[REVIEW BL NOVEL] Feng Yu Jiu Tian [ 凤于九天 ] 之二十一 疾风劲草 by Feng Nong

Feng Yu Jiu Tian [ 凤于九天 ] 之二十一 疾风劲草 by Feng Nong

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Read from February 03 to 04, 2015, read count: 1

Nong-Nong, you are so merciless! *clutch chest in pain* Why? Why kill off so many innocent people? And they are such nice people too. *tearing up* Moreover it pains my heart to see Feng Ming suffer so much because of his kindness. Are you trying to taint his pure soul and damage it to the point of no return?

It was sure pure agony from Book 20 onwards and the situation is still pretty dire after the end of Book 21. I would advice to make sure you have secured Book 21 and 22 when you plan on starting Book 20. The extreme anxiety could really be too much for you to bear if you were to halt your reading midway after starting on Book 20. I am no longer sure if I am just reading a Yaoi (Boy's Love) Novel at this point. The story is too complex to be just a simple Yaoi fare. It was both character and plot driven. The author is very daring hence the plot was absolutely unpredictable. Which is why my heart was racing non-stop and my finger nails suffers numerous bite marks.

On a brighter note, Nong-Nong did insert a pretty hot H-scene (smex scene) between my favorite pairing, the Ruo Yan (若言) and Feng Ming (鳳鳴) pair as a side story which I presume was an attempt to appease her fans for ruffling their feathers so harshly. Fans would be delighted to know that there's actually a radiodrama of this exciting side story. You could listen to it here: 《凤于九天;夜宫》风弄原著耽美广播剧 . It's in Mandarin of course. Initially I could only understand about 70% to 80% of it but after reading the novel I find it more stimulating than before since now I could understand what's really going on.

I am off to Book 22 now. Not a minute to waste!

Ruo Yan (the one with white hair) and our beloved adorable uke, Feng Ming.

* Reviewed on 4th February 2015

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[REVIEW] Werecat: The Rearing (Werecat #1) by Andrew J. Peters

Werecat: The Rearing by Andrew J. Peters

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Read from November 02 to 09, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1

From day one Jacks met Benoit, the mysterious stranger was way creepy. Benoit was like a walking time bomb. Yet Jacks was curiously attracted to this imperious man with piercing green eyes that seems to dare him to stick around longer to make sense of this new feelings the guy invoke within him. They both seem to get on well enough and the sex was absolutely invigorating. Just when things are going swell, Jacks found himself on a crossroads situation when his summer vacation days was winding down and he needs to get back to college to finish his final semester. Benoit had given him an ultimatum; stay with him forever or leave and never see each other again. Was the amazing sex worth it? Did he really love Benoit enough to sacrifice his future for a guy he barely knew?

I liked the mysterious atmosphere, the dark undertone surrounding the story and it's non-traditional approach to a shifters story. Apart from that the werecat shifters truly display cat-like qualities in their behavior and personality. Cats are prideful, predatory and territorial. These traits are wonderfully portrayed in the werecat shifter. I also enjoyed the primal and animalistic qualities the story has.

So here comes the not so great parts. I found that the constant flashbacks disrupts the flow and tension of the story. I am don't mind stories that employs flashbacks but excessive usage of it is not a good sign especially when the last thing you ever wanted was for the reader to cool down after building up the story's intensity and pace. It's like fishing, you don't slacken the string once you got em on the hook. I felt like someone just interrupted the best part of a juicy story I was so engrossed on. Not one time but repetitively. Bummer right?

There's also the issue with weak execution of character's motivation which would abruptly yank me out of the story. I felt the need to question why the character would perform irrational or contradictory actions when there isn't sufficient motivation for it. Last but not least, was that some part of the plot defies logic so much so that it's rather jarring.

This story does have it's potential despite the shortcomings. I would still continue with the series since I have already bought book 2 and 3 in advance.

Overall, love the premise and descriptive writing even-though wonky execution fucked it up quite a bit.

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: Werecat: The Rearing

Author: Andrew J. Peters

Publication Date: May 28th, 2013

Publisher: Vagabondage Press LLC

ISBN: 9781301415519 (Smashwords Edition)

Type: Novella, 21,130 words

Genre: Gay Paranormal Romance

Description:

or Jacks Dowd, a college senior who feels ungrounded from his family and life in general, an alcohol and sex-infused weekend in Montréal sounds like a pretty good escape. His Spring Break binge takes a detour when he meets Benoit, an admiring drifter with startling green eyes. A hook-up turns into a day, two days, and then a full week in Benoit's hostel, making love and scarfing down take-out food. But at the end of the week, Benoit demands that Jacks make an impossible choice: stay with him forever, or go back to college and never see him again.

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

★|| SMASHWORDS ||★|| KOBOBOOKS ||★|| AMAZON ||★

* Reviewed on November 10th, 2014

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Previous Comments:

(view spoiler)[8-November-2014:
What a pity. This story could have been great if it wasn't marred by inconsistencies due to weak execution of character's motivation and action and also plots that defies logic.

I will try to elaborate more when I get around to do a review of it. In view that I've already bought book 2 and 3 earlier on, I will be continuing the story.

15-November-2013:
Bought from Kobobooks.com today. Finally!

15-June-2013:
Will need ta remember to get to this one real soon. It has barbed cock sex - actual cat sex. The big roaring cats kind. And I don't know why I am saying this here. :P


Cat fight! Ding! ding! (hide spoiler)]

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[ANIME REVIEW] Kono Danshi, Ningyo Hiroimashita. (This Boy Caught a Merman)

Kono Danshi, Ningyo Hiroimashita. 

(This Boy Caught a Merman)

I've just watched this new shounen-ai anime of a lonely sad boy saved by a merman when he fell into the sea. I think it was heartfelt and really sweet. The graphic was pleasing and also artfully done. Definitely worth watching.

                  Just look at the beautiful colours:

             

              Isaki-san is just too cute. I want a merman in my living room too!

Synopsis:

They say look before you leap and make sure you can swim before you go in the deep water, but when a picture of his late grandfather falls into the ocean, Shima jumps in after it without thinking. Nearly drowning as a result, he is instead saved by a very perfect stranger... one whose strangeness extends to only being human from the waist up! For Shima, who's always felt like a fish out of water himself, it's more than just a revelation, and the young man and merman quickly begin to bond in ways neither anticipated. And yet, it's going to be far from easy sailing. After all, Shima and Isaki aren't just from opposite sides of the tracks, they're from entirely divergent species, and swimming in separate gene pools may make maintaining a long term relationship a whole different kettle of fish!   

Source: Sentai

Plot Summary:

Spoiler:

Shima has always strove to be an excellent obedient child to his parents and to others, but in the process he could never be himself. Because of this he has always felt lonely, even with all the people who say they love him. When the picture of his recently deceased grandfather falls into the ocean, Shima nearly drowns jumping in after it. He is quickly saved by a mysterious man. In a daze Shima confesses his loneliness to the stranger, who then vows to stay by Shima's side for as long as he needs him. Shima quickly finds out that this stranger is a merman. Shima takes him home, and names him Isaki. Isaki and Shima quickly become friends, but find out that their feelings for each other might go past that of friendship. - Credit: Anime News Network

[MANGA REVIEW] Kokou no Hito (The Climber) by Shinichi Sakamoto, Yoshiro Nabeda, Hiroshi Takano

Kokou no Hito, Volume 1-17 by Shinichi Sakamoto
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Read from June 20 to 28, 2014, read count: 1

Dark, dramatic and powerfully captivating. Absolutely not a typical sports manga.

Kokou no Hito is a unique manga experience with dark and complex storytelling combined with breathtaking artwork that captivates the mind and soul. Since this manga was a Seinen category, both the plot and the theme focused on heavy subjects which are intense as well as disturbing in nature. The story explores role of emotion, morality, rationality in human reason when pushed to to the edge of survival. The mountains is no place for the weak, the same goes for those below the mountains. Above or below, only the fittest will survive and prosper.

This riveting manga series was inspired by Kato Buntaro, he is one of Japan's famous solo mountaineer of the early 20th century. Buntaro began his winter solo moutaineering career in February 1928 in the Hyōnosen mountains and from then on he couldn't stop climbing until he drew his last breath on Mount Yari.

In Kokou no Hito we follow an extremely introverted protagonist, Mori Buntarou as he progress from high school climbing to professional high-altitude mountaineering and later as a challenger of the untrodden K2 East Face. K2 was known as the holy grail of mountaineering and also as 'The Savage Mountain' due to countless lives lost to it. Even though it was only the second highest mountain in the world, it was far more hazardous than Everest. Until now the eastern face of K2 was untrodden land because it has the hardest and deadliest routes.

As opposed to many other readers who finds it hard to relate to the protagonist, I am completely enamored by him for I truly admire his character and personality despite his shortcomings. I do believe he can't function well with people around him due to severe anthropophobia. This makes him a true loner and an outcast to society. And it is also one of the reason why is he drawn to the mountains all the time. I find him fascinating and quite a romantic person. Romantic not in the sense of being in relationships but the sentimentality of his being. His heartstrings quivers at the slightest provocation and sometimes this trait of his maddens me. I am torn between wanting to embrace and protect him from harm and wishing to knock some sense into him, hard.

Despite not being a sports fan myself, I was highly intrigued by the mountaineering technical details presented in this series. The mangaka did so well with it that a layman like me finds it easy to follow and appreciate the mountaineering aspect of the story. The realistic portrayal of mental and physical challenges faced by the mountaineers was insightful and eye-opening. Apart from that what makes this manga unputdownable was the thrilling conflicts sparked by feuds and controversies in Mori's life especially in the world of mountain climbing. When it comes to extreme sport like mountaineering, your life literally lies in the hands of your teammates and theirs in yours. Therefore mountaineering as a team could potentially turn into harsh trial of humanity where ethics and morality are stretched as thin as the air in high-altitude.

I would highly recommend this manga to matured readers especially to those with broad-minds and appreciative of visual metaphors. I am glad to learn that Kokou no Hito won an award at the 14th Japan Media Arts Festival in year 2010. This exceptional manga absolutely excels in terms of its fine artwork, amazing character arc, compelling storyline and its great sense of place. There's also good balance between the sport and slice of life aspect, both elements blended really well together. I wish I could watch a film adaptation of this manga in the near future. I already felt like I am missing out because I couldn't read the original novel of this story by Jiro Nitta sensei as it was in Japanese and there's no translation for it at the moment. But I do count my blessings for the existence of this manga in English scanlation. I vow to own the entire series in paperback should one day Kokou no Hito was ever licensed in English. It is totally worth collecting.

BOOK DETAILS:
Title: Kokou no Hito (The Climber)
Associated Names: 孤高の人 / 孤高之人 / 고고한 사람 / Ascension / Koko no Hito / The Climber
Mangaka: Shinichi Sakamoto
Author: Shinichi Sakamoto (art and story from volume 4 onwards), Yoshiro Nabeda, Hiroshi Takano
Publication Date: 2007
Type: Serialized Manga (17 Volumes) based on the novel by Jiro Nitta
Genre: Seinen, Sports, Drama, Slice of Life, Contemporary
Tags/Keywords: dead friend(s), death, accidents, suicide, deliberate loner, guilt, hiking, loneliness, loner protagonist, rock climbing, mountaineering, soul searching, social outcast, time skip, tragedy, mature

Description:
On his first day of transferring to a new high school, a loner named Mori Buntarou, is cajoled by a classmate into climbing the school building. Despite knowing that one misstep could send him spiraling to his death, he moves forward, and upon finally reaching the top, Mori experiences a sense of fulfillment. That feeling, which seems to be telling him, "You're alive!" gives birth to an adrenaline for rock-climbing.

*From volume 4 on, Sakamoto Shinichi has done both story and art.



* Reviewed on July 2nd, 2014

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[REVIEW] Meat by Joseph D'Lacey

 
Meat by Joseph D'Lacey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Kynthos-the-Archer by: Curiosity got the better of me.

Recommended for: Die-hard horror fans

Read from June 09 to 16, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1 

5 Stars for this Gloriously Depraved and Shockingly Disturbing Horror Fiction

MEAT was set in a dystopian world where veganism is blasphemous and punishable by gruesome death. Richard Shanti, a top cattle stunning stockman proudly known as 'Ice Pick' was a legendary figure in Abyrne. No one would have thought he would be risking not only his life but his family's as well for denying meat as his sustenance. Shanti was torn between protecting his family and appeasing his tumultuous conscience that is killing him slowly each day.

Abyrne is a small town surrounded by wasteland and it is the only piece of land left habitable post apocalypse. Nothing survives outside the boundary of the town. There's no where to go but to obediently abide to the oppressive ruling of two power-players in control of the town's fate. One being the unyielding religious group preaching from the Book of Giving and the Gut Psalter, where the flesh of the Chosen is the gift from God, thereby rejecting meat is to denounce God's teaching. Magnus Meat Processing was they other tyrannical presence. MMP was own by Rory Magnus a vile and unscrupulous mobster businessman. Fundamentally it was a political tug-of-war between the corporate and the religious authorities. Both are power craze and just as ruthless as the other in subjugating Abyrne townsfolks.

Although the setting and atmosphere of this book is utmost violent and morbid, the message within was eye-opening, thought provoking and surprisingly benign. One would most certainly be more aware of how those juicy tender meat cuts came to be before they fry their next batch of steak. Something has to die yes, but in what manner and state of mind? Should one care about how much their steak suffer before ending up on the plate since we aren't talking about people here? Do animals not experience pain and fear just like us? Lots of questions of such nature would swirls around in your mind and suddenly McDonald's aren't as tempting as before. Then again I am no longer a heavy meat eater ever since some years back. Nowadays I am mainly on seafood and at times chicken when I feel the need. Well, losing a few teeth did helped.

While the message on animal rights and veganism is clear, it wasn't in any way preachy since D'Lacey wouldn't let his reader forget this is ultimately a horror science fiction story. The horror aspect of the book was so forefront and at full blast there is not a moment your skin would stop crawling or that your gut could stop churning. I am very impressed by D'Lacey's skills of inducing and maintaining fear. I have lost count of how many times I had to suppress my urge to regurgitate my stomach content from intensity of the mutilation and gore. Frankly the book elicits great deal of emotions from me -- I felt shocked, angry, sad, frustrated then scared shitless and lastly a little blood thirsty due to potent need to avenge the wronged and abused. My brain was pulverized, it was like being put through the meat grinder over and over again while still alive and kicking.

I could not forget one particular violent death scene of a certain townsfolk at the slaughterhouse which is now haunting me days and nights. Then another equally terrifying scene brought up an extremely unpleasant memory of a killing scene I have watched on video thanks to an overenthusiastic friend wanting to share her discovery. Till today I could not get that horrible image of that video out of my mind no matter how hard I tried. I guess it's true that some traumas goes deeper than we know. Like the touch of a hot branding iron searing flesh, forever marking me with its imprint. The extreme gory nature of MEAT did the same thing to me yet I am in awe of the author's no-holds-barred approach with the fear factor. D'Lacey does not pull any punches. It all connects with full impact.

I did not attempt to retell or summarize the story much because it would be a disservice to everyone. Therefore I am mainly sharing how I feel about it. Truthfully, MEAT is a book you would have to read for yourself to understand the ingenuity of it and to gain full undiluted experience from it I would advise against reading any reviews beforehand. Go into the story as uninformed as possible and let it knock down all or any reservations and prior perspectives you might have.

I was very surprised when I found out that MEAT was actually a debut novel of Joseph D'Lacey. It was unbelievably well written, curiously compelling and utterly bone-chilling. No wonder he had won the British Fantasy Award for Best Newcomer in 2009 thanks to this astounding book. I am unsure if I have the guts to watch the film adaptation of it which is now in the works, but I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to everyone especially to die-hard horror fans. Fright-addicts would certainly adore it.

Care for some pork ribs, anyone?

‘God is supreme. The flesh is sacred.’
Hiss. Clunk.

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: Meat

Author: Joseph D'Lacey

Publication Date: February 1st, 2008

Publisher: Beautiful Books

Genre: Horror Science Fiction

Type: Novel, approximately 106,522 words

Major characters: Richard Shanti (Ice Pick/Ice Pick Rick is the protagonist) / John Colins (the Messiah/Prophet) / Rory Magnus (Meat Baron) / Bob Torrance (MMP Chain Manager) / Greville Snipe (MMP Dairy Supervisor) / The Grand Bishop (Welfare/Religious Group) / Mary Simonson (Welfare/Religious Group) / Bruno (Meat Baron's Henchman)

Tags/Keywords:

horror, science fiction/fantasy, supernatural, special abilities, mutilation, extreme body modification, gore, killing, murder, cannibalism, dictatorship, oppressive government, dystopia, post apocalypse, livestock farming, slaughterhouse, farming ethics

Description:

Abyrne is a decaying town, trapped by an advancing wilderness. Its people depend on meat for survival. Meat is sanctified and precious, eaten with devout solemnity by everyone.But a handful of people suspect Abyrne is evil, rotten to its religious heart. They're prepared to sacrifice everything for the truth. What goes on in the meat processing plant? Where does meat really come from? The townsfolk are hungry. The townsfolk must be fed... You'll never look at meat in the same way again.

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

★|| KOBOBOOKS ; ||★|| BARNES & NOBLE ||★|| AMAZON; ||★

* Reviewed on June 18th, 2014

*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*

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[REVIEW] Otoko Benten Enbun Roku by Youka Nitta

Otoko Benten Enbun Roku by Youka Nitta

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Read on June 06, 2014

Nitta sensei's art never fail to enthrall me.

The storyline is pretty interesting. A foreigner was mesmerized by the beauty of an androgynous youth who was prostituting himself on the street. Little does he knows, said youth was more than what was perceived on the outside. Looks can deceive especially for a young virile man yet to learn the pleasure of the same-sex.

The sex scenes in it was absolutely scorching hot! As usual, Nitta sensei's works has the best sex scenes. She always delivers when it comes to smex.

* Reviewed on June 6th, 2014

*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*

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[REVIEW] Harder: Eat it / Natural / Push It by Audrey Grace

Harder: Eat it / Natural / Push It by Audrey Grace

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Kynthos-the-Archer by: Lilia Ford

Recommended for: Scifi erotica readers. Tentacle erotica beginners.

Read from September 26, 2013 to June 05, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1 

Giving this tentacle erotica series a 3 Stars. There's still a lot of room for improvement.

Harder is compilation of 3 stories as per below:

Story #1: Eat It - 3 Stars plus

Read from September 29 to 30, 2013

Reviewed here - http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

- Writing is pretty good, nice tension and the tentacle sex wasn't bad just that the character needs to show more inner emotion especially during the ravishment. I also not happy about a filler sex scene. (Check my review for more details)

Story #2: Natural - 2 Stars only

Read from October 01 to 02, 2013

Reviewed here - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

- Spent too much time in the worldbuilding, neglected the theme of the book. The tentacle sex scenes was under-develop. Characters did not react realistically.(Check my review for more details)

Story #3: Push It 3.5 Stars

Read from June 04 to 05, 2014

Reviewed here - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

- Could have blown my mind away if it has gone all out with the tentacle sex. That part still lacks intensity. It's even tame enough for tentacle erotica beginners. (Check my review for more details)

Whoah, at em go. Beautiful and scary at the same time.

* Finished reviewing of this series on June 4th, 2014

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[
Just bought this Audrey Grace tentacle bundle from SMASHWORDS @ USD6.99 for all 3 volumes: Eat It / Natural / Push It for some e-reader melting goodness. The author promises so and I certainly look forward to it.

I've heard that it contains 'vore' fetish from a reader's review. And I intend to explore that part of it.

Another deal sealer is the noncon aspect of it of course. >:)
I wanna hear them scream and beg, the more the hotter it's going to be. Muahahahaha... (hide spoiler)]

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[REVIEW] Push It by Audrey Grace

Push It by Audrey Grace

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Recommended for: Scifi erotica readers. Tentacle erotica beginners.

Read from June 04 to 05, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1

Recommended by Lilia Ford on Aug 16, 2013 08:59pm

3.5 Stars. Could have blown my mind away if it has gone all out with the tentacle sex. That part still lacks intensity. It's even tame enough for tentacle erotica beginners

This is the 3rd story from the Harder Series. And it's the best out of the three stories within. Possibly on par with Charlotte Mistry's Gay Tentacles From Space!. Both has a space exploration setting and atmospheric writing. Even the tentacles monster is similar in some ways. The biggest difference was the consent part. Mistry's Gay Tentacles from Space was noncon all the way which was my favorite kind of tentacles smexing, whereas believe it or not Push It was actually consensual through and through. (not exactly a spoiler as it was already implied on the blurb itself).

One thing I am pretty sure is that this book gave me lots of brain activities -- just take a look at my updates on it. My mind was all over the place, in a good and a bad way. The story got me rather excited at several points in the book and then it was ruined by a big WTF moment which I could not ignore enough to continue enjoying the ride as much as I did before. That tentacles morphing idea was foolish and too cartoonish for my taste. It has totally smother the sexual fire that the initial tentacle sex scenes has build-up. But do not despair just yet because somehow the author managed to salvage it enough to revive my interest again. One word of advice, tentacle sex should stay as tentacle sex, changing the core essence would disappoint reader's expectations. Since this book is marketed as tentacle erotica, it's only natural for readers to expect lots of squiggly wriggly action in the smexing. No?

I have to salute Captain Horatio for his principle in life, "Fuck it before it fucks you over". Wise thinking right? I just didn't expect him to be so literal about it. Heh, he's such a horny guy. Just the right man to counter alien invasion. I suspect he's a xenophile and didn't even know it.

Sighhhh... if only the smexing was anything like this:

I wish for this kind of intensity when it comes to tentacle smexing. I could cum just by looking at this picture.

Instead I got something like this:

It wasn't bad but it could have been better. Would be more satisfying if the tentacle sex goes all the way. And I love it when the boys gets dirtied by the monster's zealous attention.

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: Push It

Author: Audrey Grace

Publication Date: September 23rd, 2012

Publisher: Self-pub

Genre: Scifi M/M Erotica

Type: Short Story, approximately 10,000 words

Tags/Keywords: consensual, entrapment, science fiction, space exploration, beyond earth, alien, extraterrestrial, spacewalk, space travel, tentacles monster, tentacles alien, masturbation, anal sex, gay sex, oral sex, xenophilia[ consensual, entrapment, science fiction, space exploration, beyond earth, alien, extraterrestrial, spacewalk, space travel, tentacles monster, tentacles alien, masturbation, anal sex, gay sex, oral sex, xenophilia (hide spoiler)]

Description:

Captain Horatio Hammond and his crew are ice pushers. They shoot asteroids with high ice content into Earth's orbit to be mined for fresh water. When assigned to push a giant cosmic iceberg, one that will guarantee them billions of dollars, Horatio is wary. He's not popular with the company, and wonders why they gave the assignment to him.

His suspicions are confirmed when a giant three-tentacled alien life form erupts from the iceberg, and with a uniquely sexual appetite...

This scorching 10,000+ word novelette depicts Horatio's encounter with the alien tentacle entity, along with graphic descriptions of gay alien tentacle sex, including mutual masturbation, oral sex, anal sex, and a mind-blowing conclusion.

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

★|| AMAZON ||★|| KOBOBOOKS ||★

* Reviewed on June 5th, 2014

*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*

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[REVIEW] Collared by Kari Gregg

Collared by Kari Gregg

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Recommended for: TPE and D/S readers

Read from May 28 to June 03, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1

3.5 Stars for this testosterone-dazed world of genetic mutation. Gotta love the classical dance of the prey and the predator

I love and appreciate the originality of the premise - A crops engineering disaster caused the mutation of human genetics which leads to dramatic increase in aggressive traits in 99% of the population, only 1% was on the opposite scale. This 1% in the population was known as 'the anomalies'. The mutation has affected them differently as their submissive traits was increased dramatically, so much so that they are no longer capable of self-preservation. These anomalies are in constant state of confusion induced by fear hence in need of a strong protector to survive the new world order in which their kinds are stripped of all rights and status. Soon they are going to be nothing but slaves or pets for the dominants to toy with as they like. Just a piece of property to be owned and used as their betters deemed fit. Needless to say such a premise with absolute power-imbalance as the driving force, angst is a guaranteed scenario. In other words, this a total angst junkie fix.

Connor's state of mind was pretty convincing. We get to witness his struggles to adapt to the rapid changes in his environment and the deterioration of his control over his own will as the mutation takes hold of his mind.

In the name of protection Connor's boss collared him as temporary measure until a suitable master is found. Although Connor craves for David Martin to be his Sir permanently, David was unable to reciprocate as he is straight and already has a fiancée. How would David's fiancée reacts to Connor and would he have a chance to call David his Sir?

Connor has admired handsome Emmett Drake long before the disaster struck. And now he was overwhelmed by Emmett's attention and domineering pursuit to own him as his pet. Does Emmett only sees him as a mere toy to break or was Connor more than just a piece of property?

The journey towards total submission is an extra difficult road for Connor to travel. His previous painful relationship with his abusive ex-lover has left a deep mental scar behind. A broken Connor coupled with his newfound uncontrollable need to submit was torn in trusting another man again. To him it was like jumping from the frying pan into the fire, only this time it was an inferno waiting for him. Would he be consumed by the fire or rise like a phoenix from the ashes?

One man is home and safety the other excites and scratches Connor's itch for deep submission. Who should he surrender his heart and soul to? This unique dystopia story would certainly appeal to D/S and TPE fans. And like I've said before, angst-junkies would also be pleased with it.

I was drawn into the story just after a couple of pages. Got me some of those lovely body-tingles I loved so much whenever a story touches my kinks in a feel-good way. Nice orgasmic little buzz all over until David starts to get on my nerve. To me he is a selfish greedy bastard who wants the best of both worlds. I am not happy with the way he treats his fiancée as it was very unfair, it clearly shows us his unfaithful adulterous heart. I also didn't like the way David thinks he has the right to ask for Connor's submission when he knows perfectly well he could not answer Connor's real needs. David is just a goddamn cockblocker to me! Yeah, I root for Emmett to be Connor's master all the way. At least Emmett knows what he is doing and he has the capacity to give Connor what he deserved and needs. Gawd! I nearly strangled Connor over his indecisiveness in choosing between the two. The maths was so easy a two years old could solved it. NO. I am not happy with that superficial ending. It felt rushed and unreal. I couldn't reconcile David's action at all. So fuck that ending!

Okay so aside from the body-tingles what I did love about this story was the focus on the D/S and the uber hot sex scenes. Two studly doms aggressively posturing each other for dominance in order to fight for the ownership of a sub was way hot. Additionally the premise captured my attention as well as my heart. Oh and the angst was pretty satisfying too.

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: Collared

Author: Kari Gregg

Publication Date: November 28th, 2011

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

Genre: Gay Dystopia Fiction, Erotica, Science Fiction

Type: Novella, approximately 33,573 words

Main Characters: Connor Witt (MC), David Martin (Secondary Character), Emmett Drake (Secondary Character)

Tags/Keywords: dystopia, genetic mutation, genetic disaster, D/S, dominance-submission, master-slave, master-pet, slave fiction, slavefic, TPE (total-power-exchange), BDSM, alternate universe, dom-sub, collaring, collar[ dystopia, genetic mutation, genetic disaster, D/S, dominance-submission, master-slave, master-pet, slave fiction, slavefic, TPE (total-power-exchange), BDSM, alternate universe, dom-sub, collaring, collar (hide spoiler)]

Description:

Trans-Global IT director Connor Witt is a rare and prized anomaly: the aggression centers in his brain have been suppressed rather than stimulated by the mutated crops that so recently took over the world’s food supply. Bewildered by his physical changes and terrified of a world growing more and more predatory, Connor risks harassment and worse until Trans-Global CEO David Martin collars Connor to protect him against men like security consultant Emmett Drake. Men who stalk Connor as sweet, sexy prey. Men to whom the newly submissive Connor feels irresistibly drawn.

But David can’t be Connor’s master; David’s straight. He promises to find a worthy man, though. One willing to court and appreciate Connor as more than just some rich man’s toy.

While the world adapts to the biological disaster and new laws strip away Connor’s rights, David’s resolve to protect his boy slowly grows into something more. But can his new desires keep pace with Emmett’s determination to claim Connor?

One man offers safety; the other is a safer bet. Problem is, Connor’s never sure which is which. The one thing he does know? He wants them both.

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

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* Reviewed on June 3rd, 2014

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[REVIEW] Stockholm Syndrome (Stockholm Syndrome #1) by Richard Rider

Stockholm Syndrome by Richard Rider
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Recommended to Kynthos-the-Archer by: Aimee

Recommended for: Not able to recommend this.

Read from May 22 to 27, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1

DNF at 11%. I've tried. I had actually wanted to go beyond 20% to see if things would work out for me and if the writing would improve, but unfortunately it kept grating on my nerves ever since page one. I might try again if I have nothing better to do.

What didn't work for me:

1) Writing Style - it sucks!
- The narrative structure is a mangled piece of framework. To sum up, it was inarticulate.
- Spent half of the time trying to figure out who is talking, who said what. It's a major distraction, a story flow breaker.

2) Characterization - also sucks!
- Absence/lack of motivations in the characters makes it hard to understand them or make sense of their action and rationality. They are so daft it's a pain to read on. I felt like putting a bullet into Lindsay and Pip's empty heads.
- They have zero common sense and the things they do is utterly unreasonable. Brainless bunch really.
- Exaggerated reactions like wanting to pass out just from someone licking cum off his fingers. One would think the poor guy was locked in chastity for eons.

3) Far-Fetched Storyline
- Just too many unrealistic situations to recount. Conflicts was resolved so sloppily that it does not make any sense.
- I am SO not buying the attraction between Lindsay and Pip. This is not even instant-attraction it's sudden-attraction.

Okay so these are the reasons I couldn't go on reading. Besides that the so called sexy scene in the car at the beach gave me goosebumps. Not in a good way kind. Ugh! Pip is just so slutty and Lindsay was behaving like an overexcited fumbling teenager.

I would have to have the willpower of a saint to re-attempt this book again. I am still puzzling over all those 5 stars ratings. What really happened? Why all the rave and hype? Damnit! I am still curious bout this and I am dying to find out for myself. If only I could push on.



* Reviewed on May 27th, 2014

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[REVIEW] Mated to a Monster by Diana Sheridan

Mated to a Monster by Diana Sheridan
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Recommended for: Not recommended

Read on May 23, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1 

Promising premise. BUT... Characterization FAILED. Plot FAILED.

The story could have been great for me as I happen to love such premise.


So what sucks?

• Info dumping (for example: describing the monster in one fell swoop)

• Impossible vantage point (for example: how on earth could the MC tell if the monster have any tail on his behind when the creature was facing him and he has just finished describing its sexual organ to us?)

• MC exhibits missing and inadequate motivations for actions makes him highly unrealistic (for example: how on earth can a person think of food when a hulking King Kong was inches from your face and you have no way of knowing if you might be his snack at the very moment?)

• Lack of plot (this book has lots on eating, cooking and daily mundane stuff but nothing big ever happen nor did it have any conflicts to drive the story)

• Odd/Weird Word Choices (for example: What the fuck is 'sitting tailor-fashion'? Then cum was replaced with 'white stuff' and 'creamy stuff'. Orgasm was described as 'discharging sperm' or 'squirting white stuff'. NOT sexy at all and this is supposed to be erotica damn you!)

• Tons of telling and telling and telling and more telling (It was all about, this and that happened and then this this this and that plus more of this happened)

And damnit! My dream for another Bloodraven meaty arm-size peen busting tight ass was blew to smithereens!

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[REVIEW] Trigger by Susan Vaught

Trigger by Susan Vaught

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Recommended for: Everyone from 14 years old and above.

Read from May 17 to 18, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1

Suicide victims often times are misunderstood by others. Many tends to be judgemental of them, calling them selfish, attention seeker or even mad. Suicides account for twice as many deaths as AIDS and over half of suicide deaths are by firearm.

Jersey Hatch is the voice of all those vulnerable, troubled teens out there. Vaught has crafted him based on her experience of working with young people as a practising neuropsychologist.

Jersey suffered permanent physical and neurological impairment after a botched suicide attempt. His sentences are often punctuated with random odd words in between and half of his body no longer work like it used to be. A big chunk of his memories leading to the day he shot himself in the head was obliterated after the tragic attempt to end himself. The Jersey After has no recollection as to why he pulled the trigger that day. Together we navigate along with him through his unsynchronized mind as he tried to piece everything together again while he faced hardships due to his disabilities and from his family, friends and teachers. Would the truth give him the peace he needed to finally settle down or would it cause him to want to pull the trigger for the second time?

Trigger gave us insights to a suicidal teen's mind enabling us to better understand this widespread devastating act of self harming. Aside from that it also explored the aftermath of suicide on family members, friends and those around the victim. The book represents a wake up call to us to start paying more attention to those we cared about, start to listen more, judge less, for you might save a life.

I would say that Vaught handled the theme of this book really well. It wasn't judgemental or clinical, she let the readers decide for themselves based on what they see -- this would create deeper impression on the messages within. As extra food for thought, she even managed to raise several other social issues such as parenting, school bullying and also the responsibility and risk of firearm ownership. Although Trigger addresses a heavy subject, it wasn't a difficult book read as I have first thought it would be. Vaught has included the right amount of humor to smooth out the rough edges. I admit to burst out laughing many times because of the humorous situations Jersey unintentionally created due to his runaway mouth.

Frankly there are some plot holes that chips away bit of the realism but it wasn't that big of a deal and since the book did achieved its aim on creating awareness on suicide, it didn't bother me that much.

I would highly recommend this book to older teenagers and to adults as well. In fact, everyone should read this book. Knowledge could save lives - even your own life. Prevention should always be the first step.

FACTS

Know that...

Consider this statement below before you act on your impulse or start judging others...

IMPORTANT to continue reading about the above statement here: Metanoia

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: Trigger

Author: Susan Vaught

Publication Date: April 10th, 2011

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Genre: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary

Type: Novel, approximately 75,000 words

Main Characters: Jersey Hatch, Mr&Mrs Hatch, Leza Rush, Todd Rush, Mama Rush

Tags/Keywords:

Title of Spoiler:

brains, brain damage, patients, rehabilitation, gunshot wounds, suicide, wounds and injuries, teenager, depression, school bullying, firearm, parenting, stigmatize

Description:

Jersey Hatch seemed to have it all together-he played sports, was popular, had a great girlfriend, best friend, and supportive parents. But when he emerges from a recuperative care center, all that is gone, his legs and hands don't work right, his mouth says every word that pops into his brain, and he has to write down his thoughts so that he remembers even the most basic directions and details. Through it all, one question haunts him: why did he try to kill himself

This review has also been cross-posted on my blogs:

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* Reviewed on May 19th, 2014

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[REVIEW] Nicholi's Vengeance by J.A. Jaken

Nicholi's Vengeance by J.A. Jaken

Read from October 6th, 2013 till now - Unable to finish

DNF! Might re-attempt. Main character stepping all over my pet peeve.

I could not finish it. Stuck at 20%. The characters was pissing me off. That MC should be wearing a skirt. Oh gawd! his whining is particularly nerve-grating. Yes unfortunately this book has triggered one of my biggest pet peeve - whinny characters especially main characters.

I might try to pick it up again, one fine day, maybe, just maybe. It's not healthy to wish for those brutes that captured the MC earlier had cut his throat instead of letting him off.

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[REVIEW] King Perry (The Lost and Founds #1) by Edmond Manning

King Perry (The Lost and Founds #1) by Edmond Manning

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Kynthos-the-Archer by: Cdmr9816 (LGBT Fantasy Fiction - May 2014 Pick-it-for-me Challenge)

Recommended for: Give it a go if you love poetry with your M/M romance, unconventional ending and a dash of purple.

Read from May 03 to 14, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1

I love it and I hate it with equal vigour. Yet why 4 Stars?

After finishing this book I felt like I have just visited San Fransisco and wanting to physically visit San Fransisco. The book could give the best San Fransisco tourist guide book a run for the money.

I wish for a crazy guide like Vin to take me around but I don't want to be in his head though. His wandering mind annoys me mighty since he is the narrator and the sole POV throughout the story. I know he says the most brilliant thing from time to time but his ever loud mind is a big disturbance to the flow of the story. His out of focus ramblings was highly distracting!

Enigmatic, eccentric Vin is baffling, surprising, cryptic, charming, brilliant, annoying and a total asshole. He has been a dick to Perry, then a tender lover, then back to number one asshole, then the sweetest most romantic guy ever and back to controlling freak! Only, you can't hate him for all those shits he laid on Perry because it is all for the return of "the one true king."

The story goes like this -- Perry met the White Rabbit in the city. While chasing it he fell into the rabbit hole ala Alice minus the voluminous petticoat and full skirt. I am not exactly sure if Vin is that hurrying waistcoated rabbit or if he is the Mad Hatter himself. Cheshire cat is another potential candidate for Vin's true identity. Along the adventure Perry met some Lost Kings and Queens then found himself in front of the Mirror of Forgiveness.

Truthfully I have a love-hate feeling towards this book. They are brilliant parts, unfortunately it was also marred by absolutely draggy and naggy parts. I nearly died of undue frustrations and impatience while wishing for the pace to pick up and the confounding fog to lift before I give up on it. The story did quite a number of twists, twirls and turns which latched onto my curiosity and in turn keeping me interested. I did dozed off a couple of times during the Vin ramblings. Vin, Vin is the most manipulative character I've ever known YET I could fall for a guy like him despite only knowing him for like two full days. I have a thing for the eccentric types as they are a work of art -- they are very much like surrealism art. Nonconformity is exciting to me.

King Perry is not an easy book to devour you have got to have mountainous patience and of course enough sleep to stay alert for better 'read between the lines' processing. There are times when I actually though I am reading a piece of poetry instead of a M/M fiction with enough hot sex to satisfy any horny readers. You have to read it to believe it. I am not pulling anyone's leg here.

This has to be the TALLEST tale I have ever read and I mean it in a good way. A daring and adventurous self-discovery journey to unlock a man's heart to trust and love again. To return a Lost King to the land of the Found Kings is a journey for the brave ones because forgiveness is an act of supreme braveness.

By the way, I adore the ending. Yes it was bittersweet but sweeter than it was bitter really. Fits the story well like a comforting glove, a warm hand guiding your heart to the right place. I can't say this isn't romance for there are certainly quality of excitement and mystery associated with love. Besides that, Vin was truly courting Perry and gave him all the love he could. So you tell me, what is romance?

I am giving this book a 4 stars as I have greatly enjoyed the tour of beautiful San Franscisco and the tour of two vulnerable men's heart.

*SIDE NOTE: I read this book for the LGBT Fantasy Fiction - May 2014 Pick-it-for-me Challenge. Someone picked it for me but don't ask me why I am reading this book for a fantasy fiction group for I have no idea on that as well. It did screw up my expectation a little since I really thought the story has fantasy elements in it.

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: King Perry

Author: Edmond Manning

Publication Date: February 27th, 2012

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance Fiction
Type: Novel, approximately 106,158 words

Main Characters: Vin Vanbly & Perry Mangin

Location/Setting: California, San Fransisco, Sausalito

Tags/Keywords: gay romance, enigmatic character, messiah/god complex, self-re-discovery, adventure[ gay romance, enigma character, messiah/god complex, self-re-discovery, adventure (hide spoiler)]

Description:

In a trendy San Francisco art gallery, out-of-towner Vin Vanbly witnesses an act of compassion that compels him to make investment banker Perry Mangin a mysterious offer: in exchange for a weekend of complete submission, Vin will restore Perry's "kingship" and transform him into the man he was always meant to be.

Despite intense reservations, Perry agrees, setting in motion a chain of events that will test the limits of his body, seduce his senses, and fray his every nerve, (perhaps occasionally breaking the law) while Vin guides him toward his destiny as "the one true king."

Even as Perry rediscovers old grief and new joys within himself, Vin and his shadowy motivations remain enigmas: who is this offbeat stranger guiding them from danger to hilarity to danger? To emerge triumphant, Perry must overcome the greatest challenge alone: embracing his devastating past. But can he succeed by Sunday's sunrise deadline? How can he possibly evolve from an ordinary man into King Perry?

A Bittersweet Dreams title: It's an unfortunate truth: love doesn't always conquer all. Regardless of its strength, sometimes fate intervenes, tragedy strikes, or forces conspire against it. These stories of romance do not offer a traditional happy ending, but the strong and enduring love will still touch your heart and maybe move you to tears.

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

★|| DREAMSPINNER PRESS ||★|| KOBOBOOKS ||★|| AMAZON ||★

* Reviewed on May 16th, 2014

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[REVIEW] Haikei, Niisan-sama by Tohru Tagura

3.5 Stars for this angsty brotherly romance.

As usual, I appreciate abundance of angst in my stories and this one was at it from the start till the end.

The brotherly love between Yutaka and Minoru was really endearing. The angst are mostly the pair of brothers battling with their own more-than-brothers affection towards one another. It is an incestuous story but it does not involves..

Title of Spoiler:

...any sex. Minoru leave Yutaka's chastity intact.

So this is just shonen-ai instead of yaoi.

Since they both are suffering from deep brother complex, there are times when I would question if they truly loves each other as lovers or it was only a misinterpretation of strong siblings love? They themselves was pretty confused on this as well.

As for the artwork, it was pretty nice although some might complain Yutaka looks like a girl. He's still a teenager anyways. On the other hand Minoru does looked really young here much like a high schooler despite being a 26 years old man. Then again asian guys tends to look younger than their age and the years would only begin to show in their late 30s.

All things considered, this is a decent shonen-ai manga and was fairly engaging.

* Reviewed on May 10th, 2014

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