Michael

Ambitious!

Revisado: 02-20-25

This is my first book by Brennan, and I absolutely loved it. The performance by Quirk was superb. She really gives voice to the characters. I appreciate Brennan’s ambition in this novel. I did see the twist, but come on, his name was an instant give away. I also loved how genre and tropes were played with.

I have a feeling the chapter titles are based on novel titles, “The Lady’s Guide to Escape” A Gentlemen Guide to Vice and Virtue “The Villainess in the Greenhouse of Good and Evil” Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil are some of my guesses. I’ll have to go and try to figure out the others. If my feeling is true, I think a re-read will be delightful to find other easter eggs. However, the real strength here is the characters. I loved Key especially. It was like Brennan took every “bad boy” in fantasy and said "hold my beer." Many times, I read a book and wonder about all the interesting side characters and want to follow them. Brennan does that here.

I did give this book 5 stars, but it’s not perfect. It did drag for me a little around the 60% mark. But the ending is so much fun, this book really ends on a high note. However, it is a cliff hanger. If you require a standalone, you might need to wait for the rest of the series. I highly recommend reading or listening to this book if you appreciate fantasy that creatively subverts traditional tropes and incorporates meta-awareness.

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Welcome Return

Revisado: 11-07-24

I was excited to see a new book by David R. Slayton. Rogue Community College is set in the world of the Adam Binder series but follows a new set of characters with some familiar faces. Vran and Argent are back! Although not necessary to understand the plot of RCC, reading the other Binder books will enhance your experience. They're great you'll enjoy them.

I would recommend this book if you like, guys who are tall, dark and damaged, but who are doing the work. Magic running amok, and mysteries within mysteries. Also, Michael David Axtell is back for the audio performance. RCC does wrap up nicely but leaves room for a new series. Magical blood was not accounted for.



Spoiler wish list:

If Slayton can do a spinoff of a spinoff, I would like more murder school please. Maybe a Kenji origin story. We can follow him as the new leader of the lost boy assassins as they try to find their place in the realms. Kenji could meet a certain Tanner; the one kill he couldn’t kill and learns he should use his skills for good.

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Yeah, It's Great

Revisado: 07-31-24

So, I've read this book about 4 times and listen to the audio book twice. I'm still not sure what is happening, but absolute love it. I'm not going to give any summary or analysis, since there are a dozen video essays online which will do a better job than I can. It's Kazuo Ishiguro, you either love getting punch in the gut with emotion or not.

Michael,

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Powerful

Revisado: 07-31-24

I went into this book totally blind. I didn’t even read the synopsis only listen to the sample. However, I’m familiar with the author after reading “The Darkness Outside of Us” a few years ago, which I really enjoyed. Although, not high concept or full of twist like DOU, Charming Young Man was very powerful, and told a very human story of self-discovery, ambition, betrayal and love. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I related to many moments in this story. As a gay man myself, the little moments and scenes really got me. But anyone who’s gone through betrayal and lost will find this story resonating. I recommend CYM if you like stories which are realistic with complex emotions.
(((Minor Spoiler Ahead))) - if you want to go in totally blind, don’t read the Author’s note until the end.






CYM is historical fiction based on a real pianist, Leon Delafosse, in 1890’s Paris as he navigates high society and discovers his sexuality as a gay man. Since its historical, the failings and bigotries of our world are present and play a part in the story. For me, I want my characters to face real struggles, but I know some are looking for a full Bridgerton Fantasy, and this is not.

I’m going to have to add Schrefer to my trusted author lists, along with VE Schwab, David R. Slayton and Rainbow Rowell. I learned “The Darkness Outside of Us” is getting a sequel, very excited. I would love to see Schrefer try fantasy. Also, Mark Sanderlin gave an awesome performance. I read most of my books now, as audio books due to working nights, and I have been guilty of buying a book just based on a voice.

Michael,

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FT's Best Novel Yet

Revisado: 12-19-23

I've read a few of FT's novels, EverAfter, In Deep Waters, and Spell Bound is my favorite so far.

SB has a strong urban fantasy setting and the world building is very charming. There is a straightforward magic system and with the new trope of non-magical protagonists in a magical world, which I like.

If you are looking for an angsty queer romance in a magical world I would give this book a try.

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The Sea Might Be Shallow, But the Story Is Not

Revisado: 12-19-23

I picked up DMSS on a whim and I'm glad I did. I had not heard of David R, Slayton or any of his books before, but now I'm a fan and will be checking out his other works. I think going into this book with as few spoilers as possible will give the best experience. So, if a character driven novel with a deep mythology of demons, ghost and gods with a little gay romance on the side sounds appealing I'd recommend given DMSS a try.

(I'm going to give my thoughts on the book but will try to avoid spoilers.)

I found DMSS by searching for a sci fi/fantasy book with a gay male lead. The algorithm offered up DMSS. I think it knows me too well. Although the main character, Raef, and a few others are gay, this book is not a coming out story and their sexuality is not a main factor in the plot or crisis. I personally found this refreshing. I think anyone will enjoy the experiences of the characters and will be able to relate to them.

The characters are the best part of the novel. Slayton is able to write complex characters who are struggling to do the right thing when what is right or wrong is not clear. DMSS does live in the gray area of belief vs experience, which resonated with me personally.

The other strong factor of the novel is the world building. Slayton creates a deep mythology about gods, demons and ghost that was a joy to explore and learn about. I always enjoy books with back story mysteries. The horror setting of the novel really shines. A few scenes towards the end of the novel almost reach body horror. Slayton still keeps the epic feel though.

I said earlier that the novel is character driven and the plot is where I had a few issues. First the plot is actioned packed, and I was never bored. But a few characters and events show up and happen that felt convenient. I know the book has some Greek mythology influences, with the gods/titan and I suspect some of the episodic events in the plot are due to being based on this. I could see the Odyssey as a template for the plot giving the epic journey experience. In the end my attachment to the characters, enjoyment of the world, and story overcame in small issues I had.

DMSS is marketed as a series, and I hope it will be, but the novel does wrap up nicely and does not end on any major cliff hanger. I look forward to more works by Slayton.

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A Strong Entry to Schwab’s Canon

Revisado: 07-05-22

Gallant is all about the atmosphere and the prose, which I feel is Schwab’s strength as a writer. If you are looking for heavy plot this book is not it. The narrative is an exploration of how people communicate when they can’t or won’t understand each other. One of my favorite elements Schwab uses in her work is music and art. Gallant has those elements in spades. Schwab also brings us a unique yet still familiar female lead who is a survivor in Olivia. I’m torn if she is my favorite Schwab lead, I think she is currently third for me after Kate, and Addie. The narrative really focuses on Olivia, however I would have liked the other characters motives flushed out more. Matthew and the Mother especially. But I guess a good story always leaves you wanting more. The only other critique I have is some of the plot happens due to characters not communicating and it wasn’t clear to me why. Overall the book is very tight. I listened to it on a 7 hr road trip and really enjoyed it. Schwab really gets the best audio actors. I recommend this book if you are looking for a quick stand alone or are new to Schwab and want to see if she is a good fit for your interest.

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Stays With You

Revisado: 05-08-21

My review will compare the book to films and stories it reminded me of, this may cause minor spoilers. I would suggest reading the book with as little information about the story as possible. However, the book does not answer all the mysteries it has. I enjoy this type of ambiguity, but I know some will want an ending with a bow. There is also a trigger warning for child abuse, suicide, and homophobia.



*Minor Spoilers*



“More Than This” was the first book by Patrick Ness that I’ve read and I think I’ve have found a new favorite author. I found this book after searching for an LGBTQ lead who wasn’t defined by being LGBTQ but just was. On this point I was not disappointed. The book reminded me of Tarkovsky’s “Stalker” and the recent “Annihilation” in setting. It also had a healthy dose of “9” and the “Matrix.” The book maintains an unreliable narration throughout, and it was very self-aware of itself. I enjoy this type of metaness, there were a few moments where I began to roll my eyes at the main character and then he was called out on his B.S. As I said above the book does not have a clear ending and leaves a lot of questions. It allows for reader interpretation, which is my cup of tea, but I can see how some will want a definite answer to the mystery. Overall, the story was entertaining and delivered on what I wanted from it. The audio performance by Nick Podehl was great and I think really added to my enjoyment of the story. I give this book a Read Again!

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Twist and turns

Revisado: 04-18-21

Overall I enjoyed this novel. It had a few surprises I didn’t see coming. I won’t give away spoilers, but if you like magic, vampires and some teen angst I would recommend. I did find the queer relationship at the center of the story refreshing. It was great to read about gay character who knew who they were. The novel does wrap up nicely, but leaves room for a sequel. The only real complaint I had was several of the characters fall out of the story for a bit only to show up when it was convenient.

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