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An Austrian March
Klemens Reinstadler is a passionate musician, with a focus on piano and violin. Music has been the focus of his life since his birth in Austria. To further his musical prowess, his parents allowed him to travel to the school of Julliard in America where his love of music flourished. Nearing the end of his junior year, the head insists on an end of the year performance from Klemens, and the Austrian is beyond prepared to accept. That is, until the head insists he take on a German transfer student, with little knowledge of the English language, but with a well-known talent for singing. Klemens, suddenly pressured with the unknown prospects of a duet, a concert, and the mysterious Dominik Engel, must learn more than just how to play a new score. At the end of it all, music isn’t just about the notes.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
530 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Hubbard
7 books23 followersAlyssa Hubbard’s poetry and short stories have been featured in a number of literary magazines, such as Crack the Spine, scissors & spackle, The Highlander, among others. She was born and raised in a small town in Alabama, and received a BA in English from the University of Alabama. Alyssa spends most of her time gaming, reading, writing, and re-writing. She loves blogging and singing in public.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 28, 2017
Klemens Reinstadler is used to being alone. It is part of his nature. So when he is forced to help a German foreign transfer student, Dominik Engel, he is less than pleased. But Dominik has a voice, and body, of an angel, and Klemens finds himself falling for the strange, taciturn, German.
I love books with foreign characters in them. I liked seeing our culture reflected thru their eyes, and I enjoy learning more about the culture and society that they were brought up in. That is pretty much why I decided to pick up this book. That and I like books about music.
However, this one was just too...flat. The way it was told, thru Klemens' narration was very monotone, and I had to keep intense focus on the story or else i would find myself drifting off into sleep. All emotions read the same. Anger, sadness, hate, lust, love--all of them barely came off the page. Maybe this is a byproduct of how Klemens was written, with him as a very staid Austrian, but even the emotions he was feeling never translated from the book to me.
It didn't help that there were several parts that either kept repeating the same info (that was given only three paragraphs before) or were inconsistent with what had been said/happening in the story previously. Like why would Klemens carry around a violin (for months) that he never used? Or when it mentioned that Dominik could now play the violin, when he had actually been learning to play the piano.
Despite the great premise, this book never connected with me. It dragged on, for far too long, and what should have been a quick read was a real struggle to get thru. These characters never really talk, but we are expected to believe they fell in love. Too much of the story is stuck in Klemens' head. He waxes poetic about everything, at it was just too much for me.
2.5 stars
I was provided a copy of this book as part of the M/M Romance Group's DBML program on GoodReads in exchange for an honest review.
I love books with foreign characters in them. I liked seeing our culture reflected thru their eyes, and I enjoy learning more about the culture and society that they were brought up in. That is pretty much why I decided to pick up this book. That and I like books about music.
However, this one was just too...flat. The way it was told, thru Klemens' narration was very monotone, and I had to keep intense focus on the story or else i would find myself drifting off into sleep. All emotions read the same. Anger, sadness, hate, lust, love--all of them barely came off the page. Maybe this is a byproduct of how Klemens was written, with him as a very staid Austrian, but even the emotions he was feeling never translated from the book to me.
It didn't help that there were several parts that either kept repeating the same info (that was given only three paragraphs before) or were inconsistent with what had been said/happening in the story previously. Like why would Klemens carry around a violin (for months) that he never used? Or when it mentioned that Dominik could now play the violin, when he had actually been learning to play the piano.
Despite the great premise, this book never connected with me. It dragged on, for far too long, and what should have been a quick read was a real struggle to get thru. These characters never really talk, but we are expected to believe they fell in love. Too much of the story is stuck in Klemens' head. He waxes poetic about everything, at it was just too much for me.
2.5 stars
I was provided a copy of this book as part of the M/M Romance Group's DBML program on GoodReads in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Here's a tale of two lonely, pitiful souls who long for affection. Klemens was a pianist from Austria who had grown used to performing solo until he was forced to duet with Dominik, a German singer. While reluctant at first, Klemens accepts his fate and the daily practices with his new partner.
