Char

by T. Strange

Genres: Anthologies, Romance, Fantasy

ebook

Published January 1, 2016

About the author

T. Strange didn't want to learn how to read, but literacy prevailed and she hasn't stopped reading—or writing—since. She's been published since 2013, and she writes M/M romance in multiple genres, including paranormal and BDSM. T.'s other interests include cross stitching, gardening, watching terrible horror movies, playing video games, and finding injured pigeons to rescue. Originally from White Rock, BC, she lives on the Canadian prairies, where she shares her home with her wife, cats, guinea pigs and other creatures of all shapes and sizes. She's very easy to bribe with free food and drinks—especially wine.

She can be found on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr; or you can email her: author.t.strange at gmail.com

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Char is a very classical retelling of Cinderella with all the magic you expect from a traditional fairy tale. It was too short to flesh out the characters, especially the prince, completely. But, it's told so fairy tale-ish that it was easily forgivable.

The writing is sweet and lyrical and the whole thing left me feeling hugged when I was done.

[A.M. Leibowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is short enough to be read in a single sitting, and it’s as sweet as the concept implies.

I always love a good retold fairy tale, and Cinderella happens to be one of my favorites because it’s so versatile. It translates well to a variety of settings. I’m especially pleased to find good reimaginings with LGBTQ+ characters and situations. What makes fairy tales ideal is that they can do exactly what Char does: make the story, not the LGBTQ+ themes, central.

All around, this is a simply lovely story. Char himself is plucky and irresistible, observant of the world around him and so full of love it spills over into his baking. Raoul is an excellent foil with his temperamental jealousy and his desire for accolades rather than friendship or love. It’s very well-written, which is no surprise given what I’ve come to expect from the author.

I’m also always on the lookout for good stories featuring diverse characters I can share with my kids. I read this first, then I read it out loud to my kids. There are a couple (and by that I mean literally two) words I probably would have censored if I were reading it to a five-year-old. However, my kids are 10 and 12, so I felt no need to alter the text for them. Parents should preview, but I would not have hesitated to share this with them even at younger ages. It’s absolutely no different from fairy tales with heterosexual characters and romance.

I’ve included my kids’ reviews, but they contain spoilers.

He: I liked the part where Raoul got so frustrated he left the kingdom. Also, Char bakes way better than I do, but I’m not that great at baking. I liked when they got their daughter from the rotting turnips. That was awesome.

She: I liked that there wasn’t a fancy dress, like every other Cinderella story. Cake is better than dresses. I liked when they adopted their baby, but I think there’s more to life than husbands, babies, and baking.

This one has it all: terrific writing, a story for all ages, and a sweet happy-ever-after.

[Shira Glassman · Rating 4 out of 5]

You could read this one to your kids. This cute m/m short has that classic children's fairy tale trope of people falling in love because the author said so, but since that just makes it like every straight kiddie fairy tale, that shouldn't be a problem if you approach it the way you ordinarily approach those. The story itself is adorable--a kitchen foundling who grows up to be an almost magically gifted chef, sneaking around in the kitchen making the Best Desserts Ever when nobody is watching. He dodges the malicious jealousy of his superiors while falling in love with the prince from afar.

(& hello from my own princess/palace chef books!)

[Nicki Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Char is an interesting re-telling of the Cinderella story, with a baking theme. A fun little read that kept me turning the pages. 4.5 stars

[Tailtiu]

Part of the Myths & Fables Anthology.

[Andrea Goodell · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is one of those authors I've been meaning to read but never got around to. Shame on me!
So when I saw that she was given ARC's away I jumped, and was awarded one. YIPPEEE!

This twist on a classic fairy tale is not like anything you've read before. This baby was left, and brought up, not loved but not abused. Just lived. But he kept to the shadows and learned. That knowledge will serve him well.

What always amazes me when an author can spin a magical tale in just a few pages. We get all the emotion of the child, Char, growing up. The sights, smells, sounds of the castle. The feeling everyone has during the entire tale.
And when Char is an adult and finding his path, helping others finding theirs. You get sucked in, all the way in and along until the HEA.