Anthology: Flipped Fables

Flipped Fables edited by SA Clements
Stars: 3/5

Overall:
Anthologies are always tricky because you can get such a mix of authors writing such a mix of stories, but I think in this case, it paid off. Not every story is a shining star, but none of them are folding in on themselves either, plus they cover a range of tastes so there should be one story sure to satisfy everyone.

The Man Who Cried Werewolf by Kiernan Kelly
A cute, if not completely predictable tale. Since this story is probably one of the most familiar among an American audience, I'm glad it started the series as it held the fewest surprises. It's a straight forward piece that plays out like you'd expect. Who's up for a romp in the hay?

A Sheepherder in Fabulous Clothing by Rob Rosen
If you like fabulous, you'll like this one. It's not completely to my taste, but it does give a good consideration of what makes a man, men who love men who dress as women, and forming your own identity. I feel like I should be more familiar with the tale this is based on, but nothing comes to mind. Still, it stands alone without requiring prior knowledge, except for maybe about drag queens.

Shifter 2.0 by Winnie Jerome
Rather than be a retelling of the Mouse and the Lion, this story just goes with the vague gist of a lion and a mouse in the same story. Daniel doesn't fit the old-school style of shifter that his families believes he should be, but he doesn't fit alot of stereotypes about shifters. He's a vegetarian lion who rips mattresses, clogs the drain with his hair, and requires odorless soaps. Good thing he's met Alex, owner of one mouse and chef at a vegetarian restaurant. He doesn't seem to mind Daniel's quirks, as long as Daniel won't mind his...

Bad Hair Day by Clare London
Rapunzel gets a gender swap and an attitude in this take of "Let Down Your Long Hair." The Prince is persistent through to the end, even if he starts of as a tender whippersnapper and ends up a hero (or, well, you tell me). The end is rather cheesy, but these are fairy tales, so I suppose it's forgiven...this time! ^Insert witch cackle here.

Wild Fox Chase by Misa Izanaki
This particular story is based on a Chinese tale and I like the concept and most the writing. The sex was kinda awkward though, and the dialogue during the sex worse. But other than that a perfectly enjoyable story, and our kitsune (but of course), is playful and keen and has an inner dialogue that fits the fox.

Sweet Persuasion by Angelia Sparrow
In which Zeph and Apollo, two gods of old (Greek, I think, but I'm always confusing them), challenge each other to see who can get a shepherd to remove his clothes first using their gifts. It doesn't really matter who the winner is, as they decided to pursue the boy that evening, which the both have off. For having a threesome, it's an incredibly sweet tale with some hot hillside sex.

The Nature of Love by Anah Crow
This is one of my favorite stories among this group. I wasn't familiar with the tale it was based on (The Cat and Venus), but I'm not sure familiarity would help/hinder the story since it was changed rather thoroughly in very excellent ways. I never knew what to expect next and the author never disappointed. This actually has me interested in what more she wrote.

Court and Country by GS Wiley
A new take on Country Mouse and City Mouse, we have two boys who grew up together, one who stayed in the country, preferring farming and hard work, while one moved into the city and joined the court. Before they part ways, they share a kiss, but nothing else, and then many years go by. They meet up together when the Courtier comes to visit the country and their tale unravels from there. How can two lovers with so very different tastes survive? It's a cute story. You won't be surprised by the ending, but I don't think we're meant to be.

The Cock and the Jewel by Sean Michael
Michael is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. He brings such great characters to life and explores facets of life that I don't face while still making the characters accessible. Here we meet a tattoo artist who is too inked and pierced for his last boyfriend, who he is still trying to get over. So the question is, will the cock give up on the jewel, or will he find his true worth?

Braided by Sean Michael

Braided by Sean Michael
Stars: 3.5/5

Overall
If you want hot sex, and lots of it, then pick up this story! If you want deep plot, go else where. If you want character studies, you'll find it here. If you want deep, overwhelming emotions, this probably isn't the place. So am I saying this is worth it? Yes. As long as you go in knowing what you're going to get, you will be happy with what you get in the end. The writing was enjoyable enough that half way through (when I realized there wasn't really going to be much plot), I shrugged my shoulders and kept reading...and I love plot-driven stories.

Warning: Contains BDSM involving fisting, twincest, sounds/wands, threesome and more

Strengths
Twins. I know my weaknesses, and it's twins. While I would never go for it in real life, fantasy worlds are a fun place to play. Michael does an excellent job of playing up this particular interest and does great things with making the twins similar in just enough ways that it's interesting and yet making them so very different. Also in this category is tattoos and piercings. Michael plays with many ideas in this story, many of which touch upon my buttons.

Writing. Michael has a very strong and consistent writing style that rarely falters. Even when there are several chapters without any real plot, I didn't mind because it's just enjoyable to read his stuff. And I'm a huge fan of plot, so that's saying something.

Ending. It has a very nice ending, which I won't divulge.

Weaknesses
PWP. The story does have plot, but the rate of plot to pages is really low. Michael seems to focus more on character development and advancement, exploring the human psyche and pulling it apart as he unthreads his characters. However, he doesn't seem to do this through plot (at least in the Velvet Glove series), but through character interactions. I think this works, overall. His writing is strong, he writes good scenes, and he has interesting characters. However, despite thoroughly enjoying this novel, I kept waiting for something to happen. There are a few small events, but not much else aside from sex. I suppose in some ways this is a strength too.

Peter's Story. I felt like Peter's story never got developed. For all Peter's issues, I was surprised that Paul received most of the attention plot wise. Maybe Michael felt it would be too obvious to go for the "broken" twin, which I can respect, but I still wish we'd gotten more of his story. Maybe there is another story out there that I didn't see.

Every Good Thing by M. Jules Aiden

Every Good Thing by M. Jules Aedin
Stars: 3/5

Overall:
I started this story expecting a bit more slave-master dynamic, but by the third chapter or so, I realized this wasn't going to be. Although Arieh is sold to Enitan as a slave, Enitan plans on making him his pias, a position between highest ranking slave and wife, leaning toward obedient wife placement. The pias is expected to keep the master of the house's bed, but when Arieh is reluctant, Enitan doesn't push him.

It's a story of a boy overcoming fear and teachings to embrace his feelings for the man who bought him. There are some allusions to the negatives of drugs, the positives/negatives of faith (seems to favor multiple gods over one), and the construction of a family outside the normal "established" family idea.

What I liked
The story was well written and constructed, aside from what I mention below.

Nothing in this book really jumped out and grabbed me. It wasn't a "can't put this down" book, nor did it give me a look inside myself. I also felt there were some plots left undone at the end (the dancer's brother never gets resolution, does he?). It was enjoyable, and I may even re-read it, but it didn't amaze me.

Characters. I sympathized with the characters and I wanted happy endings for them, but I wasn't moved by their plights. I think if we'd spent more time with the two or three main characters I would have felt more for them, but my attention was distracted by the head-hopping. But I did like Arieh, even if he's a whiney kid for a chunk of time (it's understandable), and I feel sorry for Enitan who is being extremely patient.

What didn't work
Jumping perspectives. I'm very picky when it comes to this style, and while it wasn't done poorly here, I didn't feel like it was needed half the time. From a strictly logical view it works to show us everything that's happening. But it too often is used as a crutch to avoid having to write around these complications. I'm not sure if it was used as a crutch here (I didn't see a lame leg), but it also didn't fit naturally into the writing either.

I re-read the book after some time had passed, just to make sure I wasn't judging this harshly. I found I enjoyed it alot more when I skipped over all the chapters that weren't from the three main perspectives (Junia, Enitan, Arieh). I can see the advantage of experiencing some of the alternatives (when the sister dancer is helped by the magic man, when the magic man takes on an apprentice) but most everything else is unnecessary, and even the parts I can understand could have been taken on differently, especially if Junia was kept as a point of view.

Ignored complication. Junia found a book of scripture for Arieh, which he ignores in favor of being happy. His reasoning for this is that he's been abandoned by his god already, so it doesn't matter. It felt flat, and also like the author was setting something up that she decided not to follow through with. Even Enitan points this out, but it's never really resolved and I wonder if she felt it was or if she did resolve it and I'm missing it.

Velvet Need by Sean Michael

Velvet Need by Sean Michael
Stars: 4.5/5

Overall:
I'm not a huge fan of BDSM, which may make you wonder why I was reading a novel all about it. There was a sale, I'll leave it at that. And yet...this novel was very good. Even if some of the subject matters weren't to my liking, the writing was done in such a sensual/sexual way that I found it enjoyable.The characters aren't flat and they both struggle with their place in the dynamic, eventually finding their balance within the relationship. While, obviously, BDSM practices are a core element of the story and sex, the author did a fantastic job of balancing them with development of characters and plot (although plot is mostly through the characters). While plot is important, it is mostly a tool to drive the character development and exploration.
Warning: Contains BDSM and the use of sounds/wands, enemas, fisting

Strengths
The doctor. I was very wary of Lutrell when we were first introduced to him for several reasons. One, he giggled a lot, which I initially was concerned meant the writing was going to be bad, but it turned out just to be a character trait that I later kind of loved. Two, he was a Top with several interests that didn't, well, interest me. But as the story continued, I learned to love his laughing and his light-hearted nature, and while his sexual interests still don't do it for me, the affection and tenderness he puts into his work amends that.

Sensuality. The tenderness and care with which the sex was described, mixed with the complete abandon of passion and enjoyment made even descriptions of things that aren't enjoyable to me sound pleasant.

Writing. The writing is very smooth and Michael does an excellent job of writing two very different characters from two different perspectives.

Weaknesses
Again, some of the sexual practices weren't "my cup of tea," so to speak, but they were well handled, not gruesome or too detailed, but instead sensual.

Plot. There is a plot, just very little. Hard-working business man thinks he's a top, a Top shows him how to let go, HWBM gets kidnapped and tortured and Top has to re-coop him. That's the basic plot, and if this wasn't in outer space (aka, not our real world), I'd question some of the legal elements. As it is, we chalk it up to "well, it's an outer space thing" and move on. The action plot is minimal, the emotional plot is the focus.

The Dickens With Love by Josh Lanyon

The Dickens With Love by Josh Lanyon
Stars: 5/5

Overall:
Very few people can successfully mix romance, humor and heartfelt suffering as Lanyon does in To Dickens With Love. My initial interest in the story came from its quirky description involving glow-in-the-dark condoms, and I was happy to see that its humor stayed consistent throughout, sometimes sticking with straight amusement and other times going with a more sarcastic, jaded laugh.

But this story is much more than just a good laugh. Our jaded and desperate narrator is put into a morally questionable situation that he feels he must fulfill, both because he needs the money and also because he yearns to be "back in the business," no matter how dark the dealings are for him, at the moment. Of course, things begin to take a turn for...well, not the worse, but they do take a turn once he meets the quietly handsome Crisparkle.

This is a perfect Christmas tale, good any time of year (I read it in the autumn), but probably sweetest during the holidays (I plan to read it again then, just to keep myself in the spirit). This is a story about love, forgiveness, redemption, hope and...well, it's a Dickens' tale.

Another Kind of Cowboy by Susan Juby

Another Kind of Cowboy by Susan Juby
Stars: 2.5/5

Overall:
I probably would have ranked this book as a 2, but the author did an excellent job with the horse elements, so it earns an extra half star. Otherwise I found the novel mediocre overall, mostly due to Cleo's involvement. If the story had focused solely on Alex and been from his perspective, it would have been better.

What I liked
Alex. Perhaps the sweetest boy you've ever met. Okay, he's embarrassed by his family, but who wouldn't be? He's hardworking, quiet, tries not to complain and struggles with his place in the world. He doesn't fit in in so many ways, but he does his best to get by.

Equestrian. Most people get their horse stuff wrong in books, but this author, with her obvious horse experience, gets stuff right. It was wonderfully refreshing for a fellow equestrian. I'm not sure I buy the musical kur, which seems a bit advanced for two teens, but I suppose they are advanced riders.

Dressage Coaches. I enjoyed the two male dressage coaches. Their mixed personalities were funny and tender at all the right moments.

What didn't work
Cleo. She was annoying, self-centered, complaining all the time and lazy. If she was there to be a comparison to Alex, it didn't work. Even if she "brought Alex out of his shell" a little, I could not see them being friends. She annoyed me to the extremes. I tended to skim her chapters. Since she was half the book, it did serious damage to the quality.

Jesse's Story by MaculateGiraffe

Jesse's Story by MaculateGiraffe
Stars: 5/5

Overall:
A continuation of the Slave Breakers series, we are introduced to strong-willed, quick thinking Jesse. He joins the household temporarily, but leaves a lasting impression. He's smart enough to challenge Holden and he watches everyone, trying to understand them with his extremely curious, and nosy, nature.

This story doesn't have the emotional pull that Bran's Story had, because it's approaching everything from a different angle. While the main character is Jesse, this is really just continuing the story of Bran and Holden. Jesse sees everything with a jaded and cynical eye, judging Bran's love for his master as sad and Holden's abuse of that love as horrid. But it is Jesse's meddlesome ways that gives this story its happy ending.

What I liked
More Bran and Holden! I really love these two and was happy to see more of them.

Writing. The author continued to impress me with the writing style and plot development. I think there were bigger time jumps in this novel, but the flow wasn't interrupted.

What didn't work
Nothing jumped out at me as terrible. I felt less connected to Jesse than I felt previously with Bran, but some may like his brash attitude better than Bran's subservience. I also understand that this story needed to be told from his perspective in order to give us his way of thinking, his nosy nature, and an outsider's view.

Bran's Story by Maculate Giraffe

Bran's Story by MaculateGiraffe
Stars: 5/5

Overall:
If you're like me, you see "Independently published" and your nose wrinkles. But you also can't deny a free read, so you click and start reading. And you're amazed. I was amazed. The copy is clean, the story is superb, the writing is excellent and the emotional pull is strong. The overall story involves a Master-Slave relationship, but doesn't really do too much BDSM except for the "obey me" bit. The basic concept (slave falling for his master) isn't unique, but the way in which the author approaches it is. VERY enjoyable. (Warning: Sexual partners are not hard and fast in this story, but the characters aren't "slutty," they just have a different concept of loyalty.)

What I liked
Characters. Bran, Holden, Yves come off the page like the beautiful men they are, wrapping their naked limbs around each other and the reader until you relax into their grasp. They are brilliantly colored and varied, and even Yves--who we know the least about, has the least screen time, and would seem to be a "flat" character--is more than meets the eye. He has weaknesses and strengths and the author doesn't feel the need to tell us this because we see it through his interactions with Bran and his master.

World. Because the setting is supposed to be equivalent to ours in most cases, the author is freed from having to describe everything and is free to focus on the more important elements: the slave-master dynamic, both in a private context and a social context (this is developed in a later book). The author does an excellent job of illustrating everything for the reader and absorbing the reader into the world.

Bran. Bran comes from an abusive master and is terrified, but he's not broken. I think this is refreshing, as well as a central point of the story. Bran is so hopeful and desires so strongly to please, that you can't help but be happy when he is happy.

What didn't work
If you're looking for a high-intensity plot with action, this isn't it. The plot is by no means boring, but it's more of a subtle, internal struggle than a fight for life.

There was one small "huh?" that arose, and that was so small. The world is pretty much parallel to ours, with cars, etc, but also with slaves. But there is mention of a chamber pot being used, which seemed a little odd. Didn't they have toilets? They have cars but not toilets? But this can easily be explained away by the fact that it is almost parallel. So not a big deal. You know it's a good book when you have to pick on ONE line in the entire story.

Fall by Alex Draven

Fall by Alex Draven
Stars: 2/5

Overall:
I enjoyed this story, and I enjoyed this world, but the reason it scored so low was because so much was confusing. There is so much here that can be fleshed out into a longer piece. I was even hoping that maybe this was just an off shoot of another story without any luck. I enjoyed the crabby centaur, the young go-getter, the conflict between them and their histories. The end confused me a little, as to why everything happened, even if I have an understanding of what happened. The history of everyone is a little fuzzy as well, although I grasped the basic plot.

This is meant to be M/M romance, but very little actually feels like it. Our main centaur had a male lover (boyfriend/significant other/grooming mate?) and there is the possibility of something between him and the young colt, but it's all kind of vague. This needed to be longer to explore the complex systems that were created.

Diego by Angel Martinez

Diego by Angel Martinez
Stars: 5/5

Overall:
Finn and Diego return! They've settled in Montana for a nice quiet life, but life with a pooka is rarely quiet for long. But really, this time it's Diego's fault. Mostly. A simple misunderstanding opens the Veil and a whole set of new problems. As Diego becomes more confident with himself and his magic, Finn begins to have doubts if he's the best thing for someone as wonderful as Diego. We follow the couple and their new friends between worlds and into trouble. Life really isn't going to be quiet for long...

I enjoyed this novel overall, even if there isn't much I can pinpoint at being its strong points. The exploration of the worlds and magics, the integration of politics, and the continued study of love between cultures all lent to a well constructed story.

What I liked
Action, world, politics. There were so many different elements in this story! We have the fae political scene, the mundane world's political scene, some shady Alien Business, and all mixed up with their continued struggle for romance. The story kept a good strong pace all the way through--I had trouble putting it down (much to the chagrin of my boss).

Emotions. I was so happy to see Finn struggle with new emotions he normally didn't have, and the parallel incidents of Finn's jealousy and Diego's jealousy and the reactions/end results.

What didn't work
Epilogue. I think it's the only thing I can complain about, and it's not even much to complain about. It was cute, just not completely my cup of tea.
SPOILER BELOW




**SPOILER**I'm not sure why I don't like weddings. Also, I was kind of hoping that Diego would somehow be immortal so he and Finn could be together forever. The pen thing was hilariously awesome though.**SPOILER**

Love Means ... Freedom by Andrew Grey

Love Means ... Freedom by Andrew Grey
Stars: 3.5/5

Overall:
This is an enjoyable story, following two young men, one who needs to learn to stand up for himself and another who needs to learn to see what people are like inside. This is a tale of healing, some physical and some emotional, as Preston and Stone struggle for love, understanding, and freedom from their past.

What I liked
Pace. Once Stone and Preston start dating, they move at a reasonable pace. They confront Stone's issues without it being a huge deal (since said issues effect everyone differently). And take time before really confronting the issues, which felt realistic. They also both slowly grow feelings for one another, rather than instantly, but still don't talk about it immediately.

Length. There is no "big" climax, but rather several smaller ones (pun recognized, if not intended). This works in order to fit in their entire story and express the theme of the book (Love means freedom, in case you missed that). Each time I hit a mini-climax, I'd see how much I had left, shrug, and continue. The story never dragged, no matter how long it was, but just steadily went along. All those stories I've read where "I wish there was more" was satisfied with this one, where we kept going until we're cozy.

What didn't work
Telling, not Showing. Sometimes the author tells us, or spells out what was already implied. This was a small stone tripping me in my travels, but for the most part wasn't too distracting. I would come across a line, wince, then move on. It didn't terribly detract from the story.

Pace. It felt like the transition from "you annoying jerk" to "I want to kiss you" went quickly, but again this didn't detract from the story, since their initial getting together isn't really the focus. Also, Preston does apologize and offer to make amends, but I think having Stone realize that he just uses his cockiness as a defense in the beginning (rather than making an awkward reference about it later) would have smoothed the problems on Stone's end.

Equine therapy. Being a horseback rider and familiar with equine therapy, I felt some of these things facts were a bit off. It could be the type of therapy center they are running, and some of the facts were spot on, but other parts had me questioning the realism (certification, experience, training, lack of sidewalkers...) This probably won't bother most people.

Someplace in This World, an anthology

Someplace in This World edited by Lee Benoit
Stars: 2.5/5

Overall:
While none of the stories were painful to read, few were a true pleasure. See below for more details about each story.

The Black Times by Kiernan Kelly
This story starts off strong, but about the time of the date starts to get wobbly. It began to feel unbelievable, or at least enough that it threw me out of the moment. I liked Michael and Bill as characters and a couple, and I think the story is strong enough to be enjoyable--but if I were editor, I would have requested some changes.

The Prodigal by Eden Winters
A continuation of Mark's story from The Angel of 13th Street, we follow this country boy-turned prostitute from his place on the streets back to where he belongs. Those familiar with the book will find little new in the story, but it doesn't make Mark's concerns any less understandable. It's a sweet story as we find those who had originally pushed Mark away come to terms with who he is and welcome him home.

I have a question about the cop that helps Mark and how that ties into the Angel's arrest in the novel, but I'd have to check to see if it's actually an error.

The Magic of Moving Houses by G.R. Richards
This story did very little for me. It seemed odd and forced and just odd. I can get behind the crazy idea of houses vanishing and molding themselves together, but everything else just seemed awkward. I think if this was explored as a longer story, with the reader witnessing the interaction of the characters before the monumental night, then the two men would feel more believable. As it is, I'm not buying it.

Comeback by G.S. Wiley
This was the first story in the set to really move me. Felix is so unlike most people reading--he's a once-famous movie star who spun out of control with his alcohol and drug abuse and went into rehab. He fires his manager--the only person who has been there for him the whole time--and gets a new one in his struggle to reclaim life.

So not many things that people have to deal with. And yet. And yet we are drawn to Felix because he's made some poor decisions, he's pushed away friends and family, he's made mistakes--things we all can connect with--and now he's trying to fix his life and make some sense out of it all, while daily fighting with the desire to take a drink. His desperation, mixed with his motivation to not give in, is what makes him so believable.

Return to the Mountain by P.D. Singer
I'm actually surprised I enjoyed this story as much as I did. Gary is self-centered, selfish, and a cheat. But he's on the path of reform, which redeems him long enough for us to get through the story, and we are rewarded with his reunion with Seth--but that doesn't mean everything is roses afterward.

Oilsmouth by J Rocci
This is a romance story in only the most basic sense that Edge loves Kit and is willing to do pretty much anything to keep him. The world is steampunk and very thoroughly described without being too much. I wasn't disappointed with the ending, even if it was abrupt...I'd kind of like to read more about this world and this couple!

Light the Fire by J.L. Merrow
This feels like a return to a classic-type of story, and I appreciated it. Kurt is still mourning the loss of his previous lover, who has been dead for 2 years, and Matt is not the type to give up. It's a fun, spit-fire dynamic that dips its toes into deeper waters without delving too far (due to limited space).

Pack Horse by Lee Benoit
I enjoyed this story...I think. I understood the overall jist of the story, but some of the subtleties were lost on me. Especially the flirt. At least, I think it was flirting. I may need to reread this to get it, but maybe I'm just being dense.

Home is the Hunter by Syd McGinley
Aside from the abuse of exclamation marks, which is a pet peeve (and is just ridiculous. If you can't get your excitement across with one, or better yet with the use of words, then why are you writing?). But aside from that, I feel like I'm see a sliver of a story that deserves more. Or needs more, whether it deserves it or not. There seems to be alot missing. I like the situation Topher is in (though I'm curious why he no longer goes by Chris), and I see potential in his relationship with Kynan. I think if this were fleshed out more there'd be potential, but overall it was flat.

Night Watch by Eden Winters

Night Watch by Eden Winters
Stars: 3/5

Overall:
This story probably isn't strong enough to stand alone, although the plot itself is self contained. It's a nice story, but nothing amazing. It is very touching to watch Jay "deal" with Michael's problems and seeing the relationship from his perspective (since Michael would surely say Jay got the raw end of the deal).

What I liked
I felt the story really picked up once Jay actually arrived home. I realize the need for the detour, but that section dragged a little for me (on the other hand, the story would probably feel like it was missing something if it wasn't there). More than the sex (not that I minded that, it was enjoyable!), I liked watching Jay help Michael come out of himself and his memories through the sensory questions, especially when Michael describes Jay's touches on him.

What didn't work
There was one possible plot hole: The story takes place on July 4th, and the fireworks of New Years are referenced, but The Telling takes place in spring, which mean a July 4th would have already passed once.

The French Have a Word for It by Josh Lanyon

The French Have a Word for It by Josh Lanyon
Stars: 4/5

Overall:
A brief, sweet tale of long ago crushes returning. Colin is hiding from his grandfather when he meets his old crush Thomas. But all isn't what it seems. It was moving and rewarding (although not hot) in a very short space.

What I liked
Emotions. While a short piece, we easily get attached to our narrator and experience his emotions.

Story. We are given plenty of back story without bogging down current events, and everything is fleshed out smoothly. We understand the characters without being told everything and our main voice has weakness while not being weak.

What didn't work
There wasn't anything that didn't work, my only disappointments were the lack of a sex scene (which isn't vital, but was kind of teasing) and I wish it were longer, which isn't a failing, since the story is self-contained. But I did want more...I think that says good things about this short story.

Jude in Chains by K.Z. Snow

Jude in Chains by K.Z. Snow
Stars: 3.5/5

Overall:
Third time's the charm, right? So when Misha meet Jude again, in a gay conversion camp of all places, he knows he has to save him. But it might just be Misha who ends up being saved. This is a story you have to take with a small grain of salt, believing in that *spark* between two people that draws them together. Otherwise it's good, but not amazing; a touching story that satisfies.

What I liked
Misha isn't perfect, but he certainly is passionate about caring about Jude and wanting to save him from the "straight ideal." He's an enjoyable narrator, mixing humor and feeling as we go along. Nothing felt unrealistic or improbable and the flashbacks worked well to establish their history.

What didn't work
The only minor downside is that we don't really see what Jude would get out of the decisions he makes. This is where you have to suspend your disbelief and go with it a little, believe in soul mates or what have you. This didn't bother me and I never really considered it until I sat down to write the review.

The Lost Language of Cranes by David Leavitt

The Lost Language of Cranes by David Leavitt
Stars: 3.75/5

Overall:
A study in life. A painting in words. A moving, subtly dramatic piece that dissects human nature and human life, splaying it on the table for us to see--and shudder at. I think anyone beyond high school will find a character to relate to, whether you are gay, straight, single, married, working a job you enjoy, working a job you hate, working a job you're good at, in love, in lust, just friends, hoping, dreaming, desperate, depressed, in the closet, out of the closet or just plain searching.

Very little dramatic action leaves this a rather slow read, but if you go in expecting a steadily plodding story, you won't be disappointed. The lack of high-action isn't a necessarily a bad thing, although it didn't rush me through the book either. Instead it's a loaf of bread, needing time to rise and be kneaded, then rise again. Patience pays off with something delicious, even if it isn't a burst of amazing flavors. It is substance.

The ending is satisfactory--you can't really expect much else from a story so gritty in its realism. Life may not be amazingly happy, but it's working on getting better, and I guess that's all you can hope for sometimes.