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Wings #2
Dominion of the Eth
The collar would stay, for Rylis would never free Tamrin…
Childhood memories of the Eth did no justice to what Rylis Tanyan would encounter in the depths of the Teeathun forest. But what he had treasured before had betrayed him, and now he must fight to escape the confines of the forest and his feelings for Tamrin, the Eth whom he’d loved long ago...
Childhood memories of the Eth did no justice to what Rylis Tanyan would encounter in the depths of the Teeathun forest. But what he had treasured before had betrayed him, and now he must fight to escape the confines of the forest and his feelings for Tamrin, the Eth whom he’d loved long ago...
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2011
17 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Owens
31 books612 followersAlso known as J.C. McGuire.
J.C Owens lives in small town, rural Alberta and is a self confessed writing-a-holic. In the absence of help for this affliction…
I do indeed love to write and have now completed thirty published stories, along with over twenty books sitting idle in my computer, waiting… I love the genre of male/male stories and conflict in what a person thinks they want, versus what they truly need to become themselves. I think any writing that shows the beauty of men loving men is worthwhile.
I love to hear from my readers and always appreciate suggestions and comments for future books. Sharing a love of reading and good, hot sensuality between men is always a cause for celebration!
J.C Owens lives in small town, rural Alberta and is a self confessed writing-a-holic. In the absence of help for this affliction…
I do indeed love to write and have now completed thirty published stories, along with over twenty books sitting idle in my computer, waiting… I love the genre of male/male stories and conflict in what a person thinks they want, versus what they truly need to become themselves. I think any writing that shows the beauty of men loving men is worthwhile.
I love to hear from my readers and always appreciate suggestions and comments for future books. Sharing a love of reading and good, hot sensuality between men is always a cause for celebration!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 21, 2012
A very unusual hurt/comfort non-con/abuse story, with a soft and tender heart, and a regretful abuser.
And sheesh, that ending; oh so lovely, lovely, lovely, and hot, hot, hot.
Now it's not very many m/m stories that make me realise I'm an idiot, but when Tamrin said So thank you J.C. Owens for teaching me an important lesson that you'd think I would have already learned by my age.
And sheesh, that ending; oh so lovely, lovely, lovely, and hot, hot, hot.
Now it's not very many m/m stories that make me realise I'm an idiot, but when Tamrin said So thank you J.C. Owens for teaching me an important lesson that you'd think I would have already learned by my age.
October 10, 2011
Authors are cruel!
Twenty-four hours after finishing The Dominion Of The Eth I still have puffy eyes.The result of tearing up on every occasion - couldn`t get the damn book out of my head.Thanks to Ms.Owens for putting me through the wringer like that...
I was hooked from the beginning.Fascinating characters in an intense,fairly dark and complex story with exceptional worldbuilding.
Coming to the the middle of the book I sat on the edge of my seat - nail-biting,unbelieving and chanting "don`t do this,don`t do this,you can`t do this,please - no!
(Don`t ask me if I meant the author for writing it that way or Riley for acting that way - I don`t know...I think both!) I went through - as Lilli said in one of her comments - some seriously violent emotions.From miffed to angry to furious (the throwing-things-furious!) and finally to despair.What a mess! And what now? - A solution? Redemption? Forgiveness? A (believable) happy end? - Never! - absolutely impossible!
And that`s where I underestimated one of my favorite authors.
Hesitantly I read on and was rewarded with one of the most believable and most beautiful HEA`s that I`ve ever read.The last chapters and the epilogue were my undoing. - Now I was the mess - Niagara-Falls,I can tell `ya...
Now stop with the rambling...
Highly,HIGHLY recommended!!!
Twenty-four hours after finishing The Dominion Of The Eth I still have puffy eyes.The result of tearing up on every occasion - couldn`t get the damn book out of my head.Thanks to Ms.Owens for putting me through the wringer like that...
I was hooked from the beginning.Fascinating characters in an intense,fairly dark and complex story with exceptional worldbuilding.
Coming to the the middle of the book I sat on the edge of my seat - nail-biting,unbelieving and chanting "don`t do this,don`t do this,you can`t do this,please - no!
(Don`t ask me if I meant the author for writing it that way or Riley for acting that way - I don`t know...I think both!) I went through - as Lilli said in one of her comments - some seriously violent emotions.From miffed to angry to furious (the throwing-things-furious!) and finally to despair.What a mess! And what now? - A solution? Redemption? Forgiveness? A (believable) happy end? - Never! - absolutely impossible!
And that`s where I underestimated one of my favorite authors.
Hesitantly I read on and was rewarded with one of the most believable and most beautiful HEA`s that I`ve ever read.The last chapters and the epilogue were my undoing. - Now I was the mess - Niagara-Falls,I can tell `ya...
Now stop with the rambling...
Highly,HIGHLY recommended!!!
September 19, 2013
This story could have very easily gotten 5 stars from me, except that half way through the book Rylis decided completely out of left field (and out of character) to go all 'Dominatrix Without Mercy' on the loving and kind Tamrin. "Let's beat someone we truly care about half to death. That sounds like *awesome* fun." Not. I nearly put the book down then and there.
But before and after that bizarre little trip to the Twilight Zone, I absolutely loved the book, in spite of the whole master / slave thing normally kreeping me the hell out.
Shoulda been 5 ★'s, but oh well...
But before and after that bizarre little trip to the Twilight Zone, I absolutely loved the book, in spite of the whole master / slave thing normally kreeping me the hell out.
Shoulda been 5 ★'s, but oh well...
dnf
November 19, 2012At this point - approximately halfway through the book - I have to stop. I hate it so much - even more so because it's decently written - that it physically sickens me. I literally cried, not because I was touched, but because I was so, so angry.
I'll try to come back to it in a few days, just because I don't like leaving books unfinished, but I can't see how my impressions could be any different.
EDIT:
After contemplating for several days, I decided to postpone finishing this book indefinitely. I'm not saying "never", because I know better, but I'm simply not masochistic enough to continue this. I read for pleasure, after all, not to torture myself.
I'm not rating the book, because I've read only 140+ pages out of approximately 320 and it wouldn't be fair (although if I did choose to rate what I've read so far, it would be one star for content, because less than that isn't allowed, and 4 stars for the writing). But, I need to explain my reasons for those readers who, like me, might be seduced by excellent ratings into reading it and have the same scruples about their books.
In truth, I was enjoying the story quite a bit, until At this point, I stopped.
But, that wasn't what definitely made up my mind for me. I always feel slightly guilty for abandoning the book, so I decided to read more reviews. When I realized that I still have to read about Rylis brandishing his own brand of cruel (I fear to even imagine what it might be, since it seems it troubled the readers more than a rape)and that this shit between the protags lasts for thirty years, I decided that enough is enough.
I've read the author's The Emperor's Wolf and enjoyed it very much. I planned to read Gaven series next, but, at this point, I don't trust J.C. Owens enough to brave it. I might try Draconian Measures, because everyone say it's a lighter read, but I know that from now on I will be looking into every author's book with a magnifying glass before deciding to read it. Too bad, because stylistically, at least, she might be one of the better writers in the genre. For me though, that's not enough. Read at your own risk.
I'll try to come back to it in a few days, just because I don't like leaving books unfinished, but I can't see how my impressions could be any different.
EDIT:
After contemplating for several days, I decided to postpone finishing this book indefinitely. I'm not saying "never", because I know better, but I'm simply not masochistic enough to continue this. I read for pleasure, after all, not to torture myself.
I'm not rating the book, because I've read only 140+ pages out of approximately 320 and it wouldn't be fair (although if I did choose to rate what I've read so far, it would be one star for content, because less than that isn't allowed, and 4 stars for the writing). But, I need to explain my reasons for those readers who, like me, might be seduced by excellent ratings into reading it and have the same scruples about their books.
In truth, I was enjoying the story quite a bit, until At this point, I stopped.
But, that wasn't what definitely made up my mind for me. I always feel slightly guilty for abandoning the book, so I decided to read more reviews. When I realized that I still have to read about Rylis brandishing his own brand of cruel (I fear to even imagine what it might be, since it seems it troubled the readers more than a rape)
I've read the author's The Emperor's Wolf and enjoyed it very much. I planned to read Gaven series next, but, at this point, I don't trust J.C. Owens enough to brave it. I might try Draconian Measures, because everyone say it's a lighter read, but I know that from now on I will be looking into every author's book with a magnifying glass before deciding to read it. Too bad, because stylistically, at least, she might be one of the better writers in the genre. For me though, that's not enough. Read at your own risk.
October 19, 2011
4.5 stars
Reading some of the other reviews first almost scared me away from starting this book because of the strong emotions it apparently evoked, which I found to be very true. But even though it was often a difficult read, I'm glad that I took a chance. I was initially hoping it would have more of Anyar and Vanyae from the first book (they only had a brief cameo here), but the world-building in this one led us to the Eth instead and the imagery was wonderful. The first third of the book was amazing for me to read because we were shown how compassionate Rylis was as a small child and how those same feelings toward the Eth never wavered even into adulthood when he once again helped some Eth escape their captivity. But then Rylis was forcibly taken into the Teeathun forest (home of the Eth) and the unspeakable happened at the hands of "his" Eth Tamrin. However, even with their language barrier it was clear that Tamrin suffered too because he loved Rylis. So for Rylis to manipulate and abuse that love the way he did for the next third of the story was inconceivable to me. Even without hearing Tamrin's voice, the author still conveyed such strong emotions and my heart went out to Tamrin. I was confused and angry with Rylis' violent behavior and did not think he could possibly redeem himself at that point. He deserved to suffer the consequences. But then the last third of the story (which spanned more than 30 years) showed his remorse and self-hatred, how much he suffered as a result of his own actions and then brought things full circle (I disagree with Tamrin taking part of the blame for Rylis' actions though). They learned from past events and emerged as stronger, better people. The epilogue was happy but still kind of a tear-jerker so in a way I hope we get a follow-up story telling how how everyone is faring. I had to deduct half a star because of how often I wanted to kick Rylis' ass. That kind of anger was a little exhausting and often left me with thoughts of castration. I think I'm over it now though.
Reading some of the other reviews first almost scared me away from starting this book because of the strong emotions it apparently evoked, which I found to be very true. But even though it was often a difficult read, I'm glad that I took a chance. I was initially hoping it would have more of Anyar and Vanyae from the first book (they only had a brief cameo here), but the world-building in this one led us to the Eth instead and the imagery was wonderful. The first third of the book was amazing for me to read because we were shown how compassionate Rylis was as a small child and how those same feelings toward the Eth never wavered even into adulthood when he once again helped some Eth escape their captivity. But then Rylis was forcibly taken into the Teeathun forest (home of the Eth) and the unspeakable happened at the hands of "his" Eth Tamrin. However, even with their language barrier it was clear that Tamrin suffered too because he loved Rylis. So for Rylis to manipulate and abuse that love the way he did for the next third of the story was inconceivable to me. Even without hearing Tamrin's voice, the author still conveyed such strong emotions and my heart went out to Tamrin. I was confused and angry with Rylis' violent behavior and did not think he could possibly redeem himself at that point. He deserved to suffer the consequences. But then the last third of the story (which spanned more than 30 years) showed his remorse and self-hatred, how much he suffered as a result of his own actions and then brought things full circle (I disagree with Tamrin taking part of the blame for Rylis' actions though). They learned from past events and emerged as stronger, better people. The epilogue was happy but still kind of a tear-jerker so in a way I hope we get a follow-up story telling how how everyone is faring. I had to deduct half a star because of how often I wanted to kick Rylis' ass. That kind of anger was a little exhausting and often left me with thoughts of castration. I think I'm over it now though.
November 20, 2012
Ahem. (embarrassed cough) Here is a more...sane review after having taken a little time to distance myself and think it over.
I have to say, this book is on a completely different than Owens's previous books. I think part of the problem was I was approaching this the way I normally do Owens's books. My perceptions were colored by my impressions of her previous books, so I couldn't fully appreciate it. Or maybe, because I went in assuming so much, I should be able to appreciate it further.
This one...is kind of hard to get through. Actually, my angry rant above was pretty much the only was I was able to get through it until it got to the magical revelation.
It gets highly exasperating and extremely provocative at times, but the message was valid and extremely wonderful because it was so clearly illustrated and not simply told.
However, it was hard to get to that point. There really didn't seem to have been any hope at all, which, though it might illustrate the point, makes it hard (as I said) to get there.
I also rather didn't like the ending. For all the wonderful message, it just kind of ended...weirdly. Yeah, I'm sort of happy they got their HEAs, but I still can't completely shake my dislike of Rylis. I thought for such a dramatically gritty and "real" story, the ending was a little too...pedestrian. Disney happy *shudders.
Because of that, I think I'm leaning more towards a 4, but because the subtlety of it was amazing, I'll settle with a 4.5/5.
9/10/12 ETA:
Upon further reflection, I realized that despite its pretty powerful message, there's not much there. The characters don't quite come to life to me. The message was good but the characterization wasn't quite there.
11/19/12 ETA:
I mostly skimmed it this time, but the message is quite amazing. It's subtly written, so quite exasperating and visceral. I think the reason I disliked it so much is that it made me feel uncomfortable, but in retrospect, it was a good sort of uncomfortable. The entire message is shown throughout and difficult as it is to get through, feeling that hate for Rylis and then finally reaching that moment of revelation really is what this book is all about.
October 23, 2011
Though I had a few problems with Wings, the prequel to this book, I still enjoyed it quite a bit and I've definitely loved several of JC Owens' books. I have never been more disappointed to have to permanently shelve a book before.
Dominion has so many things that I felt were lacking in Wings, mostly the worldbuilding. There is so much more rich history and race relations stuff here that is really fascinating. My problem stems from the MC, Rylis. Never, ever ever have I disliked a character as much as Rylis, and I'm a pretty forgiving reader. I don't expect too much, except for some consistency in characterization on the author's part. Dominion failed in both of those respects in my opinion. Rylis seemed to change back and forth. It didn't seem like an aspect of his personality so much as that his character was created to fit the different situations in the book, therefore he ended up changing. Just when I felt like I could trust him and get behind him, he would do something so horribly idiotic (and in the case where I quit reading, something horrific to me). I know I'm being melodramatic, but I want to make clear that the problems I had with him in particular isn't his behavior, it is that his behavior is inconsistent to me. Perhaps it is that the almost bi-polar switches in personality took me completely by surprise and therefore were much worse, I don't know. All I know is that by the 50% mark I threw my hands up in the air and screamed! Ugh! So frustrating.
Anyway, at that point, I didn't think I could put up with another half of a book of that, so sadly, I had to put it down. I don't see me picking it back up in the future either. It's sad, because I really loved Tamrin.
Dominion has so many things that I felt were lacking in Wings, mostly the worldbuilding. There is so much more rich history and race relations stuff here that is really fascinating. My problem stems from the MC, Rylis. Never, ever ever have I disliked a character as much as Rylis, and I'm a pretty forgiving reader. I don't expect too much, except for some consistency in characterization on the author's part. Dominion failed in both of those respects in my opinion. Rylis seemed to change back and forth. It didn't seem like an aspect of his personality so much as that his character was created to fit the different situations in the book, therefore he ended up changing. Just when I felt like I could trust him and get behind him, he would do something so horribly idiotic (and in the case where I quit reading, something horrific to me). I know I'm being melodramatic, but I want to make clear that the problems I had with him in particular isn't his behavior, it is that his behavior is inconsistent to me. Perhaps it is that the almost bi-polar switches in personality took me completely by surprise and therefore were much worse, I don't know. All I know is that by the 50% mark I threw my hands up in the air and screamed! Ugh! So frustrating.
Anyway, at that point, I didn't think I could put up with another half of a book of that, so sadly, I had to put it down. I don't see me picking it back up in the future either. It's sad, because I really loved Tamrin.
October 9, 2011
This book explores a thoroughly complex relationship where both characters waver between tender love and misguided cruelty.
What makes the story so fascinating is there is no easy black or white; there are no completely good guys or bad guys… the whole story is told in beautiful and sometimes heartbreaking shades of gray.
I’d recommend it, especially if you are a fan the author’s other works.
What makes the story so fascinating is there is no easy black or white; there are no completely good guys or bad guys… the whole story is told in beautiful and sometimes heartbreaking shades of gray.
I’d recommend it, especially if you are a fan the author’s other works.
September 29, 2012
This author remains one of my all time favorites. I love the worlds she creates and the characters that inhabit them. Here Rylis and Tamrin have their story - and what a story it is!
Neither is an all good or all bad man - or being - they are absolutely flavored with shades of grey so intricate that you feel a bit like a bobble head at times. As the ebb and flow goes from one to the other in terms of who has the upper hand the story weaves its magic around you. Captive and Captor both the men learn about each other and about themselves. Sacrifice - and pain. Heartbreak and joy - all the emotions you want to experience. I loved it! It did make me mad sometimes and sad at others but overall I felt like here ..here is a journey. Epic love - through time and space. My highest recommendation!
Neither is an all good or all bad man - or being - they are absolutely flavored with shades of grey so intricate that you feel a bit like a bobble head at times. As the ebb and flow goes from one to the other in terms of who has the upper hand the story weaves its magic around you. Captive and Captor both the men learn about each other and about themselves. Sacrifice - and pain. Heartbreak and joy - all the emotions you want to experience. I loved it! It did make me mad sometimes and sad at others but overall I felt like here ..here is a journey. Epic love - through time and space. My highest recommendation!
June 15, 2012
Sometimes its not easy reading the ends and outs of character development. JC Owens doesn't make it easy to get the whole story but this time around we do. Unlike Wings which left me with so many questions I was frustrated. Dominion of the Eth left no stone upturned and I applaud her work. Love is not always easy and those readers who ventured to the end went on a bumpy, sometimes ugly ride to understanding true love.
October 24, 2011
I would never call what I write reviews in the traditional sense. They are usually a few words and personal opinions on how I felt about the book. Well, I'm at a loss for words and my feelings are a jumbled mess, so there goes that. Not an easy read that was still somehow beautifully written and totally worth the painful ride.
October 9, 2011
that was a wonderful and heartbreaking story.
March 2, 2015
JC has me once again entranced and enthralled with these stories. Took time to produce this one since the last, but dayum it was well worth the wait. Two thumbs up!
June 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this followup to Wings. There was alot going on; lots of rage, anger, love, desire to possess. The ending made me cry. HEA, just in case you wondered. :)
August 12, 2013
Total bewilderment . That's what I get from this story. I find myself with the same predicament as Lady*M - just after half of the story and unable to continue.
My main problem is the question - WHY?
At the beginning of the story I was introduced to the really good main character. He was nice, thoughtful, compassionate and reasonable. I couldn't connect him with the character I remembered from the end of "Wings" because of so much difference. I liked him. Then he is rejoined with the other main character accompanied by rather bad circumstances but he is still REASONABLE. Then unexpectedly he goes through some metamorphosis. It's like his personality is suddenly swapped with someone. The change takes place over few pages. It's so abrupt that even he himself is somehow bewildered.For example: the same things that at the beginning resulted in his compassion suddenly make him heartless and his thought process becomes so COLD. So suddenly we have a total and true ASSHOLE. Very irritating.
On the other hand we have the character perfect for the "hurt and comfort" kind of story. But the author apparently decided that after such a hurtful past the "comfort part" would be a cliche sooo for a change she dumps on him more pain and decorates her present with an asshole instead of the compassionate man from the beginning of the story.
Summing up it's beyond my comprehension and makes me uninterested with the rest of the story.
Two stars for the Rhys before the mysterious change of personality and for one of the sweetest and most heartwarming character ever - Tamrin.
My main problem is the question - WHY?
At the beginning of the story I was introduced to the really good main character. He was nice, thoughtful, compassionate and reasonable. I couldn't connect him with the character I remembered from the end of "Wings" because of so much difference. I liked him. Then he is rejoined with the other main character accompanied by rather bad circumstances but he is still REASONABLE. Then unexpectedly he goes through some metamorphosis. It's like his personality is suddenly swapped with someone. The change takes place over few pages. It's so abrupt that even he himself is somehow bewildered.For example: the same things that at the beginning resulted in his compassion suddenly make him heartless and his thought process becomes so COLD. So suddenly we have a total and true ASSHOLE. Very irritating.
On the other hand we have the character perfect for the "hurt and comfort" kind of story. But the author apparently decided that after such a hurtful past the "comfort part" would be a cliche sooo for a change she dumps on him more pain and decorates her present with an asshole instead of the compassionate man from the beginning of the story.
Summing up it's beyond my comprehension and makes me uninterested with the rest of the story.
Two stars for the Rhys before the mysterious change of personality and for one of the sweetest and most heartwarming character ever - Tamrin.
October 24, 2011
The book was written well and the world building was exceptional and evocative. The first 20-25% of the book was quite engaging...BUT, the rest of the book kinda fell flat as, for most of the book the MCs can't really communicate with each other. There's not a whole lot of dialog but a lot of inner monologue of Rylis. Since the MCs couldn't actually communicate 'cos of language barriers I kept wanting to read about Tamrin's inner thoughts and feelings to get his side of the story/perspective. I missed that very much.
I guess now I've read enough J.C. Owens books to realize that "J.C. Owens' books" = "non-con + Stockholm syndrome"...
I guess now I've read enough J.C. Owens books to realize that "J.C. Owens' books" = "non-con + Stockholm syndrome"...
February 14, 2013
Sweet and hurts.
Nice add on to the Melan world and Anyar and Vanyae make a surprising yet brief appearance for this story revolves an entirely different race as yet undiscussed--the Eth. Ethereal beings with sharp pointy teeth and three inch claws, fierce and delicate they are desirable.
Rylis's encounter as a child didn't prepare him for what he sees as an adult. His reconnection with Tamarin is unexpected and each of them commits acts they will come to regret. Can duty and love find a place together?
Nice add on to the Melan world and Anyar and Vanyae make a surprising yet brief appearance for this story revolves an entirely different race as yet undiscussed--the Eth. Ethereal beings with sharp pointy teeth and three inch claws, fierce and delicate they are desirable.
Rylis's encounter as a child didn't prepare him for what he sees as an adult. His reconnection with Tamarin is unexpected and each of them commits acts they will come to regret. Can duty and love find a place together?
May 7, 2014
I usually LOVE all of J.C. Owen books but I have to say I was a bit disappointed in this one. I was felt through most of the book Rylis treated the Eth Tamrin just like an animal and this was supposedly someone he was suppose to care about. It just made me sad to read it and Tamrin was such a gentle person who truely loved Rylis and he choose to bend to his will even though Rylis put him through so much abuse. The moral of the story was for Tamrin to learn from his experence with Rylis but I hated that he had to go through so much. Not for the soft hearted reader.
July 11, 2018
3.5/5
I'm too conflicted about this book to give it a proper reviews. It was a dip into your typical high fantasy with the story spanning over generations. It was a commendable attempt. But there are moments at the mid point of the story that were rather questionable, making it almost painful to read. The story did redeem itself somewhat, but it still left a lingering bitter tang despite the sweet ending.
I'm too conflicted about this book to give it a proper reviews. It was a dip into your typical high fantasy with the story spanning over generations. It was a commendable attempt. But there are moments at the mid point of the story that were rather questionable, making it almost painful to read. The story did redeem itself somewhat, but it still left a lingering bitter tang despite the sweet ending.
October 13, 2011
i was going ga-ga when reading this book.
i'm totally addicted to Author's plot.
i'm totally addicted to Author's plot.
October 11, 2011
It was good but the epilogue was the one that tugs my heart that I can't help but cried at the end.
Give this story a try, you wont regret it.
Give this story a try, you wont regret it.
Read
July 3, 2025If you loved Wings, this sequel takes everything and dials it up. The stakes are higher, the passion is fiercer, and the emotional weight is beautifully crafted. I’m obsessed with how J.C. Owens blends fantasy, trauma, and redemption. The Eth world feels more alive than ever, and the character arcs are unforgettable. Can’t wait to read the next one!
September 8, 2012
4 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Commander Rylis Tanyan met an Eth long ago, and now, many years later, he is called to a village on the edges of the Melan kingdom and the Teeathun forest to sort out the problems they are having with the Eth. But, he is surprised by what he finds and ends up captured by the very Eth he once briefly met, and he will repay the betrayal with one of his own.
This is a very good novel where we meet Rylis Tanyan (Wings) again and gives us his story in all it’s mixed up glory. Rylis met an Eth when he was very young and that encounter has always stuck with him. When he is called in to a small village to find out why the Eth are now attacking it, he is shocked at his discovery. But, that is nothing to the betrayal he feels when he is captured by the very Eth, Tamrin, he met in his youth. When Rylis is released, he takes Tamrin with him, positive that he knows what is best for Tamrin. But, his love is tainted.
Well, I have never read a story where I have such mixed feelings for a character to this extent before. Rylis Tanyan seemed like such a compassionate person at first, but then later as the book progressed I saw the man I recognised from Wings and oh my god what a selfish self-centered man. The only thing that redeemed him was that he finally realized what he was doing, rectified it and then spent thirty years beating himself up about it. That isn’t to say that Tamrin was an innocent in all this, he could have easily put a stop to it, but didn’t as he was carrying his own guilt… this story is the perfect example of two wrongs not making a right.
This story is of tangled love. Just what do you do for the one you love? Take control, take what you want in the name of love and decide what is best for someone? Or do you give the person you love complete control? Take everything they do to you in the name of love and what they say as a show of their love for you? These two characters both mess up in what they think love is and it comes out in an emotion filled twisted love story where they both nearly lose what means the most to them. This story is filled with angst, abuse, dubious consent/rape and two beings that confuse what love really is.
I have to recommend this to those who love fantasy, angst, a twisted love story, dubious consent, regret, realizations and a very happy ending.
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Commander Rylis Tanyan met an Eth long ago, and now, many years later, he is called to a village on the edges of the Melan kingdom and the Teeathun forest to sort out the problems they are having with the Eth. But, he is surprised by what he finds and ends up captured by the very Eth he once briefly met, and he will repay the betrayal with one of his own.
This is a very good novel where we meet Rylis Tanyan (Wings) again and gives us his story in all it’s mixed up glory. Rylis met an Eth when he was very young and that encounter has always stuck with him. When he is called in to a small village to find out why the Eth are now attacking it, he is shocked at his discovery. But, that is nothing to the betrayal he feels when he is captured by the very Eth, Tamrin, he met in his youth. When Rylis is released, he takes Tamrin with him, positive that he knows what is best for Tamrin. But, his love is tainted.
Well, I have never read a story where I have such mixed feelings for a character to this extent before. Rylis Tanyan seemed like such a compassionate person at first, but then later as the book progressed I saw the man I recognised from Wings and oh my god what a selfish self-centered man. The only thing that redeemed him was that he finally realized what he was doing, rectified it and then spent thirty years beating himself up about it. That isn’t to say that Tamrin was an innocent in all this, he could have easily put a stop to it, but didn’t as he was carrying his own guilt… this story is the perfect example of two wrongs not making a right.
This story is of tangled love. Just what do you do for the one you love? Take control, take what you want in the name of love and decide what is best for someone? Or do you give the person you love complete control? Take everything they do to you in the name of love and what they say as a show of their love for you? These two characters both mess up in what they think love is and it comes out in an emotion filled twisted love story where they both nearly lose what means the most to them. This story is filled with angst, abuse, dubious consent/rape and two beings that confuse what love really is.
I have to recommend this to those who love fantasy, angst, a twisted love story, dubious consent, regret, realizations and a very happy ending.
March 23, 2016
So inconsistent, I know. I hated Wings-1 so much that I wasn't going to read the sequel. But then I saw it was about Tanyan, the only character in Wings-1 who wasn't utterly pathetic - and that the same reviewers who adored "sweet wuv" in Wings-1 were pretty pissed with this book, so I decided to give it a chance. And wow. It was like it was written by a different person. So much deeper, more complex, thought provoking. Rylis Tanyan was such an awesome character. Strong-minded and strong-willed, intelligent and generous - and at the same time selfish and delusional. He had to go a harsh path, to see the depth of darkness in his own soul and to redeem himself for many years. And Tamrin - who loved him as a kind child and as a cruel man, unconditionally, accepting everything, waiting for so many years for Rylis to grow as a person... ah, their reunion was so beautiful, their happiness so deserved. Oh yes, I'm feeling so sappy and contented now - and happy that I didn't skip this book.
October 10, 2014
I'm so sad I didn't like this. The first on in the series was great! I really wanted to read the captain's book, but it fell flat for me. Found it kinda hard to read at times mostly because the world of the Eth wasn't explained as well as it should have been. Plus the madness that apparently comes over winged human (don't know what species they are) wasn't explained yet it was demonstrated. Though that might not sound confusing it just didn't make any sense when it was happening.
In the end the book was kinda weird, hard to follow, and I didn't like that it was 200 pages and spanned 30+ years in such a short period of time.
In the end the book was kinda weird, hard to follow, and I didn't like that it was 200 pages and spanned 30+ years in such a short period of time.
October 9, 2015
I loved this Story even more with the topic of redemption, communication issues and character development of both MCs, but I still didn't get why Tamrin loved Rylis especially after only two and not most fortunate encounters. Along the story we were able to see some others character's POV but never one of Tamrin.
Also somethings were not completely explained especially about Elf's world and the apparent affect they had on outsiders. I would have liked to understand more about that.
Apart of it, nice story and gorgeous cover.
3.6 Stars.
Also somethings were not completely explained especially about Elf's world and the apparent affect they had on outsiders. I would have liked to understand more about that.
Apart of it, nice story and gorgeous cover.
3.6 Stars.
March 14, 2021
3.5 stars. Rylis was an asshole through most of the book and I kept picturing Tamrin as a old grandfather and had trouble seeing him as a sexual person. So the love story didn’t resonate with me. It didn’t help that Tamrin couldn’t talk most of the book so every encounter seemed hesitant and it was hard to tell if he was into it at all. Only in the last few pages you come to learn he wanted to stay with Rylis and by then it was a little late. I liked the ending though, so bumped up from 3 to 3.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2012
Sweet love or painful slavery, both of these are components that make up this fascinating story. How a pure love can be confused and turned to something so much darker, and then back was told wonderfully in this story of two men who had so much to learn about each other... but more to learn about themselves.
I loved this story and highly recommend it... and for the beautiful ending it goes on my 6-star-favs shelf.
I loved this story and highly recommend it... and for the beautiful ending it goes on my 6-star-favs shelf.
August 7, 2017
It was an enjoyable read, the characters very interesting and quite mundane even in their own ethereal nature. Beautifully written in my opinion. This story definitely had me emotional, in some parts more than others. Though most of the feelings I had weren't positive I believe it is good when the story and the characters can drag feelings out of the reader, no matter if it is negative or positive. Very well done.
September 6, 2015
Rylis does make you want to do him bodily harm. I enjoyed the whole story. There is some violence but if you have read other books by this author then that is not unexpected. I thought it was a wonderful story about how Rylis changes and how one can always change. I do wish we had seen a little more from Tamrin's side of things.
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