Monday, November 3, 2014

Review: Blurring the Lines by SA Payne

Genre: Supernatural, futuristic, mystery
Elements: vampire-like and succubus-like humans, BDSM

Rating:
  • Characters - 4 - A great mix of characters from all sorts of backgrounds in this world.
  • Setting - 4 - The story's setting is a fascinating idea of a genetic mutation gone horribly wrong. This world is the far-future aftermath, where those descended from those who survived are just being allowed to interact with those who managed to avoid the mutation.
  • Plot - 5 - Very well woven, and utterly fascinating. A great mix of light sci-fi and mystery and romance that will keep you reading to the end.
  • Genre Elements - 5 - The I/S that Payne has invented are a fascinating culture, and I would love to read more about them. They feel real and not fantastical at all, and make me want to know more. Some of the elements do seem a little ridiculous until they are explained, though.
  • Voice - 5 - Perfect. Though she switches constantly between the two main characters, never once do you mistake one for the other when they are the one telling the tale.
  • Romance Elements - 4 - The two get together a little too easily for my tastes, though their separate pasts do make things difficult for quite some time even after they admit their feelings. I definitely think the romance works well for this story.
  • Overall - 4.5 - This really is a fascinating story with a few odd choices and a few grammar and spelling flaws, but the story is so interesting that it is very easy to overlook them. Well worth reading.
Basic story -
Mick used to be a cop, but then was kicked off the force due to a false accusation. He ends up becoming the bodyguard of the son of one of the richest men in town. Toshi doesn't like having people around. He's a recovering addict and half I/S, a new breed of humans that are carefully watched by the government. Mick's definitely going to have his hands full.

My thoughts -
I'm going to say this right off the bat: I have an inner grammar nazi. I discovered it reading Harry Potter fanfiction. If an author made too many mistakes or made too many questionable choices, I gave myself permission to page back and find something else to read. It happened quite often with fanfiction. It happens less often with original fic, but that has it too. But with original fic, I do try to give more leeway. It's harder to create a whole world on your own than to write in someone else's world, as I am well aware. So when I started reading this and saw some of the issues Payne has in her writing (than instead of then most particularly comes to mind), I thought that this might be one of those stories I just couldn't finish. But her story is fascinating enough that it kept me reading. And I'm very glad I did.

This world and her characters are incredibly complex and rich, and I found myself drawn in by the idea of a genetic race created from a mutation that killed so much of the world. It wasn't something we saw, but rather saw the effect of in Toshi, who is neither because he is both. His story is heartbreaking, but in the long run ultimately triumphant, and the people he slowly surrounds himself with are just who he needs to make his world a better place. Through having them in his life, he becomes more confident, and can take the steps he knows needs to be taken.

Mick is interesting as well. He's a little mixed up, though he definitely doesn't show it at first. It's Toshi who helps him to open up, despite the fact that he has friends and family all around him. Together the two really do make a perfect team. Not so much brains and brawn, for they each have their own version of both, but a subtle mix of all sorts of things that each brings to the table that can help the other face the world and everything it has put them through. Together, they make an excellent team because they can help each other. This is a real relationship, unlike most romances, where things are so obviously imbalanced to one side or another. Very enjoyable to read.

I loved reading this story, and slowly learning about the I/S mutation and how it came to be. I also loved that both sides of Toshi's family are incredibly strong and powerful. Once he lets go of some of his fear and most of his insecurity, he really comes into his own, and you can see that he will definitely be a force to be reckoned with in years to come. Especially with Mick at his side.

Read it for the romance. Read it for the supernatural elements. Read it for the mystery. But definitely find yourself a copy of this and read it. It's free on Payne's blog. Definitely worth your time.

Warnings -
Drug use, non and dubious consensual sexual acts, mention of rape and torture, and murder.

Overall Recommendation -
Definitely one to read. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy anime-like settings and incubus/vampire type tales.

Link to the story - Blurring the Lines (Personal Blog)
Author Link - SA Payne (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -
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Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Slowing down

So next month (Saturday, that is) is November, and each year I do NaNoWriMo, so I will be a bit distracted, which means little time to do my review posts. I will try to manage at least once a week, but there may be occasions where I don't manage at all. I will try to shoot for Mondays to give myself a chance to get them done.

I'll probably keep to that schedule after November, as  I've already covered more than half the stories in this genre I read that I currently remember, so this way, I'll be able to make it last a little longer before I run out of stories to review and have to wait until I actually finish a book to write a new one.

Also, since I seem to be having so much trouble with the 10 AM posts, I'm going to change it to 10 PM, just to give myself time to do them when I get home if I need to.
at No comments:

Review: Out There in the Night by Laura Baumbach

Genre: Supernatural
Elements: werewolves, bonding

Rating:

  • Characters - 4 - The characters themselves are fascinating, though they are a bit archetypical, particularly the Native characters.
  • Setting - 4 - Much of the detail of the were culture and the Alaskan medical outpost are great, but some of the details of the Native community doesn't quite ring true for this area.
  • Plot - 4 - The story is a good one, with the idea of were creatures claiming their mates, and just the danger of trying to survive in this wilderness during the winter.
  • Genre Elements - 3 - I wanted to enjoy this more than I did. There were flaws in the idea of the Native culture that really pulled me out of the story, and there wasn't quite enough explanation of the difference between the Native and Were cultures, or if the two are the same.
  • Voice - 4 - The characters are generally easy to tell apart, but a few are difficult to tell from each other.
  • Romance Elements - 4 - The Romance definitely works for me, though the two major romances are a little too similar for my tastes.
  • Overall - 3.5 - Enjoyable, if not perfect. A few flaws I really would have liked to see fixed, but I wouldn't mind seeing more in a similar tone.
Basic story -
Connor Jacey lives in Alaska, but he never suspected what might be in the wilds of his current home until he meets something he never believed existed.

My thoughts -
The first original Were story I've read in this genre. I really wanted to like it more than I did. I think if if the Were had not been Native (or at least not just Native), it might have worked better for me. I do not know if the Author has any Native roots, but she treated these Alaskan natives as though they were just Native American, but as far as I'm aware, they're pretty distinctly different from the tribes within the lower 48 states, just as the Hawaiian people are. It just feels as though her terminology is off, and I would have liked a bit more research done there.

I loved the idea of a tribe of Werewolves in Alaska that had been integrated into (or created from) a Native group there. I would have loved to learn more about how that happened, and what really triggers the change; anything more along those lines.

