What do you think?
Rate this book
Morality of Magick #1
Sleight of Heart
Aisling Mancy's breakthrough Romani novel. Lord Taliesin Solitaire was born albino, cursed mute by the fey, and betrayed by a vampire lover. For two hundred years the vampire mage has vowed never to love again and has only used sex as a means to a meal. Until a palm-reading gypsy finds himself in peril and Taliesin can’t resist rescuing the beautiful young man.
Pesha is the eldest but smallest son of King Vaida Sinclair, the oppressive ruler of the Kåle RomaniCompania. Deemed impure by his father, Pesha is shunned and mistreated by his band and four half-brothers, and one brother in particular wants him dead. His pale, silent savior gives him safety, security and a love he never could have imagined. As Pesha falls in love with his handsome white knight, his half-brother does the unthinkable.
Can Taliesin rescue Pesha from the cruel clutches of his half-brother a second time?
Pesha is the eldest but smallest son of King Vaida Sinclair, the oppressive ruler of the Kåle RomaniCompania. Deemed impure by his father, Pesha is shunned and mistreated by his band and four half-brothers, and one brother in particular wants him dead. His pale, silent savior gives him safety, security and a love he never could have imagined. As Pesha falls in love with his handsome white knight, his half-brother does the unthinkable.
Can Taliesin rescue Pesha from the cruel clutches of his half-brother a second time?
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2016
5 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Aisling Mancy
6 books35 followersAsh lives, most of the time, on the West Coast of the United States. Ash writes adult fantasy, science fiction, adult romance, and fiction for gay young adults as C. Kennedy.
Raised on the mean streets and back lots of Hollywood by a Yoda-look-alike grandfather, Ash doesn’t conform, doesn’t fit in, is epic awkward, and lives to perfect a deep-seated oppositional defiance disorder. In a constant state of fascination with the trivial, Ash contemplates such weighty questions as If time and space are curved, then where do all the straight people come from? When not writing, Ash can be found taming waves on western shores, pondering the nutritional value of sunsets, appreciating the much-maligned dandelion, unhooking guide ropes from stanchions, and marveling at all things ordinary.
Stop by my blog and share what's on your mind www.AislingMancy.blogspot.com
Raised on the mean streets and back lots of Hollywood by a Yoda-look-alike grandfather, Ash doesn’t conform, doesn’t fit in, is epic awkward, and lives to perfect a deep-seated oppositional defiance disorder. In a constant state of fascination with the trivial, Ash contemplates such weighty questions as If time and space are curved, then where do all the straight people come from? When not writing, Ash can be found taming waves on western shores, pondering the nutritional value of sunsets, appreciating the much-maligned dandelion, unhooking guide ropes from stanchions, and marveling at all things ordinary.
Stop by my blog and share what's on your mind www.AislingMancy.blogspot.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 18, 2016
Knowing this author for his YA works I was curious to see if his more Adult books would be a fit for me. I'm more than happy to say YA or full Adult this author does not fail to engage my attention and hold it hostage until the very end.
Taliesin is not your usual vampire he is an albino who also happens to be mute. He has also suffered far more than most and stole my heart from the first.
Pesha is a young gypsy who leads a tragic life full of hate and discrimination. He is loyal to a fault and many times I wanted to shake him for his blind beliefs, but mostly I wanted to hug him and let him know he was worth so much more than he believed.
For the most part this is a love story. Taliesin and Pesha have emotional chemistry that at times made my heart ache. Watching Pesha struggle with his feelings for Taliesin while trying to do the honourable thing as per his upbringing was both sweet and frustrating.
This book is also full of wonderful and interesting characters, from Feather a half-fey and Taliesins daughter, to werewolves and other magical beings. My favorite being Sax a Sea Dragon, who in my opinion does not have nearly enough page time :P
There is a wonderful climatic ending that had me reading eagerly and I'm only sorry I never got to see Merrypen and the werewolves in more detail *evil chuckle*
If I had any niggles it would be too much sex but thats a personal niggle. I would also of loved a little glossary at the beginning or end, just so I could reference a few words more easily.
Overall this is a vampire tale a little above the norm. Well worth the read.
Taliesin is not your usual vampire he is an albino who also happens to be mute. He has also suffered far more than most and stole my heart from the first.
Pesha is a young gypsy who leads a tragic life full of hate and discrimination. He is loyal to a fault and many times I wanted to shake him for his blind beliefs, but mostly I wanted to hug him and let him know he was worth so much more than he believed.
For the most part this is a love story. Taliesin and Pesha have emotional chemistry that at times made my heart ache. Watching Pesha struggle with his feelings for Taliesin while trying to do the honourable thing as per his upbringing was both sweet and frustrating.
This book is also full of wonderful and interesting characters, from Feather a half-fey and Taliesins daughter, to werewolves and other magical beings. My favorite being Sax a Sea Dragon, who in my opinion does not have nearly enough page time :P
There is a wonderful climatic ending that had me reading eagerly and I'm only sorry I never got to see Merrypen and the werewolves in more detail *evil chuckle*
If I had any niggles it would be too much sex but thats a personal niggle. I would also of loved a little glossary at the beginning or end, just so I could reference a few words more easily.
Overall this is a vampire tale a little above the norm. Well worth the read.
March 7, 2016
For my honest and true view of this book, please read …MORE
Goodreads TOS-compliant review (I think, let me know when they tell us what the rules are):
"The book I just read is about two (or three) lovely people, written in beautiful language, by a very good and prolific author. I liked it very, very much.
It is for sale on Amazon.”
DISCLAIMER: My reviews now all have this pretty face, so that all and everyone on Goodreads can stay happy and beatific. I’ll let you know if I change my mind. See the real review above for my thoughts on this book.
Goodreads TOS-compliant review (I think, let me know when they tell us what the rules are):
"The book I just read is about two (or three) lovely people, written in beautiful language, by a very good and prolific author. I liked it very, very much.
It is for sale on Amazon.”
DISCLAIMER: My reviews now all have this pretty face, so that all and everyone on Goodreads can stay happy and beatific. I’ll let you know if I change my mind. See the real review above for my thoughts on this book.
March 15, 2016
A solitary, loveless life borne of betrayal. Cursed by the biti-foki and persecuted by humans, the only respite Lord Taliesin Soltaire finds from his lonely existence is the wee palm-reading gypsy who plies his trade in the shadow of the clock tower. Talesin watches from afar wanting for a love he knows he can never have.
A love that is taboo. Taliesin is everything that Pesha should not love, yet he is drawn to the tall, pale, handsome stranger with the lavender eyes. His people would kill him, or worse, if they knew the passion that burned within him for the forbidden gadjo.
Step into the magical world of Aisling Mancy, where a lonely mage vampire and a brutalized Romani prince possessed of fire magick battle with their forbidden desires. Everything about them is prohibited in the world of man and magick; yet it is a love that is irresistible and irrevocable. Ash Mancy’s imagination knows no limits as he draws us into the world of the reclusive Romani and the mystical world of fey, vampires, werewolves, and dragons. It’s a beautifully written love story, both captivating and mesmerizing. Its classically written prose fuels the intensity of a story where emotion and passion ignite on the page.
I loved all of the characters in this story so much that I wanted the story to go on and on. All so richly developed and wonderfully portrayed that their experiences become shared moments with the reader. This is a novella you don't want to miss.
A love that is taboo. Taliesin is everything that Pesha should not love, yet he is drawn to the tall, pale, handsome stranger with the lavender eyes. His people would kill him, or worse, if they knew the passion that burned within him for the forbidden gadjo.
Step into the magical world of Aisling Mancy, where a lonely mage vampire and a brutalized Romani prince possessed of fire magick battle with their forbidden desires. Everything about them is prohibited in the world of man and magick; yet it is a love that is irresistible and irrevocable. Ash Mancy’s imagination knows no limits as he draws us into the world of the reclusive Romani and the mystical world of fey, vampires, werewolves, and dragons. It’s a beautifully written love story, both captivating and mesmerizing. Its classically written prose fuels the intensity of a story where emotion and passion ignite on the page.
I loved all of the characters in this story so much that I wanted the story to go on and on. All so richly developed and wonderfully portrayed that their experiences become shared moments with the reader. This is a novella you don't want to miss.
March 14, 2016
5 Magick♡♡♡♡♡
The power of a writer, words written to unfold a story that hopefully hold the reader's attention. Fiction can occasionally seem very real, even though it is pure fantasy. This book had the power to hold much more than my attention, it embedded its way into my heart that was almost broken while reading this story.
Sleight means to deceive, heart is an organ and is essential to pump blood through our circulatory system giving us life, the means to live and breathe but also the heart can be filled with great love, the feeling of deep affection for someone, to sleight a heart is unforgivable.
Lord Taliesin Solitaire is a vampire that has lived without love for two hundred years because of the greatest deception by his vampire lover. He was also cursed by the fey leaving him mute. How does a man continue through life after suffering in such ways? Strength, he is strong in mind and has immense power. His daughter, Feather is the sunshine in his life, the only sunlight he will ever see again.
Feather, known to others as Lady Iceglimmer, has much love for her father and wishes him to find love. He has been lonely for far to long. She has great powers and will protect her father and family with whatever means necessary. I also wish for her to find love, maybe she will one day if the gods permit it.
Pesha is the son of King Vaida Sinclair or King vile as I liked to call him while reading this story. Pesha is a beautiful young man inside and out. Unfortunately the years of brutality and abuse have left him with the feeling of worthlessness. He has never experienced love, to be loved would feel like a miracle to Pesha. No one would want an unclean, old man. He's not actually that old, twenty two is a perfectly good age but to a Romani that is unwed, it's old. Pesha has many siblings and even writing this is twisting my face up. I wish him not to have brothers because they only intend to do him harm.
The first time Taliesin sees Pesha, he is physically attracted to his beauty and vice versa, they are drawn to one another but yet each have feelings of conflict. The rules they must live by astounded me. Taliesin believes Pesha to be at great risk and wants to save him but Pesha knows of the consequences, he will suffer greatly for his sins.
Aisling Mancy is a phenomenal writer bringing breathtaking stories that make the unbelievable very plausible. He captured my heart with this prodigious book. Tales of gypsies, vampires, fey, shifters, dragons all in one magnificent story.
I highly recommend this book to all Paranormal M/M lovers. You will be blown away on a journey through a world of spectacular fantasy.
The power of a writer, words written to unfold a story that hopefully hold the reader's attention. Fiction can occasionally seem very real, even though it is pure fantasy. This book had the power to hold much more than my attention, it embedded its way into my heart that was almost broken while reading this story.
Sleight means to deceive, heart is an organ and is essential to pump blood through our circulatory system giving us life, the means to live and breathe but also the heart can be filled with great love, the feeling of deep affection for someone, to sleight a heart is unforgivable.
Lord Taliesin Solitaire is a vampire that has lived without love for two hundred years because of the greatest deception by his vampire lover. He was also cursed by the fey leaving him mute. How does a man continue through life after suffering in such ways? Strength, he is strong in mind and has immense power. His daughter, Feather is the sunshine in his life, the only sunlight he will ever see again.
Feather, known to others as Lady Iceglimmer, has much love for her father and wishes him to find love. He has been lonely for far to long. She has great powers and will protect her father and family with whatever means necessary. I also wish for her to find love, maybe she will one day if the gods permit it.
Pesha is the son of King Vaida Sinclair or King vile as I liked to call him while reading this story. Pesha is a beautiful young man inside and out. Unfortunately the years of brutality and abuse have left him with the feeling of worthlessness. He has never experienced love, to be loved would feel like a miracle to Pesha. No one would want an unclean, old man. He's not actually that old, twenty two is a perfectly good age but to a Romani that is unwed, it's old. Pesha has many siblings and even writing this is twisting my face up. I wish him not to have brothers because they only intend to do him harm.
The first time Taliesin sees Pesha, he is physically attracted to his beauty and vice versa, they are drawn to one another but yet each have feelings of conflict. The rules they must live by astounded me. Taliesin believes Pesha to be at great risk and wants to save him but Pesha knows of the consequences, he will suffer greatly for his sins.
Aisling Mancy is a phenomenal writer bringing breathtaking stories that make the unbelievable very plausible. He captured my heart with this prodigious book. Tales of gypsies, vampires, fey, shifters, dragons all in one magnificent story.
I highly recommend this book to all Paranormal M/M lovers. You will be blown away on a journey through a world of spectacular fantasy.
Read
October 1, 2024DNF @13%
Strange grandiose language with odd word choices and phrasing. 'Cock' was used 10 times already and there were 18 pages (!) of results when I searched for the word.
Strange grandiose language with odd word choices and phrasing. 'Cock' was used 10 times already and there were 18 pages (!) of results when I searched for the word.
Read
May 6, 2016
A sleight of heart cannot be taken back. These things cannot be undone...
Wow. What an amazingly rich, beautiful and deeply magical story this was. I am at a loss for words to describe what I just read but I will give it a try.
We meet Taliesin, a centuries old vampire as he watches a young gypsy do what he does best, make money off the masses believing in his tricks. As Taliesin watches, we get glimpses into his life and begin to learn about him; we know he was in love once, we know he was born an albino with lavender eyes and we know he thinks the young gypsy boy is possibly the most beautiful thing he has ever seen.
The beginning pages of the book lead us through head-hopping between Taliesin and the gypsy boy, aks Pesha, while they navigate their night and have an eye on one another. You see, unbeknownst to either man - the other has felt and visualized their presence more than once and simply because introductions aren't formally made, doesn't mean they aren't known but when someone tries to cheat Pesha, Taliesin steps in and the sweetest moments between the two begin. Now while head-hopping usually fails for me, this worked well as the scene played out and you are IN the scene... just as you should be.
I loved Taliesin and his back story. How he became a father to the lovely Feather and the feelings he holds toward her mother though it left him cursed. The curse, ugh I was worried how it would be dealt with and how it would all play out with Pesha - I am still new to the world of magic/fantasy - but I loved how it happened. I mean, how romantic is it that you are cursed to be mute but the man you are attracted to has the ability to hear your thoughts? *swoon*
Pesha is the type of character I want to cuddle and coddle. He lives the way he does because he's told to and he believes the things he wants are wrong. He internally fights with his desire of men sexuality yet yearns to be loved and wanted. He is on his own mostly as he works and one night when the ones who should protect him - his own family - attack him and Taliesin steps in as the... well white knight and rescues him.
Yeah. Once the rescue happens things start to heat up and I just adored these two together. When Pesha asks Taliesin how old he is I chuckled and well done my Lord with the technicality on that fact. But while the men get swoony and sexy, their quick banter had my heart singing.
“Dinilo pirano, close your eyes. Go to sleep.”
Now what did you call me?
“Idiot sweetheart.”
Wonderful.
This story is so detailed and involved I am afraid to give too much of it away. The side characters in the story are amazing and I am so happy to learn that Sax is indeed real though he seems to share similarities of another of his kind named Elliot who protected Pete but that is just my brain remembering too much of silly things...
But this was a gorgeous story with all it brings to the table. The woven worlds of mages and gypsy’s, dragons, fey, Romani and all the other preternaturals that are present. It was intense and vivid and I am rambling so I will stop now.
Sleight of Heart is an enchanting, romantic tale of choices and fate and never repeating your same mistakes. It’s a romance written in beautiful, classic prose that engages you immediately as it emerges you into the depth of the story and holds you tightly until the end. I can’t wait to see where they series goes next…
~Review copy provided by the author for an honest review~
March 15, 2016
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews with a copy provided by the author / publisher for an honest review. Rated 3.5 out of 5.0 stars)
This book comes under my heading of books that I really liked, and that had a huge amount of potential, but didn’t live up to it as much as I had hoped. It was a good story. We had a Vampire Lord, his half fey daughter, a Romani Royal Family, Werewolves, humans, a whole slew of other fey races, and even a dragon. It had everything you could hope for. Except for enough details.
I so wanted more details of almost everything. There were very vague hints of the inappropriateness of the relationship between Lord Taliesin and Pesha because they are both Mages, but after a while nothing more was said about it. There was also the fact that the human world knows about Vampires and the other fey, but I felt like there was a huge chunk of background on that which was missing from the book. It kind of felt like jumping into a story in the middle or on book two, although I believe this is book one in the series.
Then let’s talk about sex. There was a lot of it in this story, while the two MCs are developing their relationship. Honestly, I would have much preferred more details on the world and less on the sex. Some people like a lot of sex in their stories, I’m not one of them.
I’m going to call this one, a “Liked it / Above average” because the writing was well done. There just needed to be a whole lot more in my opinion. I know some authors tend to overdo it with world building in a new fantasy series, but this author was the opposite. There just wasn’t enough to draw me into the story and the world. I’m not 100% sure that I would pick up another book in this series in the future, but it will depend on the blurb. If it captures me again, like this one did…we’ll see.
This book comes under my heading of books that I really liked, and that had a huge amount of potential, but didn’t live up to it as much as I had hoped. It was a good story. We had a Vampire Lord, his half fey daughter, a Romani Royal Family, Werewolves, humans, a whole slew of other fey races, and even a dragon. It had everything you could hope for. Except for enough details.
I so wanted more details of almost everything. There were very vague hints of the inappropriateness of the relationship between Lord Taliesin and Pesha because they are both Mages, but after a while nothing more was said about it. There was also the fact that the human world knows about Vampires and the other fey, but I felt like there was a huge chunk of background on that which was missing from the book. It kind of felt like jumping into a story in the middle or on book two, although I believe this is book one in the series.
Then let’s talk about sex. There was a lot of it in this story, while the two MCs are developing their relationship. Honestly, I would have much preferred more details on the world and less on the sex. Some people like a lot of sex in their stories, I’m not one of them.
I’m going to call this one, a “Liked it / Above average” because the writing was well done. There just needed to be a whole lot more in my opinion. I know some authors tend to overdo it with world building in a new fantasy series, but this author was the opposite. There just wasn’t enough to draw me into the story and the world. I’m not 100% sure that I would pick up another book in this series in the future, but it will depend on the blurb. If it captures me again, like this one did…we’ll see.
April 6, 2016
Heartfelt and Magical
Aisling Mancy surrounds his story in magic and fantasy. With a beautiful, melodic writing style, he eloquently conveys Sleight of Heart in a way that immersed me into this world of Romani, Vampire, Fairy and Dragon. Set in the present, it feels like a true escape for me to share in their struggle with their desire to be together and their loyalty to their own kind. Though there are some very intense moments, there was never once a moment that I wanted to leave. Love this story! And even better is that there will be more!!! Thank you Aisling for bringing the magical to life ❤️
Merged review:
Heartfelt and Magical
Aisling Mancy surrounds his story in magic and fantasy. With a beautiful, melodic writing style, he eloquently conveys Sleight of Heart in a way that immersed me into this world of Romani, Vampire, Fairy and Dragon. Set in the present, it feels like a true escape for me to share in their struggle with their desire to be together and their loyalty to their own kind. Though there are some very intense moments, there was never once a moment that I wanted to leave. Love this story! And even better is that there will be more!!! Thank you Aisling for bringing the magical to life ❤️
Aisling Mancy surrounds his story in magic and fantasy. With a beautiful, melodic writing style, he eloquently conveys Sleight of Heart in a way that immersed me into this world of Romani, Vampire, Fairy and Dragon. Set in the present, it feels like a true escape for me to share in their struggle with their desire to be together and their loyalty to their own kind. Though there are some very intense moments, there was never once a moment that I wanted to leave. Love this story! And even better is that there will be more!!! Thank you Aisling for bringing the magical to life ❤️
Merged review:
Heartfelt and Magical
Aisling Mancy surrounds his story in magic and fantasy. With a beautiful, melodic writing style, he eloquently conveys Sleight of Heart in a way that immersed me into this world of Romani, Vampire, Fairy and Dragon. Set in the present, it feels like a true escape for me to share in their struggle with their desire to be together and their loyalty to their own kind. Though there are some very intense moments, there was never once a moment that I wanted to leave. Love this story! And even better is that there will be more!!! Thank you Aisling for bringing the magical to life ❤️
did-not-finish
March 14, 2016DNF - Couldn't get into book
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
May 1, 2016
Wonderful blurb but the story didn't live up to it. Too sugary for me, also story wasn't strong and characters didn't appeal.
October 10, 2016
2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Sleight of Heart by Aisling Mancy
Excellent story of supernatural love, written in exquisite style. The rescue is delicious!
Excellent story of supernatural love, written in exquisite style. The rescue is delicious!
March 25, 2016
Anyone who is under the misconception that author Aisling Mancy does not create stories with engaging plot lines, fascinating characters who capture the imagination, and thoroughly researched ancient cultures that seem to step right out of history, obviously has not read his latest offering, Sleight of Heart. In this novel, you step into a fantasy world rich with different gifted magical creatures who instantly tug you back in time to a world where living by a strict set of standards ruled over every decision made. From gypsies to the fae, vampires to dragons, we are invited into a story that speaks of the harsh hate of bigoted minds juxtaposed with the gentle love and passion of creatures that have been mindlessly feared throughout time. What a stunning novel Sleight of Heart turned out to be.
Two men, princes in their own right but living such vastly different lives as to make them appear worlds apart, are the focus of the story. Living in fear of his own brothers who take every opportunity to belittle, mock, and yes, sexually abuses him, Pesha lives a tortured life. Not fully Romani but a mixed breed, Pesha is noticeably physically different from his half brothers–both small and delicate in appearance. Still, he is a prince who lives under the iron fist of his father, the King, and as such he must hide his love of men and work hard to pay the penalty for his very existence. Every night he ventures onto the boardwalk to read palms and ply his tarot cards in order to earn money he must give to his father, or feel his wrath and beatings. Lately, he has caught the eye of another creature of the night–one cloaked in mystery who grapples with a broken heart.
Lord Taliesin Solitaire is a striking figure. Born with the rare genetic anomaly that causes albinism and later turned vampire against his will, he carries a deep grief over the death of the man he loved some two-hundred years before. If asked to label himself, Taliesin would confess to have loved both women and men, but prefers men overall. However, the memories of his one and only male lover prevent him from doing little more than using consenting women for both feeding and sexual release. His is an empty life until he meets the small, beautiful Romani prince. It will be a violent event that brings the two men together, and forges a bond that is both rich in love and passion but is forbidden by most everyone. But the heart knows what it needs, and Pesha and Taliesin only have eyes for each other and their partnering affects emotional healing in both of them. As cultural norms and fear of abandonment by his compania threaten to overwhelm Pesha, it is a direct threat against a former lover and friend that draws him back to his brutal family. Fearing for Taliesin and his safety as well, Pesha leaves the side of the man he loves, only to step into a danger that may very well see him forfeit his life in order to save those he loves.
Aisling Mancy writes with such lyrical beauty and passion that one cannot help but be swept up into his stories and embrace his characters as living breathing realities. The courtship between Pesha and Taliesin was swift in terms of time (barely a week), and yet still a thing of magic to behold. As they discover each other physically, they begin to trust each other completely and realize that their passion extends beyond the physical into a place where neither can contemplate an existence without the other. But fear of reprisal from his violent half-brother, Merripen, strikes deep into the core of everything Pesha cares for and prompts his departure from Taliesin’s side. There are some violent moments in this novel–some off page and merely remembered. But one in particular, an attempted rape scene that includes non-consensual oral sex, may disturb or trigger some readers. However, please know that this scene is integral to the plot and handled with extreme care. Never written for mere titillation but rather drafted to anchor the real threat and horror that besets Pesha daily in the compania, the horrors his brothers inflict on him make the love he has discovered himself capable of for Taliesin that much more beautiful.
Every moment of this story is a fantasy reader’s dream. From the intricate world building and cultural nuances to the simple yet passionate love that rises between our two main characters, we are immersed in a magical world inhabited by riveting people and creatures. I can say no more than this: I highly recommend Sleight of Heart to you and hope you enjoy this marvelous story as much as I did.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
Two men, princes in their own right but living such vastly different lives as to make them appear worlds apart, are the focus of the story. Living in fear of his own brothers who take every opportunity to belittle, mock, and yes, sexually abuses him, Pesha lives a tortured life. Not fully Romani but a mixed breed, Pesha is noticeably physically different from his half brothers–both small and delicate in appearance. Still, he is a prince who lives under the iron fist of his father, the King, and as such he must hide his love of men and work hard to pay the penalty for his very existence. Every night he ventures onto the boardwalk to read palms and ply his tarot cards in order to earn money he must give to his father, or feel his wrath and beatings. Lately, he has caught the eye of another creature of the night–one cloaked in mystery who grapples with a broken heart.
Lord Taliesin Solitaire is a striking figure. Born with the rare genetic anomaly that causes albinism and later turned vampire against his will, he carries a deep grief over the death of the man he loved some two-hundred years before. If asked to label himself, Taliesin would confess to have loved both women and men, but prefers men overall. However, the memories of his one and only male lover prevent him from doing little more than using consenting women for both feeding and sexual release. His is an empty life until he meets the small, beautiful Romani prince. It will be a violent event that brings the two men together, and forges a bond that is both rich in love and passion but is forbidden by most everyone. But the heart knows what it needs, and Pesha and Taliesin only have eyes for each other and their partnering affects emotional healing in both of them. As cultural norms and fear of abandonment by his compania threaten to overwhelm Pesha, it is a direct threat against a former lover and friend that draws him back to his brutal family. Fearing for Taliesin and his safety as well, Pesha leaves the side of the man he loves, only to step into a danger that may very well see him forfeit his life in order to save those he loves.
Aisling Mancy writes with such lyrical beauty and passion that one cannot help but be swept up into his stories and embrace his characters as living breathing realities. The courtship between Pesha and Taliesin was swift in terms of time (barely a week), and yet still a thing of magic to behold. As they discover each other physically, they begin to trust each other completely and realize that their passion extends beyond the physical into a place where neither can contemplate an existence without the other. But fear of reprisal from his violent half-brother, Merripen, strikes deep into the core of everything Pesha cares for and prompts his departure from Taliesin’s side. There are some violent moments in this novel–some off page and merely remembered. But one in particular, an attempted rape scene that includes non-consensual oral sex, may disturb or trigger some readers. However, please know that this scene is integral to the plot and handled with extreme care. Never written for mere titillation but rather drafted to anchor the real threat and horror that besets Pesha daily in the compania, the horrors his brothers inflict on him make the love he has discovered himself capable of for Taliesin that much more beautiful.
Every moment of this story is a fantasy reader’s dream. From the intricate world building and cultural nuances to the simple yet passionate love that rises between our two main characters, we are immersed in a magical world inhabited by riveting people and creatures. I can say no more than this: I highly recommend Sleight of Heart to you and hope you enjoy this marvelous story as much as I did.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
September 1, 2016
I don’t read fantasy regularly but this one struck me right in the heart. Mr. Mancy has thoroughly researched European fantasy and British old world characters in particular to come up with a story that is engaging and extraordinarily charming.
Taliesin was born an albino human and later turned vampire against his will. He is ancient and still mourns the love of his life who died 200 years ago. When he meets someone in (for us) present day he is taken by surprise as he never thought he would fall in love again. Until now, sex for Taliesin is simply a release and a way to feed. He is a brokenhearted vampiric man for an eternity. Then he meets Pesha.
Pesha is one of the many sons of a Romani king but he is so small in stature that no one, including his father, gives him credit for anything. His half brothers are horrible to him, and until he meets Taliesin he is incredibly lonely and downtrodden. He goes out at night to tell fortunes for money he must give his father to avoid cruel beatings. He jumps from the frying pan of his father’s compania right into the fire of intrigue that may cost him his life.
This is a thrilling, yet sweet love story wrapped in magick and populated by all manner of people and otherworldly beings. My only concern is the extensive use of words and characterizations that pop into the story without explanation. This slowed me down considerably, but once I caught on to who was who and what was what I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Regular readers of fantasy will probably not be lost at all in the world Mr. Mancy has built. An exceptionally entertaining tale of magick, creatures, and individuals who exist in this universe. Well written.
Taliesin was born an albino human and later turned vampire against his will. He is ancient and still mourns the love of his life who died 200 years ago. When he meets someone in (for us) present day he is taken by surprise as he never thought he would fall in love again. Until now, sex for Taliesin is simply a release and a way to feed. He is a brokenhearted vampiric man for an eternity. Then he meets Pesha.
Pesha is one of the many sons of a Romani king but he is so small in stature that no one, including his father, gives him credit for anything. His half brothers are horrible to him, and until he meets Taliesin he is incredibly lonely and downtrodden. He goes out at night to tell fortunes for money he must give his father to avoid cruel beatings. He jumps from the frying pan of his father’s compania right into the fire of intrigue that may cost him his life.
This is a thrilling, yet sweet love story wrapped in magick and populated by all manner of people and otherworldly beings. My only concern is the extensive use of words and characterizations that pop into the story without explanation. This slowed me down considerably, but once I caught on to who was who and what was what I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Regular readers of fantasy will probably not be lost at all in the world Mr. Mancy has built. An exceptionally entertaining tale of magick, creatures, and individuals who exist in this universe. Well written.
Read
April 29, 2016A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Sleight of Heart is the first book I have read by Aisling Mancy and I was impressed by the author’s rich storytelling and strong character building. Pesha and Taliesin are very different and Mancy clearly separates them by using language.
Although Taliesin is mute, he is able to communicate telepathically with both Feather and Pesha. His narrative is thoughtful, intelligent, and conventional. On the other hand, Pesha uses the Romani vernacular and his speech can be stilted and abrasive. However, Mancy combines the two styles throughout his story and I appreciated the fact that this remains consistent.
Both Pesha and Taliesin evolve throughout the course of Sleight of Heart because of their feelings for each other. We understand that these are two characters who are stronger together, emotionally and magically, and I was enthralled by them and their development.
Read Kirsty’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Sleight of Heart is the first book I have read by Aisling Mancy and I was impressed by the author’s rich storytelling and strong character building. Pesha and Taliesin are very different and Mancy clearly separates them by using language.
Although Taliesin is mute, he is able to communicate telepathically with both Feather and Pesha. His narrative is thoughtful, intelligent, and conventional. On the other hand, Pesha uses the Romani vernacular and his speech can be stilted and abrasive. However, Mancy combines the two styles throughout his story and I appreciated the fact that this remains consistent.
Both Pesha and Taliesin evolve throughout the course of Sleight of Heart because of their feelings for each other. We understand that these are two characters who are stronger together, emotionally and magically, and I was enthralled by them and their development.
Read Kirsty’s review in its entirety here.
June 20, 2016
3.5 Stars
Sleight of Heart is an entertaining and heartwarming story. Both Taliesin and Pesha have good depth and character. Their romance is sweet and sexy.
Including terms from the Romanes dialect is an interesting choice and definitely makes this book stand out. But I found, especially in the first half, that it took away from the story instead of enhancing it. A bit of translation early on would have helped me to understand it better. Instead, some parts were awkward and confusing.
This is a good introduction to an intriguing world. I can see lots of potential for this series, and I'd like to see what happens next. That said, I think this book does also stand alone quite well, with only a few unanswered questions.
On the whole I enjoyed this story and the characters. I recommend this for someone looking for a unique take on an urban paranormal and fantasy romance.
*I received an unedited copy, and my review assumes that the errors will be corrected prior to publication. I received a free copy of this book to read for Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.*
Sleight of Heart is an entertaining and heartwarming story. Both Taliesin and Pesha have good depth and character. Their romance is sweet and sexy.
Including terms from the Romanes dialect is an interesting choice and definitely makes this book stand out. But I found, especially in the first half, that it took away from the story instead of enhancing it. A bit of translation early on would have helped me to understand it better. Instead, some parts were awkward and confusing.
This is a good introduction to an intriguing world. I can see lots of potential for this series, and I'd like to see what happens next. That said, I think this book does also stand alone quite well, with only a few unanswered questions.
On the whole I enjoyed this story and the characters. I recommend this for someone looking for a unique take on an urban paranormal and fantasy romance.
*I received an unedited copy, and my review assumes that the errors will be corrected prior to publication. I received a free copy of this book to read for Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.*
January 23, 2022
I really wanted to love this book but I just didn't. I almost DNFed a couple of times but I wanted to make it to the end. I think the core of this book is good but the overall story feels very disjointed like the author had a lot of ideas and didn't know how to edit them down to make one flowing narrative. I also could never really get a good feel about when or where this story was. It doesn't feel grounded as a paranormal fantasy taking place in the 21st century. One of my biggest issues character-wise is that Pesha frequently sounds like a kid. It doesn't help that he is repeatedly described as being quite small. It makes reading a story with sex scenes in it...uncomfortable, even when I know he's not a kid. The handling of the Romani cultural and language elements also felt very rough in places and took me out of the story.
May 31, 2016
OMG! I'm speachless by this book right now. Frigging awesome read.. This was a beautiful story and that little guy had some amazing courage,loyalty and strength in him. All the brothers who hurt him should've just been killed I think though for being such disgraceful human beings... A story of courage, love and hope. I love every moment and I couldn't put down once I started reading.. So well worth my hunt for a copy of this issue.. Well done Asisling Mancy.. I will continue to keep an eye on you as an author
November 16, 2016
Teaser
“This is my second Mancy novel, and, yet again, I may have growled when interrupted.
We learn bits of a new language, are charmed by mythology, and all within a plausible plot. Wow!
For those who need a momentary escape from today’s battles, the author creates two delectably magical creatures, in Sleight of Heart, who entice one to grow into their best possible selves. And thus they inspire us to take up the good fight once more.”
See Full Review at Kimmers' Erotic Book Banter
http://bit.ly/2ggVcaX
“This is my second Mancy novel, and, yet again, I may have growled when interrupted.
We learn bits of a new language, are charmed by mythology, and all within a plausible plot. Wow!
For those who need a momentary escape from today’s battles, the author creates two delectably magical creatures, in Sleight of Heart, who entice one to grow into their best possible selves. And thus they inspire us to take up the good fight once more.”
See Full Review at Kimmers' Erotic Book Banter
http://bit.ly/2ggVcaX
April 16, 2016
I wish I can give this book 10 stars! I was so enveloped in the storyline. I really didn't know how Taliesin's and Pesha's relationship was going to turn out. There were so many rules, sins, magic, and supernatural whoha going on, I couldn't stop reading. This was an awesome read. Full of love, trials, betrayal, abuse, neglect, and perseverance. The author did not leave out one element to leave you sleighted. You will get the best read every single page is worth it! Very well written.
November 8, 2016
This title was originally reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®
I am having trouble writing this review. I will say that Sleight of Heart is different from most of the books I have read in the genre. For that, I must applaud the author. Taking risks within the confines of the romance formula is not something I see enough in M/M romance.
For complete Review see http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?p=4...
Read
August 23, 2016Loved it. Well-written and imaginative. Watch for this author!
July 17, 2022
Né albinos, Lord Taliesin Solitaire a connu l'amour à 16 ans, quand il est tombé amoureux d'une fey et que la cour seelie l'a puni en lui arrachant celle qu'il aimait mais en lui laissant entre les mains une fille et un sortilège qui lui a ôté la parole. Quand quelques années plus tard son amant l'abandonne non sans l'avoir trahi en le transformant en vampire sans son accord, il se pense condamné à une vie éternelle sans amour. Après tout, il a son château, son domaine, sa fille chérie Feather, la seule avec qui il peut communiquer par la pensée, ses serviteurs et son animal domestique, Sax.
Mais le jeune gitan qu'il croise lors de ses promenades pourrait bien changer la donne. Ce jeune gitan qui ne peut quitter son esprit. Ce beau gitan à qui il ne peut s'empêcher de penser...
Pesha est le fils ainé du roi Vaida Sinclair, sorte de clan de gitans qui vivent sur les terres de Taliesin. Considéré comme un moins que rien par son père, qui le considère comme un batard et a répudié sa mère, il se fait maltraiter, violenter et harceler par ses frères cadets, notamment Merripen, le plus sadique, obsédé et violent. Mais la fidélité de Pesha pour le clan est sans faille, et il subit, il encaisse. Sauf ce soir où Merripen et trois de ses frères le coincent et s'apprêtent à aller encore plus loin dans l'ignominie... et qu'il est tiré des griffes de ses bourreaux par un homme aussi beau que silencieux.
Un lien très fort se noue alors entre les deux hommes, entre attirance physique, lien émotionnel et magie et Taliesin n'aura désormais qu'un seul but, sauver ce jeune homme qui lui redonne goût à la vie et à l'amour.
J'ai passé un super moment avec ce roman, où se mêlent magie ancienne, dragons, métamorphes, vampires, faes, gitans adeptes de magie, mais aussi la modernité des téléphones portables et d'Interpol... La tension monte doucement entre les deux hommes, avec la façon un peu étrange de Pesha de communiquer et la personnalité de Taliesin, tout ça sous fond de menace avec Merripen et sa folie.
Un univers riche et intéressant, servi par une plume agréable et fluide, bien traduite. Plume d'ailleurs aussi connue sous le nom de Cody Kenndy ou C.Kennedy, auteur de la série Elpida ou Terrasser les dragons d'Isidore. J'ai retrouvé d'ailleurs l'un des thèmes récurrents de ces romans : un jeune homme assez frêle martyrisé qu'il faut sauver, mais cette fois, dans un univers fantasy assez original.
Mais le jeune gitan qu'il croise lors de ses promenades pourrait bien changer la donne. Ce jeune gitan qui ne peut quitter son esprit. Ce beau gitan à qui il ne peut s'empêcher de penser...
Pesha est le fils ainé du roi Vaida Sinclair, sorte de clan de gitans qui vivent sur les terres de Taliesin. Considéré comme un moins que rien par son père, qui le considère comme un batard et a répudié sa mère, il se fait maltraiter, violenter et harceler par ses frères cadets, notamment Merripen, le plus sadique, obsédé et violent. Mais la fidélité de Pesha pour le clan est sans faille, et il subit, il encaisse. Sauf ce soir où Merripen et trois de ses frères le coincent et s'apprêtent à aller encore plus loin dans l'ignominie... et qu'il est tiré des griffes de ses bourreaux par un homme aussi beau que silencieux.
Un lien très fort se noue alors entre les deux hommes, entre attirance physique, lien émotionnel et magie et Taliesin n'aura désormais qu'un seul but, sauver ce jeune homme qui lui redonne goût à la vie et à l'amour.
J'ai passé un super moment avec ce roman, où se mêlent magie ancienne, dragons, métamorphes, vampires, faes, gitans adeptes de magie, mais aussi la modernité des téléphones portables et d'Interpol... La tension monte doucement entre les deux hommes, avec la façon un peu étrange de Pesha de communiquer et la personnalité de Taliesin, tout ça sous fond de menace avec Merripen et sa folie.
Un univers riche et intéressant, servi par une plume agréable et fluide, bien traduite. Plume d'ailleurs aussi connue sous le nom de Cody Kenndy ou C.Kennedy, auteur de la série Elpida ou Terrasser les dragons d'Isidore. J'ai retrouvé d'ailleurs l'un des thèmes récurrents de ces romans : un jeune homme assez frêle martyrisé qu'il faut sauver, mais cette fois, dans un univers fantasy assez original.
December 29, 2017
3.75 stars
October 25, 2016
Book – Sleight of Heart
Author – Aisling Mancy
Star rating - ★★★☆☆
No. of Pages – 194
Cover – Nice!
POV – 3rd person, dual POV with omni slips
Would I read it again – Not sure.
Genre – LGBT, Romani, Paranormal
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
Trigger Warnings: incest, sexual abuse, kidnap, violence
Quite honestly, I'm of two minds about this book. In some ways, it was a great paranormal story that made me feel for the characters. In other ways, it had unnecessary elements – excessive violence, incredulous aspects and an overwhelming sense of there being too much crammed into one story.
For me, I'd have loved if this story had stayed to it's roots: a Romani and the vampire Taliesin. When the other aspects of a talking dragon and a whole host of supernatural creatures were added, that was where it lost me.
It didn't help that there was zero warning about the incest and sexual abuse that was a pivotal part of the story. I, honestly, wouldn't have read it had I known. And the fact that it wasn't mentioned in the blurb or in any instance when I opted to read the book means that other unsuspecting readers may pick it up and end up suffering from the triggers and that seriously impacted my mood when reading it.
I didn't particularly love the MF sex, either, which wasn't even hinted at, but at least it was only one instance.
As for the writing, the style was okay, but I found it to be a little too...grandiose? I'm not even sure if that's the right word. But there was a whole lot of posturing with the words chosen – nacreous, for instance (most of which I had to look up, because I'm not a walking dictionary), which impeded the flow of reading. There were issues with editing – italics missing from thoughts, slips of omnipresence, and a continued lack of explanation for the Romani and French terms used within the story. I think I counted at least thirty terms that were unknown to me, without using a Google translate option, within the first chapter alone.
There was also an issue with phrasing. Perhaps it was to show how old Taliesin was, but phrasing the time in this way → “evening in Wales along about ten” → and expecting us to know it's not an editing error but means that the time is around about ten o'clock is frustrating and not obvious at all.
Part of the problem was that it felt as though I had to read the author's mind for half the book. Both for what these strange phrases were supposed to mean, because they weren't explained ever, but also for the Romani and French terms that weren't explained either. Even some events weren't actually explained and we were expected to draw our own conclusions, which is one thing, but it's another entirely to end the book not knowing what happened and having not one character talk about what really did happen.
I also had an issue with the POV. It was a 3rd person, dual POV, which is fine. Except that sometimes it was one paragraph for Taliesin and the next for Pesha, then back and forth for about two pages. If it had been omnipresent this would have been fine, but it wasn't. Each POV was separated by a gap of a line (ineffective on a Kindle, because they're often hidden at the top or bottom of the page, so go unseen unless something like caps or the formatting of the first line of a new scene is distinctive, which it wasn't here). That meant that we were flipflopping between POV's constantly, even when it wasn't necessary. In this case, I believe it would have been better as an omnipresent POV, since there were continual slips of that anyway. It would have helped with the flow between scenes and made things less confusing.
~
Overall, the good things were mostly feelings. Nothing that I can really put into words, except to say that I really liked the characters Pesha and Taliesin. I liked their romance and how it took time, that Pesha was ever persistent to return home out of loyalty. I even liked his speech patterns, that showed that he was uneducated but set in his ways.
I just feel that the storytelling let it down. The incredulous aspects and the unnecessary influx of violence, excessive explicit sex and the issues with the writing style meant that I could never get comfortable within the story.
Overall, I'm sensing that it's a problem between me and the author. We're not well matched, but I'll give them another go as this is my first book by them. If it's a second mis-step, then I know that it's a simple matter of my preferences not matching with their style. And that's fine. But I had high hopes for this and I'm afraid it just didn't live up to them.
I've spotted on Goodreads that it's part of a series. I'll be interested to read the next book, just for curiosity's sake.
Author – Aisling Mancy
Star rating - ★★★☆☆
No. of Pages – 194
Cover – Nice!
POV – 3rd person, dual POV with omni slips
Would I read it again – Not sure.
Genre – LGBT, Romani, Paranormal
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
Trigger Warnings: incest, sexual abuse, kidnap, violence
Quite honestly, I'm of two minds about this book. In some ways, it was a great paranormal story that made me feel for the characters. In other ways, it had unnecessary elements – excessive violence, incredulous aspects and an overwhelming sense of there being too much crammed into one story.
For me, I'd have loved if this story had stayed to it's roots: a Romani and the vampire Taliesin. When the other aspects of a talking dragon and a whole host of supernatural creatures were added, that was where it lost me.
It didn't help that there was zero warning about the incest and sexual abuse that was a pivotal part of the story. I, honestly, wouldn't have read it had I known. And the fact that it wasn't mentioned in the blurb or in any instance when I opted to read the book means that other unsuspecting readers may pick it up and end up suffering from the triggers and that seriously impacted my mood when reading it.
I didn't particularly love the MF sex, either, which wasn't even hinted at, but at least it was only one instance.
As for the writing, the style was okay, but I found it to be a little too...grandiose? I'm not even sure if that's the right word. But there was a whole lot of posturing with the words chosen – nacreous, for instance (most of which I had to look up, because I'm not a walking dictionary), which impeded the flow of reading. There were issues with editing – italics missing from thoughts, slips of omnipresence, and a continued lack of explanation for the Romani and French terms used within the story. I think I counted at least thirty terms that were unknown to me, without using a Google translate option, within the first chapter alone.
There was also an issue with phrasing. Perhaps it was to show how old Taliesin was, but phrasing the time in this way → “evening in Wales along about ten” → and expecting us to know it's not an editing error but means that the time is around about ten o'clock is frustrating and not obvious at all.
Part of the problem was that it felt as though I had to read the author's mind for half the book. Both for what these strange phrases were supposed to mean, because they weren't explained ever, but also for the Romani and French terms that weren't explained either. Even some events weren't actually explained and we were expected to draw our own conclusions, which is one thing, but it's another entirely to end the book not knowing what happened and having not one character talk about what really did happen.
I also had an issue with the POV. It was a 3rd person, dual POV, which is fine. Except that sometimes it was one paragraph for Taliesin and the next for Pesha, then back and forth for about two pages. If it had been omnipresent this would have been fine, but it wasn't. Each POV was separated by a gap of a line (ineffective on a Kindle, because they're often hidden at the top or bottom of the page, so go unseen unless something like caps or the formatting of the first line of a new scene is distinctive, which it wasn't here). That meant that we were flipflopping between POV's constantly, even when it wasn't necessary. In this case, I believe it would have been better as an omnipresent POV, since there were continual slips of that anyway. It would have helped with the flow between scenes and made things less confusing.
~
Overall, the good things were mostly feelings. Nothing that I can really put into words, except to say that I really liked the characters Pesha and Taliesin. I liked their romance and how it took time, that Pesha was ever persistent to return home out of loyalty. I even liked his speech patterns, that showed that he was uneducated but set in his ways.
I just feel that the storytelling let it down. The incredulous aspects and the unnecessary influx of violence, excessive explicit sex and the issues with the writing style meant that I could never get comfortable within the story.
Overall, I'm sensing that it's a problem between me and the author. We're not well matched, but I'll give them another go as this is my first book by them. If it's a second mis-step, then I know that it's a simple matter of my preferences not matching with their style. And that's fine. But I had high hopes for this and I'm afraid it just didn't live up to them.
I've spotted on Goodreads that it's part of a series. I'll be interested to read the next book, just for curiosity's sake.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews