What do you think?
The Ballad Of Jimothy Redwing #1
The Ballad of Jimothy Redwing
New lover. New city. New dangers. Wand'ring Minstrel Jimothy Redwing is used to life on the road, living by the words and music that are his stock in trade. While he's comfortable finding his way alone, he's always amenable to a friendly stranger who knows the lay of the land. Ricky Lennox is smart, funny, handsome, and very amenable. With a place to stay, a sexy new lover, and some local contacts, Jimothy looks forward to delivering the letters in his care-including a message for the local ruler-and earning a little money with his music before moving on. Ricky's declaration he's interested in more than just a one-night tryst starts Jimmy thinking about settling into a life of perfect harmony. But things hit a sour note when he learns his lover's true identity-and exactly what's in the epistle to Kanbec's ruler. Jimothy's journey turns out to be far more complicated than he could have dreamed, and as dangerous as any epic ballad. For himself-and for Ricky. Warning: This book contains a sexy musician, hot nekkid manlove, violence, and nuns dressed in blue.
264 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Maia Strong
18 books17 followersWriting, acting, bellydancing, and teaching people to talk in funny voices. Who knew you could make a living doing stuff like that? I didn't, and in fact I can't. Those are the things I do to feed my soul rather than my stomach.
I've always written, but I never expected to write romance. I have documented evidence of a seafaring play I wrote in the second grade. Something involving a giant duck, if memory serves; I'm too scared to dig it out of the binder and find out for sure. Since that rather inauspicious beginning, I've turned my hand to fantasy, science fiction, action adventure (with dinosaurs, oo!), and now steamy romance--with fantasy in it because that is my first genre love. It's inescapable when the first time you read The Lord of the Rings is in the fourth grade. (I read Asimov's Foundation trilogy the next year, but I didn't really understand it. I have yet to try reading it again lo these many years later.)
Off the page, I work in a number of positions with local theatres, I bellydance, and I train and perform aerial. I enjoy traveling, eating good food, drinking good coffee, and hanging out with my husband and our kitties.
I've always written, but I never expected to write romance. I have documented evidence of a seafaring play I wrote in the second grade. Something involving a giant duck, if memory serves; I'm too scared to dig it out of the binder and find out for sure. Since that rather inauspicious beginning, I've turned my hand to fantasy, science fiction, action adventure (with dinosaurs, oo!), and now steamy romance--with fantasy in it because that is my first genre love. It's inescapable when the first time you read The Lord of the Rings is in the fourth grade. (I read Asimov's Foundation trilogy the next year, but I didn't really understand it. I have yet to try reading it again lo these many years later.)
Off the page, I work in a number of positions with local theatres, I bellydance, and I train and perform aerial. I enjoy traveling, eating good food, drinking good coffee, and hanging out with my husband and our kitties.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Read
April 27, 2009The Ballad of Jimothy Redwing is a fantasy, since it's setting in a fantasy world and the main characters behave as medieval men never would, but for all other details it's an medieval historical, setting in a rather interesting growing town where bartering in an art and human skills the most valuable goods.
Jimothy Redwing is a wandering minstrel, he walks from town to town gaining his foods with music and songs and delivering letters, both written than spoken. It's quite an idea this one of a minstrel that, other than memorizing songs, memorizes also the letters of who is unable to write... there is some historical expert among my friends that can tell me if this is a fictional detail or is actually a true things? I have never found it in any other historical romance I read, but it seems to me quite a good idea and it sounds so real.
Anyway Jimothy is travelling from one city to another to bring some important letters, one in particular to the lanmere of the city (something similar to a mistress of the land). During the journey he meets Ricky, a man who, difference to him who is by foot, travels by horse and that is so kind to offer him a pass. And since Ricky is rather comfortable around the land, they can spend the night in a waycabin, one of a series of cabin that the late landmere built all around the country to host wandering travellers (another quite good idea...).
Alone in the cabin Jimothy finds that Ricky and him have something in common, they both prefer the company of men, and they spend a lovely night together; Ricky actually is a very friendly and sexy man, with an easy smile and an easy "behaviour"... I don't want to say that he is a bit of a "butterfly", but yes, he is not shy in matter of sex; our poor minstrel can do very little to go away with his intact virtue, if he even wants it.