I also really enjoyed the mating idea, but then I love bonding stories, so this called to me very strongly on that front. I never had a problem with that aspect, though I don't think Connor questioned the idea quite enough for realism's sake. The other love story, of Connor's ex and another Native Were, seemed a bit tacked on and more about getting the ex out of the way than anything else, which was too bad, because I think that could have been cute, too, if it had been approached in a different way.

Overall, I did enjoy this story. There are definitely great aspects to it. I just felt it lacked in certain things. The plot worked very well, but some of the background aspects didn't quite live up to the idea I think the author was trying to convey.

Warnings -
Severe injury, and dubious consent.

Overall Recommendation -
A good read for Werewolf lovers. If you're reading it for the Native culture, I'd probably give it a pass.

Link to the story - Out There in the Night (on Goodreads)
Author Link - Laura Baumbach (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -
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Saturday, October 25, 2014

Review: Seducing Stephen by Bonnie Dee & Summer Devon

Genre: Historical
Elements: cross-generational romance

Rating:

  • Characters - 5 - All the characters in this are distinct, regardless of whether they are main or secondary characters, and the only change in character happens when the character has cause to change. You can actually see the characters evolve over the books.
  • Setting - 5 - These two know their period very well. All the details are extremely realistic and correct for the period they have chosen. It's like you could step right into that world and see it as it was then.
  • Plot - 5 - Excellently presented. You feel for both characters. Stephen's hope that he's finally found someone, and Peter's worry about what will happen if he gives in to what he wants. Neither's reason feels unrealistic or overdramatic.
  • Genre Elements - 5 - As I said above, the setting of their world is perfect, but so too are the attitudes of the day about those with "unnatural" proclivities. And I like that he has a pair of friends who know, but still hold their ground against this relationship, worried not because of what he wants, but that he might hurt the boy, or seduce him into something he doesn't want.
  • Voice - 5 - Stephen and Peter both are completely distinct, and each truly feels the age they are presented as. Never once does Peter feel younger than he is, except when he gets truly hopeful, and even then, don't we all feel a little younger then?
  • Romance Elements - 5 - Perfect. Their love story is entirely believable, and makes you root for them. And the ending is completely satisfactory.
  • Overall - 5 - If you only read one Regency romance in this genre, this is the one to read.
Basic story -
When Stephen stays with a friend at his family estate, he never expects to have another man climb into his bed. He most certainly doesn't expect what follows after that initial meeting.

My thoughts -
I went into this after having read so much Ava March that I was worried it wouldn't measure up, because I was so in love with her stuff. I definitely needn't have worried. This is a brilliant story. The characters are real and true to the story. They never give in to the need to just take what they need, but actually act as a real person would have in that situation.

The details of the time period are perfect. The Lords act like Lords would, even when they are decadent layabouts. There's a real sense of danger involved in being a man attracted to other men, and never once do the authors sell that premise short. And even those who do accept the proclivities worry that Peter is pushing Stephen in the wrong direction. They don't believe that Stephen is like Peter at all, and therefore want to protect him from it.

The journey the two main characters go on is entirely real and believable for its time. Peter, an older man, having lived through a number of affairs, tends not to believe they can last,  and Stephen, the younger man, feels certain that it will. Each needs to come to terms with certain truths about life as a gay man. When they do, the ending is truly satisfying, and will leave most readers quite happy, I think. Both have grown, and you can't help cheering when they find their happy ending.

I will definitely be looking at more by these two when I can.

Warnings -
Secrets and an age difference of at least fifteen years. In other words, pretty mild. Should be safe for most readers.

Overall Recommendation -
I always smile when I think of this story. Every detail just makes me love it, and I will definitely be reading it again. If you like Regency romances, or if you are uncertain you want to read one, but would like to try, definitely check this one out. It's well worth it.

Link to the story - Seducing Stephen (on Goodreads)
Author Link - Bonnie Dee & Summer Devon (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -
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Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Review: Blood & Ash by Kate Aaron

Genre: Fantasy, Supernatural
Elements: Fae, Vampires

Rating:

  • Characters - 4 - The variety of characters is limited, and it has the distinct flaw that most slash has of having far too limited number of female characters. The two main are quite nice, though.
  • Setting - 4 - An interesting world, though it could have done with a few more details of the physical world.
  • Plot - 3 - A bit too scattered and simplistic for what the Author was attempting, I think. Not horrible, just not living up to its own potential.
  • Genre Elements - 3 - Definitely not enough explanation here. And the modern world lining up with the fae world felt too abrupt. I would have liked more details on the relationships between the two worlds, though the explanation of how the Fae world came to be was very interesting.
  • Voice - 4 - The two main characters are mostly distinct, but the others are a little harder to tell apart.
  • Romance Elements - 3 - Too simple for my tastes. Not horrible, just too easy.
  • Overall - 3.5 - A good story that need a bit of tweaking to be great in an interesting world that I would have liked to learn a lot more about.
Basic story -
Ash is prince of the Faery Realm. Azrael is his new guardian. But can he protect him against the war that is coming?

My thoughts -
This is an interesting idea, but it felt a bit forced and unfinished to me. I wanted to enjoy it more than I did, but I think a bit of editing and more complexity to the story would have  helped.

There are some interesting ideas in this story. I love the love the implication of a fae world right next to ours, though it was never completely explained. I would have liked more history on that, and more detail about how the two worlds have grown apart.I also would have liked more information on all the different types of beings, and their interrelations, though that was explained better. The Fae world seemed fascinating, and I would have liked to meet more Fae characters, too.

Ash is the sort of character I love, and Azrael seemed interesting, too. Even Ash's best friend. I just never got enough time to really enjoy them before things changed to a love story. I would much have preferred a good deal more time between attraction and falling in love. I also would have liked more time between Ash and his father and brother.

The abduction seemed interesting, but far too easily accomplished. I'd have liked attempts before they managed to get Ash. Azrael seemed to do nothing but talk to Ash about how they couldn't be together. And his story about his human lover seemed to go nowhere. I would have liked some meaning there.

Overall? I just wanted more time taken to explore and explain this world before it became a love story, and more about the two main characters as well. 

Warnings -
Vampirism, implication of torture, but all very mild.

Overall Recommendation -
An intriguing world, but flawed. An acceptable adventure read, if you like Vampires and Fae. Not one of my favorites. I probably won't be reading the rest of the series.

Link to the story - Blood & Ash (on Goodreads)
Author Link - Kate Aaron (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -
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Sunday, October 19, 2014

So what is Slash, exactly?

So I was going to write this up myself, and include a lot of links and history, but the truth is, it has been written before, and by more clear and concise writers than I feel I am able to be. So instead, I'm going to do a mini-master post on places where you can learn more.

I apologize to everyone out there who has been confused by the title of my blog. I meant to do this far sooner, but I kept dithering on the post I'd written up because I knew it wasn't perfect. Then I ran across an article about Slash that was perfect, and realized what I needed to do, so here we are.

But for a simple definition, we will start with the Urban Dictionary version:
slash
1. Genre of fanfiction involving pairing two male or female characters together; characters are commonly shown with a slash in between.

For a pretty basic overview, Wikipedia's article on Slash Fiction gives a good amount of detail not only of how it is defined and used in the fanfiction world, but also a lot of the history of slash in fanfiction, and some of the sub-genres you might find.

A more indepth look at Slash can be found at FanLore, which covers a much more fan-specific view of the genre, as well as a deeper look at its history in fandom and some of the controversies surrounding it. There is also an article about the History of Slash Fandom at fanlore as well, if you want more information on how all this came about.

And then, for a beautiful comprehensive version of why people enjoy reading and writing slash and where it comes from, I highly recommend The Brat Queen's "What Is Slash?"

This list is of course, by no means comprehensive, but all of the above articles have links to other articles about slash and its effect on fandom. I highly recommend you check it all out.

Happy reading!
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Saturday, October 18, 2014

Review: Swordspoint by Ellen Kushner

Genre: Fantasy
Elements: swordplay

Rating:
  • Characters - 5 - Each character is highly unique and distinct from the others.
  • Setting - 5 - The City is a very unique take on the classic European city, and each section of it is highly distinct, with its own feel and its own people. Very excellently crafted.
  • Plot - 4 - The plot is actually highly intricate, though at first it was quite confusing to follow. By the end of the book it pulls you along, but it takes a while to comprehend what's happening.
  • Genre Elements - 5 - The Historical aspects of this sort of fantasy come into play here. Swordfighting, a world before commonplace books, a world of Nobility but not Royalty...all excellent pieces of a whole that make this world feel real.
  • Voice - 5 - You never mistake any of these characters for each other. Each has such a unique outlook on the world that even when point of view changes, it is always obvious after only a few words who is speaking.
  • Romance Elements - 4 - As it is not the central point of the story, it's not fully delved into here, but it is a nice love story, and it is there. However, if you read purely for romance sake, you might feel a little let down here.
  • Overall - 4.5 - An excellent story, and definitely worth buying and reading for anyone into male/male romance.
Basic story -
Riverside isn't a place to wander lightly. Unless you're the type who lives there. The story of a Swordsman, his lover, and a Plot.

My thoughts -
I really didn't know what to expect going into this one. I have a few paperback books in the male/male book genre, but aside from Mercedes Lackey, I'd never read any. All of my reading in this genre had been online or in eBook form. I couldn't help wonder what an actual published book might be like.

I was very pleasantly surprised. Kushner's world is real. It feels right, and the characters just fit. Richard St Veir is an enigma in a world that loves enigmas. Alec, his lover, is as well. It's probably one reason they fit so well together. I loved the casual bisexualness of this world, too. That so many have flings with both men and women, with no thought or worry about how it will affect their lives as far as others' opinions of them.

The beginning is a little hard to follow, and it takes a while to work out who the players are that you want to be paying attention to. However, the story slowly emerges from the world, and becomes clear. Because she's taken so much time to give you an overview of the world, what follows is far more complex than you might otherwise be able to follow without that detail.

The short stories that follow the main are lovely as well. Especially the Death of the Duke, which will give most romance readers exactly the ending they crave.

Warnings -
Some less than pleasant things happen to Alec, but there is no graphic detail, and it's just a beating, not anything more, though there is implication it could be.

Overall Recommendation -
Overall, I very much enjoyed this story. I highly recommend it to Fantasy and History male/male readers.

Link to the story - Swordspoint (on Goodreads)
Author Link - Ellen Kushner (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -
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And I'm back

Sorry for the interruption, folks. It's been a crazy week, and I never managed to get back into the blog to get the next few posts queued.

On the plus side, I finished Swordspoint, the review of which is going up momentarily, and I've started on Blood Bathory, which I am very much enjoying. I've also almost finished an online story called Blurring the Lines which I'm highly enjoying, so lots more reviews will be coming.

And I'll try to get a few more reviews typed up so that this doesn't happen again.
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Friday, October 10, 2014

Saturday revew delay

Due to a busy schedule this weekend, Saturday's review likely won't get posted until Sunday. I will get it queued for Sunday, or Monday morning at the latest.

And lots more reviews to come, everyone!
at No comments:

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Review: Club Trinity by Minxie

Genre: Supernatural, crime
Elements: BDSM, vampires

Rating:
  • Characters - 4 - Great takes on the usual crime and vampire archetypes.
  • Setting - 5 - Excellently detailed. This feels like a place you could easily walk into and easily find your way around.
  • Plot - 5 - A fantastic melding of Crime, BDSM, and Supernatural elements.
  • Genre Elements - 5 - Not only does the crime feel interesting and realistic, but the BDSM elements are excellent, and she makes the Supernatural elements all her own.
  • Voice - 4 - The characters are very distinct, despite some scenes meant to tease with identity. It all works very well with the overall flow of the story.
  • Romance Elements - 4 - Highly inspiring. But then, I have a fondness for Vampires and their mates, whatever form they take.
  • Overall - 4.5 - An excellent story, and well worth reading if you like any of the genre elements listed above.
Basic story -
Someone's haunting the BDSM club in town, and Detective Zane Jeffries needs to find out who's doing it, but what he doesn't expect is the twists and turns this case will take.

My thoughts -
I was already a fan of Minxie's Harry Potter fic before I read Club Trinity. Even if I had not known her work, reading this story would have told me that it is the work of a talented writer. I hope in the end she finds a way to get it published, because it deserves to be. I'd love to read more stories about these characters. I want to read so much more about these vampires and the Lilim she created as an unusual addition to the vampire mythos. Most of all, I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

This isn't a time period I tend to prefer, but in Supernatural and BDSM stories, but it is something I'm willing to read. Especially when written by good writers like Minxie. Both are more likely to be set in modern day. Crime is also something I don't just seek out. But Minxie's style makes this story more than worth it.

I'm particularly fond of her take on vampires in this story. I don't want to into too much detail for fear of spoiling others, but she adds some fantastic details that I don't believe I've ever seen before. And she makes them not only work, but they feel real, especially in the context of this story.

Despite the fact that this is truly an amazing story, it's completely free online. For now, at least. As I said, I really do hope it gets published. And if it is, I will be first in line to buy it. It is definitely worth owning.

Warnings -
BDSM, violence, character death, and scary crime scenes. If you're not overly sensitive to those things, you'll probably be fine, as they're not horribly graphic, but still elements to be wary of if you have issues with any of them.

Overall Recommendation -
Definitely a read if you like crime stories, BDSM, or vampires. A highly unique fusion of all three.

Link to the story - Club Trinity (on AO3)
Author Link - Minxie (on AO3)
If you liked this story, try -
at 2 comments:
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Saturday, October 4, 2014

Review: The Book of Myth by Qui

Genre: Fantasy
Elements: BDSM, threesomes, harem, naga, djinn, incubus, faeries, dragon, satyr, kitsune, demon

Rating:

  • Characters - 3 - The characters here are cute, but really, they are only devices for the smut in each chapter, so they are molded by what the author needs to make that smut work. Cute, but not characters that stand on their own.
  • Setting - 4 - Good for the type of story this is, but not overly detailed either.
  • Plot - 3 - While not quite PWP, it definitely comes close.
  • Genre Elements - 5 - This is where the story excels. Not only does the author have one fantasy creature to decide the details for, but practically one per chapter, and manages to give us insight into each beautifully. And on top of that, finds a way to twist that difference into smut each and every chapter.
  • Voice - 3 - The voices get a bit muddy at times, but mostly because there's not a lot of thought past how to get to the smut.
  • Romance Elements - 3 - There is an element of romance here between the two main characters, but it's minimal as they spend most of the story apart from one another.
  • Overall - 3.5 - Cute and fun, especially for a free online read.
Basic story -

In a far away kingdom, there is a dangerous book that has drawn many to their doom. This is one such tale; of a young prince waiting for an ambassador to arrive, and finding a book to pass the time.

My thoughts -
A cute story with very little plot, and at least one chapter most smut-readers will find enjoyable, depending on their kink. Most of the well-known kinks are represented at one point. The characters are really secondary to the story, which is just about using the most kinks possible inherent in mythical creatures. It's fun and mostly light, and a fun way to pass a few hours.

The flow of the story is random so as to cover all the kinks it does, but each chapter works fairly well on its own, if you don't care for the larger story. Despite the randomness, there is an overall plot, if you read through the entire thing, and it is shockingly sweet for a smut piece like this one.

This one's definitely for anime/manga fans, as the ideas in it represent that sort of take on smut and romance. Also, several of the creatures involved are the Japanese or Oriental versions of these myths.

The best reason to read this aside from smut and variety is that it's free to read online. It's fairly well edited, though there are a few errors here and there, as there are on most Fiction Press or AO3 stories.

Overall, I enjoyed reading it, but I probably won't be looking for more from this author, as I tend to prefer more realistic worlds, even in my fantasy.

Warnings -
Dub-con, but only in the lightest of senses. Most of the smut is pretty consensual, really. A bit of bestiality, so stay away if that bothers you, but even that is minor.

Overall Recommendation -
Cute. Not for those who don't appreciate yaoi, as this is basically yaoi in text form, rather than as a manga. But fun to read for all the different creatures she writes about. 

Link to the story - Book of Myth (on Fiction Press)
Author Link - Qui (on Fiction Press)
If you liked this story, try -
at 2 comments:
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Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Review: Sorcerer's Knot by Tali Spencer

Genre: Fantasy
Elements: magic, Cthulhu

Rating:

  • Characters - 4 - The characters themselves are a little stock, but Spencer uses them to great effect, especially once she's established the world a little.
  • Setting - 5 - The setting is pretty unique. This is dark fantasy, and very well written, and the world reflects that excellently.
  • Plot - 4 - The plot is pretty much standard. This is a smut story, but she does a good job of making it be about more than just smut.
  • Genre Elements - 5 - As with the setting, the details of the magic of this world are very well-crafted, and it makes the story that much more believable. The Cthulhu element...well, that's very believable and horribly creepy, so do be warned.
  • Voice - 4 - The characters are pretty distinct, and well-written so that each is easy to tell from the others.
  • Romance Elements - 2 - Here's one of the places the story loses me. I'm a sucker for romance, and it's almost not there at all in this story. Really, the story is more about sex than romance. I will say that there is a seed of a romance here, in a very believable way. This story just doesn't focus on it.
  • Overall - 4 - Not a Cthulhu fan myself, so between that and the lack of romance, this one lost me. But overall, it's an excellently written book.
Basic story -
Cian has been searching for the key to all magics, but when he goes looking for water magic, he finds himself in far deeper than he anticipated.

My thoughts -
As soon as I started reading this one, I knew it wouldn't be something I would enjoy. While the story is very well written, enough so to keep me reading, the subject matter was a bit out of my usual realm of enjoyment.

The story itself is very well-crafted, and the smut (aside from one scene--see the warning below) was very enjoyable. If you like tentacle porn, this is probably a good one, but Cthulhu stuff freaks me out. I can't really enjoy the thought of a non-humanoid with such vast intelligence doing that to anyone. Nor am I fond of rape scenes in any form.

I think for me, I might have enjoyed it more if Cian and the sorcerer who has been hiding the Cthulhu (and there I'm using the wrong term, but it's simpler for me than to go seeking the exact creature she used) really had fallen in love. They do to some extent, but it's more of a meeting of equals--two men who know they're trapped and want what the other has.

At some point, I may check out what else Spencer has written, but just knowing that she writes Cthulhu fantasy makes me pretty wary of her stuff. I do think she's an excellent writer, I just don't think her writing is for me.

Warnings -
Cthulhu. Physical and mind-rape. And it does get a little graphic, so if just reading those is too much, definitely stay away from this one.

Overall Recommendation -
This was not really my thing, though it is well written, but if you like smut and Cthulhu, this may be the book for you.

Link to the story - Sorcerer's Knot (on Goodreads)
Author Link - Tali Spencer (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -
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Monday, September 29, 2014

GBLT Online Comics

I randomly read a lot of online comics, so I have a small selection of GLBT comics I follow. For the purposes of this blog, I will only list the ones that fit the strictures I hold books to, but there are many more out there. If you like the comic, check the creator's site. Quite often they will have links to other GLBT friendly comics.

After scouring my comic links (well, aside from the Yaoi manga I read, which is something else again), I've only managed to find four that fit my rules for this blog:

Shades of A by Tab Kimpton
Genre: Romance
Elements: BDSM, Crossdressing, Asexuality
Summary: Amal is a university student with a problem. He's not interested in sex, unlike his ex. Then one day he runs into someone at a club with his ex.
Comments: If you like this one, I highly recommend Kaos Komix as well, which has a number of different pairings, all of which are GLBT in some form or another.

Starfighter by Hamletmachine
Genre: Science Fiction
Elements: D/s, Military
Summary: Cain and Abel are a pilot and his navigator in the space corp. And it's very important that they bond well.
Comments: This one's Yaoi in art style as well as the way the boys come together--as in there's definitely dubious consent their first time. But if you can get past that, it's an interesting idea.

Teahouse by CC and E
Genre: Fantasy
Elements: prostitution, BDSM
Summary: The city of Ivore has a high-class brothel. This comic tells some of their tales.
Comments: The art in this is amazing, and the characters are incredibly varied. Especially for a brothel story. Definitely highly recommended.

Oglaf by Trudy Cooper
Genre: Fantasy/Comedy
Elements: You name it, it's probably in there.
Summary: A sexy gag fantasy comic strip. You never know what will post next.
Comments: Just read it. It's wonderful and hilarious and perfect.
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Saturday, September 27, 2014

Review: From Afar by Ava March

Genre: Historical, Supernatural
Elements: vampires, bonding

Rating:

  • Characters - 4 - Raphael and Aleric are both excellently crafted, and distinct enough that they stand out from each other.
  • Setting - 4 - March has an excellent grasp of this period, and all of her books are worth reading for this aspect alone, if that is a setting you like.
  • Plot - 4 - The plot is pretty simplistic, even with the vampire elements, but quite enjoyable.
  • Genre Elements - 5 - This is where the book shines, though I would have wanted a great deal more on these vampires. She's got hints at a much larger community here, and I would have loved to learn more about it, both in London and outside of it.
  • Voice - 4 - The main characters' voices are very distinct from each other, though the other male vampires all bleed together. I think this is because they are meant to feel one single unit.
  • Romance Elements - 4 - It's a good romance, though Aleric falls too quickly. Raphael at least is understandable.
  • Overall - 4 - Very enjoyable, especially for the genres, though far too short. I would have liked a great deal more about the boys' lives--both apart, and then together. And I wanted even more about the vampire community as a whole.
Basic story -
Raphael has been watching Lord Aleric Vane for some time. Then one night, he must make a choice. Save his life, or lose him forever. And even in saving him, there is no guarantee he won't lose him still.

My thoughts -
This is a very enjoyable short read. Raphael, despite being the vampire, is a little more believable as a character than Aleric. I like Aleric's concept of what is going on and how he comes to terms with everything, though. He's so young, and so much a part of his age, that he takes a great deal at face value, and doesn't even question things except for how he fits into the world that he is seeing.

What I really enjoyed in this is the vampire society, though we only get a teasing glimpse. I have to admit, the thought of a household of men all enjoying each other's company is intriguing, though that is only a small bit of what drew me. I like that it's actually a very regimented society, given the dangers too many vampires in one area could cause. The queen vampire is interesting, too. It all makes me wonder what other areas are like.

I think I would have liked to see more buildup between the boys. Maybe the two of them hiding out from the vampires and Aleric slowly growing closer to Raphael. He comes to the right choice in the end, though, and with Raphael's guidance, I think the two of them will do just fine.

Warnings -
Vampires, blood and violence. Nothing too severe, especially if you like vampires. A small caution, though, for those who don't. The violence is over pretty quickly, so that can easily be skipped.

Overall Recommendation -
A good quick read from an author who excels at  historical gay romance. Worth reading if you like vampires.

Link to the story - From Afar (on Goodreads)
Author Link - Ava March (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -
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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Review: Fireflies by Ally Blue

Genre: Fantasy
Elements: magic, faeries

Rating:
  • Characters - 3 -The characters are overly archetypal, though there's a seed there of something that could be interesting, if more had been put into them.
  • Setting - 4 - It's an interesting idea, though we don't get near enough details of either world for them to feel fully realized.
  • Plot - 4 - The story is interesting enough, though Blue doesn't take it quite deep enough. I would have liked more details of Joseph's life before, and of Braeden's time watching him grow. I also would have loved to see more in the way of training before and between attacks.
  • Genre Elements - 5 - The idea for this world is fabulous, and I would have loved a much longer look at both sides of this world and how they live alongside each other.
  • Voice - 4 - The character voices are unique, but not particularly special.
  • Romance Elements - 3 - Too fast. Especially for a character who has been watching Joseph since he was an infant. It would take time, regardless of everything else.
  • Overall - 3.5 - Interesting story, but needed a lot of work to be a great story.
Basic story -
Joseph grew up in the South, but there always something a little odd about him. He finds out what the day he comes into his magic. The day he meets Braeden.

My thoughts -
The story here isn't bad, it just isn't great. The idea of a half-fae growing up in the modern human world seems fascinating to me, but it was almost completely ignored once Joseph met Braeden. I wanted to feel the conflict in him between his old world and new. I wanted him to hurt more for having to leave his friends and mother behind. I wanted to enjoy it more than I was able because it just never felt like enough. And worse, the faery world felt almost more a tool to propel the story than an actual world that exists next to ours. That, too, needed a lot of detail.

The romance borders on uncomfortable with how quickly they come together. Just a few extra sentences here would have helped. Something about the sexual nature of fae, or of how they saw a dividing line between children and adults, or...something. And Joseph, just getting used to the idea of magic, seemed to accept it all far too easily. Accepting comfort from Braeden, sure, but magic and love all in one blow? Too much too fast. I wanted more time getting used to the idea of each separately.

The ending felt wrong, too. I'm not sure how to explain why, but it just ended too quickly, and everything was just too pat in the end. I really did want to enjoy this story more than I did. It needed a lot of work to make it more enjoyable to me.

Warnings -
Mostly implications of violence and rape. Nothing that will make post readers uncomfortable for more than a moment or two.

Overall Recommendation -
If you can find it on sale, it's not horrible, but it's not worth the average price for an e-book.

Link to the story - Fireflies (on Goodreads)
Author Link - Ally Blue (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -
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Saturday, September 20, 2014

Review: Blood & Roses by Aislinn Kerry

Genre: Supernatural
Elements: Vampires, prostitution

Rating:

  • Characters - 4 - The characters are well-chosen for the story Kerry tells, though they're a bit archetypal. I would have liked to have seen more interactions with other characters. However, for a short story of this type, they work quite well.
  • Setting - 4 - Good, though a bit vague on the details. I did like the choice of locale, but I would have loved to hear more about the place and time the characters were in.
  • Plot - 4 - A little confusing, but enjoyable in the end.
  • Genre Elements - 4 - Good, but again, not enough detail. I would have liked some more specific detail about Maikel's needs as a vampire. Is he a generic vampire, or is there something unusual about his sort?
  • Voice - 5 - Both characters are very distinct, and easy to tell apart.
  • Romance Elements - 4 - The boys' feelings for each other develop well, but their pig-headedness at not being willing to admit to it makes me want to smack both their heads.
  • Overall - 4 - A lovely little story that I enjoyed quite a bit. Mostly, I wanted more detail.
Basic story -
Unlike the others in the House Arjen works in, he has no interest in having a vampire for a client. Too bad that he's the only one Maikel's interested in.

My thoughts -
I really wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this story, but the characters quickly drew me in. Enough so that their stubbornness got annoying pretty quickly, but in the way that makes you want to keep reading to find out if they get past it.

Amsterdam is a place I've not read nor studied much about, so I was interesting to see it as a setting. I was a little let down that there wasn't more detail about it in the story. But really, in the greater scope of the story, it wasn't needed. It just would have been nice and would have added flavor to the world.

Arjen and Maikel feel like real, fully realized people with pasts, even those details we don't hear about. We don't hear much about how they got where they are. What is important to the story is why they both agree to the deal that they make. And it works. Never once do you question those details, or their reasons for them, even when they're lying to themselves.

I very much enjoyed this story, and I'll almost definitely read it again at some point. I'll have to look and see what else Kerry has done, because she's got a lovely hand for character.

Warnings -
Vampire blood need, a bit of violence, but nothing graphic.

Overall Recommendation -
Definitely worth a read if you like vampires.

Link to the story - Blood and Roses (on Goodreads)
Author Link - Aislinn Kerry (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -
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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Review: The Quartz Key by Lianne Burwell

Genre: Fantasy
Elements: magic, soulmates, gods

Rating:
  • Characters - 5 - From the beginning, the characters are interesting and unique, and they only get better over the course of the story.
  • Setting - 5 - The basic setting seems your traditional middle eastern setting at first, but it quickly becomes so much more, and the author adds so many details that it's something very unique and special.
  • Plot - 4 - An intriguing plot, though it starts out a bit cliched. It grows into itself and eventually becomes something very different from anything I've read.
  • Genre Elements - 5 - Great details. Both the world details, the distinctness of villain, and the avatar aspects to the story. Each lends something to the overall story and makes it that much more intriguing.
  • Voice - 4 - The two main characters are very unique, though there's a bit of muddiness at first, and some of the early secondary characters are a little difficult to tell apart.
  • Romance Elements - 4 - The boys' story is slow and believable, and definitely never easy, though some of the situations they are thrown into are a bit cliched.
  • Overall - 4.5 - Definitely a great story, and well worth a read for Fantasy lovers.
Basic story -
The love story of a slave and a prince, and tale of a kingdom at war.

My thoughts -
This one really snuck up on me. Though it seems cliched at first, it grew on me very quickly. Particularly Judas, who is not your typical slave-who-does-not-wish-to-be. Each has their own worries, and despite everything, the two characters begin to grow together. And then everything falls apart. Though the story appears to take a few cliched turns, each trope is taken and molded by Burwell to make it a far more unique part of a rather intriguing whole. Rarely did I feel bored or confused by what was going on. And when I was confused, quite often it was followed by curiosity about how she would manage to right things again for her two characters. The ending is quite satisfying, and more than lives up to the premise of her story.

To me, Judas is the true center of this piece. While Namir is interesting, he is fairly typical of his sort--at least without Judas, or the events that follow Judas's arrival at their castle. Judas, on the other hand, is special from the start. Marked as different even by his own people, and gotten rid of for just that reason. More importantly, he seems to be touched by destiny, though what that destiny is, even he is uncertain. At least, until he and Namir begin to grow close.

Their flight from the castle to save Namir's people is what really sets the plot in motion, and it is this that changes both boys for good. Through it they become something more than what they were before. Both apart and together.

Though this did not get my highest rating, I will say that I enjoyed it very much. I hope some day to find more by this author, as I found it well worth the time it took to read. Though it's quite long, the length of the story only made it that much better, as it just gave me that much more to enjoy.

Warnings -
Violence and near-rape, several assassination attempts of various sorts. Lots of anguish, both mental and physical. But nothing too horrific, and certainly nothing lasting.

Overall Recommendation -
Definitely worth a read for any fantasy lover. I highly recommend it.

Link to the story - The Quartz Key (Author's site)
Author Link - Lianne Burwell (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -
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Saturday, September 13, 2014

Review: Dream of a Thousand Nights by Shira Anthony

Genre: Fantasy
Elements: Jinn, magic

Rating:
  • Characters - 4 - A good selection, though I would have liked a few more female characters. I was pleased the one main female character at least had a good role in the story.
  • Setting - 5 - Excellent setting. I would have loved to spend more time in this world.
  • Plot - 3 - Needed a lot of work. It's fairly cliched, and there's a rather large gap. I think we either didn't need to see their first meeting except in flashbacks, or I would have liked to have seen a lot more of the intervening time.
  • Genre Elements - 5 - A fabulous take on the Jinn mythos. I loved the rules regarding them and how their society works. Very nicely done.
  • Voice - 4 - Quite good. Few difficulties determining who's speaking.
  • Romance Elements - 4 - Sweet romance, though as I said, it felt a bit saggy in the middle, and I would have preferred a more consistent flow to their romance, instead of the choppiness we got.
  • Overall - 4 - A good story with a few flaws, but overall quite enjoyable.
Basic story -
Neriah, crown prince, manages to escape an assassination attempt with the help of a Jinn. Many years later, when their paths cross again, the memories the Jinn took from him of their one night together, begin to complicate his attempt to regain his place in the kingdom.

My thoughts -
I enjoyed this. It is flawed, but in a good-writing way that just suggests it needed a different flow to make it work better. The characters are interesting, though there's only one major female character, which is a problem on its own. The two main characters are interesting, but their romance was problematic. All in all, I would read this again, but I do wish that a few of the flaws weren't there.

I have a fondness for folklore and fable, so I love anything that touches on those themes, and Jinn are one that I've not seen done much, and would love to read more. Obviously Anthony has a fondness for them as well, as she gives the Jinn society a great deal of detail that works very well with what we all know from tales like Aladdin and other tales of Jinn out there, while still being very distinctly hers. I would have loved more detail on their society and the rules they have on serving humans. Tamir is an interesting character, and I would have loved to read more about him before this or others like him.

Really, for me the biggest flaw in this story is the jump in time from the prologue to the main part of the story. I understand why it was there--she wanted us to see them together for their one night--but I think it would have worked better as a flashback from Tamir, and then later from Neriah's point of view. Either that, or I would have loved to see some of the time they lived between that moment and when they met up again. Got some of those characters around them fleshed out a good deal more.

So given that my biggest complaint about this is that I want more, I'd say it's definitely a good buy. I may have to see what else Anthony has written, because she definitely has a great grasp on middle eastern culture and folklore.

Warnings -
Slavery in a very mild sense, threat of rape, and unequal society. Nothing huge, but they are there, so if you are especially sensitive to those aspects, to be cautious.

Overall Recommendation -
Definitely worth a read, especially if you like middle eastern folklore.


Link to the story - Dream of a Thousand Nights (on Goodreads)
Author Link - Shira Anthony (on Goodreads)
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Happy Birthday to me

So a slightly off-topic post about my birthday today. I got a few gift cards for Amazon, so I made sure to buy a book I've wanted ever since I first heard about it: Blood Bathory. I know the two authors from Harry Potter fandom, and know the story that was the origin of this story, so I've been looking forward to having the money to buy it. I'm looking forward to reading it, because they're wonderful writers, and I know it will be quite the treat.

I also got a cardgame that fits the theme of this blog, even though it's not a book: Slash the card game. We didn't get a chance to play it, but we did get to glance through the four giant stacks of cards and see the names on them. The mix of characters is amazing--historical, animation, book, movie...if you can think of a generic fandom, there's probably a handful of cards from that genre in the pack. I can't wait to play. :)

So happy birthday to me. And I hope everyone's looking forward to the review on Blood Bathory once I've finished it.
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Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Review: Cinder by Marie Sexton

Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale
Elements: magic

Rating:

  • Characters - 3 - Pretty typical for this story, aside from Cinder and the Prince. The Prince's attitude is a little odd for someone of his class, really, but they're enjoyable enough to read.
  • Setting - 4 - Very typical for this story, but well-described and believable.
  • Plot - 4 - Cinderella with a guy, exactly as it says on the box.
  • Genre Elements - 5 - This is one of the two places this story shines. Obviously Sexton knows and loves this fairy tale well, as the elements are all there and work quite well.
  • Voice - 4 - Again, pretty typical for this story, no problem telling each character apart.
  • Romance Elements - 5 - The other place this story shines. The boys are drawn to each other from the beginning, but it's not an easy road, and it's a satisfying ending once they get there.
  • Overall - 4 - A very enjoyable version of the Cinderella story, but not the best one out there.
Basic story -
Cinder lives with his stepmother and her two daughters as little more than a servant. But a chance encounter with a young man in the woods changes everything.

My thoughts -
This is a very nice male/male version of the Cinderella fairy tale, but I probably would have enjoyed it a whole lot more if I had not already fallen so hard for Gryvon's version. This one's definitely for a wider audience than Gryvon's, though, as there are no BDSM elements, and the abuse is very minor at best. The ending is excellent, and will definitely please most readers. Really, aside from the fact that Cinder is male instead of female, this really is basically the classic story. It even includes the three balls aspect, which is something I am very fond of.

I will say that from the moment the Prince decides to wed Cinder's sister, that's when the story really takes off, because then it's quite a bit different from the classic tale we are all so familiar with. Between the already-growing friendship between Cinder and the Prince and the journey that brings them closer than ever before, you can't help but root for Cinder and hope things will turn out right.

As a fan of fairy tales, this one definitely pleased me, it just wasn't as great as others I'd read. Worth a read for those who prefer things on the lighter side.

Warnings -
Nothing, really. There is minor abuse mentioned, but in the Disney way--neglect or dislike more than horrible physical abuse.

Overall Recommendation -
A good read for those who love fairy tales, especially those who might shy away from the Gryvon version of this story.

Link to the story - Cinder (on Goodreads)
Author Link - Marie Sexton (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -
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Saturday, September 6, 2014

Review: His Client by Ava March

Genre: Historical, Regency
Elements: BDSM, prostitution

Rating:

  • Characters - 5 - The characters themselves are quite nice, if a little typical for this sort of story.
  • Setting - 4 - Quite typical of this sort of story, though I do like the addition of how Jasper tries to reestablish himself in the country.
  • Plot - 4 - Again, quite typical, though with the lovely addition of BDSM elements that I particularly approve of.
  • Genre Elements - 4 - Nicely thought out, the characters fit into this world without bending credulity too much.
  • Voice - 5 -  Both characters are quite distinct from each other, as are the others they speak with.
  • Romance Elements - 5 - Slow-building enough to make me smile, though on occasion, I do want to smack Nathaniel for how dense he is.
  • Overall - 4 - A great book for those who enjoy historical romance.
Basic story -
Jasper has broken the one rule all whores try to abide by. Never fall in love with a customer.

My thoughts -
Though this doesn't rank as high as some of the others I have posted reviews for here, this book truly started an obsession for me. Ava March creates lovely characters, and her details of a more formal world where homosexuality could only ever be a secret are always perfect. I highly recommend all her stories, if you prefer Regency or Victorian stories.

This story in particular appealed to me for two reasons. The first is that Jasper and Nathaniel play with both bondage and cross-dressing, both of which I have a great fondness for. The other is the angst inherent in their story. Nathaniel has had a passion for his very straight best friend since school, while Jasper only has eyes for Nathaniel. It is only when Nathaniel realizes he is gone that things change. A truly lovely angsty romance with a distinctly happy ending.

The great thing about this story is that they each fix themselves. Jasper chooses to leave rather than waiting until Nathaniel rescues him, and Nathaniel realizes things on his own terms, rather than being forced into falling for Jasper. Both of them grow up, and grow back together, and that's the brilliance of March's works--she's good at letting the characters learn on their own, rather than forcing a couple into love. Every time, it's believable and right.

Warnings -
Only very minor ones here for the BDSM, which itself is very mild.

Overall Recommendation -
A great historical novel, and well worth the price to buy.

Link to the story - His Client (on Goodreads)
Related stories - His Request (Sequel - on Goodreads)
Author Link - Ava March (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -
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Friday, September 5, 2014

How to find good stories online for free

It can be difficult to find good books to read in the M/M genre, especially when you are looking for genre-style stories, so I thought I'd offer a few good links for places to look for that sort of story. The best three sites I've found are Goodreads, Fiction Press, and Archive of Our Own, though there are many others out there.

Goodreads

Goodreads is a lovely site with so many things to offer. There are special groups for you to chat about specific genres or even specific authors or books, and then there are the lists. All help you connect to others who enjoyed the same book you did, and which might have lists of other books of the same sort for you to try. Obviously, not all the books you will find here are free, but there are many that are, and even if they're not, you can always put them on your Amazon wishlist for later.

Some good places to check on Goodreads:
Obviously, this is in no way a comprehensive list, but it'll give you a good place to start.

Fiction Press

Fiction Press is the original work sister site to Fanfiction.net, and works in basically the same way as the fanfiction site, up to and including groups. Obviously, groups can include anything the moderator decides, and there are many groups that focus on slash stories.

Some groups to look into:
Again, nowhere near a comprehensive list, but all of the above lists have over a hundred story links each. Certainly plenty to choose from.

Archive of Our Own (AO3)

Though AO3 mainly has Fanfiction, some original stories do make it onto the archive.

Some tags good for finding original stories:
Most of these will be generally filled with fanfiction, so you will have to do a lot more digging than at the other two sites (unless you don't mind fanfiction, which is fine, too), but there's still plenty there to be found, and it's well worth looking.

Other Sites

There are plenty of other sites out there as well. You never know what you might find.

Some places I've found other works:
  • Gay Authors - a forum that specifically hosts stories about LGBT characters.
  • Smashwords - has books for free as well as those for a price.
  • Adult Fan Fiction - lots of stories here, though the quality is not always the best.
  • Nifty Archive - featuring all sorts of LGBT stories.
There are others out there, but those are the main ones. There's always Amazon, too, though that can be tough given the filters they have in place. But hopefully that will give everyone a good list to pull from. Good luck, and happy reading!
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Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Review: The Fall of the Dragon King by MomsDarkSecret

Genre: Fantasy, Dystopia
Elements: Dragonkin

Rating:

  • Characters - 4 - A bit overly dependent on archetypes at first, but once the story starts flowing, they're quite interesting.
  • Setting - 5 - Pretty unique. The world feels like it's been well-planned out, and has some fascinating details I don't think I've seen put together in quite this way.
  • Plot - 5 - A great story that pulls you along from the beginning, even when you're so frustrated with the characters you want to smack them.
  • Genre Elements - 5 - Lots of fantasy aspects used in a new and interesting way.
  • Voice - 4 - Good, though the characters outside the main two get quite muffled or overly archetypal after the initial chapters.
  • Romance Elements - 5 - Excellent and believable. I like that their romance is neither easy nor swift. You root for them to the very end.
  • Overall - 4.5 - A high recommendation here. Some imperfections, but overall a very enjoyable read.
Basic story -
An ancient legend and a dying land leads a cleric to sacrifice himself in a unique way--and a prince to agree to the sacrifice in hopes of saving his land.

My thoughts -
This story drew me in from the beginning. It was very different from what the description suggested--a forced marriage story. Instead, what this is is a story about two men trying to do the best they can for their world, and the consequences of it. The two main characters are fascinating. Mora and Hadrin both seem typical of their sort. The cleric who will do anything to protect his people, and the Prince who must live up to his father's expectations and defend the land. And yet, together, they become so much more. The endgame was not at all what I expected, and so surprising that I can't wait to read it again to see if it is really as out of the blue as it felt reading it the first time. Either way, the ending is satisfying and just what the story needed.

The world is interesting, particularly the mythos of the Dragon King. The prophesy that his line will eventually destroy the world makes for an intriguing plot as you try to decide if it is nothing more than myth or if there really is something more to it as Mora truly believes. The constant tries to pull the two young men apart only makes you root for them more, and ache for the difficulties they are going through. Particularly once they truly fall for each other.

There are some minor spelling and grammar issues, as well as some writing issues, but once you start reading, these vanish beneath the interest of the story itself, and given that it is a free online story, it's really one of the better ones I've read, despite these issues.

Warnings -
Some violence and assassination attempts against the main characters.

Overall Recommendation -
A high recommendation here for those interested in fantasy worlds.

Link to the story - The Fall of the Dragon King (at Fiction Press)
Author Link - MomsDarkSecret (at Fiction Press)
If you liked this story, try -
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Saturday, August 30, 2014

Review: The Violet and the Tom by Eve Ocotillo

Genre: Historical, Roman
Elements: BDSM, slavery
Rating:

  • Characters - 5 - Each character is unique and real, distinct from each other.
  • Setting - 5 - Roman Europe is a fairly unique historical setting, especially as an AU history, where the Empire never fell. Excellent choices.
  • Plot - 5 - Though the summary leads you to believe it will be one sort of story, it ends up being something quite different all together.
  • Genre Elements - 5 - Both the historical period and the BDSM aspects are very well explored.
  • Voice - 5 - Both of the main characters are very distinct in voice, and easily told apart.
  • Romance Elements - 5 - The romance here is almost frustrating with how slow it builds, but once it's there, it's undeniable.
  • Overall - 5 - One of my all-time favorite stories.
Basic story -
Sylvan is given to a young lord who doesn't want him. What follows is a long period of adjustment for both as they try to adjust to their new life together.

My thoughts -
This story is lovely and rich, and once I'd finished it, I didn't want to leave the world it is set in. The AU Roman setting was intriguing, as I don't read a lot of Roman History romances. I'm sure others exist out there, possibly even with Romance elements, but the AU aspect of it makes this one a little more unique. Really, the alternate history is minor in comparison to the flow of the romance between Sylvan and his owner Nyall.

The slavery is fairly true to Roman times, with a bit of sexual training added to the idea. And when you mix in the BDSM aspects, it's quite fascinating, and something that very much appeals to me. In particular the way the BDSM aspects are the big secret in this story. Especially how the young Lord prefers it. I'll keep that aspect to myself for the readers out there to discover, but trust me, it's a lovely twist on the usual Master/servant story.

Sylvan and Nyall's story as they come together is real and frustrating and beautiful. You feel Sylvan's confusion and upset as Nyall ignores him. And once Nyall starts to accept him, it's so perfect. All you want is for them to come together and be happy with each other, regardless of everything else around them.

The BDSM aspects are perfect. Never once do you get the feeling that either is being coerced or forced into what they do together. Even those moments of hesitance are shown to be a person trying to decide if they want to continue, and not someone unwilling even to try. I highly recommend this one as an interesting primer on BDSM lifestyle.

A very inspiring story, and one I'll go back to often, I think.

Warnings -
Strong BDSM aspects, as well as institutionalized slavery. Also some Romanized aspects of violence, and abuse of slaves.

Overall Recommendation -
Very highly recommended for those interested in BDSM, and for those who like a Roman setting.

Link to the story - The Violet and the Tom (on Fiction Press)
Author Link - Eve Ocotillo (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -
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