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Moonlight, Tiger, and Smoke
Winner of second place for Best LGBT Cover in the 2011 Rainbow Awards.Taken from their families and raised to be assassins, Moonlight and Tiger are the perfect weapons and secret lovers. Even when they are sent into service with different clans, their love remains pure and strong until a more insidious threat divides them. When Moonlight realizes his master is manipulating people for his own ends, the discovery threatens not only Tiger, but their entire society. Betrayed by a fellow assassin, the men are tortured and broken. If their love and their people are going to survive, one of them will have to defy everything he knows and stand up for the only thing he believes is Love.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2011
3 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Connie Bailey
50 books38 followersConnie Bailey is a Luddite who can’t live without her computer. She’s an acrophobic who loves to fly, a fault-finding pessimist who, nonetheless, is always surprised when something bad happens, and an antisocialite who loves her friends like family. She’s held a number of jobs in many disparate arenas to put food on the table, but writing is the occupation that feeds her soul.
Connie lives with her ultralight designer husband at a small grass-strip airfield halfway between Disney World and Busch Gardens. Logic and reality have had little to do with her life, and she likes it that way.
Connie lives with her ultralight designer husband at a small grass-strip airfield halfway between Disney World and Busch Gardens. Logic and reality have had little to do with her life, and she likes it that way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 18, 2011
Okay wow. As I said in some of my friend's threads, this book made me feel like I was rode hard and put away wet. It was an angst-filled, edge of your seat, ride and I was pretty much STRESSED OUT nearly the whole time. I typically don't enjoy crazy amounts of angst in a book, but in this case, none of the characters rated a TSTL designation, and the angst was circumstance triggered and not decision triggered so I was able to deal.
6 boys are taken from their families at the age of 6 and taken to a remote island where they begin their training to become initiates of the Shadow. The Shadow is an underground group that attempts to right the wrongs of the world by assassinating people who have overstepped society's moral code. Tiger and Moonlight are teamed up as senpai (protector) and kohai (takes care of the senpai). From the outset, they are extremely close and help each other through the first 6 years of training. As a team, the 6 boys work well together with Smoke and Seven pairing off, and Kite and Key pairing off. All the boys have strengths and weaknesses but they balance each other out. After the first 6 years, the boys become young men and are assigned to their respective tribes based on their skills. Iron (weapons), Monkey (clever), Feather (persuasive), Rose (delights), Dragon (guides/leaders), Lightning (instructors).
This part of the book was very exciting to me because it reminded me of a lot of the martial arts films I watched when I was younger where young novitiates were trained in the deadly skills of assassination or martial arts by their masters.
From the age of 12 until they become full members, the boys train in their respective callings. Though they are separated, Moonlight and Tiger never forget their deep feelings for each other that have grown deeper than simple friendship.
There were a lot of situations in this book that really stressed me out. The lives of the boys were not easy and they were often forced to do things they would not otherwise choose to do. The life that they have been relegated to becomes even more dire when they realize that there is deep corruption within the Shadow hierarchy.
I really liked the characters in this book. While the circumstances that brought the boys together were dark, their training really shaped the men that they became. And even though there was corruption within the Shadow, the boys grew into honorable and skilled men who had tremendous strength of character and an even stronger will to survive.
The action in this book is the action that I love to watch in movies. Yes, if there isn't an explosion, a bloody mauling, a shoot-out, or a high speed chase, I will probably fall asleep. This book hit all the right notes for me. I liked the plot, the characters, the action, and the cultural themes. If you like these things, I would recommend this book to you. But be forewarned, your blood pressure will be elevated to uncomfortable levels until you turn the last page. This is no fluffy happy romance - if you can't stand the heat...stay outta this kitchen.
6 boys are taken from their families at the age of 6 and taken to a remote island where they begin their training to become initiates of the Shadow. The Shadow is an underground group that attempts to right the wrongs of the world by assassinating people who have overstepped society's moral code. Tiger and Moonlight are teamed up as senpai (protector) and kohai (takes care of the senpai). From the outset, they are extremely close and help each other through the first 6 years of training. As a team, the 6 boys work well together with Smoke and Seven pairing off, and Kite and Key pairing off. All the boys have strengths and weaknesses but they balance each other out. After the first 6 years, the boys become young men and are assigned to their respective tribes based on their skills. Iron (weapons), Monkey (clever), Feather (persuasive), Rose (delights), Dragon (guides/leaders), Lightning (instructors).
This part of the book was very exciting to me because it reminded me of a lot of the martial arts films I watched when I was younger where young novitiates were trained in the deadly skills of assassination or martial arts by their masters.
From the age of 12 until they become full members, the boys train in their respective callings. Though they are separated, Moonlight and Tiger never forget their deep feelings for each other that have grown deeper than simple friendship.
There were a lot of situations in this book that really stressed me out. The lives of the boys were not easy and they were often forced to do things they would not otherwise choose to do. The life that they have been relegated to becomes even more dire when they realize that there is deep corruption within the Shadow hierarchy.
I really liked the characters in this book. While the circumstances that brought the boys together were dark, their training really shaped the men that they became. And even though there was corruption within the Shadow, the boys grew into honorable and skilled men who had tremendous strength of character and an even stronger will to survive.
The action in this book is the action that I love to watch in movies. Yes, if there isn't an explosion, a bloody mauling, a shoot-out, or a high speed chase, I will probably fall asleep. This book hit all the right notes for me. I liked the plot, the characters, the action, and the cultural themes. If you like these things, I would recommend this book to you. But be forewarned, your blood pressure will be elevated to uncomfortable levels until you turn the last page. This is no fluffy happy romance - if you can't stand the heat...stay outta this kitchen.
December 30, 2011
This is one book that made me feel just about every emotion I could. It's been hard trying to write a justifiable review for it because I'm just not sure how to put into words how much I enjoyed it.
Moonlight and Tiger have not had the best of lives. Taken from their homes at such a young age and then brought up in a society where they're expected to do illegal and horrible things, killing high profiled individuals who are bad for their organization or seducing them to get information that will be their demise is what their lives have become. Bleak is the most accurate word. The only thing that keeps Moonlight and Tiger sane is each other. Their interactions every few months when they've done good is all they see of each other and the only times they can express their love without it being tainted by others. Unfortunately, they have to do some unmentionable acts to earn the privilege to see each other. Tiger, an Iron, is the best of the best when it comes to assassination and Moonlight, a Rose, is the best and most beautiful seducer. Unfortunately, the things Moonlight is doing and the lies he's been told about Tiger almost break him, causing him to become a shell of a man and almost useless. It's up to Tiger and Smoke to free Moonlight from the nonstop misery his life has become and almost at the price of their own.
These characters are something else. While you pity the things they have to do to stay alive and may even be disgusted at what they do, you can't help not being in love with them. The trials and tribulations they go through just to be able to see each other for a few days is heartbreaking to say the least. Moonlight is seductive, deceitful and can easily be defined as perfection. He's beyond beautiful and trained to be the perfect courtesan, spy and manipulator. He is the jewel of the Rose Tribe. He's both hated and loved by his organization and probably the most feared man for his abilities. He's vibrant and alive but only when it comes to being with Tiger. Tiger is fearless, ruthless and relentless. He's the pride of the Iron Tribe. He's a cold, cutthroat killer; the perfect assassin because he holds no emotions. Except for Moonlight. He's become the best because he knows when he pleases his superiors he gets to see Moonlight and all he and Moonlight want is to be free of their kidnappers and run away together somewhere quiet.
I, in all honesty, loved this book. I couldn't put it down once I started it. It's emotionally gut wrenching at times and sweet at others, suspenseful and left me hanging on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happens next. There's just something about Moonlight and Tiger that buried themselves in my heart and wouldn't let go. Everything they go through just to be together is insane but more than that their love for one another is impenetrable. It withstands so much and even after it all their love never lessens. It's intense.
The plot revolves around what Moonlight and Tiger go through. The first half is about their training then moves into their growing feelings, how they become lovers and the manipulation the head master, Autumn, uses on them. The second half of the book is more suspenseful dealing with mostly Tiger's missions with spurts of Moonlight's orders and how he's handling knowing he's being manipulated while trying to put up with it without getting killed. Tie in the fact that Smoke, one of the guys they grew up training with, becomes a betrayer then an accomplice creates a rather action-packed but somewhat angsty book. The world that was created for this story is exceptional. The different terms for the different sectors of the organization are ones that give the book a depth and understanding that made reading it even more enjoyable and interesting.
I truly adored this story and I recommend it to all those who think they'd like something like this. I'd love to see more of these characters and how they are going to handle their new lives.
Moonlight and Tiger have not had the best of lives. Taken from their homes at such a young age and then brought up in a society where they're expected to do illegal and horrible things, killing high profiled individuals who are bad for their organization or seducing them to get information that will be their demise is what their lives have become. Bleak is the most accurate word. The only thing that keeps Moonlight and Tiger sane is each other. Their interactions every few months when they've done good is all they see of each other and the only times they can express their love without it being tainted by others. Unfortunately, they have to do some unmentionable acts to earn the privilege to see each other. Tiger, an Iron, is the best of the best when it comes to assassination and Moonlight, a Rose, is the best and most beautiful seducer. Unfortunately, the things Moonlight is doing and the lies he's been told about Tiger almost break him, causing him to become a shell of a man and almost useless. It's up to Tiger and Smoke to free Moonlight from the nonstop misery his life has become and almost at the price of their own.
These characters are something else. While you pity the things they have to do to stay alive and may even be disgusted at what they do, you can't help not being in love with them. The trials and tribulations they go through just to be able to see each other for a few days is heartbreaking to say the least. Moonlight is seductive, deceitful and can easily be defined as perfection. He's beyond beautiful and trained to be the perfect courtesan, spy and manipulator. He is the jewel of the Rose Tribe. He's both hated and loved by his organization and probably the most feared man for his abilities. He's vibrant and alive but only when it comes to being with Tiger. Tiger is fearless, ruthless and relentless. He's the pride of the Iron Tribe. He's a cold, cutthroat killer; the perfect assassin because he holds no emotions. Except for Moonlight. He's become the best because he knows when he pleases his superiors he gets to see Moonlight and all he and Moonlight want is to be free of their kidnappers and run away together somewhere quiet.
I, in all honesty, loved this book. I couldn't put it down once I started it. It's emotionally gut wrenching at times and sweet at others, suspenseful and left me hanging on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happens next. There's just something about Moonlight and Tiger that buried themselves in my heart and wouldn't let go. Everything they go through just to be together is insane but more than that their love for one another is impenetrable. It withstands so much and even after it all their love never lessens. It's intense.
The plot revolves around what Moonlight and Tiger go through. The first half is about their training then moves into their growing feelings, how they become lovers and the manipulation the head master, Autumn, uses on them. The second half of the book is more suspenseful dealing with mostly Tiger's missions with spurts of Moonlight's orders and how he's handling knowing he's being manipulated while trying to put up with it without getting killed. Tie in the fact that Smoke, one of the guys they grew up training with, becomes a betrayer then an accomplice creates a rather action-packed but somewhat angsty book. The world that was created for this story is exceptional. The different terms for the different sectors of the organization are ones that give the book a depth and understanding that made reading it even more enjoyable and interesting.
I truly adored this story and I recommend it to all those who think they'd like something like this. I'd love to see more of these characters and how they are going to handle their new lives.
November 5, 2011
Six year old boys are taken from their homes and families, shipped in crates together to a mysterious island and trained to become members of the secret Shadow World. Why, how, and what they are to do will keep you turning the pages all night long.
This book takes off at a dead run when six young boys stolen from their homes and form a creche and are trained to take their places in this secret world. Two of them, renamed Moonlight and Tiger, (all the boys taken to this terrifying world are required to leave their old lives and families and names behind), form a friendship that is as inevitable as is it forbidden. Smoke, another one of the boys, becomes important to both boys as they struggle to become men, and to the greater story later.
The two boys grow to adolescence, and realize individually that they love each other, which is forbidden in this world. They are separated in their training, but the bond never fails them. As they grow and age, their lives take them into the "real" world again, but the bond that started as friendship threatens to break them as men. To give too many details would be a disservice and ruin a fascinating, twisted and all too possible world.
Ms. Bailey creates a complete universe of wonder here. The boys and their world are fully developed, believable and relatable, surprisingly. Their story will amaze you, move you, and make you believe in the power of love.
Read this amazing book. You won't regret it.
Tom
This book takes off at a dead run when six young boys stolen from their homes and form a creche and are trained to take their places in this secret world. Two of them, renamed Moonlight and Tiger, (all the boys taken to this terrifying world are required to leave their old lives and families and names behind), form a friendship that is as inevitable as is it forbidden. Smoke, another one of the boys, becomes important to both boys as they struggle to become men, and to the greater story later.
The two boys grow to adolescence, and realize individually that they love each other, which is forbidden in this world. They are separated in their training, but the bond never fails them. As they grow and age, their lives take them into the "real" world again, but the bond that started as friendship threatens to break them as men. To give too many details would be a disservice and ruin a fascinating, twisted and all too possible world.
Ms. Bailey creates a complete universe of wonder here. The boys and their world are fully developed, believable and relatable, surprisingly. Their story will amaze you, move you, and make you believe in the power of love.
Read this amazing book. You won't regret it.
Tom
November 20, 2011
This was often a frustrating and tension-filled story but I still found myself reluctant to put it down. It sucked me in from the very beginning when these sweet six year old boys were stolen from their homes and forced to accept a new way of life as they were groomed and trained for specific clans of the Kagehito. We watched them bond and protect each other as they grew into adolescence but then they had to leave one another in order to continue their training with their designated clans. For Tiger it was as an assassin and for Moonlight it was in the art of pleasure. By early adulthood, the heart-breaking angst began for them. When Moonlight and Tiger were allowed to be together intimately for the first time on the night of Tiger's manhood initiation, the innocence and love they felt for each other would then be repeatedly exploited in order for their masters to control them. Each time you thought they might be allowed a little bit of happiness together, they would be cruelly separated, often for years at a time. It was harder for Moonlight to accept his fate because of the way his master would give him to anyone deserving of a "reward" or if it would give his master a strategic advantage, but he always had faith that his love for Tiger would get him through it. When he and Tiger finally agreed to run away together, the consequences and resulting punishments when they were caught were horrifying. Moonlight's master Autumn was a real bastard. But with the risks taken by and the help of their friend Smoke who grew up with them, they were eventually able to reunite and change the future of the Kagehito. After such a beautiful tale of a love that survived despite the manipulations of outside forces, the ending seemed a bit rushed though and didn't leave me completely satisfied. After all the detailed angst Moonlight and Tiger suffered throughout the entire story, it felt like things were resolved a little too easily and it contradicted the risks and danger they had repeatedly faced until that point. And instead of a brief epilogue about the future changes in the organization, I would rather it had focused on Moonlight and Tiger as a couple, because after all it was their enduring love which got them through such a difficult journey. This was a very good book which I won't soon forget.
November 18, 2011
I'm not sure what I thought of this book. When I started it didn't appeal to me much, then I started to get in to it but then I started to enjoy it less again. I think if I could define it, I would say I felt uncomfortable and apprehensive a lot of the time. I read somebody else's comments who said they felt like they were getting gut punched over and over again and I felt a lot like this, too. I don't mind angst but in this book it was pretty much unrelenting. Not really what I am looking for in a book.
May 20, 2012
Blah
Read
January 14, 2016DNF, I should have started a different first book from this author. I love the Japanese theme of assassins but I'm not ready to read it just yet.
April 27, 2013
Tiger's a "full-fledged Iron man."
Oh, popular culture. How you invade my consciousness.
Uhh... yeah. I have no real complaints. Wow.
Hmm... a point about the names, though. They first introduce the name in Japanese, and then repeat it in English and create nicknames based on that. It's just odd because while the entire thing is in English, we as the reader ought to pretend as if the characters are speaking Japanese (or Korean, in the very beginning). I suppose it's not a big deal for others, but I have a bit of passing knowledge in Japanese, so, for example, the creation of a nickname for "Tanpopo" (Dandelion) as either "Dandy" or "Lion" doesn't quite work in Japanese unless it's being pronounced literally "Dandy" (dandi) or "Lion" (raion). This, of course, makes me wonder if all of the other names work like that - the name they're given is Japanese, but the pronunciations they use is a sort of English transliterated one.
There was also a mention of an accent. Weird, unless they're referring to English? What would a Parisian accent in Japanese sound like?
Ending seemed a bit too idealistic to me, but w/e.
The cover's gorgeous.
It brings up some really good points, but I didn't quite agree with the reasoning behind the way things played out towards the end.
Ah, well.
It kind of reminded me of ICoS a few times.
Oh, popular culture. How you invade my consciousness.
Uhh... yeah. I have no real complaints. Wow.
Hmm... a point about the names, though. They first introduce the name in Japanese, and then repeat it in English and create nicknames based on that. It's just odd because while the entire thing is in English, we as the reader ought to pretend as if the characters are speaking Japanese (or Korean, in the very beginning). I suppose it's not a big deal for others, but I have a bit of passing knowledge in Japanese, so, for example, the creation of a nickname for "Tanpopo" (Dandelion) as either "Dandy" or "Lion" doesn't quite work in Japanese unless it's being pronounced literally "Dandy" (dandi) or "Lion" (raion). This, of course, makes me wonder if all of the other names work like that - the name they're given is Japanese, but the pronunciations they use is a sort of English transliterated one.
There was also a mention of an accent. Weird, unless they're referring to English? What would a Parisian accent in Japanese sound like?
Ending seemed a bit too idealistic to me, but w/e.
The cover's gorgeous.
It brings up some really good points, but I didn't quite agree with the reasoning behind the way things played out towards the end.
Ah, well.
It kind of reminded me of ICoS a few times.
July 29, 2011
3.5 star
I like how Connie Bailey woven up her supernatural plot into an action packed story and the way she brings out her characters caught my attention from the beginning to the end. There wasnt any boring parts that I had to skip through.
However, I couldnt give it the extra stars as there are a few minor drawbacks like how the heck Moonlight not catch any STDs with that much of sex, how did Tiger survive that gruesome pitfight and a few instances that had me stretching my head ( oh well its fantasy )
Overall, this is one of those few I have no regrets buying.
I like how Connie Bailey woven up her supernatural plot into an action packed story and the way she brings out her characters caught my attention from the beginning to the end. There wasnt any boring parts that I had to skip through.
However, I couldnt give it the extra stars as there are a few minor drawbacks like how the heck Moonlight not catch any STDs with that much of sex, how did Tiger survive that gruesome pitfight and a few instances that had me stretching my head ( oh well its fantasy )
Overall, this is one of those few I have no regrets buying.
November 23, 2011
The male/male version of Kill Bill? Perhaps. Regardless, I enjoyed Moonlight, Tiger, and Smoke because:
1. The premise is unique. It is a story of loss, family, coming of age, formative years, revenge, skill, sex, manipulation, and ultimately, love - all set in modern day Japan within a secret society of guardians.
2. It's a true good vs. evil tale. I have a soft spot for those.
3. I love conspiracies, and this one had that in spades.
4. It's well plotted and written.
3.5 stars (trending to 4) out of 5.
1. The premise is unique. It is a story of loss, family, coming of age, formative years, revenge, skill, sex, manipulation, and ultimately, love - all set in modern day Japan within a secret society of guardians.
2. It's a true good vs. evil tale. I have a soft spot for those.
3. I love conspiracies, and this one had that in spades.
4. It's well plotted and written.
3.5 stars (trending to 4) out of 5.
November 17, 2011
Holy shit. Fucking BRUTAL. I feel like I was put through the fucking wringer, I loved and hated this book. Mostly hated it- I was sweating fucking bullets through this thing.
I'm gonna sit with this for a bit before I give it a review.
Damn.
I'm gonna sit with this for a bit before I give it a review.
Damn.
November 30, 2011
I don't know what it is about Connie Bailey's books but I love them. This is one of my new favorites. I love how no matter what Moonlight and Tiger never give up on one another.
December 6, 2014
5++ stars
-edited-
Amazing book. Planned to buy the paperback, but didn't know if I could reread this in future.
Heavy angst warning for you before you read this book. Oh, and there's magic involved too. And this is a contemporary, not historical, if you expect that. I was disappointed at first because I was expecting some Hanbok (traditional outfit of Korean) with long spears and swords etc etc, but when I drown in it, wow...never mind the time or place, because the plot and world-building is awesome. The writing too, it's kinda poetic sometimes and I'm usually not that fond of poetic writing style, but it's really beautifully written and I loved this one. Don't ask me why, because I've no idea, lol.
I was eyeing this book for months, knew this one gonna be fantastic especially after I read Nikyta's wonderful review so I waited and waited the right mood, the right moment to read it. Note : you should read her review if you want a better idea about the plot and main MCs, I strongly urge you to do so. She will make you want to read this book, so be sure to check it out. :)
I was prepared for any dark angst from this book, but still... FUCK. This book is such a torture for my heart. I nearly DNF this book at 71%, not because this book is such an awful read or boring trash or what. Far from it. This is a wonderful book. Everyone that love dark angst theme should read it. And maybe a masochist and sadist too, will enjoy this book. ;p
If I could describe what I felt when I reached around 71%-80% of this book, instead of using meme pics, let just say that I almost threw my desktop off my table. O___O I don't have bad habit like throw stuff or slam door to relieve my pent-up emotions...so yeah, you got the idea how much angry I was... I never thought that I went into berserk mode like that again after Zankoku na Kami ga Shihaisuru/A Cruel God Reigns . I raged, screamed, swore really loud that I kinda thanked that I happened to read this book in my own room, alone.
I read so many dark angst story in my life, one can be more cruel and barbaric and twisted than the other, and this one was lighter and more fluffy compared to them, but it was the the writing that struck my emotions hard. I hated Autumn, that rotten cruel sick bastard. He's an epitome of evil. I hated him so much that I wanted to strangle him to death, that's what I felt too when I read Zankoku na Kami ga Shihaisuru.
I can really imagine Kim Jae Joong from JYJ as Jaehan/Moonlight. A smexy guy that can bewitch both men and women. And he's Korean too, just like Moonlight. Black jet hair, black eyes, fair skin, gorgeous. Beautiful and handsome at the same time. It's like he has so many faces, so many sides. Just like Moonlight, you never knew his real self, only Tiger knew that. You should google JJ's pic when he wore a wig and dressed as a girl. More beautiful than real women.
But now I finished this book, I don't really want to see JJ acts as Moonlight if this book ever gets made into a movie. Moonlight's destiny was too cruel. Really. Too sad. Human shouldn't be treated like trash. I'm always shivering whenever I think that there's a possibility that JJ will meet this kind of sick treatment when he's going to military service. I hope Junsu, Yoochun and Yunho (who all enlisted at the same time with him) will always beside him, to protect him from any beast. We know what will happen when a beauty step into the wolf's den...*cringe at the thought*
Okay, back to the topic. I was thinking that maybe Yunho from TVXQ can posed as Cheolsu/Tiger, lol. Now, who's gonna be Smoke? I've no idea. ;) or maybe Junsu from JYJ? ;)
Anyway, I noticed that the author wrote some fanfic about JJ x Yunho too in her Livejournal, so maybe she was thinking about JJ and Yunho when she created Moonlight and Tiger. ;)
I loved the ending. However, Moonlight and his mother's brief reunion was kinda too coincidence, but it didn't bother me much. I believe there is a fine line between coincidence and fate. :)
-edited-
Amazing book. Planned to buy the paperback, but didn't know if I could reread this in future.
Heavy angst warning for you before you read this book. Oh, and there's magic involved too. And this is a contemporary, not historical, if you expect that. I was disappointed at first because I was expecting some Hanbok (traditional outfit of Korean) with long spears and swords etc etc, but when I drown in it, wow...never mind the time or place, because the plot and world-building is awesome. The writing too, it's kinda poetic sometimes and I'm usually not that fond of poetic writing style, but it's really beautifully written and I loved this one. Don't ask me why, because I've no idea, lol.
I was eyeing this book for months, knew this one gonna be fantastic especially after I read Nikyta's wonderful review so I waited and waited the right mood, the right moment to read it. Note : you should read her review if you want a better idea about the plot and main MCs, I strongly urge you to do so. She will make you want to read this book, so be sure to check it out. :)
I was prepared for any dark angst from this book, but still... FUCK. This book is such a torture for my heart. I nearly DNF this book at 71%, not because this book is such an awful read or boring trash or what. Far from it. This is a wonderful book. Everyone that love dark angst theme should read it. And maybe a masochist and sadist too, will enjoy this book. ;p
If I could describe what I felt when I reached around 71%-80% of this book, instead of using meme pics, let just say that I almost threw my desktop off my table. O___O I don't have bad habit like throw stuff or slam door to relieve my pent-up emotions...so yeah, you got the idea how much angry I was... I never thought that I went into berserk mode like that again after Zankoku na Kami ga Shihaisuru/A Cruel God Reigns . I raged, screamed, swore really loud that I kinda thanked that I happened to read this book in my own room, alone.
I read so many dark angst story in my life, one can be more cruel and barbaric and twisted than the other, and this one was lighter and more fluffy compared to them, but it was the the writing that struck my emotions hard. I hated Autumn, that rotten cruel sick bastard. He's an epitome of evil. I hated him so much that I wanted to strangle him to death, that's what I felt too when I read Zankoku na Kami ga Shihaisuru.
"He reminds me of the onnagata, the actors who take female roles. While watching, you're aware that they aren't women, but you don't feel as if you're watching men dressed up as women. You're watching... something else. A sort of blend, I suppose." -- Lord Raven
I can really imagine Kim Jae Joong from JYJ as Jaehan/Moonlight. A smexy guy that can bewitch both men and women. And he's Korean too, just like Moonlight. Black jet hair, black eyes, fair skin, gorgeous. Beautiful and handsome at the same time. It's like he has so many faces, so many sides. Just like Moonlight, you never knew his real self, only Tiger knew that. You should google JJ's pic when he wore a wig and dressed as a girl. More beautiful than real women.
But now I finished this book, I don't really want to see JJ acts as Moonlight if this book ever gets made into a movie. Moonlight's destiny was too cruel. Really. Too sad. Human shouldn't be treated like trash. I'm always shivering whenever I think that there's a possibility that JJ will meet this kind of sick treatment when he's going to military service. I hope Junsu, Yoochun and Yunho (who all enlisted at the same time with him) will always beside him, to protect him from any beast. We know what will happen when a beauty step into the wolf's den...*cringe at the thought*
Okay, back to the topic. I was thinking that maybe Yunho from TVXQ can posed as Cheolsu/Tiger, lol. Now, who's gonna be Smoke? I've no idea. ;) or maybe Junsu from JYJ? ;)
Anyway, I noticed that the author wrote some fanfic about JJ x Yunho too in her Livejournal, so maybe she was thinking about JJ and Yunho when she created Moonlight and Tiger. ;)
I loved the ending. However, Moonlight and his mother's brief reunion was kinda too coincidence, but it didn't bother me much. I believe there is a fine line between coincidence and fate. :)
November 10, 2012
Slash Readers: If you were to say that I had a love hate relationship with this novel, you be about right. While, I was not disappointed by Connie Bailey's writing, I was somewhat disappointed by the story its self. I picked this novel out after Bailey was mentioned by someone on this group. Lol, it was fun to read something someone else suggested. :)
All that being said, this is not a happy book. If you are looking for something happy, don't start here.
If you don't like books that contain dubious consent, sexual violence, forced prostitution and physical violence then read something else.
If you like dark books with neat happy endings this is a good place to start. If you enjoy books that start out with the characters as children and follow them over the course of their lives, then this book is for you. Like wise if you like reading about star struck lovers, with one set way of coupling with each other... have at it. :)
All that being said, this is not a happy book. If you are looking for something happy, don't start here.
If you don't like books that contain dubious consent, sexual violence, forced prostitution and physical violence then read something else.
If you like dark books with neat happy endings this is a good place to start. If you enjoy books that start out with the characters as children and follow them over the course of their lives, then this book is for you. Like wise if you like reading about star struck lovers, with one set way of coupling with each other... have at it. :)
Read
February 12, 2012Overall
I think this is one of the first, if not THE first novel that I've been unable to rate.
A little history: I started this book a while ago, got about 40% of the way through and just ran out of desire to read it. The writing wasn't too bad, the characters had potential for being interesting, and the world that was being crafted had potential for being very interesting.
So why did I come to a dead-stop and not pick it up for several months?
Several factors are involved. One, the story is dark, which isn't a problem per se but does make for a more challenging read. The writing was good, but not very concise, so as I read it felt like very little progressed over time, to the point where to actually finish the novel, I read very quickly, skipping large chunks of text (which is why I'm not rating this book, as I don't think I can fairly judge this heavy of a book without having read it thoroughly).
I feel the concept was strong and the characters and the plot were all interesting, but the progression over about 20 years felt almost grueling as everything was built and put into place. While I can understand the necessity, it was difficult for me to sink into the story as I felt like I was being dragged down a dark tunnel and unsure if I would survive the encounter.
Still, I'm not sure if shortening the novel (time-wise) would have worked. However, cutting some scenes and making others more concise would have helped. Characters are introduced and then killed off without showing much importance to any events or character development.
This is a pretty dark and overall depressing novel, although the end is satisfactory, if not a little too neat.
In the end, while I didn't particularly enjoy this book, I'm glad I finished it. I can't say I'd recommend it to anyone, but I wouldn't actively talk someone out of reading it, especially if it seems to be their type of book (enjoying in-depth tales of espionage, spying, murder, assassins, etc).
Positives of this book? I love the cover. It's beautiful, classy, and artistic, while incorporating multiple elements of the story. Also, I never really knew how things would turn out, which is definitely a bonus in this type of tale. Finally, although most of my comments about this book have been negative, this is definitely one you'd have to look into on a case by case basis.
Requested this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
I think this is one of the first, if not THE first novel that I've been unable to rate.
A little history: I started this book a while ago, got about 40% of the way through and just ran out of desire to read it. The writing wasn't too bad, the characters had potential for being interesting, and the world that was being crafted had potential for being very interesting.
So why did I come to a dead-stop and not pick it up for several months?
Several factors are involved. One, the story is dark, which isn't a problem per se but does make for a more challenging read. The writing was good, but not very concise, so as I read it felt like very little progressed over time, to the point where to actually finish the novel, I read very quickly, skipping large chunks of text (which is why I'm not rating this book, as I don't think I can fairly judge this heavy of a book without having read it thoroughly).
I feel the concept was strong and the characters and the plot were all interesting, but the progression over about 20 years felt almost grueling as everything was built and put into place. While I can understand the necessity, it was difficult for me to sink into the story as I felt like I was being dragged down a dark tunnel and unsure if I would survive the encounter.
Still, I'm not sure if shortening the novel (time-wise) would have worked. However, cutting some scenes and making others more concise would have helped. Characters are introduced and then killed off without showing much importance to any events or character development.
This is a pretty dark and overall depressing novel, although the end is satisfactory, if not a little too neat.
In the end, while I didn't particularly enjoy this book, I'm glad I finished it. I can't say I'd recommend it to anyone, but I wouldn't actively talk someone out of reading it, especially if it seems to be their type of book (enjoying in-depth tales of espionage, spying, murder, assassins, etc).
Positives of this book? I love the cover. It's beautiful, classy, and artistic, while incorporating multiple elements of the story. Also, I never really knew how things would turn out, which is definitely a bonus in this type of tale. Finally, although most of my comments about this book have been negative, this is definitely one you'd have to look into on a case by case basis.
Requested this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
October 2, 2013
This book had an old-world feel to it & I kept getting thrown whenever modern things were brought up. If there a sequel, I'm pretty sure I'd read it.
Moonlight & Tiger are stolen from their families at the tender age of 6 and trained as operatives for the Shadow group. They're everything to each other until their training diverges and they're forced to separate, not knowing if they'll ever see each other again.
At the conclusion of his training, Tiger is gifted with Moonlight in his "Manhood" ceremony and finally the two get the chance to physically express the love they've had for each other all these years. Then they're forced apart again as their lives as operatives begin.
Tiger does all that he can to be the best operative there is in hopes that he will be rewarded with time alone with Moonlight. He even comes up with an idea to have Moonlight become part of his team. Moonlight joins his team, but is yanked away once again when an op goes bad.
After several years spent apart, the two meet again during another op & decide to run together. They're betrayed by their former crece mate, Smoke.
Moonlight is punished by essentially being whored out to everyone who pleases his master, while Tiger is forced to fight for his life in the pits. Until Smoke attends one of his fights & mentions it to his master. Smoke's master takes Tiger out of the pits and Smoke continues searching for Moonlight.
Tiger & Smoke finally come up with a plan to run with Moonlight once he's located. The plan is set in motion, they find Moonlight & instead of running,they end up coming up with a different plan once Moonlight's master is killed trying to stop them. They finally decide to take the Shadow group over & return it back to it's original mission before it became so corrupted under Moonlight's master.
Moonlight & Tiger are stolen from their families at the tender age of 6 and trained as operatives for the Shadow group. They're everything to each other until their training diverges and they're forced to separate, not knowing if they'll ever see each other again.
At the conclusion of his training, Tiger is gifted with Moonlight in his "Manhood" ceremony and finally the two get the chance to physically express the love they've had for each other all these years. Then they're forced apart again as their lives as operatives begin.
Tiger does all that he can to be the best operative there is in hopes that he will be rewarded with time alone with Moonlight. He even comes up with an idea to have Moonlight become part of his team. Moonlight joins his team, but is yanked away once again when an op goes bad.
After several years spent apart, the two meet again during another op & decide to run together. They're betrayed by their former crece mate, Smoke.
Moonlight is punished by essentially being whored out to everyone who pleases his master, while Tiger is forced to fight for his life in the pits. Until Smoke attends one of his fights & mentions it to his master. Smoke's master takes Tiger out of the pits and Smoke continues searching for Moonlight.
Tiger & Smoke finally come up with a plan to run with Moonlight once he's located. The plan is set in motion, they find Moonlight & instead of running,they end up coming up with a different plan once Moonlight's master is killed trying to stop them. They finally decide to take the Shadow group over & return it back to it's original mission before it became so corrupted under Moonlight's master.
March 1, 2015
** Books 36 - 2015 **
This books to accomplish New Author Reading Challenge 2015
3,9 of 5 stars!
Finally i finished read this pieces! i love the setting story.. I dunno somehow remind me about Konoha's village from Naruto where some childrean being trained as Kagehito's soldier and they divided into different units. >__<
Obviously, I love Moonlight and Tiger's pairings so muchh! they are adorable and their love need really hard effort! *Slowly Crying.. I Also hate the Autumn, the omyouji freak that controls everyone! Arghh! =____=
This m/m novels is really great one and i feel not too dark-angst like manga Zankoku na Kami ga Shihaisuru or 櫻狩り 上 Sakuragari 1 .. but i can say it really better than Father Figure *I dunno maybe my dark-angst standard is really high since i read a lot dark-angst genre >__<
Hmm.. For moonlight cast somehow it reminds me Kim Jae Joong from JYJ and also Kiyoshi Sakurazuka (an cosplayer man from China) since moonlight is gorgeous, have white and slender skin *LOL
This books to accomplish New Author Reading Challenge 2015
3,9 of 5 stars!
Finally i finished read this pieces! i love the setting story.. I dunno somehow remind me about Konoha's village from Naruto where some childrean being trained as Kagehito's soldier and they divided into different units. >__<
Obviously, I love Moonlight and Tiger's pairings so muchh! they are adorable and their love need really hard effort! *Slowly Crying.. I Also hate the Autumn, the omyouji freak that controls everyone! Arghh! =____=
This m/m novels is really great one and i feel not too dark-angst like manga Zankoku na Kami ga Shihaisuru or 櫻狩り 上 Sakuragari 1 .. but i can say it really better than Father Figure *I dunno maybe my dark-angst standard is really high since i read a lot dark-angst genre >__<
Hmm.. For moonlight cast somehow it reminds me Kim Jae Joong from JYJ and also Kiyoshi Sakurazuka (an cosplayer man from China) since moonlight is gorgeous, have white and slender skin *LOL
June 11, 2013
It's like a quasi ninja/kidnapping/assassin/forbiddenlovers/geisha kind of a thing :-)
It's good but not satisfying. What I mean by that is I found myself wishing for death upon certain characters, painful, torturous death. After what Autumn did to Moonlight he needed to receive the same punishment he forced on Moonlight... we're talking about being a forced whore to the entire barracks for years, every SINGLE NIGHT...
I also wasn't satisfied with Tiger NOT GETTING his revenge on well, everyone.
So apart from that the story was very good. It spanned a decade and through that time the main characters were punished, tormented, kidnapped, taught, whored out, magically drained and put in the pit. Throughout the story the characters are tested in ways no person should be tested, and the readers wonder how they can survive with their sanity and humanity intact.
To see more m/m recs from RT check out the HEA Blog
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
It's good but not satisfying. What I mean by that is I found myself wishing for death upon certain characters, painful, torturous death. After what Autumn did to Moonlight he needed to receive the same punishment he forced on Moonlight... we're talking about being a forced whore to the entire barracks for years, every SINGLE NIGHT...
I also wasn't satisfied with Tiger NOT GETTING his revenge on well, everyone.
So apart from that the story was very good. It spanned a decade and through that time the main characters were punished, tormented, kidnapped, taught, whored out, magically drained and put in the pit. Throughout the story the characters are tested in ways no person should be tested, and the readers wonder how they can survive with their sanity and humanity intact.
To see more m/m recs from RT check out the HEA Blog
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
February 14, 2017
Story is different enough to be more interesting than many M/M romances.
September 27, 2013
This was stunning, so many times reading it I wanted to stop because I couldn't see how it could end well, but I didn't dare because I wanted to believe that there was a HEA. I wasn't disappointed.
The book covers the lives of Tiger and Moonlight from age 6 when they were kidnapped by the janpanese Shadow organisation until they manage to find their own way in the world in their late twenties. The two are instant friends and gradually grow to love each other as brothers and then lovers whilst being trained as weapons in the fight against evil. The Shadow's intentions are good, but as the two grow up they realise that there is more going on behind the scenes and Moonlight in particular is not prepared to turn a blind eye - unfortunately that stance earns him enemies that Tiger is powerless to protect him from.
There is definite non-con in the book, but it's not between the MC's and the context didn't justify it or make light of it.
The book covers the lives of Tiger and Moonlight from age 6 when they were kidnapped by the janpanese Shadow organisation until they manage to find their own way in the world in their late twenties. The two are instant friends and gradually grow to love each other as brothers and then lovers whilst being trained as weapons in the fight against evil. The Shadow's intentions are good, but as the two grow up they realise that there is more going on behind the scenes and Moonlight in particular is not prepared to turn a blind eye - unfortunately that stance earns him enemies that Tiger is powerless to protect him from.
There is definite non-con in the book, but it's not between the MC's and the context didn't justify it or make light of it.
August 28, 2013
This is an interesting premise, certainly, and I dove into the book with great expectations and much excitement. Unfortunately, that emotional draw just wasn't there for me. There seems to be a lot of telling rather than showing, and as the story winds down, the focus seems to fracture.
One reason I couldn't connect with the love story between Tiger and Moonlight is that I couldn't *see* the relationship. Don't get me wrong -- we certainly see the sweaty and desperate part of the relationship, but the real part, where their affection is building, is missing. It's easy for Bailey to tell me that these two men are in love, but I wanted to *see* them being in love. Falling in love. Realizing (before their first NIGHT together) that their lives were puzzle pieces always meant to interlock.
So it all boils down to one complaint, I suppose: too much telling; not enough showing.
One reason I couldn't connect with the love story between Tiger and Moonlight is that I couldn't *see* the relationship. Don't get me wrong -- we certainly see the sweaty and desperate part of the relationship, but the real part, where their affection is building, is missing. It's easy for Bailey to tell me that these two men are in love, but I wanted to *see* them being in love. Falling in love. Realizing (before their first NIGHT together) that their lives were puzzle pieces always meant to interlock.
So it all boils down to one complaint, I suppose: too much telling; not enough showing.
December 28, 2014
3.5
This was an entertaining read that grew on me as I continued reading. There is some action, some intrigue and plotting, some heartbreak, and a tied up ending.
Moonlight had the most depth of character, so I looked forward to reading chapters that he was in and see how he adapted to his Rose role.
I do wish the pacing was a little more consistent and some of the relationships a little tighter, but still an enjoyable read.
This was an entertaining read that grew on me as I continued reading. There is some action, some intrigue and plotting, some heartbreak, and a tied up ending.
Moonlight had the most depth of character, so I looked forward to reading chapters that he was in and see how he adapted to his Rose role.
I do wish the pacing was a little more consistent and some of the relationships a little tighter, but still an enjoyable read.
December 11, 2013
i really love this story, the idea, the plot, the character, the romance and the intrigue, and even the cover. a kind of story that not easily forgettable, at least for me, and i forget a lot hahaha... this was kind of a story that leave mark to my heart and mind. but then the ending kind of ruined everything a little i guess. like hastily abruptly forced. it feels like a dress made with a splendidly nice garment and a uniquely good fashion but badly sewn.
January 7, 2013
Unfortunately this book did not work for me. I did not care for all the time spent as kids, as well as being way too brutal to the kids. Then had problems connecting with them as adults. Also I do not care for m/m/m or multiple partners and wish this book had been marked as such.
dnf
May 11, 2013DNF.
October 14, 2012
Oh my, review to follow ofc, but Oh My!!! Nicely done!
November 9, 2014
3.5 stars - very angst-y
October 30, 2011
It was very interesting plot and reading the book was enjoyable.
lurking-in-kindleland
October 24, 2013another freebie from dreamspinner
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