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Toys and Soldiers #4
From Johann To Tannenbaum
This book is currently out of print.
354 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2013
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June 2, 2014
Okay, so I needed a few days to collect my thoughts. This is not an easy book to rate - but let me try.
First the cover:
I was drawn to it. I love the darkness around it, but really only noticed that the heart looks like it's made of glass and only half filled. After reading the book, this seems very fitting ;)
The title:
The title felt intriguingly mysterious :) And it has a deeper meaning
THE STORY:
This is technically book four of the series, but not all previous titles are released and this is a stand-alone!!!
I will try to tell you why this brilliant book was so hard to rate. I'm sure that it will not be everyone's cup of tea, but a few of you are bound to appreciate it'S brilliance. I felt that it was very well written, had amazing world building, complex characters and relationships, yet I must say that I hated, yes HATED, the main character for large parts of the story. And alas, that is NOT my one criticism that led me to rate the story down by one star. This story was designed to work this way and does it very well in a way that I've never experienced in a book. While there is a romantic M/M pairing in the story, it felt more like a drama set in a sci-fi world.
This is a dark story, and even in it's sci-fi setting, it felt a lot more real than most of the books I read. It is not a book for light summer reading and hot, mindless romance. There is a lot of substance between these pages and it will make you think. It will also make you VERY angry at the main protagonist, which might not be an easy thing to handle for many people. Readers empathize and identify with the main protagonist of a story and this story starts out that way.
Johann is ... well, let's just look at the blurb. I promised author Ashlyn Forge not to make this review spoilery, though I might have to reveal major details about what kind of character Johann is and what kind of book you are steeling yourself to read, help you to determine whether the book is for you or not, so I will try to stick to the information given in the blurb as pertains to the rich worldbuilding and mythology as well as the plot and focus this review on the most important aspect of the book, that will make or break it for you: Johann.
And, yes- that means I know the author and am friends with her. That's a fact we reviewers don't often talk about, because it doesn't sound as professional.
BUT I chat with hundreds of authors and work closely with them for my review site Rainbow Gold Reviews and true and real friendships develop.
However, the same is true with every professional reviewer I know and the additional insight we have through being friends with the authors usually shows positively in interviews, but has little effect on reviews. I admit I'm not that difficult to please, but if I don't like something, I always say so in a hopefully respectful and constructive way and it will be reflected in my review.
That said, this was not a free review copy to my blog, I won this audio book without any requirements to review it. Ashly Forge actually often prefers harsher reviews to those saying everything is perfect and blowing sugar up her behind. (See how professional I can be? I didn't use 'butt' :P). Sorry for this interlude, but given that even the author was worried about a conflict of interest, I felt like this had to be cleared up! :)
Johann Andreas IV is a rich loser who has a raw deal in life. He is handsome, yet with a poor self-image, clever, but still uneducated, and despite being the heir apparent in his grandfather's will, he's about to be thrown out with nothing.
In the underground colony of his birth, two things matter the most to its denizens: a name, which will guarantee his wealth and status, and a designated branding tattoo, the only thing allowing Colony-Dwellers to live safely underground. Johann has one year to find a husband in order to secure both.
Grandfather's unexpected passing has propelled Johann to the foreground of his family. He's up to the challenge but one thing stands in his way; his mother has plans of her own...and they don't include him
So yeah, from the blurb Johann sounds like someone who is easy to identify, with, right? When we meet him, he seems alone in his honest grief for his grandfather. No one seems to respect him in the way Johann believes he deserved- or Johann for that matter. His grandfather was his only protection against the world. While he is now in line to receive his grandfather's title and place as leader of the family - he is not yet of age and has to endure his brother's cruel nature and his mother's focused hatred.
Just a word of advise: grab hold of that sympathy and don't let go. Johann's words and actions will make it fall like sand trough your fingers, but hold on to the little bit that remains.
A lot of what seems like hatred and belittlement in the beginning, unfairly thrown at him, will turn out to contain truth. Johann is an unskilled worker with no finished education. He is lazy, arrogant and his heart is full of prejudices. He wants to be respected, but doesn't respect others; wants to be successful, but not work hard for it and is barely educated; wants to be treated fairly, but only treats others well if they have some kind of use for him.
Which might also explain his obsession with Elementals, or Es as they are called in the common tongue. Powerful, humanoid beings with incredible power. They are said to fullfill wishes, so why would the knowledge that they can only do these miracles if they personally suffer the drawback? They were hunted and imprisoned in the past for a reason, after all.
Unfortunately, the only E who seems interested in him is a dud, who inconveniently is suffering the consequences of such a wish and has no magic of his own. He seems friendly, while only able to speak German - but can't really help Johann out of his predicament. Johann needs to find a husband and even after complicated beauty operations and with the power of the name Johann will soon be able to claim, no one seems eager at the chance to choose him as husband.
In essence, this is a story of self discovery. There is a lot of intrigue that can rival any court, world building that drew me into a completely strange new world. One of the most interesting settings and it should be interesting to Science Fiction and Fantasy fans. At the core of it, is Johann as a guy who suddenly has to confront the real world his grand father protected him against and Johann's relationship with the E 'Tanner', the bald E without magical powers.
Throughout the book I kept hoping that Johann would finally get his act together and realize his own faults. Yes- he believes he already knows them, believes his weight between operations is a fault he just can't escape. But actually, he has some growing up to do, a lot of development to become the person he wants to be, thinks he already is.
Watching Johann and Tanner's relationship first felt the wake up call he needed. The love-conquers-all sort of thing. But his eyes remain closed to some important things, doesn't want to see them. Thus it felt like watching a train de-rail again and again, a car wreck, something tragic that happens right in front of your eyes. So much potential, seemingly wasted in front of the reader's eyes, but even if you want to, you can't look away- transfixed.
The book will wreck you, break your heart, you will hate Johann with a fierce fire and learn to understand his enemies much better. When you think he changed and you try to trust him again, he will relapse, break your fragile trust, dissapoint you. This book is fascinating, spellbinding, very well written - but by no definition of the word easy-to-read. There are heavy themes like spousal abuse and Johann seemingly crosses the point of no return, when all the sand has escaped and there is no sympathy left. This if when finally, FINALLY you discover that a singly sandcorn of your sympathy has remained and the author skillfully uses it like a seed to grow the sympathy again. Johann is not beyond redemption and it is not easily won, but hard earned. You will understand his behavior, though it won't excuse it. However, understanding the past with all cards on the table of the ruins of a burned-down house, will make the unthinkable happen. You will be able to forgive Johann and it is a beautiful thing. After the long, painful and devastating trip into the crevices of his mind, it will be woth it when he raises from the ashes as someone who learned from his mistakes, goes through life with open eyes and is someone I, as a reader, can respect - even knowing his past mistakes.
