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On Tinsel Wings #1
On Tinsel Wings
Patrick Harford sees hope as magical and beautiful, too delicate to hold—and everything in his life has proved him right. An unhealthy home leaves him hiding in the shadows as he tries to come to terms with his sexuality.
Patrick finds solace among the performers at the Allegaheny Mountains Renaissance Faire, where he discovers a love of performing and costumes. As he starts to come out of his shell, he meets Yu Elion, an apprentice blacksmith. Yu gives Patrick a glimpse of fairy-tale love.
But just when hope starts to blossom, it withers. Cynical after a past filled with failed relationships, Yu keeps Patrick at a distance. Working two jobs has disastrous consequences. And an obsessed fan takes things a step too far. After seeing all he’s built start to crumble, Patrick doesn’t know if he has what it takes to try again on his own, and Yu might not have the strength to be the one Patrick needs.
Patrick finds solace among the performers at the Allegaheny Mountains Renaissance Faire, where he discovers a love of performing and costumes. As he starts to come out of his shell, he meets Yu Elion, an apprentice blacksmith. Yu gives Patrick a glimpse of fairy-tale love.
But just when hope starts to blossom, it withers. Cynical after a past filled with failed relationships, Yu keeps Patrick at a distance. Working two jobs has disastrous consequences. And an obsessed fan takes things a step too far. After seeing all he’s built start to crumble, Patrick doesn’t know if he has what it takes to try again on his own, and Yu might not have the strength to be the one Patrick needs.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2013
83 people want to read
About the author
Augusta Li
39 books124 followersGus's Books are available at Dreamspinner Press, Silver Publishing, , Yaoi Press, and Storm Moon Press.
Gus has much love for readers and book enthusiasts. Communication and friendship is encouraged!
Website: www.BooksByEonandGus.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 8, 2013
Note to self : download on July 5th.
DSP note to you: wouldn't it be nice to send out email reminders to all your lovely customers that pre-order books from you. I know you can, you do it with the Daily Dose. Just sayin'.
Update the note to self didn't work, I stumbled over it by accident. I downloaded it now, but it would have been so much nicer to get a little email. Samhain does it ..*hint*
I read this book pretty much in one sitting, I had to stop to feed the kids and do some other things,normally when I have a book that's this long, I will take a break with a shorter story in between, but Patrick held me captive and I stayed up past my bedtime to finish his story.
Patrick, wow, not sure how to describe him, despite being pretty much invisible to people around him ( or at least he thinks he is) living with an alcoholic father and just generally having a less than pleasant existence, he is hopeful and sweet and good. He's 19 so I understand some of his stronger emotions, the highs and lows you feel especially strong at that age.
This is a wonderful story of Patrick really coming into his own, finding friends, a surrogate family, a passion for drag and getting more recognition and input in his beloved Faire.
The supporting characters were exactly that, they encouraged and supportive.
The love story between Patrick and Yu didn't work for me, I saw it as very one sided almost until the end and never really cared for Yu at all.
I know that's because I didn't get in Yu's head, but I kept hoping for one of the drag queens to turn Patrick's head instead. It felt as if Patrick was always giving to Yu ( and to his father)but neither one appreciated him.
So, while I loved Patrick and his story of his metamorphosis from larvae to beautiful butterfly, the romance unfortunately didn't do it for me.
DSP note to you: wouldn't it be nice to send out email reminders to all your lovely customers that pre-order books from you. I know you can, you do it with the Daily Dose. Just sayin'.
Update the note to self didn't work, I stumbled over it by accident. I downloaded it now, but it would have been so much nicer to get a little email. Samhain does it ..*hint*
I read this book pretty much in one sitting, I had to stop to feed the kids and do some other things,normally when I have a book that's this long, I will take a break with a shorter story in between, but Patrick held me captive and I stayed up past my bedtime to finish his story.
Patrick, wow, not sure how to describe him, despite being pretty much invisible to people around him ( or at least he thinks he is) living with an alcoholic father and just generally having a less than pleasant existence, he is hopeful and sweet and good. He's 19 so I understand some of his stronger emotions, the highs and lows you feel especially strong at that age.
This is a wonderful story of Patrick really coming into his own, finding friends, a surrogate family, a passion for drag and getting more recognition and input in his beloved Faire.
The supporting characters were exactly that, they encouraged and supportive.
The love story between Patrick and Yu didn't work for me, I saw it as very one sided almost until the end and never really cared for Yu at all.
I know that's because I didn't get in Yu's head, but I kept hoping for one of the drag queens to turn Patrick's head instead. It felt as if Patrick was always giving to Yu ( and to his father)but neither one appreciated him.
So, while I loved Patrick and his story of his metamorphosis from larvae to beautiful butterfly, the romance unfortunately didn't do it for me.
February 20, 2016
"Magnanimous despair alone could show me so divine a thing, where feeble hope could ne'er have flown, but vainly flapped its tinsel wing." ~ Andrew Marvel
Patrick Hartford, of 'On Tinsel Wings' by Augusta Li, has always known he's different and hasn't been able to fit well anywhere, but the Renaissance Faire he's worked at for years, is the closest he has been able to get. The Faire is a wonderful place, even if it is only make-believe, and has a sense of family that he doesn't have at home. Patrick hasn't given up hope of finding his place in the world. Even if it seems illusive, his hope is always there, helping him look into the often dark tunnel of the future.
Patrick keeps a low profile, especially at home with his alcoholic, abusive bully of a father. It's just easier that way. His mother isn't much better. She deserted him when he was ten and now has another family. She frequently calls to brag about how wonderful things are with them knowing it's a huge contrast to the way he's living. Patrick has always felt unwanted by his parents and neither do much of anything to refute that idea. Although he doesn't seem to notice, most of the Ren Faire folks like him and appreciate what a hard worker he is. When his fellow employee catches him trying on some of the costume pieces, Patrick is mortified and fears the worst but, instead, is met with a calm understanding and even encouragement. This encounter opens up a new world to Patrick which affords him the opportunity of meeting another family in the Drag Queen circuit where he is loved and accepted for who he is. With that community on his side, he has two different, but equally as important families proving, once again, that being a family does not necessarily mean blood relatives, but any association where individuals are united by love and respect for each other.
Yu, wounded by past relationships, is afraid to get too close and plays push-pull; one moment he's incredibly attentive and romantic, within a make-believe scenario, but when reality hits, i.e., Patrick asks if he wants to live together, Yu runs like a scared rabbit, leaving Patrick hurt and confused. No two people react the same. Part of Yu's rejection occurred because he lacks the conviction to speak up for himself. He goes along with the flow until the inevitable happens and he is rejected. By following this pattern, Yu isn't creating a new life for himself, he's staying as much as possible within the perimeters of his former one.
Both men have decisions to make. Patrick has to decide if, or how much of himself he's willing to compromise to be with Yu. Yu has to decide who he is and what will make him happy; and if it's Patrick, he has to start thinking out of the box instead of staying with what's comfortable.
Although this love story is different from Augusta's usual fantasy stories, it's written with the same creativity and expertise which she always displays. It's well written, with realistic characters and real live angst. The settings of both the Ren Faire and the Drag Queen stage are skillfully portrayed, capturing the magical feeling surrounding by both. The Ren Faire was particularly poignant since I've spent so many hours at Renaissance Faires and understand that employees truly do consider themselves family. The Drag Queen setting is something I knew nothing about until Augusta enlightened me to it's its nuances and I can understand why such a community would also develop a tight knit unit. I loved reading about the costumes in both settings and would love to see a picture of Patrick dressed as Titania, the fairy queen. Besides the exquisite story telling, there are some important messages provided about never giving up hope, learning to be yourself, and finding family with others who are not related to you by blood.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes Renaissance Faires, Drag Queens, angst, intrigue, hope, coming out, love, and coming of age. Thanks, Augusta, for displaying your skills in a unique and enjoyable way.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Patrick Hartford, of 'On Tinsel Wings' by Augusta Li, has always known he's different and hasn't been able to fit well anywhere, but the Renaissance Faire he's worked at for years, is the closest he has been able to get. The Faire is a wonderful place, even if it is only make-believe, and has a sense of family that he doesn't have at home. Patrick hasn't given up hope of finding his place in the world. Even if it seems illusive, his hope is always there, helping him look into the often dark tunnel of the future.
Patrick keeps a low profile, especially at home with his alcoholic, abusive bully of a father. It's just easier that way. His mother isn't much better. She deserted him when he was ten and now has another family. She frequently calls to brag about how wonderful things are with them knowing it's a huge contrast to the way he's living. Patrick has always felt unwanted by his parents and neither do much of anything to refute that idea. Although he doesn't seem to notice, most of the Ren Faire folks like him and appreciate what a hard worker he is. When his fellow employee catches him trying on some of the costume pieces, Patrick is mortified and fears the worst but, instead, is met with a calm understanding and even encouragement. This encounter opens up a new world to Patrick which affords him the opportunity of meeting another family in the Drag Queen circuit where he is loved and accepted for who he is. With that community on his side, he has two different, but equally as important families proving, once again, that being a family does not necessarily mean blood relatives, but any association where individuals are united by love and respect for each other.
Yu, wounded by past relationships, is afraid to get too close and plays push-pull; one moment he's incredibly attentive and romantic, within a make-believe scenario, but when reality hits, i.e., Patrick asks if he wants to live together, Yu runs like a scared rabbit, leaving Patrick hurt and confused. No two people react the same. Part of Yu's rejection occurred because he lacks the conviction to speak up for himself. He goes along with the flow until the inevitable happens and he is rejected. By following this pattern, Yu isn't creating a new life for himself, he's staying as much as possible within the perimeters of his former one.
Both men have decisions to make. Patrick has to decide if, or how much of himself he's willing to compromise to be with Yu. Yu has to decide who he is and what will make him happy; and if it's Patrick, he has to start thinking out of the box instead of staying with what's comfortable.
Although this love story is different from Augusta's usual fantasy stories, it's written with the same creativity and expertise which she always displays. It's well written, with realistic characters and real live angst. The settings of both the Ren Faire and the Drag Queen stage are skillfully portrayed, capturing the magical feeling surrounding by both. The Ren Faire was particularly poignant since I've spent so many hours at Renaissance Faires and understand that employees truly do consider themselves family. The Drag Queen setting is something I knew nothing about until Augusta enlightened me to it's its nuances and I can understand why such a community would also develop a tight knit unit. I loved reading about the costumes in both settings and would love to see a picture of Patrick dressed as Titania, the fairy queen. Besides the exquisite story telling, there are some important messages provided about never giving up hope, learning to be yourself, and finding family with others who are not related to you by blood.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes Renaissance Faires, Drag Queens, angst, intrigue, hope, coming out, love, and coming of age. Thanks, Augusta, for displaying your skills in a unique and enjoyable way.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 4, 2013
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Patrick sees hope as something that is beautiful and magical, something he hasn’t had much of in his life but it is something that seems to be just around the corner. Patrick works at the Allegaheny Mountains Renaissance Faire a place where he feels at home, as he starts to discover himself he meets Yu and begins to have more hope for the future. Yu has never been able to hold on to a relationship when he meets Patrick he has doubts but quickly falls for the younger man, but his insecurities about relationships begin to drive them apart. Patrick realises quickly that although he has hope he still has to try hard to make it work, as he deals with his sexuality, his place in the world, his father and a stalker Patrick finds the strength to move forward with his life, but Yu doesn’t know if he has the strength to join him.
This is a wonderful coming out, finding yourself story of a young man who finally begins to embrace his life. Patrick is nineteen he still lives with his father and is quite with no real friends, one day when he is alone at the Renaissance Faire he does something which he has longed to do and it marks a new direction in his life especially when he is caught. Making new friends has him embracing a new life and also has him finally admitting his sexuality, it also has him being more outgoing and he finally gets a date. Yu is happy working with metal and forging weapons, he keeps himself walled off from people but Patrick manages to creep into his heart, but Yu has always been let down in his relationships and finds it hard to hope that Patrick will really stick around.
I loved this story and the assortment of characters that we find, not only at the Renaissance Faire but on the Drag circuit as well. The way that they all are families and the family that love and support Patrick as he comes out of his shell and finds himself, they are not judgemental and accept all aspects about him. Patrick’s home life is dull and dismal, his father is a drunk and his mother has moved on with a new family, we get everything about Patrick and you root for him as he forges forward to make a life for himself. Yu is harder to get to know as he is very closed off about his past and you only get bits and pieces about his life, but at one stage you want to slap some sense into him as he holds back with Patrick.
The entire settings for this book are descriptive and pull you into the world of the Renaissance Faire and the Drag Queen world, making it come alive and imagine you are there. The relationship between Patrick and Yu is awkward at first but moves forward quite well, the sexual side of their relationship takes much longer but fit in with how both men were. Their relationship isn’t smooth flowing though and they have obstacles to overcome. The stalker angle is done well and doesn’t overpower the rest of the story, it comes to the forefront when needed but doesn’t dominate and although there is just a touch of danger it is wrapped up nicely.
I recommend this to those that love coming out stories, finding yourself, discovering love for the first time, Drag Queens, Renaissance Faire, forging new families and a wonderful sweet happy ending.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Patrick sees hope as something that is beautiful and magical, something he hasn’t had much of in his life but it is something that seems to be just around the corner. Patrick works at the Allegaheny Mountains Renaissance Faire a place where he feels at home, as he starts to discover himself he meets Yu and begins to have more hope for the future. Yu has never been able to hold on to a relationship when he meets Patrick he has doubts but quickly falls for the younger man, but his insecurities about relationships begin to drive them apart. Patrick realises quickly that although he has hope he still has to try hard to make it work, as he deals with his sexuality, his place in the world, his father and a stalker Patrick finds the strength to move forward with his life, but Yu doesn’t know if he has the strength to join him.
This is a wonderful coming out, finding yourself story of a young man who finally begins to embrace his life. Patrick is nineteen he still lives with his father and is quite with no real friends, one day when he is alone at the Renaissance Faire he does something which he has longed to do and it marks a new direction in his life especially when he is caught. Making new friends has him embracing a new life and also has him finally admitting his sexuality, it also has him being more outgoing and he finally gets a date. Yu is happy working with metal and forging weapons, he keeps himself walled off from people but Patrick manages to creep into his heart, but Yu has always been let down in his relationships and finds it hard to hope that Patrick will really stick around.
I loved this story and the assortment of characters that we find, not only at the Renaissance Faire but on the Drag circuit as well. The way that they all are families and the family that love and support Patrick as he comes out of his shell and finds himself, they are not judgemental and accept all aspects about him. Patrick’s home life is dull and dismal, his father is a drunk and his mother has moved on with a new family, we get everything about Patrick and you root for him as he forges forward to make a life for himself. Yu is harder to get to know as he is very closed off about his past and you only get bits and pieces about his life, but at one stage you want to slap some sense into him as he holds back with Patrick.
The entire settings for this book are descriptive and pull you into the world of the Renaissance Faire and the Drag Queen world, making it come alive and imagine you are there. The relationship between Patrick and Yu is awkward at first but moves forward quite well, the sexual side of their relationship takes much longer but fit in with how both men were. Their relationship isn’t smooth flowing though and they have obstacles to overcome. The stalker angle is done well and doesn’t overpower the rest of the story, it comes to the forefront when needed but doesn’t dominate and although there is just a touch of danger it is wrapped up nicely.
I recommend this to those that love coming out stories, finding yourself, discovering love for the first time, Drag Queens, Renaissance Faire, forging new families and a wonderful sweet happy ending.
July 13, 2013
Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
On Tinsel Wings
by Augusta Li
Published July 5th 2013 by Dreamspinner Press
Heat Rating: 2
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Patrick Harford sees hope as magical and beautiful, too delicate to hold—and everything in his life has proved him right. An unhealthy home leaves him hiding in the shadows as he tries to come to terms with his sexuality.
Patrick finds solace among the performers at the Allegaheny Mountains Renaissance Faire, where he discovers a love of performing and costumes. As he starts to come out of his shell, he meets Yu Elion, an apprentice blacksmith. Yu gives Patrick a glimpse of fairy-tale love.
But just when hope starts to blossom, it withers. Cynical after a past filled with failed relationships, Yu keeps Patrick at a distance. Working two jobs has disastrous consequences. And an obsessed fan takes things a step too far. After seeing all he’s built start to crumble, Patrick doesn’t know if he has what it takes to try again on his own, and Yu might not have the strength to be the one Patrick needs.
I once! had the chance to go to a gay bar and see an actual performance done by some drag queens onstage. It was all done on a dare arranged by bridesmaids (myself and two others) to take our ultra-conservative bride-to-be to a drag show. It was one of the most enjoyable nights ever experienced. It was fun, entertaining and definitely an eye opener - especially for our bride. We even took bets that we were not looking at drag queens but women pretending to drag. Well, we all lost, but honestly? I saw that night some of the most beautiful "women" ever and the most creative shows. That "beauty" in drag is how I imagine Patrick.
The writing was flawless, as usual. This is something I expect from Augusta Li. She has a writing style that is straightforward and yet poetic, and then there is her sense of humour. Though subtle, it is ever present. I loved her poem list, music list and, oh yes! there is the Captain Jack himself. I totally agree, super sexy Barrowman is one sexy dude.
Patrick, I love this guy. He may be a teen but he had gone through so much in life and still came up smiling, and persevering. I love survivors like him. They may be victims or just get curve balls in life, but they are tenacious in their determination to survive and they chalk up life's disappointment to experience and say "lessons learned."
Then there was Yu.
I was not comfortable with his character as a person, especially his tendency to indecision. I personally do not get attracted or trust anyone who are indecisive so this personality of Yu prevented me from liking him. The two manage to iron out their relationship but this occurs way late into the story. So all the time nothing was happening, I was actually praying that someone other than Yu would pop up and get Patrick to smile a real smile.
Overall, On Tinsel Wings is a dramatic and emotional read. For those who like HFN endings, this is a beautiful story of strength and determination. Patrick is a gem of a character and I absolutely love his newfound family circle.
On Tinsel Wings
by Augusta Li
Published July 5th 2013 by Dreamspinner Press
Heat Rating: 2
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Patrick Harford sees hope as magical and beautiful, too delicate to hold—and everything in his life has proved him right. An unhealthy home leaves him hiding in the shadows as he tries to come to terms with his sexuality.
Patrick finds solace among the performers at the Allegaheny Mountains Renaissance Faire, where he discovers a love of performing and costumes. As he starts to come out of his shell, he meets Yu Elion, an apprentice blacksmith. Yu gives Patrick a glimpse of fairy-tale love.
But just when hope starts to blossom, it withers. Cynical after a past filled with failed relationships, Yu keeps Patrick at a distance. Working two jobs has disastrous consequences. And an obsessed fan takes things a step too far. After seeing all he’s built start to crumble, Patrick doesn’t know if he has what it takes to try again on his own, and Yu might not have the strength to be the one Patrick needs.
I once! had the chance to go to a gay bar and see an actual performance done by some drag queens onstage. It was all done on a dare arranged by bridesmaids (myself and two others) to take our ultra-conservative bride-to-be to a drag show. It was one of the most enjoyable nights ever experienced. It was fun, entertaining and definitely an eye opener - especially for our bride. We even took bets that we were not looking at drag queens but women pretending to drag. Well, we all lost, but honestly? I saw that night some of the most beautiful "women" ever and the most creative shows. That "beauty" in drag is how I imagine Patrick.
The writing was flawless, as usual. This is something I expect from Augusta Li. She has a writing style that is straightforward and yet poetic, and then there is her sense of humour. Though subtle, it is ever present. I loved her poem list, music list and, oh yes! there is the Captain Jack himself. I totally agree, super sexy Barrowman is one sexy dude.
Patrick, I love this guy. He may be a teen but he had gone through so much in life and still came up smiling, and persevering. I love survivors like him. They may be victims or just get curve balls in life, but they are tenacious in their determination to survive and they chalk up life's disappointment to experience and say "lessons learned."
Then there was Yu.
I was not comfortable with his character as a person, especially his tendency to indecision. I personally do not get attracted or trust anyone who are indecisive so this personality of Yu prevented me from liking him. The two manage to iron out their relationship but this occurs way late into the story. So all the time nothing was happening, I was actually praying that someone other than Yu would pop up and get Patrick to smile a real smile.
Overall, On Tinsel Wings is a dramatic and emotional read. For those who like HFN endings, this is a beautiful story of strength and determination. Patrick is a gem of a character and I absolutely love his newfound family circle.
April 12, 2020
Warm fuzzys. This is a nice sweet read where we get to see the MC Patrick blossom out. At the beginning of the book he just keeps his head down and dreams. It starts off with Eric and slowly Patrick opens himself to the people around him and finds good friends and family. It is wonderful to see him find friends and courage to explore drag and the things he like. The nerd in me loved the faire backdrop as well. His relationship with Yu is a slow burn and has its problems, yet I like the slow pace. They both find things that they like in each other. This was a nice comfort read that I'm sure to read again.
April 19, 2020
Oh my goodness! Very slooowww mooovvviinngg yet heartwarming. Patrick has had hard life so escapes into his job at the Renaissance Faire. Then discovers his love of costumes and performing. Still somewhat confused about his sexuality, he meets another Faire staffer, Yu. While Patrick is deftly written in some detail, Yu was quite the enigma. Did he really like Patrick? Confusing to me until nearly 65% in. Great writing but the pacing was glacial. Took me forever to finish. There is a book 2 that I will have to read when I am less frustrated.
August 14, 2013
B+
A complex and layered story of a young man's journey into adulthood. Of finding your way and creating your family from people who love and accept you, instead of based on biology and tradition. Of allowing yourself to be who you are, no apologies, no regrets, but with love and peace and joy.
Patrick was so sweet and innocent. Beaten, abandoned, betrayed, and neglected, yet always so generous and kind. He somehow managed to retain a purity of spirit and character that although brushed by bitterness refused to become jaded. He lived his life with his heart wide open and as he begins to see that there are people who appreciate his uniqueness and embrace what he has always feared in himself, he blossoms. He is talented and very artistic and when he finds ways to express it he sets the world on its ear.
There was a lot of abuse in Patrick's life. He lived in fear, of discovery of his secret needs and desires, of his differentness, of his father's fists and rage and indifference, of asking for what he wanted. Of believing in the hope that flitted just above his head, always too fast and flimsy for him to grasp or truly see, but never leaving him. There were quite a few scary moments and a lot of sad moments, and throughout I wanted to hug Patrick and tell him everything would be alright. Luckily he found several people who did just that.
While Yu appears very strong and self-sufficient, it becomes clear that he has also suffered from many of the same things that Patrick has endured. His fear of rejection and abandonment almost cost them their happiness. He's completely seduced by Patrick, which I adored. While it was difficult and painful for him to let go and trust, when he finally leaps and puts his faith in love, hope and forever, he gets the fairy tale that they've both dreamed of.
I enjoyed the slow building and consummation of their love. The romance and wooing that Yu gave Patrick was beautiful, as was the poetry and sweetly innocent seduction that Patrick gave to Yu. I loved that they had patience with each other. I loved that they truly enjoyed and respected the person that each man was and accepted one another completely, as they were, with no plans or desire to change any aspect of the other person. I loved that they didn't have any jealousy (and not in a sharing way) or the need to control each other. I loved that they had so much respect for each other as artists and found inspiration in being together. I loved that they made each other stronger, braver, sweeter, bolder and more themselves. I loved their journeys into trust and faith and love and happily ever after.
The friends in Patrick's life that become his family, as he trusts in them and begins to ask for more from his life, are phenomenal. They teach him so much on so many levels and provide a support system and fill his life. They were a beautiful part of this story and I enjoyed, and was at times wishing I had some of them in my own life, the elements that they added to Patrick's life.
Hope was also a very important character in this novel. Patrick sees hope as something almost tangible, that follows him and guides him, and even though it can never be held and makes no promises, it is also indestructible. In a way Patrick himself is hope, no matter how much life and those who should love him beat him down and disappoint him, he survives and shows a strength and determination that nothing can fully alter.
This wasn't always easy to read. There were some very painful and disturbing aspects to Patrick's life that were hard to watch. There were times I wanted to smack Yu and tell Patrick that he deserved more. There were times I wanted to smack Patrick and tell him to stop allowing people to abuse him, that things were getting dangerous and scary.
While complicated and often sad there was also so much happiness, fun, sweetness, love, romance, poetry, dashing knights and queens in need of rescue, friendship, family, acceptance, art and joy that filled the pages of this story. Patrick discovers himself, saves himself and a few others, learns to love and accept himself. While this process is difficult and at times painful and terrifying it is also beautiful and full of hope, fun and discovery.
This was a story of first love and the best time in your life. One character kept telling Patrick to enjoy every moment because he'd never feel this way again, never love so sweetly, innocently and wholeheartedly again. I loved that Patrick proved that, for some lucky few, your first love can last a lifetime.
I really want to see Titania perform! I would go to every one of her shows.
Reviewed by Nina
A complex and layered story of a young man's journey into adulthood. Of finding your way and creating your family from people who love and accept you, instead of based on biology and tradition. Of allowing yourself to be who you are, no apologies, no regrets, but with love and peace and joy.
Patrick was so sweet and innocent. Beaten, abandoned, betrayed, and neglected, yet always so generous and kind. He somehow managed to retain a purity of spirit and character that although brushed by bitterness refused to become jaded. He lived his life with his heart wide open and as he begins to see that there are people who appreciate his uniqueness and embrace what he has always feared in himself, he blossoms. He is talented and very artistic and when he finds ways to express it he sets the world on its ear.
There was a lot of abuse in Patrick's life. He lived in fear, of discovery of his secret needs and desires, of his differentness, of his father's fists and rage and indifference, of asking for what he wanted. Of believing in the hope that flitted just above his head, always too fast and flimsy for him to grasp or truly see, but never leaving him. There were quite a few scary moments and a lot of sad moments, and throughout I wanted to hug Patrick and tell him everything would be alright. Luckily he found several people who did just that.
While Yu appears very strong and self-sufficient, it becomes clear that he has also suffered from many of the same things that Patrick has endured. His fear of rejection and abandonment almost cost them their happiness. He's completely seduced by Patrick, which I adored. While it was difficult and painful for him to let go and trust, when he finally leaps and puts his faith in love, hope and forever, he gets the fairy tale that they've both dreamed of.
I enjoyed the slow building and consummation of their love. The romance and wooing that Yu gave Patrick was beautiful, as was the poetry and sweetly innocent seduction that Patrick gave to Yu. I loved that they had patience with each other. I loved that they truly enjoyed and respected the person that each man was and accepted one another completely, as they were, with no plans or desire to change any aspect of the other person. I loved that they didn't have any jealousy (and not in a sharing way) or the need to control each other. I loved that they had so much respect for each other as artists and found inspiration in being together. I loved that they made each other stronger, braver, sweeter, bolder and more themselves. I loved their journeys into trust and faith and love and happily ever after.
The friends in Patrick's life that become his family, as he trusts in them and begins to ask for more from his life, are phenomenal. They teach him so much on so many levels and provide a support system and fill his life. They were a beautiful part of this story and I enjoyed, and was at times wishing I had some of them in my own life, the elements that they added to Patrick's life.
Hope was also a very important character in this novel. Patrick sees hope as something almost tangible, that follows him and guides him, and even though it can never be held and makes no promises, it is also indestructible. In a way Patrick himself is hope, no matter how much life and those who should love him beat him down and disappoint him, he survives and shows a strength and determination that nothing can fully alter.
This wasn't always easy to read. There were some very painful and disturbing aspects to Patrick's life that were hard to watch. There were times I wanted to smack Yu and tell Patrick that he deserved more. There were times I wanted to smack Patrick and tell him to stop allowing people to abuse him, that things were getting dangerous and scary.
While complicated and often sad there was also so much happiness, fun, sweetness, love, romance, poetry, dashing knights and queens in need of rescue, friendship, family, acceptance, art and joy that filled the pages of this story. Patrick discovers himself, saves himself and a few others, learns to love and accept himself. While this process is difficult and at times painful and terrifying it is also beautiful and full of hope, fun and discovery.
This was a story of first love and the best time in your life. One character kept telling Patrick to enjoy every moment because he'd never feel this way again, never love so sweetly, innocently and wholeheartedly again. I loved that Patrick proved that, for some lucky few, your first love can last a lifetime.
I really want to see Titania perform! I would go to every one of her shows.
Reviewed by Nina
September 8, 2013
Hope is such a delicate, fragile little thing. Patrick has learned this harsh lesson from the start. His mother lives faraway, bragging about her new and better life, and his father is a drunken, violent, sorry excuse for a human being. And when Patrick learns that not only is he attracted to a guy, but he also loves dressing up like a woman… well, troubles lay ahead. Trying to make his own way is hard when he feels he has no one. Money becomes a necessity he can’t do without, as the story often goes on reality. Patrick’s been invisible his whole life. But when he dresses up in drag, suddenly a whole new world opens up for him. He makes new friends, falls in love, and struggles to find his own place and his independence.
Though written in the third person, we only get Patrick’s point of view, not Yu’s. Considering Yu’s a reserved man with a penchant for honesty, he still has his own secrets, so not being given his side of things is understandable. The slow, tentative connection between Patrick and Yu is so sweet, so heartbreaking I had tears in my eyes and a goofy grin on my lips more than once. They don’t enter into a sexual relationship right off the bat. The attraction is there, fluttering between them, but they take their time. That was nice.
There’s a whole host of delicious side characters, all of them fully fleshed out, with distinct personalities. Patrick’s father stands out as such a horrible father figure it was sickening, while Eric and Rog, Patrick’s new family, showed that blood is not a requirement to make a family or to care for someone. Under the tutelage of his new companions, Patrick flourishes. But… as his drag show gains momentum, he garners the attention of a crazed, powerful fan. And at the Faire Patrick speaks up for his friend Jen, and becomes the target of another hate-filled man. Danger looms close-by.
The writing is evocative and provocative. With that I mean I felt truly immersed into the story, every word drawing me in. And there’s a lot here that pulls out emotions, from the sweet romantic kind to the anger over injustice and unnecessary pain. Ms. Li is a great writer. Not once did I feel like I was bogged down with too much soliloquy or inner musings. The plot has several threads, from new friendships forming to Patrick’s own goals as a drag queen. Like branches of a tree, they spread out here and there. But the overall plotline—Patrick’s journey of self-discovery—is always at the heart of things.
I highly recommend this story.
Though written in the third person, we only get Patrick’s point of view, not Yu’s. Considering Yu’s a reserved man with a penchant for honesty, he still has his own secrets, so not being given his side of things is understandable. The slow, tentative connection between Patrick and Yu is so sweet, so heartbreaking I had tears in my eyes and a goofy grin on my lips more than once. They don’t enter into a sexual relationship right off the bat. The attraction is there, fluttering between them, but they take their time. That was nice.
There’s a whole host of delicious side characters, all of them fully fleshed out, with distinct personalities. Patrick’s father stands out as such a horrible father figure it was sickening, while Eric and Rog, Patrick’s new family, showed that blood is not a requirement to make a family or to care for someone. Under the tutelage of his new companions, Patrick flourishes. But… as his drag show gains momentum, he garners the attention of a crazed, powerful fan. And at the Faire Patrick speaks up for his friend Jen, and becomes the target of another hate-filled man. Danger looms close-by.
The writing is evocative and provocative. With that I mean I felt truly immersed into the story, every word drawing me in. And there’s a lot here that pulls out emotions, from the sweet romantic kind to the anger over injustice and unnecessary pain. Ms. Li is a great writer. Not once did I feel like I was bogged down with too much soliloquy or inner musings. The plot has several threads, from new friendships forming to Patrick’s own goals as a drag queen. Like branches of a tree, they spread out here and there. But the overall plotline—Patrick’s journey of self-discovery—is always at the heart of things.
I highly recommend this story.
July 18, 2013
On Tinsel Wings by Augusta Li is the gritty, no-holds-barred story of a young man whose life has been nothing but a series of obstacles of heartbreak, no matter how hard he works, or how much he hopes for something better. The blurb does tell the very basic facts of the story, but to really understand and appreciate the true depth of this heartbreaking, yet heartwarming book, you need to read it for yourself.
This is a character driven story with a plot that flows smoothly from the beginning to the end. The characters are solid and three dimensional, with the same hopes, dreams, ambitions, faults, foibles, and everything else that you would encounter in what we call real life. The backstory reveals just how bad Patrick's life has been and how many obstacles and heartbreaks he's had to overcome and the heavy load of guilt and responsibility he's had, even though he's only nineteen. Every time it looks like his situation might be looking up, something happens to slap him back down.
The author's writing style is simple, concise, and starkly eloquent, with a brutal and unique honesty that portrays the unfortunate past and bleak present that so many people have to struggle with. I absolutely loved reading this book, and the HEA ending comes as a lovely surprise after I thought it would have a bittersweet one. If you're looking for a gripping tale that grabs you from the very beginning until the very end, then I heartily recommend this book to you.
Pattycake's 4 sweet pea review appears at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
This is a character driven story with a plot that flows smoothly from the beginning to the end. The characters are solid and three dimensional, with the same hopes, dreams, ambitions, faults, foibles, and everything else that you would encounter in what we call real life. The backstory reveals just how bad Patrick's life has been and how many obstacles and heartbreaks he's had to overcome and the heavy load of guilt and responsibility he's had, even though he's only nineteen. Every time it looks like his situation might be looking up, something happens to slap him back down.
The author's writing style is simple, concise, and starkly eloquent, with a brutal and unique honesty that portrays the unfortunate past and bleak present that so many people have to struggle with. I absolutely loved reading this book, and the HEA ending comes as a lovely surprise after I thought it would have a bittersweet one. If you're looking for a gripping tale that grabs you from the very beginning until the very end, then I heartily recommend this book to you.
Pattycake's 4 sweet pea review appears at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
August 18, 2013
Lovely story with a theme that I've not seen a lot in mm books. Patrick was such a dear boy, constantly picking himself up and improving himself despite all that the world threw at him.
I think the weak point of this book is Yu. For being someone so important to Patrick, we hardly knew anything about him.
I think the weak point of this book is Yu. For being someone so important to Patrick, we hardly knew anything about him.
February 17, 2014
I love the drag queen scene in the story!! Beautiful! I also like the Faire and most of all Patrick when he's on stage, a diva!! but I think that what most of us who rated this almost 5 was the romance department specifically Yu himself. That's all! ◕‿◕
August 12, 2013
4.5 Stars. Review to Come.
February 1, 2015
Cute but too preachy.
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