I love a good Urban Fantasy story. I also love it when a book shows life from a different perspective. Seymour is an author out of Queensland, AustralI love a good Urban Fantasy story. I also love it when a book shows life from a different perspective. Seymour is an author out of Queensland, Australia, and as you might expect, her tale is one hundred percent Australian. Instantly, all the characters had accents as they read to me from the pages of the book.
For me, as a Canadian, that's a different perspective, one I wasn't expecting and it was a pleasant surprise.
Callum was our lead character, a wolf shifter (not a werewolf, that's different), and professionally was a rule-breaking cop who stumbles upon a case that is already being investigated by the SICB (Supernatural Investigation & Crime Bureau). Quickly, Callum gets seconded over to the SICB where he takes on a lead position in the investigation of a criminal organization that is using the blood of shifters to create a potent elixir for Vampires.
Callum is gruff, likable, unpredictable, and definitely swoon-worthy. Through some twists and turns, the case ends up having ex-pack and family connections which certainly adds to the tension in the book.
Thatch is our romantic interest, Callum's boss at the SICB, and one tough-as-nails law enforcement officer.
I liked the story. There were a few things that didn't work for me, and I had to pull myself back into the story in order to get through it. I desperately wanted more world-building, background on the shifters (there were a handful of different species), how they came about, why they were different than werewolves. There are vampires in the mix too, and play central key figures, but we never really get a good handle on them...and at one point I thought perhaps maybe I had missed a previous book? As far as I can tell this is a stand-alone. For me, I need the magic and culture behind the creature. Some may not need this. So if that's not a prerequisite, you'll never notice.
I've seen some of the other reviews talk about how the romance in this story is insta-love, and I'd have to disagree - somewhat. In shifter lore, there are a lot of stories that revolve around the 'fated mate' trope. Wolves in the wild can form monogamous pairs, although pack alphas will be more promiscuous, and let's face it, evolution favors wild and rampant sex. That's how you ensure the continuation of the species, right? So, as much as Thatch and Callum are attracted to each other and become mates straight away, it fits in with the genre, and so I can't fault that.
The romance is steamy, although there isn't a lot of it - which is fine - it's not the main focus of the book.
The action is certainly well written, and Seymour has her skills well-honed here.
I had a bit of a tough time believing that a cop who has family ties to a case was still allowed to participate in the investigation of that case. Normally, the minute a case establishes close familial ties the affected law enforcement officer is removed in order to mitigate any bias. So again, if you can just go with the flow, and ignore that aspect, you'll be fine.
Overall, I enjoyed the book but was left wanting a little more in terms of the magic and urban fantasy background.
Merged review:
I love a good Urban Fantasy story. I also love it when a book shows life from a different perspective. Seymour is an author out of Queensland, Australia, and as you might expect, her tale is one hundred percent Australian. Instantly, all the characters had accents as they read to me from the pages of the book.
For me, as a Canadian, that's a different perspective, one I wasn't expecting and it was a pleasant surprise.
Callum was our lead character, a wolf shifter (not a werewolf, that's different), and professionally was a rule-breaking cop who stumbles upon a case that is already being investigated by the SICB (Supernatural Investigation & Crime Bureau). Quickly, Callum gets seconded over to the SICB where he takes on a lead position in the investigation of a criminal organization that is using the blood of shifters to create a potent elixir for Vampires.
Callum is gruff, likable, unpredictable, and definitely swoon-worthy. Through some twists and turns, the case ends up having ex-pack and family connections which certainly adds to the tension in the book.
Thatch is our romantic interest, Callum's boss at the SICB, and one tough-as-nails law enforcement officer.
I liked the story. There were a few things that didn't work for me, and I had to pull myself back into the story in order to get through it. I desperately wanted more world-building, background on the shifters (there were a handful of different species), how they came about, why they were different than werewolves. There are vampires in the mix too, and play central key figures, but we never really get a good handle on them...and at one point I thought perhaps maybe I had missed a previous book? As far as I can tell this is a stand-alone. For me, I need the magic and culture behind the creature. Some may not need this. So if that's not a prerequisite, you'll never notice.
I've seen some of the other reviews talk about how the romance in this story is insta-love, and I'd have to disagree - somewhat. In shifter lore, there are a lot of stories that revolve around the 'fated mate' trope. Wolves in the wild can form monogamous pairs, although pack alphas will be more promiscuous, and let's face it, evolution favors wild and rampant sex. That's how you ensure the continuation of the species, right? So, as much as Thatch and Callum are attracted to each other and become mates straight away, it fits in with the genre, and so I can't fault that.
The romance is steamy, although there isn't a lot of it - which is fine - it's not the main focus of the book.
The action is certainly well written, and Seymour has her skills well-honed here.
I had a bit of a tough time believing that a cop who has family ties to a case was still allowed to participate in the investigation of that case. Normally, the minute a case establishes close familial ties the affected law enforcement officer is removed in order to mitigate any bias. So again, if you can just go with the flow, and ignore that aspect, you'll be fine.
Overall, I enjoyed the book but was left wanting a little more in terms of the magic and urban fantasy background....more
Pongratz has created a world in which technology rules over humankind, and most individuals seem complacent to leave the status quo as is - rocking thPongratz has created a world in which technology rules over humankind, and most individuals seem complacent to leave the status quo as is - rocking the proverbial boat is frowned upon. And complacency is expected - human emotions are discouraged. However, as with any dictatorship/overlord type situations, there are bound to be those who actively fight against the regime and an even larger number of those who question their lot in life.
And here's where we find our main character, Rory, caught between an internal battle between being a good citizen, and struggling to assert his own individuality.
The short is an entertaining read of about an hour or so, but it's not light-hearted. Given the current state of our world, and the serious and hard swing to Right-Centered politics and beliefs, and given that globally we've become dependant upon the internet and our handheld devices, there are some striking parallels between Pongratz's short and our own lots in life. One could even say this was a cautionary tale of things to come for the human race.
I had the opportunity to read this as a beta reader, and for those of you who don't know what that is - it's assisting the author by reading the work in a near-finished state. I was able to weigh in on points throughout the story and pick the author's brain. It's an interesting exercise and I would encourage anyone who had the opportunity to jump all over it, dive in, and rip your way through the story.
I would have loved to see more development in this world. I desperately wanted to know how society got to where they were and was it social media that took them down? Was there an all-encompassing app that everyone downloaded that started the dystopian nightmare? But despite wanting more, the author was steadfast on their decision to maintain the story length as a short. And in some ways, I have to agree.
Conscience is a haunting look into the possibility of our own future, and the questions it makes you ask about how and why made me evaluate our current society.
I think we're headed down the wrong path, and right into a dystopian technological horror.
As much as I enjoyed Mapping the Forest, I LOVED Braving the Rapids. The writing was tighter, the plot more substantial and the twists and turns in thAs much as I enjoyed Mapping the Forest, I LOVED Braving the Rapids. The writing was tighter, the plot more substantial and the twists and turns in the story were magnificent.
Same group of friends within the Colorado Rocky Mountain town of Estes Park, this time featuring Todd and Matt. Todd is part of that group of guys, and Matt has some interesting ties. I won't spill the beans, I want you to read it, but Matt was really set up in Mapping the Forest as a real piece of work. He was the character you wanted to hate. And in this tale, we get to see the story from his perspective. It's a clever turn about on Witt's part, and he executed it masterfully.
Todd has always had a crush on Matt. Matt has always noticed, but considering his history, and how he's viewed by Todd's friends, he knows he won't be well received. And so, despite his attraction to Todd, he ignores it, knowing it won't end well.
I really don't want to spoil the plot for anyone, because it's really well done. Witt has marvelously created a deeply emotional character in Matt, who is struggling to be a better version of themselves. He stumbles, he fails, but in the end comes out as a strong, handsome, responsible and caring lover, and more.
Todd on the other hand is mired in his own difficulties centered around family. Struggles that are far too real. Homophobia from family, navigating through stained relationships because of it, but still hanging on to family ties because, well, you're family...and then having to care for aging parents. It's a tough road. And one most of us will at one point or another have to travel.
One of the things I enjoy most about Witt's romances is the vulnerability of his main characters. You feel their pain, and jump the life hurdles with them - the challenges faced are the beasts we all have to conquer. Those battles leave scars. They form us into unique individuals. Witt has an undeniable ability to bring this home. I love getting lost in his worlds because I know that at the end of the novel, things will have worked themselves out.
And in today's world, a little bit of hope, and feel-good romance is an escape we all need.
On top of that, Witt has also created a lovely romance novel for those of us over the age of forty. Love really does happen at all points in our lives, and it's wonderful to be able to read about it.
So, once again, a big "Thank you!" to Mr. Witt for transporting us away from the world's problems, and giving us a little bit of hope and happiness....more
As this book was previously published it already has a slew of reviews, but with 167 ratings on Goodreads, it still has an average of over 4 stars. ThAs this book was previously published it already has a slew of reviews, but with 167 ratings on Goodreads, it still has an average of over 4 stars. That has to tell you something.
I rated this pretty high, despite one issue that got under my skin.
The set up is brilliant. Settled within the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Estes Park is a mountain town that relies heavily on tourist season in order for it to survive. Living in Edmonton, Alberta, we have two very similar towns ourselves - Banff, Alberta, and Jasper, Alberta. Both of which are small tourist towns, nestled among the Canadian Rockies, and both VERY worthwhile a visit in either the winter or summer seasons. Having been to both these towns on numerous occasions, I can tell you Witt has nailed the ambiance and feel to perfection. After reading the book, I longed for another trip to visit the mountains.
Within this town, a small group of gay men have banded together and become the best of friends. The dynamics within this group are fun and relatable. There's a notable side character who owns the bookstore in town, a character none other than, Rosalind Abel. Readers of The Lavender Shores series will immediately get this reference...and brilliant set up. Well Done, Mr. Witt, well done, indeed.
The story centers around Gabe, a struggling part-time Forest Ranger, big, burly and furry, who by chance ends up on a tourist Steak and Ride where he meets a handsome Latin bear, who strums the guitar and sings like an angel, Louis.
Gabe is over thirty, and still looking to find the right guy, along with struggling with whether or not his job is the right place for him. Louis had that love of his life once, but after a tragic accident, has been left a widower. The struggle is mostly with Louis in coming to terms with the death of his husband, in letting go, and in being able to accept a new love into his heart.
There were times that the grief-stricken Louis was almost a bit much - but then death affects us all very differently, and although I personally have had to deal with the death of close loved ones, I've never had to come to terms with losing a partner/significant other.
What I truly cherished about this story was the fact that the romance centered around a man of colour, and men over the age of thirty - in fact, Louis is over forty. It's nice to see romantic tales of guys who are a little bit older. Gabe is described as muscled and furry, whereas Louis, although furry, and with muscles, also has a belly. Stories with these kinds of characters immediately go to the "My Favourites" pile because most of the romance novels out there are guys in their twenties, who are ripped and muscled, and usually smooth. This is more relatable. It's more real life and the main characters are just like me. Older, furry, and with a little belly. Diversity and inclusion in literature matters!
So, Mr. Witt, please continue to write about guys who are just like us. A little older (okay, a lot older), not quite in the best shape of our lives, and furry. It's nice to see that we can have happy endings too....more
I have to be honest, I just wasn’t sure I was going to like this story – and it has nothing to do with Reed’s writing – I’m a die-hard fan. I honestlyI have to be honest, I just wasn’t sure I was going to like this story – and it has nothing to do with Reed’s writing – I’m a die-hard fan. I honestly haven’t read a single Reed novel I didn’t gush over and love to death.
Bear with me here (pun intended). Chaser, Chaser: Book One is a story about Caden and Kevin and how the two find romance wading through the rough waters of body image – something that is a huge issue within the gay community. As a bearish kinda guy myself, I truly latched onto the characters in this novel. It’s one of my favorites. Bobby, our main character in Raining Men, Chaser: Book Two is Caden’s best friend, and in the first installment, Bobby is a complete and utter asshole. I HATED him. Imagine my chagrin reading an entire novel about Bobby. That was a “No, thank you” moment.
But I had the chance to talk to Mr. Reed about Raining Men. He told me it was one of his favorite novels to write because we get to see life from Bobby’s perspective. Reed got the opportunity to give Bobby a backstory, a personality, and humanity that we could understand, and warm up to. We, as readers, get to watch the transition and growth Bobby makes. It was a space where the villain is turned into an anti-hero.
Damn you, Mr. Reed once again you did not disappoint. I started this novel with hate and malice towards the main character stuck in my craw. And then slowly, I came to realize why Bobby is such a mess. We see his journey on his acceptance of being a sex addict. We get to understand the dynamics of his past relationship with his father, and how he transferred his perceived lack of love into attempting to fill that void with constant anonymous sex. We watch Bobby grow.
Enter Aaron. Aaron who has already traveled down the road Bobby is starting out on. Aaron who is calm, understanding, non-judgemental, and a steady point, a foothold for Bobby on his path to recovery. Not gonna lie – Aaron was described as a total hottie – which made me want everything in this story to work out.
There are lots of emotions to unpack from this book. Reconciliation with family, dealing with loss (of all kinds, but particularly the death of a parent), accounting for past actions, admission of past sins, reconnecting with those who have been hurt, and then finding self-acceptance, love, compassion, and healthy relationships.
Reed was right to love this story. It was an interesting journey for myself to go from hating the main character to feeling sympathy for him. But it went beyond that as well. Towards the end, I was rooting for Bobby – because damn it all – we all deserve second chances and the ability to change. In the course of a lifetime, we all grow. And so did Bobby.
Honestly, my blog has become a tribute to Rick R. Reed – quite by chance, and certainly not my intent – but I can’t begin to say how much I really enjoy his writing. It’s well crafted, it’s real, it’s 100% relatable and every story resonates either within myself, or I can pick out people from my life who I know have lived similar stories. Reed’s tag line is Real Men, Real Love – and it’s such a perfect phrase.
Reed captures the experience of gay life and portrays it honestly in his Romance novels. If you haven’t picked up any of his numerous works – you really should. You won’t be disappointed....more
I'm sorry - it just didn't resonate for me - although I will say...there are snippets of writing gold throughout the story! The author has a fantasticI'm sorry - it just didn't resonate for me - although I will say...there are snippets of writing gold throughout the story! The author has a fantastic way of describing the environment and Misery Falls really came alive for me because of that.
Marah, our main character, is a complicated creature - and the frenetic pace of the story, really paralleled well with everything I remembered about high school anxiety, and teenage angst.
What I struggled with was the dialogue. I didn't feel like each character had a unique voice to differentiate them, and they were all very politically correct with responses that I don't expect out of adults nevermind teenagers. Because of that, the dialogue was jarring, and (again, for me) didn't really resonate with how I would see high schoolers talking - but now you have to keep in mind that I was in high school in the late 80's, and let's face it, the times have changed!
There was also a lot going on - too much - again, for me - all my perspective. I think I would have settled into, and gone with the story a little easier if the characters had tackled just one or two issues.
Throughout the entire novel, I was waiting to find out the backstory, and after I had concluded the tale, we still didn't know why there was a vampire, or where Angela, Marah, & Melissa got their powers from! I love a little mystery, and things to keep you guessing, but that aspect killed me. I desperately needed to know a little about how and why magical powers suddenly manifested, or how the vampire came to be.
This is the second book in the Young Adult category that just didn't jive well for me. That might have more to do with how the genre is approached from a writing style? I'm not entirely sure. Either way, as I said above, there are snippets throughout the book that are fantastically written and made the scenes come alive. I think a lot of young adult readers might enjoy this....more
After a couple of weeks of sitting on this...I've changed my star rating to 5/5. Here's why.
This is a fantastic quick read, full of relatable first-tiAfter a couple of weeks of sitting on this...I've changed my star rating to 5/5. Here's why.
This is a fantastic quick read, full of relatable first-time anxiety over the beginnings of a relationship. It's sweet, steamy, and fun, and as I haven't really found a whole lot of books that center around bears (which I love), I'll be sure to read the entire series....more
Let's face it, writing is hard. Personally, I think horror is one of the harder genres to nail down because let's face it, not everyone is scared of tLet's face it, writing is hard. Personally, I think horror is one of the harder genres to nail down because let's face it, not everyone is scared of the same thing, right? For one person it's spiders, for the next, it's small enclosed spaces. What drives our fear is very personal and individualistic. When you start out to write a horror novel, you have a big task in front of you. How do you terrify your readers?
Turns out the definition of horror literature is a little broader. A story is considered to fit into the horror genre if the writer instills feelings of terror, dread, repulsion, and fear. I would argue disgust also should be added as well.
Reed has, as I mentioned above, nailed it. And in this tale, the antagonist uses whatever knife he can get his hands on to get the job done. He also preys on something that any gay man will resonate with - dating apps. Now, I'm a married guy and have been for a very long time, so the dating app scene came long after I was already hitched. But I've watched friends use them for years. Meet someone through pictures (or not), instant message them, have a conversation and decide to hook up. There's a lot of misplaced trust going into this scenario. How well do you know this stranger? Maybe a little, perhaps not at all. Reed plays on this - one of our most basic primal instincts - the need for sex - and creates a world where inviting strangers over for a good time, turns out to be the worst, and the last time.
I personally have a thing with metal going into the skin. Always have, always will. It's the sensation of the foreign object embedded where it doesn't belong, and the pain associated with the penetration of the metal through layers of tissue.
For those who do not deal well with graphic depictions of violence, or blood, or any of the other tags listed above, this is NOT the book for you. Reed takes us on a disturbing journey by using multiple points of view in the first person so that we can live each part of the story.
In one chapter, you're the victim.
In the next chapter, you're the cop trying to figure out what the hell is going on.
And then you're in the head of the killer, seeing what makes him so twisted and vile.
The backstories for each of the characters put on display are intriguing. Some are rather non-descript, or 'every day'. We all know people who would fit. And then the story of the killer is so incredibly bizarre, and yet believable, you're too fascinated to put the book down.
The other thing I loved about this book is that Reed went with a killer who is described as waifish, and elf-like. Small and petite. How could someone so fragile looking end up holding so much power and sway over his victims? How could he have gotten away with murder so many times over? And yet, he does.
Reed had me thoroughly repulsed, not only with the violent acts, but with the warped thoughts of the killer, the toxic relationships he endured in his family, and his sexual abuse. All of these layers contributing to the rage that created a serial killer.
It was fascinating.
And, for those who like some sexy fun times in their books, Reed had me hooked on Ed Comparetto's love life with the sexy librarian, Peter. Ed had several character failings and was at a very low point in his life throughout this tale, but his relationship with Peter was a highlight. One that kept him alive, and one that made you want to cheer him on because he deserved Peter in his life.
I've always said there are at least two good markers of a really good book:
1.) I don't really want to put it down. If I zoom through a tale, I know it had me hooked (Check)
2.) If I feel something...shed a tear, laugh out loud, or in this case, felt anxiety and nausea from the horrific crime scenes, then the author has done their job. (Check)
Reed has lots of books available. Third Eye is next on my list. What will be yours?...more
I’m sure that many of you have already guessed that if a story has demons in it, I’m down. In fact, chances are pretty good I’m gonna like it.
Amara LyI’m sure that many of you have already guessed that if a story has demons in it, I’m down. In fact, chances are pretty good I’m gonna like it.
Amara Lynn is a new author to me. If this short is any indication of the fantastical, post-apocalyptic dream-worlds they are capable of creating, SIGN. ME. UP.
The landscape was devastated. The demons were on the prowl, and amidst the chaos and destruction, we have our main character, Rom, half-human, half-angel, who stumbles across Yuli, half-human, half-demon.
There’s a little bit of ‘fated romance’, and after all, the tag line is ‘star crossed lovers’, so if that isn’t your thing, you may not enjoy the instant attraction, but I was game. Here’s why.
I see a lot of people saying, “I don’t go in for that ‘love at first sight’, or ‘fated-romance’ stuff – it’s just not realistic.”
Oh, mon cheri, but it is! It really is. Now, I’ll concede there are times when the “I LOVE YOU” falls out of a character’s mouth too quickly, but I am the first person to tell you that chemistry, synergy, attraction, and lust are often the driving force(s) behind a quick pull, of two people, together.
After all, in my younger, single, carefree days as a young gay man, I was hunting down my next conquest based on those qualities above. So, pooh on all of you who shun the natural forces that enabled me with so many dates – I say – More of it, please.
Now, relationships aside, the magic is interesting but left me wanting more, and with all short stories I find there’s a bit of an element of “Oh, that happened fast.” I would love to see this little short expanded into an entire novel.
Why did the world end? Did the demons do it? Was it, like, biblical? Or just one demon who got super pissed off at their less than equitable pay for a dirty deed? Maybe it was the angels! Damn…did God just have a bad day? Or was it climate change?
See? So many questions. In the end, I think that’s the crux of a good story. It sucks you in, makes you demand more – and even after a week’s passing since I read Rom and Yuli, I can still remember the way Yuli’s wings felt.
Well done Amara Lynn. I will look forward to reading another creation of yours!...more
Every now and again you come across a book where you swear the author set about creating a list of words, a vernacular guide for their novel. It’s almEvery now and again you come across a book where you swear the author set about creating a list of words, a vernacular guide for their novel. It’s almost as if each word used within the story was carefully selected to fit the feel and style of the world being created in the book. This is how I felt reading Harrow’s Empire of Light.
Damian is our main character and a perfect example of a diamond in the rough. He’s a gun for hire, an outlaw, and madly in love with Aris – a relationship that constantly gets him into more trouble than seemingly it’s worth – but then, love conquers all, right?
There are twists and turns, political intrigue, gunfights, violence of all sorts, explosions, betrayals, deaths galore, all taking place in a broken down section of society that is described perfectly as nowhere you’d ever want to be. Harrow’s world-building skills are to be commended. The scenes in my head as I read the book were picture perfect and I have no doubt this would make a most entertaining visual should it ever be made into a Netflix original.
And then we have The Voyance. Throughout the story, we are treated to small snippets of wondrous, out-of-control magic (psionic abilities?), that seem random and unfocused until we progress through the book and find that those trained can tap into their abilities and accomplish great feats. Harrow has been clever with this element of magic. There’s always a danger that magic can solve all problems. In Empire of Light, the Voyance is to be feared as a dangerous disease. Those who have it are hunted and exterminated, or ‘cleansed’ leaving the individual a former shell of themselves (think lobotomy). Having the ability is also a death sentence, as the magic burns through your body, using it up. However, Harrow never really tells us where this ability arose from, or the history of it. We don’t really have a full understanding of its limitations or its strengths. Normally that’s a thorn that will stick in my side and drive me wild, but in this tale, it works. There’s a yearning now to know more.
Empire of Light is an extraordinary dystopian story. It is gritty and raw, and from the list of trigger warnings listed above, definitely not for the faint of heart. But if broken-down sci-fi set in a political nightmare, focusing on the most marginalized community, and seeing heroes arise is your jam, then get the peanut butter and bread, because this is one hell of a tasty sandwich....more
I love Isabelle Adler's writing, and I'm a huge fan of her Castaway Prince books, so I was surprised that this one passed by my noMore like 4.5 stars.
I love Isabelle Adler's writing, and I'm a huge fan of her Castaway Prince books, so I was surprised that this one passed by my notice.
