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Conquest #4
Finding a Dream
Bullied and harassed at school for his sexuality, Dillon Davis can’t see his life getting any better, but he can see it getting worse. Depressed, wounded in spirit and body, he’s nearing a point of hopelessness, until he sees a picture of his favorite stage actor, Brandon Alexander, with his partner, Shunichi Miyamoto. At learning Shunichi runs a karate dojo, a spark of hope comes to Dillon of learning to defend himself, and most of all, meeting Brandon.
Brandon Alexander is filled with compassion for Dillon the moment he meets him. He knows all too well what it’s like to be scorned for being gay. He and Shunichi want nothing more than to help him, but when Dillon never returns to the dojo, they fear what’s happened to him.
Brandon Alexander is filled with compassion for Dillon the moment he meets him. He knows all too well what it’s like to be scorned for being gay. He and Shunichi want nothing more than to help him, but when Dillon never returns to the dojo, they fear what’s happened to him.
65 pages, ebook
First published December 28, 2010
About the author
S.J. Frost
44 books572 followersS.J. Frost resides in Ohio with her family, pets, and horses. Her short stories have been featured in several erotic and romance anthologies, and her novels are published through MLR Press. Rock stars, vampires, fantasy heroes, and more, she enjoys dabbling in many different sub-genres in gay romance, but no matter what she writes, love and passion are the driving forces in every story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 29, 2010
SJ has done it again and you don't want to miss reading this one. All the main characters come together for this one boy and it's exciting as all hell. I enjoyed reading this one to the MAX.
And not only is the book an amazing one to the Conquest series but please note that every book that is bought SJ is donating her royalties from it to The Trevor Project.
A book with a Cause in many ways is how I'd call it.
And not only is the book an amazing one to the Conquest series but please note that every book that is bought SJ is donating her royalties from it to The Trevor Project.
A book with a Cause in many ways is how I'd call it.
November 24, 2011
WOW!!! What a powerful story. I am just filled with so many emotions I’m having trouble trying to figure out where to begin with my review. I guess I will start at the beginning and break it down as best I can. Dillon’s story starts out in a very heartbreaking way. He is being teased, bullied and hit on by an older, larger kid and no one will help him. It’s an everyday occurrence and Dillon lives in fear of going to school or his mom finding out about it. The school is useless and he finds himself being blamed for some of his fights even though he is the victim. The teachers and principle all fail this kid terribly and the saddest thing is that even though this may be just a story, I know there are a lot of” Dillon’s” in the world living this same life and it breaks my heart.
Brandon and Shun play a huge role in helping Dillon accept his homosexuality and understanding that he is also entitled to happiness and a life without fear. Dillon join’s Shun’s dojo to learn how to defend himself and in the process meets and is befriended by Brandon, whom he adores as an actor. Brandon and Shun instantly realize there is a lot more to Dillon than just a kid who wants to learn karate. Brandon especially becomes attached to Dillon and is committed to helping him. He even pulls in his super star brother Jesse and his hottie husband Evan to his cause. Of course you never know what’s going to come out of Jesse’s mouth so it is quite humorous when he shows up.
The ending has Dillon meeting gorgeous Reece and you just know that somewhere down the road we will be seeing these two again. So where this story starts out with me cringing and my heart heavy, it ends with a huge smile on my face and my faith restored that even after living through such horrid bullying there were people who cared enough to stand up for Dillon. His life, though scarred, finally seems full of hope and very promising.
Even though this story was worth the money on content alone, knowing the proceeds of the sale of this story benefits The Trevor Project makes it that much sweeter.
Brandon and Shun play a huge role in helping Dillon accept his homosexuality and understanding that he is also entitled to happiness and a life without fear. Dillon join’s Shun’s dojo to learn how to defend himself and in the process meets and is befriended by Brandon, whom he adores as an actor. Brandon and Shun instantly realize there is a lot more to Dillon than just a kid who wants to learn karate. Brandon especially becomes attached to Dillon and is committed to helping him. He even pulls in his super star brother Jesse and his hottie husband Evan to his cause. Of course you never know what’s going to come out of Jesse’s mouth so it is quite humorous when he shows up.
