What do you think?
Rate this book
Shifter
When Gray Fox sets out by canoe to visit Elk Horn, his childhood friend and secret crush, mysterious forces strand him on a terrifying hunk of ebony rock known as Black Island. During the dark, cold night, a strangely androgynous being seduces the young virgin. In the midst of his passion, the creature shifts into a comely youth, shocking the naïve young man. He can hardly wait to tell Elk Horn about the experience. But does he dare?
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2016 Daily Dose package "A Walk on the Wild Side."
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2016 Daily Dose package "A Walk on the Wild Side."
33 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2016
18 people want to read
About the author
Mark Wildyr
30 books24 followers Born and raised in southeastern Oklahoma, I am an Albuquerque writer of gay erotic fiction. One day, I picked up a book someone had left on a table at a bookstore, one for which my rural upbringing had not prepared me. It was hardcore erotica. Nonetheless, I read a couple of the short stories and decided I could write stories like that--and certainly better than the two I had read in that book, neither of which had a narrative beyond what was necessary to string one sexual escapade together with another.
So I wrote down the name and address of the publisher, went home, and wrote a story. The publisher bought that story and eleven others, none of which were ever published because of a legal dispute that essentially closed the business down. I know nothing of the details of the suit that was filed except that it prevented publication of my first sales. Nonetheless, I had been paid for them, so I was now a “professional” author. That was in 2001.
I immediately submitted other stories to other publishers who not only bought, but published my work. I had found my niche. Since then, I've sold about sixty of them to various publishing houses. Along the way, STARbooks Press has also published a novella and three novels. They have also has agreed to two additional novels, one due out in Spring 2014 and the other in Autumn 2014.
My short story erotica covers a broad range of types: mystery, adventure, love, fantasy, sci-fi, military, police, sport… and probably some others. Much of my work explores the sexual discovery process and often involved cross-cultural relationships. Native American cultures and their approach to “Two Spirits” particularly fascinate me.
I consider my books CUT HAND and RIVER OTTER to be historical novels more than gay erotica. Between the two, they span the 19th Century from 1832 to 1870, a period that encompasses the rapid expansion of Europeans into the Dakota Territory, until then considered to belong to the Indians. It also covers the entire duration of the American Civil War, and the effects that conflict had on the tribes. They also explore the difference between the way many native cultures view homosexuality. Man-love was considered sinful and an abomination to the Anglos, who viewed queers and fags and berdaches with fear and loathing. Such conduct was often a death sentence among the dominant culture. On the other hand, winktes, two-faces, and two-spirits were often accorded places of honor among some of the tribes. At the least, they were permitted to lead lives according to their nature, not what others deemed what their nature should be. A third in the series to be released in Spring 2014, ECHOES OF THE FLUTE continues the story line up through 1890, the end of the major Indian Wars.
THE VICTOR AND THE VANQUISHED is a contemporary story of a young man dealing with his gay nature and pulling himself out of poverty, alcoholism, and abuse. CHARLEY BLACKBEAR, due out in the Fall of 2014, approaches these issues from a different perspective.
After a three-year stint in the US Army (one glorious year of it spent in Germany), I took up art. Thereafter, I spent my free time painting. I even sold a few canvases for modest amounts. But eventually, I realized painting a landscape or a still life was not a relaxing pastime for me. To the contrary, the closer a canvas came to completion, the tenser I became.
I have always written, but not always in a focused way. Because of a childhood health problem, I spent many summers at the library doing research on other cultures—usually Native American—and putting the information into long themes or dissertations. Then I started making up stories based on my findings. In college, I majored in Government and History, and I have been a lifelong history buff. Now that I’m living and writing in New Mexico, which I believe is the greatest place on earth, I often set my stories in Albuquerque or other parts of the state to give my readers a sense of the cu
So I wrote down the name and address of the publisher, went home, and wrote a story. The publisher bought that story and eleven others, none of which were ever published because of a legal dispute that essentially closed the business down. I know nothing of the details of the suit that was filed except that it prevented publication of my first sales. Nonetheless, I had been paid for them, so I was now a “professional” author. That was in 2001.
I immediately submitted other stories to other publishers who not only bought, but published my work. I had found my niche. Since then, I've sold about sixty of them to various publishing houses. Along the way, STARbooks Press has also published a novella and three novels. They have also has agreed to two additional novels, one due out in Spring 2014 and the other in Autumn 2014.
My short story erotica covers a broad range of types: mystery, adventure, love, fantasy, sci-fi, military, police, sport… and probably some others. Much of my work explores the sexual discovery process and often involved cross-cultural relationships. Native American cultures and their approach to “Two Spirits” particularly fascinate me.
I consider my books CUT HAND and RIVER OTTER to be historical novels more than gay erotica. Between the two, they span the 19th Century from 1832 to 1870, a period that encompasses the rapid expansion of Europeans into the Dakota Territory, until then considered to belong to the Indians. It also covers the entire duration of the American Civil War, and the effects that conflict had on the tribes. They also explore the difference between the way many native cultures view homosexuality. Man-love was considered sinful and an abomination to the Anglos, who viewed queers and fags and berdaches with fear and loathing. Such conduct was often a death sentence among the dominant culture. On the other hand, winktes, two-faces, and two-spirits were often accorded places of honor among some of the tribes. At the least, they were permitted to lead lives according to their nature, not what others deemed what their nature should be. A third in the series to be released in Spring 2014, ECHOES OF THE FLUTE continues the story line up through 1890, the end of the major Indian Wars.
THE VICTOR AND THE VANQUISHED is a contemporary story of a young man dealing with his gay nature and pulling himself out of poverty, alcoholism, and abuse. CHARLEY BLACKBEAR, due out in the Fall of 2014, approaches these issues from a different perspective.
After a three-year stint in the US Army (one glorious year of it spent in Germany), I took up art. Thereafter, I spent my free time painting. I even sold a few canvases for modest amounts. But eventually, I realized painting a landscape or a still life was not a relaxing pastime for me. To the contrary, the closer a canvas came to completion, the tenser I became.
I have always written, but not always in a focused way. Because of a childhood health problem, I spent many summers at the library doing research on other cultures—usually Native American—and putting the information into long themes or dissertations. Then I started making up stories based on my findings. In college, I majored in Government and History, and I have been a lifelong history buff. Now that I’m living and writing in New Mexico, which I believe is the greatest place on earth, I often set my stories in Albuquerque or other parts of the state to give my readers a sense of the cu
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 23, 2016
Firmly based in Native American legends, thinking, and perspective, ‘Shifter” is a unique story that provides both entertainment and a thought-provoking idea about shifting. In this story, it is the kind of transformation I have only read about very rarely – that of changing genders. It is written much like a fable and has the “moral” at the end of the story to go with it. I think it’s a very refreshing interpretation of what shifting means and I am very glad this story is part of the 2016 Daily Dose collection. It’s definitely a “Walk on the Wild Side”!
Gray Fox is eighteen and on his way to visit Elk Horn, the childhood friend who moved away two years previously. But on his way across the lake, a strange mist makes it impossible for him to continue the trip in his canoe, and strands him on Black Island. An androgynous creature that initially appears as a woman seduces Fox, and when she changes into a young man in the middle of their activities, Fox is far less shocked than he believes he should be. He finds he likes being intimate with a young man, and it makes him rethink his relationship with his friend, Elk. What follows is the sweet, sometimes funny, beginning of an entirely different relationship between Fox and Elk than either of them would have thought possible were it not for the mysterious gender shifter.
If you like fables with human main characters, if you enjoy exploring the legends of different cultures, and if you’re looking for a creative, thought-provoking read, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Gray Fox is eighteen and on his way to visit Elk Horn, the childhood friend who moved away two years previously. But on his way across the lake, a strange mist makes it impossible for him to continue the trip in his canoe, and strands him on Black Island. An androgynous creature that initially appears as a woman seduces Fox, and when she changes into a young man in the middle of their activities, Fox is far less shocked than he believes he should be. He finds he likes being intimate with a young man, and it makes him rethink his relationship with his friend, Elk. What follows is the sweet, sometimes funny, beginning of an entirely different relationship between Fox and Elk than either of them would have thought possible were it not for the mysterious gender shifter.
If you like fables with human main characters, if you enjoy exploring the legends of different cultures, and if you’re looking for a creative, thought-provoking read, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 16, 2016
3.5 stars
This story was different to anything else I’ve ever read before, and I’ve read a lot a books across many genres. As per the blurb Gray Fox heads out in in his canoe to visit his childhood friend Elk. Along the way he ends up on a mysterious Island. A person appears out of the mist, at first she appears as a woman, complete with pert breasts glistening in the firelight. Then a strange thing happens and she takes on the form of a man. A young man happy to be taken from behind. I’d never heard of balls/scrotum being referred to as ‘stones’ so I learned a new term. “Fox redoubled his efforts. His stones slapped the firm flesh.”
Fox awakes unsure if he’d been dreaming, but quickly realizes it was no dream. He recalls the encounter to his friend, they return to the Island, and a number of revelations are made. But to say what they are would also give away the ending. If you want to know more, you’ll have to grab a copy.
The story is a fun read, albeit rather different. Kudo’s to the author for writing something so unique.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review
This story was different to anything else I’ve ever read before, and I’ve read a lot a books across many genres. As per the blurb Gray Fox heads out in in his canoe to visit his childhood friend Elk. Along the way he ends up on a mysterious Island. A person appears out of the mist, at first she appears as a woman, complete with pert breasts glistening in the firelight. Then a strange thing happens and she takes on the form of a man. A young man happy to be taken from behind. I’d never heard of balls/scrotum being referred to as ‘stones’ so I learned a new term. “Fox redoubled his efforts. His stones slapped the firm flesh.”
Fox awakes unsure if he’d been dreaming, but quickly realizes it was no dream. He recalls the encounter to his friend, they return to the Island, and a number of revelations are made. But to say what they are would also give away the ending. If you want to know more, you’ll have to grab a copy.
The story is a fun read, albeit rather different. Kudo’s to the author for writing something so unique.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review
July 4, 2016
Read as part of the Boy Meets Boy Review Shifter Sunday Funday for Dreamspinner 2016 Daily Dose: A Walk on the Wild Side Anthology
4 Hearts
Something has drawn Gray Fox into the mist, toward Black Island, on his way to visit his friend Elk. Something mystical, possibly evil, and definitely seductive.
This story deserves some fantasy art. It is rich in description and historical fantasy. I would love a visual panel dedicated to this story.
A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review
4 Hearts
”Shifters were evil.... But sometimes they were teachers”
Something has drawn Gray Fox into the mist, toward Black Island, on his way to visit his friend Elk. Something mystical, possibly evil, and definitely seductive.
This story deserves some fantasy art. It is rich in description and historical fantasy. I would love a visual panel dedicated to this story.
A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review
February 20, 2017
I really liked this one - a touch of Native American flavor and natural magic "witch" leads to a trans-formative experience. ;) (full review and comments)
Recently come of age, Gray Fox paddles across the lakes to visit his long-time but separated friend. A spirit on an enchanted isle has ideas on how the young man should enter adulthood, perhaps giving the canoeist a story to share upon their reunion.
Review: This erotic story might not be typical m/m romance, or necessarily appealing to those looking for more romantic, relationship focused stories, or typical shifters. This rather atypical shifter really worked for me, and the combination of a coming of age/”first-time” sizzle with just enough of an interesting story and relationship really worked for me.
In short, the native/indingenous setting was a nice frame for a rather sizzling short tale, invoking some nice “shifting” magic to turn up the heat. A budding attraction between two recently come of age young men was a light but appreciated touch to round out the “first time” vibe. This alternate shifter might not work for some readers of m/m romance, but I really liked the weave of sizzle, magic, a trans-formation, and a bit of young love (or at least lust).
Recently come of age, Gray Fox paddles across the lakes to visit his long-time but separated friend. A spirit on an enchanted isle has ideas on how the young man should enter adulthood, perhaps giving the canoeist a story to share upon their reunion.
Review: This erotic story might not be typical m/m romance, or necessarily appealing to those looking for more romantic, relationship focused stories, or typical shifters. This rather atypical shifter really worked for me, and the combination of a coming of age/”first-time” sizzle with just enough of an interesting story and relationship really worked for me.
In short, the native/indingenous setting was a nice frame for a rather sizzling short tale, invoking some nice “shifting” magic to turn up the heat. A budding attraction between two recently come of age young men was a light but appreciated touch to round out the “first time” vibe. This alternate shifter might not work for some readers of m/m romance, but I really liked the weave of sizzle, magic, a trans-formation, and a bit of young love (or at least lust).
June 24, 2016
This is a short but mystical story. It is a compelling way to discover a self truth.
December 31, 2016
Plain smut.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews