Download Chereads APP
Chereads App StoreGoogle Play
Chereads

Astolat Gardens

The Winds of Arcadia

Synopsis of The Call to Arms In the serene heart of Greece lies the Alexandros estate, a sprawling haven of vineyards and olive groves owned by the noble Alexandros family. Sophia Alexandros, a poised and compassionate young woman of twenty-six, has long enjoyed the comforts and privileges of her ancestral home. Her life is one of elegance and responsibility, managing the estate with grace since her father’s passing. However, beneath the idyllic surface, political unrest simmers as the Ottoman Empire tightens its grip on Greece, threatening the very essence of Greek heritage and independence. The fragile peace shatters when news arrives that Ottoman forces have seized nearby Kastoria and are advancing toward the Alexandros estate. The sudden invasion thrusts Sophia and her family into chaos, forcing them to confront the harsh realities of war. Faced with the dire choice to submit or resist, Sophia’s resolve hardens. Determined to protect her homeland and preserve her family’s legacy, she decides to join the burgeoning Greek independence movement, abandoning her sheltered life and the expectations to marry well. Leaving behind the marble halls and manicured gardens, Sophia steps into the rugged world of rebellion. She partners with Dimitri, her brave younger brother, and Kosta, the estate’s seasoned foreman, to rally the estate’s staff and nearby villagers. Together, they forge alliances with local rebels, transforming the estate into a strategic stronghold for the resistance. Sophia’s noble upbringing and sharp intellect quickly earn her a leadership role, as she devises strategies, secures supplies, and inspires those around her with unwavering courage. As Sophia immerses herself in the fight for freedom, she faces numerous challenges that test her strength and resolve. Skepticism from some rebels, the loss of comrades, and the relentless pressure from Ottoman forces weigh heavily on her. Yet, her determination never falters. Her leadership becomes a beacon of hope, uniting diverse factions of the resistance and galvanizing a movement that grows stronger with each passing day. Amidst the turmoil, Sophia grapples with personal sacrifices. Her bond with Dimitri deepens as they navigate the perils of war together, each step bringing them closer to their shared dream of a free Greece. The estate, once a symbol of privilege, transforms into a battleground where Sophia’s spirit shines brightest. Her decision to fight not only ignites a personal journey of bravery and resilience but also sparks a larger struggle for national identity and sovereignty. In pivotal moments of strategy and sacrifice, Sophia leads daring raids against Ottoman supply lines, orchestrates defensive maneuvers to protect innocent villagers, and negotiates fragile truces with neighboring factions. Her actions inspire others to join the cause, swelling the ranks of the resistance and escalating the conflict into a full-scale war for independence. Through victories and losses, Sophia remains steadfast, embodying the spirit of Greece’s fight for liberation. The Call to Arms is a gripping tale of courage, duty, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom. It delves into the complexities of leadership, the burdens of responsibility, and the transformative power of unwavering conviction. Sophia Alexandros’s journey from a sheltered heiress to a formidable leader mirrors the broader struggle of a nation yearning to reclaim its destiny. As the Ottoman threat looms ever larger, Sophia and her allies must navigate treacherous alliances, personal sacrifices, and the relentless march of war to secure a future where Greece can flourish free from oppression.
uchenna_basil · 281 Views

Law of The Web

Gideon Harley never asked for a second chance at life. In his past life, he was a venom tester, experimenting with the deadliest poisons on Earth. But when a spider’s venom unexpectedly tears through his body, he’s hurled into an entirely new world, Doktrine, a place where supernatrual and science intertwine. The twist is that he now inhabits the body of Axter Sauron, a 10-year-old boy with no memories of the life he once had. Currently being transported in a cargo with a bunch of other orphans on their way to Black Moon Clan, one of the most feared assassination clans in the world of Doktrine. In this world, every child awakens at the age of 10. The awakened child can then make a contract with a law beast, gaining the ability to shape their destiny. But while most awaken common powers, like increased strength or quick healing, Gideon’s new life brings a far more complex and dangerous gift. He can see the evolutionary pathways of beasts, guiding them toward unimaginable power. With his spider beast as his first companion, an entity tied to the laws of Fate, Origin, Time, and Fusion, Gideon’s journey is one of discovery, power, and chaos. Each ability comes with a price. His visions of fate can be misleading, the souls he sees can drive him mad, his ability to travel through time is unreliable, and his power to fuse objects could backfire. But with every trial, he grows stronger and more aware of the responsibility that comes with his powers. And the cost of survival; in this new world, he vows to survive at all costs. Yet, there are those who seek to control the beasts and the very Visionary Garden where all this power originates. As Gideon navigates this world’s web of politics, hidden agendas, and impossible beasts, he’ll have to learn what it truly means to control his fate, and whether he can avoid the catastrophic consequences of his actions. In a world where power is everything, can one man, bound by fate, ever truly escape it?
Iam_hastur · 11.1K Views

A Terrible Evil Villain And Their Destiny

They say every hero needs a villain. In the world of Strarth, the Goddess of Heroes, Afa certainly thinks so. Unfortunately she doesn't have either nor is she allowed to bring any to the world of Strarth. Fortunately for her all her superiors are currently asleep and won't be waking up for a couple decades. What's more another strange entity who has the ability to grant her wishes offers her a deal she just can't refuse! The deal is simple, the strange entity brings to the world of Strarth someone who Afa can mold into a villain and then Afa can summon a few hand picked heroes from this backwards planet called earth. What's not to love? This is where Bryson Colin Coldwater comes in. Falling from the sky on a cold rainy night an infant Bryson is found in the garden of the Coldwaters. A noble elitist group that is known to rule their land with fear. Throughout Bryson's life his family call him the chosen one, and that their family has been chosen above all others. A perfect upbringing to bring up a egotistical villain. Unfortunately, for Afa, and fortunately for Bryson, he does not quite develop in the way she wanted him to. Over the course of Bryson's life, he will be in countless different scenarios and situations that are made to turn him into a villain that will be defeated by the heroes in the future. Bryson will unknowingly resolve these conflicts in any other outcome but the one Afa wants. In this strange game of chess, watch as the world of Strarth's most terrible evil villain faces of against his destiny.
TheCaptainBill · 128.7K Views

Illusive Eden - He Pretends He's the Hero

Neva and Rhett, the two youths have their heart strings attached in love. Interfering their peaceful life circumstances unfolds scattering blades in their romance. Ishmael, with a heart of spikes, he looks to mend the wound, searching and failing for his Neva separated from him. Rays of love and joy filtering through clouds of horror in the world, Neva before him once more. The twisted fate entangling them, reveals the game of sphere as misery burns their soul. Concealed life beyond turning pages—one after another. The tale gathers: sin and virtue, tragedy and fortune, strength and weakness, destruction and creation, love and hate. Illusion is where we live; in the Garden of Eden before the fall of man. Illusive is serenity; an evermore sanguine of love. Visionary of Eden in the new earth; sows hope deep in the soul. Delusory pleasure of the world; shall bring us burns in the ocean of fire. Illusive Eden is peace. Illusive Eden is tragedy. The fall of the man, even now bleeding red. The whisper whirls with the dawn of a man. He, who pretends to be the Hero. (The girl who promised to always be together, Forbids him to ever appear, Refusing to recognise him, She disregards all he ever had. Vowing to protect her, He's the terrifying truth she hopes rules lie. Tripping and ripping her, He's the living tragedy looming in on her life. He once was her Elayne, now her hiraeth; He's the villain pretending to be a Hero.)
NehaPriaa · 114.6K Views

Song of the Gardener of Souls [BL]

Rowan sees beauty in death. The Order he has sworn to obey only sees defilement. As the reviled Caretaker of the Order, Rowan has accepted his role as a dutiful outcast because he believes it is the only way to prove his worth to the man who holds his sisters’ souls as collateral. With his magic and his voice, Rowan can absorb death and transform it, but only in ways the Order deems acceptable to maintain the stability of the reality it claims to protect Order must subdue Disorder. Reality must triumph over illusion. He is tainted and always will be. Rowan has never questioned those lessons, but that changes the night he harvests a crimson soul that is more than human and chooses to keep it a secret. When Rowan’s song transforms that soul into a beautiful and mysterious man he names Wren, he is forced to accept that sometimes duty is a lie and illusion is the only thing you can trust. As the fabric of the Order begins to unwind and a new kind of Disorder takes hold, Rowan will need to choose again, stand with the Order that held him down, or forge a new path with Wren at his side. He may be the only one who can restore balance to the worlds, but only if he can find balance within himself first. ************************************* Updates 3-4 times per week. Note: This story focuses on relationships. I promise an epic romance, lots of swoon-worthy moments, and a healthy amount of fluff. When it does get steamy…you might get burned. Fair warning for explicit content. I don’t shy away from my spice. There are lots of side characters and couples to fall in love with, in addition to the main couple. If you love the idea of found family, you will be happy. This book is set in a non-heteronormative world, so you will see various gender identities/expressions and types of love. ************************************* Excerpt (if you want the full steamy version, you will have to read the book!): Still reeling from the new magic that coursed under his skin and unsure of how to react to the desire that threatened to take control of him, Rowan froze. Wren's hot breath against his mouth sent a jolt of pleasure through his body, and he choked back a groan. A different kind of panic flared in Rowan's chest, burning him as if he were the one on fire. This was what he wanted, what he'd thought about every night since Wren left. But wanting more was one thing. Acting on it was another. He'd spent so much of his life hiding, he didn't know how to do anything else. One corner of Wren's mouth twitched as Rowan pulled away. When he attempted to free himself from Wren's grasp, Wren just hauled him closer. Rowan liked that he didn't have to think about what to do next. His bare chest thudded against Wren's torso, and the heat from Wren's body merged with Rowan's skin, melting him from the inside out. "What did you just do to me?" Wren's deep voice vibrated against Rowan's chest. "The Disorder of your illusion was holding you captive. I…I absorbed it." "Oh? Where did you learn to do that? Have I been gone that long?" Wren's grip loosened slightly on Rowan's wrists as if he was satisfied now that Rowan was practically sitting on top him. Rowan stared at Wren's lips. He opened his mouth to protest, but immediately closed it again. "I know you aren't going to say that I shouldn't touch you." Wren's free hand splayed over the small of Rowan's back. "Not when you started it." Rowan's breath hitched. "No. I'm not going to say that anymore. Not to you." "I thought you were afraid to be touched." Wren's fingers traced a circle over the curve of Rowan's spine as if testing for a reaction. "I know that I'm not afraid of you." Rowan waited for the panic to set in, but all he felt was desire. "With you, I want…" "You want what?" "I want more." Triumph flared in Wren's gaze before he narrowed his eyes. "Really? Then why are you still trying to get away from me?"
LivChanin · 1M Views

[BL] Guardians of Fate

“I waited for you my entire life... and you were worth every minute.” Ardyn Lowell normally forgets his dreams. He’s a normal young adult who has good friends and a happy family. He should be contented with his life, but there’s always this nagging feeling of yearning in his heart, a longing for someone that never seems to disappear. In his dreams, however, he remembers everything. He remembers the man who always visits him, the man who always sits next to him on the edge of the fountain in a beautiful garden. He can never clearly see the face of this man, but the yearning in his heart ceases when he is with him. But when he wakes up, he forgets the man once again, and the longing in his chest never goes away. The day of his graduation ceremony comes, and Ardyn is late. Catching traffic on the way, he unexpectedly meets with a major car accident and dies quickly, suddenly. When he wakes up, he’s in another world. In this world, there exists a dark, malicious entity that threatens to destroy the entire planet and its people. This is where Summoners come into play. In order to seal away this entity, a Summoner must go on a journey and search for their 7 Guardians in order to summon the 7 Spirits that will aid them in sealing away this great evil. They must not fail, or else none will be able to survive. As an Otherworlder Guardian, Ardyn is faced with a massive, unfortunate burden. He must search for his Summoner, and he must also discover himself and his purpose along the way. The journey is long and filled with hardships, but they have no choice. They have no choice but to save this world in order to live. --------------------------------------------- — Inspired by Final Fantasy X and Fushigi Yuugi NOTE: This is an isekai fantasy BL (boy's love) novel. The story is descriptive and slow-paced while the romance takes its time since it's a slow burn. There will be some violent, gory, and disturbing scenes in the future, but there will be no mature, explicit (NSFW/R18) scenes in this story. Also, since there are multiple characters involved, they will have their own character arcs. [Story created by Rainflowers in 2021. Revised in Nov 2023.] --------------------------------------------- TRIGGER WARNINGS: Descriptions of blood, abuse, suicide, and deaths. --------------------------------------------- BOOK COVER COMMISSIONED FROM: Chandraneel (https://www.facebook.com/jjhemm) MY FACEBOOK: Leigh Connelly (facebook.com/leighannconnelly) ---------------------------------------------
Rainflowers · 220.6K Views

(BL) The Grave You Made - Mature Version

LGBTQ+ - BL | MATURE VERSION In a kingdom, where opulence reigns and secrets pile high, the annual week-long founding festival and ball occur within the palace walls. Nobles from far and wide gather at the detached palace for nights filled with masquerade balls, lavish dinners, and whispered intrigues. Amidst the splendour of the gardens, Kaisan, an enchanting young man adorned in silk and lace, finds himself swept into a whirlwind romance when he encounters Rhaegal, a charming stranger lost in the revelry of the night. Mistaken identities lead to a fateful dance in the fountain, where laughter mingles with the sweet taste of wine and stolen kisses. As the festival unfolds, Rhae and Kaisan's bond deepens with each passing moment, their days filled with stolen moments of passion and deep bonds. But when a truth is revealed at the grand dinner on the final evening, betrayal shatters their fragile connection, leaving Kaisan adrift in a sea of despair and confusion. As Kaisan's fragile state threatens to consume him amidst the whispers of madness and rumours of tragedy, an offering of solace in the darkest of nights and unwavering devotion in the face of uncertainty may be the only path to healing. With each tender touch and whispered word, Rhae strives to reclaim the heart of the man he once abandoned, praying that their love will be enough to guide them through the darkest of nights and into the dawn of a new day.
SchuylerLisette · 5.3K Views

FIRSTBORN

Lira, a young girl lost in a mysterious forest, stumbles upon a hidden garden of black roses. Weak from hunger and exhaustion, she meets Caelan, a brooding man with a white mask covering half of his face, the other half scarred and twisted. He gives her food and a clean dress, but his cold, sarcastic demeanor hides a deeper pain. When Lira touches his scars, something strange happens: they begin to fade, as if her touch can heal them. Confused and afraid, she pulls away, but her touch has already triggered a transformation. Flowers bloom, and the air shimmers with life, breathing color into the dark, decaying castle nearby. Caelan reveals that her touch brings life to the castle, a place trapped in darkness and madness for centuries. The power she doesn't understand makes her a target for dangerous creatures that want to steal it. Fearing for her safety, Caelan traps her in his castle to protect her, even as he resents her ability to undo the curse that binds him there. As Lira spends more time with him, she discovers that her magic is tied to Caelan's curse. Each time she touches him, the scars on his face fade more, but it also threatens his existence. Despite his bitterness, a bond forms between them, and Lira begins to understand that she may be the key to breaking Caelan's curse-but only if she can control her dangerous power before the creatures outside break in. Lira must decide whether to trust Caelan, embrace her magic, and save the castle-or escape before her powers consume them both.
ajharly · 1.5K Views

Be Gentle, Immortal Master

[Warning: Mature Content] "Master, are we going to keep what happened last night a secret between us?" "For how loud you moaned and cried, Qing-er, I think the whole world has already learned all about it, and your concern is irrelevant." Yun Qing-er, the only disciple of the legendary immortal swordmaster Bai Ye, has been hiding her feelings for her master for years. Unaccepted by norms and morals, it is the darkest secret that she swears to bury deep within her heart. But life has other plans. Bai Ye's desire for her burns hot beneath his solemn appearance. He will teach her not only the art of the sword, but also the pleasures of life that she never knew existed before. ---------------- Smut starts at Chapter 17, with a teaser in Chapter 11. A bit softcore at first but will get wilder quickly as the story moves on :) Note that this is NOT a typical cultivation romance. Immortals and spiritual power and whatnot are all plot devices… You'll see what I mean in just a few chapters! ---------------- [Sneak Peek] He pinned me against the poplar tree at the center of the garden. A breeze rustled past, stirring the sunlight sparkling through the autumn foliage above us, and a sprinkle of gold fell over his shoulders. "Say you want me," he whispered. "Bai Ye—" I breathed, but the rest of my words were replaced by moans the moment he traced his kisses along my neck and took my earlobe into his mouth. Familiar tingles roared through me as he nibbled and suckled gently. His hand slid up my chest, and he played with my sensations with his lips and tongue and fingers until my arms trembled around him. All other thoughts vanished from my mind. The only thing I knew was the irresistible feeling of him on me, so overwhelming that my knees started growing weak. I would've fallen if he wasn't pinning me hard against the tree. "Bai Ye …" I moaned again, clawing at his clothes. "Of course I want you … Right here, right now." He let out a soft puff of laughter, and his hand grazed down, gripping the folds of my dress. With a rip of fabric, he tore them away.
Witchhazel · 2.4M Views
Related Topics
More