Mere Mortals

May 04, 2012 Cris rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, m-m

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Jan 07, 2012 BritishWotsit rated it 4 of 5 stars

In my hunt through modern literature for controversial themes amongst books, i found myself giving this book a chance. Because books that are different, are much more memorable, and in this case, i was right.

The book however, wasn't quite what i hoped for. As its missing a star (Which isnt a terrible crime at all. 4 stars s bleeding good! alright?!). And i will tell you right away what stole that star.

I was hoping for something revolutionary in literature. OK, not revolutionary, but, something...more

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Nov 03, 2011 Jaime rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, m-m, romance, suspense-thriller

Erastes is truly gifted in bringing a historical setting to life. The novel overflowed with detailed description, but never felt bogged down by it. And the language was completely on the mark for the time period. Plus, the characters warmed me and the mystery intrigued me. It was not an in-your-face mystery with a dead body on the first page; it was built slowly with subtle clues and misdirection. Philip Smallwood has taken in three orphan teens as his wards, all in disgrace for being “inverted....more

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Nov 03, 2011 Violet rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm, historical

This ebook kept me awake all night. It was very engrossing that everytime I told myself that it would be the last page before I sleep ,but kept on reading till it was the last page.

The story was told in the point of view of Crispin. Being involved in a scandalous affair , would have left an orphan boy in the streets or in other dire predicament. But his mysterious benefactor took him in as his ward together with two other orphan boys who suffered a similar scandal like his own.

The twist and tu...more

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Oct 03, 2011 Book Binge Blog rated it 4 of 5 stars

Mere Mortals was a very interesting gothic tale. Right from the beginning we are immersed in this mysterious, dark, almost foreboding atmosphere. Told from Crispin's point of view, I was intrigued with the mystery and loved how the setting (Norfolk countryside) really played a key role in the story.

Crispin is an orphan and has been raised in a boarding school. When he was caught with another boy, he thought for sure he'd be booted out with nothing to his name. But such was not the case. Crispin...more Mere Mortals was a very interesting gothic tale. Right from the beginning we are immersed in this mysterious, dark, almost foreboding atmosphere. Told from Crispin's point of view, I was intrigued with the mystery and loved how the setting (Norfolk countryside) really played a key role in the story.

Crispin is an orphan and has been raised in a boarding school. When he was caught with another boy, he thought for sure he'd be booted out with nothing to his name. But such was not the case. Crispin became the ward of the mysterious Phillip Smallwood and after completing his final year at school, Crispin went to live with his benefactor, a man whom he'd never met.

When he arrives in Bittern's Reach, Crispin meets two other young men whom Phillip became benefactors to: Jude Middleton and Myles Graham. And it's not too long before Crispin realizes both these men prefer the company of other men as well. And then they meet their mysterious benefactor. Phillip quickly sets their schedules up-they are to continue schooling, but they will also receive training in other areas, to be young gentleman. He even decides on their clothing. Despite this regimented schedule, the men do have a certain freedom on Phillip's estate. Unfortunately for them, living in Norfolk, to go anywhere else, they need to travel by boat. Keeps them isolated.

As the story progresses, the setting and atmosphere really work well together to engender a feeling of quiet menace below the surface of their lives. There's something off a bit with the way everything is going down and Crispin isn't quite sure what. And the what is a bit of a surprise. I was so engrossed in Crispin's tale and since it's from his point of view we only have the same clues he does to work with. I thought it all came together in a satisfying way. I really enjoyed Crispin's character and thought the other characters were well done too. But the real star of this novel was the setting. Erastes did such a good job of placing us in that Norfolk countryside. That really set the mood for the story, and not in an obvious way.

If you're in the mood for a gothic historical m/m, I recommend Mere Mortals. 4 out of 5.

This review was originally posted by Ames on Book Binge.
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Jun 18, 2011 Susan Roebuck rated it 5 of 5 stars

The air of the cold Norfolk Broads seeps into your bones from the very first page of "Mere Mortals". As the novel develops, the atmosphere is tangible, I could feel it and live it along with the protagonist, Crispin, who, as an orphan, is transported from his school to his life as a ward of Philip Smallwood who lives in a dark mansion on an island in the Broads.

There was something of du Maurier's Rebecca simmering under the skin of this brilliant story and the quality of writing is just as good....more

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Jun 03, 2011 Miz Love rated it 5 of 5 stars

I think it’s fair to say that if you’re looking for a book that races along, complete with twist after twist and many directions sprouting off at once, you won’t get it with Mere Mortals. What you do get is a beautifully written, gently paced tale that allows you to absorb everything at a rate the mind can accept without being too overloaded with information.

Crispin arrives Bittern’s Reach via boat. The house stands on an island, seems as remote as it can be, secluded and offering privacy to its...more

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Jun 03, 2011 Elisa Ramblings added it

As soon as I started this novel, the impression was that I was reading a gothic novel, something dating back to the golden age for this genre, that was the ’60 and ’70; the gothic novel was replaced in the favour of the main public by the romance in the late ’70 and ’80, and so it’s common to find “blended” novels, with a gothic plot mixed with a romance story. That is not exactly the case for Mere Mortals; true, there is a little romance (and if you are like me, not the one you were expecting),...more As soon as I started this novel, the impression was that I was reading a gothic novel, something dating back to the golden age for this genre, that was the ’60 and ’70; the gothic novel was replaced in the favour of the main public by the romance in the late ’70 and ’80, and so it’s common to find “blended” novels, with a gothic plot mixed with a romance story. That is not exactly the case for Mere Mortals; true, there is a little romance (and if you are like me, not the one you were expecting), but it’s not the main outline of the novel.

Three young guys, Crispin, Jude and Myles, all three of them orphans, all three of them without any family to count for, and actually not even any idea of their own origins, are taken under guardianship by a wealthy gentleman, Philip Smallwood. At the beginning the story seems almost a schoolboys story, like some young adult novels set in boarding schools or similar. The three young men are really naïve, raised in the secluded walls of some remote school they have no idea of the outside world, and now that they have a taste of it, they are like inebriated. Of course they are young and passionate, and almost childish relationships intertwine them, some real, some imagined, some out of love, some out of jealousy. They soon discover they have something in common, all of them found in flagrante delicto with another boy at their own school, and so it’s almost natural for them to build this strange mix of friendship, brotherhood and love.

Then Philip enters the scene; I’m sincere, I was really expecting for Crispin (that is the main character, the one of the three boys who “talks” more) to fall in love for Philip: that would have been the logical evolution of a gothic novel, the young man falling in love for the dashing older man… but truth be told, I have never felt any “attraction” for Philip, and since we were “living” Crispin’s feeling, I suppose he was the one who was not attracted by Philip. In a way there were other supporting characters, like the Latin and Greek tutor, who were more interesting at Crispin’s eyes than Philip. But Crispin is proving his age, he is more attracted to Jude, maybe even to Myles, someone who resembles his lost lover Arch, the boy his same age who he loved at the boarding school.

I have to pay my homage to Erastes, since I started to understand where she was heading well in the working of the novel; I had a suspicious that the man who would have been Crispin’s lover was not so easy to pinpoint, but sincerely, I was not expecting the “dark” turn the story took almost in the end. It was a surprise but it was also quite right, once you put together all the pieces.

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May 16, 2011 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: erotic, historical, m-m

Suddenly, orphan Crispin’s life shows incredible promise but he may not be prepared for the price. Crispin has just found that not only does he have a new guardian, but he’s going to live with him out in the middle of nowhere. When Crispin gets to the enormous house, he discovers two other orphans in similar situations. The three young men have many things in common, not the least of which is their desire for other men and no idea why this generous benefactor wants to help them. As the clues sta...more Suddenly, orphan Crispin’s life shows incredible promise but he may not be prepared for the price. Crispin has just found that not only does he have a new guardian, but he’s going to live with him out in the middle of nowhere. When Crispin gets to the enormous house, he discovers two other orphans in similar situations. The three young men have many things in common, not the least of which is their desire for other men and no idea why this generous benefactor wants to help them. As the clues start to pile up though Crispin, Jude, and Myles realize their rich new life comes with a hefty cost.

Mere Mortals is an absorbing and interesting historical drama. The story includes a good deal of mystery as Crispin and the other two boys try to figure out their mysterious guardian. Why Phillip chose the three boys is unknown but they’re so happy to have a real future that they don’t want to question their good fortune too closely. The clues are slowly and carefully doled out so you never get overwhelmed but never lost either. The pace is very good as the story leads you along the cold and chilly house on a swampy lake as the young men try to understand what’s expected of them and what they mean to each other.

The writing is incredibly good and sweeps you away with both the setting and the story. The language is fitting to the historical time but never stuffy and overbearing, as some historicals can verge into. Instead the writing is crisp, fresh, and keeps you glued to the story from the start. The characters are all three dimensional with no easy villains and no hapless innocents. Crispin is the most clueless of the group but not maliciously or in a dumb way, but more so inadvertently. His relationships to the other two boys help define and change their personalities. Each young man grows over the course of the story, changing from their first impressions into something more complex and interesting.

Mere Mortals is an engaging story that you won’t want to put down. The creepy, eerie feeling to the whole story permeates as you read but it’s a delicious one that lets you sink into the story and experience it alongside the characters. The entertainment factor is very high while reading it’s one I doubt you can put down easily, I certainly couldn’t. If you’re looking for a wonderful, kind of creepy, yet intriguing story to delve into definitely get this. You won’t be disappointed.

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May 02, 2011 Kassa rated it 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Mere Mortals is an excellent Gothic story filled with drama, intensity, romance, and a vivid setting that stands out in almost every scene. The mystery is somewhat surprising in that the clues are slowly laid out along the way and the reader is left to interpret them. You can either see through the disguise as Myles does, remain innocently clueless like Crispin, or indulge in the fantasy like Jude. The characters all represent vitally important but different personalities that together...more 4.5 stars

Mere Mortals is an excellent Gothic story filled with drama, intensity, romance, and a vivid setting that stands out in almost every scene. The mystery is somewhat surprising in that the clues are slowly laid out along the way and the reader is left to interpret them. You can either see through the disguise as Myles does, remain innocently clueless like Crispin, or indulge in the fantasy like Jude. The characters all represent vitally important but different personalities that together form a complex yet fascinating story. Historical drama is not always a favorite genre among readers but you won’t want to miss this one.

The plot starts with first person narrator Crispin as he arrives on the cold, isolated shore of Horsey Mere, his new home. He is soon greeted by two other orphans, Jude and Myles, and the three soon realize they have many similarities. As Crispin tries to adjust to his fortunate new surroundings, he and the other boys can’t help but wonder what their generous guardian has in store for them. As the eerie elements start to add up and take over even Crispin’s blissful inattention, the answers may be the hardest truth to survive.

Right away the cold and desolate setting is introduced and enhanced by the majestic and cold house the boys are living in. The bad weather and vast, maze like rooms create a sense of isolation and chill. The relationships they build with each other are sharp, warm contrasts which stand out. The mentions of warm and cold are frequent which cast an eerie and very realistic Gothic pall over the entire story, one that is absolutely fabulous. This sets the tone immediately and never lets up. You never forget that these boys are totally alone, away from everyone and everything they thought they knew and are surrounded by servants who aren’t their friends.

While the graphic and vivid location of the story is a masterful touch, so are the various characters. The three boys offer different personalities but they show many similarities. They also are shown to be very different people than their initial actions and comments. As the narrator, Crispin doesn’t change so much as come to (finally) realize who each person is and their strengths and weaknesses. He, and often the reader, remains clueless as to the real motives and actions going on below the surface. Yet Crispin’s observations are impeccable and very apt, he often just fails to assign the right explanation and understanding.

The three boys offer three very different interpretations and I found myself happily indulging in each as the story goes on. There are plenty of clues to understand the story and the pace is never too slow or fast and so the astute reader can easily ascertain the manipulations and reasons far before the story explains but Crispin’s innocent bewilderment is a real pleasure to experience as well. He makes a perfect foil for the dark and sinister tones to the story without ever going too far into melodrama. Instead the story is near pitch perfect as it balances the various elements from romance to intrigue to drama to mystery.

I really liked that none of the characters are truly evil or maligned. There are reasons for all the actions and genuine emotion that prompts everyone to act as they do. There are no predictable villains even as the characters behave very true to form. The servants aren’t friends with the boys and the master of the house yet they are efficient and always present. Phillip as the guardian is the most unpredictable but his reasons create a fully understandable and fleshed out character, one that I pitied more than anything by the end.

There are a few negatives to the story such as the numerous editing mistakes and many missed words, which had me re-reading several sections but not everyone minds these problems. There are a few continuity issues I noticed where people and things would be in places they shouldn’t be or we didn’t see them move. However these are pretty minor in a story that is very engaging and compelling from start to finish. In fact I could easily have read this story again from the beginning as soon as I finished. I highly recommend Mere Mortals.
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Mar 18, 2011 Gerry Burnie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Gerry B's Books Reviews - http://www.gerrycan.wordpress.com

When it comes to man-on-man, historical romance and adventure, the name Erastes invariably comes to the fore, and her latest creation, Mere Mortals [Lethe Press, March 23, 2011] is perhaps her best effort yet. It is in my mind, anyhow, and I’ve read and reviewed many of her novels and short stories in the past.

The first thing one notices about this novel is the subtlety with which the story unfolds, and the leisurely, measured pace that...more Gerry B's Books Reviews - http://www.gerrycan.wordpress.com

When it comes to man-on-man, historical romance and adventure, the name Erastes invariably comes to the fore, and her latest creation, Mere Mortals [Lethe Press, March 23, 2011] is perhaps her best effort yet. It is in my mind, anyhow, and I’ve read and reviewed many of her novels and short stories in the past.

The first thing one notices about this novel is the subtlety with which the story unfolds, and the leisurely, measured pace that is so in keeping with a nineteenth-century theme. For example, the story opens with a coach ride through the countryside setting, and with this clever device the reader is invited aboard to see it for him/herself, i.e:

“There was nothing here to write about, or so it seemed. After so many years spent at school in the well manicured quadrangle and playing fields of Barton Hall, this new landscape seemed empty, untidy and bleak. A light mist covered the land as far as the horizon, little more than a thin vapour, but it was enough to drain all colour from the scene passing by the carriage window. I gave a wry smile. Colour that mainly consists of bleached dead reeds, brown ditches and brown muddy pools

“Since leaving Yarmouth the coach had travelled slowly north, following the coast road, such as it was. The coachman had warned us passengers that the roads were bad at this time of the year and he wasn’t wrong; more than once the three of us – for that’s all there was, travelling in the filthy weather – had to alight, braving the vicious biting wind to assist the coach out of one of the larger ruts we encountered. Even inside the coach with the curtains drawn, the wind sliced its way through any small gaps in the woodwork.”

Ergo, in one deft stroke the author sets the tone, the pace, the theme, as well as introducing the narrator and some of the characters. This is writing at a very high level of the craft—almost a textbook example—and it is why Erastes has earned the respect she enjoys.

Mere Mortals is very much a Gothic story with the requisite manor located on a bleak mere, secret passageways, sphinx like servants, and a handsome but mysterious master. All of them playing their parts delightfully, as do the three boys. There is tension, too; plenty of it. Tension that is velvet-wrapped in mystery. It permeates the atmosphere but never becomes blatant or oppressive until it surfaces near the end; when the secret of Bittern’s Reach is revealed.

If you are a fan of M/M romance, historical fiction or Gothic tales, all superbly written, then Mere Mortals is bound to please on all counts.
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Mar 28, 2011 Lady*M rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, m-m-romance

Wow, just wow...

You want more eloquent review? Ah, all right...

This is the first Erastes' book I've read, mainly because I'm not a fan of historical fiction. It's often overwrought and inaccessible, preachy and, quite honestly, boring. This is the reason I like my historical fiction to be spiced up by something else - usually mystery. Although there is a bit of suspense in the story, there is much more to recommend it.

From the moment I opened the book - I was sucked into it. I really liked Cris...more Wow, just wow...

You want more eloquent review? Ah, all right...

This is the first Erastes' book I've read, mainly because I'm not a fan of historical fiction. It's often overwrought and inaccessible, preachy and, quite honestly, boring. This is the reason I like my historical fiction to be spiced up by something else - usually mystery. Although there is a bit of suspense in the story, there is much more to recommend it.

From the moment I opened the book - I was sucked into it. I really liked Crispin's voice. It was simple and it was a joy to experience everything through his eyes, to be thrown from one impression to the next as Crispin is introduced to his new life, new friends, tutors, his benefactor. He is a bit fanciful, which is understandable for someone so young, but also not prone to drama. He describes the events that lead him to Phillip's home quite calmly and without remorse (except for being caught). In fact, all three boys seemed to accept who they are and, while they don't want to cause Phillip any embarrassment and are very aware of the possible consequences, there is no agonizing over being gay. As we get to know Jude and Myles through Crispin's eyes as well, we also get to experience how his feelings for the new friends waver and change. It was a clever decision on author's part - Crispin is curious, like any young person should be, but he is not overly analytical and thus the reader gets the revelations in the story at the same time he does. However, this also underlined the differences between Crispin, Jude and Myles. Jude was charming and playful, funny and personable, but also manipulative, jealous, impressionable and lonely. He was the one who broke my heart at the end. Myles was more of an enigma, especially in the beginning of the story. Later we get to understand that he too has hidden depths and hurts and passion. He is quite daring and perceptive and, in a way, the real detective of this story.

The book is by no means perfect. For one thing, the ending felt rushed. The mystery fan in me wanted more clues throughout the book to indicate the final resolution. I wanted answers to the questions Crispin asked himself, like: How much the servants new? What happened to our two heroes between the ending of the story and "all these years later"? I wanted some characters (like Doctor Baynes), especially their pasts, more thoroughly described. However, these complaints are completely overshadowed by excellent writing, detailed setting and fantastic characters that had me pinned to my monitor until there were no pages left.

What of Phillip, you ask? We won't talk about him. You will have to read the book, which is ... highly, highly recommended. (less)

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Mar 07, 2012 Peyrac rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, mystery-crime

This is a 4.5 actually, but as I have a bit of a beef with the end, I used the 4 star bracket, instead of erring on the high side.

The historical setting was so accurately and finely draw, that it was a joy all on its own. Not just the rendering of orphans in the Victorian era, alongside speech and daily life down to what kind of brylcream the proper gentleman at the time used, but right into the way these young men spoke and thought and related to what they saw as "inverted." Such a love for the...more

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Mar 25, 2011 Jenre rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historicals, m-m, romance

Before I talk about the content of this historical, I just want to mention how beautifully done that cover is in my opinion. It's also very apt. It's not often that a cover manages to capture so well the ambiance and themes within a book, so hats off to the cover artist for doing such a good job here.

This is the third Erastes historical I've read so far and I have to say she just keeps getting better and better. Mere Mortals begins with our first person narrator Crispin travelling to the home of...more Before I talk about the content of this historical, I just want to mention how beautifully done that cover is in my opinion. It's also very apt. It's not often that a cover manages to capture so well the ambiance and themes within a book, so hats off to the cover artist for doing such a good job here.

This is the third Erastes historical I've read so far and I have to say she just keeps getting better and better. Mere Mortals begins with our first person narrator Crispin travelling to the home of his new benefactor, Philip Smallwood. Crispin has been an orphan from birth and has never known his parents or any family, although he suspects that his father is influential because someone has been paying for his schooling. A year previously Crispin had been caught in a compromising position with another boy, but instead of being expelled to what would have been a life of poverty, Crispin gains a new guardian on the condition that he see out his final school year. Crispin's obviously curious about the man and is even more surprised when he discovers that there are two other young men at Horsey Mere who are also orphans and now wards of Smallwood. The three men become fast friends, but Crispin is concerned that things may not be as straightforward as he first thought with his new guardian.

There was much to like about this novel. I'm a huge historical fan and I enjoyed being immersed in early Victorian country house life. There is much fun to be had with the fact that Crispin is rather overwhelmed by the opulence of the house and by the services provided by the staff, including his own valet. The servants form a backdrop to the actions within the story and I liked that they didn't overstep that role. It annoys me sometimes in historical novels when the 'upstairs' people become overly familiar and chummy with the 'downstairs' people. It just didn't happen, and so Crispin's initial bewilderment at the large staff, the way he deals with his impassive valet and the imposing butler was realistic and added a lightness to the tone of the story.

The setting of the Norfolk Broads was also a plus point for me. Modern day Norfolk is rather different to its Victorian counterpart and I liked seeing how the people coped with not only the isolation but also the myriad of rivers and streams that needed to be used if any travelling were to be done. The setting also provides a great deal to the overall mood of the story. The cold November weather, the fact that the boys are essentially cut off, the hidden nooks and crannies and locked doors of the house, all gave the book a sombre and eerie quality, which when added to Crispin's worries over the reason why Philip has taken such an interest in him and the other men, provided a chill which permeated the book. This tone doesn't overwhelm the story, rather it's a slight but constant presence, like a cold breeze to the back of the neck, that gives the impression that all may not be what it seems.

Another part which worked well was in the relationship between the young men. There's a realism in their dealings with each other especially as they are only just out of school and still retain the pettiness and jealousies of children which then wars with their developing maturity into adults. Thus they get along famously one minute followed by fallings out, sniping, cold shoulders, followed by being fast friends once again. Over and above this is their curiosity in why they have been brought to the house and their relationship with their guardian and mentor, Philip. Philip is a benign but enigmatic father figure for the young men and I liked how as the plot enfolds we learn more and more of Philip. My sympathies for him as a character ebbed and waned as the story continued.

In terms of plotting this is quite a slow moving book with few action scenes. Instead the plot flows through the emotions of Crispin, through conversations between Crispin and the other characters and through a few set scenes which are meant to show Crispin's developing abilities to move in society. Having said that, the story does not drag at all. The growing sense of unease in the tone of the book compelled me through the narrative and I read this almost in one sitting.

I have very few niggles with the book. In fact, apart from wishing I knew more about Crispin's parentage, I can only think of one, very minor thing. Towards the end of the book Crispin is given some medication for a migraine and when he wakes up he is violently sick over the side of the bed. He gets up and goes to get some food because it is too early for the servants to be up. On the way back he bumps into Myles and they go back and have a lengthy discussion in Crispin's room. The whole time this conversation was taking place I was worrying about the vomit and how they could stand to be in a room with a puddle of sick on the floor which must smell awful. Only minor, I know, but it spoiled what turned out to be a very emotional and dramatic scene. Still, it wasn't enough to ruin what was a fascinating book.

Overall, if you like historicals then I would urge you to read Mere Mortals. I don't think I've read a historical that manages to blend drama, romance and suspense with such skill, and I'd highly recommend this book.(less)

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Apr 10, 2013 Dawn Prowler rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m-romance, historical-m-m, m-m-favorites, reviewed-books

Full of Jamesian echoes and Poe-esque imagery, Mere Mortals is a sumptuous Victorian Gothic tale set amid the remote bleakness of the Norfolk Broads. Three beautiful orphan boys - Crispin, Jude, and Myles - are gathered at the lonely estate of Bittern's Reach by Philip Smallwood, a mysterious benefactor they have never met. They learn that their future is provided for and that they are to receive an education worthy of a gentleman, from Latin and Greek to fencing and horse-riding. However, even...more Full of Jamesian echoes and Poe-esque imagery, Mere Mortals is a sumptuous Victorian Gothic tale set amid the remote bleakness of the Norfolk Broads. Three beautiful orphan boys - Crispin, Jude, and Myles - are gathered at the lonely estate of Bittern's Reach by Philip Smallwood, a mysterious benefactor they have never met. They learn that their future is provided for and that they are to receive an education worthy of a gentleman, from Latin and Greek to fencing and horse-riding. However, even as they begin their studies and explore the house and its environs, many questions remain unanswered. Why have they been chosen? Is it just a coincidence that they were all expelled from their respective schools for “unnatural” behavior? Why are they presented with exactly the same clothes and pocket watches? What is the meaning of the fourth identical watch they find in Philip's study? What sinister agenda hides behind his ostensible act of generosity?

In keeping with the finest tradition of Gothic literature, the setting of the novel is an opulent yet gloomy house full of winding staircases, hidden doors, and secret passages. It is situated in the middle of a marshy lake, practically cut off from the rest of the world. Amid this ominous milieu, a web of friendships, flirtations, and secrets is woven between the three main characters. The scintillating dialogues reflect the different personalities of the boys - the naive and trusting Crispin, gruff, down-to-earth Myles, and flamboyant, sensual Jude. All three are vividly drawn, immensely likable, and don't cease to surprise the reader until the very end. The sense of foreboding first created by the gothic locale grows as the boys slowly untangle the mystery of Bittern's Reach and realize that they are all but trapped on the lonely island. The suspense builds up in a breathtaking crescendo to a satisfyingly dramatic denouement which is revealing and tantalizing at the same time.

My one and only quibble is that Smallwood himself could be a bit more of a gothic hero. He is admittedly handsome and imposing, but a tad too ordinary (as pointed out by the boys themselves). He could be a bit more broodingly mysterious, more Heathcliffian, more Rochesteresque... Especially given his past. (view spoiler)

Mere Mortals is a haunting tale of love and obsession, complete with all the trappings of Victorian Gothic, which will keep the reader breathlessly turning pages well into the night. It immediately became one of my all-time favorites.(less)

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May 22, 2012 Apeiron rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: those who appreciate good prose and tasteful but hot romance

I can't seem to stop picking up books that I later have to rate based on principle, because they leave me feeling so ambivalent. I give this one four stars, as my vote of confidence in Erastes. This is the first book of hers I've read and even though it had its problems, I'm going to seek out more of her novels. Here's why.

I believe Erastes is just what I've been looking for in the historical romance genre, gay and heterosexual alike. She's very deft in her writing (although I couldn't help but...more I can't seem to stop picking up books that I later have to rate based on principle, because they leave me feeling so ambivalent. I give this one four stars, as my vote of confidence in Erastes. This is the first book of hers I've read and even though it had its problems, I'm going to seek out more of her novels. Here's why.

I believe Erastes is just what I've been looking for in the historical romance genre, gay and heterosexual alike. She's very deft in her writing (although I couldn't help but notice that there were some typos and minor mistakes, but I blame that on the editor), her prose style is perfect for the historical setting.

The pacing in this book is one of its strongest suits, and one of its weakest, at the same time. The best thing for me is that the romantic plot is never rushed or put there for titilation. But make no mistake, when it happens, it IS hot. Erastes just hands it to use in small doses like medicine that we need to relieve the sexual tension. And when it happens, it fits its place perfectly. But pacing is also one of the biggest problems of this book. I think that it could easily be 80 pages shorter, because all the descriptions of how the boys settle in, attend tutoring sessions, try on new clothes, eat luscious meals, explore the mansion - they're lovely, but not in the amount they're served in Mere Mortals. It feels gratuitous. It almost seems as if Erastes either had so much fun dreaming up the beautiful setting and the wonderful clothes in this Little Princess fantasy, or was stalling until she gave us the gothic twist and the climax. For about 80 pages total, nothing happened to deserve the proud name of Plot.

The plot. As little of it as there was, it was pretty much flawless. Erastes left less room for the gothic intrigue than she did for describing the fruits of Philip Smallwood's wealth, but the intrigue she gave us was chilling and convincing. The biggest problem is that it came in such little doses that it felt a bit as if it was an afterthought in this coming-of-age story of Crispin and his friendship with Jude and Myles. Sure, it cast a completely different light on the innocent atmosphere preceding it, but for the longest part, there was almost no indication of this being a gothic story.

The characters. This will be my personal opinion on creative choices taken by Erastes, but be assured that once she chose her course of characters' nature, she stuck to it and executed it wonderfully.

I have a problem with characters like Crispin. Too often in coming-of-age novels, the main character we are stuck with is the least interesting of all present in the story. Crispin is the archetypical blank canvas of a teenage male lead. While Jude is an incorrigible, flamboyant romantic and Myles is the cynical and down-to-earth brains of every operation, Crispin has no distinguishing traits other than his proneness to migraines, curiosity and naivete that blind him to the risks of his actions, and his lost love, Archeson. The most interesting part is the latter. The rest is, frankly, annoying. Crispin is your average young adult novel hero, the one that generates drama because he's just not bright enough to stay out of trouble. He's the type of hero who lets the writer keep us, readers, in the dark, because Crispin is slow at connecting the dots and his observations are uncolored by rational analysis. He's just the vehicle, he's transparent, he's the reader's vessel - carrying us through the dark tunnel of the story, ousiders to what is really going on. I'd much rather read this story from Myles' perspective, because he's the most intelligent of the three and after all, considering he's the one solving all mysteries, he should be rewarded with a POV. I'd even rather read Jude's POV, because he's just more interesting.

All in all, even though the painfully slow pacing made it hard to stay interested in what was going to happen after so many, many words of non-plot, the beautiful style of Erastes and my conviction that she knew what was she was doing, kept me glued to the screen until the very finale. And now I'm going to get myself more of her books.(less)

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May 10, 2011 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Lisa by: top2bottomreviews.wordpress.com

Shelves: historical-romance-fiction, m-m-romance, psychological-drama, psychological-thriller

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Grief can manifest itself in many ways, not the least of which is a desperate and overwhelming insanity, the chilling premise at the heart of Mere Mortals; a haunting, briskly paced and emotionally satisfying novel from Erastes.

The story is told in the first person by young Crispin Thorne, an orphaned boy who is offered a singular opportunity to become something more than his circumstances would normally have allowed in 19th century England, in the days when his true nature was considered a crim...more Grief can manifest itself in many ways, not the least of which is a desperate and overwhelming insanity, the chilling premise at the heart of Mere Mortals; a haunting, briskly paced and emotionally satisfying novel from Erastes.

The story is told in the first person by young Crispin Thorne, an orphaned boy who is offered a singular opportunity to become something more than his circumstances would normally have allowed in 19th century England, in the days when his true nature was considered a criminal offense. Caught in a compromising position at school and in danger of being sent down, which might have meant prison, at worst, or the streets or workhouses, at best, Crispin, instead, becomes the ward of a mysterious benefactor, a wealthy man with a generous nature and a dark and chilling secret, a man who offers Crispin an opportunity to have everything in life that fate has denied him by virtue of his birth but which will come to him at a very steep cost.

Arriving at Bittern’s Reach on a remote island in the cold, windswept broads of Norfolk, the absolutely perfect atmosphere and setting for a mystery, Crispin is greeted by his doppelgangers—Jude Middleton and Myles Graham—two young men of similar circumstance and prospect as Crispin himself. The three have little choice but to align with one another, as they are each bound and beholden to the man who has given them everything they’ve ever missed in their lives—attention, material possessions, and a sense of worth and purpose for their futures.

Erastes lures the reader along through the narrative of Mere Mortals, allowing a false sense of calm and normalcy to permeate the story, while all the while offering tidbits of information and foreshadowing, threading and weaving together a much different picture than that offered on the surface. The language and cadence of the plot are the perfect complement to the Victorian era setting, each detail and bite of dialogue meant to advance the story to its rousing climax, then winding down to a rewarding payoff in the end.

Though the story is told in the limited first person, this is most certainly an ensemble piece, each character being well developed and distinct. The limited point of view works perfectly in the telling of the story, as the unknown, the hidden details and the way in which they are exposed to Crispin, help to include the reader in the jolt of each new revelation.

Alone in the world, three orphans—unclaimed by familial bonds, negligible, disposable—play the pawns in a game of one man’s delusion. United by chance and divided by avarice and betrayal, the young men each pay the price of another’s tragedy.

For fans of historical fiction, I would most certainly recommend adding Mere Mortals to your reading list.(less)

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Mar 27, 2012 TheFountainPenDiva rated it 4 of 5 stars

Erastes is one of those authors who seems to be a reader favorite across the board. In the world of M/M romance, her stories are considered an industry standard and even those in the GLBTQ community who have issues with the genre, find little to no fault with her stories or theor execution. I''m not one to believe the hype or jump on the bandwagon for the few times I do, I end up very disappointed.

Well, Erastes has nothing to fear. This is a author who knows how to craft an engrossing tale that...more

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Apr 21, 2012 Terry rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As ever Erastes' writing is excellent but this book I found a bit of a slog. I felt as though the book had not been planned out sufficiently and although it is a mystery and obviously the denouement would be in the last chapters I didn't think that there really was enough 'meat' in the first 20 chapters to keep the reader involved. Obviously the mystery was why the 3 young men had been chosen by Philip as wards but so little is revealed about Philips character he might as well not have appeared...more

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Oct 02, 2012 Abigail rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I don't remember how I came across this book, and I wish I had read a little about it before I started reading it because I knew absolutely nothing about it beforehand and well, could have done with some warning. One minute it was a historic novel about an orphan in the Norfolk Broads and then all of a sudden it was a ... subtly graphic homosexual mystery.

I pretty much read the whole thing in a day, as it was shorter than I had anticipated (with it being an e-book edition I'd never actually see...more

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Jun 02, 2011 Top 2 Bottom Reviews Interviews and More rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Grief can manifest itself in many ways, not the least of which is a desperate and overwhelming insanity, the chilling premise at the heart of Mere Mortals; a haunting, briskly paced and emotionally satisfying novel from Erastes.

The story is told in the first person by young Crispin Thorne, an orphaned boy who is offered a singular opportunity to become something more than his circumstances would normally have allowed in 19th century England, in the days when his true nature was considered a crim...more Grief can manifest itself in many ways, not the least of which is a desperate and overwhelming insanity, the chilling premise at the heart of Mere Mortals; a haunting, briskly paced and emotionally satisfying novel from Erastes.

The story is told in the first person by young Crispin Thorne, an orphaned boy who is offered a singular opportunity to become something more than his circumstances would normally have allowed in 19th century England, in the days when his true nature was considered a criminal offense. Caught in a compromising position at school and in danger of being sent down, which might have meant prison, at worst, or the streets or workhouses, at best, Crispin, instead, becomes the ward of a mysterious benefactor, a wealthy man with a generous nature and a dark and chilling secret, a man who offers Crispin an opportunity to have everything in life that fate has denied him by virtue of his birth but which will come to him at a very steep cost.

Arriving at Bittern’s Reach on a remote island in the cold, windswept broads of Norfolk, the absolutely perfect atmosphere and setting for a mystery, Crispin is greeted by his doppelgangers—Jude Middleton and Myles Graham—two young men of similar circumstance and prospect as Crispin himself. The three have little choice but to align with one another, as they are each bound and beholden to the man who has given them everything they’ve ever missed in their lives—attention, material possessions, and a sense of worth and purpose for their futures.

Erastes lures the reader along through the narrative of Mere Mortals, allowing a false sense of calm and normalcy to permeate the story, while all the while offering tidbits of information and foreshadowing, threading and weaving together a much different picture than that offered on the surface. The language and cadence of the plot are the perfect complement to the Victorian era setting, each detail and bite of dialogue meant to advance the story to its rousing climax, then winding down to a rewarding payoff in the end.

Though the story is told in the limited first person, this is most certainly an ensemble piece, each character being well developed and distinct. The limited point of view works perfectly in the telling of the story, as the unknown, the hidden details and the way in which they are exposed to Crispin, help to include the reader in the jolt of each new revelation.

Alone in the world, three orphans—unclaimed by familial bonds, negligible, disposable—play the pawns in a game of one man’s delusion. United by chance and divided by avarice and betrayal, the young men each pay the price of another’s tragedy.

For fans of historical fiction, I would most certainly recommend adding Mere Mortals to your reading list.(less)

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Aug 19, 2012 Aurora rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

Crispin Thorne travels to the Norfolk Broads to finally meet his benefactor, Philip Smallwood, and discovers he’s just one of three young men who have been given the chance of starting a new life.

When Smallwood finally arrives he is nothing but kind, ordering them new clothes and teaching them the skills they will need to be refined young men of society. However, there is something sinister hanging over the house and the young men are determined to get to the bottom of the mystery.

Read full revi...more

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Nov 05, 2012 Tʀɪsʜᴀ Hᴀʀʀɪɴɢᴛᴏɴ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

This book was more of a mystery, than a romance story. Even with that I managed to like it all the same. I gave it 4 stars for a few niggling reasons that I will not mention, but I will say that overall the story is very good and enjoyable. I am not usually a huge fan of historical romances, but this for me was not about the romance, instead it was about the mystery of what happened. When I started reading this book, I believed it would be a romance, and that the characters would have been paire...more

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May 29, 2012 Jennifer Lavoie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay, ebooks, friends, historical, lgbt, mystery, person-library, regency, romance

I debated a four star review, but really, my grievance with the book is a minor one compared to the rest of the book overall. My one issue is with the ending. It's very abrupt when it ends, and leaves the readers with a lot of questions, which was frustrating for me.

However, the rest of the book was delightful. The story is told from Crispin's point of view, and I found the descriptions and language to be wonderful for the time period. The story was rich in details and I felt that I was living...more

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Mar 28, 2011 Cat Grant rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is a perfect example of why I will never, EVER attempt a historical. First, I hate research, so I'd get all the details wrong. Second, my prose is serviceable enough for getting one from point A to B, but certainly not as lush and gorgeous as what we find here.

In short, Erastes does everything right in this book, and then some. I devoured the whole thing in one long Sunday afternoon, which is saying something, since I haven't read any fiction for pure enjoyment in... well, I can't reme...more

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Sep 01, 2012 Kendappa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, ebook

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Erastes was highly recommended to me and among her books this was the one with the blurb I liked most, so I picked it up even though I usually don't care much for M/M period pieces.

I'm glad I did because I really like Erastes' writing style, so I count it as a win even though this story turned out to be somewhat of a disappointment despite the very promising beginning.

Erastes' four main characters are different enough to provide quite an interesting mix, but unfortunately their potential is nev...more

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Aug 13, 2012 BlackTulip rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm, gothic, murder-mystery, victorian, my-reviews

Reviewed By BlackTulip for Booked Up

Erastes has nothing to prove to anyone anymore, we know for a fact that she is a magician with words. She delivers here a captivating story that will keep you on tenterhooks from start to finish!

With a wealth of details she paints a fascinating landscape of Norfolk, which in itself is a very important part of this book. Very quickly, a unique and palpable atmosphere full of shadows and mystery hovers like a veil of mist.

From the start she has found a clever wa...more

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Nov 06, 2011 Chris rated it 3 of 5 stars

Author Erastes’ historical romance novel, "Mere Mortals," is a beautifully written, haunting story about three young men who are taken in by a mysterious benefactor to live in the lap of luxury at his English countryside estate, Bittern’s Reach.

Orphan Crispin Thorne is expelled from school when he and his friend and lover, Arch, are discovered in a compromising position. A year later, he is shipped off to a remote island where he makes the acquaintance of fellow orphans Jude and Myles, two boys...more Author Erastes’ historical romance novel, "Mere Mortals," is a beautifully written, haunting story about three young men who are taken in by a mysterious benefactor to live in the lap of luxury at his English countryside estate, Bittern’s Reach.

Orphan Crispin Thorne is expelled from school when he and his friend and lover, Arch, are discovered in a compromising position. A year later, he is shipped off to a remote island where he makes the acquaintance of fellow orphans Jude and Myles, two boys his age who also just arrived under similar circumstances. Combined, the three young men know very little about their new guardian, Philip Smallwood, or the reason why he chose to adopt them.

From the outset, the author brilliantly depicts an eerie, ominous tone. En route to his new home, Crispin’s mere mention of Bittern’s Reach and its owner’s name raises the eyebrows of his fellow passengers--in particular, a man who introduces himself as Dr. Baynes.

As Crispin grows accustomed to his lavish surroundings, which include his own personal servant, Albert, he grows fond of Philip, and the aura of mystery surrounding his surrogate father begins to fade. He also becomes fast friends with his housemates, and soon develops a crush on Jude.

Erastes provides just enough detail of these boys and their mannerisms, but not so much that they become caricatures. Jude is sprightly, effeminate and helplessly flirtatious. Myles comes across as brawny and mischievous, meanwhile Crispin is the most sensitive and arguably naïve. The striking physical description of Philip, coupled with his speech, brings to mind an Oscar Wilde-like, quintessential gentlemanly figure from 19th century Victorian England.

Mostly by accident, Crispin discovers Philip’s motives for recruiting him and his two comrades, and accepting the reality of their predicament affects each of them differently. From then on, it is a veritable race to the finish, as they aggressively seek answers to their questions about Philip’s past, his home and what he expects in return for his generosity.

"Mere Mortals" is a compelling story and much more than just a gay romance novel. While there is plenty of physical interaction among the male characters--expected in some cases, surprising in others--the end result is an impressive combination of mystery and intrigue that is disturbing yet ultimately moving.(less)

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Apr 02, 2011 Lena Grey rated it 5 of 5 stars

One of my favorite genres is Gothic historical fiction. I enjoy visiting the past, learning how life was different then, however, it also makes me grateful to return to my life in the 21st century. The romance, drama, intrigue, and all things paranormal incorporated into Gothic literature fascinate me. In her latest novel, ‘Mere Mortals’, Erastes adds male love into the mix, creating a story which I found irresistible. Usually, I’m not overlyfond of a story in which I have to solve a mystery, bu...more One of my favorite genres is Gothic historical fiction. I enjoy visiting the past, learning how life was different then, however, it also makes me grateful to return to my life in the 21st century. The romance, drama, intrigue, and all things paranormal incorporated into Gothic literature fascinate me. In her latest novel, ‘Mere Mortals’, Erastes adds male love into the mix, creating a story which I found irresistible. Usually, I’m not overly fond of a story in which I have to solve a mystery, but ‘Mere Mortals’ was an exception. I was willing, even anxious, to slowly scour the text for clues as they were revealed.

The characters in the story were so well crafted that I felt as if I knew everyone personally and could anticipate their reactions, with the exception of Phillip Smallwood, of course, whose actions were purposefully enigmatic. I questioned his motives from the start, realizing that he was, at the least, a seriously conflicted man who was haunted by many ghosts of the past.

Crispin Thorne, the main character and narrator, is quite likable. He is surprisingly resigned, always trying to accept things as they come. He's understandably cautious and guarded, yet tries to think the best of people rather than jumping to conclusions. However, as retiring as Crispin seems to be, when action is clearly needed, Crispin puts his whole heart into the effort; he takes charge and follows through splendidly.

At first, I mistook Myles for a hostile, bitter, mistrusting young man. As his character grew, I saw that he was, in fact, the one of the three boys who was most in touch with his feelings and most open to the truth; therefore having the clearest understanding of their situation.

Jude lives in a dream world. Even though he appears sophisticated, witty and charming on the outside, inside he's an insecure, desperate young man. He has melancholy around him which permeates his whole being and is constantly slipping behind masks which enables him to remain in denial.

'Mere Mortals' is a powerfully moving saga which carries its characters down many different paths, leaving clues for the reader to snatch up in its wake. The story begins at a slow, deliberate pace and builds in speed until it bursts at the seams with the revelation of the truth. It's a great story, written in true gothic style which keeps you guessing until the end.

NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online
(less)

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Apr 10, 2012 Janna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-reads-2012, historical, m-m, favorites

Originally posted at Rarely Dusty Books

Genre & Keywords:
M/M Romance, Historical, England, 1847, Guardian/Ward, Secrets, Mystery/Suspense

~~~~~
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Heat level: 1.5 out of 3
~~~~~

After reading the backblurb of Mere Mortals I had no clue of what to expect from this historical romance. Especially not in the romance department. Well, it actually stays unsure until far into the story who will ‘hook up’ with who. And I can tell you that it’s not the couple I was expecting at fir...more

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