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Goblet's Edge
August and Laurence have been lovers for years, and it's a love August has never had any cause to doubt, even if Laurence is also his employer—until they arrive in Umbra and meet Queen Maeve, the woman Laurence is to marry.
It's immediately clear to August that Maeve is more than a little interested in Laurence, and as the gap between him and his lover widens, Laurence growing increasingly reserved and distant, August fears the moment he's always dreaded is near to hand.
And the end of their relationship might be easier to accept if he could hate Maeve, but asking him to hate the beautiful, intriguing Maeve would be like asking him to stop loving the Lord he's served and adored so long. Which just makes August more miserable than ever, and waiting for the moment when he's finally cast out.
It's immediately clear to August that Maeve is more than a little interested in Laurence, and as the gap between him and his lover widens, Laurence growing increasingly reserved and distant, August fears the moment he's always dreaded is near to hand.
And the end of their relationship might be easier to accept if he could hate Maeve, but asking him to hate the beautiful, intriguing Maeve would be like asking him to stop loving the Lord he's served and adored so long. Which just makes August more miserable than ever, and waiting for the moment when he's finally cast out.
68 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2016
10 people want to read
About the author
Lore Graham
13 books23 followersLore Graham is a queer author who lives in Massachusetts. Ze writes sci fi and fantasy romance, poetry, and rpg settings.
Lore is passionate about spectacular worlds and queer characters.
Outside of writing, Lore enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with zir cat.
Lore's poetry has been published in Strange Horizons and Liminality.
Lore is passionate about spectacular worlds and queer characters.
Outside of writing, Lore enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with zir cat.
Lore's poetry has been published in Strange Horizons and Liminality.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 15, 2016
Change and uncertainty, how they torment.
Fantasy novel set in a mid-late eighteenth century AU with humans and nonhuman species. The setting is a blend of burgeoning technology with trains and airships and nobility, a Gilded Age in an altered landscape. The world building is convincing, including the more fantastical elements.
Acting as valet, August provides more than the average attendant. Accompanying his lord to finalize his marriage to Queen Maeve, ruler of Umbra, their relationship is strained as Laurence gives up his holdings to become Prince Consort. Told from August's perspective, the change is both intriguing and unsettling as he attempts to navigate his way in the new waters of the capital, the household, and his lord's new bedchamber.
If reserved, stilted affairs conducted circumspectly turns your crank then this is good choice. Laurence, as a duke, is the epitome of a stiff upper lip and August is fastidiously self-effacing. August's masochism and how the two exploit that is extremely satisfying if mild. He serves Laurence completely and thoroughly.
It covers a lot of ground for a novella and explores issues of polyamory containing sensual and explicit scenes. At first, I was vaguely uncomfortable with some of the actions of characters without discussions, the resolution worked out well, but there were a couple instances of breach of trust and loyalty that tweaked me more than the characters. Admittedly, one was called out as such and the other turned out to be a non-issue. Let's just say that in these instances I find communication even more critical, but it provided tension for the plot.
This is a strong 3.5 stars read for me, I could rate this 3 or 4 stars. I really like the elements here, but due to communication disconnect I'm rounding down--that is a me preference that really reflects my view on conducting polyamorous relationships. Other readers may very well read this and come to it with different expectations. My second Lore Graham story, and I look forward to future works.
Overall, a pleasurable diversion with sexual fluidity.
~ARC provided by NetGalley~
Fantasy novel set in a mid-late eighteenth century AU with humans and nonhuman species. The setting is a blend of burgeoning technology with trains and airships and nobility, a Gilded Age in an altered landscape. The world building is convincing, including the more fantastical elements.
Acting as valet, August provides more than the average attendant. Accompanying his lord to finalize his marriage to Queen Maeve, ruler of Umbra, their relationship is strained as Laurence gives up his holdings to become Prince Consort. Told from August's perspective, the change is both intriguing and unsettling as he attempts to navigate his way in the new waters of the capital, the household, and his lord's new bedchamber.
If reserved, stilted affairs conducted circumspectly turns your crank then this is good choice. Laurence, as a duke, is the epitome of a stiff upper lip and August is fastidiously self-effacing. August's masochism and how the two exploit that is extremely satisfying if mild. He serves Laurence completely and thoroughly.
It covers a lot of ground for a novella and explores issues of polyamory containing sensual and explicit scenes. At first, I was vaguely uncomfortable with some of the actions of characters without discussions, the resolution worked out well, but there were a couple instances of breach of trust and loyalty that tweaked me more than the characters. Admittedly, one was called out as such and the other turned out to be a non-issue. Let's just say that in these instances I find communication even more critical, but it provided tension for the plot.
This is a strong 3.5 stars read for me, I could rate this 3 or 4 stars. I really like the elements here, but due to communication disconnect I'm rounding down--that is a me preference that really reflects my view on conducting polyamorous relationships. Other readers may very well read this and come to it with different expectations. My second Lore Graham story, and I look forward to future works.
Overall, a pleasurable diversion with sexual fluidity.
~ARC provided by NetGalley~
May 29, 2016
There is no way this author isn't talented. Immediately upon being introduced to the character of August and the world he lives in, I was fascinated. August is sweet and unassuming and incredibly well written. We're first introduced to him as he's on a ride with his Lord Laurence and their entourage from Braxis into the Queen Maeve's palace in Umbra.
The whole narrative of this short novella is that of a political marriage between Lord Laurence and Queen Maeve. The trick of it is, of course, that the story is told by August--the outsider to this marriage--who is quietly in love with Laurence. However, as his valet, any continuing affection or regard between them is assumed by him to be ended upon their arrival in Umbra.
However, in many ways this story comes across as almost a teaser for a possibly longer story set within this world. A rich world is described in the journey across the Great Crater from Braxis to Umbra. I spent a lot of time wondering at the political structures of the world and the specific parts of it that Maeve and Laurence came from that would make a marriage between them so profitable. Are there patches of unrest?
The smartest move by far in this book, I felt, was the decision to describe and also create a new word for the kinds of creatures that Laurence and Maeve are, as separate from the humans in the book. Very much like vampires, this race is also described to have long, pointed ears, have largely hairless bodies and go by the race name of 'vareld'. This also made me desirous of more knowledge into the world, what humans who weren't in the service of the vareld thought of this more powerful race. We get tastes of it in the texts, but I wanted more.
Just like August, Maeve was a character I liked immediately upon her introduction on the page. From her descriptions, I could vividly imagine both her public and private personas. She's gentle and shy and quiet at times and assertive and strong in others. These qualities gave me the impression that she would be a great ruler without ever actually seeing evidence to that effect in the book.
Laurence, on the other hand, was the only one of the three main characters who I thought could have used some fleshing out. I would have liked to have more insight into his character given how character driven, rather than plot driven, this story is. The interactions between he and August seemed flat and just sought for their sexual gratification. We got a lot of insight into August's feelings towards Laurence, but almost no feeling coming back from Laurence towards either August or Maeve.
Special mention goes to the character of Vera for asexual representation, especially being present in a book with a polyamorous triad. I also really liked the presence of the character known only as The Voice, and the fact that it honestly didn't matter or change the gravity of their position regardless of what gender they were.
The whole narrative of this short novella is that of a political marriage between Lord Laurence and Queen Maeve. The trick of it is, of course, that the story is told by August--the outsider to this marriage--who is quietly in love with Laurence. However, as his valet, any continuing affection or regard between them is assumed by him to be ended upon their arrival in Umbra.
However, in many ways this story comes across as almost a teaser for a possibly longer story set within this world. A rich world is described in the journey across the Great Crater from Braxis to Umbra. I spent a lot of time wondering at the political structures of the world and the specific parts of it that Maeve and Laurence came from that would make a marriage between them so profitable. Are there patches of unrest?
The smartest move by far in this book, I felt, was the decision to describe and also create a new word for the kinds of creatures that Laurence and Maeve are, as separate from the humans in the book. Very much like vampires, this race is also described to have long, pointed ears, have largely hairless bodies and go by the race name of 'vareld'. This also made me desirous of more knowledge into the world, what humans who weren't in the service of the vareld thought of this more powerful race. We get tastes of it in the texts, but I wanted more.
Just like August, Maeve was a character I liked immediately upon her introduction on the page. From her descriptions, I could vividly imagine both her public and private personas. She's gentle and shy and quiet at times and assertive and strong in others. These qualities gave me the impression that she would be a great ruler without ever actually seeing evidence to that effect in the book.
Laurence, on the other hand, was the only one of the three main characters who I thought could have used some fleshing out. I would have liked to have more insight into his character given how character driven, rather than plot driven, this story is. The interactions between he and August seemed flat and just sought for their sexual gratification. We got a lot of insight into August's feelings towards Laurence, but almost no feeling coming back from Laurence towards either August or Maeve.
Special mention goes to the character of Vera for asexual representation, especially being present in a book with a polyamorous triad. I also really liked the presence of the character known only as The Voice, and the fact that it honestly didn't matter or change the gravity of their position regardless of what gender they were.
August 10, 2016
Lore Graham's worlds are complex and interesting, and I love the way the world-building is threaded into the plot seamlessly. I enjoyed discovering August's culture and surroundings as the story unfolded.
For the most part, I enjoyed this story. The characters and setting are interesting. Although I wanted to know more about their society, there was enough detail to keep my attention, and I didn't feel as though it were lacking. It's more that I want to see other stories set in this realm.
I liked August very much, but I'm not entirely sure how I feel about his relationship with Laurence or with Maeve for that matter. I am still on the fence about the power imbalance. I don't really think August is being used, exactly, but he certainly isn't on the same level with the others. It particularly bothered me that August seemed more like he was servicing Laurence than that Laurence actually cared about him as a person, and that bothered me a bit. I was left with the impression of "we trust you and we will occasionally have you in our bed, but you're basically still a servant and should know your rightful place." It may just be a case of it not really being my thing.
Other than that, though, it was very well written. There were some nicely steamy moments, and I definitely appreciated the skill regarding the creation of this world. I hope to see more about it in the future.
I received a free copy via Inked Rainbow in exchange for an honest review.
For the most part, I enjoyed this story. The characters and setting are interesting. Although I wanted to know more about their society, there was enough detail to keep my attention, and I didn't feel as though it were lacking. It's more that I want to see other stories set in this realm.
I liked August very much, but I'm not entirely sure how I feel about his relationship with Laurence or with Maeve for that matter. I am still on the fence about the power imbalance. I don't really think August is being used, exactly, but he certainly isn't on the same level with the others. It particularly bothered me that August seemed more like he was servicing Laurence than that Laurence actually cared about him as a person, and that bothered me a bit. I was left with the impression of "we trust you and we will occasionally have you in our bed, but you're basically still a servant and should know your rightful place." It may just be a case of it not really being my thing.
Other than that, though, it was very well written. There were some nicely steamy moments, and I definitely appreciated the skill regarding the creation of this world. I hope to see more about it in the future.
I received a free copy via Inked Rainbow in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2016
Although I did enjoy this quick read, I was left feeling as if there could have been much more to this story.
August in my opinion really does get the short end of the stick in this book. He works for Laurence basically as his personal assistant to whatever he needs and he is his secret lover also but I feel as if he is being used and nothing more. Then you throw Mauve (Laurence's soon to be new wife) into the mix and I feel as if both Laurence and Mauve are both getting their cake and eating it too.
I believe that August is in love with Laurence and would never deny him any of his wishes but what I did not like about the story is Laurence never really said how he felt about August one way or the other and also Laurence is rather gold to August for the most part throughout the book.
What I did enjoy about the book is the fact that Mauve was a very bright woman and treated August with respect even though she really did not have too. I think that she actually has feelings for both men. The fact that she wants to include instead of exclude August in their wedding night was more then August could have ever asked for. Not to mention she did not want him to leave when they were done.
I enjoyed this story but I really wish that Laurence's character would have been more forth coming with his feelings and I wish that he would have made it clear what he really wanted from both Mauve and August.
Was given this book for free by inked rainbow reads for an honest review
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews