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The Careless #2.5
Substance
This book is currently out of print.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2014
2 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 9, 2014
What a surprise! So I don't do SciFi, at all. It's not my genre but I thought, it's 64 pages, what will it hurt to at least give it a try? I am so glad I did! In such a short number of pages, Forge created a world full of depth, a world that was easy to believe existed.
This is the story of Phil, and his struggle to survive and make something of himself. His father might be my new hero - having spent his life sacrificing to give Phil a chance to succeed and have a better life than he did. The relationship between these two is beautiful and at parts painful as we watch Phil struggle with being honest.
Speaking of honesty, Phil's troubles begin when he meets his idol Gara. I won't spoiler the circumstances of their meeting, but it's unique, that's for sure!! The dynamic between these two is rough, and at times one sided but it feels real. The story ended leaving me desperate for more - so I can't wait for Erosions to be released next month!!
This is the story of Phil, and his struggle to survive and make something of himself. His father might be my new hero - having spent his life sacrificing to give Phil a chance to succeed and have a better life than he did. The relationship between these two is beautiful and at parts painful as we watch Phil struggle with being honest.
Speaking of honesty, Phil's troubles begin when he meets his idol Gara. I won't spoiler the circumstances of their meeting, but it's unique, that's for sure!! The dynamic between these two is rough, and at times one sided but it feels real. The story ended leaving me desperate for more - so I can't wait for Erosions to be released next month!!
May 3, 2017
This was an incredibly interesting short story.
One of the high points for me was the world building. Forge excels at this, so I shouldn't be surprised, but I am still taken back by the complexity and holistic feeling of her worlds. It's the way that she flawlessly blends the worlds of her imagination into my consciousness, like my own world drops away and I am living in hers. She also doesn't insult my intelligence and explain everything to me. Nope. I have to fucking work for what I learn about her worlds. Every detail she gives me is like I've found fucking gold. And I have.
The other thing I like about this story is that it isn't what you think it's about, but then it is. It's so fucking poetic, but I can't spoil it, because then you would hate me forever. This is also a talent of Forge's. She hides these beautiful bits of poetry in the darkest places of her worlds.
Read it for the world, read it for the story, read it for the beauty. Read it for all of the above.
You won't be disappointed.
If you liked this review, check out Beth's blog:
http://www.bethbrockbooks.com
One of the high points for me was the world building. Forge excels at this, so I shouldn't be surprised, but I am still taken back by the complexity and holistic feeling of her worlds. It's the way that she flawlessly blends the worlds of her imagination into my consciousness, like my own world drops away and I am living in hers. She also doesn't insult my intelligence and explain everything to me. Nope. I have to fucking work for what I learn about her worlds. Every detail she gives me is like I've found fucking gold. And I have.
The other thing I like about this story is that it isn't what you think it's about, but then it is. It's so fucking poetic, but I can't spoil it, because then you would hate me forever. This is also a talent of Forge's. She hides these beautiful bits of poetry in the darkest places of her worlds.
Read it for the world, read it for the story, read it for the beauty. Read it for all of the above.
You won't be disappointed.
If you liked this review, check out Beth's blog:
http://www.bethbrockbooks.com
November 13, 2014
I really enjoyed this story ;) A unique, futuristic world and a MC who has to grow up and take his life into his own hand. The book is written in present tense and in a way that creates distance between the reader and the MC.
Still, the story is very engaging AND free and you should read it! ;)
Still, the story is very engaging AND free and you should read it! ;)
October 22, 2014
Substance is the kind of short story that stays with you; not least because the ‘Substance’ in question is at once many things, and one single, powerful thing. Be it drugs, physical desire, lust, success or even love, the drive to obtain it overrides all.
The focus of the narrative is Philippe, the son of a miner. The world he inhabits is, at first glance as alien to us as the surface of Mars, and yet, dig a little deeper and the issues he faces are all too recognisable. Conflict with his father, the desire to break away from the paternal ties that bind, away from the plan his father has for him, a yearning for a better life, for independence, for love…all of these run through the text. He has that reckless disregard for his own safety, the belief in his own immortality that all young people on the verge of adulthood have. Only in his world, Ashlyn Forge’s world, the stakes are considerably higher. When Philippe is pulled into the twisted, masochistically hedonistic path of his idol, Gara, those desires are tested to the limit. What follows is as much a treatise on the resilience of youth as a love story. Philippe embarks on a journey that will make him reassess everything he thinks he wants, and everything he really needs.
Ashlyn Forge’s prose is wittily dark, spare and engaging; she says as much in the spaces between her words as her words themselves, entreating the reader to fill in the gaps. The setting is reminiscent of greats such as Bladerunner, but without being derivative. Forge’s world is unique, while still drawing on the tropes of dystopian sci-fi that we can recognise and hold on to. However, in terms of anchor points, the reader is constantly unsettled and challenged by throwaway references to concepts, places and ideas that make us question whether or not we missed something, or whether Forge is playing cat and mouse with us. We yearn to know more, see more, but she gives us freedom to imagine things ourselves. Stylistically, in terms of world building, she doesn’t hold our hands, but gives us just enough to allow us to think for ourselves. This is a story that will bear re-reading, almost requires it.
The thread of eroticism that runs through the story is equally powerful. These are the points at which Forge fleshes things out a little more, if you’ll pardon the pun. Things slow down, become more languid, but, crucially, don’t lose pace. And although the metre changes, the presentation of almost throwaway details remains the same. A nip, a kiss, a right elbow; all matter.
As an introduction, Substance is a good way in to a writer with an exciting and individual style. As a reader, I am left fulfilled by the story in one sense; we see Philippe learning life lessons and completing this phase of his narrative, but I also want to read more. Pick this up and you will be curiously and strangely charmed by Philippe and the world he inhabits. I want to read more, and although I’m absolutely sure Erosions will take me down some dark alleys, I’m relishing the fall of night.
The focus of the narrative is Philippe, the son of a miner. The world he inhabits is, at first glance as alien to us as the surface of Mars, and yet, dig a little deeper and the issues he faces are all too recognisable. Conflict with his father, the desire to break away from the paternal ties that bind, away from the plan his father has for him, a yearning for a better life, for independence, for love…all of these run through the text. He has that reckless disregard for his own safety, the belief in his own immortality that all young people on the verge of adulthood have. Only in his world, Ashlyn Forge’s world, the stakes are considerably higher. When Philippe is pulled into the twisted, masochistically hedonistic path of his idol, Gara, those desires are tested to the limit. What follows is as much a treatise on the resilience of youth as a love story. Philippe embarks on a journey that will make him reassess everything he thinks he wants, and everything he really needs.
Ashlyn Forge’s prose is wittily dark, spare and engaging; she says as much in the spaces between her words as her words themselves, entreating the reader to fill in the gaps. The setting is reminiscent of greats such as Bladerunner, but without being derivative. Forge’s world is unique, while still drawing on the tropes of dystopian sci-fi that we can recognise and hold on to. However, in terms of anchor points, the reader is constantly unsettled and challenged by throwaway references to concepts, places and ideas that make us question whether or not we missed something, or whether Forge is playing cat and mouse with us. We yearn to know more, see more, but she gives us freedom to imagine things ourselves. Stylistically, in terms of world building, she doesn’t hold our hands, but gives us just enough to allow us to think for ourselves. This is a story that will bear re-reading, almost requires it.
The thread of eroticism that runs through the story is equally powerful. These are the points at which Forge fleshes things out a little more, if you’ll pardon the pun. Things slow down, become more languid, but, crucially, don’t lose pace. And although the metre changes, the presentation of almost throwaway details remains the same. A nip, a kiss, a right elbow; all matter.
As an introduction, Substance is a good way in to a writer with an exciting and individual style. As a reader, I am left fulfilled by the story in one sense; we see Philippe learning life lessons and completing this phase of his narrative, but I also want to read more. Pick this up and you will be curiously and strangely charmed by Philippe and the world he inhabits. I want to read more, and although I’m absolutely sure Erosions will take me down some dark alleys, I’m relishing the fall of night.
November 25, 2014
Though this genre is not one I have ever read, I was totally impressed with how the writer packed so much color in just over 60 pages of this short story. She has created an unusual world consisting of people who live above ground and those who live below, where Phil is from. A case of the "haves" and the "have nots", as it were.
Phil is a young man whose father wants the best for him and has almost killed himself working to give that to him. But Phil doesn't want that life. He has big dreams, and thinks that he has found the way to fulfill them when he stumbles into the life of his long time famous idol through very unusual circumstances, not seeing the realities of this person's life until he is in the middle of it.
As we follow him through the trials and tribulations he experiences alongside his idol, we feel his pain as his youthful love is brushed aside for a lost love that is the center of the other man's life.
All in all, for a short story, it was a wonderfully inventive read. Good job, Ms. Forge!
Phil is a young man whose father wants the best for him and has almost killed himself working to give that to him. But Phil doesn't want that life. He has big dreams, and thinks that he has found the way to fulfill them when he stumbles into the life of his long time famous idol through very unusual circumstances, not seeing the realities of this person's life until he is in the middle of it.
As we follow him through the trials and tribulations he experiences alongside his idol, we feel his pain as his youthful love is brushed aside for a lost love that is the center of the other man's life.
All in all, for a short story, it was a wonderfully inventive read. Good job, Ms. Forge!
January 22, 2015
To be honest, I’m not a sci-fi reader. There is only 1 other author that writes this genre that I like, but I am always willing to take the chance with seeing if I would enjoy a different authors take on this genre.
I got this short mainly because it was a freebie and I wanted to give Ms. Forge had created. I was pleasantly shocked to find out that once I started it, I just couldn’t put this book down! The characters drew me in and the storyline is definitely one of a kind.
There was a lot that was happening during the story, but I did feel as though it was very easy to follow along with.
I was also happy to know that even though this is book 2.5, you don't have to read the previous books to be able to fully grasp what is happening.
I can say that this book certainly did peek my interest in this series and I can’t wait to start reading more!
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy BOUGHT for review*
I got this short mainly because it was a freebie and I wanted to give Ms. Forge had created. I was pleasantly shocked to find out that once I started it, I just couldn’t put this book down! The characters drew me in and the storyline is definitely one of a kind.
There was a lot that was happening during the story, but I did feel as though it was very easy to follow along with.
I was also happy to know that even though this is book 2.5, you don't have to read the previous books to be able to fully grasp what is happening.
I can say that this book certainly did peek my interest in this series and I can’t wait to start reading more!
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy BOUGHT for review*
January 5, 2015
This took me far longer to finish than I would have liked, and through absolutely no fault of the author, just a lack of time.
I have heard wonderful things about Ashlyn Forge and her writing style, and wasn't disappointed! Though short, the story kept me intrigued from beginning to end. I was enthralled by the characters and their motivations, and I'm a sucker for well-written tragedy, and that's what this was. I'm looking forward to reading more about these characters and the world Ashlyn has created for them. The only serious pitfall for me, and I find this is often the case with short stories, is that sometimes the story moves too quickly and I find myself wishing for more insight/details rather than having events/actions glossed over as was the case with a few key points in the story.
I have heard wonderful things about Ashlyn Forge and her writing style, and wasn't disappointed! Though short, the story kept me intrigued from beginning to end. I was enthralled by the characters and their motivations, and I'm a sucker for well-written tragedy, and that's what this was. I'm looking forward to reading more about these characters and the world Ashlyn has created for them. The only serious pitfall for me, and I find this is often the case with short stories, is that sometimes the story moves too quickly and I find myself wishing for more insight/details rather than having events/actions glossed over as was the case with a few key points in the story.
October 7, 2014
When I started to read this story, to be honest I didn't know what to expect. I've been a follower of Ashlyn Forge for a while but this is the first chance I've had to read a story by her.
When I first started reading Substance I did not like Phil at all. I couldn't feel any love for him at all, but as I read the story I started to like him a bit more. We all have people we are a fan of, actor, author, it could be your next door neighbor. Phil is no exception who idolizes Gara. I don't know why I liked Gara but his character really had me glued to this story. I wanted to know more and I got to know more even as he was stumbling down the same path as Phil.
Read this story. You won't expect it but it will keep you reading till the end. I highly recommend it.
