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End of Men #1
Folsom
The nation as we know it is a thing of the past. With the male species on the verge of extinction, a society called the End Men is formed to save the world. Folsom Donahue is one of twelve men whose sole purpose is to repopulate the Regions. The endless days spent having sex with strangers leaves Folsom with an emptiness no amount of women, money, or status can fill.
Until Gwen.
Gwen has wanted a child for as long as she can remember, but when she finally gets a chance to have her own, she uncovers a long-hidden truth. The injustice she sees moves her to help save the men whom no one else believes need saving.
A forbidden love, grown in a time of despair, ignites a revolution. Folsom and Gwen, torn between their love for each other and their sense of duty, must make a choice. But some will stop at nothing to destroy them.
Folsom is book one of the End of Men series.
Until Gwen.
Gwen has wanted a child for as long as she can remember, but when she finally gets a chance to have her own, she uncovers a long-hidden truth. The injustice she sees moves her to help save the men whom no one else believes need saving.
A forbidden love, grown in a time of despair, ignites a revolution. Folsom and Gwen, torn between their love for each other and their sense of duty, must make a choice. But some will stop at nothing to destroy them.
Folsom is book one of the End of Men series.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2018
803 people are currently reading
6054 people want to read
About the author
Tarryn Fisher
46 books26k followersI would like to write a novel that every, single person loves, but not even J.K. Rowling could do that. Instead, I try to write stories that pull on people's emotions. I believe that sadness is the most powerful emotion, and swirled with regret the two become a dominating force. I love villains. Three of my favorites are Mother Gothel, Gaston and the Evil Queen who all suffered from a pretty wicked case of vanity (like me). I like to make these personality types the center of my stories.
I love rain, Coke, Starbucks and sarcasm. I hate bad adjectives and the word "smolder". If you read my book-I love you. If you hate my book-I still love you, but please don't be mean to me; I'm half badass, half cry baby.
I love rain, Coke, Starbucks and sarcasm. I hate bad adjectives and the word "smolder". If you read my book-I love you. If you hate my book-I still love you, but please don't be mean to me; I'm half badass, half cry baby.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 746 reviews
June 1, 2018
4.25 stars!!
OMG What did I just read? Tarryn Fisher and Willow Aster make for an amazing duo. This book was completely unique and fully kept my attention. I haven’t read a dystopian romance in the longest time and I was addicted to this one! From start to finish, I didn’t want to put it down.
Times have changed and the world that we know is over. The male species is almost extinct, save for 12 End Men who are tasked with traveling to the regions and repopulating the nation. Folsom it he original End Men. He’s been with more women that he can count, and impregnated hundreds. He’s a hero. None of these women have ever meant anything to him… Until he met Gwen.
Gwen has always wanted a baby. But that is something most women want and never get the chance. She gets her chance when she gets a night with Folsom. She hopes to get pregnant, but never dreams of anything else. Then the feelings come into play…
This was forbidden love at its finest. It was angsty and was so much more than a romance. It’s a book that made me think. It challenged the normal things we think and believe as a society. The characters were interesting, intelligent, and brave. I loved the twists and turns, and the fact that it kept me guessing throughout.
I was captivated by the world Fisher & Aster created. It was brilliant, the way the ‘Age of Women’ was portrayed, and I love how they blew the normal gender stereotypes out of the water. I can’t even wait for the second book. I need it, like, yesterday! That cliffy was brutal, but thankfully the next book will be out soon! If you’re looking for an original read that has great prose, strong and brave characters, and an unputdownable story, check out Folsom!
OMG What did I just read? Tarryn Fisher and Willow Aster make for an amazing duo. This book was completely unique and fully kept my attention. I haven’t read a dystopian romance in the longest time and I was addicted to this one! From start to finish, I didn’t want to put it down.
Times have changed and the world that we know is over. The male species is almost extinct, save for 12 End Men who are tasked with traveling to the regions and repopulating the nation. Folsom it he original End Men. He’s been with more women that he can count, and impregnated hundreds. He’s a hero. None of these women have ever meant anything to him… Until he met Gwen.
Women have passed through my life…and no one—not one—has ever stood out. But I knew. The moment I saw her, I knew. A feeling, a draw, the smallest spark of kindling. I want her. Oh my God, I want her.
Gwen has always wanted a baby. But that is something most women want and never get the chance. She gets her chance when she gets a night with Folsom. She hopes to get pregnant, but never dreams of anything else. Then the feelings come into play…
This was forbidden love at its finest. It was angsty and was so much more than a romance. It’s a book that made me think. It challenged the normal things we think and believe as a society. The characters were interesting, intelligent, and brave. I loved the twists and turns, and the fact that it kept me guessing throughout.
I was captivated by the world Fisher & Aster created. It was brilliant, the way the ‘Age of Women’ was portrayed, and I love how they blew the normal gender stereotypes out of the water. I can’t even wait for the second book. I need it, like, yesterday! That cliffy was brutal, but thankfully the next book will be out soon! If you’re looking for an original read that has great prose, strong and brave characters, and an unputdownable story, check out Folsom!
“For the truth to make a difference, it needs to be said by one person at a time, until there’s a noise loud enough to a make difference.”
June 4, 2018
Spoiler Alert
@30% and I'm disputing if this was indeed written by, my bestie, Tarryn Fisher. Also, reading Folsom's introspections was beyond exhausting, not to mention how distasteful I found the idea of one man having multiple sex partners on a daily basis. Yes, yes, I know that's the entire premise, but the execution of the story left much to be desired. DNF and sent back to KU.
May 28, 2018
❤️4-4,5 stars❤️
I don't know where to start my review with Folsom, it was such a unique and original story!It took me by surprise, it was totally different of what I thought and this make me enjoy it even more!I was mesmerized and hooked with the story from the first pages!Folsom is like nothing I have read so far, it was brilliant!What a great plot, I was intrigued!
Apart from the unique story line I also adored the characters!Gwen and Folsom are interesting characters!They felt realistic and I connected with them easily!I wanted to know more about Folsom!Omg this man my heart!
I loved the writing it was flawless and the characters were fantasticI can't wait for the second book in the series!I hope in the future we will have more books from this duo!I was excited when I hear that they will have a book together!If you are looking for a refreshing,unique and unforgettable story!
I don't know where to start my review with Folsom, it was such a unique and original story!It took me by surprise, it was totally different of what I thought and this make me enjoy it even more!I was mesmerized and hooked with the story from the first pages!Folsom is like nothing I have read so far, it was brilliant!What a great plot, I was intrigued!
Apart from the unique story line I also adored the characters!Gwen and Folsom are interesting characters!They felt realistic and I connected with them easily!I wanted to know more about Folsom!Omg this man my heart!
I loved the writing it was flawless and the characters were fantasticI can't wait for the second book in the series!I hope in the future we will have more books from this duo!I was excited when I hear that they will have a book together!If you are looking for a refreshing,unique and unforgettable story!
August 7, 2023
4 "The Age of Woman" Stars
Folsom takes place in a world where the majority of the male population has become extinct. To populate mankind, society has to rely on The End Men. The End Men are twelve fertile men whose only duty is to impregnate the woman of the region. Folsom Donohue is the oldest of these men and our hero of this tale. He’s been impregnating women through high society without any say so about his own life.
Our heroine is a feisty, hardworking, young girl named Gwen. Gwen is the first to take a real interest in who he is and what his existence is behind the flash, celebrity, and usefulness. The authors do a stellar job of letting a reader feel Folsom’s pain and loss throughout the story. As Gwen becomes more of a voice against all that she believed in, she finds herself in great danger.
The story is well-paced and will leave a reader eager for the next book. The characters were extremely likable and easy to root for. I found the story incorporated just the right amount of politics and rebellion while being a love story. I do think readers will enjoy both authors gifting something different in this dystopian world!
"For the truth to make a difference, it needs to be said by one person at a time, until there’s a noise loud enough to a make difference. "
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Folsom takes place in a world where the majority of the male population has become extinct. To populate mankind, society has to rely on The End Men. The End Men are twelve fertile men whose only duty is to impregnate the woman of the region. Folsom Donohue is the oldest of these men and our hero of this tale. He’s been impregnating women through high society without any say so about his own life.
Our heroine is a feisty, hardworking, young girl named Gwen. Gwen is the first to take a real interest in who he is and what his existence is behind the flash, celebrity, and usefulness. The authors do a stellar job of letting a reader feel Folsom’s pain and loss throughout the story. As Gwen becomes more of a voice against all that she believed in, she finds herself in great danger.
The story is well-paced and will leave a reader eager for the next book. The characters were extremely likable and easy to root for. I found the story incorporated just the right amount of politics and rebellion while being a love story. I do think readers will enjoy both authors gifting something different in this dystopian world!
"For the truth to make a difference, it needs to be said by one person at a time, until there’s a noise loud enough to a make difference. "
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
June 4, 2018
So I have this “morbid curiosity” bookshelf and that goes for the books I know I’ll hate but still have a nagging curiosity about them.
