Wednesday, August 27, 2025

 

 


Poison and Opium, book 1


Dark Fantasy/LGBTQ+

Date Published: 03-26-2025

Publisher: Shadow Spark Publishing




Content Warnings: Depictions of slavery, Depictions of child abuse, Blood, Death, Animal death, Self-harm, Drinking, Smoking, Drug use


Slave. Soldier. Spy.

Daisuke’s heart has always wandered far from home, hoping for a life beyond what he’d have as a Northern Nomad raised in slavery. One evening, when he learns the Giahatio’s imperial military has arrived in search of recruits, he seizes his chance to flee Okara’s plantations and start anew. However, becoming a footsoldier isn’t the easy escape he expected, and he soon finds himself struggling for a place within the infantry and Giahatian society.

Obito knows he should be grateful for the opportunity to serve as one of the Empire’s elite intelligence operatives, the onmitsu—it’s one of few he’ll ever have in life, and the highest possible honor for a nobleman’s youngest son. But with demons of anger and shame haunting him as he tries to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of a scandal, any pride to take in rank or family name is entirely hollow.

When an act of mercy is born from a senseless murder, the already unlikely friendship between Daisuke and Obito takes an unexpected turn. Not only are they now partnered together as onmitsu, but dark politics are on the rise, leading them toward an ancient, furious magic.

 



Review

Stylishly written, this is an engaging read that pushes the envelope of the Fantasy genre.

The characters were interesting and the story draws you in from the very start.

The fantasy elements are intriguing and well thought out. I liked that while we are in a world of Demons, we also have military and political scenarios that are familiar.

A dramatic plot and uplifting resolution lead to a memorable read.


About the Author



Alyssa Lauseng is a married mom of two warrior princesses who lives in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula. So much inspiration is drawn from a life-long love of martial arts, the pointy objects she's obsessed with, and the U.P.'s abundant nature.

She can be found on BlueSky and Instagram @5FeetofRedFury, ready to nerd out.


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