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In the Company of Shadows #1 part 1
Evenfall: Volume 1: Director's Cut
In a post-apocalyptic future, the Agency works behind the scenes to take down opposition groups that threaten the current government. Their goals justify all means, even when it comes to their own agents.
Sin is the Agency's most efficient killer. His fighting skills and talent at assassination have led to him being described as a living weapon. However, he is also known to go off on unauthorized killing sprees, and his assigned partners have all wound up dead.
Boyd is not afraid to die. When his mother, a high-ranking Agency official, volunteers him to be Sin's newest partner, he does not refuse. In fact, his life has been such an endless cycle of apathy and despair that he'd welcome death.
In the newly revised Director's Cut of Evenfall, the first volume follows these two cast-offs as they go from strangers to partners who can only rely on each other while avoiding death, imprisonment, and dehumanization by the Agency that employs them.
120,000 words.
Warnings: Explicit violence, physical and psychological abuse.
Note: This is the first of the two volumes comprising Evenfall, the first book in the ICoS series.
Sin is the Agency's most efficient killer. His fighting skills and talent at assassination have led to him being described as a living weapon. However, he is also known to go off on unauthorized killing sprees, and his assigned partners have all wound up dead.
Boyd is not afraid to die. When his mother, a high-ranking Agency official, volunteers him to be Sin's newest partner, he does not refuse. In fact, his life has been such an endless cycle of apathy and despair that he'd welcome death.
In the newly revised Director's Cut of Evenfall, the first volume follows these two cast-offs as they go from strangers to partners who can only rely on each other while avoiding death, imprisonment, and dehumanization by the Agency that employs them.
120,000 words.
Warnings: Explicit violence, physical and psychological abuse.
Note: This is the first of the two volumes comprising Evenfall, the first book in the ICoS series.
334 pages, ebook
First published June 2, 2014
71 people are currently reading
4,289 people want to read
About the author
Ais
23books729followersHey! I write LGBTQIA+, usually with a twist. My solo works are mostly fantasy, sci-fi, supernatural, or similar. Currently working on Wildwood Rising, a long LGBTQIA+ fantasy series; first book written/being edited: Incarnations.
Helpful links? Helpful links!
-My masterlist of original writing:
-Some of my favorite solo stories:
-My patreon- $1 for all but most things are eventually free for those who can't/won't pay:
-My site:
By the way, you may know me because I co-wrote In the Company of Shadows.
PS: I can be chatty so if you have questions, feel free to ask! Have a lovely day! <3
Helpful links? Helpful links!
-My masterlist of original writing:
-Some of my favorite solo stories:
-My patreon- $1 for all but most things are eventually free for those who can't/won't pay:
-My site:
By the way, you may know me because I co-wrote In the Company of Shadows.
PS: I can be chatty so if you have questions, feel free to ask! Have a lovely day! <3
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 495 reviews
December 7, 2017
Wow.
This book was just....
It's set in the post-apocalyptic future where the Agency works covertly to protect the current government. Doing anything that it deems necessary using whatever means it has available.
Sin is the Agency's most efficient killer, he's a living legend surrounded my mystery and fear, he's a killing machine they find difficult to control.
When we first encounter Sin he's being kept unconscious in a box.
Unlike the other cells in Maximum Security, this one had an expanse of glass along the side to expose the interior. Inside, half a dozen guards in riot gear were inputting the codes to gain access to a reinforced metallic box. Feeding tubes funneled into holes at the side, but other than that, there was no way to see in or out until the door was unsecured. The box was small, and seemed smaller every time Carhart saw it. That fact was emphasized when the door was breached, and the guards hauled out Hsin Liu Vega or Sin as he was called by the Agency’s staff. Sin was unconscious. Months of receiving nutrients through a tube had emaciated his sinewy body and his typically bronze complexion was chalky.
I've included that paragraph from the book to give you an idea what it's like, Sin is claustrophobic and they keep him like this to control and punish him until they need him again.
They also need a partner for him since all his previous partners have ended up dead and this is how we meet Boyd. Boyd is different, for a start he's not from the Agency although his mother is, he's not afraid to die and this intrigues Sin.
The world that's been created here, the Agency and the ruthless way it operates is truly chilling but the story is Sin and Boyd, this is what draws you in and doesn't let you go. I just couldn't get enough of these two and I agonised and wanted so much more for them than the life they have.
I'd seen the great reviews and people raving about this series and for that reason alone it was on my to-read list but even that hadn't prepared me for just how much I would love and get lost in this book, it's straight onto book 2 for me now and I've already downloaded all the books I can find.
This book was just....
It's set in the post-apocalyptic future where the Agency works covertly to protect the current government. Doing anything that it deems necessary using whatever means it has available.
Sin is the Agency's most efficient killer, he's a living legend surrounded my mystery and fear, he's a killing machine they find difficult to control.
When we first encounter Sin he's being kept unconscious in a box.
Unlike the other cells in Maximum Security, this one had an expanse of glass along the side to expose the interior. Inside, half a dozen guards in riot gear were inputting the codes to gain access to a reinforced metallic box. Feeding tubes funneled into holes at the side, but other than that, there was no way to see in or out until the door was unsecured. The box was small, and seemed smaller every time Carhart saw it. That fact was emphasized when the door was breached, and the guards hauled out Hsin Liu Vega or Sin as he was called by the Agency’s staff. Sin was unconscious. Months of receiving nutrients through a tube had emaciated his sinewy body and his typically bronze complexion was chalky.
I've included that paragraph from the book to give you an idea what it's like, Sin is claustrophobic and they keep him like this to control and punish him until they need him again.
They also need a partner for him since all his previous partners have ended up dead and this is how we meet Boyd. Boyd is different, for a start he's not from the Agency although his mother is, he's not afraid to die and this intrigues Sin.
The world that's been created here, the Agency and the ruthless way it operates is truly chilling but the story is Sin and Boyd, this is what draws you in and doesn't let you go. I just couldn't get enough of these two and I agonised and wanted so much more for them than the life they have.
I'd seen the great reviews and people raving about this series and for that reason alone it was on my to-read list but even that hadn't prepared me for just how much I would love and get lost in this book, it's straight onto book 2 for me now and I've already downloaded all the books I can find.
October 31, 2020
Recommendations and I just don't seem to be able to coexist peacefully. Not because I'm some sort of superior specimen of a reader, that doesn't lower herself to read the mundane. If I were to keep track of all the yaoi manga I read, you'd realize just how filthy my reading list is. And no, I'm not giving you a sneak peak. Certain things are better left up to one's imagination.
... but then every once in a while, I stumble on this absolute gem that tempts into all sorts of improbable promises. "Thou shall not wait YEARS to check out those recommended books"... or at least, TRY not to. It's the thought that counts after all. Riiiiight?!
Sssso: about . I wanted to see the apathetic Boyd unleash his inner genius and somehow ace all his special agent training. I wanted the crazy Sin to do a sudden 180 and rethink his murdering ways. But most of all, I was hoping to hell that none of my suspicions would come through, so I could keep fiddling with this intriguing new puzzle of a series.
In the end, I can't say that I was a big fan of the action scenes. For all that I love action movies, I just never manage to follow such scenes in writing. Most especially not, when 99.99% of them are episodic, and tend to start in the middle of a mission. I could hardly wait to skip them, and get to the - ahem - fun stuff. Would Sin finally snap and maim Boyd? Would Boyd inadvertently set off yet another one of Sin's rampages? Would they form a tentative friendship? Or would there be something... more?
I would read standing up, I would read while my software was installing, I would spend half an hour preparing to wash my teeth because I was loathe to interrupt the story. Incidentally if someone knows how to brush teeth, read AND occasionally turn pages, let me know.
Score: 4.4/5 stars
I have a new obsession. I got so excited that I started looking into gossip about the authors. BIG MISTAKE! But then what did you expect, when you greet me with a pink background that references authors misbehaving? Rabid fans are some of the most dangerous beasts. Moreso when they're spurned.
In short: enjoy the story, but stay far far away from news about the authors (well one of them).
========================
Review of vol2 of book 1: Evenfall: Volume 2: Director's Cut
Review of book 2: Afterimage
Review of book 3: The Interludes
Review of book 4: Fade
... but then every once in a while, I stumble on this absolute gem that tempts into all sorts of improbable promises. "Thou shall not wait YEARS to check out those recommended books"... or at least, TRY not to. It's the thought that counts after all. Riiiiight?!
Sssso: about . I wanted to see the apathetic Boyd unleash his inner genius and somehow ace all his special agent training. I wanted the crazy Sin to do a sudden 180 and rethink his murdering ways. But most of all, I was hoping to hell that none of my suspicions would come through, so I could keep fiddling with this intriguing new puzzle of a series.
In the end, I can't say that I was a big fan of the action scenes. For all that I love action movies, I just never manage to follow such scenes in writing. Most especially not, when 99.99% of them are episodic, and tend to start in the middle of a mission. I could hardly wait to skip them, and get to the - ahem - fun stuff. Would Sin finally snap and maim Boyd? Would Boyd inadvertently set off yet another one of Sin's rampages? Would they form a tentative friendship? Or would there be something... more?
I would read standing up, I would read while my software was installing, I would spend half an hour preparing to wash my teeth because I was loathe to interrupt the story. Incidentally if someone knows how to brush teeth, read AND occasionally turn pages, let me know.
Score: 4.4/5 stars
I have a new obsession. I got so excited that I started looking into gossip about the authors. BIG MISTAKE! But then what did you expect, when you greet me with a pink background that references authors misbehaving? Rabid fans are some of the most dangerous beasts. Moreso when they're spurned.
In short: enjoy the story, but stay far far away from news about the authors (well one of them).
========================
Review of vol2 of book 1: Evenfall: Volume 2: Director's Cut
Review of book 2: Afterimage
Review of book 3: The Interludes
Review of book 4: Fade
September 12, 2014
4.5 "Beautiful Monsters have Stollen my Heart" Stars
I NEED Part 2 NOW!!!
Boyd Beaulieu
Boyd is beautifully androgynous with a lean slim build, blond hair and amber eyes. He's also an inexperienced, level 1 agent that has just been paired with the level 10 "monster" Hsin.
""…They did a full evaluation of me during training. They would not have sent me off as your trial partner if I could conceivably pose any type of threat to you.�
“Believe me, sweetheart, I feel anything but threatened�"
Ahhhh, Boyd! He's like the little brother I never had. His evil bitch Mother, Vivienne Beaulieu, takes every chance possible to tear him down emotionally and psychologically. I just want to hug, reassure, and protect him. He brings out that protective instinct in Sin also…along with other mixed feelings!!
Hsin Liu Vega, aka Sin
Hsin aka Sin, has been a trained assassin for the agency since the tender age of 8. He is as fucked up on the inside as he is beautiful on the outside. His beauty makes people stare, but his reputation as a monster makes other agents turn and walk in the opposite direction. Sin just wants to be ignored and left alone. He sure as hell doesn't need this new partner, Boyd. A man that he can't seem to keep his eyes off of.
Hsin becomes fiercely protective of Boyd. Anyone that threatens him meets a swift death. Don't fuck with Boyd!
This is a post apocalyptic world and the rules of society as we know it no longer exist. There is destruction everywhere and the world is full of scavengers. Rebel factions have arisen to challenge the government and violence runs rampant. The Agency is a secret government, well funded organization, of assassins that fight against the rebel organization known as Janus. Their methods are by any means necessary to get the job done.
I LOVE these characters. They are beautiful monsters!! Assassins, owned by the Agency. They are harassed and physically/emotionally tormented by their co-workers and guards. Sin and Boyd have stolen my heart and I have only completed part 1. I never should have started this book until book 2 was in print because this waiting is torturous.
September 21st can't get here fast enough!!
I NEED Part 2 NOW!!!
Boyd Beaulieu
Boyd is beautifully androgynous with a lean slim build, blond hair and amber eyes. He's also an inexperienced, level 1 agent that has just been paired with the level 10 "monster" Hsin.
""…They did a full evaluation of me during training. They would not have sent me off as your trial partner if I could conceivably pose any type of threat to you.�
“Believe me, sweetheart, I feel anything but threatened�"
Ahhhh, Boyd! He's like the little brother I never had. His evil bitch Mother, Vivienne Beaulieu, takes every chance possible to tear him down emotionally and psychologically. I just want to hug, reassure, and protect him. He brings out that protective instinct in Sin also…along with other mixed feelings!!
Hsin Liu Vega, aka Sin
Hsin aka Sin, has been a trained assassin for the agency since the tender age of 8. He is as fucked up on the inside as he is beautiful on the outside. His beauty makes people stare, but his reputation as a monster makes other agents turn and walk in the opposite direction. Sin just wants to be ignored and left alone. He sure as hell doesn't need this new partner, Boyd. A man that he can't seem to keep his eyes off of.
Hsin becomes fiercely protective of Boyd. Anyone that threatens him meets a swift death. Don't fuck with Boyd!
This is a post apocalyptic world and the rules of society as we know it no longer exist. There is destruction everywhere and the world is full of scavengers. Rebel factions have arisen to challenge the government and violence runs rampant. The Agency is a secret government, well funded organization, of assassins that fight against the rebel organization known as Janus. Their methods are by any means necessary to get the job done.
I LOVE these characters. They are beautiful monsters!! Assassins, owned by the Agency. They are harassed and physically/emotionally tormented by their co-workers and guards. Sin and Boyd have stolen my heart and I have only completed part 1. I never should have started this book until book 2 was in print because this waiting is torturous.
September 21st can't get here fast enough!!
Read
March 9, 2018review removed
August 22, 2016
5 STARS!
I had a taste..and now I'm fucking hooked.
Took me a very long time to summon the courage and read this. And just like everything I tried to avoid, this too turned out to be...heartbreakingly beautiful.
The dark atmosphere of the world this story has got me sucked right in when I only wanted to check what the fuss is about. You know, like maybe just have a feel and figure if it's really that good as what the fan base is saying. So I could stash it in my tbr list. I only planned to read a couple of chapters.
But man, I was totally caught off guard with that prologue. I tried to fight the tickle of my curiosity, told myself that I'm gonna read this some other time when I don't have so many books lined up and have more time.
But this book was like: Fuck the line up. Fuck the time. The moment you read that 1st chapter there's no escaping me.
And boy, I was totally helpless, my resistance was futile and I gave in. There was nothing I could do to free myself from the grip of this book.
***
Evenfall is dark. It's what lured me in at first. The world it is set on was full of mystery and doesn't gloss over the gory, painful details. The MCs are assassins who works for a secret organization called "Agency".
Hsin Liu Vega aka "Sin" is a rank 10 assassin and one of the most valuable asset of the Agency. You'd think hes getting all the best the organization offers, but its a big fat no. It's the other way around.
Boyd Beaulieu is the son of second in command of the Agency. This earned him hate from other agents of the organization, not only hes the son of a woman they despise, he also got in a position almost instantly where others have to work their asses off for years.
Sin's partners from the past all died. Either he let them or he killed them. When Boyd was chosen to be his partner, he knew the guy wouldn't last long.. But Boyd, having nothing much to live for wasn't afraid to die.
These characters are so well written and have so much depth its hard to read them and not be totally invested. Its so frustrating they had to live with bunch of assholes.
When they're partnered by the Agency and went into missions, they slowly developed a relationship from strangers to..something else.
The oh so slow burn relationship was totally on point it raised the tension to the roof and made me wanting to read and read and read till they get there. And when they almost did, the stupid authors would just crash the little harmony these two created.. And that got me damn frustrated. Lol
“Where had he gone so fucking wrong?
When had he become just another weak person?
He would have thought that years of conditioning himself to not care about other people would have held out longer. Years of being alienated and turned into something barely human should have made him not as likely to get sucked in. But all it had taken was Boyd’s determination, curious questions and cautious smile, and things had slipped out of Sin’s control.
He was pathetic.�
Too long this review is getting!
Lastly.. Hsin Liu Vega is unlike any characters I've read before. He's difficult, dangerous, sarcastic, deranged, devoid of affection from the start, and not totally lovable if viewed from a different angle.. But once you take a closer peek, you'd be helplessly pulled in, and just like me.. Will be overly protective and obsessive of him.
Enough of my blab. Next book please.
Mexico. Here I fucking come.
Read
March 4, 2018REVIEW REMOVED
How is it that we GR'ers will get up in arms and add to our AUTHORS BEHAVING BADLY shelves so easily (like when an author comes into our review space?), BUT, when an author TRULY is behaving badly, possibly illegally, but definitely unethically, we dismiss it and scream "Drama! I want nothing to do with drama!"?
I've been on GR a long time, and I get the aversion to drama. But this is SO. MUCH. WORSE.
June 23, 2017
"Just let me fix you"
Evenfall hits all the right spots, punches you in the stomach, leaves you on the ground sobbing and then summons Hsin Vega to come shoot you through your heart.
The Characters
"Now shut the hell up, drink your chocolate milk, and stop being a pain in my ass."
I think you know when a book is going to be great when you find yourself loving the minor, evil, amazing, and main characters equally.
"Nice of you to finally join us."
"No problem," Sin drawled. "Nice group of misfits you have here."
The Plot
The premise of World War III definitely captivated me through and through, I loved the little action and villainous side we got to see. This was a story driven by the bad guys. By far
The post-apocalyptic future could have been explained a tad more, as I found the world building lacked.
I immediately loved how we saw Sin mature from being a captive human weapon to a person slowly allowing himself to feel. I also loved how we saw Boyd going from emotion-less to emotion-driven. The pace was slow but it had to be. These are flawed and broken characters, and what I adored was we saw them fixing each other through the little things in a torturous world.
The Romance
Boyd and Sin...
oh my
Those two made me gasp, breathe a little faster and feel a little happier more and more as the story unfolded. I couldn't get enough.
Not to mention the Sexual Tension�... ;)
~Buddy Read with Corina <3~
Evenfall hits all the right spots, punches you in the stomach, leaves you on the ground sobbing and then summons Hsin Vega to come shoot you through your heart.
The Characters
"Now shut the hell up, drink your chocolate milk, and stop being a pain in my ass."
I think you know when a book is going to be great when you find yourself loving the minor, evil, amazing, and main characters equally.
"Nice of you to finally join us."
"No problem," Sin drawled. "Nice group of misfits you have here."
The Plot
The premise of World War III definitely captivated me through and through, I loved the little action and villainous side we got to see. This was a story driven by the bad guys. By far
The post-apocalyptic future could have been explained a tad more, as I found the world building lacked.
I immediately loved how we saw Sin mature from being a captive human weapon to a person slowly allowing himself to feel. I also loved how we saw Boyd going from emotion-less to emotion-driven. The pace was slow but it had to be. These are flawed and broken characters, and what I adored was we saw them fixing each other through the little things in a torturous world.
The Romance
Boyd and Sin...
oh my
Those two made me gasp, breathe a little faster and feel a little happier more and more as the story unfolded. I couldn't get enough.
Not to mention the Sexual Tension�... ;)
~Buddy Read with Corina <3~
March 9, 2018
I know many are removing their ratings and reviews of all the books they have read, written by Santino Hassell, in light of his despicable behavior. I have deleted my ratings from all Santino books I have read, because I too am shocked and appalled!!! I won't do it with the ICOS series though. I am gonna be honest here and say, that this series is one of the best I have ever read, and I am sure Ais played a big part in my enjoyment. As far as I know, Ais had nothing to do with all that has happend. Until I hear otherwise, my ratings and reviews for this series, will stay up. I am sorry for those who might not agree with me on this. I would also like to say that I am so sorry for all of you who have been hurt....my heart goes out to all of you ;) xoxo
This was a re-read for me...though I have read the long version before instead of the directors cut. Loved it as much as the first time though I will say that I like the long version better because I didn't want to miss a single thing ;)
I will also refer to my original reviews....because I am lazy and they explain exactly how I feel :P
/review/show...
This was a re-read for me...though I have read the long version before instead of the directors cut. Loved it as much as the first time though I will say that I like the long version better because I didn't want to miss a single thing ;)
I will also refer to my original reviews....because I am lazy and they explain exactly how I feel :P
/review/show...
Read
March 6, 2018review & rating removed from GR
Review requested by authors.
Review requested by authors.
Read
March 6, 2018Review Removed.
Read
March 5, 2018Review Removed
This is a LONG time coming. I will not support gaslighting, bullying, lying, ethically immoral people. Fin
This is a LONG time coming. I will not support gaslighting, bullying, lying, ethically immoral people. Fin
Read
March 9, 2018Rated removed because of this:
/user_status...
Original review:
This is an MM master piece. And I know that calling a book a "master piece" is a huge praise, and one I don't give easily. And, considering this is a first installment (or half of it, if you've read the previous edition) I am saying a lot. This is a beginning and even so, I'm calling this book a "master piece".
I could count with one hand the books I've given such a privilege in this genre, so I am very conscious of the situation. What I don't know is what's gonna happen, what I'm gonna think once I started with the rest of the books, since everybody says they are marvelous. Well, this one was, so I don't know how better it could get.
I have no words to describe the sensation of distress, emptiness, anguish and happiness that I've been feeling since the beginning of this story. It sounds like a paradox. I know. Mixing all that feelings at once but that was the magnificence in it. And it is weird, because these feelings came to life from what I was reading but, mostly, because I knew something was coming. The next books are what overwhelms me the most, and I haven't started yet.
So, you could say I am overwhelmed because of... the future? what a weird creature am I?? Or Maybe it's just Santino's magic is compelling me to feel pain and longing for this couple and a huge delight for the world they are living in.
Everything from the narrative, till the character's development is a complete chef-d' oeuvre. The world building is genius and it helps that I am a sucker for post apocalyptic things (books, films, video games, comics... name it, I'm in)
In a world that has been devastated foran hypotheticalWorld War III, an organism called The Agency faces the different factions that coexist in this destroyed universe.
One of The Agency's weapons to deal with terrorism and revolution is agent Hsin Liu Vega and his now new parter, Boyd Beaulieu, the son of one of the heads of the organization.
But who are the good guys here? What is really happening in this dystopian future? Government, resistance, ruined cities, devastated population... and over all of this, over all the thriller and the superb picture Santino & Ais evoque, there is one of the most promising love stories I've ever read. That's right. That's what it is. The beginning of an intense and heartbreaking love story.
The first sentence from Hsin Vega (from now on, Vir's Sin) got me. I didn't need more. But the authors gave it to me anyway, so I can't complain. Thank you so much for the sharp, sarcastic, funny and deep dialogues. It's not easy. So I am really thankful for the intelligent and ironic conversations. Theyare so, so good I went backwards many times to re-read and to taste what has been said.
The perfect proportion of everything in this story is astonishing. Thriller, world descriptions, action, science fiction and those characters? Amazing and perfect in their construction.
I'm not talking about the complexity and depth of Hsin (oops, sorry, I meant Vir's Sin) and Boyd. That was unquestionable. I'm talking about the others, the "main" secondaries and the other supporting roles. Characters development to drool over. I was amazed. Really.
I think it is beautiful to watch how Vir's Sin is changing and fighting against the change in him. The change since "The Monster" came out the box, the change caused by Boyd's mere existence.
Beautiful also, even if it's painful, how Boyd is written, how he confuses me, how he confuses Hsin.How he wants to help his partner, his "friend". How both of them make mistakes, how they dont´t know how to function...
I'm really scared about what is coming. I don't know if I'm reviewing every book or I'm waiting till the last one. Maybe I'd use reviewing as therapy, since I think I'm gonna suffer. I'm gonna suffer and I'm gonna cry a lot.
If I had a crush on Santino Hassell before, after reading this post apocalyptic romance adventure I'm madly in love with him. How can a normal guy write such words? And with "normal guy" I am meaning a man with no supernatural powers (or not that we know, anyway. Anything is possible)
I take my hat off to Santino & Ais since this is a collaboration and a brilliant one, I must say. This book deserves a high place andhigher recognition, and not just in MM Romance. This is so good!
If you are one of those who haven't read this amazing series yet, you are as lucky as I am and you can start right now. Here you can find the whole series:
Here I go Evenfall Volume II!!
/user_status...
Original review:
This is an MM master piece. And I know that calling a book a "master piece" is a huge praise, and one I don't give easily. And, considering this is a first installment (or half of it, if you've read the previous edition) I am saying a lot. This is a beginning and even so, I'm calling this book a "master piece".
I could count with one hand the books I've given such a privilege in this genre, so I am very conscious of the situation. What I don't know is what's gonna happen, what I'm gonna think once I started with the rest of the books, since everybody says they are marvelous. Well, this one was, so I don't know how better it could get.
I have no words to describe the sensation of distress, emptiness, anguish and happiness that I've been feeling since the beginning of this story. It sounds like a paradox. I know. Mixing all that feelings at once but that was the magnificence in it. And it is weird, because these feelings came to life from what I was reading but, mostly, because I knew something was coming. The next books are what overwhelms me the most, and I haven't started yet.
So, you could say I am overwhelmed because of... the future? what a weird creature am I?? Or Maybe it's just Santino's magic is compelling me to feel pain and longing for this couple and a huge delight for the world they are living in.
Everything from the narrative, till the character's development is a complete chef-d' oeuvre. The world building is genius and it helps that I am a sucker for post apocalyptic things (books, films, video games, comics... name it, I'm in)
In a world that has been devastated foran hypotheticalWorld War III, an organism called The Agency faces the different factions that coexist in this destroyed universe.
One of The Agency's weapons to deal with terrorism and revolution is agent Hsin Liu Vega and his now new parter, Boyd Beaulieu, the son of one of the heads of the organization.
But who are the good guys here? What is really happening in this dystopian future? Government, resistance, ruined cities, devastated population... and over all of this, over all the thriller and the superb picture Santino & Ais evoque, there is one of the most promising love stories I've ever read. That's right. That's what it is. The beginning of an intense and heartbreaking love story.
The first sentence from Hsin Vega (from now on, Vir's Sin) got me. I didn't need more. But the authors gave it to me anyway, so I can't complain. Thank you so much for the sharp, sarcastic, funny and deep dialogues. It's not easy. So I am really thankful for the intelligent and ironic conversations. Theyare so, so good I went backwards many times to re-read and to taste what has been said.
The perfect proportion of everything in this story is astonishing. Thriller, world descriptions, action, science fiction and those characters? Amazing and perfect in their construction.
I'm not talking about the complexity and depth of Hsin (oops, sorry, I meant Vir's Sin) and Boyd. That was unquestionable. I'm talking about the others, the "main" secondaries and the other supporting roles. Characters development to drool over. I was amazed. Really.
I think it is beautiful to watch how Vir's Sin is changing and fighting against the change in him. The change since "The Monster" came out the box, the change caused by Boyd's mere existence.
Beautiful also, even if it's painful, how Boyd is written, how he confuses me, how he confuses Hsin.How he wants to help his partner, his "friend". How both of them make mistakes, how they dont´t know how to function...
I'm really scared about what is coming. I don't know if I'm reviewing every book or I'm waiting till the last one. Maybe I'd use reviewing as therapy, since I think I'm gonna suffer. I'm gonna suffer and I'm gonna cry a lot.
If I had a crush on Santino Hassell before, after reading this post apocalyptic romance adventure I'm madly in love with him. How can a normal guy write such words? And with "normal guy" I am meaning a man with no supernatural powers (or not that we know, anyway. Anything is possible)
I take my hat off to Santino & Ais since this is a collaboration and a brilliant one, I must say. This book deserves a high place andhigher recognition, and not just in MM Romance. This is so good!
If you are one of those who haven't read this amazing series yet, you are as lucky as I am and you can start right now. Here you can find the whole series:
Here I go Evenfall Volume II!!
My reviews are posted on
September 24, 2017
Santino Hassel is my weakness. No. Scratch that. Santino’s writing style is my weakness and his collaboration with Ais was splendid.
As usual, I started this without reading the blurb, I was almost blind. I only knew the little things that my beautiful friend Vir told me. I didn’t know what the hell was going on; I just was sucked into the story thanks to Santi’s beautiful prose.
I already have my fair share of dystopian stories by now so I’m quite taken aback by how perfectly this story worked for me. I flat out loved the world building and the characters development. This book is like crack, I couldn’t put it down. I’m writing this and all I can think of is in the next book and how anxious I am to start reading it, so I’ll be quick.
Short story long: this story takes place in a world that has been destroyed by a World War III and after this event; the world hasn’t been able to completely recover. There are a lot of crimes and terrorist attacks, mostly done by one organization called Janus. There’s this other organization, that is called "The Agency� and they exist to stop Janus. The Agency is a fuck up place that has a unique weapon: Agent Hsin Liu Vega or also known as پ� or “The Monster�. He’s an incredibly hot and well-trained assassin with spectacular green eyes. Sin has this new partner, Boyd Beaulieu, he’s not a well-trained assassin but he’s a pretty good agent and he’s also a hottie and broody guy with long blond hair. *drooling*.
God, this book is intense and bloody. Sometimes, I had to stop because the images were so real in my head, the way they were written was so vivid that most often than not I closed my eyes as if I were watching a movie and I waited that the moment was going to be over when I opened my eyes but NO. Silly me, I constantly forgot that I was actually reading a book and not watching a movie� So imagine how well-written this book is.
Characters.- There were some side characters pretty fantastic, like Carhart, Ryan, and Luke, but that's it. Because the rest were... OMG, I just wanted them all dead. I know the world would be a better place without them. They were so mean and psycho, seriously dude. That’s why I said the Agency is a fucked up place because they hire psycho and uncontrolled people that I still don’t understand how that place is even still functioning� Boyd’s mom is a bitch. I had to say it. Otherwise, I was going to explode. And Harry� dear, you got what you deserved and I’m so happy.
Sin and Boyd.- Ok, I don’t even know what to say about them. Saying that Boyd and Sin are messed up is an understatement. They had their fair share of horror to last a lifetime and the saying ‘old habits die hard� is very appropriate to them. I’m not saying they don’t change or whatsoever but they try and it makes their character and relationship development really enjoyable and realistic. They are good to each other and you can tell there are significant changes in their behaviors at the end that are pretty great in comparison to how they were at the beginning.
And these two were definitely visited by the miscommunication elf who raised his ugly head to make their life (and mine) so difficult. They don’t learn and I hope they will learn how to properly communicate in the next Volume because I’ll lose my mind. They need to stop looking into each other’s files when they want to know something about the other, they need to stop making assumptions and they need to stop criticizing without giving a useful solution. But, I was amused by their bickering, so that wasn’t a problem for me. Seeing them pushing each other buttons was the best thing ever.
Finally, this is the slowest slow burn ever and I’m pretty happy about it. I love the tension, I love the stolen glances and I can’t wait to see was going to happen next *sigh*
What else can I say? This was intense and heartbreaking at the same time, Santino and Ais did a splendid job with this story and I highly recommend it. I don’t know why it took me so long to start this book, don’t make my mistake and read it now, seriously.
As usual, I started this without reading the blurb, I was almost blind. I only knew the little things that my beautiful friend Vir told me. I didn’t know what the hell was going on; I just was sucked into the story thanks to Santi’s beautiful prose.
I already have my fair share of dystopian stories by now so I’m quite taken aback by how perfectly this story worked for me. I flat out loved the world building and the characters development. This book is like crack, I couldn’t put it down. I’m writing this and all I can think of is in the next book and how anxious I am to start reading it, so I’ll be quick.
Short story long: this story takes place in a world that has been destroyed by a World War III and after this event; the world hasn’t been able to completely recover. There are a lot of crimes and terrorist attacks, mostly done by one organization called Janus. There’s this other organization, that is called "The Agency� and they exist to stop Janus. The Agency is a fuck up place that has a unique weapon: Agent Hsin Liu Vega or also known as پ� or “The Monster�. He’s an incredibly hot and well-trained assassin with spectacular green eyes. Sin has this new partner, Boyd Beaulieu, he’s not a well-trained assassin but he’s a pretty good agent and he’s also a hottie and broody guy with long blond hair. *drooling*.
God, this book is intense and bloody. Sometimes, I had to stop because the images were so real in my head, the way they were written was so vivid that most often than not I closed my eyes as if I were watching a movie and I waited that the moment was going to be over when I opened my eyes but NO. Silly me, I constantly forgot that I was actually reading a book and not watching a movie� So imagine how well-written this book is.
Characters.- There were some side characters pretty fantastic, like Carhart, Ryan, and Luke, but that's it. Because the rest were... OMG, I just wanted them all dead. I know the world would be a better place without them. They were so mean and psycho, seriously dude. That’s why I said the Agency is a fucked up place because they hire psycho and uncontrolled people that I still don’t understand how that place is even still functioning� Boyd’s mom is a bitch. I had to say it. Otherwise, I was going to explode. And Harry� dear, you got what you deserved and I’m so happy.
Sin and Boyd.- Ok, I don’t even know what to say about them. Saying that Boyd and Sin are messed up is an understatement. They had their fair share of horror to last a lifetime and the saying ‘old habits die hard� is very appropriate to them. I’m not saying they don’t change or whatsoever but they try and it makes their character and relationship development really enjoyable and realistic. They are good to each other and you can tell there are significant changes in their behaviors at the end that are pretty great in comparison to how they were at the beginning.
And these two were definitely visited by the miscommunication elf who raised his ugly head to make their life (and mine) so difficult. They don’t learn and I hope they will learn how to properly communicate in the next Volume because I’ll lose my mind. They need to stop looking into each other’s files when they want to know something about the other, they need to stop making assumptions and they need to stop criticizing without giving a useful solution. But, I was amused by their bickering, so that wasn’t a problem for me. Seeing them pushing each other buttons was the best thing ever.
Finally, this is the slowest slow burn ever and I’m pretty happy about it. I love the tension, I love the stolen glances and I can’t wait to see was going to happen next *sigh*
What else can I say? This was intense and heartbreaking at the same time, Santino and Ais did a splendid job with this story and I highly recommend it. I don’t know why it took me so long to start this book, don’t make my mistake and read it now, seriously.
June 20, 2017
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Confusing feelings*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
I'm not sure what to feel about this book. I like the concept, the story and I found the characters interesting... However, the was things that bugged me a lot. Hsin � Sin� Liu Vega (28), the assassin who deserves way fucking better, reminded me of Ty from Cut&Run series and you know all that I love Ty. and Boyd Beaulieu (18 in the first 8%, 19 for the most part, and then 20?) I liked in the beginning. I understood why he were how he was, however, at 70% I lost respect for him, but luckily he gained it back in the end.
“Don't you have anything better to fucking do other than babysit and eventually get killed by some psycho?�
“No.� Boyd said without hesitation. “I don't.�
For the most part, this book just made me fucking frustrated. Like, why the hell can't Sin and Boyd just fucking talk to each other? Why didn't people fucking treat Sin better? Where the hell is the damn humanity? Shit, I wanted to go on a fucking killing spree for Sin... Overall, I liked the book, but I also didn't. Damn, my feelings are quite mixed up, which probably shows in this review. A review I had no idea how to write, so I just ended up babbling anyway. On to the next one, I guess..
“You have the strongest sweet tooth of anyone I’ve ever met. Only you would even consider dessert after a large shake like that.�
Sin drank some more. “Sugar deprivation as a child.�
“You’re going to make yourself diabetic.�
That was met with a scoff. “Like I’ll live long enough to suffer the effects.�
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Science Fiction (?) - Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book One
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Hsin � Sin� Liu Vega.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5 stars.
February 6, 2016
Apparently books I try to avoid for whatever reason turn out to be awesome. Like this one. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic future and I think that's what unnecessarily threw me off reading this for so long.
Sin is the most efficient assassin in the Agency. He has been trained to be a killer since the age of eight. He's mentally unstable and if something triggers him he goes berserk and he's in an automatic kill mode. People are scared of him, but they also harass him and treat him like a monster. All of his previous partners have wound up dead. Either they have died on a mission or they have been killed by Sin.
Boyd isn't afraid to die, so doesn't refuse being assigned as Sin's newest partner. He's the only person that doesn't treat Sin like an animal and with time he becomes the first friend Sin'd ever had.
Sin and Boyd both had a terrible past and now they usually try to mask their emotions from everyone else.
I liked the slow burn of their relationship. And the story gave me a really good heartache. Overall, this book was just amazing.
Sin is the most efficient assassin in the Agency. He has been trained to be a killer since the age of eight. He's mentally unstable and if something triggers him he goes berserk and he's in an automatic kill mode. People are scared of him, but they also harass him and treat him like a monster. All of his previous partners have wound up dead. Either they have died on a mission or they have been killed by Sin.
"So many and so various laws are giv'n; So many laws argue so many sins."
Boyd isn't afraid to die, so doesn't refuse being assigned as Sin's newest partner. He's the only person that doesn't treat Sin like an animal and with time he becomes the first friend Sin'd ever had.
The sense of hopelessness that had been plaguing him intensified, a black hole threatening to swallow him.
Sin and Boyd both had a terrible past and now they usually try to mask their emotions from everyone else.
I liked the slow burn of their relationship. And the story gave me a really good heartache. Overall, this book was just amazing.
December 12, 2022
*4.5* I both loved and hated this story.
The Premise: It's a post-apocalyptic world. The current government is battling opposition using agents that work for a group simply called the Agency.
Hsin ‘Sin� Liu Vega (28) is the highest ranking member of the Agency. He is feared by members of this group because he has either killed or silently watched as his previous partners have all been eliminated. He simply doesn’t care. As one agent says to another, “He doesn’t let anyone break him. They try so hard and he just weaponizes his dehumanization.� Sin is kept in a tiny box until he’s needed for another mission.
“My mother was a mentally deranged prostitute. My father trained me to kill....I am a monster and a killer and that's what I'll always be."
The book begins with Sin being pulled out of the box, and told he will have a new partner for an upcoming mission.
Boyd Beaulieu (18) Is ready to die. His horrific mother, who also just happens to be a high-ranking official for the Agency, assigns him to work with Sin. Boyd is numb, he often shuts down emotionally to survive the memories of his past.
Sin doesn’t know what to make of Boyd. Despite everything he throws at him, Boyd doesn’t do what is expected. His apathy is intriguing to Sin.
“Don’t you have anything better to fucking do other than babysit and eventually get killed by some psycho?� Sin demanded.
“No,� Boyd said without hesitation. “I don’t.�
The writing is excellent, and the plot moves along quickly but I was so frustrated for a majority of this story. These two men are so emotionally damaged from their pasts. They simply don’t trust anyone.
When Sin asks Boyd if he’s ever been with a man, and Boyd replies that he has, Sin is baffled.
“Weird…most of the time you have zero personality. I can’t imagine you being intimate with another human being.�
Read it for the unique storytelling, but don’t expect it to be a romance. It sounds like book two is Sin and Boyd falling in love on a mission, but I don’t know if I want to put forth the effort in reading their angst and drama any further.
The Premise: It's a post-apocalyptic world. The current government is battling opposition using agents that work for a group simply called the Agency.
Hsin ‘Sin� Liu Vega (28) is the highest ranking member of the Agency. He is feared by members of this group because he has either killed or silently watched as his previous partners have all been eliminated. He simply doesn’t care. As one agent says to another, “He doesn’t let anyone break him. They try so hard and he just weaponizes his dehumanization.� Sin is kept in a tiny box until he’s needed for another mission.
“My mother was a mentally deranged prostitute. My father trained me to kill....I am a monster and a killer and that's what I'll always be."
The book begins with Sin being pulled out of the box, and told he will have a new partner for an upcoming mission.
Boyd Beaulieu (18) Is ready to die. His horrific mother, who also just happens to be a high-ranking official for the Agency, assigns him to work with Sin. Boyd is numb, he often shuts down emotionally to survive the memories of his past.
Sin doesn’t know what to make of Boyd. Despite everything he throws at him, Boyd doesn’t do what is expected. His apathy is intriguing to Sin.
“Don’t you have anything better to fucking do other than babysit and eventually get killed by some psycho?� Sin demanded.
“No,� Boyd said without hesitation. “I don’t.�
The writing is excellent, and the plot moves along quickly but I was so frustrated for a majority of this story. These two men are so emotionally damaged from their pasts. They simply don’t trust anyone.
When Sin asks Boyd if he’s ever been with a man, and Boyd replies that he has, Sin is baffled.
“Weird…most of the time you have zero personality. I can’t imagine you being intimate with another human being.�
Read it for the unique storytelling, but don’t expect it to be a romance. It sounds like book two is Sin and Boyd falling in love on a mission, but I don’t know if I want to put forth the effort in reading their angst and drama any further.
Read
March 5, 2018
“If there was a hell beyond what he knew, he would welcome it. After all, a life without living was simply a death without dying. What more was there to fear or hate but life, endless life, with no respite?�
So guess what? Apparently World War III not only changed the face of the planet and killed millions. It also turned a large number of people into psychopaths, sexual predators or sadistic assholes and put them in charge. What could possibly go wrong?
I’ve started a list. Well it’s actually two blue post-it notes stuck on the inside cover of my kindle. One is for the list of people I hate and the second it for the list of people I like and I feel at the end of this book can be trusted. There are not many on the trusted list and more than a few people on the I want to throw you off a high cliff list. Although Sin has a way of sorting the people on that list out.
I’ve had ICoS on my to-read list for a very long time and I have been slow to start for a multitude of reasons, one of which is there is a lot of reading in this series and it is a large investment of time but at the end of this I’m not all at that concerned about the length. This was just amazing.
Sin and Boyd are unlike any two characters I’ve ever come across. While they appear to be polar opposites and I liked that even their appearance reflects that. They have more than you would think in common. The sense of loneliness was often palpable throughout this as was the feeling of absolute helplessness.
I can already tell that I’m going to get a little bit lost in this world and these men, I just hope they don’t hurt my heart too much on the journey. Their inability to communicate has already led to some hair pulling and maybe a few tears.
So, off to Mexico I go!!
Read
March 13, 2018Review Removed.
/user_status...
Just so we're clear, Ais is innocent in all this.
/user_status...
Just so we're clear, Ais is innocent in all this.
September 27, 2019
Nope nope nope nope nope. This was not for me. All stick and no carrot. The wretchedly miserable persecuted MCs are trapped in almost non-stop suffering, with the occasional bout of torture, gay bashing, or attempted rape for variety. I skipped over the worst of that stuff.
I have a shelf for grimdark fiction, because I can and do read it. But it needs something extra in order to work for me -- like a subversive thread of black humor running through it, or striking moments of insight into human nature. This was utterly devoid of humor, and I flat-out couldn't believe in the 100% evil villains. Tbh, I couldn't believe in anything -- the characterization, the worldbuilding, and the plot were all ridiculous. This was a complete and utter fail for me.
I think I deserve a medal for making it to the end -- hell, I deserve a parade! But I guess I'll just have to settle for pouring myself a stiff drink.
I have a shelf for grimdark fiction, because I can and do read it. But it needs something extra in order to work for me -- like a subversive thread of black humor running through it, or striking moments of insight into human nature. This was utterly devoid of humor, and I flat-out couldn't believe in the 100% evil villains. Tbh, I couldn't believe in anything -- the characterization, the worldbuilding, and the plot were all ridiculous. This was a complete and utter fail for me.
I think I deserve a medal for making it to the end -- hell, I deserve a parade! But I guess I'll just have to settle for pouring myself a stiff drink.
Shelved as 'won-t-read-for-reasons'
March 5, 2018Review Removed
September 27, 2016
SO GOOD!!
Will review after the completion of this series!!
CAN'T STOP, WON'T STOP!!
Will review after the completion of this series!!
CAN'T STOP, WON'T STOP!!
Read
September 14, 2014Do I rate this now? Do I wait till I finish book two?
I NEED BOOK TWO!
I need Sin and Boyd to have much fucking. With each other, please.
***
All right! *rubs hands gleefully*
I have DNFd the full version twice, so I've been waiting for this rewrite. BUT do I launch in now, or wait until part 2 is finished in the autumn?
I NEED BOOK TWO!
I need Sin and Boyd to have much fucking. With each other, please.
***
All right! *rubs hands gleefully*
I have DNFd the full version twice, so I've been waiting for this rewrite. BUT do I launch in now, or wait until part 2 is finished in the autumn?
November 29, 2023
� 3.25 stars �
“You seemed content to ignore or belittle me and I had nothing to contribute to that.�
“Well, I still don’t particularly like you, if that helps you in shutting up.�
“That’s fine. I don’t particularly like you, either,� Boyd said, unfazed.�
I didn't think it was possible, but I think Evenfall: Volume 1: Director's Cut didn't retain the same spark that the original unedited version had. I couldn't believe it! 😭 I think the magic of the story was that it was unscripted and unsupervised that it was able to capture such an imaginative and creative world. Without those errors and the cut-out scenes, I found something lacking in the overall depiction. However, true to the charm of their characters - Hsin and Boyd still managed to sway my heart. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“None of it seemed to mean anything to Boyd. Images, descriptions, witness accounts of the crimes—nothing sparked fear or even interest.
“H.�
Sin willed the boy to react to James� words, but there was nothing there. Just an empty husk where a person should have been. “Getting him to break will be fun.�
It's a surreal feeling when you're re-reading a story that's not really a re-read, even though the events are as familiar as the first time I was in the company of shadows. Yes, the writing was more refined, but I missed the extraneous details, which slightly diminished what was it that initially made it such an enjoyable read - shocker, I know. 😔 The exclusion of notable scenes was sadly painfully obvious; I missed them. But, for those who may not have read the original context will appreciate watching Boyd and Sin's dynamic unfold. It was a nice revisit; I had forgotten how much they had hated each other at the start! 😅
“And you plan not to?� Boyd challenged. “So far you’ve spent your time mocking me, ignoring me, or threatening to kill me. If you have such a problem with me I’d think you’d love the chance to tell your superiors.�
“You’ll die regardless. What’s the point?�
At least they were in agreement on that point.�
Ah, if they only knew just how much they would end up meaning to each other! 🥺 While a majority of the writing has been slashed, I suppose, some of the necessary bits have remained; there were slightly significant appearances to the side characters, particularly Ryan, which I missed. There was also a lesser inclusion of their respective pasts, which I felt was a shame, because Boyd's history is such a major part of his character development that I felt that future scenes would not have been as impactful if they were not included. 🙍🏻♀� 'All Boyd had was silence, and memories that stalked his dreams and transformed into vivid ghosts that loomed in every corner of his house. If there was a hell beyond what he knew, Boyd would welcome it.'
But, what still remained at the forefront was the relationship of these precious two. Their banter was still spot-on; quick and feisty as it is belligerent, the disdain for each other is so very visceral right from the start. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 I got such a kick out of watching their interactions at work, because I know where they do end up! So while I'm silently chuckling to myself at how much resentment and distrust there is, I'm also getting to see them slowly peel off the layers of slowly unraveling a connection between them. 💞💞
There is still such a natural progression to their relationship that I still love to witness, for what's to come is heart-felt and heart-breaking, as it is heart-wrenching that you know what's in store for them, you just don't know how much. 😣 'Even so, the contradictions Sin represented—the way he was violent and harsh with others but quiet and uncertain around Boyd—made him feel almost� special. Like his existence actually mattered.' The subtle ways in which Boyd inches closer to Sin - the fact that he starts caring about his well-being, looking out for his safety - the devil is in the details and Boyd may have been surprised - Sin may have been reluctant - but when the pull is there, all it takes is one push to take it all apart. 😟
“He looked torn between pulling away and yanking Boyd back, wanting to leave but not wanting to let go. Sin’s fingers dug in hard and their foreheads touched, faces once again so close that the air was shared between their mouths. Sin’s breath came in ragged pulls.
“I wish I could hate you, Boyd.�
Catch me screaming in the corner, because uff, the tension in this scene still hits me right in the feels - the restraint and the intensity of emotions that were raging ALWAYS breaks me! 🫠❤️🔥� It's still a credit to the authors at how they so believably built up their desire for one another, how they were both able to get under each other's skins, despite how hard they fought it. Sin, especially, who wanted these feelings that were morphing for Boyd gone from his heart and mind - 'suddenly, there was a person in his life who didn’t treat him like a monster. Someone who acted like a friend; the first friend he’d ever had.' They are truly the driving force of this series and just being along for the ride again - even in the limited capacity that it was - was such a bona fide treat. 🥹🥹
Since I do know what I am in store for next - Monterrey - the place where it all began - the place where everything changed - the place that will forever be imprinted in their souls and my heart, forever. 🖤🤍🩶
“You seemed content to ignore or belittle me and I had nothing to contribute to that.�
“Well, I still don’t particularly like you, if that helps you in shutting up.�
“That’s fine. I don’t particularly like you, either,� Boyd said, unfazed.�
I didn't think it was possible, but I think Evenfall: Volume 1: Director's Cut didn't retain the same spark that the original unedited version had. I couldn't believe it! 😭 I think the magic of the story was that it was unscripted and unsupervised that it was able to capture such an imaginative and creative world. Without those errors and the cut-out scenes, I found something lacking in the overall depiction. However, true to the charm of their characters - Hsin and Boyd still managed to sway my heart. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“None of it seemed to mean anything to Boyd. Images, descriptions, witness accounts of the crimes—nothing sparked fear or even interest.
“H.�
Sin willed the boy to react to James� words, but there was nothing there. Just an empty husk where a person should have been. “Getting him to break will be fun.�
It's a surreal feeling when you're re-reading a story that's not really a re-read, even though the events are as familiar as the first time I was in the company of shadows. Yes, the writing was more refined, but I missed the extraneous details, which slightly diminished what was it that initially made it such an enjoyable read - shocker, I know. 😔 The exclusion of notable scenes was sadly painfully obvious; I missed them. But, for those who may not have read the original context will appreciate watching Boyd and Sin's dynamic unfold. It was a nice revisit; I had forgotten how much they had hated each other at the start! 😅
“And you plan not to?� Boyd challenged. “So far you’ve spent your time mocking me, ignoring me, or threatening to kill me. If you have such a problem with me I’d think you’d love the chance to tell your superiors.�
“You’ll die regardless. What’s the point?�
At least they were in agreement on that point.�
Ah, if they only knew just how much they would end up meaning to each other! 🥺 While a majority of the writing has been slashed, I suppose, some of the necessary bits have remained; there were slightly significant appearances to the side characters, particularly Ryan, which I missed. There was also a lesser inclusion of their respective pasts, which I felt was a shame, because Boyd's history is such a major part of his character development that I felt that future scenes would not have been as impactful if they were not included. 🙍🏻♀� 'All Boyd had was silence, and memories that stalked his dreams and transformed into vivid ghosts that loomed in every corner of his house. If there was a hell beyond what he knew, Boyd would welcome it.'
But, what still remained at the forefront was the relationship of these precious two. Their banter was still spot-on; quick and feisty as it is belligerent, the disdain for each other is so very visceral right from the start. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 I got such a kick out of watching their interactions at work, because I know where they do end up! So while I'm silently chuckling to myself at how much resentment and distrust there is, I'm also getting to see them slowly peel off the layers of slowly unraveling a connection between them. 💞💞
There is still such a natural progression to their relationship that I still love to witness, for what's to come is heart-felt and heart-breaking, as it is heart-wrenching that you know what's in store for them, you just don't know how much. 😣 'Even so, the contradictions Sin represented—the way he was violent and harsh with others but quiet and uncertain around Boyd—made him feel almost� special. Like his existence actually mattered.' The subtle ways in which Boyd inches closer to Sin - the fact that he starts caring about his well-being, looking out for his safety - the devil is in the details and Boyd may have been surprised - Sin may have been reluctant - but when the pull is there, all it takes is one push to take it all apart. 😟
“He looked torn between pulling away and yanking Boyd back, wanting to leave but not wanting to let go. Sin’s fingers dug in hard and their foreheads touched, faces once again so close that the air was shared between their mouths. Sin’s breath came in ragged pulls.
“I wish I could hate you, Boyd.�
Catch me screaming in the corner, because uff, the tension in this scene still hits me right in the feels - the restraint and the intensity of emotions that were raging ALWAYS breaks me! 🫠❤️🔥� It's still a credit to the authors at how they so believably built up their desire for one another, how they were both able to get under each other's skins, despite how hard they fought it. Sin, especially, who wanted these feelings that were morphing for Boyd gone from his heart and mind - 'suddenly, there was a person in his life who didn’t treat him like a monster. Someone who acted like a friend; the first friend he’d ever had.' They are truly the driving force of this series and just being along for the ride again - even in the limited capacity that it was - was such a bona fide treat. 🥹🥹
Since I do know what I am in store for next - Monterrey - the place where it all began - the place where everything changed - the place that will forever be imprinted in their souls and my heart, forever. 🖤🤍🩶
March 10, 2018
“Review deleted because the author may have have misrepresented themselves as ownvoices and accepted cash gifts from fans under potentially false pretenses.�
statement from a publisher of this author's in regards to allegations of abuse and fraud
October 21, 2016
Addendum (now that I have read the whole series) : the best series I’ve read so far. It’s unique,phenomenal�.HIGHLY recommended !!!
And to get a feel of this epic read : watch this :
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One of the best BR for me : officially with Karen and on the sides with Jewel and Josy (I repeat : one of my best BR, just in case somebody didn’t get the memo !!). Thanks to them all.
Time for me to discover what is labeled as an epic story. Evenfall part 1 is an introduction, a way to set up the context, a very bleak post-apocalyptic future, with Sin & Boyd as the main characters, both being totally…well, Sin & Boyd.
These 2 are already under my skin and I’m reading Evenfall part 2 (still with my great BR companions). Oh, and did I mention that I’m sharpening my swearing skills with all the side characters ?
Complete review once I've finished part 2.
And to get a feel of this epic read : watch this :
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One of the best BR for me : officially with Karen and on the sides with Jewel and Josy (I repeat : one of my best BR, just in case somebody didn’t get the memo !!). Thanks to them all.
Time for me to discover what is labeled as an epic story. Evenfall part 1 is an introduction, a way to set up the context, a very bleak post-apocalyptic future, with Sin & Boyd as the main characters, both being totally…well, Sin & Boyd.
These 2 are already under my skin and I’m reading Evenfall part 2 (still with my great BR companions). Oh, and did I mention that I’m sharpening my swearing skills with all the side characters ?
Complete review once I've finished part 2.
Read
March 10, 2018 ** RATING IS REMOVED, BECAUSE REASONS.
Original Review stays under spoiler tag because ŷ is first and foremost *my* record of reading activities, and the fiasco doesn't change the fact that I've read this book **
Original Review stays under spoiler tag because ŷ is first and foremost *my* record of reading activities, and the fiasco doesn't change the fact that I've read this book **
February 5, 2019
I’ve read some mixed reviews about this book. As for me, I quite enjoyed it. This is not the best MM story I have read recently, but still I didn’t dislike it.
I totally fall in love with Sin. He is so adorably cranky. I have a sweet spot for tortured heroes (and who doesn’t!) and a tortured hero that is an assassin as well, God, what not to love! And I quite like Boyd, another tortured one. But I find him a bit inconsistent, and it can’t be explained by his evolution as a character. For a man who lost his will to live and doesn’t care about anything, he is pretty engaged in working this unreal partnership out.
The whole story started as an online novel and then was edited and shortened. Unfortunately, it is still visible from time to time. They are some things, not very important ones but still that differ between the chapters. Like, Sin’s ability to leave the Agency grounds. He needs Boyd to go shopping but he can leave without a fuss to kill a man from Boyd’s past. Some things like that.
And I’m not impressed with some of the ideas. Like the split up in Sin and Boyd’s relationship. It’s weak, incoherent with their personalities and adds an unnecessary drama. Also, in such a long book I wish their relationship be a little more developed. Finally, I’m not sure a really understand the whole idea of the world they live in. It’s a bit blurred to me. Another thing is Boyd’s androgynous look that plays no role in the story. It is not even a trigger for Sin’s attraction. It’s just pointless. Why introduce such a strong feature to the character, if you omit it totally in the story?
I will definitely read at least the next book in this series but with so many MM books out there, it won’t be just now.
I totally fall in love with Sin. He is so adorably cranky. I have a sweet spot for tortured heroes (and who doesn’t!) and a tortured hero that is an assassin as well, God, what not to love! And I quite like Boyd, another tortured one. But I find him a bit inconsistent, and it can’t be explained by his evolution as a character. For a man who lost his will to live and doesn’t care about anything, he is pretty engaged in working this unreal partnership out.
The whole story started as an online novel and then was edited and shortened. Unfortunately, it is still visible from time to time. They are some things, not very important ones but still that differ between the chapters. Like, Sin’s ability to leave the Agency grounds. He needs Boyd to go shopping but he can leave without a fuss to kill a man from Boyd’s past. Some things like that.
And I’m not impressed with some of the ideas. Like the split up in Sin and Boyd’s relationship. It’s weak, incoherent with their personalities and adds an unnecessary drama. Also, in such a long book I wish their relationship be a little more developed. Finally, I’m not sure a really understand the whole idea of the world they live in. It’s a bit blurred to me. Another thing is Boyd’s androgynous look that plays no role in the story. It is not even a trigger for Sin’s attraction. It’s just pointless. Why introduce such a strong feature to the character, if you omit it totally in the story?
I will definitely read at least the next book in this series but with so many MM books out there, it won’t be just now.
November 11, 2015
BEST BOOK THAT I'VE READ IN A LOOOONG TIME!!! Off to read the next one. Will do a review as soon as I can gather my thoughts.
BTW, found a perfect picture for Sin / Hsin. Now, just got to find Boyd's.
BTW, found a perfect picture for Sin / Hsin. Now, just got to find Boyd's.
December 23, 2014
I liked Evenfall Vol. 1 Director's Cut a lot, as apparent from my rating. I first wrote the review for the second part so I don't want to repeat myself too much but in short: I loved Boyd and Sin and their relationship. Although I don't like angsty relationships and there was a lot of angst in this one, it didn't sound artificial and actually built up my expectations. These were not disappointed (in Vol. 2). I didn't find the world or the plot too realistic but that didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book in the least. Let's say I don't expect my romances to be true to fact or even closer to thrillers in realism.
On the whole this was a rally enjoyable read so I decided to round up.
Rating: 4.5 stars.
On the whole this was a rally enjoyable read so I decided to round up.
Rating: 4.5 stars.
October 27, 2015
4.5 stars. Wow. 14 hours of reading that just flew by in a flash. Love the two MC's and the world-building. And the side characters - Ryan, Owen, and even Jeffery. Anxious to see where this story will go. Moving on to Book 2 quickly!
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