The God Eaters by Jesse Hajicek
Plot Summary:
Imprisioned for 'inflammatory writings' by the totalitarian Theocracy, shy intellectual Ashleigh Trine figures his story's over. But when he meets Kieran Trevarde, a hard-hearted gunslinger with a dark magic lurking in his blood, Ash finds that necessity makes strange heroes... and love can change the world.
Summary from Lulu
In a world where science and magic work hand in glove, and the totalitarian theocracy suppresses any independent exploration of either, shy intellectual Ashleigh Trine and tough assassin for hire Kieran Trevarde are sent to Churchrock, a brutal prison facility where those with ‘Talents’ are experimented on by members of the all-powerful White Watch. But it’s that very environment which helps Ash discover an inner strength, and Kieran an ability to trust, which allows them to co-operate against the regime and ultimately to release the awesome power each holds within himself.
Summary extracted from this site where they also offer a review.
One of the wonderful reccs by galerian_ash, a work of fiction I started reading with zero knowledge about and was pleasantly surprised. I found the style to be midway between fanfiction and novel and I liked it all the better for it. Although the final fight feels a bit dragonballesque, the verbal exchanges between Ash and Kieran are heaps of fun to read all along, while the development of their relationship is just addictive.
The whole book can be read for free at the author's Website, but you can also find it in a single PDF file somewhere, and I liked it so much that after the second reading on a row I decided to buy my own paper copy to re-read the unforgettable prison scenes more easily whenever I wanted.