First of all. Th writing is terrible and the authors make out all the women of the world to be sex crazed lunatics. Like I said, I knew going in I wasn’t going to like the premise so I was prepared to leave no rating. The writing and characters are the reason it gets 1 Star.
Second of all. Hero fucks heroines sister and many women after.
Third. The heroine is STILL a fucking virgin somehow. Because she’s still gotta be squeaky clean for the hero that fucks THREE WOMEN A DAY.
Forth: the H and h are secretly together but the H still goes out and has two sex appointments a day while the heroine waits around for him at his apartment.
And last but not least. There was no logic to this plot. If all men suddenly died, women would figure out a way to move on. It’s called sperm banks and artificial insemination. But noooooooo its more “romantic” for the hero to sleep with hundreds upon thousands of women and pick the wallflower virgin h. It just warms my heart.
Someone needs to put this book out of its misery.
First of all. Th writing is terrible and the authors make out all the women of the world to be sex crazed lunatics. Like I said, I knew going in I wasn’t going to like the premise so I was prepared to leave no rating. The writing and characters are the reason it gets 1 Star.
Second of all. Hero fucks heroines sister and many women after.
Third. The heroine is STILL a fucking virgin somehow. Because she’s still gotta be squeaky clean for the hero that fucks THREE WOMEN A DAY.
Forth: the H and h are secretly together but the H still goes out and has two sex appointments a day while the heroine waits around for him at his apartment.
And last but not least. There was no logic to this plot. If all men suddenly died, women would figure out a way to move on. It’s called sperm banks and artificial insemination. But noooooooo its more “romantic” for the hero to sleep with hundreds upon thousands of women and pick the wallflower virgin h. It just warms my heart.
Someone needs to put this book out of its misery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2018
what in the cliff hanging hell
this was G capital OO D good my pals. i dunno what i was expecting but it definitely wasn't an "all men are expected to breed like race horses" scenario. i mean i read the description, but this was some whole other twisted bullshit.
and it was great! i think i've finally gotten over my aversion to dystopians! essentially most adult men became sterile at some point and there's only 12 men left in america who can BREED. i thought it'd be a creepy sex cult scenario but actually it was just really sad. guys going from town to town banging random rich hoes left and right in hopes that their baby batter will lead to more sons.
so obviously our dude folsom falls for a chick he unceremoniously knocks up. it's cuter than it sounds okay? but obviously chaos ensues and not everyone is happy about this bang bang happy love stuff.
and we get a cliffhanger.
overall i genuinely enjoyed this. i was feeling a little slumpy but this was fast paced, straight forward, and strangely poignant. the characters had real emotions and the world building was pretty solid in my opinion, ESPECIALLY since this is written by two ~romance~ authors.
that being said if you're looking for a good romance i don't think this is it. romantic elements, but more just a satisfying dystopian series.
******************************
buddy read with the salty chips to my cheesy queso
July 2, 2018
A book by Tarryn Fisher is the exception to my "no books with six pack men covers" rule.
Review
I am sad to rate this book with only one star because Tarryn Fisher is one of few indie authors that I absolutely love, however, this book did not live up to my "Tarryn Fisher" expectation. First, let's remember that this was written not just by Tarryn but also by Willow Aster. These two female authors came together to base a book on what I think is a brilliant idea. Finally all the evil that's in the world, mostly by men (think about it), has finally brought about serious consequences: where the XY chromosomes are practically extinct in a female run society.
Now for the negative stuff
The writing was really lacking emotion and depth. On top of the characters having no real emotional connection there was an instalove there that I really hate. The storytelling left much to be desired, as it told me but didn't show me or make me feel any sort of emotional investment.
Moreover, there were just too many inconsistencies and flaws in the plot that pulled me out of the story. They were the following.
1) What happened to the woman at the very start? I think she was Folsom's wife or girlfriend, but after the first scene until at least 50% of the book (that's when I gave it up), there was not a single mention of her. Did I read it wrong?
2) Why is it that in a futuristic society like this, they don't use more convenient and ethical ways of impregnating women like what we have now, the practices of sperm donation and artificial insemination?
3) STIs just don't exist then? This part was so far fetched. Whether they do or don't, there was no explanation or suggestion given about this.
4) Why do the only remaining men on the planet fit the same mould as the typical woman's dream man from a GQ magazine? It would've been more believable if some of the men were physically undesirable and the female characters would hope to get appointments with the most in demand handsome End Men.
5) Gwen found out that she was pregnant and the sex of the baby roughly a week after her "appointment" with Folsom. How?
6) I get that the authors were trying to portray a world where women salivate over men in the same way that some men do over women but this whole thing was more demoralising and stole any chances of this book being empowering. Even Margo in Marrow was empowering and she was a murderer!
Apart from the writing being amateur, I'm not a fan of mixed POV at the best of times but I went with it. The first person perspective was shared between Folsom and Gwen which was often confusing because it read like they were the same person.
Review
I am sad to rate this book with only one star because Tarryn Fisher is one of few indie authors that I absolutely love, however, this book did not live up to my "Tarryn Fisher" expectation. First, let's remember that this was written not just by Tarryn but also by Willow Aster. These two female authors came together to base a book on what I think is a brilliant idea. Finally all the evil that's in the world, mostly by men (think about it), has finally brought about serious consequences: where the XY chromosomes are practically extinct in a female run society.
Now for the negative stuff
The writing was really lacking emotion and depth. On top of the characters having no real emotional connection there was an instalove there that I really hate. The storytelling left much to be desired, as it told me but didn't show me or make me feel any sort of emotional investment.
Moreover, there were just too many inconsistencies and flaws in the plot that pulled me out of the story. They were the following.
1) What happened to the woman at the very start? I think she was Folsom's wife or girlfriend, but after the first scene until at least 50% of the book (that's when I gave it up), there was not a single mention of her. Did I read it wrong?
2) Why is it that in a futuristic society like this, they don't use more convenient and ethical ways of impregnating women like what we have now, the practices of sperm donation and artificial insemination?
3) STIs just don't exist then? This part was so far fetched. Whether they do or don't, there was no explanation or suggestion given about this.
4) Why do the only remaining men on the planet fit the same mould as the typical woman's dream man from a GQ magazine? It would've been more believable if some of the men were physically undesirable and the female characters would hope to get appointments with the most in demand handsome End Men.
5) Gwen found out that she was pregnant and the sex of the baby roughly a week after her "appointment" with Folsom. How?
6) I get that the authors were trying to portray a world where women salivate over men in the same way that some men do over women but this whole thing was more demoralising and stole any chances of this book being empowering. Even Margo in Marrow was empowering and she was a murderer!
Apart from the writing being amateur, I'm not a fan of mixed POV at the best of times but I went with it. The first person perspective was shared between Folsom and Gwen which was often confusing because it read like they were the same person.
December 22, 2018
Where to begin with this book!!! Lol! First of all, this was an extremely unique read!!! At first when I began, I have to admit that I was hesitant... mainly because Folsom; our hero was one of the twelve men who was basically whored out to women for his sperm. Of course, I am not fond of heroes sleeping with other women besides the heroine. The thing is though, once we are given an understanding of what his life is like, and how dissatisfied Folsom is with it... the focus then zeroes in on him and Gwen, rather than what he is expected to do for humanity! When the story gets really going, it becomes so interesting you wouldn’t be able to pry the book from my hands!🤣🤣
I have always enjoyed dystopian type of reads, and this series definitely fits into that category! There is lots going on in this world, and by the end of the book so much has happened and I sat there trying to absorb it all. The love story that develops between Gwen and Folsom wasn’t the total focus of the book. I should say that during the first half, we got the start of a wonderful love story, but by the second half, a lot of the political going’s on becomes the main focus.
Forewarning, there isn’t a HEA... in fact, we are left with a lot of questions about what is going to take place in the next book. In saying that, I can tell you I will be reading the next book very soon! Thank goodness it is already out!
If you’re looking for something different to try, something that’s a bit outside of the box.... for sure give this a try! I’m really glad that I did!
Thanks so much Steph for reading this with me! Once the holidays are over, I hope we can BR the next!😜
I have always enjoyed dystopian type of reads, and this series definitely fits into that category! There is lots going on in this world, and by the end of the book so much has happened and I sat there trying to absorb it all. The love story that develops between Gwen and Folsom wasn’t the total focus of the book. I should say that during the first half, we got the start of a wonderful love story, but by the second half, a lot of the political going’s on becomes the main focus.
Forewarning, there isn’t a HEA... in fact, we are left with a lot of questions about what is going to take place in the next book. In saying that, I can tell you I will be reading the next book very soon! Thank goodness it is already out!
If you’re looking for something different to try, something that’s a bit outside of the box.... for sure give this a try! I’m really glad that I did!
Thanks so much Steph for reading this with me! Once the holidays are over, I hope we can BR the next!😜
June 5, 2018
Folsom is a fast-paced contemporary romance with a touch of something different. The something different is a scintillating element of dystopian that adds a much appreciated fresh and unique quality to this romance story by allowing it to be character driven with naturalistic characters set in a time that is completely extraordinary, a time that is clearly not based in our reality but is totally believable. Folsom and Aster completely pulled me into their fictional world, made me feel invested in their characters and the circumstance they found themselves in.
Set in a world where only 12 men exist, the female race dominates. It's the age of women and as a result, the entire human race is under threat of extinction and need the, 'End Men,' to perform their duties and procreate by having sex with lots of strangers. One of the 12 end men is Folsom Donahue, he's a celebrity, every woman wants his child and the reader soon experiences the pressure of his duty as a sex worker. Gwen is the woman that changes everything and it is really from here that the plot begins to unravel, the story unfolds brilliantly exploring issues of inequality, power and forbidden love in a smoothly written narrative that is well developed, has lots of drama and is thoroughly addictive. My one criticism and the reason why I didn't go for the full on 5 stars is that something happens towards the end that I felt did not completely fit with the impetus of the story arc and went a little against the motivation of the main plot. However this is a very small thing and I do think this fantastic writing duo will convince me that perhaps what happened HAD to happen.....if you want to know what I'm talking about then you need to read this page turner of a book. I am waiting with high anticipation and bated breath for the next part in this series.
Note: Folsom is book one of the End of Men series.
Release week G I V E A W A Y https://goo.gl/gewZFn
#oneclick
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2IWgZ1n
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2IRsGdH
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2L6ENR8
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2snsMi7
E X C E R P T :
It’s the little one who interests me, her hair more tangled than her sister’s, like she didn’t bother with it at all. Her eyes are curious and wild: brown, common and yet uncommon in the way they slant upward at the outside corners. She stands in the foyer, her hands clasped at her waist, but instead of studying my body like most women do, her head is tilted to the side, eyes fixed on my boots. I clear my throat to get her attention and she drags her eyes away from my feet and back to my face. She frowns and shakes her head like she’s just realizing where she is.
“Your boots are beautiful,” she finally says. From somewhere beside me her sister groans and her mother lets out what I take as an embarrassed laugh.
“Thank you,” I say, unable to keep the humor from my voice. “I designed them myself.” I don’t usually tell people that but she seems genuinely interested.
“You design clothes?” she asks, surprised.
“You’re surprised that I’m good at something other than fucking?”
Her mother makes a choking noise, but we both ignore it, our attention solely focused.
“Yes, I’m quite surprised,” she says. “Though I can’t attest personally to the fucking part…”
“Yet,” I say.
“Yet,” she echoes, with a slight nod of her head.
Advance copy received**
Graphics made by me with stock photos I purchased **
cheating
June 4, 2018UNSAFE READ ALERT
More on Julia's review
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4...
If you like reading about sex with multiple partners or you don't mind OW (no spoiler, it's on the blurb) and by all means read this book. Some of my friends love this kind of manwhore trope and they seem to have enjoyed the book.
Note: For the purpose of my reviews I call cheating any activity of Hero with OW (other woman) like watching her naked, trying to bed her, kissing, making out, accepting her insinuations after H and h get together. I consider they're together after they kiss for the first time even if they're not officially dating yet.
More on Julia's review
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4...
If you like reading about sex with multiple partners or you don't mind OW (no spoiler, it's on the blurb) and by all means read this book. Some of my friends love this kind of manwhore trope and they seem to have enjoyed the book.
Note: For the purpose of my reviews I call cheating any activity of Hero with OW (other woman) like watching her naked, trying to bed her, kissing, making out, accepting her insinuations after H and h get together. I consider they're together after they kiss for the first time even if they're not officially dating yet.
December 11, 2018
4.5
😱 I need Jackal stat!! I had never even heard of this book until a few days ago, and I thought it was a standalone! I was wrong. 😂 This book is so unique, and I'm glad there is more to come...even if I almost lost my mind at the end! 😂 I'm really surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Review to come.
😱 I need Jackal stat!! I had never even heard of this book until a few days ago, and I thought it was a standalone! I was wrong. 😂 This book is so unique, and I'm glad there is more to come...even if I almost lost my mind at the end! 😂 I'm really surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Review to come.
July 29, 2019
View this review and many more at: Ashes Books & Bobs.
Tarryn Fisher and Willow Aster took gender stereotypes and kicked them in the balls.
It's no secret I love everything Tarryn Fisher writes, so when I saw she was pairing with Willow Aster, another author I love, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. I'm grateful for the opportunity to read an ARC from these two sought-after authors and give my thoughts on this original story. I absolutely loved the concept behind this book because it is something I have never read before. I haven't read The Handmaid's Tale or watched the Hulu series yet, but I'm speculating the two may have similar vibes, but with the genders reversed. The take on the men being the weaker sex was incredibly interesting to fathom, as it is something I've never pondered in such depth before. I really enjoyed the new places the pairing of these two authors took my mind to!
The beginning of the story was very strong and exciting, as this dystopian society was built in my mind. The setting was well thought and executed. However, toward the middle, I felt the plot slowing down a bit. There were parts I needed to be fleshed out a bit more for my liking. More description was needed and a stronger connection between the characters would have made their quick relationship more believable. I also felt as if some of the action sequences during the climatic events came across slightly rushed. I think these are easy oversights when two writers with unique styles come together to form one story, similar to the Fisher/Hoover collaboration with the Never, Never series.
Readers should also be warned this is a bit of departure from the styles we've become used to from both authors, as Folsom takes on more of an erotic feel. Though I'm not really comfortable with lots of graphic scenes and descriptions, I felt the writing of these moments were justified and almost essential to the plot. This might be something more conservative readers, like myself, have to overlook while reading to experience the fullness of Folsom (pun not intended -ha!).
My very favorite thing about this novel was being able to get into Folsom's head and explore how a society like the one created would affect a man. I feel like these two female authors gave Folsom a distinctly male voice, an impressive feat, in my opinion. His fractured soul and the torment he faced was heartbreaking. Being able to empathize with him wasn't something I was expecting upon starting this novel, though it was a welcome experience. I honestly couldn't believe I would find myself rooting for a man in a female-dominant society. This truly shows how persuasive this duo's writing can be. Don't get me wrong, this is still a highly feminist novel, but it takes a deeper look at the heart of humanity as a whole while diving into the polarized genders of this particular society.
Despite the downfalls, I still really enjoyed reading this story and look forward to seeing this series through. I am eager to learn more about Folsom and see if the characters can overcome the oppressive society and begin a new world. I hope Tarryn and Willow will take their time with the series despite how demanding their fans, without doubt, will be (myself included). This series is full of potential and can be something really great. I'm giving this one 3.5 stars, rounding up to four with the hope of a five-star follow-up to come.
Tarryn Fisher and Willow Aster took gender stereotypes and kicked them in the balls.
It's no secret I love everything Tarryn Fisher writes, so when I saw she was pairing with Willow Aster, another author I love, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. I'm grateful for the opportunity to read an ARC from these two sought-after authors and give my thoughts on this original story. I absolutely loved the concept behind this book because it is something I have never read before. I haven't read The Handmaid's Tale or watched the Hulu series yet, but I'm speculating the two may have similar vibes, but with the genders reversed. The take on the men being the weaker sex was incredibly interesting to fathom, as it is something I've never pondered in such depth before. I really enjoyed the new places the pairing of these two authors took my mind to!
The beginning of the story was very strong and exciting, as this dystopian society was built in my mind. The setting was well thought and executed. However, toward the middle, I felt the plot slowing down a bit. There were parts I needed to be fleshed out a bit more for my liking. More description was needed and a stronger connection between the characters would have made their quick relationship more believable. I also felt as if some of the action sequences during the climatic events came across slightly rushed. I think these are easy oversights when two writers with unique styles come together to form one story, similar to the Fisher/Hoover collaboration with the Never, Never series.
Readers should also be warned this is a bit of departure from the styles we've become used to from both authors, as Folsom takes on more of an erotic feel. Though I'm not really comfortable with lots of graphic scenes and descriptions, I felt the writing of these moments were justified and almost essential to the plot. This might be something more conservative readers, like myself, have to overlook while reading to experience the fullness of Folsom (pun not intended -ha!).
My very favorite thing about this novel was being able to get into Folsom's head and explore how a society like the one created would affect a man. I feel like these two female authors gave Folsom a distinctly male voice, an impressive feat, in my opinion. His fractured soul and the torment he faced was heartbreaking. Being able to empathize with him wasn't something I was expecting upon starting this novel, though it was a welcome experience. I honestly couldn't believe I would find myself rooting for a man in a female-dominant society. This truly shows how persuasive this duo's writing can be. Don't get me wrong, this is still a highly feminist novel, but it takes a deeper look at the heart of humanity as a whole while diving into the polarized genders of this particular society.
Despite the downfalls, I still really enjoyed reading this story and look forward to seeing this series through. I am eager to learn more about Folsom and see if the characters can overcome the oppressive society and begin a new world. I hope Tarryn and Willow will take their time with the series despite how demanding their fans, without doubt, will be (myself included). This series is full of potential and can be something really great. I'm giving this one 3.5 stars, rounding up to four with the hope of a five-star follow-up to come.
