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Dark Soul #1-5
Dark Soul: The Complete Collection
Love lights even the darkest soul.A killer's moral compass rarely points true, and among made men, being gay is a capital crime. But Silvio Spadaro, deadly prodigy and heir to a Family fortune, is determined to find his own way — at the feet of the man he loves or by the barrel of a gun — no matter the dangers or costs.Stefano Marino lives a comfortable — some might even say enviable — life. As a mob boss at the top of the food chain, he has it money, respect, a beautiful wife he loves as much now as the day they wed. But he also has a turf war on his hands, and far too soft a heart for this dark business.When Silvio is sent to help Stefano with his turf war, sparks fly. Stefano loves his wife, but he wants Silvio. It's a desire he hardly knows how to process, but Silvio, ever the patient predator, maneuvers Stefano closer and closer to his bed each day. Stefano resists; giving in to these dark desires means giving up on his marriage, and exposure would surely mean death. Yet there's no denying Silvio's magnetic pull, or the long-repressed urges inside himself. Yielding is inevitable, but he may yet find a way to hold on to everything — and everyone — he loves.This collection includes all five Dark Soul volumes in one low-price ebook.Word 96,500; page 382
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
March 19, 2015
4.5 This Would Make One Hell of a Movie Stars!!
Voinov's writing is sensual and addictive while his characters are larger than life!!!
I reviewed each of these Volumes individually but this is a compilation of those reviews.
Silvio Spadaro
The driver stepped off, displaying long graceful legs and a tiny ass clad in leather. Woman? Lean and angular, but feminine,... In that pale face lurked the blackest, darkest eyes Stefano had ever seen, and lips like they'd been cut with knife blades, perfect, sharp, and deadly.
Stephano Marino is a Mafioso made man with a problem. He's about to go to war and he needs help. So he turns to Gianbattista Falchi, aka Battista, a retired consigliere. Battista, provides help to Stephano in the form of "Silvio".
Silvio is Battista's second in command. He's his heir, his sicario, and his lover. He's beautiful, feminie, and deadly. Silvio is also a killer. Dangerous and souless.
Gianbattista Falchi, aka, Battista
The details of Battista and Silvio's relationship are dirty and raw. Silvio is a young brutal killer, but he has a soft side. And by the end of Vol.1, a part of him is hurting, breaking my heart in the process.
Volume 1 is more of an introduction to what promises to be an action packed, darkly erotic, series. I'm immediately moving on to Vol.2
Dark Soul Vol.2 review
Vol.2 has pulled me in deeper, and Silvio and Stefano are now officially ingrained in my heart! There is such depth to these characters. Nothing is black or white as Stefano not only struggles with his attraction to Silvio. But as a faithful man, he also struggles with his desire to cheat on his wife.
Stefano Marino
Battista makes a cameo as Silvio struggles with unrequited love
Gianbattista was gorgeous and the most attentive lover any man could want-charming, extremely educated, and often very funny.
Vol.2 is fast paced and action packed, yet Voinov manages to add heart wrenching emotions to the mix!
He cried until his eyes hurt and he was simply too exhausted to continue, toneless, still too aware of his surroundings and the company. He'd have gladly killed to be able to cry against somebody's chest or shoulder, to just be held and told it was okay to be scared.
I'm not telling which character that was. You'll have to read Vol.2 to find out!
I can't start Vol.3 fast enough!!
Dark Soul Vol. 3 review
Most Disturbing and Darkest of the Series so far
Silvio intrigues me. He seams to have no moral compass, and yet his loyalty is beyond endearing. Does Silvio have a limit? The more I read, the more disturbed I am by his actions. If it feels good, then it's alright to indulge. Yet he is also willing to win this war of Stefano's, "by any means necessary"! His methods are shocking but effective.
We are introduced to Silvio's older brother, Franco. Franco is just as emotionally screwed up as Silvio. A testament to their father's love and parenting skills. Franco loves his brother, but their relationship was formed in darkness and is quite dysfunctional.
Franco teams up with Silvio, to help in the war against the Russians. He's just as much a cold blooded killer as Silvio! I would love for Voinov to give Franco a voice/series someday. He makes the perfect emotionally scarred hero, and is just as enigmatic as Silvio. I would love to see him find peace.
Vol. 3 was my favorite thus far!
Dark Soul Vol. 4 review
This series is Amazing! I can't predict what's coming next!!
The war with the Russian mob has taken a whole new turn. Silvio and Franco are just.. BADASS and EXTREME yet efficient. I am in awe of them. This war just went nuclear! (not literally)
Stefano's emotions have reached a boiling point! And his feelings for Silvio have climaxed to "I'm claiming you as mine, and no one else should ever touch you again!"
Unfortunatley there is trouble brewing on the home front for Stefano. I am beyond curious as to how he will "handle his business". I am hoping for quick and decisive action on his part,.
Action, Drama, Love, Murder! This series has it all and I love it! On to the finale.
Dark Soul Vol. 5 review
I'm just numb!
Volume 5 should have been titled Decisions! And Stefano has a ton of life altering decisions to make. He has found love, but is Silvio capable of loving him in return? How can he keep Silvio and be honest with the woman he loves, his wife?
There's a new threat on the home front as the war with the Russians comes to an end. Stefano has a mutiny brewing within his crew and a power hungry U.S. Attorney on his heels.
The honeymoon period with Silvio and Stefano was everything I could have hoped for. As the plot climaxed, I respected the hell out of Stefano one moment, but later on felt crushed by his final choices.Voinov ended this series as only he could. This has been one enjoyable, action packed, sensuous ride!
Voinov's writing is sensual and addictive while his characters are larger than life!!!
I reviewed each of these Volumes individually but this is a compilation of those reviews.
Silvio Spadaro
The driver stepped off, displaying long graceful legs and a tiny ass clad in leather. Woman? Lean and angular, but feminine,... In that pale face lurked the blackest, darkest eyes Stefano had ever seen, and lips like they'd been cut with knife blades, perfect, sharp, and deadly.
Stephano Marino is a Mafioso made man with a problem. He's about to go to war and he needs help. So he turns to Gianbattista Falchi, aka Battista, a retired consigliere. Battista, provides help to Stephano in the form of "Silvio".
Silvio is Battista's second in command. He's his heir, his sicario, and his lover. He's beautiful, feminie, and deadly. Silvio is also a killer. Dangerous and souless.
"The painter said Silvio made him consider giving up painting. He struggled capturing Silvio's soul. That is maybe because he doesn't have one."
Gianbattista Falchi, aka, Battista
The details of Battista and Silvio's relationship are dirty and raw. Silvio is a young brutal killer, but he has a soft side. And by the end of Vol.1, a part of him is hurting, breaking my heart in the process.
Volume 1 is more of an introduction to what promises to be an action packed, darkly erotic, series. I'm immediately moving on to Vol.2
Dark Soul Vol.2 review
Vol.2 has pulled me in deeper, and Silvio and Stefano are now officially ingrained in my heart! There is such depth to these characters. Nothing is black or white as Stefano not only struggles with his attraction to Silvio. But as a faithful man, he also struggles with his desire to cheat on his wife.
Stefano Marino
Battista makes a cameo as Silvio struggles with unrequited love
Gianbattista was gorgeous and the most attentive lover any man could want-charming, extremely educated, and often very funny.
"What else is there to me?"
"Your bravery and your loyalty, your passion for the moment."Gianbattista's voice wrapped him in love and grace and safety when all those were tenuous and illusionary. He didn't often like to be fooled or played, but with Battista it didn't matter what was real or fake.
I don't care as long as you love me.
Vol.2 is fast paced and action packed, yet Voinov manages to add heart wrenching emotions to the mix!
He cried until his eyes hurt and he was simply too exhausted to continue, toneless, still too aware of his surroundings and the company. He'd have gladly killed to be able to cry against somebody's chest or shoulder, to just be held and told it was okay to be scared.
I'm not telling which character that was. You'll have to read Vol.2 to find out!
I can't start Vol.3 fast enough!!
Dark Soul Vol. 3 review
Most Disturbing and Darkest of the Series so far
Silvio intrigues me. He seams to have no moral compass, and yet his loyalty is beyond endearing. Does Silvio have a limit? The more I read, the more disturbed I am by his actions. If it feels good, then it's alright to indulge. Yet he is also willing to win this war of Stefano's, "by any means necessary"! His methods are shocking but effective.
We are introduced to Silvio's older brother, Franco. Franco is just as emotionally screwed up as Silvio. A testament to their father's love and parenting skills. Franco loves his brother, but their relationship was formed in darkness and is quite dysfunctional.
Franco teams up with Silvio, to help in the war against the Russians. He's just as much a cold blooded killer as Silvio! I would love for Voinov to give Franco a voice/series someday. He makes the perfect emotionally scarred hero, and is just as enigmatic as Silvio. I would love to see him find peace.
Vol. 3 was my favorite thus far!
Dark Soul Vol. 4 review
This series is Amazing! I can't predict what's coming next!!
The war with the Russian mob has taken a whole new turn. Silvio and Franco are just.. BADASS and EXTREME yet efficient. I am in awe of them. This war just went nuclear! (not literally)
Stefano's emotions have reached a boiling point! And his feelings for Silvio have climaxed to "I'm claiming you as mine, and no one else should ever touch you again!"
Unfortunatley there is trouble brewing on the home front for Stefano. I am beyond curious as to how he will "handle his business". I am hoping for quick and decisive action on his part,.
Action, Drama, Love, Murder! This series has it all and I love it! On to the finale.
Dark Soul Vol. 5 review
I'm just numb!
Volume 5 should have been titled Decisions! And Stefano has a ton of life altering decisions to make. He has found love, but is Silvio capable of loving him in return? How can he keep Silvio and be honest with the woman he loves, his wife?
There's a new threat on the home front as the war with the Russians comes to an end. Stefano has a mutiny brewing within his crew and a power hungry U.S. Attorney on his heels.
The honeymoon period with Silvio and Stefano was everything I could have hoped for. As the plot climaxed, I respected the hell out of Stefano one moment, but later on felt crushed by his final choices.Voinov ended this series as only he could. This has been one enjoyable, action packed, sensuous ride!
April 6, 2016
I put off the Dark Soul series for when I was in the mood for something dark and violent. It's taken a while, but I finally read it. And yes, it was dark and violent, but also a very good read.
I absolutely loved Silvio. His moral ambiguity, nonchalance when it came to violence, and his backstory all made him a fascinating character. And underneath it all was a man who had never really had a childhood, and was in many ways still an uncertain boy. I alternated between wanting to hug him and cringing at his actions. He's very messed up, yet still so human.
I don't think I liked Stefano. But neither did I dislike him. Though he was a main character, I couldn't help but think of him as a side-show to Silvio. Maybe it's because he seemed like a weak character, not really meant to be in this world of depravity and violence. He was always a few steps behind, always being manipulated in to the corner.
And is it bad that I judged him for his decisions at the end? Apparently I've got a soft spot for the famiglia.
There's a lot of sex in these instalments, and it's often as dark and twisted as the mafia/suspense plot. A couple of scenes really pushed my boundaries, but the story was so engrossing that I couldn't stop reading. And when I really think about it, those scenes just make sense, given the characters and circumstances involved. Plus, most of it is hot.
Despite my feelings about what Stefano did at the end, the conclusion to it all was a good one. It was realistic, and made sense for the MCs and their world. I'd say it's a happy ending, if not a rose-tinted HEA.
Overall, the Dark Soul books are great reads. If you're looking for some well-written dark romance with a suspenseful plot, I'd recommend this series.
Now I just need to work myself up to reading Voinov's Special Forces series.
I absolutely loved Silvio. His moral ambiguity, nonchalance when it came to violence, and his backstory all made him a fascinating character. And underneath it all was a man who had never really had a childhood, and was in many ways still an uncertain boy. I alternated between wanting to hug him and cringing at his actions. He's very messed up, yet still so human.
I don't think I liked Stefano. But neither did I dislike him. Though he was a main character, I couldn't help but think of him as a side-show to Silvio. Maybe it's because he seemed like a weak character, not really meant to be in this world of depravity and violence. He was always a few steps behind, always being manipulated in to the corner.
And is it bad that I judged him for his decisions at the end? Apparently I've got a soft spot for the famiglia.
There's a lot of sex in these instalments, and it's often as dark and twisted as the mafia/suspense plot. A couple of scenes really pushed my boundaries, but the story was so engrossing that I couldn't stop reading. And when I really think about it, those scenes just make sense, given the characters and circumstances involved. Plus, most of it is hot.
Despite my feelings about what Stefano did at the end, the conclusion to it all was a good one. It was realistic, and made sense for the MCs and their world. I'd say it's a happy ending, if not a rose-tinted HEA.
Overall, the Dark Soul books are great reads. If you're looking for some well-written dark romance with a suspenseful plot, I'd recommend this series.
Now I just need to work myself up to reading Voinov's Special Forces series.
May 24, 2021
2 Stars
DNF @ 71%
I’d heard so many good things about this series and I tried my best to enjoy it but unfortunately, it didn’t work out for me. This collection contains 7 books and all of them are short reads. I couldn’t feel the connection between the MCs. I didn’t like Silvio; his decisions knew no boundaries. He had no limits, it was irritating. I read 4 books in the series and it didn’t get better for me. All in all, considering the good rating it’s just me and not the book, hope you enjoy it more than me!
DNF @ 71%
I’d heard so many good things about this series and I tried my best to enjoy it but unfortunately, it didn’t work out for me. This collection contains 7 books and all of them are short reads. I couldn’t feel the connection between the MCs. I didn’t like Silvio; his decisions knew no boundaries. He had no limits, it was irritating. I read 4 books in the series and it didn’t get better for me. All in all, considering the good rating it’s just me and not the book, hope you enjoy it more than me!
August 15, 2012
Oh my days! Where to begin? I hardly know.
Everything is here in this collection – beauty, violence, elation, despair, love, hate, sex, seduction, incest, life and death. It’s a brutal, addictive roller-coaster of a ride and it left me breathless. I read the collections slowly reading other books in between each one – I found them so intense, the pause was necessary. It reads like a collection of small novellas, each a small part of a bigger story. As I closed one volume and considered moving onto the next, I became ever more apprehensive. There are so many shocking things here; you just never knew where the author might take you next.
We first meet Stefano Marino, happily married Mafia Boss, at a gathering at the home of a dying Mafioso. Stefano sees our Dark Soul, Silvio Spidaro, who is attending as a representative of Gianbattista Falchi, recently retired Mafioso. There is an instant attraction between them that Silvio accepts readily but Stefano fights – Stefano considers himself 100% heterosexual. Silvio stages a break-in that night and gives Stefano the opportunity to tie him up and torture him in a way that both find highly arousing. Silvio unquestioningly accepts this while Stefano denies what he is feeling.
The next time Stefano meets Silvio is at the Italian home of Battista where he voyeuristically watches them having sex on the poolside from the shadows, still denying the arousal that he feels. At the age of 24, Silvio has now just about outgrown his attractiveness to Battista who sends him back to the US with Stefano as an assassin to help with his turf war with the Russians.
Battista – how I hated him. He obviously cared for Silvio but his passion is for younger men, only just legal. He was blown away by Silvio’s youth and beauty, so much that he keeps a Dorian Gray style portrait of the younger Silvio. I despised him for the way he discarded Silvio and broke his heart – no mean feat for a young man not very much in touch with his own emotions.
So, Stefano and Silvio return to the US together, their attraction growing all the time. They begin to explore that attraction and Stefano grows in self-awareness from merely experimenting with Silvio to taking control, eventually accepting his new sexuality.
Silvio is one of the most complex characters to ever grace my Kindle – he was just like an exotic butterfly. He had immense vulnerability and yet incredible strength. I adored him, he’s at once deeply emotional yet strangely detached – almost untouchable. He’s just an enigma that I’d seriously love to get my hands on. I loved his relationship with Stefano and I loved Stefano’s inner battle with his own sexuality and how, finally, he was able to embrace and rejoice in his heteroflexibility!!
So it’s a dark, twisted, taboo collection of volumes which tell just part of the whole story – quite a bit is left to supposition. Love lights even the darkest soul? Hmmmm - not so sure about that but this is excellent m-m, darkly delicious.
Aleksandr Voinov - that’s got to be the sexiest name in fiction.
4 stars for dark, delicious, twisted and taboo m-m
With thanks to Riptide Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with this book for review
Everything is here in this collection – beauty, violence, elation, despair, love, hate, sex, seduction, incest, life and death. It’s a brutal, addictive roller-coaster of a ride and it left me breathless. I read the collections slowly reading other books in between each one – I found them so intense, the pause was necessary. It reads like a collection of small novellas, each a small part of a bigger story. As I closed one volume and considered moving onto the next, I became ever more apprehensive. There are so many shocking things here; you just never knew where the author might take you next.
We first meet Stefano Marino, happily married Mafia Boss, at a gathering at the home of a dying Mafioso. Stefano sees our Dark Soul, Silvio Spidaro, who is attending as a representative of Gianbattista Falchi, recently retired Mafioso. There is an instant attraction between them that Silvio accepts readily but Stefano fights – Stefano considers himself 100% heterosexual. Silvio stages a break-in that night and gives Stefano the opportunity to tie him up and torture him in a way that both find highly arousing. Silvio unquestioningly accepts this while Stefano denies what he is feeling.
The next time Stefano meets Silvio is at the Italian home of Battista where he voyeuristically watches them having sex on the poolside from the shadows, still denying the arousal that he feels. At the age of 24, Silvio has now just about outgrown his attractiveness to Battista who sends him back to the US with Stefano as an assassin to help with his turf war with the Russians.
Battista – how I hated him. He obviously cared for Silvio but his passion is for younger men, only just legal. He was blown away by Silvio’s youth and beauty, so much that he keeps a Dorian Gray style portrait of the younger Silvio. I despised him for the way he discarded Silvio and broke his heart – no mean feat for a young man not very much in touch with his own emotions.
So, Stefano and Silvio return to the US together, their attraction growing all the time. They begin to explore that attraction and Stefano grows in self-awareness from merely experimenting with Silvio to taking control, eventually accepting his new sexuality.
Silvio is one of the most complex characters to ever grace my Kindle – he was just like an exotic butterfly. He had immense vulnerability and yet incredible strength. I adored him, he’s at once deeply emotional yet strangely detached – almost untouchable. He’s just an enigma that I’d seriously love to get my hands on. I loved his relationship with Stefano and I loved Stefano’s inner battle with his own sexuality and how, finally, he was able to embrace and rejoice in his heteroflexibility!!
So it’s a dark, twisted, taboo collection of volumes which tell just part of the whole story – quite a bit is left to supposition. Love lights even the darkest soul? Hmmmm - not so sure about that but this is excellent m-m, darkly delicious.
Aleksandr Voinov - that’s got to be the sexiest name in fiction.
4 stars for dark, delicious, twisted and taboo m-m
With thanks to Riptide Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with this book for review
December 20, 2012
If you have a cute little curios dog like I do, NEVER leave your laptop on couch while you write a review unattended!
so now I will keep it short because I am tired...
This was my first book/series I read from this author. My friend even prepared me with "light" m/m literature so I could read any book from this author.
So I decided to start with this one and honestly I am simply at loss of words.
There is absolutely not one thing I did not like.
I wouldn't want to change anything.
I loved the writing, I consumed the story and I
fell in love with ALL the characters! Yes, you read it right... ALL!
The way the story went was simply amazing!
Even at one scene when I did not want something to happen, but it did, at the end of it I was not even shocked. I just thought "how beautiful".
Then my second thought was "am I weird if i loved it?".
Even if I wanted to hate it because of that, I just couldn't because I was already so deep in it and there was no way out...
And that is just the thing. You can not NOT love it!
The whole story consumes you from the very beginning and you just
can not put it down! I was dreading to read the 5th vol. because I did
not want it to end!
You will fall in love with that darkness inside Silvio, the way he wanted to have something to hold on and not to lose it.
You will love every disturbing or violent moment in this book.
You will be even shocked at yourself because you will find some of them arousing.
You will be conflicted with your feelings about this book, you will be riding an emotional roller coaster but I assure you that in the end you will 100% love it!
So what I really want to tell you is this :
so now I will keep it short because I am tired...
This was my first book/series I read from this author. My friend even prepared me with "light" m/m literature so I could read any book from this author.
So I decided to start with this one and honestly I am simply at loss of words.
"Into your darkest corner, you are safe in my love, you are protected." - Agapi Stassinopoulos
There is absolutely not one thing I did not like.
I wouldn't want to change anything.
I loved the writing, I consumed the story and I
fell in love with ALL the characters! Yes, you read it right... ALL!
The way the story went was simply amazing!
Even at one scene when I did not want something to happen, but it did, at the end of it I was not even shocked. I just thought "how beautiful".
Then my second thought was "am I weird if i loved it?".
Even if I wanted to hate it because of that, I just couldn't because I was already so deep in it and there was no way out...
And that is just the thing. You can not NOT love it!
The whole story consumes you from the very beginning and you just
can not put it down! I was dreading to read the 5th vol. because I did
not want it to end!
You will fall in love with that darkness inside Silvio, the way he wanted to have something to hold on and not to lose it.
You will love every disturbing or violent moment in this book.
You will be even shocked at yourself because you will find some of them arousing.
You will be conflicted with your feelings about this book, you will be riding an emotional roller coaster but I assure you that in the end you will 100% love it!
Ask me again when you're inside me, and I might even whisper the truth.
If he'd been able to, he'd have washed the traces of every touch away. Carved all hurt, pain, resentment, disappointment, and failure out of his soul and burned it.
So what I really want to tell you is this :
April 5, 2016
Lo dejo en un 3,5 y redondeo al alza por el estilo de Voinov.
Entremos en materia: Le tenía ganas a esta serie, sólo necesitaba estar de humor para cogerla y por fin me decidí. En algún sentido me ha decepcionado un poco, pero creo que cómo me pasa con muchas otras cosas, cuando algo viene precedido por mucho ruido, al final acabo esperando mucho más de lo que recibo.
Dejar claro que el concepto de romance que manejamos aquí, si es que lo hay (ya digo que para mi NO lo hay), no es apto para todos los públicos, hay prácticas, perversiones y filias que pueden atragantar a más de un@, además de violencia. Espíritus sensibles en busca de flores y corazones, ni lo intentéis. En mi caso, sólo hay una cosa que me ha impactado realmente, pero ha sido más bien por lo erótico que me ha resultado sin esperarlo .
Igual que digo que el romance escasea, el sexo abunda, y sexo muy bien escrito, de una manera directa pero perturbadora y elegante a la vez. Yo del autor sólo he leído Special Forces y creo que en este libro ese tipo de escenas han mejorado mucho. Si le tuviera que poner una pega sería
Lo mejor, los hermanos Spadaro, todos ellos, y sobre todo Franco (para mi el mejor personaje). Son ellos los que levantan los libros cada vez que aparecen, el autor ha realizado un gran trabajo retratándolos. Una pena que no sepamos más de todo lo que rodeó su infancia y sobre todo la adolescencia de Silvio, para comprender mejor como han llegado a ser lo que son.
Lo peor, Stefano Marino, si eso es un capo de la Mafia que baje Dios y lo vea, ahí lo dejo. La trama mafiosa se ha quedado en un aprobado raspado, pienso que se le podía haber sacado mucho más partido, porque la historia me parece muy interesante para haberla llevado un puntito más allá.
Hay cosas que no veo muy logradas en esta historia, una, la relación de Silvio y Stefano... no me la creo, lo siento. Dos, , lo siento, no la compro. Tres, el final... venga ya Silvio,
Lo he dejado en 4 estrellas, además de por el estilo, que me ha encantado, por el tercer libro, de los 5 se lleva la palma, aplausos para Voinov por sacarme de mi zona de confort.
Entremos en materia: Le tenía ganas a esta serie, sólo necesitaba estar de humor para cogerla y por fin me decidí. En algún sentido me ha decepcionado un poco, pero creo que cómo me pasa con muchas otras cosas, cuando algo viene precedido por mucho ruido, al final acabo esperando mucho más de lo que recibo.
Dejar claro que el concepto de romance que manejamos aquí, si es que lo hay (ya digo que para mi NO lo hay), no es apto para todos los públicos, hay prácticas, perversiones y filias que pueden atragantar a más de un@, además de violencia. Espíritus sensibles en busca de flores y corazones, ni lo intentéis. En mi caso, sólo hay una cosa que me ha impactado realmente, pero ha sido más bien por lo erótico que me ha resultado sin esperarlo .
Igual que digo que el romance escasea, el sexo abunda, y sexo muy bien escrito, de una manera directa pero perturbadora y elegante a la vez. Yo del autor sólo he leído Special Forces y creo que en este libro ese tipo de escenas han mejorado mucho. Si le tuviera que poner una pega sería
Lo mejor, los hermanos Spadaro, todos ellos, y sobre todo Franco (para mi el mejor personaje). Son ellos los que levantan los libros cada vez que aparecen, el autor ha realizado un gran trabajo retratándolos. Una pena que no sepamos más de todo lo que rodeó su infancia y sobre todo la adolescencia de Silvio, para comprender mejor como han llegado a ser lo que son.
Lo peor, Stefano Marino, si eso es un capo de la Mafia que baje Dios y lo vea, ahí lo dejo. La trama mafiosa se ha quedado en un aprobado raspado, pienso que se le podía haber sacado mucho más partido, porque la historia me parece muy interesante para haberla llevado un puntito más allá.
Hay cosas que no veo muy logradas en esta historia, una, la relación de Silvio y Stefano... no me la creo, lo siento. Dos, , lo siento, no la compro. Tres, el final... venga ya Silvio,
Lo he dejado en 4 estrellas, además de por el estilo, que me ha encantado, por el tercer libro, de los 5 se lleva la palma, aplausos para Voinov por sacarme de mi zona de confort.
August 6, 2024
I don't care much for summaries in reviews, so instead I'll talk about how this book made me FEEL. It will be like a good therapy session. For me. Not sure how you'll entertain yourself.
After hearing this author's books can be dark and difficult, I was surprised how much and how often I was touched while reading Dark Soul, an accumulation of moments that got to me, unsettled me, and made my heart ache.
Bisexuality was handled with respect, not sensationalized (although some might disagree.) Lines like this made me want to nod along and exclaim, That's it, exactly! "for bisexuals, it's two totally different things, a man and a woman...Sometimes you'll feel more like this, other days, more like the other."
Possibly my favorite thing was how Silvio's character developed throughout. He first arrives on scene all mysterious and alluring. Shock and titilation soon follow, showing us just how dark Silvio can be. The themes of power and control, of sadism and masochism, that wove through the book fascinated me. Silvio isn't just a sexy, badass character though. We're given reasons why he's the way he is, and although I wasn't completely satisfied with the main reason, it did fit his character. It made sense.
I adored Stefano too. He's not afraid of how he feels. He's passionate, tender, generous, and thoughtful. His easy profession of love was so honest, even matter-of-fact. He gives his affection completely, in the same way Silvio gives his body. I can see why Silvio and Donata love him.
At the end of the book, both characters were more genuine than I ever would have expected after that sensationalistic beginning. I was pleasantly surprised.
Enough with the seriousness now. There were plenty of moments that made me laugh or smile: Silvio's rush to get the love conversation over with, Stefano buying condoms and feeling utterly awkward, and Silvio playing with his puppy, holding its mouth closed so it wouldn't bite. Plus, Barracuda and Sharky-oh dear god, I about died laughing.
In summary (yes, there is one after all!), I same-thing this book very much.
I enjoyed every beautiful letter and line of it, thoroughly, and I kind of want to read it all over again now. Also, Oct 20th is dedicated to Silvio forevermore, in my book.
After hearing this author's books can be dark and difficult, I was surprised how much and how often I was touched while reading Dark Soul, an accumulation of moments that got to me, unsettled me, and made my heart ache.
Bisexuality was handled with respect, not sensationalized (although some might disagree.) Lines like this made me want to nod along and exclaim, That's it, exactly! "for bisexuals, it's two totally different things, a man and a woman...Sometimes you'll feel more like this, other days, more like the other."
Possibly my favorite thing was how Silvio's character developed throughout. He first arrives on scene all mysterious and alluring. Shock and titilation soon follow, showing us just how dark Silvio can be. The themes of power and control, of sadism and masochism, that wove through the book fascinated me. Silvio isn't just a sexy, badass character though. We're given reasons why he's the way he is, and although I wasn't completely satisfied with the main reason, it did fit his character. It made sense.
I adored Stefano too. He's not afraid of how he feels. He's passionate, tender, generous, and thoughtful. His easy profession of love was so honest, even matter-of-fact. He gives his affection completely, in the same way Silvio gives his body. I can see why Silvio and Donata love him.
At the end of the book, both characters were more genuine than I ever would have expected after that sensationalistic beginning. I was pleasantly surprised.
Enough with the seriousness now. There were plenty of moments that made me laugh or smile: Silvio's rush to get the love conversation over with, Stefano buying condoms and feeling utterly awkward, and Silvio playing with his puppy, holding its mouth closed so it wouldn't bite. Plus, Barracuda and Sharky-oh dear god, I about died laughing.
In summary (yes, there is one after all!), I same-thing this book very much.
I enjoyed every beautiful letter and line of it, thoroughly, and I kind of want to read it all over again now. Also, Oct 20th is dedicated to Silvio forevermore, in my book.
November 25, 2012
”REREAD WEEK” (Nov 25, 2012)
Two things I had almost forgotten about this series:
1. These are some F’d up and twisted characters.
2. The writing is RIDICULOUSLY gorgeous.
Still remains one of my all-time favorite reads.
You never forget your first…and Dark Soul was my first introduction to Aleksandr Voinov. Love at first read…and soul mates ever since. :)
New Observation: I love every single character in these books. The first time through, I had an affinity towards Stefano. But this time through, I loved all that was crazzzzy and gorgeous about everyone: Silvio, Stefano, Franco, and even Battista and Donata!
Original ratings:
Vol 1: 5 stars
Vol 2: 4 stars
Vol 3: 5 stars
Vol 4: 4 stars
Vol 5: 4 stars
Reread rating: 5 stars all the way through
*****************************
ORIGINAL REVIEWS
Vol 1: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Vol 2: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Vol 3: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Vol 4: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Vol 5: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
July 19, 2019
I wish I could have read this as one story instead of 3 instalments.
I liked the first book but wasn't too impressed. It brings down the average rate for the series, dismissing it somehow.
Book #1 ***3 stars
Book #2 and #3 are ****4.5 Stars.
As a whole, this series is a solid 4 stars if not more.
I strongly advise readers to get the latest edition where the series is split in 3 books instead of 5.
I liked the first book but wasn't too impressed. It brings down the average rate for the series, dismissing it somehow.
Book #1 ***3 stars
Book #2 and #3 are ****4.5 Stars.
As a whole, this series is a solid 4 stars if not more.
I strongly advise readers to get the latest edition where the series is split in 3 books instead of 5.
September 26, 2013
4,8 stars for the complete Collection!
Dark Soul Vol.1 review
Dark Soul Vol.2 review
Dark Soul Vol.3 review
Dark Soul Vol.4 review
In my review to the last part of Dark Soul I have summarized all my thoughts about the series. And not only.
Dark Soul Vol.5 review
August 16, 2012
Ah, life in the mafia. It's certainly...colorful.
- The Main Characters -
Silvio Spadaro: Cold-blooded killer and heir to a mafia fortune.
Stefano Marino: Married mafia boss, sexually obsessed with Silvio Spadaro.
- Brief Summary -
Stefano Marino, facing a war with Russian thugs in his city, is paired up with the ruthless killer, Silvio Spadaro. Silvio has vowed to help Stefano fight his growing turf war. From the outset, the two are sexually attracted. Stefano knows that being outed as gay or bisexual to his mafia counterparts will guarantee certain death for him. However, he becomes sexually obsessed with Silvio, and eventually even begins to care deeply for him. At the same time, Silvio is promiscuous and mostly in it for the sex. His personality makes it nearly impossible for him to make an emotional connection with anyone.
- My Thoughts -
This story didn't do it for me at all. It felt very choppy, and I'm certain that is due to it being written in installments. More than that, though, nothing about the way this story was written was sensual or erotic to me. I don't think of myself as a prude or as someone who shies away from stories with a dark element. However, something about the character of Silvio Spadaro, the way he was written, felt very wrong and uncomfortable to me. When I wasn't bored by this collection of stories, I was feeling slightly nauseated, a little bit horrified and just plain sad. And, the majority of that I felt based on the relationship that developed between Silvio and his brother. Without giving it away directly, I don't ever want to read that kind of relationship in a book that is labeled as erotica. Apparently that's where I draw my line and hit my limit.
I don't have much more to say, and, frankly, I think I've given this book enough of my attention. Suffice it to say that Dark Soul was not for me. It certainly doesn't mean there's no audience for it. It's already proven by far that there is.
2 Stars!
***My thanks to NetGalley and Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to read the combined volumes.
- The Main Characters -
Silvio Spadaro: Cold-blooded killer and heir to a mafia fortune.
Stefano Marino: Married mafia boss, sexually obsessed with Silvio Spadaro.
- Brief Summary -
Stefano Marino, facing a war with Russian thugs in his city, is paired up with the ruthless killer, Silvio Spadaro. Silvio has vowed to help Stefano fight his growing turf war. From the outset, the two are sexually attracted. Stefano knows that being outed as gay or bisexual to his mafia counterparts will guarantee certain death for him. However, he becomes sexually obsessed with Silvio, and eventually even begins to care deeply for him. At the same time, Silvio is promiscuous and mostly in it for the sex. His personality makes it nearly impossible for him to make an emotional connection with anyone.
- My Thoughts -
This story didn't do it for me at all. It felt very choppy, and I'm certain that is due to it being written in installments. More than that, though, nothing about the way this story was written was sensual or erotic to me. I don't think of myself as a prude or as someone who shies away from stories with a dark element. However, something about the character of Silvio Spadaro, the way he was written, felt very wrong and uncomfortable to me. When I wasn't bored by this collection of stories, I was feeling slightly nauseated, a little bit horrified and just plain sad. And, the majority of that I felt based on the relationship that developed between Silvio and his brother. Without giving it away directly, I don't ever want to read that kind of relationship in a book that is labeled as erotica. Apparently that's where I draw my line and hit my limit.
I don't have much more to say, and, frankly, I think I've given this book enough of my attention. Suffice it to say that Dark Soul was not for me. It certainly doesn't mean there's no audience for it. It's already proven by far that there is.
2 Stars!
***My thanks to NetGalley and Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to read the combined volumes.
September 23, 2012
I've avoided reading much of Aleksandr Voinov's work, simply because I was convinced he was going to blow my mind and ruin the genre for me from what little I've seen of it. I was afraid that after reading his work, I can't go back to pulp romance novels with their deus angst/ex machina.
Well shit, I wish I was wrong.
A.V's work has a darkness to it that I've never seen in any of the MM genre works I've read so far. His characters are flawed without being broody. They're so realistic I almost feel like NOT reading about them just so I don't have to hang out with the same bunch of sad I hang out with in real life. They have flawed pasts and issues, without being all kiss-my-wounds-and-I'll-wake-up-okay-tomorrow. They love each other and have relatively happy endings without all the hand holding and shit. They don't drive off towards the rainbows making gooey eyes at each other.
There's a whole lot of reasons to like this series, but mostly you should like it because it pumps you full of good writing and leaves you wanting more.
Well shit, I wish I was wrong.
A.V's work has a darkness to it that I've never seen in any of the MM genre works I've read so far. His characters are flawed without being broody. They're so realistic I almost feel like NOT reading about them just so I don't have to hang out with the same bunch of sad I hang out with in real life. They have flawed pasts and issues, without being all kiss-my-wounds-and-I'll-wake-up-okay-tomorrow. They love each other and have relatively happy endings without all the hand holding and shit. They don't drive off towards the rainbows making gooey eyes at each other.
There's a whole lot of reasons to like this series, but mostly you should like it because it pumps you full of good writing and leaves you wanting more.
September 12, 2015
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
I've been planning for a long time to read smth by Aleksandr Voinov for two reasons:
1. He's a MM author and as you know I'm a new MM fan, plus his books are mostly dark reads- hurray!
2. According to my GR friends he excels at it.
At first I was undecided which of his books should I start with, but after reading the blurb and seeing the beautiful covers for his Dark Soul series there was simply no other choice for me. It is a collection of 5 short stories, each of them no more than 60-80 pages long.
What can I say about these stories except- they blew my mind !!! And I can definitely confirm the second reason I read this- Aleksandr Voinov is one of those writers who make you wish you could write as good as them. I can honestly say that I have never read a story like this, more-soever there were some really heavy issues in these stories, and even though I'm a big fan of dark & edgy reads, if I knew for one of those "issues" (it was in Dark Vol. 3) in particular I think I would have never read this, but I'm glad that I didn't. Aleksandr Voinov is one of those powerful writers whose writing style is so good that it can make you read anything.
Dark.
Raw.
Brutal.
Promiscuous.
Dirty.
Dangerous.
Primitive.
Powerful.
Sensual.
Erotic.
Wrong On So Many Levels.
Welcome To The Infamous World Of Italian Mafia And Their Deadly Bosses! Warning: Before you step in- leave all your moral issues aside & be prepared to question your own sanity.
The main character of these stories & the epitome of the phrase Anima Nera= Dark Soul Silvio Spadaro a.k.a Barracuda is one of the most intriguing & complex characters I've read about. He is without a doubt the main reason I got irrevocably captivated by this story from the very beginning. Dark,calculated, sensual, mysterious & fucked-up beyond redemption, with too many skeletons in his closet, most of which will left you speechless or shocked. An enigma you desperately want to solve, but deep down you know you never will.
His character was fascinating beyond words. It's like no matter what he did, you just couldn't stop liking him, and he did some pretty bad stuff. There's just something compelling about him and everyone wants a piece. When it comes to sex- he's insatiable with both women and men falling at his feet and the only place he lets loose control is in the bedroom. What he wants is what he gets, and this time he set his eyes on Stefano Marino, one of the dangerous mob bosses and he won't stop until he gets him.
Just like everyone else- Stefano is powerless to resist him, but the problem is- he is married and being homosexual in a world of mafia isn't welcomed at all, so by giving into his new-found desire could cost him everything he has. The sex scenes in this book were...*takes a deep breath*...one of the hottest I've read about and definitely one of the dirtiest- this is after all dark erotica we're talking about, so expect the unexpected.
Will Silvio be Stefano's doom?
Is someone as cold and dark as Silvio capable of love?
Buy this collection and find out!
My favorite character beside Silvio was Donata, Stefano's wife- one of those fearless women with attitude. I was afraid of the ending, all kind of scenarios running through my head, but it was perfect, I loved it. My only objection is that it was short and it left me wanting for more. All in all, I highly recommend it to all fans of dark reads, especially to fans of MM romance & dark erotica- what are you waiting for? This is it.
I've been planning for a long time to read smth by Aleksandr Voinov for two reasons:
1. He's a MM author and as you know I'm a new MM fan, plus his books are mostly dark reads- hurray!
2. According to my GR friends he excels at it.
At first I was undecided which of his books should I start with, but after reading the blurb and seeing the beautiful covers for his Dark Soul series there was simply no other choice for me. It is a collection of 5 short stories, each of them no more than 60-80 pages long.
What can I say about these stories except- they blew my mind !!! And I can definitely confirm the second reason I read this- Aleksandr Voinov is one of those writers who make you wish you could write as good as them. I can honestly say that I have never read a story like this, more-soever there were some really heavy issues in these stories, and even though I'm a big fan of dark & edgy reads, if I knew for one of those "issues" (it was in Dark Vol. 3) in particular I think I would have never read this, but I'm glad that I didn't. Aleksandr Voinov is one of those powerful writers whose writing style is so good that it can make you read anything.
Dark.
Raw.
Brutal.
Promiscuous.
Dirty.
Dangerous.
Primitive.
Powerful.
Sensual.
Erotic.
Wrong On So Many Levels.
Welcome To The Infamous World Of Italian Mafia And Their Deadly Bosses! Warning: Before you step in- leave all your moral issues aside & be prepared to question your own sanity.
"In that pale face lurked the blackest, darkest eyes Stefano had ever seen, and lips like they'd been cut with a knife blades, perfect, sharp, and deadly."
The main character of these stories & the epitome of the phrase Anima Nera= Dark Soul Silvio Spadaro a.k.a Barracuda is one of the most intriguing & complex characters I've read about. He is without a doubt the main reason I got irrevocably captivated by this story from the very beginning. Dark,calculated, sensual, mysterious & fucked-up beyond redemption, with too many skeletons in his closet, most of which will left you speechless or shocked. An enigma you desperately want to solve, but deep down you know you never will.
"He didn't speak with a lisp or wave his hands
around in a limp-wristed kind of way.
But something about him exuded sex like a cat in heat.
Knowing, tempting eyes that sucked all the light
from the room. Centers of gravity."
No more like a siren or succubus, as deadly
as he was tempting.
His character was fascinating beyond words. It's like no matter what he did, you just couldn't stop liking him, and he did some pretty bad stuff. There's just something compelling about him and everyone wants a piece. When it comes to sex- he's insatiable with both women and men falling at his feet and the only place he lets loose control is in the bedroom. What he wants is what he gets, and this time he set his eyes on Stefano Marino, one of the dangerous mob bosses and he won't stop until he gets him.
Just like everyone else- Stefano is powerless to resist him, but the problem is- he is married and being homosexual in a world of mafia isn't welcomed at all, so by giving into his new-found desire could cost him everything he has. The sex scenes in this book were...*takes a deep breath*...one of the hottest I've read about and definitely one of the dirtiest- this is after all dark erotica we're talking about, so expect the unexpected.
He grabbed Silvio by the neck, and although even that hurt
and Silvio could have easily freed himself,
Silvio complied and bent frown, close enough that he felt the heat from Stefano's breath through his pajamas. "How long have you wanted this?"
"Ever since that night I saw you."
Silvio's lips parted. "Yeah, I'm into that, too,"
he whispered.
"Strangling?"
"Control. All kinds of control." And there was a plea in his eyes.
Control me.
Will Silvio be Stefano's doom?
Is someone as cold and dark as Silvio capable of love?
Buy this collection and find out!
My favorite character beside Silvio was Donata, Stefano's wife- one of those fearless women with attitude. I was afraid of the ending, all kind of scenarios running through my head, but it was perfect, I loved it. My only objection is that it was short and it left me wanting for more. All in all, I highly recommend it to all fans of dark reads, especially to fans of MM romance & dark erotica- what are you waiting for? This is it.
"Tell me to leave."
The barracuda's closing in for the kill.
"I wouldn't mean it." Stefano opened the shower door further...
October 17, 2012
For ages I avoided this book solely because I do not like gore in erotica. I'm fine with a little violence, particularly of the ironic sort, but often M/M authors go too far, pushing the content to just shy of horrific in order to make the love story that much more intense. So I was conflicted about this book. On one hand I love mafia stories, I love thrillers and crime fiction ... on the other nearly everything I read about it emphasized its darkness and twistedness which to me meant only one thing.
I'm happy to report my fears were completely unfounded. This is a surprisingly sentimental book. The mildness of its content is shocking when compared to a plain list of plot points: pedophilia, rape, incest, mass murder, torture, ridiculously bad parenting. All present and accounted for. But still I think one would have to have a very weak constitution to be turned off or freaked out by this book.
That being said, there are some seriously problems with this collection.
Let's start with the obvious: not all serials work when reassembled as a larger work. This one doesn't. In the first half there are several points where perspective, location, and time (usually all three) shift dramatically without warning, leaving you disoriented by what you're reading. With months between each part, I imagine this wasn't such a big problem when reading it as a serial. You were unlikely to remember exactly where the last part left off anyway. But when the last part is just a page away, it is jarring.
Also, in my opinion, the wrong things were emphasized all the way through this story, and in truth if this is the story that had to be told it probably would have been better served as a short story. There's simply not enough fuel in the things Voinov focuses on to keep interest all the way through. Murder as a form of flirtation (indeed even courtship) is interesting, but it has also been done by the likes of Thomas Harris, Oliver Stone, and Quentin Tarantino. The other important conflicts are basically strawmen. Did anyone actually care what happened to Stefano's marriage or believe for a second that he wouldn't somehow escape the homophobic macho mafia culture?
At the same time there are a number of things that are interesting that are thrown away or underutilized. Silvio's relationship with Battista, for example, is fascinating, referenced throughout the book but never really explored in any great detail. There is almost NO information given as to how Stefano became a mob boss despite the fact that the plot practically revolves around that transition. Indeed, on the whole Stefano is cheated as a character to make room for sex scenes and worshipping Silvio's badassness.
Well, don't get me wrong ... Silvio is a badass. And I was totally into it. But the turning point of this book is ultimately pinned on Stefano's motivations. Who is he? What does he want? How the hell is he capable of running a criminal syndicate? Why is he running his father's empire? And we're given nothing to go on here.
I actually liked the ending as a concept, but it was hard to feel satisfied by Stefano's conclusion because he never felt like anything more than a prism through which to gawk at Silvio's amazingness.
[Disclosure: This review was written by an author, see my review policy for more information]
I'm happy to report my fears were completely unfounded. This is a surprisingly sentimental book. The mildness of its content is shocking when compared to a plain list of plot points: pedophilia, rape, incest, mass murder, torture, ridiculously bad parenting. All present and accounted for. But still I think one would have to have a very weak constitution to be turned off or freaked out by this book.
That being said, there are some seriously problems with this collection.
Let's start with the obvious: not all serials work when reassembled as a larger work. This one doesn't. In the first half there are several points where perspective, location, and time (usually all three) shift dramatically without warning, leaving you disoriented by what you're reading. With months between each part, I imagine this wasn't such a big problem when reading it as a serial. You were unlikely to remember exactly where the last part left off anyway. But when the last part is just a page away, it is jarring.
Also, in my opinion, the wrong things were emphasized all the way through this story, and in truth if this is the story that had to be told it probably would have been better served as a short story. There's simply not enough fuel in the things Voinov focuses on to keep interest all the way through. Murder as a form of flirtation (indeed even courtship) is interesting, but it has also been done by the likes of Thomas Harris, Oliver Stone, and Quentin Tarantino. The other important conflicts are basically strawmen. Did anyone actually care what happened to Stefano's marriage or believe for a second that he wouldn't somehow escape the homophobic macho mafia culture?
At the same time there are a number of things that are interesting that are thrown away or underutilized. Silvio's relationship with Battista, for example, is fascinating, referenced throughout the book but never really explored in any great detail. There is almost NO information given as to how Stefano became a mob boss despite the fact that the plot practically revolves around that transition. Indeed, on the whole Stefano is cheated as a character to make room for sex scenes and worshipping Silvio's badassness.
Well, don't get me wrong ... Silvio is a badass. And I was totally into it. But the turning point of this book is ultimately pinned on Stefano's motivations. Who is he? What does he want? How the hell is he capable of running a criminal syndicate? Why is he running his father's empire? And we're given nothing to go on here.
I actually liked the ending as a concept, but it was hard to feel satisfied by Stefano's conclusion because he never felt like anything more than a prism through which to gawk at Silvio's amazingness.
[Disclosure: This review was written by an author, see my review policy for more information]
October 2, 2012
We have a couple of unlikely heroes in Silvio and Stefano here; not because they're weaklings but because they're the quintessential bad men our mothers warned us about. Like any other villains protags in a story, the darkness go deep and far into their childhood. Let's just say that Silvio is a quick study in how fucked up a boy would grow up to be when reared into a household such as his. Stefano was a different matter. You could say his was ideal but the term is relative considering the profession that he ended up having.
Volume 1 of Dark Soul series dealt with how these two men meet for the first time - and boy, they were drawn to each other like heat seeking missiles. I've always wondered how a man, straight as straight could be, would accept the realization that he's attracted to another man. Well, I guess it's like any other attraction between opposite sex: fighting it is futile.
This is not my first Voinov novel. We didn't really see eye-to-eye on our first introduction. His novel, Special Forces was something that I had a hard time digesting. And it wasn't because it was written poorly but because it contained some pretty disturbing, violent, bloody scenes that my poor weak stomach couldn't handle. But I refused to give up on him, because to be honest, I'm drawn to the dark and sensual recesses of his novels. He had this way of making all the scenes and situations (especially disturbing ones) viscerally terrifying, gloriously violent,and beautiful all the same.
When I saw Dark Soul on Net Galley, I pounced at the chance to read it without a clue as to what it was about. I just saw the author's name and I knew it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up - regardless of how I felt about Special Forces. I just knew I had to give myself another go at it. Well, I'm so glad I did because it didn't take long until I was enthralled with the story.
Why wasn't I surprised that the first...er, quasi-sexual encounter between characters would be intense and harrowing? It involved Silvio being tied up, ...well, use your imagination. Some may say this was unnecessary and that the author did it for shock value. But I digress. Who really knew the workings of the mind of a mafioso? We've seen the movies, we've heard the stories. Why would you even be surprised by this? If I have any complaints about the first two novellas of Dark Soul, the only thing I could think of is that there was too much sexual tension and not enough release. Let's face it people, besides the fact that we're curious about M/M relationships, the other reason for reading these books is that we like the sex. Well, I'm pretty disappointed that there really wasn't much here. It was a tease that proved effective because I didn't sleep until I read the rest of these books. Besides, the preceeding instalments more than made up for it.
Aleksandr has the propensity to pen the most whacked-out, seriously unconventional characters and there couldn't be any more disturbed than Silvio. He takes being a masochist to another level, yo. Having read the entire Dark Soul books (there are five), I'm fighting the urge to enumerate all the things that made this man a complete psycho. And trust me, after reading volumes one and two, we've barely scratched the surface here. How he become the way he was is a feast for the psycho-analytic minds.
VERDICT: Dark Souls is not for the weak of the stomach. The author has an uncanny ability to make you watch a completely disturbing scene without batting an eyelash. It wasn't a train wreck by any means but a lovely but dark romance starring a couple of men who were both ideals in their own ways. Reding a Voinov novel is an experience - dark and sexy, lovely and horrifying.
Volume 1 of Dark Soul series dealt with how these two men meet for the first time - and boy, they were drawn to each other like heat seeking missiles. I've always wondered how a man, straight as straight could be, would accept the realization that he's attracted to another man. Well, I guess it's like any other attraction between opposite sex: fighting it is futile.
This is not my first Voinov novel. We didn't really see eye-to-eye on our first introduction. His novel, Special Forces was something that I had a hard time digesting. And it wasn't because it was written poorly but because it contained some pretty disturbing, violent, bloody scenes that my poor weak stomach couldn't handle. But I refused to give up on him, because to be honest, I'm drawn to the dark and sensual recesses of his novels. He had this way of making all the scenes and situations (especially disturbing ones) viscerally terrifying, gloriously violent,and beautiful all the same.
When I saw Dark Soul on Net Galley, I pounced at the chance to read it without a clue as to what it was about. I just saw the author's name and I knew it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up - regardless of how I felt about Special Forces. I just knew I had to give myself another go at it. Well, I'm so glad I did because it didn't take long until I was enthralled with the story.
Why wasn't I surprised that the first...er, quasi-sexual encounter between characters would be intense and harrowing? It involved Silvio being tied up, ...well, use your imagination. Some may say this was unnecessary and that the author did it for shock value. But I digress. Who really knew the workings of the mind of a mafioso? We've seen the movies, we've heard the stories. Why would you even be surprised by this? If I have any complaints about the first two novellas of Dark Soul, the only thing I could think of is that there was too much sexual tension and not enough release. Let's face it people, besides the fact that we're curious about M/M relationships, the other reason for reading these books is that we like the sex. Well, I'm pretty disappointed that there really wasn't much here. It was a tease that proved effective because I didn't sleep until I read the rest of these books. Besides, the preceeding instalments more than made up for it.
Aleksandr has the propensity to pen the most whacked-out, seriously unconventional characters and there couldn't be any more disturbed than Silvio. He takes being a masochist to another level, yo. Having read the entire Dark Soul books (there are five), I'm fighting the urge to enumerate all the things that made this man a complete psycho. And trust me, after reading volumes one and two, we've barely scratched the surface here. How he become the way he was is a feast for the psycho-analytic minds.
VERDICT: Dark Souls is not for the weak of the stomach. The author has an uncanny ability to make you watch a completely disturbing scene without batting an eyelash. It wasn't a train wreck by any means but a lovely but dark romance starring a couple of men who were both ideals in their own ways. Reding a Voinov novel is an experience - dark and sexy, lovely and horrifying.
June 11, 2012
4.5/5; 5 stars; A
I am so glad I started this series after the author had completed it because I could not bear to wait for each new story to unfold. It grabbed me and would not let me go. I was immediately drawn into the heads of the two main characters, Stefano and Silvio. Aleksandr Voinov has an incredible gift for drawing the kind of character I can feel empathy and compassion for in addition to admiration and respect. That includes Donata. She was a strong and interesting secondary character who served to show extra dimensions in Stefano's world.
I thought that, woven in with an amazing love story, these books also had a lot to say about being gay or different in any way from heterosexual society. Some of the heavy psychological aspects come in when the reader is caught up in Stefano's conflict over his sexual identity. Getting inside the heads of Silvio and Franco was pretty painful at times too. Without going into a lot of detail, the author managed to give a good idea of what horrors went on in the Spadaro household to account for the decimation of a family. I think it was quite clever to leave the details to the reader's own imagination.
I was hesitant to start this series because the last book I read that involved the criminal underworld left me feeling disappointed and just 'yuck'. Thankfully, I can say that this set of stories left me feeling warm and satisfied at the end. The other thing that I was not keen on is that I typically don't seek out short stories because they often feel abrupt or choppy. The format of these volumes is like 2-5 short stories in each volume but it doesn't read that way to me. It reads like scenes in a play with comfortable transitions between them. The only place I felt the transition was bumpy was in Volume 5 between Dark Heart and Dark Lie.
I will definitely be reading more books by this author. Everything I've read so far has been consistently good.
I am so glad I started this series after the author had completed it because I could not bear to wait for each new story to unfold. It grabbed me and would not let me go. I was immediately drawn into the heads of the two main characters, Stefano and Silvio. Aleksandr Voinov has an incredible gift for drawing the kind of character I can feel empathy and compassion for in addition to admiration and respect. That includes Donata. She was a strong and interesting secondary character who served to show extra dimensions in Stefano's world.
I thought that, woven in with an amazing love story, these books also had a lot to say about being gay or different in any way from heterosexual society. Some of the heavy psychological aspects come in when the reader is caught up in Stefano's conflict over his sexual identity. Getting inside the heads of Silvio and Franco was pretty painful at times too. Without going into a lot of detail, the author managed to give a good idea of what horrors went on in the Spadaro household to account for the decimation of a family. I think it was quite clever to leave the details to the reader's own imagination.
I was hesitant to start this series because the last book I read that involved the criminal underworld left me feeling disappointed and just 'yuck'. Thankfully, I can say that this set of stories left me feeling warm and satisfied at the end. The other thing that I was not keen on is that I typically don't seek out short stories because they often feel abrupt or choppy. The format of these volumes is like 2-5 short stories in each volume but it doesn't read that way to me. It reads like scenes in a play with comfortable transitions between them. The only place I felt the transition was bumpy was in Volume 5 between Dark Heart and Dark Lie.
I will definitely be reading more books by this author. Everything I've read so far has been consistently good.
December 11, 2014
I have been doing a Thing recently about Top 10 books.
I originally started reading this in 2013, and then stopped. Thanks to Kat, holding my hand- AGAIN, I finished this last month, and never really got round to writing about it, which is a shame, because Dark Soul is more than one of my Top 10 reads of this year, it's one of my favourite books.
Silvio is one of the most charismatic and attractive characters I've ever read about, from the moment his ambisexual leather clad body comes on the scene he is mesmerizing. While he is about as damaged as anyone can be, he is also vulnerable, and totally desirous of belonging and love.
His relationship with Battista would have to be one of the most damaged that I have ever read, and yet he survives it. And between them are moments of tenderness, you should hate Battista, but then Aleks makes him almost human and you're confounded.
Stefano, initially I did not like him, but then you realise that he is missing something, and that is why he behaves as he does wanting to find he missing piece.
As these two develop their relationship, I believed that things could not work out, and yet it did.
I loved Donata, she's not there for window dressing, and I felt Stefano's conflict regarding her, and her frustration with the relationship.
And it's not just about the relationships, the plot regarding the 'war' between the rival criminal contingents is thrilling, as is Silvio's way of dealing with it.
There was one element of this I found difficult to deal with, however it was integral to explaining how Silvio came to be, but it did take me the boundary of enjoyment/ discomfort. And that, is a difficult balance.
A wonderful book, beautifully written with a marvelous ending.
I originally started reading this in 2013, and then stopped. Thanks to Kat, holding my hand- AGAIN, I finished this last month, and never really got round to writing about it, which is a shame, because Dark Soul is more than one of my Top 10 reads of this year, it's one of my favourite books.
Silvio is one of the most charismatic and attractive characters I've ever read about, from the moment his ambisexual leather clad body comes on the scene he is mesmerizing. While he is about as damaged as anyone can be, he is also vulnerable, and totally desirous of belonging and love.
His relationship with Battista would have to be one of the most damaged that I have ever read, and yet he survives it. And between them are moments of tenderness, you should hate Battista, but then Aleks makes him almost human and you're confounded.
Stefano, initially I did not like him, but then you realise that he is missing something, and that is why he behaves as he does wanting to find he missing piece.
As these two develop their relationship, I believed that things could not work out, and yet it did.
I loved Donata, she's not there for window dressing, and I felt Stefano's conflict regarding her, and her frustration with the relationship.
And it's not just about the relationships, the plot regarding the 'war' between the rival criminal contingents is thrilling, as is Silvio's way of dealing with it.
There was one element of this I found difficult to deal with, however it was integral to explaining how Silvio came to be, but it did take me the boundary of enjoyment/ discomfort. And that, is a difficult balance.
A wonderful book, beautifully written with a marvelous ending.
January 22, 2015
4.5 Stars
WOW this was REALLY good.
Stefano is a mafia boss who is having a turf war with the Russians. He needs help and Silvio Spadaro is a hired hitman sent to him to help him with that problem. Stefano finds himself desiring Silvio even though he is happily married and loves his wife Donata. But going against his urges becomes too difficult and he doesn't want to let Silvio or Donata go.
Once I started I seriously couldn't put it down. I found myself utterly intrigued by the attraction between Stefano and Silvio as well as them as individuals. Silvio was a hired assassin who was freaking scary for sure but also pulled at my heart strings for his vulnerability, sometimes his childlike behaviour (e.g. puppy *melts*), his lack of emotion and wanting to belong.
I enjoyed watching Stefano change throughout the book. I found he felt real to me in the way he questioned his sexuality and not being ready to act on it. I also loved how loving a person he was and how he handled the situation with his wife. I loved Donata, she was a great character as well. Stefano's acceptance of Silvio was REALLY heart warming.
This story was dark and there were some disturbing parts (e.g. incest) that is definitely not for everyone. But I have to say it was written in such a way that even though what was happening was wrong it never overwhelmed me. Everything that occured was written in a respectful way.
The ending was just PERFECT by staying true to the characters and not making it sappy. Aleksandr Voinov did a wonderful job writing this story. I LOVED IT!! I wish there was more!
WOW this was REALLY good.
Stefano is a mafia boss who is having a turf war with the Russians. He needs help and Silvio Spadaro is a hired hitman sent to him to help him with that problem. Stefano finds himself desiring Silvio even though he is happily married and loves his wife Donata. But going against his urges becomes too difficult and he doesn't want to let Silvio or Donata go.
Once I started I seriously couldn't put it down. I found myself utterly intrigued by the attraction between Stefano and Silvio as well as them as individuals. Silvio was a hired assassin who was freaking scary for sure but also pulled at my heart strings for his vulnerability, sometimes his childlike behaviour (e.g. puppy *melts*), his lack of emotion and wanting to belong.
I enjoyed watching Stefano change throughout the book. I found he felt real to me in the way he questioned his sexuality and not being ready to act on it. I also loved how loving a person he was and how he handled the situation with his wife. I loved Donata, she was a great character as well. Stefano's acceptance of Silvio was REALLY heart warming.
This story was dark and there were some disturbing parts (e.g. incest) that is definitely not for everyone. But I have to say it was written in such a way that even though what was happening was wrong it never overwhelmed me. Everything that occured was written in a respectful way.
The ending was just PERFECT by staying true to the characters and not making it sappy. Aleksandr Voinov did a wonderful job writing this story. I LOVED IT!! I wish there was more!
March 18, 2015
This is one of those works that stays with you forever. It's uniqueness, the extremely well developed characters, that fantastic background research that lets you just go along for the ride and enjoy every exquisite, delicious detail... but most of all, the characters! Holy Cow! It's Voinov!
Let me repeat this. It's Voinov! His characters are beyond awesome and he is THE master of the tortured, cold, and yes!, Dark Soul, that needs TLC, nurturing, and that swift kick in the ass and with this work Mr. Voinov delivers aplenty!
My friends all said, oh but you must read this! And I'd bought it but it sat on my TBR shelf, well! Let me say that this was one hell of a read. I fell in love with Stefano immediately. I could so relate to him! Donata is a gem of a character and Mr. Voinov did not disappoint me at all. She was everything I hoped for and so much more!
Then there's Silvio! Oh. My. God. What a perfect, intriguing, tortured, cold blooded, hot, sexy, man! Stefano's falling for him is exquisitely well done. Il Gentiluomo's story blending right in, to the very end. I was literally panting at some of the scenes, so well crafted and genuine that I kept falling for Stefano every single time and Silvio was the dark, compelling force.
The tying in of all three Spadaro brothers is absolutely brilliant! Bravo, Mr. Voinov! The big reveal at the end of Silvio's back story was fantastic and so well done, along with Stefano's and Donata's teaming up together.
Yes, you had me in tears at the very end, how dare you! Brilliantly done!
Let me repeat this. It's Voinov! His characters are beyond awesome and he is THE master of the tortured, cold, and yes!, Dark Soul, that needs TLC, nurturing, and that swift kick in the ass and with this work Mr. Voinov delivers aplenty!
My friends all said, oh but you must read this! And I'd bought it but it sat on my TBR shelf, well! Let me say that this was one hell of a read. I fell in love with Stefano immediately. I could so relate to him! Donata is a gem of a character and Mr. Voinov did not disappoint me at all. She was everything I hoped for and so much more!
Then there's Silvio! Oh. My. God. What a perfect, intriguing, tortured, cold blooded, hot, sexy, man! Stefano's falling for him is exquisitely well done. Il Gentiluomo's story blending right in, to the very end. I was literally panting at some of the scenes, so well crafted and genuine that I kept falling for Stefano every single time and Silvio was the dark, compelling force.
The tying in of all three Spadaro brothers is absolutely brilliant! Bravo, Mr. Voinov! The big reveal at the end of Silvio's back story was fantastic and so well done, along with Stefano's and Donata's teaming up together.
Yes, you had me in tears at the very end, how dare you! Brilliantly done!
June 28, 2017
I don't really know how to feel about this. I loved Silvio as a character, but I feel like he deserved better than to be the plaything . I know that Stefano loved him, but it wasn't an epic love. It was pretty shaky, and Stefano didn't even really trust Silvio in the end. Didn't know if he would choose him over his job or whether or not he would kill him if told to.
This series was almost all about the lust. And there was a lot of it. I did enjoy Silvio and Stefano's chemistry, but they waited way too long to give in to it, and I hated the addition of
This series was almost all about the lust. And there was a lot of it. I did enjoy Silvio and Stefano's chemistry, but they waited way too long to give in to it, and I hated the addition of
April 21, 2015
I loved this series. How could you not love Silvio?
I want to be your lover rather than the guy who fucks you.
Conflicted Stefano. When he made his decision he went with it with all his heart. I wasn't sure how I was going to like Donata after she found out but she proved beyond a doubt how much she loved Stefano and started to love Silvio.
Sebastiano was a total ASS!! Hated him!!
Thank God there was HEA.
I love you, Silvio.
Same Thing.
I want to be your lover rather than the guy who fucks you.
Conflicted Stefano. When he made his decision he went with it with all his heart. I wasn't sure how I was going to like Donata after she found out but she proved beyond a doubt how much she loved Stefano and started to love Silvio.
Sebastiano was a total ASS!! Hated him!!
Thank God there was HEA.
I love you, Silvio.
Same Thing.
September 16, 2013
Heartbreaking and beautiful... I have tears in my eyes... Brilliant series LOVED SO MUCH!
February 28, 2020
**Update**
I admit, I was trepidatious when I started this collection. I knew it was going to push some of my limits – and probably blow right by others. And I wasn't wrong. Dark Soul isn't an easy or gentle love story, but it's oh-so worth it.
I'm going to try not to spoil much of the story, because I think that there's a lot to be said for experiencing each moment as it comes. Additionally it's hard to pick out moments that happen in the book without being able to explain every step that brought the characters to that moment. The above story blurb does a pretty good job of giving you a set-up on who the characters are, but what it doesn’t do is tell you how absolutely attached you'll become to these two.
I never expected to like, much less love two characters in the mafia – one a boss, and the other a hitman – but it didn't take long for me to start rooting for these two. Stefano has a deeply honorable side, something that will always draw me. And Silvio is so utterly honest. With himself, about himself, and about others. Not that he advertises he's gay, he does keep it quiet, but he makes no apologies, no excuses, and doesn't ever even worry. He's comfortable in who he is, Silvio's just looking for someone to be comfortable with.
Stefano is definitely that man. He's instantly attracted to Silvio, and doesn’t quite know what to do with that attraction. But as his trust, and care, grow for Silvio it makes it that much harder to keep from acting on it. Stefano's struggle with his feelings for his wife and Silvio – at the same time – was one of the most poignant things in this book. Considering I'd come to care about Donata, Stefano's wife, as well I had a vested interest in how it was all going to turn out. I will say that I was absolutely breathless at the resolution, not to mention incredibly happy and relieved.
I said it earlier, but I'll say it again: Dark Soul has some tough moments. If you absolutely can't stand dubious consent (in any form), or cheating at all, it does occur here. However, while both of those things are normally huge issues for me, turning me off of a book instantly, Aleksandr Voinov managed to handle two incredibly difficult subjects beautifully, with grace and care. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone willing to read something that might take them just a bit outside their comfort zone – I know they'll be glad they did. I was.
Mr. Voinov has definitely gained a fan in me, and I can't wait to pick up more of his works.
(Previously)
I admit, I was trepidatious when I started this collection. I knew it was going to push some of my limits – and probably blow right by others. And I wasn't wrong. Dark Soul isn't an easy or gentle love story, but it's oh-so worth it.
I'm going to try not to spoil much of the story, because I think that there's a lot to be said for experiencing each moment as it comes. Additionally it's hard to pick out moments that happen in the book without being able to explain every step that brought the characters to that moment. The above story blurb does a pretty good job of giving you a set-up on who the characters are, but what it doesn’t do is tell you how absolutely attached you'll become to these two.
I never expected to like, much less love two characters in the mafia – one a boss, and the other a hitman – but it didn't take long for me to start rooting for these two. Stefano has a deeply honorable side, something that will always draw me. And Silvio is so utterly honest. With himself, about himself, and about others. Not that he advertises he's gay, he does keep it quiet, but he makes no apologies, no excuses, and doesn't ever even worry. He's comfortable in who he is, Silvio's just looking for someone to be comfortable with.
Stefano is definitely that man. He's instantly attracted to Silvio, and doesn’t quite know what to do with that attraction. But as his trust, and care, grow for Silvio it makes it that much harder to keep from acting on it. Stefano's struggle with his feelings for his wife and Silvio – at the same time – was one of the most poignant things in this book. Considering I'd come to care about Donata, Stefano's wife, as well I had a vested interest in how it was all going to turn out. I will say that I was absolutely breathless at the resolution, not to mention incredibly happy and relieved.
I said it earlier, but I'll say it again: Dark Soul has some tough moments. If you absolutely can't stand dubious consent (in any form), or cheating at all, it does occur here. However, while both of those things are normally huge issues for me, turning me off of a book instantly, Aleksandr Voinov managed to handle two incredibly difficult subjects beautifully, with grace and care. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone willing to read something that might take them just a bit outside their comfort zone – I know they'll be glad they did. I was.
Mr. Voinov has definitely gained a fan in me, and I can't wait to pick up more of his works.
(Previously)
March 13, 2016
Silvio rides his bike into Stefano's life and captures his attentions from that moment on. Married mafia boss, Stefano would like to believe he's straight but Silvio makes him question that choice.
Can I say I loved this series? Not a big mafia reader although I watched the Sopranos and we know what happened to gay characters on that show.
Both Silvio and Stefano had their own moral centers and ethics.
I typed up the last paragraphs because I think it sums up the whole book:
Can I say I loved this series? Not a big mafia reader although I watched the Sopranos and we know what happened to gay characters on that show.
Both Silvio and Stefano had their own moral centers and ethics.
I typed up the last paragraphs because I think it sums up the whole book:
January 10, 2023
Reading these books once a year still does not get boring.
The story is sooo dark and wrong on so many levels. But the character of Silvio Spadaro is absolutely fascinating. It is addictive to follow the unfolding of every aspect of the figure. He is a fucked-up piece of ass but so very sensual ...
In that pale face lurked the blackest, darkest eyes Stefano had ever seen, and lips like they’d been cut with knife blades, perfect, sharp, and deadly.
Somebody had torn Silvio, made him suffer, and while part of him was appalled by that, another part of him admired the fact that Silvio not only suffered as sensuously as he did, but also that he’d won out. Survived. So much softness and strength in one human being seemed amazing and precious.
Reading it, you constantly ask yourself if you really want to go further ... I loved Silvio from the first moment and just couldn't take my eyes off these gritty pages.
The story is sooo dark and wrong on so many levels. But the character of Silvio Spadaro is absolutely fascinating. It is addictive to follow the unfolding of every aspect of the figure. He is a fucked-up piece of ass but so very sensual ...
In that pale face lurked the blackest, darkest eyes Stefano had ever seen, and lips like they’d been cut with knife blades, perfect, sharp, and deadly.
Somebody had torn Silvio, made him suffer, and while part of him was appalled by that, another part of him admired the fact that Silvio not only suffered as sensuously as he did, but also that he’d won out. Survived. So much softness and strength in one human being seemed amazing and precious.
Reading it, you constantly ask yourself if you really want to go further ... I loved Silvio from the first moment and just couldn't take my eyes off these gritty pages.
June 16, 2017
3.5 Stars
Wow. This is definitely not warm and fuzzy but at times quite dark and disturbing. You have the complex relationship of Stefano and Silvio - their push/pull that is full of tenderness and yearning but also of dominance and pain. You see the many sides of Silvio that make up his "dark soul" that can evoke sympathy, disgust, admiration, shock - and there are definitely some uncomfortable themes here. It's about taboo desires in all forms and the repercussions of giving into them. But not all is lost - sacrifices are made but the reward/ending was perfect.
Wow. This is definitely not warm and fuzzy but at times quite dark and disturbing. You have the complex relationship of Stefano and Silvio - their push/pull that is full of tenderness and yearning but also of dominance and pain. You see the many sides of Silvio that make up his "dark soul" that can evoke sympathy, disgust, admiration, shock - and there are definitely some uncomfortable themes here. It's about taboo desires in all forms and the repercussions of giving into them. But not all is lost - sacrifices are made but the reward/ending was perfect.
June 12, 2016
So, I slept over it, and I still have no clue how to review this series. So bear with me, please, while I try to figure it out…
For me, at the centre of this series, stands Silvio:
Silvio’s searching for something. He always has been,” Franco murmured under his breath. “Something I could never give him.”
"What is that?” Marino leaned forward.
”A place to be himself. Somebody who accepts him as he is, darkness and all.” Franco emptied his wineglass. “Somebody who holds him and anchors him.”
So, if you want to find out if Silvio is able to find this, you should read Dark Souls, but prepare for a rough ride, please.
I’ve always been too scared for my own good and had decided some time ago that this series, this author, was something to avoid. How wrong I’ve been. Maybe I wasn’t ready, but I should have read this ages ago.
Dark Soul is the most intriguing, erotic, and suspenseful journey into the life of two men that were made by circumstance but find a way to be free and themselves.
I’m going more into detail now, so there might be mild spoilers or something you might want to avoid reading if you haven’t read the book yet. I’m adding trigger warnings at the end of my review, too.
Intriguing
I’m a sucker for unique and well-developed characters, and Silvio really stands out in this series but also beyond it. There is so much to him on the outside and the inside that it’s just fascinating to read about him or even be in his head. And since DS is written in alternating point of views, we get the full experience.
Silvio’s appearance, his sexuality, his emotions are all so far away from what is considered normal, and I personally am drawn to such people. He reminds me a bit of Alexis Hall’s Milord in Prosperity, and I think they have a lot in common. The difficult upbringing, their own code of honour, their own way of thinking, and their difficulty to forge bonds with other human beings
I admire Stefano with all his struggles, with all the risks he takes, and how he finally accepts his sexuality and love for a man. I am so thrilled that he not just ditches his wife, either, but that he tries to find a way for all of them. I admire that he overcomes all obstacles, that his pride doesn’t stand in the way of his happiness.
I am also intrigued by dubious situations, when there is no clear black and white. I mean, that’s how the world works, in my opinion. There is no easy truth and false, no right answer to everything. And we have quite a lot of greyness here: . The reasons for everything, the motivations, the circumstances, fate do not allow to easily judge, though.
Erotic
Let’s just say: OMGOMGOMGSOOOOHOOOOOOT
You seriously need to figure out what one can do
- with a rope and a gun
- at the pool
- with a phone and a glass dildo
- in the shower
- on a killing spree, being a transvestite
- with a brother
- a week holed up in a hotel room
- as a woman and two men
Disclaimer: You shouldn’t read DS on public transport. I did. It’s torture.
Also, this was my first erotica where I didn't think there was too much sex... The mixture was just right :-D
Suspenseful
For the most parts of DS, the Mafia suspense plot takes the backseat. Only the most, though ;-) It is brutal, there are killings and violence on page, but nothing I couldn’t handle, fortunately
And let’s just say, the last part of the series nearly made me have a heart attack and die a little. But not only the Mafia plot took its toll, the relationship developments had me sitting on the edge of my seat, too. I had no idea where this all was going until the last few pages. The last 5% were absolutely horrific and amazing and just the best ending ever, which is the reason I am giving 5 stars and not 4.5!
***
So, I promised you trigger warnings, right? I think some things have already become clear through my text, but here they are: .
I loved this book, everything about it, actually. I highly recommended it!
***
ETA: Re-Read, 2 months later already...
This is one of those books that, when you read them the second time around, have a very different feel to it, because you already know what is gonna happen, how it all ends. The reading experience is just not the same, but it was not less, not at all. I had time to savour, to watch out for hints. This second read felt like coming home. I'll never get the experience of the first read back, but I know I'm gonna visit again and again, and dive into something amazing, something that will comfort me, but also never get boring.
I love this series. I love everything I've told you above, still, and I'm happy.
***
This book counts for my following reading challenges 2015:
- 100 books in total
- 20 books about a marginalised group
- 8 books out of my comfort zone
For me, at the centre of this series, stands Silvio:
Silvio’s searching for something. He always has been,” Franco murmured under his breath. “Something I could never give him.”
"What is that?” Marino leaned forward.
”A place to be himself. Somebody who accepts him as he is, darkness and all.” Franco emptied his wineglass. “Somebody who holds him and anchors him.”
So, if you want to find out if Silvio is able to find this, you should read Dark Souls, but prepare for a rough ride, please.
I’ve always been too scared for my own good and had decided some time ago that this series, this author, was something to avoid. How wrong I’ve been. Maybe I wasn’t ready, but I should have read this ages ago.
Dark Soul is the most intriguing, erotic, and suspenseful journey into the life of two men that were made by circumstance but find a way to be free and themselves.
I’m going more into detail now, so there might be mild spoilers or something you might want to avoid reading if you haven’t read the book yet. I’m adding trigger warnings at the end of my review, too.
Intriguing
I’m a sucker for unique and well-developed characters, and Silvio really stands out in this series but also beyond it. There is so much to him on the outside and the inside that it’s just fascinating to read about him or even be in his head. And since DS is written in alternating point of views, we get the full experience.
Silvio’s appearance, his sexuality, his emotions are all so far away from what is considered normal, and I personally am drawn to such people. He reminds me a bit of Alexis Hall’s Milord in Prosperity, and I think they have a lot in common. The difficult upbringing, their own code of honour, their own way of thinking, and their difficulty to forge bonds with other human beings
I admire Stefano with all his struggles, with all the risks he takes, and how he finally accepts his sexuality and love for a man. I am so thrilled that he not just ditches his wife, either, but that he tries to find a way for all of them. I admire that he overcomes all obstacles, that his pride doesn’t stand in the way of his happiness.
I am also intrigued by dubious situations, when there is no clear black and white. I mean, that’s how the world works, in my opinion. There is no easy truth and false, no right answer to everything. And we have quite a lot of greyness here: . The reasons for everything, the motivations, the circumstances, fate do not allow to easily judge, though.
Erotic
Let’s just say: OMGOMGOMGSOOOOHOOOOOOT
You seriously need to figure out what one can do
- with a rope and a gun
- at the pool
- with a phone and a glass dildo
- in the shower
- on a killing spree, being a transvestite
- with a brother
- a week holed up in a hotel room
- as a woman and two men
Disclaimer: You shouldn’t read DS on public transport. I did. It’s torture.
Also, this was my first erotica where I didn't think there was too much sex... The mixture was just right :-D
Suspenseful
For the most parts of DS, the Mafia suspense plot takes the backseat. Only the most, though ;-) It is brutal, there are killings and violence on page, but nothing I couldn’t handle, fortunately
And let’s just say, the last part of the series nearly made me have a heart attack and die a little. But not only the Mafia plot took its toll, the relationship developments had me sitting on the edge of my seat, too. I had no idea where this all was going until the last few pages. The last 5% were absolutely horrific and amazing and just the best ending ever, which is the reason I am giving 5 stars and not 4.5!
***
So, I promised you trigger warnings, right? I think some things have already become clear through my text, but here they are: .
I loved this book, everything about it, actually. I highly recommended it!
***
ETA: Re-Read, 2 months later already...
This is one of those books that, when you read them the second time around, have a very different feel to it, because you already know what is gonna happen, how it all ends. The reading experience is just not the same, but it was not less, not at all. I had time to savour, to watch out for hints. This second read felt like coming home. I'll never get the experience of the first read back, but I know I'm gonna visit again and again, and dive into something amazing, something that will comfort me, but also never get boring.
I love this series. I love everything I've told you above, still, and I'm happy.
***
This book counts for my following reading challenges 2015:
- 100 books in total
- 20 books about a marginalised group
- 8 books out of my comfort zone
September 18, 2012
Dark Soul: The Complete Collection (Dark Soul #1-5) by Aleksandr Voinov 4.5 stars
I just finished vol 1 -5 and I would like to say it rendered me speechless, but quite the opposite, I have so much to say there is no way it's going to come out eloquent or possibly make any sense by any stretch. Dark Soul is a scarily addictive; dark but delicious m/m mafia series.
To say I loved it would be an understatement. My heart pretty much sat in my throat whilst reading and it broke. Silvio broke it! He scared me yes, but I literally got so swept up by Mr. Voinov’s words, I wanted to pick Silvio out the story, touch him, and keep him safe. I wanted to fix him, heal his pain and teach him love and emotion. He had strength yet was vulnerable, he seemed emotionless but he felt. He was a killer. I fell in love with Stefano too and despite his violent criminal life as a Mafia boss, he was truly a decent man with a big heart despite this.
Now, I thought the writing was exceptional. Truly. So dark, powerful and raw. The brilliance of the words made me almost feel like I was there in the background watching this journey play out in front of me.
Aleksandr Voinov pushed every boundary I had making me almost uncomfortable with my feelings, questioning myself. He had me feel utter compassion for killers, accept adultery, understand extreme sexual needs and wants. Truly astounding! He kind of made the irrational rational. It truly is a brutal journey of beauty, violence, love, hate, sex & incest.
I have to say as I finished reading the last page I was emotionally exhausted to the point of crying when I read the last words. These characters will honestly stay with me. They took a piece of my heart!
Thank You to Aleksandr Voinov, Riptide Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC.
I just finished vol 1 -5 and I would like to say it rendered me speechless, but quite the opposite, I have so much to say there is no way it's going to come out eloquent or possibly make any sense by any stretch. Dark Soul is a scarily addictive; dark but delicious m/m mafia series.
To say I loved it would be an understatement. My heart pretty much sat in my throat whilst reading and it broke. Silvio broke it! He scared me yes, but I literally got so swept up by Mr. Voinov’s words, I wanted to pick Silvio out the story, touch him, and keep him safe. I wanted to fix him, heal his pain and teach him love and emotion. He had strength yet was vulnerable, he seemed emotionless but he felt. He was a killer. I fell in love with Stefano too and despite his violent criminal life as a Mafia boss, he was truly a decent man with a big heart despite this.
Now, I thought the writing was exceptional. Truly. So dark, powerful and raw. The brilliance of the words made me almost feel like I was there in the background watching this journey play out in front of me.
Aleksandr Voinov pushed every boundary I had making me almost uncomfortable with my feelings, questioning myself. He had me feel utter compassion for killers, accept adultery, understand extreme sexual needs and wants. Truly astounding! He kind of made the irrational rational. It truly is a brutal journey of beauty, violence, love, hate, sex & incest.
I have to say as I finished reading the last page I was emotionally exhausted to the point of crying when I read the last words. These characters will honestly stay with me. They took a piece of my heart!
Thank You to Aleksandr Voinov, Riptide Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC.
October 26, 2015
2012 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
June 14, 2012
5*****Stars
You know, sometimes you find the best things by accident. This saying is sooo true. Recently I had the good fortune of reading a book written by a favorite author of mine, Amy Lane. She had paired up with another author, Aleksandr Voinov, to write a wonderful story called Country Mouse.
Knowing the feel of Amy’s work, I could feel her voice and knew where her words were in the story. I also found the other voice of Aleksandr. His words were a little darker, a little different; and I wanted to read his words alone. So I asked my friend Tom Webb, who did the Dual Review with me for Country Mouse, what he would recommend of Aleksandr's work …here we are.
So this Five Book Series has taken this 70 yr. old Grammy out of her comfort zone. Aleksandr Voinov has pushed my limits of what I 'thought' I could not enjoy in a book, and for that I am most grateful to him - for expanding my horizons.
Dark Souls - Book 1
Stefano Marino, happily married Mafia boss living the life on the West Coast, is at the home of a family patriarch who is dying. He is paying his last respects. The mob bosses have traveled out east looking for whatever they can garner from the death of a leader. It is here Stefano sees Silvio Spadaro, nicknamed the Barracuda.
Sylvio has traveled from Italy at the request of Gianbattista Falchi, retired Mafioso cosigilere, of whom Silvio is heir and protetto. Stefano watches the others shy away from Silvio, but he can’t take his eyes off him. Stefano does not understand why he feels such an attraction. Silvio has set his sites on Stefano. Stefano thinks back about stories he has heard, about what the Mafia would do if they thought you were gay. Torture and death would not be out of the question. And there have been many horrible stories…
Stefano retires to his rooms; Silvio breaks in and attacks Stefano’s #2 man. The scene here is so real, so graphic, that it was like I was watching a movie, not reading a book. I stopped breathing, I felt faint, but I could not stop. Stefano has Silvio at his mercy, and sexually takes advantage of him, and Silvio is exactly where he wants to be… The publisher’s note for this book cautions ***This book contains dubious consent***.
Stefano has found the Russian Mafia horning into his territory and businesses. He traves to Italy to enlist the help of Gianbattista Falachi to give him outside help. Gianbattista brings Stefano and Silvio together again, and Battista breaks Silvio’s heart and sends him away to America to help Stefano.
Dark Souls - Book 2: Dark Whisper and Dark Night
The second book, Dark Souls 2, has Silvio still out of his element and hurt over Battista his mentor and his lovers banishment. He lives on the Marino Estate.
The scene Dark Whisper is Battista still showing Silvio that he is still his sexual master 4000 miles away... Phone sex much…
In the second part of the book, Dark Night, the Russians do not play games and attack Stefano’s car, killing some of his men, injuring his #2 and capturing Stefano, beating, torturing and almost killing him…
Dark Souls - Book 3: Dark Lady 1 & ll, Dark Brother
How can I describe this third book to you? The first two sections Dark Lady l and ll are almost unreal. I cannot tell you the unique writing ability of this author, to guide you further in utter fascination.
Silvio has decided how to take out the Four Man Russian Hit Squad that had almost killed his boss. You as the reader might start get an inkling to what is going on, but you have to read this to see how the scene is set and how Silvio completes his plan.
When Silvio returns home and informs the still healing Stefano that the Squad is dead and relates how he did it, Stefano is speechless, and can see Silvio doing this, which causes him to know that Silvio is very dangerous to him; Silvio can use a man’s weakness against him.
Dark Brother brings Silvio’s brother Franco to the estate. Franco was just released from the French Legion as a sniper by trade, and stays on to help his brother and Stefano fight… Things really start to amp up in the fight with the Russians and in the bedroom. Isn’t it better with two Spaderos?
Dark Souls - Book 4: Dark Rival l & ll, Dark Temptation
In book four we start to see the closeness between Stefano and Silvio, and the trouble that can be caused in Stefano and Donata’s marriage. Silvio thought he was only in it for the sex, but Stefano cannot separate sex from feelings, and his feelings are making Silvio feel. This is where our author peels away the layers of these men. Outstanding!
Silvio returns from his mission with his brother, and the fallout of the escapade brings the war out into the open with the press and witch hunters. Stefano realizes his Crime family is mutinous. He knows Silvio is the only one he can trust. He comes to understand his feelings for Silvio. But to what extent???
Dark Souls - Book 5: Dark Hunter l & ll, and Dark Frost
The final book has Stefano meeting US Attorney Sebastiano Beccaria. A traitor in his own organization makes his move and hires Silvio to kill Stefano. The writing is on the wall. What can Stefano do to save the people he cares for?
This last book is not where you mind was heading, again a credit to the author. The ending is astounding, carried out by a master. I was so disappointed that this series would be over, that I would be pulled away from this world. As the last book progressed to the end I kept watching the page numbers reading slower. Isn’t this the sign of something special? Isn’t this the sign of a good writer?
Yes, Aleksandr, I applaud your skill, your daring to push my limits. I am humbled by your abilities.
So as I said originally, I never would have found you, but just by accident you changed my world. Thank you and Bravo!
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair of the Paranormal
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