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Guardians of the Leythe #1
Human Frailties
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...
Dear Author,
Darkness has been a part of my life since I can remember.
I never understood why it was so hard for me to be part of the bright world. The Internet couldn’t satisfy my need, so I went to this arcane little book shop. The old hag behind the counter gave me a book, where she said I might find the answers to my questions.
Supposedly, this book opened your power to summon entities to obtain knowledge. One in particular drew my attention. Its name was unpronounceable, but I could not bring it to me without saying its name aloud. Its symbols― a black dog, a pumpkin on fire, and a heart surrounded by thorns― were a potent siren song. They simply drove me crazy.
When I finally untied my tongue and called, it didn't come to me. Instead, it took me to a sinister realm.
Forget my questions. All I want to do now is drop to my knees and worship him.
PHOTO DESCRIPTION:
The man stands against a fog-shrouded landscape lit by a full moon shining through thin clouds, his long, black hair whipped by the wind. His stance is open but ambiguous― it could be welcoming or threatening― and one foot rests upon a glowing jack-o-lantern. Under his open robe he wears only leather pants and high boots. In one hand he holds a staff topped with a skull; above the other hand float glowing, arcane symbols.
Genre: fantasy, other world
Tags: sorcerer, angels/demons/gods, magic users, soulmates or bonded, slave, prisoner, psychic ability, snarky banter
Word count: 39,489
Content warnings: dubious consent
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Dear Author,
Darkness has been a part of my life since I can remember.
I never understood why it was so hard for me to be part of the bright world. The Internet couldn’t satisfy my need, so I went to this arcane little book shop. The old hag behind the counter gave me a book, where she said I might find the answers to my questions.
Supposedly, this book opened your power to summon entities to obtain knowledge. One in particular drew my attention. Its name was unpronounceable, but I could not bring it to me without saying its name aloud. Its symbols― a black dog, a pumpkin on fire, and a heart surrounded by thorns― were a potent siren song. They simply drove me crazy.
When I finally untied my tongue and called, it didn't come to me. Instead, it took me to a sinister realm.
Forget my questions. All I want to do now is drop to my knees and worship him.
PHOTO DESCRIPTION:
The man stands against a fog-shrouded landscape lit by a full moon shining through thin clouds, his long, black hair whipped by the wind. His stance is open but ambiguous― it could be welcoming or threatening― and one foot rests upon a glowing jack-o-lantern. Under his open robe he wears only leather pants and high boots. In one hand he holds a staff topped with a skull; above the other hand float glowing, arcane symbols.
Genre: fantasy, other world
Tags: sorcerer, angels/demons/gods, magic users, soulmates or bonded, slave, prisoner, psychic ability, snarky banter
Word count: 39,489
Content warnings: dubious consent
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
138 pages, ebook
First published May 26, 2013
17 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
Jaye McKenna
24 books132 followersJaye McKenna was born a Brit and was dragged, kicking and screaming, across the Pond at an age when such vehement protest was doomed to be misinterpreted as a “paddy”. She grew up near a sumac forest in Minnesota and spent most of her teen years torturing her parents with her electric guitar and her dark poetry. She was punk before it was cool and a grown-up long before she was ready. Jaye writes fantasy and science fiction stories about hot guys who have the hots for each other. She enjoys making them work darn hard for their happy endings, which might explain why she never gets invited to their parties.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
September 26, 2015
Ashnavayarian was a powerful, god-like being of the leythe, the place from which magical energies emanate. But Ash has been a bad boy. His thoughtless, selfish meddling and manipulating has led to a war and disturbances within the leythe. Ash needs to be taken down a peg or two, so the goddess Jhara punishes him by forcing him to live in human form with most of his power stripped from him. She hopes he’ll learn that using other creatures for his own amusement isn’t right and that some of the things he considers human frailties (like compassion and love) are just what he needs to learn. Of course, that doesn’t go over well with Ash, and he’s determined to thwart Jhara by any means necessary and break his exile. Jhara throws Ash another curveball when she leythe-bonds him to Toryn MacAran, a human!
Tor has never fit in and always harbored a painful emptiness inside, like something is missing. When a strange encounter at a bookstore one night ends up landing him at the feet of the handsome Ash, he may have found the answer. Ash’s touch takes his emptiness and pain away and makes him feel compete.
Both main characters are well developed and interesting in their own right, but when they come together, oh boy! The chemistry goes off the charts. I adored the interaction between these two. An emotional rollercoaster.
Ash is a self-centered, full of himself ass at the beginning of this story, but he’s so damn fun. Tor is the broken boy that I always adore. And I do adore him… except that by the end, I’m so in love with Ash that even Tor’s delicious brokenness cannot compare. These guys go through hell and back in this story, but the growth of the characters throughout is such a treat to read.
This is a complex fantasy that takes place on another world separate from the earth (from which Tor came). The world-building is quite intricate and yet so smoothly woven that it never felt cumbersome as some fantasies do for me. Fast-paced, lots of wit, smoking hot sex, angst, sexy long-haired men (my fav!), and some freaky bad guys to hate from Lucano in the first section on to some of his horrible creations in the second.
And then there’s Carrik Tarn, a very interesting and pivotal secondary character. I won’t say much about him for fear of it being a spoiler, but I’d really like to know more of his background. Maybe that will come out in a sequel. Oh, and there’s this one scene where I just wanted to kick him in the nuts so bad I could taste it. Except, well, that would have been impossible even if I were there at the time.
So much happens in this book, much more than I’d expect for the number of pages. It has the depth of a much longer read--almost like an epic. I read the first half, Human Frailties, about a year ago as a freebie. Since I’d enjoyed the first half of the story quite a lot, I really have no idea why I waited so long to read the full story. But very glad I finally did because the second half took the tale into awesome territory. The second half made me fall in love.
So if you’ve read Human Frailties and never went on to read the rest, don’t wait! It only gets better.
Ash and Tor need a sequel, and actually, I’m pretty sure there is one currently in the works. I can’t wait. And one last thing--I have to mention how much I love the name Ashnavayarian and all its interesting variants! So freaking cool.
Tor has never fit in and always harbored a painful emptiness inside, like something is missing. When a strange encounter at a bookstore one night ends up landing him at the feet of the handsome Ash, he may have found the answer. Ash’s touch takes his emptiness and pain away and makes him feel compete.
Both main characters are well developed and interesting in their own right, but when they come together, oh boy! The chemistry goes off the charts. I adored the interaction between these two. An emotional rollercoaster.
Ash is a self-centered, full of himself ass at the beginning of this story, but he’s so damn fun. Tor is the broken boy that I always adore. And I do adore him… except that by the end, I’m so in love with Ash that even Tor’s delicious brokenness cannot compare. These guys go through hell and back in this story, but the growth of the characters throughout is such a treat to read.
This is a complex fantasy that takes place on another world separate from the earth (from which Tor came). The world-building is quite intricate and yet so smoothly woven that it never felt cumbersome as some fantasies do for me. Fast-paced, lots of wit, smoking hot sex, angst, sexy long-haired men (my fav!), and some freaky bad guys to hate from Lucano in the first section on to some of his horrible creations in the second.
And then there’s Carrik Tarn, a very interesting and pivotal secondary character. I won’t say much about him for fear of it being a spoiler, but I’d really like to know more of his background. Maybe that will come out in a sequel. Oh, and there’s this one scene where I just wanted to kick him in the nuts so bad I could taste it. Except, well, that would have been impossible even if I were there at the time.
So much happens in this book, much more than I’d expect for the number of pages. It has the depth of a much longer read--almost like an epic. I read the first half, Human Frailties, about a year ago as a freebie. Since I’d enjoyed the first half of the story quite a lot, I really have no idea why I waited so long to read the full story. But very glad I finally did because the second half took the tale into awesome territory. The second half made me fall in love.
So if you’ve read Human Frailties and never went on to read the rest, don’t wait! It only gets better.
Ash and Tor need a sequel, and actually, I’m pretty sure there is one currently in the works. I can’t wait. And one last thing--I have to mention how much I love the name Ashnavayarian and all its interesting variants! So freaking cool.
October 13, 2013
Many thoughts now... let me try to get it all in order in something that resemble a review.
FIRST, let me tell you something you may not know. You can read half of this book for free
This book is the expanded version of a freebie Human Frailties, click here to download it.
It was born as a "short", but now there is this version, with part I (Human Frailties, the freebie) and Human Strengths, the part 2.
I start reading the freebie, and love it so much I got the complete story Human Frailties, Human Strengths. I reread the first part (if you buy it you will get part 1 and 2), and I keep going reading the extended part... And I don't regret it!
Everything start with a god, Ashnavayarian, aka Ash, in exile. He must prove he deserve to have all his powers, and do learn a lesson about fro fragile live is, he is stripped of almost all powers, and must live as a human. It's not on Earth, it's a sort of parallel reality, think as another Earth.
Toryn MacAran is human and from our reality. In a very strange day he will end in another reality, and.. with the self-centered, egomaniac and narcissist god... Ash.
It's erotic, and also VERY funny
For a fantasy with so much info and description it's also VERY funny! But... the first part... and I missed funny Ash.
I think it deserve 5 stars
Because it's very original, full of adventure and also with perfect placed sex scenes (it's NOT a sex without plot story).
But I also think it's sort of sad the humor was just in the first part of the book (the freebie).
Of course Ash must grown, learn, be responsible... but IMO it should not mean be serious as he was in the second part. I can understand it was a grown process, Tor is there with him... but I just don't think all the humor and jokes between both should disappear.
The second part is serious, a lot happened and it's a serious and dangerous situation (and I LOVE the adventure of it!)... and... something I reeeeeeeeeeally don't know how to feel about happened. It's something I can't talk about openly, so I'm putting in a spoiler. It's a noncon (maybe, seems rape) scene.
.
What inside the spoiler was odd, IMO, but it didn't ruin my fun.
I enjoy the fantasy, the adventure and I believe it's an amazing fantasy-erotic book.
I'm sad it ended.... the book keep me company all day today. I start just to check it, and put it down after the last page... I'm sad Ash and Tor are not part of my day anymore... and looking forward for more... Ash, Tor and Blackfang... the adventure just start!
FIRST, let me tell you something you may not know. You can read half of this book for free
This book is the expanded version of a freebie Human Frailties, click here to download it.
It was born as a "short", but now there is this version, with part I (Human Frailties, the freebie) and Human Strengths, the part 2.
I start reading the freebie, and love it so much I got the complete story Human Frailties, Human Strengths. I reread the first part (if you buy it you will get part 1 and 2), and I keep going reading the extended part... And I don't regret it!
Everything start with a god, Ashnavayarian, aka Ash, in exile. He must prove he deserve to have all his powers, and do learn a lesson about fro fragile live is, he is stripped of almost all powers, and must live as a human. It's not on Earth, it's a sort of parallel reality, think as another Earth.
Toryn MacAran is human and from our reality. In a very strange day he will end in another reality, and.. with the self-centered, egomaniac and narcissist god... Ash.
It's erotic, and also VERY funny
For a fantasy with so much info and description it's also VERY funny! But... the first part... and I missed funny Ash.
I think it deserve 5 stars
Because it's very original, full of adventure and also with perfect placed sex scenes (it's NOT a sex without plot story).
But I also think it's sort of sad the humor was just in the first part of the book (the freebie).
Of course Ash must grown, learn, be responsible... but IMO it should not mean be serious as he was in the second part. I can understand it was a grown process, Tor is there with him... but I just don't think all the humor and jokes between both should disappear.
The second part is serious, a lot happened and it's a serious and dangerous situation (and I LOVE the adventure of it!)... and... something I reeeeeeeeeeally don't know how to feel about happened. It's something I can't talk about openly, so I'm putting in a spoiler. It's a noncon (maybe, seems rape) scene.
.
What inside the spoiler was odd, IMO, but it didn't ruin my fun.
I enjoy the fantasy, the adventure and I believe it's an amazing fantasy-erotic book.
I'm sad it ended.... the book keep me company all day today. I start just to check it, and put it down after the last page... I'm sad Ash and Tor are not part of my day anymore... and looking forward for more... Ash, Tor and Blackfang... the adventure just start!
February 26, 2015
4.5 stars. Very enjoyable read. . . loved the witty dialogue between the two characters. Well written. Excellent world building. I enjoyed the characters. Ash was such as ass for a long part of this book, that I barely had time to start accepting that he might be ok guy before it ended. There was very little background on Tor, but I really liked him despite that. This is a free first part of a longer novel Human Frailties, Human Strengths which I plan to read soon. I NEED to read the rest of the story as its a bit of a soft cliffhanger (HFN) end. I am sure that reading the rest will have a big impact on how I perceive the story so I'm keeping the review of this first part short. Wonderful free read! Highly recommended.
July 6, 2013
As rather interesting read I suppose, but not one that was particularly engrossing or enjoyable. The characters weren't particularly grabbing or loveable (I didn't like Tor till the end) and a rather unbelievable development in romance. Their romance was tinged with a little dub-con (though really, that's just a nicer way of saying rape that isn't brutal and forceful). Mind you, I'm okay with reading dub-con and I can tolerate non-con, however this was a particular sneaky shade of it I didn't like, and I feel that their relationship at the end didn't resolve any of my earlier uneasiness. On a brighter note, there were some elements of the world that I found incredibly intriguing and unique, and I definitely would like to know more about it.
Rating: 2.75
Rating: 2.75
May 28, 2013
What an amazing story! The world building, the development of the characters and their relationship, it all flowed so smoothly while keeping me riveted until the end. Tor and Ash came alive for me and I love how their actions and banter fit their personalities so consistently. Great combination of humor and suspense, I can't wait to read the sequel.
June 3, 2013
I'm not normally much of a fantasy reader, but I really enjoyed this story. The writing is smooth and the characters were interesting. I liked the fact that one of the MCs was ruthless initially and was quite the anti-hero. You don't see that often in romance, but Jaye pulled it off. I suspect there will be a sequel and I will be waiting for it.
September 4, 2016
Great fantasy/adventure with awesome world building. I liked how we learn about the leythe, the energy matrix, and the void. Details like leythe-bonds and leythe-storms added interesting layers.
The characterizations were well done, especially with Ash. So arrogant, furious about his punishment, infuriating in his words and actions. Tor wasn't as clearly drawn for me. I would have liked more time with his POV because I didn't understand his attachment to Ash outside of the leythe-bond and if there wasn't any, then it wasn't really a romance for me.
A lot of that had to do with the way their relationship developed. Definitely no insta-love here. A lot of heat, but also a lot of irritation, resentment, and anger. As the leythe-bond grew stronger, though, some caring slipped in even though Ash resisted getting attached. Although we saw why Ash started to like Tor, Tor's feelings were so influenced by the bond, I wasn't so sure he actually liked Ash until much later. More like a magic spell than true feelings.
Later on, when the relationship changes a bit, I had mixed feelings about it. I liked the change. A lot. But I wasn't sure it was consistent with the characterization we'd been given of the two MCs. It didn't bother me too much, though, because I really liked the characters :)
Definitely a keeper for me and I'm excited about possible future adventures with Ash and Tor.
World building + adventure fantasy= 4.5 stars for me
Romance= 3.5
Side points:
I liked the twist with the sword :)
I loved the humor in the first part, and I missed it later on, although it made sense with the change in Ash and the seriousness of their mission.
The characterizations were well done, especially with Ash. So arrogant, furious about his punishment, infuriating in his words and actions. Tor wasn't as clearly drawn for me. I would have liked more time with his POV because I didn't understand his attachment to Ash outside of the leythe-bond and if there wasn't any, then it wasn't really a romance for me.
A lot of that had to do with the way their relationship developed. Definitely no insta-love here. A lot of heat, but also a lot of irritation, resentment, and anger. As the leythe-bond grew stronger, though, some caring slipped in even though Ash resisted getting attached. Although we saw why Ash started to like Tor, Tor's feelings were so influenced by the bond, I wasn't so sure he actually liked Ash until much later. More like a magic spell than true feelings.
Later on, when the relationship changes a bit, I had mixed feelings about it. I liked the change. A lot. But I wasn't sure it was consistent with the characterization we'd been given of the two MCs. It didn't bother me too much, though, because I really liked the characters :)
Definitely a keeper for me and I'm excited about possible future adventures with Ash and Tor.
World building + adventure fantasy= 4.5 stars for me
Romance= 3.5
Side points:
I liked the twist with the sword :)
I loved the humor in the first part, and I missed it later on, although it made sense with the change in Ash and the seriousness of their mission.
October 1, 2013
I had the pleasure of an advanced peek at this baby, and it has come very far from its humble beginnings as a shorter story posted for the LHNB anthology.
Jaye McKenna has created a fascinating world with some very compelling characters who move through a well-crafted, emotion-rich story.
There is no definite good and evil here, although sometimes the motivations of some of the characters lean decidedly towards the “dark side”. It brings the characters to life because, like real people, sometimes they do things that make us mad, only to redeem themselves later on.
This story has a lot of action, but it doesn’t ever sacrifice the relationships between the characters.
Great read!
Jaye McKenna has created a fascinating world with some very compelling characters who move through a well-crafted, emotion-rich story.
There is no definite good and evil here, although sometimes the motivations of some of the characters lean decidedly towards the “dark side”. It brings the characters to life because, like real people, sometimes they do things that make us mad, only to redeem themselves later on.
This story has a lot of action, but it doesn’t ever sacrifice the relationships between the characters.
Great read!
June 20, 2016
4.5 stars
I set this book aside back in Feb 2016 because I thought it was just going to be another PWP. After reading and loving another of this author's series, I decided to revisit this story. So glad I did!
Great world building, finely crafted characters, clever plot, beautiful prose, well edited. It appears McKenna has written more stories in this universe and I can hardly wait to discover them.
I set this book aside back in Feb 2016 because I thought it was just going to be another PWP. After reading and loving another of this author's series, I decided to revisit this story. So glad I did!
Great world building, finely crafted characters, clever plot, beautiful prose, well edited. It appears McKenna has written more stories in this universe and I can hardly wait to discover them.
July 21, 2015
I pretty much hate any book in which authors tie characters to people who aren't nice to them with artificial (in this case supernatural) bonds and declare romance.
When one character is unkind to another character, and the victim responds with neediness and groveling because "magic," my response is an automatic DNF.
I read this book in an omnibus with its sequel, so I'm not sure whether I DNFed it before or after the end of this story.
June 14, 2013
I SO wanted to like this: the premise is good, the writing is good......
But I hated Ash. Tor is so alone, puzzled, has a deep strength he doesn't recognise; and loveable!
Ash is arrogant (as he was meant to be) but even when he realised he was actually feeling things for Tor, he didn't DO anything to redeem himself.
Only 90+ pages to read, but it took me 3 DAYS!! Sorry!
But I hated Ash. Tor is so alone, puzzled, has a deep strength he doesn't recognise; and loveable!
Ash is arrogant (as he was meant to be) but even when he realised he was actually feeling things for Tor, he didn't DO anything to redeem himself.
Only 90+ pages to read, but it took me 3 DAYS!! Sorry!
September 27, 2013
Amazing world building! Thanks for an amazing story. I sure hope there is more someday soon!
[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation.]
[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation.]
October 13, 2013
This book is fantastic. So good I got both, this freebie, love it and after read the extended book, with the second part. For a full review look mine review of both parts, 1 and 2.
maybe
October 3, 201340% off at Smashwords until October 30 using coupon code GL98D, thanks to Melanie.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
maybe
July 10, 2018Freebie at smashie right now: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
June 7, 2017
3.5 Stars
Want to read
July 1, 20187/1/18 Currently FREE at the Smashwords summer sale: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
March 10, 2019
Plot ***
The romance part of the book is complete, an adventure part is introduced and ends on a cliffhanger. A human, Tor, is sucked into an alternative world where he meets a sorcerer, Ash, a godlike creature, trapped in a human body. Soon after they meet they discover that they share a soul bond. Whereas Ash is thoroughly disgusted to be bonded to a weak, inferior human creature, he is also thrilled to find out, that he can use Tor to escape his own insufferable predicament.
Besides Tor he needs a lab to perform the liberating ritual and therefore he takes the human and travels with him into the lair of a dangerous sorcerer who unfortunately decides to use Tor for an evil ritual of his own.
I liked the story of Ash and Tor, the story of a shallow, cruel and egoistic bastard developing feelings for another being. I had a major problem with the ending, though. Ash's feelings never lead to doubt, only remorse. He never deliberately decides not to use Tor in the ritual, not to break the bond and not to betray Tor's trust and kill him. This choice is taken from him by Lucano. Only after it is too late he admits to himself, that he is not sure he could have gone through with it. That's not enough for the happy ending of a romance plot. That's not love. Yes he begs for Tor's life in the end and is willing to give his own in exchange but this a weak gesture, considering that he is going to die anyway. To top it all, Tor forgives him in a heartbeat and everything is sunshine and roses. The author uses the bond as a substitute for a sufficient period of massive grovelling: Tor can feel Ash's sincerity and love and everything is forgiven and forgotten.
Characters ****
Ash is a self-absorbed, ruthless, callous dick with no emotional connections at all. He doesn't care for anybody than himself and takes what or who he wants, for example Tor. I liked him despite that.
Ash doesn't change much throughout the story. The little he does is in his attitude towards Tor. He goes from benevolent condescension to cautious liking to love, becoming vulnerable in the process. It's nice to see this development, although the author could have given us more concrete reasons for it.
Compared to Ash Tor is a little bland. I did like him but he could use some stronger character traits. He is essentially a good person and no pushover. But although he speaks up for himself now and then he let's Ash get away with way too much.
Writing Style ****
***** – only very few minor mistakes, smooth writing, no repetitions and other annoying things
**** – very few mistakes in grammar/orthography, smooth writing, no repetitions and other annoying things
*** – some mistakes in grammar/orthography, fluent writing, occasional repetitions and other annoying things
** – a good deal of mistakes in grammar/orthography, clumsy writing, regular repetitions and other annoying things
* – writing that prompts me to desert the book or causes severe trauma
Slave and Dubious Consent
The book has the tag „slave“ and the content warning „dubious consent“. For readers who have problems with these topics (like me) I can say that both of them are relatively harmless.
Ash and Tor have no master/slave relationship. They only pretend to be master and slave when they visit Vakar (Although Ash may take advantage of this situation once or twice and enjoy it a little too much.).
The consent is actually a little dubious. Initially Ash manipulates Tor via magic into sex. Later it is the bond that makes it hard or even impossible for Tor to say no. It's on the lighter side of dub-con because Tor is extremely attracted to Ash and Ash only enhances what is already there, but it is dub-con nonetheless.
The romance part of the book is complete, an adventure part is introduced and ends on a cliffhanger. A human, Tor, is sucked into an alternative world where he meets a sorcerer, Ash, a godlike creature, trapped in a human body. Soon after they meet they discover that they share a soul bond. Whereas Ash is thoroughly disgusted to be bonded to a weak, inferior human creature, he is also thrilled to find out, that he can use Tor to escape his own insufferable predicament.
Besides Tor he needs a lab to perform the liberating ritual and therefore he takes the human and travels with him into the lair of a dangerous sorcerer who unfortunately decides to use Tor for an evil ritual of his own.
I liked the story of Ash and Tor, the story of a shallow, cruel and egoistic bastard developing feelings for another being. I had a major problem with the ending, though. Ash's feelings never lead to doubt, only remorse. He never deliberately decides not to use Tor in the ritual, not to break the bond and not to betray Tor's trust and kill him. This choice is taken from him by Lucano. Only after it is too late he admits to himself, that he is not sure he could have gone through with it. That's not enough for the happy ending of a romance plot. That's not love. Yes he begs for Tor's life in the end and is willing to give his own in exchange but this a weak gesture, considering that he is going to die anyway. To top it all, Tor forgives him in a heartbeat and everything is sunshine and roses. The author uses the bond as a substitute for a sufficient period of massive grovelling: Tor can feel Ash's sincerity and love and everything is forgiven and forgotten.
Characters ****
Ash is a self-absorbed, ruthless, callous dick with no emotional connections at all. He doesn't care for anybody than himself and takes what or who he wants, for example Tor. I liked him despite that.
Ash doesn't change much throughout the story. The little he does is in his attitude towards Tor. He goes from benevolent condescension to cautious liking to love, becoming vulnerable in the process. It's nice to see this development, although the author could have given us more concrete reasons for it.
Compared to Ash Tor is a little bland. I did like him but he could use some stronger character traits. He is essentially a good person and no pushover. But although he speaks up for himself now and then he let's Ash get away with way too much.
Writing Style ****
***** – only very few minor mistakes, smooth writing, no repetitions and other annoying things
**** – very few mistakes in grammar/orthography, smooth writing, no repetitions and other annoying things
*** – some mistakes in grammar/orthography, fluent writing, occasional repetitions and other annoying things
** – a good deal of mistakes in grammar/orthography, clumsy writing, regular repetitions and other annoying things
* – writing that prompts me to desert the book or causes severe trauma
Slave and Dubious Consent
The book has the tag „slave“ and the content warning „dubious consent“. For readers who have problems with these topics (like me) I can say that both of them are relatively harmless.
Ash and Tor have no master/slave relationship. They only pretend to be master and slave when they visit Vakar (Although Ash may take advantage of this situation once or twice and enjoy it a little too much.).
The consent is actually a little dubious. Initially Ash manipulates Tor via magic into sex. Later it is the bond that makes it hard or even impossible for Tor to say no. It's on the lighter side of dub-con because Tor is extremely attracted to Ash and Ash only enhances what is already there, but it is dub-con nonetheless.
June 22, 2013
This was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the transition from the contemporary to the fantasy settings, it made the fantasy world just that much more interesting for some reason.
I enjoyed Tor's character, and really felt for him and how lonely he was at the start. Experiencing the world he got taken to through his eyes was fun.
I can't help wishing that the leythe were a little better explained. Because it was mentioned with the Void a few times, and because it's similar to Lethe, I kept picturing it as a mystical river of energy or w/e, but then there was mention of the matrix and the weaving of it and things that made that visual not work. And I'm still not clear what exactly the blocks of leythe and Tor himself were... stored up mystical energy? And if Ash taught humans to access the leythe, shouldn't everyone have the capability of becoming leythari? And what determines one's strength as a leytharo?
Anyway, obviously I was completely engrossed in the story if I want to know so much more about the world. It was fun and fascinating, and I hope there's more to come!
3.5 stars, rounded up for being free
Favorite Quote:
"Why do you always call me that?"
Ash frowned. "Human? It is what you are."
"Right, but... I don't call you Asshole. I have a name you know."
I enjoyed Tor's character, and really felt for him and how lonely he was at the start. Experiencing the world he got taken to through his eyes was fun.
I can't help wishing that the leythe were a little better explained. Because it was mentioned with the Void a few times, and because it's similar to Lethe, I kept picturing it as a mystical river of energy or w/e, but then there was mention of the matrix and the weaving of it and things that made that visual not work. And I'm still not clear what exactly the blocks of leythe and Tor himself were... stored up mystical energy? And if Ash taught humans to access the leythe, shouldn't everyone have the capability of becoming leythari? And what determines one's strength as a leytharo?
Anyway, obviously I was completely engrossed in the story if I want to know so much more about the world. It was fun and fascinating, and I hope there's more to come!
3.5 stars, rounded up for being free
Favorite Quote:
"Why do you always call me that?"
Ash frowned. "Human? It is what you are."
"Right, but... I don't call you Asshole. I have a name you know."
April 28, 2017
Serious non-consensual vibes wrapped in a pretty package of "ooh but he is sooo sexy and hot and I can't think and even if I said no my body is reacting since he won't let me go and it must mean I want this. And we do end up loving each other so this is all fiiine." No thank you.
"Tor put his hands on Ash’s chest and pushed him away. 'What the fuck are you doing to me?' he demanded. 'You— you’re in my head again.' “Does it matter?” Ash asked, nudging the leythe to increase Tor’s arousal." (Kindle Location 773)
"'No, don’t—' Panic shot through him and he struggled to pull away." (Kindle Location 836)
"'Hush. It’s all right.' Strong hands gripped his hips, forcing him to remain right where he was."
(Kindle Location 838).
"He tried to fight it, body tensing and straining, mind screaming in denial as he struggled to escape. Ash’s fingers bit deep into his hips, hurting. 'Please… don’t…'"(Kindle Location 841).
"He fought to think through the growing haze of desire, but damned if he could remember what it was. Summoning his last shred of resistance, he struggled to form a coherent sentence. 'I’m not… I didn’t… you can’t…'" (Kindle Location 849).
"Tor put his hands on Ash’s chest and pushed him away. 'What the fuck are you doing to me?' he demanded. 'You— you’re in my head again.' “Does it matter?” Ash asked, nudging the leythe to increase Tor’s arousal." (Kindle Location 773)
"'No, don’t—' Panic shot through him and he struggled to pull away." (Kindle Location 836)
"'Hush. It’s all right.' Strong hands gripped his hips, forcing him to remain right where he was."
(Kindle Location 838).
"He tried to fight it, body tensing and straining, mind screaming in denial as he struggled to escape. Ash’s fingers bit deep into his hips, hurting. 'Please… don’t…'"(Kindle Location 841).
"He fought to think through the growing haze of desire, but damned if he could remember what it was. Summoning his last shred of resistance, he struggled to form a coherent sentence. 'I’m not… I didn’t… you can’t…'" (Kindle Location 849).
June 22, 2013
Very interesting concept. I would love to read more of these characters and this world. There was a lot put into this short, free story. A nerd from this world is transported by a wish to another world, where he meets a god stuck in human form who has a history of not caring about humanity. The human is in love at first sight... the god finds that they are annoyingly magically bonded, but takes advantage of the opportunity for good sex that his human body enjoys and craves, only to find himself wanting more.
The magic system was slightly different from others I have seen, although not incredibly original, but the world was well put together and the characters were well-crafted and thought through. The sex was erotic and it was an excellent story that left me thinking and wanting more.
The magic system was slightly different from others I have seen, although not incredibly original, but the world was well put together and the characters were well-crafted and thought through. The sex was erotic and it was an excellent story that left me thinking and wanting more.
January 11, 2016
The book follows adventures of Ash and Tor in an Earth-like world. Ash is a demon who was turned into human to learn how to be one and hopefully correct his own mistakes that resulted in a disaster for this particular universe.
Tor was given to Ash by a higher being, a "Mother" to all, to guide and help him through the process.
As much as I liked this story, the writing was not all that solid, though not bad either. There were extra characters that felt more like ghosts, rather a solid presence. Loved the plot. Will definitely read book 2 if ever comes out :)
4 stars.
Tor was given to Ash by a higher being, a "Mother" to all, to guide and help him through the process.
As much as I liked this story, the writing was not all that solid, though not bad either. There were extra characters that felt more like ghosts, rather a solid presence. Loved the plot. Will definitely read book 2 if ever comes out :)
4 stars.
August 19, 2013
Gotta love a character who is an ass and can redeem himself before the end of the story! I just loved the world building in this. I loved Tor and by the end of the story felt ok with Ash...I really liked him by the end of the story. I definitely could read more about these two in this world, and it seems to set things up for future stories. I hope so, as I really liked the author's writing. Thanks for a wonderful, complex story!
October 24, 2016
★★★★☆ ~ 4 Stars
Recommended by friends, I enjoyed the world building, story and characters. Ash was a spoiled ass and his plots had long-range consequences which is why Jhara reined him in. Tor needed to find his place and his strengths.
The world building was interesting but not over my head. Interesting details about leythe bonds and storms. Would definitely read more from this author.
Recommended by friends, I enjoyed the world building, story and characters. Ash was a spoiled ass and his plots had long-range consequences which is why Jhara reined him in. Tor needed to find his place and his strengths.
The world building was interesting but not over my head. Interesting details about leythe bonds and storms. Would definitely read more from this author.
May 30, 2013
4.5 stars
I'm only not giving it 5 because there is so much more I want to know. The author promises more to come. I was totally caught up in the story and it's such a nice long one with lots of rich detail. There are also some amazingly funny lines, and Ash is a total dick, who manages to redeem himself. Definitely worth the time it takes to read. Super job on interpreting the picture.
I'm only not giving it 5 because there is so much more I want to know. The author promises more to come. I was totally caught up in the story and it's such a nice long one with lots of rich detail. There are also some amazingly funny lines, and Ash is a total dick, who manages to redeem himself. Definitely worth the time it takes to read. Super job on interpreting the picture.
May 28, 2013
Jaye took a thought and made it a journey.
The characters are not just believable but lovable (assholeness included). You can put yourself in their shoes and understand their mistakes and feel the redemption as if it was yours.
Highly recommend it!
The characters are not just believable but lovable (assholeness included). You can put yourself in their shoes and understand their mistakes and feel the redemption as if it was yours.
Highly recommend it!
June 29, 2013
I can't decide between liking or disliking this fantasy. Partly it was an interesting piece of work with the ending of HFN. But mostly I wasn't satisfied with the whole storyline. Something was definitely odd with the whole concept in this story.
September 29, 2015
I really enjoyed this. I had read the first half when it was published by itself and really liked seeing the rest of the story. I loved how Ash grew as a person and how the two fit. I'm not sure I liked the sword bit, but it worked ok.
September 30, 2014
Fantasy is not generally a favourite genre for me... BUT... this was FABULOUS! The characters were so well developed and the world building was some of the best I've read! Can't wait for a sequel!
June 11, 2013
Excellent first story for a talented emerging writer! Jaye McKenna's world building and memorable characters make this the first book in what I hope will be a long and satisfying series.
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