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Immortal Symphony: Overture #1
Overture: A Meeting of Fate
You think you know the story of Dorian Gray, but you're wrong. The real story didn't end the way Oscar Wilde penned; in fact, it hasn't ended at all. The ageless beauty of Dorian Gray walks now in our world of cellphones and lattes and internet porn. His latest conquest is Gabriel Lawrence, a paranormal investigator with a secret or two of his own. But the trouble with a life as long as Dorian's is that the skeletons are threatening to overrun the closet... and not all of them want to stay dead.
Season 1
Overture introduces Gabriel to the truth of a world he had only suspected, where ghost hunting is the least of his worries. And at the heart of it all is the mysterious and fascinating Dorian Gray, as though he'd stepped out of the pages of the book bearing his name. But if he has, he hasn't come through alone. And this figure from a past Dorian had though long behind him bears a grudge nurtured for a hundred years and intends to tear down everything Dorian has built, a piece at a time.
Episode 1: A Meeting of Fate
Gabriel Lawrence, a paranormal investigator from America, finds himself in London chasing down a supposedly haunted artifact. While there, he meets a man who calls himself Dorian Gray, who may not match the description from that famous story, but certainly has the attitude. And the seduction. And because ghost hunting isn't exactly a lucrative venture, Dorian's invitation into his world of opulence, decadence, and wealth may just prove too tempting for Gabriel to resist!
Season 1
Overture introduces Gabriel to the truth of a world he had only suspected, where ghost hunting is the least of his worries. And at the heart of it all is the mysterious and fascinating Dorian Gray, as though he'd stepped out of the pages of the book bearing his name. But if he has, he hasn't come through alone. And this figure from a past Dorian had though long behind him bears a grudge nurtured for a hundred years and intends to tear down everything Dorian has built, a piece at a time.
Episode 1: A Meeting of Fate
Gabriel Lawrence, a paranormal investigator from America, finds himself in London chasing down a supposedly haunted artifact. While there, he meets a man who calls himself Dorian Gray, who may not match the description from that famous story, but certainly has the attitude. And the seduction. And because ghost hunting isn't exactly a lucrative venture, Dorian's invitation into his world of opulence, decadence, and wealth may just prove too tempting for Gabriel to resist!
39 pages, ebook
First published February 8, 2013
76 people want to read
About the author
S.L. Armstrong
56 books133 followersSupport S.L. Armstrong & K. Piet on Patreon!
S.L. Armstrong has been writing for as long as she can remember. Art and reading have played a large part in her life since young childhood, but around fourteen, writing became her passion. Voraciously consuming every book in front of her opened up hundreds of worlds in her head, and she soon wanted to create worlds for other people as well. She has a particular fondness for gothic horror, horror, high fantasy, urban fantasy, and romance novels. The authors she turns to time and again are Stephen King, L.J. Smith, V.C. Andrews, R.L. Stine, and Anne Rice, among others. She has no shame in picking up the young adult novels she loved as a child, and she will talk your ear off about grammar and punctuation.
After she married her husband over seventeen years ago, she began to truly delve into the world of writing for public consumption. It was sheer chance that she stumbled on M/M fanfiction, and she's not looked back. Though fanfiction will always have a fond place in her heart, she soon grew tired of playing in other people's sandboxes. When she discovered M/M romance, and how it was now a legitimate branch of romance writing, she knew her course. S.L. plans to release F/F, M/M, M/F, and multiple partner books as she continues her writing career. M/M romance is where her heart lies, no matter what else she may write or read, and it's where she keeps returning to. There is something about two men passionately in love that just makes her heart melt, and she has no intention of giving that up anytime soon.
S.L. Armstrong lives in Florida with her husband, partner, two dogs, and twelve cats. She hates the heat and longs for a northern, snowy climate. She writes with K. Piet on a number of projects, but she also writes her own solitary titles as well.
S.L. Armstrong has been writing for as long as she can remember. Art and reading have played a large part in her life since young childhood, but around fourteen, writing became her passion. Voraciously consuming every book in front of her opened up hundreds of worlds in her head, and she soon wanted to create worlds for other people as well. She has a particular fondness for gothic horror, horror, high fantasy, urban fantasy, and romance novels. The authors she turns to time and again are Stephen King, L.J. Smith, V.C. Andrews, R.L. Stine, and Anne Rice, among others. She has no shame in picking up the young adult novels she loved as a child, and she will talk your ear off about grammar and punctuation.
After she married her husband over seventeen years ago, she began to truly delve into the world of writing for public consumption. It was sheer chance that she stumbled on M/M fanfiction, and she's not looked back. Though fanfiction will always have a fond place in her heart, she soon grew tired of playing in other people's sandboxes. When she discovered M/M romance, and how it was now a legitimate branch of romance writing, she knew her course. S.L. plans to release F/F, M/M, M/F, and multiple partner books as she continues her writing career. M/M romance is where her heart lies, no matter what else she may write or read, and it's where she keeps returning to. There is something about two men passionately in love that just makes her heart melt, and she has no intention of giving that up anytime soon.
S.L. Armstrong lives in Florida with her husband, partner, two dogs, and twelve cats. She hates the heat and longs for a northern, snowy climate. She writes with K. Piet on a number of projects, but she also writes her own solitary titles as well.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 7, 2013
~~~
3.5 Stars -- With great potential
A serial release.
Some of my Goodreads friends have noticed that I actually read a classic novel this week and must have wondered why. Especially when they know how much fun I have reading "the good stuff".
I did read The Picture of Dorian Gray to prep for my read of this series, just like the good, little student that I am O_o I even looked into Oscar Wilde's 'fabulous' life. The classic was everything a classic should be; controversial, illicit, critically persecuted and prosecuted...all the good stuff. It also opens the reader up to ideas of immorality and depravity not often seen in the literature world. Well, the literature world of 1890.
Fortunately we live in the 21st century where all depravity is celebrated and out from the shadows. Yeah. Well anyway, luckily we have authors willing to carry us forward with an intriguing spin-off.
THE CHARACTERS
Dorian Gray - Dare I say the baddest bad boy of them all???
Gabriel Lawrence - Young, cheeky - Alive -
Michael Lawrence - Gabriel's dead twin brother. He seems more steady, practical. Even if he's only apparent to Gabriel.
THE STORY
Being instantly "thrust" into the erotic world that Dorian Gray so desired to prolong we, literally, see his depravity hasn't been subdued.
Gabriel and Michael are paranormal investigators living abroad and living by the seat of their pants. Well, Gabriel's pants anyway. Michael's spirit lives within Gabe. When Gabe and Michael investigate a "metaphysical tar", it feels like a scene from an early Indiana Jones movie as things seem to go from bad to worse. But we learn that this is what they do best, sort of.
When Gabriel 'bumps' into Dorian during a second chance encounter they hook up and it's hot, sexy and quite unholy. Dorian invites Gabriel for an extended stay in Scotland knowing that Gabe won't be able to resist him.
THE WRITING
A general understanding of the concepts within A Picture of Dorian Gray would be helpful, but the authors do a fine job of making clear what happened to Dorian, allowing for artistic license to let this version work. To be clear, this is erotica, not fine literature. So to compare the works would be entirely unfair.
The authors then set off to explore and toy with the modern day version of sex, vanity and power. I don't think we're going to have to "worry" about too much morality showing up before some true fun is to be had by all.
I could have used a stronger connection between Dorian and Gabriel, but I'm sure that's still to come. In this first episode some of the relationships were rushed or even completely undeveloped. I got the feeling that we were just getting an overview of the situation rather than delving into the emotional connections. Presumably that is the nature of this type of serial release.
This is fast, quick, decadent, sinful and excessive. Everything Oscar Wilde warned us against. That was his message, I'm sure.
RECOMMENDED
~ ~ ~
My thanks to Storm Moon Press, S.L. Armstrong and K. Piet for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
3.5 Stars -- With great potential
A serial release.
"Tea and sugar and pure sex."
Some of my Goodreads friends have noticed that I actually read a classic novel this week and must have wondered why. Especially when they know how much fun I have reading "the good stuff".
I did read The Picture of Dorian Gray to prep for my read of this series, just like the good, little student that I am O_o I even looked into Oscar Wilde's 'fabulous' life. The classic was everything a classic should be; controversial, illicit, critically persecuted and prosecuted...all the good stuff. It also opens the reader up to ideas of immorality and depravity not often seen in the literature world. Well, the literature world of 1890.
Fortunately we live in the 21st century where all depravity is celebrated and out from the shadows. Yeah. Well anyway, luckily we have authors willing to carry us forward with an intriguing spin-off.
THE CHARACTERS
Dorian Gray - Dare I say the baddest bad boy of them all???
"Because I am sin incarnate,..."
Gabriel Lawrence - Young, cheeky - Alive -
Gabriel liked looking at the bright side of every situation.
Michael Lawrence - Gabriel's dead twin brother. He seems more steady, practical. Even if he's only apparent to Gabriel.
Michael groaned. You'll never see him again.
"Keep out of my head." Gabriel sighed.
THE STORY
Being instantly "thrust" into the erotic world that Dorian Gray so desired to prolong we, literally, see his depravity hasn't been subdued.
"Enough' doesn't exist, pet. You don't want 'enough'. You want more."
Gabriel and Michael are paranormal investigators living abroad and living by the seat of their pants. Well, Gabriel's pants anyway. Michael's spirit lives within Gabe. When Gabe and Michael investigate a "metaphysical tar", it feels like a scene from an early Indiana Jones movie as things seem to go from bad to worse. But we learn that this is what they do best, sort of.
When Gabriel 'bumps' into Dorian during a second chance encounter they hook up and it's hot, sexy and quite unholy. Dorian invites Gabriel for an extended stay in Scotland knowing that Gabe won't be able to resist him.
A mere gesture, and the boy could be his, but Dorian relished the conquest, the slow, erotic disintegration of those walls modern young men built around themselves.
THE WRITING
A general understanding of the concepts within A Picture of Dorian Gray would be helpful, but the authors do a fine job of making clear what happened to Dorian, allowing for artistic license to let this version work. To be clear, this is erotica, not fine literature. So to compare the works would be entirely unfair.
The authors then set off to explore and toy with the modern day version of sex, vanity and power. I don't think we're going to have to "worry" about too much morality showing up before some true fun is to be had by all.
I could have used a stronger connection between Dorian and Gabriel, but I'm sure that's still to come. In this first episode some of the relationships were rushed or even completely undeveloped. I got the feeling that we were just getting an overview of the situation rather than delving into the emotional connections. Presumably that is the nature of this type of serial release.
This is fast, quick, decadent, sinful and excessive. Everything Oscar Wilde warned us against. That was his message, I'm sure.
RECOMMENDED
~ ~ ~
My thanks to Storm Moon Press, S.L. Armstrong and K. Piet for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
February 9, 2013
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
I've been eagerly awaiting this first "episode" in the Dorian Gray serial K Piet and SL Armstrong have written. I'm iffy about serials -- sometimes they work for me and sometimes not so much (I'd rather wait and read them all at once -- but episodic releases are different than a pure serial in the way that they're released. They're less of a chapter release and each one tends to be a little more self-contained. That's how I felt with this first episode. I'm even more excited to read the second episode, not only because I liked this one a lot and look forward to what happens next, but because the first release of a longer work like this will undoubtedly be a setup to the main story, which is this:
We meet many characters here and I'm not quite sure which ones will be important later, with the exception of three: Dorian, Gabriel and Michael. Dorian is now over two hundred years old and firmly ensconced in the modern age, yet still holding an old-world flair. He's a captivating sex god, firmly holding the strings of the puppets around him in an elaborate, hedonistic dance. He meets Gabriel when the man walks in front of his limo and interrupts his blow job. Gabriel is an American, new to the UK and on his way to a new job in his paranormal investigation business. And Michael… Michael is Gabriel's twin, dead and reappeared as a ghost in Gabriel's mind. They share one body and work together in their paranormal job. Dorian and Gabriel meet once again and share an afternoon of sex that goes beyond what both are accustomed to. Surprising Dorian is almost impossible, but Dorian can't seem to forget Gabriel, and his insistence that Gabriel come with him to his home in Scotland is an opportunity that will set the stage for a relationship over the series of episodes.
The first scene of this whole serial really sets the stage for is to come and especially this modern Dorian. The first scene is from the POV of a young college woman who is having sex with two men she just met, a man named Oliver and Dorian. The scene shows the level of sex and debauchery that surrounds Dorian, as well as his lack of discrimination in the gender of his partners. While I don't usually read anything with girly parts, this didn't bother me so much (even when there's another scene later in the story with a different woman), because I know that it's a small part of the real story. Nevertheless, the sex in this story pretty much blew me away. Even with that first scene I wasn't expecting quite the level of sex in this story, but I was happy with it anyway. I'll be interested to see in the future stories, once Gabriel and Dorian become more important to one another, how Dorian's sexual appetites with multiple partners will affect Gabriel. I can honestly say that I have no idea what to expect of the coming stories, and that is exciting.
So, getting in on reading this new serial at this point is all up to how you feel about serials or episodic releases. If they're not for you, then by all means wait a while and I'll be sure to update you every month how they're progressing. Otherwise, jump in and join me :)
Also, just a note about how I classified the genre in this review. Since the romance hasn't really started yet, I'm marking this first story as erotica. It sure has enough sex for it! ;)
I've been eagerly awaiting this first "episode" in the Dorian Gray serial K Piet and SL Armstrong have written. I'm iffy about serials -- sometimes they work for me and sometimes not so much (I'd rather wait and read them all at once -- but episodic releases are different than a pure serial in the way that they're released. They're less of a chapter release and each one tends to be a little more self-contained. That's how I felt with this first episode. I'm even more excited to read the second episode, not only because I liked this one a lot and look forward to what happens next, but because the first release of a longer work like this will undoubtedly be a setup to the main story, which is this:
We meet many characters here and I'm not quite sure which ones will be important later, with the exception of three: Dorian, Gabriel and Michael. Dorian is now over two hundred years old and firmly ensconced in the modern age, yet still holding an old-world flair. He's a captivating sex god, firmly holding the strings of the puppets around him in an elaborate, hedonistic dance. He meets Gabriel when the man walks in front of his limo and interrupts his blow job. Gabriel is an American, new to the UK and on his way to a new job in his paranormal investigation business. And Michael… Michael is Gabriel's twin, dead and reappeared as a ghost in Gabriel's mind. They share one body and work together in their paranormal job. Dorian and Gabriel meet once again and share an afternoon of sex that goes beyond what both are accustomed to. Surprising Dorian is almost impossible, but Dorian can't seem to forget Gabriel, and his insistence that Gabriel come with him to his home in Scotland is an opportunity that will set the stage for a relationship over the series of episodes.
The first scene of this whole serial really sets the stage for is to come and especially this modern Dorian. The first scene is from the POV of a young college woman who is having sex with two men she just met, a man named Oliver and Dorian. The scene shows the level of sex and debauchery that surrounds Dorian, as well as his lack of discrimination in the gender of his partners. While I don't usually read anything with girly parts, this didn't bother me so much (even when there's another scene later in the story with a different woman), because I know that it's a small part of the real story. Nevertheless, the sex in this story pretty much blew me away. Even with that first scene I wasn't expecting quite the level of sex in this story, but I was happy with it anyway. I'll be interested to see in the future stories, once Gabriel and Dorian become more important to one another, how Dorian's sexual appetites with multiple partners will affect Gabriel. I can honestly say that I have no idea what to expect of the coming stories, and that is exciting.
So, getting in on reading this new serial at this point is all up to how you feel about serials or episodic releases. If they're not for you, then by all means wait a while and I'll be sure to update you every month how they're progressing. Otherwise, jump in and join me :)
Also, just a note about how I classified the genre in this review. Since the romance hasn't really started yet, I'm marking this first story as erotica. It sure has enough sex for it! ;)
June 26, 2013
4 Stars
Dorian Gray is alive and well. He's having all the sex and using all the drugs a man could possibly want. People want to be in his circle of friends. He's wealthy, beautiful, and he has everything he wants. Did I mention he has everything he wants? Of course he does! He doesn't dwell upon anything he may regret. Gabriel Lawrence is an exorcist, of sorts. He can see and sense paranormal activity. He's also got the ghost of his dead twin brother, Michael, with him at all times. Gabriel is quite poor. While walking absentmindedly into a street he was almost struck by a limousine. The guy inside it was absolutely gorgeous! While at his job at a local high end hotel, Gabriel goes into a room to change the towels and encounters the same man. Dorian Gray. He's still absolutely gorgeous. They have amazing sex together. Michael does leave for that. Dorian invites Gabriel to Scotland to spend some time with him at one of his homes. He even gives him a huge sum of money to get there. It's the answer to a lot of Gabriel's problems. It's also the answer to a lot of Dorian's problems.
This first episode really did nothing but set the stage. Both men have a lot of problems and we're given hints their worlds overlap. Whereas their problems don't seem to be at all similar despite their worlds overlapping, both men are equally miserable and lonely. They are lonely despite constant companionship. Dorian allows himself all the pleasures of the flesh, but no real emotional bond. Gabriel has a close bond with his dead twin brother Michael, but no physical contact outside of the occasional yet rare hook up. They simultaneously have everything and nothing. I am very curious to see where the story goes from here.
Faye's review can also be found at Live Your Life, Buy The book
Dorian Gray is alive and well. He's having all the sex and using all the drugs a man could possibly want. People want to be in his circle of friends. He's wealthy, beautiful, and he has everything he wants. Did I mention he has everything he wants? Of course he does! He doesn't dwell upon anything he may regret. Gabriel Lawrence is an exorcist, of sorts. He can see and sense paranormal activity. He's also got the ghost of his dead twin brother, Michael, with him at all times. Gabriel is quite poor. While walking absentmindedly into a street he was almost struck by a limousine. The guy inside it was absolutely gorgeous! While at his job at a local high end hotel, Gabriel goes into a room to change the towels and encounters the same man. Dorian Gray. He's still absolutely gorgeous. They have amazing sex together. Michael does leave for that. Dorian invites Gabriel to Scotland to spend some time with him at one of his homes. He even gives him a huge sum of money to get there. It's the answer to a lot of Gabriel's problems. It's also the answer to a lot of Dorian's problems.
This first episode really did nothing but set the stage. Both men have a lot of problems and we're given hints their worlds overlap. Whereas their problems don't seem to be at all similar despite their worlds overlapping, both men are equally miserable and lonely. They are lonely despite constant companionship. Dorian allows himself all the pleasures of the flesh, but no real emotional bond. Gabriel has a close bond with his dead twin brother Michael, but no physical contact outside of the occasional yet rare hook up. They simultaneously have everything and nothing. I am very curious to see where the story goes from here.
Faye's review can also be found at Live Your Life, Buy The book
February 16, 2013
What literate lover of the erotic doesn’t lust after Oscar Wilde’s Dorian Gray? Who doesn’t fantasize all the details Wilde didn’t and couldn’t include? (Certainly not someone who’s taken her pen name from Wilde’s Salomé!) And why not go a step or three further, updating the tale, bringing Dorian into a paranormally-inflected version of our world…
From the graphic opening threesome of S. L. Armstrong and K. Piet’s new erotic romance serial Immortal Symphony (from Storm Moon Press), we’re in a world that kinky, pansexual dreams are made of. Just try to resist the moment the incomparable Dorian tops a woman while moaning over his shoulder for the man behind them to “Fuck us, pet.” I dare you. Dorian is the hedonist supreme, and even in this first installment (“episode”), there is more delicious sex—including lush, spot-on dirty talk from Dorian—than in many a lengthy novel. Plus, there is his unstoppable selfishness and dark past, looming.
Into this world come twin psychic investigators, Gabriel and Michael, bringing complications into the lust-drenched episode. Gabriel, the first man to pique Dorian’s immortal interest in ages, enters the first episode in straight-forward, wish-fulfillment fashion. He has a vulnerable inner monologue that makes me like him from the first. For those with an aversion to the hint of Mary Sue in the air, I say get over it and bask in the adventure; it’s delectably easy to do. I frankly clapped my hands with glee at how quickly Dorian has Gabriel—and everyone else (occasionally with a dose of heroin)—at his mouthwatering mercy.
My disappointments in this first episode are few, and fade quickly. Primarily, the opening paragraphs did not grab me as tightly as I would have liked. The use of “click” as single-word paragraphs to signal when photographs were being taken was too heavy-handed for me. Similarly, the italicization of “he” so readers can distinguish between Dorian and the other male lover from the perspective of the woman in the scene was understandable, yet it called attention to itself, pulling me out of the moment. Once past this, however, and into Armstrong and Piet’s luscious take on Dorian’s inescapably hot, self-indulgent debauchery and troubled mind, I was riding high through the rest of the episode…and prepared to beg for more.
Immortal Symphony can be purchased by episode (99 cents for the first, the rest priced by length) or by Season Pass, entitling readers to each episode as released and an ebook upon completion ($11.99).
April 12, 2013
Never want to grow old? Eternal youth is not all it's cracked up to be. The infamous Dorian Gray is apparently still alive and well. His portrait on the other hand is aging and rotting away. This is a reinterpretation of the Dorian mythos and it's much more my alley than the original.
S.L. Armstrong and K. Piet kick off the beginning of a new serial story. This one is featuring the ever immortally young Dorian Gray and his sexual proclivities. The very first scene is a searing hot voyeuristic ménage worthy of any hedonistic fiend. The first in this Immortal Symphony is written at an allegro pace. Not only is this first movement played in allegro, but it is also in forte. The BDSM harmony is a delightful pairing and music to my ears. If musical comparisons are to continue, what would Dorian Gray be? Would he be the conductor? Or is he part of the percussion section, banging out the tempo for all to follow? I vote for the percussion section.
Accompanying Dorian in this sexual interlude is Gabriel. Gabriel is some kind of paranormal hunter. It's not clear how he is hired or how he knows what he knows. In fact, Gabriel's background is quite a bit more mysterious than Dorian's past. Will these two characters generate a squawking discord in this sexual overture due to their opposing agendas? Or will they smoothly shift into the second movement at a sensual adagio pace? It is something I am very eager to find out.
While the carnal acts are enticing, they do not distract me from the questions I wanted answered. Who is Henry? How did Dorian come to be? How does Gabriel do what he does? What is this ominous overtone and how will it impact Dorian and Gabriel? I will be breathlessly anticipating more sumptuous sexual medleys the duo authors orchestrate to seduce me. This book is recommended to kinky sexual epicureans who enjoy a heteroflexible spread.
March 12, 2013
So, this is clearly Dorian Gray through some gay-goggles...(but I guess that's okay because I wanted a sexy gay-sex scene. That teaser with Basil really wasn't enough, you know...)
Ah, but Ben Barnes makes such a sexy/sinister Dorian...
But I mean, beyond that, it's an interesting piece of derivative work. I'm interested to see where this leads ^^
It's unfortunate, though, that I find the cover so aesthetically displeasing. (For some reason, I seem to have this issue with books by Armstrong. I mean, don't get me wrong. The composition is pretty. It's just...I don't really like the way the cover models look...)
Ah, but Ben Barnes makes such a sexy/sinister Dorian...
But I mean, beyond that, it's an interesting piece of derivative work. I'm interested to see where this leads ^^
It's unfortunate, though, that I find the cover so aesthetically displeasing. (For some reason, I seem to have this issue with books by Armstrong. I mean, don't get me wrong. The composition is pretty. It's just...I don't really like the way the cover models look...)
February 11, 2013
This is a fabulous idea for a story and I look forward to seeing what happens next with the very decadent Dorian Gray and Gabriel, who is not at all what Dorian would have been expecting.
March 10, 2013
4.5 stars - rounded up
Originally posted on Joyfully Jay
Serials are a new thing to me, but I’ve sort of become addicted to them. If I were to describe a serial to someone who had never heard of them, I would have to say they are like a television show (a cable television show in this case), spaced out in episodes. Some publishers put them out weekly, some monthly. But either way, it’s the anticipation for the next installment of the story that is part of the excitement of serials.
Gabriel Lawrence is a paranormal hunter. After his twin brother’s death, Gabriel gained a second sight that allows him to feel malevolent spirits with help from the ghost of his brother, Michael. Stranded in London after a particularly difficult case, Gabriel takes work as a hotel housekeeper. An unexpected encounter with the penthouse guest turns Gabe’s world upside down. Something about the man draws Gabriel in and he’s not sure that he wants to deny it.
Dorian Gray was goaded into the situation that led to his immortal destiny. These days Dorian is a playboy of the highest order who is haunted by his past. When he meets Gabriel, seduction is easy, but something about the young man has Dorian wanting more. Offering to take Gabriel away from his currently stagnant life and take care of him is out of the ordinary for Dorian, but the true shock comes when Gabriel doesn’t immediately accept but offers to think about it. Now Dorian has to wait to see if the beautiful man will come to him.
I originally read "The Picture of Dorian Gray" when I was in college. Even then, the story of Dorian Gray was appealing. Now, Armstrong and Piet bring him to life again, but this time in the modern world. Changing the ending of the classic story, these authors give Dorian a chance to right some of his wrongs, not that he’s exactly taken done anything about it yet. And I absolutely love Dorian in this world. He hasn’t changed over the centuries – still a vain man-whore. But this time I think his past is going to play a bigger role. There’s a whole past these authors have created that people who’ve read the classic don’t know about. I’m looking forward to seeing that unfold.
I’m most interested to see how Gabriel’s character develops as well as his relationship with Dorian. Gabriel has some secrets of his own that have yet to be revealed and I’m looking forward to finding those out. As well as finding out why Michael is attached to him in the first place. He doesn’t know who Dorian is yet; that should be interesting to watch play out as well.
As for the story, from the opening scene, it is hot. Like fan-yourself hot. And just a warning to people who are averse to girly bits, this serial does contain them. Although they are not the main focus, more of a distraction. But wow, these authors sure know how to turn up the heat. There is a lot of sex from start to finish, but there is also quite a bit of story and introduction.
The one thing I do have a problem with – and keep in mind that this is a personal quibble – is the recreational drug use. I think it’s being used as another distraction for Dorian, but it’s just not something I like reading. Again, it’s a personal preference, and you may not feel the same.
Overall, I am pleased with this initial episode of Immortal Symphony. The basis of the story, played off of the original, is creative and fun. The characters are endearing. And the writing is captivating. I want more. I’m looking forward to the next installment. If you’ve ever read The Picture of Dorian Gray and wondered what if, this story is for you. If you are a fan of the paranormal, instant connections, and mystery, this is definitely a story for you. And if you just plain love serials, I recommend you read Immortal Symphony: Overture.
Originally posted on Joyfully Jay
Serials are a new thing to me, but I’ve sort of become addicted to them. If I were to describe a serial to someone who had never heard of them, I would have to say they are like a television show (a cable television show in this case), spaced out in episodes. Some publishers put them out weekly, some monthly. But either way, it’s the anticipation for the next installment of the story that is part of the excitement of serials.
Gabriel Lawrence is a paranormal hunter. After his twin brother’s death, Gabriel gained a second sight that allows him to feel malevolent spirits with help from the ghost of his brother, Michael. Stranded in London after a particularly difficult case, Gabriel takes work as a hotel housekeeper. An unexpected encounter with the penthouse guest turns Gabe’s world upside down. Something about the man draws Gabriel in and he’s not sure that he wants to deny it.
Dorian Gray was goaded into the situation that led to his immortal destiny. These days Dorian is a playboy of the highest order who is haunted by his past. When he meets Gabriel, seduction is easy, but something about the young man has Dorian wanting more. Offering to take Gabriel away from his currently stagnant life and take care of him is out of the ordinary for Dorian, but the true shock comes when Gabriel doesn’t immediately accept but offers to think about it. Now Dorian has to wait to see if the beautiful man will come to him.
I originally read "The Picture of Dorian Gray" when I was in college. Even then, the story of Dorian Gray was appealing. Now, Armstrong and Piet bring him to life again, but this time in the modern world. Changing the ending of the classic story, these authors give Dorian a chance to right some of his wrongs, not that he’s exactly taken done anything about it yet. And I absolutely love Dorian in this world. He hasn’t changed over the centuries – still a vain man-whore. But this time I think his past is going to play a bigger role. There’s a whole past these authors have created that people who’ve read the classic don’t know about. I’m looking forward to seeing that unfold.
I’m most interested to see how Gabriel’s character develops as well as his relationship with Dorian. Gabriel has some secrets of his own that have yet to be revealed and I’m looking forward to finding those out. As well as finding out why Michael is attached to him in the first place. He doesn’t know who Dorian is yet; that should be interesting to watch play out as well.
As for the story, from the opening scene, it is hot. Like fan-yourself hot. And just a warning to people who are averse to girly bits, this serial does contain them. Although they are not the main focus, more of a distraction. But wow, these authors sure know how to turn up the heat. There is a lot of sex from start to finish, but there is also quite a bit of story and introduction.
The one thing I do have a problem with – and keep in mind that this is a personal quibble – is the recreational drug use. I think it’s being used as another distraction for Dorian, but it’s just not something I like reading. Again, it’s a personal preference, and you may not feel the same.
Overall, I am pleased with this initial episode of Immortal Symphony. The basis of the story, played off of the original, is creative and fun. The characters are endearing. And the writing is captivating. I want more. I’m looking forward to the next installment. If you’ve ever read The Picture of Dorian Gray and wondered what if, this story is for you. If you are a fan of the paranormal, instant connections, and mystery, this is definitely a story for you. And if you just plain love serials, I recommend you read Immortal Symphony: Overture.
March 18, 2013
Overture is episode 1 of the new serial Immortal Symphony by K Piet and SL Armstrong. The story is a twist on the classic Dorian Gray tale and definitely explores the sexual side. Dorian never ages, but instead the portrait of him ages. Over the centuries Dorian has indulged in base pleasures to banish the tedium of his life. Using the sexual power he has over others is the best drug he’s ever experienced. Dorian’s interest is piqued by an American named Gabriel and two chance meetings lead to a possible future.
The first episode is nicely independent and sets up the main players of the story. There’s Dorian, who has apparently given up the ability to love and connect for everlasting beauty and immortality. Opposite the protagonist is Gabriel, the wide-eyed not so innocent chasing supernatural phenomenon all over the world, and his dead twin brother in astral form, Michael. Michael seems to exist mostly as a voice always accompanying Gabriel. Gabriel and Dorian meet and have wild sex that ends with an offer for Gabriel to live as Dorian’s well-paid plaything. Gabriel is so taken with Dorian, he wants to accept the offer regardless of some very obvious, very real red flags.
Starting things off with a bang, literally, the story doesn’t shy away from the erotic nature of Dorian’s personality. There is a lot of sex in such a quick novella/short story and it highlights Dorian’s debauchery. He’s indiscriminate about partners, male or female, he’d probably fuck anything with a hole so there is m/m, m/f, f/m/m sex. Just about any combination you can make will likely show up in this series. So I’d say the story is definitely erotic but it has a plot and purpose. The sex doesn’t feel gratuitous but more so proving a point about Dorian’s character and needs.
The main three men are just sketches at best instead of fully fleshed out characters but that’s to be expected. I didn’t particularly mind and there are more than enough hints about the past to intrigue me about these men. I especially appreciated the scenes showing Gabriel’s supernatural work, though I felt the church scene ended too abruptly and without closure. What happened there? Instead the story picks up several weeks after with a brief non-explanation. If this aspect is so important that it’s added in a novella where space is already limited, why did it stop mid-scene? I was left confused about what to think and how important a role this job will play.
On the plus side, however, the writing is very engaging. It’s punchy and direct, not beating around the bush but almost in your face with its drama and eroticism. The authors aren’t trying to hide or allude to anything, the story is upfront and almost brutal at times. It makes me very curious about future episodes and how much they’ll hinge on the sexual aspect. I wonder how Gabriel and Dorian will interact and how their relationship will differ from the faceless, nameless throngs of “pets” that Dorian has gone through.
As a first episode, it’s captured my attention and made me eager to read future installments. This is likely to appeal to those edgier readers who don’t mind a lot of sex of any kind and aren’t necessarily looking for a true love, happy ending match. It may happen but I don’t really see it.
The first episode is nicely independent and sets up the main players of the story. There’s Dorian, who has apparently given up the ability to love and connect for everlasting beauty and immortality. Opposite the protagonist is Gabriel, the wide-eyed not so innocent chasing supernatural phenomenon all over the world, and his dead twin brother in astral form, Michael. Michael seems to exist mostly as a voice always accompanying Gabriel. Gabriel and Dorian meet and have wild sex that ends with an offer for Gabriel to live as Dorian’s well-paid plaything. Gabriel is so taken with Dorian, he wants to accept the offer regardless of some very obvious, very real red flags.
Starting things off with a bang, literally, the story doesn’t shy away from the erotic nature of Dorian’s personality. There is a lot of sex in such a quick novella/short story and it highlights Dorian’s debauchery. He’s indiscriminate about partners, male or female, he’d probably fuck anything with a hole so there is m/m, m/f, f/m/m sex. Just about any combination you can make will likely show up in this series. So I’d say the story is definitely erotic but it has a plot and purpose. The sex doesn’t feel gratuitous but more so proving a point about Dorian’s character and needs.
The main three men are just sketches at best instead of fully fleshed out characters but that’s to be expected. I didn’t particularly mind and there are more than enough hints about the past to intrigue me about these men. I especially appreciated the scenes showing Gabriel’s supernatural work, though I felt the church scene ended too abruptly and without closure. What happened there? Instead the story picks up several weeks after with a brief non-explanation. If this aspect is so important that it’s added in a novella where space is already limited, why did it stop mid-scene? I was left confused about what to think and how important a role this job will play.
On the plus side, however, the writing is very engaging. It’s punchy and direct, not beating around the bush but almost in your face with its drama and eroticism. The authors aren’t trying to hide or allude to anything, the story is upfront and almost brutal at times. It makes me very curious about future episodes and how much they’ll hinge on the sexual aspect. I wonder how Gabriel and Dorian will interact and how their relationship will differ from the faceless, nameless throngs of “pets” that Dorian has gone through.
As a first episode, it’s captured my attention and made me eager to read future installments. This is likely to appeal to those edgier readers who don’t mind a lot of sex of any kind and aren’t necessarily looking for a true love, happy ending match. It may happen but I don’t really see it.
February 13, 2013
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When I was told that Storm Moon Press was doing a monthly serial, I was immediately excited about the news! I was even more excited when I found out the writing team of SL Armstrong and K. Piet were contributing to it. I’m a huge fan of these two authors and have enjoyed everything I’ve read by them.
One of the things I appreciate about both Storm Moon Press and their authors is how they aren’t afraid to push the envelope when it comes to their books. Each and every story really resonates with me as a reader, even when I might be taken out of my comfort zone, I still enjoy them because of their originality and character driven romances.
The blurb does an excellent job at describing the gist of the book. Dorian Grey is exactly the way he’s always been portrayed. He’s handsome and spoiled at getting what he wants, and has a wicked and irresistible sexuality that draws others into his erotic life. The thing is, there is definitely more to Dorian than meets the eye. He’s not what people assume he is. (You’ll have to read it and find out)
Once he meets Gabriel for some reason Dorian begins to take notice of him. When it comes to lovers, Dorian has a revolving door and rarely remembers them, much less become intrigued by them. He finds himself uncharacteristically wanting to be around Gabriel, but what he doesn’t realize is that Gabriel has some secrets of his own.
Loved this first installment of this serial! It definitely begins and ends with a bang and I can’t wait to read what this amazing writing team has in store for us next!
Sexy, erotic and a whole lot of romping fun, Immortal Symphony promises to be nothing but a guilty pleasure to read. If you are looking for something unique with characters who will automatically fascinate you, then this serial will definitely be for you! Highly Recommended!
When I was told that Storm Moon Press was doing a monthly serial, I was immediately excited about the news! I was even more excited when I found out the writing team of SL Armstrong and K. Piet were contributing to it. I’m a huge fan of these two authors and have enjoyed everything I’ve read by them.
One of the things I appreciate about both Storm Moon Press and their authors is how they aren’t afraid to push the envelope when it comes to their books. Each and every story really resonates with me as a reader, even when I might be taken out of my comfort zone, I still enjoy them because of their originality and character driven romances.
The blurb does an excellent job at describing the gist of the book. Dorian Grey is exactly the way he’s always been portrayed. He’s handsome and spoiled at getting what he wants, and has a wicked and irresistible sexuality that draws others into his erotic life. The thing is, there is definitely more to Dorian than meets the eye. He’s not what people assume he is. (You’ll have to read it and find out)
Once he meets Gabriel for some reason Dorian begins to take notice of him. When it comes to lovers, Dorian has a revolving door and rarely remembers them, much less become intrigued by them. He finds himself uncharacteristically wanting to be around Gabriel, but what he doesn’t realize is that Gabriel has some secrets of his own.
Loved this first installment of this serial! It definitely begins and ends with a bang and I can’t wait to read what this amazing writing team has in store for us next!
Sexy, erotic and a whole lot of romping fun, Immortal Symphony promises to be nothing but a guilty pleasure to read. If you are looking for something unique with characters who will automatically fascinate you, then this serial will definitely be for you! Highly Recommended!
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