But when the day after they arrive to the city, Jimothy finds that Ricky is not exactly who he told him to be, and an unknown enemy is not so glad to see Ricky gangs up with a common and simple wandering minstrel. But Ricky discovers also that he is unable to move on Jimothy like he had with his other passing flings, Jimothy becomes more and more important every day they spent together. But Jimothy is a wandering minstrel, and what would happen to the wandering part of his work if he chooses to stop and love a man?
The suspence part of the story, the unknown enemy, is not very mysterious, and for me it's not the main regard of the story. I like a lot the fiction world the author created, with all the details and the supporting characters. It's a joy to read every single aspect, carefully carved till the single shop sings on the street. Also the two characters are nice, probably I prefer Ricky, I always prefer the bratty ones.
The story is long but not boring. The love is sexy and joyful, there is a lot of sex but it's not too much, probably since the book is long and so it's not seemed like the two are only and ever in bed. Also the ending is of the right mood of all the story, not quite so granted as you can expected. This is for me a very good start for an author who tried her hands on a new genre.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BXWM2Y/?...
Jimothy Redwing is a wandering minstrel, he walks from town to town gaining his foods with music and songs and delivering letters, both written than spoken. It's quite an idea this one of a minstrel that, other than memorizing songs, memorizes also the letters of who is unable to write... there is some historical expert among my friends that can tell me if this is a fictional detail or is actually a true things? I have never found it in any other historical romance I read, but it seems to me quite a good idea and it sounds so real.
Anyway Jimothy is travelling from one city to another to bring some important letters, one in particular to the lanmere of the city (something similar to a mistress of the land). During the journey he meets Ricky, a man who, difference to him who is by foot, travels by horse and that is so kind to offer him a pass. And since Ricky is rather comfortable around the land, they can spend the night in a waycabin, one of a series of cabin that the late landmere built all around the country to host wandering travellers (another quite good idea...).
Alone in the cabin Jimothy finds that Ricky and him have something in common, they both prefer the company of men, and they spend a lovely night together; Ricky actually is a very friendly and sexy man, with an easy smile and an easy "behaviour"... I don't want to say that he is a bit of a "butterfly", but yes, he is not shy in matter of sex; our poor minstrel can do very little to go away with his intact virtue, if he even wants it.
But when the day after they arrive to the city, Jimothy finds that Ricky is not exactly who he told him to be, and an unknown enemy is not so glad to see Ricky gangs up with a common and simple wandering minstrel. But Ricky discovers also that he is unable to move on Jimothy like he had with his other passing flings, Jimothy becomes more and more important every day they spent together. But Jimothy is a wandering minstrel, and what would happen to the wandering part of his work if he chooses to stop and love a man?
The suspence part of the story, the unknown enemy, is not very mysterious, and for me it's not the main regard of the story. I like a lot the fiction world the author created, with all the details and the supporting characters. It's a joy to read every single aspect, carefully carved till the single shop sings on the street. Also the two characters are nice, probably I prefer Ricky, I always prefer the bratty ones.
The story is long but not boring. The love is sexy and joyful, there is a lot of sex but it's not too much, probably since the book is long and so it's not seemed like the two are only and ever in bed. Also the ending is of the right mood of all the story, not quite so granted as you can expected. This is for me a very good start for an author who tried her hands on a new genre.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BXWM2Y/?...
August 9, 2009
The Tasting:
Why I bought it:
It’s m/m fantasy. Need I say more. *GRIN*
Dislike/like (ending on a high note):
Dislike~ There may be some who find the fact that the two men quickly succumb to their attraction to each other a little unbelievable. I think why it worked for me in this instance is because the story didn’t go on to give the reader rainbows and fairy dust (ie an immediate HEA where they stared dreamily into each other’s eyes for the next 100 pages). This was really only the start of Jimothy’s and Ricky’s journey together.
Like~ I (obviously) like my medieval-themed stories served up in a fantasy setting and this was no exception. The world building was terrific and I LOVED the fact that Jimothy was a wandering minstrel. How cool is that.
Dislike~ Ricky is a prince who will become king and therefore will need a heir. Although it will mean m/f or m/m/f at some future stage in Jimothy’s and Ricky’s life, I think the author handled this issue very well by hinting at a convincing outcome and with the men reaffirming their love and commitment to each other.
Like~ The writing was excellent and the characters well developed and very appealing. When you add romance, some humour, a prince, a minstrel, political intrigue and a great secondary cast you have a winner. :)
So, what I think:
Another of my m/m fantasy keepers. T’was lovely and satisfying.
There was a follow up in the form of a short, free read that you can get: http://www.maiastrong.com/strong_home....
============================================
‘Tasting’ is my version of a mini-review where I talk a (very) little about what I liked and disliked about a book as well as who I think the story will appeal to. Oh, and I’ve added a bit about why I picked up the book in the first place – sometimes this can be interesting to know.
Why I bought it:
It’s m/m fantasy. Need I say more. *GRIN*
Dislike/like (ending on a high note):
Dislike~ There may be some who find the fact that the two men quickly succumb to their attraction to each other a little unbelievable. I think why it worked for me in this instance is because the story didn’t go on to give the reader rainbows and fairy dust (ie an immediate HEA where they stared dreamily into each other’s eyes for the next 100 pages). This was really only the start of Jimothy’s and Ricky’s journey together.
Like~ I (obviously) like my medieval-themed stories served up in a fantasy setting and this was no exception. The world building was terrific and I LOVED the fact that Jimothy was a wandering minstrel. How cool is that.
Dislike~ Ricky is a prince who will become king and therefore will need a heir. Although it will mean m/f or m/m/f at some future stage in Jimothy’s and Ricky’s life, I think the author handled this issue very well by hinting at a convincing outcome and with the men reaffirming their love and commitment to each other.
Like~ The writing was excellent and the characters well developed and very appealing. When you add romance, some humour, a prince, a minstrel, political intrigue and a great secondary cast you have a winner. :)
So, what I think:
Another of my m/m fantasy keepers. T’was lovely and satisfying.
There was a follow up in the form of a short, free read that you can get: http://www.maiastrong.com/strong_home....
============================================
‘Tasting’ is my version of a mini-review where I talk a (very) little about what I liked and disliked about a book as well as who I think the story will appeal to. Oh, and I’ve added a bit about why I picked up the book in the first place – sometimes this can be interesting to know.
October 27, 2012
Unique, well-developed setting with an intriguing plot
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- Unusual and intriguing plot. Strong does a good job of revealing teasing tidbits of information that build toward a climax or that simply contribute something fun or surprising to the world of the story.
- Slight paranormal element that allows the plot to be that much richer.
- Fun yet (at times) dark setting. The city in which the majority of the action takes place is well described, as is the inn where Jimothy stays.
CONS:
- Some words that didn’t match the story’s rustic/historical setting and which thus pulled me rather abruptly out of the story. Examples: “funky” and “sucked” (to indicate that a situation was unpleasant).
- One of the big revelations that I felt sure was supposed to come as a surprise about halfway through the book didn’t surprise me at all; I saw it coming from a long way off. (Maybe this isn’t necessarily a con; Strong just provided a few too many hints that when combined, came off as a bit heavy-handed.)
- The sex scenes aren’t badly written, but I didn’t see anything terribly special in them either.
- I’m not satisfied with the ending. The book doesn’t strike me as the sort that will have a sequel (although if Strong writes one I’ll certainly read it), so the open ending is bothering me. It’s not a sad ending per se, but it lacks anything resembling the sort of resolution I like to find at the end of a romance.
Overall comments: This is a fun read with an interesting plot and a unique world in which the story takes place, so if you enjoy fantasy, you might try this one. If you’re looking for erotica, you’ll likely be disappointed; there aren’t a plethora of sex scenes, and they’re just averagely graphic.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- Unusual and intriguing plot. Strong does a good job of revealing teasing tidbits of information that build toward a climax or that simply contribute something fun or surprising to the world of the story.
- Slight paranormal element that allows the plot to be that much richer.
- Fun yet (at times) dark setting. The city in which the majority of the action takes place is well described, as is the inn where Jimothy stays.
CONS:
- Some words that didn’t match the story’s rustic/historical setting and which thus pulled me rather abruptly out of the story. Examples: “funky” and “sucked” (to indicate that a situation was unpleasant).
- One of the big revelations that I felt sure was supposed to come as a surprise about halfway through the book didn’t surprise me at all; I saw it coming from a long way off. (Maybe this isn’t necessarily a con; Strong just provided a few too many hints that when combined, came off as a bit heavy-handed.)
- The sex scenes aren’t badly written, but I didn’t see anything terribly special in them either.
- I’m not satisfied with the ending. The book doesn’t strike me as the sort that will have a sequel (although if Strong writes one I’ll certainly read it), so the open ending is bothering me. It’s not a sad ending per se, but it lacks anything resembling the sort of resolution I like to find at the end of a romance.
Overall comments: This is a fun read with an interesting plot and a unique world in which the story takes place, so if you enjoy fantasy, you might try this one. If you’re looking for erotica, you’ll likely be disappointed; there aren’t a plethora of sex scenes, and they’re just averagely graphic.
March 23, 2010
The Ballad of Jimothy Redwing made for an enjoyable little piece of light reading. The story is interesting enough and well-written certainly, although a bit slow at times. But in a relaxing sort of way.
A few (personal) pet peeves I had with this book:
1) The title/cover. Definitely not indicative of the story. Even looking at it now, it makes me think "contemporary m/m romance with Native American character." Um not the case at all.
2) Jimothy Redwing's name. I'm still not used to the sound of it, and I just finished reading about 200 pages of it. What kind of name is Jimothy anyway?
3) The author's use of modern-sounding slang such as "well-hung" when the setting of the story is a medieval-like fantasy land. It just doesn't jive right for me.
And one major complaint: The ending. It sort of putters off, leaving several loose ends yet unresolved. It just felt like the story wasn't finished yet, like there should be more somehow, or perhaps a sequel novel, although there isn't one planned as far as I can tell.
FYI - There is, however, an 8-page follow-up story offered for free on the author's site. Of course I read it immediately, and I'll admit that it *kind of* resolved things in a more satisfactory manner, but it still didn't really feel like the conclusion this novel was supposed to have.
Overall, most of my complaints were personal issues that just bugged me, and really had little to do with my overall enjoyment of the novel. And I did enjoy it. For something light and easy, it was just fine. I'll certainly be interested in taking a look at the author's other work.
A few (personal) pet peeves I had with this book:
1) The title/cover. Definitely not indicative of the story. Even looking at it now, it makes me think "contemporary m/m romance with Native American character." Um not the case at all.
2) Jimothy Redwing's name. I'm still not used to the sound of it, and I just finished reading about 200 pages of it. What kind of name is Jimothy anyway?
3) The author's use of modern-sounding slang such as "well-hung" when the setting of the story is a medieval-like fantasy land. It just doesn't jive right for me.
And one major complaint: The ending. It sort of putters off, leaving several loose ends yet unresolved. It just felt like the story wasn't finished yet, like there should be more somehow, or perhaps a sequel novel, although there isn't one planned as far as I can tell.
FYI - There is, however, an 8-page follow-up story offered for free on the author's site. Of course I read it immediately, and I'll admit that it *kind of* resolved things in a more satisfactory manner, but it still didn't really feel like the conclusion this novel was supposed to have.
Overall, most of my complaints were personal issues that just bugged me, and really had little to do with my overall enjoyment of the novel. And I did enjoy it. For something light and easy, it was just fine. I'll certainly be interested in taking a look at the author's other work.
July 23, 2015
Really unfortunate continuity issue in this book, with Jimothy both meeting and seeing a portrait of Ricky's brother early in the story and remarking on his appearance, and then not recognizing him later. Mostly though this story suffers from lack of emotional variety. Jimothy and Ricky have really limited emotional range, from pleasant to happy. When they are told they can't see each other they are kind of annoyed. Maybe a bit frightened when one of them is attacked. Lack of any negative emotion dilutes the impact of their positive emotions and makes them seem flat and one-dimensional. The cover and blurb weren't really clear, but this is a fantasy set in in a vaguely feudal historical setting.
Want to Read
December 18, 2012Prequel to the free story Wand’ring Home
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews