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A Strong and Sudden Thaw #1
A Strong and Sudden Thaw
The Ice fell upon the world nearly a hundred years ago, and if civilization didn't rightly collapse, it surely staggered and fell ill a while. In the small town of Moline, Virginia, folks struggle to survive, relying on hybrid seed sent by the faraway Departmet of Reintroduction and Agriculture and their own faith in God and hard work. But when a mated pair of dragons starts hunting the countryside, stealing sheep, and attacking children, the townsfolk quickly learn that they don't have the weapons or the skills to fight off such predators.
David Anderson is a farmer's son who has explored the world through books. When he meets the new healer in town, Callan Landers, he doesn't quite know what to make of the strange warmth stealing over him. It's not until he surprises Callan with another man-and both men are promptly arrested for sodomy-that David finally realizes the truth about his own feelings.
When David and Callan stumble over a secret in a nearby abandoned town, their personal problems fade before government politics and corruption that threaten lives. It seems the dragons aren't the worst dangers facing Moline.
331 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2006
17 people are currently reading
2130 people want to read
About the author
R.W. Day
9 books36 followersRebecca Day once had an obsessive teaching career that she has since abandoned for library work. In addition to writing fantastical and mythic tales, she is involved in the Society for Creative Anachronism. She resides in southern Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
January 20, 2016
Nearly a century ago the Ice fell upon the Earth. And nothing has been the same ever since.
This is a little based on the premise from the movie The Island or, further back, the Myth of the Cave by Plato. Good rulers who turn out to be not-so-good. Obsolete laws became valid again. Piety revives in times of chaos and desperation. Life is not a searching of happiness anymore, but of mere subsistence. Not a revival of the Stone Age, but a big step back nonetheless. Furthermore, there is a hint of Icebreaker and Reign of Fire in this book. Humanity survives through a perpetual winter, and dragons are stealing the farmers' livestock . There is a government that takes care of things but you there is always the constant suspicion that they do not make too much of an effort to improve people's lives.
I liked the slow-pacing flame. So quiet and desperate to bloom, but no allowed to do so. They are both loyal to each other even though the silence and separation is the rule and not the exception. Sometimes the tension is so strong you just want them gone from the town, together. But it's not easy to survive out there on your own, and it's even more difficult to leave everything you have known behind. Will they be able to find a balance between what they want and what the village demands from them? Beginning with David's family, of course.
It's an "angsty" story but not as extreme as I expected. If you are looking for lust and desire in every page, you won't find it here. This story is drenched with a young-adult and come-to-age feeling. David is 16 years old at the beginning of the book and but he already knows hard work and maturity comes fast when a series of events (the arrival of Callan and its consequences) makes him grow up fast. The laws are harsh. The society does not welcome his needs. He has never felt said needs until the day Callan comes into town and suddenly, he has desires we can't acknowledge publicly. When the dragons are added to the mix, things go out of hand.
I'm a little disappointed, though, because there is no real explanation about the Ice. How did that happen? Why? Who caused it? Natural disaster or human doing? How does the world now, the countries are the same or have the borders changed? If so, what is the situation in the other places? Is there a real isolation from the rest of the world of does the government communicate with other nations by other means? Is the whole Earth frozen or does the Sahara became a green and fertile area?
Questions, questions.
To sum up, I recommend this book, but I can't say it's perfect.
This is a little based on the premise from the movie The Island or, further back, the Myth of the Cave by Plato. Good rulers who turn out to be not-so-good. Obsolete laws became valid again. Piety revives in times of chaos and desperation. Life is not a searching of happiness anymore, but of mere subsistence. Not a revival of the Stone Age, but a big step back nonetheless. Furthermore, there is a hint of Icebreaker and Reign of Fire in this book. Humanity survives through a perpetual winter, and dragons are stealing the farmers' livestock . There is a government that takes care of things but you there is always the constant suspicion that they do not make too much of an effort to improve people's lives.
I liked the slow-pacing flame. So quiet and desperate to bloom, but no allowed to do so. They are both loyal to each other even though the silence and separation is the rule and not the exception. Sometimes the tension is so strong you just want them gone from the town, together. But it's not easy to survive out there on your own, and it's even more difficult to leave everything you have known behind. Will they be able to find a balance between what they want and what the village demands from them? Beginning with David's family, of course.
It's an "angsty" story but not as extreme as I expected. If you are looking for lust and desire in every page, you won't find it here. This story is drenched with a young-adult and come-to-age feeling. David is 16 years old at the beginning of the book and but he already knows hard work and maturity comes fast when a series of events (the arrival of Callan and its consequences) makes him grow up fast. The laws are harsh. The society does not welcome his needs. He has never felt said needs until the day Callan comes into town and suddenly, he has desires we can't acknowledge publicly. When the dragons are added to the mix, things go out of hand.
I'm a little disappointed, though, because there is no real explanation about the Ice. How did that happen? Why? Who caused it? Natural disaster or human doing? How does the world now, the countries are the same or have the borders changed? If so, what is the situation in the other places? Is there a real isolation from the rest of the world of does the government communicate with other nations by other means? Is the whole Earth frozen or does the Sahara became a green and fertile area?
Questions, questions.
To sum up, I recommend this book, but I can't say it's perfect.
August 28, 2013
I do my best to avoid too many images in reviews, but SOME BOOKS (as this one) deserve it... to express my feelings better
First: I HAVE TO tell you this is a freaking sad book. No, not just sad... it will break your heart, scatter the bits around the world, birds will eat each piece and shit it around, rain will fall and send more and more afar... ok, you get it no? yeah, it's VERY SAD!
No, I'm not talking about happy end or not, I'm talking about ALL the book, not the end. I will not talk about the end because it didn't end... it's the first and I have to read the second to know if there will be happiness
Now, about the story
It's amazing... I was destroyed reading all the tragedies BUT I was also loving it.
In a post-apocalyptic future humankind live in a ice hell. Cold...
it's always cold, snow everywhere and DRAGONS!
Oh yeah... DRAGONS
I LOVED IT
You read it because you MUST know what the hell is happening! Why all humans are in such horrible conditions? What happened that cause this glacial era? And WTH? Dragons?
That's the World our protagonist live... and that's the World David will tell you about.
The main character
Well... David... I have no words to tell you how adorable
and fool he is! Nothing he do goes well!
I must admit if he was someone near me I would bitch slap him a lot
I can't say more... I wish I could but I may ruin the story... let me just warn you telling HE WILL DRIVE YOU NUTS! He is too noble, too brave, too... innocent!
The romance
Ok, there is cool story (DRAGONS!!!!!) and a main character that WILL drive you nuts and... there is also romance.
nooooo... don't get excited about it... remember my first warning? TRAGEDIES!!!
I have no idea what to think...
I loooove this book so much, and it hurt me so badly! I don't know... I WANT to know how the story will end, and read the sequel (Out of the Ashes) but I'm sooooooooo scared!
I know things will get ugly... no wait, uglier... everything is already doomed!
Because this story gave me such strong love/hate/sadness feelings and I can't give less than 5 stars! (and will try to be brave and read the sequel... eventually)
Thanks for the attention, and sorry for all the images
;-)
First: I HAVE TO tell you this is a freaking sad book. No, not just sad... it will break your heart, scatter the bits around the world, birds will eat each piece and shit it around, rain will fall and send more and more afar... ok, you get it no? yeah, it's VERY SAD!
No, I'm not talking about happy end or not, I'm talking about ALL the book, not the end. I will not talk about the end because it didn't end... it's the first and I have to read the second to know if there will be happiness
Now, about the story
It's amazing... I was destroyed reading all the tragedies BUT I was also loving it.
In a post-apocalyptic future humankind live in a ice hell. Cold...
it's always cold, snow everywhere and DRAGONS!
Oh yeah... DRAGONS
I LOVED IT
You read it because you MUST know what the hell is happening! Why all humans are in such horrible conditions? What happened that cause this glacial era? And WTH? Dragons?
That's the World our protagonist live... and that's the World David will tell you about.
The main character
Well... David... I have no words to tell you how adorable
and fool he is! Nothing he do goes well!
I must admit if he was someone near me I would bitch slap him a lot
I can't say more... I wish I could but I may ruin the story... let me just warn you telling HE WILL DRIVE YOU NUTS! He is too noble, too brave, too... innocent!
The romance
Ok, there is cool story (DRAGONS!!!!!) and a main character that WILL drive you nuts and... there is also romance.
nooooo... don't get excited about it... remember my first warning? TRAGEDIES!!!
I have no idea what to think...
I loooove this book so much, and it hurt me so badly! I don't know... I WANT to know how the story will end, and read the sequel (Out of the Ashes) but I'm sooooooooo scared!
I know things will get ugly... no wait, uglier... everything is already doomed!
Because this story gave me such strong love/hate/sadness feelings and I can't give less than 5 stars! (and will try to be brave and read the sequel... eventually)
Thanks for the attention, and sorry for all the images
;-)
March 22, 2009
Powerful. Incredibly powerful and moving.
Part way through this book I didn't think I'd make it. I had heard of people honoring a death by staying to see it done but never quite got it. I understand it now. Out of respect, I kept reading, not wanting to be a coward and turn away from the dark. I'm glad I did and was rewarded handsomely.
This was an amazing read. I've never read anything like it. A commentary on society, on the human heart, and a coming-of-age story. All those terms fit, but this book seemed more than that. Told simply but powerfully, it kept me tied to its pages for hours on end. I know these characters will stay with me and influence me for a long time to come.
Part way through this book I didn't think I'd make it. I had heard of people honoring a death by staying to see it done but never quite got it. I understand it now. Out of respect, I kept reading, not wanting to be a coward and turn away from the dark. I'm glad I did and was rewarded handsomely.
This was an amazing read. I've never read anything like it. A commentary on society, on the human heart, and a coming-of-age story. All those terms fit, but this book seemed more than that. Told simply but powerfully, it kept me tied to its pages for hours on end. I know these characters will stay with me and influence me for a long time to come.
October 16, 2016
This book lost me on 39% with a bang. Till then I was involved and interested; after that - I think I completely shut down on the book. It happens to me sometimes. All right, I get plenty mad when characters do something I consider wrong - but then I'm mad because I care. This is different. Sometimes a thing happens that just makes me lose any feeling for the character at all; like he stops existing for me. In this case, I'm not sure it was about characters, it was more about the author and the book.
On the other hand, I must say that if the thing that put off me so much isn't likely to bother you, it might be quite an enjoyable read for you. Decent, slow-building post-ap with a plot and an angsty romance line.
On the other hand, I must say that if the thing that put off me so much isn't likely to bother you, it might be quite an enjoyable read for you. Decent, slow-building post-ap with a plot and an angsty romance line.
February 4, 2009
The Ice fell upon the world nearly a hundred years ago, and if civilization didn’t rightly collapse, it surely staggered and fell ill a while. In the small town of Moline, Virginia, folks struggle to survive, relying on hybrid seed sent by the faraway Departmet of Reintroduction and Agriculture and their own faith in God and hard work. But when a mated pair of dragons starts hunting the countryside, stealing sheep, and attacking children, the townsfolk quickly learn that they don’t have the weapons or the skills to fight off such predators.
David Anderson is a farmer’s son who has explored the world through books. When he meets the new healer in town, Callan Landers, he doesn’t quite know what to make of the strange warmth stealing over him. It’s not until he surprises Callan with another man-and both men are promptly arrested for sodomy-that David finally realizes the truth about his own feelings.
When David and Callan stumble over a secret in a nearby abandoned town, their personal problems fade before government politics and corruption that threaten lives. It seems the dragons aren’t the worst dangers facing Moline.
From All Romance eBooks.
I’ve never been a great one for the great outdoors and nature. I don’t do bugs and a girl has to have somewhere to plug in her hairdryer! So, I was surprised to have enjoyed this as much as I did. I found the day to day details of David’s life on the farm and and the interactions with his family and Callan absorbing.
The world building was well done and the hint of conspiracy certainly gave the story a neat twist. Some of the book leaves you guessing a little till the end and I am hoping the 2nd book comes out soon as I cannot wait to see what happens next.
The romance between Callan and David was sweet, tender and passionate. David was such a sturdy character, a likeable cuss and I enjoyed him immensely. The books length was also a plus and defnitely allowed the time for the development of the characters. At 282 pages in pdf I really felt that I got bang for my buck. I liked!
David Anderson is a farmer’s son who has explored the world through books. When he meets the new healer in town, Callan Landers, he doesn’t quite know what to make of the strange warmth stealing over him. It’s not until he surprises Callan with another man-and both men are promptly arrested for sodomy-that David finally realizes the truth about his own feelings.
When David and Callan stumble over a secret in a nearby abandoned town, their personal problems fade before government politics and corruption that threaten lives. It seems the dragons aren’t the worst dangers facing Moline.
From All Romance eBooks.
I’ve never been a great one for the great outdoors and nature. I don’t do bugs and a girl has to have somewhere to plug in her hairdryer! So, I was surprised to have enjoyed this as much as I did. I found the day to day details of David’s life on the farm and and the interactions with his family and Callan absorbing.
The world building was well done and the hint of conspiracy certainly gave the story a neat twist. Some of the book leaves you guessing a little till the end and I am hoping the 2nd book comes out soon as I cannot wait to see what happens next.
The romance between Callan and David was sweet, tender and passionate. David was such a sturdy character, a likeable cuss and I enjoyed him immensely. The books length was also a plus and defnitely allowed the time for the development of the characters. At 282 pages in pdf I really felt that I got bang for my buck. I liked!
July 3, 2015
Wow, what a wonderful book this was. The story is set 100 years into the future, in a post-apocalyptic world, after an ice age. It's a beautiful romance between David, a young farmer who still lives with his family and has led a very sheltered life, and Callan, a healer who's recently arrived in the local town. There's a good dollop of angst running throughout the book as they struggle to stay together and be accepted in the community and it's difficult to take at times but well worth the effort.
Moving straight on with Out of the Ashes
Moving straight on with Out of the Ashes
December 12, 2011
This was a very interesting book, but I thought I would like it more. At the beginning I was charmed by David's voice, but by the end of the book I got tired of it. It was as if the mannerisms of his speech almost hindered the evolution of his personality, or what I expected would be that evolution. David goes through a lot in this book - and Callan more so - but he keeps repeating the same mistakes, which are due partly to his naivety, partly to his rashness, that is not always boldness, sometimes it's sheer recklessness or even selfishness. The problem is that he never really pays for his mistakes or deeds, it's always poor Callan who ends up in the worst place.
I also had a few problems with Callan, but probably it wasn't even his fault. David made him always look childlike. It was charming at first, but then it seemed a sort of flaw in his personality. Their love story is really sweet and I was grateful for it, because their trials (metaphorical and literal) and tribulations make this book very angsty. Like the dragons that hover above their community, there is always an impending menace, trouble waiting to happen. I wasn't bothered by the fact that David is under-aged (17), while Callan is older (23), because, as I said, David seems much more in control than his older friend. I liked that their friendship begins with the sharing of books, it was very poetic.
The world building was interesting. The story is set in a future after an Ice age. Stories and manufacts of the 21st century linger in a society that for its laws and beliefs is back to... mmh, I don't know, if it were in Europe, I'd say to the Middle Ages, but well, they're not really enlightened. It's not that religion is central - only for some people - but there is a morality that surely predates the more liberal thoughts of the 21st century. The climate is cold, the land is difficult to cultivate, and people in general survive. The department of Reintroduction and Agriculture determines the life of the community and it's the biggest threat of all, together with his emissaries.
The town of Moline with its main characters (the Sheriff, the healer, the mayor, the town councilmen, the school master) is portrayed with detail. By the end of the book it was as if I knew all the places and landmarks. The imagery this cold nature evokes is very powerful, probably the best feature of the book. I also found so fascinating reading about things we do and use everyday as mythical tales.
I said before that I got a bit tired of David's voice, but I have to say that the author was able to give each character its own voice. Callan is more educated than David, and he comes from a different part of the country, so it's easy to tell them apart, but for example David, his father, his brother Benny C, they do sound slightly different from each other.
If I had seen David learn from his mistakes, grow up, I would have liked the book better. This is something that I think is missing. Apart from that, it's a very good book that I'd recommend for its originality.
I also had a few problems with Callan, but probably it wasn't even his fault. David made him always look childlike. It was charming at first, but then it seemed a sort of flaw in his personality. Their love story is really sweet and I was grateful for it, because their trials (metaphorical and literal) and tribulations make this book very angsty. Like the dragons that hover above their community, there is always an impending menace, trouble waiting to happen. I wasn't bothered by the fact that David is under-aged (17), while Callan is older (23), because, as I said, David seems much more in control than his older friend. I liked that their friendship begins with the sharing of books, it was very poetic.
The world building was interesting. The story is set in a future after an Ice age. Stories and manufacts of the 21st century linger in a society that for its laws and beliefs is back to... mmh, I don't know, if it were in Europe, I'd say to the Middle Ages, but well, they're not really enlightened. It's not that religion is central - only for some people - but there is a morality that surely predates the more liberal thoughts of the 21st century. The climate is cold, the land is difficult to cultivate, and people in general survive. The department of Reintroduction and Agriculture determines the life of the community and it's the biggest threat of all, together with his emissaries.
The town of Moline with its main characters (the Sheriff, the healer, the mayor, the town councilmen, the school master) is portrayed with detail. By the end of the book it was as if I knew all the places and landmarks. The imagery this cold nature evokes is very powerful, probably the best feature of the book. I also found so fascinating reading about things we do and use everyday as mythical tales.
I said before that I got a bit tired of David's voice, but I have to say that the author was able to give each character its own voice. Callan is more educated than David, and he comes from a different part of the country, so it's easy to tell them apart, but for example David, his father, his brother Benny C, they do sound slightly different from each other.
If I had seen David learn from his mistakes, grow up, I would have liked the book better. This is something that I think is missing. Apart from that, it's a very good book that I'd recommend for its originality.
July 4, 2011
Heading for a solid 5 until the end, which was wrapped up just a little too neatly. The opinions of what was left of the townspeople just a little too easily swayed to be able to reach the HFN.
Post-apocalyptic ice age, dragons, homophobes, government conspiracies: plenty of plotty drama in the setting alone, but the story shines through the eyes of David as he tries to make sense of the feelings he is developing for Callan and those he has for the people who have been his moral compass for his whole life.
Post-apocalyptic ice age, dragons, homophobes, government conspiracies: plenty of plotty drama in the setting alone, but the story shines through the eyes of David as he tries to make sense of the feelings he is developing for Callan and those he has for the people who have been his moral compass for his whole life.
June 18, 2010
I went into this book pretty much cold, and I have to say, overall it was an incredibly pleasant surprise. I know it's post-apocalyptic, but it felt like Little House on the Prairie to me, which I absolutely adored. I got completely distracted by the setting, by the tone—everything was just right. The fact that I knew an m/m romance was coming only sweetened the deal.
When I realized we were going to go from budding romance to persecution, I was a little bummed, but it worked out okay, which is a statement because I'd had my heart set on a sweet romance. I still got it to a degree, but yes, there was decidedly trouble in River City. In the end I enjoyed the way this trouble resolved. It was realistic and satisfying. One would like to think that this is a social justice which can't be rolled back, but I understand entirely how the throwback came about.
My only complaint with the book is that I feel like there is a slight disconnect between the story that is started to be told and the story that ends the book, and I think this is the consequence of the impending sequel. The central question is a little shaky. I did not take it that the romance was the main arc of the book, that it was more the struggle over the dragons ID'd in chapter one. And yet this issue is only sort of resolved; it's the story of the two main characters' romance which puts an end cap on the novel. It makes me feel a bit like one of those Escher paintings where there are three prongs on one end and yet they end up in just two somehow. I would have been fine with the romance being secondary or in front, but to switch around like that mid-stream stepped on the story a bit for me.
Even so. This is a fantastic story, so much fun, and such a ride. I will be looking forward to the sequel when it's released.
When I realized we were going to go from budding romance to persecution, I was a little bummed, but it worked out okay, which is a statement because I'd had my heart set on a sweet romance. I still got it to a degree, but yes, there was decidedly trouble in River City. In the end I enjoyed the way this trouble resolved. It was realistic and satisfying. One would like to think that this is a social justice which can't be rolled back, but I understand entirely how the throwback came about.
My only complaint with the book is that I feel like there is a slight disconnect between the story that is started to be told and the story that ends the book, and I think this is the consequence of the impending sequel. The central question is a little shaky. I did not take it that the romance was the main arc of the book, that it was more the struggle over the dragons ID'd in chapter one. And yet this issue is only sort of resolved; it's the story of the two main characters' romance which puts an end cap on the novel. It makes me feel a bit like one of those Escher paintings where there are three prongs on one end and yet they end up in just two somehow. I would have been fine with the romance being secondary or in front, but to switch around like that mid-stream stepped on the story a bit for me.
Even so. This is a fantastic story, so much fun, and such a ride. I will be looking forward to the sequel when it's released.
July 17, 2014
I'm feeling a little bit meh about this book. I never really got on board with David's narration or David as a character. He's only 16 for the majority of the book, which was a bit too young for me to feel comfortable reading sex scenes, and his voice is very simplistic and purposefully uneducated. It just never pulled me in.
I liked Callan quite a bit - he was funny at times and smart, but he has some of the worst luck I've encountered in a book recently and it was just no fun to read about at all. Some of his problems were definitely results of mistakes on his part, but so many of them were just stupid bad luck that I just felt bad for him.
A lot of the things that happened to Callan made me very angry while reading as well. I don't enjoy reading about people being destroyed because of ignorant prejudices. I empathize too much, even with the bad characters. .
As far as the world building, it worked for me, but not all of the plot elements worked in the world. Maybe some of the government's reasons will be explained in the next book, but I don't think I'll be reading it.
I liked Callan quite a bit - he was funny at times and smart, but he has some of the worst luck I've encountered in a book recently and it was just no fun to read about at all. Some of his problems were definitely results of mistakes on his part, but so many of them were just stupid bad luck that I just felt bad for him.
A lot of the things that happened to Callan made me very angry while reading as well. I don't enjoy reading about people being destroyed because of ignorant prejudices. I empathize too much, even with the bad characters. .
As far as the world building, it worked for me, but not all of the plot elements worked in the world. Maybe some of the government's reasons will be explained in the next book, but I don't think I'll be reading it.
July 8, 2015
I fought my way through this overly long and drawn out story. Angst is not my thing and this story was jam packed full of it. The first and last 25 pages were good. I believe that this would have made a much more palatable short story. I have has quite enough of this series and this particular author.
October 25, 2015
2009 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
October 26, 2009
It is clear from reading this book that author R.W. Day can write. Her prose is neat and concise and, despite the pace dragging a bit in the first 75 pages, the characters she creates are well rounded and full and the setting is well told. The story is told from the first person perspective of David, one of our heroes, and David is a likeable fellow who, at the age of 16 (albeit, he tends for me to read more 13 or 14), is beginning to realize that he is a bit different from other men, that a life with a woman is somehow not in the cards. When he meet the immensely appealing Healer Landers, things become a little clearer for David, and through a series of events, the two become entangled, both emotionally and romantically. Day captures these two men well and as the novel progresses, we see a nice, clear character arc for each of them, both having changed and grown by the time the reach the end of the novel.
But there's something about this novel that did not sit right with me from about the halfway point. There's something very Victor/Victoria about it in that it is one thing masquerading as another, and I found myself with torn feelings about this novel. You know how when you see a preview for a movie and you're excited because it seems to be one thing, but when you actually get into the movie theatre, it is another thing entirely and you're disappointed verging on angry That is exactly how I feel with this novel and in that respect, I think it deserves two reviews: one for the novel it is and one for the novel it is masquerading as.
So let's tackle first, the novel that it isn't. A Strong and Sudden Thaw is billed as a speculative fiction work and as such, for me, it fails completely on just about every level. There is a great trend in spec fiction these days to regress. That is, the world is post-apocalyptic, but is post-apocalyptic to the point that the setting has reverted to, essentially, a period setting. Many talented authors have gone this route and produced amazing pieces of speculative fiction. However, with this novel, it doesn't work. It is very clearly a period piece, despite the New Ice Age element. While this speculative Ice Age does allow the author to wax nostalgic about things from The Before (like Disneyland and Almond Joy candy bars, hot cocoa), that hardly makes it speculative. You also get a few author-peeking-behind-the curtain moments--such as with the reference to Bennett Cerf--that are meant to place us very far into the future, but instead play out as a clever writer showing herself instead of the world. Throw in some dragons and some government conspiracy (neither of which are fully explored or committed to), and you get a hint of spec fiction without the intense world building spec fic requires. Don't get me wrong…there is good world building here. But the word being built is late 1800s North America through and through, not post-apocalyptic America.
Likewise, all good spec fiction has an element of subtle social commentary woven into it and A Strong and Sudden Thaw certainly has social commentary. However, it is delivered with a sledgehammer and not a velvet glove. Allegory and metaphor are thrown away here. We really, really get that homophobia and discrimination are bad, bad, bad, because Day hammers us over the head with it. Weave in elements such as Healer Landers gifting an old copy of "Crime and Punishment" to David, and any chance of subtlety is gone. Instead of a clever, infiltrating commentary that is one of the hallmarks of excellent spec fic, we get a civics lesson, sans the blackboard and required reading.
Now let's look at the novel as it really is. If you ignore the cross-genre labeling of speculative fiction and the very weak peppering of "speculative" elements, what you have is a really respectable gay romance--part coming-of-age, part historical novel-- that stands out as one of the better examples of the m/m romance genre. And it is this perspective from which one must really approach the novel in order to appreciate its nuances. As an historical gay romance, the preachiness the author practices fits. It becomes less the author's personal point of view and more the central core of the story, the primary antagonist, if you will, that stands between these two men and their developing relationship. From this perspective, the burgeoning relationship between David and Healer Landers becomes more effective emotionally, and the story plays out exceptionally well.
The characters are given distinctive and appealing personalities, right down to the "bit players." The narrative voice of David is appealing and, despite his age, we see a young man who is not frightened by things that are foreign to him, but engaged by them. Curiosity and intelligence go hand in hand with David and it makes him a dynamic hero. Healer Landers is likewise a well-crafted character, his personality distinctly different than David's and multi-dimensional. In a genre where often the two male protagonists tend to sound nearly identical in character voice, it is refreshing to read two characters who may have things in common, but who have their own unique personalities. The relationship between the two of them is also very dynamic, the author sidestepping many of the clichés of the m/m romance genre.
As a reader, I felt a bit cheated by this novel because of the mask it was wearing. If you sell something to me as a speculative fiction, I expect the speculative elements to take center stage in some way and to be well developed and intriguing. And, in speculative works, I expect social commentary to be a subtle bonus, something almost unnoticed. And without a doubt, as I read this, expecting a speculative fantasy, I found myself becoming less interested and more angry at the wool trying to be pulled over my eyes. But once I stopped and realized what this actually was, I began enjoying the novel and seeing it for what it is: a very, very good example of gay romance.
So, if you are looking for a great gay speculative piece of fiction, I think A Strong and Sudden Thaw is more than likely to disappoint. If you are looking for a well-written and engaging piece of gay romance with an historical bent, I think you will hit the mark with this one because that is the book that shines.
But there's something about this novel that did not sit right with me from about the halfway point. There's something very Victor/Victoria about it in that it is one thing masquerading as another, and I found myself with torn feelings about this novel. You know how when you see a preview for a movie and you're excited because it seems to be one thing, but when you actually get into the movie theatre, it is another thing entirely and you're disappointed verging on angry That is exactly how I feel with this novel and in that respect, I think it deserves two reviews: one for the novel it is and one for the novel it is masquerading as.
So let's tackle first, the novel that it isn't. A Strong and Sudden Thaw is billed as a speculative fiction work and as such, for me, it fails completely on just about every level. There is a great trend in spec fiction these days to regress. That is, the world is post-apocalyptic, but is post-apocalyptic to the point that the setting has reverted to, essentially, a period setting. Many talented authors have gone this route and produced amazing pieces of speculative fiction. However, with this novel, it doesn't work. It is very clearly a period piece, despite the New Ice Age element. While this speculative Ice Age does allow the author to wax nostalgic about things from The Before (like Disneyland and Almond Joy candy bars, hot cocoa), that hardly makes it speculative. You also get a few author-peeking-behind-the curtain moments--such as with the reference to Bennett Cerf--that are meant to place us very far into the future, but instead play out as a clever writer showing herself instead of the world. Throw in some dragons and some government conspiracy (neither of which are fully explored or committed to), and you get a hint of spec fiction without the intense world building spec fic requires. Don't get me wrong…there is good world building here. But the word being built is late 1800s North America through and through, not post-apocalyptic America.
Likewise, all good spec fiction has an element of subtle social commentary woven into it and A Strong and Sudden Thaw certainly has social commentary. However, it is delivered with a sledgehammer and not a velvet glove. Allegory and metaphor are thrown away here. We really, really get that homophobia and discrimination are bad, bad, bad, because Day hammers us over the head with it. Weave in elements such as Healer Landers gifting an old copy of "Crime and Punishment" to David, and any chance of subtlety is gone. Instead of a clever, infiltrating commentary that is one of the hallmarks of excellent spec fic, we get a civics lesson, sans the blackboard and required reading.
Now let's look at the novel as it really is. If you ignore the cross-genre labeling of speculative fiction and the very weak peppering of "speculative" elements, what you have is a really respectable gay romance--part coming-of-age, part historical novel-- that stands out as one of the better examples of the m/m romance genre. And it is this perspective from which one must really approach the novel in order to appreciate its nuances. As an historical gay romance, the preachiness the author practices fits. It becomes less the author's personal point of view and more the central core of the story, the primary antagonist, if you will, that stands between these two men and their developing relationship. From this perspective, the burgeoning relationship between David and Healer Landers becomes more effective emotionally, and the story plays out exceptionally well.
The characters are given distinctive and appealing personalities, right down to the "bit players." The narrative voice of David is appealing and, despite his age, we see a young man who is not frightened by things that are foreign to him, but engaged by them. Curiosity and intelligence go hand in hand with David and it makes him a dynamic hero. Healer Landers is likewise a well-crafted character, his personality distinctly different than David's and multi-dimensional. In a genre where often the two male protagonists tend to sound nearly identical in character voice, it is refreshing to read two characters who may have things in common, but who have their own unique personalities. The relationship between the two of them is also very dynamic, the author sidestepping many of the clichés of the m/m romance genre.
As a reader, I felt a bit cheated by this novel because of the mask it was wearing. If you sell something to me as a speculative fiction, I expect the speculative elements to take center stage in some way and to be well developed and intriguing. And, in speculative works, I expect social commentary to be a subtle bonus, something almost unnoticed. And without a doubt, as I read this, expecting a speculative fantasy, I found myself becoming less interested and more angry at the wool trying to be pulled over my eyes. But once I stopped and realized what this actually was, I began enjoying the novel and seeing it for what it is: a very, very good example of gay romance.
So, if you are looking for a great gay speculative piece of fiction, I think A Strong and Sudden Thaw is more than likely to disappoint. If you are looking for a well-written and engaging piece of gay romance with an historical bent, I think you will hit the mark with this one because that is the book that shines.
June 19, 2017
So well written! Not a story for the faint of heart, this is both beautiful and devastating. Thank you, Tracy -- you were right, and I loved it!
January 5, 2019
Caveat: This novel will piss you off! It's a gay SciFi occurring near the end of the 22nd century when the global warming of the 21st century has been replaced by an ice age in the northern hemisphere. . Don't be fooled by the mention of dragons on the book cover.
The novel stands somewhat above the M/M romance fiction I have read, being well-written SciFi and resisting mawkishness. The characters are strongly drawn. I quite related to the protagonists, especially the older one. Still it will piss you off. Enjoy.
The novel stands somewhat above the M/M romance fiction I have read, being well-written SciFi and resisting mawkishness. The characters are strongly drawn. I quite related to the protagonists, especially the older one. Still it will piss you off. Enjoy.
April 3, 2011
what a wonderful book! I was torn between 4 or 5 stars but i decided 4 just wasn't enough!
this is one of the sweetest stories i have ever read. It is the story about David, a farmers son in a post-apocalyptic ice age. people have reverted to farming and religion for their basic needs and David's grandma is the only one left who actually new the Before world.
David meets Callen, the healer and they fall in love...they have to overcome loads of problems: prejudice, political deceit and dragons to save the town and their future.... now this is a story with good characters, a believable plot, there are no easy solved problems here...
I loved every bit of it!
this is one of the sweetest stories i have ever read. It is the story about David, a farmers son in a post-apocalyptic ice age. people have reverted to farming and religion for their basic needs and David's grandma is the only one left who actually new the Before world.
David meets Callen, the healer and they fall in love...they have to overcome loads of problems: prejudice, political deceit and dragons to save the town and their future.... now this is a story with good characters, a believable plot, there are no easy solved problems here...
I loved every bit of it!
January 22, 2010
This is definitely not a new release and in fact it’s even been re-released by Lethe Press and rumors abound that the author has written a sequel. So why it’s taken me so long to read my favorite genre (post-apocalyptic urban fantasy), I can’t exactly say but I’m glad I finally did. A Strong and Sudden Thaw is masterfully written and contains some of the best prose and flow that I’ve read. The characterization is solid and the world building incredibly dynamic, which gives some stunning moments to this book. Unfortunately the praise is offset by the disjointed and occasionally preaching subplots which have little cohesion and are often too obviously contrived. A much tighter plot driven book would have succeeded in making this one of the best books I’ve ever read – as it is though, it’s very good and worth recommending.
The book is set 100 years in the future after a catastrophic natural event called the Ice, which has frozen the world and set civilization back to the pioneer times. Here the world building is stunning with the level of detail and continuity that is offered. From the subtle nuances of lack of light switches to the more obvious affects of dialogue, speech, and lifestyle, the world building is an intricate and important part of the book that never lets up or missteps. There are almost no jarring moments when technology and the dated time exist until close to the end. This is both good and bad. On the one hand, the deft handling of the world building creates an atmosphere that immediately emerges the reader into the experience but on the other hand the details are incomplete. The story offers no reasoning for the reversion to pioneer times in an isolated village when clearly technology is resuming elsewhere. The story treats technology as if it never existed, which makes no sense given the future date. Almost no one questions the lifestyle even though they are not so far removed from a more advanced time. I would have liked more explanation about the world and what happened after the Ice to the technology. Did it just freeze? How did so much knowledge, history, and advancement simply disappear? How does a civilization fall so far backwards without more explanation? These questions were left unanswered and ultimately combined to help keep what is still a thorough world building somewhat incomplete.
Additionally, the summary gives a good indication of the book but the plot is offset by the numerous subplots which leave the real focus of the book undecided. There is a threat to the town from dragons, which may or may not have some tie to the government. There is also the coming of age story for the character of David as he understands his sexuality and what it means for his life and future with a forbidden romance. Then there is the government conspiracy and missing townspeople tied into a subplot of corruption and religious involvement. Each one of these plots could have been the main driving story and produced a compelling, thought provoking, and well written book. As it is the various storylines do come together to give a well written and wonderfully entertaining story, yet the lack of focus is clear and disappointing. The dragon threat is very easily resolved with an almost disappointing ending and the government corruption is never fully explained or resolved. The religious problems are almost preachy with the anti-gay sentiment and how evil and wrong such is, painting the characters as stereotypes and lack real depth.
However for these faults the story still manages to be intense, absorbing, and enthralling. Part of this is due to the great prose and dialogue which set a pace and flow that keeps interest and attention through all the various side plots. Another great aspect is the characterization. The character of David is a young adult, forced to be a man earlier than he should be due to circumstance and society. His slow understanding of himself and the world around him is riveting. He makes numerous mistakes and shows his immaturity several times, but this only serves to give a well developed young man. His strength and maturity grow throughout the course of the story and paints a picture of a likable and intense man. His relationship to Callan is a minor sticking point due to their difference in ages but the sweet and temperate nature to their love helps overcome this. The various secondary characters give the story breath and texture for the most part with a few very classic evil doers.
The ending is left hanging with some very big unresolved issues so it’s not too surprising there is a sequel. Given the great writing and potential within this offering and the amount of time to work on the sequel, I have extremely high hopes for any forthcoming book. If you haven’t had a chance to read this, be sure to pick it up at Lethe Press. It’s well worth your time and money.
The book is set 100 years in the future after a catastrophic natural event called the Ice, which has frozen the world and set civilization back to the pioneer times. Here the world building is stunning with the level of detail and continuity that is offered. From the subtle nuances of lack of light switches to the more obvious affects of dialogue, speech, and lifestyle, the world building is an intricate and important part of the book that never lets up or missteps. There are almost no jarring moments when technology and the dated time exist until close to the end. This is both good and bad. On the one hand, the deft handling of the world building creates an atmosphere that immediately emerges the reader into the experience but on the other hand the details are incomplete. The story offers no reasoning for the reversion to pioneer times in an isolated village when clearly technology is resuming elsewhere. The story treats technology as if it never existed, which makes no sense given the future date. Almost no one questions the lifestyle even though they are not so far removed from a more advanced time. I would have liked more explanation about the world and what happened after the Ice to the technology. Did it just freeze? How did so much knowledge, history, and advancement simply disappear? How does a civilization fall so far backwards without more explanation? These questions were left unanswered and ultimately combined to help keep what is still a thorough world building somewhat incomplete.
Additionally, the summary gives a good indication of the book but the plot is offset by the numerous subplots which leave the real focus of the book undecided. There is a threat to the town from dragons, which may or may not have some tie to the government. There is also the coming of age story for the character of David as he understands his sexuality and what it means for his life and future with a forbidden romance. Then there is the government conspiracy and missing townspeople tied into a subplot of corruption and religious involvement. Each one of these plots could have been the main driving story and produced a compelling, thought provoking, and well written book. As it is the various storylines do come together to give a well written and wonderfully entertaining story, yet the lack of focus is clear and disappointing. The dragon threat is very easily resolved with an almost disappointing ending and the government corruption is never fully explained or resolved. The religious problems are almost preachy with the anti-gay sentiment and how evil and wrong such is, painting the characters as stereotypes and lack real depth.
However for these faults the story still manages to be intense, absorbing, and enthralling. Part of this is due to the great prose and dialogue which set a pace and flow that keeps interest and attention through all the various side plots. Another great aspect is the characterization. The character of David is a young adult, forced to be a man earlier than he should be due to circumstance and society. His slow understanding of himself and the world around him is riveting. He makes numerous mistakes and shows his immaturity several times, but this only serves to give a well developed young man. His strength and maturity grow throughout the course of the story and paints a picture of a likable and intense man. His relationship to Callan is a minor sticking point due to their difference in ages but the sweet and temperate nature to their love helps overcome this. The various secondary characters give the story breath and texture for the most part with a few very classic evil doers.
The ending is left hanging with some very big unresolved issues so it’s not too surprising there is a sequel. Given the great writing and potential within this offering and the amount of time to work on the sequel, I have extremely high hopes for any forthcoming book. If you haven’t had a chance to read this, be sure to pick it up at Lethe Press. It’s well worth your time and money.
September 26, 2012
This is yet another book where I am left to wonder if I read the same book as other reviewers here or if they were paying 'attention' to the book and it's message.
If it were possible to give zero stars that is what I would give this book. Since it is not possible then I give it 1.
If one gives a book 5 stars they should be able to support the reasons for giving it such praise. Since I am giving this book 1 star I will offer up my reasoning for the very low rating.
I will start with the biggest issue and work my way down. Warning Ranting will follow.
The books protagonist is 16 (he refers to himself as 17 but when court comes he admits to being 16 and needs his fathers consent to testify) whom falls under the spell of the new healer, a 23 year old man from the big city.
The healer slowly seduces the 16 year old through affections, giving gifts (books) to the boy and long talks over books. It is during these ‘talks’ where the healer encourages the 16 year old to break down the books for deeper meanings, that the ‘grooming’ takes place. (Never tasted chocolate before? Here let me share this wonderful gift with you. I can think of no one I would rather share it with. I sure like wrestling with you. I had no siblings to play with growing up this helps me feel young (just like Micheal Jackson)).
Due to a case of misfortune the 16 year old stumbles upon the 23 year old receiving oral sex from his 32 year old lover.
The town folks rise up and there is a trial where we are told how horrible homosexuality is, and of course there is the religious nut job preaching that the healer is unsafe around children.
But hey, the guy is 23 and his lover is 32 so whatever right?
It is at this trial where we find that the town, and the healer feel that to be an adult one must be 18 years old. The healer turns on his 32 year old lover and pleads guilty and offers to testify against the 32 year old lover to save the minor torture of testifying against him.
But it is suggested that the 32 year old had seduced the 23 year old so he isn’t as much to blame as the 32 year old.
The healer is flogged, and branded. His lover the 32 year old is flogged much more severely, branded and left clothing less in the freezing woods out-casted from the town.
And we all feel sorry for him because its homophobia that won the day. I know I felt sorry for them.
Until three weeks later when the 23 year old does exactly what the 'evil' religious man suggested and he has sex with the 16 year old, right after finding out that the 32 year old (whom he betrayed and tossed to the town for punishment) died the night of his flogging...but now that he's lover is dead, we can feel sorry again for the 23 year old as goes against what he already believes is wrong (sex with the 16 year old.) WTF?!
Ok now keep in mind this author has its characters breaking down books looking for the messages of the author. So clearly the author wants us to break down his/her book for messages..
Message I got from this author is pedophilia is ok. Can’t even go into the ways that that is wrong, its just wrong in a gazillion ways.
Next message the religious nut was right!!! The man deserved to be caste out of the town regardless of his position in the town as a healer because if he seduced and had sex with a minor, knowing and stating it was wrong before and during, then he will do it again.
Other reasons this book sucked. Dragons in an ice age? I kept thinking somehow the author would make that work out or make sense of it. Never did.
The dialog is horrible. In case you are wondering , you will go from speaking cultured English to little house on the prairie in less then two generations even with books and elders around to help you learn, but you will still have a copy of the declaration of independence so you can recite it at age 13, of course you will sound like a hillbilly doing so.
The 16 year old goes from speaking hillbilly to book read/educated English in and out of the dialog.
So do I recommend this book. NO! My copy will be going into the trash folder ASAP and I recommend others to do the same.
If it were possible to give zero stars that is what I would give this book. Since it is not possible then I give it 1.
If one gives a book 5 stars they should be able to support the reasons for giving it such praise. Since I am giving this book 1 star I will offer up my reasoning for the very low rating.
I will start with the biggest issue and work my way down. Warning Ranting will follow.
The books protagonist is 16 (he refers to himself as 17 but when court comes he admits to being 16 and needs his fathers consent to testify) whom falls under the spell of the new healer, a 23 year old man from the big city.
The healer slowly seduces the 16 year old through affections, giving gifts (books) to the boy and long talks over books. It is during these ‘talks’ where the healer encourages the 16 year old to break down the books for deeper meanings, that the ‘grooming’ takes place. (Never tasted chocolate before? Here let me share this wonderful gift with you. I can think of no one I would rather share it with. I sure like wrestling with you. I had no siblings to play with growing up this helps me feel young (just like Micheal Jackson)).
Due to a case of misfortune the 16 year old stumbles upon the 23 year old receiving oral sex from his 32 year old lover.
The town folks rise up and there is a trial where we are told how horrible homosexuality is, and of course there is the religious nut job preaching that the healer is unsafe around children.
But hey, the guy is 23 and his lover is 32 so whatever right?
It is at this trial where we find that the town, and the healer feel that to be an adult one must be 18 years old. The healer turns on his 32 year old lover and pleads guilty and offers to testify against the 32 year old lover to save the minor torture of testifying against him.
But it is suggested that the 32 year old had seduced the 23 year old so he isn’t as much to blame as the 32 year old.
The healer is flogged, and branded. His lover the 32 year old is flogged much more severely, branded and left clothing less in the freezing woods out-casted from the town.
And we all feel sorry for him because its homophobia that won the day. I know I felt sorry for them.
Until three weeks later when the 23 year old does exactly what the 'evil' religious man suggested and he has sex with the 16 year old, right after finding out that the 32 year old (whom he betrayed and tossed to the town for punishment) died the night of his flogging...but now that he's lover is dead, we can feel sorry again for the 23 year old as goes against what he already believes is wrong (sex with the 16 year old.) WTF?!
Ok now keep in mind this author has its characters breaking down books looking for the messages of the author. So clearly the author wants us to break down his/her book for messages..
Message I got from this author is pedophilia is ok. Can’t even go into the ways that that is wrong, its just wrong in a gazillion ways.
Next message the religious nut was right!!! The man deserved to be caste out of the town regardless of his position in the town as a healer because if he seduced and had sex with a minor, knowing and stating it was wrong before and during, then he will do it again.
Other reasons this book sucked. Dragons in an ice age? I kept thinking somehow the author would make that work out or make sense of it. Never did.
The dialog is horrible. In case you are wondering , you will go from speaking cultured English to little house on the prairie in less then two generations even with books and elders around to help you learn, but you will still have a copy of the declaration of independence so you can recite it at age 13, of course you will sound like a hillbilly doing so.
The 16 year old goes from speaking hillbilly to book read/educated English in and out of the dialog.
So do I recommend this book. NO! My copy will be going into the trash folder ASAP and I recommend others to do the same.
August 31, 2012
After the apocalypse, persecuted gay lovers fight homophobia and dragons!
The mysterious sudden climate change called the Ice descended about eighty years prior to the beginning of this book. 16-year-old David's 100-year-old grandmother barely remembers what things were like before; the government is still hanging on and handing out precious seed wheat; the culture is reminiscent of the Old West but the social mores are reminiscent of the 1950s, due to a resurgence in religious and social conservatism immediately post-Ice.
The best things about this novel were the atmosphere and the voice. (This is the third book in a row I've reviewed with that note, isn't it?) The cold is palpable, David's voice is likable and unique, and the small town and its culture are very well-imagined: Little Town on the Prairie after the apocalypse.
The first third or half of the novel, in which David slowly introduces us to his world, is very strong. A young new healer, Callan, shows up to help the old one. In David's eyes, Callan is hot, sophisticated, bringing a whole new world of intelligence and culture in the form of precious books, and hot. I am a total sucker for the "what are these strange feelings?" trope, and David's awakening sexuality is sensitively depicted.
Problems set in at about the one-third mark, and the same one continues all the way through: amazingly stupid decisions. In a world in which doors have latches and homosexuality is punishable by death, I find it mind-boggling that the town healer, who commonly has people suddenly rushing into his office due to medical emergencies, would get a blow-job in his office without latching his door first. I also find it boggling that a townsperson would give him one under those circumstances. Sure enough, someone walks in, and both are immediately jailed.
This sort of thing is especially annoying because other aspects of the book continue to be very good. I'd be lulled along by the sweet romance and well-done scenes of post-apocalyptic life, and then wham! Astounding stupidity!
Also, the last half-to-third borders on grimdark. Warning for child harm.
There is a sequel, but Goodreads reviews suggest that it's excruciatingly depressing. I think I'll give it a miss. But I did enjoy the first book, albeit with caveats, and it has a satisfying ending.
The mysterious sudden climate change called the Ice descended about eighty years prior to the beginning of this book. 16-year-old David's 100-year-old grandmother barely remembers what things were like before; the government is still hanging on and handing out precious seed wheat; the culture is reminiscent of the Old West but the social mores are reminiscent of the 1950s, due to a resurgence in religious and social conservatism immediately post-Ice.
The best things about this novel were the atmosphere and the voice. (This is the third book in a row I've reviewed with that note, isn't it?) The cold is palpable, David's voice is likable and unique, and the small town and its culture are very well-imagined: Little Town on the Prairie after the apocalypse.
The first third or half of the novel, in which David slowly introduces us to his world, is very strong. A young new healer, Callan, shows up to help the old one. In David's eyes, Callan is hot, sophisticated, bringing a whole new world of intelligence and culture in the form of precious books, and hot. I am a total sucker for the "what are these strange feelings?" trope, and David's awakening sexuality is sensitively depicted.
Problems set in at about the one-third mark, and the same one continues all the way through: amazingly stupid decisions. In a world in which doors have latches and homosexuality is punishable by death, I find it mind-boggling that the town healer, who commonly has people suddenly rushing into his office due to medical emergencies, would get a blow-job in his office without latching his door first. I also find it boggling that a townsperson would give him one under those circumstances. Sure enough, someone walks in, and both are immediately jailed.
This sort of thing is especially annoying because other aspects of the book continue to be very good. I'd be lulled along by the sweet romance and well-done scenes of post-apocalyptic life, and then wham! Astounding stupidity!
Also, the last half-to-third borders on grimdark. Warning for child harm.
There is a sequel, but Goodreads reviews suggest that it's excruciatingly depressing. I think I'll give it a miss. But I did enjoy the first book, albeit with caveats, and it has a satisfying ending.
February 27, 2014
David Anderson lives in an apocalyptic world – a kind of Ice-Age has returned – with his family outside a little town called Moline. Life is difficult and people have to work hard to survive the icy winter months. David´s life is monotonous and full of work but he doesn´t really mind he´s used to it. With his family lives his old Grandma who can still remember the time Before(the ice came) and tells David and his brothers and sisters about these times long gone. But one day the life of the people of Moline is shattered and a new threat circles the sky. Nobody knows where and why they came but suddenly the´re there – dragons. The town is in uproar when a dragon kills a little child and a posse is formed to hunt down the dragon but with no sucess. People learn to be careful outside and life goes on. One day the young healer Callan Landers arrives and David´s life changes forever. He falls in love with Callan to his own surprise he never thought that he´s attracted to men because he never had these feelings before. Callan returns his feelings and tragedy takes it course....
I was really impressed with this love story. Callan and David are very likeable characters and I was suffering with them when Callan had to bear the brunt of the town´s people small-mindedness about being gay. Not that most of the people are spiteful (with of course some exceptions) they are just simple-minded and sanctimonious and to be gay is against the law and has to be punished. David stands up for his friend, he doesn´t back down and when they one day find out about the real origin of the dragons they are in danger of their lifes. The story was suspenseful and kept my interest till the end. What I really liked was that this book wasn´t just a sequence of sex scenes with only a little bit of plot thrown in between, no the few sex scenes where written tastefully and very romatic. The main part of the story was David´s and Callan´s adjusting to their feelings and try to live with them. David´s family isn´t very supportive at the beginning especially his mother couldn´t accept his otherness for a long time. She had to bury her dreams about David ever having a family and children of his own and was struggling hard with this situation. That she overcame her prejudices and shattered dreams in time because she loved her son more than laws altough it took her almost till the end of the book made me sigh with relief. I wouldn´t have liked it if David would have been without his mother´s support. The characters were in my opinion really well drawn and believable. It was a touching love story but there are still some loose ends in this book and I really don´t get it why there had to be dragons to threat people. But it makes me wonder if there will be a sequel sometimes – I really would like that because I felt sad to close the book and leave David and Callan alone I had gotten to like them very much...
Website of the author: http://www.rwday.net/
I was really impressed with this love story. Callan and David are very likeable characters and I was suffering with them when Callan had to bear the brunt of the town´s people small-mindedness about being gay. Not that most of the people are spiteful (with of course some exceptions) they are just simple-minded and sanctimonious and to be gay is against the law and has to be punished. David stands up for his friend, he doesn´t back down and when they one day find out about the real origin of the dragons they are in danger of their lifes. The story was suspenseful and kept my interest till the end. What I really liked was that this book wasn´t just a sequence of sex scenes with only a little bit of plot thrown in between, no the few sex scenes where written tastefully and very romatic. The main part of the story was David´s and Callan´s adjusting to their feelings and try to live with them. David´s family isn´t very supportive at the beginning especially his mother couldn´t accept his otherness for a long time. She had to bury her dreams about David ever having a family and children of his own and was struggling hard with this situation. That she overcame her prejudices and shattered dreams in time because she loved her son more than laws altough it took her almost till the end of the book made me sigh with relief. I wouldn´t have liked it if David would have been without his mother´s support. The characters were in my opinion really well drawn and believable. It was a touching love story but there are still some loose ends in this book and I really don´t get it why there had to be dragons to threat people. But it makes me wonder if there will be a sequel sometimes – I really would like that because I felt sad to close the book and leave David and Callan alone I had gotten to like them very much...
Website of the author: http://www.rwday.net/
December 31, 2009
Ninety-one years ago, the Ice came, and if the civilization didn`t die right away, it surely hitched for a while.
In a not so far away future, the world, choked by the Ice, turned back to the ways of a past longer back, returning to the ways of living of a nineteenth century that never quite was, for there is an addition unheard of by mankind: there are dragons. Maybe not everywhere but surely in the remote town of Moline, where David Anderson grew up the son of a hunter and farmer. At sixteen, almost seventeen now, he is walking the edge between child and man, hunting for furs, caring for his mother's sheep and for his younger siblings, when he meets the new young healer in town, Callan Landers.
Callan is different from everybody David knows; he is schooled, witty, charming, and David feels irresistably drawn towards him. But only when he stumbles upon Callan in a compromising situation with another man -and both men are immediately arrested for sodomy - David recognizes the nature of his own feelings.
This book is a rare diamond. Written in first person from David's point of view, the reader can hear the farmboy's voice right from the beginning, his slightly awkward manner of speech showing subtly in sometimes incorrect grammar or simple ways to express himself, but it's authetic and adds to the charm of this book. Not only a coming-of-age, but a heartwarming love story and gripping suspense, and it is not lacking some humourous scenes that had me laughing aloud during the reading.
The author`s imagination is extraordinary, and a future like she describes it could be easily pictured given the circumstances she sets it in. Even the dragons.
David's factual perception and manner of speech prevents the story from being tacky and leaves the reader with a longing feeling. Although there is not a classical happy ending, it works, it fits, and after all, the story doesn't require a HEA, because there isn't such in the world and you gotta be confident with what you got and make it better, as David would put it.
The end feels like a subtle cliffhanger, and so with some luck there will be more about Callan and David in the future. It will certainly be worth waiting for. A book you can't put down. A story that will stay with you for a long time afterwards.
In a not so far away future, the world, choked by the Ice, turned back to the ways of a past longer back, returning to the ways of living of a nineteenth century that never quite was, for there is an addition unheard of by mankind: there are dragons. Maybe not everywhere but surely in the remote town of Moline, where David Anderson grew up the son of a hunter and farmer. At sixteen, almost seventeen now, he is walking the edge between child and man, hunting for furs, caring for his mother's sheep and for his younger siblings, when he meets the new young healer in town, Callan Landers.
Callan is different from everybody David knows; he is schooled, witty, charming, and David feels irresistably drawn towards him. But only when he stumbles upon Callan in a compromising situation with another man -and both men are immediately arrested for sodomy - David recognizes the nature of his own feelings.
This book is a rare diamond. Written in first person from David's point of view, the reader can hear the farmboy's voice right from the beginning, his slightly awkward manner of speech showing subtly in sometimes incorrect grammar or simple ways to express himself, but it's authetic and adds to the charm of this book. Not only a coming-of-age, but a heartwarming love story and gripping suspense, and it is not lacking some humourous scenes that had me laughing aloud during the reading.
The author`s imagination is extraordinary, and a future like she describes it could be easily pictured given the circumstances she sets it in. Even the dragons.
David's factual perception and manner of speech prevents the story from being tacky and leaves the reader with a longing feeling. Although there is not a classical happy ending, it works, it fits, and after all, the story doesn't require a HEA, because there isn't such in the world and you gotta be confident with what you got and make it better, as David would put it.
The end feels like a subtle cliffhanger, and so with some luck there will be more about Callan and David in the future. It will certainly be worth waiting for. A book you can't put down. A story that will stay with you for a long time afterwards.
August 2, 2011
An excellent gay coming-of-age novel set in a post-apocalyptic world. The world suffers something close to another Ice Age nearly a hundred years ago; civilization doesn't fall, it stumbled and is still trying to maintain its balance. In rural Moline, Virginia, this is a story that deals with small town hardships and attitudes set against larger world-wide issues of endless winter and hungry dragons.
Young David Anderson is the seventeen-year-old son of a farmer whose only connection to the larger world is through books. Callan Landers is new to town having been brought in as the new healer. When they meet, David doesn't understand his overwhelming feelings for Callan. But when Callan is discovered with another man, he and the man are taken into custody and charged with sodomy. This gives David insight into his feelings.
David and Callan leave town and stumble upon a secret that threatens Moline and its inhabitants; forcing them to put their personal problems aside.
This is an amazing story. It is so well written. The characters are fully realized and engaging. It is a book that you will find is hard to put down. I read it in one sitting. From page one R. W. Day weaves a story of intrigue, twist and turns, hardships, loss and happiness; it is totally enthralling. It is more than just a fantasy, more than a romance, much more than a gay oriented/positive storyline. This book, by reaching into the heart and tugging relentlessly at the strings, cleverly forces the reader to face his or her own viewpoints and prejudices.
Young David Anderson is the seventeen-year-old son of a farmer whose only connection to the larger world is through books. Callan Landers is new to town having been brought in as the new healer. When they meet, David doesn't understand his overwhelming feelings for Callan. But when Callan is discovered with another man, he and the man are taken into custody and charged with sodomy. This gives David insight into his feelings.
David and Callan leave town and stumble upon a secret that threatens Moline and its inhabitants; forcing them to put their personal problems aside.
This is an amazing story. It is so well written. The characters are fully realized and engaging. It is a book that you will find is hard to put down. I read it in one sitting. From page one R. W. Day weaves a story of intrigue, twist and turns, hardships, loss and happiness; it is totally enthralling. It is more than just a fantasy, more than a romance, much more than a gay oriented/positive storyline. This book, by reaching into the heart and tugging relentlessly at the strings, cleverly forces the reader to face his or her own viewpoints and prejudices.
August 26, 2016
First things first: I loved the setting. The US after a post-apocalytic ice age forces people out of cities into smaller agrarian communities. And, of course, dragons.
This coming-of age story is told through a first person narrative of the MC, David. He is straight-forward, honest, and so thoroughly good I wish he were a real person. His love interest is Callan, an educated and kind young healer. Their love story is beautiful and tragic and wonderful all rolled up into one.
The author does not write down to the reader. David comes across the page as a remarkably intelligent individual and he and Callan bond over a love of books which color not only their relationship but the themes of the book themselves. Huckleberry Finn, for instance, and how David exemplifies the Emersonian ideals of self reliance. There were layers an layers to the book's consciousness, which I really appreciated.
Also, DRAGONS.
So much of the m/m genre is more erotic than romantic, which (don't get me wrong) definitely has its place.
But it is such a nice surprise to come across respectable, thought-provoking, well-written fiction in this genre. I recommend "A Strong and Sudden Thaw" to everyone, but especially to m/m newcomers, as the sex scenes here are sweetly vanilla and wholesome. :)
This coming-of age story is told through a first person narrative of the MC, David. He is straight-forward, honest, and so thoroughly good I wish he were a real person. His love interest is Callan, an educated and kind young healer. Their love story is beautiful and tragic and wonderful all rolled up into one.
The author does not write down to the reader. David comes across the page as a remarkably intelligent individual and he and Callan bond over a love of books which color not only their relationship but the themes of the book themselves. Huckleberry Finn, for instance, and how David exemplifies the Emersonian ideals of self reliance. There were layers an layers to the book's consciousness, which I really appreciated.
Also, DRAGONS.
So much of the m/m genre is more erotic than romantic, which (don't get me wrong) definitely has its place.
But it is such a nice surprise to come across respectable, thought-provoking, well-written fiction in this genre. I recommend "A Strong and Sudden Thaw" to everyone, but especially to m/m newcomers, as the sex scenes here are sweetly vanilla and wholesome. :)
November 21, 2010
This was the kind of book you can't put down until you've read it all. I was charmed by the world depicted in these pages, and I fell in love with David and Callan.
[spoiler ahead]The only reason it doesn't get a 5 star rating from me is because I tend to like my book with a bit more explicit sexuality in it (while RW Day's writing made me think of a blushing high school girl). And because at times, I felt the storyline was moving a bit too slow. But other than that, it was a magnificent read. I enjoyed tremendously walking through the story alongside David, experiencing his emotions and seeing through his eyes. It almost moved me to tears to read the heartfelt bond between them and how it was tested over and over again without ever failing.
Being a fan of HEA, I kept on reading, hoping that things would somehow be made right. It was hard to believe that Callan had indeed lost his arm or the cruelty of townsfolk concerning private matters between lovers. But on the other hand, that made the story more realistic and touching. And the ending, while not the one I had expected or envisioned, still left me with a warm feeling inside and hope for better days for the two boys. Looking forward to reading the sequel.[end spoiler]
[spoiler ahead]The only reason it doesn't get a 5 star rating from me is because I tend to like my book with a bit more explicit sexuality in it (while RW Day's writing made me think of a blushing high school girl). And because at times, I felt the storyline was moving a bit too slow. But other than that, it was a magnificent read. I enjoyed tremendously walking through the story alongside David, experiencing his emotions and seeing through his eyes. It almost moved me to tears to read the heartfelt bond between them and how it was tested over and over again without ever failing.
Being a fan of HEA, I kept on reading, hoping that things would somehow be made right. It was hard to believe that Callan had indeed lost his arm or the cruelty of townsfolk concerning private matters between lovers. But on the other hand, that made the story more realistic and touching. And the ending, while not the one I had expected or envisioned, still left me with a warm feeling inside and hope for better days for the two boys. Looking forward to reading the sequel.[end spoiler]
September 10, 2011
This book is like Little House On The Prairie...After the Apocalypse!
This wasn't an easy read. There are struggles and hardship followed by tragedy...Nevertheless, hope and love spring eternal.
The telling of this story is through Davids POV, and it shouldn't be any other way! I felt everything David did and his strong voice, while not eloquent, was distinct and powerful throughout the story.
David is 16 at the start of the book, but all the things one must do just to survive and thrive in small Moline Virginia has made him a man...Sort of. Certainly more than a 16-year-old today. He will find there is a lot more to being grown than he thinks, however.
I loved this book and cannot wait to read the sequel. The writing was very well done. This is R.W Day's first novel, but you would never know it. Very detailed, fleshed-out characters and plot. I said this wasn't an easy read, but maybe I should say that what you read isn't easy. The story flowed beautifully, and I couldn't stop reading until the end.
Edited to say... Nope! Not gonna read the sequel! *sigh*
This wasn't an easy read. There are struggles and hardship followed by tragedy...Nevertheless, hope and love spring eternal.
The telling of this story is through Davids POV, and it shouldn't be any other way! I felt everything David did and his strong voice, while not eloquent, was distinct and powerful throughout the story.
David is 16 at the start of the book, but all the things one must do just to survive and thrive in small Moline Virginia has made him a man...Sort of. Certainly more than a 16-year-old today. He will find there is a lot more to being grown than he thinks, however.
I loved this book and cannot wait to read the sequel. The writing was very well done. This is R.W Day's first novel, but you would never know it. Very detailed, fleshed-out characters and plot. I said this wasn't an easy read, but maybe I should say that what you read isn't easy. The story flowed beautifully, and I couldn't stop reading until the end.
Edited to say... Nope! Not gonna read the sequel! *sigh*
July 16, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. David Anderson is a simple boy from a farming family. As the eldest of his siblings with a lot of familial responsibility, at the age of 16 he is riding the cusp between boy and man. Callan Landers, 22 years old, is the new healer's assistant that just moved to town and Callan and David strike up a friendship based on a shared love of reading. David's family strongly approve this friendship of their son and the local learned healer.
When Callan is arrested for being with another man in the town, the punishment is swift and severe and as a witness to the act, David must decide if the truth is more important than his loyalty to a friend.
The plot deepens even further when David and Callan stumble across government secrets and corruption.
I thought the plot of this book was very rich and the characters were extremely well developed. I liked both of the MCs tremendously and was rooting for a happy ending, while at the same time doubting the possibility of the MCs every being able to achieve it.
A great book that I would recommend for all lovers of fantasy and M/M romance.
When Callan is arrested for being with another man in the town, the punishment is swift and severe and as a witness to the act, David must decide if the truth is more important than his loyalty to a friend.
The plot deepens even further when David and Callan stumble across government secrets and corruption.
I thought the plot of this book was very rich and the characters were extremely well developed. I liked both of the MCs tremendously and was rooting for a happy ending, while at the same time doubting the possibility of the MCs every being able to achieve it.
A great book that I would recommend for all lovers of fantasy and M/M romance.
July 13, 2015
It was OK for the first 2/3 or so, but then I started to find it boring. I ended up not finishing it, just not interested enough in the ending or the relationship to keep going. I also didn't find it particularly moving or emotionally charged.
I also had a lot of issues with the world building. One major issue the people in this postapocalyptic society had was the lack of books. That made no sense to me, bookbinding and paper making are crafts easily managed without factories or machinery. Man has been finding things to write on for thousands of years, but then the publishing companies get destroyed and we can't figure out how to deal? I am pretty sure it wouldn't take long for people to start making paper in their kitchens (and no, trees aren't necessary either).
It is an example of people who stick their pinky toe into the fantasy/sci-fi pool but never really jump in. I find it a lot in the romance genre, and sometimes I don't mind if the romance is really gripping, but this one didn't charm me as either a romance or as a fantasy.
I also had a lot of issues with the world building. One major issue the people in this postapocalyptic society had was the lack of books. That made no sense to me, bookbinding and paper making are crafts easily managed without factories or machinery. Man has been finding things to write on for thousands of years, but then the publishing companies get destroyed and we can't figure out how to deal? I am pretty sure it wouldn't take long for people to start making paper in their kitchens (and no, trees aren't necessary either).
It is an example of people who stick their pinky toe into the fantasy/sci-fi pool but never really jump in. I find it a lot in the romance genre, and sometimes I don't mind if the romance is really gripping, but this one didn't charm me as either a romance or as a fantasy.
September 26, 2019
You know for a good book to be about authors shove conflicts (of any kind) into their characters way—there’s that and then there’s cutting off your characters at the knees every time things are JUST starting to look ok. WHAT THE HECK IS THAT ABOUT?! The amount of tragedy in this book was depressing and borderline disturbing. Hard to enjoy.
and you know how the average plot starts from a neutral flatline? Then goes up a bit, then tUMBLES, then in the second half starts looking good and then from there we’re riding a straight incline UP ‘till the end.
THAT’S NOT THE CASE HERE FOLKS! THE VIBE IS ALWAYS SHIT AND YOU’RE CONSTANTLY FEARING FOR THE MAIN CHARACTERS. not fun.
So if you’re looking for happy times and a relatively nice story—look elsewhere. 😑 kinda wouldn’t recommend either even if you’re looking for a sad read.
I will say the writing was very engaging. I couldn’t stop till my attention was pulled forcefully away but still...
Also I will NOT be reading the sequel as I’ve read some spoillllers and well it’s just not good so, I will pretend this was a stand-alone 😀👀
and you know how the average plot starts from a neutral flatline? Then goes up a bit, then tUMBLES, then in the second half starts looking good and then from there we’re riding a straight incline UP ‘till the end.
THAT’S NOT THE CASE HERE FOLKS! THE VIBE IS ALWAYS SHIT AND YOU’RE CONSTANTLY FEARING FOR THE MAIN CHARACTERS. not fun.
So if you’re looking for happy times and a relatively nice story—look elsewhere. 😑 kinda wouldn’t recommend either even if you’re looking for a sad read.
I will say the writing was very engaging. I couldn’t stop till my attention was pulled forcefully away but still...
Also I will NOT be reading the sequel as I’ve read some spoillllers and well it’s just not good so, I will pretend this was a stand-alone 😀👀
September 28, 2008
Enjoyable post-apocalyptic gay romance.
Maybe my expectations for gay romance novels are set so incredibly low by the unbelievably bad examples I've come across lately, but I was more than willing to forgive the slightly ridiculous and completely unexplained premise in favor of likable characters and a wonderfully romantic, slow-building relationship.
A new Ice Age plus ravening dragons that instantly revert everyone into pioneers? Whatever. Callan and David are adorable. I'll take it. Someone write another one. Please.
Maybe my expectations for gay romance novels are set so incredibly low by the unbelievably bad examples I've come across lately, but I was more than willing to forgive the slightly ridiculous and completely unexplained premise in favor of likable characters and a wonderfully romantic, slow-building relationship.
A new Ice Age plus ravening dragons that instantly revert everyone into pioneers? Whatever. Callan and David are adorable. I'll take it. Someone write another one. Please.
February 26, 2009
I loved this book. The relationship between David and Callan was lovely, the conflicts were very tense and dangerous. Were it not for the cover, I would think this could work well as an adult novel as well. The main character was young and coming-of-age plot was central, yes, but the challenges they faced were significantly beyond what you often find in young adult literature.
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