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Butterfly Hunter #3
The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring
Dave and Nicholas, married for seven years now, are happily settled together – but as an Australian prime minister once observed, “Life wasn’t meant to be easy.” An unexpected threat to their beloved waterhole forces Dave to try asserting unofficial custodianship of the Dreamtime site, and a visit from Nicholas’s nephew Robin doesn’t help as he brings his own surprises. And there’s always the question of Nicholas’s health hanging over their heads …
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2014
4 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Julie Bozza
33 books305 followersOrdinary people are extraordinary. We can all aspire to decency, generosity, respect, honesty – and the power of love (all kinds of love!) can help us grow into our best selves.
I write stories about ‘ordinary’ people finding their answers in themselves and each other. I write about friends and lovers, and the families we create for ourselves. I explore the depth and the meaning, the fun and the possibilities, in ‘everyday’ experiences and relationships. I believe that embodying these things is how we can live our lives more fully.
Creative works help us each find our own clarity and our own joy. Readers bring their hearts and souls to reading, just as authors bring their hearts and souls to writing – and together we make a whole.
Julie Bozza. Quirky. Queer. Sincere.
I write stories about ‘ordinary’ people finding their answers in themselves and each other. I write about friends and lovers, and the families we create for ourselves. I explore the depth and the meaning, the fun and the possibilities, in ‘everyday’ experiences and relationships. I believe that embodying these things is how we can live our lives more fully.
Creative works help us each find our own clarity and our own joy. Readers bring their hearts and souls to reading, just as authors bring their hearts and souls to writing – and together we make a whole.
Julie Bozza. Quirky. Queer. Sincere.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 13, 2014
3.5 stars
Revisiting these characters was like a big, warm hug. I love the care with which Julie Bozza writes David and Nicholas. She's very deliberate in the ways she progresses their story, their relationship, their interactions and as someone who's taken this journey with them through the series, I appreciate it so much. If you're looking for a story about misunderstandings, miscommunications, arguing, etc, you just won't get that with this series. What you will get is two men greatly in love with each other and commited to each other's happiness. It's simply put...lovely.
In this the final book fo the series (I think?), Bozza continues to take us along, seven years after their marriage, as David and Nicholas continue to fall deeper in love with each other. *sigh*. Again, I couldn't read it without feeling warmth and comfort. I love these two as they love each other. And in this book, we get more of the watering hole and the Dreamtime location in the Australian Outback...and this will always be near and dear to my heart since book 1, Butterfly Hunter, introduced us to this magical place.
Now, with all the gushing having been shared, I do have a few things about the book itself that niggled at me. While I do appreciate the introduction of an asexual character in the story, there was something about the way it was told that felt a bit..."educational"...like purposefully placed so that the reader could be enlightened about asexuality, rather than a natural part of the character's story arc. I had a hard time embracing this character because of this.
And though I knew it was coming, the story that took us to Nicholas and David really having to face Nicholas' brain tumor...well, it was emotional and scary, but it didn't entirely feel developed. And if there was one simple annoyance that I couldn't quite shake, it was that I don't think David really would ever have left Nicholas in the hospital while he went to take care of the business at the watering hole. Knowing David as we've come to, that could have and would have and should have waited...in my humble opinion.
Despite these things, the story was satisfying and I will never completely complain over a book that has anything to do with Nicholas and David. I love them so.
If you haven't read book 1, The Butterfly Hunter, yet. I highly recommend it. It's quiet and lovely and told in such a kind, gentle way. The entire series as a whole is worth the time and effort.
November 1, 2014
Married for seven years and not an itch in sight! Nicholas and Dave have anchored a place in my heart as the perfect dreamy couple. No cross words, no relationship dramas, just pure love and commitment. Who couldn’t love them?
The domestic bliss however does get a small hiatus when Robin, Nicholas’s nephew, comes to stay for a while before starting Uni. Robin adores his Uncle Nick and because he’s staying with his two Guncles then this means that Nicholas and Dave have to be on best behaviour – lol!
I just loved the character of Robin, eighteen years old, young and possibly a little naïve and like most teenagers is connected to his smart phone via an umbilical cord. I found him absolutely adorable to be honest. Always optimistic, ready for fun and gets a real panic when there is no mobile internet. – lol! However, he hits his Uncle Nicholas and Dave with a bit of a surprise when he announces to them that he’s asexual: love but no sex. My immediate reaction was, seriously? He’s eighteen! His hormones should be coursing through his veins at the speed of light and any eighteen year old male teenager I have never known is usually horny 24/7 – lol! So Robin gets the same sort of reaction from his Uncles as I had initially, but they try to be understanding while probably thinking he’ll grow out of it. I liked this whole idea that two gay men, who also look for acceptance and tolerance in others, are now confronted with something out of their area of understanding and can find it as just as difficult to understand someone else’s lifestyle. This did have me grinning a lot to be honest. I don’t know if this was a deliberate plot bunny, but it did work exceedingly well. Also the British / AUstralian humour is ever present and had me chuckling to myself too. I mean how can you write a book series based in Australia and the UK and not have that wonderful humour that is all prevading in these cultures.
The thing is it is really only ever Dave who can seem to find the place, not to be found on any charted map, GPS doesn’t work here for some reason, like a place that has been lost for a million years just waiting for Dave to find it. Charlie had been trying to find it for years and didn’t even manage it as a native Australian. This is the part I loved about the whole serious. The whole dreamy, dreamtime Aboriginal culture that Julie brings into this series. Charlie has chosen Dave to pass the dreaming songs onto and they have to perform the ceremony together. You could just feel how Dave loves his country and the nature found there, how bound up and invested he is in protecting these things just got me all warm inside. A real eco-warrior our Dave with a heart! Of course Nicholas feels the same way too, but Dave is so in touch with nature it feels he is a part of the whole.
This is where the story starts to takes on a turn of events and the race is on to save the waterhole. Even I was sitting on the edge of wherever I was sitting and desperate too not to see this place lost due industrial interests. Dave’s suspicions are confirmed and it seems that the land is rich in a certain kind of iron ore called hematite because it doesn’t need to be refined first. Well, you can all probably now guess what these strangers want and what kind of company they are from. Thing is they can’t really find it and the waterhole so they start to track Dave and use intimidation tactics to bring him to show them where this area is. Dave remains so cool and meets with the Aboriginal elders and it’s now on his shoulders to find a solution. OMG! I was sweating too, thinking, noooooo they can’t destroy this beautiful place in the name of industry and natural resources. My heart was aching for the native Australians always being pushed aside in the name of progress. However, Dave can also understand that for many living in the outback, it’ll mean jobs, improvements in the infrastructure, etc. so a suitable solution has to be found for both sides. this is another quality that not only Nicholas but myself adore in Dave. He always sees the good on everyone and tries to find a solution for everything. Poor Dave, I would not have wanted to be in his shoes at all. Talk about the pressure is on. But he dealt with in my opinion so admirably who couldn’t fall in love with the man. I just loved the stories about taking his clients on trips and through this we get to learn and feel all about the Australian bush. I have never been to Australia, but reading Julie’s books so want to make me pay visit.
Anyway, as you think it can’t get any worse then Julie took me on Dave’s emotional and harrowing journey with her. The medical condition that Nicholas has takes a turn for the worse and OMG, I was left numb from worry myself. Thank goodness for friends, Denise and Vittorio remain a pillar of strength for Dave during what I can only describe as one of the most heart wrenching, gut wrenching, moments that these two have ever been through. My HEART ACHED! Yes, the tissues were nearly out, but in these situations as Denise puts it, “we need to remain cautiously optimistic.” Very wise woman. That is exactly the advice I took for myself at that moment. Come on Mark, chin up and let’s hope for the best. So with all this now happening along with the waterhole I was admiring Dave even more. The man is rock solid! However, while this was all going on due to a sudden flash of inspiration he has his epiphany and realises how he can rescue the waterhole. PHEW! I was so relieved and I would never have thought of this myself, especially after almost every channel had been explored from native land rights, to extending the boundaries of the Aboriginal reservation. Nothing had worked. But now through Nicholas he now sees what he has to do.
I must admit you are left right up until the very last minute waiting to find out whether or not there can be a solution to all of this. But then when it comes it is so beautiful. An truly magnificent ending which weaves local folklore, beliefs and the belief once again that everyone potentially carries within them. Dave uses this and due to his dreaming he sees the way to the waterhole that ancestors had taken thousands upon thousands of years before him. Yes, Charlie, the ancestors and Old Man Grunter was right in choosing Dave to protect this piece of pure heaven on earth.
Julie’s writing is poetic, dreamy and makes you want to escape to this magical waterhole yourself. However, with just the right amount of gritty reality thrown in makes it the perfect balance between the everyday trials and tribulations and a place where we can all dream of , a place that is worry free, full of love and respect ~ that is the waterhole! I have been totally awed with this series from the beginning to end. A story where two MCs have grown on me in such a way they now have a piece of my heart that will be only theirs every time I look back on Nicholas’s and Dave’s Journey.
The domestic bliss however does get a small hiatus when Robin, Nicholas’s nephew, comes to stay for a while before starting Uni. Robin adores his Uncle Nick and because he’s staying with his two Guncles then this means that Nicholas and Dave have to be on best behaviour – lol!
I just loved the character of Robin, eighteen years old, young and possibly a little naïve and like most teenagers is connected to his smart phone via an umbilical cord. I found him absolutely adorable to be honest. Always optimistic, ready for fun and gets a real panic when there is no mobile internet. – lol! However, he hits his Uncle Nicholas and Dave with a bit of a surprise when he announces to them that he’s asexual: love but no sex. My immediate reaction was, seriously? He’s eighteen! His hormones should be coursing through his veins at the speed of light and any eighteen year old male teenager I have never known is usually horny 24/7 – lol! So Robin gets the same sort of reaction from his Uncles as I had initially, but they try to be understanding while probably thinking he’ll grow out of it. I liked this whole idea that two gay men, who also look for acceptance and tolerance in others, are now confronted with something out of their area of understanding and can find it as just as difficult to understand someone else’s lifestyle. This did have me grinning a lot to be honest. I don’t know if this was a deliberate plot bunny, but it did work exceedingly well. Also the British / AUstralian humour is ever present and had me chuckling to myself too. I mean how can you write a book series based in Australia and the UK and not have that wonderful humour that is all prevading in these cultures.
“Having fun, are you?” Dense asked in wry tones.Anyway, they all take a trip out to the waterhole, stopping in Cunnamulla to meet and pick up Charlie and while in the bar Dave gets the feeling that something strange is going down and one person appears to be a little suspicious. Only a feeling, like a sixth sense, but Dave picks up on it immediately. Well, I loved the way this left me feeling, got me all interested and wondering what is going down here. Is Nicholas’s and Dave’s perfect little world about to be turned upside down? Hhhmmm? When the four of them arrive at the waterhole - OMG - the way Julie writes about this place is just as perfect and dreamy as it was in the first book. I loved and fell in love with the whole idea about this undiscovered waterhole they found with the very rare blue butterflies as if this was a piece of Nicholas and Dave heaven only known too them and of course now they take Charlie and Robin with them. I felt this was such a great honour that these two men wanted to share the place with others even if only family and friends, the magical place that brought them together.
“They make me feel old,” Dave replied, “but mostly in a good way. Sometimes I even feel mature!”
“Crikey! Hang on to that, then.”
“Will do:”
The thing is it is really only ever Dave who can seem to find the place, not to be found on any charted map, GPS doesn’t work here for some reason, like a place that has been lost for a million years just waiting for Dave to find it. Charlie had been trying to find it for years and didn’t even manage it as a native Australian. This is the part I loved about the whole serious. The whole dreamy, dreamtime Aboriginal culture that Julie brings into this series. Charlie has chosen Dave to pass the dreaming songs onto and they have to perform the ceremony together. You could just feel how Dave loves his country and the nature found there, how bound up and invested he is in protecting these things just got me all warm inside. A real eco-warrior our Dave with a heart! Of course Nicholas feels the same way too, but Dave is so in touch with nature it feels he is a part of the whole.
This is where the story starts to takes on a turn of events and the race is on to save the waterhole. Even I was sitting on the edge of wherever I was sitting and desperate too not to see this place lost due industrial interests. Dave’s suspicions are confirmed and it seems that the land is rich in a certain kind of iron ore called hematite because it doesn’t need to be refined first. Well, you can all probably now guess what these strangers want and what kind of company they are from. Thing is they can’t really find it and the waterhole so they start to track Dave and use intimidation tactics to bring him to show them where this area is. Dave remains so cool and meets with the Aboriginal elders and it’s now on his shoulders to find a solution. OMG! I was sweating too, thinking, noooooo they can’t destroy this beautiful place in the name of industry and natural resources. My heart was aching for the native Australians always being pushed aside in the name of progress. However, Dave can also understand that for many living in the outback, it’ll mean jobs, improvements in the infrastructure, etc. so a suitable solution has to be found for both sides. this is another quality that not only Nicholas but myself adore in Dave. He always sees the good on everyone and tries to find a solution for everything. Poor Dave, I would not have wanted to be in his shoes at all. Talk about the pressure is on. But he dealt with in my opinion so admirably who couldn’t fall in love with the man. I just loved the stories about taking his clients on trips and through this we get to learn and feel all about the Australian bush. I have never been to Australia, but reading Julie’s books so want to make me pay visit.
Anyway, as you think it can’t get any worse then Julie took me on Dave’s emotional and harrowing journey with her. The medical condition that Nicholas has takes a turn for the worse and OMG, I was left numb from worry myself. Thank goodness for friends, Denise and Vittorio remain a pillar of strength for Dave during what I can only describe as one of the most heart wrenching, gut wrenching, moments that these two have ever been through. My HEART ACHED! Yes, the tissues were nearly out, but in these situations as Denise puts it, “we need to remain cautiously optimistic.” Very wise woman. That is exactly the advice I took for myself at that moment. Come on Mark, chin up and let’s hope for the best. So with all this now happening along with the waterhole I was admiring Dave even more. The man is rock solid! However, while this was all going on due to a sudden flash of inspiration he has his epiphany and realises how he can rescue the waterhole. PHEW! I was so relieved and I would never have thought of this myself, especially after almost every channel had been explored from native land rights, to extending the boundaries of the Aboriginal reservation. Nothing had worked. But now through Nicholas he now sees what he has to do.
I must admit you are left right up until the very last minute waiting to find out whether or not there can be a solution to all of this. But then when it comes it is so beautiful. An truly magnificent ending which weaves local folklore, beliefs and the belief once again that everyone potentially carries within them. Dave uses this and due to his dreaming he sees the way to the waterhole that ancestors had taken thousands upon thousands of years before him. Yes, Charlie, the ancestors and Old Man Grunter was right in choosing Dave to protect this piece of pure heaven on earth.
Julie’s writing is poetic, dreamy and makes you want to escape to this magical waterhole yourself. However, with just the right amount of gritty reality thrown in makes it the perfect balance between the everyday trials and tribulations and a place where we can all dream of , a place that is worry free, full of love and respect ~ that is the waterhole! I have been totally awed with this series from the beginning to end. A story where two MCs have grown on me in such a way they now have a piece of my heart that will be only theirs every time I look back on Nicholas’s and Dave’s Journey.
Julie is also with us today over on the blog with a personal greeting and guest video. She shows us some wonderful pictures of Australia, reads and excerpt from her book and also opens up a door for us to a family gathering where she raps “the rap song” from the book – What are you waiting for? Click below and GO CHECK IT OUT!!!
November 4, 2014
This is a book for readers who loved the characters in the first two. It's sweet and warm. The depiction of the relationship between David and Nicholas is heartwarming. After seven years of marriage they've found a balance that isn't static and they still want each other and support each other. The concern about Nicholas's condition still looms over them, and the secrets of the waterhole and butterflies come under new threat. But if anyone can make it through stresses still together, it's going to be these guys. I love established-couple romances, and this one was smooth and lovely to read.
Their life is given a twist when Nicholas's nephew shows up. Robin is a well-drawn character, a realistic-feeling 18-year-old in many ways, and adds both humor and complications. The unusual facet of his character is one that I appreciated seeing addressed. It made for an interesting and non-stereotypical situation.
I'm a bit of an angst whore, so I was a little sorry that the story dodged a couple of issues that came up and could have been major heart-breakers, but were smoothed over sweetly. Still, if you go into this book looking for closure for this couple, looking for moments of warmth and love and devotion, beautifully-chosen phrases, and happy ever after, you will surely find it here. This rounds out the series, and I'm content to leave the guys at this point, with lives to lead but solid in their love together.
Their life is given a twist when Nicholas's nephew shows up. Robin is a well-drawn character, a realistic-feeling 18-year-old in many ways, and adds both humor and complications. The unusual facet of his character is one that I appreciated seeing addressed. It made for an interesting and non-stereotypical situation.
I'm a bit of an angst whore, so I was a little sorry that the story dodged a couple of issues that came up and could have been major heart-breakers, but were smoothed over sweetly. Still, if you go into this book looking for closure for this couple, looking for moments of warmth and love and devotion, beautifully-chosen phrases, and happy ever after, you will surely find it here. This rounds out the series, and I'm content to leave the guys at this point, with lives to lead but solid in their love together.
November 6, 2014
4.25 stars
** spoilery review**
I don't know why that when I first saw this book being released, my first thought was, "cool, another historical for me to read". Which is of course, it is not. But I guess it's the dreamlike tenderness feel to Nicholas and Dave's relationship that somehow it makes it feel like a gentle historical story. If I can sum up this last book in the trilogy in one word, it will be " lovely ".
Dave and Nicholas have been married for seven years and their relationship is solid. I liked how they still explore that kinky side of their relationship -- and how devoted Dave was to his husband (he had gone a long way!). And dear Nicholas, with the smile that he reserves just for his husband -- Nicholas makes my heart ache with emotion when he talks about his butterflies. They're such a 'dreamy' couple ... and the tone of Julie Bozza's writing is so delicate that it feels like I'm being wrapped inside a warm sily cocoon.
I would like to raise my glass to Julie Bozza writing an asexual character ... in Nicholas's nephew, Robin. A TEENAGER asexual. Being an ACE myself -- who was only just recently settling down to my asexuality (and having a "name" to what I have been experiencing for all these years), Robin immediately became like, my brother at heart. It's amazing that he can accept him being asexual bi-romantic at that age. At first, I felt a little bit hurt with Nicholas's reaction to Robin. The whole "how can you love someone if you don't like to do the sex" or "how would you know you don't like sex if you never try it" reasons that came from Nicholas's mouth felt like a straight jab into my heart.
But then I realized, hey, this would be what COMMON people thought about ACEs. It's going to be the same kind of questions that I might face if I talk to people who don't understand what I'm experiencing (I'm not yet brave enough to come out to real people in my life, it's all about the different culture thing and other complicated cultural issues that I can't explain here in review space). So in one way, I can see where Nicholas is coming from and at the same time I'm loving Robin to stick true to himself and trying to explain to his beloved uncle about it.
As for the other plot ... the 'threat' to the waterhole because of the interest from the mining company in addition to Nicholas's illness is woven very well. I was worried a bit when the 'answer' to this issue didn't seem to meet the satisfying ending, especially when Nicholas suddenly had his aneurysm. I was worried that it would be a deux-es-machina plot ... but I thought Julie Bozza gave a realistic (and yet magical) answer to the plot. I loved how Julie describe the magic feel of the waterhole; I can feel like I'm there. As for Nicholas's illness -- we all knew the danger straight from book #1 -- it added the angst without being over the top. I had my eyes all teary eyed during the hospital scenes. It was truly wonderful.
The ending is very hopeful. I just know that Dave and Nicholas will still be this lovely dreamy couple for the next seventy years *smile*. This is my 2nd favorite from the trilogy aside from the 1st book.
PS: I do have a question though, who the heck doing the sabotage to Dave's car or giving those calls?!? I don't remember the answer to it...
-- Julie answered my question on Twitter. So that's good.
** spoilery review**
I don't know why that when I first saw this book being released, my first thought was, "cool, another historical for me to read". Which is of course, it is not. But I guess it's the dreamlike tenderness feel to Nicholas and Dave's relationship that somehow it makes it feel like a gentle historical story. If I can sum up this last book in the trilogy in one word, it will be " lovely ".
Dave and Nicholas have been married for seven years and their relationship is solid. I liked how they still explore that kinky side of their relationship -- and how devoted Dave was to his husband (he had gone a long way!). And dear Nicholas, with the smile that he reserves just for his husband -- Nicholas makes my heart ache with emotion when he talks about his butterflies. They're such a 'dreamy' couple ... and the tone of Julie Bozza's writing is so delicate that it feels like I'm being wrapped inside a warm sily cocoon.
I would like to raise my glass to Julie Bozza writing an asexual character ... in Nicholas's nephew, Robin. A TEENAGER asexual. Being an ACE myself -- who was only just recently settling down to my asexuality (and having a "name" to what I have been experiencing for all these years), Robin immediately became like, my brother at heart. It's amazing that he can accept him being asexual bi-romantic at that age. At first, I felt a little bit hurt with Nicholas's reaction to Robin. The whole "how can you love someone if you don't like to do the sex" or "how would you know you don't like sex if you never try it" reasons that came from Nicholas's mouth felt like a straight jab into my heart.
But then I realized, hey, this would be what COMMON people thought about ACEs. It's going to be the same kind of questions that I might face if I talk to people who don't understand what I'm experiencing (I'm not yet brave enough to come out to real people in my life, it's all about the different culture thing and other complicated cultural issues that I can't explain here in review space). So in one way, I can see where Nicholas is coming from and at the same time I'm loving Robin to stick true to himself and trying to explain to his beloved uncle about it.
As for the other plot ... the 'threat' to the waterhole because of the interest from the mining company in addition to Nicholas's illness is woven very well. I was worried a bit when the 'answer' to this issue didn't seem to meet the satisfying ending, especially when Nicholas suddenly had his aneurysm. I was worried that it would be a deux-es-machina plot ... but I thought Julie Bozza gave a realistic (and yet magical) answer to the plot. I loved how Julie describe the magic feel of the waterhole; I can feel like I'm there. As for Nicholas's illness -- we all knew the danger straight from book #1 -- it added the angst without being over the top. I had my eyes all teary eyed during the hospital scenes. It was truly wonderful.
The ending is very hopeful. I just know that Dave and Nicholas will still be this lovely dreamy couple for the next seventy years *smile*. This is my 2nd favorite from the trilogy aside from the 1st book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2017
3.5 Stars
The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring was a lovely wrap up of the Butterfly Hunter series. Seven years have passed since the end of Of Dreams and Ceremonies and Nicholas' and Dave's story comes full circle here.
Nicholas and Dave are deliriously happy together and have settled rather nicely into their life in Brisbane. They go to the waterhole when they can and Dave sings the songs and they just belong there, you know?
In fact, this story is all about the waterhole and its sacredness. There are those that want to mine the iron ore that in in the land nearby, which could put the site in danger. Dave's priority there is to protect the Dreamtime site, however.
The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring was an emotional story, especially toward the end, it had me nearly in tears. But I loved how everything turned out. So much gets explained and all turns out as it should.
I would definitely recommend the series, though book 1 is still my favorite. Books 2 and 3 round out the story and flesh out the mythology, though, so I'd suggest reading them all.
The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring was a lovely wrap up of the Butterfly Hunter series. Seven years have passed since the end of Of Dreams and Ceremonies and Nicholas' and Dave's story comes full circle here.
Nicholas and Dave are deliriously happy together and have settled rather nicely into their life in Brisbane. They go to the waterhole when they can and Dave sings the songs and they just belong there, you know?
In fact, this story is all about the waterhole and its sacredness. There are those that want to mine the iron ore that in in the land nearby, which could put the site in danger. Dave's priority there is to protect the Dreamtime site, however.
The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring was an emotional story, especially toward the end, it had me nearly in tears. But I loved how everything turned out. So much gets explained and all turns out as it should.
I would definitely recommend the series, though book 1 is still my favorite. Books 2 and 3 round out the story and flesh out the mythology, though, so I'd suggest reading them all.
November 7, 2014
3.5
Kaje Harper and Ami state in their reviews, how I felt about this story, so I'm going to add very little.
I adore this couple. They are one of my favorite couples in mm romances, but I would have liked that the issues presented in this story would have been handled deeper instead of lightly resolved, fizzling out the conflicts without any big impacts or tensions. It did make for an easy-read story, but I did miss the satisfaction received when a much-awaited resolution comes through.
Still, I did appreciate the visit with this endearing, truly-devoted couple. Dave with his practical, no-nonsense way of viewing the world and it's problems makes my heart smile. He's such a sweetie, and so sensitive in his own inimitable way. And Nicholas is his perfect counterpart, kinky, passionate while Dave is more laid back, making them such a "balanced" couple. We could all be so lucky to find that joy. And as they fade in the sunset I'm happy to know that Dave and Nicholas will live happily ever after for evah and evah!
Kaje Harper and Ami state in their reviews, how I felt about this story, so I'm going to add very little.
I adore this couple. They are one of my favorite couples in mm romances, but I would have liked that the issues presented in this story would have been handled deeper instead of lightly resolved, fizzling out the conflicts without any big impacts or tensions. It did make for an easy-read story, but I did miss the satisfaction received when a much-awaited resolution comes through.
Still, I did appreciate the visit with this endearing, truly-devoted couple. Dave with his practical, no-nonsense way of viewing the world and it's problems makes my heart smile. He's such a sweetie, and so sensitive in his own inimitable way. And Nicholas is his perfect counterpart, kinky, passionate while Dave is more laid back, making them such a "balanced" couple. We could all be so lucky to find that joy. And as they fade in the sunset I'm happy to know that Dave and Nicholas will live happily ever after for evah and evah!
November 6, 2014
Another beautiful visit with the almost idyllic couple Dave and Nicholas. There is a good deal of native Aboriginal mysticism woven through this story as Dave tries to save the watering hole from a mining company. We are also introduced to Nick's nephew Robin and his ideas of a pure, sexless love for Nick. We get to see the raw beauty which is Australia during an opal mining tour. Written perfectly in Ms Bozza's descriptive style the reader feels as though they have discovered something magical.
November 18, 2014
Nothing spectacular happens in this book and compared to most of the m/m I read it was pretty sedate but there is just something about Nicholas and Dave that just puts a big smile on my face. They are such an adorable couple and the huge amount of love and respect they have for each other is a tonic! I was a bit worried about the ending but I'm very happy with how things worked out.
November 5, 2014
Loved every minute spent with Dave & Nicholas. I secretly worried about the level of angst but it was perfectly balanced. Enough drama to keep us reading, and also lots of humour and empathy, wonder and magic.
Loved it so bad. Happy to leave the Goring Taylors just as they are.
Loved it so bad. Happy to leave the Goring Taylors just as they are.
June 13, 2015
GOOD book, if a bit too improbably extra happy and sweet and overly perfect. There seemed to be not much plot, and what there was was very light, but still enjoyable. To be honest, it took me awhile to finish this book because it was so meandering and slow paced. There were also some things that struck me as a bit false while I was reading but then again I don't know much of anything about Australia so I could be wrong.
My favorite in the series is still the first book, but it was nice to read about these two again. If you are looking for a very sweet and low angst book then this series is the one for you
My favorite in the series is still the first book, but it was nice to read about these two again. If you are looking for a very sweet and low angst book then this series is the one for you
November 3, 2014
This makes me happy, the perfect ending to a wonderful series :)
November 6, 2014
The writer could not have ended this series in a better way. Dave and Nicholas have come a long way as this 3rd book revisit them 7 years later. No 7-year-itch for this married couple. They remain totally devoted to each other and could not be more in love. Nicholas' brain aneurysm remains a shadow but they never allow it to overshadow their lives as they live every day to the fullest. The writer has done a marvelous job expressing their love. The feelings and emotions when Nicholas health turned for the worse is just excellent writing. I also love Robin's character. This eighteen year old is adorable as he remains adamant in his own kind of love for his precious uncle Nicholas. Ah.. the innocence and purity of youth!
Of course the writer has to focus on the couple's beloved waterhole, filled with mystique and magic. After all the waterhole, with its enchanted pool, wattle and blue butterflies, was where it all started for Dave and Nicholas. A sense of urgency permeats the plot when the discovery of iron threatens its survival. There is a touch of mysticism and enchantment in the story as the song lines worked its magic to deliver a fitting resolution to the fate of their beloved waterhole. But most importantly Dave and Nicholas have their love which is even more precious and irreplaceable. A wondrous ending.
Of course the writer has to focus on the couple's beloved waterhole, filled with mystique and magic. After all the waterhole, with its enchanted pool, wattle and blue butterflies, was where it all started for Dave and Nicholas. A sense of urgency permeats the plot when the discovery of iron threatens its survival. There is a touch of mysticism and enchantment in the story as the song lines worked its magic to deliver a fitting resolution to the fate of their beloved waterhole. But most importantly Dave and Nicholas have their love which is even more precious and irreplaceable. A wondrous ending.
March 3, 2016
Nice end to the series. Loved all the Dreamtime stuff, and the fight to save the waterhole. <3 Nicholas and Davey are fantastic together. <3333
February 13, 2017
This book will break your heart in the best way. I cannot believe how much I loved these three books, but they are definitely among my favorites now. So sweet. So compassionate. So stirring. I adore David and Nicholas and even young Robin in this book. David and Nicholas have one of the sweetest relationships I've ever come across in fiction. They have a connection you can rest in and feel safe. I truly hope Bozza continues this world and these characters in more books, but I'm not sure if that will happen. If it doesn't, I can be content in knowing that wherever they are, Nicholas and David are well and happy.
September 19, 2018
Review in English and Polish || Recenzja po angielsku i polsku:
David and Nicholas have been a happy, loving married couple for many years. Their life together could certainly be considered perfect if not for the fact that problems appear on the horizon and disturb their former peaceful existence. Because as it turns out, a mining company is extremely interested in their beautiful haven hidden in the Australian bush. The start of iron ore mining would result in many financial benefits for the locals, but at the same time it could seriously threaten the flora and fauna of the waterhole which means so much to David and Nicholas. As if that were not enough, Robin, Nicholas's nephew who spends his summer holidays with them, also makes them worry, as the boy chooses this rather unlucky moment to confide in his beloved uncle and what he has to say is simply too much for Nicholas.
We are at the very end of our adventure with the "Butterfly Hunter" trilogy, as "The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring" finishes this unique series. However, it is not the time for sentiments, as I would like to start this review with something specific. And this is because the first thing that immediately caught my attention while reading the novel was the subject very close to my heart, which at once became the center of my attention. What I'm obviously talking about is asexuality. I must admit that until now I looked at it only from one, the best known to me, perspective, and I wasn't even fully aware of that fact. For it seemed to me that if some people have such a big problem with accepting other, not heterosexual, orientations because of the gender of the person that someone desires, then if someone doesn't feel physical attraction to others, there should be no problem. It was Julie Bozza who made me realize that it is not so simple. There are people who do not understand the difference between physical and romantic love, as in most cases they go hand in hand. What's more, some people can't imagine the lack of physical attraction, just as asexual people, or at least some of them, can't imagine to be in a situation in which they feel said physical attraction. Imagine a situation in which one of your friends doesn't taste one of the tastes, let's say salty. How do you explain to him/her how it feels to taste it if he/she doesn't even know it? On the other hand, put yourself in the place of this friend and try to describe how it is never to taste the salty taste. Difficult thing, right? That's why I'm glad that Julie Bozza decided to raise this problem in her novel.
Let's move on to a relatively easier subject which is the eternal war between concern for wildlife and lust for money. I think that this theme perfectly fits the "Butterfly Hunter" trilogy, as the world seems to be constructed in such a way that sooner or later "the human factor" must appear when it comes to the beauty of nature. I admit that, having that in mind, from the very beginning I wondered when people would start to intrude on the waterhole David found. However, the author went a step further than I thought and introduced human "hunger" and "insatiability" into her history. More specifically, the point is that a person constantly needs more space, more natural resources, more everything that belongs to nature, and all of this turns into money. When we juxtapose this more selfish side of human nature and the main characters of the series who have such a great respect for wildlife, we get an interesting book which is more informative than simply entertaining. This image is also complemented by the introduction of the elements of geology to the story which, focusing on Australia, allows us to get to know this country better than before. When we take all of this into account, we will notice that "The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring" has a completely different vibe than the previous volumes, but is equally pleasant to read.
Since I've already taken up the subject of the nature, I think it's worth pointing out that Julia Bozza once again shows us the magic hidden behind the beauty of the world and the wildlife. And it's this said magic that makes the real background for the events presented in the trilogy. It seems to me that from the very beginning the point was not to show us Australia itself, or England in the second volume, but to present its primary, wild beauty. However, the most important is the fact that this time, even more than before, the nature presented by the author seems to be connected with the supernatural world. After a hidden from people waterhole which is a home to an unknown butterfly species and a mysterious stone circle, it's time for the waterhole to "open" not only to selected individuals, but generally to all people. The goal seems mundane and almost ordinary, but the way to achieve it is full of old Aboriginal songs and beliefs. Think whatever you want, but after reading "The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring" I immediately asked myself a question that I kept repeating from the very first volume. What if, under this facade of an ordinary story, hide the forces rejected by modern, rational thinking people, but in which aborigines believe?
But let's come back down to earth. As "The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring" is the last part of the trilogy, it is rather obvious that the reader expects the closure of the threads not closed yet. To some extent, the author offers it to us, but I have the impression that she focuses mainly on those started in previous volumes, such as Nicholas' disease, the future of a waterhole or David's chance to learn the songs of the dead aborigines who owned the land where the waterhole is located. At the same time, the threads opened in this volume seem to be neglected a little. I think that the problem of Nicholas' lack of acceptance of Robin's sexual orientation deserves a definite, explicit closure. Maybe I'm overreacting, but as for me apologizing for the past quarrels is not tantamount to acceptance of the other person's sexual orientation. To be honest with you, I would also like to finally find out the whole truth about David's "bad luck" and the phone calls the characters were receiving. I prefer when the author closes the series with confidence, thanks to which my imagination doesn't give me disturbing ideas about possible continuations of a given story.
In summary, "The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring" is a novel which center point are the two main characters and the topics raised here are like a tight circle that surrounds David and Nicholas. Among many other subjects, the author found a place for the problems of sexuality, acceptance, economic development, love of nature and the romantic one, wedding's "'til death do us part" and so much more. Undeniably, this book is more serious than the previous volumes of the trilogy, but no less exceptional. It's definitely worth reading and experiencing this last adventure together with our beloved characters.
______________________________
David i Nicholas już od wielu lat są szczęśliwym, kochającym się małżeństwem. Ich wspólne życie z pewnością można byłoby uznać za idealne, gdyby nie fakt, że na horyzoncie pojawiają się problemy, które zakłócają ich dotychczasowy spokój. Okazuje się bowiem, że ich ukryta wśród australijskiego buszu spokojna przystań znajduje się w centrum zainteresowania spółki górniczej. Rozpoczęcie wydobycia rudy żelaza wiązałoby się z wieloma finansowymi korzyściami dla okolicznych mieszkańców, ale równocześnie może poważnie zagrozić florze i faunie wodopoju, który tak wiele znaczy dla Davida i Nicholasa. Jakby tego było mało, zmartwień mężczyznom dokłada także Robin, spędzający u nich wakacje bratanek Nicholasa. Chłopak właśnie ten niezbyt właściwy moment wybiera sobie na zwierzenia, a to, co ma do powiedzenia swojemu ukochanemu stryjowi nie mieści się Nicholasowi w głowie.
Znajdujemy się właśnie na samym końcu naszej przygody z trylogią „Butterfly Hunter”, albowiem „The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring” zamyka tę wyjątkową serię. Nie czas jednak na sentymenty, jako że tę recenzję chciałabym zacząć od konkretów. A to dlatego, że pierwszym, co tak naprawdę od razu zwróciło moją uwagę w czasie lektury tej powieści był pojawiający się w niej bardzo bliski mojemu sercu temat, który w jednej chwili znalazł się w centrum mojej uwagi. Chodzi naturalnie o aseksualizm. Muszę przyznać, że do tej pory patrzyłam na niego tylko z jednej, znanej mi najlepiej, perspektywy, czego nie byłam nawet do końca świadoma. Albowiem wydawało mi się, że skoro niektórzy ludzie mają tak wielki problem z zaakceptowaniem innych orientacji seksualnych ze względu na płeć osoby, której ktoś pożąda, to jeśli nie czuje się pociągu fizycznego względem nikogo, żadnego problemu być nie powinno. Dopiero Julie Bozza uświadomiła mi, że nie jest tak różowo. Są bowiem osoby, które nie pojmują rozdźwięku między miłością fizyczną, a romantyczną, jako że w większości przypadków idą one ze sobą w parze. Co więcej, niektórzy nie wyobrażają sobie braku pociągu fizycznego, tak jak osoba aseksualna, a przynajmniej część z nich, nie potrafi wyobrazić sobie sytuacji, w której wspomniany pociąg fizyczny odczuwa. Wyobraźcie sobie sytuację, w której okazuje się, że któryś z Waszych znajomych nie czuje jakiegoś smaku, dajmy na to słonego. Jak wyjaśnicie mu, jak to jest odczuwać ten smak skoro on go nie zna? Z drugiej strony postawcie się na miejscu tego znajomego i postarajcie się opisać, jak to jest nigdy nie czuć słonego smaku. Trudna sprawa, prawda? Dlatego cieszę się, że Julie Bozza zdecydowała się na poruszenie tego problemu w swojej powieści.
Przejdźmy jednak do stosunkowo łatwiejszego tematu, jakim jest odwieczna wojna pomiędzy troską o dziką przyrodę a rządzą pieniądza. Uważam, że temat ten idealnie pasuje do trylogii „Butterfly Hunter”, jako że świat wydaje się skonstruowany w taki sposób, że prędzej czy później „czynnik ludzki” musi pojawić się tam, gdzie w grę wchodzi piękno natury. Przyznaję, że mając to na uwadze, od samego początku zastanawiałam się, kiedy ludzie upomną się o odnaleziony przez Davida wodopój. Autorka poszła jednak o krok dalej niż sądziłam i wprowadziła do swojej historii ludzki „głód” i „nienasycenie”. Dokładniej mówiąc, chodzi o to, że człowiek bezustannie potrzebuje więcej przestrzeni, więcej złóż naturalnych, więcej wszystkiego, co należy do natury, a to z kolei przekłada się na pieniądze. Kiedy zestawimy ze sobą tę bardziej samolubną stronę ludzkiej natury oraz pełnych szacunku dla dzikiej przyrody głównych bohaterów serii, otrzymujemy książkę interesującą, jednak bardziej pouczającą, niż nastawioną na czystą rozrywkę. Tego obrazu dopełnia także wprowadzenie do historii elementów geologii, która skupiając się na Australii pozwala nam poznać ten kraj w większym stopniu niż dotychczas. Kiedy weźmiemy wszystko to pod uwagę, zauważymy, że „The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring” napisane zostało w klimacie różniącym się od poprzednich tomów, ale równie przyjemnym do czytania.
Skoro podjęłam już temat natury, myślę, że warto zaznaczyć także, iż Julie Bozza kolejny raz ukazuje nam magię kryjącą się w pięknie świata i dzikiej przyrody. To bowiem ona stanowi prawdziwe tło rozgrywających się w tej trylogii wydarzeń. Wydaje mi się, że od samego początku nie chodziło o Australię samą w sobie, czy też o Anglię w przypadku drugiego tomu, ale o jej pierwotne, dzikie piękno. Co jednak najistotniejsze, tym razem w stopniu jeszcze większym niż poprzednio, przedstawiona przez autorkę natura wydaje się graniczyć ze światem nadprzyrodzonym. Po ukrytym przed ludźmi wodopoju, będącym domem dla nieznanego dotąd gatunku motyla oraz pełnym tajemnic kamiennym kręgu, przychodzi czas na to, aby wspomniany wodopój „otworzył się” nie tylko na wybrane jednostki, ale na ogół społeczeństwa. Cel wydaje się przyziemny i niemal zwyczajny, ale dojście do niego pełne jest starych aborygeńskich pieśni i wierzeń. Myślcie sobie, co chcecie, ale mi po zakończeniu lektury „The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring” od razu nasunęło się pytanie, które powtarzałam sobie już od pierwszego tomu. A co jeśli pod tą powłoką zwyczajnej historii kryją się odrzucane przez współczesnych, racjonalnie myślących ludzi siły, w które wierzą aborygeni?
Wróćmy jednak na ziemię. Jako że „The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring” to ostatnia część trylogii, jest raczej rzeczą oczywistą, że czytelnik oczekuje zamknięcia wątków, które do tej pory się tego nie doczekały. Autorka w pewnym stopniu rzeczywiście nam to oferuje, jednak mam wrażenie, że skupia się głównie na tych, które poruszyła w poprzednich tomach, jak choroba Nicholasa, przyszłość wodopoju, czy też przekazanie Davidowi pieśni nieżyjących już aborygenów, do których należała ziemia, na której mieści się wodopój. Jednocześnie bardziej po macoszemu potraktowane zdają się wątki, które znalazły swój początek dopiero w tym tomie. Wydaje mi się bowiem, że problem braku akceptacji ze strony Nicholasa orientacji seksualnej Robina zasługuje na konkretne, jednoznaczne zamknięcie. Może jestem przewrażliwiona, ale przepraszanie za dotychczasowe kłótnie nie jest dla mnie jednoznaczne z akceptacją orientacji drugiej osoby. Prawdę mówiąc chciałabym także dowiedzieć się ostatecznie całej prawdy na temat ciągnącego się za Davidem „pecha” oraz telefonów jakie odbierali bohaterowie. Wolę bowiem, kiedy autor zamykając serię stawia pewną kropkę na jej końcu, dzięki czemu moja wyobraźnia nie podsuwa mi niepokojących możliwości kontynuacji danej historii.
Podsumowując, „The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring” to powieść, której centralny punkt stanowi dwójka głównych bohaterów, zaś poruszane tu tematy otaczają Davida i Nicholasa ciasnym kołem. Znalazło się tu miejsce między innymi dla problemu seksualności, akceptacji, rozwoju gospodarczego, miłości przyrody oraz tej międzyludzkiej, ślubnego „póki śmierć nas nie rozłączy” oraz wielu innych. Niezaprzeczalnie jest to książka poważniejsza od poprzednich tomów trylogii, ale nie mniej wyjątkowa. Na pewno warto ją przeczytać i wspólnie z naszymi ukochanymi bohaterami przeżyć tę ostatnią już przygodę.
David and Nicholas have been a happy, loving married couple for many years. Their life together could certainly be considered perfect if not for the fact that problems appear on the horizon and disturb their former peaceful existence. Because as it turns out, a mining company is extremely interested in their beautiful haven hidden in the Australian bush. The start of iron ore mining would result in many financial benefits for the locals, but at the same time it could seriously threaten the flora and fauna of the waterhole which means so much to David and Nicholas. As if that were not enough, Robin, Nicholas's nephew who spends his summer holidays with them, also makes them worry, as the boy chooses this rather unlucky moment to confide in his beloved uncle and what he has to say is simply too much for Nicholas.
We are at the very end of our adventure with the "Butterfly Hunter" trilogy, as "The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring" finishes this unique series. However, it is not the time for sentiments, as I would like to start this review with something specific. And this is because the first thing that immediately caught my attention while reading the novel was the subject very close to my heart, which at once became the center of my attention. What I'm obviously talking about is asexuality. I must admit that until now I looked at it only from one, the best known to me, perspective, and I wasn't even fully aware of that fact. For it seemed to me that if some people have such a big problem with accepting other, not heterosexual, orientations because of the gender of the person that someone desires, then if someone doesn't feel physical attraction to others, there should be no problem. It was Julie Bozza who made me realize that it is not so simple. There are people who do not understand the difference between physical and romantic love, as in most cases they go hand in hand. What's more, some people can't imagine the lack of physical attraction, just as asexual people, or at least some of them, can't imagine to be in a situation in which they feel said physical attraction. Imagine a situation in which one of your friends doesn't taste one of the tastes, let's say salty. How do you explain to him/her how it feels to taste it if he/she doesn't even know it? On the other hand, put yourself in the place of this friend and try to describe how it is never to taste the salty taste. Difficult thing, right? That's why I'm glad that Julie Bozza decided to raise this problem in her novel.
Let's move on to a relatively easier subject which is the eternal war between concern for wildlife and lust for money. I think that this theme perfectly fits the "Butterfly Hunter" trilogy, as the world seems to be constructed in such a way that sooner or later "the human factor" must appear when it comes to the beauty of nature. I admit that, having that in mind, from the very beginning I wondered when people would start to intrude on the waterhole David found. However, the author went a step further than I thought and introduced human "hunger" and "insatiability" into her history. More specifically, the point is that a person constantly needs more space, more natural resources, more everything that belongs to nature, and all of this turns into money. When we juxtapose this more selfish side of human nature and the main characters of the series who have such a great respect for wildlife, we get an interesting book which is more informative than simply entertaining. This image is also complemented by the introduction of the elements of geology to the story which, focusing on Australia, allows us to get to know this country better than before. When we take all of this into account, we will notice that "The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring" has a completely different vibe than the previous volumes, but is equally pleasant to read.
Since I've already taken up the subject of the nature, I think it's worth pointing out that Julia Bozza once again shows us the magic hidden behind the beauty of the world and the wildlife. And it's this said magic that makes the real background for the events presented in the trilogy. It seems to me that from the very beginning the point was not to show us Australia itself, or England in the second volume, but to present its primary, wild beauty. However, the most important is the fact that this time, even more than before, the nature presented by the author seems to be connected with the supernatural world. After a hidden from people waterhole which is a home to an unknown butterfly species and a mysterious stone circle, it's time for the waterhole to "open" not only to selected individuals, but generally to all people. The goal seems mundane and almost ordinary, but the way to achieve it is full of old Aboriginal songs and beliefs. Think whatever you want, but after reading "The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring" I immediately asked myself a question that I kept repeating from the very first volume. What if, under this facade of an ordinary story, hide the forces rejected by modern, rational thinking people, but in which aborigines believe?
But let's come back down to earth. As "The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring" is the last part of the trilogy, it is rather obvious that the reader expects the closure of the threads not closed yet. To some extent, the author offers it to us, but I have the impression that she focuses mainly on those started in previous volumes, such as Nicholas' disease, the future of a waterhole or David's chance to learn the songs of the dead aborigines who owned the land where the waterhole is located. At the same time, the threads opened in this volume seem to be neglected a little. I think that the problem of Nicholas' lack of acceptance of Robin's sexual orientation deserves a definite, explicit closure. Maybe I'm overreacting, but as for me apologizing for the past quarrels is not tantamount to acceptance of the other person's sexual orientation. To be honest with you, I would also like to finally find out the whole truth about David's "bad luck" and the phone calls the characters were receiving. I prefer when the author closes the series with confidence, thanks to which my imagination doesn't give me disturbing ideas about possible continuations of a given story.
In summary, "The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring" is a novel which center point are the two main characters and the topics raised here are like a tight circle that surrounds David and Nicholas. Among many other subjects, the author found a place for the problems of sexuality, acceptance, economic development, love of nature and the romantic one, wedding's "'til death do us part" and so much more. Undeniably, this book is more serious than the previous volumes of the trilogy, but no less exceptional. It's definitely worth reading and experiencing this last adventure together with our beloved characters.
______________________________
David i Nicholas już od wielu lat są szczęśliwym, kochającym się małżeństwem. Ich wspólne życie z pewnością można byłoby uznać za idealne, gdyby nie fakt, że na horyzoncie pojawiają się problemy, które zakłócają ich dotychczasowy spokój. Okazuje się bowiem, że ich ukryta wśród australijskiego buszu spokojna przystań znajduje się w centrum zainteresowania spółki górniczej. Rozpoczęcie wydobycia rudy żelaza wiązałoby się z wieloma finansowymi korzyściami dla okolicznych mieszkańców, ale równocześnie może poważnie zagrozić florze i faunie wodopoju, który tak wiele znaczy dla Davida i Nicholasa. Jakby tego było mało, zmartwień mężczyznom dokłada także Robin, spędzający u nich wakacje bratanek Nicholasa. Chłopak właśnie ten niezbyt właściwy moment wybiera sobie na zwierzenia, a to, co ma do powiedzenia swojemu ukochanemu stryjowi nie mieści się Nicholasowi w głowie.
Znajdujemy się właśnie na samym końcu naszej przygody z trylogią „Butterfly Hunter”, albowiem „The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring” zamyka tę wyjątkową serię. Nie czas jednak na sentymenty, jako że tę recenzję chciałabym zacząć od konkretów. A to dlatego, że pierwszym, co tak naprawdę od razu zwróciło moją uwagę w czasie lektury tej powieści był pojawiający się w niej bardzo bliski mojemu sercu temat, który w jednej chwili znalazł się w centrum mojej uwagi. Chodzi naturalnie o aseksualizm. Muszę przyznać, że do tej pory patrzyłam na niego tylko z jednej, znanej mi najlepiej, perspektywy, czego nie byłam nawet do końca świadoma. Albowiem wydawało mi się, że skoro niektórzy ludzie mają tak wielki problem z zaakceptowaniem innych orientacji seksualnych ze względu na płeć osoby, której ktoś pożąda, to jeśli nie czuje się pociągu fizycznego względem nikogo, żadnego problemu być nie powinno. Dopiero Julie Bozza uświadomiła mi, że nie jest tak różowo. Są bowiem osoby, które nie pojmują rozdźwięku między miłością fizyczną, a romantyczną, jako że w większości przypadków idą one ze sobą w parze. Co więcej, niektórzy nie wyobrażają sobie braku pociągu fizycznego, tak jak osoba aseksualna, a przynajmniej część z nich, nie potrafi wyobrazić sobie sytuacji, w której wspomniany pociąg fizyczny odczuwa. Wyobraźcie sobie sytuację, w której okazuje się, że któryś z Waszych znajomych nie czuje jakiegoś smaku, dajmy na to słonego. Jak wyjaśnicie mu, jak to jest odczuwać ten smak skoro on go nie zna? Z drugiej strony postawcie się na miejscu tego znajomego i postarajcie się opisać, jak to jest nigdy nie czuć słonego smaku. Trudna sprawa, prawda? Dlatego cieszę się, że Julie Bozza zdecydowała się na poruszenie tego problemu w swojej powieści.
Przejdźmy jednak do stosunkowo łatwiejszego tematu, jakim jest odwieczna wojna pomiędzy troską o dziką przyrodę a rządzą pieniądza. Uważam, że temat ten idealnie pasuje do trylogii „Butterfly Hunter”, jako że świat wydaje się skonstruowany w taki sposób, że prędzej czy później „czynnik ludzki” musi pojawić się tam, gdzie w grę wchodzi piękno natury. Przyznaję, że mając to na uwadze, od samego początku zastanawiałam się, kiedy ludzie upomną się o odnaleziony przez Davida wodopój. Autorka poszła jednak o krok dalej niż sądziłam i wprowadziła do swojej historii ludzki „głód” i „nienasycenie”. Dokładniej mówiąc, chodzi o to, że człowiek bezustannie potrzebuje więcej przestrzeni, więcej złóż naturalnych, więcej wszystkiego, co należy do natury, a to z kolei przekłada się na pieniądze. Kiedy zestawimy ze sobą tę bardziej samolubną stronę ludzkiej natury oraz pełnych szacunku dla dzikiej przyrody głównych bohaterów serii, otrzymujemy książkę interesującą, jednak bardziej pouczającą, niż nastawioną na czystą rozrywkę. Tego obrazu dopełnia także wprowadzenie do historii elementów geologii, która skupiając się na Australii pozwala nam poznać ten kraj w większym stopniu niż dotychczas. Kiedy weźmiemy wszystko to pod uwagę, zauważymy, że „The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring” napisane zostało w klimacie różniącym się od poprzednich tomów, ale równie przyjemnym do czytania.
Skoro podjęłam już temat natury, myślę, że warto zaznaczyć także, iż Julie Bozza kolejny raz ukazuje nam magię kryjącą się w pięknie świata i dzikiej przyrody. To bowiem ona stanowi prawdziwe tło rozgrywających się w tej trylogii wydarzeń. Wydaje mi się, że od samego początku nie chodziło o Australię samą w sobie, czy też o Anglię w przypadku drugiego tomu, ale o jej pierwotne, dzikie piękno. Co jednak najistotniejsze, tym razem w stopniu jeszcze większym niż poprzednio, przedstawiona przez autorkę natura wydaje się graniczyć ze światem nadprzyrodzonym. Po ukrytym przed ludźmi wodopoju, będącym domem dla nieznanego dotąd gatunku motyla oraz pełnym tajemnic kamiennym kręgu, przychodzi czas na to, aby wspomniany wodopój „otworzył się” nie tylko na wybrane jednostki, ale na ogół społeczeństwa. Cel wydaje się przyziemny i niemal zwyczajny, ale dojście do niego pełne jest starych aborygeńskich pieśni i wierzeń. Myślcie sobie, co chcecie, ale mi po zakończeniu lektury „The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring” od razu nasunęło się pytanie, które powtarzałam sobie już od pierwszego tomu. A co jeśli pod tą powłoką zwyczajnej historii kryją się odrzucane przez współczesnych, racjonalnie myślących ludzi siły, w które wierzą aborygeni?
Wróćmy jednak na ziemię. Jako że „The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring” to ostatnia część trylogii, jest raczej rzeczą oczywistą, że czytelnik oczekuje zamknięcia wątków, które do tej pory się tego nie doczekały. Autorka w pewnym stopniu rzeczywiście nam to oferuje, jednak mam wrażenie, że skupia się głównie na tych, które poruszyła w poprzednich tomach, jak choroba Nicholasa, przyszłość wodopoju, czy też przekazanie Davidowi pieśni nieżyjących już aborygenów, do których należała ziemia, na której mieści się wodopój. Jednocześnie bardziej po macoszemu potraktowane zdają się wątki, które znalazły swój początek dopiero w tym tomie. Wydaje mi się bowiem, że problem braku akceptacji ze strony Nicholasa orientacji seksualnej Robina zasługuje na konkretne, jednoznaczne zamknięcie. Może jestem przewrażliwiona, ale przepraszanie za dotychczasowe kłótnie nie jest dla mnie jednoznaczne z akceptacją orientacji drugiej osoby. Prawdę mówiąc chciałabym także dowiedzieć się ostatecznie całej prawdy na temat ciągnącego się za Davidem „pecha” oraz telefonów jakie odbierali bohaterowie. Wolę bowiem, kiedy autor zamykając serię stawia pewną kropkę na jej końcu, dzięki czemu moja wyobraźnia nie podsuwa mi niepokojących możliwości kontynuacji danej historii.
Podsumowując, „The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring” to powieść, której centralny punkt stanowi dwójka głównych bohaterów, zaś poruszane tu tematy otaczają Davida i Nicholasa ciasnym kołem. Znalazło się tu miejsce między innymi dla problemu seksualności, akceptacji, rozwoju gospodarczego, miłości przyrody oraz tej międzyludzkiej, ślubnego „póki śmierć nas nie rozłączy” oraz wielu innych. Niezaprzeczalnie jest to książka poważniejsza od poprzednich tomów trylogii, ale nie mniej wyjątkowa. Na pewno warto ją przeczytać i wspólnie z naszymi ukochanymi bohaterami przeżyć tę ostatnią już przygodę.
November 6, 2022
What the hell was this book? I feel like the author dropped acid or something. There was so many little details that confused me or brought me out of the narrative. The idea that Nicholas is so upset that Robin is ace? If in fact, sex is this awesome thing he will one day enjoy, its not going to happen because his uncle brow beat him into it? The idea he had a stroke because he was so angry that his 18yo nephew is ace is INSANE. The entire concept that the nephew is in love with him and everyone just knows and is casual about it is also ridiculous. One minute, we have an aboriginal elder telling a dreamtime story, the next we have a white teenage girl rapping. And the rap is quoted several times after by the characters??? There was also many obvious things that the characters didn't realize until late in the book.
I was looking forward to this book and it was really disappointing.
I was looking forward to this book and it was really disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2015
It was lovely seeing David and Nicholas seven years down the road, well settled and happy. There is some angst about the waterhole and follow-through on Nicholas' condition. We get to see all of the wonderful characters again from the previous stories--Robin, Denny and Charlie, Dave's second love the Land Cruiser, and yes we get to see the beautiful butterflies again. All in all a wonderful story with a satisfying end to the saga.
April 9, 2015
I just adore Dave and Nicholas. That love! ♡
This book shows so many different kinds of love. Most beautiful of all was the unconditional one! :)
It was nice to be reacquainted with the two again along with their family and friends. It was slow getting there but still ever so sweet.
This book shows so many different kinds of love. Most beautiful of all was the unconditional one! :)
It was nice to be reacquainted with the two again along with their family and friends. It was slow getting there but still ever so sweet.
November 7, 2014
CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS ONE!!! And on Nov 1 I'll be at a place without internet, drat!
Managed to get it :), already finished it and try to write something when I return back home.
Managed to get it :), already finished it and try to write something when I return back home.
February 1, 2016
4.5 stars
May 11, 2021
2021 Re-Read:
As usual with any series you really love, you wish there were more books.
As usual with any series you really love, you wish there were more books.
July 17, 2017
4 heart review for Love Bytes Reviews!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to this this and many more reviews, interviews, and giveaways!
What a great wrap up to the series!
As we know, Dave and Nicholas met as Nicholas was searching for butterflies in the Australian outback. The two fell in love with each other, and with a special bit of land…. Dave, although not Aboriginal, is made a spiritual guardian of the waterhole, and discovers it is at risk from a mining company. Most of this book is spent on Dave, Nicholas, and their friend Charlie, trying to save the sacred space. We also see Robin, Nicholas’s nephew from England, as he works through some sexuality issues. We see Dave, Nicholas, and Robin go on an adventure with a family searching for opals, and Charlie pops in to share some stories. There is also a big thing that happens as the end of the book, that is a game changer for the couple.
I liked this book quite a bit, I love Nicholas and Dave as a couple, and I was happy to see them successfully married and in love seven years later. I liked seeing them together so much, but I wish there had been a little more alone time for them. Lots of time is spent with Robin, and with other people, and less time just with them. I think I missed that from the first book, to be honest. I liked seeing more about the mythology of the area, and I liked the time they spent with the family on tour. There were several cute moments involving a teenage girl! Robin was a nice addition, although I struggled with understanding his issue. I liked the family aspect he added to the household, and I was happy to see Nicholas’s father as well. The drama surrounding the waterhole was a good addition to the plot, and gave us some new side characters, both good and bad.
Then there is the drama at the end of the book… I was so worried! I won’t say why, but damn, I was reading fast to see what happened! As hard as it was to read, I’m glad it happened, and I loved the resolution to the situation. I also loved the resolution to the waterhole issue as well.
Overall I liked this book, and I loved how it wrapped up the series. I enjoyed all three books, but I definitely liked the first book best. There was just something so special about it. This one came close, it had more drama than the other two, and had my heart beating fast at the end. I liked the bits of mythology in this book, and the glimpses of the Aboriginal culture. What really made this whole series work is Nicholas and Dave, and their close bond. I think the writing was good, the author has a slow and easy way of telling a story that I liked after I got used to it.
If you are looking for a low angst, sweet and gentle series, I’d give these books a try!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to this this and many more reviews, interviews, and giveaways!
What a great wrap up to the series!
As we know, Dave and Nicholas met as Nicholas was searching for butterflies in the Australian outback. The two fell in love with each other, and with a special bit of land…. Dave, although not Aboriginal, is made a spiritual guardian of the waterhole, and discovers it is at risk from a mining company. Most of this book is spent on Dave, Nicholas, and their friend Charlie, trying to save the sacred space. We also see Robin, Nicholas’s nephew from England, as he works through some sexuality issues. We see Dave, Nicholas, and Robin go on an adventure with a family searching for opals, and Charlie pops in to share some stories. There is also a big thing that happens as the end of the book, that is a game changer for the couple.
I liked this book quite a bit, I love Nicholas and Dave as a couple, and I was happy to see them successfully married and in love seven years later. I liked seeing them together so much, but I wish there had been a little more alone time for them. Lots of time is spent with Robin, and with other people, and less time just with them. I think I missed that from the first book, to be honest. I liked seeing more about the mythology of the area, and I liked the time they spent with the family on tour. There were several cute moments involving a teenage girl! Robin was a nice addition, although I struggled with understanding his issue. I liked the family aspect he added to the household, and I was happy to see Nicholas’s father as well. The drama surrounding the waterhole was a good addition to the plot, and gave us some new side characters, both good and bad.
Then there is the drama at the end of the book… I was so worried! I won’t say why, but damn, I was reading fast to see what happened! As hard as it was to read, I’m glad it happened, and I loved the resolution to the situation. I also loved the resolution to the waterhole issue as well.
Overall I liked this book, and I loved how it wrapped up the series. I enjoyed all three books, but I definitely liked the first book best. There was just something so special about it. This one came close, it had more drama than the other two, and had my heart beating fast at the end. I liked the bits of mythology in this book, and the glimpses of the Aboriginal culture. What really made this whole series work is Nicholas and Dave, and their close bond. I think the writing was good, the author has a slow and easy way of telling a story that I liked after I got used to it.
If you are looking for a low angst, sweet and gentle series, I’d give these books a try!
September 27, 2018
This is a really good conclusion to Dave and Nicholas' trilogy. I loved reading their stories!
What I really didn't like much in this story is Robin's storyline. (Robin is Nicholas' nephew, and is visiting Nicholas and Dave for school break.) I loved Robin, thought he was a very well-written character, on the cusp of young adulthood yet still immature. However certain parts of his story rubbed me the wrong way. Putting behind spoiler tags in case you want to go in blind.
All in all, however, I really loved Dave and Nicholas' story. They're one of my favorite couples I've read and their love for each other jumps right off the page. When I started the series, I was looking for something sweet and low-angst but captivating, and this series met that in spades. I highly recommend checking it out.
What I really didn't like much in this story is Robin's storyline. (Robin is Nicholas' nephew, and is visiting Nicholas and Dave for school break.) I loved Robin, thought he was a very well-written character, on the cusp of young adulthood yet still immature. However certain parts of his story rubbed me the wrong way. Putting behind spoiler tags in case you want to go in blind.
All in all, however, I really loved Dave and Nicholas' story. They're one of my favorite couples I've read and their love for each other jumps right off the page. When I started the series, I was looking for something sweet and low-angst but captivating, and this series met that in spades. I highly recommend checking it out.
September 19, 2018
4.25 stars
The first two books in this series really focus on Nicholas and Dave. The first book especially, I thought of it as all of the side characters were fuzzy while the two MCs were in focus. We really do not get much input from them. In book two, we get more from outside characters but most of the focus is obviously still on Nicholas and Dave and their wedding and honeymoon. In this book, they have been married seven years so we see how solid their relationship is. This book is not about watching them grow as a couple, but watching them deal with outside elements that did not really happen in the first two books of this series. We see how easy their relationship together is and I think that is how we are able to focus on other obstacles in this book.
I loved having Robin in this book and getting to know him. He was so sweet towards Nicholas and I could not help but love that storyline. It was really nice to see Dave all these years after we first meet him being so comfortable with himself as Nicholas' husband. One of the first scenes in this book was perfect with the two of them and the silk and it just shows how far Dave has come.
Even though I really enjoyed this book, I wanted more from the ending. I wanted more of a conclusion than we were given. I think this is the last book of Nicholas and Dave and I just did not feel like the ending was enough for me to part with these two. I wanted at least another few chapters to wrap up what happened with Nicholas and also what happened with the waterhole. This book did not seem like an ending to a series. Even so, this was a good series that was overall very lovely and sweet.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
The first two books in this series really focus on Nicholas and Dave. The first book especially, I thought of it as all of the side characters were fuzzy while the two MCs were in focus. We really do not get much input from them. In book two, we get more from outside characters but most of the focus is obviously still on Nicholas and Dave and their wedding and honeymoon. In this book, they have been married seven years so we see how solid their relationship is. This book is not about watching them grow as a couple, but watching them deal with outside elements that did not really happen in the first two books of this series. We see how easy their relationship together is and I think that is how we are able to focus on other obstacles in this book.
I loved having Robin in this book and getting to know him. He was so sweet towards Nicholas and I could not help but love that storyline. It was really nice to see Dave all these years after we first meet him being so comfortable with himself as Nicholas' husband. One of the first scenes in this book was perfect with the two of them and the silk and it just shows how far Dave has come.
Even though I really enjoyed this book, I wanted more from the ending. I wanted more of a conclusion than we were given. I think this is the last book of Nicholas and Dave and I just did not feel like the ending was enough for me to part with these two. I wanted at least another few chapters to wrap up what happened with Nicholas and also what happened with the waterhole. This book did not seem like an ending to a series. Even so, this was a good series that was overall very lovely and sweet.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
September 18, 2018
The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring is the 3rd book in Julie Bozza's Butterfly Hunter series.
Now we follow Dave and Nicholas, who've been married for seven years already, as they face some complications. We read more about the butterflies, as their land is being threatened. They have a health crisis to deal with.
The love between Dave and Nicholas is as strong as ever. They seem to just ooze love for each other, making me love them immensely.
Nicholas' nephew, Robin, is also in town and brings some of his own issues with him.
The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring is a fantastic ending for this series by Julie Bozza.
Now we follow Dave and Nicholas, who've been married for seven years already, as they face some complications. We read more about the butterflies, as their land is being threatened. They have a health crisis to deal with.
The love between Dave and Nicholas is as strong as ever. They seem to just ooze love for each other, making me love them immensely.
Nicholas' nephew, Robin, is also in town and brings some of his own issues with him.
The Thousand Smiles of Nicholas Goring is a fantastic ending for this series by Julie Bozza.
April 30, 2024
Again, I liked the overall concept. I'm also intrigued by the glimpses into aboriginal culture, although I do not really know how realistic they are.
My main problem with this series though lies in some of the relationships between the main cast and for me these problems peaked in this volume. Mainly, I feel a bit uncomfortable about the blurred lines between romantic and familiar love when it comes to Robin and Nicholas that no one in the story seems to take seriously, as well as Nicholas' incomprehension towards Robin's sexuality that is never fully resolved.
My main problem with this series though lies in some of the relationships between the main cast and for me these problems peaked in this volume. Mainly, I feel a bit uncomfortable about the blurred lines between romantic and familiar love when it comes to Robin and Nicholas that no one in the story seems to take seriously, as well as Nicholas' incomprehension towards Robin's sexuality that is never fully resolved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2019
Just finished and decided to review as a series, not individually. Please read the first two books and then enjoy this conclusion, you’ll be glad you did.
This series will be going on my all time favorites list, as well as my favorite couples list.
The only other thing I can say without choking up again is , . .
Stunning Ms. Bozza, simply stunning!!
This series will be going on my all time favorites list, as well as my favorite couples list.
The only other thing I can say without choking up again is , . .
Stunning Ms. Bozza, simply stunning!!
May 14, 2017
I'm sorry to see this series end, but all the richer for it! I learned some stuff and I'm looking forward to visiting Australia some day, just to experience the magical mystery that is the land down under!
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
July 13, 2017
A perfect ending
What a wonderful conclusion to the Nicholas and Dave story. Great trips and mysteries keep the pages turning. And the love. The love between these two is so sweet. Robin spends a summer with his uncles! 4.25 for songlines.
What a wonderful conclusion to the Nicholas and Dave story. Great trips and mysteries keep the pages turning. And the love. The love between these two is so sweet. Robin spends a summer with his uncles! 4.25 for songlines.
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