This story's a bit hard to describe because the plot's very monotonous. It relied on the characters to carry the narrative, but that did not work for me. Klemens was snobbish, egotistical, and obsessively aloof (and he wonders why he's alone…). While I understood the intention of his character, I found it painful. The first person narrative from his view (given his haughty nature) made me want scream. Dominik was more bearable in comparison, but that's probably because his view was never presented and he barely has a presence in the first half the story. Klemens likens him to an ethereal presence and it was fitting, he never really felt solid to me.
I was honestly surprised their relationship progressed the way it did. There didn't seem to be any chemistry between the two. They didn't like each other at first, which changed a little as the story progressed, but something always felt off. Their attraction felt like two desperately lonely men grasping at straws.
All in all, they worked as a musical duet, and professionally, they complimented one another rather nicely. But the personal aspect never seemed to properly click into place. While the story itself was well written (if not a little repetitive), I really couldn't will myself to enjoy it. The whole thing was very self reflective and that was empathized in the overall somber mood.
-
Here's a tale of two lonely, pitiful souls who long for affection. Klemens was a pianist from Austria who had grown used to performing solo until he was forced to duet with Dominik, a German singer. While reluctant at first, Klemens accepts his fate and the daily practices with his new partner.
This story's a bit hard to describe because the plot's very monotonous. It relied on the characters to carry the narrative, but that did not work for me. Klemens was snobbish, egotistical, and obsessively aloof (and he wonders why he's alone…). While I understood the intention of his character, I found it painful. The first person narrative from his view (given his haughty nature) made me want scream. Dominik was more bearable in comparison, but that's probably because his view was never presented and he barely has a presence in the first half the story. Klemens likens him to an ethereal presence and it was fitting, he never really felt solid to me.
I was honestly surprised their relationship progressed the way it did. There didn't seem to be any chemistry between the two. They didn't like each other at first, which changed a little as the story progressed, but something always felt off. Their attraction felt like two desperately lonely men grasping at straws.
All in all, they worked as a musical duet, and professionally, they complimented one another rather nicely. But the personal aspect never seemed to properly click into place. While the story itself was well written (if not a little repetitive), I really couldn't will myself to enjoy it. The whole thing was very self reflective and that was empathized in the overall somber mood.
September 6, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story talks about an Austrian musician called Klemens that lives and studies at the Julliard School in the United States. He comes from a family of musicians and the music is everything to him: it's his life.
Even being a foreign student, he does not care about socializing with the other students at school: he feels completely different from them, from their habits to their life outside the school. Klemens has talent and he knows it. Maybe that's why, his classmates do not like him very much.
One day though, he meets a German student, a singer, called Dominik and thanks to the Head, they started to spend time together because of a duet to perform together(to Klemens’ dismay). But, day after day, Klemens starts to see things he never saw before. Dominik has the “power” to really see what Klemens has to offer: not just a very talented musician but a wonderful man, as well.
The story is in first person and from Klemens’ POV.
I’ve to say that I loved this book. I really liked how the author used her words to describe every little detail of how Klemens sees Dominik (physically and emotionally) and I liked how she really made their characters strong but, at the same time, very fragile: family can really do their number on their children and both Klemens and Dominik know it very well.
Even after some heartbreaking situations, the two guys find their way back to each other.
Sometimes, love is worth fighting for.
This story talks about an Austrian musician called Klemens that lives and studies at the Julliard School in the United States. He comes from a family of musicians and the music is everything to him: it's his life.
Even being a foreign student, he does not care about socializing with the other students at school: he feels completely different from them, from their habits to their life outside the school. Klemens has talent and he knows it. Maybe that's why, his classmates do not like him very much.
One day though, he meets a German student, a singer, called Dominik and thanks to the Head, they started to spend time together because of a duet to perform together(to Klemens’ dismay). But, day after day, Klemens starts to see things he never saw before. Dominik has the “power” to really see what Klemens has to offer: not just a very talented musician but a wonderful man, as well.
The story is in first person and from Klemens’ POV.
I’ve to say that I loved this book. I really liked how the author used her words to describe every little detail of how Klemens sees Dominik (physically and emotionally) and I liked how she really made their characters strong but, at the same time, very fragile: family can really do their number on their children and both Klemens and Dominik know it very well.
Even after some heartbreaking situations, the two guys find their way back to each other.
Sometimes, love is worth fighting for.
August 27, 2014
This book has left me sobbing and almost utterly speechless. It is by far one of the most astonishingly complex stories that I've ever read. I"m so moved and I know no matter how long I sit here and think I'll never be able to express my true feelings in this review.
An Austrian March is told in first person POV, which is certainly not my POV of choice. Through most of this story I lamented the fact that I was not getting to know Dominik only Klemens' view of him. I was at times so confusedly bored yet engrossed all at once. Yet, at this point I realize this story had to be told in this way.
My take on Klemens is that he's a musical genius, dare I say a savant? My impression is that he lives the majority of his life in his head with music. At different points through this story my take on him is that he is rigid, obsessive, snobby, punctual and lonely.A proper, stoic, self contained 'European Gentleman'. At times I wondered if he is autistic or schizo.
I still can't begin to even describe my take on Dominik, it is too complex for words at this point. My impressions of him throughout until almost the end are so very different compared to where they've ended up that I dare not give them or else I risk spoiling the beauty of this story.
While it does contain a few proofreading errors, they do not detract from this well written, beautifully worded book. I did make note of two partial quotes to share.....
"a shadow amongst the lighted halls."
"a rich mixture of imperfect perfection."
I highly recommend this surreal, heart wrenching story to all.
I received this book from the Author through the m/m romance group's Don't Buy Me Love Program in exchange for an honest review.
An Austrian March is told in first person POV, which is certainly not my POV of choice. Through most of this story I lamented the fact that I was not getting to know Dominik only Klemens' view of him. I was at times so confusedly bored yet engrossed all at once. Yet, at this point I realize this story had to be told in this way.
My take on Klemens is that he's a musical genius, dare I say a savant? My impression is that he lives the majority of his life in his head with music. At different points through this story my take on him is that he is rigid, obsessive, snobby, punctual and lonely.A proper, stoic, self contained 'European Gentleman'. At times I wondered if he is autistic or schizo.
I still can't begin to even describe my take on Dominik, it is too complex for words at this point. My impressions of him throughout until almost the end are so very different compared to where they've ended up that I dare not give them or else I risk spoiling the beauty of this story.
While it does contain a few proofreading errors, they do not detract from this well written, beautifully worded book. I did make note of two partial quotes to share.....
"a shadow amongst the lighted halls."
"a rich mixture of imperfect perfection."
I highly recommend this surreal, heart wrenching story to all.
I received this book from the Author through the m/m romance group's Don't Buy Me Love Program in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
FIrstly, I have to state that there is no denying how beautifully An Austrian March has been written. The language is captivating without being gimicky and manages to perfectly establish the ambiance and tone of the story.
As for the plot, it is very simple, a bare bones love story, that to me, felt one sided, even though it supposedly wasn't.
The characters are unique and difficult and their affair is reflected in the music they play. It has ups and downs within the moments they practice together, as they don't in fact spend time together unless they are playing.
I was left feeling mainl ambiguous about this. I believe I got what the author was going after, but I still would've wished for a stronger ending. This one made me feel sorry for Klemens and dislike Dominik even more, than I had previously.
This was the most interesting read I've received through the program so far. I am not sure to whom I would recommend it, as I believe the lack of action and narrative will probably divide opinions. For me personally the style worked, only I would've loved if the ending had been different. In this case, I wasn't left craving for a HEA so much as growth for Klemens. We saw him lower his walls and become more vulnerable but after that, the result was too vague for me. Other than that, the book was great and earns a very strong three star rating from me.
My thanks to the DBML program as well as the author for the opportunity to read this book.
FIrstly, I have to state that there is no denying how beautifully An Austrian March has been written. The language is captivating without being gimicky and manages to perfectly establish the ambiance and tone of the story.
As for the plot, it is very simple, a bare bones love story, that to me, felt one sided, even though it supposedly wasn't.
The characters are unique and difficult and their affair is reflected in the music they play. It has ups and downs within the moments they practice together, as they don't in fact spend time together unless they are playing.
I was left feeling mainl ambiguous about this. I believe I got what the author was going after, but I still would've wished for a stronger ending. This one made me feel sorry for Klemens and dislike Dominik even more, than I had previously.
This was the most interesting read I've received through the program so far. I am not sure to whom I would recommend it, as I believe the lack of action and narrative will probably divide opinions. For me personally the style worked, only I would've loved if the ending had been different. In this case, I wasn't left craving for a HEA so much as growth for Klemens. We saw him lower his walls and become more vulnerable but after that, the result was too vague for me. Other than that, the book was great and earns a very strong three star rating from me.
My thanks to the DBML program as well as the author for the opportunity to read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Klemens in a foreign exchange student attending Julliard. He specializes in playing the piano and violin. He live a pretty solitary life, he contents himself with living and breathing music. Then Dominick, an exchange student is fostered onto him. He's reluctant about the forced partnership but soon enough takes to it. Dominick intrigues him and the same goes for Dominick. Both manages to finds solace in each other and through their music.
The story carried quite a note of somber, not at all what I was expecting when I read the blurb. Klemen and Dominick came off as very lonely souls. They didn't socialize with anyone and didn't exactly seem happy to be in each others company at the start. It actually took quite a while for their relationship to kick start to something resembling a comfortable level.
I liked seeing the change Dominick wrought on Klemens. It was fun to see Klemen become a bit more freer and let loose from his rigid ways. The family dynamic was interesting to witness in the book. The only couple of things I feel that could have improved my reading pleasure was if there was a bit more romance occurring between Klemens and Dominick, if the ending had ended with more of a permanent note and if readers could have gotten a better feel on Dominick's feeling on everything that was unfolding between him and Klemens.
Klemens in a foreign exchange student attending Julliard. He specializes in playing the piano and violin. He live a pretty solitary life, he contents himself with living and breathing music. Then Dominick, an exchange student is fostered onto him. He's reluctant about the forced partnership but soon enough takes to it. Dominick intrigues him and the same goes for Dominick. Both manages to finds solace in each other and through their music.
The story carried quite a note of somber, not at all what I was expecting when I read the blurb. Klemen and Dominick came off as very lonely souls. They didn't socialize with anyone and didn't exactly seem happy to be in each others company at the start. It actually took quite a while for their relationship to kick start to something resembling a comfortable level.
I liked seeing the change Dominick wrought on Klemens. It was fun to see Klemen become a bit more freer and let loose from his rigid ways. The family dynamic was interesting to witness in the book. The only couple of things I feel that could have improved my reading pleasure was if there was a bit more romance occurring between Klemens and Dominick, if the ending had ended with more of a permanent note and if readers could have gotten a better feel on Dominick's feeling on everything that was unfolding between him and Klemens.
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October 15, 2020Aktivitäten in Linz (Österreich)
Linz ist eine schöne und manchmal unterschätzte Stadt im Norden Österreichs an der Donau. Als drittgrößte Stadt Österreichs ist sie tatsächlich von großer Bedeutung und auch ein wichtiges Touristenziel mit vielen interessanten Sehenswürdigkeiten und Aktivitäten. Ich möchte Sie dringend bitten, Fußball zu schauen. Österreich hat starke Traditionen im Fußball und die Stimmung ist im Stadion zu spüren. Aus diesem Grund haben wir uns für bestenwettanbieter.at entschieden, damit ihr die besten Buchmacher in Österreich kennenlernen könnt.
Die großartige Kombination aus historischen Gebäuden, atemberaubender Architektur, ausgedehnten Gr��nflächen und modernen Innovationen bedeutet, dass Linz genauso viel zu bieten hat wie so hochrangige österreichische Städte wie Wien und Salzburg.
Seit 2014 ist Linz Teil des UNESCO Creative Cities Netzwerkes und das zeigt sich auch in der brillanten Auswahl an Museen, die Sie hier besuchen können.
Das Ars Electronica Zentrum
Wenn Sie ein Technologie-Nerd sind, dann wird das Ars Electronica Center oder das Museum der Zukunft, wie es auch genannt wird, wie der Himmel sein.
Es ist einer der faszinierendsten Orte, die man besuchen kann, und die verschiedenen Arten von Technologie und interaktiven Features machen so viel Spaß, sie zu nutzen und kennen zu lernen.
Das Zentrum ist in verschiedene Räume und Bereiche aufgeteilt, die verschiedene Gegenstände enthalten, wie z.B. ein virtuelles Tischtennisspiel, einen riesigen Bildschirm mit einer Auflösung von 8k, auf dem verschiedene Teile der Welt in atemberaubender Hochauflösung dargestellt werden, interaktive Bildschirme, die Satellitenbilder der Erde zeigen, neue Technologien wie Roboter, die auf ihren Namen reagieren, wenn sie gerufen werden, und sogar ein Informationssystem, auf das Sie mit einem speziellen Touchpen zugreifen können, der erstaunlich viele Details über die Weltbevölkerung und die Städte der Welt anzeigt.
Auch wenn Sie kein Fan von neuen Technologien sind, ist das Arts Electronica Centre ein fabelhafter Ort, den Sie besuchen sollten.
Die Alte Kathedrale (Ignatius-Kirche)
Diese Barockkirche hat eine beeindruckende Reihe von Kuppeltürmen im typischen Zwiebelstil der Epoche und steht stolz in der Nähe des Hauptplatzes.
Der Dom, der als Bistum Linz diente, wurde dem heiligen Ignatius geweiht und ursprünglich 1669 von Jesuiten erbaut. Obwohl das Äußere nicht so aufwendig ist wie bei einigen anderen europäischen Domen, sind die Türme immer noch ein Blickfang und das Innere der Kirche ist einfach wunderbar.
Zu den Merkmalen des üppigen Innenraums gehören eine kunstvoll verzierte hölzerne Kanzel und ein Chorgestühl, viele rosafarbene Marmorsäulen und ein Hochaltar mit religiösen Gemälden.
Der Besuch der Alten Kathedrale ist ein Muss und auch ein interessantes Gebäude, das sich mit den Straßen der Neuen Kathedrale vergleichen lässt.
Lentos Kunstmuseum
Linz ist eine Stadt, die sich mehrerer moderner Museen rühmen kann, und das Lentos Kunstmuseum ist eines davon mit einem schillernden Äußeren, das nachts in hellen Neonfarben leuchtet.
Abgesehen vom verlockenden Äußeren dieses Gebäudes beherbergt das Museum eine überwältigende Vielfalt an Kunstwerken und ist eines der prominentesten Kunstdepots Österreichs.
Mit über 1500 Werken, die von der klassischen Moderne über die Moderne des 19. Jahrhunderts bis hin zu expressionistischen Werken aus den 1920er Jahren reichen, ist für alle Kunstliebhaber etwas dabei.
Nicht nur das Kunstwerk ist umfangreich, sondern es gibt auch eine Auswahl an Skulpturen und Fotografien, die Ihr Auge erfreuen werden.
Fahrt mit der Pöstlingbergbahn
Linz ist eine schöne und manchmal unterschätzte Stadt im Norden Österreichs an der Donau. Als drittgrößte Stadt Österreichs ist sie tatsächlich von großer Bedeutung und auch ein wichtiges Touristenziel mit vielen interessanten Sehenswürdigkeiten und Aktivitäten. Ich möchte Sie dringend bitten, Fußball zu schauen. Österreich hat starke Traditionen im Fußball und die Stimmung ist im Stadion zu spüren. Aus diesem Grund haben wir uns für bestenwettanbieter.at entschieden, damit ihr die besten Buchmacher in Österreich kennenlernen könnt.
Die großartige Kombination aus historischen Gebäuden, atemberaubender Architektur, ausgedehnten Gr��nflächen und modernen Innovationen bedeutet, dass Linz genauso viel zu bieten hat wie so hochrangige österreichische Städte wie Wien und Salzburg.
Seit 2014 ist Linz Teil des UNESCO Creative Cities Netzwerkes und das zeigt sich auch in der brillanten Auswahl an Museen, die Sie hier besuchen können.
Das Ars Electronica Zentrum
Wenn Sie ein Technologie-Nerd sind, dann wird das Ars Electronica Center oder das Museum der Zukunft, wie es auch genannt wird, wie der Himmel sein.
Es ist einer der faszinierendsten Orte, die man besuchen kann, und die verschiedenen Arten von Technologie und interaktiven Features machen so viel Spaß, sie zu nutzen und kennen zu lernen.
Das Zentrum ist in verschiedene Räume und Bereiche aufgeteilt, die verschiedene Gegenstände enthalten, wie z.B. ein virtuelles Tischtennisspiel, einen riesigen Bildschirm mit einer Auflösung von 8k, auf dem verschiedene Teile der Welt in atemberaubender Hochauflösung dargestellt werden, interaktive Bildschirme, die Satellitenbilder der Erde zeigen, neue Technologien wie Roboter, die auf ihren Namen reagieren, wenn sie gerufen werden, und sogar ein Informationssystem, auf das Sie mit einem speziellen Touchpen zugreifen können, der erstaunlich viele Details über die Weltbevölkerung und die Städte der Welt anzeigt.
Auch wenn Sie kein Fan von neuen Technologien sind, ist das Arts Electronica Centre ein fabelhafter Ort, den Sie besuchen sollten.
Die Alte Kathedrale (Ignatius-Kirche)
Diese Barockkirche hat eine beeindruckende Reihe von Kuppeltürmen im typischen Zwiebelstil der Epoche und steht stolz in der Nähe des Hauptplatzes.
Der Dom, der als Bistum Linz diente, wurde dem heiligen Ignatius geweiht und ursprünglich 1669 von Jesuiten erbaut. Obwohl das Äußere nicht so aufwendig ist wie bei einigen anderen europäischen Domen, sind die Türme immer noch ein Blickfang und das Innere der Kirche ist einfach wunderbar.
Zu den Merkmalen des üppigen Innenraums gehören eine kunstvoll verzierte hölzerne Kanzel und ein Chorgestühl, viele rosafarbene Marmorsäulen und ein Hochaltar mit religiösen Gemälden.
Der Besuch der Alten Kathedrale ist ein Muss und auch ein interessantes Gebäude, das sich mit den Straßen der Neuen Kathedrale vergleichen lässt.
Lentos Kunstmuseum
Linz ist eine Stadt, die sich mehrerer moderner Museen rühmen kann, und das Lentos Kunstmuseum ist eines davon mit einem schillernden Äußeren, das nachts in hellen Neonfarben leuchtet.
Abgesehen vom verlockenden Äußeren dieses Gebäudes beherbergt das Museum eine überwältigende Vielfalt an Kunstwerken und ist eines der prominentesten Kunstdepots Österreichs.
Mit über 1500 Werken, die von der klassischen Moderne über die Moderne des 19. Jahrhunderts bis hin zu expressionistischen Werken aus den 1920er Jahren reichen, ist für alle Kunstliebhaber etwas dabei.
Nicht nur das Kunstwerk ist umfangreich, sondern es gibt auch eine Auswahl an Skulpturen und Fotografien, die Ihr Auge erfreuen werden.
Fahrt mit der Pöstlingbergbahn
September 12, 2014
3.5 stars. Klemens Reinstadler loves music. Coming from a musical family, Klemens enrolls in Julliard to continue his love of the piano and violin. One day the Head Master insists on an end of year performance and insists Klemens take on a German transfer student who doesn’t speak much English. Dominik Engel has the voice of an angel and Klemens pushes his frustration aside to work with his new partner.
Klemens is hard to like at first look. He’s arrogant, self important, and demanding. He doesn’t interact with others well and has no friends. However I found myself more sympathetic to his personality upon learning how aloof and disapproving his parents can be...so much that they can’t be bothered to come to his performance except for his brother who Klemens who find it difficult to hug having rarely been hugged himself.
Dominik is not the boy he portrays himself to be. He speaks perfect English and enjoys German folk songs. As they continue to practice together, Klemens is drawn to Dominick in ways he can’t understand. It’s not so much that Klemens isn’t aware he’s either gay or bi, it’s more that he can’t process emotion and he’s never experienced before what he feels for Dominick.
Dominik pushes Klemens but in a good way, forcing him to grow. He makes the first move in their relationship, encourages him to become closer with Klemens’ brother, and insists Klemens return to playing the violin. It’s an emotional journey for Klemens. He doesn’t know what he wants or what Dominick wants and just when they may have found a happy medium each of their brothers appear shaking things up.
Klemens emotions are all over the place and felt very real and appropriate for a 20 something away from home who had a cold childhood. Here is no insta love, no HEA as these boys are still in school and have a lot of life ahead of them. But the story ends on a high note precisely where it should. And there is a hint of what might come next for them and I’d love to see this new revitalized Klemens a few years in the future.
I do have some niggles. I never felt I understood why Dominik pretends not know English or why Klemens gave up his violin. I wanted to know him a little better and missed his POV. Also Klemens narration became tedious at times and it would have been nice to see the two of them interact outside of practice.
Overall though I enjoyed the journey.
I received a free copy of this story for an honest review through the Goodreads M/M Group DBML program.
Klemens is hard to like at first look. He’s arrogant, self important, and demanding. He doesn’t interact with others well and has no friends. However I found myself more sympathetic to his personality upon learning how aloof and disapproving his parents can be...so much that they can’t be bothered to come to his performance except for his brother who Klemens who find it difficult to hug having rarely been hugged himself.
Dominik is not the boy he portrays himself to be. He speaks perfect English and enjoys German folk songs. As they continue to practice together, Klemens is drawn to Dominick in ways he can’t understand. It’s not so much that Klemens isn’t aware he’s either gay or bi, it’s more that he can’t process emotion and he’s never experienced before what he feels for Dominick.
Dominik pushes Klemens but in a good way, forcing him to grow. He makes the first move in their relationship, encourages him to become closer with Klemens’ brother, and insists Klemens return to playing the violin. It’s an emotional journey for Klemens. He doesn’t know what he wants or what Dominick wants and just when they may have found a happy medium each of their brothers appear shaking things up.
Klemens emotions are all over the place and felt very real and appropriate for a 20 something away from home who had a cold childhood. Here is no insta love, no HEA as these boys are still in school and have a lot of life ahead of them. But the story ends on a high note precisely where it should. And there is a hint of what might come next for them and I’d love to see this new revitalized Klemens a few years in the future.
I do have some niggles. I never felt I understood why Dominik pretends not know English or why Klemens gave up his violin. I wanted to know him a little better and missed his POV. Also Klemens narration became tedious at times and it would have been nice to see the two of them interact outside of practice.
Overall though I enjoyed the journey.
I received a free copy of this story for an honest review through the Goodreads M/M Group DBML program.
November 16, 2014
I actually didn't finish it because I got bored. I guess it wasn't my kind of book, I don't know. I tried to brave through it because it is pretty short (80ish pages or so) but I just couldn't. :(
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