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The ESTO Universe
Vassily the Beautiful
Vassily Belikov, composer and pampered son of privilege, suffered neurological damage in the accident that killed his father. Resentful of his invalid status, he lives as a recluse, dependent on his mother, until the day she brings home a new husband with two sons of his own. His mother's kidnapping leaves him at the mercy of his amoral stepfather. Fighting addiction, fear, and physical shortcomings, he's forced to seek out the criminal mastermind Baba Yaga for a replacement part. While she agrees to a deal if he beats his addiction, paranoia infuses her household. Drawn to her fierce youngest son, certain his actions are carefully measured, Vassily must find the courage to face his fears and his desires if he expects to survive.
474 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2012
20 people are currently reading
641 people want to read
About the author
Angel Martinez
96 books679 followersAngel Martinez currently lives part time in the hectic sprawl of northern Delaware and full time inside her head. She has one husband, one son, two cats, a love of all things beautiful and a terrible addiction to the consumption of both knowledge and chocolate.
Angel's alter ego writes the all-ages science fiction - Sandra Stixrude.
Angel's alter ego writes the all-ages science fiction - Sandra Stixrude.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
October 10, 2018
Audio - Greg Boudreaux 5+++ stars...'nuf said!
Story - 4 stars...epilogue needed!!!!!!
How is this not a series???!!!
Story - 4 stars...epilogue needed!!!!!!
How is this not a series???!!!
June 17, 2016
Fun and sexy love story but nothing to get too excited about.
I can't say that I loved the novel and I can't say that I hated it either. It was fun but nothing that really held my interests all that much. The two main character each had their weakness that they had to overcome. They both helped each other to do that and in the process fell in love. Nothing new in that story and nothing new in the telling of it either. The sexual content wasn't anything that was overly exciting. Pretty standard stuff really. I did get a laugh at some of the terms the author used. Sometimes they just try and get a little too creative I think.
In the end it was a fun read but not a novel I'd really recommend.
December 16, 2016
This was an interesting take on a respun fairytale.
World building was decent and set the stage, but even so it quickly felt very terrestrial and graspable. So, if tricky confusing science fiction annoys, then you don't need to worry because it slides smoothly. I liked Vassily, a bit delicate, but tenacious. Sumi, Ras, and Pol are lovable. I tend to judge people more on body language and action then words, so these are my kind of guys. The story is clever and entertaining. Wasn't looking for more than that, so very happy. Might be more of a 3.5 stars, but rounding up because I read it in one go and enjoyed it the entire way through.
World building was decent and set the stage, but even so it quickly felt very terrestrial and graspable. So, if tricky confusing science fiction annoys, then you don't need to worry because it slides smoothly. I liked Vassily, a bit delicate, but tenacious. Sumi, Ras, and Pol are lovable. I tend to judge people more on body language and action then words, so these are my kind of guys. The story is clever and entertaining. Wasn't looking for more than that, so very happy. Might be more of a 3.5 stars, but rounding up because I read it in one go and enjoyed it the entire way through.
January 29, 2013
4.5 stars.
A deceptively simple retelling of the Russian folktale Vassilia The Beautiful. I said "deceptive" because while on the surface it's a quick sex-change so that now Vassilia is Vassily, and old Russia is a futuristic space colony, it really is better than that. No cheap substitutions here. The story stands on its own, despite its origins. Most importantly, the book retains that dreamlike sense of a fairytale, while at the same time the characters are vividly drawn.
Vassily and Sumerki are wonderful, and the supporting cast is well-drawn. Of course I didn't much like Vassily's mother, but if people didn't recklessly remarry in fairytales, where would all the step-evils come from?
Also, I love Baba Yaga! I was never sure as a kid how to take stories with Baba Yaga in them, because I could never decide if she was supposed to be a scary, evil witch, or the most awesome character ever. In this book, she's both, and I love her!
Side note: The cover is beautiful. Vassily is gorgeous.
A deceptively simple retelling of the Russian folktale Vassilia The Beautiful. I said "deceptive" because while on the surface it's a quick sex-change so that now Vassilia is Vassily, and old Russia is a futuristic space colony, it really is better than that. No cheap substitutions here. The story stands on its own, despite its origins. Most importantly, the book retains that dreamlike sense of a fairytale, while at the same time the characters are vividly drawn.
Vassily and Sumerki are wonderful, and the supporting cast is well-drawn. Of course I didn't much like Vassily's mother, but if people didn't recklessly remarry in fairytales, where would all the step-evils come from?
Also, I love Baba Yaga! I was never sure as a kid how to take stories with Baba Yaga in them, because I could never decide if she was supposed to be a scary, evil witch, or the most awesome character ever. In this book, she's both, and I love her!
Side note: The cover is beautiful. Vassily is gorgeous.
November 12, 2014
I wanted this book to be longer. I wanted this book to be endless. It's such a strange and lovely blending of Russian folklore and futuristic fiction. It's a story about the eponymous Vassily, a shy composer who is recovering from a terrible accident, who ends up being maltreated by his stepfather. Sent on some task, Vassily ends ups meeting a trio of strange brothers and their even stranger mother and sort of grows a backbone in the process. In any case, the plot is not important. It's a bit weak, to be honest and only serves as a vehicle for the fantastic characters and great world the author has built. I love the brothers, they each have distinct, interesting personalities and are obviously someone's dirty fantasy. Vassily develops a relationship with the aggressive and antisocial Sumerki and it is glorious. It's the centerpiece of the novel. Under other circumstances, I might have found this annoying. But I just enjoyed them so much. My main complaint is that things move too fast, and too many things were happening at once. There is so much scope for world-building and character expansion that this could be, like, ten more novels and I devour every one of them. Hint hint, Angel Martinez, hint hint.
December 21, 2014
Not sure how to rate it...
Before I begin, though.
Sumerki=Dusk. The book starts with his name :)
Poldien=Noon. Rassvet=Dawn.
Can't say I liked the beginning of the book (much), but as Vassily set out to find Baba Yaga's house, things improved dramatically. I really had fun reading the story, loved Baba Yaga, as she ended up to be one of the best characters in the book (besides Vasya and Sumerki). I am not totally sold on Vassily's mother, Irene, or his so-called brothers. Very sketchy people, if you ask me ;) Irene was a huge disappointment. Smart woman, we were told, but totally oblivious to anything around her and her own maternal instincts. I wish there was more of Giorgio, but - oh, well. For some reason, it feels like a little follow up on the minor characters is in order :)
Oh, and the bird and the androids... Every character in folk tales is important. You're kind to them and then they pay you back by saving your skin. I was waiting for the talking bird to make some kind of appearance and help save the day , but - alas. The gun on the wall never got a chance to fire ;)
Anyway, 3 stars for the first quarter of the book. Solid 4 stars for the rest.
Before I begin, though.
Sumerki=Dusk. The book starts with his name :)
Poldien=Noon. Rassvet=Dawn.
Can't say I liked the beginning of the book (much), but as Vassily set out to find Baba Yaga's house, things improved dramatically. I really had fun reading the story, loved Baba Yaga, as she ended up to be one of the best characters in the book (besides Vasya and Sumerki). I am not totally sold on Vassily's mother, Irene, or his so-called brothers. Very sketchy people, if you ask me ;) Irene was a huge disappointment. Smart woman, we were told, but totally oblivious to anything around her and her own maternal instincts. I wish there was more of Giorgio, but - oh, well. For some reason, it feels like a little follow up on the minor characters is in order :)
Oh, and the bird and the androids... Every character in folk tales is important. You're kind to them and then they pay you back by saving your skin. I was waiting for the talking bird to make some kind of appearance and help save the day , but - alas. The gun on the wall never got a chance to fire ;)
Anyway, 3 stars for the first quarter of the book. Solid 4 stars for the rest.
July 20, 2016
This is a fascinating tale, with great characters and a futuristic setting that is well developed. The retelling of old stories, placing them in a more contemporary (or, in this case, sci-fi context), is something that is always tempting for an author; Angel Martinez, I think, has succeeded really well at translating the old concepts into something new and relevant.
Vassily has had a lot to deal with in his life, not least of which is brain damage form an accident. He is a bit lost, doesn’t have a lot of self-confidence and the nasty stepfather and stepbrothers, who move in when his (often absent) mother gets remarried, make his life a true hell. The assignment his horrible stepfather sends him on looks hopeless, but it is actually the beginning of some real character growth. I was cheering all the way!
Sumerki is forceful, domineering, self-centered, and has an issue with being touched. He has also been genetically modified by his mother and, while competent at his job, does not love his life. He’s a real candidate for anger management – or something. While his brothers love and understand him, they are not the right people to help him. When Vassily turns up something changes – and Sumerki is the last one to want to admit what is going on.
At first glance, these two men seem to have nothing in common. Open hostility and fear are two of the key obstacles they need to overcome. I loved how they gradually remove each of them, so slowly that it’s almost unnoticeable. The impact and depth of their feelings captivated me. If you like stories about flawed and damaged characters thrown together in a challenging situation, if you enjoy watching men battle both exterior and interior demons and if emotions are just as important as physical attraction for you, this is a books you shouldn’t miss.
Vassily has had a lot to deal with in his life, not least of which is brain damage form an accident. He is a bit lost, doesn’t have a lot of self-confidence and the nasty stepfather and stepbrothers, who move in when his (often absent) mother gets remarried, make his life a true hell. The assignment his horrible stepfather sends him on looks hopeless, but it is actually the beginning of some real character growth. I was cheering all the way!
Sumerki is forceful, domineering, self-centered, and has an issue with being touched. He has also been genetically modified by his mother and, while competent at his job, does not love his life. He’s a real candidate for anger management – or something. While his brothers love and understand him, they are not the right people to help him. When Vassily turns up something changes – and Sumerki is the last one to want to admit what is going on.
At first glance, these two men seem to have nothing in common. Open hostility and fear are two of the key obstacles they need to overcome. I loved how they gradually remove each of them, so slowly that it’s almost unnoticeable. The impact and depth of their feelings captivated me. If you like stories about flawed and damaged characters thrown together in a challenging situation, if you enjoy watching men battle both exterior and interior demons and if emotions are just as important as physical attraction for you, this is a books you shouldn’t miss.
January 18, 2016
REVIEW: A year ago I had never heard of Angel Martinez, let alone read anything by her. Now, I'm working on reading every book in her back list and definitely picking up anything new she has out. She has become a "go-to" author, one that I can rely on to give me a great, enjoyable, and fun read. This time was no different.
Vassily is fragile, beautiful, and naïve. At least, until his stepfather gets a hold of him and turns him into a junkie, or "toxie" as they are called in the ESTO universe. But even as I read about his addiction, something that could easily have been very disturbing and off-putting, I found myself falling for this character more and more. And when he met his soulmate, Sumi, well, I was done for. He was no longer as naïve, having been forced into addiction and faced abuse from his stepfather and stepbrothers, but he was still very fragile at first. But he learned, and grew as a person without changing his essential gentle nature. I loved that, that he could mature and expand his horizons without losing what made him so captivating in the first place. And his relationship with Sumi was beautiful. This is one of those stories that I know I will go back re-read again and again, falling for these characters all over again each time.
August 25, 2017
Update: I finally read the book and it's marvelous. I loved it so much, I'm willing to accept that the man on the cover could be both Sei and Vassily. (Martinez is now on my list of favorite authors.) I liked the substance abuse angle and how . It was wonderfully realistic in that regard. I loved all the characters and want to read more about these men.
Unfortunately, my review can't be as in depth as I want because I lost all of my book notes due to a technical malfunction. I had gobs of backlog, too, and I'm devastated as for some of them I'll never remember if I thought they were so-so or liked them. Oh well, life goes on.
No no no no no. This sounds like a good book, but that isn't Vassily on the cover, that's Seiran:
(Reclamation).
I hate that these cover models are reused over and over. I get why, there are only so many stock photos taken that fit gay romance, and Sei is certainly pretty, but it upsets me when it's one from a popular series. I know it's no one's fault, but I can whine, can't I?
Unfortunately, my review can't be as in depth as I want because I lost all of my book notes due to a technical malfunction. I had gobs of backlog, too, and I'm devastated as for some of them I'll never remember if I thought they were so-so or liked them. Oh well, life goes on.
No no no no no. This sounds like a good book, but that isn't Vassily on the cover, that's Seiran:
(Reclamation).I hate that these cover models are reused over and over. I get why, there are only so many stock photos taken that fit gay romance, and Sei is certainly pretty, but it upsets me when it's one from a popular series. I know it's no one's fault, but I can whine, can't I?
September 2, 2014
Because those good old folk and fairy tales seldom starred gay knights in shining armor and twinky princes, here we have a M/M adaption of the old Russian fairytale ‘Vasilisa the Beautiful’ for your reading pleasure!
Like most heroines in the Cinderella type of stories from your youth, poor Vasilisa had to endure hell and hatred when her mother died and her father remarried an evil woman. In this story by Martinez, Vasilisa has become a Vassily, but has otherwise lost none of his beauty. This time, it’s the mother who makes the unfortunate decision that will land her son into the frying pan. For reasons unfathomable to anyone except fairytale characters, she remarries a man from outer space with a shady past. When he enters the household and she’s captured by deep-space pirates, Vassily gets pushed into the fire.
Now in a story that’s a bundle of fairy tale, science fiction, romance and comedy, it’s almost easy to forget about the actual MCs. But Vassily might be a weakling who struggles with disability, and on top of that is turned into a pathetic druggie by his stepfather, he’s also an endearing young man. And you can only cheer him on when he finds himself in the clutches of Baba Yaga (yes!) and her three ‘sons’, including the outwardly cantankerous and violent youngest one.
Granted, this story is a bit of a peculiar mixture of elements, at the same time lacking a greater scheme of things. What plot there is, is not entirely convincing as certain subplots don’t add up or, if you like, only add to the sense of drifting through a story that’s ‘neither fish nor flesh’. Whether you will enjoy Vassily the Beautiful will therefore probably depend on your willingness to accept the fairytale-esque influences and the richness of ideas (the world building for example) that are superficially developed. The first half of the book does pile up the drama quite a bit and the second half is more like a sweet Cinderfella tale with an, albeit abrupt, but matching ending.
Vassily The Beautiful is more than that though. Especially if you enjoy two vulnerable and damaged individuals finding and fixing each other against a hodgepodge backdrop, it has a lot to offer. Read it, too, if you’re looking for a less cut-out A to Z romance this time. Or for the quirky characters. For me the ‘sons’ were almost a little too ‘comical’, but partly robotic characters, a fiercely protective drag queen and a centuries old grandma AKA crime boss have to count for something, right?
Like most heroines in the Cinderella type of stories from your youth, poor Vasilisa had to endure hell and hatred when her mother died and her father remarried an evil woman. In this story by Martinez, Vasilisa has become a Vassily, but has otherwise lost none of his beauty. This time, it’s the mother who makes the unfortunate decision that will land her son into the frying pan. For reasons unfathomable to anyone except fairytale characters, she remarries a man from outer space with a shady past. When he enters the household and she’s captured by deep-space pirates, Vassily gets pushed into the fire.
Now in a story that’s a bundle of fairy tale, science fiction, romance and comedy, it’s almost easy to forget about the actual MCs. But Vassily might be a weakling who struggles with disability, and on top of that is turned into a pathetic druggie by his stepfather, he’s also an endearing young man. And you can only cheer him on when he finds himself in the clutches of Baba Yaga (yes!) and her three ‘sons’, including the outwardly cantankerous and violent youngest one.
Granted, this story is a bit of a peculiar mixture of elements, at the same time lacking a greater scheme of things. What plot there is, is not entirely convincing as certain subplots don’t add up or, if you like, only add to the sense of drifting through a story that’s ‘neither fish nor flesh’. Whether you will enjoy Vassily the Beautiful will therefore probably depend on your willingness to accept the fairytale-esque influences and the richness of ideas (the world building for example) that are superficially developed. The first half of the book does pile up the drama quite a bit and the second half is more like a sweet Cinderfella tale with an, albeit abrupt, but matching ending.
Vassily The Beautiful is more than that though. Especially if you enjoy two vulnerable and damaged individuals finding and fixing each other against a hodgepodge backdrop, it has a lot to offer. Read it, too, if you’re looking for a less cut-out A to Z romance this time. Or for the quirky characters. For me the ‘sons’ were almost a little too ‘comical’, but partly robotic characters, a fiercely protective drag queen and a centuries old grandma AKA crime boss have to count for something, right?
June 5, 2023
1.5 rounded down
I've generally quite enjoyed this series but I thought this was an absolute miss. The characterizations and actions taken by the characters didn't really make sense to me at all which left me scratching my head for most of the book. Vassily's mother is a total asshole but somehow that doesn't seem to be what the author thinks they wrote? The way Vassily speaks just felt very weird to me, and the connection was super insta-love and did nothing for me. I'm too tired to list the ways in which this was disappointing, but I didn't really feel like I was reading a book in the same 'verse as the others I've read.
I've generally quite enjoyed this series but I thought this was an absolute miss. The characterizations and actions taken by the characters didn't really make sense to me at all which left me scratching my head for most of the book. Vassily's mother is a total asshole but somehow that doesn't seem to be what the author thinks they wrote? The way Vassily speaks just felt very weird to me, and the connection was super insta-love and did nothing for me. I'm too tired to list the ways in which this was disappointing, but I didn't really feel like I was reading a book in the same 'verse as the others I've read.
June 4, 2016
This book is actually a clever adaption of the Russian fairy tale, 'Vasilisa the Beautiful', substituting men for women.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasilisa...
"There was nothing left, nothing to look forward to but a slow and humiliating death. A snippet of poetry haunted him, 'then black despair the shadow of a starless night was thrown over the world in which I moved alone.'"
October 25, 2018
4.5 Stars
I've read quite of few (though, not all) of Angel's works and regularly rate them at around 4 stars...I have to say that this is easily my favorite so far. I adored the setting, the re-imagined (yet somehow original sounding) fairy-tale plot, the characters (Ras & Pol need their own books, damnit!) and the drama.
I loved how strong Vasya is, how determined he could be, and how he's more than just "Beautiful." And the whole genetic manipulation of Suri and his brothers? Plus the viral nature of the new opiate drug? Fascinating. Plus, I can't forget Baba Yaga. Not an easy character to like, but she's got standards and rules and expectations...she's hard because she's made herself become that way (vengeance isn't for the soft-hearted).
Damn, seriously, I want more of this Universe; there's only one left in the loosely connected series for me to read/listen to and I feel a bit bereft at the moment.
Speaking of "listen" to: Once again Greg Tremblay/Boudreaux does an absofuckinglutely amazing job with the characters' voices. I could tell each of them apart with no problem (not an easy task given there were quite a few with major speaking parts) and OMG Suri's voice - referred to as glass & gravel - was just perfect.
I have said time and again that I am not a fan of "Fairy Tales." I think I need to revise that statement to "I am not a fan of Disney-style Fairy Tales." Give me something like this one...with some meat, some moral ambiguity, some darkness and a problem that isn't magically fixed (like Vassily's addiction) and I will eat that Fairy Tale up with a spoon!!
I've read quite of few (though, not all) of Angel's works and regularly rate them at around 4 stars...I have to say that this is easily my favorite so far. I adored the setting, the re-imagined (yet somehow original sounding) fairy-tale plot, the characters (Ras & Pol need their own books, damnit!) and the drama.
I loved how strong Vasya is, how determined he could be, and how he's more than just "Beautiful." And the whole genetic manipulation of Suri and his brothers? Plus the viral nature of the new opiate drug? Fascinating. Plus, I can't forget Baba Yaga. Not an easy character to like, but she's got standards and rules and expectations...she's hard because she's made herself become that way (vengeance isn't for the soft-hearted).
Damn, seriously, I want more of this Universe; there's only one left in the loosely connected series for me to read/listen to and I feel a bit bereft at the moment.
Speaking of "listen" to: Once again Greg Tremblay/Boudreaux does an absofuckinglutely amazing job with the characters' voices. I could tell each of them apart with no problem (not an easy task given there were quite a few with major speaking parts) and OMG Suri's voice - referred to as glass & gravel - was just perfect.
I have said time and again that I am not a fan of "Fairy Tales." I think I need to revise that statement to "I am not a fan of Disney-style Fairy Tales." Give me something like this one...with some meat, some moral ambiguity, some darkness and a problem that isn't magically fixed (like Vassily's addiction) and I will eat that Fairy Tale up with a spoon!!
June 8, 2012
I really liked this story. It really spoke to me on a number of levels, not all of them comfortable. This may not be a story I go back to repeatedly but not for any lack in the story.
This book covers so may different topics and much of it is done well. There's a struggle for independence and recovery after a debilitating accident. There's addiction and recovery. And of course there's love; both the kind that's blind to any imperfections when the mother chose a less than savory man refuses to see the faults in both him and his sons, and the unconditional love between Vassily and Sumi.
This story had high points and low. There were times I wanted to stop and yet I had to keep going even knowing that the story could never be a perfect HEA. And yet it still ends very satisfyingly and in a way that the imperfection of it still adds to the HEA. There's no miracle cure, no surgery, no drug, no last minute hail-mary-pass that fixes everything, what's done is done, and yet they still find love and happiness.
This is not so much a sci-fi story as one of survival and overcoming obstacles. A definite recommended read, but not for the faint of heart. Some of the issues covered, forced addiction and the humiliation that comes with it may be disturbing for some. It definitely touched a cord in me.
Well done!
This book covers so may different topics and much of it is done well. There's a struggle for independence and recovery after a debilitating accident. There's addiction and recovery. And of course there's love; both the kind that's blind to any imperfections when the mother chose a less than savory man refuses to see the faults in both him and his sons, and the unconditional love between Vassily and Sumi.
This story had high points and low. There were times I wanted to stop and yet I had to keep going even knowing that the story could never be a perfect HEA. And yet it still ends very satisfyingly and in a way that the imperfection of it still adds to the HEA. There's no miracle cure, no surgery, no drug, no last minute hail-mary-pass that fixes everything, what's done is done, and yet they still find love and happiness.
This is not so much a sci-fi story as one of survival and overcoming obstacles. A definite recommended read, but not for the faint of heart. Some of the issues covered, forced addiction and the humiliation that comes with it may be disturbing for some. It definitely touched a cord in me.
Well done!
July 4, 2017
3.5 stars Audio version
I wasn't sure about this book at the beginning. Vassily was very fragile and made some decisions that didn't make any sense to me. Some of the abuse by his step-father was also a bit hard to read. But when Vassily heads across the city to find the infamous Baba Yaga the story just took off out of the gate.
This is a sci-fi setting but it is not heavy on that aspect. I mention that because I'm not a big sci-fi fan but I feel like there were just small aspects to this and really it just felt like a story in another universe. It was easy to read and the world building was detailed enough for you to get the feel for how and where they live, but wasn't overwhelming and didn't overshadow the story.
I think the author did a great job with the characters. There were a lot and they all stood out as individuals. The villains were wonderfully bad, Vassily, once he starts to stand up for himself, was sweet and charming, and Baba Yaga and her sons were just awesome. They were the highlight of the story for me.
I loved the pairing of Vassily and Sumerki. It was such a great opposites attract pairing. Vassily soothed and mellowed Sumi out and Sumi's fierceness gave Vassily the strength he needed.
This audiobook was narrated by Greg Boudreaux and I thought he did a great job. There were a lot of characters so there were a lot of voices, plus there were a lot of different accents. I felt like he did them all really well. This was my first time listening to this narrator but he will be going on my list of people to look for in future audiobooks.
Overall I enjoyed everything about this. It was a unique plot and a sweet love story. By the end I was fully invested in the characters and I really hope this author will revisit this world one day and give both of Sumi's brothers stories also.
I wasn't sure about this book at the beginning. Vassily was very fragile and made some decisions that didn't make any sense to me. Some of the abuse by his step-father was also a bit hard to read. But when Vassily heads across the city to find the infamous Baba Yaga the story just took off out of the gate.
This is a sci-fi setting but it is not heavy on that aspect. I mention that because I'm not a big sci-fi fan but I feel like there were just small aspects to this and really it just felt like a story in another universe. It was easy to read and the world building was detailed enough for you to get the feel for how and where they live, but wasn't overwhelming and didn't overshadow the story.
I think the author did a great job with the characters. There were a lot and they all stood out as individuals. The villains were wonderfully bad, Vassily, once he starts to stand up for himself, was sweet and charming, and Baba Yaga and her sons were just awesome. They were the highlight of the story for me.
I loved the pairing of Vassily and Sumerki. It was such a great opposites attract pairing. Vassily soothed and mellowed Sumi out and Sumi's fierceness gave Vassily the strength he needed.
This audiobook was narrated by Greg Boudreaux and I thought he did a great job. There were a lot of characters so there were a lot of voices, plus there were a lot of different accents. I felt like he did them all really well. This was my first time listening to this narrator but he will be going on my list of people to look for in future audiobooks.
Overall I enjoyed everything about this. It was a unique plot and a sweet love story. By the end I was fully invested in the characters and I really hope this author will revisit this world one day and give both of Sumi's brothers stories also.
March 22, 2022
3.5-4 stars
Greg Boudreaux, you made this book!
I was hooked from page one, i had no idea where this book would go, but it was a ride that i was glad i took.
I do wish there was an epilogue... kinda ended abruptly. i also wished that we got the other brothers stories... but i am not sure if we do!
Greg Boudreaux, you made this book!
I was hooked from page one, i had no idea where this book would go, but it was a ride that i was glad i took.
I do wish there was an epilogue... kinda ended abruptly. i also wished that we got the other brothers stories... but i am not sure if we do!
February 17, 2016
This was an engaging story, but something a bit different than I was expecting after reading the author's other stories in the ESTO universe. For one, this one doesn't have the alien vibe, but more a futuristic earth one. The focus is set on the hero Vassily who has dangerous adventures and lots of personal growing to do even as he has his own effect on a hard, dangerous lonely man. Addiction, loneliness from being different, greed, family, and dealing with fear all add such depth to this story. Loved the characters and the plot. Left wanting more and would definitely love more ESTO universe books.
April 28, 2012
This story is top notch. I completely adored this one. Impressive, lovable characters, great plot and a story that's easily flowing to follow.
May 12, 2012
How can I describe this book. An ancient Russian fairytale transported into a future world. THe characters are vivid and multi-faceted. The bad guys (mostly) have redeemable features. The good guys are flawed in all sorts of ways and the placement and world building is exemplary.
The writing is so delicate in places it's poetry and the two heroes (two of the heroes) are so different yet so similar in many ways.
I fell totally utterly and hopelessly in love with Vassily and with the book.
I can't recommend it highly enough
I literally couldn't put it down. The first time I read it, i have to admit, I tried to skip chunks in a desperate need to know what happened next, but I couldn't I had to go back and read every word.
The imagination is amazing. A new twist to the traditional, 'three tasks' fairytale, with a very unusual fairy princess... counting Pol, two of them :)
A butch drag queen, three clones, drug smuggling, pirate kidnappings... who could ask for more.
Oh BTW... I LOVED THIS BOOK
The writing is so delicate in places it's poetry and the two heroes (two of the heroes) are so different yet so similar in many ways.
I fell totally utterly and hopelessly in love with Vassily and with the book.
I can't recommend it highly enough
I literally couldn't put it down. The first time I read it, i have to admit, I tried to skip chunks in a desperate need to know what happened next, but I couldn't I had to go back and read every word.
The imagination is amazing. A new twist to the traditional, 'three tasks' fairytale, with a very unusual fairy princess... counting Pol, two of them :)
A butch drag queen, three clones, drug smuggling, pirate kidnappings... who could ask for more.
Oh BTW... I LOVED THIS BOOK
May 12, 2012
This is the second book of Ms Martinez I have read and I must say I am impressed not only with her ability to tell a story (the writing just flows and draws the reader in almost immediately) but also her inventiveness. The first part where Vassily becomes a victim of his stepfather had me so wound up I could not put the book down until he had somebody on his side which meant I read probably the fist half of the book in one sitting (never mind the loss of sleep as I normally read at night). Without spoiling the story I thought all the characters were extremely well drawn and story brilliant. Thoroughly recommend this to any SF/ MM romance fan.
April 26, 2014
Totally harlequinesque, tropey, and predictable, but delicious all the same. My romance-reader soul enjoyed it immensely.
June 8, 2017
Vassily the Beautiful is a wonderful interpretation of the old Russian fairytale, Vasilisa the Beautiful. I had not read the original story and looked it up to see how the stories compared. I love how the author took the story and made it her own. Her science fiction stories are some of my favorites. This story pulled me in and had me feeling a full range of emotions while listening to it.
I cringed at some of the decisions Vassily made early on. He is naive and lives a sheltered, secluded life since an accident that killed his father and seriously injured him. I was heartbroken and angry when his stepfather injected him with the Exoticus. I loved the way his character grew throughout the story.
The characters Rassvet, Poldien, Sumerki and Baba Yaga are wonderful and I laughed at some of the things Rassvet would say. It is very much a fairytale with a scifi twist and a happily ever after.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Greg Boudreux (Tremblay). He is an excellent voice actor and brings the characters to life. I enjoyed the story and narration so much that I spent the entire day listening whenever I had a moment to do so. I did not want to stop. It is definitely one that I will listen to again.
I cringed at some of the decisions Vassily made early on. He is naive and lives a sheltered, secluded life since an accident that killed his father and seriously injured him. I was heartbroken and angry when his stepfather injected him with the Exoticus. I loved the way his character grew throughout the story.
The characters Rassvet, Poldien, Sumerki and Baba Yaga are wonderful and I laughed at some of the things Rassvet would say. It is very much a fairytale with a scifi twist and a happily ever after.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Greg Boudreux (Tremblay). He is an excellent voice actor and brings the characters to life. I enjoyed the story and narration so much that I spent the entire day listening whenever I had a moment to do so. I did not want to stop. It is definitely one that I will listen to again.
zz-dnf
October 5, 2022I knew there was going to be some rough stuff to get through at the beginning of this one -- which is I why I hadn't read it already, and clearly I should have listed to my original instinct! -- but I wasn't expecting it to hit any personal triggers. In theory, it shouldn't have, but there was one tiny detail that felt insanely personal even though all the surrounding details were not at all. I could have gotten past that if there wasn't also something VERY STUPID happening. (And I could have gotten past that one stupid thing if it weren't for the trigger.) DNF @ ...I want to say around 20%
June 8, 2018
I loved this book & would probably not have read it if it wasn't for my favorite narrator narrating this book. Vassily broke my heart when his nasty stepfather did what he did. He sure got what was coming to him. Vassily and Sumerki where perfect together and I would so love reading more about these two.
July 21, 2018
A nice futuristic, dystopian, sci-fi fairy tale. It was interesting and well written, but didn't really grab me. I don't have particularly strong feelings about it. It's an Angel Martinez book, so it's amusing and filled with interesting characters. Not my favourite by this author, but still enjoyable.
September 11, 2021
I really liked it. Baba Yaga retellings are rare and so much fun.
Really wish there wasn't a "don't be such a girl" at the end. But still a good story.
Really wish there wasn't a "don't be such a girl" at the end. But still a good story.
April 4, 2016
3.75 stars
This was a lot of fun. I haven't ever read the Russian fairy tale "Vasilia The Beautiful" that this is based on, so I don't know how it compares. The funny thing was, when I saw that it was based on a fairy tale, I thought it was going to be all sweetness and light - but, um, no - not quite. Yes there's a predictably sappy romance and a sweet HEA, yes there's a kind of cartoon villain and an MC who has a good heart, but it's also set in quite a dark futuristic setting, with drugs, addiction, kidnapping and crime lords and stuff too!
Vassily's step-father was OTT horrid, as step-parents seem to be in fairy tales (where on earth did he come from anyway?! I mean Vassily's mother wasn't meant to be stupid, so what was she thinking?!!! ggrrr), and it was quite awful what he did to Vassily early on. I never really did get why Vassily forgave his step-brothers for their part in it, but he did have a rather ridiculously good heart I guess!
I don't know if I would have liked it so much if I hadn't been expecting a fairy tale, as everything in the first part is OTT drama, and then everything after Vassily meets Baba Yaga and her sons is very conveniently leading to a wonderful ending, but it worked knowing it was an adaptation of a fairy tale.
Baba Yaga and her sons are brilliant, if you don't take them too seriously - I mean what's with the colour-coordinated bikes and outfits?! I kind of loved Sumi though.
Unexpectedly fun read.
This was a lot of fun. I haven't ever read the Russian fairy tale "Vasilia The Beautiful" that this is based on, so I don't know how it compares. The funny thing was, when I saw that it was based on a fairy tale, I thought it was going to be all sweetness and light - but, um, no - not quite. Yes there's a predictably sappy romance and a sweet HEA, yes there's a kind of cartoon villain and an MC who has a good heart, but it's also set in quite a dark futuristic setting, with drugs, addiction, kidnapping and crime lords and stuff too!
Vassily's step-father was OTT horrid, as step-parents seem to be in fairy tales (where on earth did he come from anyway?! I mean Vassily's mother wasn't meant to be stupid, so what was she thinking?!!! ggrrr), and it was quite awful what he did to Vassily early on. I never really did get why Vassily forgave his step-brothers for their part in it, but he did have a rather ridiculously good heart I guess!
I don't know if I would have liked it so much if I hadn't been expecting a fairy tale, as everything in the first part is OTT drama, and then everything after Vassily meets Baba Yaga and her sons is very conveniently leading to a wonderful ending, but it worked knowing it was an adaptation of a fairy tale.
Baba Yaga and her sons are brilliant, if you don't take them too seriously - I mean what's with the colour-coordinated bikes and outfits?! I kind of loved Sumi though.
Unexpectedly fun read.
December 23, 2012
It's been a long time since I read a 300+ page book in less than a day. But then came Vassily the Beautiful.
I'd waited so anxiously to read this book, had SO looked forward to get into it, and I knew, just knew I would love it. Some books, you just know.
And Vassily the Beautiful met my expectations and then some.
No need to waste time retelling the plot.
All I can say is this is my first reading of Angel Martinez's work and I'm a new, gushing fan now.
Prose. Oh, my. Musical, delicate and yet somehow beautifully blunt and honest.
Characters. Oh, Vassily. A stunning creature in a fragile body with a surprisingly fierce core. His growth to find himself in this story is a thing of beauty. And Sumi. A perfect, masterful mix of power and sensitivity. A heart that comes to life for his Vassily.
The plot was impressive. I've not ready many alternate universe stories and wasn't sure I'd take to it, but Martinez's fictional future world was captivating, real-to-life, like watching a good film.
The sex. Perfect. With this author's style, the sex scenes were steamy in their sensuality and tempered with sweet, sexy prose.
Beautiful, beautiful book. Highly recommended.
I'd waited so anxiously to read this book, had SO looked forward to get into it, and I knew, just knew I would love it. Some books, you just know.
And Vassily the Beautiful met my expectations and then some.
No need to waste time retelling the plot.
All I can say is this is my first reading of Angel Martinez's work and I'm a new, gushing fan now.
Prose. Oh, my. Musical, delicate and yet somehow beautifully blunt and honest.
Characters. Oh, Vassily. A stunning creature in a fragile body with a surprisingly fierce core. His growth to find himself in this story is a thing of beauty. And Sumi. A perfect, masterful mix of power and sensitivity. A heart that comes to life for his Vassily.
The plot was impressive. I've not ready many alternate universe stories and wasn't sure I'd take to it, but Martinez's fictional future world was captivating, real-to-life, like watching a good film.
The sex. Perfect. With this author's style, the sex scenes were steamy in their sensuality and tempered with sweet, sexy prose.
Beautiful, beautiful book. Highly recommended.
February 11, 2014
Не ожидала, что мне ТАК понравится.
К сожалению, меня как русскую постоянно сбивали с толку русские слова и имена, применяемые направо и налево. Ну не принято в России называть детей всем подряд как у америкосов (в честь штата, города, времени года и т.д.). Поэтому имена Рассвет, Полдень и Сумерки, да еще и сокращенные (Рас, Пол, Суми) меня коробили на протяжении всей книги. К тому же, фамилия Шелка - т.е. Сумерки Шелка *rolling eyes*. А уж с Бабой Ягой и Василием я всерьез до самого конца ожидала, что настоящее имя главного злодея окажется Кащей.
Ну да ладно. Думаю, неоколорусских читателей все это не смущало и только радовало необычностью слов и имен. И куда же русские без борща и водки? *giggle*
Так что, если отбросить эту субъективность, у меня остались некоторые незначительные придирки по некоторым моментам книги (не буду спойлерить), поэтому 4 полноценных звездочки.
Думаю попробовать другие книги этого автора.
Кстати, обложка, по моему мнению, идеально подходит.
К сожалению, меня как русскую постоянно сбивали с толку русские слова и имена, применяемые направо и налево. Ну не принято в России называть детей всем подряд как у америкосов (в честь штата, города, времени года и т.д.). Поэтому имена Рассвет, Полдень и Сумерки, да еще и сокращенные (Рас, Пол, Суми) меня коробили на протяжении всей книги. К тому же, фамилия Шелка - т.е. Сумерки Шелка *rolling eyes*. А уж с Бабой Ягой и Василием я всерьез до самого конца ожидала, что настоящее имя главного злодея окажется Кащей.
Ну да ладно. Думаю, неоколорусских читателей все это не смущало и только радовало необычностью слов и имен. И куда же русские без борща и водки? *giggle*
Так что, если отбросить эту субъективность, у меня остались некоторые незначительные придирки по некоторым моментам книги (не буду спойлерить), поэтому 4 полноценных звездочки.
Думаю попробовать другие книги этого автора.
Кстати, обложка, по моему мнению, идеально подходит.
September 4, 2014
9/4/14
...the new cover is hideous.
Aug 27, 2012
While I do agree with Akansha, I also viewed the overall story as more of an impressionistic piece so I never really did get the "no sense of real plot" that Akansha got. Also, the reason I read it was because of the prospect of the addiction (and all its accompanying angst) and all the promised trauma and miscellaneous angst. I guess we had different approaches.
The idea of a viral drug is interesting. Makes wonder if one day in the future such things really will exist...
...the new cover is hideous.
Aug 27, 2012
While I do agree with Akansha, I also viewed the overall story as more of an impressionistic piece so I never really did get the "no sense of real plot" that Akansha got. Also, the reason I read it was because of the prospect of the addiction (and all its accompanying angst) and all the promised trauma and miscellaneous angst. I guess we had different approaches.
The idea of a viral drug is interesting. Makes wonder if one day in the future such things really will exist...
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