No one to stop his father. No one to help him. He was left alone to try to fend for himself again his father and that was impossible because he didn’t know what he’s capable of. And it breaks my heart for him that Caled won’t even hear him out and the weight of all that he carries on his shoulders. Everyone has condemned him, including himself. But no one seeks the truth of what really happened. And until that comes out, nothing will ever change.
I really want to know what happens next. It’s torture not knowing. Hadrian needs a break in his life. And I hope he gets one. For once.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Caled is pissed and for good reason. Every day and night he sees and hears the screams and burned flesh of those people of his town. His best friend. He’s sworn an oath to avenge those people and he is determined to see it through. No matter what. But what he didn’t expect was how it felt to really see Hadrian again after all the destruction. He’s torn. He still loves Hadrian, no matter what he says, but after what happened, he needs to avenge his people. But what he hasn’t done is given Hadrian any chance to explain. And he refuses to listen. But Hadrian isn’t wanting to tell the tale anyway. After everything he hears from Life itself, it’s enough to make him insane. Plus, after what he did, he doesn’t want to live anyway. After Caled used one of the people where they were staying, the mage was pissed and tried to kill them by setting the forest on fire. And Caled’s automatic reaction gave him his wish. He threw his knife and stabbed Hadrian right in the heart. And now, he’s dying. But the Council with him won’t let him die before they finish the mission they are sent out to do and does something he shouldn’t have. And now, Caled can’t get his wish and Hadrian can’t die. And they still have no desire to be around each other but have no choice. It’s not going to bode well for the mission they have to accomplish.
You know I truly feel for Caled losing his friend and for the town being burned. But even though Hadrian was there and sort of a part of it, he really wasn’t there. He was forced. And no one but one other person, besides his father, knows that. And he hates himself for it. He knows that town’s life is in his hands. He knows what he did was wrong by not stopping his father. But he didn’t know he was strong enough at the time. It wasn’t until it was all over and he was fighting his own father that he realized what his father was and what he had kept from him. And it is truly Hadrian I feel for. Yes, he may be just as guilty, but he lived a life of abuse and suffering that no one truly knew of. He was constantly belittled and treated like dirt. He was never taught anything because he thought he wasn’t good enough. He still believes that. He doesn’t know that his father held him back because of the power Hadrian truly has. He lived a life of hell day in and out for years and years. No one to stop his father. No one to help him. He was left alone to try to fend for himself again his father and that was impossible because he didn’t know what he’s capable of. And it breaks my heart for him that Caled won’t even hear him out and the weight of all that he carries on his shoulders. Everyone has condemned him, including himself. But no one seeks the truth of what really happened. And until that comes out, nothing will ever change.
I really want to know what happens next. It’s torture not knowing. Hadrian needs a break in his life. And I hope he gets one. For once.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
October 7, 2019
4.5 stars
This book was a little more intense than the previous one. Caled and Hadrian are like oil and water now but the feeling of being with each other is very strong but life is dictating something totally different. Let's see what's is store for them in the final book of the series.
This book was a little more intense than the previous one. Caled and Hadrian are like oil and water now but the feeling of being with each other is very strong but life is dictating something totally different. Let's see what's is store for them in the final book of the series.
December 30, 2019
“Run now. A storm's on the way...Emotions at play. Intentions to lead you astray. So beware of the Gathering storm...A love to hate at the cost of the soul. Evil will spread its foul breath, leaving but torment and death.” ~ Eleine (Gathering Storm)
There is a saying that there isn’t much difference between love and hate. That one can flip to the other in a minute’s notice. Caledon, of ‘Gathering Storm’, loves Hadrian so much that when he is betrayed by him, the intensity of that love switches to hate. He drops his family name and changes it to Caled, determined to have revenge; nothing, not even the love he held for Hadrian in the past, can change his mind.
Caled decides that the best path for him to take is to go to the tower of the Elders on Juxtan. They will be the ones to exact justice on Hadrian and his father for the atrocities they committed. They are his best chance of finding them. His attitude of disrespect for the Elders is not appreciated nor is it tolerated. Caled is told that, under no circumstances, is he to kill Hadrian. They need him to find his father and inflict punishment on him. Because of his father’s superior mastery of sorcery, Hadrian is the only person who can stop him.
After Hadrian destroys most of the Shard and almost kills his father, he is appalled by his actions. In order to do so, he has drawn from the essence of life, an almost impossible and highly forbidden act of sorcery. Hadrian understands what the devastation means and prepares to die. When the Elders find him, he’s practically gone. They take him back to their tower to recuperate. When he is stronger, they explain what they expect him to do. Helping them find his father is the least he can do to atone for his unforgivable sins.
In spite of the Elders’ warnings, Caled remains at the castle, waiting for the opportunity to kill Hadrian. He enlists the aid of a young man, Lyelin, who is in lust with Caled and will do anything to win his favor. Lyelin convinces his master that he would be a better person to care for Hadrian and the Elder agrees. Lyelin mistreats Hadrian, doing unspeakable things to him while he is unconscious, while leaving the door open so Caled can watch, hoping to make Caled want him. Caled tries his best not to react, but secretly, he thinks that Lyelin is despicable and is more determined to never take him to bed. When Lyelin sees that his campaign to garner Caled’s favor is not working, he arranges the thing that Caled wants the most, time alone with Hadrian.
This, the second book in the series, is even darker than the first, but just as exciting. Even though I know what Hadrian has done, I still feel bad for him. Knowing his history, I can see why he acts this way, although I am not not able to condone his behavior. Caled’s reaction is justified, but his past love for Hadrian makes the situation even more unbearable as does Hadrian’s pain, not only for what he did, but that he betrayed the man he loved. How could love ever survive under these circumstances. What a conundrum! Thanks, Tricia, for a great follow-up story. I can hardly wait for the next book.
There is a saying that there isn’t much difference between love and hate. That one can flip to the other in a minute’s notice. Caledon, of ‘Gathering Storm’, loves Hadrian so much that when he is betrayed by him, the intensity of that love switches to hate. He drops his family name and changes it to Caled, determined to have revenge; nothing, not even the love he held for Hadrian in the past, can change his mind.
Caled decides that the best path for him to take is to go to the tower of the Elders on Juxtan. They will be the ones to exact justice on Hadrian and his father for the atrocities they committed. They are his best chance of finding them. His attitude of disrespect for the Elders is not appreciated nor is it tolerated. Caled is told that, under no circumstances, is he to kill Hadrian. They need him to find his father and inflict punishment on him. Because of his father’s superior mastery of sorcery, Hadrian is the only person who can stop him.
After Hadrian destroys most of the Shard and almost kills his father, he is appalled by his actions. In order to do so, he has drawn from the essence of life, an almost impossible and highly forbidden act of sorcery. Hadrian understands what the devastation means and prepares to die. When the Elders find him, he’s practically gone. They take him back to their tower to recuperate. When he is stronger, they explain what they expect him to do. Helping them find his father is the least he can do to atone for his unforgivable sins.
In spite of the Elders’ warnings, Caled remains at the castle, waiting for the opportunity to kill Hadrian. He enlists the aid of a young man, Lyelin, who is in lust with Caled and will do anything to win his favor. Lyelin convinces his master that he would be a better person to care for Hadrian and the Elder agrees. Lyelin mistreats Hadrian, doing unspeakable things to him while he is unconscious, while leaving the door open so Caled can watch, hoping to make Caled want him. Caled tries his best not to react, but secretly, he thinks that Lyelin is despicable and is more determined to never take him to bed. When Lyelin sees that his campaign to garner Caled’s favor is not working, he arranges the thing that Caled wants the most, time alone with Hadrian.
This, the second book in the series, is even darker than the first, but just as exciting. Even though I know what Hadrian has done, I still feel bad for him. Knowing his history, I can see why he acts this way, although I am not not able to condone his behavior. Caled’s reaction is justified, but his past love for Hadrian makes the situation even more unbearable as does Hadrian’s pain, not only for what he did, but that he betrayed the man he loved. How could love ever survive under these circumstances. What a conundrum! Thanks, Tricia, for a great follow-up story. I can hardly wait for the next book.
October 7, 2019
Let me begin this review by explaining that I have loved this series for the last decade. There aren’t actually words to describe how happy I am that Tricia Owens Is re-releasing them. With that said I have a few minor issues with the series so far. First of all book 1 and book 2 could very easily be combined. Some rearranging of scenes would help and probably even a few extras added but it could very easily be done.
Second of all I believe it’s a major revisions and polishing are needed in order to take this book from what I have already read previously to something that could be truly a Best seller. There were a surprising amount of spelling and grammar mistakes.
Three, there is lots of room for improvement to clarify some plot aspects, and add more character focus and motivation especially with Gavedon. And I’d argue that there’s room for some more character development for Caledon. As much as I love his character, to see him go from someone who is fairly happy and with his own kind of innocence to somebody so filled of hate and bitterness is already a really good start. However, he’s too smart and too self-aware not to have already started to do some serious soul-searching by book 2. SPOILER ALERT: During the incident in the forest, when it’s set on fire and Caledon stabs Hadrian, the immediate emotional aftermath should be a huge catalyst for some major character development and that didn’t quite happen. (That being said Hadrian in Caledon being snarky with each other is the absolute best and I love my sassy babies.)
Four, the last scene in the book is very abrupt. I believe that there is a lot more room for some character development. It’s the perfect situation in order for it. Something more needs to happen in this scene, they need to hash somethings out, not everything needs to come out immediately but something does especially with the life/soul-bond thing that’s happening. They cannot continue as they were, that’s the point of the bond in the first place and that needs to be taken at least one step further. There is definitely space for them to reach an understanding, if not kind of truce between the them. Lengthen the amount of time that they are going to be unable to physically attack each other and let them work out at least one thing. It would make the redemption arch for the two of them more believable if they set a foundation to build on.
Second of all I believe it’s a major revisions and polishing are needed in order to take this book from what I have already read previously to something that could be truly a Best seller. There were a surprising amount of spelling and grammar mistakes.
Three, there is lots of room for improvement to clarify some plot aspects, and add more character focus and motivation especially with Gavedon. And I’d argue that there’s room for some more character development for Caledon. As much as I love his character, to see him go from someone who is fairly happy and with his own kind of innocence to somebody so filled of hate and bitterness is already a really good start. However, he’s too smart and too self-aware not to have already started to do some serious soul-searching by book 2. SPOILER ALERT: During the incident in the forest, when it’s set on fire and Caledon stabs Hadrian, the immediate emotional aftermath should be a huge catalyst for some major character development and that didn’t quite happen. (That being said Hadrian in Caledon being snarky with each other is the absolute best and I love my sassy babies.)
Four, the last scene in the book is very abrupt. I believe that there is a lot more room for some character development. It’s the perfect situation in order for it. Something more needs to happen in this scene, they need to hash somethings out, not everything needs to come out immediately but something does especially with the life/soul-bond thing that’s happening. They cannot continue as they were, that’s the point of the bond in the first place and that needs to be taken at least one step further. There is definitely space for them to reach an understanding, if not kind of truce between the them. Lengthen the amount of time that they are going to be unable to physically attack each other and let them work out at least one thing. It would make the redemption arch for the two of them more believable if they set a foundation to build on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2019
The Gathering Storm, the second book in the Juxtan series, is no less saddening than the first one.
My heart broke for Hadrian. He's horrified by what he's been capable of doing, the destruction he's caused. The hate and fear he feels towards himself is reflected in the reaction other people have but the worst is Caled's hate . Called,who's lost his only home and al his friends because of the mage,and can't stand the fact that despite everything, some part of himself still loves Hadrian.
But the hunt for Gavedon has begun, with new enemies and new allies, and they are forced more than ever to work together, no matter what they feel for each other.
I love this book,the multiple POV is a great bonus,and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.
My heart broke for Hadrian. He's horrified by what he's been capable of doing, the destruction he's caused. The hate and fear he feels towards himself is reflected in the reaction other people have but the worst is Caled's hate . Called,who's lost his only home and al his friends because of the mage,and can't stand the fact that despite everything, some part of himself still loves Hadrian.
But the hunt for Gavedon has begun, with new enemies and new allies, and they are forced more than ever to work together, no matter what they feel for each other.
I love this book,the multiple POV is a great bonus,and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2019
Unlike the first book that had three parts, this one has just one and it's quite heartbreaking since it deals with the aftermath of what Hadrian and his father did in the previous book, that's Hadrian's sorrow and regret for what he did and Life's rejection of him and Caled's need for vengeance. I loved how the storyline unfolds to get them together in the same journey.
June 23, 2023
Ohhh the drama is thick with this one.
January 20, 2013
Meh. It was good-ish, I guess. I rather liked it up to the point when the happened. Because honestly, all I can see is it dissolving into triteness from this point on. *shrugs. Maybe Owens will surprise me. As is, though I'm not all that excited about the next book, though I am mildly curious. I suppose that's better than nothing.
Seeing my review, some maybe be surprised I gave it a 4. Idk how to describe it. It was good, I guess, but it's as if it just passes the border into "good" and therefore is a shade off of trite. Meh.
I also feel the need to mention that I didn't like Hadrian's face in this cover. I liked the last one much better...
Seeing my review, some maybe be surprised I gave it a 4. Idk how to describe it. It was good, I guess, but it's as if it just passes the border into "good" and therefore is a shade off of trite. Meh.
I also feel the need to mention that I didn't like Hadrian's face in this cover. I liked the last one much better...
March 24, 2016
This book was better than the first one in this series. I couldn't put it down until it was finished. It's hard to see how Hadrian and Caled will be able to get along together, because of what Hadrian did in the first book. I didn't think I could feel sorry for Hadrian after what he did, but this second book got me to feel for him and want him to have a better life. I look forward to reading the next books in this series.
October 27, 2015
My bleeds for Hadrian
I feel so bad for Hadrian...aside from dealing with the horror of stained soul, he has to deal with the slime that is supposedly protecting him. Thank God for Manix, for the wisdom of the Elder. He is wise enough for both Caled and Hadrian...both stubborn, but both still in love and bidding...
I feel so bad for Hadrian...aside from dealing with the horror of stained soul, he has to deal with the slime that is supposedly protecting him. Thank God for Manix, for the wisdom of the Elder. He is wise enough for both Caled and Hadrian...both stubborn, but both still in love and bidding...
February 28, 2020
Fantastic! 😍
So amazingly well written. The characters are compelling, the plot is addicting, and the tension expertly crafted. You'll love this series.
So amazingly well written. The characters are compelling, the plot is addicting, and the tension expertly crafted. You'll love this series.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews