Blessing and Light: An Order Universe Holiday Short

By: Kasia Bacon

Narrated by: Michael Fox

Length: 32 mins

Publisher's summary

It’s the Night of Winter Lights.

Heedless of the holiday, the Commander of the H’Aren fortress, Captain Torýn Torhdhar, seems to find his satisfaction in work.

Such occurrence hardly surprises his Orderly, Sæbastyn Hyago, even though the young Lieutenant has spent a silent, aching decade wishing his superior officer would pursue pleasure elsewhere - specifically in his arms. But as the evening continues, nothing about it meets Sæbastyn’s expectations. Will the Lieutenant see his secret desires realised, or his heart shattered?

©2017 Kasia Bacon (P)2019 Kasia Bacon

Interesting Setting

This was an interesting short - only two chapters. We meet Capt. Toryn Torhdhar, Commander of the H'Aren Fortress, and his Orderly, Lt. Saebastyn Hyago, during the time of the Elven Wars and battles with the Barbarians. The men have served together for over a decade, each having romantic feelings for the other, but keeping those feelings to themselves, at least until the day Toryn decides to send Saebastyn to another fortress to keep him safe from upcoming battles. It is then that their feelings become known, and the book abruptly ends with the writer alluding that the two became involved with each other. I wish the book had been longer, as I was only just starting to enjoy it when it ended. Still, Kasia's back story on the characters and the unusual setting were intriguing, and Michael Fox's narration was perfect.

Short and sweet

This is a bite size visit to Kasia Bacon's wonderful fantasy world, this time it's more of a slice of life than a full adventure. We get to look in on the two main characters during a few hours on the eve of a holiday. Torýn and Sæbastyn make a great couple, and I was happy to share this important night with them. As often happens when I read a good short story I wish there had been more, but I was still happy to revisit the Order Universe.

As always Michael Fox's narration made the listening experience even better.

Blessing & Light

Thank you for the ARC Audio, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. A sweet little holiday listen of a wish coming true for Sæbastyn. For years the young man thought he was only allowed to dream, but would this year he get his wish or sent packing? Michael Fox did a wonderful job with these book.

Lovely

In the Night of Winter Lights two men receive the most unexpected blessing of all…
Lieutenant Sæbastyn Hyago is devoted to his Commander, Captain Torýn Torhdhar, since the moment the older man rescued him and gave him a second chance in life. His heart belongs to him, and nothing will make him abandon him, not even Captain Torýn’s own wishes…
A delightful morsel, a beautifully narrated short story, perfect to gather a glimpse of that fascinating Order Universe Kasia Bacon is slowly discovering to us. Scarcely twenty minutes of narration, but the intensity of the story makes it feel longer…
I loved it.

Sweet, short and lovely

New to me author and narrator. Both did a great job with such a short story.
I got such a vivid impression of the camp, the soldiers and the 2 MCs from the narration that I was honestly surprised that it wasn't longer!
I absolutely will look for more from both Kasia Bacon and Michael Fox.

ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!!!

Kasia Bacon stories narrated by Michael Fox is a dream combination. I can only hope there is more to come! <3

Short.

A holiday short, it was short ok... a bit too short there was no story or background or character. It was just a scene in a day.
Might need other books to make it make sense.

Nicely narrated.

Lovely short

I don’t usually like short stories, but this was fabulous. Enough world building that I wasn’t clueless, but not so much as to negate the story. Told first person entirely from Saebastyn’s POV, it was a super sweet tale of unrequited love finally realized. It’s closed door, perfect if you’re looking for something without details.

This is my first time listening to Michael Fox narrate and it won’t be my last. He gave all the characters unique voices and did a great job with the various emotions. It’s not often a short makes me laugh, cry, & swoon.

A sweet and endearing short

Okay, while this can obviously be listened to as a standalone, as I just did, I now HAVE to start reading the Order Universe books. I have listened to one other book by this author/narrator duo, and I am just as pleased with this brief glimpse into the lives of two people.

Captain Toryn Torhdhar seems completely wrapped up in his work and the upcoming trials he and his people are going to face. His Orderly, Sæbastyan Hyago, was rescued by the Captain a decade earlier, and has no problem speaking his mind to the taciturn man; except for what's in his heart.

The Captain has good intentions, although I have a feeling they were a little more personal than he let on. Unfortunately, his good intentions come close to shattering Sæbastyan's heart. But, with a kiss (or two) between them, no further explanations are needed.

Again, I felt that Michael Fox did a great job with the narration. The characters were well differentiated, emotions came through loud and clear, and his pacing was smooth and easy.

* I received a free copy of this audiobook and I am leaving my honest review. *

a sweet short

This is a sweet, make you feel good, holiday short.
Narrator Michael Fox does a fabulous job.