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Learners
Two stories about life, love, and L-plates.
In the Cóyotl-nominated Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre, Max the wolf agrees to be a sperm donor for his best friend Jess, a clouded leopard, without realising that his decision will have consequences not only for his relationship with Jess and her partner Cate but for his own blossoming romance with basset hound Simon, while in Baby on Board, looking after their friends’ cub for the day leaves Max questioning his own partnership with Simon.
In the Cóyotl-nominated Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre, Max the wolf agrees to be a sperm donor for his best friend Jess, a clouded leopard, without realising that his decision will have consequences not only for his relationship with Jess and her partner Cate but for his own blossoming romance with basset hound Simon, while in Baby on Board, looking after their friends’ cub for the day leaves Max questioning his own partnership with Simon.
63 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2014
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 30, 2014
In this two-story book, we learn of the trials and tribulations of Max, a wolf who becomes a sperm donor for his best friend's baby. It sounds like the ultimate gift to give someone who means so much, except his best friend's wife absolutely hates him, and his new love interest has made it clear they're not interested in getting into a relationship with a pup involved.
This book was a fun show of integrating a mild taste of animalistic instincts and behavior in with modern society. While it went a little too much into detail on what a wolf might find sexually appealing of a basset hound, it didn't go to such a degree as to make me want to put the book down. The climax of "Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre", where Max not only has a bit of a epiphany, but grows the backbone to stick up for it, is an incredible part of the story. I was never a parent, but reading that moment brought tears to my eyes.
"Baby on Board" feels a bit more like a 'Let's catch up with our friends and see how they're doing' sort of short story than a story in and of itself. This is probably because of how slice-of-life it feels even with Max's doubts. Yet still, there are moments here that can melt the iciest of hearts. It's a lovely tie-up for a short series, and gives a very satisfying cap to everything.
The casual tone of this book reads like catching up with an old buddy and all the antics he's been up to since the last time you've seen him. It's an easy read, giving a lovely break from heavier storylines, and a very fun way to pass a week's worth of evening commute.
This book was a fun show of integrating a mild taste of animalistic instincts and behavior in with modern society. While it went a little too much into detail on what a wolf might find sexually appealing of a basset hound, it didn't go to such a degree as to make me want to put the book down. The climax of "Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre", where Max not only has a bit of a epiphany, but grows the backbone to stick up for it, is an incredible part of the story. I was never a parent, but reading that moment brought tears to my eyes.
"Baby on Board" feels a bit more like a 'Let's catch up with our friends and see how they're doing' sort of short story than a story in and of itself. This is probably because of how slice-of-life it feels even with Max's doubts. Yet still, there are moments here that can melt the iciest of hearts. It's a lovely tie-up for a short series, and gives a very satisfying cap to everything.
The casual tone of this book reads like catching up with an old buddy and all the antics he's been up to since the last time you've seen him. It's an easy read, giving a lovely break from heavier storylines, and a very fun way to pass a week's worth of evening commute.
April 20, 2025
This is a really enjoyable slice-of-life novella which has a casual easy-to-read tone. It is the perfect book to enjoy on a warm spring day sat in the sun.
"Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre" is the stronger of the two stories and focuses on Max being a sperm donor for his best friend's baby while simultaneously jugging a new relationship. Meanwhile, his best friend's wife doesn't care much for him, with these two worlds colliding and the tension reaching a crescendo at the end. The way Max stands up for himself brought a tear to my eye, making the conclusion very rewarding.
"Baby on Board" is really sweet, but more could be made of Max's doubts about the state of his relationship. It is essentially a catch-up story which I think would be strengthened by making this series a trilogy. I'd certainly be interested in finding out more about where they are now, along with a little more background about some of the characters.
This book was a great antidote to the heavier things I usually read. Its liberal use of puns and strong LGBTQ+ focus were also a delight and in trying times, it provided the escapism I desperately needed right now. I'd definitely recommend picking it up.
"Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre" is the stronger of the two stories and focuses on Max being a sperm donor for his best friend's baby while simultaneously jugging a new relationship. Meanwhile, his best friend's wife doesn't care much for him, with these two worlds colliding and the tension reaching a crescendo at the end. The way Max stands up for himself brought a tear to my eye, making the conclusion very rewarding.
"Baby on Board" is really sweet, but more could be made of Max's doubts about the state of his relationship. It is essentially a catch-up story which I think would be strengthened by making this series a trilogy. I'd certainly be interested in finding out more about where they are now, along with a little more background about some of the characters.
This book was a great antidote to the heavier things I usually read. Its liberal use of puns and strong LGBTQ+ focus were also a delight and in trying times, it provided the escapism I desperately needed right now. I'd definitely recommend picking it up.
January 15, 2015
This is one of those positive, slice-of-life works that, to me, starts to define a little about what this 'furry' thing is all about. Happy and pro-everything without being saccharine, casual, there's a lot in here about the communities -- and families -- a person chooses to join and create. Nothing too consequential or plotty here, but with this kind of light comedy, I don't think there needs to be.
As usual, Alice Dryden's playfulness with prose finds her making unexpectedly good jokes about The Charge of the Light Brigade, delighting in wordplay, and generally dancing across the page in two short LGBT romances which I spent an enjoyable hour or so with.
Also, disclaimer? I know the author personally, and think she's absolutely worth paying more attention to, inside and out of the furry fandom.
As usual, Alice Dryden's playfulness with prose finds her making unexpectedly good jokes about The Charge of the Light Brigade, delighting in wordplay, and generally dancing across the page in two short LGBT romances which I spent an enjoyable hour or so with.
Also, disclaimer? I know the author personally, and think she's absolutely worth paying more attention to, inside and out of the furry fandom.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews