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Gray Zone #2
Worth
This book was previously published by Dreamspinner Press with a different cover. No major changes have occurred. A Gray Zone Novel The Gray Zone is a no man’s land between Atlanta and the Dens. In this forgotten section of the city, roam Kin—dragons—and their mixed bred offspring, Lesser-Breds. There are no rules in the Zone, and even the most unwanted people in society are welcome. Liam has been doing whatever it takes to keep his two brothers, Chris and Kevin, safe from his stepfather. He’s never known kindness. He’s never known what it’s like to be desired. Only used. Then he meets Jericho, a Lesser-Bred living in the Gray Zone. Only the attraction Liam feels isn’t normal and he soon learns he’s about to enter the first stages of the Shift. The time when his Humaness is wiped away, and sleeping Kin genetics take over. As if things couldn’t be dangerous enough, Liam’s stepfather goes behind his back and sells Chris into the flesh trade to pay his debts. Now in order to get the money needed to buy back Chris’s freedom Liam faces sacrificing the life of the only person who’d ever shown him true kindness. And possibly the only person who can save him as he becomes one of the inhuman.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2011
12 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Adrienne Wilder
50 books1,794 followersGeorgia born and bred, I am an artist, a writer, and a general pain in the ass.
I spend most of my days working on my next book or bettering my art.
Writing is my identity and I love every minute of it. It's work, lots of work (sometimes I work 12+ hours a day and I never get a vacation) but I don't regret doing it.
I currently share my house with a myriad of dogs, a few cats, a saltwater aquarium filled with coral and fish, as well as my partner who's great at giving hugs when the day's been rough.
And of course, my editor and PA, who helps me keep life reasonably organized. At least so I won't walk out the door without wearing pants.
I spend most of my days working on my next book or bettering my art.
Writing is my identity and I love every minute of it. It's work, lots of work (sometimes I work 12+ hours a day and I never get a vacation) but I don't regret doing it.
I currently share my house with a myriad of dogs, a few cats, a saltwater aquarium filled with coral and fish, as well as my partner who's great at giving hugs when the day's been rough.
And of course, my editor and PA, who helps me keep life reasonably organized. At least so I won't walk out the door without wearing pants.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 19, 2011
When Liam was twelve, his mother died right in front of him. He knew it was happening when she had the aneurysm, and knew life was about to change for him and his two younger brothers. Because he knew Richard, his estranged stepfather, the biological father of his two brothers, would come back into their lives. Abusive, drunken Richard always hated him, hated his repaired cleft palate.
And he was right.
Abused physically, sexually, mentally and emotionally, he made a deal with the devil at age 15. Do what you want with me, sell me, use me, but keep your hands off my little brothers. Richard agreed, and Liam could at least know he was doing what was right, even though he knew his mother would be so unhappy with him. But he can stand anything as long as Chris and Kevin are alright. Because Richard has already laid his hands on Kevin once, and the boy retreated into his own world, never really recovering from the vicious backhand, and although the doctors diagnose it as autism, Liam knows better. And fears what could happen. So he will stand between them and Richard until...well, just until.
And then Liam meets Jericho, one of the Lesser Bred, a cross breed between one of the Kin, the Dragons of the city of Atlanta, and a human. See, they live in the Gray Zone, a buffer between the Den of the Queen of Atlanta and the city proper, a place populated by humans, Kin and the Lesser Bred. Anything goes, but the Zone has its own peculiar moral code, and the boys are safe, for the most part. But Jericho calls to something in Liam, awakening a sexual want that he thought long extinguished. So he begins to see Jericho.
But when Richard reneges on the deal he has with Liam and Chris and Kevin are threatened, he knows he has to take action. But how will he manage to keep his brothers safe, deal with the strange urges and changes he seems to be having and stay alive all at the same time? And will Jericho help him, be the one for him to lean on, be more than sex?
This is a stunning, gritty and powerful tale of survival, pain and, oddly enough, hope. Adrienne Wilder has created a worthy sequel to "To Adam With Love", the first book of her Gray Zone Chronicles, with this book.
Having worked with abused and neglected adolescents for the past ten years, the descriptions and events came as no great surprise to me. I have sat with children abused, raped, beaten, sold into prostitution, and heard them describe their ordeals, and this rang so achingly true. What stunned me and had me putting the book down to breathe was its emotional honesty and integrity - how the victim can set aside the abuse and try to protect others, how the devastation becomes the norm, the profane the commonplace. In a world of inhumanity, the small things, like simple hugs, can bring you to tears.
There are terrifyingly disturbing things that happen in this world that Ms. Wilder has built, but what is amazing is, the Dragons make a beautiful kind of sense. They are alien, morally different, complex and outside our world. To be watched warily and kept at arms length. But the truly evil things are at the hands of our fellow humans. THAT is the horror story here. And what a way to drive it home.
Painful. Hard to read. Be strong, this ride is worth the price of admission.
Tom
And he was right.
Abused physically, sexually, mentally and emotionally, he made a deal with the devil at age 15. Do what you want with me, sell me, use me, but keep your hands off my little brothers. Richard agreed, and Liam could at least know he was doing what was right, even though he knew his mother would be so unhappy with him. But he can stand anything as long as Chris and Kevin are alright. Because Richard has already laid his hands on Kevin once, and the boy retreated into his own world, never really recovering from the vicious backhand, and although the doctors diagnose it as autism, Liam knows better. And fears what could happen. So he will stand between them and Richard until...well, just until.
And then Liam meets Jericho, one of the Lesser Bred, a cross breed between one of the Kin, the Dragons of the city of Atlanta, and a human. See, they live in the Gray Zone, a buffer between the Den of the Queen of Atlanta and the city proper, a place populated by humans, Kin and the Lesser Bred. Anything goes, but the Zone has its own peculiar moral code, and the boys are safe, for the most part. But Jericho calls to something in Liam, awakening a sexual want that he thought long extinguished. So he begins to see Jericho.
But when Richard reneges on the deal he has with Liam and Chris and Kevin are threatened, he knows he has to take action. But how will he manage to keep his brothers safe, deal with the strange urges and changes he seems to be having and stay alive all at the same time? And will Jericho help him, be the one for him to lean on, be more than sex?
This is a stunning, gritty and powerful tale of survival, pain and, oddly enough, hope. Adrienne Wilder has created a worthy sequel to "To Adam With Love", the first book of her Gray Zone Chronicles, with this book.
Having worked with abused and neglected adolescents for the past ten years, the descriptions and events came as no great surprise to me. I have sat with children abused, raped, beaten, sold into prostitution, and heard them describe their ordeals, and this rang so achingly true. What stunned me and had me putting the book down to breathe was its emotional honesty and integrity - how the victim can set aside the abuse and try to protect others, how the devastation becomes the norm, the profane the commonplace. In a world of inhumanity, the small things, like simple hugs, can bring you to tears.
There are terrifyingly disturbing things that happen in this world that Ms. Wilder has built, but what is amazing is, the Dragons make a beautiful kind of sense. They are alien, morally different, complex and outside our world. To be watched warily and kept at arms length. But the truly evil things are at the hands of our fellow humans. THAT is the horror story here. And what a way to drive it home.
Painful. Hard to read. Be strong, this ride is worth the price of admission.
Tom
December 8, 2011
3.5 Stars.
Okay I will keep this blunt.
I stayed up reading this till 3am in the morning. I was completely invested and captivated. Then the author gives me yet again - one of the shittiest ending ever. I nearly threw my kindle against the wall I was that frustrated.
I had spent a couple of hours reading theses characters be abused and struggled against great odds. They deserved an epilogue so that THEY and ME could have closure dammit.
Here is an example of why I am frustrated with timelines and weird jumps in the plot - be careful because it is a BIG spoiler
If the ending gave me closure then I would have forgiven the timeline jumps and rated this 5 stars.
It is really hard for me to recommend this book - on one hand there is AMAZING world building and characters. On the other hand the ending is way to abrupt and disappointing.
Okay I will keep this blunt.
I stayed up reading this till 3am in the morning. I was completely invested and captivated. Then the author gives me yet again - one of the shittiest ending ever. I nearly threw my kindle against the wall I was that frustrated.
I had spent a couple of hours reading theses characters be abused and struggled against great odds. They deserved an epilogue so that THEY and ME could have closure dammit.
Here is an example of why I am frustrated with timelines and weird jumps in the plot - be careful because it is a BIG spoiler
If the ending gave me closure then I would have forgiven the timeline jumps and rated this 5 stars.
It is really hard for me to recommend this book - on one hand there is AMAZING world building and characters. On the other hand the ending is way to abrupt and disappointing.
January 1, 2012
Imagine someone with a horrible past... a past that left him with mental and also physical scars...
...that's the main character of he story... Liam.
After his mother death, Liam will be obligated to do anything, also unthinkable things, to protect his young half brothers, Chris and Kevin... protect them for their father, Richard.
I can't say how much I despise Richard... can a villain in a story be worst than him??? It's hard to find one... I'm not kidding. I must think A LOT and maybe no, I must admit Richard despise me so much, and I really read all this book wanting just two things: Liam happiness, and Richard death. Oh yes... it's what you will want too! You can be a peaceful person as I'm, but reading all the monstrosities Richard did you will want his head in a silver plate.
What? I'm being cruel, and using hard words? Oh, if the fact I'm saying I desired to see Richard dead is shocking you this book is not for you. Why? Simple, it's a cruel world... Liam has a cruel life... and... this book certainly is not for the faint ones.
But when I start it I knew very well what I should expect. I read the Darwin's Theory series and also the M/F novel Blood Bonds (City of Dragons, #1) so I KNEW very well what I should expect... did I had it?
No, I have much more... this book surprise me for how the dilemma (Richard death or life) were solved, and most of all, it surprise me see someone so altruistic as Liam, suffering so much. Chris, a rebel brother, Kevin, a sick brother... Liam life is full of complications, and the last thing he need is more... find someone like Jericho, that certainly will make Liam dare to desire for the first time... desire to be less responsible for other's lives... dare to desire to be loved.
5 stars
PS:
This story could be considered a standalone, because reading the glossary and during the story you will understand a lot about the Kin (dragon) world, BUT I vivid recommend the read of To Adam With Love (Gray Zone, #1) to a more detailed explanation.
...that's the main character of he story... Liam.
After his mother death, Liam will be obligated to do anything, also unthinkable things, to protect his young half brothers, Chris and Kevin... protect them for their father, Richard.
I can't say how much I despise Richard... can a villain in a story be worst than him??? It's hard to find one... I'm not kidding. I must think A LOT and maybe no, I must admit Richard despise me so much, and I really read all this book wanting just two things: Liam happiness, and Richard death. Oh yes... it's what you will want too! You can be a peaceful person as I'm, but reading all the monstrosities Richard did you will want his head in a silver plate.
What? I'm being cruel, and using hard words? Oh, if the fact I'm saying I desired to see Richard dead is shocking you this book is not for you. Why? Simple, it's a cruel world... Liam has a cruel life... and... this book certainly is not for the faint ones.
But when I start it I knew very well what I should expect. I read the Darwin's Theory series and also the M/F novel Blood Bonds (City of Dragons, #1) so I KNEW very well what I should expect... did I had it?
No, I have much more... this book surprise me for how the dilemma (Richard death or life) were solved, and most of all, it surprise me see someone so altruistic as Liam, suffering so much. Chris, a rebel brother, Kevin, a sick brother... Liam life is full of complications, and the last thing he need is more... find someone like Jericho, that certainly will make Liam dare to desire for the first time... desire to be less responsible for other's lives... dare to desire to be loved.
5 stars
PS:
This story could be considered a standalone, because reading the glossary and during the story you will understand a lot about the Kin (dragon) world, BUT I vivid recommend the read of To Adam With Love (Gray Zone, #1) to a more detailed explanation.
December 26, 2017
Quite a bit more violent than the first book, and very similar characters. Not continuing with this series, methinks.
January 2, 2012
This is a great book. 4.5. It has everything that I personally enjoy in a story, complex, flawed, but likeable characters, a fascinating and well drawn fantasy world, conflict, fighting, violence and a plot beyond two guys hooking up. Lately I think I'm prefering actiony-adventure books where the romance is secondary, but still integral. This is a fine example of such a book.
Liam is a great character and one I really wanted to see triumph. He's been taking his stepfather's abuse for many years in an effort to protect his younger brothers, abuse that includes beating, rape, torture, and whoring him out to some real sickos to pay for his drug habit. It is NOT pretty. But Liam doesn't wallow in self-pity. He's willing to do anything to protect his brothers and provide for them, which is very admirable. It's quite sad though that he doesn't feel like he deserves any better. His self-esteem is low because of what's been done to him and some facial scars, that he thinks make him so ugly nobody wants him except to abuse. But when he's around his brothers, he is always kind and thinking about what they might need. Chris, the older of the two brothers, knows what Liam is doing to keep him safe and is conflicted. Kevin has some sort of mental disorder, so it's hard to say how he feels a lot of the time, but there are some poignant moments when he's able to express himself.
Jericho, a Lesser-Bred (offspring of a human and a dragon) remains a mystery until near the end. The first seventy-five percent of his relationship with Liam is mostly lust. (I don't consider this a flaw!) These two can't keep their hands off each other, for various and sometimes supernatural reasons. Their feelings develop slowly because this is the first time Liam doesn't see sex as abuse, or at best, work. Jericho remains pretty aloof until his reveal toward the end, so I didn't develop the connection to him that I did to Liam. I still liked him, just not as much.
The plot is fast-paced and exciting, though I admit I saw the twist coming at about the half way point. It didn't really bother me though because I still wanted to see how Liam would handle it. Maybe because I read To Adam With Love, I wasn't nearly as confused about all the dragon terms this time around, or maybe because Liam was on the outside of that world and didn't know about it, so he needed it explained. There is a glossary, but I didn't really need it to get what was happening. Some of the things that happen to Liam, and that he does, are BRUTAL. This is not for the faint of heart or anybody looking for a fluffy, feel good read. It is INTENSE at times, blood, violence, death, torture and rape. Personally I usually prefer that to fluff (since the rape is portrayed as cruelty, and it's NOT okay). No worries, Liam doesn't fall in love with his rapist or the people who abuse him! He's much too well done of a character for that crap. Still, it's only when his brothers are threatened that he starts to fight back. He doesn't think he's good enough to defend when it's just him being threatened. I want to give a big "thank you" to the author for depicting a realistic victim of abuse. His self-esteem is shot, but he knows enough to hate the people who have hurt him. He might take it to protect those he loves, but he never starts liking it. And (finally, thank you!!) he wants some revenge...
Some of the sex practices did make me uncomfortable (I don't think it's a spoiler to say that the dragon Kin eat the flesh and blood of their sex partners, because it's a staple of the series.) People wanting to be eaten certainly pushes my boundries,but the characters and the world are so compelling I soldiered through it. I'm absolutely fascinated by the mythology created here. It's detailed and completely unique among anything paranormal or fantasy I've read. The author's descriptions really make the Gray Zone come alive, and the non-human characters, while their behavior is bizarre by human standards, are always consistent. And there are fairies now! I hope to see more of them, but I'll be awaiting anything else set in this world. I want to meet Vesh!
I'm only knocking off half a star for the structure of the ending, which was out of sequence and would have been clearer if things just happened in order, without the flashback. Other than that, a 5 plus read all the way, if you're not squeamish! Recommended, highly, and I can't wait for the next one.
Liam is a great character and one I really wanted to see triumph. He's been taking his stepfather's abuse for many years in an effort to protect his younger brothers, abuse that includes beating, rape, torture, and whoring him out to some real sickos to pay for his drug habit. It is NOT pretty. But Liam doesn't wallow in self-pity. He's willing to do anything to protect his brothers and provide for them, which is very admirable. It's quite sad though that he doesn't feel like he deserves any better. His self-esteem is low because of what's been done to him and some facial scars, that he thinks make him so ugly nobody wants him except to abuse. But when he's around his brothers, he is always kind and thinking about what they might need. Chris, the older of the two brothers, knows what Liam is doing to keep him safe and is conflicted. Kevin has some sort of mental disorder, so it's hard to say how he feels a lot of the time, but there are some poignant moments when he's able to express himself.
Jericho, a Lesser-Bred (offspring of a human and a dragon) remains a mystery until near the end. The first seventy-five percent of his relationship with Liam is mostly lust. (I don't consider this a flaw!) These two can't keep their hands off each other, for various and sometimes supernatural reasons. Their feelings develop slowly because this is the first time Liam doesn't see sex as abuse, or at best, work. Jericho remains pretty aloof until his reveal toward the end, so I didn't develop the connection to him that I did to Liam. I still liked him, just not as much.
The plot is fast-paced and exciting, though I admit I saw the twist coming at about the half way point. It didn't really bother me though because I still wanted to see how Liam would handle it. Maybe because I read To Adam With Love, I wasn't nearly as confused about all the dragon terms this time around, or maybe because Liam was on the outside of that world and didn't know about it, so he needed it explained. There is a glossary, but I didn't really need it to get what was happening. Some of the things that happen to Liam, and that he does, are BRUTAL. This is not for the faint of heart or anybody looking for a fluffy, feel good read. It is INTENSE at times, blood, violence, death, torture and rape. Personally I usually prefer that to fluff (since the rape is portrayed as cruelty, and it's NOT okay). No worries, Liam doesn't fall in love with his rapist or the people who abuse him! He's much too well done of a character for that crap. Still, it's only when his brothers are threatened that he starts to fight back. He doesn't think he's good enough to defend when it's just him being threatened. I want to give a big "thank you" to the author for depicting a realistic victim of abuse. His self-esteem is shot, but he knows enough to hate the people who have hurt him. He might take it to protect those he loves, but he never starts liking it. And (finally, thank you!!) he wants some revenge...
Some of the sex practices did make me uncomfortable (I don't think it's a spoiler to say that the dragon Kin eat the flesh and blood of their sex partners, because it's a staple of the series.) People wanting to be eaten certainly pushes my boundries,but the characters and the world are so compelling I soldiered through it. I'm absolutely fascinated by the mythology created here. It's detailed and completely unique among anything paranormal or fantasy I've read. The author's descriptions really make the Gray Zone come alive, and the non-human characters, while their behavior is bizarre by human standards, are always consistent. And there are fairies now! I hope to see more of them, but I'll be awaiting anything else set in this world. I want to meet Vesh!
I'm only knocking off half a star for the structure of the ending, which was out of sequence and would have been clearer if things just happened in order, without the flashback. Other than that, a 5 plus read all the way, if you're not squeamish! Recommended, highly, and I can't wait for the next one.
January 26, 2012
Another intense story from the Gray Zone even darker and grittier than the first. Oh, how Liam suffered, made me care for him and his brothers and left me with questions! Once again I ran to the author's blog, cursing a blue streak, after another wide open ending to see what the hell is next. There I found a blog entry where Ms. Wilder answers the question: Why the "endings" on Gray Zone stories "suck". "Slices of life", "leave the option open"...ok, I can see that, now please tell me what I what I want to hear. Another entry, there! A prequel (Jericho, William and Vesh - yes, yes, YES!) AND a sequel (more Liam, Chris and Kevin) coming up THANK YOU!
July 11, 2018
Tho I was disappointed and frustrated with how book 1 ended and the lack of explanations, I persevered and tried book 2. It is important to say that tho it’s a series they can be read as stand-alone because they feature different MCs.
I honestly don’t know what I was expecting, well, I do know. I was expecting that the blurb was lying and I was going to get my answers from book 1, but nope. It’s a completely different story with no mention, whatsoever of the MCs from the previous book.
Let’s say I was not very happy. And this one didn’t impress me all that much, because I can barely remember it now that it’s been a month since I e read it. I’m still mad at the way Wilder made this series.
I honestly don’t know what I was expecting, well, I do know. I was expecting that the blurb was lying and I was going to get my answers from book 1, but nope. It’s a completely different story with no mention, whatsoever of the MCs from the previous book.
Let’s say I was not very happy. And this one didn’t impress me all that much, because I can barely remember it now that it’s been a month since I e read it. I’m still mad at the way Wilder made this series.
September 5, 2024
Ok I did Not realize this was #2 in a series so I am definitely going back to read #1 and the entire series thereafter. I just love the way Wilder weaves a story. This story has really fascinating and dynamic worldbuilding without being overly complicated and dedicating ages to setting up the story. I love that. Quick but heavy read. Feels like if ends on a potential hea. Im immediately going to jump back in.
February 6, 2013
I never - NEVER - thought I'd like a dragon story, but this one proved me wrong. I was just going to read a little bit yesterday, starting with the terminologies at the beginning (which, I admit, got me curious), but as soon as I started reading the actual story I couldn't put it down.
I guess what helped was that there was less emphases on the dragons (a paranormal species I find even less plausible than vampires, elves, mermaids, and werewolves - not saying ghosts because they DO exist ;)), and more on the impossible, nightmarish situation Liam and his brothers are in. Mostly Liam though, because he gets the physical and psychological pain as well as the complete humiliation and helplessness, while the others live in fear.
This story is darker than dark. Not only with the dystopian setting with everything in deterioration and lawlessness, but also the physical and psychological evidence in both Liam and Chris (one of the brothers) after the abuse Liam has taken. The abuse Liam has gone through over the past six years is absolutely horrible, to the point I felt like my skin was crawling off a few times, but the way the author managed to both create and infuse the conflict in the story (many times over!) was both infuriating and masterful.
I applaud the author for making Chris' scars come out as well, his fear, anger and regret over the sacrifices his older brother has made. It put even more depth into the story.
I'll admit that I enjoyed the parts about the dragons less. I feel that this story wasn't even about the dragons; it was a survival story of the brothers. Sure, I liked Jericho, but nowhere near as much as I liked and cared about Liam. I hope there's a sequel with the two, since I felt the ending between them wasn't wholly satisfying.
The title isn't gripping. I've had it on my Kindle for a very long time where it's always been overlooked by other, more gripping titles. The only reason I read this was because I had to read a dragon book for a challenge. The cover, however, is very gripping (but unfortunately I can't see the cover on my Kindle Touch).
ETA: This book is the second in the series. I had no idea! It works well as a first.
I guess what helped was that there was less emphases on the dragons (a paranormal species I find even less plausible than vampires, elves, mermaids, and werewolves - not saying ghosts because they DO exist ;)), and more on the impossible, nightmarish situation Liam and his brothers are in. Mostly Liam though, because he gets the physical and psychological pain as well as the complete humiliation and helplessness, while the others live in fear.
This story is darker than dark. Not only with the dystopian setting with everything in deterioration and lawlessness, but also the physical and psychological evidence in both Liam and Chris (one of the brothers) after the abuse Liam has taken. The abuse Liam has gone through over the past six years is absolutely horrible, to the point I felt like my skin was crawling off a few times, but the way the author managed to both create and infuse the conflict in the story (many times over!) was both infuriating and masterful.
I applaud the author for making Chris' scars come out as well, his fear, anger and regret over the sacrifices his older brother has made. It put even more depth into the story.
I'll admit that I enjoyed the parts about the dragons less. I feel that this story wasn't even about the dragons; it was a survival story of the brothers. Sure, I liked Jericho, but nowhere near as much as I liked and cared about Liam. I hope there's a sequel with the two, since I felt the ending between them wasn't wholly satisfying.
The title isn't gripping. I've had it on my Kindle for a very long time where it's always been overlooked by other, more gripping titles. The only reason I read this was because I had to read a dragon book for a challenge. The cover, however, is very gripping (but unfortunately I can't see the cover on my Kindle Touch).
ETA: This book is the second in the series. I had no idea! It works well as a first.
January 24, 2012
This was a dark book that touched on a lot of ugly topics. Topics of abuse and rape and desperation. But it also had strong themes of love and courage.
As a boy, Liam watched his beloved mother die of an aneurysm right in front of him. Vowing to protect his younger brothers, Liam put up with years of physical and sexual abuse from his stepfather even allowing his stepfather to sell his body. Not realizing that while he can protect his brothers from suffering physically, he can't protect them from hearing his screams. After meeting a lesser-bred (a Kin/human offspring), he is mesmerized by Jericho's inhuman beauty. For the first time he finds pleasure in sexual release instead of pain and shame.
When Liam's stepfather goes into enough debt that he sells Liam's brother, Liam is desperate to do whatever it takes to raise the money to pay off the debt and get his brother back.
I thought this was a very powerful book but I originally gave it only 3 stars because I was disappointed that this book did not help wrap up the story from To Adam With Love. I felt the first book ended with an HFN rather than a HEA and I was hoping that this book would tie up some of those loose ends. As I kept waiting for Adam and Ean to appear in this book and realized it wasn't happening, there was a measure of disappointment. As I wrote the review, however, I decided it was unfair to mark this book off for that fact and this book deserved 4 stars for its powerful and moving topics. I felt that this book also ended without a firm conclusion either but now I know not to expect a wrap up in the next book.
As a boy, Liam watched his beloved mother die of an aneurysm right in front of him. Vowing to protect his younger brothers, Liam put up with years of physical and sexual abuse from his stepfather even allowing his stepfather to sell his body. Not realizing that while he can protect his brothers from suffering physically, he can't protect them from hearing his screams. After meeting a lesser-bred (a Kin/human offspring), he is mesmerized by Jericho's inhuman beauty. For the first time he finds pleasure in sexual release instead of pain and shame.
When Liam's stepfather goes into enough debt that he sells Liam's brother, Liam is desperate to do whatever it takes to raise the money to pay off the debt and get his brother back.
I thought this was a very powerful book but I originally gave it only 3 stars because I was disappointed that this book did not help wrap up the story from To Adam With Love. I felt the first book ended with an HFN rather than a HEA and I was hoping that this book would tie up some of those loose ends. As I kept waiting for Adam and Ean to appear in this book and realized it wasn't happening, there was a measure of disappointment. As I wrote the review, however, I decided it was unfair to mark this book off for that fact and this book deserved 4 stars for its powerful and moving topics. I felt that this book also ended without a firm conclusion either but now I know not to expect a wrap up in the next book.
October 4, 2012
So, the story was fine. Based on the blurb, I wasn't sure I wanted to read it, but as I'd bought it, I did. It would be nice to actually follow a Lesser-Bred all the way through the Shift, and not just be told about it and stop the story a few days or weeks before.
This time the soon-to-Shift is Liam. He doesn't know about it (unlike Adam in the previous story). Although I thought there was a good opportunity to really explore the unknown side of finding out you're Lesser-Bred, this story rather glossed over it with the explanation of Liam is so scarred already, it just doesn't bother him like it should. I think I missed connecting emotionally with his character some because of his nonchalance about it. Granted he had bigger problems weighing on him in the form of trying to keep his step-father from selling his little brothers to pay off bad debts.
I'm going to call this 3.5 stars since this didn't get the emotion from me the first book did. (And you don't really need to read the previous book first or read them close together. The stories are not tied except by the alternate universe they're set in.)
That said... what was the point in mentioning either alchemy or Fairies at all? They exist. So what? And nothing more is said. Why did they need mentioning at all? What about the arenas in the glossary? What was the point since they didn't figure into this story?? I didn't take off any stars for this because it is irrelevant to this story, but it irked me a lot that they were mentioned at all. There was no point.
This time the soon-to-Shift is Liam. He doesn't know about it (unlike Adam in the previous story). Although I thought there was a good opportunity to really explore the unknown side of finding out you're Lesser-Bred, this story rather glossed over it with the explanation of Liam is so scarred already, it just doesn't bother him like it should. I think I missed connecting emotionally with his character some because of his nonchalance about it. Granted he had bigger problems weighing on him in the form of trying to keep his step-father from selling his little brothers to pay off bad debts.
I'm going to call this 3.5 stars since this didn't get the emotion from me the first book did. (And you don't really need to read the previous book first or read them close together. The stories are not tied except by the alternate universe they're set in.)
That said... what was the point in mentioning either alchemy or Fairies at all? They exist. So what? And nothing more is said. Why did they need mentioning at all? What about the arenas in the glossary? What was the point since they didn't figure into this story?? I didn't take off any stars for this because it is irrelevant to this story, but it irked me a lot that they were mentioned at all. There was no point.
October 4, 2015
Another great addition to the Gray Zone stories. It was difficult to wade through Liam's abuse and inability to defend himself in order to protect his younger brothers. It's a gritty, hard world in which he lives and the Kin and Lesser Breds are just more danger heaped on his overburdened shoulders. In the end, his situation is resolved with near tragedy but the reader gets a HFN.
So, where are the freakin' dragons? We've got a lot of telling about dragons and no showing of actual dragons. You know, the great big creatures with 40' wingspans, claws, teeth, and bad tempers. For me, this is huge hole and a disappointment. Why call them dragons at all?
So, where are the freakin' dragons? We've got a lot of telling about dragons and no showing of actual dragons. You know, the great big creatures with 40' wingspans, claws, teeth, and bad tempers. For me, this is huge hole and a disappointment. Why call them dragons at all?
June 15, 2012
Very good paranormal m/m romance about a guy who puts himself between his stepfather and his younger brothers to keep them safe. Then he meets a Lesser-Bred and, for the first time, wants something for himself.
February 2, 2016
A story of brotherly love and the sacrifice one brother is prepared to make to protect his brothers against the true monsters of society - humans.
September 30, 2012
4.5 stars but man the first 60 pages hurt to read about. The last 30 were Worth it!
May 26, 2019
This book is amazing
This book is on par with Laurel K Hamilton. This is as good as True Blood, better in a lot of ways. The editing is nearly flawless. The characters, the world building, and the storyline had me on the edge of my seat. The plot was focused and cohesive. It's gritty and dark and dirty. It straddles the line between urban fantasy and horror beautifully. The letter to the readers in the beginning is eloquent and respectful. It warns about the nature of the story in a way that is mature without giving away the contents of the book. I looked and it was published before the series AW is currently working on.
So what happened the quality of the newer books? This book sets the standard. I just wish Bound Gods met it.
This book is on par with Laurel K Hamilton. This is as good as True Blood, better in a lot of ways. The editing is nearly flawless. The characters, the world building, and the storyline had me on the edge of my seat. The plot was focused and cohesive. It's gritty and dark and dirty. It straddles the line between urban fantasy and horror beautifully. The letter to the readers in the beginning is eloquent and respectful. It warns about the nature of the story in a way that is mature without giving away the contents of the book. I looked and it was published before the series AW is currently working on.
So what happened the quality of the newer books? This book sets the standard. I just wish Bound Gods met it.
June 6, 2020
Okay, big spoilers so skip past this if you have read it yet.
Hmm... this book was pretty similar to the first book. It ends abruptly. Not only does it end abruptly but there’s a speed bump right before then where we get a flash of the future first and then a disappointing ending where we get very little closure. The first book had a similarly disappointing ending.
Is there a reason that we don’t get to experience their becoming? Why don’t we get to see the interaction of the Males helping them become? Each book I’ve waited for that part and it never comes. Grrr. Is the author avoiding crossing the line into threesomes? Is the becoming just too gross to write about? Or was the author pressed for time or ran way past their word limit?
I’m baffled.
Hmm... this book was pretty similar to the first book. It ends abruptly. Not only does it end abruptly but there’s a speed bump right before then where we get a flash of the future first and then a disappointing ending where we get very little closure. The first book had a similarly disappointing ending.
Is there a reason that we don’t get to experience their becoming? Why don’t we get to see the interaction of the Males helping them become? Each book I’ve waited for that part and it never comes. Grrr. Is the author avoiding crossing the line into threesomes? Is the becoming just too gross to write about? Or was the author pressed for time or ran way past their word limit?
I’m baffled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2012
It's a Mad Bad Crazy World
There's nothing Liam wouldn't do, nothing he hasn't done to protect and care for his two younger brothers. His stepfather is a drunk, sadistic bastard and Liam is all that stands between him and the tattered remnants of their innocence. His own he traded to insure Chris and Kevin keep theirs as long as they can.
Liam does what he can to assure his brothers don't hear, even as his screams echo in the shadows along the broken streets of the Gray Zone. He's been brutally raped, beaten, cut, burned...his body sold over and over to feed his stepfather's perverse hungers and seed his vices. He's been used and abused by sick, brutal men. And he'll keep taking it, knowingly, for as long and as often as it takes to keep Chris and Kevin safe.
It's not like there are a lot of choices in the Gray Zone, that colorless, hopeless strip that's stuck between the shimmering lies that humanity still tells itself and the gritty darkness of the Dens of the Kin, more honest but infinitely more dangerous. It's not a happy life, it's sure as hell not a good life, but it is life.
The night Liam first sees the Lesser-Bred Jericho is the first time he feels a spark of sexual need and hunger. What he can't fathom, what makes no sense to him whatsoever, is how Jericho looks at him. Not like he's a freak, scarred and ugly, or that he's dirty and over-used, shattered and alone, though Liam knows he's all those things. But with an unearthly beauty, Jericho stares at him as if he's...precious, special, and deeply, deeply desired.
It's a gift Liam doesn't trust but once felt, can't escape, and it hearkens a change that will alter every aspect of the desiccated life Liam is struggling to live. It will change...everything. And in so doing, will threaten the two children Liam has worked so damned hard to protect.
~*~
There's something about this series that just levels me. In fact, I hadn't actually planned on reading this book after the first left me feeling so shaken and disturbed. I like dark fiction well enough, but this series goes beyond such tepid terminology. It's a gut-clenching, brutal peregrination through a land stripped of anything recognizable as humanity, desiccated, devastating. Horrifying.
And then there are characters like Liam. His unwavering concern for Chris and Kevin and the conscientious care he provides them in the face of the wretchedness of their home life made for some truly captivating reading. I fell in love with him and his siblings, felt every ache and pain that the trio suffered throughout the book, every bloody, caustic wound inflicted.
Liam's life in the Gray Zone leading up to his becoming is the driving force of the plot, and it is so damn heartrending. The nightmare he endures to protect the brothers he loves is inconceivable, and the layers of betrayal he faces are enough to leave grown men blithering like idiots. How his heart and soul stayed as pure as it did is a mystery, but it made for some damn compelling storytelling as the tension and unrelenting sense of impending doom grew larger and larger.
I love the world that Wilder has created for this series. It's gritty, deadly even, but brilliantly imaginative. The Kin, a dragon race that serves as the impetus behind the existence of the Gray Zone in Atlanta, hasn't had an active role in the series to date, but their Lesser-Bred children have been more than enough to carry the series so far.
Make no mistake, the Kin aren't human in thought or deed, and neither are the Lesser-Bred once they've transitioned. They feed on sex, blood, and flesh. Period. Their needs and their habits are often...uncomfortable when viewed through lenses colored with human sensibilities and morality.
On the other hand, children are valued highly by Kin. They don't smell of sex, so they are not used for sex, and they are never victimized by Kin or Lesser-Bred. Ask Liam how he feels about that particular fact. Holding that up against the life Liam has been forced to lead, and I can't help but feel the monsters of this series aren't the ones with scales. The dichotomy makes for a powerful and intriguing theme that's being threaded through the series.
This isn't a series for the faint of heart, and it's not one I'd recommend for romance-only fans. Though the it's listed as M/M romance, I disagree with that categorization. Dark urban fantasy, yes. Very, very dark. There's a lot of sex (warning: not all of it consensual), but this book has even less "romance" than its predecessor, and neither book ends in anything resembling a Happily Ever After for its main characters. It's just not that sort of world.
Frankly, I'm utterly and completely addicted to it. The writing is strong, the world is complex and the characters reach in and claw out a nest for themselves in my heart. At this point, I can't not read it. I can't wait to see what Wilder comes up with next, even though I'm fairly confident I'll feel nearly gutted and disturbed by parts, if not all of it. Personally, I'd like a closer view of the Kin than we've gotten so far, but whatever story it is, I'm in. I'm absolutely all in.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Dreamspinner Press via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
There's nothing Liam wouldn't do, nothing he hasn't done to protect and care for his two younger brothers. His stepfather is a drunk, sadistic bastard and Liam is all that stands between him and the tattered remnants of their innocence. His own he traded to insure Chris and Kevin keep theirs as long as they can.
Liam does what he can to assure his brothers don't hear, even as his screams echo in the shadows along the broken streets of the Gray Zone. He's been brutally raped, beaten, cut, burned...his body sold over and over to feed his stepfather's perverse hungers and seed his vices. He's been used and abused by sick, brutal men. And he'll keep taking it, knowingly, for as long and as often as it takes to keep Chris and Kevin safe.
It's not like there are a lot of choices in the Gray Zone, that colorless, hopeless strip that's stuck between the shimmering lies that humanity still tells itself and the gritty darkness of the Dens of the Kin, more honest but infinitely more dangerous. It's not a happy life, it's sure as hell not a good life, but it is life.
The night Liam first sees the Lesser-Bred Jericho is the first time he feels a spark of sexual need and hunger. What he can't fathom, what makes no sense to him whatsoever, is how Jericho looks at him. Not like he's a freak, scarred and ugly, or that he's dirty and over-used, shattered and alone, though Liam knows he's all those things. But with an unearthly beauty, Jericho stares at him as if he's...precious, special, and deeply, deeply desired.
It's a gift Liam doesn't trust but once felt, can't escape, and it hearkens a change that will alter every aspect of the desiccated life Liam is struggling to live. It will change...everything. And in so doing, will threaten the two children Liam has worked so damned hard to protect.
~*~
There's something about this series that just levels me. In fact, I hadn't actually planned on reading this book after the first left me feeling so shaken and disturbed. I like dark fiction well enough, but this series goes beyond such tepid terminology. It's a gut-clenching, brutal peregrination through a land stripped of anything recognizable as humanity, desiccated, devastating. Horrifying.
And then there are characters like Liam. His unwavering concern for Chris and Kevin and the conscientious care he provides them in the face of the wretchedness of their home life made for some truly captivating reading. I fell in love with him and his siblings, felt every ache and pain that the trio suffered throughout the book, every bloody, caustic wound inflicted.
Liam's life in the Gray Zone leading up to his becoming is the driving force of the plot, and it is so damn heartrending. The nightmare he endures to protect the brothers he loves is inconceivable, and the layers of betrayal he faces are enough to leave grown men blithering like idiots. How his heart and soul stayed as pure as it did is a mystery, but it made for some damn compelling storytelling as the tension and unrelenting sense of impending doom grew larger and larger.
I love the world that Wilder has created for this series. It's gritty, deadly even, but brilliantly imaginative. The Kin, a dragon race that serves as the impetus behind the existence of the Gray Zone in Atlanta, hasn't had an active role in the series to date, but their Lesser-Bred children have been more than enough to carry the series so far.
Make no mistake, the Kin aren't human in thought or deed, and neither are the Lesser-Bred once they've transitioned. They feed on sex, blood, and flesh. Period. Their needs and their habits are often...uncomfortable when viewed through lenses colored with human sensibilities and morality.
On the other hand, children are valued highly by Kin. They don't smell of sex, so they are not used for sex, and they are never victimized by Kin or Lesser-Bred. Ask Liam how he feels about that particular fact. Holding that up against the life Liam has been forced to lead, and I can't help but feel the monsters of this series aren't the ones with scales. The dichotomy makes for a powerful and intriguing theme that's being threaded through the series.
This isn't a series for the faint of heart, and it's not one I'd recommend for romance-only fans. Though the it's listed as M/M romance, I disagree with that categorization. Dark urban fantasy, yes. Very, very dark. There's a lot of sex (warning: not all of it consensual), but this book has even less "romance" than its predecessor, and neither book ends in anything resembling a Happily Ever After for its main characters. It's just not that sort of world.
Frankly, I'm utterly and completely addicted to it. The writing is strong, the world is complex and the characters reach in and claw out a nest for themselves in my heart. At this point, I can't not read it. I can't wait to see what Wilder comes up with next, even though I'm fairly confident I'll feel nearly gutted and disturbed by parts, if not all of it. Personally, I'd like a closer view of the Kin than we've gotten so far, but whatever story it is, I'm in. I'm absolutely all in.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Dreamspinner Press via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
June 30, 2017
3.5 stars as it just ended :( I wanted to know what happens with Kevin, you get a feeling that he is kind of locked maybe in his mind, I don't know. I would have loved to see them settling into their new home and the boys finally feeling safe. It was almost like an entire chapter was missing. I also wanted to hear "I love you". I do love this series & the world they are living in. The life that Liam went through broke my heart. He was willing to do anything to protect his brothers.
December 26, 2017
Worth
This story brings brotherly love to a whole new level. What Liam endures in or to protect his brothers is insane. The world the author has created is intricate and fully realized.
Liam is a troubled kid with problems bigger than what any kid should have to deal with, but after meeting Jericho his trouble may be behind him. Or are they only beginning?
This story brings brotherly love to a whole new level. What Liam endures in or to protect his brothers is insane. The world the author has created is intricate and fully realized.
Liam is a troubled kid with problems bigger than what any kid should have to deal with, but after meeting Jericho his trouble may be behind him. Or are they only beginning?
December 28, 2018
This story was sad dark the writer did the story justice tho. I was right there with the characters worried crying there was no happiness in these characters lives just survival. I am glad the ending was happy.
June 16, 2017
I want more
I really enjoyed this book.I want to hear more stories about this world full of Kin and Lesser bred. I recommend it.
I really enjoyed this book.I want to hear more stories about this world full of Kin and Lesser bred. I recommend it.
June 4, 2018
Brilliant
A fascinating book and a great start to the series can’t wait to read more. Couldn’t put it down and I’ve never read anything like it before
A fascinating book and a great start to the series can’t wait to read more. Couldn’t put it down and I’ve never read anything like it before
June 25, 2018
2.5 stars
September 5, 2024
Whoaaaa.
This author can weave a story without getting all complicated over worldbuilding. The story is dynamic and the theme is heavy but it's enjoyable and interesting. Just yess
This author can weave a story without getting all complicated over worldbuilding. The story is dynamic and the theme is heavy but it's enjoyable and interesting. Just yess
March 18, 2017
Love this fantasy series. World building incredible. m/m
January 18, 2012
Oh, what a beautiful world! Well, I mean, beautifully built more then beautiful in itself, it's sort of a depressing and yet fascinating world. I'm rambling, sorry. Ok, so let's be methodical.
This is book #2 in a series called Gray Zone, and I haven't read book #1 (ofc, I seem to do this a lot...), but I didn't really feel like I was denied any relevant info because of that. I really appreciated the glossary of terms and short presentation of the world at the beginning of the novel, to me that made this read as much a stand alone as it is a part of a series; of course, it's that type of series that tells us about different characters within the same world or universe or whatever you'd like to call it. And what a wonderfully imaginative world!
I'm a great fan of dragons myself, so these beautiful creatures the author has created, this whole social order (or lack thereof in some areas) is totally fascinating to me.
Liam, Chris and Kevin took my heart by storm, I ached for them. One thing that's clear though is this is a very mature read, and not just because there's some one on one action going on, but because of the brutal life these characters lead, because of the nature of the world they inhabit. And Liam gets to sample all the brutality of it, all the ugliness of it; and yet he keeps a beautifully loving heart, he's a mother hen for his younger brothers and he's willing to bear whatever in order to keep them safe, in order to protect them and offer them as much of a good life as he can manage.
It was almost emotionally draining to witness Liam's life, I couldn't read this book all in one go, I felt the need to take breathers now and then, it just got to feel like too much at times. At the same time, fiction as it may be, I kept thinking about these cases I've learned of, real-life stories that resembled so much his story that it sent me reeling. I find it interesting that when met in fiction-clad form, the brutality of the human being is shocking, and yet we learn of all these real cases and we just cruise by them on a day to day basis. Funny how ours minds work, huh? Anyways, back to the book.
The characters were, in my opinion, amazing, and here's why: there was nothing like posing about them, they didn't feel built or put together as it sometimes happens with characters going through dramatic situations, they felt so incredibly real and natural, truly vivid. Their reactions, their feelings, everything - absolutely natural, real. Of course that seems to work for and against the reading experience, in the fact that it always seems easier to go through dramatic happenings with a character that feels a bit made up, you know? It's like an intense but not uncomfortable exercise of the imagination, whereas a really good character doesn't feel like a character at all but like one of your friends, so going through really bad stuff with them isn't quite as easy.
The plot was interesting and eventful without becoming actually overwhelming until nearer the end, where there was this really intense scene that made me hold my breath, I was like "Oh nooooooo!!!", but thankfully for my heart it got resolved in a reasonably short time :D
If you'll approach this as a smutty read, you'll be very surprised and I mean very. I will confess it turned out to have substantially more punch to it then I expected as well, and I was extremely pleased with that. Of course, it's a predictable reaction on my part, all my favorite reads revolve around really dramatic situations and stories.
So to sum it all up, if you're not iffy about dramatic stories with violent content, I say give this a try, it's somewhat brutal but beautiful as well, because it's about human nature, true human nature in all it's raw glory.
This is book #2 in a series called Gray Zone, and I haven't read book #1 (ofc, I seem to do this a lot...), but I didn't really feel like I was denied any relevant info because of that. I really appreciated the glossary of terms and short presentation of the world at the beginning of the novel, to me that made this read as much a stand alone as it is a part of a series; of course, it's that type of series that tells us about different characters within the same world or universe or whatever you'd like to call it. And what a wonderfully imaginative world!
I'm a great fan of dragons myself, so these beautiful creatures the author has created, this whole social order (or lack thereof in some areas) is totally fascinating to me.
Liam, Chris and Kevin took my heart by storm, I ached for them. One thing that's clear though is this is a very mature read, and not just because there's some one on one action going on, but because of the brutal life these characters lead, because of the nature of the world they inhabit. And Liam gets to sample all the brutality of it, all the ugliness of it; and yet he keeps a beautifully loving heart, he's a mother hen for his younger brothers and he's willing to bear whatever in order to keep them safe, in order to protect them and offer them as much of a good life as he can manage.
It was almost emotionally draining to witness Liam's life, I couldn't read this book all in one go, I felt the need to take breathers now and then, it just got to feel like too much at times. At the same time, fiction as it may be, I kept thinking about these cases I've learned of, real-life stories that resembled so much his story that it sent me reeling. I find it interesting that when met in fiction-clad form, the brutality of the human being is shocking, and yet we learn of all these real cases and we just cruise by them on a day to day basis. Funny how ours minds work, huh? Anyways, back to the book.
The characters were, in my opinion, amazing, and here's why: there was nothing like posing about them, they didn't feel built or put together as it sometimes happens with characters going through dramatic situations, they felt so incredibly real and natural, truly vivid. Their reactions, their feelings, everything - absolutely natural, real. Of course that seems to work for and against the reading experience, in the fact that it always seems easier to go through dramatic happenings with a character that feels a bit made up, you know? It's like an intense but not uncomfortable exercise of the imagination, whereas a really good character doesn't feel like a character at all but like one of your friends, so going through really bad stuff with them isn't quite as easy.
The plot was interesting and eventful without becoming actually overwhelming until nearer the end, where there was this really intense scene that made me hold my breath, I was like "Oh nooooooo!!!", but thankfully for my heart it got resolved in a reasonably short time :D
If you'll approach this as a smutty read, you'll be very surprised and I mean very. I will confess it turned out to have substantially more punch to it then I expected as well, and I was extremely pleased with that. Of course, it's a predictable reaction on my part, all my favorite reads revolve around really dramatic situations and stories.
So to sum it all up, if you're not iffy about dramatic stories with violent content, I say give this a try, it's somewhat brutal but beautiful as well, because it's about human nature, true human nature in all it's raw glory.
April 29, 2012
Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
Kin and Lesser-bred have no desire to be human, but they have no problem sleeping with them.
The entire concept of Lesser-Bred and Kin grabbed me. I wanted to learn more about these unique creatures and their way of living.
Liam had few good memories in his life, yet he still managed to find the strength to survive. This determination for survival was mostly due to his two younger brothers, Chris and Kevin. Liam’s drive to protect his brothers no matter the cost to himself was inspirational and touching. He was a character I immediately sympathized with because of all of the abuse he received throughout his life. His story is one of triumph over ones situation no matter the abuse and obstacles faced. Liam's inner strength and protective nature toward those he cared about immediately drew me to his story and captivated me from beginning to end.
Jericho’s mysterious nature made me want to learn more about him, as well. I would have liked to have read more about Jericho’s kind. While the mystery of Jericho initially interested me I was disappointed how even in the end I didn’t know much about him. His counterpart, Liam was an open book to me so I really connected with him right away. With Jericho there was a bit of a disconnect. I was able to get to know him on the surface but I would have preferred a deeper connection.
This story, while captivating, had some parts that may be a bit difficult for some readers to handle. There's a pretty rough forced sex scene that isn't for the faint at heart. There are also references to pedophilia, sex trade, as well as numerous violent acts towards the main characters as well as a few secondary characters. I will say these acts, while sometimes difficult to read, helped me to understand the hurdles Liam and Jericho overcome. Their perseverance made me cheer that much more for their happily-ever-after. Also the characters were never anything but loving and affectionate towards one another.
The author makes it clear at the very beginning these are not humans and they do not wish to be human. Because I was so interested in the concept, more information about them would have been helpful. In addition, I thought because these are dragons and half breeds (dragon and human mix) I would see a bit more dragons or dragon shifters in dragon form.
In the end, I would love to see sequels to this series involving not only the main characters but also the secondary characters within the series, especially the two younger brothers. I think the author definitely has a winner in this series.
Kin and Lesser-bred have no desire to be human, but they have no problem sleeping with them.
The entire concept of Lesser-Bred and Kin grabbed me. I wanted to learn more about these unique creatures and their way of living.
Liam had few good memories in his life, yet he still managed to find the strength to survive. This determination for survival was mostly due to his two younger brothers, Chris and Kevin. Liam’s drive to protect his brothers no matter the cost to himself was inspirational and touching. He was a character I immediately sympathized with because of all of the abuse he received throughout his life. His story is one of triumph over ones situation no matter the abuse and obstacles faced. Liam's inner strength and protective nature toward those he cared about immediately drew me to his story and captivated me from beginning to end.
Jericho’s mysterious nature made me want to learn more about him, as well. I would have liked to have read more about Jericho’s kind. While the mystery of Jericho initially interested me I was disappointed how even in the end I didn’t know much about him. His counterpart, Liam was an open book to me so I really connected with him right away. With Jericho there was a bit of a disconnect. I was able to get to know him on the surface but I would have preferred a deeper connection.
This story, while captivating, had some parts that may be a bit difficult for some readers to handle. There's a pretty rough forced sex scene that isn't for the faint at heart. There are also references to pedophilia, sex trade, as well as numerous violent acts towards the main characters as well as a few secondary characters. I will say these acts, while sometimes difficult to read, helped me to understand the hurdles Liam and Jericho overcome. Their perseverance made me cheer that much more for their happily-ever-after. Also the characters were never anything but loving and affectionate towards one another.
The author makes it clear at the very beginning these are not humans and they do not wish to be human. Because I was so interested in the concept, more information about them would have been helpful. In addition, I thought because these are dragons and half breeds (dragon and human mix) I would see a bit more dragons or dragon shifters in dragon form.
In the end, I would love to see sequels to this series involving not only the main characters but also the secondary characters within the series, especially the two younger brothers. I think the author definitely has a winner in this series.
February 17, 2012
Overall
Although I really enjoyed this story, and love broken characters (plus abused rent boy!), this story didn't quite earn a 5-star rating. I'm not sure exactly what is keeping it from reaching that point, as I can't really think of anything really negative about it. It has good writing, a good story, interesting plot and characters and a fun world, but I still don't feel like it's a 5-star book. Maybe I'm in a blase mood, maybe the characters weren't new/creative enough. Still, a good book, definitely worth picking up.
Strengths
Liam is horribly, horribly abused by his step-father and his johns, is struggling to protect his brothers, and works his butt off so that the boys have all that they need. He's not a weak character, just exhausted and trying to continue to fight to survive while being a little broken emotionally. This pushed all kinds of lovely buttons for me and it was well handled; nothing was described too gruesomely but it didn't ignore the horrors that he's endured. Liam is a lovely character and his struggle is beautiful.
While the plot was more predictable than the first, I still enjoyed watching it unfold. Like a play you've seen before, knowing what happens doesn't make the characters' performances any less interesting. And with Liam in the center, there are plenty of interesting actors on this stage.
I liked how certain elements of the Kin world were handled in this story better than how they were handled in the first. Whether the author assumed people would be reading this book second and would recall from the first novel, or just didn't want to focus as heavily on those aspects, the more pared down descriptions worked well.
Weaknesses
This still suffers from having a glossary in the front. In addition, there seemed to be even more words defined, while not that many additional concepts were used. While it's easy to skip over this, it's hard for the reader to know if anything important is going to be missed by doing that. In this case, I didn't feel like reading the glossary was too advantageous, as the narrator knows very little about Kin society and anything the reader would need to know is explained in the story.
Plot was somewhat predictable, although this didn't damage it's enjoyment much.
Requested this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
Although I really enjoyed this story, and love broken characters (plus abused rent boy!), this story didn't quite earn a 5-star rating. I'm not sure exactly what is keeping it from reaching that point, as I can't really think of anything really negative about it. It has good writing, a good story, interesting plot and characters and a fun world, but I still don't feel like it's a 5-star book. Maybe I'm in a blase mood, maybe the characters weren't new/creative enough. Still, a good book, definitely worth picking up.
Strengths
Liam is horribly, horribly abused by his step-father and his johns, is struggling to protect his brothers, and works his butt off so that the boys have all that they need. He's not a weak character, just exhausted and trying to continue to fight to survive while being a little broken emotionally. This pushed all kinds of lovely buttons for me and it was well handled; nothing was described too gruesomely but it didn't ignore the horrors that he's endured. Liam is a lovely character and his struggle is beautiful.
While the plot was more predictable than the first, I still enjoyed watching it unfold. Like a play you've seen before, knowing what happens doesn't make the characters' performances any less interesting. And with Liam in the center, there are plenty of interesting actors on this stage.
I liked how certain elements of the Kin world were handled in this story better than how they were handled in the first. Whether the author assumed people would be reading this book second and would recall from the first novel, or just didn't want to focus as heavily on those aspects, the more pared down descriptions worked well.
Weaknesses
This still suffers from having a glossary in the front. In addition, there seemed to be even more words defined, while not that many additional concepts were used. While it's easy to skip over this, it's hard for the reader to know if anything important is going to be missed by doing that. In this case, I didn't feel like reading the glossary was too advantageous, as the narrator knows very little about Kin society and anything the reader would need to know is explained in the story.
Plot was somewhat predictable, although this didn't damage it's enjoyment much.
Requested this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
February 17, 2012
Are we ever going to learn more about these Dragons? These Kin? In this new story, we learn about them more from the glossary in the beginning of the book than in the story itself. Where these dragons come from, we don't know. We do learn how the human laws are unfair and discriminate against those who are kin. Liam is a human, or so he thinks. He's a young boy doing his best to protect his two younger brothers from their father. Even though they are only half brothers, Liam loves and protects them better than anyone.
I have to state, this book is probably the most depressing book I've read so far this year. Since I'm already well over 130 books, this is saying a lot. This book is depressing because the amount of abuse Liam goes through is just inhumane. His stepfather is a son of a bitch who needs to be killed. Anyone who tortures and rapes a young boy just needs to be killed. That's not all, Liam is also sold to other men who torture and rape him. I can not abide by this type of abuse. My heart bleeds for Liam. Half way through the book I almost gave up because the sheer amount of pain visited on Liam was too much for me to bear. Unlike sexual non-con torture which is a turn on for me, this was just cruel sadistic abuse of a child. There should be a special place in hell for men like Liam's step father. Based on Liam's life, I'm thinking being eaten by a Kin at this point would be less painful.
Fortunately for Liam, he turns out to be a lesser. Meeting up with Jericho is the best thing that ever happened. From this point on, Liam has a chance to actually move on. Through Jericho we get glimpses of this elusive Dragon Kin society. I'm hooked. I want to learn more. I want to finally read a book where the main character is a Kin. Better yet, will we learn about the Queen? Just as the story is getting good where Jericho and Liam are coming together, it ends. I screamed in outrage. I'm left hanging, hoping to learn more about the Kin who saved Liam. I want to know how it turns out for Liam after his becoming. This book is recommended for m/m lovers who can handle a painful history visited upon the main character.
*Review Copy from http://www.netgalley.com/*
I have to state, this book is probably the most depressing book I've read so far this year. Since I'm already well over 130 books, this is saying a lot. This book is depressing because the amount of abuse Liam goes through is just inhumane. His stepfather is a son of a bitch who needs to be killed. Anyone who tortures and rapes a young boy just needs to be killed. That's not all, Liam is also sold to other men who torture and rape him. I can not abide by this type of abuse. My heart bleeds for Liam. Half way through the book I almost gave up because the sheer amount of pain visited on Liam was too much for me to bear. Unlike sexual non-con torture which is a turn on for me, this was just cruel sadistic abuse of a child. There should be a special place in hell for men like Liam's step father. Based on Liam's life, I'm thinking being eaten by a Kin at this point would be less painful.
Fortunately for Liam, he turns out to be a lesser. Meeting up with Jericho is the best thing that ever happened. From this point on, Liam has a chance to actually move on. Through Jericho we get glimpses of this elusive Dragon Kin society. I'm hooked. I want to learn more. I want to finally read a book where the main character is a Kin. Better yet, will we learn about the Queen? Just as the story is getting good where Jericho and Liam are coming together, it ends. I screamed in outrage. I'm left hanging, hoping to learn more about the Kin who saved Liam. I want to know how it turns out for Liam after his becoming. This book is recommended for m/m lovers who can handle a painful history visited upon the main character.
*Review Copy from http://www.netgalley.com/*
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