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Secrets of the Senses #1
Murmur
"I am Roman. I am Gallic. I am Hibernian. I am too mixed in everything to be of concern to anything," Aonghas tells his friend. He's also the human counterpart of the demon gods who rule the five senses, blessed and burdened by this gift that has enhanced his senses beyond average human experience. But his gifts have kept him isolated and wary of forming relationships beyond casual acquaintances, until he meets Maon. Thisyoung man he encounters only under shadow of darkness has his own secrets, and Aonghas is captivated by his mysterious lover. Will their bond endure if their secrets are revealed?
208 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2013
186 people want to read
About the author
Ryal Woods
4 books4 followersRyal Woods is the author of the Secrets of the Senses series, the first two books of which, Murmur and Becoming, are published by MLR Press. Woods has also published an erotic short story collection with MLR titled Stories for Boys. She experiments with writing styles and genres, which include stream of consciousness, poetic prose, classic romance codpiece busters, mythologies, and metaphysical and philosophical fiction. Woods’ interest is in literature about men who are expressive and intellectual as well as sensual. Her goal is to create stories that invite readers to extend their own thoughts about the characters and their lives beyond what is written on the page. She lives in Boulder Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 20, 2014
My review, I fear, will not do this book justice.
This book... This book got under my skin! I could not figure out what was happening, could not put it down and refused to let it beat me. Yes. I'm kind of competitive. I formed and discarded so many theories, I could've held my own with a Vegas blackjack dealer. This book frustrated me, held me captive and made me Google things. If I resort to Googling an author has done something right.
Aonghas perplexed me. At first, I thought he was put off by him. I couldn't figure out why he was so punchy and seemingly hypersensitive. His character developed organically and the truth is revealed. He's been shunned most of his life for his gifts which has made him a loner. He expects people to judge, disappoint and in all likelihood leave him, so he has cause to be angry; it's the old 'the best defense is a good offense' strategy. Then he meets Maon out on the moors one night in his secret Stonehengey hideaway.
Maon... I'm shaking my head. I'm still befuddled as to why anyone would agree to this sort of clandestine relationship. I do appreciate the point *I think* Ms. Woods is trying to make about modern society placing too much emphasis on beauty and the visual aesthetic, but this goes on forever! No way could I go this long without ever seeing my paramour, unless you're blind which neither are. What's more, I never felt their connection; couldn't understand why Aonghas would choose Maon over Sòlas.
Sòlas is palpable, present and devoted. I felt the connection between him and Aonghas and felt his pain when Aonghas repeatedly chose to secret away with Maon. Most important of all Sòlas isn't keeping secrets! He is who he is and makes no apologies for his standing or lack thereof in the community as a metallurgist nor does he hold himself back from Aonghas. He's demonstrative and kindhearted not only to Aonghas but to Doughal, Aonghas' servant, as well. I applauded him when he initiated their separation until Aonghas made his decision.
As much as I was frustrated and enthralled by this bizarre love triangle, I was confused and captivated by the supernatural aspects of Murmur. What's with Aonghas' connection to the sabball? What the hell is Magus? Is Maon a ghost? Suffice to say, it kept me turning the pages to get the answers to these questions. I wasn't disappointed by the answers either though the Maon storyline was bittersweet and poignant.
The writing is beautiful. It reads very classic novel and a little poetic. It's ethereal, mystical and existential at times. Ms. Woods shows her prowess both in her linguistic skills as well as tension building. If you're looking for loads of erotic moments, look elsewhere. Murmur is more sensual than erotic. In all honesty, this isn't something I would ordinarily read, but I'm glad I did, so if you're looking for something different give Murmur a whirl. I'll not forget it anytime soon.
I would like to thank MLR Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book... This book got under my skin! I could not figure out what was happening, could not put it down and refused to let it beat me. Yes. I'm kind of competitive. I formed and discarded so many theories, I could've held my own with a Vegas blackjack dealer. This book frustrated me, held me captive and made me Google things. If I resort to Googling an author has done something right.
Aonghas perplexed me. At first, I thought he was put off by him. I couldn't figure out why he was so punchy and seemingly hypersensitive. His character developed organically and the truth is revealed. He's been shunned most of his life for his gifts which has made him a loner. He expects people to judge, disappoint and in all likelihood leave him, so he has cause to be angry; it's the old 'the best defense is a good offense' strategy. Then he meets Maon out on the moors one night in his secret Stonehengey hideaway.
Maon... I'm shaking my head. I'm still befuddled as to why anyone would agree to this sort of clandestine relationship. I do appreciate the point *I think* Ms. Woods is trying to make about modern society placing too much emphasis on beauty and the visual aesthetic, but this goes on forever! No way could I go this long without ever seeing my paramour, unless you're blind which neither are. What's more, I never felt their connection; couldn't understand why Aonghas would choose Maon over Sòlas.
Sòlas is palpable, present and devoted. I felt the connection between him and Aonghas and felt his pain when Aonghas repeatedly chose to secret away with Maon. Most important of all Sòlas isn't keeping secrets! He is who he is and makes no apologies for his standing or lack thereof in the community as a metallurgist nor does he hold himself back from Aonghas. He's demonstrative and kindhearted not only to Aonghas but to Doughal, Aonghas' servant, as well. I applauded him when he initiated their separation until Aonghas made his decision.
As much as I was frustrated and enthralled by this bizarre love triangle, I was confused and captivated by the supernatural aspects of Murmur. What's with Aonghas' connection to the sabball? What the hell is Magus? Is Maon a ghost? Suffice to say, it kept me turning the pages to get the answers to these questions. I wasn't disappointed by the answers either though the Maon storyline was bittersweet and poignant.
The writing is beautiful. It reads very classic novel and a little poetic. It's ethereal, mystical and existential at times. Ms. Woods shows her prowess both in her linguistic skills as well as tension building. If you're looking for loads of erotic moments, look elsewhere. Murmur is more sensual than erotic. In all honesty, this isn't something I would ordinarily read, but I'm glad I did, so if you're looking for something different give Murmur a whirl. I'll not forget it anytime soon.
I would like to thank MLR Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 19, 2013
MURMUR by Ryal Woods
Aonghas's mother died only moments after his birth, cutting him off from the only other being who is in touch with the entities known as the Sabball, the rulers of the senses. He must grow up virtually on his own with only the Five Senses themselves to guide him. But they are the kind of teachers who want him to find the answers to his own questions. It is not surprising then that the multi-heritage youth makes lots of arrogant mistakes.
Ryal Woods offers us a tantalizing story that is a mix of alternate history and fantasy, positing an Ireland that the Romans reached and settled into as they did in Britain. It is a romance, where feeling so cut off from his peers, that when a mysterious man enters Aonghas's hiding place understanding stones on the moor, he accepts and makes love to him though in the darkness he has no idea who or what it is. The man, known only as Maon, haunts his waking and sleeping life, cutting him off further from the companions he could potentially find among the people at his father's stronghold. His one affair with a metal smith named Sòlas fails to keep his attention, not only cheating them both of a strong bond but putting them both in danger. Let's just say Aonghas has a whole lot of growing up to do.
Lucky for us readers, Aonghas has a remarkable author to help him through. This is one of those novels I really wish I had written. There is an elegance and poetic nature to the writing befitting the Celtic setting. Between the Irish names, whose meanings are significant (Aonghas is "unique", Sòlas "solace"), the mystic settings, the fluidity of the language and in particular imagery, you are there, on the moor, in the caves, chilled and longing along with the protagonist.
This is a tale of the isolated seeker from conflicting cultures in who is torn between standing alone and strong and finding his place in the warmth of other hearts leads him to doubt himself while yet hastening forward into come-what-may. One brilliant insight on Woods' part is how Aonghas is most drawn, in his isolation, to Maon whose name means "hero", misleading to the incomplete protagonist, is his double and cannot complete him but only duplicate. A terrific story, itself elemental and compelling, will keep you glued to the book, but I predict you will come away with more of a haunted feeling of a magickal world.
Aonghas's mother died only moments after his birth, cutting him off from the only other being who is in touch with the entities known as the Sabball, the rulers of the senses. He must grow up virtually on his own with only the Five Senses themselves to guide him. But they are the kind of teachers who want him to find the answers to his own questions. It is not surprising then that the multi-heritage youth makes lots of arrogant mistakes.
Ryal Woods offers us a tantalizing story that is a mix of alternate history and fantasy, positing an Ireland that the Romans reached and settled into as they did in Britain. It is a romance, where feeling so cut off from his peers, that when a mysterious man enters Aonghas's hiding place understanding stones on the moor, he accepts and makes love to him though in the darkness he has no idea who or what it is. The man, known only as Maon, haunts his waking and sleeping life, cutting him off further from the companions he could potentially find among the people at his father's stronghold. His one affair with a metal smith named Sòlas fails to keep his attention, not only cheating them both of a strong bond but putting them both in danger. Let's just say Aonghas has a whole lot of growing up to do.
Lucky for us readers, Aonghas has a remarkable author to help him through. This is one of those novels I really wish I had written. There is an elegance and poetic nature to the writing befitting the Celtic setting. Between the Irish names, whose meanings are significant (Aonghas is "unique", Sòlas "solace"), the mystic settings, the fluidity of the language and in particular imagery, you are there, on the moor, in the caves, chilled and longing along with the protagonist.
This is a tale of the isolated seeker from conflicting cultures in who is torn between standing alone and strong and finding his place in the warmth of other hearts leads him to doubt himself while yet hastening forward into come-what-may. One brilliant insight on Woods' part is how Aonghas is most drawn, in his isolation, to Maon whose name means "hero", misleading to the incomplete protagonist, is his double and cannot complete him but only duplicate. A terrific story, itself elemental and compelling, will keep you glued to the book, but I predict you will come away with more of a haunted feeling of a magickal world.
tbr3_next-up-after-tip-top-pile
March 9, 2014Excerpt here: http://www.mlrbooks.com/AllExcerpts.p...
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews