[Book Review] Lukos Heat by Megan Derr

Lukos Heat

Megan Derr

What rating would you give it?
3 (maybe 3.5) of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Taken from GoodReads)
Najlah is on the hunt for the traitorous coward who attempted to assassinate the king and nearly killed Najlah’s brother in the process. But the hunt has taken his team deep into the Shide, the treacherous, freezing mountains controlled by the mysterious Lukos, feral wolf shifters who do not tolerate trespassers.

When the Lukos come upon them, Najlah is reluctantly intrigued. The Lukos, especially the one called Barkus, are nothing like the soft humans he spends most of his time around. They thrive in the brutal cold the way he thrives in volcanic fire. For the first time, it feels like Najlah may have found someone who can equal the fierceness of dragons, and see them as more than demons.

But if he hopes to explore the bond forming with the Lukos, he must first survive the enemy—and the Shide.

What did you think of the book?

I actually enjoyed this book, but I wasn’t 100% sold. I’ve read better by Megan Derr, so I can’t give it the high ratings I normally would. As per usual, I love, love, LOVE her grumpy characters and interesting dragons. XD They’re so ridiculously loveable, it isn’t even funny.

However, this story was waaaay too info-dumpy especially in the stilted dialogue, with equally too many odd moments for side-tracked conversation. That was easily my biggest problem with this book. I’ve seen much better writing from Megan Derr, so I’m a little disappointed on that aspect. But other than that, the world-building was good. There needs to be more of it, and the story needs to be way WAAAY longer, but you get enough of this world to understand most (although not all) of what is going on and why.

The plot was a bit weak and uninteresting, but it made up for it in the characters — specifically the character interaction. (My favourite moments are the ones that play out between the brothers. They’re ridiculous, and precious, and gods — where are they now to brighten my day? Silly dragons. xD)

And on that note, I did actually like all of the main and supporting characters, however I could *not* get over the really dumb name of “Barkus,” for a WOLF shifter. It’s just too… it wasn’t even funny after awhile. @__@  Other than that, the characters are great. I absolutely love Derr’s interpretation of dragons in this book and what we’ve learned of their society, culture, sexes/genders/roles in their dens, and personalities. I just wished everything didn’t seem so… so… scripted. Like I opened an encyclopedia on Tahjili dragons.

Also all of the characters need to stop eating dictionaries and just spewing information out of their mouth like an out of control fax machine.

Yet still! All in all, I *did* like it. I’m just on the fence as to whether or not I’d ever recommend it to anyone.

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

Uhh… although I wouldn’t call it bestiality, there is a scene where the characters have sex in their shifted forms so… beware~~ And all that jazz.

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Obviously. XD It was done for the NetGalley & Edelweiss challenge, but also worked perfectly for the 2015 The Eclectic Reader (#2 A Book set in a country starting with the letter S) reading challenge. It also fits into all these:

• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• 2015 LGBT Challenge (MM/OTHER)
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• 105 Reading Challenge (Categories: 1, 3, 9)
• 2015 New To You Reading Challenge (Brand New Series — I didn’t know it at the time but it is Book 1 of the Heart of Fire series)

Would you recommend this book?

I’m still not sure. I mean… maybe. Yeah. I think so. I dunno. It was an interesting read, even if it did seem very… incomplete. I just wished it was longer and not so… “word-dumpy” in the dialogue. If you can get passed that, then you’ll enjoy it as a quickie read.

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher: Less Than Three Press Publication Date: December 2013 Format: ebook Pages: est. 58 Genre / Themes: Romance, Gender Study, QUILTBAG / LGBTQUI, Coming of Age, Historical Fiction, Sex, Nudity, Friendship (Male Friendship), Gender & Sexual Identity & Study, Fantasy, Betrayal, War, Peace, Warring Nations, Holiday Short, Holiday Celebration, Master And Slave (non- sexual), Social Injustice, Social Hierarchy

Age: Young Adult (I think…) Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Index From Author’s Website Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (18), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, 2015 New To You Reading Challenge, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge, Readathon Day 2015, 2015 LGBT Reading Challenge, The Eclectic Reader (#2 A Book Set In A Country Starting With The Letter S),

[Book Review] Re-creation by Dusk Peterson

Re-creation

(Part of The Three Lands universe)

Dusk Peterson

What rating would you give it?
4.5 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Taken from GoodReads)
“He could not leave this room without his father’s permission. And he could not imagine going to his father and saying, ‘Please let me go gather moss so that my slave can have a proper New Year for once.'”

What can you give a slave who, by law, can own nothing? That is the question faced by Peter, the teenage heir to the throne of an empire. Despite his father’s desire that the imperial heir maintain a formal distance from servants, Peter finds himself drawn in friendship to the younger boy who serves as his slave.

But a shocking revelation on the eve of the New Year forces Peter to confront his own motives for keeping the slave close by. And that in turn will help him understand the deeper meaning of the gift-giving festival.

This coming-of-age novelette on gender and sexual identity is a holiday tale that can be read on its own or as a side story in The Three Lands, a fantasy series on friendship, romance, and betrayal in times of war and peace. The series is inspired by conflicts between nations during the Roman Empire and the Dark Ages.

What did you think of the book?

Huh.

This is yet another unexpectedly awesome read by Dusk Peterson. I think, moreso than the themes he likes to write about, it’s the way in which he tells stories, the characters, the… the real meat of the message being told that I like—that I LOVE.

I found this particular story very… endearing. Most probably because the characters were so young and yet so “wise beyond their years;” in particular Andrew, who most assuredly grew up far too soon during his harsh time as a slave. I found this a very thoughtful and critical piece, something that can easily be turned into a prequel or starter for a series.

If there are more books being made (or have already been made) I would very much want to read them.

NOW.

I am unabashedly curious as to where their complex relationship will take them, and furthermore to the reform and possible deconstruction of unjust and cruel societal hierarchies, magistrates, and laws that could occur once Peter (the other boy) becomes the new Chara.

Or might not.

One thing I would like to make very clear… is that this book is in no way considered M/M romance, but more M/M friendship. I don’t know if in the rest of the series (ya know, when they’re actually older) if they ever become more than “just friends,” but even if they do not… the relationship between the two is truly enthralling to watch unfold.

I think that in today’s more – ehem –”accepting” society, far too many people are far too quick to jump to the conclusion that just because the story revolves around two guys who are close, that they must be banging each other. This story could certainly disprove this belief, yet show that a friendship story is just as captivating and endearing as any M/M romance.

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

I get the impression that if there are other stories in this universe, those might be a bit graphic and violent… but this story was without anything too remarkably disturbing. At least in graphic detail, at any rate.

Is it available to read for free? Where can I purchase it?

It’s actually a free ebook, so you can download it from any of these sources here:

Gumroad | AR | Smashwords | Amazon Kindle

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Yup! A whole bunch. xD

• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• 2015 LGBT Challenge (YA)
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• Readathon Day (2015)
• 105 Reading Challenge (Categories: 4)
• 2015 New To You Reading Challenge (New Series To Me)

Would you recommend this book?

I’d think so. Even to those unfamilar with the rest of the series. I mean, I really enjoyed it, and I didn’t have the slightest idea it was part of a series. The story works well as a stand-alone, and I think the story behind these two young boys would definitely make the reader want to pick up the rest of the series to read what happens to them as they get older (and what already happened to them to lead them to the point where they meet in Re-creation).

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher: Love in Dark Settings Press Publication Date: December 2013 Format: ebook Pages: est. 58 Genre / Themes: Romance, Gender Study, QUILTBAG / LGBTQUI, Coming of Age, Historical Fiction, Sex, Nudity, Friendship (Male Friendship), Gender & Sexual Identity & Study, Fantasy, Betrayal, War, Peace, Warring Nations, Holiday Short, Holiday Celebration, Master And Slave (non- sexual), Social Injustice, Social Hierarchy, POC (Person/People of Color)

Age: Young Adult (I think…) Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Index From Author’s Website Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (18), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, 2015 New To You Reading Challenge, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge, Readathon Day 2015, 2015 LGBT Reading Challenge,

Books ‘N Tunes #3: Silver Diamond (v.20)

Welcome back to another installment of my Books ‘N Tunes Reading Challenge!

This week I’ve got another two song for one book. Although, this time it’s more like one song for the book itself, and the other song for the entire series. 🙂

Silver Diamond #20: Before The Storm
by Sugiura Shiho

Publisher: Tosuisha Publication Date: May 2010 Format: electronic, scans Pages: est. 150+ Genre: M/M Romance, War, Love, Twins, Trust, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Isolation Issues, Psi Abilities, Alternative Worlds, Telekinetic Powers, Survivors, Betrayal, Telepathy, Puppets, Dying World, Plants, Nature, Environment, Genetically Engineered People & Creatures, Family, Friendship, Manga, Shounen Ai, Slashy, Lost Memories

Age: OT / Young Adult Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Scanlations by Amato Empire Challenges: 2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (30), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, 2015 LGBT Reading Challenge (OTHER/SA), Read A Million Pages, Ethereal 2015, Books N Tunes, 105 Reading Challenge (Category: 2, 4, 8, 9), The Re-Read Reading Challenge,  2015 Graphic Novel and Comic Reading Challenge, 2015 Monthly Motifs & Keyword Reading Challenge (Motif: SEPT; Furry Friends = Ko, Kuro, the stone birds & many others / Keyword: SEPT; Color = Silver),

SUMMARY

(synopsis taken from Publisher)

The Ayame Prince speeding up the destruction versus Hoshiminokoto guiding the people versus Rakan and the rest making their way to the final steps to the capital!! Where will the fight to seize their fates lead to?! The 4 page extras are a must-see ☆ They all join in a pillow fight!!

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REVIEW

This review can also be found on GoodReads

This one gets 5 Stars.

I think every single book in this series gets 5 stars. I can’t not give this book 5 stars because… though it has moments of slow, filler pages at times… everything eventually leads back to the complex and rich plot of this strange alternate world.

I still have absolutely NO idea what the heck is going on with Hoshiminokoto or his plans with this world, Chigusa, Rakan, the Ayame Prince, and Kinrei… but I feel like we’re definitely heading towards an epic reveal soon! I think it might happen in the next book or the one right after, depending on how long it actually takes them to get to the Capitol.

Also, I still think the guy’s a creep and needs to seriously stay the fuck away from Chigusa. o___o I’m absolutely with Rakan and the rest of the Guard on this one! Everyone needs to make a protective shield around him and just keep all the haters away.

Oh yeah. And I’m just going putting this out there:

This book had a LOT of feels. Mostly between Kinrei and The Ayame Prince, and Rakan and Chigusa.

And Narushige and his sister…..

sdfghjkl;kjhgfhjdaADFHSKJLDANALKFNALK

SO. MANY. FEEEEELS.

More than just a little excited to find out what happens next!

As to any warnings I would give…

Hmm… not particularly now that I think about it. 🙂

Would I recommend?

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TUNES

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn – When You’re Gone

Cardigans – Erase & Rewind

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Reason for choosing these songs

When You’re Gone by Mary Elizabeth McGlynn is a song I feel works for two relationships: Rakan & Chigusa, as well as The Ayame Prince & Kinrei. I feel like the lyrics really match what’s going on right now in book 20, where so much is being revealed, including how these characters feel for one another. Whether you want to read into it as slashable or not, is entirely up to you. (I certainly do, but that’s just me. :P)

My other song choice is Erase & Rewind by Cardigans which I feel better suits the whole series. I don’t want to give anything away as these are HUGE spoilers for the entire series, but as the series progresses… pretty much every single character finds out that none of them are who they thought they were, and it just goes to show that nothing is what it seems. I feel this song resonates strongest with 3 different themes:

1. The first is the running theme of people being “puppets” to others, being used either knowingly or otherwise…
2. The second is the theme of altering memories, losing one’s memories, or reinventing oneself.
3. And the final is the theme of loneliness, being outcast, or unwanted.

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LYRICS

When You’re Gone
Did I wait too long?
Moments gone and now wasted
Coming back to home
It feels wrong, changes haunt me
Ends I came before
Leave me lost, confused, searching
Everything I own
Takes me back nowhere

Objects in my room
They might be telling me something soon
Still you ask me how I feel
I feel lost – that’s how I feel

I know, I know
There’s something I’ve forgotten
Like a time, a place
A shattered memory
For me it’s more
Than I can seem to handle
It’s the pain, my mind
Is writing on the wall
The truth, you lied
You said it can convince you to
Give up, this place
Will never set me free
Enough, I know
I really did it this time
It’s a sign, this place
Is somewhere I should be

Taking a piece of my heart
When you’re gone

Are my eyes too blind
To find illusions from deep inside, growing?
What I lost to find
And what I find brings me here

I know, I know
There’s something I’ve forgotten
Like a time, a place
A shattered memory
For me it’s more
Than I can seem to handle
It’s the pain, my mind
Is writing on the wall
The truth, you lied
You said it can convince you to
Give up, this place
Will never set me free
Enough, I know
I really did it this time
It’s a sign, this place
Is somewhere I should be

Taking a piece of my heart
That’s how it always starts
When you’re gone

 

Erase & Rewind
Hey, what did you hear me say
you know the difference it makes
what did you hear me say

Yes, I said it’s fine before
I don’t think so no more
I said it’s fine before
I’ve changed my mind
I take it back

Erase and rewind
’cause I’ve been changing my mind
I’ve changed my mind

So where did you see me go
it’s not the right way, you know
where did you see me go
No, it’s not that I don’t know
I just don’t want it to grow
It’s not that I don’t know
I’ve changed my mind
I take it back

[Manga TBBR Review] The Antique Bakery v.1

Antique Bakery v.1

(Antique Bakery, #1)

Fumi Yoshinaga

What rating would you give it?
4 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Taken from Goodreads)
Ono has come a long way since the agonizing day in high school when he confessed his love to handsome Tachibana. Now, some 14 years later Ono, a world-class pastry chef and outed playboy has it all. No man can resist Ono’s charms (or his cooking skills!) but he has just found a new position under a man named Tachibana. Can this be the only man who resisted his charms, and if so, will the man who once snubbed the “magically gay” Ono get his just desserts? And how in the heck did a former middleweight boxing champion wind up as Ono’s cake boy?

What did you think of the book?

First off – I’d like to mention that this is a RE-READ. I originally read this book back when it first came out in the US in 2005 (and the rest of the series thereafter). I think having seen the anime – which did a fabulous job capturing the nature of the manga – really helped with this secondary read-through. I followed the story better this time, laughed at their antics and the idea of someone being “magically gay” (such people do exist, ya know! I’ve met a couple of ’em xD), and even picked up some things I didn’t catch the first time (which are later revealed in the following books or focused on in the anime).

It’s a light, fluffy, entertaining story with surprisingly deep characters (as will be revealed later on as the series progresses). I think the major reason I originally picked up volume 1 was because I was finished with everything else and needed another yaoi/shounen ai book to read. The fact that it was a foodie manga really didn’t cross my mind until I started reading it and it dawned on me that I was beginning a new series… entirely about food.

And gays.

But mostly food.

Now I’m generally not a “foodie” by any standard. I think this book may very well have been one of the first I ever read where the plot or featured story/setting revolves around food. I was already watching an anime called Yakitate!! Japan…. which is about bread. Yes, you read right: BREAD. Only MasterChef style with competitions and crazy challenges and competitors and shit. And comedy. DID I MENTION COMEDY?!

So naturally I figured, “If I can watch a show about BREAD (THAT’S IT, MAN! That’s ALL THE SHOW IS ABOUT), then I can definitely read a book about pastries. And demonic gays—WTF.”

It was probably a good thing that I already had Yakitate!! Japan under my belt because Antique Bakery definitely went off on an entirely different tangent, one that – while being interesting, amusing to all hell, and mellow at the same time – would probably not have held my interest as much Yakitate!! did. I’d never once considered the thought that food books would be something of interest to me. So starting off with Antique may or may not have worked for me otherwise.

Some things that resonated with me quite strongly though, was the character’s struggles to be accepted for all their reasons. At the time when I first read this book, a lot was going on in my own life that – strange as this sounds – paralleled the situations of the main cast.

Thankfully no one was magically gay.

…

Okay so that might not be true.

As it was now, I felt quite a bit of nostalgia reading volume 1. I kept thinking back to the crazy antics of my own mates and I, and how hard it was for us to be accepted for the things we did or liked to do. Breaking stereotypes or living up to them. Both very difficult feats to accomplish, if you ask me. So I, once again, applaud the cast of Antique Bakery for sticking to their guns. Even if it cost them dearly.

In the end, everything works out. And that’s something to celebrate. 🙂

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

Not that I know of. I mean… there’s some domestic violence stuff that happens later in the series, but… this book is pretty clean. It’s just really spazztastic, or downright silly, at times. XD

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

OH yeah. Waay more than I originally thought. xD I was really just re-reading this one again for the 2015 The Eclectic Reader (#6 Fiction For Foodies) reading challenge, but it ended up also fitting all of these challenges as well:

• The Re-Read Reading Challenge
• 2015 Graphic Novel and Comic Reading Challenge
• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• 2015 LGBT Challenge (SA)
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• 105 Reading Challenge (Category: 1, 3, 4, 8, 13)

Would you recommend this book?

Yeah. I would say so. I don’t see why not!

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher: Digital Manga Publishing Publication Date: July 2005 Format: Paperback Pages: 200 Genre & Themes: Love, M/M Romance, QUILTBAG / LGBTQUI, Food, Pasteries & Desserts, Bakery, Homophobia, Domestic Violence, Manga, Shounen Ai / Yaoi, Drama, Sports (Boxing), Josei, Comedy, Culinary

Age: It’s a Josei manga so… New Adult? Adult?? Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Bought Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (32), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, 2015 LGBT Reading Challenge, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge (Category: 1, 3, 4, 8, 13), The Eclectic Reader (#6 Fiction For Foodies), 2015 Graphic Novel and Comic Reading Challenge, The Re-Read Reading Challenge

Books ‘N Tunes #2: Signal To Noise

Hullo everyone! I’m back with another installment for the Books ‘N Tunes Reading Challenge. Complications, as always, try to hinder the creation of the 8tracks playlist I was going to use, so I might have to end up choosing another platform for the completed list. Who knows…

But never you mind! I’ve got a special treat this time! Two songs for one book. 🙂

Signal To Noise (Psionic Frequency, #1)
by Talya Andor

Publisher: Less Than Three Press Publication Date: October 2012 Format: eBook, RvC Pages: 234 Genre: M/M Romance, War, Love, Twincest, Incest, QUILTBAG / LGBTQUI, Twins, Trust, Science Fiction, Horror, Blood & Gore, Isolation Issues, Claustrophobia, Psi Abilities, Telekinetic Powers, Survivors, Betrayal, Telepathy, Greed, Duty Above Conscious, Thriller,

Age: Adult Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Provided by publisher upon request Challenges: 2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (11), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, 2015 LGBT Reading Challenge, Read A Million Pages, 2015 New To You Reading Challenge (Brand New Author To Me & New Series), 105 Reading Challenge (Category: 1, 3, 4), Books N Tunes

SUMMARY

(taken from GoodReads)

It’s been three years since the Incursion; three long years since Bastian and his twin brother Theo became the sole survivors on the planet Noise. Their distress calls have gone unanswered, and they are running out of supplies. They have no one but each other. And when the long-awaited rescue finally arrives, it brings with it complications that make being alone and forgotten look easy.

WARNING: Please note that this story features incest.

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REVIEW

This review can also be found on GoodReads

Originally I was torn over what star rating I wanted to give this book… but now I’m more sure.

This one gets 4 Stars.

I honestly wasn’t sure what to think when I first read the descript for this book. I gravitated towards it because I saw the words twins and M/M romance eventually realized that would translate to twincest, but I still had my reservations.

By the time I finished reading, those reservations were quite gone. xD

I won’t say it was perfect, because it wasn’t. But daaaayum was it GOOD. REAL good, in fact. There could have been more overall world-building and character development going on between some of the cast, but I can’t say I’m entirely disappointed with the current results. One thing I did love was how well rounded (as INDIVIDUALS, yet wholly connected and dependent on one another) the twins were. As characters they really worked for me. They were believable, funny, quickminded a bit beyond their years though also teenagers and capable of acting like such… Brothers, even after taking their relationship to the next level. I just really bought it and loved the portrayal of their love and affection for each other.

Couldn’t ask for anything more.

What I didn’t like was the sudden shift in so many of the other characters… particularly Ventura who literally seemed to go from decent guy (and one of my more favourite characters) to backstabbing asshole in a flash. At least Striker was consistent. Bane, on the other hand, was a character I could only dispassionately like, for he seemed so… unreliable as a person (which worked for him in this story, but as a person I just couldn’t like him for his lack of principles and furthermore, his lack of simply taking an actual side. Either you’re trying to help them or you’re not. It’s not that difficult.) It would have been something if all his uncertainty was just simply because he didn’t want to hurt or betray the twins by following orders, but it wasn’t. He just lacked the conviction to simply make up his damned mind until it was made up for him and suddenly he’s all, “Oh thank goodness you two are alright!”

Some characters are just assholes trying to be hapless victims. Bane, just stfu.

As to any warnings I would give…

UM. WELL. There’s graphic and very detailed sex scenes that feature twincest (click the link if you don’t know what that is) and some zombie-esque horror elements. Some trigger warnings are some scenes of PTSD, claustrophobia, panic attacks, and separation anxiety.

OH! And mention of underage sexual activities.

Since that’s “a thing” some people seem to get all squirmy over.

Why? I have no idea.

You were all kids once. Get over yourselves.

Would I recommend?

Y’know what? I absolutely WOULD. I wasn’t sure at first… but now that I’ve thought about it, I really enjoyed this book. Especially the boys. Bravo!

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TUNES

The Cranberries – Zombie

Coldplay – What If?

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Reason for choosing these songs

Zombie by The Cranberries is a really emotional song that precisely expresses the trauma and violence of war, and its impact on not just the warriors that battle on the field, but also when they return (or never return at all). It’s about how the battle’s never really over. How they keep fighting, even within their minds. How war and the horrors of it, forever change them, mold them into permenant fixtures on the battlefield. How the zombies of their past keep haunting, haunting…

Although the other characters are seasoned fighters and furthermore “the adults” in the situation, it is the boys Bastian and Theo who are forever haunted by the zombies of their past, or the unknown horrors that have forever lurked just outside their perimeter walls.

What If? by Coldplay takes a very different approach from Zombie. It’s a shorter song for one, a little over 4 minutes, and yet… it’s just as moving – if not moreso – than Zombie’s haunting lyrics. I choose What If? to embody the internal struggle that starts to arise in Bastian and Theo once the boys’ “rescue” appears and there are suddenly others. Not them. Not… just, Bastian and Theo anymore. Their world is flipped upsidedown, and with it comes the alarming realization that they are no longer the only two people in all the world anymore. In fact, once it becomes obvious that they’ll be leaving Noise soon, another thought comes to mind… one they’d never considered before. That they’ll be other people – girls, boys, young and old – someone… other than each other. They’ll have a choice… a choice which could destroy what they have now, the relationship they’ve built over their entire young lives.

And… what if…. what if one of them should decide… that he doesn’t want the other brother by his side anymore? What if…. seeing how normal people act and have relationships… he suddenly doesn’t want to be a freak… or want to be in the kind of relationship that would label him and his twin as one?

What if…

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LYRICS

Zombie
Another head hangs lowly,
Child is slowly taken.
And the violence caused such silence.
Who are we mistaken?

But you see, it’s not me, it’s not my family.
In your head, in your head they are fighting,
With their tanks and their bombs,
And their bombs and their guns.
In your head, in your head, they are crying…

In your head, in your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie,
Hey, hey, hey. What’s in your head,
In your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie?
Hey, hey, hey, hey, oh, dou, dou, dou, dou, dou…

Another mother’s breakin’
Heart is taking over
When the violence causes silence,
We must be mistaken.

It’s the same old theme since nineteen-sixteen.
In your head, in your head they’re still fighting,
With their tanks and their bombs,
And their bombs and their guns.
In your head, in your head, they are dying…

In your head, in your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie,
Hey, hey, hey. What’s in your head,
In your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie?
Hey, hey, hey, hey, oh, oh, oh,
Oh, oh, oh, oh, hey, oh, ya, ya-a…

 

What If?
What if there was no lie
Nothing wrong, nothing right
What if there was no time
And no reason, or rhyme
What if you should decide
That you don’t want me there by your side
That you don’t want me there in your life
What if I got it wrong
And no poem or song
Could put right what I got wrong
Or make you feel I belong

What if you should decide
That you don’t want me there by your side
That you don’t want me there in your life

Ooh ooh-ooh, that’s right
Let’s take a breath, jump over the side
Ooh ooh-ooh, that’s right
How can you know it, if you don’t even try
Ooh ooh-ooh, that’s right

Every step that you take
Could be your biggest mistake
It could bend or it could break
That’s the risk that you take

What if you should decide
That you don’t want me there in your life
That you don’t want me there by your side

Ooh ooh-ooh, that’s right
Let’s take a breath, jump over the side
Ooh ooh-ooh, that’s right
How can you know it, when you don’t even try
Ooh ooh-ooh, that’s right

Oh – Ooh ooh-ooh, that’s right,
Let’s take a breath, jump over the side.
Ooh ooh-ooh, that’s right,
You know that darkness always turns into light.
Ooh-ooh, that’s right

[Book Review] When Ryan Came Back

When Ryan Came Back

Devon McCormack

What rating would you give it?
3/3.5 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Taken from Goodreads)
Steven’s life changes forever the day he discovers his childhood friend and lifelong crush, Ryan Walters, standing in his bedroom. The problem? Ryan Walters committed suicide just days earlier.

Ryan tells Steven that he didn’t kill himself. He believes he was murdered and that his death is linked to an article he was working on for the school paper. Steven sets out to solve the mystery, but as the story unfolds, so does Ryan’s secret life of sex with guys and depression. Steven realizes suicide is more plausible than Ryan’s conspiracy theory, but he struggles to convince Ryan of the real cause of his death. And despite revelations of his friend’s closeted life, he must face the truth that Ryan doesn’t—and never will—love him.

What did you think of the book?

My actual rating is around a 3, maybe 3.5 stars because it was okay, even if it wasn’t the greatest. I doubt I’ll ever forget it, but I probably won’t be reading it again anytime soon.

Overall, this book was alright. A sort of typical angsty teen-mystery thing with a “gay twist,” if that’s what you want to call it. I doubt I’d recommend it to anyone, unless they were really, REALLY curious. The ridiculously slow parts in the middle and beginning as well as that abrupt and rushed ending really didn’t help it any, so frankly I’m not that impressed.

However, it wasn’t a bad book. The writing was decent enough, and the story – though not particularly original – was interesting enough as well. I think I probably wanted more than just a teen melodrama, but as a YA book, I suppose it’s to be expected. (I haven’t really read too many YA books that don’t seem to focus on that, as though it’s the only thing to being a teenager. But whatever. Moving right along.) I was VERY happy with the outcome of the ending though – even if it was abrupt. I sort of wished we had gotten the chance to see more of that instead of all the other seemingly pointless run-around.

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

Not particu—WELL. I’d only say, be prepared for some really, really pointless filler action. You will read through areas that are solely there to fill pages. Mark my words.

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Yup! For a whole bunch~ xD

• 2015 Monthly Motifs & Keyword Reading Challenge (I’m skipping around with this one)
  • Motif: (APR) Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem! = Was Ryan murdered or a suicide like everyone thinks? 
  • Keyword: (AUG) Boy = Ryan
• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• 2015 LGBT Challenge (YA)
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• 105 Reading Challenge (Categories: 10,12,14)
• Ethereal 2015
• NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge
• 2015 New To You Reading Challenge (Brand New Author To Me)

Would you recommend this book?

Ehhh….

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press Publication Date: October 2014 Format: e-ARC Pages: 230 Genre & Themes: Love, Love Beyond The Grave, M/M Romance, QUILTBAG / LGBTQUI, Paranormal, Ghosts & Spirits, Suicide, Murder, Mystery, YA, Contemporary, Crazy Adults and Equally Crazy Teens, Jealousy, Young/Old Relationship & Sex, Mention of Underage Sex, Mental Health Issues, High School Politics

Age: Young Adult (YA) Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Provide by NetGalley Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (8), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, 2015 Monthly Motifs & Keyword Reading Challenge, 2015 LGBT Reading Challenge, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge, 2015 NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge, Ethereal 2015,

[Book Review] Mercy’s Prisoner

Mercy’s Prisoner

(Life Prison, Volume 1)

Dusk Peterson

What rating would you give it?
4.5 of 5 Stars

Where can you buy or borrow the book?

[Amazon] [Gumroad] [All Romance]
[Smashwords]

Borrow the ebook: [Scribd]

 

Give us a summary.
(Provided by Author)

“‘You have committed a vile and savage act, one that any other nation would punish with death. Our punishment, on the other hand, will only be to give you what you want. You have sought to live in a world without boundaries of civilization, and such a world shall henceforth be your dwelling place.'”

A cold-hearted murderer. A vicious abuser. A young man hiding a shameful secret. A bewildered immigrant. A pure-minded spy.

All of these men have found their appointed places at Mercy Life Prison, where it is easy to tell who your enemies are. But a new visitor to Mercy is about to challenge decades-old customs. Now these men’s worst enemies may be hiding behind masks… and so may their closest allies.

A runner-up in the Rainbow Awards 2014, the book bundle “Mercy’s Prisoner” can be read on its own or as the first volume in the Life Prison series. Friendship, desire between men, and the costs of corruption and integrity are examined in this multicultural speculative fiction series, which is inspired by prison life at the end of the nineteenth century.

What did you think of the book?

Alright. So, I may have gotten a little over-excited reading this book.

Also, just FYI, this volume is a collection of five novellas/short stories all taking place with the Life Prisoner series. A second volume (possibly also a collection) is said to be published in the summer. Do not confuse this title with the novella Life Prison (as it is just first story/novella in this collection).

I was SO unsure of it originally… hoping beyond hope that it would blow my socks off, or at least not be a complete flop. I even had hopes of another Under Grand Hotel situation going on –which it wasn’t, by the way, but still. No UGH, but I might have just gotten something even better. (Or at least on par.)

This historical speculative fiction novel easily captures the minds of any reader, even those who might not think this to be “their thing,” with its dark setting and even darker themes. But there is a point to all this seemingly unnecessary suffering and pain. Reformation is at hand and with it comes a serious call to action, to the re-examination one’s own sense of morality and of right and wrong. Believe you-me, this book makes you THINK – about topics of discussion most would prefer never to think about or take into account. To consider the circumstances of those everyone prefers to not even think of. To ponder the basic human rights denied to those who violate others’ rights with their actions and deeds.

To consider that a murderer is also a human being too… and does that not mean they, too, deserve to be treated as such with basic human rights?

There’s a lot of philosophy and activism going on in here, a lot of moral discussion that doesn’t really have easy answers. I can’t say I believe prisoners – especially those that have done truly horrible things for selfish or unthinkable reasons – should be allowed to go free or be treated kindly, but I do believe they have the right to be treated with some decency and the basic human rights that no one should be denied.

This book makes you think about the hard questions no one wants to ask or bring to light in discussion, and I AB-SO-LUTELY LOVE IT.

I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

The stories are dark. I think I explained that already, so expect DARK THINGS. XD Other than that, the third of the five stories in the volume showcases some BDSM. It’s not too intense, as it is more of master/slave story than anything else. Other things that occur either in passing (not detailed) or minorly: non-con, rape, blood, some torture, lots of punishment, sickness & illness, and otherwise horrible living conditions.

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Yep! A whole bunch~

• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• 2015 LGBT Challenge (MM/OTHER)
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• 105 Reading Challenge (Category 14, 12)
• 2015 New To You Reading Challenge (Brand New Author To Me; New Series)

Would you recommend this book?

Hell YEAH! Though, of course, I would absolutely warn whoever I recommend it to about just how dark and violent this book can be at times. It’s not alarmingly graphic, detailing every vicious act… but it IS still disarming and poignant in a way that might leave the reader who is more inclined to the visually graphic quite disturbed, so it might be best to read it, knowing full well how disturbing some imaginary within can be.

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher: Love in Dark Settings Press Publication Date: August 2014, reissue December 2014 Format: eBook, ARC Pages: 229 Genre: Historical Speculative Fiction, Crime Fiction, M/M “Romance,” Prison / Prison Life, BDSM, Master/Slave, Reformation, Penal Code, Love Mates, Punishment, Whipping, Non-con, Torture, Consumption, Fair Treatment, QUILTBAG / LGBTQUIA, Friendship, Corruption, Morality, Integrity, Nineteenth Century Fiction

Age: Adult Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Provided by Author in exchange for an honest review Award(s): Runner-up, Gay Fantasy category, in the Rainbow Awards 2014. Honorable Mention in the Rainbow Awards 2014. Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (9), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, 2015 LGBT Reading Challenge, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge, New To You

[Webcomic Review] 14 Nights (COMPLETE)

14 Nights

Kristina Stipetic

What rating would you give it?
4.5 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

This story is about a guy who is afraid of sex.

What did you think of the book?

So… the story is about a guy who is afraid of sex.

But trust me, it’s about so much more than that. This is a brilliant piece of fiction and artistry – both in the storytelling and the art – that has captivated me for over x years. I have been following this strange, and yet poignant tale from its first pages and can honestly say I am happy with the final results.

Unusual characters in an unusual story with an equally unusual ending. My only “problem,” you could say, is that Lucian is not so much afraid of sex, as he is just uninterested in it and lacks the desire for it. I mean, yes – to an extent, he is genuinely afraid of the idea of having sex with someone else. You can see that clearly in the nightmarish dreams he has so often through the pages. But it’s much more than that. Lucian is asexual, or some spectrum thereof. Probably aromantic. I’m not going to speculate further since titles aren’t used in the comic. Nevertheless, the story circles around this topic and the relationship he eventually builds with Nikita, a man who loves him and whom he too loves just as much.

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

Because of the obvious nature of the content: nudity, sex, cursing, and some horror-esque graphic imagery.

Is it available to read for free? Where can I purchase it?

The answer to both questions is right here.

You can read it for free here! Just click the link.

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Yup! A whole bunch. xD

• 2015 Graphic Novel and Comic Reading Challenge
• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• 2015 LGBT Challenge
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• 105 Reading Challenge

Would you recommend this book?

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher: Self-published (I believe…) Publication Date: (Completed) May 2014 Format: electronic, webcomic Pages: 128 Genre: Webcomic, Romance, M/M Romance, QUILTBAG / LGBTQUI, Asexual, Disabled / Handicap Main Characters, Contemporary Fiction, Comic / Graphic Novel, Sex, Nudity, Surrealism

Age: Young Adult / New Adult (I think…) Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: CLICK HERE Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (18), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, 2015 Graphic Novel and Comic Reading Challenge, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge, 2015 LGBT Reading Challenge,

[Comic / Graphic Novel Review] Wonderland (Volume 5)

Wonderland (Volume 5)

(Age of Darkness series, Wonderland #21-25)

Raven Gregory & Eric M. Esquivel (Writers); J.G. Miranda (Artist)

What rating would you give it?
2/2.5 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Taken from Goodreads)
As an “Age of Darkness” spreads across the realms, pushing the Queens of Wonderland into conflict, Calie must take a final stand. Journeying into Wonderland to save her daughter Violet, Calie assembles a team of warriors in effort to take control of Wonderland… for good. Wonderland: Volume 5 collects Wonderland #21-25.

What did you think of the book?

That was…. interesting. I’m gonna go with… with that. On my blog this graphic novel is probably going to get a 2.5… because… because… I just don’t know what to make of half of that nonsense (and not the good kind of nonsense either!) that takes place within its pages.

I feel like most of this story was just a lot of bad puns taken from the media, stereotypes, and a perverted mind, with bucket-loads of gratuitous and wholly unnecessary fanservice. There wasn’t much working for it. Neither was there much originality, either. A couple concepts were interesting and new (at least to me), but the majority of what paraded about as a “plot” was confusing, disjointed, and lacking sense of purpose. I understand that this is Wonderland, and things are supposed to be nonsense, and I also know this is the last(I think???) collection of the Wonderland tales, BUT. This just didn’t work for me. The story jumped around too abruptly without giving the reader a chance to follow along. I think if it had just done that, I would have been more into it. As it were, I just wanted to get through reading it so it could end.

I have the feeling some things may have been explained in the precious collected volumes, so I won’t be as harsh on rating it as I might usually be. Perhaps I can get my hands on the earlier chapters to see if this disjointed storytelling (and weird paneling) is a consistent thing or just in this book. Then I might change the rating, for better or for worse.

What was your favourite aspect of the book?

PFfft—! The line, “Have Chris Hemsworth’s babies” and “Date night with James Franco,” because… Wow…. are you serious?? xDD

Although I’m not sure if any of these are positives or not, The Queen of Spades reminds me of a Mord-Sith. (Sword of Truth/Legend of the Seekers fans, anyone???) Am I right or am I right? Seriously. Also [highlight for spoilers regarding this book and the TV show The Librarians]the entity known as “Wonderland” itself reminds me of the Mystery Houses episode of The Librarians. Annnnnd the manifestation of Wonderland does NOT look like whoever he’s supposedly supposed to look like, but instead looks like Tony Stark, and I mean it. Come on! You can’t tell me to my face that he doesn’t look like Stark FROM THE COMICS. Not RDJ. Though he does kinda look like him a bit too…[/highlight]

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

Don’t be surprised by anything. That’s all I’m gonna say.

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Yup! A whole bunch. xD

• 2015 Graphic Novel and Comic Reading Challenge
• NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge
• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• 2015 LGBT Challenge
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• Readathon Day (2015)
• 105 Reading Challenge
• 2015 New To You Reading Challenge (New Series To Me)

Would you recommend this book?

Doubt it. Unless you’re a hardcore fan of the series, I definitely wouldn’t suggest anyone start with this book (too much weird shit goes down here for anyone to make sense of it out of the blue).

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher: Zenescope Publication Date: January 2015 Format: eBook, ARC Pages: 148 Genre: Graphic Novel, Comic, Fantasy, Fairytale Classics Retold, Alice In Wonderland retelling, F/F Romance, M/F Romance, Horror, Scantily Clothed Women, Mental Disorder/Illness, Surrealism, Action/Adventure, Alternative Worlds/Realms/Dimensions

Age: Young Adult / New Adult (I think…) Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Provided by NetGalley Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (18), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, 2015 Graphic Novel and Comic Reading Challenge, 2015 NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge, Readathon Day 2015, 2015 LGBT Reading Challenge, 2015 New To You Reading Challenge

[Book Review] The Memory of Blood and Lotuses

The Memory of Blood and Lotuses

(Part of the Proud To Be A Vampire universe)

E.E. Ottoman

What rating would you give it?
4/4.5 of 5 Stars

What did you think of the book?

“I wish to bed you.”
[…]’s head snapped up. “What?”
Neferhotep arched on eyebrow. “I said I wished to bed you, if you are willing. […] Your scent is a very alluring one, and it occurred to me that bedding you would be a pleasant distraction. […] I know my appearance is not attractive for you, but I would not harm you, and I can be generous when it comes to bedroom games.”
[…]
“You are very strange.”
“Why? You have given me no reason to think you mean me harm, you smell nice, you are reasonably attractive. I thought we could play a little. What is strange about that?”

Pffft–! Neferhotep…. oh, you precious, precious baby. xD I am utterly in love with you and your straightforward nature. Honestly. The things that come out of your mouth. ❤ You are truly my hero of this book.

I really REALLY enjoyed this story. Was hoping it would be different  and — it definitely was. Egyptian vampires,  huh? Fascinating. XD I have already always had a thing for Egyptian mythos and religion, so I was really intrigued by this idea of a “shroud eater” and how that would be used in the story. I knew a little bit about them – they’re German in origin, and generally cause bad luck, sickness and eventual death to their loved ones as they chew on their burial garments – but I wondered how the author was going to fit this myth into zier story. One source claims:

The nachzehrer, also known as a “shroud eater” in English, is a type of vampire which doesn’t rise from its resting place, but rather lies in its tomb — chewing through its burial garments. As the nachzehrer eats its way through the shroud, the deceased’s family members, neighbors and friends fall ill and die. According to some accounts, one can sometimes hear the nachzehrer noisily chewing like a pig, and after it has finished with the shroud it may move on to chewing on its own flesh or that of other corpses in its vicinity. Some also claim that when the ghoul has gained sufficient sustenance in this manner it can then rise from the grave as a true vampire.

You’ll have to read to find out which route the author went with in zier story. >) Sorrynotsorry

 

                                                          Now go READ THE BOOK!

I was also… pleasantly surprised and not expecting to have actual deity visitations in this piece, but their appearance (because there was more than one hur hur~) only went to make it a thousand times better. Not to mention, one of them being among my FAVORITE EGYPTIAN GODS AT THAT! :3

The only thing that sort of drove me crazy was that ending. It was… ughh… precarious, a bit unfulfilling because it left the details entirely up to the reader and this was one instance where I didn’t want that. I wanted to know what was about to go down between the two gods confronting each other in the desert, how Neferhotep’s offer was going to work, y’know… with him still being a bloodthirsty vampire ‘n all. I wanted to… ugh… I wanted MORE, but I’m still satisfied with what I got.

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

Not really, although I’ll say this only because I know there are some people out there who do not like nor want to read about this particular topic in their books, so here it is:

There is incest in this book (between brothers and also mentioned in several instances between brothers-sisters). If you know anything about Egyptian royalty, you should know that that is the how they did things for hundreds of thousands of years. It’s not graphic throughout the book, but it is mentioned and mild scenes of it do happen. It is also consensual and not abusive, from what I read. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

• 2015 Monthly Motifs & Keyword Reading Challenge (I’m skipping around with this one)
  • Motif: (JUN) Take A Trip!  = Egypt
  • Keyword: (DEC) Flower = Lotuses
• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• 2015 LGBT Challenge
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• Readathon Day (2015)
• 105 Reading Challenge

Would you recommend this book?

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes– oh. Did I mention, YES?!

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher: Less Than Three Press Publication Date: October 2013 Format: eBook, RvC Pages: 159 Genre: Love, M/M Romance, Pharaohs, Egypt, Divinity, Vampires / Shroud Eaters, QUILTBAG / LGBTQUI, Paranormal, Fantasy, Egyptian Mythology,

Age: Adult Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Provided by Publisher upon request Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (19), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, 2015 Monthly Motifs & Keyword Reading Challenge, 2015 LGBT Reading Challenge, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge, Readathon Day 2015,