Wow. This was incredibly written. It was one of my first m/m fantasy reads and it did not disappoint at all. Everything was so detailed and pieced together so beautifully. From the cultural perspective of Archeron , an outcast shifter typer, because of his calling to usher the dead. Errapel is so wonderful and I just fell in love with them both so much. They came from two separate worlds but their hearts called them to each other despite what the laws and people said. Oh my word this was amazing and definitely needed more.
5 Stars Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie is a M/M / Paranormal Romance that I absolutely loved reading. I was pulled in from the beginning and even though it’s a very short read I couldn’t put it down. I’m a huge fan of this author and her style of writing simply amazes me. This is a short story about Acheron who is a vulture shifter and he cares for the souls of the dead . Then there’s Errapel and he nurses the souls head to death. But because of the law Acheron is not allowed to take a mate. Will that be enough to keep them apart? Find out what happens next. I want more ,more ,more. I have so many questions that need answers so I’m praying there is more to come and this was just a little teaser. I highly recommend reading this wonderfully written short story by a wonderful author.
This was my first story from this author, and I will be reading more! It is a paranormal M/M romance. It is a quick read, but even then I really loved the character development. I feel like I know the characters. I also liked that there is a story within the story. Excellent storytelling!
While this story might be short it packs a lot into its few pages. While some people would think that you can’t have a big impact story with a short novella, they would be wrong. This story was beautifully crafted full of some Egyptian mythology, shifters, romance, emotions and so much more this novella really packs a punch. The characters are beautifully detailed and the story so intriguing you won’t want it to end. While this is my first read by this author I can honestly say I will be looking for more. So if your looking for a fantastic short novella for this week, make sure you pick up this one today.
It’s been a while since I read a paranormal romance. This hit the spot most definitely. The writing was on point and the story line was definitely a page turner. Can not wait to see the next book in the series.
Kharon is known as the city of the dead and this is for good reason, it is where the dying go to live out their last days and be prepared for the afterlife by the shifters who live there, they are the jackals and the vultures and they are the ones who tend to the dead and dying. The High Priest is in charge of the temple and is the one who deals with the final requests and hands out the dying to their caretakers, today Acheron, a vulture shifter is going to meet with him, he has been feeling extremely restless of late and the time off he has been given hasn’t helped, so as he makes his way to the office, he is wondering if he has done something wrong. When he arrives, he finds that he has not done anything wrong, but he has been given an important job, however, to complete it, he has to leave Kharon and travel to the city of Mandara, this is forbidden because of ancestral laws and the fact that because he touches the dead, he is not welcomed with open arms, but despite the danger Acheron accepts the request and prepares to leave.
Thankfully, the journey is completed at night and therefore is less dangerous for Acheron, however, when he arrives, he is greeted by the nurse looking after his client, Errapel, but Acheron is shocked when he isn’t met with disgust and tolerance, but instead with kindness and compassion, this continues when he meets the person he will aid to the other side. Acheron cannot deny that he feels a pull towards Errapel, however, his kind are also forbidden from taking a mate, so when he realises that Errapel might be his, he does not know what to do, will Acheron and Errapel be able to defy ancient laws, or will this forbidden life be taken away from them before they can even enjoy it? This is a shifter romance with an edge of danger which you will not be able to put down, as hope and wariness war in the emotions of a shunned shifter stuck in place by societal values.
I read a lot of books. I write a fair number of reviews. This title gets a solid 5/5 for me. The scene in which they send Carissa off had me welling up. To provoke a physical response is a statement. One of the highest I know that I’m willing to admit to as a reader. Very few books insight physical emotion from me, so bravo.
The overall world was well incepted, and the characters were well written. I found the story relatable, which is impressive seeing the setting of this story and our own human experience here on Earth are vastly different.
Or are they? I found a kinship in the idea of going against the grain and doing things differently. In disrupting what is expected and taking a personal hit to break the rules that need to be broken, for the greater good. And not the typical greater (mostly) good. The real, nitty gritty, underbelly of it all. Actual, pure, and honest- good. The first drop in the bucket. The first seed(s) to be planted. I’m not sure if that’s where this story is going but I’ll say this, I’m hooked. Can’t wait to see what direction this goes and where we eventually end up.
That being said, this isn’t a story for children. I was caught off guard by the erotic scenes depicted toward the end. It was a pleasant surprise for me but may not be so welcomed in other circles. Your loss.
So, to wrap it up neatly, this was a great story. My only complaint is that it wasn’t long enough to satiate the appetite it invoked. I’ll keep an eye out for more titles from this author both past and future. Highly recommend.
I enjoyed this novel. I like reading love stories especially when it involves supernatural beings and alternative love. I also loved the fact that the novel was about individuals who are not accepted by society finding acceptance and love. I think a lot of people can relate. All of us who feel we don’t fit or are not accepted in society can read this novel and find hope. No matter how much you feel that you don’t fit, there is someone out there that will accept you warts and all.
With an unusual request, Acheron volunteers to complete. While he is completing his service he meets Errapel who is his soul mate. Acheron is trying to resist Errapel but he gives in. After his service is complete he is returning to his homeland where he is blocked. What a wonderful short fast paced story. It shows the love does not discriminate against anyone.
I decided to read this book because I have read some of the authors other works. The authors concepts are very unique and very interesting.
This book is about a vulture shifter, named Acheron, who goes into the city to tend to a dying patient. Vulture shifters are forbidden to enter the city or have a mate because they are considered ‘unclean’ since they deal with death. When Acheron gets to the patients home he meets a hare shifter, named Errapel, who is the nurse tending to the dying patient. Instantly there is what seems to be a mate bond. Acheron fights it since it is forbidden. As time goes on, the bond gets stronger. Does Acheron fight the bond or does he accept it and get ready to fight the world? Read to find out!
The reason why I am only giving this book 3 stars is because this book feels rushed. The concept is great but there is no depth. It moved way too fast and then it was just over. The author seemed to be setting up a big fight but then it never happened.
A Five-star read that packs a punch in just a few pages. This surprised me with how quickly I was hooked and finished, I was sucked in and will be picking this up again, its quick but powerful. I must give the author a special hand, as they always bring something special to their writing, the research that must go in, as I always feel like I have enjoyed their stories, but I also feel like I have had a breath of fresh air, there is always something in the stories that make me think. Do not miss this story, even if M/M fiction isn’t your cup of tea, don’t miss this amazing story and author.
I seriously could not stop turning these pages! This story was far too short, and I could have kept reading for another 500 pages, I’m sure. That being said, even though this is a shorter read, it is not lacking in any area! This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I am certainly not disappointed. In this paranormal romance, we have Acheron, a vulture shape-shifter, and Errapel, a hare shape-shifter. These two have been put together by fate, but they are not supposed to be. I was totally enthralled by this author’s writing and am so glad I jumped into this book. 5 stars!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christine J. Spulakhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine J. Spulak2021-11-18 16:41:052021-11-19 07:29:31Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Chrissy Spulak
This was a pretty damn cute story. It’s a really good read and despite the short length it still made me emotional! I really enjoyed Acheron’s (also I’m OBSESSED with this name- and Kharon) character and reading from his perspective. My favorite character might have been the battiest of them all.This was my first read from this author and I’m pumped to read more. (: I’m a sucker for shifter romance and this was definitely satisfying! I’m really hoping the author turns this into a series- I definitely think there’s support and interest in it. Onto the next yall 💖
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals is a great story, filled with so much imagery. It feels so much longer than just 57 pages, because it is so well written. The author has a way with words, allowing the readers to envision the story as it unfolds. The characters have names I cannot pronounce, and are creatures I have never heard of, but I am able to see them perfectly as I read the story. The rituals were unlike anything I’ve ever read about, but also made perfect sense… I longed for the book to be longer so I could see what would happen next… I hoped to get more information about Azrael and Carissa… but at the same time, it was wrapped up perfectly for Acheron and Errapel. I highly recommend this book, even if you don’t normally read paranormal books. But with the disclaimer, mature audiences only. There are some heated graphic scenes.
Honestly, I have never read a MM romance book because I was afraid I wouldn’t like it. Oh man was I wrong! This author was able to pack so much detail, emotions, and a unique world in only 57 pages! I’m still stunned on how amazing this book was. I could feel every emotion the author was portraying so easily. When the two main characters, Acheron and Errapel, meet, the reader can actually feel their mate bond. The two connected so smoothly. The only thing I would change is to have more pages to read! I loved this book. Definitely pick this book up!