The ending has Dillon meeting gorgeous Reece and you just know that somewhere down the road we will be seeing these two again. So where this story starts out with me cringing and my heart heavy, it ends with a huge smile on my face and my faith restored that even after living through such horrid bullying there were people who cared enough to stand up for Dillon. His life, though scarred, finally seems full of hope and very promising.
Even though this story was worth the money on content alone, knowing the proceeds of the sale of this story benefits The Trevor Project makes it that much sweeter.
June 16, 2016
A tear jerker but with laughs along the way.
Not really part of the Conquest series as such, its still worth reading, not only for another glimpse of Jesse and Brandon interacting, but also for the deeper message. Unfortunately most of the people that should read this, (bullies and biggots), wont, so the message is more preaching to the choir kinda thing, but its still a worthwhile read. Plus after the sorrow you get the entertainment lol.
ETA A sweet read once you get past the sorrow.
Not really part of the Conquest series as such, its still worth reading, not only for another glimpse of Jesse and Brandon interacting, but also for the deeper message. Unfortunately most of the people that should read this, (bullies and biggots), wont, so the message is more preaching to the choir kinda thing, but its still a worthwhile read. Plus after the sorrow you get the entertainment lol.
ETA A sweet read once you get past the sorrow.
December 6, 2011
This is an adorable addition to the Conquest Series. It is short and sweet but it does show how hurtful people can be with things they don't agree with or understand, here at least the ending is a good one.
March 10, 2011
3.5 stars
This was an angsty but ultimately sweet and uplifting story with an important message at its core. The descriptions of Dillon’s ongoing struggle and his feelings of helplessness, desperation and hopelessness were very believable and made me go through a variety of emotions myself. However, I expected Dillon to have more air time but it was Brandon and Shunichi who dominated the story which made sense since they were the ones who made the difference in Dillon’s life.
Brandon and Shunichi are lovable characters, and I enjoyed reading about their deep love for each other which kind of was part of the overall message of the story. Sometimes I felt that their dialogues and musings were a bit too wordy but it was necessary to deliver said message and not preachy at all but very spot-on.
Towards the end the story felt more like a fairytale to me. It could very well be that I missed the point here but I have to admit that eventually the sweetness and perfection bugged me a bit. But that’s probably just my usual cynical self.
This was an angsty but ultimately sweet and uplifting story with an important message at its core. The descriptions of Dillon’s ongoing struggle and his feelings of helplessness, desperation and hopelessness were very believable and made me go through a variety of emotions myself. However, I expected Dillon to have more air time but it was Brandon and Shunichi who dominated the story which made sense since they were the ones who made the difference in Dillon’s life.
Brandon and Shunichi are lovable characters, and I enjoyed reading about their deep love for each other which kind of was part of the overall message of the story. Sometimes I felt that their dialogues and musings were a bit too wordy but it was necessary to deliver said message and not preachy at all but very spot-on.
Towards the end the story felt more like a fairytale to me. It could very well be that I missed the point here but I have to admit that eventually the sweetness and perfection bugged me a bit. But that’s probably just my usual cynical self.
October 13, 2013
The 4th book in the Conquest series features Brandon Alexander and his partner Shunichi. They try to help 16 years old Dillon who is been bullied in school for being gay. The things poor Dillon has to go through are so brutal, I couldn't help it and wept for him in part of the books. I wanted to give Dillon a hug and let him know that he is okay, that he is loved and lovable, regardless of who he loves, and that he doesn't have to fear who he is. Luckily Brandon and Shunichi could tell the teen needed friends and they reached out and helped Dillon.
And of course it was amazing to see Jesse and Evan again! Fan girl alarm! :)
Now on to book 5, to Black Heart Down!
October 25, 2011
This was a cute short story that showcases Brandon and Shun from the Conquest series. I thought it was pretty good but it didn't blow me away. I liked learning more about Brandon and Shun but they aren't my favorite couple in the series because they've been glossed over. I think this short is an effort to learn more about Brandon and Shun, but you really end up learning more about Dillon, the young teenage boy they are trying to help.
December 25, 2014
Dillon is bullied at school and because he is a fan of Brandon's he goes to Shuns dojo in the hope that he can learn self defence to protect himself from the bully, Logan.
Brandon and Shun take the time to listen to him and help him. It's good that there is also a cameo from Jesse and Evan. However, on the whole , I thought this book was too short and everything was wrapped up nicely in that time.
Really it's a 3.5 rounded up.
Brandon and Shun take the time to listen to him and help him. It's good that there is also a cameo from Jesse and Evan. However, on the whole , I thought this book was too short and everything was wrapped up nicely in that time.
Really it's a 3.5 rounded up.
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January 24, 2023A nice short story with an anti-bullying message. Really nice that S.J.Frost was donating all royalties from the book to aid in the fight against bullying.
December 25, 2018
Almost 3.5 stars
A slight detour from the main branch of the series.
At first sad, then sweet; a bit preachy, yet moving. The final act in the auditorium is a fairytale revenge befitting a Hallmark movie
A slight detour from the main branch of the series.
At first sad, then sweet; a bit preachy, yet moving. The final act in the auditorium is a fairytale revenge befitting a Hallmark movie
August 3, 2020
It read more as a teaching story to me, with the main characters of the series coming together to help out a 16 year old boy. A good story but not what i was looking for.
January 3, 2011
This was a sweet, heart-warming novella, with a special message in it.
Dillon Davis is 16 years old and a junior in high school. He's a nice young man with a loyal best friend, a mother that a adores him and a great love for theater and everything associated with it; he's also gay. Being 16 and homosexual in and of itself is a lot to deal with sometimes, but add to that the incessant bullying he receives from a senior in his school and Dillon is boarder-line suicidal. He feels like he has no where to turn and no one he can trust. Until, when looking into karate classes, he meets Brandon Alexander and his partner, Shunichi Miyamoto. Merely meeting Brandon goes a long way to lifting Dillon's spirits, but when Logan's cruel taunts and violent behavior find Dillon as their target once more, it's almost more than Dillon can take.
I wept for Dillon in parts of this book. It's rather easy to see how a single person's hateful actions can effect another and, in fact, we do see if every day in real life. And if nothing else, we hear about it on the news, especially recently with all the teenage suicides brought on by bullying. In this story Brandon and Shunichi stepped in, they befriended someone that needed them more than they knew and in many ways, they saved Dillon. In reality, every single day there is someone, somewhere that simply needs a friend. Maybe we don't see it often, and maybe we don't notice it when we do, but if given half a chance, I implore all of you, be someone's Brandon Alexander.
Kudos to S.J. for writing this endearing tale.
**S.J. Frost and her editor Kris Jacen are donating their royalties from this book to The Trevor Project. ** Well done ladies, you rock!!
Dillon Davis is 16 years old and a junior in high school. He's a nice young man with a loyal best friend, a mother that a adores him and a great love for theater and everything associated with it; he's also gay. Being 16 and homosexual in and of itself is a lot to deal with sometimes, but add to that the incessant bullying he receives from a senior in his school and Dillon is boarder-line suicidal. He feels like he has no where to turn and no one he can trust. Until, when looking into karate classes, he meets Brandon Alexander and his partner, Shunichi Miyamoto. Merely meeting Brandon goes a long way to lifting Dillon's spirits, but when Logan's cruel taunts and violent behavior find Dillon as their target once more, it's almost more than Dillon can take.
I wept for Dillon in parts of this book. It's rather easy to see how a single person's hateful actions can effect another and, in fact, we do see if every day in real life. And if nothing else, we hear about it on the news, especially recently with all the teenage suicides brought on by bullying. In this story Brandon and Shunichi stepped in, they befriended someone that needed them more than they knew and in many ways, they saved Dillon. In reality, every single day there is someone, somewhere that simply needs a friend. Maybe we don't see it often, and maybe we don't notice it when we do, but if given half a chance, I implore all of you, be someone's Brandon Alexander.
Kudos to S.J. for writing this endearing tale.
**S.J. Frost and her editor Kris Jacen are donating their royalties from this book to The Trevor Project. ** Well done ladies, you rock!!
July 24, 2011
This is the 4th book in the Conquest series by SJ Frost. This one features Brandon and Shunichi. This one addresses the very serious issue of bullying in high school. The author even gave some, or maybe it was all (can't remember which) of the proceeds of the sales of this book to The Trevor Project which is the volunteer organization that hopes to stop teen suicide by LGBTQ youth who are tormented due to their sexuality.
