3.5 StarsThis is a rather complicated story with lots of drama that was originally written in serial form. We start off with Cody Taylor, a young man living in New York. He learns that his grandfather, who he hasn't seen since he was 10 years old because his parents moved away, has recently died and left half of his ranch in New Mexico to him. The other half is left to a widow, Jase Mcbride and his son. Jase wife was murdered 5 years earlier and the killer has never been found.
Even though both of Cody's parents are white, he looks like a full bloodied Native American. His twin brother, however, is white in appearance. Cody has always assumed that he has inherited his looks from his Grandmother who was also Native American. When Cody & Jase first meet, Jase is instantly hostile. Cody at first speculates it's because of prejudice, especially as he sees that Jase also treats his son, Davy, coldly and his son is Native American in appearance.
Despite the initial hostility, Cody & Jase are attracted to one another. The story revolves around Cody & Jase and their feelings for one another. There's also a lot of danger around them that involve both Cody & Jase' past, Jase' son Davy and the mystery of what happened Jase' wife. There are mystical forces at work in the novel as well, as some Native American spirits seem to be offering some protection for the three of them.
Reading this as a serial, you'd probably have a different feel for this story. Reading as a non stop story, some of the drama & Native American mysticism can feel a little heavy handed, especially as we get to late in the story where we're dealing with Cody's nemesis. I still found much to commend in the story. Obviously some research was done on the area and the beliefs and there is even some additional photos included in the story. The story held my interest even when the drama got to be over the top. I'd recommend the story but maybe not read it in one sitting.
This is a difficult story to rate and review. There were parts that rate only 3 stars and parts that rate 5 stars. For free online fic it's great but it has to be read with the knowledge that it's not a clean, edited novel. I must admit though I'm surprised how few mistakes there are compared to some so called edited novels I've read. Also it hasn't been formatted like a novel so the breaks and the jumping from scene to scene isn't always smooth.
The characters are great, I love Cody and Jase. Then there is David Jase's 10 year old son. Sometimes he felt older than his 10 years and other times I was frustrated at how young he acted, David's personality and character is inconsistent but he is sweet all the time. The drama and mystery is over the top but it held my interest.
Overlooking the negatives and remembering that this story wasn't meant to be a fleshed out novel let me just sit back and be entertained. I'm sorry to see it end.