Adler's characters are very vivid. They are quite real to me and I have no problem creating them as real people in my mind's movie version that I create as I read any book. Ty is our main character, and he's gruff, rough, and reserved, but still a little soft on the inside. Cary, the love interest, is equally as rough, having had a bit of a difficult upbringing and making some previously poor life choices, but he is certainly the more demonstrative and sensitive of the two.
Adler played up the tug of war of emotions between these two characters really well, and I enjoyed the tension that arose between them as they willfully ignored their blossoming relationship. It was also a bit refreshing to see Adler let the two gay men have sex right off the bat instead of agonizingly making me wait until they had resolved their emotional issues. In fact, I find this plays out like this in the real world more often than not. Now, not always, but when I was a fresh, young, gay guy, having a one night stand with someone was relatively common, and then that encounter often led to a friendship and on the rare occasion, a relationship. Adler's story here mimicked my real-life and I loved that. It was relatable. <-- that's a key element in a really good story!
The magic was interesting, and clearly has a whole set of dynamics layered into the human fabric, like, who has it, and who doesn't. Even if you do have it, not everyone can wield it the same as the next person. But, we are left wondering where magic came from, the extent of its powers, the rules...and I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. It certainly left me wanting to read more. <--- there's another key element in a really good story.
We had a couple of twists and turns. There was more than one villain. And there was pain and struggle in order to come to the book's conclusion. <---Yet a third element of a really good story. Something that is difficult to wrangle in a good Urban Fantasy tale is how to come to a satisfying conclusion without magic fixing everything. Adler was able to do this, and in fact, it was the mighty sorcerer who is too cocky and confident in his powers that led him to his ultimate downfall. See, kids, magic doesn't solve everything!
Now, it says this is Book 1 of the Fae Touched series, and I certainly hope I get to see more of Ty and Cary. They make a good couple, and I'm curious to see where this all goes....more
This is the first book I've read from Chris Bedell. I'll admit Young Adult is not normally my jam, but the concepts in this novel intrigued me. After This is the first book I've read from Chris Bedell. I'll admit Young Adult is not normally my jam, but the concepts in this novel intrigued me. After all, how can you possibly pass up a story where the main character ends up with a Grim Reaper boyfriend!
There were lots of twists and turns in this read, sometimes at a dizzying pace, but certainly, enough to make this a quick and fun romp.
Not everything in this book gelled well with me, and that might be because of the audience it's targeted for. There's a lot of sweet romance and high school shenanigans - which, if that's your thing, you'll most likely enjoy this story. For me, it was a little too tender. I yearn for the gritty darkness. I want my horror steeped in blood and terror, and I want my paranormal creepy and filled with gruesome characters.
That's not Deathly Desires. The main character, Cody, has gone through some difficult times. The recent death of his mother plays into the stress and life-struggle of a teenager in high school, not to mention that last summer he may have had a hand in the disappearance of one of his friends/not really a friend/could have been a boyfriend, but in the end, wasn't a very nice person anyway/so, sorry if he might be dead?
See, lots going on.
Sometimes the conversations between the characters were too polite, and the situations within the story too easily resolved. But again, that might be more from my expectations of the story set too high whereas the Young Adult reading audience may find this just right.
It all depends on how you like your oatmeal - right Goldilocks? For me, not hot enough, not gory enough, not paranormally enough, but for the right reader, it might be just perfect.
I suppose I should have done a quick review of each of the three books in this series, but they really are one extended story, so I’m going to lump itI suppose I should have done a quick review of each of the three books in this series, but they really are one extended story, so I’m going to lump it all into one big review.
Feeley has done a wonderful job with this easy, sweet, and yet often heartbreaking story of two people who, quite by chance, come together and find out how well they each complement and enrich each other.
The first book is about origins, who each of the characters is, and what their lives have been up to the point where the two main characters meet. David is a mature man in his forties, about to be divorced (from a woman), a well-paid lawyer with extensive resources, but emotionally deprived of intimacy. Aaron is young, with a wealth of experience under his belt as a war vet battling daily struggles with PTSD, to a troubled past relationship with an addict. He’s also one smart dude having graduated from Harvard.
Circumstances bring these two together. Not a combination you’d think would work, and yet…
Feeley utilizes colors throughout the entire series to set the tone and the mood. It’s wonderful. Gray can be everything from gloomy, to the warmth of a blanket wrapped around you. A lighter shade of blue might inspire hope, and clear skies, whereas violet might make you think of the dawn of morning, or perhaps impending danger. Feeley wraps a multitude of hues throughout this story to give it texture and depth.
I always enjoy reading stories from #ownvoices authors. There’s a certain amount of magic that comes when the words they pull together are steeped in personal experience and history. Too many times throughout these books I was nodding to myself, thinking, “yup, been there.” Even though all the circumstances may not fit, the feel and the emotions embedded within the tale strike a chord that resonates with my own reality. And I will say the way Feeley wove in the emotions Aaron experiences during his panic and anxiety attacks should give any reader a deeper sense of understanding of the demons so many have to face on a day to day basis.
And damn it all, Feeley, you had me shedding tears on public transit, and laughing out loud. A first good sign of a great tale. A second? The fact that I read three books in the space of a week. They aren’t long, but they pulled me in and made me want more.
I loved the May/December romance of Aaron and David, and I wish them both a long and happy life together. (See, I actually think they’re real people.)
Feeley has several books published but writes in multiple genres. This is one author who has gone onto my “Yup, I’ll buy that author, list.” Go check him out....more
White has done one bang-up job in this tale. The novel is cleverly crafted between different points of view. The first-person point of view is used foWhite has done one bang-up job in this tale. The novel is cleverly crafted between different points of view. The first-person point of view is used for all of the scenes that are happening in the here and now. When the author dives into the past, the writing narrative switches to the third person past tense. In addition, the story is told to us from both of the main characters; Billie and Clare.
Billie and Clare are best friends and neighbors in small-town America, where every house is hiding some secret. This book has several. We get to watch as these two grow up together, experience the trials of childhood, snippets of the teenage years and finally into young adulthood. Clare seems to have traveled well on her journey and yet we get clues, sometimes very subtle, other times told quite loudly, that all is not as it might seem.
Billie, on the other hand, has had one hell of a journey. Growing up in an abusive and toxic environment, thanks to an alcoholic stepfather, we see the end results of Billie’s formative years spent in fear. But, is the abuse his step-father delivers to every member of the family the reason why Billie is the way he is?
Billie likes blood. In fact, he needs it. Which gives this tale an incredibly different take on Vampires. “The Other” is Billie’s way of describing the cravings that overtake him, the indescribable need for blood. White holds our hand at the beginning of this tale and shows us (plausibly) how step-daddy’s anger and lashing out slowly turns Billie into someone who finds satisfaction in the coppery taste of life-giving blood. From the journey’s first steps of self-harm to animal hunting, to human murder.
The pivot point in this novel is the death of Billie’s mother. As the reader, we are left guessing, sort of, how the murder happened. Again, White leads us down a path of suspicion that would have you believe that Frank (the stepfather) is the murderer. But then maybe was it Billie?
Believe me, the truth of it all, I didn’t see coming. And that’s kind of how I found the whole book. I just didn’t see it coming. You suspect that something’s up – like when you pay money at the movie theater for a horror movie – you know what you’ve signed up for, yet you still end up jumping in your seat at the scary moments.
This is what White’s done. Clever. Very, very clever. “Look here, let’s walk down this path. Isn’t it dark and scary? See the shadows and the gnarled old roots of the giant trees?” And then something completely wild and unsuspected jumps out and leaves you breathless.
That’s The Other Inside.
At the end of the book, the author has her bio listed and some interesting information. The ‘vampirism’ in this tale is modeled after a real-life condition (not truly recognized yet) as Renfield Syndrome. I encourage you to read the extra page. It will send shivers down your spine.