Dillon is tormented by Logan, your typical jock who likes to make everyone feel like crap. And because Dillon is gay, the principal and counselor are uncomfortable and disapproving of him and side with Logan. So Dillon gets beaten up and made to feel hopeless and to the point that he is toying with the idea of suicide just to end the misery because he doesn't see how things could/would get better. But he loves the theater, and has seen Brandon perform several times and goes to his website and sees an ad for Shunichi's dojo and decides that he will go there to see about getting lessons to protect himself... and maybe catch a glimpse of Brandon. While at the dojo, he does end up getting to meet Brandon and ends up spilling his problems to Brandon and Shun. Brandon, being the highly compassionate person he is, steps in and helps Dillon with coming out to his mom, getting the issues settled with school, and introducing him to the theater community. In doing all this, Dillon makes new friends, and sees that there is hope and a reason for a great life, including the prospect of a really hot boyfriend he meets. Evan and Jesse make a brief appearance, cause we can't go without seeing them :o) It was an all-around feel good story.
Dillon is tormented by Logan, your typical jock who likes to make everyone feel like crap. And because Dillon is gay, the principal and counselor are uncomfortable and disapproving of him and side with Logan. So Dillon gets beaten up and made to feel hopeless and to the point that he is toying with the idea of suicide just to end the misery because he doesn't see how things could/would get better. But he loves the theater, and has seen Brandon perform several times and goes to his website and sees an ad for Shunichi's dojo and decides that he will go there to see about getting lessons to protect himself... and maybe catch a glimpse of Brandon. While at the dojo, he does end up getting to meet Brandon and ends up spilling his problems to Brandon and Shun. Brandon, being the highly compassionate person he is, steps in and helps Dillon with coming out to his mom, getting the issues settled with school, and introducing him to the theater community. In doing all this, Dillon makes new friends, and sees that there is hope and a reason for a great life, including the prospect of a really hot boyfriend he meets. Evan and Jesse make a brief appearance, cause we can't go without seeing them :o) It was an all-around feel good story.
November 13, 2011
This was a great novella...while short and sweet, its message was extremely powerful. Dillon is a junior in high school, and while he had never come out and say that he is gay to anyone, including himself, he is, and he is getting bullied for it by a hateful tyrant at school.
In an effort to help defend himself, he goes to Shun's dojo, and meets Shun and Brandon, who immediately befriend Dillon.
As it often does, things get worse before they get better, but luckily Dillon's best friend, Angie, seeks help from Brandon and Shun, and they arrive at just the right time. Dillon is in despair because every time he tries to get help from authority figures in his school, he is demeaned and made to feel ashamed for who and what he is. He hits an ultimate low, and is falling into a serious bout of depression. Fortunately, Brandon and Shun show him that there are wonderful things to live for, and that things mighty be tough, but to discover what is important to him, and to follow that dream.
It was nice to have a short story where we got to see so much of Brandon and Shun. They show and teach Dillon that there are great things to live for even when it seems like there might be nothing. If only all youth in the LGBT community, or others who are bullied, had the outpouring of love and support that is so prominent in this series, the world would be a much better place.
In an effort to help defend himself, he goes to Shun's dojo, and meets Shun and Brandon, who immediately befriend Dillon.
As it often does, things get worse before they get better, but luckily Dillon's best friend, Angie, seeks help from Brandon and Shun, and they arrive at just the right time. Dillon is in despair because every time he tries to get help from authority figures in his school, he is demeaned and made to feel ashamed for who and what he is. He hits an ultimate low, and is falling into a serious bout of depression. Fortunately, Brandon and Shun show him that there are wonderful things to live for, and that things mighty be tough, but to discover what is important to him, and to follow that dream.
It was nice to have a short story where we got to see so much of Brandon and Shun. They show and teach Dillon that there are great things to live for even when it seems like there might be nothing. If only all youth in the LGBT community, or others who are bullied, had the outpouring of love and support that is so prominent in this series, the world would be a much better place.
July 12, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
3.5 Stars
The fourth book in the Conquest series is short and very different to the previous books in the series.
We get to see more of Brandon and Shun but the story is about Dillon, a young man still in school trying to navigate coming to terms with his sexuality whilst being bullied daily. Hiding it from his mother nobody really knows the depth of his pain or his feeling of utter helplessness about the situation.
Dillon has long been a fan of Brandon and his work in the theatre and when he sees his partner Shun has a dojo nearby he pays a visit. If he can learn a little self-defence and get to meet his idol at the same time he will be a happy boy.
He does meet Brandon and finds himself telling both men about his problems which strike a chord with Brandon when he thinks back to his own abusive relationship with his father. Both men are keen to help Dillon but when circumstances worsen at school they don’t see the young man for the next week.
For me it ended a bit too quickly. Dillon was one of the lucky ones who found people to help him. I just wish reality was the same for everyone struggling with the same problems.
3.5 Stars
The fourth book in the Conquest series is short and very different to the previous books in the series.
We get to see more of Brandon and Shun but the story is about Dillon, a young man still in school trying to navigate coming to terms with his sexuality whilst being bullied daily. Hiding it from his mother nobody really knows the depth of his pain or his feeling of utter helplessness about the situation.
Dillon has long been a fan of Brandon and his work in the theatre and when he sees his partner Shun has a dojo nearby he pays a visit. If he can learn a little self-defence and get to meet his idol at the same time he will be a happy boy.
He does meet Brandon and finds himself telling both men about his problems which strike a chord with Brandon when he thinks back to his own abusive relationship with his father. Both men are keen to help Dillon but when circumstances worsen at school they don’t see the young man for the next week.
For me it ended a bit too quickly. Dillon was one of the lucky ones who found people to help him. I just wish reality was the same for everyone struggling with the same problems.
December 18, 2011
So..... I am not sure what had happened here.
Let's see. There is a bullied high school gay kid.
There is a local celebrity and his gay martial arts partner.
There is one and only kid's straight goth friend.
Gay kid gets roughed up.
Friend and gay sensei and gay celebrity come to the rescue.
Friend and gay sensei and gay celebrity and international gay rock-star celebrity come to "even more" rescue.
Gay celebrity invites more gay friends.
Is it trying to be a YA book? Is it trying to help teenage boys? What IS the purpose of the book? 'Cause in most of the cases your plain ordinary kids do not have anyone, including their parents, to come to their rescue, forget the celebrities.
Wish I had a "fairy tale" category, which I do not. I'm filing it under "rainbows and lollipops" for the lack of better options.
2 stars.
Let's see. There is a bullied high school gay kid.
There is a local celebrity and his gay martial arts partner.
There is one and only kid's straight goth friend.
Gay kid gets roughed up.
Friend and gay sensei and gay celebrity come to the rescue.
Friend and gay sensei and gay celebrity and international gay rock-star celebrity come to "even more" rescue.
Gay celebrity invites more gay friends.
Is it trying to be a YA book? Is it trying to help teenage boys? What IS the purpose of the book? 'Cause in most of the cases your plain ordinary kids do not have anyone, including their parents, to come to their rescue, forget the celebrities.
Wish I had a "fairy tale" category, which I do not. I'm filing it under "rainbows and lollipops" for the lack of better options.
2 stars.
June 18, 2013
A brilliant short story that I really enjoyed. S J Frost took a very important message and turned it into a heartwarming little story.
The problems gay teens face are very real and heartbreaking. This story did not hide from that fact, but offered hope that there is people who care about you and will support you, if you look hard enough to find them.
I will admit to being a fan girl of Jesse and Evan, and to see them again in this one as well as Brandon and Shun, was what made reading this a highlight for me.
The only problem I had with this, and I actually find it in all of the books of this series, is some of the dialogue seems a little forced, and not how real people talk. It has never stopped me from loving these books though.
The problems gay teens face are very real and heartbreaking. This story did not hide from that fact, but offered hope that there is people who care about you and will support you, if you look hard enough to find them.
I will admit to being a fan girl of Jesse and Evan, and to see them again in this one as well as Brandon and Shun, was what made reading this a highlight for me.
The only problem I had with this, and I actually find it in all of the books of this series, is some of the dialogue seems a little forced, and not how real people talk. It has never stopped me from loving these books though.
January 16, 2011
“I know. It’s going to take time, but at least now he knows
where to go if he feels he needs help. If only all kids had that.” So true.
January 24, 2011
Can a bullied teen find something to hold on to when he feels like he is drowining in hopelessness and despair? That is the subject of this novella, which deals with a very serious and very real subject — teen bullying. Whatever reason a kid is being bullied and even though some form of bullying has been around forever, bullying has become an epidemic in the United States (if not everywhere) with the advent of the internet and widespead social media. Dillon Davis is such a kid, lost in a school where he only has one friend, Angie, who is somewhat of an outcast herself, and being bullied by a popular kid whose taunts have now turned physically violent. His one bright light is his celebrity crush on Brandon Alexander, a Chicago stage actor whom he has gone to see several times in plays and musicals (and who, incidentally is brother to Jesse of the Conquest series). When he sees Brandon with another man on his arm, Brandon’s partner Shunichi Miyamoto, he is awestruck that his idol is gay as well and has such a beautiful partner. It seems like kismet that Shunichi runs a local dojo — not only can he learn karate in hopes of protecting himself, but he might just get a glimpse of Brandon. When he sets out to the dojo to find out of signing up for classes, Dillon meets Brandon and Shunichi and a beautiful friendship is born.
This story is told from two alternate viewpoints — Dillon and Brandon (with occasional POV from Shunichi). This allows us to look at the issue of bullying from the inside perspective of Dillon, who is being taunted, harrassed, and beaten on a daily basis, and from the outside perspective of Brandon, who after dealing with bullying from his father, finally found a way out and has pushed through life until he found the one thing that took all that pain away, his true love Shunichi. The friendship that forms between Dillon and Brandon is beautiful and allows us to get to know both characters better. These viewpoints are done in alternating chapters as we witness different parts of the story. The difference in prose between the chapters is done very well. When we are with Dillon the prose is written in the style of a 16 year old teen. It is somewhat whiny and self-recriminating, but that was a wonderful touch. I would sound like that too (and probably did) if I was going through what Dillon was, as well as it being the typical mindset of a sixteen year old. Conversely, the chapters from Brandon and Shun’s POV were much more mature and typical of M/M Contemporary prose...
For the full review, visit Reviews by Jessewave.
This story is told from two alternate viewpoints — Dillon and Brandon (with occasional POV from Shunichi). This allows us to look at the issue of bullying from the inside perspective of Dillon, who is being taunted, harrassed, and beaten on a daily basis, and from the outside perspective of Brandon, who after dealing with bullying from his father, finally found a way out and has pushed through life until he found the one thing that took all that pain away, his true love Shunichi. The friendship that forms between Dillon and Brandon is beautiful and allows us to get to know both characters better. These viewpoints are done in alternating chapters as we witness different parts of the story. The difference in prose between the chapters is done very well. When we are with Dillon the prose is written in the style of a 16 year old teen. It is somewhat whiny and self-recriminating, but that was a wonderful touch. I would sound like that too (and probably did) if I was going through what Dillon was, as well as it being the typical mindset of a sixteen year old. Conversely, the chapters from Brandon and Shun’s POV were much more mature and typical of M/M Contemporary prose...
For the full review, visit Reviews by Jessewave.
March 25, 2013
This really shouldn’t have counted as a full volume for the series. Not merely because of the lack of romance. I mean Brandon and Shun got to screw around a bit and in the end young Dillon was set up with another (impossibly talented and handsome) teenage boy, but yeah.
This was a Message Story.
And yes, bullying and teenage suicide are extremely serious issues and need to be addressed. Thing is, when you try to do a story about a kid considering suicide, you need to put more… something into it. I guess I am grateful for the fact that this story is lacking said ‘something’ because the stories that get it right usually also break my heart and spirit and traumatize me and I can do without that when this is a reality to so many.
It’s just such a clumsy piece. Yeah, I get that the author relishes telling the bullies off at least in a story, because most of us have felt the burning need to do that at some point in our lives. But everything’s just so forced, so woefully heavy-handed.
Thus, no points for this one, except for intention. I did get a tiny bit of Jesse/Evan fun out of it so I suppose that was worth something, but even that did not quite reach the usual levels of awesome.
Anyway. Next up is what I suppose will be a real book, not just the author clumsily trying to shove Important Messages down our throats. <3
This was a Message Story.
And yes, bullying and teenage suicide are extremely serious issues and need to be addressed. Thing is, when you try to do a story about a kid considering suicide, you need to put more… something into it. I guess I am grateful for the fact that this story is lacking said ‘something’ because the stories that get it right usually also break my heart and spirit and traumatize me and I can do without that when this is a reality to so many.
It’s just such a clumsy piece. Yeah, I get that the author relishes telling the bullies off at least in a story, because most of us have felt the burning need to do that at some point in our lives. But everything’s just so forced, so woefully heavy-handed.
Thus, no points for this one, except for intention. I did get a tiny bit of Jesse/Evan fun out of it so I suppose that was worth something, but even that did not quite reach the usual levels of awesome.
Anyway. Next up is what I suppose will be a real book, not just the author clumsily trying to shove Important Messages down our throats. <3
June 2, 2012
Another beautiful addition to an amazing series! Dillon was sweet. It was awesome to get to see more of Brandon and Shunichi. And Jesse and Evan were amazing as always.
I guess I'm confused as to why they would show up with paparazzi to a high school play. They had to have brought them on purpose, because other times in the books they've been able to dodge them since the paparazzi didn't know where the boys were going. Did they do it just so they could make the principal look bad?
Oh, and that's the other thing I had a hard time buying. I work in education, granted not at the high-school level, but I can't imagine anyone not taking claims of bullying seriously. At least seriously enough to investigate even slightly before dismissing them.
I absolutely loved the message that if you can be strong enough to do things that might scare you a little, like signing up for karate or joining the drama club, that you can find some amazing people who have things in common with you that you never would have expected.
I also liked that Dillon learned that it's okay to depend on other people and to open up to them.
Another beautiful, hopeful look at the effects of bullying and how they can be overcome.
I guess I'm confused as to why they would show up with paparazzi to a high school play. They had to have brought them on purpose, because other times in the books they've been able to dodge them since the paparazzi didn't know where the boys were going. Did they do it just so they could make the principal look bad?
Oh, and that's the other thing I had a hard time buying. I work in education, granted not at the high-school level, but I can't imagine anyone not taking claims of bullying seriously. At least seriously enough to investigate even slightly before dismissing them.
I absolutely loved the message that if you can be strong enough to do things that might scare you a little, like signing up for karate or joining the drama club, that you can find some amazing people who have things in common with you that you never would have expected.
I also liked that Dillon learned that it's okay to depend on other people and to open up to them.
Another beautiful, hopeful look at the effects of bullying and how they can be overcome.
January 23, 2011
I am addicted to the Conquest series. Like a good little addict I devoured this little morsel in no time. It was heaven to read more about Shunichi and Brandon's relationship. Having Jesse and Evan make a cameo appearance, that was just freaking cream cheese frosting on top. Yum!
Dillon's story is angsty and incredibly timely given all the horrible teen suicides in the recent past. His despair is tangible and believable. Luckily he has one awesome best friend and some well connected new friends. With Brandon, Shunichi, Jesse and Evan around, how could the story have anything but a happy, uplifting ending? I am glad the author tackled this subject and extremely proud that both the author and editor donated their royalties to The Trevor Project. This story is a win-win. Run out and buy it now. You'll get a fabulous story and The Trevor Project will get a much needed donation.
Dillon's story is angsty and incredibly timely given all the horrible teen suicides in the recent past. His despair is tangible and believable. Luckily he has one awesome best friend and some well connected new friends. With Brandon, Shunichi, Jesse and Evan around, how could the story have anything but a happy, uplifting ending? I am glad the author tackled this subject and extremely proud that both the author and editor donated their royalties to The Trevor Project. This story is a win-win. Run out and buy it now. You'll get a fabulous story and The Trevor Project will get a much needed donation.
August 13, 2011
3.5 stars
Finding a Dream is about bullying, being true to yourself, supporting others and friendship. We get a little bit more of Brandon and Shunichi's story from the Conquest series.
I would have given 4 stars, but some of the writing kept ripping me out of the story. At times, Finding a Dream read like an after school special. While the information provided was relevant to the story and I enjoyed revisiting Brandon, Shunichi, Jesse and Evan, I felt like some of the book was preachy. But, I did like the book. It had relevant subject matter, unfortunately, for this day and age.
This may have been the purpose of Finding a Dream. The author provides a message at the beginning of book that states she and her editor will be donating their royalties from this story to the Trevor Project.
Finding a Dream is about bullying, being true to yourself, supporting others and friendship. We get a little bit more of Brandon and Shunichi's story from the Conquest series.
I would have given 4 stars, but some of the writing kept ripping me out of the story. At times, Finding a Dream read like an after school special. While the information provided was relevant to the story and I enjoyed revisiting Brandon, Shunichi, Jesse and Evan, I felt like some of the book was preachy. But, I did like the book. It had relevant subject matter, unfortunately, for this day and age.
This may have been the purpose of Finding a Dream. The author provides a message at the beginning of book that states she and her editor will be donating their royalties from this story to the Trevor Project.
December 8, 2011
To read the review take a look at book 5 of the “Conquest” series.
April 14, 2013
Okay I wasn't expecting to cry with this book. It was a very touching story and I liked the end. Of course our hotty Jesse makes an appearance and some wise cracks to enjoy...lol God I love Jesse..he makes the whole series. I did agree with Dillon though, Jesse is lucky to have Brandon as a brother. Brandon is such a compassionate person in this book, and because of his compassion I fell in love with him more than I already had. For Brandon to reach out and help Dillon without knowing him very well but could tell the teen needed a friend was admirable. More people should be like this because unfortunately there are so many suicides that happen to teens that are being bullied. Dillon's story made me cry and I'm glad he finally found his voice.
October 13, 2013
I loved the idea.
A stranger reaching out to help a kid being bullied.
I just wish it would of taken a more realistic approach.
Yes. I adored the fact that Brandon and Shun go out of their way to help this kid.
But, a verbal slap in the face to Logan isn't going to stop a years worth of torture. As well as getting a handful of celebrities to attend a play.
This kid was contemplating suicide. Was ready to give up. Was getting no support from the principle that blamed it on him. Wasn't talking to his mom.
I guess I wish we would of saw the stuff in-between. It went from bad to great with nothing int he middle.
A stranger reaching out to help a kid being bullied.
I just wish it would of taken a more realistic approach.
Yes. I adored the fact that Brandon and Shun go out of their way to help this kid.
But, a verbal slap in the face to Logan isn't going to stop a years worth of torture. As well as getting a handful of celebrities to attend a play.
This kid was contemplating suicide. Was ready to give up. Was getting no support from the principle that blamed it on him. Wasn't talking to his mom.
I guess I wish we would of saw the stuff in-between. It went from bad to great with nothing int he middle.
September 6, 2015
This is the 4th book of the Conquest series. This one is really more of a step out of the series to show an important message. Dillon is a victim of bullying at his school. Like many teens he feels he has no where to go. Dillon decides he could benefit from martial arts training with the plus that the dojo is run by the partner of Brandon Alexander, an actor he has greatly admired for a while. I enjoyed getting to see the characters from the series as they dealt with an important issue facing the world today. I think the "message" in the book is important and worth getting out there.
November 24, 2012
A cute little story all for a good cause - proceeds from the book go to The Trevor Project. This is book 3 of the Conquest Series by S.J. Frost.
The cutest MM couple ever - Jesse and Ev (the main MCs of the series) make an appearance. My not-so-favorite couple from the series - Brandon and Shunichi are the main couple in this story....although the story is not about them, it's about Dillion (a teenager who is being bullied).
The cutest MM couple ever - Jesse and Ev (the main MCs of the series) make an appearance. My not-so-favorite couple from the series - Brandon and Shunichi are the main couple in this story....although the story is not about them, it's about Dillion (a teenager who is being bullied).
July 11, 2011
Read as part of my QGB Q3 Challenge chosen by Courtney. Have I mentioned already that I love the Conquest series? This book is an interesting look into Brandon's life with Shunichi. Also, this book touches on a very relevant topic in today's society - Bullying and the desperation that those that are bullied feel when they do not see any way out. A very good read and S.J. Frost brought a lot of sensitivity and hope to the forefront.
August 27, 2011
A good novella that is not really a part of the series despite that characters from the previous novels are in it. Instead it's a story focusing on the problem of bullying - the effects it has on the person being bullied, and how we as a community can reach out and help the victim. This story brought tears to my eyes yet left me feeling good by the end of the story. It is not really a romance but there is definitely a hint one one in the future by the end of the story.
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