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The Tea Demon
Thief Eric Devon wishes one thing: for people to leave him bloody well alone. And maybe for more whiskey. Until a mysterious stranger offers him a job so dangerous that no one has ever attempted it and survived to tell the tale: recover a priceless object from the Turtle Merchants’ impregnable palace. Intrigued by the man and the challenge, Eric accepts—but the stranger is none other than the legendary airship captain known as the Tea Demon, terror of the Sea of Clouds. Eric must come up with the best plan in history if he wants to complete his job... and survive it too.
52 pages, ebook
First published November 23, 2011
2 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Cornelia Grey
67 books106 followersCornelia Grey is a creative writing student fresh out of university, with a penchant for fine arts and the blues. Born and raised in the hills of Northern Italy, where she collected her share of poetry and narrative prizes, she is now based in London, and she is thoroughly enjoying the cultural melting pot that is the City.
Her interests vary from painting to photography, from sewing to acting; when writing, she favors curious, surreal poems and short stories involving handsome young men seducing each other.
After graduating with top grades, she is now busy with internships - literary agencies, publishing houses, and creative departments handling book series, among others. She also works as a freelance translator.
You can contact Cornelia at corneliagrey@yahoo.com.
Her interests vary from painting to photography, from sewing to acting; when writing, she favors curious, surreal poems and short stories involving handsome young men seducing each other.
After graduating with top grades, she is now busy with internships - literary agencies, publishing houses, and creative departments handling book series, among others. She also works as a freelance translator.
You can contact Cornelia at corneliagrey@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 4, 2011
Wow, this book feels like an adventure of Aladdin, straight from 1001 Arabian nights mythology. There are thrilling adventures and romance, as thief Eric Devon helps a stranger -- who turns out to be an infamous airship captain, Jonathan Tea or is well-known as "Tea Demon" -- to retrieve a priceless object.
Their first meeting is sensual (love the bet, and the outcome of the bet) follows by action (bar fight!). Then there is hot love-making on the airship. Then, the whole planning and getting the object (which is kind of amusing, when readers find out what the object is). Finished with well, the promise of long and budding relationship. It's a satisfying read most definitely. And it comes in 52 pages!! Impressive.
Their first meeting is sensual (love the bet, and the outcome of the bet) follows by action (bar fight!). Then there is hot love-making on the airship. Then, the whole planning and getting the object (which is kind of amusing, when readers find out what the object is). Finished with well, the promise of long and budding relationship. It's a satisfying read most definitely. And it comes in 52 pages!! Impressive.
January 18, 2012
4-4,5 stars
Lough-out-loud funny and smutty fantasy/steampunk short story...too short! More from these characters and their world,please!
Lough-out-loud funny and smutty fantasy/steampunk short story...too short! More from these characters and their world,please!
July 20, 2024
Loved it! RTC
September 9, 2016
A delightful and clever little story full of fun and mischief that had me smiling the entire way through. Set in a steampunk world of flying ships, pirates and cloud towers, this 50 page story is action-packed from the moment Eric the thief meets Jonathan the Tea Demon. Fine writing, terrific characters, and an actual plot!
November 30, 2011
4.25 stars
Eric Devon is a thief who is drowning his boredom and lack of purpose in liquor. That is, until he is offered a job by Jonathan Tea a.k.a. The Tea Demon, the legendary pirate – "a fearless warrior whose rage could only be quenched by a cup of the finest tea". The fact that he is attracted to the man and that no one has ever succeeded in stealing from the Turtle Merchants and lived to tell the tale only makes Tea's offer more attractive.
For such a short story, The Tea Demon has a lot going for it. I particularly liked how the author introduced us to her protagonists in a scene which perfectly highlighted both their personal traits and their mutual attraction. It sucked me right into the story, it was delicious and it culminated in a bar fight that could easily find its place in any spaghetti western or Errol Flynn movie. Fun!
But, what impressed me more is the shift in the story that took us from the crowded, smoky inn to the world of the Sea of Clouds. Due to the length limitations you get only a sketch of it, but that was enough to take my breath away. I would have liked to learn more about the society behind it, because it must be complex and impressive, but I understood why the author didn't go there.
Jonathan introduces Eric to his small crew – Addeline (Call me Addy!), a young girl, ship's second mate and a cook, and Howard, a dwarf, mechanic and chief engineer. They aren't particularly happy with Eric’s involvement and Jonathan expertly avoids telling him what exactly is the priceless item he has to retrieve (which makes the revelation even funnier), but Eric is too intrigued – by the man, by his reputation, by the challenge – to back out. And, Eric is in the perfect position to put the captain's demons – pun intended – at rest, which is something they both find beneficial. These guys burn the pages, literally and figuratively!
There is an old fashioned adventure feel to this story which was perfectly fitting for this setting and both main characters. They come across as daredevils with a taste for adventure and intrigues and, while we don't learn much about their backgrounds, what we did learn about them was enough to charm me. Their attraction was palpable and the promise of more believable. I particularly liked the humor, some of it very tongue-in-cheek. It was clear that the author had a lot of fun writing this. I know I had a lot of fun reading it. The writing was tight and, at times, truly beautiful. I like how the author is capable of capturing the mood or the situation in a few brief sentences. In a short story, that is always a plus.
So far, I've read a couple of Grey's stories (Apples and Regret and Wasted Time and The Mercenary) and I enjoyed both her writing and her imagination a lot. The Tea Demon was no different. It captured my imagination and, while it left me wanting more, it was completely satisfying. I want to see it as the beginning of a beautiful friendship (and love) between Eric and his Tea Demon. For all of you who aren't familiar with Cornelia Grey's stories, this is a good place to start. Highly recommended.
Written for Reviews by Jessewave.
Eric Devon is a thief who is drowning his boredom and lack of purpose in liquor. That is, until he is offered a job by Jonathan Tea a.k.a. The Tea Demon, the legendary pirate – "a fearless warrior whose rage could only be quenched by a cup of the finest tea". The fact that he is attracted to the man and that no one has ever succeeded in stealing from the Turtle Merchants and lived to tell the tale only makes Tea's offer more attractive.
For such a short story, The Tea Demon has a lot going for it. I particularly liked how the author introduced us to her protagonists in a scene which perfectly highlighted both their personal traits and their mutual attraction. It sucked me right into the story, it was delicious and it culminated in a bar fight that could easily find its place in any spaghetti western or Errol Flynn movie. Fun!
But, what impressed me more is the shift in the story that took us from the crowded, smoky inn to the world of the Sea of Clouds. Due to the length limitations you get only a sketch of it, but that was enough to take my breath away. I would have liked to learn more about the society behind it, because it must be complex and impressive, but I understood why the author didn't go there.
Jonathan introduces Eric to his small crew – Addeline (Call me Addy!), a young girl, ship's second mate and a cook, and Howard, a dwarf, mechanic and chief engineer. They aren't particularly happy with Eric’s involvement and Jonathan expertly avoids telling him what exactly is the priceless item he has to retrieve (which makes the revelation even funnier), but Eric is too intrigued – by the man, by his reputation, by the challenge – to back out. And, Eric is in the perfect position to put the captain's demons – pun intended – at rest, which is something they both find beneficial. These guys burn the pages, literally and figuratively!
There is an old fashioned adventure feel to this story which was perfectly fitting for this setting and both main characters. They come across as daredevils with a taste for adventure and intrigues and, while we don't learn much about their backgrounds, what we did learn about them was enough to charm me. Their attraction was palpable and the promise of more believable. I particularly liked the humor, some of it very tongue-in-cheek. It was clear that the author had a lot of fun writing this. I know I had a lot of fun reading it. The writing was tight and, at times, truly beautiful. I like how the author is capable of capturing the mood or the situation in a few brief sentences. In a short story, that is always a plus.
So far, I've read a couple of Grey's stories (Apples and Regret and Wasted Time and The Mercenary) and I enjoyed both her writing and her imagination a lot. The Tea Demon was no different. It captured my imagination and, while it left me wanting more, it was completely satisfying. I want to see it as the beginning of a beautiful friendship (and love) between Eric and his Tea Demon. For all of you who aren't familiar with Cornelia Grey's stories, this is a good place to start. Highly recommended.
Written for Reviews by Jessewave.
March 23, 2014
3.5 stars
Steampunk short story with a nod to Pratchett's turtle. Never read any steam punk before.
I liked this very much. Liked the characters, world building and the story itself. Ms Grey was able to give due attention to all these, not an easy feat in a short story. A good mixture of action, banter and heat.
Steampunk short story with a nod to Pratchett's turtle. Never read any steam punk before.
I liked this very much. Liked the characters, world building and the story itself. Ms Grey was able to give due attention to all these, not an easy feat in a short story. A good mixture of action, banter and heat.
August 30, 2019
Bella l’ambientazione piratesca nel mare di nuvole!Avrei voluto più pagine in questo caso; la storia mi aveva davvero intrigato!
October 20, 2016
Questa novella breve è davvero molto carina.
È riuscita a catturarmi grazie a delle caratterizzazioni interessanti, delle ottime descrizioni – sia degli ambienti sia delle attività varie – e per il mistero che avvolge la trama: cosa sarà questo fantomatico oggetto prezioso?
Eric e Jonathan mi hanno conquistata con il loro mix di spavalderia e coraggio, mescolati a piccoli momenti di eccentricità che li rendono degli adorabili ragazzacci. E, non da meno, sotto le lenzuola fanno scintille! Mi è piaciuta l’impronta magica assieme all’ambientazione steampunk. Anche il resto dei personaggi merita un applauso.
In poche pagine abbiamo risse, avventura, adrenalina, sfacciataggine e amore.
Certo, mi sarebbe piaciuto leggere questa storia col triplo della lunghezza, perché salutare questi amabili personaggi, dopo un viaggio così breve assieme, è dura. Ma credo anche che, come novella, sia perfetta così com’è. I miei complimenti all’autrice.
È riuscita a catturarmi grazie a delle caratterizzazioni interessanti, delle ottime descrizioni – sia degli ambienti sia delle attività varie – e per il mistero che avvolge la trama: cosa sarà questo fantomatico oggetto prezioso?
Eric e Jonathan mi hanno conquistata con il loro mix di spavalderia e coraggio, mescolati a piccoli momenti di eccentricità che li rendono degli adorabili ragazzacci. E, non da meno, sotto le lenzuola fanno scintille! Mi è piaciuta l’impronta magica assieme all’ambientazione steampunk. Anche il resto dei personaggi merita un applauso.
In poche pagine abbiamo risse, avventura, adrenalina, sfacciataggine e amore.
Certo, mi sarebbe piaciuto leggere questa storia col triplo della lunghezza, perché salutare questi amabili personaggi, dopo un viaggio così breve assieme, è dura. Ma credo anche che, come novella, sia perfetta così com’è. I miei complimenti all’autrice.
May 26, 2014
3.5 rounded up.
Funny short steampunk story about a blusterer thief and a moody sexy airship captain. Hot steamy kiss scene at the beginning. I love kisses!
Lots of action, although packed in a few pages, and playful flashes.
Don't be fooled by the cover: apparently it's the 'stock' one that Dreamspinner Press uses for all short stories (ugly and totally unrelated to the plot).
December 28, 2011
A quirky, fast-paced steampunk-y fantasy short story. Very entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny.
March 8, 2018
I didn't see this coming! A LOT packed into this fun, action/adventure, hot, short steampunk story. Hilarious! Great little pick me up.
October 2, 2016
http://bianchianita1971.blogspot.it/2...
Questo racconto non è molto lungo ma riesce ad essere comunque completo, avvincente ed emozionante. I protagonisti sono entrambi molto particolari: un ladro in crisi esistenziale ed un misterioso capitano pirata che nasconde diverse sorprese. Sarà proprio la proposta impossibile del bel pirata a scuotere Eric dalla sua apatia, e sarà proprio Eric a "salvare" Il Demone del Tè dai suoi momenti bui.
L'ambientazione è particolarissima e ben caratterizzata, ma ciò che mi ha maggiormente colpita e intrigata in questa storia è la sensualità che permea le sue pagine: Eric e il Demone fanno scintille fin dal primo sguardo e ciò rende questo racconto passionale ma anche molto raffinato.
Una lettura veloce e soddisfacente, anche se devo ammettere che avrei letto volentieri altre centinaia di pagine su questi due!
Questo racconto non è molto lungo ma riesce ad essere comunque completo, avvincente ed emozionante. I protagonisti sono entrambi molto particolari: un ladro in crisi esistenziale ed un misterioso capitano pirata che nasconde diverse sorprese. Sarà proprio la proposta impossibile del bel pirata a scuotere Eric dalla sua apatia, e sarà proprio Eric a "salvare" Il Demone del Tè dai suoi momenti bui.
L'ambientazione è particolarissima e ben caratterizzata, ma ciò che mi ha maggiormente colpita e intrigata in questa storia è la sensualità che permea le sue pagine: Eric e il Demone fanno scintille fin dal primo sguardo e ciò rende questo racconto passionale ma anche molto raffinato.
Una lettura veloce e soddisfacente, anche se devo ammettere che avrei letto volentieri altre centinaia di pagine su questi due!
February 20, 2013
I hate short stories. I really do. They simply never feel quite finished, always rushed, never enough time spent developing characters. Or, at least, I hated short stories till I read some by Cornelia Grey. Obviously, I've just been reading the wrong things.
This was the most brilliant bit of steam-punk, pirate and thief filled insanity that I've ever read. It's the third short story by Grey I've read, and I still haven't figured out how she does it. It's not long, but the characters are brilliantly developed, the setting is rich and vibrant, the action ridiculously awesome, the one sex scene hot as hell, and the story utterly engrossing! Aargh, I can't even write a coherent review. I just want to run around shouting random adjectives: Brilliant! Amazing! Hilarious! Gorgeous! Spectacular! Fantastic! Super Fantastic!!
Ok, seriously though. This reminds me of the fantasy books I grew up on, with a lovely dash of very hot male on male action to spice it up. Just so much more substance than your standard m/m romance, and even when comparing it to full novels.
I adore thieves, and Eric is ideal. Jonathan is the best kind of pirate: dashing, dangerous, cheerful and daring. (I hate to break up my lovely string of accidental alliteration, but he is not the dark brooding type of pirate, more cheerful rogue than dark soul. Still deliciously dangerous though!) And the crew of the Tea Demon, for all that we don't get to spend nearly enough time with them, are just awesome.
And the humor! Omg, definitely laugh out loud. I'm not sure I could say whether it's more action, more romance, more steam-punk or more humor. It's just a bloody brilliant blend of all four. But the humor definitely is a defining characteristic, part of both the world and the characters. It toes the line of being slapstick goofy, but never crosses it, instead staying firmly in the realm of charming absurdity that none-the-less makes absolute sense within the world Grey's built.
Everything moves quickly, not in the sense that it's rushed, but in the sense that there is nothing wasted, no scenes, sentences or even words that are not deliberately crafted, used to further the story. Gods, I've read 1000 pages novels with less skillful world building and less developed characters!
It's very hard to remember than this is a short story! You don't even notice the passing of pages or time until you're at the end, out of breath and totally in love, when the story stops and all you want to do is shout, "No! I need more!" This is not to say that the story is incomplete in any way. I've never read an author that can make such short stories feel so whole. But when you fall this hard and fast for characters, you can't help but want more! I wish this was a series--the chance to follow Eric and Jonathan and crew through several novels would be a dream come true.
Gods, I'm babbling. Sorry. Ok, long story short (too late) I adored this story and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes steam-punk, m/m romance, thieves, pirates, or charmingly funny short stories. This, combined with the totally different but equally amazing Apples and Regret and Wasted Time, has put Cornelia Grey firmly on my list of favorite authors.
This was the most brilliant bit of steam-punk, pirate and thief filled insanity that I've ever read. It's the third short story by Grey I've read, and I still haven't figured out how she does it. It's not long, but the characters are brilliantly developed, the setting is rich and vibrant, the action ridiculously awesome, the one sex scene hot as hell, and the story utterly engrossing! Aargh, I can't even write a coherent review. I just want to run around shouting random adjectives: Brilliant! Amazing! Hilarious! Gorgeous! Spectacular! Fantastic! Super Fantastic!!
Ok, seriously though. This reminds me of the fantasy books I grew up on, with a lovely dash of very hot male on male action to spice it up. Just so much more substance than your standard m/m romance, and even when comparing it to full novels.
I adore thieves, and Eric is ideal. Jonathan is the best kind of pirate: dashing, dangerous, cheerful and daring. (I hate to break up my lovely string of accidental alliteration, but he is not the dark brooding type of pirate, more cheerful rogue than dark soul. Still deliciously dangerous though!) And the crew of the Tea Demon, for all that we don't get to spend nearly enough time with them, are just awesome.
And the humor! Omg, definitely laugh out loud. I'm not sure I could say whether it's more action, more romance, more steam-punk or more humor. It's just a bloody brilliant blend of all four. But the humor definitely is a defining characteristic, part of both the world and the characters. It toes the line of being slapstick goofy, but never crosses it, instead staying firmly in the realm of charming absurdity that none-the-less makes absolute sense within the world Grey's built.
Everything moves quickly, not in the sense that it's rushed, but in the sense that there is nothing wasted, no scenes, sentences or even words that are not deliberately crafted, used to further the story. Gods, I've read 1000 pages novels with less skillful world building and less developed characters!
It's very hard to remember than this is a short story! You don't even notice the passing of pages or time until you're at the end, out of breath and totally in love, when the story stops and all you want to do is shout, "No! I need more!" This is not to say that the story is incomplete in any way. I've never read an author that can make such short stories feel so whole. But when you fall this hard and fast for characters, you can't help but want more! I wish this was a series--the chance to follow Eric and Jonathan and crew through several novels would be a dream come true.
Gods, I'm babbling. Sorry. Ok, long story short (too late) I adored this story and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes steam-punk, m/m romance, thieves, pirates, or charmingly funny short stories. This, combined with the totally different but equally amazing Apples and Regret and Wasted Time, has put Cornelia Grey firmly on my list of favorite authors.
December 25, 2011
This review can be found at Brief Encounters Reviews.
This was recently reviewed over at Well Read, but I refrained from reading the review to keep my perspective fresh. Although I typed “steampunk” in the genre, my first impressions were of a rather Victorian inn, with bandits on the road as the coaches with the rich roll by, and criminals hanging out in seedy bars. Which is more or less the case, but once our two protagonists meet, you then get a taste for the real world, which is definitely steampunk with a taste of fantasy thrown in. The genre is not overwhelming though, it’s enough for you to get a feel without feeling that every detail is spelled out for you.
I really enjoyed the first part where Eric’s ennui with life and stealing was so evident. He was bored, nothing was a challenge, and he just wanted to be left alone. However the stranger with an interesting proposal catches his attention. Even more so when the stranger loses a bet, resulting in a scorching hot kiss, and in order to avoid an even more annoying drunk trying to buy his services, Eric decides to take on the challenge. He ends up not only dismayed by the dump of a ship Jonathan owns, but terrified when he realizes exactly who he’s working for, the infamous sky pirate The Tea Demon. However, the challenge of the task at hand overrides his fear he’ll be chucked over the side should he displease the captain.
I enjoyed the touches of fantasy. It seems Jonathan really does have a bit of demon in him, and his loyal crew, a midget and a young girl, are quick to throw Eric to the wolf when Jonathan’s demon gets out of hand. It’s all done with a rather light humorous touch which I found enjoyable to read. Eric is a very likable man, even if he is a master thief, and Jonathan as well, for being the dread pirate The Tea Demon. The descriptions of the Turtle Merchants on their giant sky turtle and ducks added a bit of whimsy. I have to say, it’s a personal preference, but I get a tad eye-rolley when genres seem to take themselves too seriously, but that never happens here. It’s not slap-stick funny, but there is just enough dry sly humour to lighten the mood and give it that sense of an adventure movie in action, especially when I discovered what the missing item Eric had been hired to steal was. But I shan’t reveal the secret. :-)
So I quite enjoyed this little steampunk adventure handled with a deft hand, with some nice banter between characters. I could see it becoming a bit of an adventure series should the author be interested, as The Tea Demon and Eric sail around with their motley crew, doing what sky pirates are wont to do.
This was recently reviewed over at Well Read, but I refrained from reading the review to keep my perspective fresh. Although I typed “steampunk” in the genre, my first impressions were of a rather Victorian inn, with bandits on the road as the coaches with the rich roll by, and criminals hanging out in seedy bars. Which is more or less the case, but once our two protagonists meet, you then get a taste for the real world, which is definitely steampunk with a taste of fantasy thrown in. The genre is not overwhelming though, it’s enough for you to get a feel without feeling that every detail is spelled out for you.
I really enjoyed the first part where Eric’s ennui with life and stealing was so evident. He was bored, nothing was a challenge, and he just wanted to be left alone. However the stranger with an interesting proposal catches his attention. Even more so when the stranger loses a bet, resulting in a scorching hot kiss, and in order to avoid an even more annoying drunk trying to buy his services, Eric decides to take on the challenge. He ends up not only dismayed by the dump of a ship Jonathan owns, but terrified when he realizes exactly who he’s working for, the infamous sky pirate The Tea Demon. However, the challenge of the task at hand overrides his fear he’ll be chucked over the side should he displease the captain.
I enjoyed the touches of fantasy. It seems Jonathan really does have a bit of demon in him, and his loyal crew, a midget and a young girl, are quick to throw Eric to the wolf when Jonathan’s demon gets out of hand. It’s all done with a rather light humorous touch which I found enjoyable to read. Eric is a very likable man, even if he is a master thief, and Jonathan as well, for being the dread pirate The Tea Demon. The descriptions of the Turtle Merchants on their giant sky turtle and ducks added a bit of whimsy. I have to say, it’s a personal preference, but I get a tad eye-rolley when genres seem to take themselves too seriously, but that never happens here. It’s not slap-stick funny, but there is just enough dry sly humour to lighten the mood and give it that sense of an adventure movie in action, especially when I discovered what the missing item Eric had been hired to steal was. But I shan’t reveal the secret. :-)
So I quite enjoyed this little steampunk adventure handled with a deft hand, with some nice banter between characters. I could see it becoming a bit of an adventure series should the author be interested, as The Tea Demon and Eric sail around with their motley crew, doing what sky pirates are wont to do.
December 19, 2011
Pirates and thieves and treasure abound in this short fun story. It’s quasi steampunk with just enough details to set the story in that genre but not enough to really delve into the setting or satisfy die hard fans. The Tea Demon works despite this lack of detail because the real focus is on the men and their entertaining relationship with a backdrop of rather humorous and far-fetched hijinks. The writing and Grey’s style is what I like the most. The story is enjoyable and short enough that it gives a quick thrill and an enjoyable tale.
Eric Devon is a thief in a rut. He’s not interested in doing most jobs anymore and it takes a mysterious but handsome stranger to propel Eric out of his lassitude. The fact that Eric wants to devour the stranger is simply a side benefit. The stranger turns out to be the legendary Tea Demon and the sparks they create together rival the Demon’s temper. Beyond having hot, sweaty sex together they must figure out how to steal back a priceless artifact from an impenetrable vault.
The plot is very basic and reads like the opening scene from Pirates of the Carribean or any pirate movie. The opening bar brawl is very fun and well crafted. Often scenes like this get muddled and are difficult to convey in words but the writing is crisp so you can always follow the action and various quips. It’s a familiar opener but it easily works here and sets up a good dynamic between the two men. From there the story offers a few steam punk details and alludes to the big heist but really the focus is on Eric and Jon as they dance around and toward each other.
There’s no much resistance on either side against their illiasion so the two end up in bed pretty quick. It’s hot, sweaty, and definitely firey. Similarly the heist is fun and ridiculous with a lot of predictable curves. Each move in the story is obvious and there aren’t really any surprises but the smooth, clear writing and engaging cast make it worthwhile. The various characters are woefully under developed but again I can’t say I minded with the intended light hand and tone. Instead it’s an easy short story to enjoy for what it is and not worry about what it lacks.
At least that was how I approached it and quite enjoyed this short. I didn’t particularly long for more of this couple, though I wouldn’t mind another short that stars more of the Demon’s crew, but overall this satisfies.
Eric Devon is a thief in a rut. He’s not interested in doing most jobs anymore and it takes a mysterious but handsome stranger to propel Eric out of his lassitude. The fact that Eric wants to devour the stranger is simply a side benefit. The stranger turns out to be the legendary Tea Demon and the sparks they create together rival the Demon’s temper. Beyond having hot, sweaty sex together they must figure out how to steal back a priceless artifact from an impenetrable vault.
The plot is very basic and reads like the opening scene from Pirates of the Carribean or any pirate movie. The opening bar brawl is very fun and well crafted. Often scenes like this get muddled and are difficult to convey in words but the writing is crisp so you can always follow the action and various quips. It’s a familiar opener but it easily works here and sets up a good dynamic between the two men. From there the story offers a few steam punk details and alludes to the big heist but really the focus is on Eric and Jon as they dance around and toward each other.
There’s no much resistance on either side against their illiasion so the two end up in bed pretty quick. It’s hot, sweaty, and definitely firey. Similarly the heist is fun and ridiculous with a lot of predictable curves. Each move in the story is obvious and there aren’t really any surprises but the smooth, clear writing and engaging cast make it worthwhile. The various characters are woefully under developed but again I can’t say I minded with the intended light hand and tone. Instead it’s an easy short story to enjoy for what it is and not worry about what it lacks.
At least that was how I approached it and quite enjoyed this short. I didn’t particularly long for more of this couple, though I wouldn’t mind another short that stars more of the Demon’s crew, but overall this satisfies.
December 2, 2011
Overall
The way this story was written reminds me of The Princess Bride (the movie), as it is a mostly serious tale told in a mostly serious manner that pokes at the cliches because it can. A thief and apirate airship captain get into a bar brawl with classic choreography, share a kiss, and meet the humorous crew. This story is fun without being too silly, although some may find the tropes a little too much. I thought everything was well handled; a refreshing taste of something different.
Strengths
While this story didn't have laugh out loud humor in it for me, it was still amusing and had me chuckling. Eric is a fun, laid-back guy who is willing to roll with the punches. He's also witty, sharp, and likes seeing Captain Tea flustered (but really, who doesn't?). The character dynamic is light and fun, creating a well-rounded jocular story.
Grey made the steampunk background come to life with beautiful, succinct descriptions of the world and the characters. In a few pages she creates a world, building upon the reader's basic knowledge to expand it into a fantastical environment. Although we are just given the bare bones, it's enough to provide a full-color illustration and support the simple--and amusing--plot.
The characters are plenty of fun, varying from a grumpy dwarf and an underage stick of a girl who fills the role of mechanic to the suave thief and the temper-prone captain. While they may fill standard roles, Grey has fun with the characters, letting the trope show through and plays off of it.
Weaknesses
While everything felt fresh and great, some points were deducted for originality. (It may be unfair, as the author seemed to be striving toward that point exactly, but it sometimes struck as a little too cheesy for me.) Otherwise this was a fun little story.
Received this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
The way this story was written reminds me of The Princess Bride (the movie), as it is a mostly serious tale told in a mostly serious manner that pokes at the cliches because it can. A thief and a
Strengths
While this story didn't have laugh out loud humor in it for me, it was still amusing and had me chuckling. Eric is a fun, laid-back guy who is willing to roll with the punches. He's also witty, sharp, and likes seeing Captain Tea flustered (but really, who doesn't?). The character dynamic is light and fun, creating a well-rounded jocular story.
Grey made the steampunk background come to life with beautiful, succinct descriptions of the world and the characters. In a few pages she creates a world, building upon the reader's basic knowledge to expand it into a fantastical environment. Although we are just given the bare bones, it's enough to provide a full-color illustration and support the simple--and amusing--plot.
The characters are plenty of fun, varying from a grumpy dwarf and an underage stick of a girl who fills the role of mechanic to the suave thief and the temper-prone captain. While they may fill standard roles, Grey has fun with the characters, letting the trope show through and plays off of it.
Weaknesses
While everything felt fresh and great, some points were deducted for originality. (It may be unfair, as the author seemed to be striving toward that point exactly, but it sometimes struck as a little too cheesy for me.) Otherwise this was a fun little story.
Received this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
January 23, 2012
Cornelia Grey layers a fantastical world with steampunk details in this entertaining romp of a story. The Tea Demon mixed whimsy with sexiness and adventure to create a lively story well worth the read.
Never one to shy away from the gritty details, Ms Grey starts us in a seedy bar, where a thief can be found for a fearsome job. A mysterious stranger approaches Eric Devon for a caper, but first has to challenge him into taking the job. The forfeit? A kiss that curls Eric's toes, and the caper? Steal the ultimate treasure from the impregnable fortress. The penalty for failure? Horrible, and it's a long way down.
Captain Jonathan Tea, that sexy beast, is the most fearsome sky pirate in this cloud based world, where airships tie up to bronze sky ports miles above ground and larger installations ride on the backs of turtles. Readers of Discworld will feel right at home, with the unquestioned oddities and strange characters who communicate in snappy one-liners. The Captain, prone to flying into rages that make his crew fear for the ship, has a whim of steel and can only be calmed with fine tea, or steamy sex.
Ms. Grey paints wonderful pictures with her words: she's becoming an autobuy for me, and here she's taking sly pokes at a lot of the fantasy/adventure tropes, making me snicker. She gives Eric a plan that's perfectly ridiculous and its execution outlandish -- between laughing and groaning I attracted a considerable amount of attention to myself at the coffee shop, but who cares, it was worth it.
The story ends in a big OH NO and a bigger AW, and was pure over the top fun.
Never one to shy away from the gritty details, Ms Grey starts us in a seedy bar, where a thief can be found for a fearsome job. A mysterious stranger approaches Eric Devon for a caper, but first has to challenge him into taking the job. The forfeit? A kiss that curls Eric's toes, and the caper? Steal the ultimate treasure from the impregnable fortress. The penalty for failure? Horrible, and it's a long way down.
Captain Jonathan Tea, that sexy beast, is the most fearsome sky pirate in this cloud based world, where airships tie up to bronze sky ports miles above ground and larger installations ride on the backs of turtles. Readers of Discworld will feel right at home, with the unquestioned oddities and strange characters who communicate in snappy one-liners. The Captain, prone to flying into rages that make his crew fear for the ship, has a whim of steel and can only be calmed with fine tea, or steamy sex.
Ms. Grey paints wonderful pictures with her words: she's becoming an autobuy for me, and here she's taking sly pokes at a lot of the fantasy/adventure tropes, making me snicker. She gives Eric a plan that's perfectly ridiculous and its execution outlandish -- between laughing and groaning I attracted a considerable amount of attention to myself at the coffee shop, but who cares, it was worth it.
The story ends in a big OH NO and a bigger AW, and was pure over the top fun.
Read
July 16, 2012The Tea Demon was light and funny, something that caught me unaware but pleasantly surprised. The sci-fi/futuristic story of a dashing Captain of a pirate spaceshift/galleon hiring a intergalactic thief to retrieve a prized possession seemed somewhat old. I was of course expecting for the dashing captain, Jonathan, to be an imposing and dominant character, and of course for the thief, Eric, to be a somewhat submissive character, a level below the captain in the “romance” hierarchy.
I was completely wrong, from the first encounter, and the stolen kiss, a kiss that is “imposed” to a blushing Jonathan from a daring Eric, the relationship between Jonathan and Eric is on the same level, if not even unbalanced on Eric’s side, that seems more experience and streetwise of Jonathan. The wondrous adventure is almost a kid play, and the notorious Tea Demon is no one else that a buddy friend to Eric.
This is a short novella, and there should be a lot still to say about Jonathan, explaining for example his instability and his dependency from… tea! Again the author turned something that could have been dark and gothic, in funny and light.
I really enjoyed this pair, and I hope the author will decide to visit them again.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/16...
I was completely wrong, from the first encounter, and the stolen kiss, a kiss that is “imposed” to a blushing Jonathan from a daring Eric, the relationship between Jonathan and Eric is on the same level, if not even unbalanced on Eric’s side, that seems more experience and streetwise of Jonathan. The wondrous adventure is almost a kid play, and the notorious Tea Demon is no one else that a buddy friend to Eric.
This is a short novella, and there should be a lot still to say about Jonathan, explaining for example his instability and his dependency from… tea! Again the author turned something that could have been dark and gothic, in funny and light.
I really enjoyed this pair, and I hope the author will decide to visit them again.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/16...
March 17, 2015
Una storia che avrebbe meritato qualche pagina in più. In 56 pagine si avverte un po' troppo la mancanza di approfondimento.
Ci sono molti elementi che stuzzicano l'immaginazione del lettore, dalle navi che solcano i cieli alle tartarughe volanti (dato che ho da poco finito di leggere Il colore della magia, non ho potuto fare a meno di pensare al Mondo Disco di Terry Pratchett!). Così come ci sono elementi di simpatia, come il terribile capitano pirata che si scioglie di fronte ad una tazza di buon tè (e francamente posso capirlo!) o Addeline, ragazzina impertinente.
Definire veloce la storia d'amore tra i due protagonisti, Eric e Jonathan, è dir poco. In effetti, ha più in contorni di una sveltina, che per quanto soddisfacente non ha lo spessore di un rapporto ben costruito. Peccato...
Ci sono molti elementi che stuzzicano l'immaginazione del lettore, dalle navi che solcano i cieli alle tartarughe volanti (dato che ho da poco finito di leggere Il colore della magia, non ho potuto fare a meno di pensare al Mondo Disco di Terry Pratchett!). Così come ci sono elementi di simpatia, come il terribile capitano pirata che si scioglie di fronte ad una tazza di buon tè (e francamente posso capirlo!) o Addeline, ragazzina impertinente.
Definire veloce la storia d'amore tra i due protagonisti, Eric e Jonathan, è dir poco. In effetti, ha più in contorni di una sveltina, che per quanto soddisfacente non ha lo spessore di un rapporto ben costruito. Peccato...
September 28, 2012
This was funny and exciting. A great adventure/ romance story.
January 27, 2021
3 stars
Fun, kinda cute. It read like a YA romp, minus the very odd s*x scene in the middle that
I skipped. Well done for a short story.
I am the *hugest* sucker for sky pirates! Which is the main reason I read this, and I was not disappointed. The characters & atmosphere are well drawn for a brief story, and I liked them all.
That said, there are a few massive questions I have (*vague spoilers ahead*):
•What is a tea demon? Is Jonathan a literal demon? A human sharing a body with a demon?
•What sends Jonathan into his demon rages? When/why does this happen?
•Why did Eric decide to retire in the first place, and what was his backup plan?
•The turtle merchants supposedly have legendary security that hasn’t been breached in hundreds of years; why was only one lookout on duty? Why did he let Eric and Jonathan in without verifying their authorization?
•How did Eric & Jonathan blast a hole inside the tower without setting off massive alarms immediately? Were no guards posted outside the vault?
Despite these minor plot holes, this is worth the read! There is also a delightful video game reference I appreciated despite not being a gamer.
Fun, kinda cute. It read like a YA romp, minus the very odd s*x scene in the middle that
I skipped. Well done for a short story.
I am the *hugest* sucker for sky pirates! Which is the main reason I read this, and I was not disappointed. The characters & atmosphere are well drawn for a brief story, and I liked them all.
That said, there are a few massive questions I have (*vague spoilers ahead*):
•What is a tea demon? Is Jonathan a literal demon? A human sharing a body with a demon?
•What sends Jonathan into his demon rages? When/why does this happen?
•Why did Eric decide to retire in the first place, and what was his backup plan?
•The turtle merchants supposedly have legendary security that hasn’t been breached in hundreds of years; why was only one lookout on duty? Why did he let Eric and Jonathan in without verifying their authorization?
•How did Eric & Jonathan blast a hole inside the tower without setting off massive alarms immediately? Were no guards posted outside the vault?
Despite these minor plot holes, this is worth the read! There is also a delightful video game reference I appreciated despite not being a gamer.
February 1, 2018
(Riguardo la prima edizione)
Sinceramente mi aspettavo qualcosa di diverso... Ambientazione descritta malissimo o quasi del tutto assente, per capire che parlavamo di un mondo "steampunk" sono dovuta arrivare a metà del racconto.
I personaggi sono assolutamente delle macchiette, non sono descritti, hanno un carattere stereotipato e non si sa niente di loro né del loro passato. Non si sa perché il capitano abbia quegli strani poteri, poi il finale è assolutamete ridicolo a mio parere, tutta questa fatica per recuperare un oggetto estremamente prezioso che si rivela essere una gran stupidaggine...
In sostanza poteva essere anche carino e divertente ma la scrittura affrettata ha reso il tutto molto deludente.
Quindi se volete leggerlo fatelo proprio per sfizio personale, per leggere di due che vanno a letto insieme così per fare e non per altro.
Mi ha dato proprio l'impressione da fan fiction, dove l'autrice non si sofferma a descrivere ambientazione e i personaggi perché tanto la cosa in una ff è data per scontata.
Sinceramente mi aspettavo qualcosa di diverso... Ambientazione descritta malissimo o quasi del tutto assente, per capire che parlavamo di un mondo "steampunk" sono dovuta arrivare a metà del racconto.
I personaggi sono assolutamente delle macchiette, non sono descritti, hanno un carattere stereotipato e non si sa niente di loro né del loro passato. Non si sa perché il capitano abbia quegli strani poteri, poi il finale è assolutamete ridicolo a mio parere, tutta questa fatica per recuperare un oggetto estremamente prezioso che si rivela essere una gran stupidaggine...
In sostanza poteva essere anche carino e divertente ma la scrittura affrettata ha reso il tutto molto deludente.
Quindi se volete leggerlo fatelo proprio per sfizio personale, per leggere di due che vanno a letto insieme così per fare e non per altro.
Mi ha dato proprio l'impressione da fan fiction, dove l'autrice non si sofferma a descrivere ambientazione e i personaggi perché tanto la cosa in una ff è data per scontata.
November 25, 2020
Inizi a leggere credendo di ritrovarti in una bettola in un’epoca antica tra marinai, pirati e loschi individui ai quali basta un nonnulla per iniziare una rissa, e ti ritrovi dopo un po’ a viaggiare tra le nuvole, su una nave pirata che mi ha ricordato i tempi di Capitan Harlock, in compagnia di un ladro strampalato e un capitano forse non umano, ma decisamente il demone più particolare di cui io abbia mai letto.
Questo breve racconto scorre che è un piacere, uno Steampunk delizioso, leggero, gradevole e ben scritto.
Conoscevo già quest’autrice per aver letto “Il Ronin e la volpe” che ho adorato e non mi ha deluso neanche stavolta, pur essendo la lettura di un genere diverso.
Lettura che consiglio senza alcun dubbio anche e soprattutto in momenti come gli attuali in cui la mente ha bisogno di svagarsi e distrarsi dalla quotidianità.
Questo breve racconto scorre che è un piacere, uno Steampunk delizioso, leggero, gradevole e ben scritto.
Conoscevo già quest’autrice per aver letto “Il Ronin e la volpe” che ho adorato e non mi ha deluso neanche stavolta, pur essendo la lettura di un genere diverso.
Lettura che consiglio senza alcun dubbio anche e soprattutto in momenti come gli attuali in cui la mente ha bisogno di svagarsi e distrarsi dalla quotidianità.
November 29, 2022
3.5 stars
An exciting adventure! Eric is a famous thief hired to do a special 'retrieval' for the Tea Demon. The story is a short one , but action packed with a sexy romance. I liked the steam punk world building and colorful characters.
An exciting adventure! Eric is a famous thief hired to do a special 'retrieval' for the Tea Demon. The story is a short one , but action packed with a sexy romance. I liked the steam punk world building and colorful characters.
August 15, 2024
I've enjoyed some works from this author and although this story is well plotted and told, it just wasn't my thing. I did read it all through, I do like pirate stories, just not other worldly, magical types. The two man characters are very entertaining, it's them that kept me going. An ok read.
October 23, 2020
Well, that was exceedingly silly. And sorta sweet. With some lovley bits of sexiness swirled in.
October 27, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
Depends on your sense of humour. It's a frantic caper that didn't appeal to me. Lost me at the sex scene.
Personally I prefer Coffee!
Depends on your sense of humour. It's a frantic caper that didn't appeal to me. Lost me at the sex scene.
Personally I prefer Coffee!
November 26, 2022
Super Cute Quick Read about a infamous captain and a thief. They meet, they kiss, they plot, the have sexy times, they steal and off into the sunset HEA.
December 17, 2014
**Grammar**
Eric is a thief and he is the best. After years of doing always this job he decided to take a stop and is chilling in a bar, until a man in search of his skills arrives near his table. Eric declines the job and moves to another table, far and half in the dark. There he meets a stranger, a sexy and smug stranger that attracts his attention. The stranger too offers him a job, to steal a thing. Eric wants to decline, bcs is tired of being a thief, but something tells him he wants to know more about this stranger, so he decides to bet with him. Game of dice, if the stranger wins, Eric will take the job, but if Eric wins he will kiss the stranger. Luckly for Eric, the stranger is really bad at gambling. Eric takes his face btw his hands and kisses him. The stranger flushs embarassed, but after some seconds returns the kiss. They are still at it , when the guy that had asked for Eric's services just some minutes before, arrives drunk at their table and starts a fight. Eric tells him he has already a job, he decided the same to help the stramger. They start a brawl and while all the ppl are distracted fighting the two escape and go to the dock, where is the stranger's ship. Arrived there Eric will find out, the stranger, is the infamous Tea Demon captain, his name is Jonathan Tea. Legends tell that his fury can be seated only with a cup of perfect tea. He will find out that legend is real, when in the evening Jonathan will have one of his moments. Jonathan is in his cabin and sounds pissed. Erics is sent to calm him. The crew says him that also another time they had calmed the captain finding him someone with who he could have sex, but now Eric is there so they dont need find another person. Eric enters the cabin and Jonathan stares at him, his eyes red and blazing. Is too late to run away. The captain asks why he is here, probably he would like to be left alone. They fight and in the end, they have sex. Nice scene and is so bad the book is short bcs wrote better the story isnt bad and the they are sexy.
Anyway after that, the captain asks him if he is there just bcs the crew asked him to, and Eric says no. The feelings are growing. They have a plan to retrive the item he captain lose in a bet (he really sucks at gambling). To make it short, the plan works and Eric will be a little shocked to find out they risked their lives for an old cup of tea. Is time that they go in separate ways, but Erics takes the captain's wrist and asks him if he has other items he needs to get back and the captain says for sure he can think about some. An excuse to be together, but is a nice end and i would have liked to read more about them.
Probably they had other experiences before they met each other, but also if the captain was a bottom before and idk for sure, the thing is that in a scene u uderstand he is not used if he is one. I didnt read about eterosexual sex and is a good start. Idk why in most of the books the gay chars must be cheaters or die or lie about their sexuality being married, is a shame only few authors dont use this themes. Anyway about this author i must say i liked some stories and really hated others, personal testes.
Eric is a thief and he is the best. After years of doing always this job he decided to take a stop and is chilling in a bar, until a man in search of his skills arrives near his table. Eric declines the job and moves to another table, far and half in the dark. There he meets a stranger, a sexy and smug stranger that attracts his attention. The stranger too offers him a job, to steal a thing. Eric wants to decline, bcs is tired of being a thief, but something tells him he wants to know more about this stranger, so he decides to bet with him. Game of dice, if the stranger wins, Eric will take the job, but if Eric wins he will kiss the stranger. Luckly for Eric, the stranger is really bad at gambling. Eric takes his face btw his hands and kisses him. The stranger flushs embarassed, but after some seconds returns the kiss. They are still at it , when the guy that had asked for Eric's services just some minutes before, arrives drunk at their table and starts a fight. Eric tells him he has already a job, he decided the same to help the stramger. They start a brawl and while all the ppl are distracted fighting the two escape and go to the dock, where is the stranger's ship. Arrived there Eric will find out, the stranger, is the infamous Tea Demon captain, his name is Jonathan Tea. Legends tell that his fury can be seated only with a cup of perfect tea. He will find out that legend is real, when in the evening Jonathan will have one of his moments. Jonathan is in his cabin and sounds pissed. Erics is sent to calm him. The crew says him that also another time they had calmed the captain finding him someone with who he could have sex, but now Eric is there so they dont need find another person. Eric enters the cabin and Jonathan stares at him, his eyes red and blazing. Is too late to run away. The captain asks why he is here, probably he would like to be left alone. They fight and in the end, they have sex. Nice scene and is so bad the book is short bcs wrote better the story isnt bad and the they are sexy.
Anyway after that, the captain asks him if he is there just bcs the crew asked him to, and Eric says no. The feelings are growing. They have a plan to retrive the item he captain lose in a bet (he really sucks at gambling). To make it short, the plan works and Eric will be a little shocked to find out they risked their lives for an old cup of tea. Is time that they go in separate ways, but Erics takes the captain's wrist and asks him if he has other items he needs to get back and the captain says for sure he can think about some. An excuse to be together, but is a nice end and i would have liked to read more about them.
Probably they had other experiences before they met each other, but also if the captain was a bottom before and idk for sure, the thing is that in a scene u uderstand he is not used if he is one. I didnt read about eterosexual sex and is a good start. Idk why in most of the books the gay chars must be cheaters or die or lie about their sexuality being married, is a shame only few authors dont use this themes. Anyway about this author i must say i liked some stories and really hated others, personal testes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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