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The Zero Knot
Eighteen-year-old Jess Bonner is casting off pretense—and, with it, some friends from his past who aren’t particularly trustworthy. In just a few months he’ll be starting college, and it’s time for him to admit the he’s gay, not bi, and only one of his old friends holds any kind of real interest for him. When Dylan Finch, aka Mig, follows his lead and puts some distance between himself and the old crowd, he and Jess give in to a mutual attraction that’s been building for years.
But navigating a fledgling relationship isn’t easy for beginners, and forces they can’t seem to control keep tripping them sexual appetite, personal insecurities, fear of discovery, and more. They need clarity. They need courage. Just as they’re on the verge of finding both, a vindictive act of jealousy sends one of them to jail. All their hard-won victories are in danger of falling to dust. And the only way to save what they have is to recognize it for what it is… and fight for its integrity.
But navigating a fledgling relationship isn’t easy for beginners, and forces they can’t seem to control keep tripping them sexual appetite, personal insecurities, fear of discovery, and more. They need clarity. They need courage. Just as they’re on the verge of finding both, a vindictive act of jealousy sends one of them to jail. All their hard-won victories are in danger of falling to dust. And the only way to save what they have is to recognize it for what it is… and fight for its integrity.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2011
4 people are currently reading
977 people want to read
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K.Z. Snow
52 books273 followersThis says it all: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH7rt4...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
December 1, 2011
I know, I know, I'm probably the only one not giving this book a high acclaim and it's not because the author really did anything wrong, it's for personal views. I'm a bisexual, I make no bones about it and the way bisexuality was portrayed in this book really upset me. I get enough abuse from straight and gay people telling me to pick a side or that I'm greedy. It sucks seeing it in a book from a genre that I think of as tolerant. Maybe it added to the plot line but for me it didn't.
Also I hated how all the females were portrayed, I mean there was a lot of detailed work into making some awsome secondary characters but not the females. All the females in this book sucked. You have the butch who is trying to get with Tomboy and everyone thinks of as skank and lets not forget that no one really believes that she's really bi. Then you have Tomboy who no one believes is really bi because of course she just wants attention and lets not forget that she is a control freak along with what she did to the boys. Oh and then you have the mothers, one runs away from her family and hardly ever calls and the other is controlled by her husband and believes her place is to serve the men. Yeah because that's a realisic portrayal of women there. Okay sorry, I'm getting off the soapbox here. While I'll agree that KZ Snow as an amazing ability to write with some awsome details, the visulization is truely there but again, personal reasons kept me from truely liking the story.
Also I hated how all the females were portrayed, I mean there was a lot of detailed work into making some awsome secondary characters but not the females. All the females in this book sucked. You have the butch who is trying to get with Tomboy and everyone thinks of as skank and lets not forget that no one really believes that she's really bi. Then you have Tomboy who no one believes is really bi because of course she just wants attention and lets not forget that she is a control freak along with what she did to the boys. Oh and then you have the mothers, one runs away from her family and hardly ever calls and the other is controlled by her husband and believes her place is to serve the men. Yeah because that's a realisic portrayal of women there. Okay sorry, I'm getting off the soapbox here. While I'll agree that KZ Snow as an amazing ability to write with some awsome details, the visulization is truely there but again, personal reasons kept me from truely liking the story.
November 7, 2011
I had to let this digest a little before attempting a review. But I stick with what I said-K.Z. Snow is still one of my favorite authors, one of the few authors I think I would buy anything she wrote without hesitation. The fact that I enjoyed this book as much as I did is a real testament to her talent as a writer. I have kind of a short attention span so I tend to like fast-paced, action, adventure and fantasy books with loads of conflict and fighting and sex. This book is not like that. It's a very realistic portrait of small town life, friendships and how they evolve in unexpected ways, family realtionships, and personal goals. Though the plot moves slowly and the characters are doing everyday things like fishing or going to work, the author injects these activities with relevance, and the story is never dull or dragging.
The characters are easy to relate to. For me I especially sympathized with how scary it is to come out in a small town where everybody knows everybody else's business. The small-minded, suburban attitude is captured very well without being turned into a diatribe. There are many judgemental people in this little town, but there are also supportive people like Jess's dad and his friend Ginger. Jess's little brother Jared is a fantastic character in that he loves his brother and tries to be supportive in his own way, even if that means being a wise ass. The characterization is subtle, everything grows slowly and nothing is ever shoved in the reader's face. Because of that, Dylan (Mig), Jess, Jared, and the others feel very real. All of them have many different sides to their personalities that make them come alive.
This is a coming of age and coming out story, but it's also the story of how two men decide what they want is different from what they wanted as children (I guess that is coming of age.) The conflict is mostly internal as Jess and Dylan (I hate using his nickname) struggle with their feelings and what admitting them will mean for their futures. The story stays realistic. Nothing happens that wouldn't happen in a typical town in middle America, but it feels profound because the effects on Jess and Dylan are profound. While these characters are often confused, there's no overblown angst and no long, flowery speeches. These characters have communication issues at first, like many young men, but they are determined to work through them. By the end of the first chapter I felt a deep connection to these characters and wanted them to be happy so much.
I'm really glad I took a chance on a type of book I wouldn't normally choose. I recommend it highly.
The characters are easy to relate to. For me I especially sympathized with how scary it is to come out in a small town where everybody knows everybody else's business. The small-minded, suburban attitude is captured very well without being turned into a diatribe. There are many judgemental people in this little town, but there are also supportive people like Jess's dad and his friend Ginger. Jess's little brother Jared is a fantastic character in that he loves his brother and tries to be supportive in his own way, even if that means being a wise ass. The characterization is subtle, everything grows slowly and nothing is ever shoved in the reader's face. Because of that, Dylan (Mig), Jess, Jared, and the others feel very real. All of them have many different sides to their personalities that make them come alive.
This is a coming of age and coming out story, but it's also the story of how two men decide what they want is different from what they wanted as children (I guess that is coming of age.) The conflict is mostly internal as Jess and Dylan (I hate using his nickname) struggle with their feelings and what admitting them will mean for their futures. The story stays realistic. Nothing happens that wouldn't happen in a typical town in middle America, but it feels profound because the effects on Jess and Dylan are profound. While these characters are often confused, there's no overblown angst and no long, flowery speeches. These characters have communication issues at first, like many young men, but they are determined to work through them. By the end of the first chapter I felt a deep connection to these characters and wanted them to be happy so much.
I'm really glad I took a chance on a type of book I wouldn't normally choose. I recommend it highly.
October 27, 2011
"The scales will always tip in favor of what enriches your life. That's the thing you'll end up choosing."
Jess, a young man ready to start his college life away from his small hometown, friends with a group of young people who are "different" - sexually ambiguous, finds himself suddenly looking at one of his oldest friends in a totally new light.
Dylan, "Mig" to his buds, has been friends with Jess, has secrets of his own. He is gay, not bi, working as a welder, closeted, the only son of conservative parents, and looking for love not another one night stand.
As these two young men discover how love works, they will be tested in in ways boys their age should not be. From the first tentative kiss, to the realization that the hardest choice may be to trust each other and their hearts, Ms. Snow crafts an intelligent, beautifully written tale. Her prose is so well written, and her characterizations full and real.
"So Jess likely knew that books were often the best friends of shy boys who didn't quite fit in."
She gets it all right.
Such a good book. Read this one and SAVOR it!
Enthusiastically recommended.
Tom
Jess, a young man ready to start his college life away from his small hometown, friends with a group of young people who are "different" - sexually ambiguous, finds himself suddenly looking at one of his oldest friends in a totally new light.
Dylan, "Mig" to his buds, has been friends with Jess, has secrets of his own. He is gay, not bi, working as a welder, closeted, the only son of conservative parents, and looking for love not another one night stand.
As these two young men discover how love works, they will be tested in in ways boys their age should not be. From the first tentative kiss, to the realization that the hardest choice may be to trust each other and their hearts, Ms. Snow crafts an intelligent, beautifully written tale. Her prose is so well written, and her characterizations full and real.
"So Jess likely knew that books were often the best friends of shy boys who didn't quite fit in."
She gets it all right.
Such a good book. Read this one and SAVOR it!
Enthusiastically recommended.
Tom
November 14, 2012
this is why i keep on reading ya m/m. no matter how many disappointing experiences, i know there are books like this one out there, just waiting for me to find them.
jess and mig were incredibly realistic and lovable!
i could forgive jess everything, even things, like promiscuity, that i normally have problems with, because i could understand his motives and everything he felt - his love, too.
i even forgave tomby/dominga: three-dimensional, young and, in the end, a good person, even as a secondary character she came off as a complete and developed personality.
the only problem i had with this book are the "villains": both brandon and mig's dad are a bit too stereotypical.
other than that, i am perfectly satisfied. i've found a new favorite author.
jess and mig were incredibly realistic and lovable!
i could forgive jess everything, even things, like promiscuity, that i normally have problems with, because i could understand his motives and everything he felt - his love, too.
i even forgave tomby/dominga: three-dimensional, young and, in the end, a good person, even as a secondary character she came off as a complete and developed personality.
the only problem i had with this book are the "villains": both brandon and mig's dad are a bit too stereotypical.
other than that, i am perfectly satisfied. i've found a new favorite author.
December 10, 2011
This review was originally published on my blog Joyfully Jay
It is the summer after high school and 18-year-old Jess Bonner is starting to realize he is changing and growing and perhaps moving past some of his childhood friends and activities. He is also realizing that he has strong feelings for his long-time friend Dylan "Mig" Finch. Dylan shares Jess' feelings of growing past his childhood friends and interests. He has a full-time job as a well respected welder, but still lives at home with his conservative parents.
Jess and Dylan finally admit their feelings for each other and slowly begin to build a relationship together, starting from some casual hookups and growing into more. The guys are incredibly sweet together and their young love is just so lovely and inspiring to see. They have such earnestness and feel everything so intensely.
They are still young though, and still learning how to make it all work. Jess is being chased after by one of their old friends and let's himself get caught up with Brandon briefly, something he regrets immediately. We get a sense that Dylan's feelings for Jess are strong, and he worries what will happen when Jess goes off to college in January. And they both struggle with hiding their relationship because neither one is out yet.
Things finally settle down for the guys and love is blooming when something more serious occurs. We find out right in the prologue that one of them is arrested, and it takes most of the story to find out what exactly happens. Both Jess and Dylan need a lot of bravery to get through this and each shows he is willing to fight in order to be with the other.
I wasn't really sure what to expect when I picked up this story. I have heard some people call it a young adult novel although I am not sure if it is officially classified that way. The heroes are both young men (although adults) and the themes of first love, finding yourself, growing up, and figuring out what you want in life are all well explored. FWIW, they guys are sexually active and there is on page (but not super explicit) sex, as well as some recreational drug use.
I really loved this story and found it so sweet and heartwarming. I met my husband at an age younger than this, so I can still remember that feeling of finding someone you care about so deeply and that overwhelming sense of first love. Snow also wonderfully portrays that sense of realizing you are growing up and away from parts of your childhood. That realization can be both exciting and scary and we see both guys work to figure out what they want to be and where they want to go with their lives.
The story really nicely contrasts the guys' two families and different backgrounds. Dylan has a conservative family and is an only child. His parents are upset to find out he is gay and not supportive of him or his relationship. He is already working full-time, although not for his father because he didn't want anyone to figure out he was gay. Jess is in a better place with his father and younger brother Jared. His father is incredibly loving and a great dad, supporting Jess completely and creating a warm home. And I must say a word about Jared. I am normally not a fan of the adorable and precocious younger siblings, but I just loved Jared. He is 15, so more of a peer to Jess than a little kid. Jared is the first one to find out Jess is gay and is incredibly supportive in his bratty little brother kind of way. And the kid is a riot. I found myself cracking up over and over at his comments.
There are so many interesting things in this book I can't cover them all in this review, but a few things really struck me. First, is the issue of being gay versus bi. Dylan, Jess, and two other friends grew up on the same street and gravitated together under the bond of being bisexual, forming a group they called the Domino Club. What I found fascinating is that Jess knows he is fully gay, yet coming out as bisexual is much easier for him.
The second thing that struck me is the concept of the zero knot, a theme that carries throughout the book. A zero knot is represented as an unbroken loop. Even if you jumble it up and twist it around, it still goes back to a circle. Only cutting it and retying it can turn it into something else.
It is a sign of permanence and the power of an unbroken bond connecting people together and Dylan and Jess see it as a symbol of their relationship. This concept was woven so well into the story and it does a great job of tying things together.
I also appreciated how real Jess and Dylan seem. They are just entering adulthood and they make real mistakes. They still don't really know how to communicate their feelings, how to act in a relationship, and how to control their hormones. They don't always make smart decisions. They are not perfect boyfriends, or perfect people. In a book featuring older men this might have bothered me, but their behavior felt right for their age. They are just on the cusp of being adults and they are still finding their way and this made their story seem more realistic and their happy ending more earned.
One little niggle in the book for me. We find out in the prologue (as well as the book blurb) that someone is going to jail. I guess this helps to build the tension but I did find it a bit distracting, like I spent the whole time waiting for it to happen. In reality, I think this is a very small part of the story and I think it would have been better to have it unfold in real time rather than being set up as the "big event." That said, I do appreciate how the jail issue was handled once it actually happened and that it didn't become a long, overblown thing, but instead felt worked in with the rest of the story.
The Zero Knot make a big impression on me and I really loved it. It's a sweet story about young love and figuring out who you are and what you want out of life and who you want to share it with. It was beautifully written and I just loved both Jess and Dylan. Definitely highly recommended.
It is the summer after high school and 18-year-old Jess Bonner is starting to realize he is changing and growing and perhaps moving past some of his childhood friends and activities. He is also realizing that he has strong feelings for his long-time friend Dylan "Mig" Finch. Dylan shares Jess' feelings of growing past his childhood friends and interests. He has a full-time job as a well respected welder, but still lives at home with his conservative parents.
Jess and Dylan finally admit their feelings for each other and slowly begin to build a relationship together, starting from some casual hookups and growing into more. The guys are incredibly sweet together and their young love is just so lovely and inspiring to see. They have such earnestness and feel everything so intensely.
They are still young though, and still learning how to make it all work. Jess is being chased after by one of their old friends and let's himself get caught up with Brandon briefly, something he regrets immediately. We get a sense that Dylan's feelings for Jess are strong, and he worries what will happen when Jess goes off to college in January. And they both struggle with hiding their relationship because neither one is out yet.
Things finally settle down for the guys and love is blooming when something more serious occurs. We find out right in the prologue that one of them is arrested, and it takes most of the story to find out what exactly happens. Both Jess and Dylan need a lot of bravery to get through this and each shows he is willing to fight in order to be with the other.
I wasn't really sure what to expect when I picked up this story. I have heard some people call it a young adult novel although I am not sure if it is officially classified that way. The heroes are both young men (although adults) and the themes of first love, finding yourself, growing up, and figuring out what you want in life are all well explored. FWIW, they guys are sexually active and there is on page (but not super explicit) sex, as well as some recreational drug use.
I really loved this story and found it so sweet and heartwarming. I met my husband at an age younger than this, so I can still remember that feeling of finding someone you care about so deeply and that overwhelming sense of first love. Snow also wonderfully portrays that sense of realizing you are growing up and away from parts of your childhood. That realization can be both exciting and scary and we see both guys work to figure out what they want to be and where they want to go with their lives.
The story really nicely contrasts the guys' two families and different backgrounds. Dylan has a conservative family and is an only child. His parents are upset to find out he is gay and not supportive of him or his relationship. He is already working full-time, although not for his father because he didn't want anyone to figure out he was gay. Jess is in a better place with his father and younger brother Jared. His father is incredibly loving and a great dad, supporting Jess completely and creating a warm home. And I must say a word about Jared. I am normally not a fan of the adorable and precocious younger siblings, but I just loved Jared. He is 15, so more of a peer to Jess than a little kid. Jared is the first one to find out Jess is gay and is incredibly supportive in his bratty little brother kind of way. And the kid is a riot. I found myself cracking up over and over at his comments.
There are so many interesting things in this book I can't cover them all in this review, but a few things really struck me. First, is the issue of being gay versus bi. Dylan, Jess, and two other friends grew up on the same street and gravitated together under the bond of being bisexual, forming a group they called the Domino Club. What I found fascinating is that Jess knows he is fully gay, yet coming out as bisexual is much easier for him.
The second thing that struck me is the concept of the zero knot, a theme that carries throughout the book. A zero knot is represented as an unbroken loop. Even if you jumble it up and twist it around, it still goes back to a circle. Only cutting it and retying it can turn it into something else.
It is a sign of permanence and the power of an unbroken bond connecting people together and Dylan and Jess see it as a symbol of their relationship. This concept was woven so well into the story and it does a great job of tying things together.
I also appreciated how real Jess and Dylan seem. They are just entering adulthood and they make real mistakes. They still don't really know how to communicate their feelings, how to act in a relationship, and how to control their hormones. They don't always make smart decisions. They are not perfect boyfriends, or perfect people. In a book featuring older men this might have bothered me, but their behavior felt right for their age. They are just on the cusp of being adults and they are still finding their way and this made their story seem more realistic and their happy ending more earned.
One little niggle in the book for me. We find out in the prologue (as well as the book blurb) that someone is going to jail. I guess this helps to build the tension but I did find it a bit distracting, like I spent the whole time waiting for it to happen. In reality, I think this is a very small part of the story and I think it would have been better to have it unfold in real time rather than being set up as the "big event." That said, I do appreciate how the jail issue was handled once it actually happened and that it didn't become a long, overblown thing, but instead felt worked in with the rest of the story.
The Zero Knot make a big impression on me and I really loved it. It's a sweet story about young love and figuring out who you are and what you want out of life and who you want to share it with. It was beautifully written and I just loved both Jess and Dylan. Definitely highly recommended.
October 15, 2011
This is K.Z. Snow's first foray to the YA genre, and somehow, I cannot stop comparing the theme that I get with Nick Burd's The Vast Fields of Ordinary. Maybe because this story takes span of the "summer" before going of to college. Maybe because the kids here also exploring their sexuality. But, despite me cringing over the nickname "Mig" (somehow it rhymes with Pig!) it's all good :p.
The protagonist of this book is 18-year-old Jesse Bonner (again, a cringeworthy last-name, I mean, Bonner, really, something close to having a boner?), with his object of affection, Dylan "Mig" Finch, having his share of chapters in between Jesse's. The whole book explores how Jess realizes that he's done with pretense, he is not bi-sexual, he's tired of being part of The Domino Club, which Jess think is built by a foundation bullsh*t. He knows who he is attracted to, and that's Mig.
I love how these two finally see each other differently -- and exploring what they could have. Oh, there is teenage angst, but not so much that I want to roll my eyes and think of it as too much drama. Interestingly though, the character that steals my heart is Jess's little brother, Jared. Who is so endearing when he tells Jess that he's okay with his big brother being gay. There is one scene of Jess and Jared that makes me all teary-eyed .
Personally, I must say that how the kids talk brings a different feel than the rest of K.Z. Snow's books. It's not as poetic, but again it doesn't sound too adult either. They curse and they have their own weird language structure that will make their language teacher screams *lol*. K.Z. Snow still instills some poetic words and concept, though, like the "zero knot" itself. And that, makes this one another winner for me.
The protagonist of this book is 18-year-old Jesse Bonner (again, a cringeworthy last-name, I mean, Bonner, really, something close to having a boner?), with his object of affection, Dylan "Mig" Finch, having his share of chapters in between Jesse's. The whole book explores how Jess realizes that he's done with pretense, he is not bi-sexual, he's tired of being part of The Domino Club, which Jess think is built by a foundation bullsh*t. He knows who he is attracted to, and that's Mig.
I love how these two finally see each other differently -- and exploring what they could have. Oh, there is teenage angst, but not so much that I want to roll my eyes and think of it as too much drama. Interestingly though, the character that steals my heart is Jess's little brother, Jared. Who is so endearing when he tells Jess that he's okay with his big brother being gay. There is one scene of Jess and Jared that makes me all teary-eyed .
Personally, I must say that how the kids talk brings a different feel than the rest of K.Z. Snow's books. It's not as poetic, but again it doesn't sound too adult either. They curse and they have their own weird language structure that will make their language teacher screams *lol*. K.Z. Snow still instills some poetic words and concept, though, like the "zero knot" itself. And that, makes this one another winner for me.
March 18, 2012
Once again, the superior quality of KZ Snow's writing talent shines through in this very touching, heart-gripping, romantic drama. Zero Knot is a coming-of-age, coming-out, edgy and realistic romance that is heavily laced with richly textured characters and powerful, thought-provoking messaging.
Jess and Mig (aka Dylan) have been friends most of their lives. Both eighteen and fresh out of high school, their hormones are raging. When they realize that they both are crushing on each other, they have to tackle a number of obstacles in order to be together. First and foremost among their challenges are their obtuse parents, who do not seem to even have a clue that their sons are gay.
Jess also has a mouthy little brother (my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE CHARACTER in the story!!!) named Jared. His nickname is Red, and he is quick to blurt out everything that adults are too polite to say. This character alone would have made this book worthy of a five-star rating. Be prepared, though, because you're going to fall in love with this kid, and then you'll be bawling your eyes out. I don't want to ruin this with a spoiler, but the boy goes through a trauma. If KZ had decided to kill the kid off I'd have had to hunt her down and strangle her.
The love story was absolutely beautiful. The characters were sweet--at times sugary sweet--but flawed at the same time. I believed them and I believed IN them. I loved how the author captured the angsty emotion-driven dynamic of their first-love relationship. There was also a major hurdle thrown in, in the form of a jealous, wannabe lover. Brandon, the snarky, shallow, know-it-all, fashion queen socialite epitomized everything that I always hated about the gay community when I was 18 and emerging from my own closet. I thought he made the perfect villain.
Well, it comes as no surprise that KZ delivered another book which I now have to add to my all-time-favorites list. It's an amazing story--beautifully written and incredibly memorable. If I could give it ten stars, I would.
Jess and Mig (aka Dylan) have been friends most of their lives. Both eighteen and fresh out of high school, their hormones are raging. When they realize that they both are crushing on each other, they have to tackle a number of obstacles in order to be together. First and foremost among their challenges are their obtuse parents, who do not seem to even have a clue that their sons are gay.
Jess also has a mouthy little brother (my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE CHARACTER in the story!!!) named Jared. His nickname is Red, and he is quick to blurt out everything that adults are too polite to say. This character alone would have made this book worthy of a five-star rating. Be prepared, though, because you're going to fall in love with this kid, and then you'll be bawling your eyes out. I don't want to ruin this with a spoiler, but the boy goes through a trauma. If KZ had decided to kill the kid off I'd have had to hunt her down and strangle her.
The love story was absolutely beautiful. The characters were sweet--at times sugary sweet--but flawed at the same time. I believed them and I believed IN them. I loved how the author captured the angsty emotion-driven dynamic of their first-love relationship. There was also a major hurdle thrown in, in the form of a jealous, wannabe lover. Brandon, the snarky, shallow, know-it-all, fashion queen socialite epitomized everything that I always hated about the gay community when I was 18 and emerging from my own closet. I thought he made the perfect villain.
Well, it comes as no surprise that KZ delivered another book which I now have to add to my all-time-favorites list. It's an amazing story--beautifully written and incredibly memorable. If I could give it ten stars, I would.
February 5, 2013
The emotional development of the two main characters as they transition for kids to adults and friends to lovers is inspiring and quite poignant. It had a lot more depth than I was expecting, not because it had a crazy plot, but the strength of Dylan and Jess to stop lying to themselves and others and stand up for what they want. Jess trajectory as the primary character is dominant and we ride along with him. His introspection is worth reading. Plus, I'd give up all three of my siblings to have one like Red.
Favorite quote:
“In fact, I’m packing a blow dryer, three parsnips, and a litter of newborn weasels as we speak.”
Favorite quote:
“In fact, I’m packing a blow dryer, three parsnips, and a litter of newborn weasels as we speak.”
May 22, 2013
Jess and Dylan have known each other forever, but while Dylan has wanted Jess for a long time, Jess is only now realizing that his sexual desires can be something more when he looks at Dylan. Add a couple of jealous friends, as a casual foursome breaks up with highschool graduation, and you get this look at teenagers on the brink of adulthood. This story might be subtitled "teenagers make bad choices." That was both one of its attractions and its issues for me. The characters in this story feel genuinely young, and as such they are sometimes led by the needs of the moment, or blinded by preconceptions and anxieties. The romance takes a little bit of short shrift to the rest of the story, but I think it's one that many teen readers would connect to. The best character in here is the younger brother, Red, who is snarky and accepting and thoughtless and well-meaning and intrusive in just the right proportions for a teen finding out that the older brother he adores is gay.
February 1, 2013
3.5 stars. I admire K.Z. Snow's writing ability and this book is certainly well-written. I liked both the MCs and Jess' family was well drawn.
I had to push myself through the book, though, because the plot line was not so much my thing. The two MCs are long-time gay friends just out of high school. They get together early on in the story and then there's essentially a lot of angst that keeps them apart through most of the book. The angst is both internally generated (misunderstandings, I don't want to be hurt, etc) and then externally generated by a third party.
Not being much of a fan of angst, this story structure is just not my favorite. I prefer a slower build up of attraction and UST and some fun between the MCs. But I really can't fault the book for my own tastes in romance. If you like a lot of coming-of-age angst and mental wrangling, this book is a good choice.
I had to push myself through the book, though, because the plot line was not so much my thing. The two MCs are long-time gay friends just out of high school. They get together early on in the story and then there's essentially a lot of angst that keeps them apart through most of the book. The angst is both internally generated (misunderstandings, I don't want to be hurt, etc) and then externally generated by a third party.
Not being much of a fan of angst, this story structure is just not my favorite. I prefer a slower build up of attraction and UST and some fun between the MCs. But I really can't fault the book for my own tastes in romance. If you like a lot of coming-of-age angst and mental wrangling, this book is a good choice.
February 21, 2013
Jess & Dylan aka Mig are at that point in their lives where they are ready to 'start growing up'.
I was quite surprised with this story, I wasn't expecting it to have such a 'heavy' plot. We get to see these guys go from hanging and 'messin' around in their 'club'...just being teenagers to finding themselves, a great friendship and an even better relationship. It definitely wasn't easy for these two along the way but they managed to figure how to get through it. A huge feat considering some of the things that come their way.
I really enjoyed this book...it hit lots of my buttons. Coming of Age, Just the right amount of Angst, A Pesky little brother who knew how to make ya laugh at just the right time!
I'm glad I gave it a chance!
NAKED TO THE UNIVERSE!
I was quite surprised with this story, I wasn't expecting it to have such a 'heavy' plot. We get to see these guys go from hanging and 'messin' around in their 'club'...just being teenagers to finding themselves, a great friendship and an even better relationship. It definitely wasn't easy for these two along the way but they managed to figure how to get through it. A huge feat considering some of the things that come their way.
I really enjoyed this book...it hit lots of my buttons. Coming of Age, Just the right amount of Angst, A Pesky little brother who knew how to make ya laugh at just the right time!
I'm glad I gave it a chance!
NAKED TO THE UNIVERSE!
January 10, 2014
3.5 for me.
I was pleasantly surprised. For a YA it was surprising full off adult angst and not of teenage drama.
I have to agree with others that the prologue kind of hurt this stories enjoyment. I think I was a little more than 1/2 way when I kept flipping back trying to figure out what in the world was about to happen! I mean crap one of them are going to go to jail.
I loved Red, interfering little brothers are so fun to read about.
I was pleasantly surprised. For a YA it was surprising full off adult angst and not of teenage drama.
I have to agree with others that the prologue kind of hurt this stories enjoyment. I think I was a little more than 1/2 way when I kept flipping back trying to figure out what in the world was about to happen! I mean crap one of them are going to go to jail.
I loved Red, interfering little brothers are so fun to read about.
January 28, 2016
3 1/2 stars
Note: I received this eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. That had no influence on my review/rating.
Note: I received this eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. That had no influence on my review/rating.
dnf-not-4-me
December 9, 2014MCs are too young for me.
January 1, 2012
Part of growing up is figuring out who you are, what you want, and what you're willing to do to get it. In The Zero Knot, KZ Snow gives us a coming of age story where three young men arrive at two different answers.
The blurb describes the story rather completely, so the question here isn't so much what happens as how it happens. It's a bumpy road for Jess and Mig; their interest in one another is blooming to love, but the call of the hormones drags them in several directions. Jess in particular is having a rough time of it; he wants Mig but the lure of casual sex is hard to resist. A sordid encounter at his Renfaire job opens his eyes to the path he's starting to tread, as do the wise words of an older friend:
“The scales will always tip in favor of what enriches your life. That's the thing you'll end up choosing.”
Mig is a more thoughtful young man from the beginning; he's concerned that what Jess wants may not be the same as what he wants and is willing to spare himself the heartbreak while Jess grows up a bit more. Sometimes Jess calls him Mig, sometimes Dylan, his given name, and it's a pretty good symbol of how mature Jess is capable of being at the moment.
Sometimes it's not much – a heavy frotting session in the driveway of the untrustworthy friend's house isn't exactly discreet. Other times, it's admirable, such as how he looks for the solution to the legal problems.
The secondary characters don't come off so well: Tomby the Meddlesome Female at least has an unique method of meddling and the beginnings of a conscience. Any growth displayed by Brandon, the fourth of the formerly close knit group, is backwards, towards spoiled brathood. All sets of parents, who hover in the background, have their own maturity issues to work through, with varying success. The one totally bright spot is irritating kid brother Jared, all intrusive, perceptive, and with the absolutely best lines.
KZ Snow lets the young people flounder with skillful and imaginative writing; we can see them growing up, sometimes one sentence at a time. Some of their adventures are a bit stomach churning, particularly the casual acceptance of drugs, but feel like real youth happening. How much one enjoys the story may depend on how accepting one is of adolescent angst, it could be entertaining or just aggravating. I hovered on the edge of wanting to slap everyone at one point or another. The vindictive act that sends Mig to jail was wanton cruelty, and I did spend part of that sequence trying to puzzle out the time line and did it match the way the justice system is supposed to work, which it didn't really.
A zero knot, as Tomby tells the young men, has no beginning or end, it can be distorted, but remains an unbroken loop unless it's completely destroyed, and as Jess finds, sometimes its other name is love. Jess and Dylan end well on their way to forging an unbreakable loop.
The blurb describes the story rather completely, so the question here isn't so much what happens as how it happens. It's a bumpy road for Jess and Mig; their interest in one another is blooming to love, but the call of the hormones drags them in several directions. Jess in particular is having a rough time of it; he wants Mig but the lure of casual sex is hard to resist. A sordid encounter at his Renfaire job opens his eyes to the path he's starting to tread, as do the wise words of an older friend:
“The scales will always tip in favor of what enriches your life. That's the thing you'll end up choosing.”
Mig is a more thoughtful young man from the beginning; he's concerned that what Jess wants may not be the same as what he wants and is willing to spare himself the heartbreak while Jess grows up a bit more. Sometimes Jess calls him Mig, sometimes Dylan, his given name, and it's a pretty good symbol of how mature Jess is capable of being at the moment.
Sometimes it's not much – a heavy frotting session in the driveway of the untrustworthy friend's house isn't exactly discreet. Other times, it's admirable, such as how he looks for the solution to the legal problems.
The secondary characters don't come off so well: Tomby the Meddlesome Female at least has an unique method of meddling and the beginnings of a conscience. Any growth displayed by Brandon, the fourth of the formerly close knit group, is backwards, towards spoiled brathood. All sets of parents, who hover in the background, have their own maturity issues to work through, with varying success. The one totally bright spot is irritating kid brother Jared, all intrusive, perceptive, and with the absolutely best lines.
KZ Snow lets the young people flounder with skillful and imaginative writing; we can see them growing up, sometimes one sentence at a time. Some of their adventures are a bit stomach churning, particularly the casual acceptance of drugs, but feel like real youth happening. How much one enjoys the story may depend on how accepting one is of adolescent angst, it could be entertaining or just aggravating. I hovered on the edge of wanting to slap everyone at one point or another. The vindictive act that sends Mig to jail was wanton cruelty, and I did spend part of that sequence trying to puzzle out the time line and did it match the way the justice system is supposed to work, which it didn't really.
A zero knot, as Tomby tells the young men, has no beginning or end, it can be distorted, but remains an unbroken loop unless it's completely destroyed, and as Jess finds, sometimes its other name is love. Jess and Dylan end well on their way to forging an unbreakable loop.
July 14, 2012
Expect my full review January 14, 2012 on Ramblings of an Amateur Writer: http://wp.me/pPz8s-26N
I’ve been dying to try a young adult M/M romance. I’ve read a few m/m adult romances and have had a hard time getting into them. I’d hope adding the young adult element would pull me in where other novels had not. What I found was although this is a coming-of-age novel, it is NOT a young adult novel. Yes, the protagonists are young (18), but the sexual scenes are very adult. While the level of sex in the novel surprised me, it didn’t detract from the work at all. In fact, I loved the realism, which really helped make it into a discovery, coming-of-age novel. Well done, Ms. Snow!
When I first read the prologue, I was apprehensive about this piece. The prologue didn’t grab me at all, and after reading the entire book, I wish it’d been omitted. If nothing else, it would have been nice for me to the type of person to skip prologues. After the first chapter though, the book had me hooked.
One of the passages I loved from the Zero Knot was:
“You weren’t a Freebird who’d soon be earthbound. You were an alien, and you’d never be anything else.”
It’s such a beautiful truth. A big part of adolescence and even life in general is about finding yourself, trying to fit in. But what happens when you figure out you’ll never fit in the way society expects you to? No matter the outside image you portray, you’ll always be you inside… and that you is different from the established norm.
That sums up The Zero Knot in the nutshell — young men, despite living outside the social norm, coming to terms with who they are. Throughout it all, Ms. Snow splashed enough humor to keep me laughing when I wanted to cry about the injustice of an unfair world.
Who I’d recommend The Zero Knot to? That’s a tough one. I want to say everyone because the story line was so touching and provided such understanding. However, the graphic nature of some sex scenes makes this work suitable for adults. Parents should definitely read this one through before they consider passing it along to their teen.
I received this work from the publisher in exchange for a review.
I’ve been dying to try a young adult M/M romance. I’ve read a few m/m adult romances and have had a hard time getting into them. I’d hope adding the young adult element would pull me in where other novels had not. What I found was although this is a coming-of-age novel, it is NOT a young adult novel. Yes, the protagonists are young (18), but the sexual scenes are very adult. While the level of sex in the novel surprised me, it didn’t detract from the work at all. In fact, I loved the realism, which really helped make it into a discovery, coming-of-age novel. Well done, Ms. Snow!
When I first read the prologue, I was apprehensive about this piece. The prologue didn’t grab me at all, and after reading the entire book, I wish it’d been omitted. If nothing else, it would have been nice for me to the type of person to skip prologues. After the first chapter though, the book had me hooked.
One of the passages I loved from the Zero Knot was:
“You weren’t a Freebird who’d soon be earthbound. You were an alien, and you’d never be anything else.”
It’s such a beautiful truth. A big part of adolescence and even life in general is about finding yourself, trying to fit in. But what happens when you figure out you’ll never fit in the way society expects you to? No matter the outside image you portray, you’ll always be you inside… and that you is different from the established norm.
That sums up The Zero Knot in the nutshell — young men, despite living outside the social norm, coming to terms with who they are. Throughout it all, Ms. Snow splashed enough humor to keep me laughing when I wanted to cry about the injustice of an unfair world.
Who I’d recommend The Zero Knot to? That’s a tough one. I want to say everyone because the story line was so touching and provided such understanding. However, the graphic nature of some sex scenes makes this work suitable for adults. Parents should definitely read this one through before they consider passing it along to their teen.
I received this work from the publisher in exchange for a review.
November 15, 2011
4 1/2 Wonderful Stars!!!
They only reason I am not giving this book a full 5 stars is simply because I felt the beginning was a little slow to me, but that said, we also spent that time getting to know the characters, whom I must say, I totally loved!!! Jess Bonner and Dylan 'Mig' Finch have been friends for years and both have begun to feel a little more than 'friendship' for each other recently. This is a wonderful coming of age and coming into your sexuality story. It is honest, raw, and beautiful in its storytelling. This is an honest story of two 18 year old boys who are finding themselves in this world of sometimes close minded people. I have such a hard time reading hate and intolerance, though I know it exists everywhere, but to have your own parents tell you your love for someone is 'not normal' breaks my heart. Now, I don't want to dwell on this part because it was such a small part of the story, that is just such a big hot button issue with me that it gets my back up every time!!
As Mig and Jess find there way, there are some obvious bumps in the road but the way that these young men handle themselves and the situations they are in really made me love them! I got the biggest kick out of Jess's brother Jared, and wish that every person who finds themselves struggling with the issue of 'coming out' to family or friends could have a parent as wonderfully accepting as Jess's dad was. In all I really enjoyed this story and although it is my first by K.Z. Snow, I can tell you it will definitely not be my last!
*****This book was provided to me as an ARC by Netgalley
They only reason I am not giving this book a full 5 stars is simply because I felt the beginning was a little slow to me, but that said, we also spent that time getting to know the characters, whom I must say, I totally loved!!! Jess Bonner and Dylan 'Mig' Finch have been friends for years and both have begun to feel a little more than 'friendship' for each other recently. This is a wonderful coming of age and coming into your sexuality story. It is honest, raw, and beautiful in its storytelling. This is an honest story of two 18 year old boys who are finding themselves in this world of sometimes close minded people. I have such a hard time reading hate and intolerance, though I know it exists everywhere, but to have your own parents tell you your love for someone is 'not normal' breaks my heart. Now, I don't want to dwell on this part because it was such a small part of the story, that is just such a big hot button issue with me that it gets my back up every time!!
As Mig and Jess find there way, there are some obvious bumps in the road but the way that these young men handle themselves and the situations they are in really made me love them! I got the biggest kick out of Jess's brother Jared, and wish that every person who finds themselves struggling with the issue of 'coming out' to family or friends could have a parent as wonderfully accepting as Jess's dad was. In all I really enjoyed this story and although it is my first by K.Z. Snow, I can tell you it will definitely not be my last!
*****This book was provided to me as an ARC by Netgalley
June 11, 2013
This was a good story but I'm afraid the prologue ruined the enjoyment for me. I was so full of anxiety with worrying about what was going to happen that I couldn't read it straight through. I kept thinking disaster was right around the corner so I'd put it down and walk away. Then get anxious and read another chapter, put it down, etc. When the "incident" finally occurred, it was anti-climactic. So if I hadn't read the prologue first, I think I would have enjoyed the story more.
The characters Mig and Jess, and the secondary characters were all well-developed and interesting. I would have loved to meet Jess' father in real life. Now there's a man I could date. And Jess' brother Red, what can I say? A wonderful character, so real, so funny, so perfect for this story. Bran? The perfect villain.
I would give this 3.5 stars but because of the character development, I'm moving it to a 4 on the GR scale. If Red gets his own story some day, count me in!
The characters Mig and Jess, and the secondary characters were all well-developed and interesting. I would have loved to meet Jess' father in real life. Now there's a man I could date. And Jess' brother Red, what can I say? A wonderful character, so real, so funny, so perfect for this story. Bran? The perfect villain.
I would give this 3.5 stars but because of the character development, I'm moving it to a 4 on the GR scale. If Red gets his own story some day, count me in!
June 17, 2014
I don't know why it's taken me so long to find K.Z. Snow. I really enjoy the way she writes, and this story was wonderful. Jess and Mig were funny and romantic and sexy and exuded just the right amount of angst without getting maudlin. Jess's little brother, Red, cracked me up every time he opened his mouth, and I kept hoping Bran and Tomby would be dipped in gasoline and set on fire for being dicks. I think maybe the hero of this story for me was Jess's dad. He was so giving and understanding and patient and sweet, I fell in love with him a little more every time he appeared on the page. This is a touching coming of age story and I thought every word of it rang true. I can't wait to dig into some other works by this fine author. I've already had a couple recommended to me. I came to this genre kind of late in life, so I'm doing a lot of catch-up as far as the different writers go. K. Z. Snow is one I can honestly say I'm thrilled to have stumbled across.
November 17, 2017
3.0 Stars
Book went nowhere until that last 20% of stupid. But it was well-written, and I felt like (for once) the teens in this book acted like idiot teens with their bad choices, questionable behavior and self-centered actions. Had some character growth, so there's that.
POV alternated and I would have liked more from Mig (Dylan) on his plight, how he was dealing with being in jail, what he was experiencing...than just some weird thought-process on writing a note to Jess.
Would have been nice had Brandon gotten more than just a hot coffee to the crotch being as he's a manipulative jerk and needs a comeuppance. But, whatever.
Younger brother Red was prolly the most interesting character...
Book went nowhere until that last 20% of stupid. But it was well-written, and I felt like (for once) the teens in this book acted like idiot teens with their bad choices, questionable behavior and self-centered actions. Had some character growth, so there's that.
POV alternated and I would have liked more from Mig (Dylan) on his plight, how he was dealing with being in jail, what he was experiencing...than just some weird thought-process on writing a note to Jess.
Would have been nice had Brandon gotten more than just a hot coffee to the crotch being as he's a manipulative jerk and needs a comeuppance. But, whatever.
Younger brother Red was prolly the most interesting character...
October 18, 2011
This is a great coming of age story. The main character, Jess, is depicted realistically and had me fascinated. His fears, aspirations, disappointmments and hopes, the desperate need to fit in somewhere all seemed logical to him, where I kept thinking that, with a litte more life experience, things would look quite different. Which is the point of a coming of age story, I guess, and this is a good example.
Recommended if you want to be reminded of 'what it was like', have children in that age group and want to find out more about what moves them, or if you're in the situation of 'about to leave home and not quite sure how it will all work' yourself.
Recommended if you want to be reminded of 'what it was like', have children in that age group and want to find out more about what moves them, or if you're in the situation of 'about to leave home and not quite sure how it will all work' yourself.
July 6, 2013
4+ stars!
This fantastic jewel of a book is about two very likable gay teenagers (18), transitioning into adulthood, in conservative small-town America. The angst is not over-the-top but enough to keep the plot interesting. The romance is sweet but not sickeningly so. And the sex scenes are descriptive but not overdone. To me, this could easily be the retelling of a true story. Highly recommend this book!
This fantastic jewel of a book is about two very likable gay teenagers (18), transitioning into adulthood, in conservative small-town America. The angst is not over-the-top but enough to keep the plot interesting. The romance is sweet but not sickeningly so. And the sex scenes are descriptive but not overdone. To me, this could easily be the retelling of a true story. Highly recommend this book!
April 24, 2015
*re-read 4/23/2015* TOTALLY stand by that 5 star rating. I don't know many authors who spin words, have such fabulous prose, as KZ Snow. I could re-read her books over and over, this one in particular.
February 15, 2018
So often people think young people don't know what they are talking about when it comes to love and sometimes they're right. But when love hits like a bolt. You know. And doing everything you can to be with that person it what happens. No matter the cost. True love is worth it. A sweet love story for young adults having to brave the world in so many ways. So glad they got their happy
November 4, 2011
Jesse steht ein neuer Abschnitt in seinem Leben bevor. Er hat gerade die High School abgeschlossen und wird im kommenden Januar am College in Madison anfangen. Den Sommer und das restliche Jahr will er mit seiner Familie und seinen Freunden in seiner Heimatstadt verbringen, ein bisschen Geld bei seinem Job verdienen und ansonsten einfach nur Spaß haben. Er ist fest entschlossen, den auch zu bekommen, denn als typischer 18jähriger hat er nichts anderes als Sex im Kopf.
Die einzige kleine Besonderheit: Jess ist schwul.
Das weiß aber noch niemand. Zwar hat er eine Gruppe von Freunden, die gleichgeschlechtlicher Liebe nicht abgeneigt sind, als schwul mag sich aber doch niemand outen, denn das ist in der Kleinstadt doch sehr ungern gesehen. Sie bezeichnen sich lieber als bi und haben eine Art Club, den Domino Club, gegründet. Mittlerweile hat Jesse die Spielchen und ständigen Sprüche dort aber satt, denn keiner von ihnen scheint wirklich zu wissen, wer er eigentlich ist, und versucht sich von ihnen zu distanzieren. Der einzige, den er wirklich vermissen würde, ist Dylan, allen bekannt als Mig. Er und Jesse sind seit ihrer Kindheit befreundet, doch in letzter Zeit hat sich irgendetwas zwischen ihnen verändert.
Als Jess feststellt, dass auch Mig die Nase voll vom Domino Club hat, führen die beiden das erste wirklich ernsthafte Gespräch ihres Lebens miteinander und beide sehen sich gezwungen, ihre Entscheidungen und Lebensweisen zu überdenken. Doch dass sich die beiden immer näher kommen ist nicht jedem recht. Schon bald will sich jemand zwischen sie drängen, was für einen der beiden im Gefängnis endet.
Irgendwie hatte ich das Gefühl, dass sich K.Z. Snow nicht so recht entscheiden konnte, was ihr Buch denn nun genau sein soll. Auf der einen Seite hat das Buch eine typische YA-Geschichte und grundsätzlich auch vom Schreibstil bzw. Niveau durchaus in diese Kategorie einzuordnen. Auf der anderen Seite aber hat es aber auch einiges an handfester Erotik zu bieten, die doch eindeutig an Erwachsene gerichtet ist. Denn hier wird wenig beschönigt und die Sexszenen werden teilweise doch recht detailliert beschrieben. Vor allem am Anfang war mir persönlich das einfach ein bisschen zu viel und hat sich zu sehr auf den sexuellen Aspekt fest gefahren.
Im Laufe der Geschichte aber hat sich das geändert. Je ernster die Sache zwischen den beiden jungen Männern wurde, um so mehr hat sich auf die Ernsthaftigkeit des Buches durchgesetzt. Natürlich geht es viel um das Coming Out, aber auch um die Toleranz oder eben deren Mangel, die vielen homosexuellen Jugendlichen nicht entgegen gebracht wird. Allerdings mangelt es auch hier nicht an einigen heißen Szenen.
Dementsprechend derb ist die Sprache natürlich auch stellenweise. Zwar fand ich sie nie übertrieben, dennoch hat sich die Autorin auch hier nicht zurückgehalten.
Die Charaktere selbst sind eigentlich recht gut gelungen. Mig und Jesse sind extrem unterschiedlich und trotzdem stimmt es zwischen den beiden einfach. Mein absoluter Liebling war aber Jesses kleiner Bruder Red, der für eine Menge lustiger und ziemlicher derber Sprüche gesorgt hat. Überhaupt war Jesses gesamte Familie ein echtes Highlight des Buches.
Insgesamt ist The Zero Not von K.Z. Snow aber doch eine Liebesgeschichte, die sich mit dem Kleinstadtleben schwuler Jugendlicher auseinandersetzt und trotz jeder Menge erotischer Elemente zu Beginn dennoch in der zweiten Hälfte einen sehr ruhigen und einfühlsamen Ton anschlägt.
Die einzige kleine Besonderheit: Jess ist schwul.
Das weiß aber noch niemand. Zwar hat er eine Gruppe von Freunden, die gleichgeschlechtlicher Liebe nicht abgeneigt sind, als schwul mag sich aber doch niemand outen, denn das ist in der Kleinstadt doch sehr ungern gesehen. Sie bezeichnen sich lieber als bi und haben eine Art Club, den Domino Club, gegründet. Mittlerweile hat Jesse die Spielchen und ständigen Sprüche dort aber satt, denn keiner von ihnen scheint wirklich zu wissen, wer er eigentlich ist, und versucht sich von ihnen zu distanzieren. Der einzige, den er wirklich vermissen würde, ist Dylan, allen bekannt als Mig. Er und Jesse sind seit ihrer Kindheit befreundet, doch in letzter Zeit hat sich irgendetwas zwischen ihnen verändert.
Als Jess feststellt, dass auch Mig die Nase voll vom Domino Club hat, führen die beiden das erste wirklich ernsthafte Gespräch ihres Lebens miteinander und beide sehen sich gezwungen, ihre Entscheidungen und Lebensweisen zu überdenken. Doch dass sich die beiden immer näher kommen ist nicht jedem recht. Schon bald will sich jemand zwischen sie drängen, was für einen der beiden im Gefängnis endet.
Irgendwie hatte ich das Gefühl, dass sich K.Z. Snow nicht so recht entscheiden konnte, was ihr Buch denn nun genau sein soll. Auf der einen Seite hat das Buch eine typische YA-Geschichte und grundsätzlich auch vom Schreibstil bzw. Niveau durchaus in diese Kategorie einzuordnen. Auf der anderen Seite aber hat es aber auch einiges an handfester Erotik zu bieten, die doch eindeutig an Erwachsene gerichtet ist. Denn hier wird wenig beschönigt und die Sexszenen werden teilweise doch recht detailliert beschrieben. Vor allem am Anfang war mir persönlich das einfach ein bisschen zu viel und hat sich zu sehr auf den sexuellen Aspekt fest gefahren.
Im Laufe der Geschichte aber hat sich das geändert. Je ernster die Sache zwischen den beiden jungen Männern wurde, um so mehr hat sich auf die Ernsthaftigkeit des Buches durchgesetzt. Natürlich geht es viel um das Coming Out, aber auch um die Toleranz oder eben deren Mangel, die vielen homosexuellen Jugendlichen nicht entgegen gebracht wird. Allerdings mangelt es auch hier nicht an einigen heißen Szenen.
Dementsprechend derb ist die Sprache natürlich auch stellenweise. Zwar fand ich sie nie übertrieben, dennoch hat sich die Autorin auch hier nicht zurückgehalten.
Die Charaktere selbst sind eigentlich recht gut gelungen. Mig und Jesse sind extrem unterschiedlich und trotzdem stimmt es zwischen den beiden einfach. Mein absoluter Liebling war aber Jesses kleiner Bruder Red, der für eine Menge lustiger und ziemlicher derber Sprüche gesorgt hat. Überhaupt war Jesses gesamte Familie ein echtes Highlight des Buches.
Insgesamt ist The Zero Not von K.Z. Snow aber doch eine Liebesgeschichte, die sich mit dem Kleinstadtleben schwuler Jugendlicher auseinandersetzt und trotz jeder Menge erotischer Elemente zu Beginn dennoch in der zweiten Hälfte einen sehr ruhigen und einfühlsamen Ton anschlägt.
December 30, 2011
Though I can see why this book has above four star average on Goodreads–it's well written, easy to read, and has a plot with some M/M erotica on the side instead the other way around, which is my usual gripe–there are several reason why The Zero Knot didn't work as well for me.
The title is cute, different, and enticing, the kind that makes you–read me–pick up a book and read it without even considering the blurb. Unfortunately, that feeling didn't last as I began reading the explanations–yes, it's a plural–behind the title. In the end I was left with a feeling that the author had gone out of her way to find a new way to describe love and worked overtime to fit a plot for it. It pains me to say this, because I'd really like to see mathematics and other–what I consider hard–sciences further fit into non-scifi stories.
I know I'm somewhat thick with these things–not to mention woefully straight as an arrow–but I couldn't help but notice a certain slant in Snow's writing. Some might even call it an attitude problem.
There wasn't a single positive heterosexual or bisexual couple portrayed. The good heterosexuals were either divorced or far, far in the sidelines to play any part in the story. And the bisexual characters were vilified for the sake of plot and–what I felt like–maliciousness. There wasn't a happy middle in sight. If your message is that gay is good, you don't need to sully the rest of the population in delivering it.
Speaking of characterisation failures, Mr and Mrs Finch are another example. From the way they were described in the beginning of the book–magnanimous but stern, and gracious but judgemental–I really thought that their reactions to the reveal should have been the reverse.
Most of these things I would have missed hadn't I been forced to read through the book slowly due to holiday hurries. On the surface, Snow's writing is that good. It's effortless and flowing enough to bury even the small faltering in the storytelling, but not quite good enough. Not for this reader.
It's a shame because Jesse's and Dylan's young romance feels like something only really lucky people–gay, bi, or straight–get to experience.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
The title is cute, different, and enticing, the kind that makes you–read me–pick up a book and read it without even considering the blurb. Unfortunately, that feeling didn't last as I began reading the explanations–yes, it's a plural–behind the title. In the end I was left with a feeling that the author had gone out of her way to find a new way to describe love and worked overtime to fit a plot for it. It pains me to say this, because I'd really like to see mathematics and other–what I consider hard–sciences further fit into non-scifi stories.
I know I'm somewhat thick with these things–not to mention woefully straight as an arrow–but I couldn't help but notice a certain slant in Snow's writing. Some might even call it an attitude problem.
There wasn't a single positive heterosexual or bisexual couple portrayed. The good heterosexuals were either divorced or far, far in the sidelines to play any part in the story. And the bisexual characters were vilified for the sake of plot and–what I felt like–maliciousness. There wasn't a happy middle in sight. If your message is that gay is good, you don't need to sully the rest of the population in delivering it.
Speaking of characterisation failures, Mr and Mrs Finch are another example. From the way they were described in the beginning of the book–magnanimous but stern, and gracious but judgemental–I really thought that their reactions to the reveal should have been the reverse.
Most of these things I would have missed hadn't I been forced to read through the book slowly due to holiday hurries. On the surface, Snow's writing is that good. It's effortless and flowing enough to bury even the small faltering in the storytelling, but not quite good enough. Not for this reader.
It's a shame because Jesse's and Dylan's young romance feels like something only really lucky people–gay, bi, or straight–get to experience.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
July 29, 2011
Love can come to us at any age, be it 18 or 80. In spite of our situation, or maturity level, when love presents itself, being together is the most precious gift life can ever bring. When Jess Bonner and Dylan Finch realize the intensity and importance of their feelings for each other, they struggle to defend this precious gift. Whatever the challenges, they meet them head on, determined to prevail.
Although plagued with the normal problems of teenagers, both Jess and Dylan have a maturity far beyond their years. They both come to the conclusion that they're tired of being something they aren't and want to be true to themselves and lead more honest lives. Jess is further along in this thinking than Dylan, but Dylan's perspective gives him the depth necessary to understand. They begin to face and accept the challenges that being together present; the more challenges there are, the closer they become. Jess and Dylan also have lustful feelings, but when they join together, their love making is respectful and gracious. They truly appreciate the beauty and sanctity of what they have and are willing to fight for it.
Brandon Nygaard, the supposed friend of both Jess and Dylan, has the exact opposite personality of Jess's and Dylan's; he's shallow and unscrupulous. I was angry about all the things he gets away with, but in retrospect, I felt sorry for him, because he will always be self absorbed, reckless, irresponsible, and the price he'll pay for his dishonesty will be an empty and unfulfilling life.
Every time I read this story, I cry because it touches me so deeply. I'm a hopeless romantic who wants to believe that such love is possible. The story, the characters, their love for each other, the lyrical writing and the obvious passion with which it's written, gives me hope that a zero knot relationship, one in which you fit with someone in an almost seamless fashion, is a possibility for everyone. Once again, K.Z. has gifted me with her words in a way that few others ever have. Don't miss the opportunity to be inspired as well; read this story.
Although plagued with the normal problems of teenagers, both Jess and Dylan have a maturity far beyond their years. They both come to the conclusion that they're tired of being something they aren't and want to be true to themselves and lead more honest lives. Jess is further along in this thinking than Dylan, but Dylan's perspective gives him the depth necessary to understand. They begin to face and accept the challenges that being together present; the more challenges there are, the closer they become. Jess and Dylan also have lustful feelings, but when they join together, their love making is respectful and gracious. They truly appreciate the beauty and sanctity of what they have and are willing to fight for it.
Brandon Nygaard, the supposed friend of both Jess and Dylan, has the exact opposite personality of Jess's and Dylan's; he's shallow and unscrupulous. I was angry about all the things he gets away with, but in retrospect, I felt sorry for him, because he will always be self absorbed, reckless, irresponsible, and the price he'll pay for his dishonesty will be an empty and unfulfilling life.
Every time I read this story, I cry because it touches me so deeply. I'm a hopeless romantic who wants to believe that such love is possible. The story, the characters, their love for each other, the lyrical writing and the obvious passion with which it's written, gives me hope that a zero knot relationship, one in which you fit with someone in an almost seamless fashion, is a possibility for everyone. Once again, K.Z. has gifted me with her words in a way that few others ever have. Don't miss the opportunity to be inspired as well; read this story.
February 13, 2013
This book actually surprised me a little, and I ended up liking it more than I expected. I didn't love the portrayal of the Domino Club. There's nothing wrong with feeling like you've outgrown a group of friends, but it bothered me that Mig and Jess wrote the others off so completely. Obviously we learn later than Bran is an ass anyway, but at this point it seemed harsh and a little unfair. Hanging out in the one fiends basement and experimenting with a variety of things also reminded me very much of one of my groups of friends in high school, so I didn't really appreciate some of the negative implications about people who just aren't sure yet what they want yet.
Anyway, I really ended up liking Mig and Jess both separately and together. Some of the miscommunication got frustrating, but I guess boys will be boys. They're expected to want to 'play' around, and Mig especially felt like he didn't wanna limit Jess. The whole arrest side-plot was a little sudden and random for me, I think we could have done without it. I also kept finding it distracting because I really don't think an 18 year old kid would actually be in jail> while they're still collecting evidence, taking statements, etc. his parents could afford bail, he's not a flight risk, it was weird.
I looooved Red and Jess's dad, they were a great addition and it was nice to see a successful coming out for once. I thought it ended a smidge abruptly, although especially given their young age, I guess ending shortly after coming out is appropriate to indicate all they have in front of them. But the epilogue was perfect to wrap things up and give us a little glimpse.
Borrowed for February Promo from Mandy in Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
Anyway, I really ended up liking Mig and Jess both separately and together. Some of the miscommunication got frustrating, but I guess boys will be boys. They're expected to want to 'play' around, and Mig especially felt like he didn't wanna limit Jess. The whole arrest side-plot was a little sudden and random for me, I think we could have done without it. I also kept finding it distracting because I really don't think an 18 year old kid would actually be in jail> while they're still collecting evidence, taking statements, etc. his parents could afford bail, he's not a flight risk, it was weird.
I looooved Red and Jess's dad, they were a great addition and it was nice to see a successful coming out for once. I thought it ended a smidge abruptly, although especially given their young age, I guess ending shortly after coming out is appropriate to indicate all they have in front of them. But the epilogue was perfect to wrap things up and give us a little glimpse.
Borrowed for February Promo from Mandy in Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
February 25, 2016
The Zero Knot was certainly different from the types of books I normally read but I really enjoyed it.
Set in small-town America, it is the story of two friends Jess and Dylan (nicknamed Mig) coming to terms with the fact they are gay and that they also have feelings for each other. There is some angst involved (relating to coming out etc.) but overall the two protagonists are generally comfortable with the fact that they are gay. What isn't easy for either of them is trying to overcome the difficulties thrown at them which may just stop their burgeoning relationship in its tracks. Jess is soon going to be heading off to college whereas Mig has no plans to leave town. Neither of them are sure how well their families will take the news that they are gay and both also have to overcome their own hang-ups if their relationship is ever to have a real chance. There is also a jealous third party to contend with who might just succeed in tearing them apart for good.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this but I ended up getting really caught up in the story. I liked both Jess and Mig, their struggles felt realistic and I was rooting for the pair of them. My favourite character had to be Red though (real name Jared but no one calls him that) - Jess's younger brother. He was an endearingly snarky, bratty but at the same time perceptive and accepting character. I could stand to read a whole book about his exploits. The villain was a little one-dimensional but overall the characters were well fleshed-out.
Overall, a surprisingly sweet little coming-of-age tale (warning: this is not really a young adult book even though the main characters have just finished high school - there are sex scenes which can get a little graphic).
Three stars ***
Set in small-town America, it is the story of two friends Jess and Dylan (nicknamed Mig) coming to terms with the fact they are gay and that they also have feelings for each other. There is some angst involved (relating to coming out etc.) but overall the two protagonists are generally comfortable with the fact that they are gay. What isn't easy for either of them is trying to overcome the difficulties thrown at them which may just stop their burgeoning relationship in its tracks. Jess is soon going to be heading off to college whereas Mig has no plans to leave town. Neither of them are sure how well their families will take the news that they are gay and both also have to overcome their own hang-ups if their relationship is ever to have a real chance. There is also a jealous third party to contend with who might just succeed in tearing them apart for good.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this but I ended up getting really caught up in the story. I liked both Jess and Mig, their struggles felt realistic and I was rooting for the pair of them. My favourite character had to be Red though (real name Jared but no one calls him that) - Jess's younger brother. He was an endearingly snarky, bratty but at the same time perceptive and accepting character. I could stand to read a whole book about his exploits. The villain was a little one-dimensional but overall the characters were well fleshed-out.
Overall, a surprisingly sweet little coming-of-age tale (warning: this is not really a young adult book even though the main characters have just finished high school - there are sex scenes which can get a little graphic).
Three stars ***
August 30, 2016
My first KZ Snow book; loved it and plan to explore more books by this author. Sweet coming-of-age, falling-in-love story. Jess's younger brother, Jared, aka Red, was a hoot and his juvenile, but wise, discourse brought about some of the best dialogues in the book. Had me LOL frequently--here's a prime example:
Red resumed nibbling. The questions clearly weren't over. "Do you ever, like...shove stuff up your butt?"
Jess wheezed into laughter. "What?"
"Umfy Randall says fa---" Another blush surfaced with volcanic speed. "He says gay guys like sticking things up their butts."
Dare I ask? But it was too delicious to resist. "Such as?"
Red shrugged. "Root crops, small animals, grooming aids."
Snorting, Jess fell back onto the mattress. He lay there, both arms thrown over his face, as his laughter spiraled and his eyes spilled tears. For one thing, he didn't think Umfy Randall, who was dumber than a drumstick, was even familiar with phrases like root crops and grooming aids.
Abs cramping, Jess rolled onto his side and folded his legs. Oh, Christ.
"So...it ain't true?"
The kid sounded serious, which made Jess laugh even harder. "Of course it's true. If it came from Umfy Randall, it must be true." He gasped for breath and tried to control his hooting. "In fact, I"m packing a blow dryer, three parsnips, and a litter of newborn weasels, as we speak."
Stony-faced, Jared regarded him. "Dude, weasels are dangerous."
Jess curled in on himself. His gut was ready to split.
If only coming out to everybody else in his life could be this much fun.
ROTFLMFAO........out of the mouths of babes.......
Red resumed nibbling. The questions clearly weren't over. "Do you ever, like...shove stuff up your butt?"
Jess wheezed into laughter. "What?"
"Umfy Randall says fa---" Another blush surfaced with volcanic speed. "He says gay guys like sticking things up their butts."
Dare I ask? But it was too delicious to resist. "Such as?"
Red shrugged. "Root crops, small animals, grooming aids."
Snorting, Jess fell back onto the mattress. He lay there, both arms thrown over his face, as his laughter spiraled and his eyes spilled tears. For one thing, he didn't think Umfy Randall, who was dumber than a drumstick, was even familiar with phrases like root crops and grooming aids.
Abs cramping, Jess rolled onto his side and folded his legs. Oh, Christ.
"So...it ain't true?"
The kid sounded serious, which made Jess laugh even harder. "Of course it's true. If it came from Umfy Randall, it must be true." He gasped for breath and tried to control his hooting. "In fact, I"m packing a blow dryer, three parsnips, and a litter of newborn weasels, as we speak."
Stony-faced, Jared regarded him. "Dude, weasels are dangerous."
Jess curled in on himself. His gut was ready to split.
If only coming out to everybody else in his life could be this much fun.
ROTFLMFAO........out of the mouths of babes.......
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