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Tarin's World #2
Twice-Caught
Tarin's been caught, but can he be civilized?
Despite his wild ways and his keen instincts, Twice-caught Tarin is bonding with his beak-faced captain, Garrick, but not everyone wants their relationship to succeed. Learning civilized skills and living in buildings have their good points, but Tarin struggles to reconcile his yearning for freedom with his desire for Garrick and his loyalty to his friends. His thinking is clouded by his buzzing conscience and the remaining effects of having his memory wiped by the mysterious Mothers.
One thing Tarin is sure of; Major Jadon is a Bad Egg. He's a bitter and jealous man determined to stop any happiness in the community and consolidate power in himself. If Jadon succeeds in his plans, not only will Tarin and Garrick be parted, but Tarin's friend Perry will be in Jadon's clutches.
As if threats to community harmony and the safety of new boys weren't bad enough, Tarin may lose the traditional Candle Day choice between his man and the woods if Garrick is not declared to be whole and healthy. Can Tarin's untamed nature defeat the civilized Jadon's cunning use of the community's rules before Candle Day? As many perils for Tarin lie within the winterbound community as outside, but when library-boy Aran faces a cruel punishment, Tarin is even willing to face the Mothers to save his friend.
Winter may pass, but will Jadon’s malice ever cease?
Despite his wild ways and his keen instincts, Twice-caught Tarin is bonding with his beak-faced captain, Garrick, but not everyone wants their relationship to succeed. Learning civilized skills and living in buildings have their good points, but Tarin struggles to reconcile his yearning for freedom with his desire for Garrick and his loyalty to his friends. His thinking is clouded by his buzzing conscience and the remaining effects of having his memory wiped by the mysterious Mothers.
One thing Tarin is sure of; Major Jadon is a Bad Egg. He's a bitter and jealous man determined to stop any happiness in the community and consolidate power in himself. If Jadon succeeds in his plans, not only will Tarin and Garrick be parted, but Tarin's friend Perry will be in Jadon's clutches.
As if threats to community harmony and the safety of new boys weren't bad enough, Tarin may lose the traditional Candle Day choice between his man and the woods if Garrick is not declared to be whole and healthy. Can Tarin's untamed nature defeat the civilized Jadon's cunning use of the community's rules before Candle Day? As many perils for Tarin lie within the winterbound community as outside, but when library-boy Aran faces a cruel punishment, Tarin is even willing to face the Mothers to save his friend.
Winter may pass, but will Jadon’s malice ever cease?
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2011
1 person is currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Syd McGinley
74 books111 followersI'm a writer of queer erotica -- mostly m/m and D/s.
I live with Beloved Joe and the evil kitten clan.
I fled Thatcher’s England in the late 1980ies, and have lived in the American Midwest since then. Frying pan and fire come to mind. Back in the UK, I ran a record store (ah vinyl!). Since coming to America, I've taught college, edited at a small publishing house, researched and written background reports, and been a professional thank you letter writer.
I live with Beloved Joe and the evil kitten clan.
I fled Thatcher’s England in the late 1980ies, and have lived in the American Midwest since then. Frying pan and fire come to mind. Back in the UK, I ran a record store (ah vinyl!). Since coming to America, I've taught college, edited at a small publishing house, researched and written background reports, and been a professional thank you letter writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 3, 2013
Holy Elf! What a great conclusion to a brilliant series. I'm sad this ended...but I am happy with the way it did. (Probably why I waited so long to finish)
Mostly...I wouldn't have minded someone constructing a mega laser beam or catapult and shooting the mother-licking holy elf out if the Mud Blood that is Jadon. He was a villain all the way. What he did was cruel, I was in agreement with Tarin's choice of punishment. But I was happy the Bad Egg got what he deserved.
LOL and I'm speaking like a Wild Boy. Their language has grown on me. Monsanto!
All the questions from Book#1 are answered, realistic (well for them anyway) results for the boys and men. And may I say, I really dug the way the author tied in domestic discipline factors in this fictional society. The world building was both simple yet intricate.
