The Eirenic Verses Series by Cameron Sidhe

In a world where poetry is power, two boys at war with themselves may be each other’s salvation. Uileac Korviridi lost everything at age his parents in a raid on their peaceful farm, his home to the cold walls of the strict War Academy. All he has left is his younger sister, Cerie, now studying magical poetry at the revered High Poet Society. Even as he trains to become a fierce archer, Uileac cannot help but mourn everything he was forced to leave behind... moreIn a world where poetry is power, two boys at war with themselves may be each other’s salvation. Uileac Korviridi lost everything at age his parents in a raid on their peaceful farm, his home to the cold walls of the strict War Academy. All he has left is his younger sister, Cerie, now studying magical poetry at the revered High Poet Society. Even as he trains to become a fierce archer, Uileac cannot help but mourn everything he was forced to leave behind. Orrinir Relickim, by contrast, never had anything to lose. Abandoned by negligent parents and raised by the Academy itself, he's desperate to stand out. Especially in the eyes of Uileac, the stuck-up boy who masks his grief with pride.What begins as a rivalry slowly transforms into something deeper in this slow-burn, friends-to-lovers gay fantasy novel. Queer longing simmers beneath every argument, evolving into a bond neither of them fully understands but certainly can't ignore. Set in a vividly imagined world where poems wield tangible power, 9 Years Yearning is a character-driven fantasy about identity, desire, and the inner conflicts that can feel even more dangerous than the battlefield.This emotionally rich coming-of-age fantasy launches the 10-part Eirenic Verses series, which features lyrical prose in a richly imagined world. For fans of The Song of Achilles or The Raven Boys, 9 Years Yearning offers a powerful story of love, war, and the magic of words. less

Orrinir Relickim received an unusual wedding present from his husband, Uileac: Bannain, a disobedient horse who seems determined to end his marriage. One explosive kick from the animal leaves Uileac critically injured just days before the Feast of the Horse, a festival celebrating equines and their country's magic High Poetry system... moreOrrinir Relickim received an unusual wedding present from his husband, Uileac: Bannain, a disobedient horse who seems determined to end his marriage. One explosive kick from the animal leaves Uileac critically injured just days before the Feast of the Horse, a festival celebrating equines and their country's magic High Poetry system.Unable to participate in the festival's archery competition, Uileac lashes out at Orrinir in a series of tense confrontations that challenge their relationship like never before. Orrinir must balance his insecurities with affection for his prideful husband, whose single-minded focus on success causes deep frustration for both men. Between rousing fight scenes and beautiful poetry, the couple shares moments of deep intimacy that leave them emotionally exposed.Fast-paced, adventurous, yet deeply heartfelt, Pride Before a Fall offers a greater glimpse into the world of Breme, whose existence hinges upon power-infused poetry. Luscious prose will whisk you away into a realm melding realism and fantasy for a unique reading experience. less

Complicated grief takes center stage in this cathartic, character-driven fantasy novel.  Uileac Korviridi can never forget his parents, killed at their family farm while he hid from savage soldiers. He strives to honor their names in his every action, whether that is protecting his little sister Cerie or avenging their deaths as a cavalryman.Which is exactly why he can't fathom that his husband, infantryman Orrinir Relickim, could delight at the news that his estranged father is dying... moreComplicated grief takes center stage in this cathartic, character-driven fantasy novel.  Uileac Korviridi can never forget his parents, killed at their family farm while he hid from savage soldiers. He strives to honor their names in his every action, whether that is protecting his little sister Cerie or avenging their deaths as a cavalryman.Which is exactly why he can't fathom that his husband, infantryman Orrinir Relickim, could delight at the news that his estranged father is dying.Horrified at the idea of abandoning a blood relative, Uileac pushes Orrinir to make peace with his parents, only to be rebuffed in vicious terms. He struggles to reconcile this image of a vengeful son - one who could even pull a sword on him - with the spouse he promised to love in this life and beyond.What Uileac can't understand are the terrible ordeals Orrinir suffered at his father's hand. These painful memories are revealed only in snatches, as if the stories themselves were beaten beyond recognition. Abandoned at age six to become a child soldier, Orrinir mourns not just the loss of a father but of a better past.With heartbreaking expositions of grief, loss, and trauma, Funeral of Hopes examines the difficulties domestic violence survivors face when confronted with the abuser's death. Delicate prose highlights these complicated feelings in a sensitive yet stirring portrait of one son's pain. This third novel in the Eirenic Verses series features more High Poetry, the native magic system, as well as a deeper sense of place. less