Orphaned Crispin Thorne has been taken as ward by Philip Smallwood and is transplanted from his private school to Smallwood's house on an island in...
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Jan 07, 2012
BritishWotsit
rated it: 
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 revolution More...
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 revolution More...
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Nov 03, 2011
Jaime
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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 “inv
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Nov 03, 2011
Violet
rated it:
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 t More...
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 t More...
Oct 03, 2011
Book Binge
rated it:
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 c More...
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 c More...
Jun 18, 2011
Susan
rated it: 
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 writ More...
There was something of du Maurier's Rebecca simmering under the skin of this brilliant story and the quality of writ More...
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Jun 03, 2011
Miz
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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 pr More...
Crispin arrives Bittern’s Reach via boat. The house stands on an island, seems as remote as it can be, secluded and offering pr More...
Jun 03, 2011
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),
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May 16, 2011
Judy & Marianne from
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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
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May 02, 2011
Kassa
rated it:
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 tha More...
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 tha More...
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Mar 18, 2011
Gerry
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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 leisu More...
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 leisu More...
Mar 28, 2011
Lady*M
rated it:
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 More...
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 More...
Mar 25, 2011
Jenre
rated it:
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 t More...
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 t More...
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May 10, 2011
Lisa
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Aug 31, 2011
Annette
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I love male/male historical romances and anything with a hint of gothic about it. Although I'm not usually a fan of first person novels, in this case it worked well because we as the readers discover things at the same time as the protagonist, Crispin Thorne. It has a hint of the ghost story about it, although nothing explicitly supernatural happens in the narrative, you get the impression you wouldn't be surprised if it did. It was a wonderful sweeping story, but I have one quibble and that is
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Jun 02, 2011
Top 2 Bottom Reviews
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Mar 28, 2011
Cat
rated it:
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, More...
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, More...
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Nov 06, 2011
Chris
rated it: 
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 Jud More...
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 Jud More...
Oct 04, 2011
Lena
rated it:
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, b
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Apr 23, 2011
Cleoct
rated it:
As all your books these one was fabulous I enjoyed so much the story the descriptions of the characters,the mansion, boards all of it was so real that I could feel all the emotions and the end was as all the ends of your books a feeling for more so please I would love to read sequels of your novels Standish,Transgression, Mere Mortels all are marvellous I hope that some day they will be translated in French I promess I'll buy them all.
May 10, 2011
Liz at CBLS
rated it:
I sit here still entangled in the story, my mind replaying key events. I finished it not more than a few minutes ago and I'm both a bit speechless and in awe. All I can really say right now about this wonderful work is WOW, that was one HELL of a story!! I feel bereft now that it's over. If I could give this a higher rating, I would. Intense, passionate, dramatic and thrilling. A definite must read!
Sep 04, 2011
Moody, atmospheric period piece that really feels like it was written by a 19th century author!
Old-time slow build, gothic tension, and an unusual setup make for a fun read. There's less romance/sex than I expected, but that fits with the vibe of the story.
Old-time slow build, gothic tension, and an unusual setup make for a fun read. There's less romance/sex than I expected, but that fits with the vibe of the story.
Jul 13, 2011
Meggie
rated it:
Wow kind of sad story. The plot was really well developed and drawn perfectly. I liked the characters, every one of them had his own characteristic and they were real till the end. Gosh I have to admit, that the end felt rather sad to me, but at list it's happy ending.
May 27, 2011
KevaD
rated it:
To be honest, it was the cover that first snagged my attention. The art work is simply superb. But as captivating as the art is, the story is that much better. The characters are rich and genuine. Erastes Dickensesque prose is masterful. I loved this book.
Feb 12, 2012
Erik
rated it:
Wow...I oftentimes commented on the sheer intelligence of Erastes. I love her use of language, character development, and building of plot. I highly recommend this book. From personal experience, I know that her own process of writing includes infinite grammatical adjustments, not all of which end up as cleanly as I would prefer. I think it simply takes away from the level she has achieved--there are more typos than befit her. I hope that future novels will include combing through the edits more
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Jan 07, 2012
Fons
rated it:
That was a bit weird. Starting of as a novel about a boy that meets his mysterious benefactor and guardian in a 'dead poets society'-like atmosphere. However, this turns to a tale of suppressed and then open (rather explicit) homosexuality. After this surprising turn it changes in the final 30 pages to a series of events with <spoiler> Stephen King-like lunacy </spoiler>.
All in all, this novel feels a bit incomplete and I find the end a bit slapdash, but it doesn't take away th More...
All in all, this novel feels a bit incomplete and I find the end a bit slapdash, but it doesn't take away th More...
Apr 10, 2011
Mickie
rated it:
I have nothing to say that hasn't already been said about this wonderful book. If you love historicals, beautiful prose, and unexpected twists and turns that only Erastes can manage to pull off Mere Mortals is not to be missed. Highly recommended.
Dec 09, 2011
Kinga
rated it:
It was not what I signed up for, though I have to say I just glanced at the blurb. Strangely intriguing story though. I say "strangely" intriguing because I was expect a nice little historical romance and got an interesting, yet slightly confusing and pretty crazy story. Loved it anyway.
Jul 27, 2011
Michael
rated it:
I really liked the way the story unfolded. Erastes can write a darn good mystery when she wants to. It kept me guessing until near the end.
Mar 30, 2011
Calen
rated it:
Erastes best novel yet. This story is nothing short of fantastic. I read it in one sitting and absolutely loved it.
