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Cailleadhama: Through the Veil
Colton is a trans man living in a climate-changed world. He plies the canals that used to be city streets, earning a living taking tourists on illicit journeys through San Francisco's flooded edges beneath the imposing bulk of the Wall.
Tris is an elf who comes through the veil to the City by the Bay - the Caille - on a coming of age pilgrimage called the Cailleadhama. He is searching for his brother Laris, who went missing after crossing through the Caille years before.
The two men find they have common cause, and together they set off to find Laris in a world transformed by the twin forces of greed and climate change. And in the end, they find out more than they ever expected, both about the warming world and their own selves.
Note: This story was originally published in the "Myths Untold: Faery" anthology from Wilde City Press. It is presented here in its original form.
Tris is an elf who comes through the veil to the City by the Bay - the Caille - on a coming of age pilgrimage called the Cailleadhama. He is searching for his brother Laris, who went missing after crossing through the Caille years before.
The two men find they have common cause, and together they set off to find Laris in a world transformed by the twin forces of greed and climate change. And in the end, they find out more than they ever expected, both about the warming world and their own selves.
Note: This story was originally published in the "Myths Untold: Faery" anthology from Wilde City Press. It is presented here in its original form.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2019
3 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
J. Scott Coatsworth
90 books188 followersScott lives with his husband in a leafy Sacramento, California suburb, in a cute yellow house with a pair of pink flamingoes in the front yard.
He has always been in the place between the here and now and the what could be. He started reading science fiction and fantasy at the tender age of nine, encouraged by his mother. But as he read the golden age classics and more modern works too, he started to wonder where all the queer people were.
When Scott came out at 23, he decided he wanted to create the kinds of stories he couldn't find at the bookstore. If there weren't gay characters in his favorite genres, he would reimagine them, filling them with a diverse universe of characters. He'd remake them to his own ends, and if he was lucky enough, someone would even want to read them.
Scott's brain works a little differently from most folks - he sees connections where others don't. Born an introvert, he learned how to reach outside himself and connect with other queer folks.
Scott's fiction defies expectations, transforming traditional science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary worlds into something fresh and surprising. He also created both Queer Sci Fi and QueeRomance Ink with his husband Mark, and is an associate member of the Science Fiction Writer's Association (SFWA).
His writing, both romance and genre fiction, brings a queer energy to his work, infusing them with love, beauty and strength and making them fly. He imagines how the world could be, and maybe changes the world that is, just a little.
Scott was recognized as one of the top new gay authors in the 2017 Rainbow Awards, and his debut novel "Skythane" received two awards and an honorable mention.
He has always been in the place between the here and now and the what could be. He started reading science fiction and fantasy at the tender age of nine, encouraged by his mother. But as he read the golden age classics and more modern works too, he started to wonder where all the queer people were.
When Scott came out at 23, he decided he wanted to create the kinds of stories he couldn't find at the bookstore. If there weren't gay characters in his favorite genres, he would reimagine them, filling them with a diverse universe of characters. He'd remake them to his own ends, and if he was lucky enough, someone would even want to read them.
Scott's brain works a little differently from most folks - he sees connections where others don't. Born an introvert, he learned how to reach outside himself and connect with other queer folks.
Scott's fiction defies expectations, transforming traditional science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary worlds into something fresh and surprising. He also created both Queer Sci Fi and QueeRomance Ink with his husband Mark, and is an associate member of the Science Fiction Writer's Association (SFWA).
His writing, both romance and genre fiction, brings a queer energy to his work, infusing them with love, beauty and strength and making them fly. He imagines how the world could be, and maybe changes the world that is, just a little.
Scott was recognized as one of the top new gay authors in the 2017 Rainbow Awards, and his debut novel "Skythane" received two awards and an honorable mention.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 6, 2019
This book is like a two for one- part dystopian novel part fantasy. There’s also some action and romance in the mix as well. Colton is a trans man living in the flooded ruins of what used to be San Francisco- on the poor side of the wall built to keep the ocean from swallowing everything as much as it is to keep the lower class citizens out. Tris is an elf who has come through the veil into the human world as part of a coming of age tradition and in search of his missing brother. He finds much more and less than he could have hoped for. As is the case with several of this author’s titles, this beautifully crafted story is unlike anything I have ever read.
May 5, 2021
audible:This was a wonderful,fantastical story!A trans person,looking for their brother,finds love and purpose beyond the veil. Drew Bacca was a terrific narrator. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
November 12, 2019
Touching romantic fantasy in post climatic apocalypse SF
Scott does a great job weaving an urban fantasy in post climate change SF. An elf out of his element and a trans man definitely out of his element discover a secret about the government and about themselves.
Quite the read for those in the LGBTQ community and those seeking to understand us.
Thanks for the touch of romance.
Scott does a great job weaving an urban fantasy in post climate change SF. An elf out of his element and a trans man definitely out of his element discover a secret about the government and about themselves.
Quite the read for those in the LGBTQ community and those seeking to understand us.
Thanks for the touch of romance.
April 25, 2022
Human’s, greed and a devastating Tsunami had destroyed San Francisco. With great flooding the City has become divided by the Wall. On one side of the Wall life is good on the other there’s poverty and danger.
Colton Davis lives on the dangerous side of the Wall. He’s a trans-man and still has doubts because his transition is not complete. He makes a living with his gondola, taking tourists to the ruins of Canary Bay, and other means. He’s streetwise but also hides his fear.
Colton has run out of his T-shot and needs to make the journey to the Pharmacist. Although Colton can pay for one T-shot the Pharmacist hands over three. But she doesn’t want his money, she has her own way to be paid back, with a unique sword.
Colton finds himself on the Island of Alcatraz with the sword and if that is not weird enough, he watches a fight break out.
Tris has crossed the veil from Gleanna Sidhu. He has come to find his brother Laris and bring him home. He’s immediately attacked by a strange creature and is now on the Island of Alcatraz.
Colton is shocked as he watches a battle that has occurred right before his eyes. He can’t believe what this little elf can do with a sword. One thing he has to do is heed the words of the Pharmacist.
Drew Bacca’s narration of “Cailleadhama” was well done. I felt that he started out a little fast and got a little breathy in spots. But once he got into chapter two his narration got better. I thought it was quite a challenge for a short story, as there’s about eight characters that needed their own voice. He was able to give distinguishing tones to each of these characters and he brought out each ones feelings along with the excitement and danger that comes with this wonderful fantasy. I wish Tris’ soft accent was a little stronger but it still worked throughout the story. Such a creative voice and tone for the evil tuatha.
I don’t want to give too much of this short fantasy away, but it was totally entertaining. There’s much more to this story than what I addressed. An elf with a gift, a magic sword, strange creatures, action, danger and gadgets of technology. It’s suspenseful, sad, sweetly romantic and also sends a message of accepting ones-self. Tris and Colton are just two wonderful characters and I give lot’s of credit to Vanyssa. She was a dynamic character. As Scott Coatsworth never disappoints he creates another magnificent and magical story that’s filled with colorful characters and descriptions that are easy to visualize.
There always seems to be lessons to learn that come with the authors stories. If you’ve read Cailleadhama in 2019 or if you read it today it’s still amazing. J. Scott Coatsworth’s short novellas are always intriguing and timeless.
Colton Davis lives on the dangerous side of the Wall. He’s a trans-man and still has doubts because his transition is not complete. He makes a living with his gondola, taking tourists to the ruins of Canary Bay, and other means. He’s streetwise but also hides his fear.
Colton has run out of his T-shot and needs to make the journey to the Pharmacist. Although Colton can pay for one T-shot the Pharmacist hands over three. But she doesn’t want his money, she has her own way to be paid back, with a unique sword.
Colton finds himself on the Island of Alcatraz with the sword and if that is not weird enough, he watches a fight break out.
Tris has crossed the veil from Gleanna Sidhu. He has come to find his brother Laris and bring him home. He’s immediately attacked by a strange creature and is now on the Island of Alcatraz.
Colton is shocked as he watches a battle that has occurred right before his eyes. He can’t believe what this little elf can do with a sword. One thing he has to do is heed the words of the Pharmacist.
Drew Bacca’s narration of “Cailleadhama” was well done. I felt that he started out a little fast and got a little breathy in spots. But once he got into chapter two his narration got better. I thought it was quite a challenge for a short story, as there’s about eight characters that needed their own voice. He was able to give distinguishing tones to each of these characters and he brought out each ones feelings along with the excitement and danger that comes with this wonderful fantasy. I wish Tris’ soft accent was a little stronger but it still worked throughout the story. Such a creative voice and tone for the evil tuatha.
I don’t want to give too much of this short fantasy away, but it was totally entertaining. There’s much more to this story than what I addressed. An elf with a gift, a magic sword, strange creatures, action, danger and gadgets of technology. It’s suspenseful, sad, sweetly romantic and also sends a message of accepting ones-self. Tris and Colton are just two wonderful characters and I give lot’s of credit to Vanyssa. She was a dynamic character. As Scott Coatsworth never disappoints he creates another magnificent and magical story that’s filled with colorful characters and descriptions that are easy to visualize.
There always seems to be lessons to learn that come with the authors stories. If you’ve read Cailleadhama in 2019 or if you read it today it’s still amazing. J. Scott Coatsworth’s short novellas are always intriguing and timeless.
August 5, 2021
This is a fun urban fantasy with a touch of romance. Colton was my favorite character. He’s been on his own for years at this point and lives in a near-future San Francisco. It’s a world where overpopulation and environmental damage has made hard times for all but the rich. Colton is certainly on hard times but he’s upbeat because he’s been worse off. Now his ‘pharmacist’ has sent him on a quest of sorts and he’s over his head. Luckily, he quickly gains an ally – Tris, an elf from across the veil, who is trying to find his long-lost brother. Together, with the help of expert hacker Nis, they may just be able to find him.
There’s enough action to keep the plot moving forward without there being gore. It’s a light, fun read. I’m not usually into romances but I really liked the simmering undercurrent between Tris and Colton. Also, hurray for a trans character having a lead role! Fantasy needs more characters like Colton. That said, the near-instant love was a little rushed for my tastes and also I felt that the much desired gender transformation for Colton was a little too quick and easy too. Perhaps I just wanted a longer story to develop these characters a bit more.
The tale does wrap up this story arc while leaving the world open for a sequel. I look forward to it. 4.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Drew Bacca had a good set of voices for this story. I liked how he was able to manage Colton’s changing voice while also keeping it distinctly Colton. His Gaelic accent for Tris was a little muddled but Tris quickly loses his accent to better fit in. Bacca captured the emotions well and sounded engaged in the story as well. For the most part, his female voices were good but sometimes Nis’s voice was a little blurred, especially when slipping back and forth in conversation with another character. There were no tech issues with this recording. 4/5 stars.
There’s enough action to keep the plot moving forward without there being gore. It’s a light, fun read. I’m not usually into romances but I really liked the simmering undercurrent between Tris and Colton. Also, hurray for a trans character having a lead role! Fantasy needs more characters like Colton. That said, the near-instant love was a little rushed for my tastes and also I felt that the much desired gender transformation for Colton was a little too quick and easy too. Perhaps I just wanted a longer story to develop these characters a bit more.
The tale does wrap up this story arc while leaving the world open for a sequel. I look forward to it. 4.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Drew Bacca had a good set of voices for this story. I liked how he was able to manage Colton’s changing voice while also keeping it distinctly Colton. His Gaelic accent for Tris was a little muddled but Tris quickly loses his accent to better fit in. Bacca captured the emotions well and sounded engaged in the story as well. For the most part, his female voices were good but sometimes Nis’s voice was a little blurred, especially when slipping back and forth in conversation with another character. There were no tech issues with this recording. 4/5 stars.
March 28, 2021
Why did I wait this long to read this little gem? I absolutely loved this story - it's a mix of several genres seamlessly blending into each other.
I was kept on the edge of the seat the entire story and only regret it was too short. The ideas, worldbuilding, action - it was packed through the roof but the future was left uncertain.
Maybe this book will be a start of the series; I'll be very happy if author will make a follow up to it *nudge, nudge*
I was kept on the edge of the seat the entire story and only regret it was too short. The ideas, worldbuilding, action - it was packed through the roof but the future was left uncertain.
Maybe this book will be a start of the series; I'll be very happy if author will make a follow up to it *nudge, nudge*
November 19, 2022
Though I loved the worldbuilding and the dystopian feel of a S. Francisco after climate disaster has changed the bay forever, I was not sold on the relationship between the MCs. There was positively no chemistry between them, for me as a reader, it was all way too rushed and incoherent, the author didn't bother pacing and building upon their feelings of attraction for each other, which for my personal taste and preferences ruined much of the narrative.
August 11, 2022
4.5 rounded up. I just love this author’s writing. He creates worlds that pull you in with rich characters and settings. This particular story, considering when it was written, is rather prophetic considering the politics and hot issues of today. The story ends with a HFN for Colton and Tris and has a perfect set-up for a sequel (one can only hope).
January 23, 2024
I was drawn in by the flooded San Francisco and the trans protagonist and then an elf prince comes onto the scene and wow! What a great mix of cli-fic and fantasy with a sweet gay romance to make the heart sing.
Currently reading
August 22, 2020(review in progress, will edit & rate when I finish. I've been reading slowly to savor.)
Clever worldbuilding of a post-climate change San Francisco, that's very detailed and both interesting and eerie because of how close to home it hits... And so far, interesting bits and pieces of worldbuilding of a world that is decidedly Other, more like a fantasy world. I like the interplay of scifi and fantasy flavors.
The story is multilayered such that so far, the plot hasn't been predictable, and has kept me on my toes.
The characters feel real and nuanced, especially Colton. I got a good feel for what his day to day life was like before Tris appeared. The way their goals have intertwined so far has been really cool!
Looking forward to continuing/finishing!
Clever worldbuilding of a post-climate change San Francisco, that's very detailed and both interesting and eerie because of how close to home it hits... And so far, interesting bits and pieces of worldbuilding of a world that is decidedly Other, more like a fantasy world. I like the interplay of scifi and fantasy flavors.
The story is multilayered such that so far, the plot hasn't been predictable, and has kept me on my toes.
The characters feel real and nuanced, especially Colton. I got a good feel for what his day to day life was like before Tris appeared. The way their goals have intertwined so far has been really cool!
Looking forward to continuing/finishing!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews