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  • The Poison Within (An Order Universe Short Story)

  • Inspector Skaer, Book 1
  • By: Kasia Bacon
  • Narrated by: Michael Fox
  • Length: 1 hr and 39 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (23 ratings)
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The Poison Within (An Order Universe Short Story) cover art

The Poison Within (An Order Universe Short Story)

By: Kasia Bacon
Narrated by: Michael Fox
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Summary

Black clouds of xenophobia gather over Radvadur, the western province of the Empire. 

The political climate is strained and fragile. A surge of Nymph refugees has stirred widespread hostility towards non-humans. When the investigation of a gruesome triple murder linked to the refugee camp ensues, it takes Inspector Käyru Skaer and his lover, Count Ellydhar Finn-Jánn, along an unusual path, at the end of which a precious gift awaits. 

Käyru and Elly are worlds apart in social standing, but they have found common ground in the bedroom - up against the wall and the stable doors, too. The arrangement between them ought to have been temporary and of no consequence. As their circumstances change, will they find the courage to risk their hearts? 

Warning: Contains mentions of off-page sexual assault

©2018 Kasia Bacon (P)2020 Kasia Bacon
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: LGBTQ+

What listeners say about The Poison Within (An Order Universe Short Story)

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

An Amazing Story, I Love Michael Fox's Narration

What a creative, intriguing story! And I absolutely love this narrator. Michael Fox’s rich, sultry tones are just perfect for Kasia Bacon’s The Poison Within.

This is my first experience with the writing of Ms. Bacon and I can’t wait to dive into some more! She builds an incredible world in just 50 pages… we get excitement, romance, and mystery and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Really wonderful.

The added bonus of doing The Poison Within in audio is the extra short story at the end.

an audiobook copy of The Poison Within was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another great story in the Order Universe

Great story with a great twist at the end. Love the characters and this one combines slightly to link a previous book. As I listen to these books I can start to see all the characters coming to life in this new world I’m so intrigued about! Really enjoyed this one.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable

The writing conveyed the depths of the relationship between the protagonists. However, I was pulled from the story by the seemingly anachronistic swearing of the period (implied by horse carriages etc). With an extra half star for each the story and performance, it reaches an overall 4.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Short story with lots of content

There's a lot happening in this short story and while I wish it was longer I was happy with how it ended. Käyru and Elly are wonderful together, another of Kasia Bacon's matches that are meant to be. Her worldbuilding is detailed and interesting, this book is set in the same universe as the other books by her that I've listened to, and there are so many facets to this world and still it's all cohesive. As always Ms Bacon's prose is sublime and a treasure in itself.

I loved both Käyru and Elly and I would love to read more Inspector Skaer stories! I hope there will be more in the future.

Michael Fox does a good job narrating this story and it makes it even better to listen to.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

very good

interesting and sexy... it was a very weird story and well written and a lot of fun to read and hear it come to life.. this author is interesting and this made me shiver and smile.. it was very good

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
Listener received this title free

Paranormal society at war?

Kasia Bacon is relatively new to me as I've only read one or two of her other Paranormal worlds stories. Michael Fox is a decent narrator with a clear voice and steady, even pace. He does a creditable job with this story, which is quite short compared to a lot of other audiobooks I tend to listen to. It's snackable if you will. I recommend this as a quick, easy Paranormal MM story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

This is a stunning story, it's beautifully composed and captivating. I'm thoroughly impressed by Kasia Bacon's artistry. Excellent narration by Michael Fox, he breathed life into the words. I strongly recommend this audiobook. I was given a free copy of this audiobook and have voluntarily left this review.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
Listener received this title free

Story is short narration is wonderful

Complimentary audio provided in exchange for an honest review.

This has been on my tbr for a while. I've read a few things by this author and enjoyed them so I am not surprised I liked this one too.

Narration, LOVED the voice. VERY well done in all ways. He even groaned for the character as he stretched! Love this type of full bodied narration. 5 stars for narration.

The story is short, not a secret, haha. I felt like I was missing the preceding book to show the two MCs getting together. Though I didn't exactly feel lost. This claims to be book 1 so I just went with it. I do love established couples and somehow I felt their love and connection in this short love story. Maybe it was the narration. 😉

I would LOVE to read more about these two and their world. It's magical and it does sound archaic and scary, I think I could enjoy a full blown book. This story centers around a series of murders, which prove to be revenge killing because they raped a woman, I think a fairy or other magical being. This ends satisfactorily and the MCs formalize their relationship. Overall sweet and interesting. 3.5 stars.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Exceptional

Kasia Bacon has honed her craft of writing short stories to absolute perfection, she truly excels at it. Within a few paragraphs I'm so immersed in the book the outside world ceases to exist. Am I gushing? Uh yeah, because it's so deserved. Simples.

Although this is a short read nothing is skimped on, ALL the feels, the strong characterisation, great story telling and more are squeezed in to her little gems and this book is no exception. Add to that fabulous narration and this is another total winner.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
Listener received this title free

Amazing world building

What would you do for someone you love?

That’s a question I think more and more of us are asking in these challenging days. If a loved one is sick and even dying, what would you do? It’s the exact circumstance Käyru Skaer finds himself in. His lover, Count Ellydhar Finn-Jánn, is ill. Too stubborn to admit it, of course (aren’t most men?), but the illness is taking a firm hold and it’s only a matter of time. Doesn’t stop them from doing it at every opportunity, of course. (They are men, after all.)

When the Inspector is called to a grisly triple murder (graphic description, to be sure), things get complicated. What happens when all is not as it seems? When it’s hard to say who is on the side of the angels?

This was a quick listen and I enjoyed it. The world building is always phenomenal and adds to the enjoyment. Michael Fox is narrating this series and he does a great job. I will definitely keep an eye out for more novellas from this duo.

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