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.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Review: From Afar by Ava March
Genre: Historical, Supernatural
Elements: vampires, bonding
Rating:
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 -
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.
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 -
- The Adorned by John Tristan (Goodreads) (read my review here)
- The Dream of a Thousand Nights by Shira Anthony (Goodreads) (read my review here)
- Blood and Roses by Aislinn Kerry (Goodreads) (read my review here)
- Soulless by T Baggins (on Goodreads) (read my review here)
- Seducing Stephen by Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon (Goodreads) (read my review here)
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Review: Fireflies by Ally Blue
Genre: Fantasy
Elements: magic, faeries
Rating:
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 -
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.
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 -
- Blood and Ash by Kate Aaron (Goodreads)
- The Fall of the Dragon King by MomsDarkSecret (Fiction Press) (read my review here)
- The Dream of a Thousand Nights by Shira Anthony (Goodreads) (read my review here)
- The Mist Behind and the Light Before by Cathalin (AO3)
- The Quartz Key by Lianne Burwell (Online link)
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Review: Blood & Roses by Aislinn Kerry
Genre: Supernatural
Elements: Vampires, prostitution
Rating:
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 -
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.
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 -
- Soulless by T Baggins (on Goodreads) (read my review here)
- Undesirable by Velvet Mace (LJ)
- From Afar by Ava March (on Goodreads) (read my review here)
- Club Trinity by Minxie (AO3) (read my review here)
- The Adorned by John Tristan (Goodreads) (read my review here)
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Review: The Quartz Key by Lianne Burwell
Genre: Fantasy
Elements: magic, soulmates, gods
Rating:
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 -
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.
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 -
- The Fall of the Dragon King by MomsDarkSecret (Fiction Press) (read my review here)
- The Dream of a Thousand Nights by Shira Anthony (Goodreads) (read my review here)
- The Adorned by John Tristan (Goodreads) (read my review here)
- The Prince's Boy by Cecilia Tan (Publisher's site) (read my review here)
- The Ennik Series by Kim Fielding (Goodreads) (read my review here)
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Review: Dream of a Thousand Nights by Shira Anthony
Genre: Fantasy
Elements: Jinn, magic
Rating:
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)
If you liked this story, try -
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.
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)
If you liked this story, try -
- Brendan and the Beast by Czarina Kodora (AO3) (read my review here)
- The Mist Behind and the Light Before by Cathalin (AO3)
- Soulless by T Baggins (on Goodreads) (read my review here)
- The Quartz Key by Lianne Burwell (Online link) (read my review here)
- The Fall of the Dragon King by MomsDarkSecret (Fiction Press) (read my review here)
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Review: Cinder by Marie Sexton
Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale
Elements: magic
Rating:
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 -
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.
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 -
- Cinder by Gryvon (AO3) (read my review here)
- Brendan and the Beast by Czarina Kodora (AO3) (read my review here)
- The Dream of a Thousand Nights by Shira Anthony (Goodreads) (read my review here)
- The Mist Behind and the Light Before by Cathalin (AO3)
- The Fairest in the Land by LuccaAce (FictionPress - unfinished story)
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Review: His Client by Ava March
Genre: Historical, Regency
Elements: BDSM, prostitution
Rating:
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 -
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.
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 -
- Blood and Roses by Aislinn Kerry (on Goodreads)
- Object of His Desire by Ava March (on Goodreads)
- Seducing Stephen by Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon (on Goodreads) (read my review here)
- All in with the Duke by Ava March (on Goodreads)
- Soulless by T Baggins (on Goodreads) (read my review here)
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.
Some good places to check on Goodreads:
Some groups to look into:
Some tags good for finding original stories:
Some places I've found other works:
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:
- M/M Romance group -- you will need to request to become a member, but they're usually pretty good about adding new members.
- M/M Books that are/were available online list
- Favorite Unpublished M/M Stories list
- Unpublished or Free M/M - Scifi/Fantasy Edition list
- Online M/M Stories That Deserve To Be Published list
- Great M/M Webcomics list (not strictly books here, but definitely worth looking at)
- LGBT Webcomics list (ditto above)
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:
- - slash stories -
- Slash, Slash, And Then Some More Slash!
- Slash Love
- Slash Fantasy
- Completed Slash
- Human Prisms
- Slash: Completed Works and Oneshots
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:
- Original Work
- Celtic Mythology
- Greek and Roman Mythology
- Norse Religion and Lore
- Religion & Lore
- Ancient Egyptian Religion
- Arthurian Mythology
- Christian Lore
- Fairy Tales and Related Fandoms
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.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Review: The Fall of the Dragon King by MomsDarkSecret
Genre: Fantasy, Dystopia
Elements: Dragonkin
Rating:
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 -
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.
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 -
- The Adorned by John Tristan (Goodreads) (read my review here)
- The Quartz Key by Lianne Burwell (Online link) (read my review here)
- Undesirable by Velvet Mace (LJ)
- The Ennik Series by Kim Fielding (Goodreads) (read my review here)
- The Prince's Boy by Cecilia Tan (Publisher's site) (read my review here)
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