Tatterdemalion (Foundations of Magic, #1)

May 30, 2011 MsMiz (Tina) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: glbt-all, kindle-mobi

For lack of a better review, this was fantastic. So much going on and yet left me satisfied and wanting more at the same time. I have questions, a ton of them actually. It was like being dropped in the middle of a scene, with no back story. Not that it is bad, just I want more - bigger picture information - oh and I want more Dane and Lindsay!

like 7 likes · see review

May 18, 2010 Kassa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

4.5 stars

Tatterdemalion apparently means a person wearing ragged or tattered clothes, which is an apt description of the rather large main character Dane. Here the book plays on a really beloved pairing of the physically big, grunting man that is surprisingly tender and gentle with the tiny, cuddling but stubborn boy turned man. This is a combo that’s been used and abused so poorly in the past that the characters have been bad stereotypes in many, many novels. Yet here the great writing and real...more 4.5 stars

Tatterdemalion apparently means a person wearing ragged or tattered clothes, which is an apt description of the rather large main character Dane. Here the book plays on a really beloved pairing of the physically big, grunting man that is surprisingly tender and gentle with the tiny, cuddling but stubborn boy turned man. This is a combo that’s been used and abused so poorly in the past that the characters have been bad stereotypes in many, many novels. Yet here the great writing and really skillful handling shines through in creating a fabulously entertaining and incredibly satisfying start to what has to be a series.

The plot sets up the urban fantasy setting with mostly a modern atmosphere but with the inclusion of magic and mages. There are several kinds of mages and whenever there is something different, there is the evil group that is doing medical experiments on them. Thankfully the story kept this element both realistic and interesting by showing Lindsay at the beginning of the story as he is subjected to the experiments of his captors while they attempt to subdue his magic ability. This is just a quick scene and shouldn’t bother readers but will definitely accomplish its goal in quickly immersing the reader into the setting and creating sympathy for the broken, tortured young man in Lindsay. This thread is carried throughout the book as the group attempts to re-capture Lindsay while he and the misfit group he’s joined are trying to heal Lindsay’s magic.

The quick pace is not always even and trips in a few places. For example, the first excursion into the forest slows the pace and I actually put the book down, somewhat bored, but after that the story picks up pretty quickly again. There are a few more stumbles as the plot makes some odd twists and turns and throws details in during odd scenes but the engaging narrator and great characters carry the story and keep it interesting regardless. This is helped with the solid world building that is really good yet creates noticeable holes and some confusion. Part of this is the inherent difficulty in trying to explain magic and how certain events can happen so the story takes the right road in not even trying. This may require you to simply go with the flow of things but it’s worth it.

The characters are really engaging and as I said at the start, they play on well known types that could have been horrible but with the excellent writing and deft touch, they come across as fabulous. Lindsay is the tortured young illusion mage from the beginning, lost and weak but he gradually grows mental and physical strength. In some ways he’s the classic small bottom character as he’s constantly snuggling, cuddling, tucking up against Dane’s larger presence. Lindsay’s tiny stature is emphasized frequently against Dane’s physically imposing body just as Lindsay’s quiet pout is often shown with Dane’s tender care and gruff affection. A nice change from predictable men is that Lindsey is definitely the sexual instigator. Dane is not shy at all but Lindsey goes after what he wants, which leads to some incredibly hot and squirm making sex scenes.

Some of this could be over the top and may annoy some since it happens almost all the time. Dane is frequently comforting and touching Lindsay, who seeks Dane out for their connection and feeling of safety. I found it really likable and adorable, even as Dane is not meant to be cute in that way. I liked Dane’s gruff, standoffish manner but protective and considerate of Lindsay. They may not be the most exciting and new of characters at their core but there is something incredibly satisfying and enjoyable about both of them plus with just enough new details to keep them interesting. There are no declarations of undying love either but quiet confidence that they’ll be together. As seen in the following snippet when Lindsay sees Dane’s room for the first time:

It was so different from the room they’d given to Lindsay. Where Lindsay’s room was furnished and ornate, with a large fireplace to keep it warm, Dane’s was spartan. It was definitely Dane’s, though. Lindsay’s room could have been mistaken for anyone’s—there were no personal items but his clothes. In Dane’s room, the books and the furniture had obviously been gathered over years, each thing kept because it mattered. And here Lindsay was, with all the rest of the things Dane wanted to keep.

