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Come Unto These Yellow Sands
Sometimes the adventure chooses you.
Lover of fine poetry and lousy choose-your-own-adventure novels, Professor Sebastian Swift was once the bad-boy darling of the literati. The only lines he does these days are Browning, Frost, and Cummings. Even his relationship with the hot, handsome Wolfe Neck Police chief, Max Prescott, is healthy.
When one of his most talented students comes to him bruised and begging for help, Swift hands over the keys to his Orson Island cabin - only to find out that the boy's father is dead and the police are suspicious. In an instant, the stable life Swift has built for himself hangs on finding the boy and convincing him to give himself up before Max figures out Swift's involvement in the case.
Max enjoys splitting an infinitive or two with his favorite nutty professor, but he's not much for sonnets or Shakespeare. He likes being lied to even less. Yet his instincts - and his heart - tell him his lover is being played. Max can forgive lies and deception, but a dangerous enemy may not stop until Swift is heading up his own dead poet's society.
Warning: The Surgeon General has determined that Josh Lanyon's smart, sexy, sophisticated stories may prove hazardous to your heart.
Lover of fine poetry and lousy choose-your-own-adventure novels, Professor Sebastian Swift was once the bad-boy darling of the literati. The only lines he does these days are Browning, Frost, and Cummings. Even his relationship with the hot, handsome Wolfe Neck Police chief, Max Prescott, is healthy.
When one of his most talented students comes to him bruised and begging for help, Swift hands over the keys to his Orson Island cabin - only to find out that the boy's father is dead and the police are suspicious. In an instant, the stable life Swift has built for himself hangs on finding the boy and convincing him to give himself up before Max figures out Swift's involvement in the case.
Max enjoys splitting an infinitive or two with his favorite nutty professor, but he's not much for sonnets or Shakespeare. He likes being lied to even less. Yet his instincts - and his heart - tell him his lover is being played. Max can forgive lies and deception, but a dangerous enemy may not stop until Swift is heading up his own dead poet's society.
Warning: The Surgeon General has determined that Josh Lanyon's smart, sexy, sophisticated stories may prove hazardous to your heart.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2011
52 people are currently reading
1828 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
232 books5,426 followersAuthor of 100+ titles of Gay Mystery and M/M Romance, Josh Lanyon has built her literary legacy on twisty mystery, kickass adventure, and unapologetic man-on-man romance.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 452 reviews
July 15, 2015
Review completed January 15, 2013
"You were motivated by kindness and the desire to help. I don't get a lot of that in my line of work. So I'll take the impaired judgment and good heart over…anything else I've seen."
Sebastian Swift is a recovering drug addict, a poet as well as a respectable college professor and the director of the prestigious Lighthouse MFA program of Casco Bay College in Southern Maine. Swift is ready to go home and on his way to his office when he sees a kid slumped in a chair outside the office door. The severely battered kid is Tad Corelli, a very talented student. Swift is trying to help him but Tad doesn't want to talk about his problems. He needs a breather and Swift is offering him the key to his bungalow on Orson Island.
A couple of hours later his lover, Police Chief Max Prescott, is coming to Swift's home to savor a delicious dinner. At the same time they are having an interesting talk. A local restaurant owner, Mario Corelli, has been murdered. The victim is Tad's father. In fact, Max is on the lookout for Tad since he fought with his father numerous times. It's obvious that his disappearance is suspicious. Max needs information about Tad but Swift acts evasively, he doesn't want to speak up. He believes that Tad is innocent, and he doesn't want to provide the information that would lead up to Tad's arrest. If anything, he wants to talk to Tad once again and encourage him to turn himself in. Even though Swift is driven by kind and good intentions, the fallout is severe because they had never lied to each other yet and that's one of the things he liked best about their relationship. With that said, there is always a first for everything, though.
Come Unto These Yellow Sands is beautifully written and a great addition to my ever growing Lanyon shelf! Swift's "house" is one special place--it's a former church that has been converted into a loft.
Lanyon makes the best out of a rather short novel. He is economical as all get out but in a very convincing as well as satisfying way. With few words he is able to tell a compelling story that will draw you in from the very beginning. Compared to Fair Game Come Unto These Yellow Sands is rather slow-paced and yet it's the opposite of boring. I love Lanyon's wit and his intelligent writing. Also, his characters are authentically flawed, complex as well as very likable.
I loved Swift's exploration of his relationship, his issues and inner conflicts--especially his former cocaine addiction--and his personal fears and shortcomings. The investigation of Corelli's murder stressed Swift tremendously and he had to fight against a possible relapse.
As I see it, Swift's flawed personality let this story shine. But on the other hand, I'd've loved to get a bit more page time for Max. Max, the sexy small-town cop, is living by a very strong code of honor and he distrusts people instinctively. Yet his charm and wit make for a very appealing alpha male. Also, I think that more interaction between Swift and Max would have been favorable.
Finally, The Choose Your Own Adventures quotes at the beginning of each chapter were a nice touch and fit the storyline as well as Swift's personality and life. Overall Come Unto These Yellow Sands is an engaging and interesting story, and the murder mystery is well thought out. Once again Lanyon delivered big time.
"You were motivated by kindness and the desire to help. I don't get a lot of that in my line of work. So I'll take the impaired judgment and good heart over…anything else I've seen."
Sebastian Swift is a recovering drug addict, a poet as well as a respectable college professor and the director of the prestigious Lighthouse MFA program of Casco Bay College in Southern Maine. Swift is ready to go home and on his way to his office when he sees a kid slumped in a chair outside the office door. The severely battered kid is Tad Corelli, a very talented student. Swift is trying to help him but Tad doesn't want to talk about his problems. He needs a breather and Swift is offering him the key to his bungalow on Orson Island.
Standing in that silent, shadowy room, it suddenly hit Swift that it was probably too late now for things to move in the direction he'd have liked. Time and tide. Love had its own circadian rhythms, and it was beginning to look like he and Max had missed their chance, that they'd slipped into a comfortable somnolence. Perhaps they would continue on indefinitely, but it was all too likely one of these days they were simply going to drift gently, quietly apart.
A couple of hours later his lover, Police Chief Max Prescott, is coming to Swift's home to savor a delicious dinner. At the same time they are having an interesting talk. A local restaurant owner, Mario Corelli, has been murdered. The victim is Tad's father. In fact, Max is on the lookout for Tad since he fought with his father numerous times. It's obvious that his disappearance is suspicious. Max needs information about Tad but Swift acts evasively, he doesn't want to speak up. He believes that Tad is innocent, and he doesn't want to provide the information that would lead up to Tad's arrest. If anything, he wants to talk to Tad once again and encourage him to turn himself in. Even though Swift is driven by kind and good intentions, the fallout is severe because they had never lied to each other yet and that's one of the things he liked best about their relationship. With that said, there is always a first for everything, though.
"The only reason I'm alive today is I had enough people who cared whether I lived or died to step in and…save me from myself."
"You look like that angel in the front room."
Come Unto These Yellow Sands is beautifully written and a great addition to my ever growing Lanyon shelf! Swift's "house" is one special place--it's a former church that has been converted into a loft.
Swift was not particularly religious, but he experienced good vibrations in this old house of worship. It was a peaceful place, and he had needed peace when he'd arrived in Stone Coast fresh out of rehab six years earlier.
Lanyon makes the best out of a rather short novel. He is economical as all get out but in a very convincing as well as satisfying way. With few words he is able to tell a compelling story that will draw you in from the very beginning. Compared to Fair Game Come Unto These Yellow Sands is rather slow-paced and yet it's the opposite of boring. I love Lanyon's wit and his intelligent writing. Also, his characters are authentically flawed, complex as well as very likable.
I loved Swift's exploration of his relationship, his issues and inner conflicts--especially his former cocaine addiction--and his personal fears and shortcomings. The investigation of Corelli's murder stressed Swift tremendously and he had to fight against a possible relapse.
"I don't know if I need to go back into rehab or…or what. Just the thought of it makes me sick, but ever since Wanting it. I mean, I don't want it, but…"
"But you do," Max said calmly. His stoic acceptance of the unacceptable was a relief. Not least because Max so often saw the world in absolutes. Yes or no. Good or evil. Up or down.(…)
"I'm not going to let go of you. I'm going to hold you all night. so go ahead and feel whatever you feel. If you're still craving the cocaine, go ahead. You're safe. You can crave it all you want, but I won't let go, and if you still feel like you can't trust yourself in the morning, and it's what you want, I'll drive you to rehab myself. Okay?"
As I see it, Swift's flawed personality let this story shine. But on the other hand, I'd've loved to get a bit more page time for Max. Max, the sexy small-town cop, is living by a very strong code of honor and he distrusts people instinctively. Yet his charm and wit make for a very appealing alpha male. Also, I think that more interaction between Swift and Max would have been favorable.
"You're wanted." Max flicked his cheek with the lightest of touches. "I want you."
Finally, The Choose Your Own Adventures quotes at the beginning of each chapter were a nice touch and fit the storyline as well as Swift's personality and life. Overall Come Unto These Yellow Sands is an engaging and interesting story, and the murder mystery is well thought out. Once again Lanyon delivered big time.
"I guess…maybe I like to be needed."
(…)
"Or maybe…"
"Maybe what?"
Max's smile faded. He actually seemed to lose some of his normal healthy color as he said, "Maybe it turns out that I love you."
August 10, 2024
poets were mostly interested in death and commas.However, for Swift (probably Lanyon's least Adrien-like MC), he was mostly interested in three things: Police Chief Max Prescott, Literature and teaching students in his Lighthouse Program the value of literature.
It never failed to dismay him how many kids confused liking something with literary merit.(Some of you need to learn that, but I digress). When one of his brighter students, Tad Corelli, shows up outside his office door banged up, bruised, beaten, Swift immediately offers him assistance. A stay at his beachhouse and some cash.
Later that evening, while having dinner with Max, it is revealed that Tad's father was killed. Shot thrice in the chest. Tad is the lead suspect. Does he tell Max or does he do something else?
You are a man who needs a new lot in life. Everyone else thinks you're a loser. Especially your wife. She would leave you the moment she is sure she no longer needs you. It had been your bright idea to combine your assets when you got married anyway. You have had rotten luck compounded by poor decision making. Your wife gives you $1000 to go pay and collect a package for her. But your boy calls you with insider knowledge on an upcoming horse race. Their illicit gambling ring is accepting buy-ins of at least $1000. Do you take your chances or do you do what your wife asked you. If you do what your wife asked go to page 10. If you take your chances... You are a lot like Swift.
Things get a lot interesting for our long-haired, earringed protagonist. His reasoning is compelling. Justified even. But the cynicism of the police chief, a very pragmatic and straight forward gentleman with zebra vision don't care about this. Lanyon's books never fail to make the main characters work for their happy endings.
Each chapter also starts with a choose your own adventure style intro. It's very entertaining and makes me realise this author could write punchy sci-fi adventure novels should she want to. Aside from the mystery of who killed Mario Corelli, the banter between the main love interests was another source of joy. In one instance, Max asks Swift about Tad's relationships at the school.
"What about a girlfriend?" Max asked.Of course this being an MM romance mystery, there are a lot of tender moments to be savoured. My favourite is perhaps the one that would alarm a psychotherapist.
"Nah, I'm satisfied with you for now."
Max looked up in surprise.
Swift raised an eyebrow. "Are you interrogating me, Chief?"
The microwave pinged. Max offered his slow, devilish grin.
"Saved by the bell, Teach."
Max's scarred brow crinkled. He reached for the coffee mug on his desk. "Motive is tricky. See, what might be a good reason for me to kill someone might not be a good enough reason for you to kill someone."Swoon.
Swift stared at his hands loosely clasped around his ankle.
"I wouldn't. Deliberately hurt anyone."
"And my impulse is to hurt anyone who hurts you."
This book also feels like a love letter to literature. Very common with Lanyon's early aughts books. You couldn't go a few pages without meeting a relevant quote. From TS Eliot to EE Cummings to Butler.
I'm disappointed in myself that I didn't write a review for this earlier as I think it's one of Lanyon's best stand-alones. I have been rightfully accused of being a Josh Lanyon stan but when I read such immaculate stories every time, what else could I possibly be but eternal fangirl?
February 3, 2020
My favourite book by this author so far.
The mystery was good, but what made me like the story as much as I did were the characters. I liked Swift right from the start. I wasn't sure I'd like Max, but he pleasantly surprised me as the story progressed.
The writing was really great in this one. Swift and Max were already in a relationship when the story started, but I never felt I was missing something from before. And I really appreciated that Swift didn't act the way characters usually act when trying to solve a case.
I really enjoyed the audiobook. Paul Fleschner did a great job narrating the story, he has a very pleasant voice. Loved the addition of sound effects.
The mystery was good, but what made me like the story as much as I did were the characters. I liked Swift right from the start. I wasn't sure I'd like Max, but he pleasantly surprised me as the story progressed.
The writing was really great in this one. Swift and Max were already in a relationship when the story started, but I never felt I was missing something from before. And I really appreciated that Swift didn't act the way characters usually act when trying to solve a case.
I really enjoyed the audiobook. Paul Fleschner did a great job narrating the story, he has a very pleasant voice. Loved the addition of sound effects.
August 9, 2016
**2.5 stars**
Welcome to what is apparently opposite day on Goodreads, Heather edition. I started off the day by loving a book that most of my friends told me to skip, they disliked it so much (Bad Company) and ended it with feeling "meh" about a book that my GR friends love almost unanimously. I'm waiting for the devil to help an old lady cross the street and Mother Theresa to come back as the leader of the damned because things are just cuckoo loca around here for me today.
Well, I'll start off with what I liked about this one. I liked the moody, atmospheric setting of the book. It felt like real, small town New England. I also thought that the characters of Swift and Max were really interesting- each with their own struggles and obstacles that they had to overcome. I thought that Swift's battle with addiction was poignant and a highlight of the book for me.
Here is my issue: the romance. I felt like something happened between Max and Swift that I completely missed. I guess there was something momentous occurring between them that I didn't pick up on. From Swift's POV, Max seemed distant and ambivalent about their relationship for the past few years. I mean, he even said that Max saying that he missed Swift one time was the most romantic thing he had ever done. Swift didn't even call what they had a relationship and I saw little to no communication between them. So when the relationship went from friends-with-benefits to I-Love-You... well, to say I was confused was an understatement. I think that the fact that the story was told only from Swifts perspective made it hard to see where Max was coming from. The romance came out of left field for me.
Aside from the romance, the mystery seemed a bit all over the place. I think part of my problem is that I'm not a mystery lover. I tend to shy away from that genre- it doesn't appeal to me much. Also the pace... dear god. It dragged on and on in the first 1/2 of the book, so much so that I had to force myself to continue past 50%. However, once I got past that, I have to say that I liked this book more than I expected from the first half.
I also didn't find this book particularly funny and, without any sex on page, I had a hard time finding something to latch on to. AND, this book ended at 91% on my Kindle, which is a pet peeve of mine.
Do I get why people loved this book? I think so. It was skillfully and thoughtfully written, if not exactly to my taste. I hope that I like my next Josh Lanyon book because right now, he is 0 for 2 with me.
Don't hate me, friends :(
Welcome to what is apparently opposite day on Goodreads, Heather edition. I started off the day by loving a book that most of my friends told me to skip, they disliked it so much (Bad Company) and ended it with feeling "meh" about a book that my GR friends love almost unanimously. I'm waiting for the devil to help an old lady cross the street and Mother Theresa to come back as the leader of the damned because things are just cuckoo loca around here for me today.
Well, I'll start off with what I liked about this one. I liked the moody, atmospheric setting of the book. It felt like real, small town New England. I also thought that the characters of Swift and Max were really interesting- each with their own struggles and obstacles that they had to overcome. I thought that Swift's battle with addiction was poignant and a highlight of the book for me.
Here is my issue: the romance. I felt like something happened between Max and Swift that I completely missed. I guess there was something momentous occurring between them that I didn't pick up on. From Swift's POV, Max seemed distant and ambivalent about their relationship for the past few years. I mean, he even said that Max saying that he missed Swift one time was the most romantic thing he had ever done. Swift didn't even call what they had a relationship and I saw little to no communication between them. So when the relationship went from friends-with-benefits to I-Love-You... well, to say I was confused was an understatement. I think that the fact that the story was told only from Swifts perspective made it hard to see where Max was coming from. The romance came out of left field for me.
Aside from the romance, the mystery seemed a bit all over the place. I think part of my problem is that I'm not a mystery lover. I tend to shy away from that genre- it doesn't appeal to me much. Also the pace... dear god. It dragged on and on in the first 1/2 of the book, so much so that I had to force myself to continue past 50%. However, once I got past that, I have to say that I liked this book more than I expected from the first half.
I also didn't find this book particularly funny and, without any sex on page, I had a hard time finding something to latch on to. AND, this book ended at 91% on my Kindle, which is a pet peeve of mine.
Do I get why people loved this book? I think so. It was skillfully and thoughtfully written, if not exactly to my taste. I hope that I like my next Josh Lanyon book because right now, he is 0 for 2 with me.
Don't hate me, friends :(
January 21, 2015
That is how I should start this review.
It was my first book of Josh Lanyon but for sure not the last one.
His writing is AMAZING...
And that is my review:
I love poetry.
Not like buying a poetry eBook, reading it and write a review after.
I love it like to have poetry paperback books on my real shelf in my real living-room. I like it like to pick up from time to time a suitable for my mood book and read a poem or two or even more.
I love poetry like writing it. Of course only for me....but I LOVE POETRY.
I have a weak spot for the main characters who have passion for words and writing.
Let one of them be a former drug-addicted, fragile, sensitive professor and lover of fine poetry and I'm lost.
Add to my excitement the hot, handsome Police Chief Max Prescott, a problematic relationship, a thrilling mystery story, a steamy sex, a fabulous writing style and you have me.
Whether you want it or not.
Maybe somebody would like more sex scenes and normally I'm THAT somebody who prefers a lot of sex. Also in my romance books.
But here it was a perfect mixture out of everything.
Here every dosage, every last detail was just right.
Except the writing. The writing was not just right.
IT was AMAZING. POETIC. DELICIOUS.
Highly recommended.
September 17, 2014
I fucking love this book. It's fucking awesome. Fuckity fuck fuck, it's so good it made me teary-eyed.
It's possible I may love it more than the Adrien English series.
That's right -- I'm super serious about my love for this book.
There's a lot of great reviews so I'll stick to this -- I love the way Josh Lanyon's love of books, his appreciation of other writers, creeps into everything he writes. In this book it's poetry and Choose Your Own Adventure books, in Adrien English and the Holmes and Moriarity series it's mystery novels and The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks it's trashy detective novels.
Now, maybe that sounds obvious. He's a writer, of course, he loves books! Dur! But I frequently get the idea (generally about books I dislike) that the writer has read nothing but how-to books on writing. Or perhaps they've only read books within the genre they're writing in to get an idea of what's most popular with readers. What's "guaranteed" to sell.
Okay, having said that I'll add that there's nothing really wrong with that, everyone has to consider their economic situation and learning what they can to improve their writing as well as choosing an audience. (I heard an anecdote, maybe apocryphal, about Lawrence Durrell -- he was asked why he wrote The Alexandria Quartet and replied that he had kids to put through college.)
So I guess it's just a matter of preference. I love authors who have read widely, who've immersed themselves in words and worlds. Josh Lanyon's one of those authors. Whenever I read his books I get the idea that he may have watched Beauty and the Beast 5 times in a row just to see the library. Whose parents suggested he put the book down and get out of the house more. At the same time, someone who is interested in people and the world around him. He may (or may not) be an introvert but he reads like he pays attention to the rest of the world and the people in it.
Okay, yeah, I have no idea how to sum this up soooo...those are my thoughts on that.
**audible edition**
5 stars as well. Probably my favorite audio book I've bought from Amazon and it's all due to the narrator. (Okay, and the book.) Also, there was no annoying music between chapters, I really hate that. At the end there was only the sound of the ocean which made the ending all the more poignant.
November 19, 2014
Written June 8, 2014
3.8 Stars - Well made, stylish and tastefully presented, but perhaps not breathtaking engaging
I've enjoyed all six books I read by Josh Lanyon so far. I can't but shudder of that wonderful expectant pleasure to immediatly throw me over yet another praised story by JL. My friends' reviews are very promising and JL's great admirer Lena recommended me to read this novel months ago.
Mr Lanyon is by now a favorite author. His novels have a calm amidst the chaos. These men feel so real with both weaknesses and shortcomings but ultimately in the end with large tender hearts. ~ Another good one!
***********************************************************
Professor Sebastian Swift, once the bad-boy darling of the literati, is now living a simple and quiet (drug free) life in a small town in Southern Maine. His old wild poet’s society life is since long dead and buried. Even Swift's relationship with the hot, handsome Police Chief Max Prescott is rather modest and imprecise, but healthy. ~ Or is there far too much unsaid, undecided and too loose at the edges between them?
When one of Swift's most talented students Tad Corelli comes to him bruised and begging for help, Swift hands over the keys to his Orson Island cabin—only to find out that the boy’s father is dead and the police are suspicious.
In an instant, the stable life Swift has built for himself hangs on finding the boy and convincing him to give himself up before Max figures out Swift’s involvement in the case.
***********************************************************
Come Unto These Yellow Sands was a relatively light-hearted story about poetry, writing, fathers, drugs, love, lust and so a mysterious murder to solve course.
The main character are as often; one cultural curious (pry & snoop) guy —who tells the story— and one big, strong, stable and very sexy police detective. I recognize this basic construction with character types for Mr Lanyon's stories by now. ~ And as usual, I was charmed and in most parts satisfied.
Swift and Max are both very interesting and easy to like. There is much in Swift's former story I would like to read a special book about. A refill of Max previous destinies would not hurt either. It is perhaps too optimistic and hopeful to believe in another novel or short story about these men, but ideas for it are exceedingly, in large quantities. These characters are more than simplified two-dimensional sex 'machines'.
I missed maybe that little extra, those heartbreaking moments, the sizzling intensity between the MC:s, the boiling heat and a proper finish of it all. Now it became a somewhat abrupt end. A few more pages with a wonderfully slowly and pleasurably shown HEA, had been appreciated by me.
Or was it as often when I read a book during too many days (five this time); I lose the mood and feeling for it a bit. ~ Either way really worth the read.
***********************************************************
Swifth liked these words and felt kind of calmed by them.
So do I. ~ It will be more Mr Lanyon books.
I LIKE - pleasant and much in my taste
* * * * * * *
I got this e-book book as an AReB gift from my lovely Norwegian friend Marte. Lucky me!! ~ Big thanks, dear Marte!
3.8 Stars - Well made, stylish and tastefully presented, but perhaps not breathtaking engaging
I've enjoyed all six books I read by Josh Lanyon so far. I can't but shudder of that wonderful expectant pleasure to immediatly throw me over yet another praised story by JL. My friends' reviews are very promising and JL's great admirer Lena recommended me to read this novel months ago.
‘There are few things in this life more bamboo-under-fingernails than good poetry read aloud badly —unless it is bad poetry read aloud badly.’
Mr Lanyon is by now a favorite author. His novels have a calm amidst the chaos. These men feel so real with both weaknesses and shortcomings but ultimately in the end with large tender hearts. ~ Another good one!
...read the words on this postcard. Like the one Swift got from Max.
***********************************************************
Professor Sebastian Swift, once the bad-boy darling of the literati, is now living a simple and quiet (drug free) life in a small town in Southern Maine. His old wild poet’s society life is since long dead and buried. Even Swift's relationship with the hot, handsome Police Chief Max Prescott is rather modest and imprecise, but healthy. ~ Or is there far too much unsaid, undecided and too loose at the edges between them?
‘Time and tide. Love had its own circadian rhythms, and it was beginning to look like he and Max had missed their chance, that they'd slipped into a comfortable somnolence. Perhaps they would continue on indefinitely, but it was all too likely one of these days they were simply going to drift gently, quietly apart.’
When one of Swift's most talented students Tad Corelli comes to him bruised and begging for help, Swift hands over the keys to his Orson Island cabin—only to find out that the boy’s father is dead and the police are suspicious.
In an instant, the stable life Swift has built for himself hangs on finding the boy and convincing him to give himself up before Max figures out Swift’s involvement in the case.
***********************************************************
Come Unto These Yellow Sands was a relatively light-hearted story about poetry, writing, fathers, drugs, love, lust and so a mysterious murder to solve course.
The main character are as often; one cultural curious (pry & snoop) guy —who tells the story— and one big, strong, stable and very sexy police detective. I recognize this basic construction with character types for Mr Lanyon's stories by now. ~ And as usual, I was charmed and in most parts satisfied.
Swift and Max are both very interesting and easy to like. There is much in Swift's former story I would like to read a special book about. A refill of Max previous destinies would not hurt either. It is perhaps too optimistic and hopeful to believe in another novel or short story about these men, but ideas for it are exceedingly, in large quantities. These characters are more than simplified two-dimensional sex 'machines'.
‘He woke with Max's arms wrapped around his torso and Max's genitals soft against his ass. And for the first time in days he wasn't aware of wanting anything but breakfast. Breakfast and Max. Not necessarily in that order.’
I missed maybe that little extra, those heartbreaking moments, the sizzling intensity between the MC:s, the boiling heat and a proper finish of it all. Now it became a somewhat abrupt end. A few more pages with a wonderfully slowly and pleasurably shown HEA, had been appreciated by me.
Or was it as often when I read a book during too many days (five this time); I lose the mood and feeling for it a bit. ~ Either way really worth the read.
***********************************************************
The poet Wilfred J.Funk's 1932 list of
"most beautiful words":
Melody, Golden, Chimes, Luminous, Mist, Tranquil, Murmuring, Lullaby, Hush and Dawn.
Swifth liked these words and felt kind of calmed by them.
So do I. ~ It will be more Mr Lanyon books.
I LIKE - pleasant and much in my taste
* * * * * * *
I got this e-book book as an AReB gift from my lovely Norwegian friend Marte. Lucky me!! ~ Big thanks, dear Marte!
September 14, 2011
Amazing and Intense
Well, Josh has done it again. Written another amazing romantic mystery with realistic imperfect characters and such vivid imagery that I felt so connected with the story and the main characters. Only this time Swift made me cry even more than Adrien. Swift's struggle to stay sober was breaking my heart. I cried when he wanted to use and I cried when Max was there to save him. (Those that know me well, know that I hardly ever cry!!!) He only wanted to help a friend and believed he was doing the right things; and those choices nearly destroyed him. I have to say that I loved the brief "Choose Your Own Adventure" scenarios at the beginning of each chapter. For me, it brought to mind the paths that Swift chose to take throughout the course of his life thus far. What would you choose to do in this situation? Can you really control your own destiny? Or will the finale always end up being the same?
Swift and Max's relationship was intense. Here you have the recovering cocaine addict literature professor-slash-famous former poet and the small town's chief of police. Can they be any more different?? Yet they were perfect for each other. I loved how Swift called Max "Chief" and how Max called Swift "Teach". It made me smile everytime. And when Max told Swift, "I’m not going to let go of you. I’m going to hold you all night. So go ahead and feel whatever you feel. If you’re still craving cocaine, go ahead. You’re safe. You can crave it all you want, but I won’t let go, and if you still feel like you can’t trust yourself in the morning, and it’s what you want, I’ll drive you to rehab myself. Okay?", I had to take a break from reading because my chest was hurting and I had tears running down my face.
Like I said, it was AMAZING and INTENSE.
ETA: I just realized that I did't say anything about the mystery. I guess I'm like Swift, and didn't really care about who the killer was. It was a good mystery and I didn't have anything figured out until the end.
Well, Josh has done it again. Written another amazing romantic mystery with realistic imperfect characters and such vivid imagery that I felt so connected with the story and the main characters. Only this time Swift made me cry even more than Adrien. Swift's struggle to stay sober was breaking my heart. I cried when he wanted to use and I cried when Max was there to save him. (Those that know me well, know that I hardly ever cry!!!) He only wanted to help a friend and believed he was doing the right things; and those choices nearly destroyed him. I have to say that I loved the brief "Choose Your Own Adventure" scenarios at the beginning of each chapter. For me, it brought to mind the paths that Swift chose to take throughout the course of his life thus far. What would you choose to do in this situation? Can you really control your own destiny? Or will the finale always end up being the same?
Swift and Max's relationship was intense. Here you have the recovering cocaine addict literature professor-slash-famous former poet and the small town's chief of police. Can they be any more different?? Yet they were perfect for each other. I loved how Swift called Max "Chief" and how Max called Swift "Teach". It made me smile everytime. And when Max told Swift, "I’m not going to let go of you. I’m going to hold you all night. So go ahead and feel whatever you feel. If you’re still craving cocaine, go ahead. You’re safe. You can crave it all you want, but I won’t let go, and if you still feel like you can’t trust yourself in the morning, and it’s what you want, I’ll drive you to rehab myself. Okay?", I had to take a break from reading because my chest was hurting and I had tears running down my face.
Like I said, it was AMAZING and INTENSE.
ETA: I just realized that I did't say anything about the mystery. I guess I'm like Swift, and didn't really care about who the killer was. It was a good mystery and I didn't have anything figured out until the end.
July 30, 2021
It's heavier on mystery side than romance and that's completely fine, cause It's Josh fucking Lanyon. She knows magic. She created magic and I'm still lost in the sweetness of the story.
I'm speechless.
I'm stunned.
I want more. 😏
Josh Lanyon has always been entertaining me with her amazing choice of words and unconventional plots. This one is no exception.
Ex drug addict, famous poet and current Professor of English Literature Swift was pretty content with his life, stable job and an almost boyfriend (!) but everything got upside down with the mysterious death and a sudden disappearance of one of his students.
As mentioned earlier, this book is heavier on mystery side and it served me well creating a labyrinth of confusion, arising questions who can be the killer? And after several nail biting moment when the case finally got solved I was both amazed and kinda irritated. The conclusion was drawn too easily. I think Couple more pages would have served the story better.
Relationship shared by Swift and Max may feel kinda odd to some of you. Like as the very beginning we got to know Max is not up for commitment and then he suddenly dropped that "L" bomb, it might not sit well to many of you. But Here's my theory. We only got SWIFT's pov and he thought Max is not ready for commitment, contrarily Max is actually a sweetheart, caring, loving adorable. And alike most cops Not Good With Expressing Staffs . So his sadden breakout was not so sudden. It's just we Don't know his inner turmoil. And for fuck's sake they have been in a monogamous sexual arrangement for six years. If that's not commitment. Idk what's then!
It sure lacked swoony, cuddly moments but there was indeed soul burning chemistry. So i did not mind!
I'm speechless.
I'm stunned.
I want more. 😏
Josh Lanyon has always been entertaining me with her amazing choice of words and unconventional plots. This one is no exception.
Ex drug addict, famous poet and current Professor of English Literature Swift was pretty content with his life, stable job and an almost boyfriend (!) but everything got upside down with the mysterious death and a sudden disappearance of one of his students.
As mentioned earlier, this book is heavier on mystery side and it served me well creating a labyrinth of confusion, arising questions who can be the killer? And after several nail biting moment when the case finally got solved I was both amazed and kinda irritated. The conclusion was drawn too easily. I think Couple more pages would have served the story better.
Relationship shared by Swift and Max may feel kinda odd to some of you. Like as the very beginning we got to know Max is not up for commitment and then he suddenly dropped that "L" bomb, it might not sit well to many of you. But Here's my theory. We only got SWIFT's pov and he thought Max is not ready for commitment, contrarily Max is actually a sweetheart, caring, loving adorable. And alike most cops Not Good With Expressing Staffs . So his sadden breakout was not so sudden. It's just we Don't know his inner turmoil. And for fuck's sake they have been in a monogamous sexual arrangement for six years. If that's not commitment. Idk what's then!
It sure lacked swoony, cuddly moments but there was indeed soul burning chemistry. So i did not mind!
October 31, 2013
Lanyon has taught me that I had a real soft spot for recovering addicts.
Oh, Swift! You just can't win!
Spoilers Everywhere!
Spoilers here, there, spoilers in jars next to here and there!
I'd like to think I'm moderately well versed in the ways of Josh Lanyon books now, since I've been practically shoving the words into a blender and injecting them into the juiciest vein I can find, lately. I can't get enough. It's an addiction on it's own. That being said, this is one of my favorite Lanyon books. It's in my top... three so far. Which is hard to pick because it's like picking a favorite child (which actually might be easier for me).
This book is about a beautiful, perfect angel named Swift. He's a professor with a smart attitude, compassion flying out of his butt, and a jaded past. What more can anyone ask for? He's been "dating" the police chief of their small town, whose name is Max. Max is fucking ballin'. One of Swift's best students comes to Swift battered, bloody, and asks for Swift's help. And Swift does what anyone with a heart would do- he helps the kid. He then finds out that the kid's dad has been found murdered and Swift might've just helped the kid escape. But Swift doesn't think the kid did it, but he fails to immediate tell his "boyfriend, Max" about it.
Insert drama here: _________________.
I love this book because I fell hard for Swift. Hard and fast. Unlike some of our other sleuthing characters, Swift has a reason to be nosing around.. the kid is a student of his who he thought he was helping out. Then kid goes missing and he's looking for kid. He doesn't really care who killed the kid's dad, he just cares about finding the kid and this, IMO, seems very believable and makes sense.
Can our boy Swift catch a fucking break? Seriously, someone throw him a bone. Everyone is mean to him, pushing him down, never there to help him out. Well, Max is, but he doesn't know that. I felt so sad for him so many times, battling his demons alone.
His relationship with Max is odd. He thinks it's a casual kind of thing between two gay men (there aren't many openly gay men where they live), but he thinks he feels more for Max than Max does for him. It's sad, really. Two years and being so unsure. But Max is there for him. I love the dramatic scene in Max's office between the two.
Swift's addiction was so hard to read about. I was BRILLIANT. If I could make the word brilliant shine on your computer monitor, I would. I shed a few very adult tears when reading about his struggles with his cocaine addiction, trying to distract himself with his cooking and reading. It's the simple things like that that really make a reader feel. The scene where Swift calls Max and tells him he could really use the company that night? Cried.
Just typing this review is making me miss this book. How long since I've read it? 3 weeks? Yeah, I'm going to reread this within a month. I can feel it.
If you haven't read a lot of or any Josh Lanyon, I'd suggest reading this book. Start here. It's a beautiful story and you won't regret it.
Oh, Swift! You just can't win!
Spoilers Everywhere!
Spoilers here, there, spoilers in jars next to here and there!
I'd like to think I'm moderately well versed in the ways of Josh Lanyon books now, since I've been practically shoving the words into a blender and injecting them into the juiciest vein I can find, lately. I can't get enough. It's an addiction on it's own. That being said, this is one of my favorite Lanyon books. It's in my top... three so far. Which is hard to pick because it's like picking a favorite child (which actually might be easier for me).
This book is about a beautiful, perfect angel named Swift. He's a professor with a smart attitude, compassion flying out of his butt, and a jaded past. What more can anyone ask for? He's been "dating" the police chief of their small town, whose name is Max. Max is fucking ballin'. One of Swift's best students comes to Swift battered, bloody, and asks for Swift's help. And Swift does what anyone with a heart would do- he helps the kid. He then finds out that the kid's dad has been found murdered and Swift might've just helped the kid escape. But Swift doesn't think the kid did it, but he fails to immediate tell his "boyfriend, Max" about it.
Insert drama here: _________________.
I love this book because I fell hard for Swift. Hard and fast. Unlike some of our other sleuthing characters, Swift has a reason to be nosing around.. the kid is a student of his who he thought he was helping out. Then kid goes missing and he's looking for kid. He doesn't really care who killed the kid's dad, he just cares about finding the kid and this, IMO, seems very believable and makes sense.
Can our boy Swift catch a fucking break? Seriously, someone throw him a bone. Everyone is mean to him, pushing him down, never there to help him out. Well, Max is, but he doesn't know that. I felt so sad for him so many times, battling his demons alone.
His relationship with Max is odd. He thinks it's a casual kind of thing between two gay men (there aren't many openly gay men where they live), but he thinks he feels more for Max than Max does for him. It's sad, really. Two years and being so unsure. But Max is there for him. I love the dramatic scene in Max's office between the two.
“I’m not going to let go of you. I’m going to hold you all night. So go ahead and feel whatever you feel. If you’re still craving cocaine, go ahead. You’re safe. You can crave it all you want, but I won’t let go, and if you still feel like you can’t trust yourself in the morning, and it’s what you want, I’ll drive you to rehab myself. Okay?”
Swift's addiction was so hard to read about. I was BRILLIANT. If I could make the word brilliant shine on your computer monitor, I would. I shed a few very adult tears when reading about his struggles with his cocaine addiction, trying to distract himself with his cooking and reading. It's the simple things like that that really make a reader feel. The scene where Swift calls Max and tells him he could really use the company that night? Cried.
Swift closed his eyes. You’d think that someone who had needed as much help as he had in his life would be good at asking for it. Not this time.
Just typing this review is making me miss this book. How long since I've read it? 3 weeks? Yeah, I'm going to reread this within a month. I can feel it.
