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Misfit: A Straetham Story
The Wolf became a wizard.
The wizard became Grandmaster.
Long before Arlon Kalisson was Grandmaster of the Crux, he was a member of Vian’s Wolves, the most vicious pack of bandits in the Hobokin Mountains. After serving his sentence to the Crown under Grandmaster Fawn, Arlon is released into the Crux as a free man and new magical adept.
But adjusting to his new life feels impossible. Burdened by the memories of Vian Wolf, Arlon struggles to find his place among the nobles and highborns of the Crux. Yet even after meeting Garrett and Bridgette, two fellow non-bloodline wizards, the shadows of Vian’s crimes threaten to ruin their friendship before it can even begin.
Magic is a rare gift, and Arlon must heal the wounds left by his former mentor to embrace the spark that exists in him.
Misfit is a novella set in the Sex Wizards universe about Arlon’s first months as a wizard of the Crux. Though it can be read as a standalone, it is best enjoyed after reading Starshine.
The wizard became Grandmaster.
Long before Arlon Kalisson was Grandmaster of the Crux, he was a member of Vian’s Wolves, the most vicious pack of bandits in the Hobokin Mountains. After serving his sentence to the Crown under Grandmaster Fawn, Arlon is released into the Crux as a free man and new magical adept.
But adjusting to his new life feels impossible. Burdened by the memories of Vian Wolf, Arlon struggles to find his place among the nobles and highborns of the Crux. Yet even after meeting Garrett and Bridgette, two fellow non-bloodline wizards, the shadows of Vian’s crimes threaten to ruin their friendship before it can even begin.
Magic is a rare gift, and Arlon must heal the wounds left by his former mentor to embrace the spark that exists in him.
Misfit is a novella set in the Sex Wizards universe about Arlon’s first months as a wizard of the Crux. Though it can be read as a standalone, it is best enjoyed after reading Starshine.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2025
36 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Alethea Faust
13 books465 followersAlethea Faust is an international bestselling author of kinky, queer, erotic epic fantasy. Things you can expect to find in their works are risk-aware consensual kink, hard BDSM, non-toxic masculinity, kind and emotionally mature adults, and a lot of butt stuff.
They also have a Patreon, where you can find exclusive stories in the Sex Wizards world as well as early access to future books in the series. Read more at https://www.patreon.com/aletheafaust
They can be found all across social media here: https://linktr.ee/aletheafaust
They also have a Patreon, where you can find exclusive stories in the Sex Wizards world as well as early access to future books in the series. Read more at https://www.patreon.com/aletheafaust
They can be found all across social media here: https://linktr.ee/aletheafaust
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 8, 2025
**ARC review**
I need to be clear that this is a biased review - I love this series, and Arlon is my favorite character. So, getting a novella about Arlon's beginnings at the Crux felt like a personalized gift, wrapped up and sent to me from Alethea Faust herself.
Previously published books in this series have briefly touched on Arlon's life before arriving at the Crux and also how he came to be there in the first place. But this novella drills down to the challenges he faced when he first started studying magic. When he begins, he only trusts one person, and she happens to be the school's Grandmaster. The relationship he has with Fawn is written so beautifully - the love and trust he is able to display with her, while she helps him learn to love and trust himself is so touching. Her ability to give him what he needs in different ways, while always leading with gentleness, was incredibly done. And because this series doesn't shy away from discussing power dynamics and consent issues, I thought their talk about their relationship was well handled. Additionally, all of the parallels to the relationship we see Arlon build with Dom when he later arrives at the Crux are EXCELLENT.
This book also shows us the beginning of Arlon's long term relationships with both Bridgette and Garrett and...ugh, it's so sweet. The development of Garrett and Arlon first as friends, and sparring partners, who can trust each other with their bodies first and then their emotions? I die. Their almost slow-burn lead up to being sexual with each other through some missteps and fear and panic felt so in character. The full length books show the three of them as such a power throuple that learning about how they came together and the leap of faith they all took hit me in all my feels. And while the spice in this book isn't as...let's say adventurous, as the longer books in the series, it is absolutely just as well written.
There is SO MUCH packed into this relatively short story, and I think it's some of the best writing of the series so far. Loved it, can't recommend it enough.
I need to be clear that this is a biased review - I love this series, and Arlon is my favorite character. So, getting a novella about Arlon's beginnings at the Crux felt like a personalized gift, wrapped up and sent to me from Alethea Faust herself.
Previously published books in this series have briefly touched on Arlon's life before arriving at the Crux and also how he came to be there in the first place. But this novella drills down to the challenges he faced when he first started studying magic. When he begins, he only trusts one person, and she happens to be the school's Grandmaster. The relationship he has with Fawn is written so beautifully - the love and trust he is able to display with her, while she helps him learn to love and trust himself is so touching. Her ability to give him what he needs in different ways, while always leading with gentleness, was incredibly done. And because this series doesn't shy away from discussing power dynamics and consent issues, I thought their talk about their relationship was well handled. Additionally, all of the parallels to the relationship we see Arlon build with Dom when he later arrives at the Crux are EXCELLENT.
This book also shows us the beginning of Arlon's long term relationships with both Bridgette and Garrett and...ugh, it's so sweet. The development of Garrett and Arlon first as friends, and sparring partners, who can trust each other with their bodies first and then their emotions? I die. Their almost slow-burn lead up to being sexual with each other through some missteps and fear and panic felt so in character. The full length books show the three of them as such a power throuple that learning about how they came together and the leap of faith they all took hit me in all my feels. And while the spice in this book isn't as...let's say adventurous, as the longer books in the series, it is absolutely just as well written.
There is SO MUCH packed into this relatively short story, and I think it's some of the best writing of the series so far. Loved it, can't recommend it enough.
July 24, 2025
Misfit left me deliciously devistated in a way I did not expect. As an avid fan of the Sex Wizard series I felt like there was nothing that could shock me in a prequel book. I was so confident in my knowledge of our beloved Grandmaster Arlon's past. I was wrong.
While you could treat Misfit as a stand alone I strongly reccomend reading at least Initiation and Mastery to get the most emotional whumpf out of this novella.
PS - The spice continues to outclass most kink based stories I've read in a uniquely Alethea Faust way.
While you could treat Misfit as a stand alone I strongly reccomend reading at least Initiation and Mastery to get the most emotional whumpf out of this novella.
PS - The spice continues to outclass most kink based stories I've read in a uniquely Alethea Faust way.
July 28, 2025
I can’t stand reading Alethea’s shorts…because i can’t get enough! I love seeing this side of Arlon (and Garrett) and how it adds a level of depth to the main Sex Wizards series that we didn’t get before. While it’s so short, this story is sweet and hot as hell and just…wonderful.
August 20, 2025
This is a fantastic novella in the Sex Wizards series. It’s a prequel to the main series and is best enjoyed after Bridgette and Garrett’s novella Starshine.
Years before he became Grandmaster, Arlon was a bandit. After serving a sentence under Grandmaster Fawn, the two develop a romantic entanglement before he joins the Crux as a wizard. She encourages him to get to know the other “misfits” orc Garrett and his wife Bridgette. Things get off to a rocky start, but soon they become better acquainted and help Arlon learn to conduit and cast magic.
This is a wonderful addition to the series, showing Arlon as a vulnerable new wizard. As the series title suggests, there are plenty of spicy scenes between, well, just about everyone. I always appreciate these glimpses into the characters’ lives.
I loved this novella, and I can’t wait to see what Faust has in store for us in the main series with book 5.
Spice: 5/5
Plot:4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
My Enjoyment: 5/5
Years before he became Grandmaster, Arlon was a bandit. After serving a sentence under Grandmaster Fawn, the two develop a romantic entanglement before he joins the Crux as a wizard. She encourages him to get to know the other “misfits” orc Garrett and his wife Bridgette. Things get off to a rocky start, but soon they become better acquainted and help Arlon learn to conduit and cast magic.
This is a wonderful addition to the series, showing Arlon as a vulnerable new wizard. As the series title suggests, there are plenty of spicy scenes between, well, just about everyone. I always appreciate these glimpses into the characters’ lives.
I loved this novella, and I can’t wait to see what Faust has in store for us in the main series with book 5.
Spice: 5/5
Plot:4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
My Enjoyment: 5/5
July 30, 2025
A deeper look into Arlon was everything I asked for.
Misfit is a continuation of the Sex Wizards series and gave me a lot of background information I was hungry for. Arlon, Brigette and Garett are such a strong power team and knowing more about them was amazing.
The books focus with Arlon at the forefront was interesting and the start had me surprised for a bit. The book doesn't start with Arlon coming to the Crux, but already has been there for a while as a sort of prisoner. It then picks up with him trying to settle in the Crux now as a beginner wizard. This awkward feeling he has being now a free man was felt very deeply in the book. The contrast then with the safe moments with Fawn is really there and made me feel so much.
Starting to speak with Brigette and Garett isn't easy for Arlon and seeing him fuck up was actually quite nice. He is such a collected and thought through man in the main books, seeing him fumble and just learn to be human was so interesting to see. He grows though, he grows so much and it warmed my heart. He is by no means perfect but he's learning to be a more gentle human while keeping his strong edge. Seeing him grow while knowing the kind of person he ends up being was so much fun.
The smut in this book is so much fun too. There are gentle moments between Fawn and Arlon are adorable and for this series not that kinky. To be honest this book is really not that kinky in general. It focuses a lot more on character growth and bonds between characters. This is quite a contrast between the main Sex Wizards books, but for a side story it really works. There is some sex though, and the one scene between the strong thruple is amazing and had me hot!
Concluding this book is a lovely side story giving us more info about characters in a series we love.
I received an eARC and this was my honest review.
Misfit is a continuation of the Sex Wizards series and gave me a lot of background information I was hungry for. Arlon, Brigette and Garett are such a strong power team and knowing more about them was amazing.
The books focus with Arlon at the forefront was interesting and the start had me surprised for a bit. The book doesn't start with Arlon coming to the Crux, but already has been there for a while as a sort of prisoner. It then picks up with him trying to settle in the Crux now as a beginner wizard. This awkward feeling he has being now a free man was felt very deeply in the book. The contrast then with the safe moments with Fawn is really there and made me feel so much.
Starting to speak with Brigette and Garett isn't easy for Arlon and seeing him fuck up was actually quite nice. He is such a collected and thought through man in the main books, seeing him fumble and just learn to be human was so interesting to see. He grows though, he grows so much and it warmed my heart. He is by no means perfect but he's learning to be a more gentle human while keeping his strong edge. Seeing him grow while knowing the kind of person he ends up being was so much fun.
The smut in this book is so much fun too. There are gentle moments between Fawn and Arlon are adorable and for this series not that kinky. To be honest this book is really not that kinky in general. It focuses a lot more on character growth and bonds between characters. This is quite a contrast between the main Sex Wizards books, but for a side story it really works. There is some sex though, and the one scene between the strong thruple is amazing and had me hot!
Concluding this book is a lovely side story giving us more info about characters in a series we love.
I received an eARC and this was my honest review.
August 3, 2025
This was such a lovely story that gives us a little more background for Garrett and Bridgette, along with Arlon's story.
The Arlon we get to meet in Misfit adds more layers to the leather dom daddy we first meet with Dom in Initiation. I really appreciated how his past trauma was handled and how well they understood and supported him until he could actually talk things out.
The parallels that we get to see between Fawn/Arlon and Arlon/Dom were really so good. Arlon still carries Fawn's teachings with him.
The first time the three of them come together was SO GOOD. And not just because it was sexy as hell. It was such an intimate scene to have in Arlon's POV, Garrett and Bridgette were there for him every moment, checking in and grounding him. And his reaction after and talk with Fawn made my heart hurt and be happy at the same time.
A great novella addition to this 'verse!!
The Arlon we get to meet in Misfit adds more layers to the leather dom daddy we first meet with Dom in Initiation. I really appreciated how his past trauma was handled and how well they understood and supported him until he could actually talk things out.
The parallels that we get to see between Fawn/Arlon and Arlon/Dom were really so good. Arlon still carries Fawn's teachings with him.
The first time the three of them come together was SO GOOD. And not just because it was sexy as hell. It was such an intimate scene to have in Arlon's POV, Garrett and Bridgette were there for him every moment, checking in and grounding him. And his reaction after and talk with Fawn made my heart hurt and be happy at the same time.
A great novella addition to this 'verse!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2025
This novella was everything I didn’t know I needed. It was the best surprise to open an email with this eARC and get to dive in.
Arlon has always been one of my favorite characters and this story gave a completely different version of him than we’re used to. It added another amazing layer to an already incredibly developed character. I loved seeing his dynamic with Fawn and learning how he found himself at the Crux.
This glimpse into the past gave insight into not only Arlon, but also Bridgette and Garrett - and how their paths first crossed. It was filled with such emotion, growth, and love packed for a novella. I loved every single dynamic that was portrayed. You can feel the genuine love and care they each have for one another through every interaction AND spicy scene.
NO NOTES. SO GOOD!
Arlon has always been one of my favorite characters and this story gave a completely different version of him than we’re used to. It added another amazing layer to an already incredibly developed character. I loved seeing his dynamic with Fawn and learning how he found himself at the Crux.
This glimpse into the past gave insight into not only Arlon, but also Bridgette and Garrett - and how their paths first crossed. It was filled with such emotion, growth, and love packed for a novella. I loved every single dynamic that was portrayed. You can feel the genuine love and care they each have for one another through every interaction AND spicy scene.
NO NOTES. SO GOOD!
August 23, 2025
Arlon is one of my favorite characters from the Sex Wizards series and this novella made me fall even harder for him. We get to see a completely different side of Arlon and it broke my heart and made me cry. I adore him wholeheartedly and I would give him the world. I loved getting a glimpse of his relationship with Fawn and I love how gentle yet firm she is with him. Gerrett and Bridgette were exactly what Arlon needed and I will never not love them together.
Also definitely check out the bonus chapter “Caster” Should be linked at the end of the ebook!
If you read the Sex Wizards series and want more. Check this novella out along with Starshine! They’re absolutely incredible.
Also definitely check out the bonus chapter “Caster” Should be linked at the end of the ebook!
If you read the Sex Wizards series and want more. Check this novella out along with Starshine! They’re absolutely incredible.
July 23, 2025
As always, much much much much love to the entire series of Sex Wizards! 💜 I was part of the lucky crew to get blessed by the incorrigible Alethea Faust with an ARC for this book!
I absolutely LOVE that it starts out with embarrassing Arlon 🤣 but watching Arlon’s relationship with the Crux be nurtured, grow, and blossom was so heartwarming even though I kept screaming at him to loosen up the mortar in his walls!
I can’t wait to see more from Alethea! They are such a genuine and fantastic being 💜
I absolutely LOVE that it starts out with embarrassing Arlon 🤣 but watching Arlon’s relationship with the Crux be nurtured, grow, and blossom was so heartwarming even though I kept screaming at him to loosen up the mortar in his walls!
I can’t wait to see more from Alethea! They are such a genuine and fantastic being 💜
August 1, 2025
A must read
Arlon has long been on off my favourite characters from Alethea Faust's Sex Wizards series and the last few books have just increased my fascination with him and his back story.
Misfit was therefore a must read. Telling a fuller story of how Arlon came to be at The Crux, his relationship with Fawn, and the beginnings of his relationship with Garrett and Bridgette.
A brilliant novella to tide you over until the next full length Sex Wizards book.
Highly recommended.
Arlon has long been on off my favourite characters from Alethea Faust's Sex Wizards series and the last few books have just increased my fascination with him and his back story.
Misfit was therefore a must read. Telling a fuller story of how Arlon came to be at The Crux, his relationship with Fawn, and the beginnings of his relationship with Garrett and Bridgette.
A brilliant novella to tide you over until the next full length Sex Wizards book.
Highly recommended.
August 3, 2025
The more I learn about the characters in the Sex Wizards world, the more I adore them. It’s a bit of a head trip to witness the start of Arlon’s journey at the Crux AND the beginning of his relationship with Garrett and Bridgette. To see his struggles and insecurities when I always imagined him to be this strong character with no flaws made him so much more relatable and believable. If you go in blind without reading any other books in the Sex Wizards world, this book will give you a glimpse into what to expect. If you have already read everything, this story will be icing on the cake!
August 28, 2025
Another edition of life at the Crux, and it had me hooked at the very start. In this view our amazing headmaster Arlon, is not the headmaster yet. He is new to the Crux, casting, and all of his abilities. We are getting a peak not only at who Arlon was, but it is the origin story of the relationship of Arlon, Garrett, and Bridgette. Watching the connection start and then grow is nothing less then chef's kiss writing!
Once again Alethea has done her magic in portraying responsible kink, and the idea of ongoing consent.
5 Star read, I would give more if we had the option.
Once again Alethea has done her magic in portraying responsible kink, and the idea of ongoing consent.
5 Star read, I would give more if we had the option.
August 3, 2025
This series continues to delight me with every new story that is added to it. Misfit tells the tale of how Arlon, Bridgette, and Garrett met at the Crux. It's a little bit of a continuation of Starshine, only this one focuses on Arlon and how he starts to find his place as a new wizard. As one of my favorite characters in the series, this was a surprising peek into the past of the man before he became the Grandmaster. This is a story you won't want to miss!
August 17, 2025
I like the fact that you got to see Arlon past. You learned so much about him also how much he’s grown since being at the crux. Can you get to see him, gain trust and accept love into his life. I like the fact that you got the see Garrett and Bridget and how they all met each other. Also get to learn more about the past headmaster and just how close these two were. I really enjoyed reading this book. I cannot wait to see what else happens in the series.
August 1, 2025
I mean this in the best way - Misfit made me cry. Chapter 12? Waterworks. The emotion was so raw, so real, so good! This book was great! I could easily read a whole series about Arlon and how he became Grandmaster, and how his relationship further develops with Bridgette and Garrett. The spicy scenes delivered, the sweet scenes could give cavities, just so good!
August 1, 2025
I enjoyed reading a story from Arlon's beginning. How he came to be at the Crux. Gives you the feelings . Like his friendship with Bre & Garrett, or finding peace in where he is and who he's becoming.
August 12, 2025
Fantasy, Erotic, Polyam, Non-monogamous, 3rd Single POV (MMC)
Status: KU, Prequel Novella, Same Character Series, Conflict -
Arlon: Wizard, 26 Yrs Old, Tenari, Pan, Verse (Preference for Domming), Scarred
Garrett: Half Orc (Grey Skin, Small Tusks), 51 yrs Old, Wizard, Long Hair, Scarred
Bridgette: Wizard, 24 yrs Old, Former Sex Worker, Silver Hair
Fawn: Wizard, Headmaster, Half Maeve, Verse
Rep: Queer and Poly Normative (In The Crux), Sex Positivity, Own Voices (Queer, Poly, Kink)
Notes: Sex/Kink Based Magic System, Magic School, Magic Birth Control and STI Protection
Sex Notes:
CWs:
Status: KU, Prequel Novella, Same Character Series, Conflict -
Arlon: Wizard, 26 Yrs Old, Tenari, Pan, Verse (Preference for Domming), Scarred
Garrett: Half Orc (Grey Skin, Small Tusks), 51 yrs Old, Wizard, Long Hair, Scarred
Bridgette: Wizard, 24 yrs Old, Former Sex Worker, Silver Hair
Fawn: Wizard, Headmaster, Half Maeve, Verse
Rep: Queer and Poly Normative (In The Crux), Sex Positivity, Own Voices (Queer, Poly, Kink)
Notes: Sex/Kink Based Magic System, Magic School, Magic Birth Control and STI Protection
Sex Notes:
CWs:
August 8, 2025
Deeply Satisfying Origin Story
Faust gives us the delicious background story of 3 favorite characters in the Sex Wizards series. The emotions are intense and the sexy times are sizzling. I highly recommend this book for fans of the series.
Faust gives us the delicious background story of 3 favorite characters in the Sex Wizards series. The emotions are intense and the sexy times are sizzling. I highly recommend this book for fans of the series.
August 15, 2025
I'm always happy to get more stories in this world and this one did not disappoint! Arlon is a fascinating character and I loved learning more about his origins at The Crux. He's such a long way from the confident grandmaster he is in the main series. As always, Bridgette and Garrett are amazing and I enjoyed getting to know Fawn, the current grandmaster.
August 25, 2025
Getting to read about a young vulnerable Arlong brings so much into perspective about him. I would read a whole series about young Arlon and friends. The end definitely made me cry.
My only complaint is I want more !
My only complaint is I want more !
July 31, 2025
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review:
I want 10 more! I loved getting this snippet of Arlons earlier life!
I want 10 more! I loved getting this snippet of Arlons earlier life!
August 5, 2025
so good
I will never get tired of this world. As long as they keep writing, I will keep reading. Ugh Arlon 💜🫶🏼
I will never get tired of this world. As long as they keep writing, I will keep reading. Ugh Arlon 💜🫶🏼
August 30, 2025
Fun little novella! It’s great to get more of Arlon’s backstory and how him, Bridget and Garrett became so close!
August 1, 2025
It’s always fun to be back at the Crux, and this time we’re going back to Arlin’s start there.
We learn a lot about Arlon in this novella: where he came from, and that it wasn’t an easy start. He starts out at the Crux not as a big, talented wizard, but after being taken out of a horrible situation. He comes to the Crux a bit lost, confused, and definitely with his guard up. With the help of the Grandmaster and a couple of very good friends, Arlon starts to find his way, but not without growing pains. We really get to see how big Arlon’s heart is, and that he has his own scars to bear. This is the beginning of the Grandmaster we all know and love!
We learn a lot about Arlon in this novella: where he came from, and that it wasn’t an easy start. He starts out at the Crux not as a big, talented wizard, but after being taken out of a horrible situation. He comes to the Crux a bit lost, confused, and definitely with his guard up. With the help of the Grandmaster and a couple of very good friends, Arlon starts to find his way, but not without growing pains. We really get to see how big Arlon’s heart is, and that he has his own scars to bear. This is the beginning of the Grandmaster we all know and love!
August 28, 2025
Faust gives us a tantalizing glimpse into Arlon's past in this prequel novella to the setting's primary series, showing the awkward transition phase between when he was a prisoner of the Crux and first exploring his potential as a wizard. Both he and all those around him must struggle to overcome significant misconceptions on both sides, but I admired how he takes the first step toward building a friendship with Garrett. I also appreciated that Faust put a bit of a twist on her own world by having that friendship develop from a platonic base before magic ever becomes involved. The thread of genuine romance in this story is even more unexpected, both in terms of the source and how Arlon navigates accepting that he is deserving of that love. Though I look forward to next installment of the main series, this sweet and sexy novella is almost enough to tide me over, especially since I know I will return to it to further appreciate Faust's incredible talent for worldbuilding and character development.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews