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Thick as Thieves #1
Thick as Thieves
After Vorgell the barbarian fucks himself with a unicorn horn, he ends up in a cell with Maddog, a pretty young thief. It’s lust at first sight for Vorgell—but honestly, he can’t help it. Unicorn horn is a potent aphrodisiac, and now he can’t stop thinking about sex. Luckily, Madd is one male witch who knows how to put Vorgell’s new magical body to good use when he tricks Vorgell into a kiss that helps them escape.
Vorgell may desire sex in general—and Madd in particular—but Madd has no intention of being screwed by a man twice his size. He has problems of his own, including an enchanted collar that causes him to desire his most hated enemy. He wants that collar off as soon as possible, but that requires stealing a basilisk egg from the castle they just escaped.
Drawn together by lust and magic, the two men join forces and soon find themselves up to their necks in witches, wizards, and trouble. Vorgell and Madd might just be perfect for each other, but first they have to survive long enough to find out.
Vorgell may desire sex in general—and Madd in particular—but Madd has no intention of being screwed by a man twice his size. He has problems of his own, including an enchanted collar that causes him to desire his most hated enemy. He wants that collar off as soon as possible, but that requires stealing a basilisk egg from the castle they just escaped.
Drawn together by lust and magic, the two men join forces and soon find themselves up to their necks in witches, wizards, and trouble. Vorgell and Madd might just be perfect for each other, but first they have to survive long enough to find out.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2013
25 people are currently reading
1121 people want to read
About the author
Tali Spencer
16 books165 followersI am fascinated by swords, mythology, and everything ancient and magical. Sword and sandals? I'm in! But I also love bodice-rippers, Regency romances, magical realism, pulpy detective stories, cozy mysteries, and South American literature.
Though I grew up as a bit of a nomad, I currently live in Pennsylvania with my husband and travel whenever I can. Every destination yields a story or three.
When not writing, I read everything (really, everything), experiment with food, and take long walks with my loving, if slightly neurotic, poodle.
Though I grew up as a bit of a nomad, I currently live in Pennsylvania with my husband and travel whenever I can. Every destination yields a story or three.
When not writing, I read everything (really, everything), experiment with food, and take long walks with my loving, if slightly neurotic, poodle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
July 26, 2015
First thought prior to reading:
The MC fucks himself with a unicorn horn? For real?
LOL
I need to read this!
I'm DOWN!!
Did I become unconscious, rename myself Tali Spencer while being unconscious and write a book? Because a main character FUCKING HIMSELF with a UNICORN HORN sounds like the BEST OPENING LINE TO A JOKE or an awesome PWP EVER!
This book had me written all over it! (No, the pic below is not me but I had to represent #unicornrealness)
After Reading: Before you think this book is a one trick pony [insert drum riff]...it's not. This story has substance! This is NOT a Lisa Frank version of gay porn! (Sorry, no rainbow jizz to be found here) (Also note the unicorn was not alive while Vorgell fucked his arse)
Apparently I love fantasy because there are no boundaries. You can go crazy with world building; the possibilities are limitless. Tali Spencer created one interesting world with a new spin on witches, wizards, unicorns and spells...oh my!
In the "Thick as Thieves" world, witches create magic through life and life sources. The entire witch/wizard culture is a fascinating one in this book. Unicorn horn is like viagra x infinity, which must be taken in small doses but our resident big boy, Vorgell consumes the entire horn.
This story exceeded my expectations, the pacing was fast, the dialogue was great (I do seem to love those prickly, mouthy characters), the adventure was totally interesting and I never could predict what would happen next! And the romance took a close second place to the partnership that was formed between Vorgell (our resident unicorn horn fucker) and Maddog aka Madd (one prickly pear of a witch). It was one of those reads where rampant declarations of "I love you" was not necessary. You knew they cared for and loved one another in their own way.
Now though the story is fantasy and funny at points, there's also a touch or serious with real issues: dealing with rape (happened off page), sexual issues (why can't a big giant of man get pleasure out of bottoming? what's wrong with a small guy liking to be in control), sexual preference acceptance and dealing with feeling like an outcast.
There's some dark (not too angsty sugar lovers) swirled into the light and fluffy, there's suspense galore, evil gets vanquished and partnership of a lifetime is formed! The unicorn horn plays a major part in the story but it doesn't take precedence to Vorgell and Madd's relationship.
Vorgell, big blonde giant warrior of Scur - an outcast to his people. He's so lovable and perpetually horny with his massive prick due to the horn consumption (in such a fun place). And Madd - former suckboy/streetkid, thief, bastard and abomination to his witchkin people, I get why he's so sensitive and fights against the ghosts of his past and the role society tries to place him in.
This story hits so many pluses from me. And I have got my eye on this author because I enjoyed the way she writes. The story did not take a nosedive into Snoozeville at any point.
I am one happy unicorn. 4.5 STARS
LOL
I need to read this!
I'm DOWN!!
Did I become unconscious, rename myself Tali Spencer while being unconscious and write a book? Because a main character FUCKING HIMSELF with a UNICORN HORN sounds like the BEST OPENING LINE TO A JOKE or an awesome PWP EVER!
This book had me written all over it! (No, the pic below is not me but I had to represent #unicornrealness)
After Reading: Before you think this book is a one trick pony [insert drum riff]...it's not. This story has substance! This is NOT a Lisa Frank version of gay porn! (Sorry, no rainbow jizz to be found here) (Also note the unicorn was not alive while Vorgell fucked his arse)
Apparently I love fantasy because there are no boundaries. You can go crazy with world building; the possibilities are limitless. Tali Spencer created one interesting world with a new spin on witches, wizards, unicorns and spells...oh my!
In the "Thick as Thieves" world, witches create magic through life and life sources. The entire witch/wizard culture is a fascinating one in this book. Unicorn horn is like viagra x infinity, which must be taken in small doses but our resident big boy, Vorgell consumes the entire horn.
This story exceeded my expectations, the pacing was fast, the dialogue was great (I do seem to love those prickly, mouthy characters), the adventure was totally interesting and I never could predict what would happen next! And the romance took a close second place to the partnership that was formed between Vorgell (our resident unicorn horn fucker) and Maddog aka Madd (one prickly pear of a witch). It was one of those reads where rampant declarations of "I love you" was not necessary. You knew they cared for and loved one another in their own way.
Now though the story is fantasy and funny at points, there's also a touch or serious with real issues: dealing with rape (happened off page), sexual issues (why can't a big giant of man get pleasure out of bottoming? what's wrong with a small guy liking to be in control), sexual preference acceptance and dealing with feeling like an outcast.
There's some dark (not too angsty sugar lovers) swirled into the light and fluffy, there's suspense galore, evil gets vanquished and partnership of a lifetime is formed! The unicorn horn plays a major part in the story but it doesn't take precedence to Vorgell and Madd's relationship.
Vorgell, big blonde giant warrior of Scur - an outcast to his people. He's so lovable and perpetually horny with his massive prick due to the horn consumption (in such a fun place). And Madd - former suckboy/streetkid, thief, bastard and abomination to his witchkin people, I get why he's so sensitive and fights against the ghosts of his past and the role society tries to place him in.
This story hits so many pluses from me. And I have got my eye on this author because I enjoyed the way she writes. The story did not take a nosedive into Snoozeville at any point.
I am one happy unicorn. 4.5 STARS
November 23, 2014
THIS BOOK TOTALLY HAPPENED TO MY PENIS JUST NOW.
i was disappointed when the pratchettish whimsy of what was a wildly fun and sexy opening settled down into a typically chatty, introspective MM read—but not for long.
the action picked up again, things (mostly) made sense, and while the sex went *poof* after a while, a motherfucking went a fair ways towards mollifying any disgruntlement i may have felt that my barbarian did not get to .
bcuz, yeah. you can't have everything.
...right?
*composes email to author with 'I CAN HAZ EVERYTHING???' in subject line*
i was disappointed when the pratchettish whimsy of what was a wildly fun and sexy opening settled down into a typically chatty, introspective MM read—but not for long.
the action picked up again, things (mostly) made sense, and while the sex went *poof* after a while, a motherfucking went a fair ways towards mollifying any disgruntlement i may have felt that my barbarian did not get to .
bcuz, yeah. you can't have everything.
...right?
*composes email to author with 'I CAN HAZ EVERYTHING???' in subject line*
December 8, 2017
I owe everything to Cupcake for finding this book and reading it. Her ”unicorn porn” comment made me gallop to Amazon page and purchase it right away and I’m so glad that I did. 😂 I love this book sooooo much. ❤️ This is a total package, it’s funny, witty, sexy and has a good amount of angst and darkness. I love it. 😍👏
So the blurb explains most of it. Vorgell the barbarian accidentally killed a unicorn, ate the flesh and fucked himself on the unicorn horn. 😁 It’s a very powerful aphrodisiac and it made him horny as hell all the time. When he was captured by the baron’s soliders, he was thrown away in a jail cell where he met the most beautiful, delectable and nubile young man whose ass he desperately want to stick his cock in. However, the young man is not so innocent as he looks, he’s a witch and he used Vorgell to escape there.
Madd is a cunning and manipulative young witch who was collared as a love slave against his will by Baron Flemgu. He hates this man to the guts but he couldn’t refuse him because of the love collar. His grandma was also killed by the baron and he practically used him as a manwhore not only for him but also for his friends and he hated every single second of it. When he tried to defy the baron, he was thrown away in the cell and later, a giant barbarian was also put there as a prisoner. As soon as he learnt what the barbarian did, he knew that he could use his blood to plan their escape and he did. But the thing is he couldn’t seem to escape barbarian as they end up running together for their lives.
The world building of this fantasy world is just amazing. 👏 The imagery is very vivid and the dialogues are to die for. 👍 While running away, they began to build an unusual friendship and companionship and they started to really rely on and have feelings on each other. The banters between them are just gold. 😁 Hilarious! 😂👏 The plots and the storyline are impeccable too. I could never guess what’d happen and that’s the best thing ever. And the sex, Oooooo, the sex is just on fire. 😜 Hot and dirty and titillating. 😘 With that being said, this book is not all about witty banters, love and friendship, there are some very dark parts that gave me goosebumps. However, that was necessary in the story and I really like that the author wasn’t afraid to go dark. I love how everything turned out in the end but I want even a longer story. This is not enough .. I want more of Vorgell and Madd. 😭 I desperately hope there will be a sequel in the story because I really want more of these two’s adventures. So delicious. 😍❤️😘
Favorite excerpts from the novel: 💗💜💗
“That cock might be a monster, but it was also magnificent… rosy, long, and thick, with a luscious, big head poking free of the foreskin and glistening like the jewel on a scepter. The only way that knob could be any shinier would be if he’d been licking it.”
“Damn it, what was happening to him? Was he actually… fond of Vorgell? And why shouldn’t he be? The man was sex on the prowl, predatory, healthy, and built to enjoy lovemaking for hours on end. Madd would never find a man with a more beautiful cock, or one so perpetually ready to give or receive pleasure. Considering the magical gifts attached… hell, he’d be a fool to turn Vorgell away.”
“I believe that’s for me to decide. What I want, who I want… what I need.”
5 nubile witch and sexy gigantic barbarian stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So the blurb explains most of it. Vorgell the barbarian accidentally killed a unicorn, ate the flesh and fucked himself on the unicorn horn. 😁 It’s a very powerful aphrodisiac and it made him horny as hell all the time. When he was captured by the baron’s soliders, he was thrown away in a jail cell where he met the most beautiful, delectable and nubile young man whose ass he desperately want to stick his cock in. However, the young man is not so innocent as he looks, he’s a witch and he used Vorgell to escape there.
Madd is a cunning and manipulative young witch who was collared as a love slave against his will by Baron Flemgu. He hates this man to the guts but he couldn’t refuse him because of the love collar. His grandma was also killed by the baron and he practically used him as a manwhore not only for him but also for his friends and he hated every single second of it. When he tried to defy the baron, he was thrown away in the cell and later, a giant barbarian was also put there as a prisoner. As soon as he learnt what the barbarian did, he knew that he could use his blood to plan their escape and he did. But the thing is he couldn’t seem to escape barbarian as they end up running together for their lives.
The world building of this fantasy world is just amazing. 👏 The imagery is very vivid and the dialogues are to die for. 👍 While running away, they began to build an unusual friendship and companionship and they started to really rely on and have feelings on each other. The banters between them are just gold. 😁 Hilarious! 😂👏 The plots and the storyline are impeccable too. I could never guess what’d happen and that’s the best thing ever. And the sex, Oooooo, the sex is just on fire. 😜 Hot and dirty and titillating. 😘 With that being said, this book is not all about witty banters, love and friendship, there are some very dark parts that gave me goosebumps. However, that was necessary in the story and I really like that the author wasn’t afraid to go dark. I love how everything turned out in the end but I want even a longer story. This is not enough .. I want more of Vorgell and Madd. 😭 I desperately hope there will be a sequel in the story because I really want more of these two’s adventures. So delicious. 😍❤️😘
Favorite excerpts from the novel: 💗💜💗
“That cock might be a monster, but it was also magnificent… rosy, long, and thick, with a luscious, big head poking free of the foreskin and glistening like the jewel on a scepter. The only way that knob could be any shinier would be if he’d been licking it.”
“Damn it, what was happening to him? Was he actually… fond of Vorgell? And why shouldn’t he be? The man was sex on the prowl, predatory, healthy, and built to enjoy lovemaking for hours on end. Madd would never find a man with a more beautiful cock, or one so perpetually ready to give or receive pleasure. Considering the magical gifts attached… hell, he’d be a fool to turn Vorgell away.”
“I believe that’s for me to decide. What I want, who I want… what I need.”
5 nubile witch and sexy gigantic barbarian stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 14, 2013
4.5 stars. Totally loved this story. When I first saw the blurb at DSP I thought it was ridiculous but it kept catching my eye every time I checked the upcoming releases. So glad I bought it. It's tightly paced, laugh out loud funny and Vorgell would have to be the most appealing hero I've read in a while. I picture him as a rowdy, naive and slightly lonely Viking-type with a big heart. After accidentally turning himself into a magical version of sex-on-a-stick he escapes a dungeon with the aid of a young male witch Maddog. Maddog is well... mad! And he has good reason to be. He has had a terrible life. He doesn't trust Vorgell and has little patience for him but the big oaf slowly wins him over. The two men have lots of adventures on their quest to free Maddog from his evil master and end up saving various other people and animals along the way.
The fantasy adventure is lots of fun and very creative. The sex is smutty and humorous. (I never thought I'd enjoy a story that boasted magic sperm.) Half a star off because I felt it was all tied up too well. Not sure if that last chapter added to the story. But that's only a quibble. I'm really hoping for a sequel!
The fantasy adventure is lots of fun and very creative. The sex is smutty and humorous. (I never thought I'd enjoy a story that boasted magic sperm.) Half a star off because I felt it was all tied up too well. Not sure if that last chapter added to the story. But that's only a quibble. I'm really hoping for a sequel!
September 10, 2014
CANDYLAND THUNDERDOME got christened right!
Back in the day when Baby was insisting I read this I read the blurb. Read the blurb. Go on. I'll wait. The dude, and I quote, "fucks himself with a unicorn horn". Now I ask you, wouldn't you automatically think this was going to be PWP? I did. Don't get me wrong I have nothing against PWP. I'm just saying my expectations weren't all that high. Well, I'm happy to be proven wrong in the inaugural CANDYLAND THUNDERDOME.
Smooches, Baby.
So this barbarian, Vorgell, accidentally kills a unicorn (the gasp heard round the world), eats a bunch of "berries" that make him so horny he fucks himself with its horn which dissolves thereby making him magical. Literally.
OH, don't you look at me in that tone of voice, JT! I'm serious!
What was I saying? Oh, right. So Vorgell becomes magical and ends up in a cell at the baron's keep in a drunken unicorn horn induced stupor with Madd, a witchkin. Madd quickly devises a plan of escape by leaching some of the magicalness from Vorgell and the adventure begins as does the collecting of the magic. Ahem. >________>
I was as surprised as the next person to find an actual plot here amongst the magic jizz. Yap, you read that right. Vorgell's jizz is magical. He jizzed on a wall and it sprouted flowers! That's a city revitalization plan I can get behind.
Vorgell… *sigh* He had me at the first bellowing of "Battle!".
He is hands down the most endearing barbarian I've ever run across. Not that I'm a barbarian expert or anything. He's certainly seems atypical. He relishes a good pillaging and certainly knows his way around weapons, but aside from that he's a gentle giant AND a kissing fiend/snuggle monster. A side effect of the horning is that his horned-upedness is unflagging. It's not his fault! It's the POWER OF THE UNICORN.
Hiding is a good plan, Spock, otherwise… Let's just say at one point the tree knots started looking good. O___O
Vorgell is pretty taken with Madd despite his general grouchiness. Madd seems to dig the barbarian too, but Madd's lugging around some baggage and a healthy fear respect for the "dragon" lurking in Vorgell's loincloth. The baggage slips out in fits and starts and is the basis for Madd's need for control in the bedroom which Vorgell really loves by the way and I REALLY love that about Vorgell.
*growls*
Cupcake likes when the big-uns bottom and when they're submissive. Two words: WIN/WIN.
HOWEVER, there's really not all that much sexing in Thick as Thieves. It's mostly fantasy adventure with a burgeoning romance between Vorgell and Madd interspersed. They become friends, each other's only friends and form an alliance of brains and braun. Vorgell is loyal and will do anything to protect Madd. Madd is clever, mistrustful yet finds himself increasingly reliant upon the "oaf". The adventure is good old-fashioned fun and involves a great deal of magic, a basilisk egg, a slave collar, some nasty wizards, some thieves and PETAL!!!!!!
PETAL FOR THE CANDYLAND THUNDERDOME WIN!!!!!!!
Thankfully, Baby says we can share custody otherwise things could've gotten ugly.
Once again, I thank Baby for recommending. Now I'm all kinds of essssited to read Thick as Ice.
Review also on the blog along with our AFTERMATH post.
Back in the day when Baby was insisting I read this I read the blurb. Read the blurb. Go on. I'll wait. The dude, and I quote, "fucks himself with a unicorn horn". Now I ask you, wouldn't you automatically think this was going to be PWP? I did. Don't get me wrong I have nothing against PWP. I'm just saying my expectations weren't all that high. Well, I'm happy to be proven wrong in the inaugural CANDYLAND THUNDERDOME.
Smooches, Baby.
So this barbarian, Vorgell, accidentally kills a unicorn (the gasp heard round the world), eats a bunch of "berries" that make him so horny he fucks himself with its horn which dissolves thereby making him magical. Literally.
OH, don't you look at me in that tone of voice, JT! I'm serious!
What was I saying? Oh, right. So Vorgell becomes magical and ends up in a cell at the baron's keep in a drunken unicorn horn induced stupor with Madd, a witchkin. Madd quickly devises a plan of escape by leaching some of the magicalness from Vorgell and the adventure begins as does the collecting of the magic. Ahem. >________>
I was as surprised as the next person to find an actual plot here amongst the magic jizz. Yap, you read that right. Vorgell's jizz is magical. He jizzed on a wall and it sprouted flowers! That's a city revitalization plan I can get behind.
Vorgell… *sigh* He had me at the first bellowing of "Battle!".
He is hands down the most endearing barbarian I've ever run across. Not that I'm a barbarian expert or anything. He's certainly seems atypical. He relishes a good pillaging and certainly knows his way around weapons, but aside from that he's a gentle giant AND a kissing fiend/snuggle monster. A side effect of the horning is that his horned-upedness is unflagging. It's not his fault! It's the POWER OF THE UNICORN.
Unicorn horn created unabated sexual desire in anyone who partook of it-the baron's magicians had explained that too-and he had partaken of enough horn to fuel the lusts of a horde for the rest of his natural life.
Hiding is a good plan, Spock, otherwise… Let's just say at one point the tree knots started looking good. O___O
Vorgell is pretty taken with Madd despite his general grouchiness. Madd seems to dig the barbarian too, but Madd's lugging around some baggage and a healthy fear respect for the "dragon" lurking in Vorgell's loincloth. The baggage slips out in fits and starts and is the basis for Madd's need for control in the bedroom which Vorgell really loves by the way and I REALLY love that about Vorgell.
*growls*
Cupcake likes when the big-uns bottom and when they're submissive. Two words: WIN/WIN.
HOWEVER, there's really not all that much sexing in Thick as Thieves. It's mostly fantasy adventure with a burgeoning romance between Vorgell and Madd interspersed. They become friends, each other's only friends and form an alliance of brains and braun. Vorgell is loyal and will do anything to protect Madd. Madd is clever, mistrustful yet finds himself increasingly reliant upon the "oaf". The adventure is good old-fashioned fun and involves a great deal of magic, a basilisk egg, a slave collar, some nasty wizards, some thieves and PETAL!!!!!!
PETAL FOR THE CANDYLAND THUNDERDOME WIN!!!!!!!
Thankfully, Baby says we can share custody otherwise things could've gotten ugly.
Once again, I thank Baby for recommending. Now I'm all kinds of essssited to read Thick as Ice.
Review also on the blog along with our AFTERMATH post.
September 12, 2016
Five Stars For All Around Awesomeness!
Now this is how you handle a unicorn horn! Vorgell the barbarian has a magically enhanced libido thanks to, discreetly off page, doing what comes naturally with a unicorn horn. He is thrown into a dungeon where he meets up with a sexy little witch named Maddog.
Vorgell and Maddog are the perfect pair. Vorgell has an unending supply of stiffies, and Maddog needs Vorgell's magical jizz to perform his spells. The two set off on a quest to free Maddog of a love collar that binds him to a pox-riddled baddy.
This book starts off hilarious and entertaining, takes a side-trip to touching and deep, and then swings back around for an action-packed finale. I loved it, loved it, loved it.
P.S. There is a basilisk named Petal! What more do you people want?
Now this is how you handle a unicorn horn! Vorgell the barbarian has a magically enhanced libido thanks to, discreetly off page, doing what comes naturally with a unicorn horn. He is thrown into a dungeon where he meets up with a sexy little witch named Maddog.
Vorgell and Maddog are the perfect pair. Vorgell has an unending supply of stiffies, and Maddog needs Vorgell's magical jizz to perform his spells. The two set off on a quest to free Maddog of a love collar that binds him to a pox-riddled baddy.
This book starts off hilarious and entertaining, takes a side-trip to touching and deep, and then swings back around for an action-packed finale. I loved it, loved it, loved it.
P.S. There is a basilisk named Petal! What more do you people want?
October 22, 2013
4 Unicorn Stars for a cheeky, cute and very entertaining fantasy tale
I will not even try to fully describe the plot of this quirky fantasy novel. Instead read the book's blurb so you get an idea of how screwed this story is. To even get the basic idea for this story is so clever. Well done, Ms Spencer!
The start of it all is that the huge guy Vorgell was hungry and caught a unicorn to eat. What he didn't understand is that unicorns should you always be extra careful with. They are magical and start running a lot of strange things in your body. So it was perhaps a bit unfortunate that he couldn't help himself from to "use" the big unicorn horn (guess where). But that gave him an even (unimaginably) larger "need". An impressive strong (hard) need that his new (not yet maybe) friend, Madd, get the "fine opportunity" to take advantage of (it's a very good nutrition for a male witch)... and helped to deliver several times a day. (...are you in?) At first a little reluctantly (as Madd wanted to imply in any case) but after a while more and more with great pleasure...
I laughed, cooed, blushed and read with delight on. What a crazy fun and so tenderly romantic, fairytale gem. I will never be able to think of unicorns without getting some dirty little thoughts.
I have mentioned Vorgell's needs, but Madd's, what about them? Because I am a modest lady, who easily gets embarrassed, I actually hid this wonderful quote in here:
In this amusing story, with a lot of speedy action, there is also some really nice touches. One is the "role reversal". Petite Madd want control and huge Vorgell want to be taken, so to speak... Wonderful, made the story even sweeter. Another is this whole wonderfully constructed fantasy world. It's a little dirty, raw and medieval. The lanes are narrow, the realities of life is pretty harsh and cruel and there is no bed of roses for our two boys. This story also has all the senasty enemies; some dark and very cruel sorcerers, a wicked baron and other monstrous creations.
Luckily for these guys are: "Two always better than a one-man team", and a new successful partnerships are being formed. A team with a lovely big strong former "knight" (with a lot of muscle and a sword) and a funny tiny street-smart fellow (with a very quick witted brain). Will there be eternal big love as well? Or is it just male needs and desires?
Obviously, we get a lot of witty and dirty talk. But also some so sweet and very hopeful words from the so dear Vorgell.
Is Madd going to get some more tender thoughts about it? Is there place for some sweet HEA romance?
... And as so often became my romantic heart stolen by two amazing and very cute gay guys. Loved it all!!
I LIKE - ...I'm just saying; What can you do with a unicorn horn?
I will not even try to fully describe the plot of this quirky fantasy novel. Instead read the book's blurb so you get an idea of how screwed this story is. To even get the basic idea for this story is so clever. Well done, Ms Spencer!
The start of it all is that the huge guy Vorgell was hungry and caught a unicorn to eat. What he didn't understand is that unicorns should you always be extra careful with. They are magical and start running a lot of strange things in your body. So it was perhaps a bit unfortunate that he couldn't help himself from to "use" the big unicorn horn (guess where). But that gave him an even (unimaginably) larger "need". An impressive strong (hard) need that his new (not yet maybe) friend, Madd, get the "fine opportunity" to take advantage of (it's a very good nutrition for a male witch)... and helped to deliver several times a day. (...are you in?) At first a little reluctantly (as Madd wanted to imply in any case) but after a while more and more with great pleasure...
I laughed, cooed, blushed and read with delight on. What a crazy fun and so tenderly romantic, fairytale gem. I will never be able to think of unicorns without getting some dirty little thoughts.
“Are you really so goods-addled clueless? A mere sliver of unicorn horn makes a man horny for days. You consumed the entire horn! ”
I have mentioned Vorgell's needs, but Madd's, what about them? Because I am a modest lady, who easily gets embarrassed, I actually hid this wonderful quote in here:
In this amusing story, with a lot of speedy action, there is also some really nice touches. One is the "role reversal". Petite Madd want control and huge Vorgell want to be taken, so to speak... Wonderful, made the story even sweeter. Another is this whole wonderfully constructed fantasy world. It's a little dirty, raw and medieval. The lanes are narrow, the realities of life is pretty harsh and cruel and there is no bed of roses for our two boys. This story also has all the senasty enemies; some dark and very cruel sorcerers, a wicked baron and other monstrous creations.
Luckily for these guys are: "Two always better than a one-man team", and a new successful partnerships are being formed. A team with a lovely big strong former "knight" (with a lot of muscle and a sword) and a funny tiny street-smart fellow (with a very quick witted brain). Will there be eternal big love as well? Or is it just male needs and desires?
Obviously, we get a lot of witty and dirty talk. But also some so sweet and very hopeful words from the so dear Vorgell.
“Was last night special to you?”
Madd looked mystified. “Special?”
“You and me. I thought perhaps....”
“What? That we're going to hold hands and talk poetry while we walk in some garden and admire the stars? I'm not looking for that, Vorgell.”
Is Madd going to get some more tender thoughts about it? Is there place for some sweet HEA romance?
... And as so often became my romantic heart stolen by two amazing and very cute gay guys. Loved it all!! I LIKE - ...I'm just saying; What can you do with a unicorn horn?
February 13, 2014
I have to say, I read the blurb to this book and thought it would be a humorous light-hearted adventure set in a fantasy/Au world.
This was so much more, and a lot darker and dealing with more serious issues than I had anticipated.
It's set in a world where male witches are looked down on, it's very much a matriarchal society.
There are also wizards, they are bad, bad news.
Madd grew up in this world, never feeling wanted or loved, always looked down on and persecuted. Scraping and thieving and doing other things just to get by and survive.
“I know your worth, Madd. Men who boast of their fathers do so when they cannot boast of themselves. I have fought beside heroes and the greatest warriors of the Scur nation… and I would choose to have you at my side above any of them. You’re clever and loyal, and you would fight until the last drop of blood has spilled from your body. These witches don’t know you as I do.”
As if that isn't enough he's caught and held against his will and used and abused by magical means.
Vorgell is a giant warrior and after accidentally eating a unicorn and um..using the poor things horn to pleasure himself he's now in a perpetual state of horniness.
They are thrown together with the expectation that the big brute would kill Madd in his lust.
That's not what happens, obviously. Vorgell is smitten.
“You saved me and not just from the baron. I had no home, no future. And now look… I would fight every wizard and every fiend, hand to hand and tooth to tooth, to keep you from harm.”
Poor Madd, he lives with so much guilt and pain. He's closed himself off and doesn't trust, understandably.
Whereas the big barbarian Vorgell is open with his affection and feelings. Open and trusting, a dichotomy, minutes after killing a baddie he worries about a dog or a basilisk hatchling.
I liked seeing him slowly wear down Madd's walls and really show him love and safety.
They depend on each other, rely on each other and take care of each other and being together gets them through everything and now they have Petal too!
“We don’t escape our pasts, you know,” Madd said. He sounded defeated. “Never. We can never escape what we are.”
“Maybe not. But I think we can escape what other people try to make of us. We can decide our fate for ourselves.”
This was so much more, and a lot darker and dealing with more serious issues than I had anticipated.
It's set in a world where male witches are looked down on, it's very much a matriarchal society.
There are also wizards, they are bad, bad news.
Madd grew up in this world, never feeling wanted or loved, always looked down on and persecuted. Scraping and thieving and doing other things just to get by and survive.
“I know your worth, Madd. Men who boast of their fathers do so when they cannot boast of themselves. I have fought beside heroes and the greatest warriors of the Scur nation… and I would choose to have you at my side above any of them. You’re clever and loyal, and you would fight until the last drop of blood has spilled from your body. These witches don’t know you as I do.”
As if that isn't enough he's caught and held against his will and used and abused by magical means.
Vorgell is a giant warrior and after accidentally eating a unicorn and um..using the poor things horn to pleasure himself he's now in a perpetual state of horniness.
They are thrown together with the expectation that the big brute would kill Madd in his lust.
That's not what happens, obviously. Vorgell is smitten.
“You saved me and not just from the baron. I had no home, no future. And now look… I would fight every wizard and every fiend, hand to hand and tooth to tooth, to keep you from harm.”
Poor Madd, he lives with so much guilt and pain. He's closed himself off and doesn't trust, understandably.
Whereas the big barbarian Vorgell is open with his affection and feelings. Open and trusting, a dichotomy, minutes after killing a baddie he worries about a dog or a basilisk hatchling.
I liked seeing him slowly wear down Madd's walls and really show him love and safety.
They depend on each other, rely on each other and take care of each other and being together gets them through everything and now they have Petal too!
“We don’t escape our pasts, you know,” Madd said. He sounded defeated. “Never. We can never escape what we are.”
“Maybe not. But I think we can escape what other people try to make of us. We can decide our fate for ourselves.”
November 15, 2018
This was fine! Not my favorite book we’ve read for the smutty book club, but I’m not mad at it. My main complaint is that there wasn’t as much sexy-times as I assumed there would be from the synopsis, so if you’re someone who wants more world building than sexy-times, this could be the smut for you!
August 8, 2015
First, a few caveats. Yes, this story does have unicorn horn as an aphrodisiac, an extremely horny barbarian who unwittingly *ahem* avails himself of the unicorn horn, and a sexy witchkin and thief who uses said barbarian’s enchanted jizz as potent magic, but wait…there’s more!
Oh, there is so much more to this delightful story. This story could have been campy and PWP, but it isn’t. This story has heart, and is by turns funny, dark, sexy, sinister, sweet, and action-packed. This story has depth and breadth, and is a true fantasy adventure. Plus, it has Petal, a fearsome basilisk, who will steal your heart!
My only concern at the end of the story was that I wanted more. I vacillated between giving this story 4 or 5 stars because I needed more. Then, I visited the author’s website and learned that book 2, Thick as Ice, is on its way. More, it is!! The book has been submitted to the publisher, and even though I don’t see a release date, I have this next book to look forward to. I will be eagerly awaiting a reunion with these enchanting characters.
For readers who are impatiently awaiting book 2, Tali Spencerhas been posting weekly chapters from Thick as Ice, on her website: http://talismania-brilliantdisguise.b...
Oh, there is so much more to this delightful story. This story could have been campy and PWP, but it isn’t. This story has heart, and is by turns funny, dark, sexy, sinister, sweet, and action-packed. This story has depth and breadth, and is a true fantasy adventure. Plus, it has Petal, a fearsome basilisk, who will steal your heart!
My only concern at the end of the story was that I wanted more. I vacillated between giving this story 4 or 5 stars because I needed more. Then, I visited the author’s website and learned that book 2, Thick as Ice, is on its way. More, it is!! The book has been submitted to the publisher, and even though I don’t see a release date, I have this next book to look forward to. I will be eagerly awaiting a reunion with these enchanting characters.
For readers who are impatiently awaiting book 2, Tali Spencerhas been posting weekly chapters from Thick as Ice, on her website: http://talismania-brilliantdisguise.b...
November 12, 2013
4.5
This is quite the buddy book, the barbarian and the thief. It's a lot darker than I was expecting and the world building stellar.
How Vorgell ends up fucking himself on a unicorn's horn is wickedly clever as are the after effects. Getting thrown in a dungeon and meeting Maddog the thief is a the luckiest break he's ever had. Madd has his own...issues. Such a grim story and how the male witches work their magic, I found that incredibly original.
I love fantasy novels. I love the magic and the worlds created but for things to really work for me it has to feel organic and real. Like I could step through the keyhole and the physics, no matter how improbable would just click into place and I felt that with this book.
Don't get me started on Petal.
This was great read with fabulously distinct and rich characters that are so well suited to each other. There isn't any kind of cliffhanger here but there are strings of possibilities. I'm definitely keeping an eye on this author because I hope this only the start of the adventure.
This is quite the buddy book, the barbarian and the thief. It's a lot darker than I was expecting and the world building stellar.
How Vorgell ends up fucking himself on a unicorn's horn is wickedly clever as are the after effects. Getting thrown in a dungeon and meeting Maddog the thief is a the luckiest break he's ever had. Madd has his own...issues. Such a grim story and how the male witches work their magic, I found that incredibly original.
I love fantasy novels. I love the magic and the worlds created but for things to really work for me it has to feel organic and real. Like I could step through the keyhole and the physics, no matter how improbable would just click into place and I felt that with this book.
Don't get me started on Petal.
This was great read with fabulously distinct and rich characters that are so well suited to each other. There isn't any kind of cliffhanger here but there are strings of possibilities. I'm definitely keeping an eye on this author because I hope this only the start of the adventure.
perhaps
June 10, 2014After Vorgell the barbarian fucks himself with a unicorn horn...
I think I kind of lost track of the blurb after that first sentence. 0_o
I think I kind of lost track of the blurb after that first sentence. 0_o
November 13, 2013
This book is a romp, but with a dark undertone. Vorgell, the horny (literally after that unicorn-horn episode) barbarian with the heart of gold and the cock of iron, rescues Maddog the witch from a prison cell, and assumes responsibility for him like some ancient Chinese curse. Maddog has a slave collar on his neck, and until he rids himself of it, he is tied to the nobleman who raped, tortured and enslaved him. He's also at risk from the wizards who are the nobleman's allies, and who hunt witches. The initial premise and Fafhrd-and-Gray-Mouser-with-sex story seem amusing and light-hearted. But the torture Maddog went through was intense, and the bad guys are not fooling around. I enjoyed this story a lot, and thought the author found a nice balance of tone between the serious and the comic. I would happily read more about these two guys.
December 13, 2013
Crazy, zany, wacky, kooky...and so much FUN! Awesome world building with information shared naturally and not through an encyclopedia entry. Consistent characterization, Vorgell and Madd both acted like you'd expect them to in different situations. We were shown who they were through their actions and I loved it.
Small, creative details like berries from unicorn blood and "icy walls of magic" and magical moss...brilliant! It wasn't all fun and games, though. There were some darker, scary parts that provided a nice balance and kept me interested.
It did drag a bit in some parts and other parts felt a bit rushed, but I really enjoyed this fun romp.
*snort laugh* unicorn horns...*smh*
Small, creative details like berries from unicorn blood and "icy walls of magic" and magical moss...brilliant! It wasn't all fun and games, though. There were some darker, scary parts that provided a nice balance and kept me interested.
It did drag a bit in some parts and other parts felt a bit rushed, but I really enjoyed this fun romp.
*snort laugh* unicorn horns...*smh*
August 8, 2013
After reading the very first line of the blurb, I knew I had to read this book. If you haven’t read it yet, here’s why:
If that right there isn’t the hook that’s grabbed you, I don’t know what is. It promises a unicorn horn dildo, a barbarian, and a thief. What else could you possibly ask from a fantasy m/m story? Witches and Wizards? It has those too. Creative place names and adventures? Likewise. Witty one-liners and loveable characters? Done and done. You can also add adorable, deadly pets on the list. I’m not even going to complain about the female characters.
It’s true that the world-building has men in somewhat a disadvantage and that most women are hostile towards Madd in the beginning, but as the story progresses the reasons are revealed. Those reasons are real, based on characterisations and the story history, not flimsy deus ex machinas.
Everyone is flawed and no one is simply the best in anything. Even Vorgell has his difficulties. They’re average people by their own standards with individual fears and desires. They have limitations and rules they must follow. There’s death and suffering too. And significantly fewer inappropriate erections than you’d expect from a book with a sex magic inflicted cock. That’s another testament to a strong characterisation.
Don’t misunderstand me, there’s sex. There’s oral and anal, but in the end it’s not the driving force of the story. It’s a convenient set up. One that surprises you again and again with its implications. Or maybe that’s just me. I can be slow at times.
Be careful with this book. It pulls you under, makes you slightly uncomfortable—in the good way—and has you holding in your laughter. If you’re lucky you’re in a place where you don’t have to hold it in and you can make as much noise as you want. And no, I don’t think it’s just me.
I highly recommend you read Thick as Thieves.
After Vorgell the barbarian fucks himself with a unicorn horn, he ends up in a cell with Maddog, a pretty young thief.
If that right there isn’t the hook that’s grabbed you, I don’t know what is. It promises a unicorn horn dildo, a barbarian, and a thief. What else could you possibly ask from a fantasy m/m story? Witches and Wizards? It has those too. Creative place names and adventures? Likewise. Witty one-liners and loveable characters? Done and done. You can also add adorable, deadly pets on the list. I’m not even going to complain about the female characters.
It’s true that the world-building has men in somewhat a disadvantage and that most women are hostile towards Madd in the beginning, but as the story progresses the reasons are revealed. Those reasons are real, based on characterisations and the story history, not flimsy deus ex machinas.
Everyone is flawed and no one is simply the best in anything. Even Vorgell has his difficulties. They’re average people by their own standards with individual fears and desires. They have limitations and rules they must follow. There’s death and suffering too. And significantly fewer inappropriate erections than you’d expect from a book with a sex magic inflicted cock. That’s another testament to a strong characterisation.
Don’t misunderstand me, there’s sex. There’s oral and anal, but in the end it’s not the driving force of the story. It’s a convenient set up. One that surprises you again and again with its implications. Or maybe that’s just me. I can be slow at times.
Be careful with this book. It pulls you under, makes you slightly uncomfortable—in the good way—and has you holding in your laughter. If you’re lucky you’re in a place where you don’t have to hold it in and you can make as much noise as you want. And no, I don’t think it’s just me.
I highly recommend you read Thick as Thieves.
July 9, 2013
Well that was some adventure. Who knew fucking yourself with a unicorn horn would give you magical sperm? I did not know this. I really enjoyed the entire ride these two took us on. Magic, witches, wizzards, good times.
June 14, 2014
Best f'ing x-rated fairy tale ever. Imaginative..sweetly amusing story. Sexy submissive f'ing barbarian just wanted a good pounding. So sweet and filthy..just loved him. Great f'ing character. Great f'ing writing..and pretty f'ing seamless to the end.
August 29, 2014
BACKSTORY -
YAY FOR ME! I WON THIS BOOK TODAY!
Back to my indoor voice - Thank you so much to Tali Spencer for offering up her book with the ballsiest blurb ever and to Cole Riann and the Armchair Reader for hosting Tali's guest post! I wouldn't say "no" to a tiara to go along with my big win, but I am completely appreciative as is ;).
PRESENT DAY -
So, now, I finished reading this book today and Oh My God, what fun!
The thing I liked most about this one was it didn't take itself too seriously, but it didn't become so campy that it was a joke either. The characters were witty and their banter was amusing. It had the right amount of reference for a fantasy book too. It didn't bog you down with the details of every magical rock between here and the next village or give you so little that you end up confused and feeling kind of dumb, like you should get it, but you just don't.
I truly love a good sentence and this book was chock full of them. My favorite being "They shared more semen than secrets". And really, isn't that the crux of most issues so many of our favorite M/M heroes face? Well said!
Madd is an enslaved witch who has grown up on the streets and been ostracized by his own kind. He is pained, prickly and snarky in the best possible ways. Vorgell is a displaced barbarian warrior who is perpetually horny and full of magic from the unicorn horn. He also likes to kiss and snuggle :). Madd is the brains and Vorgell is the brawn on their epic adventures. While Vorgell may not have been the brightest crayon in the box he was world wise and honest. Madd wasn't quite sure what to make of him, no one had ever looked at him with anything but scorn before and their exchanges were fun to witness. Vorgell was completely smitten and Madd was completely wary (for good reason) but they needed each other in so many ways.
The way the two of them fit together given their pasts was well done. They fit each others needs well. Madd had lived through horrific abuse and needed control and Vorgell, the cuddly barbarian was more than happy to hand it over (apparently barbarian bottoming is frowned upon - who knew?)
The final battles were wrapped up pretty quickly and the tension could have been drawn out more there, but I didn't read this for epic battle scenes so I was able to let that go easily.
Great writing, a fun book and definitely an author I would go back to for more in this genre.
YAY FOR ME! I WON THIS BOOK TODAY!
Back to my indoor voice - Thank you so much to Tali Spencer for offering up her book with the ballsiest blurb ever and to Cole Riann and the Armchair Reader for hosting Tali's guest post! I wouldn't say "no" to a tiara to go along with my big win, but I am completely appreciative as is ;).
PRESENT DAY -
So, now, I finished reading this book today and Oh My God, what fun!
The thing I liked most about this one was it didn't take itself too seriously, but it didn't become so campy that it was a joke either. The characters were witty and their banter was amusing. It had the right amount of reference for a fantasy book too. It didn't bog you down with the details of every magical rock between here and the next village or give you so little that you end up confused and feeling kind of dumb, like you should get it, but you just don't.
I truly love a good sentence and this book was chock full of them. My favorite being "They shared more semen than secrets". And really, isn't that the crux of most issues so many of our favorite M/M heroes face? Well said!
Madd is an enslaved witch who has grown up on the streets and been ostracized by his own kind. He is pained, prickly and snarky in the best possible ways. Vorgell is a displaced barbarian warrior who is perpetually horny and full of magic from the unicorn horn. He also likes to kiss and snuggle :). Madd is the brains and Vorgell is the brawn on their epic adventures. While Vorgell may not have been the brightest crayon in the box he was world wise and honest. Madd wasn't quite sure what to make of him, no one had ever looked at him with anything but scorn before and their exchanges were fun to witness. Vorgell was completely smitten and Madd was completely wary (for good reason) but they needed each other in so many ways.
The way the two of them fit together given their pasts was well done. They fit each others needs well. Madd had lived through horrific abuse and needed control and Vorgell, the cuddly barbarian was more than happy to hand it over (apparently barbarian bottoming is frowned upon - who knew?)
The final battles were wrapped up pretty quickly and the tension could have been drawn out more there, but I didn't read this for epic battle scenes so I was able to let that go easily.
Great writing, a fun book and definitely an author I would go back to for more in this genre.
June 8, 2017
4.3 Stars
Well, considering I don't much "like" the Fantasy genre, I sure have been reading a lot of it lately. And loving it!
I say it all the time, but I am truly grateful for some of the challenges in which I'm participating; often enough in the recent past it seems the books I "have to" read turn out to be mediocre (at best)...but lately that trend has been for books so good that I'd be happy to read them again! This is one of those books. In fact, I would love it if there was an audio version released at some point.
The characters were original and frequently funny as hell. I love their quest and the action/magic involved in defeating their foes. I really liked how it felt open-ended...like another adventure was seconds away from kicking off.
Which, hey, reminds me. I think I did read that one! OMG. Now I need to mark it for a re-read because I'm sure to appreciate it more now that I know the back-story. Edited to add: Okay, so I didn't read the sequel. What the hell? I know I read something relatively recently with these characters though...
Well, considering I don't much "like" the Fantasy genre, I sure have been reading a lot of it lately. And loving it!
I say it all the time, but I am truly grateful for some of the challenges in which I'm participating; often enough in the recent past it seems the books I "have to" read turn out to be mediocre (at best)...but lately that trend has been for books so good that I'd be happy to read them again! This is one of those books. In fact, I would love it if there was an audio version released at some point.
The characters were original and frequently funny as hell. I love their quest and the action/magic involved in defeating their foes. I really liked how it felt open-ended...like another adventure was seconds away from kicking off.
Which, hey, reminds me. I think I did read that one! OMG. Now I need to mark it for a re-read because I'm sure to appreciate it more now that I know the back-story. Edited to add: Okay, so I didn't read the sequel. What the hell? I know I read something relatively recently with these characters though...
August 10, 2016
This review can be found at The Blog of Sid Love.
When I read the blurb for this book, I knew right away it had the potential to be a wild ride. Any author that has the balls to have such an attention grabber for the start of a blurb was something that I wanted to read and I’m happy to say this book lived up to my expectations and more.
The story revolves around Vorgell, a brute of a man who unwittingly kills a unicorn, eats some berries and then becomes so horny he fucks himself with the unicorn’s horn. Now cursed with the unicorn’s magic, he’ll live the rest of his life unable to control his lust. Being jailed for his crime, he’s thrown into a cell with Maddog, a witchkin who’s forced to wear a love collar that binds him to the Baron. When they meet, Vorgell feels so much lust for Madd he’s willing to force himself on Madd but instead Vorgell settles for a kiss, turned bite, that Madd uses to tap into Vorgell’s new magic, allowing them to escape.
When their emotions settle down, they reluctantly decide to work together. Vorgell will help Madd break the collar while Madd will sate Vorgell’s constant lust. Unfortunately, to get rid of the collar, they’ll have to break back into the very place they just escaped from, steal an unhatched basilisk egg and do it all without getting caught. Madd attracts trouble, though, and things aren’t that easy. Now, they’re not just saving Madd from the Baron but trying to stop the wizards from increasing their powers through the Baron’s wife. With so many roadblocks, will they ever be able to succeed and gain their freedom?
I loved these characters. They were quite surprising from how they develop over the course of the book. Vorgell more than anyone because of his sexual appetites. Vorgell starts off as this mindless gigantic brute who will take what he wants and not care who he hurts in the process. He’s aggressive, forceful and quick to battle. He hates witches with a passion and vows to slaughter any he comes into contact with until he meets Madd. Madd is just the opposite, he’s small, determined and stubborn with no problems taking advantage of Vorgell’s magic. With his life, he needs to be in control. He’s a thief and has no loyalties to anyone, in fact, he pretty much hates everyone and couldn’t care less to help them.
As they work together, though, they form a bond that neither of them are willing to let go of. Now, Madd and Vorgell will do anything to stick together even if it means getting killed in the process. They develop a weird sense of honor but definitely form a bone-deep bond that allows them to trust and have faith in one another. It’s sweet, in a way, to see Madd go from something resembling a hissing cat to one who would do anything to keep Vorgell from getting used… at least from anyone besides himself. Vorgell is the same in that he won’t let anything happen to Madd. While they don’t necessarily love each other, there’s affection there and growing adoration that definitely could develop into love if their story were to continue further.
The world is quite amazing. I loved that it was so deep into the magical community centered on wizards and witches and the differences between the two while mixed in with an almost historical setting. The witches are women who believe that men are just tools to give them more magic and to create life while wizards are men who gorge themselves on all things related to necromancy, killing witches to strengthen themselves. Madd falls somewhere in the middle. He’s a witchkin which means he doesn’t practice necromancy but can’t necessarily create his own magic without refueling from an outside source, which generally means consuming living things. It’s a crazy world where magic is essentially part of everything. The journey Madd and Vorgell go on takes the reader deeper and deeper into the layers of witches and witchkin. It was fascinating for me because it provided enough information to stay interesting but not so much that it’s overdone and becomes too heavy in world building. It was a nice balance between adventure, affection and the overall world.
The only fault I found with the story was that some aspects of it are unresolved. Not majorly so but it’s left with a possibility of more to come for these two and I, for one, would be extremely happy if there were a sequel!
The book flows well from the start with an engaging first chapter that had me wanting to read more. The writing is smooth and has action interspersed throughout the whole story. When things would start to slow down, Madd and Vorgell would find themselves in another situation that required them to fight for their lives or go through dangerous territory. It’s filled with twists and turns but even while Vorgell and Madd develop, they never shed the criminal actions that got them caught in the first place. It was refreshing that they weren’t born again innocents but instead kept their gruff and dangerous exteriors. They’re completely hot together and I loved the ‘mastering’ (if you can even call it that) that takes place between the two. They’re very, very surprising characters and while I was afraid of the direction the story would take a few times, overall, I loved the way it was executed.
For someone looking for a true romance, you won’t find that with this story. This is pure fantasy with more of lust than love in the developing of feelings and companionship but you won’t find undying love in this book. It’s rich in a unique world, a fascinating journey and an interesting cast of characters and creatures. It was a fun, adventurous read that got intense at times but I’m so glad I read it because I loved it. I do sincerely hope there’s more to come of these two because I’d love to see what mischief Vorgell, Madd and Petal get into next. And if you want to know who Petal is… well, you’ll just have to read it and find out yourself!
When I read the blurb for this book, I knew right away it had the potential to be a wild ride. Any author that has the balls to have such an attention grabber for the start of a blurb was something that I wanted to read and I’m happy to say this book lived up to my expectations and more.
The story revolves around Vorgell, a brute of a man who unwittingly kills a unicorn, eats some berries and then becomes so horny he fucks himself with the unicorn’s horn. Now cursed with the unicorn’s magic, he’ll live the rest of his life unable to control his lust. Being jailed for his crime, he’s thrown into a cell with Maddog, a witchkin who’s forced to wear a love collar that binds him to the Baron. When they meet, Vorgell feels so much lust for Madd he’s willing to force himself on Madd but instead Vorgell settles for a kiss, turned bite, that Madd uses to tap into Vorgell’s new magic, allowing them to escape.
When their emotions settle down, they reluctantly decide to work together. Vorgell will help Madd break the collar while Madd will sate Vorgell’s constant lust. Unfortunately, to get rid of the collar, they’ll have to break back into the very place they just escaped from, steal an unhatched basilisk egg and do it all without getting caught. Madd attracts trouble, though, and things aren’t that easy. Now, they’re not just saving Madd from the Baron but trying to stop the wizards from increasing their powers through the Baron’s wife. With so many roadblocks, will they ever be able to succeed and gain their freedom?
I loved these characters. They were quite surprising from how they develop over the course of the book. Vorgell more than anyone because of his sexual appetites. Vorgell starts off as this mindless gigantic brute who will take what he wants and not care who he hurts in the process. He’s aggressive, forceful and quick to battle. He hates witches with a passion and vows to slaughter any he comes into contact with until he meets Madd. Madd is just the opposite, he’s small, determined and stubborn with no problems taking advantage of Vorgell’s magic. With his life, he needs to be in control. He’s a thief and has no loyalties to anyone, in fact, he pretty much hates everyone and couldn’t care less to help them.
As they work together, though, they form a bond that neither of them are willing to let go of. Now, Madd and Vorgell will do anything to stick together even if it means getting killed in the process. They develop a weird sense of honor but definitely form a bone-deep bond that allows them to trust and have faith in one another. It’s sweet, in a way, to see Madd go from something resembling a hissing cat to one who would do anything to keep Vorgell from getting used… at least from anyone besides himself. Vorgell is the same in that he won’t let anything happen to Madd. While they don’t necessarily love each other, there’s affection there and growing adoration that definitely could develop into love if their story were to continue further.
The world is quite amazing. I loved that it was so deep into the magical community centered on wizards and witches and the differences between the two while mixed in with an almost historical setting. The witches are women who believe that men are just tools to give them more magic and to create life while wizards are men who gorge themselves on all things related to necromancy, killing witches to strengthen themselves. Madd falls somewhere in the middle. He’s a witchkin which means he doesn’t practice necromancy but can’t necessarily create his own magic without refueling from an outside source, which generally means consuming living things. It’s a crazy world where magic is essentially part of everything. The journey Madd and Vorgell go on takes the reader deeper and deeper into the layers of witches and witchkin. It was fascinating for me because it provided enough information to stay interesting but not so much that it’s overdone and becomes too heavy in world building. It was a nice balance between adventure, affection and the overall world.
The only fault I found with the story was that some aspects of it are unresolved. Not majorly so but it’s left with a possibility of more to come for these two and I, for one, would be extremely happy if there were a sequel!
The book flows well from the start with an engaging first chapter that had me wanting to read more. The writing is smooth and has action interspersed throughout the whole story. When things would start to slow down, Madd and Vorgell would find themselves in another situation that required them to fight for their lives or go through dangerous territory. It’s filled with twists and turns but even while Vorgell and Madd develop, they never shed the criminal actions that got them caught in the first place. It was refreshing that they weren’t born again innocents but instead kept their gruff and dangerous exteriors. They’re completely hot together and I loved the ‘mastering’ (if you can even call it that) that takes place between the two. They’re very, very surprising characters and while I was afraid of the direction the story would take a few times, overall, I loved the way it was executed.
For someone looking for a true romance, you won’t find that with this story. This is pure fantasy with more of lust than love in the developing of feelings and companionship but you won’t find undying love in this book. It’s rich in a unique world, a fascinating journey and an interesting cast of characters and creatures. It was a fun, adventurous read that got intense at times but I’m so glad I read it because I loved it. I do sincerely hope there’s more to come of these two because I’d love to see what mischief Vorgell, Madd and Petal get into next. And if you want to know who Petal is… well, you’ll just have to read it and find out yourself!
August 9, 2013
I had to put this book down to give myself some time to adjust my expectations at least twice, in order to not end up with a whiny review that boiled down to 'but it wasn't what I expected!'
What this book is is a fantasy story, that turns fairly dark at some point, with a lot of sex magic elements. More than romance, it's the sex magic that drives the story, although I have a feeling the author is setting up for a sequel in which debts will be called in and 'I love you's will be exchanged. Don't look for the latter in this book. Thrown together by lust (on Vorgell's side) and need (on Madd's side) the two men battle witches, an evil baron and wizards to free Madd from an unwanted love collar that makes him a sex slave to the aforementioned baron. Multiple heads roll, guts get spilled and there is rape-by-demons. This isn't a particularly fluffy story, although most of the violent stuff comes (as a bit of a surprise) in the second half of the book. Up till then it is a fairly standard fantasy action story.
To me, the second half of the story read like an AD&D session. For those of you who weren't nerds two decades ago, that is a role playing game where participants play characters divided into certain classes (thief, cleric, mage etc.) who go on quests together that are set up by the game leader, called the Dungeon Master or DM. The success of the players' actions is determined by a combination of racial and class traits of the characters and the rolling of fancy dice. Certain things, like the standard looting of defeated enemies or classifying yourself as 'thief' while you are making your living gambling and as a hired sword, and not actually stealing anything ever, are typical AD&D practice. The kind of hand-wavey world building outside the immediate experience of the main characters increases that feeling. This didn't make the story bad, it was just distracting.
Spencer is a competent DM and I like her writing style. It's descriptive without being overly flowery while setting the mood. Her story structure is solid, at least when it comes to action sequences. She has a strange habit of giving background information after it is pertinent to the story. Madd's need to be in control during sex doesn't get explained until the last chapter or so, after all the sex has already happened. Not that that one was particularly hard to figure out for the average reader anyway. And Vorgell's hate for magic users gets explained only halfway through. To claim at that point that his hate is so great that he kills all magic users he encounters is just plain wrong, though. He has met nothing but magic users up till then in the story and has not had any thoughts about killing any of them. You can't just say things are so if you're not backing them up with actions. The story would actually have been much more interesting if that hate had been a palpable thing with Madd too and didn't just come in handy when it becomes time to brain evil wizards.
And that ties in to my main peeve (yes, here comes the whiny bit). Read the first paragraph of the blurb. That, to me, says: Yay, Sex Pollen Trope! This happens to be one of my favorite tropes (shut up, I'm not judging you for the stuff you like either). Unicorn horn is supposed to be really powerful; Madd says about the baron: “He tried everything: force, starvation, even his last speck of unicorn horn. So much for innocence; I was every man's whore that night.”. So here is Vorgell, who used up an entire horn instead of just a speck and is warned this will last him the rest of his life. And at first this seems to be a thing, but as soon as it becomes inconvenient for the plot it gets reduced to a sex drive that really isn't any more powerful than that of your average horny teenager, maybe even less so. Its main function then seems to be that Vorgell is like an infinite reservoir of magic for Madd to use, instead of having an overwhelmingly powerful sex drive. It's hard to write actual plot with that trope of course, PWP is pretty much a given once Sex Pollen get involved, but if you're using it, at least be consistent. If you have no use for the Eternal Boner later in the story, why not have people say it will wear off in a few weeks instead of claiming it will last forever? That way you won't have people like me grumbling that unicorn horns are the suckiest Sex Pollen ever.
Finally, all the women in this book are justifiably hated by all males (with one exception who has a grand total of two lines of dialog). This is par for the course in most m/m, but I thought I'd mention it.
What this book is is a fantasy story, that turns fairly dark at some point, with a lot of sex magic elements. More than romance, it's the sex magic that drives the story, although I have a feeling the author is setting up for a sequel in which debts will be called in and 'I love you's will be exchanged. Don't look for the latter in this book. Thrown together by lust (on Vorgell's side) and need (on Madd's side) the two men battle witches, an evil baron and wizards to free Madd from an unwanted love collar that makes him a sex slave to the aforementioned baron. Multiple heads roll, guts get spilled and there is rape-by-demons. This isn't a particularly fluffy story, although most of the violent stuff comes (as a bit of a surprise) in the second half of the book. Up till then it is a fairly standard fantasy action story.
To me, the second half of the story read like an AD&D session. For those of you who weren't nerds two decades ago, that is a role playing game where participants play characters divided into certain classes (thief, cleric, mage etc.) who go on quests together that are set up by the game leader, called the Dungeon Master or DM. The success of the players' actions is determined by a combination of racial and class traits of the characters and the rolling of fancy dice. Certain things, like the standard looting of defeated enemies or classifying yourself as 'thief' while you are making your living gambling and as a hired sword, and not actually stealing anything ever, are typical AD&D practice. The kind of hand-wavey world building outside the immediate experience of the main characters increases that feeling. This didn't make the story bad, it was just distracting.
Spencer is a competent DM and I like her writing style. It's descriptive without being overly flowery while setting the mood. Her story structure is solid, at least when it comes to action sequences. She has a strange habit of giving background information after it is pertinent to the story. Madd's need to be in control during sex doesn't get explained until the last chapter or so, after all the sex has already happened. Not that that one was particularly hard to figure out for the average reader anyway. And Vorgell's hate for magic users gets explained only halfway through. To claim at that point that his hate is so great that he kills all magic users he encounters is just plain wrong, though. He has met nothing but magic users up till then in the story and has not had any thoughts about killing any of them. You can't just say things are so if you're not backing them up with actions. The story would actually have been much more interesting if that hate had been a palpable thing with Madd too and didn't just come in handy when it becomes time to brain evil wizards.
And that ties in to my main peeve (yes, here comes the whiny bit). Read the first paragraph of the blurb. That, to me, says: Yay, Sex Pollen Trope! This happens to be one of my favorite tropes (shut up, I'm not judging you for the stuff you like either). Unicorn horn is supposed to be really powerful; Madd says about the baron: “He tried everything: force, starvation, even his last speck of unicorn horn. So much for innocence; I was every man's whore that night.”. So here is Vorgell, who used up an entire horn instead of just a speck and is warned this will last him the rest of his life. And at first this seems to be a thing, but as soon as it becomes inconvenient for the plot it gets reduced to a sex drive that really isn't any more powerful than that of your average horny teenager, maybe even less so. Its main function then seems to be that Vorgell is like an infinite reservoir of magic for Madd to use, instead of having an overwhelmingly powerful sex drive. It's hard to write actual plot with that trope of course, PWP is pretty much a given once Sex Pollen get involved, but if you're using it, at least be consistent. If you have no use for the Eternal Boner later in the story, why not have people say it will wear off in a few weeks instead of claiming it will last forever? That way you won't have people like me grumbling that unicorn horns are the suckiest Sex Pollen ever.
Finally, all the women in this book are justifiably hated by all males (with one exception who has a grand total of two lines of dialog). This is par for the course in most m/m, but I thought I'd mention it.
July 24, 2013
3.5 stars This is a light, fun, and silly read and I did enjoyed it. Although I have to admit I was surprised when I realized I couldn't quite give it 4 stars since I had seen so many 4 and 5 star reviews and expected to love it just as much. The premise is silly and outrageous and it basks in that, but given the ridiculousness of a barbarian who fucks himself with a Unicorn horn and therefor has magic sperm... I didn't laugh out loud as I expected to.
It was also quite dark in some ways but didn't fully immerse the reader into that darkness. Since the Unicorn-horn fucking is so funny I think this book would have been more successful to continue on with the fun and silly and yes, put our heroes in peril and make them fight for their freedom etc, but without the love-slave component. Both Madd's entire history and what's happening to the witch community at large is so dark that it's difficult to find humor in the smaller things that were fun. And again, I'm OK with dark, but if you actually break down what happened in this world I think it probably should have made me cry, yet I felt somewhat apart from it.
But I did feel a connection to our two main characters. Vorgell more so than Madd which is surprising, again because of the strong emotional response that should go with what has happened to Madd. I think it is because Vorgell was more upfront with us (the reader) about his feelings for Madd from early on. Even though we knew that Madd cared for Vorgell greatly and that he would come around in the end, as well as having very valid reasons for holding off I think we should have gotten a few glimpses into Madd's feelings growing throughout the story instead of waiting until the end.
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
It was also quite dark in some ways but didn't fully immerse the reader into that darkness. Since the Unicorn-horn fucking is so funny I think this book would have been more successful to continue on with the fun and silly and yes, put our heroes in peril and make them fight for their freedom etc, but without the love-slave component. Both Madd's entire history and what's happening to the witch community at large is so dark that it's difficult to find humor in the smaller things that were fun. And again, I'm OK with dark, but if you actually break down what happened in this world I think it probably should have made me cry, yet I felt somewhat apart from it.
But I did feel a connection to our two main characters. Vorgell more so than Madd which is surprising, again because of the strong emotional response that should go with what has happened to Madd. I think it is because Vorgell was more upfront with us (the reader) about his feelings for Madd from early on. Even though we knew that Madd cared for Vorgell greatly and that he would come around in the end, as well as having very valid reasons for holding off I think we should have gotten a few glimpses into Madd's feelings growing throughout the story instead of waiting until the end.
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
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July 17, 2014Obviously the blurb is appalling. Just take that as read. The author goes for the concept with impressive commitment and no apology. I applaud.
I'm torn on this. The characters are absolutely lovely. Great, fun relationship, very touching, lots of fun back and forth, great sex. The fantasy is nicely developed with a good magic system and lots of incidental elements making a really well built world. The m/m trope of 'women behave like hateful witches to gay men' is basically blown up to 4000 point size and sellotaped to the wall. Because the women are witches who hate gay men. I absolutely love the fact that the barbarian may be permanently horny but that's never an excuse for him to sexually assault anyone. No, men, an erection is not a free pass to behave as you like.
So, lots of clever, lots of sweet, lots of fun. But the rape. So much rape. Off page, but off so many pages. To the point where you'd question how the character remained functional given the explicit levels of appalling physical and mental trauma. I get it, sex magic, but...the romance was a sweet, fun, lovely, sexy story, built on a foundation of horrific sexual and psychological abuse, and I didn't feel the two meshed. I guess this is written in the rape-heavy tradition of Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser type fantasy, the author is very smart. But, for me, too much.
I have no idea what to rate this and stars are stupid. It's certainly far better than the blurb suggests and if you're not easily triggered, go for it.
I'm torn on this. The characters are absolutely lovely. Great, fun relationship, very touching, lots of fun back and forth, great sex. The fantasy is nicely developed with a good magic system and lots of incidental elements making a really well built world. The m/m trope of 'women behave like hateful witches to gay men' is basically blown up to 4000 point size and sellotaped to the wall. Because the women are witches who hate gay men. I absolutely love the fact that the barbarian may be permanently horny but that's never an excuse for him to sexually assault anyone. No, men, an erection is not a free pass to behave as you like.
So, lots of clever, lots of sweet, lots of fun. But the rape. So much rape. Off page, but off so many pages. To the point where you'd question how the character remained functional given the explicit levels of appalling physical and mental trauma. I get it, sex magic, but...the romance was a sweet, fun, lovely, sexy story, built on a foundation of horrific sexual and psychological abuse, and I didn't feel the two meshed. I guess this is written in the rape-heavy tradition of Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser type fantasy, the author is very smart. But, for me, too much.
I have no idea what to rate this and stars are stupid. It's certainly far better than the blurb suggests and if you're not easily triggered, go for it.
December 12, 2013
3.5 stars. I'd probably give this a Four-Minus if we had plus and minus grades like in elementary school. As it is, I'm going with a 3.5, rounded to 4 for Goodreads.
My reasons, in bullet points:
- The beginning was meh for me, but I warmed up to it by about 15-20%.
- Vorgell the narrator is awesome, which is kind of amazing for me to think after ugh-ing about him at 5%.
- For all that the beginning set me up for PWP, the story itself was actually pretty involved and well-fleshed out.
- Vorgell and Madd were great together. Classic enemies-to-lovers.
- The alternative universe was interesting and imaginative.
- The adventure aspect had me on the edge of my seat, for better or worse.
- The sexytimes were yaaaaaay!
- The UNEXPECTED outcome of Vorgell and Madd's relationship had me all *lecherous grins* all over the place.
- Fantasy-type stories, though, just aren't my usual cup o'tea because of the extensive back story and description that's always involved. In this case, there were spots that dragged a bit for me.
- Overall, an enjoyable read with a memorable narrator.
Be on the lookout for the Boy Meets Boy Reviews happy hour chat review of this book, coming in January!
My reasons, in bullet points:
- The beginning was meh for me, but I warmed up to it by about 15-20%.
- Vorgell the narrator is awesome, which is kind of amazing for me to think after ugh-ing about him at 5%.
- For all that the beginning set me up for PWP, the story itself was actually pretty involved and well-fleshed out.
- Vorgell and Madd were great together. Classic enemies-to-lovers.
- The alternative universe was interesting and imaginative.
- The adventure aspect had me on the edge of my seat, for better or worse.
- The sexytimes were yaaaaaay!
- The UNEXPECTED outcome of Vorgell and Madd's relationship had me all *lecherous grins* all over the place.
- Fantasy-type stories, though, just aren't my usual cup o'tea because of the extensive back story and description that's always involved. In this case, there were spots that dragged a bit for me.
- Overall, an enjoyable read with a memorable narrator.
Be on the lookout for the Boy Meets Boy Reviews happy hour chat review of this book, coming in January!
July 11, 2018
Humorous moments with some very dark edges.
I’m having a hard time reviewing this one. On one hand we have a story that employs a substantial amount of sex magic and silliness, which basically makes it porn-with-plot. On the other hand, we have a fantasy story with some pretty good bones, although I didn’t care for its lackluster execution. We’ve got a very likable hero in the barbarian Vorgell and then we have the far less likable witch, but nonetheless hero, Madd. Throw in evil man-hating witches and powerful wizards, vaguely described fiends, sneaking around the bad guy’s castle, a daring rescue....and you still don’t have truly good book. Is it the lack of world building? Lack of continuity? Vague magical background? The author’s style? It felt like I was reading the second book of a series, that I was missing a whole lot of much needed information. I don’t think this author’s writing is for me.
I’m having a hard time reviewing this one. On one hand we have a story that employs a substantial amount of sex magic and silliness, which basically makes it porn-with-plot. On the other hand, we have a fantasy story with some pretty good bones, although I didn’t care for its lackluster execution. We’ve got a very likable hero in the barbarian Vorgell and then we have the far less likable witch, but nonetheless hero, Madd. Throw in evil man-hating witches and powerful wizards, vaguely described fiends, sneaking around the bad guy’s castle, a daring rescue....and you still don’t have truly good book. Is it the lack of world building? Lack of continuity? Vague magical background? The author’s style? It felt like I was reading the second book of a series, that I was missing a whole lot of much needed information. I don’t think this author’s writing is for me.
July 20, 2013
This is fun and cheeky but also dire things happen and our heroes really have to fight for their lives. And not just once. The tangled politics, the greedy lust of Barons and Wizards and the prejudice against witchkins mean that Madd's life has been harsh. And Vogell's arrival causes more disaster. But also some good.
There was lots here, and it's absorbing and fun.
There was lots here, and it's absorbing and fun.
February 21, 2014
4.5
I'm really in luck with my books at the moment. Thick as Thieves is another winner - a great story, awesome characters, funny, serious, and unique. I was impressed!
When I started this book, I expected a funny story, maybe a little bit on the ridiculous side given the blurb, and pretty porny (wait, a main character is sex-crazed because he ate love berries and subsequently fucked himself with a unicorn horn? WHAT??). And the start was exactly that: hilarious (!!!), ridiculous, and, well, very sex-centered.
But then, the story really started, and the plot was so much more than I thought it would be. It was serious and dark at times, the descriptions of the wizard's practices creepy and stomach-churning, the matriarchy of the witch circles (and the repression of the male witches) an interesting and disturbing touch - the whole world building including the different groups and sects and their magical abilities and propensities was imaginative and thrilling. And the characters... they were the perfect opposites: Madd, a male witch and thief, small, dark, and pretty, abused in the past, and fleeing forced enslavement. He's closed off, distrusts everything, and has (understandably) control issues which makes things in the bedroom pretty interesting (). Vorgell, on the other hand, is giant, blond, outgoing, dangerous because of his size and fighting abilities, the epitome of a barbarian warrior. He's also protective, caring, and he throws himself with full force into everything he does - be it battle or love. These two make an awesome pair, and especially Vorgell and his antics had me giggling several times.
To be fair, I should mention that this wasn't the completely perfect read. I would have loved a bigger picture, a more detailed description of the world, of customs and general politics, a bit more history maybe, and perhaps even some sort of map (I love maps! :-D). Aside from that, it was bloody damn great, though!!
Oh, and let's not forget Petal! Petal was the icing on the cake, the final decider between rounding up or rounding down. Petal was amazing and how Vorgell was with here... the words gentle giant say it all. I LOVED LOVED LOVED this!!
This was so much fun to read, but it was also engaging, touching, and enthralling. I would absolutely LOVE to read more about those two - personally, I think this story is begging for a sequel. Not because the ending is unsatisfactory (it was pretty awesome, actually), but because there is so much that still could be addressed: . Please, give me a sequel, Miss Spencer? Pleeeeeaaaaase?
I'm really in luck with my books at the moment. Thick as Thieves is another winner - a great story, awesome characters, funny, serious, and unique. I was impressed!
When I started this book, I expected a funny story, maybe a little bit on the ridiculous side given the blurb, and pretty porny (wait, a main character is sex-crazed because he ate love berries and subsequently fucked himself with a unicorn horn? WHAT??). And the start was exactly that: hilarious (!!!), ridiculous, and, well, very sex-centered.
But then, the story really started, and the plot was so much more than I thought it would be. It was serious and dark at times, the descriptions of the wizard's practices creepy and stomach-churning, the matriarchy of the witch circles (and the repression of the male witches) an interesting and disturbing touch - the whole world building including the different groups and sects and their magical abilities and propensities was imaginative and thrilling. And the characters... they were the perfect opposites: Madd, a male witch and thief, small, dark, and pretty, abused in the past, and fleeing forced enslavement. He's closed off, distrusts everything, and has (understandably) control issues which makes things in the bedroom pretty interesting (). Vorgell, on the other hand, is giant, blond, outgoing, dangerous because of his size and fighting abilities, the epitome of a barbarian warrior. He's also protective, caring, and he throws himself with full force into everything he does - be it battle or love. These two make an awesome pair, and especially Vorgell and his antics had me giggling several times.
To be fair, I should mention that this wasn't the completely perfect read. I would have loved a bigger picture, a more detailed description of the world, of customs and general politics, a bit more history maybe, and perhaps even some sort of map (I love maps! :-D). Aside from that, it was bloody damn great, though!!
Oh, and let's not forget Petal! Petal was the icing on the cake, the final decider between rounding up or rounding down. Petal was amazing and how Vorgell was with here... the words gentle giant say it all. I LOVED LOVED LOVED this!!
This was so much fun to read, but it was also engaging, touching, and enthralling. I would absolutely LOVE to read more about those two - personally, I think this story is begging for a sequel. Not because the ending is unsatisfactory (it was pretty awesome, actually), but because there is so much that still could be addressed: . Please, give me a sequel, Miss Spencer? Pleeeeeaaaaase?
July 4, 2015
Now this was a great fairytale with unicorns, witches, wizards, basilisks and warriors.
The world building was impressive and the characters were well discribed.
It had everything from funny moments over action to feels.
I just have one tiny complain. You could Vorgell literally see falling for Madd. But with Madd I'm not sure if he feels the same for Vorgell. I guess with his history it's understandable that he is wary of letting other people come too close but for the romance I would have wished to get a little bit more from his side.
My personal highlight was Vorgell's bonding with Petal the basilisk. I was kind of waiting for him to explain that basilisks are seriously misunderstood creatures like Hagrid (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone).
I couldn't find a basilisk pic or gif that suited my imaginative Petal, but I think Mushu the dragon comes close.
October 6, 2013
WHOAAAAAA!!!!. It's certainly not for the faint of heart. Strong theme as slavery, abuse (rape), are intertwined with magic in a fantasy world. I must admit I'm enjoyed it a lot... Even if all the violence terrified me a lot too!
Loved it... The terrifying moments, the abuse, the noncon (yeah, im talking about rape) and sadness that was necessary, to give me a HUGE smile at the end.
5 stars (I wish I could give more... Like 5000 stars!!!!
July 9, 2013
Lush, full of wonderful descriptions, and sexy as all get-out, you can feel, smell, and taste the worlds Tali Spencer creates. Thick as Thieves is no exception. I was fortunate enough to beta read this amazing book, and I fell in love with this seemingly mismatched pair of men.
There's Vorgell, built like an ox and admittedly not the sharpest knife in the drawer (I mean, really, fucking yourself with a Unicorn horn???). But I loved Vorgell's kind heart and good intentions. Then there's Madd, the young witch who stirs more than just Vorgell's magically oversexed body. Madd is a wonderfully flawed man who shoulders a great deal of pain and has learned not to trust anyone as a result. Together, these two are as perfect for each other as they are different. It just takes a little while for them to realize that they need each other.
I highly recommend this wonderful book. It's at once sweet, funny, and poignant. Oh, and beautifully written, of course!
There's Vorgell, built like an ox and admittedly not the sharpest knife in the drawer (I mean, really, fucking yourself with a Unicorn horn???). But I loved Vorgell's kind heart and good intentions. Then there's Madd, the young witch who stirs more than just Vorgell's magically oversexed body. Madd is a wonderfully flawed man who shoulders a great deal of pain and has learned not to trust anyone as a result. Together, these two are as perfect for each other as they are different. It just takes a little while for them to realize that they need each other.
I highly recommend this wonderful book. It's at once sweet, funny, and poignant. Oh, and beautifully written, of course!
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