Tarin got his Beak-Face! He never lost his brattiness as he became somewhat civilized. I loved that and the brats. :D
Mostly...I wouldn't have minded someone constructing a mega laser beam or catapult and shooting the mother-licking holy elf out if the Mud Blood that is Jadon. He was a villain all the way. What he did was cruel, I was in agreement with Tarin's choice of punishment. But I was happy the Bad Egg got what he deserved.
LOL and I'm speaking like a Wild Boy. Their language has grown on me. Monsanto!
All the questions from Book#1 are answered, realistic (well for them anyway) results for the boys and men. And may I say, I really dug the way the author tied in domestic discipline factors in this fictional society. The world building was both simple yet intricate.
Tarin got his Beak-Face! He never lost his brattiness as he became somewhat civilized. I loved that and the brats. :D
March 30, 2014
Computer ate my review :(
the tl;dr is that I waited too long to read this after reading the first one. I put it off because I was really looking forward to it. Sank my own battleship :(
the tl;dr is that I waited too long to read this after reading the first one. I put it off because I was really looking forward to it. Sank my own battleship :(
October 25, 2011
Alright, so I still don't know how to write exactly how much I loved this story without gushing and making this review forty times longer than it should be.
It was interesting seeing Tarin and Garrick adapting to their lives what with Garrick's hand and Tarin still a new boy, learning his way around the compound. Tarin was just as funny and stubborn as before. Garrick is a little more mellow but it's obvious how much Tarin and Garrick feel for each other.
The world still fascinated me and I suppose the only downfall to this book was the questions I still have about the world itself. But, we did delve deeper into the society and the world outside the compound including the Mothers and such which I found extremely fascinating. I loved being able to see more of Jonas and Aron as well as the other Officers and their boys.
Honestly, while I still have questions, there's no way I can give less than 5 stars for this book because I know I'll remember it and Out of the Woods and still be able to reread them both without getting sick of them. I could never get sick of Tarin or Garrick and the world they come from.
I'm desperately hoping there is more to come of these two because if not I'll be extremely sad :( and might possibly have to hurt a certain author to write more ^_^ So, for anyone that is on the fence about reading this story or this series, my advice, just read it. It's an exceptional book. And that's all I have to say.
It was interesting seeing Tarin and Garrick adapting to their lives what with Garrick's hand and Tarin still a new boy, learning his way around the compound. Tarin was just as funny and stubborn as before. Garrick is a little more mellow but it's obvious how much Tarin and Garrick feel for each other.
The world still fascinated me and I suppose the only downfall to this book was the questions I still have about the world itself. But, we did delve deeper into the society and the world outside the compound including the Mothers and such which I found extremely fascinating. I loved being able to see more of Jonas and Aron as well as the other Officers and their boys.
Honestly, while I still have questions, there's no way I can give less than 5 stars for this book because I know I'll remember it and Out of the Woods and still be able to reread them both without getting sick of them. I could never get sick of Tarin or Garrick and the world they come from.
I'm desperately hoping there is more to come of these two because if not I'll be extremely sad :( and might possibly have to hurt a certain author to write more ^_^ So, for anyone that is on the fence about reading this story or this series, my advice, just read it. It's an exceptional book. And that's all I have to say.
September 30, 2011
I fell in love with Tarin and Beak-face in Out of the Woods, and fell in love all over again with Twice-Caught. Twice-caught picks up pretty much where Out of the Woods left off, with Tarin struggling with his desire to return to his former life and protect his man from Bad Egg, and finding that being civilized has its good points.
Tarin's point of view is refreshing, and the author's skill really lets us see the world through his eyes. There are a few new characters, a few new plot twists, some hold-your-breath-in-anticipation moments, and some "Awwww..." inspiring scenes as well.
And what do you know? I've actually wondered how the world would be if run by vegetarian women...
Tarin's point of view is refreshing, and the author's skill really lets us see the world through his eyes. There are a few new characters, a few new plot twists, some hold-your-breath-in-anticipation moments, and some "Awwww..." inspiring scenes as well.
And what do you know? I've actually wondered how the world would be if run by vegetarian women...
August 8, 2014
Before I say anything else,
I love SMG's books! I adore - hear me? - adore! What Worse Place Can I Beg in Your Love?!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now, back to originally scheduled bitching.
That's it. I did it. I started the series...
... and I finished it. I wanted answers and now I will never have them.
My suffers were for nothing. I have more questions than before and they are driving me insane. Nothing makes sense and there is no logic at all where the worldbuilding is concerned. I hate this book so much...
...it makes me feel crazy crazy feelz...
...which I really want to share so my head won't explode, but I am going to spare you. You've suffered enough, if you have ever read past first two chapters.
However, I still choose to present my absolute favorite pet peeve.
MINOR SPOILER ALERT!!!
---------------------
"Mothers" (an elite, controlling all-female entity) explain a couple of times throughout the series why boys must live in the woods.
This is what they say
Mothers: The young kids go through crash survival course at the age of eight and then released into the woods for the additional 8 or 9 years of rough living so they can truly appreciate "civilization".
Um... WHAT? @.@
This is what my eyes saw and was mercilessly burnt into my brain
Underage sex-slave traders/pimps: Young children with only basic survival skills and extremely limited supplies are dumped in the woods for almost a decade. We promise, that the rough experience will not only guarantee to enhance their life as sex slaves, but also make them truly appreciate it.
0.5 star.
Additional star for Tarin, Ofer and Aran. The only three I cared for, even though Aran drove me insane with his endless singing.
I love SMG's books! I adore - hear me? - adore! What Worse Place Can I Beg in Your Love?!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now, back to originally scheduled bitching.
That's it. I did it. I started the series...
... and I finished it. I wanted answers and now I will never have them.
My suffers were for nothing. I have more questions than before and they are driving me insane. Nothing makes sense and there is no logic at all where the worldbuilding is concerned. I hate this book so much...
...it makes me feel crazy crazy feelz...
...which I really want to share so my head won't explode, but I am going to spare you. You've suffered enough, if you have ever read past first two chapters.
However, I still choose to present my absolute favorite pet peeve.
MINOR SPOILER ALERT!!!
---------------------
"Mothers" (an elite, controlling all-female entity) explain a couple of times throughout the series why boys must live in the woods.
This is what they say
Mothers: The young kids go through crash survival course at the age of eight and then released into the woods for the additional 8 or 9 years of rough living so they can truly appreciate "civilization".
Um... WHAT? @.@
This is what my eyes saw and was mercilessly burnt into my brain
Underage sex-slave traders/pimps: Young children with only basic survival skills and extremely limited supplies are dumped in the woods for almost a decade. We promise, that the rough experience will not only guarantee to enhance their life as sex slaves, but also make them truly appreciate it.
0.5 star.
Additional star for Tarin, Ofer and Aran. The only three I cared for, even though Aran drove me insane with his endless singing.
September 6, 2016
I had to think about 'Twice-Caught' for a bit, but I ended up enjoying it just as much as book 1.
I'd wondered whether Garrick and Tarin would become more equal partners in their relationship over the course of book 2. That didn't really happen, but I'm okay with that. That clearly won't happen in this society of men and boys, and Tarin and Garrick have come to love each other deeply, in their own way.
I've liked seeing both Tarin and Garrick mellow out by being with each other. Though that doesn't mean they've stopped knocking heads often, which I think both secretly enjoy. They make a good pair. Plus, they are hot in the bedroom.
The storyline with a couple of the other boys provides 'Twice-Caught' with some danger and action. I won't reveal any specifics, but I was so glad with the way things ended up. There were some very hairy moments in this book! And I loved seeing the boys band together to deal with the men.
This book reveals a lot more about the world that Tarin lives in, though it's not the full story. I would have liked getting more background information, but it wasn't necessary. Apparently the author was planning a third book a few years back. I wouldn't mind if that book is eventually published, but book 2 works great as the end to Tarin and Garrick's story.
Both books in this series stop just short of being slavefics, but Tarin and Garrick's relationship is still pretty questionable. Yet it's a funny and sweet romance, and a unique take on MM dystopia. This series has been highly entertaining!
I'd wondered whether Garrick and Tarin would become more equal partners in their relationship over the course of book 2. That didn't really happen, but I'm okay with that. That clearly won't happen in this society of men and boys, and Tarin and Garrick have come to love each other deeply, in their own way.
I've liked seeing both Tarin and Garrick mellow out by being with each other. Though that doesn't mean they've stopped knocking heads often, which I think both secretly enjoy. They make a good pair. Plus, they are hot in the bedroom.
The storyline with a couple of the other boys provides 'Twice-Caught' with some danger and action. I won't reveal any specifics, but I was so glad with the way things ended up. There were some very hairy moments in this book! And I loved seeing the boys band together to deal with the men.
This book reveals a lot more about the world that Tarin lives in, though it's not the full story. I would have liked getting more background information, but it wasn't necessary. Apparently the author was planning a third book a few years back. I wouldn't mind if that book is eventually published, but book 2 works great as the end to Tarin and Garrick's story.
Both books in this series stop just short of being slavefics, but Tarin and Garrick's relationship is still pretty questionable. Yet it's a funny and sweet romance, and a unique take on MM dystopia. This series has been highly entertaining!
March 27, 2014
Everything I said in my review of book one applies here: This is just as good, just as thought-provoking, and anyway, if you've read book one, YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO READ IT!
For my crazy idea of teaching the book in a college seminar, check out my post: http://liliafordromance.blogspot.com/...
Bottom line: this was on my "Best of 2012" list, and more than a year later, the book still haunts me. Highest Recommendation.
For my crazy idea of teaching the book in a college seminar, check out my post: http://liliafordromance.blogspot.com/...
Bottom line: this was on my "Best of 2012" list, and more than a year later, the book still haunts me. Highest Recommendation.
April 25, 2014
Continuation of truth from the mouth of babes theme. Again, belaboring the point. Bad decisions allowing clearly bad characters to run wild and create conflict, but most disappointing is all the unanswered questions about the founding premise of the society and world as it stands in the story. Not really engaged enough to follow this if further books are planned.
March 8, 2017
This is a very different type of dystopian series. It's excellent but also has trigger warnings.
It's a tough but read but I found the concept interesting. I will admit it's a small mix between Divergent and The Maze Runner series but resembles neither, only one concept is the same from both of those and it's a pretty hardcore M/M
It's a tough but read but I found the concept interesting. I will admit it's a small mix between Divergent and The Maze Runner series but resembles neither, only one concept is the same from both of those and it's a pretty hardcore M/M
September 30, 2011
The first book left me with some questions about how this world came to be and the role the mothers played in this all. Those questions will be answered but in a roundabout way. Which was fine by me.
The story started a bit slow and it felt like not much did happen to put the story forward ( esp after the roller coaster first book). It was funny to see familiar things in a screwed up way like in divid nights.
I liked this story and how it ended but read the first book before starting on this one!
The story started a bit slow and it felt like not much did happen to put the story forward ( esp after the roller coaster first book). It was funny to see familiar things in a screwed up way like in divid nights.
I liked this story and how it ended but read the first book before starting on this one!
August 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this little series.
This isn't a series to go into expecting a lot of plot detail or anything like that. You really have to use your imagination to figure out why the world is the way it is in this book.
I really liked Tarin, he was adorable. I didn't buy that he was supposed to be 18 or 19 years old, but it was fine.
You get a little detail at the end about the Mothers, but not a lot.
This series kept my attention and if you can find a copy of the series, I would recommend it if you want something strange, weird and dirty, than give this a try.
This isn't a series to go into expecting a lot of plot detail or anything like that. You really have to use your imagination to figure out why the world is the way it is in this book.
I really liked Tarin, he was adorable. I didn't buy that he was supposed to be 18 or 19 years old, but it was fine.
You get a little detail at the end about the Mothers, but not a lot.
This series kept my attention and if you can find a copy of the series, I would recommend it if you want something strange, weird and dirty, than give this a try.
October 3, 2011
Tarin just brings sunshine and happiness to my world when I read about his adventures. This second book is not as fast paced as the first, but it still was an incredibly enjoyable read. Friendships and relationships are really highlighted in this book and I loved the simplicity that Tarin brought to the understanding of friendship. I still crack up at Tarin repeating lines from the movie Babe!
January 21, 2013
I've already mentioned how much and why I love this story in my review for volume 1. Just found out the author was working on volume 3 as of mid 2012 - fingers crossed it comes out soon.
I also found a list of character ages on the author's "Tarin's World" webpage, and reconstructed a timeline for the Men's colony with VERY interesting implications. All spoilers, so be warned...
I also found a list of character ages on the author's "Tarin's World" webpage, and reconstructed a timeline for the Men's colony with VERY interesting implications. All spoilers, so be warned...
March 16, 2015
I've never wanted to violently drown another person before, real or imagined, as much as I did Tarin. Holy shit, is he annoying. I also felt a bit disgusted (and mind you, it takes a lot to disgust me) at the institutionalized pederasty in these books. And yet, I could not stop reading. I can't explain.
November 3, 2013
A satisfying conclusion. Answered many of the questions I had left from completing the first book. Lots of anxiety, and really loved to hate Jadon! Had heart rate up and down and all over the place, but only seemed like an HFN. Great worldbuilding, and fun take on DD.
October 9, 2011
Still so many unanswered questions.....wonder if we are meant to know or are we just like the men in the community?
October 8, 2011
What a great follow up to "Out of the Woods"!
Any book told from the point of view of a protagonist who is not privy to all the facts but relies on his inherent common sense will create a skewed view of the world he inhabits. So it continues to be with Tarin.
Underlying the continuing charming story about Twice Caught and Beak-Face, there is a depiction of a society where one sector is kept ignorant and kept in their place, even though they are cherished. If you translate "boys" to "women", this makes an interesting parallel with our own world (in different parts and at different times). Not that I'm suggesting that is the point of the story, but the problems that can occur when one sector is artificially kept down definitely resonate.
Yes, the men are harsh, paternalistic and at times stupid but not intentionally so. Over time, the changes that are already happening - thanks to Tarin's catalytic arrival in their midst - will continue to improve the way they think and operate. You can see the officers beginning to see flaws in the way they operate already. So, unlike some reviewers, I don't "hate" the men. Most of their mistakes and faults stem from ignorance.
But are they the oppressors? Or is it the Mothers who deliberately keep them in a state of borderline survival, forcing them to co-operate and find their own solutions?
Bad-Egg Jadon was an over the top villain (again seen through the eyes of one very biased boy) so it will be interesting to see what sort of character will provide the conflict should there be a further book in the series.
I see lots of potential for future adventures both for our hero and other characters, especially now Tarin has gypsy status. I, for one, would love to learn more about his world and how it came to be as devastated as it is. Anyway, I'm sure he'll have to find a cow, even if it's only so he can eat truly great pizza.
While you read, take the time to unravel all the different references to our culture in the books, songs, nursery rhymes, stories, terms. That's half the fun.
Once again, Syd has delivered with a book that satisfies on so many levels. A heart-warming love story, a fascinating world, an interesting look at the ways society operates along with so many distinct and interesting characters.
The book is also a great example of what can be done with limited viewpoint. We don't have to be in every character's heads to work out what they're like. Not that Tarin tells us outright; once again, the clues are there in what he sees and hears, it's up to the reader, using a more experienced view of life to interpret the clues and detect the real nature of the character.
"Twice Caught" caught me. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down and when I finally did, my biggest reaction was relief and satisfaction that Syd hadn't let me down.
(What is even better is that, unlike with "Out of the Woods", I didn't notice any typo's!)
Any book told from the point of view of a protagonist who is not privy to all the facts but relies on his inherent common sense will create a skewed view of the world he inhabits. So it continues to be with Tarin.
Underlying the continuing charming story about Twice Caught and Beak-Face, there is a depiction of a society where one sector is kept ignorant and kept in their place, even though they are cherished. If you translate "boys" to "women", this makes an interesting parallel with our own world (in different parts and at different times). Not that I'm suggesting that is the point of the story, but the problems that can occur when one sector is artificially kept down definitely resonate.
Yes, the men are harsh, paternalistic and at times stupid but not intentionally so. Over time, the changes that are already happening - thanks to Tarin's catalytic arrival in their midst - will continue to improve the way they think and operate. You can see the officers beginning to see flaws in the way they operate already. So, unlike some reviewers, I don't "hate" the men. Most of their mistakes and faults stem from ignorance.
But are they the oppressors? Or is it the Mothers who deliberately keep them in a state of borderline survival, forcing them to co-operate and find their own solutions?
Bad-Egg Jadon was an over the top villain (again seen through the eyes of one very biased boy) so it will be interesting to see what sort of character will provide the conflict should there be a further book in the series.
I see lots of potential for future adventures both for our hero and other characters, especially now Tarin has gypsy status. I, for one, would love to learn more about his world and how it came to be as devastated as it is. Anyway, I'm sure he'll have to find a cow, even if it's only so he can eat truly great pizza.
While you read, take the time to unravel all the different references to our culture in the books, songs, nursery rhymes, stories, terms. That's half the fun.
Once again, Syd has delivered with a book that satisfies on so many levels. A heart-warming love story, a fascinating world, an interesting look at the ways society operates along with so many distinct and interesting characters.
The book is also a great example of what can be done with limited viewpoint. We don't have to be in every character's heads to work out what they're like. Not that Tarin tells us outright; once again, the clues are there in what he sees and hears, it's up to the reader, using a more experienced view of life to interpret the clues and detect the real nature of the character.
"Twice Caught" caught me. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down and when I finally did, my biggest reaction was relief and satisfaction that Syd hadn't let me down.
(What is even better is that, unlike with "Out of the Woods", I didn't notice any typo's!)
July 13, 2012
It's hard to explain why this story it's soooo good wihtout giving away some important bits and spoilers. I deeply enjoy dystopias and post-apocalyptic settings so I was really thrilled with Out of the Woods's summary. This second book is as good as the first one, hands down.
The community were they live it's hard to swallow, the inequity and unfairness with which the boys aresometimes treated (especially for some men in the camp)it's rather discouraging, but Tarin's smarts and quirks really make up for it. He's still hilarious and quick witted, and thanks to his filter he uses to understand the civilization, it's easier to bear with the laws and traditions of men.
Garrick also it's a great character which understand and loves his mate a lot, and most importantly, respects him and values his wit and talents. . He's really a nice, fat, beak-faced man :)
I think the community's main flaw can be summarized by the proverb The road to hell is paved with good intentions. The men are somewhat fair, they even try to help the wild boys in the woods and then once they're civilized they're, supposedly, always protecting them. However, they're not equal, so boys's punishments are always harsher and permanent! . It's nice, though, seeing that the boys are capable of organization to take care and protect of each other, something I really resented from the first book.
Not to spoil anything, but yet again I madly loved the mothers and the new one introduced :) it really gave me a warm feeling when she and Tarin were interacting. And love how Monsanto is almost the worst insult ever, clever and really important contemporary reference.die transgenic, die!
And as we learnt in this book, this is a really young community, death it's almost an alien concept to boys and men are not that familiar with it either. I really hope a third book is written so we can learn more from them and see Tarin and Garrick's lives in this colony, among with stupid Cory, fat cadet Micah and the rest of the guys! (I totally love Tarin's nicknames, just as funny as everything else he does)
The community were they live it's hard to swallow, the inequity and unfairness with which the boys are
Garrick also it's a great character which understand and loves his mate a lot, and most importantly, respects him and values his wit and talents. . He's really a nice, fat, beak-faced man :)
I think the community's main flaw can be summarized by the proverb The road to hell is paved with good intentions. The men are somewhat fair, they even try to help the wild boys in the woods and then once they're civilized they're, supposedly, always protecting them. However, they're not equal, so boys's punishments are always harsher and permanent! . It's nice, though, seeing that the boys are capable of organization to take care and protect of each other, something I really resented from the first book.
Not to spoil anything, but yet again I madly loved the mothers and the new one introduced :) it really gave me a warm feeling when she and Tarin were interacting. And love how Monsanto is almost the worst insult ever, clever and really important contemporary reference.
And as we learnt in this book, this is a really young community, death it's almost an alien concept to boys and men are not that familiar with it either. I really hope a third book is written so we can learn more from them and see Tarin and Garrick's lives in this colony, among with stupid Cory, fat cadet Micah and the rest of the guys! (I totally love Tarin's nicknames, just as funny as everything else he does)
November 25, 2012
Hmm. Having this split into two books for no apparent reason other than getting to charge people more makes it very difficult to not reflect that in my rating. I'm doing my best to resist and just rate the book.
It was fun to get to see more of Tarin and Garrick's life together. So many of the questions I had weren't answered. The reason for the "colony" or for the other colonies was never given. Why the "mothers" have their society set up they way they do was never addressed. What actually happened to cause them to go from "Before Times" to the time in the book was never revealed.
I'd also hoped to see some character progression in Tarin as he became more "civilized." I'd been looking forward to Tarin and Garrick having an actual conversation instead of Tarin's half-words and childish sentences. The fact that the other boys like Mart and Ofer spoke more normally had me looking forward to that aspect of Tarin's transformation and it never happened.
Finally, the way things were handled with Jadon just disgusted me. What kind of society doesn't have a criminal justice system in place to protect innocent people? Jadon had not only lied and cheated, but he also repeatedly assaulted his brother, and had raped two boys and attempted to rape a 3rd. And yet they don't even attempt to punish him! Instead they burden his brother (off of whom he'd cheated, from whom he'd stolen, and whose partner is the boy he just tried to rape!) with his care and send them off to live their lives. How, in any society, is that an appropriate solution?!
Great potential here, just never reached.
It was fun to get to see more of Tarin and Garrick's life together. So many of the questions I had weren't answered. The reason for the "colony" or for the other colonies was never given. Why the "mothers" have their society set up they way they do was never addressed. What actually happened to cause them to go from "Before Times" to the time in the book was never revealed.
I'd also hoped to see some character progression in Tarin as he became more "civilized." I'd been looking forward to Tarin and Garrick having an actual conversation instead of Tarin's half-words and childish sentences. The fact that the other boys like Mart and Ofer spoke more normally had me looking forward to that aspect of Tarin's transformation and it never happened.
Finally, the way things were handled with Jadon just disgusted me. What kind of society doesn't have a criminal justice system in place to protect innocent people? Jadon had not only lied and cheated, but he also repeatedly assaulted his brother, and had raped two boys and attempted to rape a 3rd. And yet they don't even attempt to punish him! Instead they burden his brother (off of whom he'd cheated, from whom he'd stolen, and whose partner is the boy he just tried to rape!) with his care and send them off to live their lives. How, in any society, is that an appropriate solution?!
Great potential here, just never reached.
October 9, 2011
3.5
Tarin's spirit is awesome! :D
The book actually felt like mmm... like i was a horse whose vision had been narrowed by "blinders" by restricted information about the world and why there are "men" in the Before Times buildings and "boys" in the wild that must be caught. Instead of building my expectation of finding out more information later in the book(s) about it, it felt constraining and irksome. Plus, the morose bits truly bothered and depressed me... :-\
The merits of the book - the author successfully made me feel all of Tarin's emotions with him and by the end of the book i came to care for him quite deeply. That indicates that the book is well written to evoke such deep rooted feelings of anger, resentment and (in some cases) joy from a reader.
This book made me revisit the horrors of slavery and other similar atrocities that mankind has already witnessed in our real life history and is still witnessing in some parts of the world till today... :-( It's grim and I found it hard to be excited about the other aspects of the book under these circumstances...!
(And since i read this book and it's prequel back to back in one go, i'm afraid that this same review serves both the books!)
Tarin's spirit is awesome! :D
The book actually felt like mmm... like i was a horse whose vision had been narrowed by "blinders" by restricted information about the world and why there are "men" in the Before Times buildings and "boys" in the wild that must be caught. Instead of building my expectation of finding out more information later in the book(s) about it, it felt constraining and irksome. Plus, the morose bits truly bothered and depressed me... :-\
The merits of the book - the author successfully made me feel all of Tarin's emotions with him and by the end of the book i came to care for him quite deeply. That indicates that the book is well written to evoke such deep rooted feelings of anger, resentment and (in some cases) joy from a reader.
This book made me revisit the horrors of slavery and other similar atrocities that mankind has already witnessed in our real life history and is still witnessing in some parts of the world till today... :-( It's grim and I found it hard to be excited about the other aspects of the book under these circumstances...!
(And since i read this book and it's prequel back to back in one go, i'm afraid that this same review serves both the books!)
February 9, 2014
I loved this series. Tarin was just as appealing in the second book as he was in the first, and the conflict built steadily through the second book, looking like there wasn't a way out of heartbreak. The resolution was a little bit deus ex machina, but considering the world that had been thoroughly constructed, starting with the first book, it worked for me.
Tarin wasn't the only great character in the book. His 'beak-face' Garrick was a teddy bear, and I loved Aran and Ofer. The cultural reference hints from the books and movies were clever and occasionally funny, and the bastardization of some related language was as well. I didn't expect to finish a post-apocalyptic series with a warm grin, but that's one of the great things about this unusual take on the genre.
Tarin wasn't the only great character in the book. His 'beak-face' Garrick was a teddy bear, and I loved Aran and Ofer. The cultural reference hints from the books and movies were clever and occasionally funny, and the bastardization of some related language was as well. I didn't expect to finish a post-apocalyptic series with a warm grin, but that's one of the great things about this unusual take on the genre.
October 26, 2011
In book two we have the ongoing adventures of Tarin and Darrick. Tarin must choose if he will stay with Garrick or return to the woods as he often yearns to do. Jadon is still the bad guy and stirs up lots more trouble for everyone. A number of secondary characters also play important parts in the drama and greatly enhance the story.
A great read with a nice ending, but it still leaves us with many questions about Tarin and Derrick's world. I for one am hoping that means there will be more books in this series and more laughs from Tarin's antics.
A great read with a nice ending, but it still leaves us with many questions about Tarin and Derrick's world. I for one am hoping that means there will be more books in this series and more laughs from Tarin's antics.
March 31, 2018
I liked this one a little bit more maybe because I got over the squick factor of the age gap. This one has Tarin setting in to civilization a little bit more as he deals with the worries about his friends and his man. We also get a little bit more on the mothers in the end of the book. Although everything tend to settle out in a good way I did feel the got an easy pass at settling the problems that the community was having. Still I ended up enjoying this series and its rather different world building.
May 23, 2020
I hated this book so much. We get some answers from the first book, but they make no sense. The men are cowards. They do not stand up for what is right to help a boy and go against rules. It takes a boy to go against the rules. Why would we even care about the men. I hated the ones more who felt sorry for the boys. They knew it was wrong but did nothing. They would not do anything protect the young boys because it might make the men's lives a bit harder.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2013
I'm rating this book higher than the first because majority of my questions were answered. Tarin is truly a wonderful character. I loved his growth and maturity. Loved his loyalty. There were so many good things in this story. The camaraderie among the "wood boys." The story was so interesting. I hated Jadon with a passion and was making myself sick thinking of what could happen to Aran. I'm happy how it all played out.
September 19, 2012
Really, really liked these! The world is extremely imaginative and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen to all the characters (and was happily surprised by how all the loose ends tied up).
October 30, 2012
3.25
I don't think I'm getting everything and am kinda confused....wth is going on? The writing is good but I was lost.
I don't think I'm getting everything and am kinda confused....wth is going on? The writing is good but I was lost.
September 29, 2011
Love this world, love this story. Great follow up to Out of the Woods and it looks like it hasn't finished yet (I hope).
October 4, 2011
It's nice when a story makes you feel so happy inside. Excellent!
October 6, 2011
Хуже, чем первая книга, а жаль.
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