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Sky Full of Mysteries
What if your first love was abducted and presumed dead—but then returned twenty years later?That’s the dilemma Cole Weston faces. Now happily married to Tommy D’Amico, he’s suddenly thrown into a surreal world when his first love, Rory Schneidmiller, unexpectedly reappears.Rory has no memory of those years. For him, it’s as though only a day or two has passed. He still loves Cole with the passion unique to young first love.But Cole has so many where has Rory been and what happened to him two decades ago when he disappeared without a trace? He has never forgotten Rory, but Tommy has been his rock, by his side since Rory disappeared.Cole is forced to choose between an idealized and passionate first love and the comfort of a long-term marriage. How does one make a decision like that? The answers might lie among the stars…
303 pages, Paperback
First published August 14, 2018
3 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Rick R. Reed
123 books1,044 followersReal Men. True Love.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 12, 2018
4 Stars
I've only read one book by this Author, Bashed , so I kind of knew going into this one it was going to be something different.
I'm,honestly,left a bit speechless here.I'm not sure what to make of this but one thing's for sure after I read the last word I was sitting stunned into silence....I couldn't stop thinking about the characters and the ending....and that's the sign of a good book(for me).
What would you do if the love of your life simply disappeared one night without any explanation,only to turn up twenty years later?
That's what happened to Cole....
He and Rory were in the first flush of romance,in love,starting their lives together.The future was exciting....until it wasn't and Cole is left struggling,not knowing what's happened to Rory.
Ok,I've pretty much summarized the blurb I know but I don't want to give anything away....
-is it romance,a love story? kind of but definitely not conventional,
-sci-fi,paranormal? really there is no other explanation.On that note let me say I hate sci-fi but I didn't hate this.I absolutely devoured this book,I couldn't read it fast enough and,yes,I was racing to the finish line with a lot of trepidation.I've never been so desperate to find out how a book ends.
Was I happy with the outcome??
Yes and no....for reasons I'm not going into but I feel the need to hunt out friends who've read this and discuss it!
Would I recommend it? Yes,but be prepared for something different.I think this one might divide opinion.Love it or hate it? Just try it and see what you think.
An Arc of Sky Full of Mysteries was kindly provided to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.
I've only read one book by this Author, Bashed , so I kind of knew going into this one it was going to be something different.
I'm,honestly,left a bit speechless here.I'm not sure what to make of this but one thing's for sure after I read the last word I was sitting stunned into silence....I couldn't stop thinking about the characters and the ending....and that's the sign of a good book(for me).
What would you do if the love of your life simply disappeared one night without any explanation,only to turn up twenty years later?
That's what happened to Cole....
He and Rory were in the first flush of romance,in love,starting their lives together.The future was exciting....until it wasn't and Cole is left struggling,not knowing what's happened to Rory.
Ok,I've pretty much summarized the blurb I know but I don't want to give anything away....
-is it romance,a love story? kind of but definitely not conventional,
-sci-fi,paranormal? really there is no other explanation.On that note let me say I hate sci-fi but I didn't hate this.I absolutely devoured this book,I couldn't read it fast enough and,yes,I was racing to the finish line with a lot of trepidation.I've never been so desperate to find out how a book ends.
Was I happy with the outcome??
Yes and no....for reasons I'm not going into but I feel the need to hunt out friends who've read this and discuss it!
Would I recommend it? Yes,but be prepared for something different.I think this one might divide opinion.Love it or hate it? Just try it and see what you think.
An Arc of Sky Full of Mysteries was kindly provided to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
August 18, 2018
This isn't a romance novel as much as it is an exploration of love and loss, and the difference between young love and mature love. It's also a bit of a character study for the MC Cole and explores how a traumatic loss can influence the rest of your life.
Cole and Rory are young and in love, having just moved into their first apartment together, in Chicago in the late 90s. They are somewhat opposites, but perfect for each other, and oh so in love. On a night when Cole has to work late, Rory decides to have dinner in a small restaurant close to the nearby college campus. A couple of beers and a burger later, Rory is on his way home, when a mass appears in the sky above him, a white light blinds him, and he finds himself leaving the ground. While this strongly hints at alien abduction, we're left to fill in many blanks, and it doesn't actually matter for the plot of this book how Rory disappears for so many years - it really only matters that he does.
Cole returns after work to an empty apartment. The author vividly describes his fear, his panic, his search for Rory, as hours turn into days into weeks into months, without a trace of Rory to be found. Cole's despair is palpable, and we see him slowly fall into a black hole of grief and pain. Most of the first half or so of the book deals with Cole searching for Rory, wondering what happened to him, and his reactions felt absolutely realistic. I watched a young, happy, carefree man become withdrawn and a shell of his former self. It is only through an almost accidental connection with Tommy, a law student and friend of the waitress who served Rory his last meal and comes forward with that information, that Cole doesn't fully drown in his grief.
I felt that Tommy was a clutch for Cole, even as we find them dating and then together, eventually married, for 20 years. They're comfortable in their large apartment, with Tommy being a prolific author, and Cole taking care of the house, neither of them leaving their four walls much. While I believed that Cole loved Tommy and that their relationship was a happy one, it so very obviously lacked the exuberance of Cole's first love for Rory. He hides himself away from the world, something that suits Tommy just fine, but I felt as if Cole didn't really live at all after losing Rory. That he had lost his spark, that piece that made him uniquely Cole.
Tommy is a nice guy, and he understands that Cole never got over losing Rory. He tolerates it, and he hides his hurt from Cole, loving the other man so much that he's willing to deal with being second place. I wondered if loving someone like Tommy loved Cole would explain why he was such a doormat and put up with Cole's eccentricities around Rory's memory.
At its core, the book pits young, passionate love with endless possibilities against the kind of love that grows over time, the kind that's as comfortable as a well-worn pair of jeans, the kind that has matured over the years, the kind that's familiar and deep and lasting.
And then out of the blue Rory returns. And Cole has to make a choice.
The ending - I am grateful that the author chose to go that route, because if Cole had made a different choice, I would have been really angry. I still have some questions, but I also understand that the author chose to be intentionally vague on some of the details, leaving some things to the reader's imagination. Truly, the ending as written here is the only one that made sense, the only one that was palatable to me.
When I closed the book, I sat for a while wondering - what choice would I make if faced with the same decision Cole had to make? I examined my own feelings, comparing my first love to the love I share with the man I married, and how different my life might have turned out if I had made different choices at different times in my life. Which then spawned the question - how different would Cole's life have turned out if Rory hadn't left the apartment that night to eat dinner elsewhere? How would their young, exuberant love have fared through the years to come? Would they have made it? Would it have ended in tears and heartache as they grew up, matured, and potentially grew apart? Or would they have stayed together and grown old together?
This is a masterfully crafted story, with an unusual plot, and utterly riveting. I could hardly put it down for any length of time. And any book that makes me think like this one did is surely deserving of the five stars it got.
Recommended.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
Cole and Rory are young and in love, having just moved into their first apartment together, in Chicago in the late 90s. They are somewhat opposites, but perfect for each other, and oh so in love. On a night when Cole has to work late, Rory decides to have dinner in a small restaurant close to the nearby college campus. A couple of beers and a burger later, Rory is on his way home, when a mass appears in the sky above him, a white light blinds him, and he finds himself leaving the ground. While this strongly hints at alien abduction, we're left to fill in many blanks, and it doesn't actually matter for the plot of this book how Rory disappears for so many years - it really only matters that he does.
Cole returns after work to an empty apartment. The author vividly describes his fear, his panic, his search for Rory, as hours turn into days into weeks into months, without a trace of Rory to be found. Cole's despair is palpable, and we see him slowly fall into a black hole of grief and pain. Most of the first half or so of the book deals with Cole searching for Rory, wondering what happened to him, and his reactions felt absolutely realistic. I watched a young, happy, carefree man become withdrawn and a shell of his former self. It is only through an almost accidental connection with Tommy, a law student and friend of the waitress who served Rory his last meal and comes forward with that information, that Cole doesn't fully drown in his grief.
I felt that Tommy was a clutch for Cole, even as we find them dating and then together, eventually married, for 20 years. They're comfortable in their large apartment, with Tommy being a prolific author, and Cole taking care of the house, neither of them leaving their four walls much. While I believed that Cole loved Tommy and that their relationship was a happy one, it so very obviously lacked the exuberance of Cole's first love for Rory. He hides himself away from the world, something that suits Tommy just fine, but I felt as if Cole didn't really live at all after losing Rory. That he had lost his spark, that piece that made him uniquely Cole.
Tommy is a nice guy, and he understands that Cole never got over losing Rory. He tolerates it, and he hides his hurt from Cole, loving the other man so much that he's willing to deal with being second place. I wondered if loving someone like Tommy loved Cole would explain why he was such a doormat and put up with Cole's eccentricities around Rory's memory.
At its core, the book pits young, passionate love with endless possibilities against the kind of love that grows over time, the kind that's as comfortable as a well-worn pair of jeans, the kind that has matured over the years, the kind that's familiar and deep and lasting.
And then out of the blue Rory returns. And Cole has to make a choice.
The ending - I am grateful that the author chose to go that route, because if Cole had made a different choice, I would have been really angry. I still have some questions, but I also understand that the author chose to be intentionally vague on some of the details, leaving some things to the reader's imagination. Truly, the ending as written here is the only one that made sense, the only one that was palatable to me.
When I closed the book, I sat for a while wondering - what choice would I make if faced with the same decision Cole had to make? I examined my own feelings, comparing my first love to the love I share with the man I married, and how different my life might have turned out if I had made different choices at different times in my life. Which then spawned the question - how different would Cole's life have turned out if Rory hadn't left the apartment that night to eat dinner elsewhere? How would their young, exuberant love have fared through the years to come? Would they have made it? Would it have ended in tears and heartache as they grew up, matured, and potentially grew apart? Or would they have stayed together and grown old together?
This is a masterfully crafted story, with an unusual plot, and utterly riveting. I could hardly put it down for any length of time. And any book that makes me think like this one did is surely deserving of the five stars it got.
Recommended.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
January 25, 2024
Holy crap. I read this book in one day, in one fell swoop .... and I needed to let it settle through my brain before I wrote a review. I loved "Sky Full of Mysteries" as the plot draws you in bit by bit, like the slow pull of the line as a master storyteller steadily reels you in. And I hated "Sky Full of Mysteries" perhaps because there is no right answer and no entirely happy ending, just as there is no right answer in life. I mean, the answer to the universe may be 42 after all, or maybe it's all a series of possibilities, of chance, of different paths.
I won't reiterate the blurb here, but suffice it to say the plot is absolutely compelling and holds your interest every page of the way. Reed does a beautiful job of creating characters with emotional depth, flaws and foibles. I love how Reed contrasts Cole and Rory's sexual sizzle at the beginning of their relationship, and the rich sustaining passion of the 20 year partnership Cole and Tommy share. My only small niggle in this tale was Rory's mother's reaction. I didn't quite understand her rationale (don't want to do a spoiler here).
Without giving too much away, the last quarter of the book and the ending is ... difficult. By framing this story as science fiction / paranormal / "aliens took him up in the spaceship," I believe Reed allows us to take a look at our own ideas about love and its possibilities. Do we go through life carefully guarding an inviolable part of ourselves wondering "what if?" What if, in the giant flowchart of our lives, we had picked Door B rather than A? What if that first love, with its heady blend of infinite possibilities and incredible sex, worked out exactly the way you hoped and dreamed? What if karma or the universe gives us the gift we truly need, although we may not want it when we receive it? What do we do with the possibilities we are handed in this life?
The writing here is stellar, with a plot that takes us on a path we may not be ready to traverse. I think readers will either love or hate the ending but I highly recommend "Sky Full of Mysteries" and give it 5+ stars.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
I won't reiterate the blurb here, but suffice it to say the plot is absolutely compelling and holds your interest every page of the way. Reed does a beautiful job of creating characters with emotional depth, flaws and foibles. I love how Reed contrasts Cole and Rory's sexual sizzle at the beginning of their relationship, and the rich sustaining passion of the 20 year partnership Cole and Tommy share. My only small niggle in this tale was Rory's mother's reaction. I didn't quite understand her rationale (don't want to do a spoiler here).
Without giving too much away, the last quarter of the book and the ending is ... difficult. By framing this story as science fiction / paranormal / "aliens took him up in the spaceship," I believe Reed allows us to take a look at our own ideas about love and its possibilities. Do we go through life carefully guarding an inviolable part of ourselves wondering "what if?" What if, in the giant flowchart of our lives, we had picked Door B rather than A? What if that first love, with its heady blend of infinite possibilities and incredible sex, worked out exactly the way you hoped and dreamed? What if karma or the universe gives us the gift we truly need, although we may not want it when we receive it? What do we do with the possibilities we are handed in this life?
The writing here is stellar, with a plot that takes us on a path we may not be ready to traverse. I think readers will either love or hate the ending but I highly recommend "Sky Full of Mysteries" and give it 5+ stars.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2018
I need time to process my thoughts on this one. Brilliant storytelling and such a compelling narrative but I absolutely hated the ending.
19/7 - Okay, two days later and I think I'm ready to write this review and I should say that even though I absolutely hated the ending - and I mean to the point of wanting to hit something or chuck my Kindle out of the window - it totally worked for the story's narrative.
Being honest, much as I would have liked a different outcome, it really would have ruined the whole premise of what was, at heart, a story about living life to the fullest, even in the face of loss. I don't want to go too much into the plot, this is definitely one which needs to be experienced as you read the book.
But I think perhaps the blurb needs to make it very clear that this is what I would seriously consider to be a sci-fi or paranormal story with an element of romance and even that part doesn't follow a traditional path.
Reading this is an experience, the language and the plotting is really compelling as I said, the book draws you through the story of two young men who had a perfect love for a perfect moment in time.
What happens after those first few perfect days makes up the rest of the book and it's brilliantly done. Rick R Reed is such a talented writer, even when I hated him for how he ended this book, I was secretly applauding him for actually going there.
And, ultimately, his book worked, because I can't stop thinking about it, and Rory and his mum and Cole and Tommy, even if my thoughts veer onto the rageful at times!
#ARC kindly provided by the publishers Dreamspinner Press in return for an honest and unbiased review
19/7 - Okay, two days later and I think I'm ready to write this review and I should say that even though I absolutely hated the ending - and I mean to the point of wanting to hit something or chuck my Kindle out of the window - it totally worked for the story's narrative.
Being honest, much as I would have liked a different outcome, it really would have ruined the whole premise of what was, at heart, a story about living life to the fullest, even in the face of loss. I don't want to go too much into the plot, this is definitely one which needs to be experienced as you read the book.
But I think perhaps the blurb needs to make it very clear that this is what I would seriously consider to be a sci-fi or paranormal story with an element of romance and even that part doesn't follow a traditional path.
Reading this is an experience, the language and the plotting is really compelling as I said, the book draws you through the story of two young men who had a perfect love for a perfect moment in time.
What happens after those first few perfect days makes up the rest of the book and it's brilliantly done. Rick R Reed is such a talented writer, even when I hated him for how he ended this book, I was secretly applauding him for actually going there.
And, ultimately, his book worked, because I can't stop thinking about it, and Rory and his mum and Cole and Tommy, even if my thoughts veer onto the rageful at times!
#ARC kindly provided by the publishers Dreamspinner Press in return for an honest and unbiased review
December 6, 2018
È il primo che leggo di Rick R. Reed ma questo libro merita tutte le mie 5☆.
Questo libro ti prende dall'inizio alla fine perchè vuoi sapere di Cole, vuoi sapere di Rory e vuoi sapere come andrà a finire ora che Cole è sposato con Tommy e Rory è tornato. Vuoi sapere tutto e non vuoi aspettare.
Lo stile di Reed è magistrale e ti fa stare incollata alla pagine.
Penso che in futuro se avrò occasione comprerò altri libri di questo autore.
Questo libro ti prende dall'inizio alla fine perchè vuoi sapere di Cole, vuoi sapere di Rory e vuoi sapere come andrà a finire ora che Cole è sposato con Tommy e Rory è tornato. Vuoi sapere tutto e non vuoi aspettare.
Lo stile di Reed è magistrale e ti fa stare incollata alla pagine.
Penso che in futuro se avrò occasione comprerò altri libri di questo autore.
February 5, 2020
This is something else. Sit, read and be amazed by this mystical journey!
Cole can't deal with it. He is devastated and shattered, Rory, his lover and partner, just disappeared without a trace, as if he was removed from the earth.
The process of grieving and despair is heavy. It’s almost unbearable, but lives go on and he has to start living again.
Beautiful memories pass by where they meet each other, in their twenties, where they start living together, where they are happy and in love. Both men lovable, passionate, kind and endearing.
There are hurtful, painful moments where Cole realizes again these are all memories.
Every step Cole takes he wears Rory with him.
Seasons pass by and it seems Rory has vanished forever.
Years pass by, a decade, a decade and a half, two. Time just keeps ticking.
Cole is lucky to find new love.
After twenty years suddenly Rory is back, strangely he hasn’t aged.
In a blink of a second Cole’s whole life is in a split.
This whole story was, I’m not sure how to express, exceptional, complete, compassionate, at times awfully realistic, many emotional layers can be found, all lay thick on the pages.
The mystery was well woven into the story, not prominently but still, it was palpable.
For Tommy, Cole is the love of his life. For Cole, there are two. It fit well.
While reading the blurb I anticipated a certain kind of story and was surprised by the difference from what I expected.
For me the end was perfect, even though I still had questions. While reading I already filled in the gaps and had expectations, I shouldn’t have. When I’m honest I think having questions at the end is one of the charms of this story. Read with an open mind. But all things aside, the end was perfect to me.
This author is one of my favorites, something about the style of writing always makes me emotional. All stories are written with a wide perspective, layered, intriguing, and creative. Somehow, they always make me shiver inside, not from angst, but it’s the wholeness that thrills me.
An extraordinary story, I’m in awe!
Cole can't deal with it. He is devastated and shattered, Rory, his lover and partner, just disappeared without a trace, as if he was removed from the earth.
The process of grieving and despair is heavy. It’s almost unbearable, but lives go on and he has to start living again.
Beautiful memories pass by where they meet each other, in their twenties, where they start living together, where they are happy and in love. Both men lovable, passionate, kind and endearing.
There are hurtful, painful moments where Cole realizes again these are all memories.
Every step Cole takes he wears Rory with him.
Seasons pass by and it seems Rory has vanished forever.
Years pass by, a decade, a decade and a half, two. Time just keeps ticking.
Cole is lucky to find new love.
After twenty years suddenly Rory is back, strangely he hasn’t aged.
In a blink of a second Cole’s whole life is in a split.
This whole story was, I’m not sure how to express, exceptional, complete, compassionate, at times awfully realistic, many emotional layers can be found, all lay thick on the pages.
The mystery was well woven into the story, not prominently but still, it was palpable.
For Tommy, Cole is the love of his life. For Cole, there are two. It fit well.
While reading the blurb I anticipated a certain kind of story and was surprised by the difference from what I expected.
For me the end was perfect, even though I still had questions. While reading I already filled in the gaps and had expectations, I shouldn’t have. When I’m honest I think having questions at the end is one of the charms of this story. Read with an open mind. But all things aside, the end was perfect to me.
This author is one of my favorites, something about the style of writing always makes me emotional. All stories are written with a wide perspective, layered, intriguing, and creative. Somehow, they always make me shiver inside, not from angst, but it’s the wholeness that thrills me.
An extraordinary story, I’m in awe!
August 14, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
Let me start off with this: the blurb is a bit misleading. Just more than half of the book takes place in Chicago 1997, surrounding the time when 23-year-old Rory Schneidmiller disappears. Rory has just moved into his first apartment with the man of his dreams, Cole Weston. They are stupid in love, out and monogamous, and ready to spend their lives in co-habitation. Three weeks later, Rory disappears.
I was a wreck watching Cole fall apart. His life wasn’t spectacular—commmonplace actually—but it felt so dang real. Being a contemporary of the characters (I was 23 in 1997, also living in Chicago in 1997), I felt transported by the narrative back to this time. Oh, the days of cheap rent in Rogers Park! If nothing else, Reed gets an A+ for research into the Chicago scene, and life then and now. Rory is easy to love and hard to forget, creating a giant well of sympathy for both Rory and Cole, who doesn’t deal well. In fact, it feels like the life was sucked out of him the day Rory disappeared. A once exuberant man, he retreats into a shallow half existence. His incidental connection to Tommy D’Amico, an uninspired law student, helps to carry him past his grief, but Cole never forgets the fire and passion of the love he shared with Rory.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
Let me start off with this: the blurb is a bit misleading. Just more than half of the book takes place in Chicago 1997, surrounding the time when 23-year-old Rory Schneidmiller disappears. Rory has just moved into his first apartment with the man of his dreams, Cole Weston. They are stupid in love, out and monogamous, and ready to spend their lives in co-habitation. Three weeks later, Rory disappears.
I was a wreck watching Cole fall apart. His life wasn’t spectacular—commmonplace actually—but it felt so dang real. Being a contemporary of the characters (I was 23 in 1997, also living in Chicago in 1997), I felt transported by the narrative back to this time. Oh, the days of cheap rent in Rogers Park! If nothing else, Reed gets an A+ for research into the Chicago scene, and life then and now. Rory is easy to love and hard to forget, creating a giant well of sympathy for both Rory and Cole, who doesn’t deal well. In fact, it feels like the life was sucked out of him the day Rory disappeared. A once exuberant man, he retreats into a shallow half existence. His incidental connection to Tommy D’Amico, an uninspired law student, helps to carry him past his grief, but Cole never forgets the fire and passion of the love he shared with Rory.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
August 14, 2018
Cole zieht mit seiner ersten großen Liebe Rory zusammen und könnte glücklicher nicht sein. Doch lange ist ihnen dieses Glück nicht gegönnt, da Rory auf mysteriöse Weise verschwindet und es keine Indizien gibt, was passiert sein könnte. Cole kann diesen Verlust nur schwer verkraften und zieht sich immer mehr in sich selbst zurück, von dem aufgeweckten, fröhlichen Mann ist nicht mehr viel übrig.
20 Jahre nach Rorys Verschwinden, Cole ist mittlerweile mit Tommy verheiratet, der ihm mehr als eine große Stütze war, taucht dieser wieder auf. Wo war Rory all die Jahre? Ist er durch die Zeit gereist? Was passierte vor zwanzig Jahren, als eine seltsame Masse am Nachthimmel auftauchte und ihn ins All entführte? Rory kann sich nicht an sein Verschwinden erinnern, außerdem sind für ihn nicht mehr als ein paar Tage vergangen. Er liebt Cole noch immer, ebenso konnte Cole Rory nie wirklich vergessen und mit ihm abschließen. Doch nun stellt sich für Cole die Frage: Entscheidet er sich für Rory, die idealisierte, leidenschaftliche erste Liebe, oder für Tommy, die geborgene Liebe und mit dem er eine lange, glückliche Ehe führt?
Diese Geschichte ist in zwei Teile eingeteilt – die Vergangenheit und die Gegenwart. In der Vergangenheit erfahren wir mehr über Cole und Rory, die beide sehr sympathische und wunderbare Protagonisten sind. Sie sind bis über beide Ohren ineinander verliebt und malen sich ihre gemeinsame Zukunft aus ... bis Rory verschwindet und es keinen Anhaltspunkt gibt, was passiert sein könnte. Cole fällt in ein tiefes Loch, hat aber immer das Gefühlt, dass Rory noch lebt, noch irgendwo ist. Er zieht sich vor allen anderen zurück, ist tief in seiner Trauer und Verzweiflung gefangen. Er trifft dann ein paar weniger kluge Entscheidungen, doch man merkt einfach wie sehr er mit Rorys Verschwinden zu kämpfen hat, sodass man ihm nicht mal wirklich böse sein kann. Im Gegenteil, man verspürt eher eine Art von Hilflosigkeit, weil man Cole helfen möchte, es aber einfach nicht kann.
In Tommy habe ich mich gleich mal verliebt, da er einfach ein wunderbarer, sympathischer, gefühlvoller Mann ist. Auch er spielt schon in der Vergangenheit eine Rolle, wobei ich nicht zu viel erzählen möchte – lest lieber selbst. Auf jeden Fall hilft er Cole und es entwickelt sich eine innige, geborgene Liebe zwischen den beiden. Selbst 20 Jahre später versteht Tommy Cole in seiner Trauer um Rory, den er nie ganz loslassen konnte. Und ist mehr als einfühlsam, selbst wenn es ihn selbst verletzt.
Als Rory dann 20 Jahre später plötzlich wieder auftaucht – und das als wäre er nie weggewesen – verwandelt sich Coles Leben in Chaos. Denn für Rory sind seit dem Tag seines Verschwindens, an das er sich nicht erinnern kann – außer, dass es eine eigenartige Masse am Himmel gab -, nicht mehr als ein paar Tage vergangen. Er liebt Cole noch immer und auch Cole konnte Rory eben nie ganz vergessen, hat noch immer Gefühle für ihn. Er selbst steht nun vor einem Scheideweg: denn er muss sich entscheiden – für die Vergangenheit oder die Zukunft, für Rory oder Tommy, für die erste Liebe oder die Geborgenheit. Doch dann gibt es eine Situation, die Cole die Augen öffnet. Und ich kann seine Entscheidung sehr gut verstehen und nachvollziehen.
Die Geschichte ist, so wie alle Geschichen von Rick R. Reed, sehr ruhig erzählt und dabei aber sehr gefühlvoll. Man spürt Coles Schmerz, seine Verzweiflung, man spürt später seine innere Zerrissenheit. Die Geschichte ist auch anders – gerade mit diesem Setting. Und ich denke, viele werden sich nun die Frage stellen: Gibt es da ein Happy End? Kann es da überhaupt eines geben? Ja, es gibt eines, aber ich weiß nicht ob es das ist, welches sich viele wünschen werden. Für mich war es passend. Und ich konnte den Reader mit einem guten Gefühl schließen, auch wenn mich Rorys, Coles und Tommys Geschichte noch lange nicht losgelassen hat.
Daher gibt es von mir eine klare Lesempfehlung, und ich bin sehr gespannt, wie andere Leser dieses Buch empfinden werden.
PS: Ist das Cover nicht traumhaft? Ich bin absolut begeistert.
20 Jahre nach Rorys Verschwinden, Cole ist mittlerweile mit Tommy verheiratet, der ihm mehr als eine große Stütze war, taucht dieser wieder auf. Wo war Rory all die Jahre? Ist er durch die Zeit gereist? Was passierte vor zwanzig Jahren, als eine seltsame Masse am Nachthimmel auftauchte und ihn ins All entführte? Rory kann sich nicht an sein Verschwinden erinnern, außerdem sind für ihn nicht mehr als ein paar Tage vergangen. Er liebt Cole noch immer, ebenso konnte Cole Rory nie wirklich vergessen und mit ihm abschließen. Doch nun stellt sich für Cole die Frage: Entscheidet er sich für Rory, die idealisierte, leidenschaftliche erste Liebe, oder für Tommy, die geborgene Liebe und mit dem er eine lange, glückliche Ehe führt?
Diese Geschichte ist in zwei Teile eingeteilt – die Vergangenheit und die Gegenwart. In der Vergangenheit erfahren wir mehr über Cole und Rory, die beide sehr sympathische und wunderbare Protagonisten sind. Sie sind bis über beide Ohren ineinander verliebt und malen sich ihre gemeinsame Zukunft aus ... bis Rory verschwindet und es keinen Anhaltspunkt gibt, was passiert sein könnte. Cole fällt in ein tiefes Loch, hat aber immer das Gefühlt, dass Rory noch lebt, noch irgendwo ist. Er zieht sich vor allen anderen zurück, ist tief in seiner Trauer und Verzweiflung gefangen. Er trifft dann ein paar weniger kluge Entscheidungen, doch man merkt einfach wie sehr er mit Rorys Verschwinden zu kämpfen hat, sodass man ihm nicht mal wirklich böse sein kann. Im Gegenteil, man verspürt eher eine Art von Hilflosigkeit, weil man Cole helfen möchte, es aber einfach nicht kann.
In Tommy habe ich mich gleich mal verliebt, da er einfach ein wunderbarer, sympathischer, gefühlvoller Mann ist. Auch er spielt schon in der Vergangenheit eine Rolle, wobei ich nicht zu viel erzählen möchte – lest lieber selbst. Auf jeden Fall hilft er Cole und es entwickelt sich eine innige, geborgene Liebe zwischen den beiden. Selbst 20 Jahre später versteht Tommy Cole in seiner Trauer um Rory, den er nie ganz loslassen konnte. Und ist mehr als einfühlsam, selbst wenn es ihn selbst verletzt.
Als Rory dann 20 Jahre später plötzlich wieder auftaucht – und das als wäre er nie weggewesen – verwandelt sich Coles Leben in Chaos. Denn für Rory sind seit dem Tag seines Verschwindens, an das er sich nicht erinnern kann – außer, dass es eine eigenartige Masse am Himmel gab -, nicht mehr als ein paar Tage vergangen. Er liebt Cole noch immer und auch Cole konnte Rory eben nie ganz vergessen, hat noch immer Gefühle für ihn. Er selbst steht nun vor einem Scheideweg: denn er muss sich entscheiden – für die Vergangenheit oder die Zukunft, für Rory oder Tommy, für die erste Liebe oder die Geborgenheit. Doch dann gibt es eine Situation, die Cole die Augen öffnet. Und ich kann seine Entscheidung sehr gut verstehen und nachvollziehen.
Die Geschichte ist, so wie alle Geschichen von Rick R. Reed, sehr ruhig erzählt und dabei aber sehr gefühlvoll. Man spürt Coles Schmerz, seine Verzweiflung, man spürt später seine innere Zerrissenheit. Die Geschichte ist auch anders – gerade mit diesem Setting. Und ich denke, viele werden sich nun die Frage stellen: Gibt es da ein Happy End? Kann es da überhaupt eines geben? Ja, es gibt eines, aber ich weiß nicht ob es das ist, welches sich viele wünschen werden. Für mich war es passend. Und ich konnte den Reader mit einem guten Gefühl schließen, auch wenn mich Rorys, Coles und Tommys Geschichte noch lange nicht losgelassen hat.
Daher gibt es von mir eine klare Lesempfehlung, und ich bin sehr gespannt, wie andere Leser dieses Buch empfinden werden.
PS: Ist das Cover nicht traumhaft? Ich bin absolut begeistert.
January 28, 2020
‘Sky Full of Mysteries’ is one of those books you have to read and experience yourself to fully appreciate the story, the characters, and the depth of emotions Rick R. Reed is able to conjure up with his prose. The premise alone had me fearing heartbreak, but the reality was so much worse. The focus is firmly on the men’s emotions, their passion, their guilt, and the way they end up dealing with a situation that is impossible – and not just in the scientific sense. What happens is a true test of character for all three men, and as much as I hated the ending on the one hand, on the other, it was exactly what “should” have happened.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 16, 2018
RECENSIONE COMPLETA QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
Voglio iniziare dicendo che "Un cielo pieno di misteri" è un libro bello, davvero molto bello. Credo, anzi sono sicura che anche chi non ama le storie di fantascienza ne rimarrà conquistato. La storia è divisa in due parti. La prima è ambientata nel 1997 e Cole e Rory hanno ventisei e ventitré anni, vivono insieme a Chicago e si amano alla follia. Hanno un rapporto perfetto e progetti per un futuro insieme finché Rory non sparisce nel nulla. Dalla prima pagina lo stile è talmente descrittivo che l'inquietudine ti si attacca addosso con lo scorrere delle parole, leggi e sai che qualcosa sta per accadere. Dal momento in cui Rory scompare, Cole entra in un vortice di disperazione e apatia, la depressione incalza e lo fa sprofondare sempre di più, tutto cambia nella sua vita ed io ne ho vissuto ogni singolo momento angosciante. Dov'è Rory? Perché non torna adesso?
L'autore è stato bravissimo a trasmettere ogni emozione, come lo è stato nell'usare diversi punti di vista alternati sia per raccontare vari momenti sia per creare i vari collegamenti. Tra questi spicca quello di Tommy, uno studente di giurisprudenza chiacchierone. Una serie di coincidenze lo farà incontrare e scontrare con Cole. Per Tommy è un vero colpo di fulmine e anche se spera di venire ricambiato, sente il lutto di Cole e ne subisce gli effetti, finché il destino non ci rimette lo zampino… e Cole… Questa prima parte è come un libro a sé, i personaggi e le vicende sono delineate minuziosamente e come ho detto, ho avuto il cuore diviso tra l'inquietudine per Rory e la profonda tristezza per Cole. Il primo grande vero amore descritto alla perfezione, la perdita raccontata ancora meglio. La seconda parte del libro ci porta ai giorni nostri e mi dispiace non posso assolutamente raccontarvela, sappiate solo che resterete con il groppo in gola e la speranza di qualunque tipo essa sia, sarete in empatia con tutti indistintamente e alcuni vorranno una cosa ed altri una diversa. Sappiate solo che Tommy è l'uomo perfetto, il marito devoto che sostiene ed ama incondizionatamente. Cole è diviso tra il suo amore di oggi stabile e confortevole e quello passionale e totalizzante del passato. Rory, piccolo dolcissimo Rory, avrei tanto voluto saperne di più, sia nella caratterizzazione sia nell'approfondimento del come e perché, insomma un qualcosa che mi desse più l'idea di completezza del tutto per poter chiudere il cerchio. Ma probabilmente è stato giusto così, il mistero resta tale e il romanzo non è appesantito o allungato fino a risultare noioso…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
Voglio iniziare dicendo che "Un cielo pieno di misteri" è un libro bello, davvero molto bello. Credo, anzi sono sicura che anche chi non ama le storie di fantascienza ne rimarrà conquistato. La storia è divisa in due parti. La prima è ambientata nel 1997 e Cole e Rory hanno ventisei e ventitré anni, vivono insieme a Chicago e si amano alla follia. Hanno un rapporto perfetto e progetti per un futuro insieme finché Rory non sparisce nel nulla. Dalla prima pagina lo stile è talmente descrittivo che l'inquietudine ti si attacca addosso con lo scorrere delle parole, leggi e sai che qualcosa sta per accadere. Dal momento in cui Rory scompare, Cole entra in un vortice di disperazione e apatia, la depressione incalza e lo fa sprofondare sempre di più, tutto cambia nella sua vita ed io ne ho vissuto ogni singolo momento angosciante. Dov'è Rory? Perché non torna adesso?
L'autore è stato bravissimo a trasmettere ogni emozione, come lo è stato nell'usare diversi punti di vista alternati sia per raccontare vari momenti sia per creare i vari collegamenti. Tra questi spicca quello di Tommy, uno studente di giurisprudenza chiacchierone. Una serie di coincidenze lo farà incontrare e scontrare con Cole. Per Tommy è un vero colpo di fulmine e anche se spera di venire ricambiato, sente il lutto di Cole e ne subisce gli effetti, finché il destino non ci rimette lo zampino… e Cole… Questa prima parte è come un libro a sé, i personaggi e le vicende sono delineate minuziosamente e come ho detto, ho avuto il cuore diviso tra l'inquietudine per Rory e la profonda tristezza per Cole. Il primo grande vero amore descritto alla perfezione, la perdita raccontata ancora meglio. La seconda parte del libro ci porta ai giorni nostri e mi dispiace non posso assolutamente raccontarvela, sappiate solo che resterete con il groppo in gola e la speranza di qualunque tipo essa sia, sarete in empatia con tutti indistintamente e alcuni vorranno una cosa ed altri una diversa. Sappiate solo che Tommy è l'uomo perfetto, il marito devoto che sostiene ed ama incondizionatamente. Cole è diviso tra il suo amore di oggi stabile e confortevole e quello passionale e totalizzante del passato. Rory, piccolo dolcissimo Rory, avrei tanto voluto saperne di più, sia nella caratterizzazione sia nell'approfondimento del come e perché, insomma un qualcosa che mi desse più l'idea di completezza del tutto per poter chiudere il cerchio. Ma probabilmente è stato giusto così, il mistero resta tale e il romanzo non è appesantito o allungato fino a risultare noioso…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
September 18, 2018
I think I missed the deeper meaning behind the story. Just like in school when you are told to analyze Shakespeare or poetry or The Scarlet letter, I never got the deeper meaning. This book is like that because I liked parts of it and grieved with Cole, but then other parts I didn't understand
3 stars cuz of reasons.
3 stars cuz of reasons.
August 15, 2018
2.5 stars rounded up
I would hardly classify Sky Full of Mysteries as a science fiction novel. Yes, there is a science fiction aspect in it - the disappearance of Rory refers to to an extraterrestrial - but basically it doesn't matter who and why kidnapped him.
Actually he could fall into coma and awake from it twenty years later, or he could just lose his memory or have another life in the other city or somewhere in a far away country, it doesn't matter.
What matters is: what do you do when the love of your life suddenly and without any traces disappeared, without leaving a message, and you have to live with this burden not knowing what really happened to the person you planed to spend your life with, and who, no doubts, loved you unconditionally back?
Where can we take strength for moving on? How to stay whole when seemingly a full and happy life from one moment to another breaks apart?
There are questions this novel raises. But the most important question for me comes at the very end: How to make the right decision when the fateful moment one is longing for comes?
I am surprised to find out that many readers wished the different outcome. I might have many other complaints, but the ending is for sure not among them. Had Cole had made another choice, I would have smashed my kindle against the wall, I swear. With this ending at least nothing has been damaged.
All in all, an entertaining read, that doesn't answer all your questions and only raises a lot of new ones. Sky full of Questions.
This book is not bad written, but I found the story a bit superficial and the characters lack the charisma. But I think that I simply doesn't belong to a target audience for Rick R. Reed works.
I am sure that this book will find a lot of appreciative readers.
***ARC provided kindly to GBR in exchange for an honest review.***
I would hardly classify Sky Full of Mysteries as a science fiction novel. Yes, there is a science fiction aspect in it - the disappearance of Rory refers to to an extraterrestrial - but basically it doesn't matter who and why kidnapped him.
Actually he could fall into coma and awake from it twenty years later, or he could just lose his memory or have another life in the other city or somewhere in a far away country, it doesn't matter.
What matters is: what do you do when the love of your life suddenly and without any traces disappeared, without leaving a message, and you have to live with this burden not knowing what really happened to the person you planed to spend your life with, and who, no doubts, loved you unconditionally back?
Where can we take strength for moving on? How to stay whole when seemingly a full and happy life from one moment to another breaks apart?
There are questions this novel raises. But the most important question for me comes at the very end: How to make the right decision when the fateful moment one is longing for comes?
I am surprised to find out that many readers wished the different outcome. I might have many other complaints, but the ending is for sure not among them. Had Cole had made another choice, I would have smashed my kindle against the wall, I swear. With this ending at least nothing has been damaged.
All in all, an entertaining read, that doesn't answer all your questions and only raises a lot of new ones. Sky full of Questions.
This book is not bad written, but I found the story a bit superficial and the characters lack the charisma. But I think that I simply doesn't belong to a target audience for Rick R. Reed works.
I am sure that this book will find a lot of appreciative readers.
***ARC provided kindly to GBR in exchange for an honest review.***
October 4, 2018
This is a difficult book to review. I really enjoyed the writing (and will read more by this author) and the characterisation of the three main characters; this was particularly true of Rory as he features so little in the first half of the book, yet I felt I got to know him at least as well as Cole. It is true that the alien abduction theme is used loosely within the plot. However not being a huge fan of science fiction myself, I was okay with the “soft” sci-fi way in which the abduction played a more symbolic or metaphorical role to explore the idea of passionate, young love versus comfortable companionship and enduring love over time. In this regard my heart broke for both Cole l, who found enduring love under the shadow of what could have been with Rory, and Rory who returned to mourn a love he didn’t know he’d lost. And then there’s Tommy who will probably never know how close he came to being discarded.
My issue with the book was the way that Cole’s decision in the second half of the book was executed. Within the space of a weekend, 20 years after Rory disappeared, Cole meets his erstwhile lover again and makes the biggest decision of his life - in three days! Given how much Cole struggled with Rory’s disappearance I found it hard to believe that he could come to such an important and heart wrenching decision so quickly. Whatsmore, the catalyst for his decision was his current husband Tommy, arriving home injured after a car accident, which to me, felt like a convenient plot device and fairly disrespectful to Tommy, IMO - whom, had he not had the dubious fortune of being hit by a car, would probably have arrived home to a divorce.
The last section of the book, when Rory and Cole finally meet again, when the questions this book poses are answered, ultimately felt rushed to me.
My issue with the book was the way that Cole’s decision in the second half of the book was executed. Within the space of a weekend, 20 years after Rory disappeared, Cole meets his erstwhile lover again and makes the biggest decision of his life - in three days! Given how much Cole struggled with Rory’s disappearance I found it hard to believe that he could come to such an important and heart wrenching decision so quickly. Whatsmore, the catalyst for his decision was his current husband Tommy, arriving home injured after a car accident, which to me, felt like a convenient plot device and fairly disrespectful to Tommy, IMO - whom, had he not had the dubious fortune of being hit by a car, would probably have arrived home to a divorce.
The last section of the book, when Rory and Cole finally meet again, when the questions this book poses are answered, ultimately felt rushed to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2018
Darum geht's:
Rory und Cole sind gerade erst in eine gemeinsame Wohnung gezogen, als Rory ohne Nachricht spurlos verschwindet. Cole ist am Boden zerstört und strauchelt, aber irgendwann muss er akzeptieren, dass Rory nicht wiederkommt. Auch wenn er spürt, dass Rory noch lebt, muss Cole irgendwann nach vorne schauen und weitermachen. Dabei hilft ihm Tommy, der versteht, dass Rory nie ganz aus Coles Gedanken verschwinden wird.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
Rory und Cole sind gerade erst in eine gemeinsame Wohnung gezogen, als Rory ohne Nachricht spurlos verschwindet. Cole ist am Boden zerstört und strauchelt, aber irgendwann muss er akzeptieren, dass Rory nicht wiederkommt. Auch wenn er spürt, dass Rory noch lebt, muss Cole irgendwann nach vorne schauen und weitermachen. Dabei hilft ihm Tommy, der versteht, dass Rory nie ganz aus Coles Gedanken verschwinden wird.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
August 16, 2018
Enttäuschend, da die Story weder dem Cover noch dem Klappentext gerecht wird.
Zur Handlung. Rory Schneidmiller ist glücklich mit seinem Partner Cole. Kurz nach dem Umzug in eine gemeinsame Wohnung verschwindet dieser spurlos, da er von Außerirdischen entführt wird.
Cole Weston ahnt nicht, dass Rory entführt wurde. Verzweifelt sucht er nach ihm, bis er sich eingestehen muss, dass der geliebte Mann vermutlich für immer verschwunden ist. Seine Leiche wurde nie gefunden. Sieben Jahre später wird er für tot erklärt. Doch das Leben geht weiter, Cole findet schließlich in Tommy D’Amico einen neuen Partner und eine neue Liebe. Als Rory zwanzig Jahre später mit totalem Gedächtnisverlust und ohne Alterserscheinungen vor ihrer Tür steht, löst er damit ein Gefühlschaos aus. Cole ist schockiert und weiß nicht, wie er sich verhalten soll. Auch Rory kann sich die vermutliche Zeitreise nicht erklären, für ihn sind die zwanzig Jahre nicht vergangen.
Ehrlich gesagt, auch wenn die Story eigentlich gut geschrieben ist, bin ich dennoch maßlos enttäuscht. Wenn jemand von Außerirdischen entführt wird, erwarte ich ganz selbstverständlich ein gewisses Maß an Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Action und Spannung in der Handlung. Hier findet man weder das eine noch das andere. Ganz zu Anfang wird Rory entführt, taucht zwanzig Jahre später ohne Erinnerung an die vergangenen Jahre wieder auf und kehrt am Ende zurück zu den Außerirdischen. Kein Wort darüber, wer diese sind, woher sie kommen und warum ausgerechnet Rory ausgewählt wurde. Dazu noch die unerklärte Zeitreise. Da bleiben viel zu viele Fragen unbeantwortet. Sorry, aber der Himmel voller Geheimnisse bleibt für mich entschieden zu geheimnisvoll.
Deshalb erhält die Story erhält von mir nur 3 Sterne, eine Leseempfehlung gibt es wegen dem völlig fehlenden Handlungsstrang um das Raumschiff nicht von mir.
Mein Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
Zur Handlung. Rory Schneidmiller ist glücklich mit seinem Partner Cole. Kurz nach dem Umzug in eine gemeinsame Wohnung verschwindet dieser spurlos, da er von Außerirdischen entführt wird.
Cole Weston ahnt nicht, dass Rory entführt wurde. Verzweifelt sucht er nach ihm, bis er sich eingestehen muss, dass der geliebte Mann vermutlich für immer verschwunden ist. Seine Leiche wurde nie gefunden. Sieben Jahre später wird er für tot erklärt. Doch das Leben geht weiter, Cole findet schließlich in Tommy D’Amico einen neuen Partner und eine neue Liebe. Als Rory zwanzig Jahre später mit totalem Gedächtnisverlust und ohne Alterserscheinungen vor ihrer Tür steht, löst er damit ein Gefühlschaos aus. Cole ist schockiert und weiß nicht, wie er sich verhalten soll. Auch Rory kann sich die vermutliche Zeitreise nicht erklären, für ihn sind die zwanzig Jahre nicht vergangen.
Ehrlich gesagt, auch wenn die Story eigentlich gut geschrieben ist, bin ich dennoch maßlos enttäuscht. Wenn jemand von Außerirdischen entführt wird, erwarte ich ganz selbstverständlich ein gewisses Maß an Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Action und Spannung in der Handlung. Hier findet man weder das eine noch das andere. Ganz zu Anfang wird Rory entführt, taucht zwanzig Jahre später ohne Erinnerung an die vergangenen Jahre wieder auf und kehrt am Ende zurück zu den Außerirdischen. Kein Wort darüber, wer diese sind, woher sie kommen und warum ausgerechnet Rory ausgewählt wurde. Dazu noch die unerklärte Zeitreise. Da bleiben viel zu viele Fragen unbeantwortet. Sorry, aber der Himmel voller Geheimnisse bleibt für mich entschieden zu geheimnisvoll.
Deshalb erhält die Story erhält von mir nur 3 Sterne, eine Leseempfehlung gibt es wegen dem völlig fehlenden Handlungsstrang um das Raumschiff nicht von mir.
Mein Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
July 31, 2018
Rick Reed has been on my To Be Read radar for a while now, and so when the opportunity came up to read and review his latest release, I eagerly jumped on it.
This story centers around Cole and Rory, a young couple moving in together, new in their relationship, and living life in the Midwestern city of Chicago. Reed's knowledge of the neighborhoods and attention to detail of the city is impressive, immediately immersing the reader into the gay 1990's in this well-known city.
Having lived as an out gay man during the 90's, I was impressed as I too recalled the history at the time. Bars and clubs were the preferred gathering place, smartphones didn't exist, nor did the hookup apps - and so how did young gay men find each other? Either by sitting in said bars or through the city's local hookup phone lines. I had forgotten all about those phone lines, and I found myself transported back to my youth while reading this story - well done Mr. Reed! It was an enjoyable walk down memory lane.
The mystery in this novel is what happens to Rory - a self-proclaimed Sci-Fi nut, who goes missing. The reader knows why, but the details about the event are never explored, keeping the entire incident a true conundrum. Even Rory himself doesn't remember the details of his abduction.
The book truly focuses in on the development of the characters. What's going on in their heads, how Cole deals with his lover's sudden disappearance, and what happens to the people from Rory's life who are left wondering, "What happened?"
Twenty years later Rory returns.
We get to see how the charcaters from the beginning of the story have changed, how life has progressed, and how they react to Rory's sudden reappearance.
There are some scintillating and steamy scenes between Rory and Cole, but I'm not entirely sure I would have called this an M/M Romance, as I'm not entirely sure there was a Happily Ever After, or even a Happy For Now ending. There is a sudden disappearance involving aliens, but I'm not sure I would have called this book a Sci-Fi adventure, as the details of the abduction are left to the reader's imagination and the Sci-Fi aspect isn't truly explored.
But what you do get is a solid story, steeped in 90's gay culture, vivid descriptions and amazing character development.
If you're looking for a story that just a touch different than your average book, I'd recommend this.
As I said above, Mr. Reed has been on my To Read list for a while. That hasn't changed, and with this book, I've now found another author whose talent for telling a story takes me out of reality for a while as I explore his worlds. Nicely done Mr. Reed! Nicely done.
I'll be sure to check out other novels by this author.
(Advanced Reading Copied supplied by author for a fair and honest review.)
This story centers around Cole and Rory, a young couple moving in together, new in their relationship, and living life in the Midwestern city of Chicago. Reed's knowledge of the neighborhoods and attention to detail of the city is impressive, immediately immersing the reader into the gay 1990's in this well-known city.
Having lived as an out gay man during the 90's, I was impressed as I too recalled the history at the time. Bars and clubs were the preferred gathering place, smartphones didn't exist, nor did the hookup apps - and so how did young gay men find each other? Either by sitting in said bars or through the city's local hookup phone lines. I had forgotten all about those phone lines, and I found myself transported back to my youth while reading this story - well done Mr. Reed! It was an enjoyable walk down memory lane.
The mystery in this novel is what happens to Rory - a self-proclaimed Sci-Fi nut, who goes missing. The reader knows why, but the details about the event are never explored, keeping the entire incident a true conundrum. Even Rory himself doesn't remember the details of his abduction.
The book truly focuses in on the development of the characters. What's going on in their heads, how Cole deals with his lover's sudden disappearance, and what happens to the people from Rory's life who are left wondering, "What happened?"
Twenty years later Rory returns.
We get to see how the charcaters from the beginning of the story have changed, how life has progressed, and how they react to Rory's sudden reappearance.
There are some scintillating and steamy scenes between Rory and Cole, but I'm not entirely sure I would have called this an M/M Romance, as I'm not entirely sure there was a Happily Ever After, or even a Happy For Now ending. There is a sudden disappearance involving aliens, but I'm not sure I would have called this book a Sci-Fi adventure, as the details of the abduction are left to the reader's imagination and the Sci-Fi aspect isn't truly explored.
But what you do get is a solid story, steeped in 90's gay culture, vivid descriptions and amazing character development.
If you're looking for a story that just a touch different than your average book, I'd recommend this.
As I said above, Mr. Reed has been on my To Read list for a while. That hasn't changed, and with this book, I've now found another author whose talent for telling a story takes me out of reality for a while as I explore his worlds. Nicely done Mr. Reed! Nicely done.
I'll be sure to check out other novels by this author.
(Advanced Reading Copied supplied by author for a fair and honest review.)
August 18, 2018
I'm conflicted.
This is going to be a conflicting review. I loved it yet...I despised it. Which is confusing for me because I love romance stories stamped with a trio of R's. But the truth of the matter is, this is not a romance. It's really not. It's a fascinating and captivating love story. I know this is a puzzling statement for some but I'm in the camp that feels romance needs a happily-ever-after.
Love stories on the other hand can be passionate and powerful but don't have to end with heart eyes and fireworks.
I dabble in a bit of sci-fi reading but it's not the bulk of my preferences. Alien abduction isn't something I would typically gravitate towards, but I adore Reed's writing and was intrigued. I certainly wasn't disappointed with the craft presented here. Rick transports us back into the 90's with pristine clarity. He delivers a beautiful first love that will melt your heart. And the grief that follows this lost love is nothing short of extraordinary.
I enjoyed all three main characters. Without a doubt, there are three.
After the first part of the book I was dying to discover how he was going to pull off the ending I was hoping for.
*spoiler alert* It didn't happen and I had a slight book tantrum after reading the final scene.
*truth alert* Okay, it wasn't a slight tantrum.
However, on further reflection I'm not sure any ending would have pleased me. A broken heart was inevitable. If I'm completely honest, I felt as if the choice that was made was out of obligation. Because at times I think Cole thinks he lost 'the best' and is making the best of 'the better'. Which added to my frustration.
At the core of this story, I was captivated and enjoyed it.
But I can't say the same for the ending.
*3 back-n-forth & baffling stars*
This is going to be a conflicting review. I loved it yet...I despised it. Which is confusing for me because I love romance stories stamped with a trio of R's. But the truth of the matter is, this is not a romance. It's really not. It's a fascinating and captivating love story. I know this is a puzzling statement for some but I'm in the camp that feels romance needs a happily-ever-after.
Love stories on the other hand can be passionate and powerful but don't have to end with heart eyes and fireworks.
I dabble in a bit of sci-fi reading but it's not the bulk of my preferences. Alien abduction isn't something I would typically gravitate towards, but I adore Reed's writing and was intrigued. I certainly wasn't disappointed with the craft presented here. Rick transports us back into the 90's with pristine clarity. He delivers a beautiful first love that will melt your heart. And the grief that follows this lost love is nothing short of extraordinary.
I enjoyed all three main characters. Without a doubt, there are three.
After the first part of the book I was dying to discover how he was going to pull off the ending I was hoping for.
*spoiler alert* It didn't happen and I had a slight book tantrum after reading the final scene.
*truth alert* Okay, it wasn't a slight tantrum.
However, on further reflection I'm not sure any ending would have pleased me. A broken heart was inevitable. If I'm completely honest, I felt as if the choice that was made was out of obligation. Because at times I think Cole thinks he lost 'the best' and is making the best of 'the better'. Which added to my frustration.
At the core of this story, I was captivated and enjoyed it.
But I can't say the same for the ending.
*3 back-n-forth & baffling stars*
August 22, 2018
I thought I was going to like this more than I did. I did enjoy most of the story, but the last chapter left me disappointed. I really like Rory and Cole, and I really liked them together as a couple. To me, Tommy got the short end of the stick, and I felt bad for him. He deserved so much better than second place.
September 5, 2018
Voto - 4.5
"Dietro le spesse lenti degli occhiali, aveva pensato Cole, c’era un ragazzo che sembrava del tutto sperduto. Ma quello che aveva provato nel vedere lo sconosciuto lo aveva del tutto preso alla sprovvista. Non gli era venuta voglia di soffocare una risatina. Non gli era venuta voglia di alzare gli occhi al cielo, come aveva visto fare a qualche altro tizio della palestra. Non gli era nemmeno venuta voglia di consigliargli un buon paio di scarpe da ginnastica. Nike, magari. Reebok? No. Gli era venuta voglia di baciarlo. Con passione. C’era qualcosa di così vulnerabile e dolce, in lui, che gli aveva fatto desiderare solo di premere le labbra su quelle leggermente piene del ragazzo. Non riusciva a immaginare niente di più soddisfacente, nemmeno il sesso. Avrebbe solo voluto baciarlo."
Nelle prime pagine di Un cielo pieno di misteri ci troviamo catapultati nel 1997 a Chicago, una città che l’autore riesce a rendere vivida e molto reale descrivendola perfettamente, riportandoci con la mente a quegli anni meno complicati e tecnologici. Qui, vicino al lago Michigan, Rory e Cole si sono appena trasferiti in un nuovo appartamento; per entrambi è la prima convivenza: il loro amore è irruente e appassionato e i due sono molto innamorati. Cole è bellissimo, va in palestra, cura il suo fisico caratterialmente è un ragazzo solare e sempre ottimista. Rory ha gli occhiali, adora i video giochi ed è in tutto un adorabile nerd, incredulo di essere riuscito a diventare il ragazzo del suo bellissimo compagno. Tutto sembra perfetto nella loro vita, finché una sera in cui Cole sta lavorando all’inventario del negozio per cui lavora, Rory sentendosi solo, va a fare una passeggiata e da allora le sue tracce si perdono e nessuno è in grado di trovare una spiegazione. Il dolore di Cole è tangibile, così come il cambiamento che avviene nel suo carattere; paiono infinite le tante strade imboccate per avere notizie dello scomparso, e mentre le speranze muoiono ad una ad una, Cole sprofonda sempre più nella disperazione lasciandosi andare. Solo un evento lo scuote per un breve attimo, l’incontro con Tommy, un ragazzo che assomiglia a Rory e che, per qualche istante, riesce a fargli dimenticare l’amore perduto. Per Cole però è troppo presto ma una seconda opportunità, qualche tempo dopo, farà sì che le cose cambino. Il tempo scorre, gli anni si susseguono in una tranquilla quotidianità fino a quando un mattino, vent’anni dopo, Rory riappare esattamente nello stesso posto in cui era sparito, senza memoria del tempo trascorso e convinto che siano passate solo poche ore. Ancora giovane, ancora innamorato ma catapultato in un mondo che non riconosce; per Cole che non lo ha mai dimenticato, tutto viene rimesso in discussione.
Nonostante una prosa impeccabile e una trama molto originale, vi accorgerete a lettura conclusa, di avere ancora tante domande che non hanno ottenuto risposta. Noi assistiamo alla sparizione di Rory eppure non ne sappiamo il motivo, lo possiamo solo intuire. Così come non sapremo mai dove sia stato e che cosa gli sia successo: lui non ne ha memoria e l’autore ci fornisce ben pochi indizi, ma in sostanza è proprio Rory il cardine della storia, il personaggio che meno conosciamo. È invece incredibilmente minuziosa la costruzione del carattere degli altri personaggi, approcciamo Cole nel pieno della giovinezza, innamorato e spensierato, sempre allegro e sorridente, amante della vita; in seguito lo vediamo precipitare nella depressione, fumando droghe leggere e lasciandosi andare a rapporti sessuali senza un domani, con persone conosciute in una linea erotica, fino all’evento che lo scuoterà riportandolo, pian piano, alla vita. E così lo ritroviamo dopo vent’anni, Rory non lascia mai la sua mente, ma la vita è andata avanti. Se Rory è stata la passione, Tommy è stato il pilastro a cui si è ancorato, il loro è un amore tranquillo, entrambi amano stare soli nella loro casa, con le loro abitudini. Tommy ha sempre saputo che nel loro rapporto c’era un’ombra, una terza persona il cui ricordo non può sconfiggere, ma lo ha accettato perché ama Cole immensamente, così tanto da accompagnarlo ed aspettare in macchina per ore quando, ad ogni anniversario, il marito si reca sulla tomba vuota dell’amato. Il loro è un matrimonio felice, la loro vita è piacevole e sono stati fortunati, Tommy è diventato famoso e il suo lavoro permette ad entrambi di vivere come meglio desiderano, eppure basta solo un incontro e una lettera perché tutto questo venga messo in discussione. Chi non vorrebbe avere la possibilità di ritrovare il grande amore della sua vita? Riavere l’illusione di essere ancora giovane e pieno di entusiasmo? Avere la possibilità di riavere i propri sogni?
Ho amato la scrittura e l’originalità di questa storia, davvero unica, e sono assolutamente convinta che il finale scelto dall’autore sia assolutamente perfetto, l’unico in realtà possibile, ma non mi è piaciuto e non mi avrebbe soddisfatta in nessun caso perché in ogni opzione ipotizzabile, qualcuno avrebbe perso: siamo il compendio delle nostre esperienze e cambiamo ogni giorno, ma è difficile competere con il ricordo bellissimo di qualcosa che non abbiamo potuto vivere fino in fondo. In questo libro ci sono così tanti tipi di amore, c’è quello spensierato della gioventù, c’è quello profondo e tranquillo che ti conforta e ti permette di superare le difficoltà, e poi ci sono gli amori che non muoiono mai, nonostante il passare del tempo e la lontananza. È un libro molto particolare, difficile da dimenticare e che lascia al lettore un retrogusto dolce-amaro tuttavia non per questo, è meno bello.
.
Lucia63 - per RFS
"Dietro le spesse lenti degli occhiali, aveva pensato Cole, c’era un ragazzo che sembrava del tutto sperduto. Ma quello che aveva provato nel vedere lo sconosciuto lo aveva del tutto preso alla sprovvista. Non gli era venuta voglia di soffocare una risatina. Non gli era venuta voglia di alzare gli occhi al cielo, come aveva visto fare a qualche altro tizio della palestra. Non gli era nemmeno venuta voglia di consigliargli un buon paio di scarpe da ginnastica. Nike, magari. Reebok? No. Gli era venuta voglia di baciarlo. Con passione. C’era qualcosa di così vulnerabile e dolce, in lui, che gli aveva fatto desiderare solo di premere le labbra su quelle leggermente piene del ragazzo. Non riusciva a immaginare niente di più soddisfacente, nemmeno il sesso. Avrebbe solo voluto baciarlo."
Nelle prime pagine di Un cielo pieno di misteri ci troviamo catapultati nel 1997 a Chicago, una città che l’autore riesce a rendere vivida e molto reale descrivendola perfettamente, riportandoci con la mente a quegli anni meno complicati e tecnologici. Qui, vicino al lago Michigan, Rory e Cole si sono appena trasferiti in un nuovo appartamento; per entrambi è la prima convivenza: il loro amore è irruente e appassionato e i due sono molto innamorati. Cole è bellissimo, va in palestra, cura il suo fisico caratterialmente è un ragazzo solare e sempre ottimista. Rory ha gli occhiali, adora i video giochi ed è in tutto un adorabile nerd, incredulo di essere riuscito a diventare il ragazzo del suo bellissimo compagno. Tutto sembra perfetto nella loro vita, finché una sera in cui Cole sta lavorando all’inventario del negozio per cui lavora, Rory sentendosi solo, va a fare una passeggiata e da allora le sue tracce si perdono e nessuno è in grado di trovare una spiegazione. Il dolore di Cole è tangibile, così come il cambiamento che avviene nel suo carattere; paiono infinite le tante strade imboccate per avere notizie dello scomparso, e mentre le speranze muoiono ad una ad una, Cole sprofonda sempre più nella disperazione lasciandosi andare. Solo un evento lo scuote per un breve attimo, l’incontro con Tommy, un ragazzo che assomiglia a Rory e che, per qualche istante, riesce a fargli dimenticare l’amore perduto. Per Cole però è troppo presto ma una seconda opportunità, qualche tempo dopo, farà sì che le cose cambino. Il tempo scorre, gli anni si susseguono in una tranquilla quotidianità fino a quando un mattino, vent’anni dopo, Rory riappare esattamente nello stesso posto in cui era sparito, senza memoria del tempo trascorso e convinto che siano passate solo poche ore. Ancora giovane, ancora innamorato ma catapultato in un mondo che non riconosce; per Cole che non lo ha mai dimenticato, tutto viene rimesso in discussione.
Nonostante una prosa impeccabile e una trama molto originale, vi accorgerete a lettura conclusa, di avere ancora tante domande che non hanno ottenuto risposta. Noi assistiamo alla sparizione di Rory eppure non ne sappiamo il motivo, lo possiamo solo intuire. Così come non sapremo mai dove sia stato e che cosa gli sia successo: lui non ne ha memoria e l’autore ci fornisce ben pochi indizi, ma in sostanza è proprio Rory il cardine della storia, il personaggio che meno conosciamo. È invece incredibilmente minuziosa la costruzione del carattere degli altri personaggi, approcciamo Cole nel pieno della giovinezza, innamorato e spensierato, sempre allegro e sorridente, amante della vita; in seguito lo vediamo precipitare nella depressione, fumando droghe leggere e lasciandosi andare a rapporti sessuali senza un domani, con persone conosciute in una linea erotica, fino all’evento che lo scuoterà riportandolo, pian piano, alla vita. E così lo ritroviamo dopo vent’anni, Rory non lascia mai la sua mente, ma la vita è andata avanti. Se Rory è stata la passione, Tommy è stato il pilastro a cui si è ancorato, il loro è un amore tranquillo, entrambi amano stare soli nella loro casa, con le loro abitudini. Tommy ha sempre saputo che nel loro rapporto c’era un’ombra, una terza persona il cui ricordo non può sconfiggere, ma lo ha accettato perché ama Cole immensamente, così tanto da accompagnarlo ed aspettare in macchina per ore quando, ad ogni anniversario, il marito si reca sulla tomba vuota dell’amato. Il loro è un matrimonio felice, la loro vita è piacevole e sono stati fortunati, Tommy è diventato famoso e il suo lavoro permette ad entrambi di vivere come meglio desiderano, eppure basta solo un incontro e una lettera perché tutto questo venga messo in discussione. Chi non vorrebbe avere la possibilità di ritrovare il grande amore della sua vita? Riavere l’illusione di essere ancora giovane e pieno di entusiasmo? Avere la possibilità di riavere i propri sogni?
Ho amato la scrittura e l’originalità di questa storia, davvero unica, e sono assolutamente convinta che il finale scelto dall’autore sia assolutamente perfetto, l’unico in realtà possibile, ma non mi è piaciuto e non mi avrebbe soddisfatta in nessun caso perché in ogni opzione ipotizzabile, qualcuno avrebbe perso: siamo il compendio delle nostre esperienze e cambiamo ogni giorno, ma è difficile competere con il ricordo bellissimo di qualcosa che non abbiamo potuto vivere fino in fondo. In questo libro ci sono così tanti tipi di amore, c’è quello spensierato della gioventù, c’è quello profondo e tranquillo che ti conforta e ti permette di superare le difficoltà, e poi ci sono gli amori che non muoiono mai, nonostante il passare del tempo e la lontananza. È un libro molto particolare, difficile da dimenticare e che lascia al lettore un retrogusto dolce-amaro tuttavia non per questo, è meno bello.
.
Lucia63 - per RFS
January 19, 2022
Re-read 2nd times (January 19,2022)
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I'm not a huge crier when it comes to books, but this one had me full-on weeping. A story about love, lost, second chance and acceptance. I still get emotional mess about the ending but i guess it was realistic ending. Cole and Rory; they brought me to tears. I will not recommend that to read this book on second, third, fourth time because you will repeat experience reignites the emotions caused by this book. Sometimes there are just books you really don't even want to open again,
is one of them.
PS : just make sure you have a box of tissues nearby when you read it.
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I'm not a huge crier when it comes to books, but this one had me full-on weeping. A story about love, lost, second chance and acceptance. I still get emotional mess about the ending but i guess it was realistic ending. Cole and Rory; they brought me to tears. I will not recommend that to read this book on second, third, fourth time because you will repeat experience reignites the emotions caused by this book. Sometimes there are just books you really don't even want to open again,
is one of them. PS : just make sure you have a box of tissues nearby when you read it.
January 23, 2020
Holy crap. I read this book in one day, in one fell swoop .... and I needed to let it settle through my brain before I wrote a review. I loved "Sky Full of Mysteries" as the plot draws you in bit by bit, like the slow pull of the line as a master storyteller steadily reels you in. And I hated "Sky Full of Mysteries" perhaps because there IS no right answer and no entirely happy ending, just as there is no right answer in life. I mean, the answer to the universe may be 42 after all, or maybe it's all a series of possibilities, of chance, of different paths.
I won't reiterate the blurb here, but suffice it to say the plot is absolutely compelling and holds your interest every page of the way. Reed does a beautiful job of creating characters with emotional depth, flaws and foibles. I love how Reed contrasts Cole and Rory's sexual sizzle at the beginning of their relationship, and the rich sustaining passion of the 20 year partnership Cole and Tommy share. My only small niggle in this tale was Rory's mother's reaction. I didn't quite understand her rationale (don't want to do a spoiler here).
Without giving too much away, the last quarter of the book and the ending is ... difficult. By framing this story as science fiction / paranormal / "aliens took him up in the spaceship," I believe Reed allows us to take a look at our own ideas about love and its possibilities. Do we go through life carefully guarding an inviolable part of ourselves wondering "what if?" What if, in the giant flowchart of our lives, we had picked Door B rather than A? What if that first love, with its heady blend of infinite possibilities and incredible sex, worked out exactly the way you hoped and dreamed? What if karma or the universe gives us the gift we truly NEED, although we may not WANT it when we receive it? What do we do with the possibilities we are handed in this life?
The writing here is stellar, with a plot that takes us on a path we may not be ready to traverse. I think readers will either love or hate the ending but I highly recommend "Sky Full of Mysteries" and give it 5+ stars.
I received an ARC from NineStar Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
I won't reiterate the blurb here, but suffice it to say the plot is absolutely compelling and holds your interest every page of the way. Reed does a beautiful job of creating characters with emotional depth, flaws and foibles. I love how Reed contrasts Cole and Rory's sexual sizzle at the beginning of their relationship, and the rich sustaining passion of the 20 year partnership Cole and Tommy share. My only small niggle in this tale was Rory's mother's reaction. I didn't quite understand her rationale (don't want to do a spoiler here).
Without giving too much away, the last quarter of the book and the ending is ... difficult. By framing this story as science fiction / paranormal / "aliens took him up in the spaceship," I believe Reed allows us to take a look at our own ideas about love and its possibilities. Do we go through life carefully guarding an inviolable part of ourselves wondering "what if?" What if, in the giant flowchart of our lives, we had picked Door B rather than A? What if that first love, with its heady blend of infinite possibilities and incredible sex, worked out exactly the way you hoped and dreamed? What if karma or the universe gives us the gift we truly NEED, although we may not WANT it when we receive it? What do we do with the possibilities we are handed in this life?
The writing here is stellar, with a plot that takes us on a path we may not be ready to traverse. I think readers will either love or hate the ending but I highly recommend "Sky Full of Mysteries" and give it 5+ stars.
I received an ARC from NineStar Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
August 14, 2018
3 Stars!
What would you do if the person you thought you’d be spending the rest of your life with suddenly disappeared without a trace only to return twenty years later looking as if not a day had gone by?
Cole never expected his boyfriend Rory to just vanish but that’s exactly what happened. After mourning the unknown, hoping he’d one day walk back in his life but knowing he was probably dead, Cole finally started to live his life again. Twenty years later, he’s married to a wonderful man and they have a wonderful life. Unfortunately, Cole still has a hole left behind by Rory. When Rory reappears looking like the same 23-year-old he was back then, Cole questions whether this is a second chance. But can he really forget the life he's built now?
Oh, how I wanted to love this story. The premise was so attractive, the idea of alien abduction and the return of a missing person. I’m not really a fan of Science Fiction but I’ve always been a fan of this idea. I loved movies like Fire In the Sky, Close Encounters, Flight of the Navigator and The Forgotten, so I was excited by Sky Full of Mysteries. Unfortunately, though, while it was interesting and I wanted to see how it all played out, it just wasn’t what I’d personally hoped for.
What I Loved: The premise. The idea that Rory disappeared without any clues. That he’s abducted by an Alien ship and what he and Cole would go through over the years. I liked the idea of Cole having a new life but having to face Rory’s return. The choices he would face, not to mention what Rory would now have to deal with after being gone for two decades.
What I Liked: I’m happy that the ending was different from what I expected. I didn’t quite see that happening, to be honest.
I liked Rory, he was probably the only character I really liked in the story. I was sad for him, though. I couldn’t imagine coming back to see life went on without me and feel like I’m an outsider.
What I Didn’t Like: I wanted less of the days and hours leading up to the abduction, I felt like there was too much page time spent on this that when it happened it was a little anticlimactic. Then the time spent on Cole mourning Rory just did nothing for me, it certainly didn’t endear him to me at all. In fact, it actually made me dislike him if I’m being honest.
Tommy wasn’t all that great either personally speaking but I will say that he was a good match for Cole. I understand why many people would find him likable but he rubbed me the wrong way. His and Cole’s first encounter was too soon in my eyes (my own personal feeling) and it made me question his integrity.
Lastly, I really wish we could’ve gotten more on Rory’s time away. We really don’t get a feel of that and I wanted more I guess.
Overall, I loved the idea but not so much the execution. I’m sure some people will really enjoy it. It’s a quick easy read and you’ll want to know how it ends.
What would you do if the person you thought you’d be spending the rest of your life with suddenly disappeared without a trace only to return twenty years later looking as if not a day had gone by?
Cole never expected his boyfriend Rory to just vanish but that’s exactly what happened. After mourning the unknown, hoping he’d one day walk back in his life but knowing he was probably dead, Cole finally started to live his life again. Twenty years later, he’s married to a wonderful man and they have a wonderful life. Unfortunately, Cole still has a hole left behind by Rory. When Rory reappears looking like the same 23-year-old he was back then, Cole questions whether this is a second chance. But can he really forget the life he's built now?
Oh, how I wanted to love this story. The premise was so attractive, the idea of alien abduction and the return of a missing person. I’m not really a fan of Science Fiction but I’ve always been a fan of this idea. I loved movies like Fire In the Sky, Close Encounters, Flight of the Navigator and The Forgotten, so I was excited by Sky Full of Mysteries. Unfortunately, though, while it was interesting and I wanted to see how it all played out, it just wasn’t what I’d personally hoped for.
What I Loved: The premise. The idea that Rory disappeared without any clues. That he’s abducted by an Alien ship and what he and Cole would go through over the years. I liked the idea of Cole having a new life but having to face Rory’s return. The choices he would face, not to mention what Rory would now have to deal with after being gone for two decades.
What I Liked: I’m happy that the ending was different from what I expected. I didn’t quite see that happening, to be honest.
I liked Rory, he was probably the only character I really liked in the story. I was sad for him, though. I couldn’t imagine coming back to see life went on without me and feel like I’m an outsider.
What I Didn’t Like: I wanted less of the days and hours leading up to the abduction, I felt like there was too much page time spent on this that when it happened it was a little anticlimactic. Then the time spent on Cole mourning Rory just did nothing for me, it certainly didn’t endear him to me at all. In fact, it actually made me dislike him if I’m being honest.
Tommy wasn’t all that great either personally speaking but I will say that he was a good match for Cole. I understand why many people would find him likable but he rubbed me the wrong way. His and Cole’s first encounter was too soon in my eyes (my own personal feeling) and it made me question his integrity.
Lastly, I really wish we could’ve gotten more on Rory’s time away. We really don’t get a feel of that and I wanted more I guess.
Overall, I loved the idea but not so much the execution. I’m sure some people will really enjoy it. It’s a quick easy read and you’ll want to know how it ends.
February 6, 2020
This book was provided bt the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange fo an honest review.
This book is hard hitting. It starts out in Chicago in 1997 with Rory and Cole, who are starting out in their first apartment together. They are madly in love and set to spend the rest of their lives together. Then Roary leaves on an errand and never returns. Cole is devastated and has a hard time dealing with his loss. He meets Tommy who likes him very much, but Cole has a hard time letting go of Rory so things don't work out well for them until they meet again unexpectedly years later. Cole is still deeply in love with Rory but Tommy is understanding and a really great guy. They move on and build a great life together until twenty years later when Rory reappears and Cole is forced to make a choice.
This book is so well written. The feels are all over the place and deep. The circumstances for Rory in how the whole thing happens to him is especially devastating. To say more about that would be giving away major plot details. Needless to say, the position Cole is in is a terrible as well as heart breaking one. Either way, someone he loves will be hurt badly, and he will too. Does he choose to go back to Rory, the love of his life whom he never stopped loving and pining for? Or does he stay with his husband, Tommy. The wonderful man who has been there for him for the last twenty years who has been understanding about Rory and who he's spent most of his life loving and loving him? I was happy with the choice he made and I liked the ending. I highly recommend this one if you are looking for something with a lot of depth and emotion.
This book is hard hitting. It starts out in Chicago in 1997 with Rory and Cole, who are starting out in their first apartment together. They are madly in love and set to spend the rest of their lives together. Then Roary leaves on an errand and never returns. Cole is devastated and has a hard time dealing with his loss. He meets Tommy who likes him very much, but Cole has a hard time letting go of Rory so things don't work out well for them until they meet again unexpectedly years later. Cole is still deeply in love with Rory but Tommy is understanding and a really great guy. They move on and build a great life together until twenty years later when Rory reappears and Cole is forced to make a choice.
This book is so well written. The feels are all over the place and deep. The circumstances for Rory in how the whole thing happens to him is especially devastating. To say more about that would be giving away major plot details. Needless to say, the position Cole is in is a terrible as well as heart breaking one. Either way, someone he loves will be hurt badly, and he will too. Does he choose to go back to Rory, the love of his life whom he never stopped loving and pining for? Or does he stay with his husband, Tommy. The wonderful man who has been there for him for the last twenty years who has been understanding about Rory and who he's spent most of his life loving and loving him? I was happy with the choice he made and I liked the ending. I highly recommend this one if you are looking for something with a lot of depth and emotion.
January 22, 2020
I am not sure about this one. I’m going to have to think on it before I write my review.
Okay so my review is that I had a hard time with this book. I keep teetering between really liking it and then not so much. We start off seeing how very much Rory & Cole are in love and they have just recently moved in together. Then one evening when Cole comes home from work, he finds Rory gone. We get to see the real struggle that Cole goes through trying to cope with him missing and his search for Rory. As time goes on, he finds some comfort with Tommy who he meets when Cole speaks to the waitress who was the last person who saw Rory when she served him. What I didn't feel is the love between Tommy & Cole. It just felt like Tommy felt more for Cole then Cole felt for Tommy. It felt more like Cole was settling for second best. When Rory came back, he was still that young boy in love with Cole, but Cole is 20 years older. Then the conflict with Cole, should he stay or should he go. I don't know but I think after 20 years the OMG I love you so much I can't breathe would have back off some. Plus you have been married to your husband for 20 years. When he came to his initial decision, I was like really? Why? Then when what happened happens and he changes his mind again, I was like are you doing that for the right reasons. Then with how the story ultimately ends, I was like what the heck? I didn't like it at all. I also believe that Rory remembers more then he is willing to allow himself remember.
ARC provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review
Okay so my review is that I had a hard time with this book. I keep teetering between really liking it and then not so much. We start off seeing how very much Rory & Cole are in love and they have just recently moved in together. Then one evening when Cole comes home from work, he finds Rory gone. We get to see the real struggle that Cole goes through trying to cope with him missing and his search for Rory. As time goes on, he finds some comfort with Tommy who he meets when Cole speaks to the waitress who was the last person who saw Rory when she served him. What I didn't feel is the love between Tommy & Cole. It just felt like Tommy felt more for Cole then Cole felt for Tommy. It felt more like Cole was settling for second best. When Rory came back, he was still that young boy in love with Cole, but Cole is 20 years older. Then the conflict with Cole, should he stay or should he go. I don't know but I think after 20 years the OMG I love you so much I can't breathe would have back off some. Plus you have been married to your husband for 20 years. When he came to his initial decision, I was like really? Why? Then when what happened happens and he changes his mind again, I was like are you doing that for the right reasons. Then with how the story ultimately ends, I was like what the heck? I didn't like it at all. I also believe that Rory remembers more then he is willing to allow himself remember.
ARC provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review
August 23, 2018
That was a very weird book and I did not expect any of the things that happened.
The book is split into two. First half starts in 1997 when the events of the disappearance of Rory happen and we see Cole dealing with this, which is heartbreaking because they had just moved in together. And the other half is the recent days, 20 years later, when Rory appears and no one can believe it. Cole already married and in his 40’s, still not having forgotten Rory.
The sci-fi aspect of it was very unusual, though it didn’t have much. When I read it at night I got a bit scared! And it was so weird, especially the end where I was left wondering “what the hell was that? What did I just read?”. I wouldn’t call it a HEA but it kind of was for the characters… I am still processing the events.
Another thing that I didn’t like was Tommy. I don’t know, he just didn’t feel right but I felt sorry for him there at the end.
An interesting book. I’m glad I read it but I have questions!!
The book is split into two. First half starts in 1997 when the events of the disappearance of Rory happen and we see Cole dealing with this, which is heartbreaking because they had just moved in together. And the other half is the recent days, 20 years later, when Rory appears and no one can believe it. Cole already married and in his 40’s, still not having forgotten Rory.
The sci-fi aspect of it was very unusual, though it didn’t have much. When I read it at night I got a bit scared! And it was so weird, especially the end where I was left wondering “what the hell was that? What did I just read?”. I wouldn’t call it a HEA but it kind of was for the characters… I am still processing the events.
Another thing that I didn’t like was Tommy. I don’t know, he just didn’t feel right but I felt sorry for him there at the end.
An interesting book. I’m glad I read it but I have questions!!
January 28, 2020
‘Sky Full of Mysteries’ is one of those books you have to read and experience yourself to fully appreciate the story, the characters, and the depth of emotions Rick R. Reed is able to conjure up with his prose. The premise alone had me fearing heartbreak, but the reality was so much worse. The focus is firmly on the men’s emotions, their passion, their guilt, and the way they end up dealing with a situation that is impossible – and not just in the scientific sense. What happens is a true test of character for all three men, and as much as I hated the ending on the one hand, on the other, it was exactly what “should” have happened.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 12, 2018
Rory and Cole were young and in love starting their life in their new apartment when suddenly Rory comes up missing without a trace. Cole meets Tommy in an unfortunate accident and they begin a life together but what will Cole do when Rory shows up just as mysteriously as he disappeared? Will he stick with the man that's been his rock for the past twenty years or the exciting first love he lost?
OOHH MY! I don't usually read science fiction, but I love a good mystery and romance and this is a great mixture of all three. I also loved that this book is written in two parts. Part one sets up with Cole and Rory's life, we meet Tommy and see how Rory comes up missing. It is beautiful and sad in spots. Then the second part is Tommy and Cole and then Rory reappearing. again lovely and sad in parts. The ending is beautiful. Heck, the entire story is gripping and beautiful.
If you like a mystery, science fiction, young love, true love, and a beautiful romance this is for you!
OOHH MY! I don't usually read science fiction, but I love a good mystery and romance and this is a great mixture of all three. I also loved that this book is written in two parts. Part one sets up with Cole and Rory's life, we meet Tommy and see how Rory comes up missing. It is beautiful and sad in spots. Then the second part is Tommy and Cole and then Rory reappearing. again lovely and sad in parts. The ending is beautiful. Heck, the entire story is gripping and beautiful.
If you like a mystery, science fiction, young love, true love, and a beautiful romance this is for you!
September 4, 2018
Parto col dire: leggete questo libro! In italiano, in inglese, come vi pare, ma vi consiglio di leggerlo perché, pur non essendo esente da difetti, lascia il segno.
Sono poche le volte in cui decido di recensire i libri letti, di solito succede quando, a lettura ultimata, non riesco a liberarmi dal pensiero di quel libro. La recensione per me è una sorta di catarsi, di liberazione. Scrivo di un libro per mettere un freno alle mie elucubrazioni su di esso.
Sky full of mysteries è un romanzo che mi ha colpita molto, mi ha coinvolta emotivamente e mi ha portata a riflettere su determinati temi. L'idea di base del libro è ottima, appena ho letto la descrizione del romanzo mi sono detta "finalmente un libro a tematica lgbt con una trama originale". Non che sia l'unico ma devo ammettere che nell'universo della produzione romance e young adult lgbt c'è una certa monotonia di trame e sviluppi delle vicende.
Questo non è un romanzo fantascientifico, ci sono gli alieni, ok, ma la loro presenza non è il fulcro del romanzo quanto, piuttosto, un espediente narrativo utilizzato per produrre una certa situazione di fronte alla quale, poi, i personaggi si ritroveranno a reagire e che darà il via ad una serie di cambiamenti sul piano delle loro personalità e relazioni interpersonali.
Perché il libro mi è piaciuto? Innanzitutto per i temi affrontati: il dolore e l'incertezza che si provano di fronte alla scomparsa di una persona cara, il senso di isolamento che si sente quando ci si ritrova a vivere in un mondo che non si riconosce e non si sente più come proprio, la malinconia e il rimpianto dei tempi passati, il confronto tra l'amore della giovinezza e quello della maturità. L'autore è stato capace di coinvolgere il lettore facendogli vivere su di sé i sentimenti e le emozioni dei personaggi, di alcuni perlomeno.
Il libro, ripeto, non è esente da difetti. Il più evidente, a mio parere, è il fatto di essere sbilanciato. Due sono gli eventi cardine del romanzo: la scomparsa di Rory ed il suo ritorno 20 anni dopo. Ora, mentre la fase post-scomparsa viene affrontata in modo piuttosto dettagliato, dedicandole il giusto tempo ed approfondimento, la fase post-ritorno è, invece, troppo affrettata e poco esaustiva. Rory ricompare troppo in là nella narrazione e le conseguenze del suo ritorno sono affrontate in modo approssimativo, senza il giusto approfondimento.
Lo sbilanciamento riguarda anche un altro aspetto del romanzo: mentre l'autore si dimostra bravo a trasmettere al lettore i sentimenti più cupi e malinconici che provano i suoi personaggi, non è altrettanto capace per quanto riguarda, invece, la rappresentazione dei sentimenti più positivi, come ad esempio l'amore. Se uno dei temi cardine del romanzo è il confronto tra amore giovanile e amore maturo, allora tu autore devi darmi una rappresentazione più efficace delle due relazioni che esemplificano, all'interno del romanzo, questi due tipi di amore. Troppo poco spazio viene dato a queste due relazioni, di cui noi lettori vediamo poco, molto poco, e ciò che ci viene detto o mostrato a riguardo si rivela inefficace nel trasmetterci l'intensità e il valore di questi due amori, soprattutto nel caso del rapporto tra Cole e Tommy. Difatti, nonostante la relazione tra Cole e Rory ci venga presentata in pochissime pagine all'inizio del romanzo, ci sono comunque degli elementi che la rendono reale, che permettono al lettore di percepirne l'intensità, uno su tutti il ricordo di Cole del primo incontro in palestra con Rory. Tutto ciò, a mio parere, non accade nel caso di Cole e Tommy, la loro storia rimane vaga, piatta, ci sono pochi appigli a cui il lettore può aggrapparsi per farla propria, per percepirla come autentica e reale. Ciò credo che in parte dipenda anche dall'inconsistenza del personaggio di Tommy. Mentre Rory e Cole sono personaggi, Tommy è più che altro un ruolo, quello del marito, del partner di lunga data. Non c'è niente in tutto il romanzo che mi abbia spinto ad interessarmi, ad immedesimarmi o a provare empatia verso di lui. Di conseguenza non sono riuscita a percepire come reale la sua storia d'amore ventennale con Cole. Rory, invece, è stato il personaggio con cui mi sono sentita più in connessione e non mi sarebbe dispiaciuto se avesse avuto ancora più spazio all'interno del romanzo. È lui, a mio avviso, il personaggio più tragico e quello che ho percepito come più reale nelle sue contraddizioni. Rory é il ragazzo poco più che ventenne che passa ore a giocare ai videogiochi e mangiare cereali per bambini, che si sente fuori luogo nei bar, che va in palestra vestito in modo assurdo, che ispira negli altri un senso di protezione ma che, al tempo stesso, sa essere coraggioso, che é malinconico ma ha anche un lato sensuale e ironico. Sia Cole che Rory li ho percepiti come personaggi reali, concreti, nei loro pregi e difetti.
Due parole, infine, sul finale: ci sta, me lo aspettavo e devo dire che ci sta pure il fatto che sia così brusco, senza mostrarci nulla di ciò che accade dopo. A mio parere il finale non è un problema, anche se non posso dire che mi abbia reso felice, tuttavia il vero problema è che si è giunti a quel finale troppo in fretta, senza dedicare il giusto tempo al come si è arrivati fino lì.
In conclusione Sky full of mysteries è decisamente un libro che merita di essere letto, pur con i suoi difetti, perché pone questioni importanti al lettore e lo trasporta nel mondo e nella mente dei suoi protagonisti. Menzione speciale alla meravigliosa atmosfera degli anni '90 che l'autore é stato in grado di ricreare nella prima parte del libro.
Sono poche le volte in cui decido di recensire i libri letti, di solito succede quando, a lettura ultimata, non riesco a liberarmi dal pensiero di quel libro. La recensione per me è una sorta di catarsi, di liberazione. Scrivo di un libro per mettere un freno alle mie elucubrazioni su di esso.
Sky full of mysteries è un romanzo che mi ha colpita molto, mi ha coinvolta emotivamente e mi ha portata a riflettere su determinati temi. L'idea di base del libro è ottima, appena ho letto la descrizione del romanzo mi sono detta "finalmente un libro a tematica lgbt con una trama originale". Non che sia l'unico ma devo ammettere che nell'universo della produzione romance e young adult lgbt c'è una certa monotonia di trame e sviluppi delle vicende.
Questo non è un romanzo fantascientifico, ci sono gli alieni, ok, ma la loro presenza non è il fulcro del romanzo quanto, piuttosto, un espediente narrativo utilizzato per produrre una certa situazione di fronte alla quale, poi, i personaggi si ritroveranno a reagire e che darà il via ad una serie di cambiamenti sul piano delle loro personalità e relazioni interpersonali.
Perché il libro mi è piaciuto? Innanzitutto per i temi affrontati: il dolore e l'incertezza che si provano di fronte alla scomparsa di una persona cara, il senso di isolamento che si sente quando ci si ritrova a vivere in un mondo che non si riconosce e non si sente più come proprio, la malinconia e il rimpianto dei tempi passati, il confronto tra l'amore della giovinezza e quello della maturità. L'autore è stato capace di coinvolgere il lettore facendogli vivere su di sé i sentimenti e le emozioni dei personaggi, di alcuni perlomeno.
Il libro, ripeto, non è esente da difetti. Il più evidente, a mio parere, è il fatto di essere sbilanciato. Due sono gli eventi cardine del romanzo: la scomparsa di Rory ed il suo ritorno 20 anni dopo. Ora, mentre la fase post-scomparsa viene affrontata in modo piuttosto dettagliato, dedicandole il giusto tempo ed approfondimento, la fase post-ritorno è, invece, troppo affrettata e poco esaustiva. Rory ricompare troppo in là nella narrazione e le conseguenze del suo ritorno sono affrontate in modo approssimativo, senza il giusto approfondimento.
Lo sbilanciamento riguarda anche un altro aspetto del romanzo: mentre l'autore si dimostra bravo a trasmettere al lettore i sentimenti più cupi e malinconici che provano i suoi personaggi, non è altrettanto capace per quanto riguarda, invece, la rappresentazione dei sentimenti più positivi, come ad esempio l'amore. Se uno dei temi cardine del romanzo è il confronto tra amore giovanile e amore maturo, allora tu autore devi darmi una rappresentazione più efficace delle due relazioni che esemplificano, all'interno del romanzo, questi due tipi di amore. Troppo poco spazio viene dato a queste due relazioni, di cui noi lettori vediamo poco, molto poco, e ciò che ci viene detto o mostrato a riguardo si rivela inefficace nel trasmetterci l'intensità e il valore di questi due amori, soprattutto nel caso del rapporto tra Cole e Tommy. Difatti, nonostante la relazione tra Cole e Rory ci venga presentata in pochissime pagine all'inizio del romanzo, ci sono comunque degli elementi che la rendono reale, che permettono al lettore di percepirne l'intensità, uno su tutti il ricordo di Cole del primo incontro in palestra con Rory. Tutto ciò, a mio parere, non accade nel caso di Cole e Tommy, la loro storia rimane vaga, piatta, ci sono pochi appigli a cui il lettore può aggrapparsi per farla propria, per percepirla come autentica e reale. Ciò credo che in parte dipenda anche dall'inconsistenza del personaggio di Tommy. Mentre Rory e Cole sono personaggi, Tommy è più che altro un ruolo, quello del marito, del partner di lunga data. Non c'è niente in tutto il romanzo che mi abbia spinto ad interessarmi, ad immedesimarmi o a provare empatia verso di lui. Di conseguenza non sono riuscita a percepire come reale la sua storia d'amore ventennale con Cole. Rory, invece, è stato il personaggio con cui mi sono sentita più in connessione e non mi sarebbe dispiaciuto se avesse avuto ancora più spazio all'interno del romanzo. È lui, a mio avviso, il personaggio più tragico e quello che ho percepito come più reale nelle sue contraddizioni. Rory é il ragazzo poco più che ventenne che passa ore a giocare ai videogiochi e mangiare cereali per bambini, che si sente fuori luogo nei bar, che va in palestra vestito in modo assurdo, che ispira negli altri un senso di protezione ma che, al tempo stesso, sa essere coraggioso, che é malinconico ma ha anche un lato sensuale e ironico. Sia Cole che Rory li ho percepiti come personaggi reali, concreti, nei loro pregi e difetti.
Due parole, infine, sul finale: ci sta, me lo aspettavo e devo dire che ci sta pure il fatto che sia così brusco, senza mostrarci nulla di ciò che accade dopo. A mio parere il finale non è un problema, anche se non posso dire che mi abbia reso felice, tuttavia il vero problema è che si è giunti a quel finale troppo in fretta, senza dedicare il giusto tempo al come si è arrivati fino lì.
In conclusione Sky full of mysteries è decisamente un libro che merita di essere letto, pur con i suoi difetti, perché pone questioni importanti al lettore e lo trasporta nel mondo e nella mente dei suoi protagonisti. Menzione speciale alla meravigliosa atmosfera degli anni '90 che l'autore é stato in grado di ricreare nella prima parte del libro.
January 29, 2020
Wow. What an amazing story! So many great themes. First love, loss of a loved one, second chances, different types of love. It’s all covered and it’s all covered beautifully. I am one of the few who loved the ending and would’ve been quite upset if it had gone in a different direction. Reeds writing is amazing and you feel like you’re in the story with the characters feeling these big feelings. There are some non MC povs, which usually bothers me, but it fit here and wasn’t detracting at all. Well written and thought provoking.
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