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65th out of 250 books
—
152 voters
The Morning Star (Shadow of the Templar #1)
by
M. Chandler (Goodreads Author)
Simon Drake is an up-and-coming young FBI hotshot, an agent with a personal track record so outstanding that it borders on unbelievable. Not yet thirty, he's already the leader of his own special ops team; a ragtag bunch of talented but nigh-uncontrollable lunatics, it's true, but under Simon's inspired leadership they're a force to be reckoned with, a team with an unparal...more
ebook, 138 pages
Published
March 13th 2009
by Lulu.com
(first published 2009)
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2.5 stars
I might be the minority in a number of good reviews around here. But fun/entertainment is a personal thing and on that note, I have to say that this book failed to entertain me. I didn't find it fun. The extra 0.5 stars was for the short-lived entertainment and the fade-to-black sex scene:
Confession #1
I put it down a couple of times before I finally able to finish it. That should be a sign already. All the code-names made my brain hurt. I noted it down this time, but after awhile it did...more
I might be the minority in a number of good reviews around here. But fun/entertainment is a personal thing and on that note, I have to say that this book failed to entertain me. I didn't find it fun. The extra 0.5 stars was for the short-lived entertainment and the fade-to-black sex scene:
Confession #1
I put it down a couple of times before I finally able to finish it. That should be a sign already. All the code-names made my brain hurt. I noted it down this time, but after awhile it did...more
7 likes · like · see review
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Dec 23, 2012
SheReadsALot
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommended to SheReadsALot by:
Mandy Beyers
Shelves:
law-enforcement,
m-m-romance,
suspense,
contemporary,
thief,
crime-life,
funny,
enemies-to-lovers,
clean-pg-read
This was a first time foray into the deviously funny mind of M. Chandler. It won't be my last. The action's high, the sexual tension high (unfortunately smut fans, it's not taken care of within the book - mere kisses, flirting and minor groping involved) but the story is reminiscent of Cut & Run, "Ocean's Eleven" and one of those really good spy movies (take your pic). If those 3 things had a baby, it'd be The Morning Star with a smart aleck FBI agent and wickedly humorous British thief (pic...more
6 likes · like · see review
I loved this book. It was a fast read for me. There's funny banter and bickering throughout the whole story. If it's not Simon and his team shooting the shit, it's Jeremy and Simon going back and forth. To me, it was a non-stop funny read. Just their names were hilarious to me. Specs, Specs Two, Springheel, Honda, Texas and Templar and don't forget Shadow. I just couldn't help but smile and give a little chuckle. And I really enjoyed the fact that Jeremy was a thief while Simon is the agent, mad...more
8 likes · like · see review
An all-round fun read. A cross between James Bond and Ocean's Eleven, this action-adventure, heist caper is recommended for those who like hilarious one-liners, rollicking riposte and oozing sexual tension (low smut content notwithstanding) in their stories.
The Morning Star seemed promising in the beginning. Then I'm not even sure what happened, but all of a sudden it was all-out James Bond save the world crap and I couldn't even be bothered to make sure what happened, so I skimmed the last 20 percent, because in a review, I have to make sure I cover all sorts of scenes before I trash the book altogether. There's no personal life-part, it's all action, and I really, really couldn't care less about some exaggerated plot where federal agents apparent...more
The Morning Star is the first in a series of breezy stories in a sort of FBI/It-Takes-A-Thief/James-Bond-Lite tradition. They are chock full of Olympic quality snark -- with a good bit of action to give the snark a break every now and then, and a little romance on the side just to spice things up a bit. The romance does involve two men -- but nearly all the sex scenes are conducted off screen, so even squeamish readers don't have much to worry about here.
I found these stories as I was surfing a...more
I found these stories as I was surfing a...more
So uh. I accidentally read all of this in one evening. Not that it was particularly difficult... also, I'm nothing if not a pro at reading fic on the internet.
I'm sort of helplessly charmed by all of this. Not that it wasn't without its flaws, but none of them were so glaring as to be off-putting in the slightest.
I found the sheer number of characters thrown at me a bit overwhelming. And the lack of any real identification or description besides their names (and codenames, to make things more co...more
I'm sort of helplessly charmed by all of this. Not that it wasn't without its flaws, but none of them were so glaring as to be off-putting in the slightest.
I found the sheer number of characters thrown at me a bit overwhelming. And the lack of any real identification or description besides their names (and codenames, to make things more co...more
The Morning Star is the first in a series of four books staring the same characters. The above blurb is somewhat vague and deals more with the series as a whole than any individual book’s plot. For this first offering, the introduction to the characters and fast paced action plot makes this book an absolute delight. The witty dialogue and laugh out loud antics have the story flying by way too fast and I’m surprised this is offered as a free read or pay for self published PDF. The characters are...more
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Mar 06, 2011
ElaineY
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
mm,
mystery-suspense-with-some-romance
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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I read this in one sitting, about three hours total. It was fast and fun, definitely not taxing mentally or emotionally, but it made me laugh out loud a few times, and it wasn't predictable as far as plot resolution went. There wasn't a whole lot of character depth and aside from the group dynamic it's hard to get a sense of what the characters are like on their own. However, it's the first in a series of four books, so I'm looking forward to more development with time. Also, the level of fun an...more
I simply adored this book! Why you ask curiously? Because the characters witty dialogue and sometimes absurd interaction is just so amusingly funny. The dialogue of this book seriously makes the book. The plot is a good one but without the dialogue it could have been very lame. All meat and no potatos! I personally am a fan of good characterization and this book had a lot of it! It's hard to get into a book when the characters are like empty shells. But in The Morning Star by M. Chandler the cha...more
I loved this series and I plan to re-read all 4 books when I have the time. I won't be reviewing the other books in the series and will just put all my comments about it here in this one review.
In the beginning I was a bit bored but I'm so glad I didn't give this series up. I wanted to finish this series in one sitting but frankly I needed my sleep and I was trying to make it last since it was that good.
The dialogue was humorous and gave insight to the characters and their relationship to each...more
In the beginning I was a bit bored but I'm so glad I didn't give this series up. I wanted to finish this series in one sitting but frankly I needed my sleep and I was trying to make it last since it was that good.
The dialogue was humorous and gave insight to the characters and their relationship to each...more
This gets a 4 star rating because the romance bit seemed a bit forced-wedged in the story. Simon's preference was pretty subtle in the book, making me wonder if he was bisexual, gay or just straight and enjoying gay jokes. And the sudden turn from flirty banter to hands-on approach was surprising, especially during an action scene. Seemed out of place for someone pretending to be a professional federal agent.
But other than that, I enjoyed the story. With such subtle hints towards any sexual vibe...more
But other than that, I enjoyed the story. With such subtle hints towards any sexual vibe...more
This is excellent and fun stuff. At times it reads like a 60’s era crime thriller with cool, urbane protagonists spouting sharp, witty dialogue, but the hi-tech gadgetry snaps you right back to present day.
Here, a crack team of FBI agents work to undermine a madman’s nefarious plan to launch a deadly, weaponed ‘Morning Star’ satellite. The plot also involves a notorious jewel thief...who may have his eye on more than the big shiny diamond that the evil bad guy hires him to steal in order to com...more
Here, a crack team of FBI agents work to undermine a madman’s nefarious plan to launch a deadly, weaponed ‘Morning Star’ satellite. The plot also involves a notorious jewel thief...who may have his eye on more than the big shiny diamond that the evil bad guy hires him to steal in order to com...more
3 likes · like · see review
Dec 28, 2010
MandyM
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
m-m-romance,
free-online
Fantastic story about a hotshot FBI agent who meets his match in an enigmatic elusive art thief. There are four books to this series and the plots involving espionage, betrayal, revenge and loyalty are top notch. The books are long and great for someone like me who reads fast. The secondary characters are strongly written and you'll fall in love with (nearly!) all of them. The physical side of Simon and Jeremy's romance is beautifully but more discreetly written than most M/M romance. But don't...more
This reads like a second class fan fiction. The characters are flat, and the FBI team behaves like a group of teenagers, not like highly trained elite agents.
While the plot idea is far from new, the plot itself is not bad and can create the necessary friction between the main characters. However, it is sloppily executed, barely just giving the reader enough info to keep the story going. The whole book lacks details - about the world, the background of the characters and the actual storyline. I h...more
While the plot idea is far from new, the plot itself is not bad and can create the necessary friction between the main characters. However, it is sloppily executed, barely just giving the reader enough info to keep the story going. The whole book lacks details - about the world, the background of the characters and the actual storyline. I h...more
I really do like this book a lot. 4.5 stars.
You just have to love the banter between the FBI team members as well as between Jeremy Archer - internationally wanted master thief - and Simon Drake aka Templar - FBI agent (and team boss).
As someone said before, the story has similarities to the TV Series "White Collar", only with gay protagonists. That suits me just fine, since I happen to like "White Collar". ;)
The dialogues ar witty and hilarious. The book itself is well-written.
The chracters, al...more
You just have to love the banter between the FBI team members as well as between Jeremy Archer - internationally wanted master thief - and Simon Drake aka Templar - FBI agent (and team boss).
As someone said before, the story has similarities to the TV Series "White Collar", only with gay protagonists. That suits me just fine, since I happen to like "White Collar". ;)
The dialogues ar witty and hilarious. The book itself is well-written.
The chracters, al...more
Just remember that I've finished the first book from this series! ^^
It's White-Collar-Gay Version! XDD
The whole idea about stealing-diamond turn to some kind terrorist act wasn't new at all. I vaguely remember this kind of story in some kind of superhero movies, that's why I only give it 3 stars.
But I do really enjoy the whole story.
The Templar team were awesome, I like the quick exchange dialog between them, funny and hilarious. And the tension between Simon and Jeremy is just so..., make you s...more
It's White-Collar-Gay Version! XDD
The whole idea about stealing-diamond turn to some kind terrorist act wasn't new at all. I vaguely remember this kind of story in some kind of superhero movies, that's why I only give it 3 stars.
But I do really enjoy the whole story.
The Templar team were awesome, I like the quick exchange dialog between them, funny and hilarious. And the tension between Simon and Jeremy is just so..., make you s...more
Aug 28, 2012
Queen
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
m-m,
cops-agents-military
White:
- It's like mission impossible! But with mm action!
- Action and fancy toys.
- Funny group. Side characters are lovable.
- It is not sex-sex-sex.
Grey:
- That was interesting, maybe it needed a bit more of romance.
- Couldn't see how they 'clicked'
- Well, the action plot was ok, I guess, even if it had the predictable things of every action movie.
Black:(view spoiler)...more
- It's like mission impossible! But with mm action!
- Action and fancy toys.
- Funny group. Side characters are lovable.
- It is not sex-sex-sex.
Grey:
- That was interesting, maybe it needed a bit more of romance.
- Couldn't see how they 'clicked'
- Well, the action plot was ok, I guess, even if it had the predictable things of every action movie.
Black:(view spoiler)...more
4,5 star for plot line. Good idea, something between comic book, TV series "Chuck" and Bond movies. Maybe a little bit silly, definitely unrealistic, but real fun.
About a romance... Wait, did I hear a snort? Yeah, I did. Not sure about it. I think that this book would be better if it ended with (view spoiler)
The sex between main characters was, ehmm, weird? Maybe creepy? Have no idea. Just doesn't fit into that story. IMHO, of course. Probably it makes next...more
About a romance... Wait, did I hear a snort? Yeah, I did. Not sure about it. I think that this book would be better if it ended with (view spoiler)
The sex between main characters was, ehmm, weird? Maybe creepy? Have no idea. Just doesn't fit into that story. IMHO, of course. Probably it makes next...more
Fun!
9/23/12 Reread.
9/23/12 Reread.
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Jan 13, 2013
Meep
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
light-fun-read,
freebie-fic
This is a fun, light hearted spy caper, Chandler on her site states it's not up to publishing standard - personally I think it better than many published stories; the writting is good, plot imaginative, the characters interesting.
This is the first installment and the dynamic of the team comes across well although the side characters don't really stand out at this point, except for Sandra on account of being the lone female. I caught myself trying to distinguish between Mike and Johnny on occasio...more
This is the first installment and the dynamic of the team comes across well although the side characters don't really stand out at this point, except for Sandra on account of being the lone female. I caught myself trying to distinguish between Mike and Johnny on occasio...more
Jan 05, 2012
Yvonne
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
m-m,
m-m-action-suspense
3.5 Stars This was a nice story of an FBI agent, Simon who needs to work with jewelry thief, Jeremy Archer, in order to recover a stolen item. It also felt very familiar and a little derivative, maybe because I've seen a lot of old shows & movies like It Takes a Thief and Remington Steele and others.
The banter between Simon and his team and Simon & Jeremy are good. Action more than character development is emphasized.
This story feels more like Slash fiction than an m/m romance novel. Si...more
The banter between Simon and his team and Simon & Jeremy are good. Action more than character development is emphasized.
This story feels more like Slash fiction than an m/m romance novel. Si...more
I really enjoyed this book. It's not complicated or overwhelming, it's just a lot of fun.
Simon is an FBI agent, trying to prevent the theft of a diamond. Jeremy is a thief with second thoughts about his stealing. They are forced to become allies and retrieve the precious stone from the real bad guy.
The story is not very long, and it reads like the first episode of a TV series. It's not explicit, but Jeremy gets more and more blatant in his attempt in seducing Simon and he succeeds so unabashedly...more
Simon is an FBI agent, trying to prevent the theft of a diamond. Jeremy is a thief with second thoughts about his stealing. They are forced to become allies and retrieve the precious stone from the real bad guy.
The story is not very long, and it reads like the first episode of a TV series. It's not explicit, but Jeremy gets more and more blatant in his attempt in seducing Simon and he succeeds so unabashedly...more
This entire series is so over-the top it's fantastic! This was more or less what hooked me to m/m. I loved all four books.
Simon Drake (aka Templar)leads a VERY special FBI investigations team. Currently they are protecting a multimillion dollar diamond, the Morning Star. When cat-burglar Jeremy steals the rock out from under their noses, Simon is fuming. What pleasant surprise that Jeremy gets robbed of the diamond too and now joins forces with Team Templar in order to stop the actual villain i...more
Simon Drake (aka Templar)leads a VERY special FBI investigations team. Currently they are protecting a multimillion dollar diamond, the Morning Star. When cat-burglar Jeremy steals the rock out from under their noses, Simon is fuming. What pleasant surprise that Jeremy gets robbed of the diamond too and now joins forces with Team Templar in order to stop the actual villain i...more
Shadow of the Templar is a series - and yes, you will want to read all of them once you start - that just made me laugh, curse, sit on the edge of my seat, not to mention want to smack certain thick skulled men over the head with a brick.
Did I ever mention I like action? Well, this is another one that caters to my tastes in action, and doing it with a sense of humor too!
Simon is an agent on a mission, his team at his back and no questions asked. Until they come across Jeremy. Let the chase begin...more
Did I ever mention I like action? Well, this is another one that caters to my tastes in action, and doing it with a sense of humor too!
Simon is an agent on a mission, his team at his back and no questions asked. Until they come across Jeremy. Let the chase begin...more
From the moment the FBI agent and thief extraordinaire meet, the snarky romance begins. This series was my introduction to the m/m genre, and since then, I've been more attracted to stories where the action men fall in love against their better judgement, where the main characters have equal amounts of disdain, attraction, and begrudging respect for one another. Jeremy and Simon got under my skin, and I'll never let them go.
4.5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It read kind of like an action/spy movie - the pace was kept up throughout, not a lot of thinking inside Simon's head, great banter, high on action and intrigue, and the sexual tension between Jeremy and Simon was delicious!
There isn't any actual smexing in the book - just loads of yummy sexual tension and...I won't give any spoilers. The short stories on the author's site are a must read after finishing the book ;) http://mchandler.org/sott/
There isn't any actual smexing in the book - just loads of yummy sexual tension and...I won't give any spoilers. The short stories on the author's site are a must read after finishing the book ;) http://mchandler.org/sott/
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M. Chandler is a lady of a certain age, currently wandering around the Seattle area. Whenever she manages to make her way home, she writes action-oriented fiction that tends to be heavy on the gay themes.
She has a website with lots of free fiction, a Facebook fan page, and, God help us, a Twitter.
More about M. Chandler...
She has a website with lots of free fiction, a Facebook fan page, and, God help us, a Twitter.
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“He was fucking with us pretty hard in the saferoom,” Sandra called from the front of the plane’s undercarriage.
“Aw, Sandy, that wasn’t fucking,” Simon said. “That was just, I don’t know, really obnoxious foreplay or something.”
—
3 people liked it
“Aw, Sandy, that wasn’t fucking,” Simon said. “That was just, I don’t know, really obnoxious foreplay or something.”
“Fine. I can negotiate with the best of 'em. I took a CLASS. Tell me what you want.”
—
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