• 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
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (39 ratings)

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The Poison Within (An Order Universe Short Story)  By  cover art

The Poison Within (An Order Universe Short Story)

By: Kasia Bacon
Narrated by: Michael Fox
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Publisher's 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
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    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyed this story

Right from the start, I knew I was going to enjoy this Kasia Bacon story. When any MM author gives me a story that has large physical and societal differences between the characters, while showing me the love between them? Bring it on! Käyru, while having a respectable job as an Inspector, is still the son of a blacksmith with little education. Large, broad, blonde-haired, and blue-eyed he has a big heart. Ellydhar (or Elly as Käyru refers to him) is a Count, a cultured man smaller and finer-boned than Käyru. Even though Ellydhar was raised with privilege, he also has a good heart.

The narrator, Michael Fox, does a wonderful job of distinctly separating the different voices between the characters. His way of expressing the words the author has written make it easy to differentiate between them all. The complexity of the world the author creates, in what is a short story, works in concert with the smooth transitions the narrator gives between what is actual narration and the conversations between characters.

I believe I would have been somewhat confused had I read the story on my own, rather than listening to a talented narrator relate it to me. There is a great deal of information, imparted by the author, that is necessary to our understanding of the world in which the book takes place. The result is a story about choices; when you love someone enough to make a decision for their well-being that might break your own heart. But don’t worry, the author gives us a HEA/HFN. My only wish would have been for a bit of an Epilogue, but I can see where that would have been rather challenging in a short story. (I’d like the author to take this as a sign of me being greedy for more.)

You’ll want to listen to the Bonus Read at the end of the book. It wraps up a side storyline from The Poison Within. The description of a hunting expedition, the taste of the “prey”, and mercy shown, being a satisfying conclusion.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Short and sweet

I loved it! I couldn't stop listening to this short.
It has romance, fantasy, and mystery. There's also a bonus story.

The narrator is new to me. I enjoyed listening to his voice. I can't wait to check out more of the narrator and author's works.

I definitely recommend this story.

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Allies

Kayru and Elly grew up in two very different worlds. Kayru clawing for every scrape and Elly the future Count of Radvadur. Kayru is now an inspector but that doesn't put him on the same level as Elly. How can these two men ever hope to be more than occasional lovers.

Kayru and Elly had so much going against them. Social standing, the fear they both had of voicing their feelings and Elly's health and it all works to keep these men from making their relationship something permanent. Maybe Kayru's next case will help him in ways he never even knew he needed.

I really enjoyed listening to this book. Kayru showed his love so clearly in his actions and Elly was such a gentle soul who welcomed Kayru every time they came together. I couldn't help rooting for them and hoping their story had a happy ending. The side characters played important roles in how this story played out and I was invested in their story as well. This was a wonderful book that drew me in and I highly recommend it.

I also loved Michael Fox's narration of this audiobook. His voices helped bring these characters to life.

I received a copy of this audiobook but this is my honest review.

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Was over way too soon! I want more

I want more! I was completely engrossed in the story and time flew. I knew it was a quick listen but I want more. I loved the dynamics between the characters. I want to know what's next for each of the couple's cause I know this isn't the end or at least I hope not. Michael Fix did a wonderful job narrating.

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Amazing Story

Michael Fox is a wonderful narrator.

I was blown away by this story. There was so much world building. I didn’t feel like the story was rushed, considering it’s length.

I WANT MORE!!!

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Amazing listen!

This might be a short story but I just couldn't stop listening. Käyru and Elly's story is so sweet and has so much emotions. Then Michael Fox does an absolutely amazing job with this one. I definitely want more in this world. So amazing!

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A riveting fantasy

Despite their social differences and the infeasibility of their relationship, Inspector Käyru Skaer has managed to find happiness with the stolen encounters he shares with his lover, Count Ellydhar Finn-Jánn. Käyru fears for their future, and for the decaying health of his beloved. But a gruesome murder and the subsequent investigation may give him some hope… Or destroy his happiness for good.
Oh, my how I love this series. The Order universe is a fascinating world where human, elves, vampires, nymphs, furies and many other creatures coexist in a delicate balance. Kasia Bacon has been delivering us for some time a series of short stories, like little morsels that hint at the different aspects of this universe. The Poison Within is the only one which focus mainly in the human society, and shows us that in this world, love between different social status is frowned upon. And also, how any species, whether human or not, will do anything to keep their lovers alive...
Michael Fox narration is hypontic, I just could not stop listening.
I loved every single minute of it (and there is a bonus story absolutely delightful).
Highly recommended!

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Packs a punch for a novella

Loved it! This story has everything, from action to romance to a bit of angst. Perfect voice for the characters too, Michael Fox was really good. Looking forward to reading more from Kasia Bacon.

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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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Another fantastic Order Universe audio

The audio & ebook also include A Late Bite to Eat (Inspector Skaer, #1.5). While set in Kasia Bacon's The Order Universe, this stands on it’s own, could be read/listened to in any order from the other books/audio, and doesn’t include or reference any characters from the earlier books.

The Poison Within: This was little bit darker in tone than the other Order books however, that didn’t affect my enjoyment at all. Investigating murderers, a sexual assault victim, and a fatal illness all weigh on Kayru.

A Late Bite to Eat:
This is a super short story. While technically it includes an F/F relationship – there’s no sexual content. It’s just a quick story following closely after the events of The Poison Within including a short feeding excursion for the vampire Eryssa. It’s an enjoyable bonus to the book.

Bacon again brings an engaging story, compelling characters, and a double HEA in a mere 90 minute audio. Brava!

Michael Fox continues to give all the characters unique voices and did a great job with the various emotions. He’s definitely on my “must listen” for narrators.

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