The ending is left somewhat hanging with the threat from the military organization still present and the colorful cast of characters creates a great start for more stories. Dane shines as the incredibly stubborn, tortured mage with his own redemption on the horizon while Lindsay will no doubt charm readers and wiggle his way into their hearts. It doesn’t really matter that this may not be perfect because it’s that much fun to read with a satisfying and pretty romantic ending. The gritty urban fantasy setting is detailed enough to engage fans of the genre while the mixture of romance, action, magic, and hot sex delivers a simply great story. Get this as soon as it’s available.(less)

like 6 likes · see review

Aug 22, 2010 Bookwatcher ~Mary MooCow~ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: M/M paranormal-romance readers

Shelves: glbt-gay, magic, paranormal-romance, beauty-and-beast-theme

WOW!

I'm surprised! I enjoy so much Lindsay and Dane love story!
I could give 5 stars but there was a little problem...

****Deserve 5 stars because....****

I like so much all the mages details and how the magic was explain! I keep reading without stop mesmerized but the action, suspense and romantic scenes of this book.
And, the incredible sweet grow of affection between the two main character is perfect! Dane will try to fight against this love (it's not a homophobic fear, but a fear of get invol...more

like 2 likes · see review

Aug 17, 2012 Mammarella rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm, mm-shifters, mm-contemporary, mm-fantasy, mm-hurt-comfort, mm-on-the-run, mm-winter

I don't know what happened here. I read both Slow Bloom and Uneven and in comparison to them this is an utter chaos.
It has all of the elements of a potentially great story, but there are lot of things missing (like two prequels, for example) and there are a lot of things that do not need to be in the book at all.

Some of the "WTH" moments:
(view spoiler)...more

like 2 likes · see review

Oct 15, 2012 Charly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Little hard to follow at times, but an interesting story overall

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

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- The first scene is both exciting and unusual, so I was hooked right from the start. The plot continued to keep me entertained all the way through to the end, simply because it’s a little different than anything I’ve read before.
- The hurt/comfort storyline is done very well here. Dane is strong and wild almost constantly except for when Lindsa...more Little hard to follow at times, but an interesting story overall

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

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- The first scene is both exciting and unusual, so I was hooked right from the start. The plot continued to keep me entertained all the way through to the end, simply because it’s a little different than anything I’ve read before.
- The hurt/comfort storyline is done very well here. Dane is strong and wild almost constantly except for when Lindsay is with him; then he’s tender and gentle and reassuring.
- These authors are good at illustrating concepts rather than simply telling the reader, “This is the way it was.” The first chapter, for example, does an excellent job of showing how powerful Lindsay’s magic is without ever actually saying that he’s powerful.
- I loved that Dane isn’t a devilishly good-looking character. I thought he was incredibly sexy, but that projection comes entirely from his thoughts and actions, not from his physical appearance (which is hulking and fierce and even a little frightening).

CONS:
- Crow and Fox do a really good job of showing Lindsay’s desire for Dane as it grows and becomes almost unmanageable. They show almost none of that with Dane, though (at least not until well into the story). He’s possessive of Lindsay, but it’s in an animalistic, marking-my-territory sort of way. For the first half of the book, at least, I was under the impression that Dane was basically just tolerating Lindsay (or at most, dallying with him because it was convenient).
- I found the story difficult to follow at times. Some things aren’t explained very clearly, and the men’s conversations often seem jumpy and disjointed. There are statements like this throughout the book, for instance--“Did you…before you told me?”--and sometimes the meaning is clear from the context, but other times I was left wondering, “Did he…what? Before he told you…what?”

Overall comments: This is a classic example of a “Chick with Brick” story: change Lindsay’s anatomy, and he could easily be a stereotypical Damsel in Distress. I enjoy such stories just fine; this is simply a warning to other readers who find them annoying--Lindsay is quite helpless on more than one occasion, and Dane routinely pets his lover and carries him around, refers to Lindsay as “little bunny,” etc. The book is also dark and has its fair share of violence, but I didn’t find those scenes overwhelmingly graphic. The descriptions of the violence get the point across without lingering unnecessarily.(less)

like · see review

Jun 17, 2012 Tam rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: wizards-magic

Dane is a cursed shifter whose mage “boss” sends him to rescue a young mage who has been held against his will when his rich political family decided they wanted him “cured” of his magic. He’s basically been tortured and experimented on for two years. Dane is then assigned to take charge of Lindsay and help him get his magic fixed and thus begins their journey to Germany, Mexico, back and home all while trying to stay one or two steps ahead of the bad guys who are determined to get Lindsay back....more

like 1 like · see review

Feb 27, 2012 cecily rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: glbt-lgbt

The story started out well, with poor Lindsey being tortured and then poor Lindsey escaping, I was interested in his sad sob story. Then Dane was introduced and I even liked him too.. Both Characters though I didn't get that special connection that is so vital at the beginning of a book. It felt like I was missing information on them both. Not to mention that the characters arn't consistent and I don't like how they interact unrealistically. (view spoiler)...more

like 1 like · see review

Dec 04, 2010 Elisa Ramblings added it · review of another edition

This is a luscious urban fantasy story that reminded me one of my favorite tv fiction, the one with a leo man living in an underground New York City. And I think the authors wanted also to play a bit with old legends and modern romance: the two main characters are a shapeshifter leo (even if until the end the reader and the other man is not understanding exactly what type of leo and how magical he is), Dane, who is gentle and caring, and as the hero of my youth favorite tv show, even if he has a...more This is a luscious urban fantasy story that reminded me one of my favorite tv fiction, the one with a leo man living in an underground New York City. And I think the authors wanted also to play a bit with old legends and modern romance: the two main characters are a shapeshifter leo (even if until the end the reader and the other man is not understanding exactly what type of leo and how magical he is), Dane, who is gentle and caring, and as the hero of my youth favorite tv show, even if he has a royal presence and attitude, he is indead almost a servant of other characters; the other man, boy, is fragile and delicate in body and name, Lindsay, and he is the one Dane has to protect and cherish.

To play along with the imaginery, and to a point that reminded me almost a Fedro or Esopo’s fable, Dane is a leo and he calls Lindsay little bunny; moreover Cyrus, the man who seems to have power on Dane’s actions, asks Dane to take care of Lindsay, basically he is asking to a leo to take care of a bunny, it’s like a mythical temptation, exactly like in those fables of above. The animal metaphor is subdetly used again when Dane and Lindsay, for most part of the book, instead of having sex, are mostly cuddling: better Lindsay is searching for Dane’s big body like a shelter, a comfort blanket, a source of warm and protection; and Lindsay is like the little bunny who, unaware of the hazard of being near a leo, awakes the sleeping leo.

I think this novel was mostly concentrated around Lindsay: not only he is younger, and still in a developing phase, but he is the one who has to learn about his power and gain enough self-esteem to be a right companion to the big leo. Dane is a little of a mystery, but the mystery is right with his character: a leo has that aurea around him, of royal power, but indead, what exactly a leo does, if not protect his relatives, only if strictly necessary, lazly sleep and make love to his partner? It’s not the leo who has to do most of the work, basically his task is to protect and being strong for his dear ones.

As often in the urban fantasy with a New York setting, the story has a “gothic” feeling, that is strengthened by the habitat where Dane is living and Lindsay is brought; a big mansion with multiple floors, strange inhabitants; even when Dane and Lindsay go out, in the daylight, the feeling was always of a gloomy day and the idea was confirmed by the revelation of Dane “true” nature. The authors managed to mix different sources, mythological, fairy, gothic, and created a good melting pot that has plently of cues for other adventures.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1609280822/?...(less)

like 1 like · see review

Aug 23, 2010 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Some books are light, fun while they last, and a month later I don't really remember them. Then there's a book like Tatterdemalion, which I will remember.

Both protagonists are broken, and happily that damage, while heavy-duty, doesn't quite have the quality of baggage for the sake of baggage. The damage and the overcoming of it are integral to the evolution of the story. Dane, a gryphon shifter, inhabits a tattered body that can no longer shift. He is caught in between forms by broken magic (a c...more Some books are light, fun while they last, and a month later I don't really remember them. Then there's a book like Tatterdemalion, which I will remember.

Both protagonists are broken, and happily that damage, while heavy-duty, doesn't quite have the quality of baggage for the sake of baggage. The damage and the overcoming of it are integral to the evolution of the story. Dane, a gryphon shifter, inhabits a tattered body that can no longer shift. He is caught in between forms by broken magic (a curse?). He has lived long, seen much; he has a tired, spent quality to him that Crow and Fox manage to keep the right side of maudlin.

Lindsay, a human mage, has lost to abuse of a research variety the critical years of his life that otherwise would have seen him fulfill the transition from child to young man. He was betrayed by his family, then held captive and subjected to brutal testing for two years. He is emotionally broken - in many ways, still a child - and his magic is broken.

But Lindsay is necessary (for some reason we never learn in this book), presumably as a vital link in a conflict (the dimensions of which we do not learn) between two groups (the ultimate purposes and motivations of which we never learn). Dane is sent to rescue Lindsay, and later is charged with protecting and healing him.

The two gradually fall in love, and the progression of those feelings is sweetly handled. As is the sexual expression of them. The two heal each other in a variety of ways. Through Lindsay, Dane grasps a desire to restore himself; through Dane, Lindsay embraces his manhood and independent agency.

It's much easier to understand why Lindsay is drawn to this big, shambling but beautiful creature, as we are more often seeing the story from Linsay's POV. I'm less certain why Dane lets down his shields, though his growing desire to protect Lindsay is a big factor, and although on the surface they both agree Lindsay "belongs" to Dane, it is often Dane who ultimately longs to give Lindsay anything Lindsay wants. While Lindsay is the "receiver" throughout, what subtly develops between them is not your classic top/bottom relationship. I, like other readers, would have loved more of Dane's perspective in the story.

The world combines real-world settings as well as a magical place in the Black Forest. Magic lives alongside regular humans. There's a lot about this world that is not revealed - the conflict, who all the players are, why this is happening - but what is revealed appears carefully placed like a breadcrumb trail. Thankfully, there are no lengthy expositions detailing history and mechanics and psychologies. If this is indeed the first in a series, I hardly mind this. I'm more than content to go with the flow. If we never see the next in the series, I'm going to feel disappointed, because while Dane and Lindsay achieve a satisfying place between them, there are many loose threads.

Supporting characters are interesting, even though we don't always have an understanding of why they behave as they do. There aren't many cardboard caricatures here--even the "bad" guys have hints of depth.

The writing ranks among the best I've read in this genre. I had the rare editing quibble, and there's a fair amount of description, but I didn't feel the description ever set me outside the ambiance of the narrative. Overall, the pacing is very good; most things don't happen too fast for the flow (arguably the final capture/escape happens a little too quickly).

But it is the delightful deftness by which the authors grow this relationship that ultimately wins me over. An intriguing world, a beautiful love story, all well-written ... works for me! I yearn for the next installment.(less)

like · see review

Jul 02, 2010 Angel Martinez rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Oh. My. Goodness. This is actually a 4.5

Are you looking for an easy, unchallenging read, full of cliches? Then do not read this book. Are you looking for the same old tired m/m plot lines? Then don't read this book. Do you need to have everything explained to you upfront in great, info-dumping detail? Have all your questions answered? Then Don't Read This Book.

From the first heart-pounding scene to the last, Tatterdemalion seizes the reader in both taloned fists and refuses to let go. Action and...more Oh. My. Goodness. This is actually a 4.5

Are you looking for an easy, unchallenging read, full of cliches? Then do not read this book. Are you looking for the same old tired m/m plot lines? Then don't read this book. Do you need to have everything explained to you upfront in great, info-dumping detail? Have all your questions answered? Then Don't Read This Book.

From the first heart-pounding scene to the last, Tatterdemalion seizes the reader in both taloned fists and refuses to let go. Action and violence enough to satisfy the adventure-lover, sex both tender and heated to satisfy the erotic lover, and world building enough, ah, yes, to satisfy the fantasy lover.

World building. So often lost in erotic romance or scattered about in such scant and negligent detail to feel almost insulting. Not. Here. Breathe it in. Let it take you. The fairy house in the woods was painted in such wonderful detail. The grime and grit of alleys. The anthill scurry and anxiety of airports. I'm so often busy analyzing that I forget to enjoy. I enjoyed, and often became anxious, actually Anxious for the characters, so much so that I snapped at my family to go away during tense scenes.

The characters? On the surface, you may think you see the classic m/m romance couple - Big Tough Man and little pretty man (boy). Ah, but it's only surface. Our Alpha is not cast from the typical mold - Dane is damaged and confused by human interaction more often than not. And Lindsay, though horribly broken in mind and spirit, is hardly the cringing flower in need of constant rescue. The growth, together and separately, was both satisfying and believable. There's enough left open at the end where there could be more, but I didn't feel it was necessary. If the writers want to leave us there, I'm content.

There were a couple of pacing oddities, but these were minor bumps and I did sort of cock my head to the side like a puzzled terrier when Lindsay never really confronts that fact that he killed a heck of a lot of people. He understands it was horrible, though it was a desperate sort of accident on his part, but he sort of holds the knowledge at arms' length, I thought.

Want some lovely writing and a ripping good story? Want characters who get to keep some of their secrets and who dare you not to fall in love with them? Read. This. Book.(less)

like 3 likes · see review

Jul 03, 2010 Rhianon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, urban-dark-fantasy, romance

Despite a title that makes me stumble and flail every time I try to read/pronounce it, this is an amazingly written book. Coauthors Crow and Fox write seamlessly together.
The only regret I have is that there wasn't more of the story told from Dane's POV. It was rare and beautiful and I enjoyed his character tremendously. It is also my only beef with the story. The segments of Dane's POV are so few, only present when they serve to further the main plot, not the subplot, the reader is left with on...more

like · see review

Mar 12, 2012 JustJen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, mm, ebook

This one surprised me a bit. I really enjoyed it. There was a nice long buildup to Dane and Lindsay's relationship. It was not until around page 100 that they actually too their relationship further. There was so much going on throughout this story. I found myself constatantly trying to figure things out. You don't find out until almost the end what Dane actually is, and the circumstances surrounding his issues are still a little unclear to me, as is his relationship with Cryus and Ezqel.

Lindsa...more

like · see review

Aug 08, 2011 Jaime rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, paranormal

It takes a lot of imagination to create a fantasy world. It takes even more to make our existing world fantastical but still believable. That is what these authors have done. It's not wholly original - in fact, it reminded me a great deal of the movie "Push", only with magic taking the place of psychic gifts - but it is done very well. I enjoyed that movie, and this book. Magic exists and the government tries to control those who can wield it - for the good of all, of course. The story opens wit...more

like · see review

May 22, 2010 Jenre rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, m-m, romance

Tatterdemalion begins in frightening fashion. Lindsay, the young hero of the book has been captured and institutionalised. He’s a mage who has been handed over by his parents to be ‘cured’. This treatment involves keeping Lindsay drugged and subjecting him to horrific testing that leaves him outwardly in pain but inwardly numb, his magic trapped and broken inside him. When things go wrong, Lindsay escapes, only to be rescued by Dane, a twisted shifter mage whose magic is also broken, almost beyo...more Tatterdemalion begins in frightening fashion. Lindsay, the young hero of the book has been captured and institutionalised. He’s a mage who has been handed over by his parents to be ‘cured’. This treatment involves keeping Lindsay drugged and subjecting him to horrific testing that leaves him outwardly in pain but inwardly numb, his magic trapped and broken inside him. When things go wrong, Lindsay escapes, only to be rescued by Dane, a twisted shifter mage whose magic is also broken, almost beyond repair. Together the two men travel to Europe to see what effect the tests have had on Lindsay’s magic and whether he can be made whole again.

On the surface there are several well loved themes running through this book, especially in terms of the characterisation. There’s the ‘beauty and the beast’ theme, with young and pretty Lindsay falling in love with the bestial Dane. There’s also the theme of protector/protected as the physically imposing and stronger Dane cares for the smaller, weaker Lindsay who Dane affectionately calls his ‘little bunny’. If that were all there was to the characterisation then this book would not be graded as highly as it is. Instead the book takes these well known themes and adds a twist to them. Dane may be physically stronger than Lindsay, but both of them are broken. Dane’s magic has been twisted causing his rough hewn appearance and an inability to shift, so he’s almost stuck half way between beast and man. Lindsay’s magic is stuck as well, hidden inside him and he is unable to use it without great physical pain. This levels the field a little in terms of their relationship, as they both try and fail to save each other using their broken magic. The way that the two men change through the story, with Lindsay recovering from his ordeal at the institution and changes in Dane too, which I don’t want to go into for fear of spoilers, means that by the end of the book the two men are almost equal, if not in age and experience, then in terms of ability. At the beginning of the book Dane is ‘assigned’ Lindsay to take care of, giving him all the control in the relationship, especially as Lindsay falls quickly for Dane, the only person who has ever shown him any affection. Yet as the book ends, it is Lindsay who holds much of the emotional power and I liked how this shift had been so gradual, so integral to the story, that it wasn’t until the end that I realised it had happened.

The story itself moves swiftly from place to place, keeping a pacey feel to the book. There was a nice balance of action sequences, emotionally laden scenes and quiet moments so that the story kept my interest and pushed me onwards towards the conclusion. Not all the questions in this book are answered, especially in terms of what happens to certain characters and some of the back story of the characters and how they affect Dane in particular. As this is the first book in a series, I didn’t mind that so much. In fact, it made me interested as to who will feature in the next book and how their story will intertwine with Dane and Lindsay and the events in this book.

If I had any problems with this book it was that because the focus is solely on Dane and Lindsay, some of the world building is only really hinted at. I hungered for more information about the mages, how they operated, who the mysterious Cyrus and the equally mysterious Ezqel really are and how they fit with each other. I also wanted to know more about the enemy, Jonas the shifter and ‘the girl’ Lourdes and why they are against Cyrus. Other questions about the institution where Lindsay is held at the beginning of the novel were not answered either. I’m hoping these are all questions which will be answered in subsequent books in the series, otherwise I may feel cheated.

Having said that, because the focus is on Lindsay and Dane, this book provides a richness of romance, as we follow the two heroes on their way to love. The sex scenes were beautifully erotic, and the tenderness between the pair was palpable. I really liked the way that they grow into their feelings for each other, the shift and change as they move from mere acquaintances, bound by duty and thankfulness, into deeper feelings and I left them at the end of the book, satisfied with the outcome to their romance.

If you are looking for an unusual paranormal story with a strong romantic plot then you can’t go much wrong with this book and I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommended.(less)

like 6 likes · see review

Feb 13, 2013 k reads rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2013

Just didn't do it for me. I found the world building murky. What were the bad guys trying to achieve with all the kidnapping and torture? What was the end game? And who exactly were the good guys. Were they just a group of like-abled folk who had banded together against the baddies in order to survive or did they have a bigger purpose? And how did magic fit into this world. Was it something hidden from the general populace or was it common knowledge but feared?
The romance failed to hook me. It w...more

like · see review

Jul 20, 2010 Betryal rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.5 Star

A man of few words and many grunts, Dane, a lion, shape shifter or other since I still haven’t quite figured it out, till the end when all was revealed to me and he is written truly as the beast he’s being portrayed as in this book. The way he’s written from his dark, ruggedly handsome looks too his height and build, right down to his vocabulary when he converses and his tenderness for Lindsay is a very admirable trait for such a man as he. It just worked for me. It’s a shame that in her...more 3.5 Star

A man of few words and many grunts, Dane, a lion, shape shifter or other since I still haven’t quite figured it out, till the end when all was revealed to me and he is written truly as the beast he’s being portrayed as in this book. The way he’s written from his dark, ruggedly handsome looks too his height and build, right down to his vocabulary when he converses and his tenderness for Lindsay is a very admirable trait for such a man as he. It just worked for me. It’s a shame that in here he’s treated as a pet by most yet not by some. He could have been appreciated more which I found frustrating. He’s a great big lovable guy.

Lindsay on the other hand is charming even though he is broken by the two years of torture and abuse he’d sustained at the hands of sadistic assholes who I had felt didn’t give worth a damn for him, but rather for their own gain. I got the impression by this institute where his folks, caring more of their own image than their child, had him committed to be ‘fixed’ of his magical mage tendencies that at first assumption it reminded me of those institutes or rather brainwashing places to fix you of being gay. The high quality similarities drew me in that direction. Lindsay if not very shy and timid is lovable and cute.

Dane hesitates in his growing feelings for Lindsay because of the consequences should he soil him, but Lindsay more than makes his feelings clear to Dane and they forsaken all others as they reach out and express themselves, express their growing feelings and discover what they both have been missing. Their bond is strong and they compliment one another in comfort, trust and support each other.

The downside: There were at times I tended to zone in and out of the story. You’ll find it very descriptive throughout and I had moments where I wasn’t sure what I was reading and had to backtracks my steps and reread them. Simple read yet very much filled with fantasy of epic proportions that made me loopy. Demons, mages, wizards and fae fill the words of these pages in the adventure to make Lindsay right and whole again in his magic, body and soul.

The upside: There was the possibility threat for me that there was on more than one occasion the potential to exploit a m/f sexual encounter, but this was handled with such discretion and care that it was kept closeted and hidden behind closed doors. Much to my relief the insinuation that this occurred was there but the details were left unknown and to the imagination. Thanks to both authors and I commend you both for pulling this off for us readers that abhor these types of scenes in gay novels. Two thumbs up.
(less)

like 1 like · see review

Sep 07, 2011 Fangtasia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The main characters could have been a cliché, Lindsay the abused boy, Dane the beast, yet they manage to get beyond the basic premise and engage the reader. You want to be witness to their redemption, you cheer when they move forward, cry when they have doubts or setbacks, bite your nailes when they are in danger, and in the end, enjoy their HEA. The universe they inhabit is richly detailed and believable. The secondary characters are never expendable.

For some reason, though, I felt like there w...more

like 1 like · see review

Oct 17, 2010 Ami rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm-fantasy-paranormal-futuristic, mm-wizards-mages

I grabbed this book because several people on my list give it at least 4 stars -- and I wholeheartedly agree with this.

The story of Lindsay and Dane just breaks my heart. Lindsay is so broken after the abuse that he suffers from and seeing him slowly grown into somebody that is strong enough, from a boy to a young man, touches my heart. And then, Dane, his rescuer, the one standing on Lindsay's side every step of the way. Oh, they're breaking my heart! Honestly, I don't really pay attention to...more

like 3 likes · see review

Jun 18, 2012 Shaz rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm, mm-shifters, mm-sci-fi-fantasy

This was an interesting (but not an easy) read. Definitely outside the usual fare that's offered. We are introduced to two damaged MC's. Their relationship is slow in building and not an easy road once started. At times I found the way the partnership was described slightly annoying; the strength of one and the neediness and insecurity of the other, but this wasn't enough to put me off the story.

I loved the world building. It was set in a modern time in RL settings, but with magic and an old-wor...more

like 1 like · see review

Jun 07, 2011 Anita rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm not the greatest at giving reviews but I'll try my best on this one. This one involves an urban fantasy world. It involves a lot of magic and the dangers surrounding that magic. The mages are in danger from a government group that is interested in experimenting and using their magic for nefarious purposes. The main characters are Dane, a lion shifter, who is assigned to collect and protect Lindsay, a young mage who has been held captive and experimented on by the government group. This story...more

like · see review

Jun 14, 2012 Evaine rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, m-m, e-books

Truthfully, 3.5 stars.

This was a good read. The fantasy/urban fantasy elements were good even if I would have liked them explained a little better. Maybe this comes in later books, but I would have liked to understand why some people have magic and others don't. I also would have liked more insight into exactly what Dane, Cyrus, Vivian, Lourdes, Ezkal et al really are. And exactly how Lindsay fits in with them. You know... it's almost like reading a fanfic when you don't know much about the ori...more

like · see review

Sep 10, 2011 ♆ BookAddict ~ La Crimson Femme rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to ♆ BookAddict by: Dee Wy

Shelves: m-m, bdsm, magic, shifters, demons, challenge-mm-gang-bang, non-lendable-kindle

I am so confused. I like Anah Crow's book, Uneven. This one didn't do it as much for me. I don't know if I missed the first book or what is going on. I've pieced together some of the history, but I'm left with all these questions that make me go, WHAT ON EARTH!?

I did like Dane ~ the shifter who was cursed. He is someone I could definitely like and want to be around. Lindsay. Gah, the poor bugger. I hope he controls his magic more and then tortures those bastards. Dr. Moore needs to be tortured f...more

like · see review

Apr 27, 2012 Emanuela ~plastic duck~ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: rainbow-gay, glbt, urban-fantasy

Maybe more 3.5 stars, but I'll round up because sometimes the writing was really good and inspired. I also liked the world building, even if I preferred when the action took place in the institute. The beginning was explosive, very very good. Lindsay is strapped to a kind of operating tables were people are experimenting with his magic. He sees a crack in the experiment and he is able to free himself, he runs away and hides in a dumpster. Dane, a man whose magic is broken, is sent to rescue him....more

like · see review

Jun 30, 2010 Tam rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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

4.5

Dane is a cursed shifter whose mage “boss” sends him to rescue a young mage who has been held against his will when his rich political family decided they wanted him “cured” of his magic. He’s basically been tortured and experimented on for two years. Dane is then assigned to take charge of Lindsay and help him get his magic fixed and thus begins their journey to Germany, Mexico, back and home all while trying to stay one or two steps ahead of the bad guys who are determined to get Lindsay ba...more

like · see review

Nov 02, 2010 Dlee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I don't like coming of age, shifter or older guy/young guy stories so by all rights I should have stayed far away from this book. But a friend said read it and so I did. And I am glad. The fact that it was a fantasy may have made all my above points moot. Somehow none of it mattered. All that mattered was that Dane and his little bunny were safe. There were lose ends that could have been tied up but were left flapping in the wind. Sequel perhaps? I hope so.

like 1 like · see review

Nov 09, 2010 SaturNalia rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: bye_baby_bye, _its_electric-baby_, oh_boy-baby, don-t_hurt_me-baby

The story started out well, poor Lindsey being tortured and then escaping, I was interested in his story. Then Dane was introduced and I liked him too. So what went wrong? The continuous use of words like; petting, snuggle, and cuddle. Dane kept referring to Lindsey as 'little bunny' and then they have hot sex. Hetero romances aren't this fluffy. The author crafted a dark interesting world and all the fluff ruined it.

like 2 likes · see review

Nov 29, 2011 LdDurham rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, urban-fantasy, m-m-romance

A strange fragment of a tale that still told a whole lot and kept me glued to the pages. It was incredibly intriguing and the words painted such a vivid world that even though I didn't have all the back stories or hardly any answers, I was completely ok with this. I hope there's more, but it was told so well, that I'm ok if I'm left with only what I got. I'll definitely be checking out more from this author.

like · see review

May 26, 2011 Lola rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Pretty cool, but about half way through it got all yaoi like...." OH noes, he doesn't like me...oh wait he does...oh no he doesn't"

-_- This seems to be a common problem with some gay romance. Starts off good then half way through the relationship kicks in and everything goes down hill.

like · see review

Oct 02, 2010 Valentina Heart rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: glbt, glbt-sf-futur-fantasy-paran

The story was good and gripping enough, the characters interesting. It's a book I would definitely recommend.
What made me give it 4 instead of 5 stars is that I found it confusing and unfinished often. Like there was so much more to the story, but somehow it wasn't worth mentioning.
But like I said, it is a great and fun read. Very much worth the time.

like 1 like · see review

Jul 06, 2011 Lynnebaby rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Interesting plot and nice set up for a series. Lindsay was quite fascinating and realistic and Dane was very likeable in a broody sort of way. I hope the next in the series is as enjoyable.

like · see review

title link	preview: Tatterdemalion
avg rating	preview: Tatterdemalion Goodreads rating: 3.75 (416 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8392892-tatterdemalion?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327896690l/8392892.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8392892-tatterdemalion?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Tatterdemalion by Anah Crow[/url]

Tatterdemalion (Foundations of Magic #1)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (2)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Anah Crow

Books by Anah Crow

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Tatterdemalion