A beautiful man in strange clothing starts invading my dreams, and even though I know he isn’t real, the dreams—mind-links, according to him—are so vivid it’s hard to imagine this man doesn’t exist. After a few of these nightly visits, I start looking forward to meeting him and listening to his smooth voice as he tries to convince me to go to Rueberry Orchard.
To my surprise, the place really exists, but I know it would be crazy to go there when it’s ten hours away… right?
When the visits don’t stop, some deep desire inside me knows I have to listen to this dream man, even if it’s absolutely insane. I follow his instructions to Rueberry Orchard, and nothing in this world could’ve prepared me for what I find. Or for the wild adventure I’m about to embark on.
Rueberry Orchard is the first book in the multi-author series, Beyond the Realm: Remember. Each book is set in its own world and can be read as a standalone novel. Join eight authors on eight very different, romantic, and magical stories as each one writes their own take on the same concept.
Michele is married to an awesome guy that puts up with her and all the burnt dinners she makes—hey, sometimes characters are a bit distracting, and who doesn’t plot when they’re supposed to be cooking? They live together in Baltimore, Maryland with two little monsters, a three-legged princess, a four-legged goofball, and a cutie with giant ears (aka their two kids, their two cats, and their dog). She hopes to rescue another cat soon, and if her hubby wouldn’t kill her, she’d get more than one… and maybe a few more dogs as well.
She loves creating worlds filled with lots of love, chosen family, and of course, magic, but she also likes making the characters fight for that happy ending. She hopes to one day write all the stories in her head—even if there are too many to count!
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This book kicks off a new and collaborative series by a host of different authors - and it starts off with a bang! Right from the start I was hooked, I can’t put my finger on why, but the writing and the characters just wouldn’t let go of me. So I embarked on this intense adventure with two amnesiac men (insanely enough unaware of said amnesia) following the call from a man invading Rhile’s dreams, urging him to come to ‘Rueberry Orchard’. What waited for them was a lost love, a lot of danger and a world they never knew existed. As I write this I’m aware of how insane it all sounds, and it really does, but Michele Notario makes it work – and she leaves you wanting more. And that my friends is a sign of a great book.
And this adventure was great. My heart was alternating between pounding out of my chest, to breaking to aching. The emotions were pouring from the pages and you could feel every single one of them. Rhile and Ezryn shared an amazing connection – even if only one of them remembered their shared past. Which is why my heart broke for them. The pain Ezryn felt was so real, he’d been through an unimaginable hell the past couple of years and the one thing keeping him alive was seeing Rhile again.
But it wasn’t just Rhile and Ezryn who captured my heart, all of the (non-evil) characters did as well. I was so invested in all of their lives and wanted to spend more time with them. There were so many close bonds, friendships, brotherhood to get lost in. And I love the fact that none of it was new, every single person had a history shared and otherwise and you felt that history. It wasn't only the characters that had a rich history, the world-building was intricate and had so many layers as well.
This all shaped up to a great book and I kind of hope this will become a series, because I would definitely like to spend more time in this world.
Highly recommended.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
“All they do is stare at each other and make goo-goo eyes and goofy smiles. It’s sickening.”
Imagine reuniting with your mate after being beaten, drugged, and starved for 2 years... you finally have your person back.. y'all made it! Only...he doesn't remember a dang thing about you, himself, or your beautiful life together. 💔😭
This was fantastic! I was sucked in instantly and needed to know.. who, what, where, why, and how these sweet mates were separated. WHO WOULD DO SUCH A THING 😭 Those times when Ez would take a minute away from everyone to just sob because Ry didn't remember him had me sobbing right with him. I loved this, their adventure, and their little family. Im excited to see where this series goes.
...and I just found out this series doesn't follow the same world. Fml. There's definitely some loose ends here... ...plus… Bray and Jozzy? Bubbles and Angel? I need it!
Wow!!!! This book was a tour de force of awesome fantasy with a beautiful mm romance as icing on the cake. The author's development of her characters was realistic and deep and her worldbuilding blew my mind at several points with its detail and multilayers! What a ride this book was from start to finish. Major kudos for such a spectacular work of fantasy!!
This was quite a surprise. I was expecting light and fluffy but instead I got a serious story with humor, action, love and all the smutty goodness.
Even though Rhiles is the main character, his best friend Joz is also equally important. The concept of the story is quite interesting. The story takes off right away with Rhiles having dreams/visions of a strange man that he is sure he doesn't know, the man convinces him to go to Rueberry Orchard. Joz convinces him they should go and that starts the beginning of a great adventure.
I started piecing things together pretty quickly and my heart broke for Ezryn but it was wonderful to see him and Rhiles fall in love all over again.
I know this series is written by different authors and each book is technically a stand alone, I am hoping that this author writes a second book for this because there were many unanswered questions and I really want to see what happens with Joz and Bray.
4.5 stars! What an amazing start to this new shared world adventure. This is my first book by this author, but it most definitely wont be my last. The concept is novel and amazing, and the world building was so complete and well done I enjoyed every page and was unable to put the book down. Ezryn and Rhile were such an amazing couple and while my heart broke for them a couple of times, the author did such a wonderful job putting it back together with their absolute love and devotion to each other. There is such an amazing cast of side characters that although this is a shared world where only the concept is the same, I hope Notaro decides to write more in this world she’s created.
This book offered me just the first two pages of respite, for a brief introduction to Rhile and his best friend Joz. That's it, because soon after Rhile started to envision and talk to Ezryn. From that moment on I've been on the edge of my seat, breathlessly waiting to see where Rhile's adventure might take me.
Ezryn called Rhile to Rueberry Orchard, but his arrival there represented only the beginning of a life changing experience. I loved how the author created the intrigue, slowly providing clues and giving information, not just dumping the reader into a difficult to understand world. The same thing with the relationship between Rhile and Ezryn. I made assumptions and doubted, I fall in love all over again at Rhile's speed, until I was completely in awe with their beautiful bond.
Rueberry Orchard was wonderfully intense and the plot kept me enchanted from beginning to the end. I loved the romance, the laughter, the fear, the friendships, the magic and I really hope the author would consider writing more books set in this world.
This was definitely 50/50 on romance and plot but the world building had way too much info in it for me so I found myself skimming it but i was here for the romance! I loved these two both separately and together. Both of them were great guys. It was sad seeing how Ezryn felt when his husband and mate Rhile didn’t remember him. I loved that even though he didn’t remember him he never pushed him away or was hesitant. He believed him when he said they have been together since they were kids. I also loved that Rhiles main concern for getting his memory back was so he could remember his love with Ezryn. He didn’t even care about remembering anything else, he just wanted to remember his husband! And I also loved that during their two years apart, even though Rhile had no idea he was married there was always something in him telling him to not be with anyone else because it didn’t feel right!! So cute.
I need to know if there are other books following this one. The author said be on the lookout but that was years ago and I’m not able to find the books that connect to this one. I loved all of the secondary characters so much so I need their books now! If anyone reads this review and knows if the rest of the series is out please let me know!!!
NO CHEATING NO OM DRAMA 2 YR SEPARATION DUE TO AMNESIA ( both faithful) VIOLENCE AND DEATH HEA (with couple but plot left open for next one)
This is the first book I’ve read this author and I was captivated by this contemporary fantasy. I loved how it has a mixed feel of high fantasy, and yet is in a contemporary setting.
The world building is fabulous, and very detailed. I loved the idea of an ‘unveiled’ society living alongside our own with its own politics etc. The magic system is well thought out, and I liked how it was revealed bit by bit.
I loved Ezryn and Rhile and their relationship. I really felt for both of them trying to come to terms that Rhile doesn’t remember who he truly is, and then feels he can’t be the person for Ez that he once was. I liked how Rhile struggles with finding out who he really is and about the unveiled world, rather than just accepting it, and knowing what to do with the magic right off. He accepts it because he can’t deny the proof, but he still has to get his head around it, and work through his feelings that he’s an imposter. It made his character feel very real. And poor Ez, finally finding Rhile only to find he doesn’t remember him. Heartbreaking. Loved the matebond. The descriptions of their relationship in particular are very poetic.
I loved Joz too. I’d love to see a book from his and Bray’s POV and hope we haven’t seen the last of these characters and their world, especially as there are still a few loose ends and people to find.
The supporting cast were great. I loved the friendships, relationships and feeling of family, both found and by blood. These guys have known each other for years and worked together and it shows. I loved the mix of species and backgrounds, and their different abilities and how they meshed together. On the flip side, the bad guy came across as truly evil, and what Ez went through chilling and terrifying.
The action scenes are tense, and edge-of-seat, and it’s clear from the onset that defeating their enemy won’t be easy. I thought the plot was very clever, and loved the way it all slid into place as the story progressed.
Michele Notaro unleashes an incredibly fascinating adventure novel with Rueberry Orchard, where nothing is as it seems and magical beings are the norm. With marvelous world building skill, author creates a fully realized alternate “unveiled” world where magic is the norm and a war is going on for supremacy. Rhile and Joz have lost their memories and more is revealed when they cross the bridge. But Rhile and Joz are still left confused, a bit scared, and struggling to make sense everything around them.
I enjoyed this book ALOT! I'll keep the review as spolier free as I can.
What I loved...
1. The world building... A secret world hidden in plain sight in the real world. A world full of mages, dwarves, elves and lacuna. Magical and ethereal.
2. The MCs... Ry and Ez were adorable. Mates who love each other unconditionally. Friends from the time they were kids with a love that changed across the years. Married and working together in an Elite Enforcer Team to protect the Magical Realm and it's people. Ry
Ez
3. The Side Characters... The team as a whole, consisting of different magical creatures, was essential to the story, especially Jozzy and Bray, who I hope will be getting their own book? Please? Anywhooo, the adventures certainly wouldn't be the same without these guys who are as much a family to our MCs as their real families, sometimes more as well.
4. The Angst.. Man sometimes it was heatbreaking to read because of how, why and how long Ez and Ry were separated. Even when they found each other again, it was a uphill battle. The emotions and feels while reading were really high, and I was always rooting for these guys to get their HEA.
5. The Heat... The guys take time to get... "reacquainted" considering the circumstances and the overall situation. Lowish steam but still sweet.
6. The Communication... I liked that these guys talked! They didn't ket misconceptions and miscommunication affect the fragile relationship they were trying to piece back together.
7. The HEA... CUTE! It was so them. Ez kept his promise and gave Ry what he wanted.
Slight niggles.... - The story was a *bit* too long. Some situations may have been shaved off or tightened. - The villain was gone too quickly. It seemed it was glossed over, despite what he did to Ry and Ez.
"There's no time. Remember ...." is the linking theme for all 8 titles of this series. Sounds like a good idea but I was rather underwhelmed by this first book (and also by the author's writing style - my first experience also). The aforementioned motif is made use of in the very beginning but Rueberry Orchard is only ever featured once , plot-wise, and merely referred to otherwise a handful of times throughout.
I also had difficulty with the world-building for this fantasy - the existence of an alternate reality/world alongside our own reality was not all that fleshed out. Most such alt-world plots tend to make a marked historico-socio-cultural difference between the fantasy realm and our own; not so in this case - whereby SUVs, credit cards, cell-phones, GPS trackers, motels, bubble-gum and modern weaponry abound. The use of 'alien' nomenclature for some fauna, flora and slang/vernacular didn't really cut it for me post unveiling and I was distracted wondering where the hell were the human law-enforcement once the shooting and killing began.
The two main MCs Rhi and Ez were generally likeable and given their distinctive historical background and relationship, kudos to the author for not having them fall into insta-M-on-M action 'til way past the 60% mark. Being advertised as a romance title, there would be much more emoting and communicating in comparison to dramatic tension and action, but I felt for two veteran action-hardened security-force types, there was too much tears, whimpering, clinginess and endearment terminology (e.g. babe) for my liking. Despite a steady engagement with the 'forces of evil', the actual encounter with the primary bad-guy came very late in the day and ended all too anti-climatically).
There's a promise for a follow-up book to this (as the plot ends with a HFN with some threads left hanging) but I'm probably not interested enough to follow-up with that. 2 stars at best.
There will be some mild spoilers in this review. I somehow cannot complain without mentioning examples. So beware.
This was quite a disappointment from my side. This book had no world building, no explanations, ...the author just jumped really quickly through everything and hoped we could catch up (or miss the fact we have no idea what's going on). I hated that. I also didn't like how the relationship between Ry and Ezryn evolved. The feelings were discussed and the "evolution" did happen in the right order and I don't think it was quick, but the way the author wrote about it felt impersonal. I just didn't feel what the main characters felt.. Then the author solved so many issues or problems too easily or offhandedly it didn't feel like a proper win (like for example the last situation with Han and the fact that they won just because he made a mistake??). And then when Ry's and Jozzy's memories came back right away (without having to wait for their mum and sister suddenly?? and we just had to think 'oooohh that was because he's dead so the magic stopped working(?)'... no freaking idea. And weird).
4,5 Sterne - es war eine traurige, spannende, emotionale Reise, die ich sehr genossen habe. Traurig, weil Ez und Ry so viel verloren haben, besonders durch Rys und Jozs Gedächtnisverlust. Sie haben ihr ganzes Leben vergessen, ihr Team und Ry sein Mate, den er bereits sein ganzes Leben kennt. Es schmerzt bittersüß, umso schöner fand ich das Ende. Es war schnell ja, aber es hat mir trotzdem gefallen. Ich möchte auf jeden Fall mehr über Joz und Bray erfahren und hoffe, dass sie ebenfalls ihr Happy ever After finden 🥰 Die Reihe im Multiverse werde ich auch auf jeden Fall weiter verfolgen 🤗
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and boy what a wonderful introduction to her work! The amnesia trope is set up and executed perfectly, and the extremely slow burn romance plays out almost like a second chance romance in a contemporary fantasy setting. There were ALL the feels in this one, and I couldn’t get enough.
The characters were incredible, all with plenty of depth and critical roles to play in the story even if they were supporting characters. I cared just as much for every secondary character as I did for Rhile and Ezryn, and felt invested in all of them. I’m desperately hoping the author will continue with more stories in this world so all of them can get their own happy endings.
Rhile and Ezryn’s story was heartbreaking but still hopeful, and I loved watching as Rhile got to discover his love all over again. My heart went out to poor Ezryn, he was so sad as he endured the entire process. But it all demonstrated that the two of them belonged together no matter what, and having them back together again—even before Rhile’s memory returned—made my heart happy.
I liked that even though this was a fantasy that it was set in the contemporary world. It allowed for a believable cross between the fantasy elements and modern aspects which I think made the situation more relatable, even if the fantasy is still fiction.
Rueberry Orchard was definitely unputdownable, and was a 5-star read for me. I really hope we get to hear more from Joz, Bray, Angel, Bubbles, and the rest of the team…I am kinda hooked on them all! There are still loose ends that need exploring, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed ;-). This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
Wow, this story is so much more than I was expecting from reading the blurb - magic, love, betrayal, lost memories and fighting for survival. There is such a great story line, guaranteed from the author of the Ellwood Chronicles. Rueberry Orchard has a fantastic cast of characters that I hope we hear more from in the future as I can imagine all of them with their own story lines. My heart broke for the MC's an everything they have gone through and how hard things are for them on the journey they must go on together with their team. It's an intense experience with a lot going on throughout the whole story, always something to keep the reader interested in the plot, characters and relationships that emerge. The world that has been built up is so interesting with the magical realm overlaying the human one. Really don't want to give away much but I must insist that you read this book. Fans of Michele's will know how amazing her writing style and world building is, and those who don't should dive right it! I'm really hope we hear more from these characters in the future. I received an ARC and am happily giving review.
This story was so good and I can only hope that the author will continue Ry and Ez’s story. They have to overcome so much once Ez find Ry and gets him back but even Ry’s missing memories can’t keep their basic feelings at bay. The story was a long journey of them finding each other again and then finding love again before Ry ever gets his memories back. Ry and Jox having to basically relearn everything they knew was hard and I hated watching them struggle and watching the others struggle, especially Ez, with accepting their new reality, no matter how short it was in the long run. I really hope there is another story so we can see Ry and Joz reunited with the rest of their family.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
Rueberry Orchard is the first in an eight book multi author series...and what a way to kick off! We're treated to fantastic world building and an original take on the storyline with totally engaging characters (both MCs are absolutely lovable and there's a great cast of side characters). In short, it's pretty much everything we've come to expect from this author: imaginative, wonderfully descriptive, funny and emotional.
The only tiny thing for me is the pacing was a but unbalanced. I'd have liked a little less of the journey and more meat on the bones of the action at the end. It's certainly not so far out that it spoils the read, just personal preference...I think it could have made for a slicker conclusion.
Overall, though, Rueberry Orchard, is a brilliant take on the second chance romance with a slow burn element. I can't wait to see what the rest of the series holds...Ms Notaro to has definitely set a high bar for the other authors and I definitely want more from Ezryn and Rhile's world please!
I loved the characters, the world building, the story itself. All of it. But, the first-person past-tense writing almost drove me insane. For some reason my brain just couldn’t adjust to it. I kept finding myself unconsciously stopping and going over sentences again but like rewriting them in my head in present-tense. So yea, that’s pretty much the only reason I gave this four stars instead of five. It wasn’t nearly as distracting as grammar and spelling mistakes and I’m sure most people wouldn’t care but for some reason I just couldn’t adjust to it. Anyway, great story. I’m not sure exactly how the multi author thing is supposed to work. I guess we’ll see whenever I get to the next one.
This was a fun read and the world building was amazing. I really liked how flushed out the magic and characters were. Usually I’m hesitant about books that have tons of characters, but all of them were enjoyable and fun to read. Honestly, I’d be more than happy to read an entire series about this team. The romance in this book was sweet and I’m a total sucker for soulmates. I’m happy everything came together in the end. The only reason this isn’t a five is because I wish Han was more flushed out as a villain.
This is my first Notaro book but it probably won’t be my last. I loved the majority of this story. The world building was good. The character building was good. I was insanely into the story. My only problem is that around 80% I think the author remembered that they had to actually close out the book and freaked out and then kind of...just wrapped things up? It was done too quickly for me and I kind of lost interest in the last 20%.
I really enjoyed this world and these characters. It was a great blend of magic, danger, action, and romance. I’m very much looking forward to Bray and Jozzy’s story.
I've never met a Michele Notaro book that I didn't love, and Rueberry Orchard was no exception! From the outstanding world-building to the lifelike, lovable characters to the heart-pounding adventure, everything about Rhile and Ezryn's magical journey sucked me in and kept me glued to my seat. I know this story is part of a multi-author series, but I'm desperately hoping that Michele will write follow-ups for some of the side characters in this story because I *need* to see all of them find their mates and live happily-ever-after.
Rhile's adventure started off deceptively slow, but quickly picked up steam as soon as Ezryn came into the picture. Even without knowing anything at all about the mysterious Rueberry Orchard, Ezryn, or the tiny bits of magic that he started teaching Rhile, I knew there was something big hiding just beneath the surface. The shocking reveal about the Veil, Rhile and Joz's true identities, and the danger they all faced had me so excited to see what was coming next. Making it to Rueberry Orchard was truly just the tip of the iceberg, and I never could have guessed what was coming for Rhile and Ezryn.
In a story with so much new information, I could have easily been overwhelmed with all the details. Michele did an excellent job with the pacing and background information, giving me plenty of backstory so I never felt lost but also leaving enough space for a fast-paced adventure that promised to answer all the other questions I had if I could be patient. On top of the captivating adventure, Rhile and Ezryn's romance was heart-meltingly sweet. This is a slower burn than I'm used to, but I'll gladly sacrifice some steamy moments in exchange for the soul-deep bond between these men.
In sum, I thought this was an incredible way to kick-off both the Beyond the Realm series and a new magical universe. Rhile and Ezryn's journey had all the action and dangerous adventure to start my heart racing, with plenty of lovely romance to melt me into a puddle of happiness.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
😥😥😥😥😥😥 Where is it? Were are Jozzy's and Bray's and Angel and Bubbles stories? I'm thirsty!!! Please, please Michele Notaro do not forget about them. I enjoyed this story so much and am so hyped for them to get their HEA. I know you are just one person, but it is your fault for writing some of my favorite 🥰characters and stories.
*** original review*** Just amazing! I can't even... I LOVED this book, I truly do! The characters were so engaging, lovable and endearing. The relationship between the MC's, but also the bonds to their friends was so beautiful. Everyone felt like an independent person with their own unique quirks, likes and dislikes. The story kept me engaged and always wanting more, I could have cried when the story ended.
Rhile is such a good person and taking everything in stride. It must have been so hard for him, being confronted not only with a strange new world but with a past he can't remember. I loved Ezryn and how supportive he was/is towards Rhile. You could feel the love they share, a love that is everlasting and can't be broken, even by a spell that should have broken them apart. Such a beautiful and fantastic story! Even though they have known each other for years and loved each other for years they didn't rush their reunion and it felt truly "natural" in its progression. Well, we all read to escape the day to day life, its harsh enough so I love books that are full of snark, laughter and love between the main characters. They can fight with the bad guys, run for their lives etc. as long as the storyline doesn't build on them fighting or misunderstanding each other on purpose just for the heck of it. That's what I really love in Michele Notaro's books and this one as well. I love the family bonds and bonds with their friends, that unwavering loyalty and believe in each other and sense of "together we are stronger".
I can't wait to read Jozzy's and Bray's story and is there something going on with Angel and Bubbles?
Sadly the magic did not happen with this one. Lovely idea but it was butchered by some truly uninspired writing. The constant joking and ribbing between the team mates was excessive and immature. The world-buildng was half-arsed and fairly unimaginative. There was too much dialogue and too much telling. And the book was 250 pages too long.
This is a first for me, I’ve read co-authored books before but in this case each installment of the series is written by a different author. I didn’t know that going in, I tend to pick books based on the author, the title, or sometimes the cover. But I am interested to see how and if the overall story will be a cohesive whole.
Michele Notaro starts us off and I have to admit that it’s the first one of her books that I wasn’t completely glued to. The premise is intriguing enough, Rhile, who lives a simple and uneventful life, has that life shaken by recurring dreams of a beautiful man. A man who eventually asks him to go to Rueberry Orchard, a real place, and that’s how this adventure starts.
The story is beautiful, it’s about self-discovery, well rediscovery, heartbreak and unfolds in this tender fantasy with some cool action sequences. Turns out Rhile has a whole life he’s forgotten about, one that was stolen from him. The beautiful man in his dreams, Ezryn, is more than a pleasant dream man but someone he shared his life with.
Ezryn remembers everything, but to Rhile the man is a stranger and his world is a bit weird. The author does a great job with the emotions at play in such a scenario. Rhile’s confusion and excitement while discovering this new world and meeting this man he’s been attracted to since that first dream. Ezryn’s joy in reuniting with Rhile, the pain of not seeing the man he knew, and the fear of losing him again or scaring him away. We spend some time with Ezryn reintroducing himself to someone be already loves. It felt real and my heart ached for him, while at the same time I completely understood where Rhile was coming from. It’s all new and overwhelming for him and he keeps meeting new people who have a history with him.
The book might sound like it’s a very angsty book but it’s not. There’s an appropriate amount of it, which makes sense. It’s not a light and fluffy story either, it’s quite serious but there’s some humor, great characters, and good action. But I didn’t totally click with the story, I enjoyed what I read, I was just a bit lost by the world building. There were also what I would call fantasy-world-expressions that were there for the sake of having them. They didn’t feel organic at all, and the resolution seemed a bit rushed.
“Rueberry Orchard” by Michele Notaro is part of the ‘Beyond the Realm: Remember’ series and centers on Rhile Lore, who starts being haunted by a man in his dreams who is urging him to travel to someplace named Rueberry Orchard. Accompanied by his best friend, Rhile embarks on a fantastical journey that introduces him to a world he could never have dreamed of…or could he have?
This adult gay fantasy romance introduces a world that has fascinating beings such as elves, dwarves, lacunae, and fae, as well as a dysfunctional family that has a remarkable influence on the world. There are multiple tropes, including amnesia, mate bonds, a central source of magic, and an evil, power-hungry villain who is willing to destroy any number of things in a quest for supremacy.
The story is told in alternating points of view between the main characters, with some shifts between past and present. I was a bit frustrated by the personalities of the focal couple, since their relationship vacillated between an intense attraction and either rejection or fear of rejection. Rhile’s mate is recovering from some horrible experiences, but his emotional outbursts and overprotective actions sometimes made me wonder about how equal the partnership was, despite the purported capabilities of Rhile and his best friend.
The erratic training, constant fleeing, and vague allusions to the ruling arrangements and enforcements made me less than convinced of the eliteness of this group and their superiority to others. I think this story has great potential, but it has a lot of dangling threads, so I hope there are additional stories in the work to explore some of the other interesting secondary characters and to flesh out elements of this world.
A fascinating start to this Beyond the Realm collection and a good start to what appears to be a new series by Michele Notaro!
After some crazy dreams Rhile finds himself compelled to travel to Rueberry Orchard to find the man that keeps appearing to him in dreams. On a road trip with his best friend Joz the two soon find themselves on the run as an entire magical world is revealed along with a group out to get them for a life they don't remember.
Having amnesia makes it that Rhile and Joz are the as new to the world as the reader, and introducing things to them feels natural. It also helps to paint the story as the mysterious past they are missing comes out while amongst people who should be family and friends, yet they don't know them at all. At the same time there isn't really a chance to explore and learn for most of the book as they are truly on the run and any times that they stop never quite seems to be safe.
It was a good story, with the romance both something that had already happened in the past and something that is building now. There was some difficulty as Rhile tries to remember Ezryn, and Ezryn struggles with not being known. It also means that there are secrets and some miscommunication as the two try to figure out how to be with each other in these new circumstances. What was surprising was that never thought about the fact that even if memories returned they would be forever changed by the events that had occured for them over this time.
There is a setup for another story in this world following Joz and his journey after all that had happened. It is set to answer some lingering questions at the end of the book of and also continue to open up this world that has been introduced. Promises to be an intriguing new series.