When I first started reading Substance I did not like Phil at all. I couldn't feel any love for him at all, but as I read the story I started to like him a bit more. We all have people we are a fan of, actor, author, it could be your next door neighbor. Phil is no exception who idolizes Gara. I don't know why I liked Gara but his character really had me glued to this story. I wanted to know more and I got to know more even as he was stumbling down the same path as Phil.
Read this story. You won't expect it but it will keep you reading till the end. I highly recommend it.
December 12, 2014
Substance is a lot of story for such a small space. We're immersed in the underground world of the Lower Levels where Phil lives with his father. Dreaming of something grander than the mines or the Elete soldiers that his father wishes for him, Phil instead turns to the theater in the hopes of working beside Gara, his idol.
What Phil finds instead of the idyllic life he imagined is an out of control Gara who hires him as a bodyguard and introduces him to an addictive substance.
There's an interesting insight into the world that Phil lives in with this story and again, Forge manages to pack a lot into such a small story. Her skill in introducing the reader to a fully developed world in a short story is incredible and the character arcs are well rounded and believable.
What Phil finds instead of the idyllic life he imagined is an out of control Gara who hires him as a bodyguard and introduces him to an addictive substance.
There's an interesting insight into the world that Phil lives in with this story and again, Forge manages to pack a lot into such a small story. Her skill in introducing the reader to a fully developed world in a short story is incredible and the character arcs are well rounded and believable.
October 10, 2014
With each work Ashlyn Forge publishes, the stronger her storytelling ability becomes. I honestly don't venture much into the Sci-fi/Fantasy realm, but Forge has an uncanny ability to pull you in from the first page, and bring to life an incredible world that is full of class-strife and intriguing characters.
Substance, we follow a young man named Phil, who is still trying to find his place, where options are few for advancement. Through a chance encounter with a celebrity, Phil makes a choice that alters his entire world. Substance isn't just about young man's first encounter with romance, but also a relationship between a father and son, and the importance of not giving up on family.
Substance, we follow a young man named Phil, who is still trying to find his place, where options are few for advancement. Through a chance encounter with a celebrity, Phil makes a choice that alters his entire world. Substance isn't just about young man's first encounter with romance, but also a relationship between a father and son, and the importance of not giving up on family.
March 21, 2015
Ashlyn Forge is a great writer. Substance is a well crafted, human, and intriguing piece of work. The world building was superb. It wasn't a slow build. I saw it, I felt it, and I wanted to stay inside. The characters made me care what happened in their fully realized universe. My only nitpick would be to say that the ending felt a bit rushed. Perhaps that was because I would have been happy to stay inside the story for a bit longer. I would have liked just a bit more exposition there, an answer to the mystery surrounding Blue's whereabouts. All told it, I'd absolutely recommend it as being well worth the read.
July 24, 2015
Reviewed by Brandilyn for Prism Book Alliance. As a stand alone story Substance by Ashlyn Forge certainly whet my little reader appetite for the rest of The Careless series. I will certainly be picking up Erosions when it is available. Don't let the 2.5 label on Substance scare you away. You can certainly enjoy it as is. I just think that, as with most series, the experience will be richer with the backstory contained in the first two full books in the series. Find the whole review at http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
October 7, 2014
Substance by Ashlyn Forge tells the story of Philippe who struggles in life. He lives in a time where the only way to "make it" in is world is by becoming a guard. But the training to be a guard is too expensive for his father who works as a miner. Trying to find a way to help his father he joins a group of guys who rob a home. When they are caught he meets Gara who is a famous performer. With Gara he learns about about life and love. This is a short but good read. This short leaves you wanting to read the other stories so that you can learn what happened.
October 16, 2014
This is my first step into the writing of Ashlyn Forge and I was truly sucked into the world created. There were two different story lines unfolding in this tale. The first was of a young man trying to find his way and the mistakes he makes on his journey. The second was a little more complicated dealing with losing someone you love and spiraling out of control in his quest to punish and destroy himself. Both story lines are of equal importance and intertwine to create an entertaining tale.
December 9, 2014
Sci-fi is one of my favourite genres and the Colony that Ashlyn has built is one of my favourite SF worlds. As always this story is rich in detail without sacrificing the pacing.
I was so happy to discover that this story was about Gara. I just adored him when he was a background character in From Johann to Tannenbaum. All the characters came across as real and were easy to relate to. The emotions were strong and vivid. Ashlyn balances graphic content and subtle storytelling in a way that I love.
Definitely one of my favs so far!
I was so happy to discover that this story was about Gara. I just adored him when he was a background character in From Johann to Tannenbaum. All the characters came across as real and were easy to relate to. The emotions were strong and vivid. Ashlyn balances graphic content and subtle storytelling in a way that I love.
Definitely one of my favs so far!
October 25, 2014
This was a quick and easy read for me. I was vested from the beginning, and I loved Gara and felt bad for him. I love how Ashlyn can transform the world we live in to create a setting for the backdrop of her characters. I enjoyed Substance. It’s a true love story. It’s well-written, and I recommend reading it.
January 5, 2015
Substance shocked me.
Previously unaware of the author, or the genre, I promised Ashlyn that I would read this book and it slaughtered my senses. Because. I was immediately dragged into a realistic world and I cared about the characters, which I rarely do.
Confident, concise and considerably more than I was expecting :)
Previously unaware of the author, or the genre, I promised Ashlyn that I would read this book and it slaughtered my senses. Because. I was immediately dragged into a realistic world and I cared about the characters, which I rarely do.
Confident, concise and considerably more than I was expecting :)
February 26, 2016
A new short story from Ashlyn that continues the story lines found in the Careless trilogy with side characters. I can’t say too much without revealing plots from either the short story or the series, but I can’t wait until the final two books in the Careless trilogy come out because I expect it to be a wild ride!
October 4, 2014
I loved the relationship between father and son, and can't wait to continue on the journey of this world. I found it a short sweet read and can't wait for Erosions to come out in November.
March 26, 2017
This book was slow going at first. After the relationship began, there was a good ending.
December 24, 2014
A total surprise. I'm totally impressed by the world building and character development packed into a mere 60 odd pages. I was instantly sucked in and wanted more!
July 21, 2016
Substance by Ashlyn Forge is a good quality short story with an interesting story idea.
The short story is indeed very short, which left little time for lots of explaining. The story goes along with a novel, so many of the plot points (for example, why men only mate with men) were not explained in full detail. There were small explanations for my questions, but they didn't give me a full understanding of the novel.
This novel, despite having a lack of explanation, was incredible and instantly grasped my attention. Since the story had such an unusual plot that isn't used often in fiction, I was hooked onto every word. The book is definitely for mature readers only, since there are explicit scenes that are sexual in nature.
If anything, I would have liked more explanations in this novel. Why are men only with men? Why are women hard to find? What are all the different sections of this world (for example, a section called Topsiders) and how did they become this way? Is this dystopian? If this just a fantasy world? Is there a land of only women?
I'm sure all of these questions will be answered in the full length novels that this is a novella for.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel! It was short, sexy and incredibly addicting. I'd like to get my hands on the official first novel in the series as soon as possible!
Four out of five, due to the lack of explanation in some of the major plot points of the short story.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
The short story is indeed very short, which left little time for lots of explaining. The story goes along with a novel, so many of the plot points (for example, why men only mate with men) were not explained in full detail. There were small explanations for my questions, but they didn't give me a full understanding of the novel.
This novel, despite having a lack of explanation, was incredible and instantly grasped my attention. Since the story had such an unusual plot that isn't used often in fiction, I was hooked onto every word. The book is definitely for mature readers only, since there are explicit scenes that are sexual in nature.
If anything, I would have liked more explanations in this novel. Why are men only with men? Why are women hard to find? What are all the different sections of this world (for example, a section called Topsiders) and how did they become this way? Is this dystopian? If this just a fantasy world? Is there a land of only women?
I'm sure all of these questions will be answered in the full length novels that this is a novella for.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel! It was short, sexy and incredibly addicting. I'd like to get my hands on the official first novel in the series as soon as possible!
Four out of five, due to the lack of explanation in some of the major plot points of the short story.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews