Chaos Magic (Gods and Chaos, #1)

Apr 21, 2013 MLE rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm

Disclaimer: This review is in no way meant to be a attack and/or judgment of anyone who lives the D/S lifestyle. Anything I say is aimed at the characters, and they relationship dynamic they have in this story.

I started this book not knowing it was D/S, and I kept reading even knowing it wasn't my cup of tea thinking maybe I would give it a couple of stars, and move on about my day. I was concerned by Hector's jealousy, the awful things he accused Sam of doing, the age gap, Hector's unceasing d...more

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Apr 27, 2013 Camille rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-rom-erotica, paranormal-romance

My brain isn't offering up much besides "WTF!" at this moment, so this review is comprised of the scraps and scrapes I am able to eke out from the thin perimetre surrounding the wtf-ness that has expanded to dominate my brain's acreage at this point.

This should have been a ten star read for me. Polytheism / gods + open communication and worship of said deities + allegorisation of Fear, Love, Sex and Self-Realisation + being "right up my big daddy alley" = written just for me.

I gave this two sta...more My brain isn't offering up much besides "WTF!" at this moment, so this review is comprised of the scraps and scrapes I am able to eke out from the thin perimetre surrounding the wtf-ness that has expanded to dominate my brain's acreage at this point.

This should have been a ten star read for me. Polytheism / gods + open communication and worship of said deities + allegorisation of Fear, Love, Sex and Self-Realisation + being "right up my big daddy alley" = written just for me.

I gave this two stars because I did really enjoy the deities and the allegorisation of actualisation. Those elements meant a lot to me and they kept me reading. Other than that...

0% to 20% = This is fantastic! I'm loving this. Yaaay gods. Yum daddy.

20% to 40% = Okaaaaaay. Hmmm. Where is this going? Hector is starting to be problematic. Room for recovery, but, really, please pull back from the brink of destruction now.

40% to 60% = Stop! This is maddening and terribly sad. Hector is a total asshole and this is abuse! God, this is getting painful to read :-(

60% to 75% = No! Seriously! This is horrible! This is crazy. My heart is aching over this emotional abuse. Nooooooo!

75% to 95% = What. The. Ever. Loving. Fuck!
What the...I'm gonna need Botox, I'm switching between frowning so deeply and my eyebrows being pulled so sharply to my hairline in alternations between deep disgust and furious shock in my inability to believe the depths of this dysfunction.

95% to 100% = Literal deus ex machina and a truly rubbish attempt at wrapping up the ridiculous, at justifying the unjustifiable, at salvaging a shitfest, at reclaiming meaning from a story that reveals how poor some people's grasp is on what actually constitutes love and lust.

There are varying ways to have sex and varying avenues to love but the difference lays in expression not in definition. Sam and Hector cannot personify or be gods of actualities that their authorial creator has so debased here.

ETA: one week later-- Because I rate books based upon my personal experience with them, upon what they made me feel, or learn I have to add two stars to this for the very poignant, pertinent and timely lesson of the need to be extremely careful of that which and who you make your gods.(less)

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Sep 12, 2010 Arzu rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Arzu by: Moderatrix Lori

Shelves: mm-romance, september-chal, ebooks-owned

I actually don't know what to feel after reading this book. I loved Sam. I could so feel and understand his anxieties, how he tried to do everything, even disappearing and losing his SELF and just being a bottomless shelf; just to please Hector, his jealous control-freak Master. It's obvious I didn't like him.

Nevertheless, I liked the book and will read the next in the series and see how this relationship develops.

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Apr 19, 2013 ttg rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, challenge-read, reviews

A very creative romance that had parts that were completely inspired and other parts that I found uncomfortable and hard to read.

I LOVED the world that Lygon built—where Sam, a witch living in LA, could create gods out of regular people due to the intense power of his worship. Biker Angelina is the Goddess of Traffic; svelte Deal, the Goddess of Negotiation; neighbor Crash, the god of Computers, and abusive ex-boyfriend/master Marcus, the stinking God of Fear.

I loved the ways that Sam’s power fi...more A very creative romance that had parts that were completely inspired and other parts that I found uncomfortable and hard to read.

I LOVED the world that Lygon built—where Sam, a witch living in LA, could create gods out of regular people due to the intense power of his worship. Biker Angelina is the Goddess of Traffic; svelte Deal, the Goddess of Negotiation; neighbor Crash, the god of Computers, and abusive ex-boyfriend/master Marcus, the stinking God of Fear.

I loved the ways that Sam’s power filtered into the story, how his orgasm would cause ripples in the world around him (causing some lust-filled havoc to those nearby), and I loved how his Gods looked out for him, especially as he tried to recover from his past abusive relationship, and tried to regain a life of intimacy and trust with new bf/master Hector.

I also dug some of the imagery, especially when Sam retreated within himself to his “internal Japanese teahouse,” a multi-room inner sanctum where he went to get away from the world, or to explore when he was blissed out in subspace.

(I also dug that Sam is a bit of an unreliable first-person narrator, and details of his fears and intentions are sometimes only know to the reader by what other characters say. (view spoiler)

What was harder for me: Sam is into a heavier BDSM pain-play than what I’m personally interested in reading about. I get why he likes it—it releases him in a way that other things don’t, and he craves the control that Hector provides, but I wasn’t super into the scenes so much that dotted throughout the book. (I did like how respectful Hector was to Sam’s limits, even his unspoken ones like not taking full body photos.)

What was the biggest hurdle though were the themes of domestic violence, both past and present. Sam was constantly struggling to get out from his ex’s evil influence that seeped in around him, and also was dealing with Hector’s knee-jerk jealousy and control issues. I totally get that Hector LOVES Sam, and the sweet post-scenes afterglow of them cuddling were awesome, but I had such a hard time enjoying the story with Hector’s fear and mistrust returning over and over again and battering at hopeful Sam who just wanted Hector to be happy. It just tasted really sour to me, so even when the fix-it denouncement comes very late in the book (like post-90%), and Sam regains his power, it didn’t feel like enough, and I kind of wished Sam took his awesome sexy self someplace else to get his HEA.

Your mileage will vary though and what pinged me may not strike you as hard, and you may enjoy it much more. For me, I loved the creativity of the world, and wished the whole book was full of those quirks and details. I can’t get into reformed abuser MCs though in a romance book (even though Hector isn’t in the same league as ex Marcus, he is still a reformed abuser by the end.) I just find the whole thing really upsetting, and for me, the world of sudden divinity and gods rising out of traffic jams felt more real and believable than the man groveling to be taken back after what had happened. I’ll take the traffic jam gods any day, thank you.(less)

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Aug 14, 2009 JenMcJ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books, mm-mmm-a-few-mmf-too

What a great unique take on the concept of gods and on the look at a D/s relationship. Finally for once a Dom that is not a mind reader, has his own issues and triggers and is by no interpretation, perfect. I am hooked and can't wait to read the next in the series.

This is not for the faint of heart though. The BDSM elements do get a bit extreme and so far they are more common than any real sex. Those scenes are erotic in their own way, but very little "making love" happens in this book.

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Feb 27, 2013 Ayanna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: evocative-or-edifying, o_o, reviewed

..."sex god"...?
(^clarification, from cover)

I'm very pissed off because I was working on my review and then GR erased it. It was good, too, and I won't be able to reproduce it because I've already done my cathartic purge and now the feelings won't come back =_=
Below is a pathetic attempt to recreate some of the things I said before when I was purging...
It annoys me because it's rather bare-bones, but it's the best I can come up with.
(Actually, I think I got most of what I originally said. Things...more

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Oct 30, 2012 Charly rated it 4 of 5 stars

So far I don’t love the relationship dynamic between Dom and sub

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- The story has a clever, unique element I haven’t encountered before. It’s like a modern-day Greek story in which gods and goddesses interact with people and have human characteristics.
- This is one of those rare instances when I feel that BDSM is a necessity for one of the characters rather than just something he does because he thinks it’s ho...more So far I don’t love the relationship dynamic between Dom and sub

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- The story has a clever, unique element I haven’t encountered before. It’s like a modern-day Greek story in which gods and goddesses interact with people and have human characteristics.
- This is one of those rare instances when I feel that BDSM is a necessity for one of the characters rather than just something he does because he thinks it’s hot. Sam has trouble keeping his emotions and thoughts in check, and being dominated gives him relief from that.
- The characters certainly aren’t perfect, fairy-taleish, utopian men with no problems and unrealistically sweet personalities. These men are flawed, no two ways about it. Mostly I found that to be refreshing (although see cons below also).
- Because of my reservations toward Hector, I found the times when Sam gets angry and stands up for himself encouraging. He’s not a total submissive doormat, that’s for sure.

CONS:
- At this point (I haven’t yet read the later volumes in the series), Hector is one of my least favorite fictional Doms ever. He is horribly jealous and at times cruel, thoughtless, inconsiderate, etc. toward his sub. I’ve been told, though, that he improves in the later books, and I hope that I find that to be true.
- (This is related, but I felt that it needed a new bullet.) Another reader told me recently that Hector is portrayed quite accurately according to the cultural norms associated with his race/ethnicity, but I perceived some of his actions to be mentally abusive. And not in the “I’m doing this to stretch my sub’s limits and make him a stronger person” way, either. A couple of things he does to Sam (not all knowingly, it should be said) do nothing but tear Sam down.

Overall comments: Although I didn’t love this volume, I’m interested enough to read the other two books in the series, and I certainly think Lygon’s a capable writer. There will have to be some pretty significant changes in the nature of the main characters’ interactions, though, if I’m going to grow to love the series.(less)

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Feb 28, 2012 TheFountainPenDiva rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: characters-gay-heroes, characters-gods-and-goddesses, characters-latino-heroes, characters-male-dominants, characters-male-submissives, characters-writers, e-books-purchased, gay-fiction, genre-bdsm, genre-erotica, genre-interracial-romance, genre-m-m-romance, opinions-read-this-book-now, other-emotional, settings-long-beach, sex-anal-play, sex-blood-play, sex-floggings, sex-light-bondage, sex-oral, sex-rimming, sex-spanking, sub-genre-interracial-erotica, theme-bondage, theme-bdsm, theme-magick, theme-daring-romance, theme-interracial-relationships, theme-total-power-exchange

Why I waited so long to read this book, I don't know, but the title fits perfectly. There is a lot of chaos--both good and bad--in this highly imaginative and highly hot BDSM M/M romance by Jay Lygon. Firstly and foremost, Lygon gets extra stars for his multicultural Long Beach/Belmont Shores setting and characters. Too many authors when setting their stories in Los Angeles, write about an L.A. that is somehow devoid of people of color, which is a freaking impossibility. What I loved was his Lon...more Why I waited so long to read this book, I don't know, but the title fits perfectly. There is a lot of chaos--both good and bad--in this highly imaginative and highly hot BDSM M/M romance by Jay Lygon. Firstly and foremost, Lygon gets extra stars for his multicultural Long Beach/Belmont Shores setting and characters. Too many authors when setting their stories in Los Angeles, write about an L.A. that is somehow devoid of people of color, which is a freaking impossibility. What I loved was his Long Beach is the Long Beach I know well with its mix of students, immigrants, gay and lesbian folk and old-timers, the rich and the poor.

Oh wait, I do know the reason I skipped this. Because I hate BDSM books in which the submissive is some emotional/physical wreck and needs the firm hand of a Daddy to make things right. This plot device makes me cringe and it's been done to death (with varying degrees of success but mostly bad). However, I found myself really being into Sam's head and understanding his fears, especially of his ex-lover, the abusive Marcus. I liked Sam's quirky and sometimes self-depreciating sense of humor, but also the fact that deep inside he know who and what he is. What can I say about Hector the Daddy of Daddies? But he's not some stereotypical Dominant--he's got scars and he doesn't know everything. He can and is an asshole to Sam. I appreciate authors who understand that no matter how good a Top is, they aren't mind-readers and they are subject to human failings. Way too many books (most of which fall into the straight romance category for reasons I will be happy to discuss later) create the magical Daddy/Domaninant who knows exactly what the sub needs and when. Boring and so not real.

What really made Chaos Magic stand out was the fact that it's an interracial romance, something that always fires my happy jets. I loved the feel Lygon gave for Hector's life and his upbringing. Nanna was a hoot. I also loved all the gods and goddesses who are a part and parcel of Sam's life and being. The Goddess of Traffic is one I'm sure we've all prayed to at given times, but never did we imagine she was a bike-building, Harley-riding, no-nonsense chick. There were times where fantasy and reality collided but somehow it works. I realize there's a part two to this story so I'm out to get it. Sam and Hector's story is really just beginning. If you're looking for something that goes against the grain, and with characters--including the gods and goddesses--who feel like real people, and mostly if you're picky about your BDSM, this book will work for you.(less)

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Sep 30, 2010 A.B. Gayle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to A.B. by: Kate

Shelves: glbt-romance, may-december, bdsm, humor

To prepare myself for writing a character who is into BDSM, I asked my Goodreads buddy, Kate, what were the best BDSM books she’d read. She named a few, half of which I already had, but one I hadn’t was “Chaos Magic” by Jay Lygon.
Crappy cover, no headless torso or hunky guys to perv over, just lots of purple and yellow and what looked like a shrine.
I started reading.
By page 3, I had emailed Kate to say that the book rocked. Well, actually the comment was “…love it already. That's what subs are l...more To prepare myself for writing a character who is into BDSM, I asked my Goodreads buddy, Kate, what were the best BDSM books she’d read. She named a few, half of which I already had, but one I hadn’t was “Chaos Magic” by Jay Lygon.
Crappy cover, no headless torso or hunky guys to perv over, just lots of purple and yellow and what looked like a shrine.
I started reading.
By page 3, I had emailed Kate to say that the book rocked. Well, actually the comment was “…love it already. That's what subs are like, horny as fuck. Hope the standard stays that high.”
By page 24, I was searching the web to find out who Jay Lygon was.
By page 65, I was searching for my credit card and hoping Torquere Press’s 15% off offer was still valid so I could buy everything else he/she had written. You can never be sure nowadays. Doesn’t matter. At least there was no giggling gerties, chicks with dicks or any of the other things that put me off when I’m reading m/m.
By page 150, things started to turn sour. From now on I’d be judging all my attempts at humor against this and mine would come up wanting.
By the end, I was ready to hand in my Writer’s Union Card. Sometimes for an author there is nothing more depressing than coming across one who does all the things you’re trying to do, but, oh, so much better.
You’re laughing but you’re crying.
According to its hero, Sam, mirth pours from the outside corners of people’s eyes, sorrow from the inside.
Mine were watering from both ends.
Why? Because this book does another thing I’ve been trying to do and does it brilliantly, ie deal with difficult subjects in a way that ensures the reader appreciates the message while still being entertained.
At first glance, the book might be about BDSM, at second glance it might be about a weird sort of real world ‘magic’, but underlying all this is an incredibly powerful story about fear, depression, loss of control, lack of self worth and most of all domestic violence.
I’d read advertisements and articles in gay newspapers about support groups for victims, quoting stats that say the incidence is much higher in the LGBT community but often because of various factors is never reported. It’s a subject that’s rarely if ever included in m/m romances which is understandable in a way. Yet this difficult but real problem is at the heart of “Chaos Magic” just as it is at the heart of its hero, Sammy.
Jay Lygon uses humor, like the white ropes that Sammy loves so much to wrap that subject up. Winding it around and around with cunning knots, exposing just the vulnerable parts. Making the process bearable and at the same time increasing the intensity when the harsh reality is inflicted.
The main ropes are the Gods that Sammy sees. Like Angelena the God of traffic:

“From Simi Valley to south of Tijuana is a solid band of humanity, probably 20 million people, and every single soul, no matter what religion they think they follow, prays to the Goddess every time they hit the road. That’s an impressive power base. I mean, think about it.”

This Ducati restoring God is aided by Deal, the God of Negotiation, and the Thai born Crash, the God of computers. These beings take on a life of their own as they look after Sam and try to steer him on the right course. Mind you even they argue amongst themselves much as the Gods on Olympus used to:

“You pray to the Goddess of Traffic every day,” the Lotto God complained. “No one thinks of me until the pot reaches thirty million.”

But at the heart of the story are Sam and his new Master. The question is, will the past continue to haunt Sam or will he be able to overcome his fear and find out who he truly is.
Okay, maybe it’s a case of ‘What rock have you been hiding under, AB?’ because everyone else has heard of “Chaos Magic” and read it. But if you haven’t and you love reading a story where the sex scenes are an integral part, and if you want an emotionally satisfying read that packs a punch, get on the back of Jay Lygon’s bike, hang on for grim death and let him take you on the ride of your life.
I’d give it six stars if I could, failing that I’m happy to take one off every review I’ve ever had for one of my stories, just to put this one up that little bit higher. Jay Lygon is the God of writing.
(less)

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Jul 28, 2009 Lily rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, m-m, series, bdsm-kinks-master-sub, fantasy-paranormal-magic, loved-it, what-i-read-in-2009

I love, love, love this book. It's like a breath of fresh air with it's concept of Gods and Magic mixed in with a BDSM Master/slave lifestyle. If BDSM is not a subject you're comfortable with this may not be the book for you but if you enjoy reading about it or want to try something new I have no doubt this book and the next two in the series will blow you away.

This is the story of Sam Dewey, a true submissive and "pain slut" who was hurt badly by his ex-lover Marcus, the God of Fear. Even thoug...more

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Jul 11, 2012 Eve rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book has a terrible Amazon blurb - instead of being enticing it was actually offputting. It made the book sound like one of those pseudo-greek-mythology fictions that were popular a few years ago (possibly because the name Hector brought the Iliad to mind).

It would get recommended by GW, I would look at the blurb, and decide not to read it. Repeat and rinse from my memory and repeat again.

But so many readers whose opinion I trust kept praising the book, that I finally caved in, and it tur...more

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Nov 25, 2012 Anne rated it 2 of 5 stars

I found the book confusing. In the beginning, I wondered if Sam just lived in his own world and much of what he thought was not real. Judging by the ending and description of the sequel, I guess his beliefs were real. Hector did not seem like a good Dom to me; he was selfish and did not tell Sam clearly what was required of him. He did not communicate well with Sam and gave conflicting messages. The ending was a HFN ending to me because Hector is suppose to make changes for the relationship to w...more

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Nov 16, 2012 SheReadsALot rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to SheReadsALot by: Mammarella

Shelves: m-m-romance, contemporary, mythology-romance, part-of-a-series, damaged-hero, paranormal, bdsm, fantasy, stutterer, abuse, possessive-obsessive, hot-alpha-male, hero-that-stalks-the-one-they-love, dirty-talk, angst, exhibitionist-scene, erotic, age-difference

"Chaos Magic" is not a typical M/M romance, in fact I wonder if it could be categorized as a romance. It's a pretty good story, has a good mix of fantasy, contemporary and the author's interpretation of mythology (which was unique - everyday people being Gods & Goddesses)

The beginning of the story took awhile to actually grasp my attention but once I finally became invested in "Chaos Magic", it became a pretty intense ride. For fans of BDSM and not sugar kink, this is a story you might appre...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Alli rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-read

The story started very strong, like WOW, the writing & chemistry were amazing. When Sam & Hector's relationship took a wrong turn, it was an abrupt transition that wrapped up too easily...and frankly, some of the god stuff at the end didn't make total sense.

Still, I loved both characters & will continue with the series.

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Feb 10, 2012 blub rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the first BDSM type book I've completely finished the series for and actually really liked. The act of BDSM are were pretty tame some spanking, bondage that time of thing.

What helped me to love and finish up the series was first off how the book was written from Sam's perspective. It really helped to know he had some control in the relationship even thought Hector was a jealous control freak (but then again what do you expect him being a D and all).

Yeah, it could be a little annoying h...more

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Jun 04, 2011 Kirsty~Vhixen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks-pdf-kindle, mmm-m-m

i'm not even sure if i liked it or not.....it was sort of weird i guess.

i don't go for the "Papi/Boy" thing...it's not for me.....but Hector was kinda hot...and Sam reminded me of me a little.

i seemed to have my own little melt down over Sam stuttering...i know the feeling and it's what stops me from speaking out at people....it's just easier playing shy at times.

i don't think i've ever not known what to say in a review before...i really am lost. just when i thought i was finally getting somethi...more

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Aug 05, 2010 Nichole (Dirty H) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, paranormal, 2010

This was a fantastically original premise for a good BDSM story. It was really enjoyable, and the main character, Sam, is deeeelightful.
There were a lot of things that were kind of confusing throughout this book, and it was partially that we had to learn these things at the end and partially because it was just confusing and requires you to accept it at face value. I sometimes felt, particularly with the relationship between Sam and Hector, that I was relying on my previous experience with BDSM...more

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Feb 03, 2013 Bea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdsm, male-male, paranormal, goodreads-review, witches, writer

Torn between 3.5 and 4 stars.

Sam is the character we are supposed to relate, and for the most part I did. He has self confidence issues and he has been abused by his former Master, Marcus. Hector is our love interest and he is that Alpha controlling Dominant we would expect.

This is an interesting world where "Gods" are normal, living normal length lives, other than the fact that they have some magical powers. These gods are modern, not just what we would think of Zeus or Apollo. For example, if...more

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Feb 27, 2013 Plainbrownwrapper added it

Shelves: mm

Dang. Can I give this book a "none of the above" rating? Please?

I have no idea what to think of this book overall. First, in the interest of full disclosure, the 24/7-Daddy/boy-domestic discipline type of relationship is SOOOO not my thing. It tends to make me cringe, sneer, roll my eyes, get nauseous, shudder in revulsion, and/or throw a book across the room, depending on the specific relationship portrayed. So I'm not the target audience for this book, in a big way.

That said -- and dangit, I'm...more Dang. Can I give this book a "none of the above" rating? Please?

I have no idea what to think of this book overall. First, in the interest of full disclosure, the 24/7-Daddy/boy-domestic discipline type of relationship is SOOOO not my thing. It tends to make me cringe, sneer, roll my eyes, get nauseous, shudder in revulsion, and/or throw a book across the room, depending on the specific relationship portrayed. So I'm not the target audience for this book, in a big way.

That said -- and dangit, I'm gonna spoiler tag the whole next section of this review, 'cause I just don't want to restrain myself with the spoilers on this one --

(view spoiler)[

I spent the first part of this book pretty amused. The MC narrator, Sam, was funny and entertaining, even though screwed up. And I appreciated the mostly-suppressed angst of his previous abuse. Then the other MC, Hector, showed up, and he seemed like mostly an okay guy. He was attentive to what he thought Sam really needed, and determined not to push too hard. He wasn't perfect -- and yes, when he slapped Sam I wanted to slap him right back -- but he was trying to do the right thing. I could live with that, even when Sam's need to submit made me uncomfortable.

Then, gradually, Hector got more controlling and less interested in understanding Sam, and Sam just kept right on being obsessed with Hector and being the perfect sub. And Hector never even considered apologizing when he did things that were obviously Wrong with a capital W. I got angry with the book. "What do you think you're doing??" I would project at the author. "You're feeding the very worst of the all-powerful Dom tropes!"

Even during this time, though, I thought the "gods" were very interesting. It was all through this section that it became most obvious that those "gods" might actually be all in Sam's head. Good mind games there. In fundamentals, these gods were stolen straight from Gaiman's American Gods, and thus might be dismissed as a ripoff. But the twists that 1. they were very personal gods to Sam, and dependent on him in particular; and 2. they might actually be imaginary, kept them interesting.

But back to the plot. The crisis finally came. Hector didn't believe Sam even when Sam CALLED for Hector and Hector SAW Sam fighting Marcus -- and Hector essentially kidnapped Sam, leaving him stranded with no clothes in a hotel room. And Sam became suicidal. I thought to myself "ah-hah, self, Jay Lygon may be getting ready to say something interesting here. Look how he's actually making the romantic lead into the Bad Guy. He's actually acknowledging and even **emphasizing** the dangers of this type of relationship. He's showing us just how insidious abuse can be, and how it can sneak in there even when the Bad Guy doesn't have bad intentions. Stick with it, self."

Then we had the intervention, with Sam's friends and the "gods". And look! Hector actually came to **understand** what he had been doing, and **volunteered** to back off and work to earn Sam's trust again. Good for him! Learning all around! Respect for the sub! Recognition that Doms can be abusive even when the abuse is emotional instead of physical! No instant cures! Work required to improve!

And then -- and then -- Jay Lygon had to go and "fix" everything with the Magic Penis(TM). Sex solves everything, right?? Instead of backing off, instead of *working* to change, Hector ends up isolating Sam YET AGAIN, BRANDING him fercrissake, having anal sex with him for the very first time, and instantly heals all the emotional wounds he's caused and makes up for all the bad things he's been doing by fucking it out of Sam. The Magic Penis(TM) to the rescue, right??

AAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHH. The laptop was in serious danger of hitting the wall at that point.
(hide spoiler)]

So -- I have no idea how to rate this book. If I rated different sections, my section ratings would vary from 1 to 4 stars. 3 stars is too mediocre a rating to acknowledge the highs and lows of the book, 1 star ignores the highs, and 4 stars ignores the lows. Sigh.

For now, at least, no rating!(less)

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Oct 27, 2012 Kaje Harper rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdsm, m-m, intense, paranormal

This book is wonderfully imaginative - for a long time I debated whether the paranormal aspects were all in the head of Sam, the narrator, or whether this was true urban fantasy. Sam is a wonderful character. His past relationship with an abusive Dom shades much of his daily life, from his fears about places he might meet his ex, Marcus, to his moments of panic. And his insistence that this is all minor and he is really fine, rings painfully true. I adored Sam.

Hector, the new Dom who takes him o...more

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Mar 17, 2012 Kerry rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-book-own, m-m, bdsm, fantasy

Having just read the reviews for this book, I can see that I am in the minority as to my opinion. And, I don't think that I'll be able to adequately describe why I'm only giving this book 2 stars, but I'll try.

Sam is trying to get over his past abusive relationship with Marcus. He thinks that he has found the perfect Dom in Hector, but no matter what Sam does to please Hector, Hector is rarely satisfied. And as Sam's frustration grows, so does my own. I felt no love between the characters. I wo...more

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Jan 29, 2011 Emanuela ~plastic duck~ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Emanuela ~plastic duck~ by: Shanna

Shelves: bdsm-power-exchange-slave, rainbow-gay, glbt, urban-fantasy, romance

I rarely begin a review without knowing what I want to say, but this time I really don't know. It's a beautiful book, for me it was impossible to put it down once I started it.

First of all, the world building is awesome: Gods may be your friends, they live around you, you recognize them, you worship them and you pray for them and they are really living your life with you. They are a constant presence in Sam's life, helping him through the bad times and guiding him to what is good for him.

Then, t...more I rarely begin a review without knowing what I want to say, but this time I really don't know. It's a beautiful book, for me it was impossible to put it down once I started it.

First of all, the world building is awesome: Gods may be your friends, they live around you, you recognize them, you worship them and you pray for them and they are really living your life with you. They are a constant presence in Sam's life, helping him through the bad times and guiding him to what is good for him.

Then, the narrator, Sam, is awesome. He's full of energy, a sexual magnet, but he is also alone and confused. He can't get over the abuse of Marcus, one of his previous lovers, and his fear on one side and the lack of control over his mind on the other lead him to look for a lover who can dominate him and through submission and pain take him to a place inside his mind where he is at peace and comfortable. Maybe it's to be expected that even his new relationship with the well-meaning Hector ends up bordering on abuse.

I didn't like Hector. He's very jealous and possessive and he accuses Sam time and again of cheating on him. This is Hector's weakness, his previous subs cheated on him and therefore he's afraid this will happen again, but I don't like to see Doms so insecure. It had nothing to do with questioning his own Dominance, I don't know if I can explain it, but he gave me the idea that he was more of a control freak than a Dom. I also think that in the end it was Sam who solved his own problems, it had little to do with Hector.

I'll go back to Sam right now and to how he made me cry in his wanderings inside the tea-house in his mind. His hurt is so real that I could feel his pain and I would have done anything to make him feel better. He has an incredible voice, so funny sometimes, but also terse. I liked the way his thoughts and desires were laid out in front of the reader, but no one should be experience that level of panic and hurt. The desire to please Hector in order to be loved and protected and cherished and praised brings him to a dangerous path where Sam risks of losing himself, because he ends up trying to keep himself together and trying to defend his true Self at the cost of becoming a shell. That's where he would have deserved a more considerate Dom, one who would help him and not hurt him and confuse him.

With a better Dom, this book could have been an easy 5-star, but my problems with Hector and the ending which was in my opinion a bit rushed make me rate it 4 stars. I'll read the sequels, because Sam is addictive.(less)

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Jun 11, 2012 Jo * Smut-Dickted * marked it as to-read

Recommended to Jo * Smut-Dickted * by: Susan

Shelves: bdsm, m-m, to-read-kindle, 2012-a-to-z-author-m-m-challenge, bdsm-gbc-to-pick-from, qgbc-q2-2012-chosen, dnf, potential-bdsm-group-read, rrc-challenge-of-challenges

I'm doing something I rarely do and that's leave a sort of review before I've finished. For all that everyone and their mother I know who has read this loves it I am really fighting myself to finish.

I'm quite sure I'm as frustrated as Sam at this point at about 40% in. To be honest I'm not seeing Hector as any great Dom. In fact I don't even think he's a very good Dom most of the time. Although I do participate in a BDSM lifestyle and I certainly read a ton of kinky books (of all types from tam...more

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Jun 23, 2012 Bookwatcher ~Mary MooCow~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: D&S readers, BDSM readers

Recommended to Bookwatcher ~Mary MooCow~ by: no one, I need some kinky and got it

Shelves: glbt-gay, erotica, bdsm, paranormal-romance, magic

It took me one day to decide if I would give 1 or 5 stars

so yeah, to start this review I must said it... it's an amazing book, very intense BUT it's a love/hate situation. You will feel it too, I know it... but in my modest opinion it worth my time and money, so now got all the series and want to read more.

The plot
Sam is a mess. He just got out from an abuser and find (maybe) the perfect man to him... Hector... the dream of any sub... The famous dom... Hector... and he is the reason I almost h...more

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Sep 12, 2010 Tam rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, other-paranormal, wizards-magic

I got this because Chris recommended the series. This is book 1. Sam is a sub who has recovered from a bad beating his ex gave him nearly killing him. He prays to his gods for a perfect top and is a bit dismayed to find him. He doesn’t like to be touched outside of sex. He wants to be dominated hard, then leave and not let anyone close. Hector is a well-known top who takes him on and is determined to break through. Once he finally gets Sam to explain why he’s having panic attacks he is even more...more

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Mar 25, 2009 Elisa Ramblings added it

All right, I can't explain well what this book is like and what it has left to me. It's chaotic, energy, fantasy, fear, pain, pleasure... all mixed up in an huge melting pot.

Sam is a twenty-something years old guy who wants with all himself a Master in his life; he needs him, he craves him. He wants sex, yes, but not only, he wants to be dominate by someone, to be controlled. But he is just escaped from an abusive partner, that still manages to influence him and prevents him to find a real part...more

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Jan 21, 2012 M rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: topping-like-a-boss, paranorm-miscellany

I've been meaning to read this book for ages, but I couldn't get past the awful, awful MS Paint, eye-gouging-out cover. But then I read it on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. It's a cute little mixing of the kinky with the divine. It's also quite well written and I was never bored. I'd have given it full marks but, Sam, the main guy, was kind of a sulky wimp for quite a lot of the book. That being said, the other characters were great. And Hector, wow, you've got to love a growly, sexy, inte...more

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Apr 11, 2011 Jenre rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, paranormal, romance

This paranormal story is about a young witch, Sam, who has just escaped from an abusive relationship with Marcus and is seeking to get back into the dating scene. He's a submissive and he thinks he's found his match in Dom, Hector. However, Hector's jealousy and the fact that Marcus keeps stalking Sam threatens not only their relationship but also Sam's fragile peace of mind.

What worked for me was the way that the story looked at abusive relationships within the BDSM community, and also provide...more

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Oct 29, 2012 Shannon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: not-lendable

Fucking fantastic. Such an eloquence, huh? This book had me hooked literally from page one. Was I confused a bit of the time? You bet. Did I care? Not so much. The entire book was like living inside Sam's messed up head and what a fascinating ride. He's a total pain slut and proud of it which made for some really hot scenes. Made me smile, made me tear up, made my chest ache. Loved it!! Thanks to Jase for picking it for me. :D

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Nov 29, 2010 Stefanie139 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm-bdsm, excellent

I liked it when I first read it. I loved it after the second time. The first time, I had trouble with the mythology theme. Sam is such a rich character - daring and scared, young and wise, sweet and sassy - all rolled into one adorable package. Hector is as flawed a strict sadistic dominant as it gets without becoming heartless. The sequels aren't bad, either, but his one is the best of the trilogy. Great character development.

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title link	preview: Chaos Magic
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2690606-chaos-magic?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355860604l/2690606.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2690606-chaos-magic?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Chaos Magic by Jay Lygon[/url]

Chaos Magic (Gods and Chaos #1)

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