This is an author I'm not familiar with, the book an impulse purchase when I was desperate for reading material. "Winner of t...moreThus far, I'm on page 30.
This is an author I'm not familiar with, the book an impulse purchase when I was desperate for reading material. "Winner of the Quill Award" across the top of the cover definitely influenced my purchase. So did the blurb on the back, which was intriguingly vague. There is nothing I hate more than when the blurb on the back sets up the plot within so many cliches that the conclusion of the story is obvious and inevitable, and you can practically predict every plot twist the author will employ.
I'm using this one as "3rd shift is slow, time to read something" fodder, and it suits the purpose well thus far. Intriguing enough to pique my interest in picking it back up, but there's no sense of urgency that makes me want to keep flipping the pages. Not yet, at least...
The blurb on the back calls it a "brooding, thoroughly adult meditation on how heroism went wrong."
This feels like one worth reading slowly, and savoring.
This was the first true fantasy story I ever read as a youngster. It was what led me to other authors, like McCaffrey, and my continued descent into U...moreThis was the first true fantasy story I ever read as a youngster. It was what led me to other authors, like McCaffrey, and my continued descent into UF and the entire paranormal genre. I still have the original mass market paperback that I bought from the school's book club. And yet... I never even knew there were sequels to it.
I think one of the things I liked about Pierce's writing, and this book in particular, the most -- was the worldbuilding. The way she took a nonhuman sentient species and gave them an entire society and culture, a structure of religious beliefs and even racial taboos... If I'm entirely honest, I must lay the blame for the greatest influence on my writing right here. (less)
While Ashwood's story encompasses any number of cliches and the end of the journey is -- ultimately -- rather obvious, I can say without a doubt that...moreWhile Ashwood's story encompasses any number of cliches and the end of the journey is -- ultimately -- rather obvious, I can say without a doubt that this book is a prime example of the journey and where it takes you carrying more weight than the destination itself. She weaves her world-building effortlessly, the character development and interactions come across to the reader as naturally as if I was sitting in the local Starbucks, people-watching.
A definite must-read for fans of paranormal romance or urban fantasy. This one fits easily into that grey area between the genres. Like Kim Harrison, and Patricia Briggs. And Jeannine Frost. Ashwood puts in a little bit of everything: sarcasm, dark humor, romance, reality, action, and conflict. The only thing really missing is the gruesome blood and gore that Briggs does so well.(less)
A riveting, poignant read that is at every turn emotive and engaging. You won't want to put it down.
I am generally not a fan of YA stories, for variou...moreA riveting, poignant read that is at every turn emotive and engaging. You won't want to put it down.
I am generally not a fan of YA stories, for various personal reasons -- the main one being that I haven't fallen into that "age bracket" for roughly two decades.
However, good story-telling is what it is and Maggie shines as one to hold up as an example and say, "Now this is how you show a story." Never have cared much for the term "story-telling", when the really good ones aren't told at all.
Maggie drags the reader into her world, into her characters, makes you wish you knew them. Or maybe makes you recognize yourself in them. Or crave to be them. Or feel jealous of what you lack. She makes you believe in love again.
We all need to remember that sometimes. Even, or most especially, as adults.
This isn't a "young adult" book. It's a beautiful story that just happens to have teenagers as its leads. A bit like Romeo and Juliette. (less)
"Trust is a choice. I choose to trust your love and your stalwartness. I trust that should there be a day when either the past or the present overwhel...more"Trust is a choice. I choose to trust your love and your stalwartness. I trust that should there be a day when either the past or the present overwhelms me, you will be there to guide me past that dark moment." (p. 184)
Wow. Just... wow. Out of all the historical fiction and regency romances I've read, this one has by far exceeded the field. Mostly, I think, because of the cord with which it resonated deep within me. Anyone who's ever been in a relationship -- and either betrayed or been betrayed (and who hasn't been? seriously?) -- will find themselves engaged and empathizing with both sides of the equation. I especially enjoyed -- here, in this setting and instance, with these characters -- the dual POV by the main characters because it gave me insight into a man's mind. And while the character of Leo is intended to be from a society and culture over 100 years distant, there are sufficient parallels that her characters feel rich and vibrant and alive. So much so that I feel I could sit down for tea and converse with them tomorrow afternoon.
Her other novels are very good reads as well, sliding slightly off the beaten genre path to say the least, but this... this was by far the most intense of the three. And the best.(less)
Kittredge has crafted a raw and believable story in this first of the "Black London" series. Her world-building and fantasy elements are that much mor...moreKittredge has crafted a raw and believable story in this first of the "Black London" series. Her world-building and fantasy elements are that much more palpable when combined with the realistic aspects of drug use and abuse. This is without a doubt one of the grittiest in the UF genre that I've read to date. Though short on gore, she makes you care about the characters and the outcome of the story -- be prepared to read it through in one sitting, because tearing yourself away from it at the end of a chapter is nigh impossible.(less)
This is obviously the first book in a trilogy, if not a series. Devoti has a knack for flawless plot crafting, to say the least. The arc in this story...moreThis is obviously the first book in a trilogy, if not a series. Devoti has a knack for flawless plot crafting, to say the least. The arc in this story feeds directly into a series plot without struggling, flailing or otherwise leaving the reader the impression of giving itself a hernia from the strain. Added to that is a cast of unique characters that stand as quirky individuals despite their socio-cultural cult. Devoti makes these women come alive with such flair. Mel's dynamic portrayal, purely human flaws and foibles... make her the furthest thing from a Mary Sue that I've encountered in quite some time. As far as world-building goes, Devoti grounds her fantastical elements in sufficient reality that the setting feels real, the plausibility is almost palpable. While this is far from being her debut, I think it's safe to say her other publications pale in comparison. She takes the genre's concept of "strong female lead" to an entirely new level. (less)
Two of the most "alive" characters I have ever read. I'm speechless. Wow. Just... wow.
The major plot arc of this book is the romantic relationship betwee...moreTwo of the most "alive" characters I have ever read. I'm speechless. Wow. Just... wow.
The major plot arc of this book is the romantic relationship between the two male leads. The secondary plot arcs are many, overlapping, and the details well planned. It's very, very easy to become lost in the realism Seville weaves here. I'll be looking forward to reading the sequel. There is a good bit of graphic violence and bloodshed, but it isn't gratuitous, like a Quentin Tarantino movie. Seville just doesn't pull any punches with her characters, doesn't make her world all rainbows and fairy tales. The characters are flawed, their relationships aren't perfect, and the world isn't a pretty place.
A very intense read, and I loved every word of it.(less)
This one is heavy on the eros, but what I loved most was that the male leads were -- while not being cliche alpha males -- far from the effeminate con...moreThis one is heavy on the eros, but what I loved most was that the male leads were -- while not being cliche alpha males -- far from the effeminate concept of homosexuals. Touching, poignant, and beautifully crafted characters... once again Dane works her magic. (less)
Hands-down, a solid 5-star read. Warnings for references to noncon/rape, violence, blood (and worse).
This one is more post-apocalyptic futuristic fict...moreHands-down, a solid 5-star read. Warnings for references to noncon/rape, violence, blood (and worse).
This one is more post-apocalyptic futuristic fiction than the conventional "science fiction" genre. Still, those details are minor. The world-building is secondary, but still strong and well-woven.
Best aspect of this book is by far the character development. Dae and Coby are both beautiful creatures, despite the circumstances that have forged them into something other than what they would've chosen to be.
It's a sappy romance with a dark twist, and a wicked edge. There's not a single randy sex scene -- more's the pity -- but this story doesn't notice the lack of it, given its length. I wanted more of these two, much more, but the story works well and leaves the reader happy and satisfied at the end.
The five-star rating for this one is not simply a function of the well-crafted story, plot development and character depth. The prose are clean, without grammatical or spelling errors; the language is smooth, and flows throughout. A quick read, but one that definitely won't disappoint.(less)
Mitchell once again meets and exceeds a reader's expectations. Memorable characters, each flawed in their own special ways. I loved the various relati...moreMitchell once again meets and exceeds a reader's expectations. Memorable characters, each flawed in their own special ways. I loved the various relational dynamics, the struggles and emotional upheavals. But what I really liked was that Mitchell did a surprisingly commendable job of making sure the sensuality and eroticism of the two leads being intimate didn't come across like low-grade porn. It wasn't all purply prose, but it wasn't all tab A into slot B, for which I'm eternally grateful.
I also had a deep appreciation for her ability to create tension between characters. Dialogue flowed naturally even when it was part of a stiff, stilted argument of some kind. Commendable.
Light on the plot, really, but a very enjoyable book and tear-jerker nonetheless. You know it's a good one when you shake your head and try to argue some sense into the characters... :)(less)
Every bit as good as the first volume, Flewelling doesn't disappoint. Less incidence of info-dumping -- it's readily apparent that her writing style i...moreEvery bit as good as the first volume, Flewelling doesn't disappoint. Less incidence of info-dumping -- it's readily apparent that her writing style is improving, without sacrificing the voice and authenticity of her characters.
One of the most poignant scenes for me in this book was the death of one of two twin brothers. Gut injury in a battle leaves him dying slowly in his brother's arms in the medical tent, surrounded by members of his platoon. He was far from a prominent character in the tale, but Flewelling uses it, and many other instances, to demonstrate and develop the secondary characters and convey the raw brutalities of war. I love her writing for that ability alone -- not to mention that her efforts and research toward authenticity are, while not blatantly obvious, readily apparent. Down to the slightest detail of field dressing techniques, cavalry equipment, animal behaviors, fighting implements, troop maneuvers and techniques... you name it and she's made damn sure she has her information correct.(less)
Joey has a long string of exes that he's moved away from, which results in him ending up on the East Coast with no further to go. Aaron is a paramedic...moreJoey has a long string of exes that he's moved away from, which results in him ending up on the East Coast with no further to go. Aaron is a paramedic who raised his siblings and has a fowl taste in his mouth for psycho-babble and social workers.
Lots of smut in this one, but Mitchell does a highly commendable job of making the sex more than just tab A into slot B and hump. Her characters are solid, flawed, and so realistic that I had to remind myself that they were not, in fact, real people.
I didn't realize that the other book was about Noah and technically a prequel to this one -- it certainly didn't detract any from the reading experience having them out of order though. Mitchell has a good feel for conveying information without dumping. And giving you just enough to appreciate a given situation without every sordid detail of the background. Some writers should take a page from her book in that regard. Can't wait to get my hands on the rest of her writing. They're like Hershey Kisses -- sweet and smooth and how can you possibly limit yourself to just one?
Definitely a keeper that you'll want to read more than once.
Warnings: some very mild BDSM content; references to child abuse, rape, drug use through the course of the story.(less)
In terms of portraying authentic characters -- specifically within the parameters of military behaviors and mindsets -- this story doesn't let you dow...moreIn terms of portraying authentic characters -- specifically within the parameters of military behaviors and mindsets -- this story doesn't let you down.
This particular work is one of this author's shorter pieces, and I while I was actually disappointed with its lack of length, it was still immensely realistic and satisfying on various levels.
Perhaps I'm biased in some fashion, but it's my opinion that this is the best, thus far, of Ward's series.
Though the world-building of Ward's vampire...morePerhaps I'm biased in some fashion, but it's my opinion that this is the best, thus far, of Ward's series.
Though the world-building of Ward's vampire society and the quirks of their culture -- be it the hyper-testosterone bravado, the slang, or whatever -- turns some readers off and takes some getting used to, it's worth the occasional wince of pain. Ward demonstrates herself a master of character depth and development of taking the reader through the twists and turns of each dynamic path. Her entire cast is vivid, meaty, unique; there's a character for everyone in her stories, every reader will find, in the richness and variety, someone with which they can relate on a very deep level.
And the balance of drama, philosophical insight, and humor is so well executed that Ward triggers in turn the full gamut of reader emotional engagement without leaving the audience exhausted or wrung out.
Flawlessly crafted story. More than anything, I enjoyed the richness of minor sidebar insight into previous character stories, and the obvious seeds of future tales as well.
May this series never end. God help me if she runs out of steam...(less)
The best of Rhodes' that I've read thus far, but this one isn't for just any m/m fan. It has strong BDSM themes, which some might find mildly disturbi...moreThe best of Rhodes' that I've read thus far, but this one isn't for just any m/m fan. It has strong BDSM themes, which some might find mildly disturbing due to the nature of the circumstances in which they occur. However, I liked this book so much because Rhodes tackled the situation and wrote it well -- and handled it well throughout. (less)
Under any other circumstances, this one would have made me cry. I've been trying to get around to reading it for quite some time, and though I'd forgo...moreUnder any other circumstances, this one would have made me cry. I've been trying to get around to reading it for quite some time, and though I'd forgotten the premise, this book found me again right when it should have.
The first portion of the book is largely character driven, focusing on the development of the relationship between the two leads. It's beautifully done, a portrait of reality; Urban has a way of putting such authenticity into the details, it leaves me breathless. What follows is intensely plot-driven, but by that time the reader is so emotionally invested in the characters, the same level of effort is far from necessary.
I took issue with some POV blurring and slipping, but it didn't detract sufficiently for me to lower the rating on this one.
Yeah, I'm biased. But I'm the audience, right? I'm allowed to be.(less)
First in the series, Ms. Francis sets the stage and does it well. This book isn't quite the same caliber of her newer series; all the same, it stands...moreFirst in the series, Ms. Francis sets the stage and does it well. This book isn't quite the same caliber of her newer series; all the same, it stands as one of the more eloquent and finely crafted fantasy novels I've read.
From character development, to plot depth and world-building, Ms. Francis knows how to balance everything without weighing the reader down. I honestly had my doubts when I began reading: "oh, the cliches: chosen one, must save her people from certain destruction, and only SHE has the power to do it!" But Ms. Francis takes some trope conceptual blocks and constructs a grandiose affair of unusual architecture that isn't too far-fetched to be comfortable, just enough to keep you from rolling your eyes and executing premature book closure. :)(less)
Or, "tá mo chroí istigh ionat." Which also translates, rather literally, to "I love you."
Take an ancient Gaelic warrior. Make him immortal and toss hi...moreOr, "tá mo chroí istigh ionat." Which also translates, rather literally, to "I love you."
Take an ancient Gaelic warrior. Make him immortal and toss him into modern-day Pittsburgh, tangle him up with the college's star running back.
At turns humorous and heart-wrenching, this first in the Triquetra trilogy is a beautifully written tale of a whirlwind romance with a temporarily tragic ending. Labbe does a poignantly flawless job of depicting the characters, their emotions and relationships, their loyalties and flaws, and this end result is a powerfully action-packed story that doesn't bother letting up.
If you enjoy gay vamps, this is definitely a must-read. Hands down.(less)
It's not often that a story leaves me stunned, speechless, and scrambling voraciously for more. William and Robert manage it effortlessly, however.
The...more It's not often that a story leaves me stunned, speechless, and scrambling voraciously for more. William and Robert manage it effortlessly, however.
The genre needs more stories of this caliber. Many. Lots. Please? :)
The romance between Robert, a seasoned veteran of the Crusades, and William, a squire desperate to finally earn the spurs of knighthood, is an example of flawless execution.
Set in a historic period renowned for, amongst other things, the high levels of testosterone, Voinov manages accuracy and authenticity with ease. Each detail is portrayed with the meticulous precision of a master craftsman, interwoven with such skill that one hardly takes notice of the effort.
The same can be said for both plot and character development. The balance between political intrigue and romantic involvement feels natural and organic, twined together to optimize pace and reader interest. And while the story is told from a single POV, this does nothing to detract from the reader's emotional investment in both sides of the newly forming relationship. I admit, there were a few moments when I wished I could've been in Richard's head. The seasoned, mature soldier who would surely have an intriguing perspective on situations, worlds apart from the squire, impatient for his spurs, determined to prove himself, wanting only to please his lord and knight.
I think the aspect of Voinov's writing that I enjoyed most in this story -- as well as many of his others -- is the men who are obviously, and most decidedly, men. They are not women in men's clothing, simply because they're homosexual. So many books within this genre, sadly, feel the need to twist homosexual relationships into a scenario where one character is the "female". Thankfully, Voinov doesn't do this. Both William and Robert are men, deport themselves as such, and their attraction to one another does not alter that in any way.
So, here's to sweaty men in bulky armor, wielding claymores and swimming in testosterone. May they lust after each other, forever and ever. Because I'll keep reading!(less)
**spoiler alert** A heart-wrenching romantic fantasy that weaves slavery and cultural animosity with the duality of struggle -- personal struggle agai...more**spoiler alert** A heart-wrenching romantic fantasy that weaves slavery and cultural animosity with the duality of struggle -- personal struggle against one's self, and the external one of survival.
It starts out a bit slowly, but that I feel is not the fault of Rachel's writing: neither characters nor plot development. Rather that perception of slow build is the fault of an entire industry of romance stories that demand a specific formula be laid out in the development. First encounter here, conflict arising there, intimate interaction at this juncture. Excessive porn and smut must logically follow.
Conversely, Rachel keeps the reading guessing. Will these two ever find common ground of any kind? Just as the lead, and the reader with him, resign themselves to that lack--settle into a comforting familiarity of, okay, even without the romance, these characters are engaging, have depth, and I'm one hundred percent invested, and the plot is thick and twisting just enough to keep me breathless--the author rips the heart straight from your chest with intimacy so deep and eloquent that this reader, at least, could feel almost tangibly everything that the characters did.
And that, my friends, is the pinnacle of prose.
She handles the interactive complication of master/slave with tact, sensitivity, and authenticity. Not trying to play with the characters or their reactions to the situation in the least. That honesty and clarity is insightful and refreshing, when so many have no concept, or play with the scenario as with a new and shiny high-tech gizmo whose practical functionality escapes them.
I had doubts, at first, about the fashioning of interplay between elf and human. Tolkien saw to it, through cult and ensuing culture, that elves and any association are so thoroughly overdone as to be disinteresting.
And yet... while it is difficult to pick one scene as the most riveting in the book, every one I put on such a list would be from Aiden's POV. The elf, hearing the songs of a god, of the creation of worlds, as he sits listening to Freyrik play his violin, is just one example of many that followed from the relational turning point in the book. Rachel does an exquisite job of showing the reader just what her elf hears and feels, of sinking the audience so thoroughly into who and what he is, that it truly took some effort, at times, to switch gears back to Freyrik's point of view.
To put it bluntly, the elf is a show-stopping stage-stealer. Which is completely fine. And fascinating.
And... all I have left to say, short of flailing and grinning like a loon, is... Give Me The Sequel. Please?
I love it when I stumble upon a writer whose prowess in their craft can hold me riveted clean through the entire book and wring every ounce of emotion...moreI love it when I stumble upon a writer whose prowess in their craft can hold me riveted clean through the entire book and wring every ounce of emotion from me. This here is one of those stories, and Amy Lane is hands down one of those writers.(less)
While I would love to have had more of Cian and Muir, Spencer has delivered here a perfectly balanced story. A satisfying arc of plot, both in romance...moreWhile I would love to have had more of Cian and Muir, Spencer has delivered here a perfectly balanced story. A satisfying arc of plot, both in romance and action, combined with a quick pace and lively prose, keep the reader scrolling merrily along.
This one has content that brushes close (perhaps uncomfortably so for some) to rape in its tentacle porn, and some may find that it blurs terribly the line of bestiality as well--despite the blatant intellect of the involved parties. After all, intercourse with a dragon demands suspension of disbelief on any number of levels.
Spencer manages to cram a highly entertaining read into this short piece, but don't think for a moment that the steaming-hot sex scenes are all there is to it. Would love to read some other stories set in this same universe, the world-building left me intrigued and wanting more to say the least!(less)
Review of Captive Prince, through end of book two. (This is a long review but it’s a long story. Spoilering discussion relegated toward the end, under...moreReview of Captive Prince, through end of book two. (This is a long review but it’s a long story. Spoilering discussion relegated toward the end, under the cut. There is a full list of potential trigger/kink warnings on the fic's page. Listing them all would be impossible. Check before you read, that's all I can say.)
The prologue of this trilogy has a slightly rough start. The presentation of titles and names and characters is, for the uninitiated, at once jarring and disorienting. I could almost say that the story could do without it, and yet the images and events in the prologue give the reader something to reflect upon as the story unfolds and the implications of the pieces depicted are revealed one at a time. One gets from the world-building a sense of solidity and a weight of realism that comes from long years of story-crafting in a single universe. The writer’s familiarity comes through silken and unmarred, and that transfers to the reader’s experience in an almost tangible fashion.
The cast of characters is large and yet, staying in a single POV, we’re grounded within the perceptions and perspectives of the main character. It works, and works well, partly because it keeps the focus on the slave/master dynamic from which the romance evolves with lethargy and reluctance. Without this tight focus, the tapping in a single mind and emotional landscape, the reader would get lost in the cast of characters and external events, and the fragile relational dynamic between Laurent and Damen would be swallowed up and disappear.
One of the things I noticed in comments on this story (though I barely read any of them until the last chapter) was commentary on how Laurent treats Damen, on how Damen is the character who gives so much of himself while Laurent holds everything back.
Though very little of Laurent's history ever comes to light on the page (the most we get is bread crumbs here and there, and a faint suggestion or two if we notice the play of shadows and implications) this reader could relate, increasingly, to Laurent’s reserve. Through the course of the first book (in which the Regent is presented as the cooler more civil and humane of the two, and Laurent seems vicious and heartless) Laurent’s character unfolds slowly and with almost belligerent reluctance for the audience.
It is easy to see how readers would become frustrated and sympathize with Damen. To the contrary, though this reader began with sympathy for Damen, loyalties shifted as the story unfolded. Laurent is a man whose uncle is his enemy, in a political environment of parry and thrust where every move is planned for the counter-moves against it, and nothing is done without malicious purpose. He struggles to understand why the slave is given to him, especially when Damen’s loyalties and honor assert themselves again and again. (view spoiler)[ He is given his brother’s killer, without knowing it. Given him, and advised, ordered, not to raise a hand against him. Without this knowledge (although I truly believe Laurent parses it out at some point, though I can’t pinpoint where) he finds himself liking the slave as a man, more and more. Valuing the man’s military prowess and fighting ability. What better way to destroy from within, than to lure your enemy to emotionally attach to the thing they loathe the most… Thankfully, love and hate are not opposites.
There is a strong theme of patriotism and racism in this story and the international conflict of war. I enjoyed the exploration of cultural receptivity in both characters; they begin the story full of rigid hatred for one another and the culture from which they come, and as the story unfolds they learn to appreciate the nuances and richness, the admirable qualities, in the other. Toward the end of the second book, Damen begins to wonder what might have been had he behaved with less hatred toward a stereotypical impression of his enemies. If he had tried first for peace instead of bludgeoning his way to victory. This sort of dynamic character shift and evolution of thought isn’t quite as prominent in Laurent as it is in Damen, but it does happen for both. There is almost a suggestion of a redemption theme, in the way Damen discovers his reputation as "Prince Killer" and then proceeds to save Laurent's life again and again and again.
The romantic arc of the plot is gentle, sloping and meandering. We get to see Damen’s journey from hatred to begrudging respect, to affection and the sort of deep accepting love that sees the flaws as beauty in the form of another. The most poignant moment in the story for me was when Laurent said, “Tomorrow you’ll be a free man,” and Damen replies with, “I am your slave.” I don’t know if Laurent understood what Damen was saying. I did though, even before he told the blacksmith to leave one of the cuffs in place. It wasn’t left in place for sentimental reasons, though Damen permits Laurent to believe that theory.
He left it because whether he’s collared or not, his heart and soul will remain his. That there, that’s powerful imagery. (hide spoiler)]
If you have not read this story yet, by all the gods, what are you waiting for?(less)
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