Here is the one misgiving I had. After the story takes a lot of time sending the reader through hell, I felt the conclusion- while successful in redeeming Johann, was too rushed. I wanted it to beginn earlier and last longer. After all that time, I wanted to get to know him again. I wanted to see him work more to fix things, knowing that this time it would work out. Wanted more of a reward for not stopping the audio book when it got hard to listen to it and my heart was crushed. As Ashlyn took her time in the set up, the seemingly rushed conclusion is the one thing that would have made this story 5 stars for me, instead of 4.25 stars. Still, the end was satisfying and the book is different and brilliant. The Djinn-like Elementals bring a fantasticmythology with them and there is a lot to be explored in this rich world.
Give it a try. I will be honest- you might not like it. It is not for everyone. But if you do, it will be something you never read before and I think you will be grateful that you did.
Narration:
The narrator of this audio book is immensly talented. It is obvious that he is an actor; he doesn't just tell the story- he lives it. Through him, the 'reader' is drawn completely into this story, as hard as it might be at times not to stop to escape the imminent hurt and pain. One of the most talented voice-actors I had the pleasure to listen to - and as a side note - he is a straight, Christian guy making the explicit M/M sex scenes even hotter for me :P
4.25 STARS!!!
First the cover:
I was drawn to it. I love the darkness around it, but really only noticed that the heart looks like it's made of glass and only half filled. After reading the book, this seems very fitting ;)
The title:
The title felt intriguingly mysterious :) And it has a deeper meaning
THE STORY:
This is technically book four of the series, but not all previous titles are released and this is a stand-alone!!!
I will try to tell you why this brilliant book was so hard to rate. I'm sure that it will not be everyone's cup of tea, but a few of you are bound to appreciate it'S brilliance. I felt that it was very well written, had amazing world building, complex characters and relationships, yet I must say that I hated, yes HATED, the main character for large parts of the story. And alas, that is NOT my one criticism that led me to rate the story down by one star. This story was designed to work this way and does it very well in a way that I've never experienced in a book. While there is a romantic M/M pairing in the story, it felt more like a drama set in a sci-fi world.
This is a dark story, and even in it's sci-fi setting, it felt a lot more real than most of the books I read. It is not a book for light summer reading and hot, mindless romance. There is a lot of substance between these pages and it will make you think. It will also make you VERY angry at the main protagonist, which might not be an easy thing to handle for many people. Readers empathize and identify with the main protagonist of a story and this story starts out that way.
Johann is ... well, let's just look at the blurb. I promised author Ashlyn Forge not to make this review spoilery, though I might have to reveal major details about what kind of character Johann is and what kind of book you are steeling yourself to read, help you to determine whether the book is for you or not, so I will try to stick to the information given in the blurb as pertains to the rich worldbuilding and mythology as well as the plot and focus this review on the most important aspect of the book, that will make or break it for you: Johann.
And, yes- that means I know the author and am friends with her. That's a fact we reviewers don't often talk about, because it doesn't sound as professional.
BUT I chat with hundreds of authors and work closely with them for my review site Rainbow Gold Reviews and true and real friendships develop.
However, the same is true with every professional reviewer I know and the additional insight we have through being friends with the authors usually shows positively in interviews, but has little effect on reviews. I admit I'm not that difficult to please, but if I don't like something, I always say so in a hopefully respectful and constructive way and it will be reflected in my review.
That said, this was not a free review copy to my blog, I won this audio book without any requirements to review it. Ashly Forge actually often prefers harsher reviews to those saying everything is perfect and blowing sugar up her behind. (See how professional I can be? I didn't use 'butt' :P). Sorry for this interlude, but given that even the author was worried about a conflict of interest, I felt like this had to be cleared up! :)
Johann Andreas IV is a rich loser who has a raw deal in life. He is handsome, yet with a poor self-image, clever, but still uneducated, and despite being the heir apparent in his grandfather's will, he's about to be thrown out with nothing.
In the underground colony of his birth, two things matter the most to its denizens: a name, which will guarantee his wealth and status, and a designated branding tattoo, the only thing allowing Colony-Dwellers to live safely underground. Johann has one year to find a husband in order to secure both.
Grandfather's unexpected passing has propelled Johann to the foreground of his family. He's up to the challenge but one thing stands in his way; his mother has plans of her own...and they don't include him
So yeah, from the blurb Johann sounds like someone who is easy to identify, with, right? When we meet him, he seems alone in his honest grief for his grandfather. No one seems to respect him in the way Johann believes he deserved- or Johann for that matter. His grandfather was his only protection against the world. While he is now in line to receive his grandfather's title and place as leader of the family - he is not yet of age and has to endure his brother's cruel nature and his mother's focused hatred.
Just a word of advise: grab hold of that sympathy and don't let go. Johann's words and actions will make it fall like sand trough your fingers, but hold on to the little bit that remains.
A lot of what seems like hatred and belittlement in the beginning, unfairly thrown at him, will turn out to contain truth. Johann is an unskilled worker with no finished education. He is lazy, arrogant and his heart is full of prejudices. He wants to be respected, but doesn't respect others; wants to be successful, but not work hard for it and is barely educated; wants to be treated fairly, but only treats others well if they have some kind of use for him.
Which might also explain his obsession with Elementals, or Es as they are called in the common tongue. Powerful, humanoid beings with incredible power. They are said to fullfill wishes, so why would the knowledge that they can only do these miracles if they personally suffer the drawback? They were hunted and imprisoned in the past for a reason, after all.
Unfortunately, the only E who seems interested in him is a dud, who inconveniently is suffering the consequences of such a wish and has no magic of his own. He seems friendly, while only able to speak German - but can't really help Johann out of his predicament. Johann needs to find a husband and even after complicated beauty operations and with the power of the name Johann will soon be able to claim, no one seems eager at the chance to choose him as husband.
In essence, this is a story of self discovery. There is a lot of intrigue that can rival any court, world building that drew me into a completely strange new world. One of the most interesting settings and it should be interesting to Science Fiction and Fantasy fans. At the core of it, is Johann as a guy who suddenly has to confront the real world his grand father protected him against and Johann's relationship with the E 'Tanner', the bald E without magical powers.
Throughout the book I kept hoping that Johann would finally get his act together and realize his own faults. Yes- he believes he already knows them, believes his weight between operations is a fault he just can't escape. But actually, he has some growing up to do, a lot of development to become the person he wants to be, thinks he already is.
Watching Johann and Tanner's relationship first felt the wake up call he needed. The love-conquers-all sort of thing. But his eyes remain closed to some important things, doesn't want to see them. Thus it felt like watching a train de-rail again and again, a car wreck, something tragic that happens right in front of your eyes. So much potential, seemingly wasted in front of the reader's eyes, but even if you want to, you can't look away- transfixed.
The book will wreck you, break your heart, you will hate Johann with a fierce fire and learn to understand his enemies much better. When you think he changed and you try to trust him again, he will relapse, break your fragile trust, dissapoint you. This book is fascinating, spellbinding, very well written - but by no definition of the word easy-to-read. There are heavy themes like spousal abuse and Johann seemingly crosses the point of no return, when all the sand has escaped and there is no sympathy left. This if when finally, FINALLY you discover that a singly sandcorn of your sympathy has remained and the author skillfully uses it like a seed to grow the sympathy again. Johann is not beyond redemption and it is not easily won, but hard earned. You will understand his behavior, though it won't excuse it. However, understanding the past with all cards on the table of the ruins of a burned-down house, will make the unthinkable happen. You will be able to forgive Johann and it is a beautiful thing. After the long, painful and devastating trip into the crevices of his mind, it will be woth it when he raises from the ashes as someone who learned from his mistakes, goes through life with open eyes and is someone I, as a reader, can respect - even knowing his past mistakes.
Here is the one misgiving I had. After the story takes a lot of time sending the reader through hell, I felt the conclusion- while successful in redeeming Johann, was too rushed. I wanted it to beginn earlier and last longer. After all that time, I wanted to get to know him again. I wanted to see him work more to fix things, knowing that this time it would work out. Wanted more of a reward for not stopping the audio book when it got hard to listen to it and my heart was crushed. As Ashlyn took her time in the set up, the seemingly rushed conclusion is the one thing that would have made this story 5 stars for me, instead of 4.25 stars. Still, the end was satisfying and the book is different and brilliant. The Djinn-like Elementals bring a fantasticmythology with them and there is a lot to be explored in this rich world.
Give it a try. I will be honest- you might not like it. It is not for everyone. But if you do, it will be something you never read before and I think you will be grateful that you did.
Narration:
The narrator of this audio book is immensly talented. It is obvious that he is an actor; he doesn't just tell the story- he lives it. Through him, the 'reader' is drawn completely into this story, as hard as it might be at times not to stop to escape the imminent hurt and pain. One of the most talented voice-actors I had the pleasure to listen to - and as a side note - he is a straight, Christian guy making the explicit M/M sex scenes even hotter for me :P
4.25 STARS!!!
June 26, 2014
This is a tough one and not your grandmother's romance novel. Heck, it isn't even your mom's SF romance novel. It's complicated. It has a dark core. You need to pay attention and be able to retain the details for the story to have its full impact. It can be difficult.
Why? Because the characters are, largely, not likeable on the surface. Most of them are quite dreadful, or revealed to be dreadful, but this is the novel's strongest point and in fact the central theme. Change. Growth. The delta symbol in the system over time.
Johann begins the novel with few redeeming qualities - he's selfish, he's oblivious, he's self-pitying. Tan appears more appealing at first, but his patient, giving facade hides a stubborn, unreasonable nature, and like everyone else we encounter, he's not above using people for his own ends.
There are a lot of dark, dark emotions here, lots of terrible things uncovered from under slimy rocks. There are characters you want to throttle, characters you want to shake sense into, and some you'd rather shoot from a distance. For instance, I think one is supposed to feel some sympathy toward Marian in the end. This is something every reader will have to struggle with on his or her own, but I had no warm feelings for her. Yes, she suffered, but because of pride and the need for wealth and prestige. She could have protected her children.
Not everyone is salvageable, and that's part of the point, too. Our characters need to sink to their absolute lowest points before there's any possibility of redemption - and in the end, everyone needs to make their own choices. Everyone needs to save himself, be happy with himself, before he can be any good to anyone else.
The writing is sometimes devastating and the mood never broken with bits and pieces doled out for us along the way, a trail of crumbs for the reader to follow and pick up to make the whole loaf by the end.
My only nits would be that there were some pacing issues (I felt) here and there, and that I would have liked to have understood the world a little better (but then, I'm coming into the progression late, so that's most likely my fault.)
If you like light and fluffy, this isn't for you. But if you need something more complex and dark sometimes, dig in. Stay with it. After the darkness, hope. After the fall, redemption.
Why? Because the characters are, largely, not likeable on the surface. Most of them are quite dreadful, or revealed to be dreadful, but this is the novel's strongest point and in fact the central theme. Change. Growth. The delta symbol in the system over time.
Johann begins the novel with few redeeming qualities - he's selfish, he's oblivious, he's self-pitying. Tan appears more appealing at first, but his patient, giving facade hides a stubborn, unreasonable nature, and like everyone else we encounter, he's not above using people for his own ends.
There are a lot of dark, dark emotions here, lots of terrible things uncovered from under slimy rocks. There are characters you want to throttle, characters you want to shake sense into, and some you'd rather shoot from a distance. For instance, I think one is supposed to feel some sympathy toward Marian in the end. This is something every reader will have to struggle with on his or her own, but I had no warm feelings for her. Yes, she suffered, but because of pride and the need for wealth and prestige. She could have protected her children.
Not everyone is salvageable, and that's part of the point, too. Our characters need to sink to their absolute lowest points before there's any possibility of redemption - and in the end, everyone needs to make their own choices. Everyone needs to save himself, be happy with himself, before he can be any good to anyone else.
The writing is sometimes devastating and the mood never broken with bits and pieces doled out for us along the way, a trail of crumbs for the reader to follow and pick up to make the whole loaf by the end.
My only nits would be that there were some pacing issues (I felt) here and there, and that I would have liked to have understood the world a little better (but then, I'm coming into the progression late, so that's most likely my fault.)
If you like light and fluffy, this isn't for you. But if you need something more complex and dark sometimes, dig in. Stay with it. After the darkness, hope. After the fall, redemption.
January 3, 2014
What an incredible gift, Ashlyn Forge, has for a plot driven story. This is the first book I have read by this author and I absolutely loved it. The complexity of her characters is amazing and the world she created is so dynamic, with so many layers that it just blew me away.
If I tried to explain the characters and the world, I’d completely confuse you because it’s not something you can just reveal in a simple review, you have to read the story and live in the world with the characters.
The main character, Johann, was one who I related to a lot, even felt sorry for him at first, then became so angry I wanted to smack him in the back of his head because he just couldn’t seem to get it. But by the end of the story and after some deep hidden family secrets are revealed, I was right back to loving him and being so proud and excited for him.
Tanner or Tannenbaum, was such a complex character that I absolutely loved figuring him out and he soon became my favorite character. Yes there were times I wanted to pop him in the head too, but he always seemed to bounce back and in the end, it was pure happiness with his character.
Another character that caught my attention was Gara. This character had such a charm about him and I loved it, but as the other characters, nothing was as it seemed. Everyone had something they would have rather kept hidden but it comes out in the wash throughout the story, they all had to keep these things hidden in this world.
Marian is the one character I cursed through the entire book, she is Johann’s mother and one evil and wicked witch. I can honestly say that because of her, Johann turned out the way he is.
I just want to say that I did love this story and had so many emotions pouring through me, it was an excellent rollercoaster ride and I’d highly recommend this to anyone who loves a bit of a sci-fi feel with some mm romance involved. I’m definitely going to be reading more of this author.
If I tried to explain the characters and the world, I’d completely confuse you because it’s not something you can just reveal in a simple review, you have to read the story and live in the world with the characters.
The main character, Johann, was one who I related to a lot, even felt sorry for him at first, then became so angry I wanted to smack him in the back of his head because he just couldn’t seem to get it. But by the end of the story and after some deep hidden family secrets are revealed, I was right back to loving him and being so proud and excited for him.
Tanner or Tannenbaum, was such a complex character that I absolutely loved figuring him out and he soon became my favorite character. Yes there were times I wanted to pop him in the head too, but he always seemed to bounce back and in the end, it was pure happiness with his character.
Another character that caught my attention was Gara. This character had such a charm about him and I loved it, but as the other characters, nothing was as it seemed. Everyone had something they would have rather kept hidden but it comes out in the wash throughout the story, they all had to keep these things hidden in this world.
Marian is the one character I cursed through the entire book, she is Johann’s mother and one evil and wicked witch. I can honestly say that because of her, Johann turned out the way he is.
I just want to say that I did love this story and had so many emotions pouring through me, it was an excellent rollercoaster ride and I’d highly recommend this to anyone who loves a bit of a sci-fi feel with some mm romance involved. I’m definitely going to be reading more of this author.
February 25, 2014
The other reviews I have read say it all, This was a exceptional read, a great book!
This is certainly not my usual type of read and I did find myself getting a little confused in the beginning so I made sure to slow down my reading speed which allowed me to take in every detail.
I enjoyed the story, the characters kept my emotions on a high and it was actually really exciting to read something totally different from my normal reads! The author has a wonderful imagination and writes beautifully! I know this was a stand alone book but I would love to hear more from these rather unusual yet wonderful characters!
Highly recommend!
This is certainly not my usual type of read and I did find myself getting a little confused in the beginning so I made sure to slow down my reading speed which allowed me to take in every detail.
I enjoyed the story, the characters kept my emotions on a high and it was actually really exciting to read something totally different from my normal reads! The author has a wonderful imagination and writes beautifully! I know this was a stand alone book but I would love to hear more from these rather unusual yet wonderful characters!
Highly recommend!
February 18, 2014
Being an avid lover of science fiction I was really looking forward to reading this story. It didn't disappointment either - I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys getting emerged in a crazy futuristic dystopian world with complex characters.
My full review can be found at: Prism Book Alliance
My full review can be found at: Prism Book Alliance
January 23, 2014
Note: This book may not be available in the near future. For some reason, the author saw fit to remove her ebooks from the vending sites and only the paperback versions are left for sale. We don't know for how long. In any case, I still love this book and its world and will continue to support author Ashlyn Forge.
Original Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
This just totally blew my mind, surprising me on so many levels I have lost count.
This is a very complicated story, so I am not going to attempt to write the summary. It was quite hard to follow at first for there were a lot of twists and turns happening. Midway through, I was still a little confused, but the plot was getting there. At the end, it was when there was a light bulb moment and I thought: Yes, that is exactly it! Finally!
I will try not to make this as simple as I could, for mind you, Ashlyn Forge is one author who can make simple look complicated and when the whole plot unravels, you find out that, indeed, yes, it was that simple.
Johann is a character who is just what the blurb says: a loser. And yet this man is not a loser. It is his circumstances that made him so and it does not really help that he has a mother from hell. (We'll talk about the mother later.) The death of his grandfather placed him in a position of envy, so to speak, but he gets targeted from all sides, especially his mother. Getting targeted does nothing for Johann's fragile personality and there were times I just wanted to slap this man silly for falling into them willingly so to speak and yet he tried so hard not to. He was indecisive and yet was decisive, I just could not get the grip on him.
Tannenbaum is another complicated character. Starts out just as fragile as Johann but soon gets his strength on and proves it. This was the character I liked better should I have to weigh the two even if he was a pain just like Johann, but the two are just a fantastic pair so I don't want to choose at all. Thing is, he is also hiding a secret that set my teeth to grit so hard.
Now for the mother, Marian. I don't want to talk about her, frankly. Her character pushed the right nerves and every time I saw her name I skipped on ahead, to be honest, but then went back just to have the chance to cuss at her. I know this one so well like the back of my hand, it is not funny. So there. Yes, I hate a character.
Thing is, if I had not hated her so, if she were not in this book, this story really would just come out humdrumboring. Hate her, I really do, but she made the story leap forward and cohere perfectly. Color me confused, but she is one character I love, love, love to just plain and angrily hate, hate, hate! And that ending! Whoa! Bravo Ms. Forge! Marian's character got me 100% loving this book.
This story is set in the sci-fiction place called The Colony. A complicated, yet simple colony, its culture, its society, its mores, and their laws. This is the world where we first met Liam of In Liam's Wake. He's here, but is not the focus. But he is here, so I am pacified .
Overall, yes, I loved this, pain it was to read and my head screaming stupid for all the stupidity going on. Thing is, I could not put this down. It is very hard to put down. So I did not put it down and enjoyed myself every read of the way.
Original Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
This just totally blew my mind, surprising me on so many levels I have lost count.
This is a very complicated story, so I am not going to attempt to write the summary. It was quite hard to follow at first for there were a lot of twists and turns happening. Midway through, I was still a little confused, but the plot was getting there. At the end, it was when there was a light bulb moment and I thought: Yes, that is exactly it! Finally!
I will try not to make this as simple as I could, for mind you, Ashlyn Forge is one author who can make simple look complicated and when the whole plot unravels, you find out that, indeed, yes, it was that simple.
Johann is a character who is just what the blurb says: a loser. And yet this man is not a loser. It is his circumstances that made him so and it does not really help that he has a mother from hell. (We'll talk about the mother later.) The death of his grandfather placed him in a position of envy, so to speak, but he gets targeted from all sides, especially his mother. Getting targeted does nothing for Johann's fragile personality and there were times I just wanted to slap this man silly for falling into them willingly so to speak and yet he tried so hard not to. He was indecisive and yet was decisive, I just could not get the grip on him.
Tannenbaum is another complicated character. Starts out just as fragile as Johann but soon gets his strength on and proves it. This was the character I liked better should I have to weigh the two even if he was a pain just like Johann, but the two are just a fantastic pair so I don't want to choose at all. Thing is, he is also hiding a secret that set my teeth to grit so hard.
Now for the mother, Marian. I don't want to talk about her, frankly. Her character pushed the right nerves and every time I saw her name I skipped on ahead, to be honest, but then went back just to have the chance to cuss at her. I know this one so well like the back of my hand, it is not funny. So there. Yes, I hate a character.
Thing is, if I had not hated her so, if she were not in this book, this story really would just come out humdrumboring. Hate her, I really do, but she made the story leap forward and cohere perfectly. Color me confused, but she is one character I love, love, love to just plain and angrily hate, hate, hate! And that ending! Whoa! Bravo Ms. Forge! Marian's character got me 100% loving this book.
This story is set in the sci-fiction place called The Colony. A complicated, yet simple colony, its culture, its society, its mores, and their laws. This is the world where we first met Liam of In Liam's Wake. He's here, but is not the focus. But he is here, so I am pacified .
Overall, yes, I loved this, pain it was to read and my head screaming stupid for all the stupidity going on. Thing is, I could not put this down. It is very hard to put down. So I did not put it down and enjoyed myself every read of the way.
January 5, 2014
This story to me is about personal exploration and growth, no matter what walk of life you come from.
Johann, raised in "the belly" of the colony as a nobleman has to learn to grow and become self sufficient and realize just because it is hard, doesn't mean it isn't worth it.
The growing that Tanner needs is learning to accept help and communication.
Through this story, Johann did nothing but royally piss
Johann, raised in "the belly" of the colony as a nobleman has to learn to grow and become self sufficient and realize just because it is hard, doesn't mean it isn't worth it.
The growing that Tanner needs is learning to accept help and communication.
Through this story, Johann did nothing but royally piss
me off with his horrible decisions. I almost had to stop reading at a point, he majorly upset me.... UNTIL i learned the reasons behind his issues and insecurities...
If you like sci-fi style angsty drama stories with an HEA, then this book is for you!
Read
July 21, 2020Out of print
February 6, 2014
This review can be found at The Blogger Girls review site.
4.5 stars
A few months ago, I read a story that not only blew my socks off but made me immediately want to read the sequel AND purchase the print books of both stories. In Liam's Wake (see my review here) was a ball of craziness I could not let go. I was nervous the sequel wouldn't live up to it but, to my pleasure, it was so much better...
This is the journey that Johann Andreas IV takes from being a self-conscious, overweight nobody to a person who finds his place in the world and a person to love him. I'm not going to go into details about what happens because, honestly, I wouldn't be able to explain everything that Johann goes through or the shear craziness that is this story (in a good way!). What I will say is that Tanner and Johann go through many things together and apart. They live separate lives but yearn for the same thing. It's about self-discovery and acceptance, love and friendship, right and wrong and how you have to lose things before you realize the importance of what you lost. It's a gripping tale that kept me captivated from beginning to end.
I loved the characters. Johann has so much depth to him that I wanted to save him from himself. He's not a perfect character. He's overweight, selfish, somewhat conceited but all he craves is someone who wants him for him. Tanner is that someone. Where Johann takes, Tanner gives everything he has just to make Johann happy, even at the cost of his own happiness. It's heart-breaking, to be honest, because these two have more of a history than anyone could ever know and no matter what they do, everything seems to conspire against them being together... even the 'needs' they think they each want. When all is said and done, the influence they have on one another not only grows them as people but matures them and cements them into the lives they were meant to live.
My only niggle with this story was that I felt like Johann was very self-centered, to the point it was frustrating to read. Considering how he grew up, I could kind of understand it but I just wish he would have taken into consideration how Tanner was feeling or how hard Tanner was trying to make Johann comfortable. I felt so bad with how Johann treated him at times that I wanted to yell at Johann :(
In the end, I absolutely adored the story even if there were some moments I wanted to smack Johann. The simple fact that Johann grew so much throughout the story, though, leveled out my dislike of his selfish moments. Tanner captured my heart and didn't want to let go, and the numerous twists and turns throughout the book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The world Ms. Forge has managed to create is awe-inspiring and I can't wait to read more about the characters within it!
If you're a science fiction lover like me and enjoy stories that have multiple conflicts, an intricate world and heart-wrenching characters, then you'll enjoy this one as well, so give it a try!
4.5 stars
A few months ago, I read a story that not only blew my socks off but made me immediately want to read the sequel AND purchase the print books of both stories. In Liam's Wake (see my review here) was a ball of craziness I could not let go. I was nervous the sequel wouldn't live up to it but, to my pleasure, it was so much better...
This is the journey that Johann Andreas IV takes from being a self-conscious, overweight nobody to a person who finds his place in the world and a person to love him. I'm not going to go into details about what happens because, honestly, I wouldn't be able to explain everything that Johann goes through or the shear craziness that is this story (in a good way!). What I will say is that Tanner and Johann go through many things together and apart. They live separate lives but yearn for the same thing. It's about self-discovery and acceptance, love and friendship, right and wrong and how you have to lose things before you realize the importance of what you lost. It's a gripping tale that kept me captivated from beginning to end.
I loved the characters. Johann has so much depth to him that I wanted to save him from himself. He's not a perfect character. He's overweight, selfish, somewhat conceited but all he craves is someone who wants him for him. Tanner is that someone. Where Johann takes, Tanner gives everything he has just to make Johann happy, even at the cost of his own happiness. It's heart-breaking, to be honest, because these two have more of a history than anyone could ever know and no matter what they do, everything seems to conspire against them being together... even the 'needs' they think they each want. When all is said and done, the influence they have on one another not only grows them as people but matures them and cements them into the lives they were meant to live.
My only niggle with this story was that I felt like Johann was very self-centered, to the point it was frustrating to read. Considering how he grew up, I could kind of understand it but I just wish he would have taken into consideration how Tanner was feeling or how hard Tanner was trying to make Johann comfortable. I felt so bad with how Johann treated him at times that I wanted to yell at Johann :(
In the end, I absolutely adored the story even if there were some moments I wanted to smack Johann. The simple fact that Johann grew so much throughout the story, though, leveled out my dislike of his selfish moments. Tanner captured my heart and didn't want to let go, and the numerous twists and turns throughout the book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The world Ms. Forge has managed to create is awe-inspiring and I can't wait to read more about the characters within it!
If you're a science fiction lover like me and enjoy stories that have multiple conflicts, an intricate world and heart-wrenching characters, then you'll enjoy this one as well, so give it a try!
January 2, 2014
This is a hard book to explain. It messed up my brain and my heart in so many ways, I wanted to punch something.
I fell in love with Liam from the start and I loved him no matter what happened. Johann was an entirely different story. I did love him for the most part, but I so wanted to punch him at times, shake him, tell him he’s acting like a total douche, an insecure wreck, etc. I had moments when I thought he was dropped as a baby, like a lot, and others when I thought he was brilliant. He could be extremely perceptive, or completely miss the point.
Tanner or Tan or Tannenbaum, his E mate, was also a roller coaster ride. Although I did feel more for him than Johann at times. He starts out damaged. Just as Johann, his qualities over time are conflicting, and you'll go nuts trying to figure out how you feel about him.
Other couples in the book, Gara and Midget, Kobal and Rene, they are just as hard to understand. At times you feel like they should just break up already and move on, then you figure out they shouldn’t. Characters from the first book in the series also make an appearance, Met and Red, Harris, and of course, my beloved Liam.
Ashlyn Forge has a knack for plot twists that are so out of this world, they make your head spin. And most of them happen towards the end of the book. I remember reading other reviews saying her books broke the reader’s mind, in a good way. I did feel my brain had been broken. I was also so thrilled I had managed to guess something! I never guess anything in her books… I did a happy dance. That was of course until I realized I only guessed it half way and that it was minor compared to what else was in store for me.
Johann’s mother was a very interesting character for me. If you want someone to hate, the archetype of an unfit mother. Yet, much like Johann, I kept looking for reasons, some sparks of motherly love. And while I did understand some of the reasoning behind it, I could follow her twisted logic, it just still made no sense.
The Colony is as complicated and fantastic as it was in the first book, yet again, so relatable. It’s like being thrown out in a twisted, dystopian future, and instinctively feeling at home. Because underneath the different technology, clothes, and paranormal abilities, it’s just like your world. Same pressures, same fears, same imperfect people that sometimes do wonderful, incredible things.
I strongly suggest you read this book if you like sci-fi / dystopian books or mm romances. This might not be a book highlighting your typical love stories, but they are love stories that will stay with you for a long time.
I fell in love with Liam from the start and I loved him no matter what happened. Johann was an entirely different story. I did love him for the most part, but I so wanted to punch him at times, shake him, tell him he’s acting like a total douche, an insecure wreck, etc. I had moments when I thought he was dropped as a baby, like a lot, and others when I thought he was brilliant. He could be extremely perceptive, or completely miss the point.
Tanner or Tan or Tannenbaum, his E mate, was also a roller coaster ride. Although I did feel more for him than Johann at times. He starts out damaged. Just as Johann, his qualities over time are conflicting, and you'll go nuts trying to figure out how you feel about him.
Other couples in the book, Gara and Midget, Kobal and Rene, they are just as hard to understand. At times you feel like they should just break up already and move on, then you figure out they shouldn’t. Characters from the first book in the series also make an appearance, Met and Red, Harris, and of course, my beloved Liam.
Ashlyn Forge has a knack for plot twists that are so out of this world, they make your head spin. And most of them happen towards the end of the book. I remember reading other reviews saying her books broke the reader’s mind, in a good way. I did feel my brain had been broken. I was also so thrilled I had managed to guess something! I never guess anything in her books… I did a happy dance. That was of course until I realized I only guessed it half way and that it was minor compared to what else was in store for me.
Johann’s mother was a very interesting character for me. If you want someone to hate, the archetype of an unfit mother. Yet, much like Johann, I kept looking for reasons, some sparks of motherly love. And while I did understand some of the reasoning behind it, I could follow her twisted logic, it just still made no sense.
The Colony is as complicated and fantastic as it was in the first book, yet again, so relatable. It’s like being thrown out in a twisted, dystopian future, and instinctively feeling at home. Because underneath the different technology, clothes, and paranormal abilities, it’s just like your world. Same pressures, same fears, same imperfect people that sometimes do wonderful, incredible things.
I strongly suggest you read this book if you like sci-fi / dystopian books or mm romances. This might not be a book highlighting your typical love stories, but they are love stories that will stay with you for a long time.
June 23, 2014
From Johann to Tannenbaum: A standalone Novel (Toys and Soldiers)
Author: Ashlyn Forge
ISBN: 061596072
Published: November 5,2013
I love to read a wide spectrum of books. Reading “From Johann to Tannenbaum: A standalone Novel (Toys and Soilders) took me a bit by surprise. I have read my share of m/m fiction, as well as sci-fi but I have never read them in the same book. It was a welcome surprise as well as a chance to read some things perhaps out of my comfort zone.
Immediately I was drawn in my the characters and the realistic dynamics of their relationships. Johann lives in an underground colony. It is a bleak world with few comforts it is also filled with many expectations and demands as well. He comes from a prominent family of power.
I love books that have characters with flaws and Johann did not leave me disappointed. Books about fractured people draw me because I am constantly amazed at the lengths that people are willing to endure to either stay stuck, change, or evolve. This is a great journey that shows the reader all of these.
Johann is difficult to like at times. He is self absorbed, selfish and has an equally enormous sense of entitlement and ego. One of the strengths of this book is wonderful strong mulit-dimentinal characters. It did not take long to care for them at all. During the times that Johann was most difficult to like and I wanted to put the book down the other characters kept my interest and I continued the journey behind them. I am glad that I did. It is a wonderful told story.
Tan is my favorite character in the book. He gives all without expectation. He is unwaivering, loyal and he captured my heart in the beginning of the book! We meet Johanns family, his mother Marian is almost a force of nature.
There is a difference between excuses and explanations for why people are who they are and what they do. This book demonstrates this so well that it makes it a wonderful journey.
This story is like life it has it's up and down, and not linear just like life. That is why I liked it so much. Things are not what they seem to be. There are many surprises. I also discovered many of my assumptions were to be challenged. This book unflinchingly shows people at their best , their worst and the courage they cultivate to perhaps evolve and grow.
It is a great love story about trust, treachery, and triumph. This book is not predictable and has many twists and surprises. I was very pleased.
*This audiobook was given to me as a gift.
Tidal Miller
6/22/2014
Author: Ashlyn Forge
ISBN: 061596072
Published: November 5,2013
I love to read a wide spectrum of books. Reading “From Johann to Tannenbaum: A standalone Novel (Toys and Soilders) took me a bit by surprise. I have read my share of m/m fiction, as well as sci-fi but I have never read them in the same book. It was a welcome surprise as well as a chance to read some things perhaps out of my comfort zone.
Immediately I was drawn in my the characters and the realistic dynamics of their relationships. Johann lives in an underground colony. It is a bleak world with few comforts it is also filled with many expectations and demands as well. He comes from a prominent family of power.
I love books that have characters with flaws and Johann did not leave me disappointed. Books about fractured people draw me because I am constantly amazed at the lengths that people are willing to endure to either stay stuck, change, or evolve. This is a great journey that shows the reader all of these.
Johann is difficult to like at times. He is self absorbed, selfish and has an equally enormous sense of entitlement and ego. One of the strengths of this book is wonderful strong mulit-dimentinal characters. It did not take long to care for them at all. During the times that Johann was most difficult to like and I wanted to put the book down the other characters kept my interest and I continued the journey behind them. I am glad that I did. It is a wonderful told story.
Tan is my favorite character in the book. He gives all without expectation. He is unwaivering, loyal and he captured my heart in the beginning of the book! We meet Johanns family, his mother Marian is almost a force of nature.
There is a difference between excuses and explanations for why people are who they are and what they do. This book demonstrates this so well that it makes it a wonderful journey.
This story is like life it has it's up and down, and not linear just like life. That is why I liked it so much. Things are not what they seem to be. There are many surprises. I also discovered many of my assumptions were to be challenged. This book unflinchingly shows people at their best , their worst and the courage they cultivate to perhaps evolve and grow.
It is a great love story about trust, treachery, and triumph. This book is not predictable and has many twists and surprises. I was very pleased.
*This audiobook was given to me as a gift.
Tidal Miller
6/22/2014
February 3, 2014
This Dystopian novel, From Johann to Tannenbaum by Ashlyn Forge!
Johann is a wealthy guy who is not always the most likable character in the book. He is beautiful and has such low self-esteem issues. He is the heir to his grandfathers will but not everything goes as planned or as Johann expected them to go. In this underground colony where he was born there are two main important factors that everyone considers to be very vital. The first one is his name, as this determines his wealth and standing in the community, and second is a tattoo, as he will need this in order to live comfortably underground in the colony. Johann has yet to achieve these two important factors but he is up for the challenge. The only problem is that someone stands in his way and that is his mother who has other ideas and they don't involve her son.
Johann is such a complicated character and at times I just wanted to punch and throttle him for his feeling of entitlement, self-seeking attention and how much he pitied himself but then he had moments of being very brilliant. I loved his character as he made me feel such emotions for him and I give so much of this to the author for her brilliant writing of Johann. Tan is his mate and another troubled soul, I found myself feeling more for Tan than for Johann as I loved this character. It was great how the author keeps us so alerted with these hard to love but at times great characters. I was looking for qualities to relate to these guys and at first it is hard to find but then you come to love them and understand why they are the way they are. Johann's mother was a different story though as I had a hard time finding good qualities in her and as the reader I kept looking for some glimmer of love that she had for her son.
The author writes in such a highly detailed manor that she takes you right into the world of the dystopian future as I find this new genre so wildly interesting and Ashlyn Forge makes you feel that you are actually living in this new world. I loved the different technologies, clothes and underlined paranormal activities. If you’re looking for a unique and highly fascinating book of the dystopian times then I highly recommend From Johann to Tannenbaum. I will definitely be reading more books by this brilliant writer Ashlyn Forge!
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Paul at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
Johann is a wealthy guy who is not always the most likable character in the book. He is beautiful and has such low self-esteem issues. He is the heir to his grandfathers will but not everything goes as planned or as Johann expected them to go. In this underground colony where he was born there are two main important factors that everyone considers to be very vital. The first one is his name, as this determines his wealth and standing in the community, and second is a tattoo, as he will need this in order to live comfortably underground in the colony. Johann has yet to achieve these two important factors but he is up for the challenge. The only problem is that someone stands in his way and that is his mother who has other ideas and they don't involve her son.
Johann is such a complicated character and at times I just wanted to punch and throttle him for his feeling of entitlement, self-seeking attention and how much he pitied himself but then he had moments of being very brilliant. I loved his character as he made me feel such emotions for him and I give so much of this to the author for her brilliant writing of Johann. Tan is his mate and another troubled soul, I found myself feeling more for Tan than for Johann as I loved this character. It was great how the author keeps us so alerted with these hard to love but at times great characters. I was looking for qualities to relate to these guys and at first it is hard to find but then you come to love them and understand why they are the way they are. Johann's mother was a different story though as I had a hard time finding good qualities in her and as the reader I kept looking for some glimmer of love that she had for her son.
The author writes in such a highly detailed manor that she takes you right into the world of the dystopian future as I find this new genre so wildly interesting and Ashlyn Forge makes you feel that you are actually living in this new world. I loved the different technologies, clothes and underlined paranormal activities. If you’re looking for a unique and highly fascinating book of the dystopian times then I highly recommend From Johann to Tannenbaum. I will definitely be reading more books by this brilliant writer Ashlyn Forge!
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Paul at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
November 18, 2013
Okay, so I am familiar with the Ashlyn Forge's first book in the Toys and Soldiers series, and I thought after reading that one that the world she created was really cool. But after this one, I cannot wait for future works. This book is the perspective and story of a whole new set of characters. With the occasional appearance from Liam of the first book, In Liam's Wake.
In the beginning of this story, we first meet up with one our main characters, Johann, and learn a bit about him and his family, and then gradually we are introduced to the main secondary character, Tannenbaum. Their beginning interactions were quite funny and endearing. Since Tannenbaum cannot really interact with Johann vocally, due to a terrible act when he was younger, he does more with actions and drawings and origami than anything to get his points across. At times, I was laughing with how wonderfully sweet Tannenbaum seemed.
Throughout the rest of the book, after all the interactions, when Tannenbaum and Johann become close, you find that they are more connected than they think. That Tannenbaum is the reason behind certain aspects of Johann's life being what they are...
There is a lot of growth in this story. Johann begins an insecure man, looking for the easy way out of his problems, but finds a strength in him that he never realized could exist. Tannenbaum begins broken, but finds the one thing that can heal his long-time wounds.
I absolutely loved this book. Loved, loved, loved it. It made smile and laugh and scream in frustration. It made me FEEL! And I personally believe that only the best books can do that.
In the beginning of this story, we first meet up with one our main characters, Johann, and learn a bit about him and his family, and then gradually we are introduced to the main secondary character, Tannenbaum. Their beginning interactions were quite funny and endearing. Since Tannenbaum cannot really interact with Johann vocally, due to a terrible act when he was younger, he does more with actions and drawings and origami than anything to get his points across. At times, I was laughing with how wonderfully sweet Tannenbaum seemed.
Throughout the rest of the book, after all the interactions, when Tannenbaum and Johann become close, you find that they are more connected than they think. That Tannenbaum is the reason behind certain aspects of Johann's life being what they are...
There is a lot of growth in this story. Johann begins an insecure man, looking for the easy way out of his problems, but finds a strength in him that he never realized could exist. Tannenbaum begins broken, but finds the one thing that can heal his long-time wounds.
I absolutely loved this book. Loved, loved, loved it. It made smile and laugh and scream in frustration. It made me FEEL! And I personally believe that only the best books can do that.
September 19, 2013
Imagine a Colony situated in a cavern deep below the earth's surface. In this world lives Johann IV, scion of a rich family. He has been spoiled by his grandfather, his mother keeps telling him how useless he is. Then, at the start of the book, his grandfather dies, and he is determined to take over the family business. What could possibly go wrong? Well, everything, basically.
Johann is a character with very definite flaws. He has no impulse control, is an attention-seeker, self-pitying and entitled. Doesn't sound very attractive, but very human, and I can understand him with all his flaws. And Ashlyn puts him through a very tough time: every time you think things have hit rock bottom, they get worse. You may feel like kicking his butt, but all the same, you feel for him. And he does grow during the book, though it's a painful process.
I've not read the previous books in this series, though I shall. Understanding the world it's set in would probably be a bit easier if I had. There is however enough background information to make the world comprehensible, and who wants info-dumps? It's quite a long book already, but worth persevering with, and has one or two big surprises near the end which I for one didn't see coming at all.
