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Slit Throat Saga
Nexus Aerixon has to hide. Not only from the City she calls home, but from herself. She hides because the City is out to get anyone like her. Anyone who can do what she does. But when a mysterious someone pulls her into a world of wild fantasy, she must accept her fate and choose to save the people who hate her. Unless...unless she accidentally destroys the world first.
You can expect a wild ride in this action-packed fantasy, filled with forbidden love, fated mates, gods and goddesses, and plot twists and turns.
An Excerpt From Episode 49: Like A Real MonsterLife You can’t stay small forever.
I didn’t truly understand what was happening until the drakon lifted one leg, cracking the side of the cave wall open and bringing it down, nearly crushing Api under its paw. Heimsmen yelled and dodged, some clearing the cave altogether, but most locating a weapon of some sort.
“Make it stop,” Stjarna yelled at me over the sound of crashing rubble. “Nexus, Make it stop.”
My whole body went limp. “I…I don’t know what to do. I have no idea what—”
“You did this,” Stjarna said, shoving me toward the metallic beast. “Turn it off!”
I could only stand there, watching it move and turn and…think. Like a real monster. Like it was alive.
The drakon spread its wings, destroying what was left of the cave. Three flaps, the metal groaning and adjusting, all pivoting and interlocking in the most beautiful forming I’d ever witnessed. How can I have done this? No person could accomplish something so detailed, so…miraculous.
The drakon lifted itself from the ground and overlooked Heim. The screams of the people lifted from the ground too. Every time the drakon landed, it crushed cave homes. Every time it flew, it destroyed tree houses.
“Come on,” Stjarna yelled, grabbing my wrist and racing forward. “We can’t let it destroy the whole realm.”
Api and Klok followed us, and while we ran, Steina appeared, her chunky frame hurtling over fallen hørses and clusters of debris.
“We need Woden,” Steina said, wheezing from exertion. “We do not know how to quell such a beast. But he will remember.”
“He’ll come,” Stjarna said. “For now, we make sure no one is crushed.”
And so Steina, Api, Klok, Stjar, and I herded people away from wherever the drakon decided to be. Some Heimsman could not help but try to fight the drakon. But no arrows, no spears, no swords could stall it. Finally, Woden appeared, so heavy with metal that his steps dented the ground when he walked.
“Where did it come from?” That was his first question.
“It was me,” I said. “It was an accident.”
He frowned. “You accidentally made a metal drakon?” He pointed an enormous hammer-axe at the creation. “When did you even have time to do something like this?”
Stjarna touched his arm. “The machina. I thought she would make a ball or an ax. This took her…maybe ten minutes, Father.”
He examined me and, amid the chaos, put a hand on my shoulder. “Are you unwell? This was a great feat.”
Am I? I hadn’t noticed how my arms were numb and my metal groaned within me. I could fall asleep right now, right here. “I’m tired, but fine,” I said.
He nodded.
You can expect a wild ride in this action-packed fantasy, filled with forbidden love, fated mates, gods and goddesses, and plot twists and turns.
An Excerpt From Episode 49: Like A Real MonsterLife You can’t stay small forever.
I didn’t truly understand what was happening until the drakon lifted one leg, cracking the side of the cave wall open and bringing it down, nearly crushing Api under its paw. Heimsmen yelled and dodged, some clearing the cave altogether, but most locating a weapon of some sort.
“Make it stop,” Stjarna yelled at me over the sound of crashing rubble. “Nexus, Make it stop.”
My whole body went limp. “I…I don’t know what to do. I have no idea what—”
“You did this,” Stjarna said, shoving me toward the metallic beast. “Turn it off!”
I could only stand there, watching it move and turn and…think. Like a real monster. Like it was alive.
The drakon spread its wings, destroying what was left of the cave. Three flaps, the metal groaning and adjusting, all pivoting and interlocking in the most beautiful forming I’d ever witnessed. How can I have done this? No person could accomplish something so detailed, so…miraculous.
The drakon lifted itself from the ground and overlooked Heim. The screams of the people lifted from the ground too. Every time the drakon landed, it crushed cave homes. Every time it flew, it destroyed tree houses.
“Come on,” Stjarna yelled, grabbing my wrist and racing forward. “We can’t let it destroy the whole realm.”
Api and Klok followed us, and while we ran, Steina appeared, her chunky frame hurtling over fallen hørses and clusters of debris.
“We need Woden,” Steina said, wheezing from exertion. “We do not know how to quell such a beast. But he will remember.”
“He’ll come,” Stjarna said. “For now, we make sure no one is crushed.”
And so Steina, Api, Klok, Stjar, and I herded people away from wherever the drakon decided to be. Some Heimsman could not help but try to fight the drakon. But no arrows, no spears, no swords could stall it. Finally, Woden appeared, so heavy with metal that his steps dented the ground when he walked.
“Where did it come from?” That was his first question.
“It was me,” I said. “It was an accident.”
He frowned. “You accidentally made a metal drakon?” He pointed an enormous hammer-axe at the creation. “When did you even have time to do something like this?”
Stjarna touched his arm. “The machina. I thought she would make a ball or an ax. This took her…maybe ten minutes, Father.”
He examined me and, amid the chaos, put a hand on my shoulder. “Are you unwell? This was a great feat.”
Am I? I hadn’t noticed how my arms were numb and my metal groaned within me. I could fall asleep right now, right here. “I’m tired, but fine,” I said.
He nodded.
501 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2022
18 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Teshelle Combs
60 books580 followersTeshelle Combs is the award-winning author of books like The Underglow and the First Collection.
She's well known for her fantasy romance standalones like The First Dryad, The First Stone, The First Nymph, and The First Flame. (Read in any order, listed in order of writing).
Tropes include enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, arranged marriage, twists & turns, and more.
Find TC @booksarebrightstars on TikTok.
She's well known for her fantasy romance standalones like The First Dryad, The First Stone, The First Nymph, and The First Flame. (Read in any order, listed in order of writing).
Tropes include enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, arranged marriage, twists & turns, and more.
Find TC @booksarebrightstars on TikTok.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
May 1, 2024
YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK
Perfect for fans of divergent, fourth wing and ACOTAR
Slit Throat Saga is a whirlwind from start to finish. It feels like I’ve read an entire trilogy in the space of one long book, in a good way too. Teshelle Combs has a way of sucking you in to her worlds and forgetting that everything else exists.
The characters!!! There are a lot of them but they are all pretty distinct even if I can’t pronounce any of their names. Our main character Nexus is hotheaded with a strong moral compass who learns to stand on her own through the book. And Lórr. Fuck me I love some bad boy piercings. I can’t wait to see more of him in the next book.
Slit Throat Saga book introduces a lot of worlds, cities and characters that I know I won’t remember. It’s setting it up for book 2 and any other future books but it’s sometimes confusing. This isn’t unusual for fantasy novels. This in no way should deter you from reading, it’s just my way of balancing out this review.
I’m so excited for book two and can’t wait to read more or Teshelle Combs work.
But tonight minions we steal… THE MOON!
I received this advanced readers copy in exchange for a review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Perfect for fans of divergent, fourth wing and ACOTAR
Slit Throat Saga is a whirlwind from start to finish. It feels like I’ve read an entire trilogy in the space of one long book, in a good way too. Teshelle Combs has a way of sucking you in to her worlds and forgetting that everything else exists.
The characters!!! There are a lot of them but they are all pretty distinct even if I can’t pronounce any of their names. Our main character Nexus is hotheaded with a strong moral compass who learns to stand on her own through the book. And Lórr. Fuck me I love some bad boy piercings. I can’t wait to see more of him in the next book.
Slit Throat Saga book introduces a lot of worlds, cities and characters that I know I won’t remember. It’s setting it up for book 2 and any other future books but it’s sometimes confusing. This isn’t unusual for fantasy novels. This in no way should deter you from reading, it’s just my way of balancing out this review.
I’m so excited for book two and can’t wait to read more or Teshelle Combs work.
But tonight minions we steal… THE MOON!
I received this advanced readers copy in exchange for a review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 6, 2024
I received this book as an opportunity to read the series, having been sent the ARC for #2 in the series along with it. Thank you to T. Combs directly, I love your Facebook chat group for this and all the zany conversations the team has had.
WOW.
No, like WOW.
My initial postings of this book said I had not felt this overwhelmed and drawn to a book since the Hunger Game series came out, and that is a total understatement.
I read dystopian tales with strong female leads with no ability to put them down. It's like a guilty pleasure. It's Pringles for me, once you pop, you just can't stop.
But, this one absolutely might the best dystopian book I've read. Ever.
Nexus is a Meta, which she has to hide, for fear of execution.
The opening scenes as she watches another Meta endure her death, her throat being slit in front of all (thus the gory title) makes Katniss's "I volunteer as tribute" scene seems like it's from a Disney movie.
This is dark at times and the characters are morally and ethically, well, complicated. I'm SO happy I read this with the 2nd available to my finger tips, or I would simply be devasted.
Five stars, TEN if I could.
WOW.
No, like WOW.
My initial postings of this book said I had not felt this overwhelmed and drawn to a book since the Hunger Game series came out, and that is a total understatement.
I read dystopian tales with strong female leads with no ability to put them down. It's like a guilty pleasure. It's Pringles for me, once you pop, you just can't stop.
But, this one absolutely might the best dystopian book I've read. Ever.
Nexus is a Meta, which she has to hide, for fear of execution.
The opening scenes as she watches another Meta endure her death, her throat being slit in front of all (thus the gory title) makes Katniss's "I volunteer as tribute" scene seems like it's from a Disney movie.
This is dark at times and the characters are morally and ethically, well, complicated. I'm SO happy I read this with the 2nd available to my finger tips, or I would simply be devasted.
Five stars, TEN if I could.
April 4, 2024
Teshelle Combs did it again!!
I fell in love with this story and I cannot wait for the second one!!
Nexus is my absolute favorite and I love how strong she is. She reminds me of a phoenix, no matter what she goes through, so always rises from the ashes and becomes stronger!
I fell in love with this story and I cannot wait for the second one!!
Nexus is my absolute favorite and I love how strong she is. She reminds me of a phoenix, no matter what she goes through, so always rises from the ashes and becomes stronger!
July 8, 2023
Beautiful and such a powerful story! I have yet to find a book by Tess that hasn’t had me hooked by chapter 2 this one included! Nexus goes from a scared hidden Meta to leading a war to defend her people. This book has action and adventure but also a slight love story! Dying to get my hands on part two!
April 11, 2024
Dystopian + Fantasy This is beautifully written! I absolutely loved the Life Tips at the beginning of each episode! This book, on a whole, was, unfortunately, not for me. You have found family, and a society that thinks anything different should be killed to protect human purity. Sound familiar? Although this is fantastical, it felt a little bit like real life, and I have to be in the right mental place to read that. Will I read book two? Maybe. A lot of people will LOVE this book, I was just not the intended audience.
April 6, 2024
Loved this book! This is a unique world that you'll never want to leave so much fun and adventurous stuff happens. The FMC starts off being a timid ish girl, but you get to watch her grow into a kick butt woman. The story is fast-paced, fun, and definitely needed on your must-read list!
September 29, 2023
I stumbled upon this in a social media group. The author was promoting her book and I love a good dystopian fantasy, so I downloaded it.
Nexus lives in a world where a certain group of people are targeted, poisoned, and even put to death if they are found. I won’t share any more information than that because I don’t want to ruin it for anyone.
The title made me think this would be a gory slasher novel…it is definitely not. The title seems misleading but will make sense once the book has been read. The story was innovative and had me hooked from the beginning. I was pleasantly surprised. However, towards the end, I felt like the story line was all over the place and a little confusing to keep up with. I will say I enjoyed reading it overall, but I am not interested in reading the sequel.
Nexus lives in a world where a certain group of people are targeted, poisoned, and even put to death if they are found. I won’t share any more information than that because I don’t want to ruin it for anyone.
The title made me think this would be a gory slasher novel…it is definitely not. The title seems misleading but will make sense once the book has been read. The story was innovative and had me hooked from the beginning. I was pleasantly surprised. However, towards the end, I felt like the story line was all over the place and a little confusing to keep up with. I will say I enjoyed reading it overall, but I am not interested in reading the sequel.
June 26, 2024
You start with Nexus at an Ending. What's an ending? It's a public execution of people who are different from everyone else because they have a secret.... they're called Meta and they are people who can manipulate and absorb metals into their body. Apparently, this makes them dangerous to everyone else.
I kept getting Divergent vibes through the entire book, and I enjoyed those. Once I got over the confusion in parts of the book (because you are given tiny bits and pieces of information relative to the bigger picture) it came full circle and everything clicked into place.
I'm not so patiently waiting for the ending.
I kept getting Divergent vibes through the entire book, and I enjoyed those. Once I got over the confusion in parts of the book (because you are given tiny bits and pieces of information relative to the bigger picture) it came full circle and everything clicked into place.
I'm not so patiently waiting for the ending.
April 21, 2024
4.5 stars! This was a very fascinating dystopian fantasy! From the start, where we have a heavily controlled, deeply class based, and fear managed society, where those who can magically control metals, which are scarce, are executed on the regular in a very public spectacle. It’s very much a conform or d!e situation. Nexus is flying under the radar as much as she can, hiding her true nature, afraid of becoming the next on the executioners list. She’s in what she thinks is an acceptable and mostly happy relationship, not perfect, but advantageous and agreeable….until it’s not. When things start going sideways, they go hard.
Nexus’ life is thrown into complete pandemonium, those she thought were loyal and trustworthy in some cases are very much the opposite, and those she never expected to be able to rely on, or relate to, become her saving grace. And as things spiral farther and farther out of control, she learns that her life, and her past, aren’t what she thought, and her path becomes one of rebellion and change.
It’s so interesting seeing Nexus’ evolution in this book. She starts out very introverted and conforming, and by the cliffhanger ending, her transformation is startlingly different, and still in progress as her comes into her own and figures out who and what she really wants to be, not to mention being able to control the magic at her fingertips. The people around her seem to mostly be looking to use her, manipulate her, or exploit her, and she becomes better and better at recognizing this. She also tends to find herself in difficult situations, not by her own accord, but due to her own nativité and need to break out and have the freedom she never dreamed she would attain.
I really enjoyed all the twists and turns, the different characters and dynamics at place were always intriguing, and the cliffhanger definitely left me on the edge of my seat.
Nexus’ life is thrown into complete pandemonium, those she thought were loyal and trustworthy in some cases are very much the opposite, and those she never expected to be able to rely on, or relate to, become her saving grace. And as things spiral farther and farther out of control, she learns that her life, and her past, aren’t what she thought, and her path becomes one of rebellion and change.
It’s so interesting seeing Nexus’ evolution in this book. She starts out very introverted and conforming, and by the cliffhanger ending, her transformation is startlingly different, and still in progress as her comes into her own and figures out who and what she really wants to be, not to mention being able to control the magic at her fingertips. The people around her seem to mostly be looking to use her, manipulate her, or exploit her, and she becomes better and better at recognizing this. She also tends to find herself in difficult situations, not by her own accord, but due to her own nativité and need to break out and have the freedom she never dreamed she would attain.
I really enjoyed all the twists and turns, the different characters and dynamics at place were always intriguing, and the cliffhanger definitely left me on the edge of my seat.
April 16, 2024
Slit Throat Saga by Teshelle Combs is the perfect combination of the dystopian and fantasy genres. Combs’ vibrant world building and character development throughout the story makes it easy to visualize the setting and characters. One theme that was vital to the plot and the one that drew me in is the fear of those who are different. As the story progresses and characters grow and develop they become stronger. Without going into too many details, the story goes through so many twists and turns with shocking revelations that kept me captivated. The FMC was my absolute favorite part of the story. It’s impossible to not develop an emotional connection to her. The ending of the story had my jaw unhinged and desperate for book two. I cannot wait to read the next book and highly recommend reading book one.
June 24, 2023
This book was amazing. It’s set in a dystopian “city” where Meta’s (who have no metal in them) are essentially hunted so they can be “ended” aka their throats slit in front of everyone. There are multiple titles one can hold and rankings make a lot of people betray their family and friends. Nexus works hard to hide her Meta status, and in the process finds out her true origin and other pieces of their world (Aarde) as a whole. It’s hard to discuss any of what she discovers without spoilers. She meets a super sexy pierced and tattooed mystery man who she is inexplicably drawn to and we get to see bits and pieces of them and eventually find out why this happens. It ends on a cliffhanger so Tess, you totally suck but in a brilliant type of way 🤣 what a ride
April 9, 2024
There isn't a book from TC that I haven't loved. But this book? It is beautiful.
When you've finished this book, you want to join the revolution.
Accept your power. Realize that not everyone who hurts you means to. Love even when it isn't deserved. And for the love of life, "practice being crazy so you get better at it; be the best crazy you can be."
When you've finished this book, you want to join the revolution.
Accept your power. Realize that not everyone who hurts you means to. Love even when it isn't deserved. And for the love of life, "practice being crazy so you get better at it; be the best crazy you can be."
April 13, 2024
Holy SH*# doesn't even cover it.
World building? Amazingggg
Character Development? ✨ chefs kisss ✨
This book had me literally addicted.
I ate this book up. The whole concept it really cool and had me hooked.
And every twist and turn had me gaspinggggg! Definitely recommend this book! It will definitely be on my mind and I can not waaaaait for the next book!
World building? Amazingggg
Character Development? ✨ chefs kisss ✨
This book had me literally addicted.
I ate this book up. The whole concept it really cool and had me hooked.
And every twist and turn had me gaspinggggg! Definitely recommend this book! It will definitely be on my mind and I can not waaaaait for the next book!
April 20, 2024
Im usually not a huge fan of dystopian but this book was still really good. I liked the life tips at the beginning of each chapter and Nex was just great. I really connected with her. I will definitely be enjoying the next one!!!
April 10, 2024
What an incredible story about the trials that we as humans put our own people through because of fear and differences. Nexus is truly a hero of legend and her story feels like it has just begun.
April 18, 2024
♡Oh my gosh! ☆
This is probably the best dystopian fantasy I've ever read! This book had me flabbergasted the entire time! Honestly, I was completely shocked with every event that took place! Tess writes the most amazingly strong FMC's ever to exist🙌🖤 It was such an emotional ride while reading this, and I can't freaking wait for the next one!! I need it asap 😍😍🙌
This is probably the best dystopian fantasy I've ever read! This book had me flabbergasted the entire time! Honestly, I was completely shocked with every event that took place! Tess writes the most amazingly strong FMC's ever to exist🙌🖤 It was such an emotional ride while reading this, and I can't freaking wait for the next one!! I need it asap 😍😍🙌
June 20, 2025
what the WHATTT
I knew I was jumping in for a ride but with an ending like that, I can’t wait for more!
I knew I was jumping in for a ride but with an ending like that, I can’t wait for more!
June 5, 2024
Oh my goodness Tesshelle! I will be 100% honest in saying at first I did not think I was going to like this book. It was my first ARC read and my first Fantasy. Let me tell you what, I am hooked. This book reminded me of Divergent but Hunger games as well. The characters are so well written that I could see them in my mind as we were reading, feel them and loved or hated them. I can not wait to read book #2 as this does leave it at a bit of a cliff hanger...
May 14, 2024
This is the first ARC I have ever read that I was hooked from the very beginning. I did get a little hung up on the world building, and it was very reminiscent of Crescent City in the first few chapters, IE: trying to decipher the code of what "species" people are and what they do/the magic that they wield. With that being said, HOLY MOLY this book is amazing. I would categorize it more of a sci-fi than fantasy, but it definitely falls into both genres. I have never read anything like this before, and I can NOT wait to read the second of the series. Read more for specifics with no spoilers!
WRITING: The writing style for this book was very easy to read and understand. I believe it is YA since there is no spice, but it was still extremely enjoyable. The writing was very descriptive and definitely transported you to the Realm of the City of Aarde. I loved the way the chapters were set up as "episodes" and each one started with a "Life Tip" some of them made me giggle.
Plot: Right off the bat, you can tell what the plot is, although it was a little difficult with all the different types of people and houses, as stated before, it's very similiar to the world building in Crescent City, but as you continue to read it all comes together. There are different kinds of people who make up the city Meta (which are metal weilders and are hunted and Ended in a public execution setting. The entire city is taught from a young age that they are bad and must be Ended "For the Fight.) Fenders (basically the enforcers who make the decisions), Formers (the ones who form and build and solve all the problems, essentially the scientists/engineers of Aarde), Wizens (who have all the knowledge), Feelers (basically psychics who can feel emotions and read people), and a few more and their respective houses. I thought this was a really well developed and unique plotline. I enjoyed the world building, the relationships, the character arcs, and just all in all felt that this was a 5 star read. There is one chapter (14) that has some non-con stuff, so if you are triggered by that, you can skip the chapter, but it is not in graphic detail.
Theme: This is a coming of age story and finding out that just because you are taught to believe something your whole life, doesn't make it so. Question everything!
Characters: I LOVED the characters, loved the names, and loved all the arcs. There are a few characters that you dislike in the beginning, but you will come to know and love. And towards the end of the book there are so many characters introduced that I am absolutely in love with. I thought that all the characters were very well developed, and that they contributed to the story significantly.
All in all, this was very well written and well executed. I cannot wait to read the second book, and I will be thinking about this book forever. I have never read anything like it, and it was enjoyable from the very beginning. I absolutely recommend this to young readers, and older readers who enjoy a well developed and entertaining plot. Although there is no spice, there is still a little romance that makes you swoon and has you turning the page craving more.
WRITING: The writing style for this book was very easy to read and understand. I believe it is YA since there is no spice, but it was still extremely enjoyable. The writing was very descriptive and definitely transported you to the Realm of the City of Aarde. I loved the way the chapters were set up as "episodes" and each one started with a "Life Tip" some of them made me giggle.
Plot: Right off the bat, you can tell what the plot is, although it was a little difficult with all the different types of people and houses, as stated before, it's very similiar to the world building in Crescent City, but as you continue to read it all comes together. There are different kinds of people who make up the city Meta (which are metal weilders and are hunted and Ended in a public execution setting. The entire city is taught from a young age that they are bad and must be Ended "For the Fight.) Fenders (basically the enforcers who make the decisions), Formers (the ones who form and build and solve all the problems, essentially the scientists/engineers of Aarde), Wizens (who have all the knowledge), Feelers (basically psychics who can feel emotions and read people), and a few more and their respective houses. I thought this was a really well developed and unique plotline. I enjoyed the world building, the relationships, the character arcs, and just all in all felt that this was a 5 star read. There is one chapter (14) that has some non-con stuff, so if you are triggered by that, you can skip the chapter, but it is not in graphic detail.
Theme: This is a coming of age story and finding out that just because you are taught to believe something your whole life, doesn't make it so. Question everything!
Characters: I LOVED the characters, loved the names, and loved all the arcs. There are a few characters that you dislike in the beginning, but you will come to know and love. And towards the end of the book there are so many characters introduced that I am absolutely in love with. I thought that all the characters were very well developed, and that they contributed to the story significantly.
All in all, this was very well written and well executed. I cannot wait to read the second book, and I will be thinking about this book forever. I have never read anything like it, and it was enjoyable from the very beginning. I absolutely recommend this to young readers, and older readers who enjoy a well developed and entertaining plot. Although there is no spice, there is still a little romance that makes you swoon and has you turning the page craving more.
April 8, 2024
Reading Teshelle Combs' "Slit Throat Saga" was an experience that left me both haunted and profoundly moved, lingering in my thoughts long after the final page was turned. From the very first chapter, Combs' narrative grips you with the tale of Nexus Aerixon, a character whose journey is both harrowing and deeply inspiring. This review is my attempt to convey the depth of emotion and the whirlwind of adventure that this book encapsulates.
Nexus Aerixon, the heart of this tale, is a character sculpted with such complexity and realism that it's hard not to become emotionally invested in her story from the outset. Living in a City that hunts her kind, Nexus is a paragon of strength and vulnerability. Her abilities, which should be a source of power, become her curse, forcing her into the shadows of a society that would rather see her extinct than embrace her differences. This theme of persecution is powerful and resonant, reflecting our own world's struggles with fear and intolerance.
The narrative expertly balances the inner turmoil of Nexus with the larger, looming threats of the City. The dichotomy between her desire to hide and the necessity to stand and fight weaves a compelling conflict that is both external and internal. The moment she is drawn into a world far removed from the grim reality of her existence marks a pivotal shift not only in the story but in her character arc. It's a testament to Combs' skill as a storyteller that this transition feels both inevitable and shocking.
"Slit Throat Saga" is more than just a fantasy novel; it's a tapestry of forbidden love, destiny, and divine intervention. The romance that blossoms in the midst of chaos is beautifully written, striking a delicate balance between hope and despair. The concept of fated mates, often a trope laden with predictability, is handled with a fresh perspective that revitalizes the theme and integrates it seamlessly into the larger narrative.
In conclusion, "Slit Throat Saga" by Teshelle Combs is a masterpiece of fantasy literature that transcends the genre to explore deeper themes of love, identity, and the cost of power. It's a story that invites you into its world, only to ensnare you in its web of intricate plots, compelling characters, and breathtaking adventure. Combs has crafted a world that feels vast and lived-in, populated with characters who are flawed, brave, and utterly human. For anyone seeking a book that combines the thrill of fantasy with the depth of real human emotion, "Slit Throat Saga" is a must-read. It's a journey that promises and delivers a wild ride, leaving you breathless and yearning for more.
Nexus Aerixon, the heart of this tale, is a character sculpted with such complexity and realism that it's hard not to become emotionally invested in her story from the outset. Living in a City that hunts her kind, Nexus is a paragon of strength and vulnerability. Her abilities, which should be a source of power, become her curse, forcing her into the shadows of a society that would rather see her extinct than embrace her differences. This theme of persecution is powerful and resonant, reflecting our own world's struggles with fear and intolerance.
The narrative expertly balances the inner turmoil of Nexus with the larger, looming threats of the City. The dichotomy between her desire to hide and the necessity to stand and fight weaves a compelling conflict that is both external and internal. The moment she is drawn into a world far removed from the grim reality of her existence marks a pivotal shift not only in the story but in her character arc. It's a testament to Combs' skill as a storyteller that this transition feels both inevitable and shocking.
"Slit Throat Saga" is more than just a fantasy novel; it's a tapestry of forbidden love, destiny, and divine intervention. The romance that blossoms in the midst of chaos is beautifully written, striking a delicate balance between hope and despair. The concept of fated mates, often a trope laden with predictability, is handled with a fresh perspective that revitalizes the theme and integrates it seamlessly into the larger narrative.
In conclusion, "Slit Throat Saga" by Teshelle Combs is a masterpiece of fantasy literature that transcends the genre to explore deeper themes of love, identity, and the cost of power. It's a story that invites you into its world, only to ensnare you in its web of intricate plots, compelling characters, and breathtaking adventure. Combs has crafted a world that feels vast and lived-in, populated with characters who are flawed, brave, and utterly human. For anyone seeking a book that combines the thrill of fantasy with the depth of real human emotion, "Slit Throat Saga" is a must-read. It's a journey that promises and delivers a wild ride, leaving you breathless and yearning for more.
April 21, 2024
I’m not going to lie. The title and cover of this book wasn’t really my forte, my wheelhouse of usual reads, or so I thought. But you all know how the saying goes, “you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.” And since I’ve loved everything I’ve read so far that Teshelle Combs has written, I had to give this a go. And I am so glad I did!
This dystopian fantasy gives me Divergent/Hunger Games vibes, even made me relate it to real life history, like the Holocaust, and modern calamities of racism. There’s just so much to love about this story and it throws you in on page one. And while the quote, “Adventure awaits the lost,” doesn’t come until later in the book, that’s how I felt along with Nexus, the FMC, as I learn along with her. This is definitely an adventure you should take!
Con: This ends on a cliffhanger. Pro: Part 2 is due out soon!
TW: There is an on page SA (attempt?) scene against the FMC. You’ll see it coming and can quickly skim past it without losing anything plot-wise to the story. It is brought up again when discussed between the FMC & her mother, and in brief passing in the FMC’s thoughts on her past. - I also say “attempt” because Tess is always so poetic when it comes to spice. Most of the time I don’t even realize there’s a spicy scene until it’s over. So the SA (attempt) is not graphic, as far as body parts and acts, but the fear and emotions are real.
So that said, the spice…yeah, definitely not a book for that. There’s kissing and making out. And desire. But if I had to rate it, a 0.25/5 on the spice scale.
So definitely could be considered a YA book for sure, but the lessons and wonderful quotes sprinkled throughout are for everyone!
“I’m not a lot. I’m the most,” sums up this story, probably especially once part 2 is released. 💜
This dystopian fantasy gives me Divergent/Hunger Games vibes, even made me relate it to real life history, like the Holocaust, and modern calamities of racism. There’s just so much to love about this story and it throws you in on page one. And while the quote, “Adventure awaits the lost,” doesn’t come until later in the book, that’s how I felt along with Nexus, the FMC, as I learn along with her. This is definitely an adventure you should take!
Con: This ends on a cliffhanger. Pro: Part 2 is due out soon!
TW: There is an on page SA (attempt?) scene against the FMC. You’ll see it coming and can quickly skim past it without losing anything plot-wise to the story. It is brought up again when discussed between the FMC & her mother, and in brief passing in the FMC’s thoughts on her past. - I also say “attempt” because Tess is always so poetic when it comes to spice. Most of the time I don’t even realize there’s a spicy scene until it’s over. So the SA (attempt) is not graphic, as far as body parts and acts, but the fear and emotions are real.
So that said, the spice…yeah, definitely not a book for that. There’s kissing and making out. And desire. But if I had to rate it, a 0.25/5 on the spice scale.
So definitely could be considered a YA book for sure, but the lessons and wonderful quotes sprinkled throughout are for everyone!
“I’m not a lot. I’m the most,” sums up this story, probably especially once part 2 is released. 💜
May 1, 2024
Book 2 was given to me as an ARC, but I purchased a copy of this book with my own money.
I don't have too much more or less to say about this book than other TC ones. It reads very similar to her First Collection series.
I wish she would explain what everything means. Feeler, Former. You eventually get the hang of what everything is, but a glossary or something ahead of time would be a great touch.
I can't tell if things being misspelled is part of the story or they are misspelled for a reason because they aren't like the things from our world, or it was just a mistake. Misfire is spelled that way and misfyre. Also flayme and fyre. Does that mean something or is it just their world's version? There's also mhoth. Bhee. Drakon. You get the idea.
Monny is the best ever. I haven't enjoyed a side character like that in a long time! I am also really liking Lorr. I'm happy that Dahn was done right. What a fantastic character development arc there. Additionally, Heim and everything surrounding those scenes was beautiful.
I wouldn't call any of the plot twists unpredictable, necessarily. That doesn't make them bad, it's just that none of them really surprised me. A few, "oh wows" but nothing crazy.
All the scenes with the drakon were awesome! I loved the power, sentience, and creation behind everything.
I quite enjoyed the ending. It makes me look forward to book 2!
I don't have too much more or less to say about this book than other TC ones. It reads very similar to her First Collection series.
I wish she would explain what everything means. Feeler, Former. You eventually get the hang of what everything is, but a glossary or something ahead of time would be a great touch.
I can't tell if things being misspelled is part of the story or they are misspelled for a reason because they aren't like the things from our world, or it was just a mistake. Misfire is spelled that way and misfyre. Also flayme and fyre. Does that mean something or is it just their world's version? There's also mhoth. Bhee. Drakon. You get the idea.
Monny is the best ever. I haven't enjoyed a side character like that in a long time! I am also really liking Lorr. I'm happy that Dahn was done right. What a fantastic character development arc there. Additionally, Heim and everything surrounding those scenes was beautiful.
I wouldn't call any of the plot twists unpredictable, necessarily. That doesn't make them bad, it's just that none of them really surprised me. A few, "oh wows" but nothing crazy.
All the scenes with the drakon were awesome! I loved the power, sentience, and creation behind everything.
I quite enjoyed the ending. It makes me look forward to book 2!
March 5, 2023
Excuse me!?
Give me a minute let my brain sort itself on this magnificent tale.
Right then. If you have read Teshelle's work before welcome back, if this is your first read from her buckle up. Another story of both magic and mayhem that kept me guessing and on my feet. It is easy to sympathize with Nexus. The world we first find her in is cold, futuristic, yet somehow stuck in the past full of hatred. By the mid point I was surely as confused about this world as the Nexus as the curtains fell apart and she becomes something more. Delightfully so. The author has a way of spinning a tale that is entrancing in worlds that are enchanting with characters that will leave you breathless by the end. I'd recommend this for new adult to adult age groups with some of the complex, albeit interesting, themes. I felt the story was blended fantasy and sci-fi with a touch of steampunk imagery here and there. Excuse me while I catch my breath over that ending so I can go see if the next is available.
Give me a minute let my brain sort itself on this magnificent tale.
Right then. If you have read Teshelle's work before welcome back, if this is your first read from her buckle up. Another story of both magic and mayhem that kept me guessing and on my feet. It is easy to sympathize with Nexus. The world we first find her in is cold, futuristic, yet somehow stuck in the past full of hatred. By the mid point I was surely as confused about this world as the Nexus as the curtains fell apart and she becomes something more. Delightfully so. The author has a way of spinning a tale that is entrancing in worlds that are enchanting with characters that will leave you breathless by the end. I'd recommend this for new adult to adult age groups with some of the complex, albeit interesting, themes. I felt the story was blended fantasy and sci-fi with a touch of steampunk imagery here and there. Excuse me while I catch my breath over that ending so I can go see if the next is available.
April 24, 2024
I am always really skeptical of an ARC read. I typically find lack luster writing and a disjointed story. I am so very happy to report that this was not the case.
The world building was confusing at times especially at the very beginning. I also got super frustrated at every single character refusing to give even a small bit of information to Nex but I still could not put this one down. I devoured this story and am besotted by Monny!!! Seriously, some great characters are held in these pages. I did not think that the changing of a few letters ( I became y, extra hs thrown in etc) added much to the story and world building, for me it detracted from it. I focused on the point of them being changed when I came across one rather than the actual story itself and it sucked me right out of the mental movie that is reading. One thing I loved is that Nex is unfailingly kind and honest. I don’t feel like there are too many FMCs that are a straight shooter and it was refreshing.
Can’t wait to jump into the second one!
The world building was confusing at times especially at the very beginning. I also got super frustrated at every single character refusing to give even a small bit of information to Nex but I still could not put this one down. I devoured this story and am besotted by Monny!!! Seriously, some great characters are held in these pages. I did not think that the changing of a few letters ( I became y, extra hs thrown in etc) added much to the story and world building, for me it detracted from it. I focused on the point of them being changed when I came across one rather than the actual story itself and it sucked me right out of the mental movie that is reading. One thing I loved is that Nex is unfailingly kind and honest. I don’t feel like there are too many FMCs that are a straight shooter and it was refreshing.
Can’t wait to jump into the second one!
January 17, 2023
THE AUDACITY
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.
.
.
.
.
.
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TO MAKE A WORLD THIS INTRIGUING!!!
OKAY, OKAY here me out, girl magneto....dystopian.....fantasy! If that doesn't sell you, I don't know what will.
Nexus Aerixon (Our MC) must keep a secret. One that, if ever exposed, would have her throat slit with her family watching, and a crowd chanting "FOR THE FIGHT!" She is Meta, and they are hunting her kind.
In a city where ranking and power are the foundation, Nexus must find the balance of securing her place in society and avoiding discovery. She is clever. She is cautious. She knows how to keep her head down. But she is powerful, and that might just be enough to expose the truth surging through her veins....
I MEAN WOW!!! I loved this book. It was well-written. It kept me invested from cover to cover. It had me saying, "I MUST add all her books to my TBR!"
Put simply, this stunning Saga was a gem!
I especially loved that the author attached a 'Life Tip' before each chapter. It added the perfect dash of humor to the in-depth storyline.
My favorite one was - Life Tip: Always ugly cry alone.
If you love books with:
▪️EPIC World Building
▪️An MC who gives off Deadly Rebel vibes
▪️High-steaks society settings
▪️Plots that keep you guessing
This story is for YOU!
A solid as steel 4.5 stars from me!
***I was gifted this book by the author in exchange for an honest review***
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TO MAKE A WORLD THIS INTRIGUING!!!
OKAY, OKAY here me out, girl magneto....dystopian.....fantasy! If that doesn't sell you, I don't know what will.
Nexus Aerixon (Our MC) must keep a secret. One that, if ever exposed, would have her throat slit with her family watching, and a crowd chanting "FOR THE FIGHT!" She is Meta, and they are hunting her kind.
In a city where ranking and power are the foundation, Nexus must find the balance of securing her place in society and avoiding discovery. She is clever. She is cautious. She knows how to keep her head down. But she is powerful, and that might just be enough to expose the truth surging through her veins....
I MEAN WOW!!! I loved this book. It was well-written. It kept me invested from cover to cover. It had me saying, "I MUST add all her books to my TBR!"
Put simply, this stunning Saga was a gem!
I especially loved that the author attached a 'Life Tip' before each chapter. It added the perfect dash of humor to the in-depth storyline.
My favorite one was - Life Tip: Always ugly cry alone.
If you love books with:
▪️EPIC World Building
▪️An MC who gives off Deadly Rebel vibes
▪️High-steaks society settings
▪️Plots that keep you guessing
This story is for YOU!
A solid as steel 4.5 stars from me!
***I was gifted this book by the author in exchange for an honest review***
April 23, 2024
I love dystopian novels so much and I love fantasy. So when you give me both, I can’t help but be excited! I do wish there was a pronounciation guide for the names. While I was excited about this book, it was a bit slow at first. It does pick up, but even then it doesn’t quite pick up to where I expected it to. The rules of The City is crazy and the punishment is even crazier. The characters are good. You get a lot of development with some, but not enough with others. There are some things, I needed answered with Clay for example. Also, I definitely needed more of Viveka’s story and I hope we get that in book 2. The FMC developed fantasticly. There was a lot of things that we were just expected to know without the book actually telling us. I wish some of those situations could have been more clear. The world building for “The City” is great. The world building for Heim and all the other places are lacking and I need more. I would love more background on the other people’s worlds. The spice was 1/5 (little to no spice). So for all of you smut lovers, this isn’t for you 😂 Overall, I recommend it and will definitely read book 2.
June 27, 2023
Teshelle Combs has a beautifully complex mind, the way she has brought this dystopian world to life with so many visible descriptions. I found myself spiraling into an abyss of a multi-dimensional dystopian world full of such interesting characters. The description was so colorful that I could feel myself walking through Aarde and Heim like I was in the MCs shoes. Nexus is a girl who’s finding out who she is and learning her worth in the world while also adapting to her new powers and teaching herself how to use them. I was hooked from beginning to end, couldn’t stop turning the pages! There were times when I could feed my muscles tightening because of the suspense and times when I hurt right along with her. Interesting story with a thick plot, unlike any other dystopian fantasy that I have ever read!
August 13, 2023
Star crossed lovers, twists, turns, and endless plotting.
This world in this book feels like a dystopia, and it is... but it isn't? You start the book learning the rules of the world and trying to predict what will happen and how people will react. You finish the book completely differently.
One thing Teshelle Combs always excels in is creating diverse characters with many flaws, strengths, and personality quirks. But each MC is always strong and courageous regardless if they start that way or believe it of themselves.
The MC, Nexus, has a lot of learning to do about herself and her world. She has to figure out who to trust, who will betray her, and how to deal with a mysterious boy who holds complete magnetism over her but can't bear to be in her presence.
I'm going to eagerly await the sequel.
This world in this book feels like a dystopia, and it is... but it isn't? You start the book learning the rules of the world and trying to predict what will happen and how people will react. You finish the book completely differently.
One thing Teshelle Combs always excels in is creating diverse characters with many flaws, strengths, and personality quirks. But each MC is always strong and courageous regardless if they start that way or believe it of themselves.
The MC, Nexus, has a lot of learning to do about herself and her world. She has to figure out who to trust, who will betray her, and how to deal with a mysterious boy who holds complete magnetism over her but can't bear to be in her presence.
I'm going to eagerly await the sequel.
April 9, 2024
ARC:
I really enjoyed this book! My favorite genre growing up was dystopian fiction, so combining that with my love of fantasy made for a fantastic read. The characters were easy to become emotionally connected with, the adventures held my interest well, and the forbidden attraction introduced in this book had me wanting more! The history of this world is very slowly revealed to us as readers which kept me guessing, but also had me quite confused at times. A part of me really wanted some background more at the beginning of the book so it was easier to understand the relevance of the City and the sentience of metal as a magic source. I’m hoping that the connections between Nexus and Lórr are explored deeply in the next book, and I can’t wait to see how the plot develops from the cliffhanger we were left with!
I really enjoyed this book! My favorite genre growing up was dystopian fiction, so combining that with my love of fantasy made for a fantastic read. The characters were easy to become emotionally connected with, the adventures held my interest well, and the forbidden attraction introduced in this book had me wanting more! The history of this world is very slowly revealed to us as readers which kept me guessing, but also had me quite confused at times. A part of me really wanted some background more at the beginning of the book so it was easier to understand the relevance of the City and the sentience of metal as a magic source. I’m hoping that the connections between Nexus and Lórr are explored deeply in the next book, and I can’t wait to see how the plot develops from the cliffhanger we were left with!
April 12, 2024
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars, and i highly recommend it. This book is a dystopian type book in a way. It gives me vibes of divergent in away as well as Avatar in a small way. This book hooked me right away. The first few charters you're a little confused since the main character is. TC has built this world where in this place called the city, if you are different you are ended. Our main character hides who she is as she tries to figure out life. She begins to see that strange things are happening, meets a mysterious stranger, ends up in some mysterious places, and has to try and save everyone. Can she do it? What challenges will she have to overcome? Who can she trust? And who is this mysterious stranger. There are so many twists in turns that you will be on the edge of your seat and telling yourself just one more chapter.
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