Crescendo – Song of the Fallen Book II
by admin on Nov.24, 2011, under Fantasy, Romance
History made them enemies. Chance made them master and slave. Love overcame it all. But love isn’t always enough…
Bridging the hatred of centuries did not come easy for Freyrík Farr and Ayden Vaska. As prince of a war-torn human province, Freyrík could ill afford to fall for an enemy. And Ayden, and elven warrior with three hundred years of bitterness in his heart, wanted no part of love–not elven, and especially not human. Yet they came together despite themselves and despite the will of their peoples, joining heart and mind to fight a race of Dark Beasts threatening the extinction of mankind.
But the Dark Beast threat pales beside the dangers of the human High Court, home of the Aegis Exalted and the harshest test yet of Ayden’s and Freyrík’s fledgling love.
While Ayden is stripped of his magic, Freyrík is forced to choose between his love for elf, Aegis, and brother, all the while seeking the one uncertain path that might save his doomed race. Time is fast running out for mankind, and only by making peace amongst themselves and with their ancient elven enemies can they end the Dark war–and undo the tragedy that’s plagued humans, elves, and Dark Beasts alike for the last three hundred years.
Its been a long wait, but Finally , Crescendo- Song of the Fallen Book II has hit the streets.
Crescendo is the second book in the series and the sequel to Counterpoint which I have previously reviewed. As you will see from that review, It was an instant hit, a well developed story with characters that leap out from the page and grab both your attention and imagination. Counterpoint ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger, so it was with eager anticipation that I set forth on this second book.
Boy, it does not dissapoint!
Within the first few pages, I was hooked again, the months of waiting for the release of this book faded into nothing and the story continued as though I had only finished reading the previous book yesterday. The way Haimowitz weaves the intricate lives of both characters, each with differing loyalties and needs, but with a single love that transcends all their problems, is a skill I have rarely seen bettered. The way in which this story develops and unfolds, makes it feel comfortable and familiar, despite the fact its a Fantasy novel with little frame of reference in the real world. I found myself engaged as though I was there with the characters through all their trials and tribulations. Indeed, when I read these books, it is so easy to visualise the scene’s as though I was watching a movie. During the Scenes with the Aegis, I could not get the image of Rob Baratheon, from the HBO Game of Thrones (played my the great Mark Addy), out of my head, which shows how well developed and believable even the supporting characters within this book are.
It is a shame that M/M romance is such a niche market. This story IMHO deserves, if not demands a wider audience. This story is without question as engaging and enjoyable as any Fantasy novel I have read, and dare I say it on par with the great Tolkien himself, however the dynamics within the story only work on a M/M level and therefore I feel will be overlooked by the majority.
As to the future of Freyrik and Ayden, the finale of this book certainly give this chapter of their lives some closure, but I feel the door is certainly open for future adventures. In some respects I would love to read more adventures with these characters, but I also feel like this book ended on such a high, it would be a tribute to leave it there. Only time will tell. One thing is for sure, this reviewer certainly has Rachel Haimowitz in his cross-hairs for future reviews, and hopes that there is more Elven fantasy on the horizon.
What They Always Tell Us
by admin on Aug.25, 2011, under Coming of Age, High School
James: Popular, smart, and athletic, James seems to have it all. But the only thing James really wants is his college acceptance letter, so he can get far away from Alabama after high school. He’s tired of the same old parties; the tennis team; his so-called girlfriend, Alice; his ex, Clare – and especially his quiet younger brother, Alex. In a town where secrets are hard to keep, everyone knows what Alex did at the annual back-to-school party. The only question is why.
Alex: With his friends no longer talking to him and his brother constantly in motion, Alex is prepared to get through junior year on his own. And he would, if his ten-year-old neighbor, Henry, didn’t keep showing up, looking for company. Even James seems intrigued by Henry, and by the strange cars that come and go from his house across the street. But what Alex cares most about is running, and when he’s encouraged to try out for cross-country, he’s surprised to find more than just a supportive teammate in his brother’s friend Nathen.
Thoughtful and moving, What They Always Tell us is a powerful debut novel about the bond between two brothers – and the year that changes everything.
*sigh*
I once went to the Tate Modern Gallery in London, an attempt to broaden my knowledge in the arts. I remember standing in front of one piece of art, which was a blank piece of cotton canvas, framed in a perfect square. A diagonal slit had been made in the canvas at a 45 degree angle about 6 inches in length. There was a small crowd around the canvas uttering statements like, “Its so bold”, “You can really feel the anger”, one had actually said, “I think this perfectly portrays the social crisis of our time”. I looked back at the artwork. I saw a blank canvas with a cut in the middle of it. I desperately wanted to see what they saw, but no matter how hard I tried I just saw it for what it was.
So why do I start this review with a trip down memory lane?
Unfortunately this book falls into the same bracket for me. I chose to read this book because of all the wonderful reviews and 4.5-5 star ratings. Within 5 minutes of starting to read this book, something seemed off. It felt awkward, and unfamiliar. It finally dawned on me why. The book is written in present tense. This is the first book I have ever read in that format and I am sorry to say it will probably be the last. I read some articles on present vs past tense narration.. Some believe it brings a sense of urgency and immediacy to the book, engaging the reader as though unknown events are playing themselves out for the first time in front of the readers eyes. For me, I was standing in front of a blank canvas in front of a diagonal slit again. I just didn’t get it.
The story itself is also fairly ordinary, although I did like the way the author interleaves the chapters between the two different viewpoints of Alex and James which get closer and closer as the book draws to an end. The romance storyline between Alex and Nathan, never really feels as though it develops sufficiently, and we really are left at the end of the book not really knowing how that relationship develops. James’s story again is fairly ordinary, worrying about getting accepted to college, relationship angst, and the strained relationship with his own brother. There was also a third story arc to the book, around a small boy called Henry who is a neighbour of Alex and James but in my opinion, that plot brings nothing of any real relevance to the book.
I fully expect there will be a bus load of people who will disagree with this review, the rave reviews on other sites are testament to that. However I see those reviews akin to the crowd I saw in the Tate Modern, I am at a loss as to what all the fuss is about.
I highly recommend downloading a sample of this book from Amazon or B&N before committing to a purchase. I think it will be apparent within the first few pages whether this book is for you or not.
Peter
by admin on Aug.23, 2011, under Coming of Age
Pressured by his peers and society to conform to the stereotyped macho image, fifteen-year-old Peter feels both confused and repelled. His confusion and his horror increase when he finds himself attracted to his brother”s best friend, David, who is gay. Here is a daring, exceptionally honest novel about sexuality and the need to be true to oneself. Peter shares his every muddle and perception with us, and his candor just might help us find our own way.
Peter by Kate Walker is a very easy read indeed. The style of writing is very much aimed at the Young Adult market and may lack complexity for more mature readers. The story takes place over a week in the life of Peter Dawson during school vacation. He has few friends except for Tony, a sex obsessed Italian 15 year old, however he does seek something more and rides around with a group of trail bike riders. During this week, certain events take place where the group turn on him becuase he is seen innocently shopping with one of his brothers older friends who happens to be gay. Eventually events take place that have Peter questioning his own sexuality.
This is where some more mature readers may feel the book is let down. Peter has little question around his sexuality until about 80% way through the book and goes from straight, to questioning, to gay, within only a few pages. Such complex emotions are rarely so simple to come to terms with and in my opinion may make young adult readers who are coping with their own emotions feel more confused as to why it isnt so simple for them.
That aside, the book is not without merit. I loved the way Kate uses the differences in opinion between Peters Mother and Father to debate the arguments around sexuality. I loved the way that Peters brother Vince, is the a-typical older, superior brother, who again takes the news of the possibility that Peter could be Gay in his stride and shrugs it off with a “so what?”.
I flew through this book in an afternoon, and I certainly recommend it for the Young Adult market who are looking for a light read, but if your looking for a complex story with in depth character development and plot, I’d probably give this one a miss.
Hell’s Pawn
by admin on Aug.19, 2011, under Paranormal, Romance
John Grey is dead… and that’s just the beginning.
Purgatory should have been a safe haven for souls that belong neither in Heaven nor Hell, but instead John finds himself in a corrupt prison, one bereft of freedom or pleasure. Along with his decedent friend Dante, John makes a brave escape, only to fall straight down to Hell and into the arms of Rimmon, a handsome incubus. John is soon recruited as Hell’s ambassador, visiting the afterlife realms of other cultures to enlist an army strong enough to stand against Heaven. As interesting as his new job is, John’s mind keeps returning to Purgatory and the souls still trapped there. Somehow John must stop a war he doesn’t believe in and liberate Purgatory, all while desperately trying to attract the attention of an incubus whose heart belongs to another.
Jay Bell continues to surprise with his literary prowess.
Hell’s Pawn is an incredible work of fantasy fiction. A roller coaster of a ride that dives head first into mythology and religion in its many guises and forms. Bell uses the differing constructs to weave a story that is both engaging but also, whether intentional or not, an education in its own right. Bell has a commanding grasp of his chosen subject matter and the research he has done in this field is obvious.
The story centres around John Grey, or more precisely his soul, caught in the no man’s land of Purgatory, neither being Heaven nor Hell. All is not right in this world however John manages to escape only to find himself in Hell. Here he meets Rimmon, an Incubus who is sent to seduce John in order to win his favour in support of a task that Hell requires of him.
His task is to amass an army, rallying the Gods of other realms and religions to join the Legions of Hell in attempting to bring order back to Purgatory, however it soon becomes apparent that Purgatory may not be the final goal of Hells plan.
Those who are already familiar with Bells work, will find the style and pace of this book as equally familiar, however it is obvious that he is growing as a writer, and Hells Pawn is as polished a piece of writing as I have read from any commercial author.
Counterpoint
by admin on Aug.20, 2011, under Fantasy, Romance
It is the twilight of mankind. Depleted by generations of war with a dark race, the human kingdoms and their ancient alliance stand on the brink of extinction. The outlands are soaked with the blood of the fallen. The midlands are rotting with decadence and despair.
Elfkind, estranged by past crimes, watches and waits for nature to run its course.
And then the two collide.
Ayden’s life has long been guided by two emotions: love for his sister, and hatred of all things human. When he’s captured in battle, he must for his sister’s sake swallow his pride and endure slavery in the service of a human prince. To his dismay, this close-up view of his enemy is nothing like he expected. Now curiosity and contempt make a battlefield of his soul, even as he struggles to pick up the pieces of his shattered worldview.
Freyrik Farr, Crown Prince of Farr Province, finds his new elven prisoner puzzling. He’s always known elves to be beautiful and dangerous, but never has one affected him as deeply as Ayden. Can his life of service to his people leave room for this attraction? Dancing on a dagger’s edge between duty and high treason, Freyrik discovers that some choices can change a life, and some an entire world.
Between prejudice, politics, pride, and survival, Ayden and Freyrik must carve a new path, no matter how daunting. For nothing less than the fate of both their peoples rests on the power of their perseverance — and their love.
This was a new Author for me in the M/M genre. I must say, I was a little put off by the $9.99 price tag, especially as I had just read several books of outstanding quality that were a quarter of this. However after reading the blurb this really sounded like something I would enjoy so I went with it.
Boy was I glad I did.
The story revolves around 2 main character, Ayden who is an elf that is captured whilst trying to protect his sister who has foolishly entered into Human territory and Freyrik, a Human prince. Ayden is captured and brought before Freyrik who takes the elf as a slave. What I really loved about this book was the intense humour that Aydens character brought, his sarcastic wit had me smiling throughout.
From the outset it is clear that Freyrik is torn between duty and his moral compass, showing great compassion towards Ayden when alone but having to reluctantly mistreat him when in the presence of his court. So begins a lengthy task of trying to win the heart of this Elf that he has fallen deeply in love with. whilst also dealing with his duties to his people during a tempestuous time of the Feral uprisings.
Freyrik and Ayden, start off with very much a love/hate relationship, but as the barriers of mistrust are slowly dismantled, their love for each other blossoms which ultimately leads to difficult decisions near the books conclusion.
What I must point out, is that this is the first in a series of books, the second of which is due out in early October, so if you do read this book (and I thoroughly recommend you do), be prepared for a cliff hanger ending, which some may find frustrating, as if your like me, you’ll be desperate to find out how the story ends.
This book will appeal to all ages, but I feel the rebellious nature that Ayden shows throughout will strike a cord with many young adults and is why I recommend this as a YA M/M novel, and a damn good one too.
Something Like Summer
by admin on Aug.19, 2011, under Romance
Love, like everything in the universe, cannot be destroyed. But over time it can change.
The hot Texas nights were lonely for Ben before his heart began beating to the rhythm of two words; Tim Wyman. By all appearances, Tim had the perfect body and ideal life, but when a not-so-accidental collision brings them together, Ben discovers that the truth is rarely so simple. If winning Tim’s heart was an impossible quest, keeping it would prove even harder as family, society, and emotion threaten to tear them apart.
Something Like Summer is a love story spanning a decade and beyond as two boys discover what it means to be friends, lovers, and sometimes even enemies.
This was he first book i’ve read by Jay Bell and boy was I impressed.
This isnt just a story, its a journey that Bell expertly carries us on, with Highs and lows, Sorrow and Euphoria with a good mix of humour thrown in to boot. The characters have great depth, and you cant help but feel part of the story.
Benjamin Bentley (Ben) is your regular run of the mill teenager, who has a massive crush on one Tim Wyman who he has been stalking from afar since first seeing him running in some nearby woods. An accident involving Ben and Tim and a set of Rollerblades on a narrow path soon has them thrown together (literally) causing Tim to become housebound and Ben the willing nursemaid. Ben and Tim start having a physical relationship, and despite Ben being very secure in his sexuality, Tim is not so. Without Giving too much away, this becomes a major strain on their relationship, and by the time Tim finally comes round, there is a lot of patching up to do.
At times you will hate Tim, others you will feel sorry for him. You will love Ben and at the same time be screaming at him for being so naive. Its these range of emotions that Jay Bell so expertly works into the story which makes the characters so believable and real.
You will laugh,
You will cry,
You will finish reading this book having been through every emotion that there is. This is not only a testament to the story but the writer who has, in my opinion, talent in spades.
Rounding Third
by admin on Aug.20, 2011, under High School, Romance
Rob Wardell is a seventeen-year old who feels like he doesn’t quite fit in anywhere–not at home, not at school and not on the baseball field. The small, shy boy stays on the high school baseball team only to please his father since he knows he will never get to play. He’s living his life alone until he finds himself drawn into a friendship with the team’s new star pitcher, Josh Schlagel. The two boys hit it off instantly; maybe it’s because Josh isn’t exactly welcomed by the team either. But as Rob and Josh grow closer and start spending more time together away from the field, Rob realizes this his friend is hiding something. The bruises on Josh’s body and his reluctance to let Rob know about certain parts of his life have Rob suspicious. When Josh’s secrets are finally revealed and become life threatening, Rob and his family must step up to the plate.
This is a Difficult review to write.
To Explain, Firstly I loved this book from the start. A clever and thought provoking story with some great light hearted moments mixed with some extremely disturbing realities. Meyer tells the story of 2 lovable characters who are deeply in love with each other, however Josh comes from a family who is blinded by religion and Rob by his own prejudices and fears. Both work to overcome these challenges, however Josh is frequently distant with some obvious demons that he finds powerless to exercise and unable to discuss with Rob. Things finally come to a shocking head and both are forced to confront the issue together.
The reason though I found it difficult to review this objectively was the ending. The story had been building from the first page and was at a crescendo, when all of a sudden it just felt like the air was let out of it and you are left feeling deflated and robbed of a potentially stunning conclusion. Indeed it felt as though the writer had just run out of steam and didnt quite know how to finish the story.
In the Dedication at the end of the Book the writer explains that the story is basically true, calling on his real life experiences, and maybe the ending is more to keep faithful to his experiences, but from the perspective of a reader it just felt as though the huge build up was for nothing. The Story could have been so much more if the writer had just left out the last dozen or so pages.
However, I think it would be wrong to give the Book a negative review because of this as the vast majority of the story was excellent.
The Cranberry Hush
by admin on Aug.20, 2011, under Contemporary
Vince Dandro might be going through the quietest quarter-life crisis of all time. He lives alone, works at a comic book shop, and has a crush on his coworker he can’t seem to act on. His life is just fine, but only just fine. Everything changes when Vince’s long-lost friend Griff shows up at his house in the middle of a blizzard. They were roommates in college, so close back then that Griff’s girlfriend called them “lifebuddies” — but Vince’s love for Griff ended the friendship, he thought, forever. They haven’t spoken in years. Why has Griff shown up again? And, more importantly, can Vince handle his return?
Vince and Griff are two twentysomethings struggling to find their places in the world and in each other’s lives. This is a story of friendship and love, both unrequited and requited, and learning how to fly through the post-college void, where sometimes the only sound you can hear is The Cranberry Hush
I read this on recommendation and I was glad I did. There is no question Ben Monopoli is an accomplished writer, drawing the reader in within the first few pages. I liked the descriptive style of this novel, which was enough to ensure the reader understood the scenes but still leaving some of the finer detail to the readers imagination.
The Story was well balanced but concentrates on the unrequited love experienced by the main character Vince and how it had and still does affect his life and relationships. Vince works in a Comic Shop in Boston, living a fairly normal, mundane life. At the begining of the novel we learn that Vince is just about to make a move on a cute colleague called Zane, but you get the feeling this is more lustful than love driven. Then Griff unexpectedly turns up on Vince’s doorstep, having just left his current hetro relationship and needs somewhere to crash. Vince and Griff had been room mates in college and where vince had developed an intense crush on Griff, the extent of which had led Vince to distance himself from Griff as he was unable to cope with the unrequited love.
With Griff now on the scene several years later, a lot of those emotions resurface and Vince is once again emotionally involved.
The Story bounces between current and past events, which certainly gives a great back story to the main theme, however, personally, I’m not a fan of this non linear approach so be prepared for this. However the story is well written and I would definitely recommend this as one of your top 5 reads.
The Cat in the Cradle
by admin on Aug.20, 2011, under Fantasy, Romance
Dueling mad magicians, battling possessed beasts, and surviving endless hostile landscapes? Easy. Loving someone you weren’t supposed to? That was hard.
A faceless killer terrorizes the Five Lands, one set on killing the ten Oligarchs, masters of elemental magic. It is from this murderer that Dylan, son of the Blue Oligarch, is forced to flee. Only Tyjinn, a brash and unpredictable bodyguard, stands between Dylan and certain death. Rather than play it safe, Tyjinn makes an unusual proposal; to hunt the hunter. This isn’t the only unorthodox idea he puts forth as an attraction blooms between the two young men. In the midst of uncountable obstacles and unforgiving odds, can Dylan really afford to recognize his own feelings?
The Cat in the Cradle is Jay Bell’s debut fantasy novel. The novel takes the reader on an exploration of the Five Lands and the different realms of the strange and fantastic Oligarchs. Each Oligarch possesses a different colored loka that enables them to wield a unique style of magic. Dylan, aided by his talking cat Kio, must prevent the lokas from falling into the hands of a power hungry killer before the Five Lands is brought to its knees.
Having read Something Like Summer recently, I was looking forward to reading this book and now this author has rocketed to my number 1 slot for fiction writers.
The breadth of Bells capabilities as a writer is astonishing, The Cat in the Cradle proves beyond a doubt that he is as accomplished a Fantasy novelist as he is a Romance writer. The world you are thrown into from the first few pages was at times bizarre and at others preposterous, but in an ingenious way at no point did you ever feel that in the world Bell has created, any of it was out of place.
As Usual, Bell has created characters that leap out from the page, with likeable qualities. There is always an underlying suspense that drives you forward, wanting to know more. The relationships are sometimes complex, but it adds depth to the characters.
There were a couple of times, especially near 3/4 of the way through the story that I felt parts of the story where not really adding anything to the overall picture and it did start to drag, and I openly admit to flicking through a few pages, skimming until I got to something that seemed more relevant. I think the whole Black Oligarch plot device could have been dropped without any real effect on the overall story. Thankfully though, this didn’t last long and we were back up-to speed at a blistering pace, for the final showdown.
EDIT: Jay Bell has just announced that Cat in the Cradle is now part of the Loka Series of books and the story is further developed in an upcoming Book II. This now explains why some of the parts of this book seemed unnecessary and I expect they were small seeds to which we will see major growth in the future books in the series.
Another thoroughly enjoyable read.
Pricks and Pragmatism
by admin on Aug.20, 2011, under Contemporary
Easy come, easy go…until the heart gets involved.
English student and aspiring journalist Luke Corbin should be studying. Instead he’s facing homelessness, thanks to the lover who’s just kicking him out of their posh digs. It’s not his first rejection—his father tossed him out at age sixteen—but Luke has no problem trading his favors for a home and security. Especially with rich, powerful, handsome men.
Except now, with finals bearing down, there’s no time to be choosy. He needs a roof over his head and he needs it now. Even if it means settling temporarily for a geeky, less-than-well-off chemical engineer called Russell.
Luke’s fully prepared to put out for the guy—because after all, in this world no one gets something for nothing. But Russell isn’t just a nerd; he’s an honourable nerd who wants to save himself for someone special.
At first Luke is annoyed, but the more time he spends with Russell, the closer he comes to a devastating realization. He wants to be that someone special. Except he’s fallen for the one man he can’t seem to charm…
Warning: Contains references to domestic unrest, strong language, weakening resistance, and a college student who thinks he knows it all who’s about to learn an unforgettable lesson in love.
Pricks and Pragmatism was an interesting read. You could be forgiven for thinking Luke is just another hustler, selling his body to the highest bidder, and to some extent there is an element of truth in that, but its clear from the early stages that its his own self image that drives him to this. He believes that his only worth in life is his looks and what he can bring to the bedroom. He uses his beauty to put a roof over his head and surround himself with finer things in life using wealthy businessmen who wear Luke like a trophy, but like all trophies, the shine soon wears off and its not long before he’s back on the market looking for his next owner.
Two weeks before his final exams, he is once again looking for a new place to stay and one of his friends introduces him to Russell, an awkward, and ordinairy guy who happens to have a spare bedroom. This time however, Luke finds himself in the unusual position that it comes with no strings attached, and despite offering himself on a plate to Russell, finds his advances refused. Not only does this surprise Luke, before long it starts to play heavily on his own psyche and his already fragile view on his own self worth. What develops is a wonderful tale of two people from opposite ends of the same rainbow, finding themselves and each other.
The writing was engaging and well researched, indeed, only a couple of pages into the book whilst Merrow is describing the surroundings and outside of the building to the pub, i felt myself thinking, “That sounds like the Frog and Frigate in Southampton”, and low and behold it was.
Overall a nice read.
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Welcome to the Young Adult Male/Male Fiction site. This site exists in order to help promote authors of M/M fiction that will appeal to Young Adults and provide unbiased reviews to help readers decide what's worth reading and what's not.
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