Warning: contains m/m sex scenes, so if you are easily offended this may not be the book for you.
Johann is a character with very definite flaws. He has no impulse control, is an attention-seeker, self-pitying and entitled. Doesn't sound very attractive, but very human, and I can understand him with all his flaws. And Ashlyn puts him through a very tough time: every time you think things have hit rock bottom, they get worse. You may feel like kicking his butt, but all the same, you feel for him. And he does grow during the book, though it's a painful process.
I've not read the previous books in this series, though I shall. Understanding the world it's set in would probably be a bit easier if I had. There is however enough background information to make the world comprehensible, and who wants info-dumps? It's quite a long book already, but worth persevering with, and has one or two big surprises near the end which I for one didn't see coming at all.
Warning: contains m/m sex scenes, so if you are easily offended this may not be the book for you.
February 26, 2016
Filled with love, trust, betrayal, and promises, "From Johann to Tannenbaum" is definitely one of those bittersweet tales. Don't worry. It's a good story.
The fourth book in the Toys and Soldiers series, this is actually a stand-alone novel that just happens to exist in the same world as the trilogy before it.
Johann is not a hero. Reading his tale, you can tell this. He's miserable, overweight sometimes, and has a habit of stealing, but what's endearing about him is the fact that he tries. All he wants is for someone to love him and free him from the misery of his life.
In comes Tanner, a mute E who seems to interest Johann despite the lack of conversational habits. In Tanner, Johann finds a friend and quite possibly his freedom - if he can keep from screwing everything up.
Despite his flaws, it was easy to fall in love with Johann, even feel sorry for him. Tanner, upon looking more into his history in general, but especially with Johann's family, was similar.
There were several surprises in both men's pasts that reared their ugly heads as the two tried to find a balance in their lives, but it was those surprises that allowed me to see just how much Johann and Tanner belonged together, making this a sweet read in the end.
The fourth book in the Toys and Soldiers series, this is actually a stand-alone novel that just happens to exist in the same world as the trilogy before it.
Johann is not a hero. Reading his tale, you can tell this. He's miserable, overweight sometimes, and has a habit of stealing, but what's endearing about him is the fact that he tries. All he wants is for someone to love him and free him from the misery of his life.
In comes Tanner, a mute E who seems to interest Johann despite the lack of conversational habits. In Tanner, Johann finds a friend and quite possibly his freedom - if he can keep from screwing everything up.
Despite his flaws, it was easy to fall in love with Johann, even feel sorry for him. Tanner, upon looking more into his history in general, but especially with Johann's family, was similar.
There were several surprises in both men's pasts that reared their ugly heads as the two tried to find a balance in their lives, but it was those surprises that allowed me to see just how much Johann and Tanner belonged together, making this a sweet read in the end.
October 27, 2013
Received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. And I must say that Ashlyn Forge has done it again!!!!! This is book 4 in the series and it is AWESOME and I do mean AWESOME!!!
There is so much going on in this story - you have love,hate,deceit, And so much more.
This is one book that you really have to read. The story starts out with the death of the grandfather and the grandson is so upset about it. He believes that he is next in line to take over running the school. However, much to his surprise his mother does. Stating that his brother Com should be the rightful one to run it not him as he doesn't deserve to run it -he hasn't earned the right to.
From here the story just gets better. You have E's come to the school.They are interesting people.
All I can say is that the characters, the scenes an the entire book is so totally believable. You actually think you are there in the story with the characters.
I give this book a 10 star rating. And look forward to book 5 in the series. Way to go Ashlyn!!!
There is so much going on in this story - you have love,hate,deceit, And so much more.
This is one book that you really have to read. The story starts out with the death of the grandfather and the grandson is so upset about it. He believes that he is next in line to take over running the school. However, much to his surprise his mother does. Stating that his brother Com should be the rightful one to run it not him as he doesn't deserve to run it -he hasn't earned the right to.
From here the story just gets better. You have E's come to the school.They are interesting people.
All I can say is that the characters, the scenes an the entire book is so totally believable. You actually think you are there in the story with the characters.
I give this book a 10 star rating. And look forward to book 5 in the series. Way to go Ashlyn!!!
February 7, 2014
3.5 Stars
Ashlyn Forge has a very easy to read style of storytelling, one that flows smoothly, though there were a few scenes in the book that I felt slowed down the pace of the story a bit, as those scenes only reiterated certain plot points that had already been made very clear rather than moving the story forward. Overall, however, as a huge fan of Alt U/Fantasy, I can say I liked From Johann to Tannenbaum, owing in large part to Tanner himself. He and his sweet and kind nature were the saving grace of the book, and helped to overshadow some of the less than agreeable characters in the story.
I’d recommend this one to readers who enjoy character rather than action driven stories, as ultimately, this book is about Johann’s journey from tragic to triumphant hero.
Full review can be found at The Novel Approach
Ashlyn Forge has a very easy to read style of storytelling, one that flows smoothly, though there were a few scenes in the book that I felt slowed down the pace of the story a bit, as those scenes only reiterated certain plot points that had already been made very clear rather than moving the story forward. Overall, however, as a huge fan of Alt U/Fantasy, I can say I liked From Johann to Tannenbaum, owing in large part to Tanner himself. He and his sweet and kind nature were the saving grace of the book, and helped to overshadow some of the less than agreeable characters in the story.
I’d recommend this one to readers who enjoy character rather than action driven stories, as ultimately, this book is about Johann’s journey from tragic to triumphant hero.
Full review can be found at The Novel Approach
July 11, 2014
This is Sci-fi at it's best!!!! Do you love a long wonderful story that is full of angst at it's finest? You will love this book. Be warned you will want to go into the story and kick major Butt!!!
This is a dark story and you will want to shake Johann! He is a spoiled brat which is hard to deal with until you learn the reason behind the behavior!
You will watch Tanner go from tragic to strong and sure of himself!!
At the end of the book you will root for both characters and fall in love with them!!
This is a dark story and you will want to shake Johann! He is a spoiled brat which is hard to deal with until you learn the reason behind the behavior!
You will watch Tanner go from tragic to strong and sure of himself!!
At the end of the book you will root for both characters and fall in love with them!!
February 17, 2014
My full review is posted here: http://wp.me/p3IGfR-4C.
Overall, it was a fun science fiction dystopia with some male-male romance perks thrown in. I would hardily recommend it, especially if you read the first one, In Liam's Wake.
Overall, it was a fun science fiction dystopia with some male-male romance perks thrown in. I would hardily recommend it, especially if you read the first one, In Liam's Wake.
August 18, 2013
Read in draft form - This is another story set in 'The Colony' which is a dark and dangerous place, this time, we follow Johann Andreas IV and the challenges he faces. If you like sci-fi, legends, and love, I recommend you try this one.
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