June 3, 2018
"You know this is the way it is. When the time comes, he will pay the price of being born a man."
It seriously breaks my heart to rate a book that’s been touched by Tarryn so low but, in all honesty, this wasn’t that great…
Let me start off by saying that I worship the ground Tarryn walks on. I think she hangs the moon and I love her so much that if I could I would body snatch her. But then technically I guess it wouldn’t be her, so I’ll just settle with wanting to be her when I grow up. Her words and advice have helped me through some of the darkest times in my life. When I read a book written by Tarryn I expect my world, or at least heart, to be shattered. I didn’t get that from this book.
All that being said, I think my expectations were too high because of the type of experience I’m accustom to when reading her books. This is a collab, so obviously it’s going to be different, but I still found myself desperately searching for the fire and pain that makes Tarryn’s books such a masterpiece.
I really do think that anyone else who is less Tarryn obsessed (seriously you guys, it borders on unhealthy) would find this book really enjoyable. I really loved the world. It was crazy unique, I’ve never read anything like it before, and I’m definitely excited to delve deeper in the upcoming books. Even though the world was really awesome I did feel like there were a few aspects that didn’t add up. Or maybe I felt a little like the world wasn’t quite fleshed out enough. We know that men died out through war and then becoming sterile, the Regions were created, and the 12 End Men were enslaved to repopulate the Regions, but we don’t really get to see how any of that happened. We are just told the very basics. Maybe we’re meant to learn more in the next books, and it is their first book with a dystopian touch but the world-building could have been shined up a little. I also have a lot of unanswered questions but I’m hoping those will get cleared up as the series progresses.
I loved Folsom. Being in his head I felt some of the Tarryn fire and cynicism. I loved seeing the world and his “duty” as an End Man through his eyes. This was my favorite part. The way these men were worshipped as the saviors of their race (with penis parades, and every luxury they could dream of,) but behind all the shine and fanfare were really just sex slaves (having multiple appointments a day, an impregnation quota, not being allowed to meet their children, moved from Region to Region, etc.) was so interesting. Their only purpose in life was creating new life. It was bleak, and dark and a little demented and I loved every bit of it.
“A woman grabs my dick as I pose with her, and I let her because that’s what I’m told to do. I am the property of the Regions; I belong to these women.”
“We were property, and they would milk us until we were dead while fooling us into thinking we were enjoying ourselves. I would never know my children, never see them walk, or laugh, or play.”
It was also really interesting to read about the way women allowed themselves to forget humanity when it came to these men. Sometimes, it was because they were brainwashed and naïve and others because they felt it was their turn to inflect the same pain that men inflected on women.
The world was amazing, Folsom was amazing, the mistreatment of the men was amazing, but the romance and Gwen... Not so much...
At first, I thought Gwen was quirky and fun, but then she just turned into your typical moony-eyed, self-conscious, heroine which I’m 100% not used to reading from Tarryn. I wish she was more vicious. Her actions were super predictable, a little ridiculous and honestly, she was naïve. She acted like she understood the Society and starting a revolution but she was pretty fucking stupid about it.
I definitely wasn’t feeling the romance. It felt very rushed and instalovey to me. I didn’t like how crazy Gwen got about Folsom after they had sex, he’s an End Man that’s what he does. It means nothing. I know that they spent weeks and maybe even months together (?) but we didn’t see this, were just told it. It just felt super sappy, and cheesy to me. I didn’t connect with their romance and I blame it all on Gwen. This is a little bit of a spoiler but one of my biggest pet peeves is when there is an emotionally charged moment, where a character is in pain and needs comfort and they receive it in the form of sex or sexual favors. I seriously hate this. Maybe I just don’t get it because I don’t process pain that way but, to me, this makes the pain and emotions the person is going through feel disregarded. Sex doesn’t solve problems, people!
When I read a Tarryn romance I expect it to hurt, for everything to be super raw, the characters so flawed and broken inside that they sometimes spend years trying to destroy each other before they somehow get their broken pieces to align. I expect to be emotionally ripped to shreds. I didn’t get that here and I’m disappointed.
So, after all that I’m going to say that I don’t think it was the book, it’s me. My expectations were just way too high and not in the right place. I do think people will enjoy this, it’s a good book – just not the book I was expecting it to be. I will definitely be reading the next ones; the world is so intriguing.
“Words are a powerful weapon and they never die."
It seriously breaks my heart to rate a book that’s been touched by Tarryn so low but, in all honesty, this wasn’t that great…
Let me start off by saying that I worship the ground Tarryn walks on. I think she hangs the moon and I love her so much that if I could I would body snatch her. But then technically I guess it wouldn’t be her, so I’ll just settle with wanting to be her when I grow up. Her words and advice have helped me through some of the darkest times in my life. When I read a book written by Tarryn I expect my world, or at least heart, to be shattered. I didn’t get that from this book.
All that being said, I think my expectations were too high because of the type of experience I’m accustom to when reading her books. This is a collab, so obviously it’s going to be different, but I still found myself desperately searching for the fire and pain that makes Tarryn’s books such a masterpiece.
I really do think that anyone else who is less Tarryn obsessed (seriously you guys, it borders on unhealthy) would find this book really enjoyable. I really loved the world. It was crazy unique, I’ve never read anything like it before, and I’m definitely excited to delve deeper in the upcoming books. Even though the world was really awesome I did feel like there were a few aspects that didn’t add up. Or maybe I felt a little like the world wasn’t quite fleshed out enough. We know that men died out through war and then becoming sterile, the Regions were created, and the 12 End Men were enslaved to repopulate the Regions, but we don’t really get to see how any of that happened. We are just told the very basics. Maybe we’re meant to learn more in the next books, and it is their first book with a dystopian touch but the world-building could have been shined up a little. I also have a lot of unanswered questions but I’m hoping those will get cleared up as the series progresses.
I loved Folsom. Being in his head I felt some of the Tarryn fire and cynicism. I loved seeing the world and his “duty” as an End Man through his eyes. This was my favorite part. The way these men were worshipped as the saviors of their race (with penis parades, and every luxury they could dream of,) but behind all the shine and fanfare were really just sex slaves (having multiple appointments a day, an impregnation quota, not being allowed to meet their children, moved from Region to Region, etc.) was so interesting. Their only purpose in life was creating new life. It was bleak, and dark and a little demented and I loved every bit of it.
“A woman grabs my dick as I pose with her, and I let her because that’s what I’m told to do. I am the property of the Regions; I belong to these women.”
“We were property, and they would milk us until we were dead while fooling us into thinking we were enjoying ourselves. I would never know my children, never see them walk, or laugh, or play.”
It was also really interesting to read about the way women allowed themselves to forget humanity when it came to these men. Sometimes, it was because they were brainwashed and naïve and others because they felt it was their turn to inflect the same pain that men inflected on women.
The world was amazing, Folsom was amazing, the mistreatment of the men was amazing, but the romance and Gwen... Not so much...
At first, I thought Gwen was quirky and fun, but then she just turned into your typical moony-eyed, self-conscious, heroine which I’m 100% not used to reading from Tarryn. I wish she was more vicious. Her actions were super predictable, a little ridiculous and honestly, she was naïve. She acted like she understood the Society and starting a revolution but she was pretty fucking stupid about it.
I definitely wasn’t feeling the romance. It felt very rushed and instalovey to me. I didn’t like how crazy Gwen got about Folsom after they had sex, he’s an End Man that’s what he does. It means nothing. I know that they spent weeks and maybe even months together (?) but we didn’t see this, were just told it. It just felt super sappy, and cheesy to me. I didn’t connect with their romance and I blame it all on Gwen. This is a little bit of a spoiler but one of my biggest pet peeves is when there is an emotionally charged moment, where a character is in pain and needs comfort and they receive it in the form of sex or sexual favors. I seriously hate this. Maybe I just don’t get it because I don’t process pain that way but, to me, this makes the pain and emotions the person is going through feel disregarded. Sex doesn’t solve problems, people!
When I read a Tarryn romance I expect it to hurt, for everything to be super raw, the characters so flawed and broken inside that they sometimes spend years trying to destroy each other before they somehow get their broken pieces to align. I expect to be emotionally ripped to shreds. I didn’t get that here and I’m disappointed.
So, after all that I’m going to say that I don’t think it was the book, it’s me. My expectations were just way too high and not in the right place. I do think people will enjoy this, it’s a good book – just not the book I was expecting it to be. I will definitely be reading the next ones; the world is so intriguing.
“Words are a powerful weapon and they never die."
December 6, 2018
"Women aren't stupid. That's why they outlasted us."
Like I said, the entire idea of this book makes me giggle.
Well, I DID giggle! A lot! I also was serious. I swooned. My heart broke a tiny bit. It was just so good. I even felt the need for a cold shower. If ya know what I mean...
So, this book is about the future and it finally happened... Men stopped listening to women and are now practically extinct. To save all of humanity there is a small elite group of men called The End Men.
They are treated like royalty. They want for nothing. They have it all. They only have to travel around and repopulate the world. Approximately, 2-3 "relations" a day. That's all. Ahem,
Gwen has dreamed of having a baby all her life. When she turns 18 its her chance to try. Folsom is the lucky guy. However, Folsom is getting tired of being one of the End Men. He longs for something more. He finds it with Gwen but when you're one of the only guys in the world a monogamous relationship isn't really possible. Especially, when women are constantly trying to woo "your" man any way they can...
Both Tarryn Fisher & Willow Aster have together written something amazing! With such an original storyline I was totally obsessed. I could NOT put it down. It was so good! The characters... Gwen was adorable and funny but strong and determined. A perfect heroine. Folsom was a great man but kinda heartbreaking because of his circumstances. And Jackal. *swoon* I can't wait to start his story like, RIGHT NOW!!
Like I said, the entire idea of this book makes me giggle.
Well, I DID giggle! A lot! I also was serious. I swooned. My heart broke a tiny bit. It was just so good. I even felt the need for a cold shower. If ya know what I mean...
So, this book is about the future and it finally happened... Men stopped listening to women and are now practically extinct. To save all of humanity there is a small elite group of men called The End Men.
They are treated like royalty. They want for nothing. They have it all. They only have to travel around and repopulate the world. Approximately, 2-3 "relations" a day. That's all. Ahem,
Gwen has dreamed of having a baby all her life. When she turns 18 its her chance to try. Folsom is the lucky guy. However, Folsom is getting tired of being one of the End Men. He longs for something more. He finds it with Gwen but when you're one of the only guys in the world a monogamous relationship isn't really possible. Especially, when women are constantly trying to woo "your" man any way they can...
Both Tarryn Fisher & Willow Aster have together written something amazing! With such an original storyline I was totally obsessed. I could NOT put it down. It was so good! The characters... Gwen was adorable and funny but strong and determined. A perfect heroine. Folsom was a great man but kinda heartbreaking because of his circumstances. And Jackal. *swoon* I can't wait to start his story like, RIGHT NOW!!
December 16, 2018
Have you ever dipped into a story that you knew you shouldn't like... actually you knew you didn't really like it... but you just can't stop reading it? It not only shocked you but had you grinning and wondering at the thrill of it all? Yeah, that's what reading this story was like.
Embrace. The. Cringe.
I was disgusted and intrigued at the same damn time and I couldn't stop myself. I couldn't read fast enough, I couldn't fall for Folsom hard enough, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on the continuation of this story. That's probably why it was with equal parts relief and dismay that I one-clicked book two before I even finished this one.
I KNOW!! I just can't help myself!!
So think dystopian romance slash taboo/forbidden romance slash what the heck is going on romance. Folsom was tasked, along with 11 other men, to repopulate the world. He had already impregnated over 200 women and plans were made to do so much more. He was resigned to his fate and felt that he was just doing his duty to his country. All of that changes once he meets Gwen. Not only did she challenge his way of life, she forced him to take a good hard look at what he had become. He wasn't a free man while being an End Man... he was a sex slave and his future was not his own. He doesn't start to care until she sparks his heart, making him into a changed man, a man in love and who dreams of a future with his woman.
No matter the cost.
Unfortunately, Gwen falls for a man who can never be hers. He belongs to all women. When she finds herself pregnant with a boy, a son that is looked upon as a prize/commodity more than a person, she finds herself at odds with the only life she's ever known. When she sees the true nature of the lives of the End Men, when she realizes that Folsom will never be free to be with her no matter how much they wish it so, she leaves behind all of her past convictions and finds a new path. A path to a revolution.
I loved Folsom and Gwen so much. I want them to be together. I want them to win. I want everyone who was ever against them, who ever meant them harm, who ever hurt them, to die horrible and excruciating deaths. I wanted them to ride off into the sunset together. I'm hoping that their hope and love doesn't die and that some how, some way, they find their forever.
While this story did cause me some discomfort (really, who wants to read about their hero sleeping with EVERYONE???), I still found it to be an amazing read. It was skeevy while being sweet, cringe-worthy while being entertaining, disturbing while being unputdownable. I know using negative terms half the time to describe this story isn't helping matters, but it was really worth the read. If you're looking for something that will take you out of your comfort zone, that will make you question everything and contemplate a future so different from what we all casually envision, a story that will make you think and will have you rooting for the characters so hard you could scream, that will have you hating everyone but Folsom and Gwen, then read this book. It's so worth it!
Embrace. The. Cringe.
I was disgusted and intrigued at the same damn time and I couldn't stop myself. I couldn't read fast enough, I couldn't fall for Folsom hard enough, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on the continuation of this story. That's probably why it was with equal parts relief and dismay that I one-clicked book two before I even finished this one.
I KNOW!! I just can't help myself!!
So think dystopian romance slash taboo/forbidden romance slash what the heck is going on romance. Folsom was tasked, along with 11 other men, to repopulate the world. He had already impregnated over 200 women and plans were made to do so much more. He was resigned to his fate and felt that he was just doing his duty to his country. All of that changes once he meets Gwen. Not only did she challenge his way of life, she forced him to take a good hard look at what he had become. He wasn't a free man while being an End Man... he was a sex slave and his future was not his own. He doesn't start to care until she sparks his heart, making him into a changed man, a man in love and who dreams of a future with his woman.
No matter the cost.
It wasn’t until Gwen that the constraints I’ve lived with for so many years started to chaff.
Unfortunately, Gwen falls for a man who can never be hers. He belongs to all women. When she finds herself pregnant with a boy, a son that is looked upon as a prize/commodity more than a person, she finds herself at odds with the only life she's ever known. When she sees the true nature of the lives of the End Men, when she realizes that Folsom will never be free to be with her no matter how much they wish it so, she leaves behind all of her past convictions and finds a new path. A path to a revolution.
But when what is right for the whole world becomes wrong for an individual, what is to be done?
I loved Folsom and Gwen so much. I want them to be together. I want them to win. I want everyone who was ever against them, who ever meant them harm, who ever hurt them, to die horrible and excruciating deaths. I wanted them to ride off into the sunset together. I'm hoping that their hope and love doesn't die and that some how, some way, they find their forever.
There is intimacy in quiet, in being with another person and not needing to say anything.
While this story did cause me some discomfort (really, who wants to read about their hero sleeping with EVERYONE???), I still found it to be an amazing read. It was skeevy while being sweet, cringe-worthy while being entertaining, disturbing while being unputdownable. I know using negative terms half the time to describe this story isn't helping matters, but it was really worth the read. If you're looking for something that will take you out of your comfort zone, that will make you question everything and contemplate a future so different from what we all casually envision, a story that will make you think and will have you rooting for the characters so hard you could scream, that will have you hating everyone but Folsom and Gwen, then read this book. It's so worth it!
July 27, 2018
Dystopian novels are among my very favorite books to read. I've read many, although I have to admit that the majority of the ones I love are YA. I haven't had much luck with adult dystopian novels. The very few I've tried have come across as some weird form of erotica.
This one failed for me from early on. But because I read it as part of a large buddy read group I stuck with it for much longer than I would have reading it on my own. I just can't anymore.
I had no connection to either of MCs.
Women are portrayed as simple minded, sex crazed sluts.
Men are portrayed as "lucky dogs" who "get to" have sex with multiple women each day. However, some of them are starting to crave love and romance.
I could not get past the stereotypical bullshit characterization of the sexes.
The sperm banks have been depleted. So, instead of replenishing them with the men available and using IV to repopulate the world, it makes more sense to require these dozen men have sex with as many women as possible. Of course it does, because these women are so crazed for dick that they pay big bucks for an 'appointment' with one of the few available men.
Our heroine is portrayed as stupidly brave, innocently falling in love. FFS!!!
Oh my god! Why?! did I keep reading for so long? Everybody else reading it was loving it and five starring it and moving on immediately to the next book and I just knew I was missing something. Something was going to happen to change my mind. But, at this point I'm only managing to make myself more and more furious the more I read. ---Given I now know this ends in a cliffhanger...
For the sake of my sanity, DNF at 66%.
This one failed for me from early on. But because I read it as part of a large buddy read group I stuck with it for much longer than I would have reading it on my own. I just can't anymore.
I had no connection to either of MCs.
Women are portrayed as simple minded, sex crazed sluts.
Men are portrayed as "lucky dogs" who "get to" have sex with multiple women each day. However, some of them are starting to crave love and romance.
I could not get past the stereotypical bullshit characterization of the sexes.
The sperm banks have been depleted. So, instead of replenishing them with the men available and using IV to repopulate the world, it makes more sense to require these dozen men have sex with as many women as possible. Of course it does, because these women are so crazed for dick that they pay big bucks for an 'appointment' with one of the few available men.
Our heroine is portrayed as stupidly brave, innocently falling in love. FFS!!!
Oh my god! Why?! did I keep reading for so long? Everybody else reading it was loving it and five starring it and moving on immediately to the next book and I just knew I was missing something. Something was going to happen to change my mind. But, at this point I'm only managing to make myself more and more furious the more I read. ---Given I now know this ends in a cliffhanger...
For the sake of my sanity, DNF at 66%.
Read
May 15, 2018I stop dead in my tracks. There’s someone else in here. At first I see only boots, large boots, too big for a woman. He hears me come in and perches forward on the sink to peer around the corner.
“You can’t read or you don’t care?” he asks.
At first I’m too shocked to know what he’s talking about, then I remember the Out of Order sign on the door.
“I can’t read,” I say. “I’m just another stupid woman trying to have a baby.”
He laughs. It bounces across the bathroom walls and hits me in the chest.
“Well, at least you have a sense of humor, stupid woman.”
I’m witnessing the very serious and stern Folsom Donahue laughing. I stand there staring at him, not knowing what to do.
And then I ask. “Are you hiding, too?”
“In plain sight,” he says. “Who are you hiding from?”
“Everyone.”
“How’s that working out for you?”
I eye his casual stance, the large hands resting behind him on the sink, the crossed ankles. “Not well, since you’re here.”
He laughs again, this time just a slow rumble while he watches my face.
“I have to go,” he says, pushing away from the counter. He walks toward me and my heart races. I’ve never been this close to a man. He’s just trying to get to the door, I tell myself. But, then he stops so he’s towering over me. I have to bend my head back to see his face.
“Have a good night,” he says. And I learn for the first time what a smirk is. Full lips … teasing ... I blink at him, my lips parting to answer, but then he’s gone and I’m not even sure it really happened.
“You can’t read or you don’t care?” he asks.
At first I’m too shocked to know what he’s talking about, then I remember the Out of Order sign on the door.
“I can’t read,” I say. “I’m just another stupid woman trying to have a baby.”
He laughs. It bounces across the bathroom walls and hits me in the chest.
“Well, at least you have a sense of humor, stupid woman.”
I’m witnessing the very serious and stern Folsom Donahue laughing. I stand there staring at him, not knowing what to do.
And then I ask. “Are you hiding, too?”
“In plain sight,” he says. “Who are you hiding from?”
“Everyone.”
“How’s that working out for you?”
I eye his casual stance, the large hands resting behind him on the sink, the crossed ankles. “Not well, since you’re here.”
He laughs again, this time just a slow rumble while he watches my face.
“I have to go,” he says, pushing away from the counter. He walks toward me and my heart races. I’ve never been this close to a man. He’s just trying to get to the door, I tell myself. But, then he stops so he’s towering over me. I have to bend my head back to see his face.
“Have a good night,” he says. And I learn for the first time what a smirk is. Full lips … teasing ... I blink at him, my lips parting to answer, but then he’s gone and I’m not even sure it really happened.
May 17, 2018
WOW! I was not expecting that from the Fisher and Aster collaboration!!! I literally devoured this book and was sitting at the edge of my seat throughout... Gwen is fierce, strong, independent—everything you want in a female lead. And Folsom... dear Folsom... so misunderstood, so wanted by women for all the wrong reasons... his situation just broke my heart over and over because I wanted to help him desperately...I wanted to save him!
This is the age of women...think Katy Perry Roar lyrics:
I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter
Dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar!
I will forewarn you... that ending! OMG what a freakin ending! But I see good things for this writing duo and this series because... I loved the romance, I loved the touch of dystopian because it made it different, unique.. I loved that this was an out of the box story for Fisher and Aster. It was definitely more sexy but it was also action packed, unputdownable and AMAZING IN EVERY SINGLE WAY! The End Men series will be one that will stand out for all readers and you won't want to miss a single freakin second!
*********************************************
I stop dead in my tracks. There’s someone else in here. At first I see only boots, large boots, too big for a woman. He hears me come in and perches forward on the sink to peer around the corner.
“You can’t read or you don’t care?” he asks.
At first I’m too shocked to know what he’s talking about, then I remember the Out of Order sign on the door.
“I can’t read,” I say. “I’m just another stupid woman trying to have a baby.”
He laughs. It bounces across the bathroom walls and hits me in the chest.
“Well, at least you have a sense of humor, stupid woman.”
I’m witnessing the very serious and stern Folsom Donahue laughing. I stand there staring at him, not knowing what to do.
And then I ask. “Are you hiding, too?”
“In plain sight,” he says. “Who are you hiding from?”
“Everyone.”
“How’s that working out for you?”
I eye his casual stance, the large hands resting behind him on the sink, the crossed ankles. “Not well, since you’re here.”
He laughs again, this time just a slow rumble while he watches my face.
“I have to go,” he says, pushing away from the counter. He walks toward me and my heart races. I’ve never been this close to a man. He’s just trying to get to the door, I tell myself. But, then he stops so he’s towering over me. I have to bend my head back to see his face.
“Have a good night,” he says. And I learn for the first time what a smirk is. Full lips … teasing ... I blink at him, my lips parting to answer, but then he’s gone and I’m not even sure it really happened.
This is the age of women...think Katy Perry Roar lyrics:
I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter
Dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar!
I will forewarn you... that ending! OMG what a freakin ending! But I see good things for this writing duo and this series because... I loved the romance, I loved the touch of dystopian because it made it different, unique.. I loved that this was an out of the box story for Fisher and Aster. It was definitely more sexy but it was also action packed, unputdownable and AMAZING IN EVERY SINGLE WAY! The End Men series will be one that will stand out for all readers and you won't want to miss a single freakin second!
*********************************************
I stop dead in my tracks. There’s someone else in here. At first I see only boots, large boots, too big for a woman. He hears me come in and perches forward on the sink to peer around the corner.
“You can’t read or you don’t care?” he asks.
At first I’m too shocked to know what he’s talking about, then I remember the Out of Order sign on the door.
“I can’t read,” I say. “I’m just another stupid woman trying to have a baby.”
He laughs. It bounces across the bathroom walls and hits me in the chest.
“Well, at least you have a sense of humor, stupid woman.”
I’m witnessing the very serious and stern Folsom Donahue laughing. I stand there staring at him, not knowing what to do.
And then I ask. “Are you hiding, too?”
“In plain sight,” he says. “Who are you hiding from?”
“Everyone.”
“How’s that working out for you?”
I eye his casual stance, the large hands resting behind him on the sink, the crossed ankles. “Not well, since you’re here.”
He laughs again, this time just a slow rumble while he watches my face.
“I have to go,” he says, pushing away from the counter. He walks toward me and my heart races. I’ve never been this close to a man. He’s just trying to get to the door, I tell myself. But, then he stops so he’s towering over me. I have to bend my head back to see his face.
“Have a good night,” he says. And I learn for the first time what a smirk is. Full lips … teasing ... I blink at him, my lips parting to answer, but then he’s gone and I’m not even sure it really happened.
June 22, 2018
4 ★'s
One thing you can say for sure is that you never know what you're gonna get reading a Tarryn Fisher book. Add in Willow Aster and you know there's at least going to be a good romance.
I have to admit that I wasn't a fan of the apocalyptic theme and knowing that the Hero has to have sex with several women a day leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. How can this ever work out?
Hopefully, you've read the blurb and if you haven't, well, basically most of the men have died out for unknown reasons. Those that are alive are used to repopulate the human race but unfortunately, the birth rates for boy babies are extremely low.
Folsom has just been sent to Gwen's region and her mother was lucky enough to get both Gwen and her sister "appointments". Of course, all the men are rock stars and Gwen knows everything about Folsom or so she thinks.
As she gets to know him, she realizes he is nothing like she thought and she's even more intrigued and disgusted by what he's being forced to do.
I think both authors did a great job with the weirdness of the situation and making the characters real. There are some predictable situations and some that I didn't see coming...and hated.
And a little FYI, there is a major cliffhanger that is totally frustrating but that I loved at the same time.
This book definitely sets events in motion. We get to know several of the End Men especially Jackal, whose book is up next, coming out June 29, 2018.
One thing you can say for sure is that you never know what you're gonna get reading a Tarryn Fisher book. Add in Willow Aster and you know there's at least going to be a good romance.
I have to admit that I wasn't a fan of the apocalyptic theme and knowing that the Hero has to have sex with several women a day leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. How can this ever work out?
Hopefully, you've read the blurb and if you haven't, well, basically most of the men have died out for unknown reasons. Those that are alive are used to repopulate the human race but unfortunately, the birth rates for boy babies are extremely low.
Folsom has just been sent to Gwen's region and her mother was lucky enough to get both Gwen and her sister "appointments". Of course, all the men are rock stars and Gwen knows everything about Folsom or so she thinks.
As she gets to know him, she realizes he is nothing like she thought and she's even more intrigued and disgusted by what he's being forced to do.
I think both authors did a great job with the weirdness of the situation and making the characters real. There are some predictable situations and some that I didn't see coming...and hated.
And a little FYI, there is a major cliffhanger that is totally frustrating but that I loved at the same time.
This book definitely sets events in motion. We get to know several of the End Men especially Jackal, whose book is up next, coming out June 29, 2018.
May 30, 2018
‘The moment I saw her, I knew. A feeling, a draw, the smallest spark of kindling. I want her. Oh my God. I want her.’
It’s been a while since we’ve read a Dystopian romance, and Folsom, the first book in the End of Men series, was one we were eager to explore. Not only for the concept, but for the writing duo of Tarryn Fisher and Willow Aster. Separately these authors are impressive storytellers, as a collaboration, their voices delivered seamless heady storytelling, providing us with an exhilarating, interesting, passionate, thought provoking start to this series!
“For the truth to make a difference, it needs to be said by one person at a time, until there’s a noise loud enough to make a difference.”
It’s evident that Folsom draws some of its inspiration from The Handmaid’s Tale, however these two authors have taken that concept and turned it on its head, delivering a story that felt fresh and unique, giving us much pause for thought.
“I’d been living without feeling anything and now I feel everything. Even If nothing externally changes in my life, the way you make me feel…I’m changed….”
In a world dominated by women, only, only twelve men, known as the End Men exist. These twelve are the only virile men left in the world, and as such, it is their job to impregnate women, to repopulate, and hopefully provide these women with the much prized male child in a world where women rule and the future of human kind is in danger of dying out. The future race lies in the hands of these twelve men, led by Folsom Donahue, who, at 34 is the oldest of the twelve and the most revered.
Having impregnated hundreds of women over sixteen years, five of those sons, Folsom attracts rock god status. All twelve men are valued as gods, on the surface, their life seem like the things dreams are made of. They’re offered luxury whilst most struggle, they have sex on tap, however, that is anything but the truth as these men are essentially sex slaves. Folsom, accepts his life, but he’s never bonded with a women on an intellectual or emotional level, and it’s something he never realised he missed until he meets Gwen. Folsom is devoid of emotional feelings until Gwen awakens them.
‘I’ve been living without feeling anything and now I feel everything.’
For as long as she can remember, 25 year old Gwen Allison, has wanted a child. Now, thanks to her mother’s relationship with Governor Petite, the head of the Red Region of the Society of Regrowth, she has been offered that chance with Folsom Donahue. Gwen is in awe of this man, crushing on him since she was a young girl and is quite overwhelmed to meet him, but surprised to discover the human side to Folsom. She sees the man beneath, she sees his sadness and his hopelessness and for tenacious, defiant Gwen, she can’t sit back and watch these men become slaves to the Society, never knowing the children they father. Being inside Folsom’s head was heartbreaking.
“The life I live is lonely. I have no home, I have no family and I have no ties to any one place. What they make us do takes our souls; it turns us into machines that function without love. Every human needs love……”
Gwen has heard stories of the past, of couples who met and experienced romance and love, and she wants to feel that, instead of living in a world where sex has become contrived, and women only desperate to conceive. Gwen’s idealism sees beyond the constraints of the society, and in speaking out against the injustice, Gwen becomes a talisman for the revolution against The Society, and as such places herself and Folsom in danger.
‘I pretend we’re two normal people falling in love and starting our lives together, rather than two splintered people saying goodbye.’
And that’s about all we’re going to tell you because you need to experience the story these authors have beautifully crafted. Your hearts will be racing as the Gwen and Folsom’s story gallops towards its suspense filled ending! Talk about having your heart in your mouth!
We’re excited for more of this series; of having our our many questions answered, and hope the next book includes more world building and fleshes out the characters a little more. Folsom especially is a character we need to know more about. A fascinating start to a series we feel is going to be quite addictive!
“I can’t say the things I want to,” I tell her softly. “If I say them they mean more. And nothing can mean anything. Not in my life.”
Folsom is available to purchase below
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May 24, 2018
I finished Folsom roughly 48 hours ago, and I'm STILL trying to wrap my head around what I read. This book is unique, and captivating, and sexy, and heartbreaking, and a million other emotions that my brain is trying to process all at once.
The characters are INCREDIBLE! Seriously, Gwen is easily on my Top 5 Favorite Heroines Ever list. She's brave and determined, and frustrating as hell, but you will SO get why. Folsom is sexy and confident and honorable, and so so so broken. My heart ached for him, and I was rooting for him by 4% into the book...and yes, the minute I was officially hooked on this story, I actually looked down to see how far into the book I was.
All of the other characters--some of them you'll love, some of them you'll hate...and I mean HAAAAAAAAAAAAAATE--play a very specific role in the story. Every single person is an important piece to a puzzle, that once you finish putting together, you'll step back and stare in wonder at what the heck just happened.
This book crawled inside of me and burrowed down deep. I can't stop thinking about these people and their world, wondering what happens next and what they're doing right this minute. I was so excited when I found out that Fisher and Aster were writing together, but I honestly didn't expect to be THIS blown away. Their voices blended together in such a smooth and seamless way that I couldn't even begin to tell who wrote what parts.
Needless to say...I'm ready for more. Like today!
The characters are INCREDIBLE! Seriously, Gwen is easily on my Top 5 Favorite Heroines Ever list. She's brave and determined, and frustrating as hell, but you will SO get why. Folsom is sexy and confident and honorable, and so so so broken. My heart ached for him, and I was rooting for him by 4% into the book...and yes, the minute I was officially hooked on this story, I actually looked down to see how far into the book I was.
All of the other characters--some of them you'll love, some of them you'll hate...and I mean HAAAAAAAAAAAAAATE--play a very specific role in the story. Every single person is an important piece to a puzzle, that once you finish putting together, you'll step back and stare in wonder at what the heck just happened.
This book crawled inside of me and burrowed down deep. I can't stop thinking about these people and their world, wondering what happens next and what they're doing right this minute. I was so excited when I found out that Fisher and Aster were writing together, but I honestly didn't expect to be THIS blown away. Their voices blended together in such a smooth and seamless way that I couldn't even begin to tell who wrote what parts.
Needless to say...I'm ready for more. Like today!
nope
June 6, 2018That blurb.. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Really.. when this book happens? 1800’s? Do they need to have sex with many, many, many, maaanny women (quoting Blanche from Golden Girls - but in her case it was many “men” lol) instead of doing IV? What everything was destroyed? Even their brain? But then they will be creating brainless children!!?? Oh G zuhs.. this kind of futuristic or “past-uristic”books are definitely not for me.
#sorrynotsorry
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I think this book is supposed to show women empowerment-writing this and trying to keep a straight face and not succeeding 🤣🤣🤣🤣- but this review and comments say a completely different story.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Really.. when this book happens? 1800’s? Do they need to have sex with many, many, many, maaanny women (quoting Blanche from Golden Girls - but in her case it was many “men” lol) instead of doing IV? What everything was destroyed? Even their brain? But then they will be creating brainless children!!?? Oh G zuhs.. this kind of futuristic or “past-uristic”books are definitely not for me.
#sorrynotsorry
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I think this book is supposed to show women empowerment-writing this and trying to keep a straight face and not succeeding 🤣🤣🤣🤣- but this review and comments say a completely different story.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 2, 2018
4 … Different Stars (mostly Sci Fi book)
I picked up Folsom based on the summary alone. I’ll be honest and admit I’m not a huge fan of Tarryn Fisher’s writing, based on the fact she writes antsy reads with mild romance. Her books are simply not my cuppa and I’ve heard Willow Aster writes the same way.
With that said, there are some aspects of the book I enjoyed a lot and there were some parts I struggled with.
When I started the book I was questioning if I was reading a Tarryn Fisher book because it wasn’t too agnsty and I was really enjoying the writing.
The book starts out in what the summary describes. The nation only has 12 men that has viable sperm. They are called the End Men and one of them is Folsom. I love the name and I really liked Folsom. He’s a curious person and you feel for him.
As a person that is used for the sole purpose to impregnate women, you can’t help but feel sorry for him. If you ever watched the Handmaiden’s series it kind of reminds me of that, but with reverse gender.
This is a society that believe that normal copulation is the best method in impregnating women.
Gwen is one of the women that wants to be a mom and of course, she wants a son. But not everything is as easy as it seems.
The first half of the book was a treat to read and I enjoyed reading about Gwen and Folsom’s relationship. True to form, it’s not all romantic, how could it? But do they develop affections and feelings for each other? Of course.
I would say when shit hits the fan the book stops being enjoyable for me and I started to skim, especially Gwen’s inner monologues because there was a lot of them.
The “romance” part of the book was kind of put on the back-burner and the focal point of the story was the politics. I wouldn’t have mind so much if this was the second or third book of the series, but to shove the relationship kind of back within the first book I was questioning if I could continue with the series.
I also get a glimpse of the second book (well the title) and it kind of confuses me where the direction will go. I just don’t understand
Like I said, I’m on the fence if I will continue the series, but the first half of the book really pushed my rating high only because I liked that part of the book so much.
I picked up Folsom based on the summary alone. I’ll be honest and admit I’m not a huge fan of Tarryn Fisher’s writing, based on the fact she writes antsy reads with mild romance. Her books are simply not my cuppa and I’ve heard Willow Aster writes the same way.
With that said, there are some aspects of the book I enjoyed a lot and there were some parts I struggled with.
When I started the book I was questioning if I was reading a Tarryn Fisher book because it wasn’t too agnsty and I was really enjoying the writing.
The book starts out in what the summary describes. The nation only has 12 men that has viable sperm. They are called the End Men and one of them is Folsom. I love the name and I really liked Folsom. He’s a curious person and you feel for him.
As a person that is used for the sole purpose to impregnate women, you can’t help but feel sorry for him. If you ever watched the Handmaiden’s series it kind of reminds me of that, but with reverse gender.
This is a society that believe that normal copulation is the best method in impregnating women.
Gwen is one of the women that wants to be a mom and of course, she wants a son. But not everything is as easy as it seems.
The first half of the book was a treat to read and I enjoyed reading about Gwen and Folsom’s relationship. True to form, it’s not all romantic, how could it? But do they develop affections and feelings for each other? Of course.
I would say when shit hits the fan the book stops being enjoyable for me and I started to skim, especially Gwen’s inner monologues because there was a lot of them.
The “romance” part of the book was kind of put on the back-burner and the focal point of the story was the politics. I wouldn’t have mind so much if this was the second or third book of the series, but to shove the relationship kind of back within the first book I was questioning if I could continue with the series.
I also get a glimpse of the second book (well the title) and it kind of confuses me where the direction will go. I just don’t understand
Like I said, I’m on the fence if I will continue the series, but the first half of the book really pushed my rating high only because I liked that part of the book so much.
dnf
February 20, 201948% dnf...bored
July 13, 2018
Folsom was a very original story, however I expected more from the story. It started really strong, and I was intrigued by the characters. But towards the end I lost interest, and I especially didn't like the last quarter of the book. It was very unconventional story, which I love. But I couldn't warm up to Folsom and Gwen. Their relationship/love didn't feel genuine to me. The action/suspense at the end was not my cup of tea, and I expect the next books in the End of Men series to continue with this trend, so I'll probably not pick them up.
July 3, 2018
4.5 Stars
Wow!! Two dirty minds with beautiful souls have started a wonderful trilogy. A dystopian world where men are a rare occurrence. So women rule this world. They created a woman's society. Only 12 men who are fertile are populating the universe. These men are somewhat treated like sex slaves. I am so intrigued with this storyline it has sucked me into this world and I am loosing sleep. The ending is not the ending a but a big cliffhanger. The characters are very unique. A must read!!
Wow!! Two dirty minds with beautiful souls have started a wonderful trilogy. A dystopian world where men are a rare occurrence. So women rule this world. They created a woman's society. Only 12 men who are fertile are populating the universe. These men are somewhat treated like sex slaves. I am so intrigued with this storyline it has sucked me into this world and I am loosing sleep. The ending is not the ending a but a big cliffhanger. The characters are very unique. A must read!!
June 7, 2018
Pop Sugar Reading Challenge 2018
Un libro con una portada fea
Señoras y señores, un aplauso de pie por favor, ya que este libro no se merece menos.
Reseña pendiente…
Un libro con una portada fea
Señoras y señores, un aplauso de pie por favor, ya que este libro no se merece menos.
Reseña pendiente…
May 30, 2018
It’s always like Christmas has come early when a new Tarryn Fisher novel drops and my greedy little hands can’t unwrap the package quickly enough. Folsom was no different in that aspect - I sat on the edge of my seat, completely captivated with this story.
While I have read many dystopians over the years, I can honestly say that I have never read anything quite like Folsom. I am a big fan of The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu but I never did get around to reading the book. Folsom does sport some similarities, just imagine the genders being reversed. It’s really quite interesting and refreshing to imagine a world where the men are the weaker sex and women the oppressors. The authors did a wonderful job portraying this “Age of Women” and the lengths humanity will go to to preserve the human race on one end, and the price it costs to stand up for what is right on the other.
This book was smart, sexy, unique, engrossing, and at times even brutal. The pacing was perfect and the two authors writing seamed into perfection. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a notable and engaging storyline. This book made me think and I cannot wait to see where the story goes next!
“I can’t say the things I want to,” I tell her softly. “If I say them they mean more. And nothing can mean anything. Not in my life.”
While I have read many dystopians over the years, I can honestly say that I have never read anything quite like Folsom. I am a big fan of The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu but I never did get around to reading the book. Folsom does sport some similarities, just imagine the genders being reversed. It’s really quite interesting and refreshing to imagine a world where the men are the weaker sex and women the oppressors. The authors did a wonderful job portraying this “Age of Women” and the lengths humanity will go to to preserve the human race on one end, and the price it costs to stand up for what is right on the other.
This book was smart, sexy, unique, engrossing, and at times even brutal. The pacing was perfect and the two authors writing seamed into perfection. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a notable and engaging storyline. This book made me think and I cannot wait to see where the story goes next!
“I can’t say the things I want to,” I tell her softly. “If I say them they mean more. And nothing can mean anything. Not in my life.”
June 6, 2018
For the truth to make a difference, it needs to be said by one person at a time, until there's a noise loud enough to make a difference.
When I first saw the synopsis for Folsom I was all kinds of intrigued. I'm always looking for books that are something a little different to everything else, and this one absolutely fit that bill. I hadn't read anything by Willow Aster before, but when you partner with Tarryn Fisher it's pretty hard to go wrong. As soon as it landed on my kindle I dropped everything else and jumped straight in. And what an addictive read it turned out to be. Such a page turner!
The life I live is lonely. I have no home, I have no family, and I have no ties to any one place. What they make us do takes our souls; it turns us into machines that function without love. Every human needs love.
The male population is on the verge of extinction, so a group called The End Men has been formed. Twelve men are tasked with the duty of impregnating the woman to repopulate the regions. And Folsom is the best there is. While some men would relish such a task, lately Folsom has just been left feeling empty. Then he meets Gwen. There's a connection right from the start. She sees him. And she wants more for him and the other End Men. As love blooms and Gwen starts questioning things and becomes more outspoken, there are some people who will stop at nothing to keep her quiet.
I've read quite a few dystopian novels before, but nothing quite like Folsom. At times reading like a straight up contemporary, with a big dose of steam added in for good measure. It was just such an awesome mix. I loved it! I felt it got a little crazy at one point, with so much being thrown at Gwen and Folsom. But it sure was one hell of a ride! And what a cracker of an ending! I can't wait for book two to see what happens next!
When I first saw the synopsis for Folsom I was all kinds of intrigued. I'm always looking for books that are something a little different to everything else, and this one absolutely fit that bill. I hadn't read anything by Willow Aster before, but when you partner with Tarryn Fisher it's pretty hard to go wrong. As soon as it landed on my kindle I dropped everything else and jumped straight in. And what an addictive read it turned out to be. Such a page turner!
The life I live is lonely. I have no home, I have no family, and I have no ties to any one place. What they make us do takes our souls; it turns us into machines that function without love. Every human needs love.
The male population is on the verge of extinction, so a group called The End Men has been formed. Twelve men are tasked with the duty of impregnating the woman to repopulate the regions. And Folsom is the best there is. While some men would relish such a task, lately Folsom has just been left feeling empty. Then he meets Gwen. There's a connection right from the start. She sees him. And she wants more for him and the other End Men. As love blooms and Gwen starts questioning things and becomes more outspoken, there are some people who will stop at nothing to keep her quiet.
I've read quite a few dystopian novels before, but nothing quite like Folsom. At times reading like a straight up contemporary, with a big dose of steam added in for good measure. It was just such an awesome mix. I loved it! I felt it got a little crazy at one point, with so much being thrown at Gwen and Folsom. But it sure was one hell of a ride! And what a cracker of an ending! I can't wait for book two to see what happens next!
September 3, 2019
Buy the book or borrow it from Amazon KU - 4.5 Stars rounded up
OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG!!!
That was the mother of all CIFFHANGERS
I knew there was a cliffhanger going into this but I thought I could handle it. Apparently I was wrong and will immediately start the next book.
I really enjoyed this unique and suspenseful story. At times it was/is extremely frustrating and resembles some of todays politics and its very suspenseful. Exactly the way I like it! Its like if The Handmaid's Tale was set in The Hunger Games. Or at least that is how I was feeling it.
And food for thought... since the mumps epidemic sterilized the last of the men and the few that remain rarely produces male offspring... do you think its because of the anti-vaxers??
Idiots...
OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG!!!
That was the mother of all CIFFHANGERS
I knew there was a cliffhanger going into this but I thought I could handle it. Apparently I was wrong and will immediately start the next book.
I really enjoyed this unique and suspenseful story. At times it was/is extremely frustrating and resembles some of todays politics and its very suspenseful. Exactly the way I like it! Its like if The Handmaid's Tale was set in The Hunger Games. Or at least that is how I was feeling it.
And food for thought... since the mumps epidemic sterilized the last of the men and the few that remain rarely produces male offspring... do you think its because of the anti-vaxers??
Idiots...
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