Dominic N. Ashen (Author of Steel & Thunder)

Dominic N. Ashen wrote a new blog post March 2025 Hello readers, and hello March! Sorry for the terrible rhyme. Not a lot going on this month, but I do have some good news, and some bad (mostly for me Read more of this blog post »
Mar 05, 2025 06:11AM · like
Dominic Ashen rated a book it was amazing Tisak (Kingdoms of Pelas #2) by Michelle Frost (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
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Feb 18, 2025 01:18PM · like · see review
Dominic Ashen rated a book it was amazing Master of Hounds: Book 1 (Master of Hounds #1) by R.A. Steffan (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Appearances can be everything. Sometimes all you need is to look like you're doing what you're supposed to, and no one bothers to pay attention. But some people have much keener eyes than others. Such is the case in Master of Hounds, by R.A. Steffan. ...more
Jan 21, 2025 11:15AM · 1 like · like · see review
Dominic Ashen rated a book it was amazing The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
For many people, Greek mythology is often the first time a person is introduced to the concept of a “hero.” These myths were also some of the only stories available at a young age that explored any sort of queer themes. And if you were a queer man, y ...more
Oct 16, 2024 02:36PM · 4 likes · like · see review
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Sep 10, 2024 03:25AM · 1 like · like
Dominic Ashen rated a book it was amazing Wynd, Book One: The Flight of the Prince by James Tynion IV	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
When you’re young, and you know you’re “different,” all you ever really want is to feel like you belong. To be like the other kids, to be able to do the things they do, and feel what they feel. But life doesn’t always work out that way. This month I’ ...more
Jul 16, 2024 01:42PM · 2 likes · like · see review
Dominic Ashen rated a book it was amazing A Sticky End (Mitch Mitchell Mystery, #3) by James Lear (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Ever the traveler, murder seems to follow Mitch Mitchel everywhere he goes. Copious amounts of gay sex also seem to follow him, though I’m sure that’s just a coincidence. It’s time to investigate another murder mystery in James Lear’s A Sticky End, t ...more
Jun 18, 2024 11:14AM · 1 like · like · see review
Dominic Ashen made a comment on Bunni ❤️‘S monkey&woo’s review of Service Duty (Steel & Thunder, #4.5) " I'm not sure this review is for the correct book... ...more "
May 13, 2024 03:17PM · see review
Dominic Ashen and 1 other person liked Bunni ❤️‘S monkey&woo's review of Ours (Young, Dumb, and Full of Bad Decisions, #1): "Wow… this felt very biographical and It had me hooked from the first page. A coming of age-sexual awakening and experimentation between three best friends. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review." Read more of this review »
May 13, 2024 10:06AM · see review
Dominic Ashen has read Ours (Young, Dumb, and Full of Bad Decisions, #1) by Dominic N. Ashen (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
May 07, 2024 07:16AM · 2 likes · like

Dominic N. Ashen wrote a new blog post

March 2025

Hello readers, and hello March! Sorry for the terrible rhyme. Not a lot going on this month, but I do have some good news, and some bad (mostly for me Read more of this blog post »

Dominic Ashen rated a book it was amazing

Tisak (Kingdoms of Pelas #2)
by Michelle Frost (Goodreads Author)

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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

People will go to great lengths to protect the ones they love. Whether that be protecting them from someone else’s harm, or even their own. And when you have multiple lovers, things can get a bit complicated. This month I am reviewing Tisak by Michel People will go to great lengths to protect the ones they love. Whether that be protecting them from someone else’s harm, or even their own. And when you have multiple lovers, things can get a bit complicated. This month I am reviewing Tisak by Michelle Frost and Michele Notaro.

Tisak is the second book in the Kingdoms of Pelas series. A sequel to Zyon, which I read last year, it features the same main cast. We have Theon, a young man who only just realized he is a mage, Weylyn, a grumpy gargoyle, Nica, a playful tiger shifter, and Braz, an also-grumpy half-orc. Joining the four of them in both the main cast and their extended romantic relationship is Florin, the personal bed-slave of their former master.

The book picks up not long after the events of Zyon, with our group of men fleeing after their escape from House Natas. On the run and still traumatized from their time as slaves, the men are desperately clinging to each other for reassurance as they navigate their new world together.

Each chapter is told from one of the men's perspectives, switching between all five. As someone who prefers writing characters in first person myself, I liked getting to hear everyone's internal thoughts as the story progressed. That said, with five different characters I did feel it could sometimes be a little difficult for them to stand out from each other.

If it wasn't obvious, this book features a polyamorous romance between the main five characters. This isn't just a free for all, each of the men have specific relationships with each other, complete with pet names. And with a new member joining the family, we get to see how things develop between him and each of the other’s, much like what happened with Theon in the previous book. Additionally, this book’s spicy scenes are spicier than what I remembered from Zyon.

With such a large main cast, there are still plenty of side characters to meet. Sephiran, a slave who fled with our group, Kasper, the leader of the resistance and a fellow gargoyle they come across, and Jedrick, Florin’s mysterious cousin. Each of these characters serves to better flesh out the world of the books. The worldbuilding has been turned up a notch since the first book, our characters no longer confined to a single location.

Not to go into any spoilers, but I did feel the book meandered a bit before I was able to figure out
the direction the plot was taking me. We have a lot of characters to focus on, each with their own goals and needs, but at times it felt like it lacked an overarching larger goal that everyone was working to. Still, I did enjoy some of the detours the story took.

This was a good read! With the three muscular monsters and the two boys they'd do anything to protect, this book will definitely scratch that monster-lover romantasy itch you might be trying to take care of. A third book has not officially been announced yet, but I am certainly interested in continuing the story of this family of fighters. ...more

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Master of Hounds: Book 1 (Master of Hounds #1)
by R.A. Steffan (Goodreads Author)

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Appearances can be everything. Sometimes all you need is to look like you're doing what you're supposed to, and no one bothers to pay attention. But some people have much keener eyes than others. Such is the case in Master of Hounds, by R.A. Steffan. Appearances can be everything. Sometimes all you need is to look like you're doing what you're supposed to, and no one bothers to pay attention. But some people have much keener eyes than others. Such is the case in Master of Hounds, by R.A. Steffan.

Cauis Opppita is a loyal warrior with a tragic, lonely past, having served his country's empire for most of his life. Unfortunately, the people around him are not so loyal, and it seems that the older he gets, the worse things are - until the day he meets Decian. Decian, who is set to be executed all for being the bastard son of the ruling king - not that he is aware of that fact.

The two men could not be more different from each other, and though it's obvious why they don't get along at first, it's also clear that they very much would like to. From their very sudden and forced first meeting they seem to constantly butt heads. The banter between them is adorable, both clearly caring more than they want the other to know. Then when they finally get a moment alone, they’re able to work out their frustrations - and comfort each other despite their surroundings.

The entire impetus for them being stuck together is a last minute plot to save Decian’s life by having him pretend to be someone else, at least until he is able to safely escape and hide somewhere far away. It seems as though there is someone lurking around every corner ready to discover the truth, causing Caius plenty of stress. And the longer he's with Decian, the more he cares for him, and the harder he (and we) knows it will be to say goodbye. Gotta love a good tragically doomed relationship. With all hat danger, there are more than a few action scenes, which I found well written and easy to follow

A few side characters get their own moments to shine, but I’m happy to say the cast is not overloaded. Celine runs the local brothel, a trans woman who at times will see to Caius' particular needs, while also offering counsel on occasion. We have Pip, the young assistant to the royal houndsman, and one of the few in on their secret. And of course the royal family, particularly the three princes, two of them vying to take the crown. The middle child, Kaeto, seems to be especially dangerous, something Caius is well aware of from the start.

This is a fantasy world, though the plot of the story rarely leaves the castle grounds or the surrounding city. Still there are hints of things in the world at large, and of course plenty of political intrigue via the fighting sons of the partially senile king. We get flashes of things like bits of magic that are not fully explained, and implications that something larger is at work, but I could have used a little more worldbuilding. Hopefully the sequels go into more detail!

A fun book, and one that is clearly setting up a larger story. Steffan did a great job in writing these two men, because I am already quite attached to their story, especially since I know there is more to come. Looking forward to reading book two very soon! ...more

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The Song of Achilles
by Madeline Miller (Goodreads Author)

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For many people, Greek mythology is often the first time a person is introduced to the concept of a “hero.” These myths were also some of the only stories available at a young age that explored any sort of queer themes. And if you were a queer man, y For many people, Greek mythology is often the first time a person is introduced to the concept of a “hero.” These myths were also some of the only stories available at a young age that explored any sort of queer themes. And if you were a queer man, you undoubtedly seized onto tales like that of Achilles and Patroclus. A retelling of their ancient story, this month I read The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller.

While the title might have you thinking Achilles will be our POV character, the story is actually told to us by Patroclus. Starting with his life as a young exiled prince, we watch these two young men grow up together. As each of them ages, they learn more about who they are and who they want to be, all while falling in love.

We see the way these two are instantly drawn to each other from their adolescents. Achilles, well aware of his pedigree and potential, often comes off as cocky and aloof to all those around him - everyone except Patroclus. Conversely, Patroclus is much more shy and reserved, and thinks very little of himself. It is only in Achilles presence that he truly begins to thrive and shine.

I’ve loved Greek mythology since I was a child, but often what you can actually read are little more than summaries, not full tales. So to see the events of Achilles myths portrayed and played out was quite enjoyable indeed. Later sections of the book almost read like a retelling of the Iliad, if told solely from the eyes of Patroclus. The author does not shy away from the brutality of the era, but does what she can to lessen its impact on their standing in our eyes.

The world the author has crafted is one with a foot set firmly in the realm of magical realism: the Greek gods exist and are quite powerful. Of particular note is the goddess Thetis, Achilles’ mother. Often appearing suddenly and without warning, she is always described as having an otherworldly quality about her features. Other gods make minor appearances, as do the other heroes of the Iliad like Odyssseus and Ajax, but the focus never strays far from our two young men.

While Miller took care in adapting many of the tales of these two young men's lives, she did not adapt everything. For example, there is no mention of Thetis dipping Achilles into the river styx, nor his weakness being at his ankle. He is simply a powerful demigod, though still mortal. I think it was for the better that minor, almost silly details like these were tossed aside to craft a more realistic and provocative story.

The one complaint I do have comes towards the end of the book. As I mentioned before, much of the later half of the book retells the tale of the Trojan war. That is a lot of story to cram in, and ten years pass within the span of a single chapter. While I understand the limits of a book’s length well, I would have liked to see how these two’s relationship changed as they aged into maturity.
A sincerely wonderful book, filled with romance, action, and drama. No spoilers, but Miller does not stray far from how the events of the Iliad play out, so be prepared. But even as tragic as those myths may end, this is a story filled with hope, and love, and is well worth your time reading. ...more

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Wynd, Book One: The Flight of the Prince
by James Tynion IV

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When you’re young, and you know you’re “different,” all you ever really want is to feel like you belong. To be like the other kids, to be able to do the things they do, and feel what they feel. But life doesn’t always work out that way. This month I’ When you’re young, and you know you’re “different,” all you ever really want is to feel like you belong. To be like the other kids, to be able to do the things they do, and feel what they feel. But life doesn’t always work out that way. This month I’m reviewing Wynd Book One: Flight of the Prince by James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas.

Our main character is also the titular hero, Wynd, a young boy living in Pipetown with his adoptive family made of Miss Molly and her daughter Oakley. He spends his days working in Miss Molly’s tavern, helping get food to customers - though always unseen. And when he isn’t working, he's spying on the son of the royal garden, a beefy, muscular young man named Thorn who regularly jogs shirtless through town. Unknown to him, he has become the object of Wynd’s affections.

For some reason (which we learn as the story progresses), Wynd’s existence - and especially his ears - have to be kept a secret to almost everyone in town. His ears are a sign that he’s been touched by magic, and that just won’t do in Pipetown. Pipetown is the last human refuge in the world after so-called “wild magic” took over the rest of it.

I love books like this, where worldbuilding is just so strange and specific. The way the outside world is described as being dangerous, and how we actually get to witness the way magic can change and “infect” things and people. Even just the setting and Pipetown literally being so dependent on pipework is a fun touch. It’s all hyper specific, well-researched, and works so well with the art.

Speaking of the art (drawn by the talented Michael Dialynas), it's fantastic! Pipetown feels like a living, breathing thing, as do each of its residents. The character designs are fantastic, especially those of the “magical” variety. The colorful and insectoid take on fairies in particular had me wanting to see even more of their kind, and I felt the same with the magically “afflicted” individuals.

I wasn't sure if the “romance” aspect of the book would go anywhere, as while Wynd has a clear crush on Thorn, Thorn has his own feelings for Yorick, the literal prince of Pipetown. While both characters are obviously dealing with their potentially-unrequited romantic feelings, it also isn't clear that they are going to end up together - they’re just two queer men who are forced together by circumstance. Who knows where their path may take them?

The pacing of the story was excellent. Throughout the early issues, we are slowly introduced to the idea that something dark lies beneath the surface of this bright and colorful town. The action and darkness start to ramp up about halfway through, ending in a climax that sets up an even greater story to be told in future issues.

I didn’t quite know what to expect when I first picked up this graphic novel. What I thought would be a cute and fluffy story turned to something dark and unexpected - and I loved it. These issues tell only the beginning of Wynd’s story, and there are many more that follow. I can’t wait to see where his tale leads him next. ...more

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A Sticky End (Mitch Mitchell Mystery, #3)
by James Lear (Goodreads Author)

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Ever the traveler, murder seems to follow Mitch Mitchel everywhere he goes. Copious amounts of gay sex also seem to follow him, though I’m sure that’s just a coincidence. It’s time to investigate another murder mystery in James Lear’s A Sticky End, t Ever the traveler, murder seems to follow Mitch Mitchel everywhere he goes. Copious amounts of gay sex also seem to follow him, though I’m sure that’s just a coincidence. It’s time to investigate another murder mystery in James Lear’s A Sticky End, the third book in the Mitch Mitchell Mystery series.

As with the other books in the series, our main character is Edward “Mitch” Mitchell, a horny young gay doctor who also fancies himself an amateur detective. Normally Mitch would be accompanied on his investigations by his best friend, Harry “Boy” Morgan, but there’s a catch this time: Boy is this murder’s primary suspect.

Just like the other deaths Mitch has come across, he immediately sets to work trying to solve it, and by extension, save his friend from being hanged for it. He also starts making himself some useful allies - PC Knight the young police constable set to watch the murder scene (Mitch seems to have a type), Tippet, a mousy young man who worked for the victim, and Bert, a burly man known for his muscles and big dick. And of course, Mitch fucks them all.

Mr. Lear does a wonderful job at presenting us with the setting, a mid-1900’s London. Each location we visit is described in just enough detail, even the seedy gay bars. It almost makes me wish I could visit that time myself - you know, were it not for the rampant homophobia and racism. The lack of hygiene probably wasn’t great either, but thankfully the author sidesteps all those issues. One thing he does make sure to touch on though, is the homophobia of the time period, and the things people will do - and how they will look the other way - to live the life that they want.

One thing I liked about this book that set itself apart from the last two (particularly the first one) is how introspective Mitch is regarding his own actions and behaviors. Multiple times he wrestles with his inability to keep his dick in his pants, and the habit he has of putting it before his detective work. He is also forced to confront his own emotions.

First for his lover Vince, who things seem to be on the rocks with - which Mitch knows his infidelities only contribute to. But Mitch is also forced to deal with his feelings for Boy Morgan - who he learns has seeming found himself a new male lover. One he seems to share actual feelings for. Needless to say, it makes Mitch intensely jealous. But given his proclivities, he knows he is no saint.

But it’s not like he's not going to be celibate or anything - this is erotica, afterall! This book is packed with fun and seedy sexual encounters of all types. Mitch fucks his way around London and through his own suspect list, with each encounter bringing him closer to the truth - not that he knows it at the time. His dick is like a divining rod for clues.

This was another excellent book in the Mitch Mitchell Mystery series. I laughed, cheered, I got turned on - what more could you ask for? I will be eagerly picking up the fourth novel in the near future, and hope that more are on the way. Mitch has become my own Sherlock Holmes. ...more

Dominic Ashen made a comment on Bunni ❤️‘S monkey&woo’s review of Service Duty (Steel & Thunder, #4.5)

" I'm not sure this review is for the correct book... ...more "

Dominic Ashen and 1 other person liked Bunni ❤️‘S monkey&woo's review of Ours (Young, Dumb, and Full of Bad Decisions, #1):

"Wow… this felt very biographical and It had me hooked from the first page. A coming of age-sexual awakening and experimentation between three best friends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review." Read more of this review »

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Ours (Young, Dumb, and Full of Bad Decisions, #1)
by Dominic N. Ashen (Goodreads Author)

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	Steel & Thunder (Steel & Thunder, #1) 3.93 avg rating — 542 ratings — published 2021 — 7 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Storms & Sacrifice (Steel & Thunder, #2) 4.30 avg rating — 249 ratings — published 2021 — 7 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Secrets & Spires (Steel & Thunder, #3) 4.41 avg rating — 162 ratings — 7 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	My Three Orc Dads (Steel & Thunder, #2.5) 4.04 avg rating — 137 ratings — published 2022 — 5 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Arenas & Monsters (Steel & Thunder, #4) 4.51 avg rating — 107 ratings — published 2023 — 6 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Service Duty (Steel & Thunder, #4.5) 4.29 avg rating — 63 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Crown and the Collar (Kingdom of Claws, #1) 3.96 avg rating — 68 ratings — 5 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Ours (Young, Dumb, and Full of Bad Decisions, #1) 3.79 avg rating — 63 ratings — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Before the Storm (Steel & Thunder, #0.5) 4.24 avg rating — 54 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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