When I was done with the Nightrunner series, I thought it would be very difficult to find any other fantasy book with an emphasis on m/m relationships...moreWhen I was done with the Nightrunner series, I thought it would be very difficult to find any other fantasy book with an emphasis on m/m relationships and a contrived plot. So I am glad I found this book. It is a real page-turner, with characters that are complex and vividly portrayed, and a thrilling storyline involving royalty, nobility and the church in a fantasy country. It IS graphic, but the hardcore scenes are not thrown it an random (as happens in many books), but carefully set in all the right places, in a way that holds your breath for hours. Submission is one of the themes, indeed, but so are deep friendship, true affection and man's superstitious, violent nature. This book is perfect for those like me who can't imagine anything better than slash and a good story thrown together! (less)
After reading the first chapters of this book, I really wanted to give up. I was suffering from an explicit hardcore sex and master/slave overdose in...moreAfter reading the first chapters of this book, I really wanted to give up. I was suffering from an explicit hardcore sex and master/slave overdose in no time, plus I didn't like the first-person narrator and main character. But now I am happy that I went on. The story keeps getting better and better in crescendo, and sex -while still central to the plot- gives way to delicious bits of plot that end up winding themselves into a neat vampire story with their passions, vices, ranks and fledgings. So I recommend this to vampire fans who are not taken aback by explicitness, non-con and erm... mind-fuck in various degrees...! It was worth my time and I am looking forward to the second book. (less)
I don't want to rant on and on but I'll tell you why I liked this book. It has superb dialogues, an interesting character evolution, the necessary dos...moreI don't want to rant on and on but I'll tell you why I liked this book. It has superb dialogues, an interesting character evolution, the necessary dose of awesome explicitness (without overdoing it!) and an interesting insight on feelings such as love, lust, betrayal and trust. I'd say it's a must for fantasy readers interested in m/m stories. The music/song motif is also clever and consistent, and it becomes part of the most beautiful scenes. I can't wait for the second book because the cliffhanger at the end made me scratch at my face... (less)
I've read a lot of m/m fantasy books but there's something special about this one. That is, if you can handle (half)incest, abuse and dark fantasy the...moreI've read a lot of m/m fantasy books but there's something special about this one. That is, if you can handle (half)incest, abuse and dark fantasy themes. And somewhat insane character(s). This is not for everyone, but it kept me amused throughtout, and I'm reading the second one because Mr.Ashling really cares about plot building and secondary characters, which is welcome nowadays! So you are not only reading for the smex, but also to know what is going to happen next... (ouch the rhyme...).(less)
This is the third, and probably the best, book of the trilogy. As I was reading, I kept wishing it would never end. (Fortunately, Mr.Ashling has writt...moreThis is the third, and probably the best, book of the trilogy. As I was reading, I kept wishing it would never end. (Fortunately, Mr.Ashling has written more books yey). There are many things that make this trilogy different from any other fantasy/m-m books I've read. The most important one is, the author has a plot. And he builds on it. The story is not an excuse to depict m-m relationships; instead, these add to a great story. He also handles an impressive array of characters, with their worries, unique personality traits, love and hate relationships. Anaxantis would deserve his own review; smart, brave yet full of shadows. The women in the trilogy are strong and resolute, although they are inevitably pushed to the background in the third book (and it's justified, I think). Mr. Ashling doesn't flinch when he describes brutality, gore, rape or insanity; he takes hold of these taboos and really uses them to improve the story. He also makes an excellent job of the description of the battle against the Mukthars, providing maps and all the necessary information you need to know what is going on. All his characters speak, and yet the silence of things unsaid is as important as words. These are only a few of the reasons why you, fantasy and m-m lover, should read these books. There are more, but those you'll have to find for yourself. Now I'll go and read the second trilogy, because Mr Ashling certainly left me craving for more. (less)
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