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.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
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!
And lots more reviews to come, everyone!
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Review: Club Trinity by Minxie
Genre: Supernatural, crime
Elements: BDSM, vampires
Rating:
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 -
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.
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 -
- Undesirable by Velvet Mace (LJ)
- Slavebreakers by Maculategiraffe (free online) (read my review here)
- Under Contract by Helen Saito (Goodreads Page) (read my review here)
- Simon & Sir by MaineBoyXY (Nifty Archive)
- Above the Dungeon by SM Johnson (Goodreads Page)
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:
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 -
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.
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 -
- The Dream of a Thousand Nights by Shira Anthony (Goodreads) (read my review here)
- The Fairest in the Land by LuccaAce (FictionPress - unfinished story)
- Cinder by Marie Sexton (Goodreads Page) (read my review here)
- Fireflies by Ally Blue (on Goodreads) (read my review here)
- The Mist Behind and the Light Before by Cathalin (AO3)
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Review: Sorcerer's Knot by Tali Spencer
Genre: Fantasy
Elements: magic, Cthulhu
Rating:
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 -
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.
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 -
- The Adorned by John Tristan (Goodreads) (read my review here)
- Soulless by T Baggins (on Goodreads) (read my review here)
- Undesirable by Velvet Mace (LJ)
- The Ennik Series by Kim Fielding (Goodreads) (read my review here)
- The Book of Myth by Qui (Fiction Press) (read my review here)
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.
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.
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)
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