Short and unique paranormal romance This was a well written M/M paranormal romance. There is not much fluff as the author doesn’t drag the story out with unnecessary descriptions. It is a very unique storytelling style which I actually enjoyed. The characters were easily visualised and the storyline contained strong messages about discrimination and acceptance. I will definitely have to check out more of her work.
This book was entertaining, cute, fantastical, and charming. I enjoyed it! I have read a lot of paranormal romance books and this is one I would definitely read again. I loved the animals that the author chose for the shape shifting, I had not read any books with these animals before! It was a pleasant surprise. Because it was on the shorter side I did not expect to get so attached to the characters as much as I did. I found myself wanting to know more! I look forward to reading their other works.
Loved it. I didn’t want it to end. I have never read a short story filled with so much action and emotion. I honestly chose this book based on the cover and I am so glad that I did. It did not disappoint. This book gave me everything I needed and more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jerricka Brownhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJerricka Brown2021-11-16 15:11:152021-11-17 07:14:26Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie–Reviewed by Jerricka Brown
This book was so unbelievably good. The author has another hit that I hope will become a series. I have not read anything like it before, the characters are so unique and unforgettable. As a book with Paranormal characters, I can’t say I have read about a vulture shifter before. It is obvious that they are passionate, too. They have such big hearts. The characters, the secondary as well as the primary, are what really make it a phenomenal story.
This book pulled me in immediately and I want to know so much more about them, past, present and future. This is a MM Paranormal Romance that is definitely worth picking up. I beg the author to give us more!
This was a very quick easy read that had me captivated from the very beginning. This was a new trope for me with Male and Male romance. This story became a journey and acceptance of death to me and it played out beautifully. The romance in this story is intoxicating and I wish it was longer. What would you leave behind in death? Story of love, and acceptance. It was very refreshing to read of a shifter plot and romance. The world that this author has created has you deep diving deeper and deeper you read. I hope there are stories created for each character individually because this story has me attached and ready to explore their world. You can’t go wrong with this read it’s quick and inviting. Five stars with hopes of more to come.
This was a really interesting book. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect when I picked this one up, but for a such a short book it didn’t lack in content. I wasn’t expecting a story where the main character helped people pass peacefully into death. It was very interesting and not something I’ve read before so that makes it unique. While the content was lacking for a 57 page book, I still felt like things moved fast and I would have really enjoyed more of a backstory and some world building. Overall though with the amount of pages and how quick of a story this was, the quality and content wasn’t bad at all. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read the next! Or at least hopefully there will be more!
This book was well written and had a decent plot but I had a hard time getting into it! Not the books fault, just me. The author has an incredible imagination and made for a well thought out story. I enjoyed how descriptive the book was without being boring and the idea was intriguing. I would definitely try more books from the author. While this book wasn’t something I could lose myself in the boom is good and I recommend giving it a shot if you like fantasy romance novels.
this is a great MM Romance story and it takes you on a quick and fast ride through denying true love and honoring someone’s death.
the story I feel lacked some “meat and bones” as it was so fast I was left wondering why this character was so intent about refusing his natural mate and what in his life and community and society had shaped him in such a way. the book touches on it but not enough.
however their natural connection finally is explored in the end and though it was quick I fell in love with the characters quickly and was intrigued with the death rituals of this society.
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie was, simply put, amazing. I don’t know how Ms. Valkyrie was able to get so much character development in only 57 pages. Story follows Acheron as he is called to take the storey of dying Carissa where he meats Errapel. Instantly you can feel the energy between Acheron and Errapel and their draw to each other. I felt each emotion, fear, happiness, and love. I hope to see more!
This book brought me back to my teen years, when me and my sister used to download manga to read, I used to love a tittle or a picture and then when I was to read, I would discover it was boys love, and some really graphic hahah she would be trilled and me not so much. Don’t get me wrong I do love the sweet love and tenderness I just don’t like much when it gets graphic. Making a long story short, I chose this book because I loved the cover art, and when I started reading, I discovered that this was a boy’s love story, ok that’s alright, but I must say it’s the first lgbt book that I read, that actually have a good story and a good main character.
If you don’t like graphic descriptions of sexual acts, be a little careful, we do have a sexual act a bit graphic but not over the top.
If I have something to complain about this story is that the names are overly complicated but that it’s not really a complain, just old me rambling about. Our main character is named Acheron and he is a vulture, his kind are responsible for taking care of the people that are near death learn their story and then delivering their last wish and their bodies and soul to set them free, it’s really a big responsibility, and his mate to be is called Errapel, belongs with a group of people that bend a little bit the rules. Acheron must go to Mandara, a city that despise his kind, to take care of a last wish of a dying woman, and her story will bring Acheron closer to himself, doesn’t this make you curious to know more? This is more on the short side, but well worth of our time, it has an interesting mystique and mythology,
I will definitely try to read more of Naomi Valkyrie works, and bonus if she writes more with these characters <3.
This is a short and thought provoking read with a m/m romance that is very well written. I can see this as a small beginning to a pretty epic story. I would definitely be interested in seeing where Acheron and Errapel go in this story that touches on love and racism. Those pages sure did flip way too fast for my liking.
For a short story I though the pace and flow was really good. The timeframe was perfect, there was nothing missing. The character development was good and yes, the relationship between Acheron and Errapel happened quickly but it’s paranormal and when they find a mate it does happen quickly. The plot was very clear and very easy to follow.it followed a really nice timeframe that was short and to the point. I didn’t feel like there were any glaring plot holes either. I really liked the characters and I have to say I wasn’t sure I would – nothing against the author but this isn’t my usual genre and I’d not read about a vulture shifter before but I fell in love with Acheron as soon as I started reading about him and then when I was introduced to Errapel I fell in love with him too. Both such beautiful characters, so nice, genuine and a pleasure to read about. I also love Carissa too! Overall, a really great read, one I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend!
She did it again! I loved this story and hated when it ended. It was a very quick read yet felt like a much longer book. Miss Valkyrie has a knack for writing quick reads that leave you satisfied and missing nothing. How she packs all the info you need to connect not only to the characters but to the story itself is amazing.
I was hooked at page one. This was a unique take on any shifter story I have ever read. I literally fell in love with ALL of the characters immediately. I must say though that my favorite character in this story was Carissa. Her and Acheron’s time together as he took down all of the details of her life were so amazing. I loved who she was even though her time was drawing near. I truly felt like I was in that room watching these scenes play out. I felt so sad for Acheron as he felt so alone and was forbidden to ever find the mate he so craved.
I’m having a really hard time writing this review. There is so much I want to add as the story keeps playing out in my mind but I am afraid I’ll venture into giving too much away in the process. I will say though that I loved the little twist this author threw in involving Azrael, and that time with Carissa and her story gave him the push he needed to take a chance.
I must say that one of my favorite parts of this whole book is the reverence and honor given to the dying. Where this would normally be a really hard topic this author made it somehow beautiful. I’m in awe!
I would love to see where this story goes, there was enough left at the end of this book to have me really curious about what might come after for Acheron and Errapel, and would love more about Azrael!
I LOVED this book, it still has me thinking about it and replaying the scenes and I really can not wait to read it again! This author is absolutely one of my favorites. Her writing draws me in and makes me step out of my genre comfort zone. That just doesn’t happen very often!
Might be one of my favorites by this author yet! AND THAT COVER!! Beautiful!!
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals By Naomi Valkyrie ☆☆☆☆☆ This is a short story with a whole lot of feelings. This is a MM Paranormal Romance, it also contains an Adult theme. Besides recording the final words of Carissa. Acheron is fighting his mating call. With the help of Carissa and Errapel, Acheron is able to put his life into perspective. While the story is complete, I would have liked just a bit more for the mated couple. But some things are just the way they are. Being an unwanted shifter, Acheron was still brave enough to complete the work assigned to him. Naomi Valkyrie is one of my top authors. Her stories never disappoint. This is just an example of where her story’s eye takes her readers. This may be outside of my usual genre, I enjoyed it just the same. The characters themselves tell this story. Which makes for a strong cast of players. You are about to read a unbelievable page turner. Caught up in the first chapter, Naomi Valkyrie will keep you reading. Well Done Naomi Valkyrie! Well Done! ! !
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals Naomi Valkyrie this is a very short story. I normally won’t read anything under 200 pages but I figured I’d mix things up. I loved this story and wish this would become a full novel as well as a series, Its that good. I was so sad when it ended. It takes a different spin on shifters and that intrigued me as I continued to read I fell into the story and didn’t want it to end.
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