If you haven't read a lot of or any Josh Lanyon, I'd suggest reading this book. Start here. It's a beautiful story and you won't regret it.
June 11, 2011
A seductive daylit noir-romance from Josh Lanyon writing against the grain. Fantastic mystery with hot, tortured heroes, smoldering intimacy, and characteristic Lanyon craft. Fantastic.
Check out my full review for jessewave here:
http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/201...
Check out my full review for jessewave here:
http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/201...
July 29, 2016
THIS was exactly what I needed!
Josh Lanyon once again dazzled me with words, banter, men and mystery. Swift’s voice had me grinning ear to ear, chuckling, laughing out loud, and in tears.
I have said this before, but I need to shout out my love one more time—the settings and descriptions! The way Mr. Lanyon can pull me into a scene with every single one of my senses is my favorite part of the ride and read. I’m right there in the moment, in the room, and in the tension. With sound, a breeze, cup of tea, or touch--the pages come to life right before my eyes. Every missed moment, unsaid word, and embrace feels so real to me. Soft caresses and touches that I can feel right down to my toes.
”Swift closed his eyes, trying to concentrate on nothing more than the feel of Max’s hand rubbing his back. Such a simple, uncomplicated pleasure, that of touch. Max smoothed the thin skin between Swift’s shoulder blades.”
Max and Swift have been seeing each other, hanging out, hell…whatever they want to call it for years with no big commitment or plans. But their whole routine and world goes all topsy-turvy when one of Swift’s favorite students is accused of murder. Lies, truth, history, and small town gossip get all kinds of tangled up causing trouble on top of turmoil. Can Swift and Max’s relationship survive a murder investigation, old addictions clawing their way in, anger, pain and danger? You’re going to have to drop by this Lanyon world to find out. This doozy of a mystery had me guessing til the end!
As much as I love Lanyon, it is rare for him to pull big, messy tears out of me. He usually tip-toes in, oh-so quietly and shreds my heart to itty bitty pieces. But Swift’s struggle and pain with addiction hit me hard. Big fat tears and snot on the train ride home. *sigh* So here I am in love with another Lanyon world and character. :)
Go, go, go read a Lanyon tale today! His words and characters will stick with you.
Favorite line:
April 1, 2014
I liked the feel of this story, and how it felt like the author understood the setting. I live in Maine, and too often authors who write about my home state don't do any sort of research, or base it on some abstract idea of what they think Maine might be like. Too much folksy charm or too many ignorant hicks. This felt like a small college town in the southern part of the state. I appreciate things like that.
I enjoyed Swift's character, and his struggles. The specter of his drug addiction is a real force in his life, and something he will always be dealing with. I'm glad it wasn't candy coated in any way. He seemed like a fully formed person, and had real depth of character and motivation. For most of the book his relationship with Max felt flat to me. It seemed more like a relationship of convenience than love. I think it was because I was only given Swift's perspective, and his view of the relationship was colored by his insecurity. When Max became a bigger part of the story I felt like I got a better feel for the depth of their connection, and how much Max did love Swift. I think I would have liked to see more of this bond because even at the end it was hard to reconcile what Swift thought of their relationship for most of the book with how he felt about it in the end.
The mystery was interesting, but seemed to take a few leaps and jumps in different parts that I didn't necessarily always follow, and it seemed to wrap up a little too easily in the end. I did appreciate that it wasn't a completely neat ending, but it still didn't totally work for me.
I really enjoyed how the Chose your own Adventure stories factored into the plot, and the beginning of each chapter. I think this was my favorite part of the story telling. The writing was well done, but at times it felt it dragged a bit, or was a bit dry. I liked it, but at times I’d find my attention wandering.
Overall an enjoyable read, good, but not great.
I enjoyed Swift's character, and his struggles. The specter of his drug addiction is a real force in his life, and something he will always be dealing with. I'm glad it wasn't candy coated in any way. He seemed like a fully formed person, and had real depth of character and motivation. For most of the book his relationship with Max felt flat to me. It seemed more like a relationship of convenience than love. I think it was because I was only given Swift's perspective, and his view of the relationship was colored by his insecurity. When Max became a bigger part of the story I felt like I got a better feel for the depth of their connection, and how much Max did love Swift. I think I would have liked to see more of this bond because even at the end it was hard to reconcile what Swift thought of their relationship for most of the book with how he felt about it in the end.
The mystery was interesting, but seemed to take a few leaps and jumps in different parts that I didn't necessarily always follow, and it seemed to wrap up a little too easily in the end. I did appreciate that it wasn't a completely neat ending, but it still didn't totally work for me.
I really enjoyed how the Chose your own Adventure stories factored into the plot, and the beginning of each chapter. I think this was my favorite part of the story telling. The writing was well done, but at times it felt it dragged a bit, or was a bit dry. I liked it, but at times I’d find my attention wandering.
Overall an enjoyable read, good, but not great.
April 13, 2017
This kinda hurt me more than I expected. There's always something about taciturn, manly law enforcement types that appeals to me greatly, and Lanyon does this expertly.
Former renowned poet and recovering addict, Swift is now a literary professor and living an idyllic life teaching in small town Maine. He is in a comfortable sexual relationship (minus professions of love) with local police chief Max.
Swift comes across one of his students Tad, who is beat up. He offers aid but later fails to disclose this incident to Max when he discovers Tad's wanted for questioning in the shooting death of his father. Though Swift later confesses, this obviously puts a huge wedge between him and Max, and what follows is his desire to make things right and help Tad, who he believes is innocent.
This had brilliant wording, and I appreciated that the protagonist did not attempt overly stupid heroics (ahem Adrien). Though it barely whets the appetite for romance, I still enjoyed myself immensely as it tugged on my angst meter. And as always, the abrupt ending drove me batty. Damn you Lanyon! This of course, won't stop me from reading more. Apparently I'm a bit of a masochist.
Former renowned poet and recovering addict, Swift is now a literary professor and living an idyllic life teaching in small town Maine. He is in a comfortable sexual relationship (minus professions of love) with local police chief Max.
Swift comes across one of his students Tad, who is beat up. He offers aid but later fails to disclose this incident to Max when he discovers Tad's wanted for questioning in the shooting death of his father. Though Swift later confesses, this obviously puts a huge wedge between him and Max, and what follows is his desire to make things right and help Tad, who he believes is innocent.
This had brilliant wording, and I appreciated that the protagonist did not attempt overly stupid heroics (ahem Adrien). Though it barely whets the appetite for romance, I still enjoyed myself immensely as it tugged on my angst meter. And as always, the abrupt ending drove me batty. Damn you Lanyon! This of course, won't stop me from reading more. Apparently I'm a bit of a masochist.
May 26, 2014
“There’s not much I won’t do for you, Swift. You ought to know by now.”
The way Josh Lanyon can "PULL ME"
into a book with the settings, the descriptions, the mystery and the love, it pushed all my buttons and worked beautifully for me. The whole book was perfect, there is not a word out of place.
Highly recommended.
Well done!!!
The way Josh Lanyon can "PULL ME"
into a book with the settings, the descriptions, the mystery and the love, it pushed all my buttons and worked beautifully for me. The whole book was perfect, there is not a word out of place.
Highly recommended.
Well done!!!
October 28, 2012
Good...me likes. (and the 'choose your own adventure' angle is brilliant...I loved those books growing up!)
There are just those times that a Josh Lanyon book works. He’s good at bringing you out of a book funk. Nothing life-altering, just an easy escape…
His books are reliable (you know you’re always gonna get a 3-4 star read), entertaining (the man can write a good mystery)…yet always leave you wanting more (more steam, more connection, more of the MC’s, and a tidy “the end” that you’ll never get).
“Come Unto These Yellow Sands” is all those things. It’s also very familiar: Swift and Max remind me of Adrien and Jake (Adrien English series). Swift is smart and sensitive. Max is a sometimes-jerk and a rock. There are holes throughout the book: I can’t even picture Swift since he’s not described physically at all, and Max, barely so. We know nothing about Max’s life and don’t get enough interaction among the 2 of them. And since it looks like this is a stand-alone and not a series, I wasn’t able to feel connected or invested.
Still, I liked them and I liked the bits and pieces I got of their relationship. I even like the small town they’re in. I’d actually love for this to play out with a sequel and then some.
As far as recommendation: well, if you want an easy read, it’s ok for that. If you want to check out Lanyon, I’d suggest reading his series instead (Common Ground, Adrien English, Holmes & Moriarity)…you’ll be more satisfied…
July 20, 2020
***3.5 Stars***
October 5, 2014
For me to properly review this book, I really need to explain my relationship with the writings of Josh Lanyon, with the mystery genre, etc.
Honestly? Fuck that. You don't care about that. I don't even really GAF about that stuff.
This book moved me the way Snowball in Hellmoved me. There are moments, in Lanyon's writing, when he exposes a deep human vulnerability, and it's not pretty, and it's not easy. While Adrien English is ultimately palatable, Snowball and Yellow Sands have a distinct bitterness to them which is necessary--and which is eventually transcendent. Lanyon writes best when writing about people who are at the very edges of their own humanity. An addict, in this case, or in the case of Snowball in Hell, a man dealing with suicidal ideation.
My niggles with Lanyon tend to be things like "padding this scene with lengthy descriptions of clothing and food" and "ugh, brand-name dropping." There was very little of that in this book, and what there was felt relevant as the MC was a foodie--and I think there was only one clothing designer name dropped this time, which didn't even provoke an eye roll because it was literally only ONCE.
This book, along with Snowball, will sit in a most-prized place of honor on my shelves as "Lanyon at his very, very, very best."
Loved. Recommend. If you are that single other person besides me who hasn't read it yet? go get it. Read it. It's lovely.
Honestly? Fuck that. You don't care about that. I don't even really GAF about that stuff.
This book moved me the way Snowball in Hellmoved me. There are moments, in Lanyon's writing, when he exposes a deep human vulnerability, and it's not pretty, and it's not easy. While Adrien English is ultimately palatable, Snowball and Yellow Sands have a distinct bitterness to them which is necessary--and which is eventually transcendent. Lanyon writes best when writing about people who are at the very edges of their own humanity. An addict, in this case, or in the case of Snowball in Hell, a man dealing with suicidal ideation.
My niggles with Lanyon tend to be things like "padding this scene with lengthy descriptions of clothing and food" and "ugh, brand-name dropping." There was very little of that in this book, and what there was felt relevant as the MC was a foodie--and I think there was only one clothing designer name dropped this time, which didn't even provoke an eye roll because it was literally only ONCE.
This book, along with Snowball, will sit in a most-prized place of honor on my shelves as "Lanyon at his very, very, very best."
Loved. Recommend. If you are that single other person besides me who hasn't read it yet? go get it. Read it. It's lovely.
November 9, 2022
So this is a rare example of a Josh Lanyon book that I didn't really like.
I guess my first issue with it is down to something that isn't the book's fault. I don't like the main couple already being an established couple when the story starts. I fully understand why it was set up this way here, but it took me a long time to really pick up the book and finish it because of this. My main 'fun' in reading MM is seeing two guys finding each other and coming together.
With Swift and Max, it seemed like we got thrown into a dysfunctional and sometimes toxic relationship. In fact, Max treated Swift so cold and downright cruel at times that even his unexpected declaration of love and his tenderness at the end didn't save the credibility of their relationship for me.
Swift's background is very tragic and with his kind of baggage, it's easy for him to hide behind a strong boyfriend like Max who is the chief of police and a typical Lanyon character (the stoic cop love interest). But I did feel that Max had the power to make or break Swift with his actions and that just isn't a healthy relationship in my opinion.
Also, the crime case was pretty weak. A college guy's father was murdered and everyone thinks the son did it. The boy, Tad, asks his literature professor Swift for help - which Swift tries to.
But it turns out to be a decision that nearly wrecks Swift's almost-but-not-fully-committed -relationship with his fuck-buddy-of-several-years Max, who is investigating the homicide.
I felt it was a pretty uncomfortable story in most parts.
3 stars!
I guess my first issue with it is down to something that isn't the book's fault. I don't like the main couple already being an established couple when the story starts. I fully understand why it was set up this way here, but it took me a long time to really pick up the book and finish it because of this. My main 'fun' in reading MM is seeing two guys finding each other and coming together.
With Swift and Max, it seemed like we got thrown into a dysfunctional and sometimes toxic relationship. In fact, Max treated Swift so cold and downright cruel at times that even his unexpected declaration of love and his tenderness at the end didn't save the credibility of their relationship for me.
Swift's background is very tragic and with his kind of baggage, it's easy for him to hide behind a strong boyfriend like Max who is the chief of police and a typical Lanyon character (the stoic cop love interest). But I did feel that Max had the power to make or break Swift with his actions and that just isn't a healthy relationship in my opinion.
Also, the crime case was pretty weak. A college guy's father was murdered and everyone thinks the son did it. The boy, Tad, asks his literature professor Swift for help - which Swift tries to.
But it turns out to be a decision that nearly wrecks Swift's almost-but-not-fully-committed -relationship with his fuck-buddy-of-several-years Max, who is investigating the homicide.
I felt it was a pretty uncomfortable story in most parts.
3 stars!
October 8, 2020
This is the third time Josh Lanyon has made me fall in love with a guy that starts out as an Ass lol
While Max and Swift might have been together for a few years, its only as we watch that the two really start to show their true feelings. It’s wonderful to watch them finally realise how much the other means to them.
Max is the kind of hero I have come to expect from this author. He is abrupt and at times seems callous, and yet hidden under the surface we see glimpses of just how sweet he can be.
Swift is another tougher on the inside than he looks on the outside character. I couldn’t help but will him to stay strong in his times of weakness.
ETA Yep fell in love with the ass all over again lol.
The murder mystery, was as always a complete mystery to me, a very interesting story, with an exciting little climax.
Another book I feel mad at myself for putting off for so long.
While Max and Swift might have been together for a few years, its only as we watch that the two really start to show their true feelings. It’s wonderful to watch them finally realise how much the other means to them.
Max is the kind of hero I have come to expect from this author. He is abrupt and at times seems callous, and yet hidden under the surface we see glimpses of just how sweet he can be.
Swift is another tougher on the inside than he looks on the outside character. I couldn’t help but will him to stay strong in his times of weakness.
ETA Yep fell in love with the ass all over again lol.
The murder mystery, was as always a complete mystery to me, a very interesting story, with an exciting little climax.
Another book I feel mad at myself for putting off for so long.
January 14, 2014
So I went on a bit of a journey with Swift. Lanyon took me in deep and make me feel Swift's hurts, anxieties, fears, hopes, happiness. Once again he seems to do this all so effortlessly. I am glad that the book left me with Swift and Max in a good place, because when I think of them (like I do about all my book friends) I want them to be well.
At first Swift reminded me a bit of Adrien Enlish but he soon became his own person, an individual, a guy who listens to Barber, like I do.
This book left me floating in a happy place.
At first Swift reminded me a bit of Adrien Enlish but he soon became his own person, an individual, a guy who listens to Barber, like I do.
This book left me floating in a happy place.
June 15, 2011
The book begins with Swift, a teacher, trying to help a promising but troubled student, Tad. Then it moves to Swift's house, where the man is cooking and waiting for his lover, the chief of police Max. At the beginning I really had a moment of doubt. I thought: he - Josh Lanyon - won't make me buy it this time. Not an ex drug-addict with an almost indifferent lover, to whom he lies. We are in medias res and what I absolutely love in Josh Lanyon's book is the hungry anticipation. We're at 2% of the book and they're having sex, intimate, mature, intense sex.
And slowly that feeling I get when a book enthralls me started, the heart squeezed in my chest, my belly feeling empty, the need to swallow, the fact I have to remember to breathe, because the story is sucking me in and nothing else matters. When I realized I had tears running down my cheeks and one of the protagonists of the book was crying at that moment, I realized I was played again, the magic had worked anew and I was there trying to share the emotions of a fictional character as if he were real.
If you haven't got it by now, let me tell you that I really loved this book. Too bad for me I didn't read the clever warning of the publisher: The Surgeon General has determined that Josh Lanyon’s smart, sexy, sophisticated stories may prove hazardous to your heart. This book made a mess of me.
I know that I say it for every Josh Lanyon's book he's written, but these two MEN are wonderful. The mystery part is a very nice frame for the plot, but this is romance at its finest. There's always a balance of weakness and strength the author is able to reach with his more flawed characters. For Swift this is a personal emotional baggage he won't probably ever be able to drop. Max's weakness is probably Swift himself.
Max is the stronger one, the steady rock, the anchor, a rough and charming guy who can soothe with his inner stability. He is 45, a man in law enforcement that has the courage to date a guy with a troubled past of drug abuse and an embarrassing rap sheet. At the beginning he seems the one who invested less in their story, but when you stop to think about him dating Swift - openly dating Swift since everyone in the town seems to know it - you realize that's a statement heavier than a million words. Max was hard and apparently heartless at times, but I was never mad at him - I just resented him when he called Swift crackhead. I think he was extremely solid and real and I would have expected nothing different from him, when he learned about Swift meddling with his investigation. We see him through Swift's eyes and it's only later in the book that we understand how caught up in his world Swift is and that he wasn't able to see how much Max cared for him. They are two reserved men, probably for different reasons, and I loved that they weren't drama queens, on the contrary their reactions - even when mad - were sort of restrained, they became inner turmoils. Their love making is really healing and it's true communication between them.
I loved loved loved Swift. He is a drug addict. People with addiction are difficult to deal with, I know from personal experience. They are frustrating, because the restlessness that makes them use is also that same over-sensitivity that makes them special. Swift really broke my heart a few times - when he cried in Max's arms and when he talked about his dad's funeral. I liked the way Max understood the place Swift was in his moment of crisis and was there for him.
Swift has a lot of demons haunting his life. There's the threatening addiction, the box of poetry, the guilt for his past choices, the unresolved relationship with his mother. I was amazed that such a complicated character had such a quiet voice. It was warm, even when he was talking about painful memories or feelings. I guess it's the voice of a survivor, one that he's not sure he's still there.
Swift is a poet - son of poets - who became famous at a very young age, but stopped writing poetry after his father's death pushed him into a deadly addiction. It was as if his father was always there with him, even if he was dead. He was a sort of real presence through Swift's memories. Swift's mother was instead absent in his life, even if she was still alive. There's a chasm between them that was formed when Swift's mother tried to have him institutionalized and blamed him for his father's death. It's easy to think of her as a negative figure, but it's not what Swift feels. Sometimes you try to shock an addict to get a reaction and I think that was what she was trying to do. When you see it from the outside, the people dealing with addicts seem sometimes hardened and heartless, but you have to be, even if it breaks your heart to tell someone that they're ruining their life and that of everyone around them. That was what I saw in Swift's mom, a desperate woman. I felt compassion for her, even if I couldn't help feeling that a true mother would be there.
I'd better stop here. Just read it for yourself. It moved me deeply. It amazed me with its writing. 10 stars.
And slowly that feeling I get when a book enthralls me started, the heart squeezed in my chest, my belly feeling empty, the need to swallow, the fact I have to remember to breathe, because the story is sucking me in and nothing else matters. When I realized I had tears running down my cheeks and one of the protagonists of the book was crying at that moment, I realized I was played again, the magic had worked anew and I was there trying to share the emotions of a fictional character as if he were real.
If you haven't got it by now, let me tell you that I really loved this book. Too bad for me I didn't read the clever warning of the publisher: The Surgeon General has determined that Josh Lanyon’s smart, sexy, sophisticated stories may prove hazardous to your heart. This book made a mess of me.
I know that I say it for every Josh Lanyon's book he's written, but these two MEN are wonderful. The mystery part is a very nice frame for the plot, but this is romance at its finest. There's always a balance of weakness and strength the author is able to reach with his more flawed characters. For Swift this is a personal emotional baggage he won't probably ever be able to drop. Max's weakness is probably Swift himself.
Max is the stronger one, the steady rock, the anchor, a rough and charming guy who can soothe with his inner stability. He is 45, a man in law enforcement that has the courage to date a guy with a troubled past of drug abuse and an embarrassing rap sheet. At the beginning he seems the one who invested less in their story, but when you stop to think about him dating Swift - openly dating Swift since everyone in the town seems to know it - you realize that's a statement heavier than a million words. Max was hard and apparently heartless at times, but I was never mad at him - I just resented him when he called Swift crackhead. I think he was extremely solid and real and I would have expected nothing different from him, when he learned about Swift meddling with his investigation. We see him through Swift's eyes and it's only later in the book that we understand how caught up in his world Swift is and that he wasn't able to see how much Max cared for him. They are two reserved men, probably for different reasons, and I loved that they weren't drama queens, on the contrary their reactions - even when mad - were sort of restrained, they became inner turmoils. Their love making is really healing and it's true communication between them.
I loved loved loved Swift. He is a drug addict. People with addiction are difficult to deal with, I know from personal experience. They are frustrating, because the restlessness that makes them use is also that same over-sensitivity that makes them special. Swift really broke my heart a few times - when he cried in Max's arms and when he talked about his dad's funeral. I liked the way Max understood the place Swift was in his moment of crisis and was there for him.
Swift has a lot of demons haunting his life. There's the threatening addiction, the box of poetry, the guilt for his past choices, the unresolved relationship with his mother. I was amazed that such a complicated character had such a quiet voice. It was warm, even when he was talking about painful memories or feelings. I guess it's the voice of a survivor, one that he's not sure he's still there.
Swift is a poet - son of poets - who became famous at a very young age, but stopped writing poetry after his father's death pushed him into a deadly addiction. It was as if his father was always there with him, even if he was dead. He was a sort of real presence through Swift's memories. Swift's mother was instead absent in his life, even if she was still alive. There's a chasm between them that was formed when Swift's mother tried to have him institutionalized and blamed him for his father's death. It's easy to think of her as a negative figure, but it's not what Swift feels. Sometimes you try to shock an addict to get a reaction and I think that was what she was trying to do. When you see it from the outside, the people dealing with addicts seem sometimes hardened and heartless, but you have to be, even if it breaks your heart to tell someone that they're ruining their life and that of everyone around them. That was what I saw in Swift's mom, a desperate woman. I felt compassion for her, even if I couldn't help feeling that a true mother would be there.
I'd better stop here. Just read it for yourself. It moved me deeply. It amazed me with its writing. 10 stars.
June 22, 2011
Wow. I haven't met a Josh Lanyon book that I didn't like, but in this book the author rises above his own high standards. The characters are more complex, more engaging and more real in the small details and human failings they show us. The plot is coherent and exciting without being melodramatic. And, perhaps because his POV character is a poet, the author's language is cleaner, more expressive and more lyrical than usual. If you like Josh Lanyon's work, read this one. If you're not familiar with his work, start with this one. (There, that makes the decision easy, right?)
May 9, 2013
Don’t go there for the mystery, there is barely one and it is developed and resolved in one scene.
Don’t expect much steam, the MCs are at odds during the first part of the book and frequently apart.
Don’t count on a developing contrary romance to angst over. Both MCs are openly gay, they’re settled in a convenient relationship, they usually don’t lie to each other and they don’t agonize over their romantic feelings.
Then what?
Swift’s characterization did it all for me, kept as it is on the edge of a writing precipice but never falling over. The story is told from his POV and is always precariously close to being too pathetic, always within a hair’s breadth of what could be an insufferable self-pity trip if it wasn’t skilfully balanced.
No assault of witty retorts, Swift is basically without any shell, but a humorous touch here and there and the funny chapters’ beginnings contribute to balancing the angst, because angst there is.
It comes from the hard truth that even if Swift has stayed away from cocaine for six years, there is no such thing as full recovery and when the craving hits, it hits without warning and hard. His helpless hunger squeezed my heart and Barry’s relapse teared it up.
Swift is self-centered but he’s fighting hard and his focus is as much necessary as revealing of the relentless fight against addiction.
He is wallowing in his past but he tries to help someone else and he loves Max who doesn’t show saintly resignation when Swift messes up and offers tranquil strength when it’s needed. Max utters the most painful word of this story but when the romance shows its comfort face, how sweet it is!
Max smoothed the thin skin between Swift's shoulder blades.
"This is where your wings used to be."
Hurt/comfort stories often have me rolling my eyes or seething with anger because there is something indecent in hammering pathos without restraint.
Well done, it pushes all my buttons and Come Unto These Yellow Sands worked beautifully for me.
Don’t expect much steam, the MCs are at odds during the first part of the book and frequently apart.
Don’t count on a developing contrary romance to angst over. Both MCs are openly gay, they’re settled in a convenient relationship, they usually don’t lie to each other and they don’t agonize over their romantic feelings.
Then what?
Swift’s characterization did it all for me, kept as it is on the edge of a writing precipice but never falling over. The story is told from his POV and is always precariously close to being too pathetic, always within a hair’s breadth of what could be an insufferable self-pity trip if it wasn’t skilfully balanced.
No assault of witty retorts, Swift is basically without any shell, but a humorous touch here and there and the funny chapters’ beginnings contribute to balancing the angst, because angst there is.
It comes from the hard truth that even if Swift has stayed away from cocaine for six years, there is no such thing as full recovery and when the craving hits, it hits without warning and hard. His helpless hunger squeezed my heart and Barry’s relapse teared it up.
Swift is self-centered but he’s fighting hard and his focus is as much necessary as revealing of the relentless fight against addiction.
He is wallowing in his past but he tries to help someone else and he loves Max who doesn’t show saintly resignation when Swift messes up and offers tranquil strength when it’s needed. Max utters the most painful word of this story but when the romance shows its comfort face, how sweet it is!
Max smoothed the thin skin between Swift's shoulder blades.
"This is where your wings used to be."
Hurt/comfort stories often have me rolling my eyes or seething with anger because there is something indecent in hammering pathos without restraint.
Well done, it pushes all my buttons and Come Unto These Yellow Sands worked beautifully for me.
July 23, 2016
oh it was so good! What a great story, terrific mystery and fantastic characters... I loved Swift, he was sweet - his story was particularly touching, and his relationship with Max was just perfectly done.
I listened to the Audible version, the narrator was Paul Fleschner. First time I've listened to him and I think he did a good job with the characters' voices but I felt his pauses were awkward and often at the wrong times. He had a nice soothing voice though. I would definitely recommend!
I listened to the Audible version, the narrator was Paul Fleschner. First time I've listened to him and I think he did a good job with the characters' voices but I felt his pauses were awkward and often at the wrong times. He had a nice soothing voice though. I would definitely recommend!
June 15, 2011
What can I say, Josh Lanyon is one of my favorite authors in this genre. He rarely disappoints ... and this book is a well-written one. Borrowing a theme of "Choose Your Own Adventure", this story, in a sense it's about choices and consequences.
Literary professor, Sebastian Shadrach Swift or just plain "Swift", is facing that when he helps a student, Tad, (who comes to him bruised and beaten), who later becomes a prime suspect of a murder of Tad's own father. Tad disappears (which prompts police to think that he is guilty) and Swift decides NOT to tell his lover, Chief Police Max Prescott, about him trying to help Tad. The story rolls from there -- and in between solving the murder, the story is also about Swift and Max's relationship.
Mystery-wise, I think it's pretty solid. I don't even check the last page to try to find out the killer (yay me!) Yes, you can all scold me, but I'm a book peeker. I'm like Billy Crystal in "When Harry Met Sally", if I die, at least I know the end of a book! But this one, I manage NOT to peek, because I sort of wanting to feel the CYOA theme as well. Just like Swift
Character-wise, I am so used to Josh's stories of strangers and ex-lovers. So, having Max and Swift in a (sort of) relationship brings a level of intimacy that is stronger Josh's other books. Love the (can I say ordinary?) scenes of Swift cooking for Max, or even the scenes in the beginning, of waking up together in the morning. Love the nickname that they both use to each other ("Chief" for Max and "Teach" for Swift)
I love Max, even if he is really harsh to Swift, but I think it comes to his being a cop. In a way, this brings Max to his own CYOA, whether he chooses to trust Swift and analyzes why Swift decides to keep the info from him (despite them being together), or should he takes a stern-way to uphold the law. Swift is endearing, being an ex-addict brings a vulnerability to his character, which sets up for a tender scene when he asks Max to keep him company just so that he doesn't fall into the dark side once again
All in all, a very satisfying story ...
Literary professor, Sebastian Shadrach Swift or just plain "Swift", is facing that when he helps a student, Tad, (who comes to him bruised and beaten), who later becomes a prime suspect of a murder of Tad's own father. Tad disappears (which prompts police to think that he is guilty) and Swift decides NOT to tell his lover, Chief Police Max Prescott, about him trying to help Tad. The story rolls from there -- and in between solving the murder, the story is also about Swift and Max's relationship.
Mystery-wise, I think it's pretty solid. I don't even check the last page to try to find out the killer (yay me!) Yes, you can all scold me, but I'm a book peeker. I'm like Billy Crystal in "When Harry Met Sally", if I die, at least I know the end of a book! But this one, I manage NOT to peek, because I sort of wanting to feel the CYOA theme as well. Just like Swift
Character-wise, I am so used to Josh's stories of strangers and ex-lovers. So, having Max and Swift in a (sort of) relationship brings a level of intimacy that is stronger Josh's other books. Love the (can I say ordinary?) scenes of Swift cooking for Max, or even the scenes in the beginning, of waking up together in the morning. Love the nickname that they both use to each other ("Chief" for Max and "Teach" for Swift)
I love Max, even if he is really harsh to Swift, but I think it comes to his being a cop. In a way, this brings Max to his own CYOA, whether he chooses to trust Swift and analyzes why Swift decides to keep the info from him (despite them being together), or should he takes a stern-way to uphold the law. Swift is endearing, being an ex-addict brings a vulnerability to his character, which sets up for a tender scene when he asks Max to keep him company just so that he doesn't fall into the dark side once again
All in all, a very satisfying story ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2013
So, I'd heard so many good things about this book, I came in expecting a lot. I love Josh Lanyon's writing, his word choices and the believable damage in his characters, their flaws, fears, insecurities. He is also one of those very rare authors who occasionally manage the perfect ending. And I mean THE perfect ending that leaves you wanting more, but deeply satisfied at the same time, that stops at exactly the right moment with exactly the right words for you to stop and think: 'Yes. He must have thought of this ending from the very beginning of writing this because such perfection just has to be planned.' That makes the mere idea of any other ending a ridiculous impossibility. There are very few endings like this in all the books I have read and loved.
Despite all these high expectations, Come Unto These Yellow Sands blew me away. It has everything: the flaws, the fears, the insecurities, the love, the FEELING, the mystery, the struggles, and, yes, THAT ending. Among all of Lanyon's stories I've read so far, this is the one I felt most connected with in every detail, especially with the characters. Swift was... perfect in all his imperfections. Seriously, I could just fall in love with him myself. And the way my understanding of Max changed along with Swift's understanding of Max - that was just masterly done.
This is my absolute favourite of Josh Lanyon's work so far and it's definintely a book for that favourites of favourite shelf I still haven't installed. Hell, maybe it's really time for that.
Definitely recommended to EVERYONE!!
Despite all these high expectations, Come Unto These Yellow Sands blew me away. It has everything: the flaws, the fears, the insecurities, the love, the FEELING, the mystery, the struggles, and, yes, THAT ending. Among all of Lanyon's stories I've read so far, this is the one I felt most connected with in every detail, especially with the characters. Swift was... perfect in all his imperfections. Seriously, I could just fall in love with him myself. And the way my understanding of Max changed along with Swift's understanding of Max - that was just masterly done.
This is my absolute favourite of Josh Lanyon's work so far and it's definintely a book for that favourites of favourite shelf I still haven't installed. Hell, maybe it's really time for that.
Definitely recommended to EVERYONE!!
May 21, 2018
Overall book rating: 4.5
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4.5
This is the first time I DISLIKED a character in a Josh Lanyon story.
I didn’t like Max in the beginning. Not at all. It was hard fought to get him into my good graces and I had to make a conscious decision to try and forget his behaviour in the first half of the story. He did redeem himself, but again, I kinda just wanted to throw his “change of heart” in his face.
He was so mean!!
Yes, of course I understand he was pissed, and even why. But I feel he could have just been pissed. There was no need for the “mean-streak”
Swift was one of those guys who tugged at my heart strings from the start. The more I got to know about him, the more I wanted to know. And the more I wanted to punch anyone in the face who was mean to him. (Might be why poor Max got my frowny face)
I want to just hug Swift till he feels better. This book made me take notice of the daily struggles
that addicts face. My heart broke for Swift.
That being said, I have to give dear Max some brownie points even if I wanted to throw him with a frying pan. He did come through for Swift in his own Macho way and so I guess.. I forgive him. ;-)
I can really read another book about these two. Honestly.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4.5
This is the first time I DISLIKED a character in a Josh Lanyon story.
I didn’t like Max in the beginning. Not at all. It was hard fought to get him into my good graces and I had to make a conscious decision to try and forget his behaviour in the first half of the story. He did redeem himself, but again, I kinda just wanted to throw his “change of heart” in his face.
He was so mean!!
Yes, of course I understand he was pissed, and even why. But I feel he could have just been pissed. There was no need for the “mean-streak”
Swift was one of those guys who tugged at my heart strings from the start. The more I got to know about him, the more I wanted to know. And the more I wanted to punch anyone in the face who was mean to him. (Might be why poor Max got my frowny face)
I want to just hug Swift till he feels better. This book made me take notice of the daily struggles
that addicts face. My heart broke for Swift.
That being said, I have to give dear Max some brownie points even if I wanted to throw him with a frying pan. He did come through for Swift in his own Macho way and so I guess.. I forgive him. ;-)
I can really read another book about these two. Honestly.
November 28, 2011
Josh Lanyon's writing tends to put my brain and emotions on overdrive... for a long time after I've already finished with his book. That's exactly what happened with Come Unto These Yellow Sands. It's like when you've seen a great movie and you return to the characters and events days later and wonder about these characters' intentions and layers you overlooked while actually sitting in the movie theatre.
Like many other readers I felt that Swift was very easy to like and fall in love with (because of his flaws and all the struggling). Max completes him nicely - though Max really got me a little bit worried for a while there... and got my husband to worry a little bit, too, after he found me in bed sobbing and reading one night. But how sweet was it, when *looooong sigh* This story made my heart ache like no other! ... Well, I take that back... what I meant to say was this story made my heart ache like only Lanyon's writing can!
The Choose Your Own Adventure quotes in the beginning of chapters fit perfectly in the story by making suggestions about the storyline. Those quotes define Swift's character: his past, his present and his future. We all have books from our childhood that we still love and cherish, right? And because Swift had practically grown up surrounded by words and media, those books must have meant a world to him. And since Swift had for years been struggling (more or less) in his every day life with choices that were related to his addiction, I really, really liked the idea that in the CYOA quotes making choices affects the course of the narrative and the final result of the journey! And I absolutely loved how Josh Lanyon used Wilfred J. Funk's list of the most beautiful words as Swift's mantra!
This book is beautifully written, heartbreaking, intelligent, satisfying, overwhelming - perfect. It went straight to my soul and to my favorites shelf! I miss Swift already terribly!!! Five stars feels too small amount.
Like many other readers I felt that Swift was very easy to like and fall in love with (because of his flaws and all the struggling). Max completes him nicely - though Max really got me a little bit worried for a while there... and got my husband to worry a little bit, too, after he found me in bed sobbing and reading one night. But how sweet was it, when *looooong sigh* This story made my heart ache like no other! ... Well, I take that back... what I meant to say was this story made my heart ache like only Lanyon's writing can!
The Choose Your Own Adventure quotes in the beginning of chapters fit perfectly in the story by making suggestions about the storyline. Those quotes define Swift's character: his past, his present and his future. We all have books from our childhood that we still love and cherish, right? And because Swift had practically grown up surrounded by words and media, those books must have meant a world to him. And since Swift had for years been struggling (more or less) in his every day life with choices that were related to his addiction, I really, really liked the idea that in the CYOA quotes making choices affects the course of the narrative and the final result of the journey! And I absolutely loved how Josh Lanyon used Wilfred J. Funk's list of the most beautiful words as Swift's mantra!
This book is beautifully written, heartbreaking, intelligent, satisfying, overwhelming - perfect. It went straight to my soul and to my favorites shelf! I miss Swift already terribly!!! Five stars feels too small amount.
September 15, 2013
Come Unto These Yellow Sands (CUTYS) is another good Josh Lanyon fiction. It wasn't the mystery that made this book stellar. It was 80% Swift and 20% Max. CUTYS explores many aspects of Swift: a child of two famous literary parents, a (past) drug addict (cocaine specifically), professor of a MFA program, and his relationship status with Max. Things aren't always smooth for Swift and Max in this book, but you see a relationship development, or more of a realization as things unfold.
Overall, things come together nicely at the (typically abrupt Josh Lanyon style) end. I wouldn't pick this book up for the mystery - it was the weaker element in this fiction. Pick CUTYS if you want to read about one man's struggle to continue forward in his life despite a painful past.
Overall, things come together nicely at the (typically abrupt Josh Lanyon style) end. I wouldn't pick this book up for the mystery - it was the weaker element in this fiction. Pick CUTYS if you want to read about one man's struggle to continue forward in his life despite a painful past.
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