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Oestend #1
Il canto di Oestend
I simboli hanno potere…
Aren Montrell ha sentito parlare degli spettri di Oestend: misteriose creature che sbucano di notte e uccidono chiunque si trovi all’aperto. Non ha mai avuto ragione di credere alle storie, ma dopo aver accettato un posto come contabile al BarChi, un polveroso ranch nella remota prateria di Oestend, Aren impara presto quanto gli spettri siano reali. Di colpo, si ritrova a vivere in una presunta casa infestata, sigilli e generatori sono le sue uniche protezioni contro le creature invisibili della notte. Come se non bastasse, deve fare i conti con una burbera, vecchia signora cieca, “mucche” mai viste prima, oltre al fatto di essere apparentemente diventato lo scapolo più desiderato dei dintorni.
Aren diventa anche l’unico confidente di Deacon, il nerboruto capomastro del BarChi. Deacon dirige il ranch con il pugno di ferro, ed è felice di avere finalmente qualcuno con cui parlare. Mentre la loro relazione si fa sempre più stretta, Aren scopre che c’è molto di più in Deacon e nel BarChi di quanto osasse sospettare. Deacon sembra determinato a negare sia le sue origini sia ogni diritto sul BarChi, ma se Aren vuole sopravvivere ai pericoli di Oestend, dovrà convincere il cowboy a smettere di fuggire dal suo passato e a reclamare finalmente ciò che gli spetta.
Aren Montrell ha sentito parlare degli spettri di Oestend: misteriose creature che sbucano di notte e uccidono chiunque si trovi all’aperto. Non ha mai avuto ragione di credere alle storie, ma dopo aver accettato un posto come contabile al BarChi, un polveroso ranch nella remota prateria di Oestend, Aren impara presto quanto gli spettri siano reali. Di colpo, si ritrova a vivere in una presunta casa infestata, sigilli e generatori sono le sue uniche protezioni contro le creature invisibili della notte. Come se non bastasse, deve fare i conti con una burbera, vecchia signora cieca, “mucche” mai viste prima, oltre al fatto di essere apparentemente diventato lo scapolo più desiderato dei dintorni.
Aren diventa anche l’unico confidente di Deacon, il nerboruto capomastro del BarChi. Deacon dirige il ranch con il pugno di ferro, ed è felice di avere finalmente qualcuno con cui parlare. Mentre la loro relazione si fa sempre più stretta, Aren scopre che c’è molto di più in Deacon e nel BarChi di quanto osasse sospettare. Deacon sembra determinato a negare sia le sue origini sia ogni diritto sul BarChi, ma se Aren vuole sopravvivere ai pericoli di Oestend, dovrà convincere il cowboy a smettere di fuggire dal suo passato e a reclamare finalmente ciò che gli spetta.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2011
100 people are currently reading
1371 people want to read
About the author
Marie Sexton
70 books2,227 followersMarie Sexton lives in Colorado. She’s a fan of just about anything that involves muscular young men piling on top of each other. In particular, she loves the Denver Broncos and enjoys going to the games with her husband. Her imaginary friends often tag along. Marie has one daughter, two cats, and one dog, all of whom seem bent on destroying what remains of her sanity. She loves them anyway.
The absolute best way to stay up-to-date on my books is by joining my FB group. You can view livestreams about Oestend, Coda, and the Heretic Doms Club. I also give away books on a regular basis. NO DRAMA ALLOWED!!
Or, you might want to check out these pages:
Coda: Which book do I read first?
Find a book by trope or heat level.
Visit my website/blog at http://www.MarieSexton.net
The absolute best way to stay up-to-date on my books is by joining my FB group. You can view livestreams about Oestend, Coda, and the Heretic Doms Club. I also give away books on a regular basis. NO DRAMA ALLOWED!!
Or, you might want to check out these pages:
Coda: Which book do I read first?
Find a book by trope or heat level.
Visit my website/blog at http://www.MarieSexton.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
November 4, 2015
A little historical, a little paranormal, a little fantasy, a little cowboy, a little kinky... and a whole lot of AWESOME!!
Holy shiznit, I loved this. When Marie Sexton and I get our mind-meld thing going, she can do no wrong.
This is another book that I started in the bath, and I didn't want to ever get out. I read until I was all pruney... I got ultra-pruney for you, Marie Sexton!
Song of Oestend takes place in a fictional historical western town. It is pretty similar to our wild west, with a culture like our Native Americans, but with a paranormal twist: wraiths rise up and kill those who are unprotected at night.
This story was very beautiful. A very slow burn romance with some expected and some unexpected twists. First of all, I didn't see the type of BDSM coming... and I loved it. I have a huge weakness for the , especially if they have a place in their kinky hearts for being bossed around, ESPECIALLY if they are . I mean, could it get any more perfect???
The romance between Deacon and Aren was truly lovely. Tender, meaningful, interesting... just everything. The plot also worked. The ranch scenes were very atmospheric, and I got into it right away.
Don't be scared by the mention of a menage scene. I'm not a big fan of menages, but I was okay with the small play scene here. It was pretty hot, if I'm being honest.
Gah, this was just SO well done and right up my alley! Thanks you for delivering such a scrumptious read, Marie Sexton!!
Holy shiznit, I loved this. When Marie Sexton and I get our mind-meld thing going, she can do no wrong.
This is another book that I started in the bath, and I didn't want to ever get out. I read until I was all pruney... I got ultra-pruney for you, Marie Sexton!
Song of Oestend takes place in a fictional historical western town. It is pretty similar to our wild west, with a culture like our Native Americans, but with a paranormal twist: wraiths rise up and kill those who are unprotected at night.
This story was very beautiful. A very slow burn romance with some expected and some unexpected twists. First of all, I didn't see the type of BDSM coming... and I loved it. I have a huge weakness for the , especially if they have a place in their kinky hearts for being bossed around, ESPECIALLY if they are . I mean, could it get any more perfect???
The romance between Deacon and Aren was truly lovely. Tender, meaningful, interesting... just everything. The plot also worked. The ranch scenes were very atmospheric, and I got into it right away.
Don't be scared by the mention of a menage scene. I'm not a big fan of menages, but I was okay with the small play scene here. It was pretty hot, if I'm being honest.
Gah, this was just SO well done and right up my alley! Thanks you for delivering such a scrumptious read, Marie Sexton!!
January 17, 2021
Audio 5 Stars
Story 4 Stars
I loved everything about the story but the kinky sex scenes. 🤷🏽♀️
Story 4 Stars
I loved everything about the story but the kinky sex scenes. 🤷🏽♀️
August 24, 2011
Different and Refreshing...I loved it!!!
This book is probably not like any other book I have ever read before. Its kind of a historical-fantasy-alternate reality-romance that doesn't involve a huge amount of world building. Yeah, it is historical like, but it is set in a time and place where homosexuality seems to be easily acceptable. The set up is a little slow paced, but you have to realize, it is set at BarChi, a cattle ranch on the Oestend praire. And on Oestend, wraiths come out and kill any humans who are out after dark. So all the paranormal aspects of the story revolve around the folklore of the Old People (Ainuai) and the wraiths. Oh, and there is a haunted house! It was scary!
The characters in this story are well developed. I loved Aren and Deacon! They were so sweet and hot together. I loved it! First they were friends, then they became lovers. And along the way they discovered things they never knew about themselves. Even though there was a lot of sex in this book, it wasn't repetitive and predictable. Aren and Deacon were really beautiful with so much love and emotion expressed in them. I have hardly read any BDSM, but there wasn't anything in this that made me uncomfortable. It was powerful and showed the trust they had for each other. Even the menage didn't bother me!
Quotes from the two scenes that made me cry:
I usually don't like cowboy stories and there were a lot of scenes involving the activities of daily life on the ranch. But I found it interesting and anticipated the times when Deacon and Aren would run into each other; especially at breakfast and "supper" when it would just be them and Olsa. That old lady was hilarious!! I loved how even though she was blind, she could still see. There was a little bit of mystery, a few twists, and a few shocking moments. Even had some "soap opera" drama with affairs and deceit. But overall it really was a beautiful romance.
To be honest, I really didn't plan on reading this book because I knew it had a menage scene and those always make me nervous. But I love Marie's writing and I just finally read Between Sinners and Saints last week after delaying for far too long. So, I didn't want to put off falling in love with two more of her "men" again. Plus, Marie promised me that the menage didn't cause any angst between Aren and Deacon.
I think Marie did a wonderful job with her first paranormal. I would definitely read another story set in this world.
This book is probably not like any other book I have ever read before. Its kind of a historical-fantasy-alternate reality-romance that doesn't involve a huge amount of world building. Yeah, it is historical like, but it is set in a time and place where homosexuality seems to be easily acceptable. The set up is a little slow paced, but you have to realize, it is set at BarChi, a cattle ranch on the Oestend praire. And on Oestend, wraiths come out and kill any humans who are out after dark. So all the paranormal aspects of the story revolve around the folklore of the Old People (Ainuai) and the wraiths. Oh, and there is a haunted house! It was scary!
The characters in this story are well developed. I loved Aren and Deacon! They were so sweet and hot together. I loved it! First they were friends, then they became lovers. And along the way they discovered things they never knew about themselves. Even though there was a lot of sex in this book, it wasn't repetitive and predictable. Aren and Deacon were really beautiful with so much love and emotion expressed in them. I have hardly read any BDSM, but there wasn't anything in this that made me uncomfortable. It was powerful and showed the trust they had for each other. Even the menage didn't bother me!
Quotes from the two scenes that made me cry:
"I love you," he whispered as Deacon released him, before he lost his courage.
Deacon smiled at him. He tilted his head down, resting his forehead against Aren’s. "Reason enough to stay alive, just to hear you say those words again." He brushed his lips over Aren’s one more time, a quick, soft touch.
Aren felt a lump in his throat, although he couldn’t have said exactly why. "Tell me you love me." Deacon smiled. He pushed Aren backwards onto the bed, still holding him tight. His hands moved on Aren’s skin, petting him, soothing him, reassuring him. "I do love you," he said. "More than you know. More than I can say. More than anything else in the world." He kissed Aren’s neck and his jaw. He caressed him. "I love you more than I ever thought possible. I don’t know how I ever lived without you. I hope I never have to live without you again."
Aren felt tears running down his cheeks. His entire body was trembling, and Deacon held him tighter. "I don’t regret one second of my time in this room with you, and I don’t want you to regret any of it, either. You make me what I am. You make me strong. You’re perfect, and you’re beautiful, and I love you. And I need you. And I depend on you. And there’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do just to see you smile."
I usually don't like cowboy stories and there were a lot of scenes involving the activities of daily life on the ranch. But I found it interesting and anticipated the times when Deacon and Aren would run into each other; especially at breakfast and "supper" when it would just be them and Olsa. That old lady was hilarious!! I loved how even though she was blind, she could still see. There was a little bit of mystery, a few twists, and a few shocking moments. Even had some "soap opera" drama with affairs and deceit. But overall it really was a beautiful romance.
To be honest, I really didn't plan on reading this book because I knew it had a menage scene and those always make me nervous. But I love Marie's writing and I just finally read Between Sinners and Saints last week after delaying for far too long. So, I didn't want to put off falling in love with two more of her "men" again. Plus, Marie promised me that the menage didn't cause any angst between Aren and Deacon.
I think Marie did a wonderful job with her first paranormal. I would definitely read another story set in this world.
March 16, 2021
I went into this book with few expectations. For once I didn't read many reviews - didn't bother because Marie Sexton is pretty much an auto-buy author for me, even if I was slow to pick up this one. And after a few pages of "Huh, this is different..." I was completely hooked.
This was an intriguing alternate-universe, paranormal mix of the familiar and the unique. It had a strong feel of stories of the American west in the early days of colonization, with the rough ranch life, the extermination of the native population, the harsh environment and the constrained role of women. But there were unique threads of magic, of death that was paranormal lurking in wait. The brutality was more extreme than in a usual Western, perhaps because death was more ubiquitous. Given enough cause, one man shooting another dead might just be told to get a shovel and bury the damned body before it rotted.
In this environment, Aren, the POV main character, is at first a fish out of water. He's young, educated, gay and uninterested in women, and unaccustomed to an outdoor physical life. He's been hired as a bookkeeper, so the job is within his expertise, but the rest of ranch life is a revelation. And the biggest part of that is Deacon, the ranch manager, who becomes his friend and who is everything Aren would want in a lover. If only there was any reason to expect that Deacon would be interested.
This is so well-written, atmospheric, and the relationship of the MCs progresses in unexpected but entirely believable ways. Definitely recommended.
This was an intriguing alternate-universe, paranormal mix of the familiar and the unique. It had a strong feel of stories of the American west in the early days of colonization, with the rough ranch life, the extermination of the native population, the harsh environment and the constrained role of women. But there were unique threads of magic, of death that was paranormal lurking in wait. The brutality was more extreme than in a usual Western, perhaps because death was more ubiquitous. Given enough cause, one man shooting another dead might just be told to get a shovel and bury the damned body before it rotted.
In this environment, Aren, the POV main character, is at first a fish out of water. He's young, educated, gay and uninterested in women, and unaccustomed to an outdoor physical life. He's been hired as a bookkeeper, so the job is within his expertise, but the rest of ranch life is a revelation. And the biggest part of that is Deacon, the ranch manager, who becomes his friend and who is everything Aren would want in a lover. If only there was any reason to expect that Deacon would be interested.
This is so well-written, atmospheric, and the relationship of the MCs progresses in unexpected but entirely believable ways. Definitely recommended.
November 13, 2020
I don't know what took me so long to read this but it was really good!
A blend of fantasy and supernatural with a historical bent and swimming in eroticism. Excuse me, kinky eroticism!
• Great world-building
• Solid relationship development
• Sexy AF
• Big guy bottoming
• Kinky
• A bit of a spooky/supernatural undertone
I'm a little bit on the fence on reading the next one but... maybe? I don't think Olsa will be in it and I liked her blind, cranky ass.
Overall recommended!
A blend of fantasy and supernatural with a historical bent and swimming in eroticism. Excuse me, kinky eroticism!
• Great world-building
• Solid relationship development
• Sexy AF
• Big guy bottoming
• Kinky
• A bit of a spooky/supernatural undertone
I'm a little bit on the fence on reading the next one but... maybe? I don't think Olsa will be in it and I liked her blind, cranky ass.
Overall recommended!
January 30, 2016
4 Stars - both a scary crawling feeling, in a different cowboy world, but also very steamy and very romantic about two opposites
It feels like I just read something very different, it was ghosts and ancient legends. This people lived in a dystopic (historic) kind of dark cowboy world. There grew a great and grand love story between two men and it was a lot of steam (with some kink play). But it was also about very tough and harsh living conditions and all the time was death close for everybody in their everyday life.
This was really a joy of reading, even all the remarkable things that happened in this odd world. I sat as glued to it and read quite quickly all 400 pages.
It starts with Aren Montrell that after a humiliating end in an love affair with one of the professors i the University, almost escaping to a new job as a bookkeeper far, far away. Oestend is a former far away colony with an major agricultural production. The cows are huge and the distances between the farms are large. The farm and cowboy life is hard here.
The foreman on the ranch, Deacon, meet up and they now have two days' journey by horse cart to Aren's new workplace and life. Much of the new country (perhaps America?) is different for Aren, including rumors about the ancient origin population that haunt in the night. This is the men's country, it's tough, violent and life is all about survival and an almost desperate desire for touch and the other sex.
Pretty soon the new bookkeeper becomes friends with the foreman ~ ...and something new begins to be built between the rather faded academician Aren and the muscular, dark and mysterious Deacon.
Marie Sexton, has started to become a favorite of mine. Anyways when it comes to, not always sympathetic, but so easily loved characters in her always so emotional and romantic (and quite "everyday") M/M romances. It typically refers to guys with some problem, a deffekt or an old grief which leads to a fear to commit to another man in a loving relationship. There is usually pain and tragic past experiences. So it was for the guys also in this novel. They were injured but helped each other to heal. I think this is the fifth book I read by this author and I have really enjoyed them all very much.
How was it with the steam then? - It was really much more of it, it was a lot of (explicit) bedroom scenes, and it was tougher than it has been in the others books I have read by Ms Sexton. As the skittish woman *) I am - when it comes to any form or kink sex (domination, obedience, menage, rope, blindfolds, whipping etc.) - I would say that in a PNR/dystopia like this one, it works quite great even for me. AND what happened here was more cute than scary. It was kind of hot!!!
I like this story and am satisfied with another fine story from this author. Every time I get tenderly romantic love, wonderful men and always a beautiful HEA. So even in this one!
I LIKE - captivating loving with a little sting of a ghost story
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
*)
It feels like I just read something very different, it was ghosts and ancient legends. This people lived in a dystopic (historic) kind of dark cowboy world. There grew a great and grand love story between two men and it was a lot of steam (with some kink play). But it was also about very tough and harsh living conditions and all the time was death close for everybody in their everyday life.
'Aren had heard of the wraiths, of course. Everyone had. The ting was, nobody belived the stories were real. Not where he cames from, anyway.'
This was really a joy of reading, even all the remarkable things that happened in this odd world. I sat as glued to it and read quite quickly all 400 pages.
It starts with Aren Montrell that after a humiliating end in an love affair with one of the professors i the University, almost escaping to a new job as a bookkeeper far, far away. Oestend is a former far away colony with an major agricultural production. The cows are huge and the distances between the farms are large. The farm and cowboy life is hard here.
The foreman on the ranch, Deacon, meet up and they now have two days' journey by horse cart to Aren's new workplace and life. Much of the new country (perhaps America?) is different for Aren, including rumors about the ancient origin population that haunt in the night. This is the men's country, it's tough, violent and life is all about survival and an almost desperate desire for touch and the other sex.
Pretty soon the new bookkeeper becomes friends with the foreman ~ ...and something new begins to be built between the rather faded academician Aren and the muscular, dark and mysterious Deacon.
Marie Sexton, has started to become a favorite of mine. Anyways when it comes to, not always sympathetic, but so easily loved characters in her always so emotional and romantic (and quite "everyday") M/M romances. It typically refers to guys with some problem, a deffekt or an old grief which leads to a fear to commit to another man in a loving relationship. There is usually pain and tragic past experiences. So it was for the guys also in this novel. They were injured but helped each other to heal. I think this is the fifth book I read by this author and I have really enjoyed them all very much.
How was it with the steam then? - It was really much more of it, it was a lot of (explicit) bedroom scenes, and it was tougher than it has been in the others books I have read by Ms Sexton. As the skittish woman *) I am - when it comes to any form or kink sex (domination, obedience, menage, rope, blindfolds, whipping etc.) - I would say that in a PNR/dystopia like this one, it works quite great even for me. AND what happened here was more cute than scary. It was kind of hot!!!
‘And when it was done, as Aren collapsed onto Deacon's brad chest, trying to cath his breath, all he cold do was hope it was true.
They could not be torn apart.’
I like this story and am satisfied with another fine story from this author. Every time I get tenderly romantic love, wonderful men and always a beautiful HEA. So even in this one!
I LIKE - captivating loving with a little sting of a ghost story
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
*)
September 18, 2020
I reread Song of Oestend in one sitting and it's just as good as I remember! It's always a risk to reread an old favorite, but Marie Sexton has never let me down.
Aren and Deacon's story is so damn beautiful.
Aren and Deacon's story is so damn beautiful.
October 21, 2020
Jeez, this was good.
I can't even think of anything I can compare it to and that might be the best part. It was a very unique and for me, very refreshing story.
I immediately started the next one.
Good stuff.
I can't even think of anything I can compare it to and that might be the best part. It was a very unique and for me, very refreshing story.
I immediately started the next one.
Good stuff.
April 24, 2021
4 stars audio
3.25 stars story. If not for BDSM sex and threesome this would've have been a 4.5 read.
3.25 stars story. If not for BDSM sex and threesome this would've have been a 4.5 read.
August 27, 2011
4,5 stars
Heather C has written a spot-on review for Song of Oestend.
I agree to 95%.
My two cents...
I think the sparse worldbuilding was enough - just added fuel to the subtle,creeping horror of the ghost-story part in the book.No cheap effects here and it wasn`t overly gory - it were the characters`s palpable fears of the unknown and "why?" that made it so scary.
The build up of the romance was very slow,but the "wait" was so worth it.Time enough to make the growing love and desire between Aren and Deacon believable - and that`s what led to some of the hottest sex-scenes I`ve read in a while.There`s BDSM and D/s but all of it came naturally.No talking about safe-words,scenes and psychology,just a giving-in to desires and needs - kind of refreshing.
The book contains a menage scene.I don`t mind menage - it was über-hot! But readers with menage-issues may better think twice before reading Song of Oestend.
The secondary characters (it wasn`t a small number - the ranch was BIG) were well developed.Especially Olsa,that woman was adorable...
No more cents...
Highly recommended!
Heather C has written a spot-on review for Song of Oestend.
I agree to 95%.
My two cents...
I think the sparse worldbuilding was enough - just added fuel to the subtle,creeping horror of the ghost-story part in the book.No cheap effects here and it wasn`t overly gory - it were the characters`s palpable fears of the unknown and "why?" that made it so scary.
The build up of the romance was very slow,but the "wait" was so worth it.Time enough to make the growing love and desire between Aren and Deacon believable - and that`s what led to some of the hottest sex-scenes I`ve read in a while.There`s BDSM and D/s but all of it came naturally.No talking about safe-words,scenes and psychology,just a giving-in to desires and needs - kind of refreshing.
The book contains a menage scene.I don`t mind menage - it was über-hot! But readers with menage-issues may better think twice before reading Song of Oestend.
The secondary characters (it wasn`t a small number - the ranch was BIG) were well developed.Especially Olsa,that woman was adorable...
No more cents...
Highly recommended!
December 31, 2011
More like a 2.5 star for me. I never really got into the story at all. The first part of the book strayed too much into mf territory. The women were like sex starved and throwing themselves at the men. There were too many scenes where the women tried to button and unbutton for seduction, or discussion on when they were getting married and about dowry. Aren gets attacked by one particularly determined woman who wants to marry him. We're not spared the unnecessary details of their encounter. But when Aren and Deacon get together all of a sudden no one is pressuring Aren to get married anymore. This showed a lack of cohesion in this story line.
When Aren and Deacon get together there's a whole lot of sex scenes and not a lot of plot points. There was a menage scene added that seemed pointless especially as it's with a character that was basically forgotten after the first third of the book. All of a sudden he returns and one of the characters must add him to their sex life. I didn't like the fact that he springs this third person on his lover. I thought this made the character appear thoughtless and not so loving. But it's a scene you can skim/skip and really miss nothing.
I mention the fantasy portion of the story last as that's the position the author appears to have put it. I expect a lot more story from a fantasy book and this didn't satisfy me at all. The stars given is really for Aren and Deacon as characters. I just want a better story for these two,
When Aren and Deacon get together there's a whole lot of sex scenes and not a lot of plot points. There was a menage scene added that seemed pointless especially as it's with a character that was basically forgotten after the first third of the book. All of a sudden he returns and one of the characters must add him to their sex life. I didn't like the fact that he springs this third person on his lover. I thought this made the character appear thoughtless and not so loving. But it's a scene you can skim/skip and really miss nothing.
I mention the fantasy portion of the story last as that's the position the author appears to have put it. I expect a lot more story from a fantasy book and this didn't satisfy me at all. The stars given is really for Aren and Deacon as characters. I just want a better story for these two,
January 5, 2012
Yes, Marie Sexton is my BFF, and yes, I beta'd this book, but I still love it and it's still going on this list.
What's not to love here? Alternate universe western setting: check. Cowboys: check. Subtle, spooky ghost native spirits: check. Reversing roles against trope: check. Understated and yet smoking hot BDSM: check. Emotional journeys, hidden secrets, self-empowerment, and oh yeah, a love story.
Just read it already.
What's not to love here? Alternate universe western setting: check. Cowboys: check. Subtle, spooky ghost native spirits: check. Reversing roles against trope: check. Understated and yet smoking hot BDSM: check. Emotional journeys, hidden secrets, self-empowerment, and oh yeah, a love story.
Just read it already.
August 30, 2011
Marie Sexton proves once again, why she is one my favorite MM authors. At first, I was reluctant to even get near this book, due to the readers advisory. Not because of the D/s tone but more on the m/m/m warning. It's not my thing, not in romance anyway. But, a friend reassured me that Marie Sexton did a good job, so I decided to give it ago.
AND OMG!!! I am so glad that I do.
Song of Oestend sets in an alternate reality, where violence is accepted as common ... but it also feels like it sets in a somewhere ranch, in some old time. It's a combination of historical/settlers with legends of old-people (which I sort of imagine as Native Americans) and wraiths/ghosts. The later is significant but not front and center, and it doesn't give me enough "chills" like when I'm reading horror stories (not that I read many of those).
The great thing about Marie Sexton's stories is her characters. I have read all of her books and one thing in common: her characters ALWAYS experience some sort of life-journey, a self-development. Those we meet in the beginning of the book ARE NEVER the ones we meet when the book ends. This one is no difference.
At first, Aren might seems like this shy, awkward young men, who goes to the ranch while still thinking about his time at the all-male university, and how he is usually used by his professors and other student. While Deacon is a self-confident ranch leader, who's easy with women, strong, and taking charge of everything. Somehow, in the progress of this book, as Aren and Deacon act on their attraction, Aren becomes the "leader" in the bed-room, taking control of Deacon, while Deacon happily let himself go, that he doesn't have to be strong in front Aren, that he lets Aren takes care of him. It sort of reminds me of James Buchanan's "Against All Odd" series, where Nicky and Brandon in the bedroom are different with Nicky and Brandon on the outside.
This power balance works so well, and I adore Deacon so very much. He is so adorable when he is trying to apologize when Aren is mad at him. He cannot easily accept thanks, oh, gosh, I want to squeeze him :). And when he declares his love for Aren, you see the mush on the floor? Yeah, that's me :). I'm not into Aren very much though. Sure, he shows his strength while he is in the ranch, and he provides support that Deacon needs, however ...
... this has something to do with the threesome scene that comes later. At first, I don't think the scene is necessary, AT ALL, and second . It's a bit hard for me to appreciate Aren after that.
Over all, it's another great story though and I promise from now on, I will take on whatever theme Marie Sexton is throwing us, readers. Oh, and if she wants to revisit this world again, please bring Frances and Simon on the front seat :)
AND OMG!!! I am so glad that I do.
Song of Oestend sets in an alternate reality, where violence is accepted as common ... but it also feels like it sets in a somewhere ranch, in some old time. It's a combination of historical/settlers with legends of old-people (which I sort of imagine as Native Americans) and wraiths/ghosts. The later is significant but not front and center, and it doesn't give me enough "chills" like when I'm reading horror stories (not that I read many of those).
The great thing about Marie Sexton's stories is her characters. I have read all of her books and one thing in common: her characters ALWAYS experience some sort of life-journey, a self-development. Those we meet in the beginning of the book ARE NEVER the ones we meet when the book ends. This one is no difference.
At first, Aren might seems like this shy, awkward young men, who goes to the ranch while still thinking about his time at the all-male university, and how he is usually used by his professors and other student. While Deacon is a self-confident ranch leader, who's easy with women, strong, and taking charge of everything. Somehow, in the progress of this book, as Aren and Deacon act on their attraction, Aren becomes the "leader" in the bed-room, taking control of Deacon, while Deacon happily let himself go, that he doesn't have to be strong in front Aren, that he lets Aren takes care of him. It sort of reminds me of James Buchanan's "Against All Odd" series, where Nicky and Brandon in the bedroom are different with Nicky and Brandon on the outside.
This power balance works so well, and I adore Deacon so very much. He is so adorable when he is trying to apologize when Aren is mad at him. He cannot easily accept thanks, oh, gosh, I want to squeeze him :). And when he declares his love for Aren, you see the mush on the floor? Yeah, that's me :). I'm not into Aren very much though. Sure, he shows his strength while he is in the ranch, and he provides support that Deacon needs, however ...
... this has something to do with the threesome scene that comes later. At first, I don't think the scene is necessary, AT ALL, and second . It's a bit hard for me to appreciate Aren after that.
Over all, it's another great story though and I promise from now on, I will take on whatever theme Marie Sexton is throwing us, readers. Oh, and if she wants to revisit this world again, please bring Frances and Simon on the front seat :)
September 14, 2013
Stunning mix of spiritual and carnal.
I had no expectations when I picked this book other than a bunch of my friends, like 36 of them had rated this 4.27 collectively. So, I'm thinking...Winner! And they were not wrong. But if I had tried to imagine the story just from the blurb, I would have gotten ALL wrong.
First, the story contains a significant paranormal element. Frankly, it is another character in the story with the way it interacts. Yet, it isn't just a ghost story. Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of ghost stories and it isn't because I disbelieve--in fact, I've seen stuff that I can't explain and no one else around me could. A few were like, yeah...it's the ghost. I'm like okay...but waking in the middle of the night seeing a shadowy figure in the corner of your room that doesn't move--it quickly changes your mind from the NO box to MAYBE in a heartbeat. In the story, it is not just a ghost, but an entire spiritual belief that infuses it. I've study many cultures with non-western religious constructs so this was extremely easy for me to understand which might not be the case for other readers.
Now, while the story has this crucial element, it in no way impedes or dictates the relationship between Deacon and Aren--which I loved. It wasn't used as a crutch in the storytelling, but as an enhancement. I like that the belief system was multivalent--neither all good or bad. It was convincing and did not come across as proselytizing which makes all the difference to me in how I feel about a book. Religion/belief is an intensely personal experience for me and I do not enjoy being preached to.
Another strong point in this story, all of the characters are fully developed. There are no place holders, even the tertiary characters are flushed out. Aren and Deacon could have been quite predictable, but then about 55% of the way in, there is a major shift that just takes this story from an intriguing western to a complicated interracial romance set in a desolate ranching location. I loved getting my preconceptions slapped around a bit. This was not a lazy story in any sense.
I could probably go on and on about how I was floored, but I'll leave at that.
Favorite quotes:
I had no expectations when I picked this book other than a bunch of my friends, like 36 of them had rated this 4.27 collectively. So, I'm thinking...Winner! And they were not wrong. But if I had tried to imagine the story just from the blurb, I would have gotten ALL wrong.
First, the story contains a significant paranormal element. Frankly, it is another character in the story with the way it interacts. Yet, it isn't just a ghost story. Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of ghost stories and it isn't because I disbelieve--in fact, I've seen stuff that I can't explain and no one else around me could. A few were like, yeah...it's the ghost. I'm like okay...but waking in the middle of the night seeing a shadowy figure in the corner of your room that doesn't move--it quickly changes your mind from the NO box to MAYBE in a heartbeat. In the story, it is not just a ghost, but an entire spiritual belief that infuses it. I've study many cultures with non-western religious constructs so this was extremely easy for me to understand which might not be the case for other readers.
Now, while the story has this crucial element, it in no way impedes or dictates the relationship between Deacon and Aren--which I loved. It wasn't used as a crutch in the storytelling, but as an enhancement. I like that the belief system was multivalent--neither all good or bad. It was convincing and did not come across as proselytizing which makes all the difference to me in how I feel about a book. Religion/belief is an intensely personal experience for me and I do not enjoy being preached to.
Another strong point in this story, all of the characters are fully developed. There are no place holders, even the tertiary characters are flushed out. Aren and Deacon could have been quite predictable, but then about 55% of the way in, there is a major shift that just takes this story from an intriguing western to a complicated interracial romance set in a desolate ranching location. I loved getting my preconceptions slapped around a bit. This was not a lazy story in any sense.
I could probably go on and on about how I was floored, but I'll leave at that.
Favorite quotes:
"The fact the track through the grass was two men wide was the best part of all. It meant that he wasn’t alone."
“I’ve seen a hundred hands come and go. Maybe more. Every one of them needs to fear me. Every one of them needs to respect me. But not one of them needs to like me.”
"Wish I could do it for you,” he said. “Wish I had the magic, too, so you could see yourself the way I do.”
April 13, 2022
3.5
For a fantasy-historical-western flavored D/s erotica, this was pretty good. It’s not insta-love, either, which was a pleasant surprise after my recent reads. There’s plot, too! The fantasy element was too light for me, though — we only get to know more about the Oestend ‘wraiths’ closer to the end of the book, and it’s a halfhearted explanation, imo. On the other hand, I think the ‘Wild West’ vibe was really well done. And I enjoyed the smut.
One thing I didn’t really enjoy was Aren, which was rather unfortunate because he’s the narrator here. I found him pretty weak as a character. Also, I absolutely detest unfounded jealousy in romance books, and Aren is the poster boy for it — not for the whole book, thank goodness, but he had his moments. I wanted to punch him! Making someone feel bad for something they haven’t done, haven’t even thought of doing, because you feel insecure? Not having the balls to talk it through like a normal person? I HATE that! 😤 Deacon was such a sweet man, and he deserved better.
Also, when Aren was reminiscing about his past at the university,
The threesome scene came out of the blue, and was a very strange addition after Aren’s previous jealousy. 🤯
The writing didn’t really click with me, and there were some typos and repetitions that should’ve been edited out, but it wasn’t bad. Not sure I’ll read the next one, though. 🤔
For a fantasy-historical-western flavored D/s erotica, this was pretty good. It’s not insta-love, either, which was a pleasant surprise after my recent reads. There’s plot, too! The fantasy element was too light for me, though — we only get to know more about the Oestend ‘wraiths’ closer to the end of the book, and it’s a halfhearted explanation, imo. On the other hand, I think the ‘Wild West’ vibe was really well done. And I enjoyed the smut.
One thing I didn’t really enjoy was Aren, which was rather unfortunate because he’s the narrator here. I found him pretty weak as a character. Also, I absolutely detest unfounded jealousy in romance books, and Aren is the poster boy for it — not for the whole book, thank goodness, but he had his moments. I wanted to punch him! Making someone feel bad for something they haven’t done, haven’t even thought of doing, because you feel insecure? Not having the balls to talk it through like a normal person? I HATE that! 😤 Deacon was such a sweet man, and he deserved better.
Also, when Aren was reminiscing about his past at the university,
The threesome scene came out of the blue, and was a very strange addition after Aren’s previous jealousy. 🤯
The writing didn’t really click with me, and there were some typos and repetitions that should’ve been edited out, but it wasn’t bad. Not sure I’ll read the next one, though. 🤔
October 3, 2011
Excellent kinky scifi m/m romance with cowboys. Weirdly, I'm not a big fan of scifi and even less of a fan of cowboy books, but this just completely worked for me. It's about an artist who takes a job as a bookkeeper for a ranch on the other side of the world so he can get away from his past at the university. He finds himself unprepared for his new life, but he slowly finds his way and makes his place at the ranch as he befriends the reclusive foreman.
March 11, 2021
This novel has everything. A fantastic paranormal mystery, historical-style in feeling with all the old western-y elements, and hot rancher + bookish (closet sex-pot). What more could anyone ask... plus written by Marie Sexton and performed by John Solo. It was fabulous!!!
John Solo's performance is really something special. He's truly acting in this emotional story. Singing, chanting, and emoting - just lovely.
John Solo's performance is really something special. He's truly acting in this emotional story. Singing, chanting, and emoting - just lovely.
July 17, 2022
3.5-4 stars
Pretty good! Compared to the other book by Marie Sexton I read I didn’t love this one as much, but this sucked me in.
The romance as written perfectly, the build up to friends to lovers was great. And this felt like it was part paranormal/fantasy part western part historical, but down well!
Deacon and Aren were great together!
Not sure if I’ll read the next book, Dante really needs to redeem himself, I wish it was just about Frances and Simon.
Pretty good! Compared to the other book by Marie Sexton I read I didn’t love this one as much, but this sucked me in.
The romance as written perfectly, the build up to friends to lovers was great. And this felt like it was part paranormal/fantasy part western part historical, but down well!
Deacon and Aren were great together!
Not sure if I’ll read the next book, Dante really needs to redeem himself, I wish it was just about Frances and Simon.
August 28, 2021
I read in a newsletter that Marie Sexton considers this her most favorite of all the books she wrote. So I went blindly into it without reading the blurb. I found it delightfully strange. It can be described as western gothic fantasy, with a fictional Wild West setting, revengeful spirits terrorizing the population at night, and mystic indigenous Old People owning the power of symbols and songs.
The story was told from the POV of Aren, a university student from the continent, who came to Oestend, a colony that resembles the American Wild West, as a last resort from his troubled past. There he went to work as a bookkeeper at BarChi, a remote ranch, and gradually found a place where he could belong, and a love with the mysterious foreman Deacon. But life at the farm was hard, and the terrible past came back to haunt its inhabitants.
The story is fascinating, and the pacing is quick to keep my interest going. There are enough plot twists and gruesome deaths to keep me on edge for the length of the book. In fact the body count is among the highest I’ve encountered in MM romance. At the same time, the romance was given ample space, with a dash of BDSM, to balance the suspense.
I’m a sucker for this kind of books – unique, fascinating premise, with strange characters and a world painted in rich imaginations. I would have given it 5 stars but for a couple of issues. First, I found the soft and benign prose at odds with its violent content. I thought a grittier approach would suit the tone better. Secondly, the depiction of women as sluts who jumped at men for sex and marriage potential was cringeworthy, however the book made it seem like a normal behavior in this world.
Regardless of all that, I’d love to recommend this book to those of you who love to discover something different from the standard fare offered in the MM romance genre right now. Read it and let me hear what you think.
The story was told from the POV of Aren, a university student from the continent, who came to Oestend, a colony that resembles the American Wild West, as a last resort from his troubled past. There he went to work as a bookkeeper at BarChi, a remote ranch, and gradually found a place where he could belong, and a love with the mysterious foreman Deacon. But life at the farm was hard, and the terrible past came back to haunt its inhabitants.
The story is fascinating, and the pacing is quick to keep my interest going. There are enough plot twists and gruesome deaths to keep me on edge for the length of the book. In fact the body count is among the highest I’ve encountered in MM romance. At the same time, the romance was given ample space, with a dash of BDSM, to balance the suspense.
I’m a sucker for this kind of books – unique, fascinating premise, with strange characters and a world painted in rich imaginations. I would have given it 5 stars but for a couple of issues. First, I found the soft and benign prose at odds with its violent content. I thought a grittier approach would suit the tone better. Secondly, the depiction of women as sluts who jumped at men for sex and marriage potential was cringeworthy, however the book made it seem like a normal behavior in this world.
Regardless of all that, I’d love to recommend this book to those of you who love to discover something different from the standard fare offered in the MM romance genre right now. Read it and let me hear what you think.
December 9, 2011
I wasn't going to read this book. Even though there isn't a Marie Sexton book I haven't loved, I just didn't think I would like this. I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction. I want my books to be contemporary. Even though I love cowboys (who doesn't, right?) I want them set in the now, not the then. Even though I like paranormal, again, I want it contemporary. I don't like ghost stories and I really thought there was to much mixed together to enjoy. So this book is everything I thought I would hate.
Let this be a lesson! I loved this book!!! It had me totally engaged right from the start. I couldn't put the book down. I loved Aren and Deacon together. I loved the ghost story. I loved the historical/alternate reality. There wasn't anything I didn't like about this book. I want more from this world. I would love to know more about Simon and Frances and more about Dante.
This is a fabulous book! I highly recommend!! 5+ Stars!
Let this be a lesson! I loved this book!!! It had me totally engaged right from the start. I couldn't put the book down. I loved Aren and Deacon together. I loved the ghost story. I loved the historical/alternate reality. There wasn't anything I didn't like about this book. I want more from this world. I would love to know more about Simon and Frances and more about Dante.
This is a fabulous book! I highly recommend!! 5+ Stars!
September 26, 2013
Re-reading for review.
4.5
I'd forgotten just how much I loved this story. It's a fantastic setting that has a violent old west feel to it but with that bite of PNR to give it an atmospheric creepy vibe. Aren is starting a new job as bookkeeper on an isolated ranch. He feels unwanted and used by his former lover who has pushed him into leaving. He meets the ranch foreman, Deacon, and though they have a rocky start they forge a strong friendship. There's a very slow build up to the relationship but when they start sleeping together the heat ramps up rather nicely with a touch of BDSM that really suits them.
There's a mystery, ghosts, death and despair that's lightened up with a very sweet romance between the two outsiders. This was excellent the first time I read it and just as good this time around. Original world-building with a stark, compelling story line and characters. Wonderful read.
4.5
I'd forgotten just how much I loved this story. It's a fantastic setting that has a violent old west feel to it but with that bite of PNR to give it an atmospheric creepy vibe. Aren is starting a new job as bookkeeper on an isolated ranch. He feels unwanted and used by his former lover who has pushed him into leaving. He meets the ranch foreman, Deacon, and though they have a rocky start they forge a strong friendship. There's a very slow build up to the relationship but when they start sleeping together the heat ramps up rather nicely with a touch of BDSM that really suits them.
There's a mystery, ghosts, death and despair that's lightened up with a very sweet romance between the two outsiders. This was excellent the first time I read it and just as good this time around. Original world-building with a stark, compelling story line and characters. Wonderful read.
January 10, 2012
I don't know if I should ignore HC for a few days - she could have warned me...
I made the mistake of starting this book just after midnight, I had the intentions of only reading a few pages before going to sleep....I finished it at 5am in the freakin morning.
THEN I woke up with a bad headache that morphed into a migraine which morphed into me laying in bed near death all of yesterday.
I blame it ALL on HC
SO as for the review.
This book ROCKED - go buy it - then read it - DURING THE DAYTIME!!!
I made the mistake of starting this book just after midnight, I had the intentions of only reading a few pages before going to sleep....I finished it at 5am in the freakin morning.
THEN I woke up with a bad headache that morphed into a migraine which morphed into me laying in bed near death all of yesterday.
I blame it ALL on HC
SO as for the review.
This book ROCKED - go buy it - then read it - DURING THE DAYTIME!!!
December 12, 2011
I liked just about everything about this book. The majority of the characters, how it took its time to develop, how it hit my kinky buttons, the twists that surprised me and kept me guessing. I worried a little when going into the last chapter I still had questions, but nope, they were all answered. The only thing I would like now is an update on Frances...and maybe Dante.
December 31, 2022
Sądzę, że Song of Oestend będzie ostatnią książką przeczytaną przeze mnie w 2022 roku i o ile czytelniczo rok ten nie zaczął się dla mnie spektakularnie, o tyle kończy się z przytupem. Opowieść Marie Sexton jest cudna - wciągająca, napisana świetnym językiem, trochę romantyczna, westernowa, z nutką fantasy, gorąca jak cholera.
Historia opowiedziana została z POV Arena, młodego księgowego, który w dość niejasnych okolicznościach trafia na oddaloną od innych ludzkich siedzib dużą farmę bydła, gdzie spotyka Deacona - potomka Starych Ludzi. Pozycja Deacona na farmie jest dość niejasna - zarządza on zespołem pomocników, ale jego rodowód i historia są bardzo tajemnicze. Aren zbliża się do Deacona i w krótkim czasie staje się jego jedynym przyjacielem.
Rzeczywistość życia i pracy na farmie, która przypomina trochę ranczo na Dzikim Zachodzie, jest brutalna. Na mieszkańców czyhają nie tylko zwykłe zagrożenia, jak wypadki czy choroby, ale też mroczne niebezpieczeństwa pojawiające się po zmroku. Upiory Oestendu istnieją naprawdę i zabiją każdego, kto nieostrożnie opuści w nocy chronione domostwo. W tym świecie, w którym nikt nie może być pewny jutra, Aren odnajduje wszystko, czego kiedykolwiek pragnął. Ale zanim to nastąpi, będzie musiał wraz z Deaconem stawić czoła przeszłości i odkryć, kim naprawdę jest jego przyjaciel i kochanek.
Historia porwała mnie i uwiodła. Naprawdę polubiłam głównych bohaterów i niektórych drugoplanowych (Olsa, Jeremiah, Simon, Frances), kibicowałam im z całego serca. Kiedy powieść się skończyła, chciałam kolejnych 100 stron. Niestety najlepsze rzeczy zawsze kończą się za szybko. :)
Polecam!
Historia opowiedziana została z POV Arena, młodego księgowego, który w dość niejasnych okolicznościach trafia na oddaloną od innych ludzkich siedzib dużą farmę bydła, gdzie spotyka Deacona - potomka Starych Ludzi. Pozycja Deacona na farmie jest dość niejasna - zarządza on zespołem pomocników, ale jego rodowód i historia są bardzo tajemnicze. Aren zbliża się do Deacona i w krótkim czasie staje się jego jedynym przyjacielem.
Rzeczywistość życia i pracy na farmie, która przypomina trochę ranczo na Dzikim Zachodzie, jest brutalna. Na mieszkańców czyhają nie tylko zwykłe zagrożenia, jak wypadki czy choroby, ale też mroczne niebezpieczeństwa pojawiające się po zmroku. Upiory Oestendu istnieją naprawdę i zabiją każdego, kto nieostrożnie opuści w nocy chronione domostwo. W tym świecie, w którym nikt nie może być pewny jutra, Aren odnajduje wszystko, czego kiedykolwiek pragnął. Ale zanim to nastąpi, będzie musiał wraz z Deaconem stawić czoła przeszłości i odkryć, kim naprawdę jest jego przyjaciel i kochanek.
Historia porwała mnie i uwiodła. Naprawdę polubiłam głównych bohaterów i niektórych drugoplanowych (Olsa, Jeremiah, Simon, Frances), kibicowałam im z całego serca. Kiedy powieść się skończyła, chciałam kolejnych 100 stron. Niestety najlepsze rzeczy zawsze kończą się za szybko. :)
Polecam!
December 16, 2023
This has some good worldbuilding, and I liked the characters. And, the author showed how much work a working ranch requires, which I appreciate. I also appreciated the way the threats were presented, and the last five chapters are great.
As always with a first book in a series, the ideal is to want to read more, but I'm done, because that was quite enough trouble for these characters, for me. :) YMMV!
As always with a first book in a series, the ideal is to want to read more, but I'm done, because that was quite enough trouble for these characters, for me. :) YMMV!
February 6, 2020
4.5 Stars
Damn, that was good!
Damn, that was good!
October 17, 2011
3.5
In the beginning, the world building had me confused whether it was historical or alternate reality. I had to flip back a few pages to make sure i didn't miss something... well i hadn't and maybe the author could've tried to make the distinction a bit clearer....It's an alternative world where they also have cowboys and Indians, just that the Indians are actually called the Ainuai/The Old People instead...
I'm not sure i liked the menage in here...It felt mmm...casual almost considering how serious Aren and Deacon are about each other - I would've expected a bit more apprehension from Deacon and a lot more restraint from Aren given his past experiences. The author tries to justify it after the deed is done but it felt i dunno...weird somehow..
I enjoyed Olsa's character the most.
In the beginning, the world building had me confused whether it was historical or alternate reality. I had to flip back a few pages to make sure i didn't miss something... well i hadn't and maybe the author could've tried to make the distinction a bit clearer....It's an alternative world where they also have cowboys and Indians, just that the Indians are actually called the Ainuai/The Old People instead...
I'm not sure i liked the menage in here...It felt mmm...casual almost considering how serious Aren and Deacon are about each other - I would've expected a bit more apprehension from Deacon and a lot more restraint from Aren given his past experiences. The author tries to justify it after the deed is done but it felt i dunno...weird somehow..
I enjoyed Olsa's character the most.
January 7, 2012
I cannot believe it took me this long to read this book. I LOVED it. This book hit all of my buttons in just the right order.
We meet Aren as he has been cast from the 'City' by some grade A assholes. At the same time we meet Deacon, the ranch hand who is taking Aren to his new job in the middle of nowhere. We are then introduced to a time and place that is both fantasy, a bit like settler days in the US and yet not. We then get to stroll through a story of love, pain, loss, history and finding your place in the world. Add on top of all of that (which I love), we get to experience the evolution of Aren and Deacon as they find themselves and each other. Oh and the sex.....Marie, damn girl, that was some good reading!
We meet Aren as he has been cast from the 'City' by some grade A assholes. At the same time we meet Deacon, the ranch hand who is taking Aren to his new job in the middle of nowhere. We are then introduced to a time and place that is both fantasy, a bit like settler days in the US and yet not. We then get to stroll through a story of love, pain, loss, history and finding your place in the world. Add on top of all of that (which I love), we get to experience the evolution of Aren and Deacon as they find themselves and each other. Oh and the sex.....Marie, damn girl, that was some good reading!
November 26, 2012
I've fallen in love with both the plot and characters, but first and foremost I loved the climate of Oestend.
June 9, 2017
http://bianchianita1971.blogspot.it/2...
Una nuova grande prova per la bravissima Marie Sexton: questo romanzo ha saputo sorprendermi ed emozionarmi come non credevo possibile leggendo la trama.
Il punto forte è l'ambientazione in una terra dura e spietata come gli uomini che la abitano: l'Oestend è un territorio che non fa sconti a nessuno, dov'è possibile morire semplicemente dimenticandosi di chiudere le finestre di notte. Lo scopre fin dal suo arrivo il giovane contabile Aren che ha accettato il posto vacante al BarChi soprattutto per sfuggire ad una vita che lo ha sempre fatto sentire inadeguato. Aren deve far ricorso a tutte le sue risorse per sopravvivere e mantenere la sua sanità mentale nell'Oestend, ma avrà anche modo di dimostrare il suo valore più e più volte. La sua amicizia con Deacon, poi, aiuterà entrambi e avrà degli sviluppi molto interssanti.
Non posso dirvi che leggere questo romanzo sia stato una passeggiata ma "Il Canto di Oestend" è sicuramente uno di quei libri che ti "arriva": con la potenza di un pugno nello stomaco e che non può lasciare indifferenti.
Voto: 9
Una nuova grande prova per la bravissima Marie Sexton: questo romanzo ha saputo sorprendermi ed emozionarmi come non credevo possibile leggendo la trama.
Il punto forte è l'ambientazione in una terra dura e spietata come gli uomini che la abitano: l'Oestend è un territorio che non fa sconti a nessuno, dov'è possibile morire semplicemente dimenticandosi di chiudere le finestre di notte. Lo scopre fin dal suo arrivo il giovane contabile Aren che ha accettato il posto vacante al BarChi soprattutto per sfuggire ad una vita che lo ha sempre fatto sentire inadeguato. Aren deve far ricorso a tutte le sue risorse per sopravvivere e mantenere la sua sanità mentale nell'Oestend, ma avrà anche modo di dimostrare il suo valore più e più volte. La sua amicizia con Deacon, poi, aiuterà entrambi e avrà degli sviluppi molto interssanti.
Non posso dirvi che leggere questo romanzo sia stato una passeggiata ma "Il Canto di Oestend" è sicuramente uno di quei libri che ti "arriva": con la potenza di un pugno nello stomaco e che non può lasciare indifferenti.
Voto: 9
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