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The Silver Cord
The Silver Cord, a companion novel to The Silver Cage, travels back in time to tell the story of Caleb Bright and Jamie Foust. The ill-fated lovers meet as young boys and form a powerful, inseparable bond, which shapes their teenage years and forever alters their adulthoods. This haunting, tragic romance brings Caleb's past to life and sheds light on his tortured future.
The Silver Cord is a full-length novel at 63,000 words. It can be read as a standalone.
WARNING: The Silver Cord is intended for mature readers 18+. It contains graphic descriptions of sex and a mild trigger warning for rape and self-harm.
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Anonymous is a pseudonymous international bestseller. Find updates on upcoming titles on the author's Twitter at twitter.com/thesilvercage
The Silver Cord is a full-length novel at 63,000 words. It can be read as a standalone.
WARNING: The Silver Cord is intended for mature readers 18+. It contains graphic descriptions of sex and a mild trigger warning for rape and self-harm.
---
Anonymous is a pseudonymous international bestseller. Find updates on upcoming titles on the author's Twitter at twitter.com/thesilvercage
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2018
20 people are currently reading
595 people want to read
About the author
Anonymous
791k books3,381 followersBooks can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:
* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author
Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.
See also: Anonymous
* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author
Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.
See also: Anonymous
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
October 5, 2018
That was unbelievably sad. Such a waste of love and life and for what purpose?
I don’t feel as destroyed as I did with Cage, maybe because I knew how it all would go down. And where it goes from here. I just feel depressed because while this is fiction, it’s a lot of people’s reality. And why? In the end, Love is Love.
Fuck, I’m sad. Cage was like a hurricane. Cord is like a month of steady rain.
I don’t feel as destroyed as I did with Cage, maybe because I knew how it all would go down. And where it goes from here. I just feel depressed because while this is fiction, it’s a lot of people’s reality. And why? In the end, Love is Love.
Fuck, I’m sad. Cage was like a hurricane. Cord is like a month of steady rain.
November 1, 2018
Edit: I changed my rating from 5 stars to 4 stars! For me 1st book was better but still this one hit me hard too!
My god, I'm so sick of crying.. Caleb, my heart broken for you. 😢😢😢
Ps. If you're okay to read MM books, I highly recommend it to you... And I highly recommend "The Silver Cage" too. ❤
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Dear Anonymous author, I'm begging you to please write a book about Michael. At least you owe us for this! <3
My god, I'm so sick of crying.. Caleb, my heart broken for you. 😢😢😢
Ps. If you're okay to read MM books, I highly recommend it to you... And I highly recommend "The Silver Cage" too. ❤
------------------
Dear Anonymous author, I'm begging you to please write a book about Michael. At least you owe us for this! <3
October 13, 2018
4.5 stars. This is possibly one of the most challenging books I’ve tried to review without spoilers (of this one or The Silver Cage). So it might seem a little vague, but I’ll do my best.
Many of us thought this volume would take place after Cage, but it turned out to be the prequel, Caleb’s coming of age. While I do hope for a sequel eventually, I was thrilled to get this part of the story.
Experiencing Caleb’s upbringing — his relationship to his religion and to his family — was the only thing I felt was missing from Cage. And not only did this volume deliver that, it also handed me every single bit of the agonizing fury I knew would come from reading about it.
The brilliantly evocative writing, combined with a real scenario that has affected (and continues to affect) countless queer people the world over, equals one of the most emotionally difficult works I’ve ever read. I wanted to KILL SOMETHING. The author was completely successful in making me feel Caleb’s struggle, his desire, his frustration, his hopelessness.
My only real critique of this book is its self-described “standalone.” Sure, you don’t have to read Cage before or even after this one, but as a standalone, the last 10% is very rushed. It still felt that way to me, even knowing how the story would unfold. It was almost anticlimactic and skimmed over, considering how crucial this time was to Caleb. So, I don’t consider this book a standalone, not really, not in order to get the full experience.
I’ve seen (and taken part in) a couple of discussions since this book’s release last night about which should be read first. Obviously, I read Cage first, so what I knew from that colored absolutely every line I read in this one. I don’t think you can go wrong either way, but personally if I’d had the opportunity to read this prequel blind first, I think the emotional impact of both books would have been even more intense. Hmmm, so maybe I should be grateful for being spared that? Haha. But given the choice, I will always choose to not know what’s on the last page until I get there.
I’m actually going to read Cage again now, which pretty much proves to me that I should be committed. That’s not a book I ever thought I would re-read. But this volume gave so much more perspective to Caleb, and I need to snap the pieces together now in the way that I only can when reading them back-to-back.
Many of us thought this volume would take place after Cage, but it turned out to be the prequel, Caleb’s coming of age. While I do hope for a sequel eventually, I was thrilled to get this part of the story.
Experiencing Caleb’s upbringing — his relationship to his religion and to his family — was the only thing I felt was missing from Cage. And not only did this volume deliver that, it also handed me every single bit of the agonizing fury I knew would come from reading about it.
The brilliantly evocative writing, combined with a real scenario that has affected (and continues to affect) countless queer people the world over, equals one of the most emotionally difficult works I’ve ever read. I wanted to KILL SOMETHING. The author was completely successful in making me feel Caleb’s struggle, his desire, his frustration, his hopelessness.
My only real critique of this book is its self-described “standalone.” Sure, you don’t have to read Cage before or even after this one, but as a standalone, the last 10% is very rushed. It still felt that way to me, even knowing how the story would unfold. It was almost anticlimactic and skimmed over, considering how crucial this time was to Caleb. So, I don’t consider this book a standalone, not really, not in order to get the full experience.
I’ve seen (and taken part in) a couple of discussions since this book’s release last night about which should be read first. Obviously, I read Cage first, so what I knew from that colored absolutely every line I read in this one. I don’t think you can go wrong either way, but personally if I’d had the opportunity to read this prequel blind first, I think the emotional impact of both books would have been even more intense. Hmmm, so maybe I should be grateful for being spared that? Haha. But given the choice, I will always choose to not know what’s on the last page until I get there.
I’m actually going to read Cage again now, which pretty much proves to me that I should be committed. That’s not a book I ever thought I would re-read. But this volume gave so much more perspective to Caleb, and I need to snap the pieces together now in the way that I only can when reading them back-to-back.
October 8, 2018
3.5 Stars
Well that was miserable for all the characters...
Well that was miserable for all the characters...
October 6, 2018
There are times when a TV show or a movie numb my senses so much, I end up staring at a black screen long after the credits end.
That's how I feel now. Numb and turned to stone. A deer in the headlights.
I was supposed to start with the Silver Cage first, but I couldn't do it. Two pages in I dropped the book and came to the Silver Cord, which I almost read in one sitting.
Friends, this author can write.
I was sucked in Caleb and Jamie's love story, living every emotion. I think it was the first time I've read a love scene while shedding tears of sadness.
I had no idea what was about to happen, so everything hit me hard.
If the religious aspect of this book is the only thing keeping you away from reading the Silver Cord, then I want to say you're missing out. This book is gorgeous, sad and very serious.
This book is a mirror of life in a religious community, with its good and bad characteristics. I was born in a family descending from a long line of Orthodox Priests. Caleb's family is mirrored in the DNA of most of my family. I used to pity my aunts and uncles for the horse blinders placed around their eyes. Not anymore, we are all a result of our own choices for which we learn and pay.
Caleb had made his choice.
Now I can't wait to see how he's going to pay for it in the Silver Cage.
That's how I feel now. Numb and turned to stone. A deer in the headlights.
I was supposed to start with the Silver Cage first, but I couldn't do it. Two pages in I dropped the book and came to the Silver Cord, which I almost read in one sitting.
Inside of me there was a still, dark pool, which reflected no one’s face but his.
Friends, this author can write.
I was sucked in Caleb and Jamie's love story, living every emotion. I think it was the first time I've read a love scene while shedding tears of sadness.
I had no idea what was about to happen, so everything hit me hard.
If the religious aspect of this book is the only thing keeping you away from reading the Silver Cord, then I want to say you're missing out. This book is gorgeous, sad and very serious.
This book is a mirror of life in a religious community, with its good and bad characteristics. I was born in a family descending from a long line of Orthodox Priests. Caleb's family is mirrored in the DNA of most of my family. I used to pity my aunts and uncles for the horse blinders placed around their eyes. Not anymore, we are all a result of our own choices for which we learn and pay.
Caleb had made his choice.
Now I can't wait to see how he's going to pay for it in the Silver Cage.
October 10, 2018
Genre: MM Romance
Type: Companion novel to The Silver Cage
POV: First Person - Male
Rating:
Caleb Bright and Jamie Foust met at summer camp as kids. Very quickly, they bonded and became inseparable. Throughout the years, what started as friendship turned into something more. But indulging in what they wanted came with a risk that might not be worth taking.
Caleb and Jamie were two completely different souls. While Caleb was the stronger, protective one, Jamie was the sensitive, fragile one and together they lived in the safety of their own world.
The beauty of this book is the subject matter. It was painful seeing two people who were unable to love each other freely due societal expectations and religious bigotry. I felt their fears, frustrations and angers.
However, this book affected me less than book 1 did. First, already knowing what to expect did lower the overall feel. Second, the ending felt too rushed and impersonal where it could have added more impact even with knowing the outcome.
The Silver Cord is a story of two people trying to fit into a mold. It would appeal to readers looking for a poignant coming of age story.
Note:
The Silver Cord is a prequel to The Silver Cage. If you plan to read both, I suggest start with this book to get the full impact of both books.
Books in the series:
🔗 💎 🔗 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . 🔗 💎 🔗
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Companion novel to The Silver Cage
POV: First Person - Male
Rating:
Caleb Bright and Jamie Foust met at summer camp as kids. Very quickly, they bonded and became inseparable. Throughout the years, what started as friendship turned into something more. But indulging in what they wanted came with a risk that might not be worth taking.
I no longer knew how to behave normally; I couldn’t remember what normal looked like. I couldn’t wait to be alone with him. Nothing else mattered.
Caleb and Jamie were two completely different souls. While Caleb was the stronger, protective one, Jamie was the sensitive, fragile one and together they lived in the safety of their own world.
I knew God wasn’t cruel, but what could possibly motivate me to battle against desires that felt so natural?
The beauty of this book is the subject matter. It was painful seeing two people who were unable to love each other freely due societal expectations and religious bigotry. I felt their fears, frustrations and angers.
However, this book affected me less than book 1 did. First, already knowing what to expect did lower the overall feel. Second, the ending felt too rushed and impersonal where it could have added more impact even with knowing the outcome.
Why couldn’t he understand that? To keep lying for both of us, acting normal for both of us, wasn’t easy.
The Silver Cord is a story of two people trying to fit into a mold. It would appeal to readers looking for a poignant coming of age story.
Note:
The Silver Cord is a prequel to The Silver Cage. If you plan to read both, I suggest start with this book to get the full impact of both books.
Books in the series:
🔗 💎 🔗 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . 🔗 💎 🔗
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
February 15, 2019
After the deeply unsettling and emotional experience of The Silver Cage, The Silver Cord provides the reader with a coming-of-age story focusing on Caleb Bright.
Told from Caleb's exclusive POV, the novel recounts his meeting, friendship and troubled relationship with Jamie Foust while at the same time chronicling his relations with religion, family and wife and the progress of his literary career until the dramatic events that set the pace and background for the story already narrated in the previous book.
As pointed out by other reviewers, writing about this novel without giving away parts of the plot is a hard task. The story is not complicated per se but the number and weight of the psychological and emotional issues faced by the characters make it a very complex read.
In particular, The Silver Cord analyses the internal struggle between Caleb's strong religious beliefs and his sexual identity and it's, therefore, not a novel focused on big events but, rather, on a series of internal shifts and crashes.
There are some instances where momentous things intervene to disrupt the brittle façade constructed by Caleb, but the real core of the novel is found in the way he tries to negotiate his deep self with the expectations and limitations imposed on him by his strict religious upbringing and by his self-imposed loyalty towards his family and the values they embody.
As in the previous book, Caleb may come across as cold and detached but - yet again - this facet of his personality becomes one of the most moving aspects of the book. Whilst Jamie is more emotional and open in expressing his distress and unhappiness when confronted by their situation, Caleb seems to take it upon himself to act in a more rational and apparently unemotional manner. This results in a deeply-seated depression and hopelessness that lingers beneath the surface of his every action and reaction.
The set-up of his character in this prequel is perfectly in line with the Caleb-character that the reader has seen or will see in The Silver Cage : guarded, guilt-ridden, cautious but at the same time, ultimately unable to deny his truest identity.
The consequences of these moments of truth and clarity are outlined with a beautiful lack of over-dramatization by the author who, in both novels, bravely takes things to their most desperate and extreme outcomes, not for drama's sake but, simply and tragically, because those are the only possible results.
Both The Silver Cage and The Silver Cord are unsettling and desperate books but their discussion of religious conditioning, denial, and physical and emotional self-harm make them powerful and important novels animated by wonderful writing and fantastic characters.
The only missing piece now would be a third novel focusing on Michael Beck. I really hope the author will decide to write it.
Really highly recommended.
Told from Caleb's exclusive POV, the novel recounts his meeting, friendship and troubled relationship with Jamie Foust while at the same time chronicling his relations with religion, family and wife and the progress of his literary career until the dramatic events that set the pace and background for the story already narrated in the previous book.
As pointed out by other reviewers, writing about this novel without giving away parts of the plot is a hard task. The story is not complicated per se but the number and weight of the psychological and emotional issues faced by the characters make it a very complex read.
In particular, The Silver Cord analyses the internal struggle between Caleb's strong religious beliefs and his sexual identity and it's, therefore, not a novel focused on big events but, rather, on a series of internal shifts and crashes.
There are some instances where momentous things intervene to disrupt the brittle façade constructed by Caleb, but the real core of the novel is found in the way he tries to negotiate his deep self with the expectations and limitations imposed on him by his strict religious upbringing and by his self-imposed loyalty towards his family and the values they embody.
As in the previous book, Caleb may come across as cold and detached but - yet again - this facet of his personality becomes one of the most moving aspects of the book. Whilst Jamie is more emotional and open in expressing his distress and unhappiness when confronted by their situation, Caleb seems to take it upon himself to act in a more rational and apparently unemotional manner. This results in a deeply-seated depression and hopelessness that lingers beneath the surface of his every action and reaction.
The set-up of his character in this prequel is perfectly in line with the Caleb-character that the reader has seen or will see in The Silver Cage : guarded, guilt-ridden, cautious but at the same time, ultimately unable to deny his truest identity.
The consequences of these moments of truth and clarity are outlined with a beautiful lack of over-dramatization by the author who, in both novels, bravely takes things to their most desperate and extreme outcomes, not for drama's sake but, simply and tragically, because those are the only possible results.
Both The Silver Cage and The Silver Cord are unsettling and desperate books but their discussion of religious conditioning, denial, and physical and emotional self-harm make them powerful and important novels animated by wonderful writing and fantastic characters.
The only missing piece now would be a third novel focusing on Michael Beck. I really hope the author will decide to write it.
Really highly recommended.
July 6, 2025
5/5
update: i'm still thinking about and crying over this book and its characters days later. just seeing the name caleb bright makes my heart hurt. what has this story turned me into? i swear i'm never like this 😭 the song colours by scarlet pleasure played in the background maybe once while i was reading, and now every time it comes on shuffle i'm reduced to a pile of tears. this is not okay.
i don't really know what to say. i'm struggling trying to translate my thoughts into coherent sentences and type through watery eyes at the same time. it's rare for me to get emotional over a book, let alone come across one like this that just leaves you so utterly numb and hollow inside. but that's why i love reading; there's something so special about being able to dive into a whole other world and experience another person's life and emotions so viscerally. oftentimes, i can't get that anywhere other than a good book.
no book has impacted me quite the same way this one has. it feels strange using the word "enjoy" to describe my experience with a story that literally ripped my heart out, threw it on the ground, and then proceeded to stomp all over it. but, despite it ruthlessly doing all of those things (multiple times), i did enjoy it. more than the previous one in the series, even.
this story is extremely fascinating to me; it's set up so that you feel a lingering sense of dread the entire time reading about two innocent kids laughing, playing, and growing up together, because you know from the first book just how tragically both of their stories end. for this reason, every single happy or swoon-worthy moment readers witness between cal and jamie is laced with an underlying stab of heartache.
it was both heartwarming and heartbreaking to see that some of the habits and interests caleb exhibited in the silver cage were ones he picked up from jamie. i'm grateful that we were given more insight into his backstory (what he was like as a child, what his family was like, what happened with his ex-wife, how his published books came to be, etc.) because he was such a reserved yet intriguing character in the first installment. i was also left curious about jamie and the pivotal role he clearly played in cal's early years, so the author's choice to write a prequel detailing their time spent together before the events of the first novel was the perfect decision. the leftover little puzzle pieces from the first book came together to form a perfect picture in this one. the next time i pick up the silver cage, i'll definitely be bawling like a baby because now i know cal. i know the events that turned him into the person he is, so well it's like i was there and experienced them all with him.
jamie, much like mike's character, was very endearing, especially as a child. his obvious soft spot for animals (crying when fellow campers tortured insects, disliking fishing because he felt bad for the fish) made my heart clench; it reminded me a lot of myself. little things he would do—even the most basic and insignificant childish mannerisms—would make me tear up, knowing in the back of my mind what he would inevitably be driven to do by the end of the book.
once again, the writing style was absolutely divine. straightforward and to the point, yet still entirely engaging. i savored every single word. i also found it to be incredibly realistic in its portrayal of young children and their oftentimes erratic behaviors and thoughts—more specifically, religious children struggling to discover and explore themselves in an environment where doing so is far from encouraged. seriously, this author can fucking write. i truly felt every emotion cal felt as vividly as if it were my own. not once did i skim or find myself bored while reading because each page i was able to learn more about cal's personality, his beliefs, his morals... all the inner workings of his mind. his character was so incredibly likable and easy to sympathize with.
although it doesn't seem like there are other works by this author available, the blurb states that they're an international bestseller. i have an inkling as to who i could be, but i really wish i knew what else they've published; i'd immediately devour anything written by them that i could get my hands on.
the theme of love vs. faith is explored here in even greater depth than the first book. though i could never begin to imagine the torture and turmoil that people who are forced to choose between the two experience, i think this book gives a very realistic glimpse into what it would look like. i was brought up in religion and know how intimidating it can be finding out that your ideals don't necessarily fit the ones expected of you. maybe this book resonated with me more or hit me harder because of that. another fantastic m/m book i've read that deals with religious MCs who struggle to choose between their christian beliefs and their love for each other is A Forbidden Rumspringa, although i believe the silver cord goes to much deeper and darker places when dissecting the characters' fears and the irreversible damage those fears can inflict.
i thought the mention of the bible story of jonathan and david and the comparison of their relationship with caleb and jamie's was such a great touch. there are definitely parallels in how the two relationships are depicted with their souls being entwined together.
it would definitely tear whatever is left of my heart to tiny, microscopic shreds, but i'd kill for a third installment following jamie's character—especially the events of his life during the years he was absent from cal's life. he was really sweet, but i'm still left feeling like i don't completely know his story yet.
even though it was totally worth it, reading these two non-HEA/HFN books back-to-back was a bit emotionally draining. i'm starting to think that i may only be able to handle large amounts of angst in small doses...
update: i'm still thinking about and crying over this book and its characters days later. just seeing the name caleb bright makes my heart hurt. what has this story turned me into? i swear i'm never like this 😭 the song colours by scarlet pleasure played in the background maybe once while i was reading, and now every time it comes on shuffle i'm reduced to a pile of tears. this is not okay.
i don't really know what to say. i'm struggling trying to translate my thoughts into coherent sentences and type through watery eyes at the same time. it's rare for me to get emotional over a book, let alone come across one like this that just leaves you so utterly numb and hollow inside. but that's why i love reading; there's something so special about being able to dive into a whole other world and experience another person's life and emotions so viscerally. oftentimes, i can't get that anywhere other than a good book.
no book has impacted me quite the same way this one has. it feels strange using the word "enjoy" to describe my experience with a story that literally ripped my heart out, threw it on the ground, and then proceeded to stomp all over it. but, despite it ruthlessly doing all of those things (multiple times), i did enjoy it. more than the previous one in the series, even.
Wanting him and being unable to do anything about it was like burning alive, but inside, where nobody could see. And I was supposed to smile and act normal, to go day after day in that state, for the rest of my life.
this story is extremely fascinating to me; it's set up so that you feel a lingering sense of dread the entire time reading about two innocent kids laughing, playing, and growing up together, because you know from the first book just how tragically both of their stories end. for this reason, every single happy or swoon-worthy moment readers witness between cal and jamie is laced with an underlying stab of heartache.
“Jamie,” I breathed. It was always this. It was this, forever. I pushed him against the wall and pressed close to him. There had never been another choice. Living had paused when he exited my life. The times without him were a story not even worth writing. Now the reel started once more.
it was both heartwarming and heartbreaking to see that some of the habits and interests caleb exhibited in the silver cage were ones he picked up from jamie. i'm grateful that we were given more insight into his backstory (what he was like as a child, what his family was like, what happened with his ex-wife, how his published books came to be, etc.) because he was such a reserved yet intriguing character in the first installment. i was also left curious about jamie and the pivotal role he clearly played in cal's early years, so the author's choice to write a prequel detailing their time spent together before the events of the first novel was the perfect decision. the leftover little puzzle pieces from the first book came together to form a perfect picture in this one. the next time i pick up the silver cage, i'll definitely be bawling like a baby because now i know cal. i know the events that turned him into the person he is, so well it's like i was there and experienced them all with him.
jamie, much like mike's character, was very endearing, especially as a child. his obvious soft spot for animals (crying when fellow campers tortured insects, disliking fishing because he felt bad for the fish) made my heart clench; it reminded me a lot of myself. little things he would do—even the most basic and insignificant childish mannerisms—would make me tear up, knowing in the back of my mind what he would inevitably be driven to do by the end of the book.
Intimacy is easier, simpler than morality. It is a land without borders; morality is a civil war.
once again, the writing style was absolutely divine. straightforward and to the point, yet still entirely engaging. i savored every single word. i also found it to be incredibly realistic in its portrayal of young children and their oftentimes erratic behaviors and thoughts—more specifically, religious children struggling to discover and explore themselves in an environment where doing so is far from encouraged. seriously, this author can fucking write. i truly felt every emotion cal felt as vividly as if it were my own. not once did i skim or find myself bored while reading because each page i was able to learn more about cal's personality, his beliefs, his morals... all the inner workings of his mind. his character was so incredibly likable and easy to sympathize with.
although it doesn't seem like there are other works by this author available, the blurb states that they're an international bestseller. i have an inkling as to who i could be, but i really wish i knew what else they've published; i'd immediately devour anything written by them that i could get my hands on.
the theme of love vs. faith is explored here in even greater depth than the first book. though i could never begin to imagine the torture and turmoil that people who are forced to choose between the two experience, i think this book gives a very realistic glimpse into what it would look like. i was brought up in religion and know how intimidating it can be finding out that your ideals don't necessarily fit the ones expected of you. maybe this book resonated with me more or hit me harder because of that. another fantastic m/m book i've read that deals with religious MCs who struggle to choose between their christian beliefs and their love for each other is A Forbidden Rumspringa, although i believe the silver cord goes to much deeper and darker places when dissecting the characters' fears and the irreversible damage those fears can inflict.
i thought the mention of the bible story of jonathan and david and the comparison of their relationship with caleb and jamie's was such a great touch. there are definitely parallels in how the two relationships are depicted with their souls being entwined together.
it would definitely tear whatever is left of my heart to tiny, microscopic shreds, but i'd kill for a third installment following jamie's character—especially the events of his life during the years he was absent from cal's life. he was really sweet, but i'm still left feeling like i don't completely know his story yet.
It is in the blue mist of youth that the legends of our whole life are born. Whatever we come to love in those years—whatever we read or hear, whomever we admire or idolize—haunts us to death. For me, it was that boy.
even though it was totally worth it, reading these two non-HEA/HFN books back-to-back was a bit emotionally draining. i'm starting to think that i may only be able to handle large amounts of angst in small doses...
November 11, 2018
Yesterday when I finished this book, I also read some reviews. I noticed some readers won't read this second book because they already know the ending.
Let me say this, and I am the Queen of #I-become-bored-easily, you should read this book and you won't regret it!!!
I don't belive this is fiction. I belive this is real story. Maybe this is main reason I love it so much. It doesn't feel like story written for readers, but it is heartbroken confession, written records of someone who found the only relief / distraction in writing. And Caleb actually wrote all his books in that manner. This is not classic mainstream romantic story to gain more and more readers (in this case woudn't be issued by Anonymous). I belive this second book was written by Caleb (or what his real name was) or it was summarized from his record. You can really feel his deep struggle within himself and his life. First book was written by Michael to describe their story.
I am re-reading first book again, I am sure I will get it now even better.
Otherwise there are so many why-s, everything could be so different, but one decision leads into another; one lie and mistake into another... I am sure this story / both books are going to stick with me for long time.
Let me say this, and I am the Queen of #I-become-bored-easily, you should read this book and you won't regret it!!!
I don't belive this is fiction. I belive this is real story. Maybe this is main reason I love it so much. It doesn't feel like story written for readers, but it is heartbroken confession, written records of someone who found the only relief / distraction in writing. And Caleb actually wrote all his books in that manner. This is not classic mainstream romantic story to gain more and more readers (in this case woudn't be issued by Anonymous). I belive this second book was written by Caleb (or what his real name was) or it was summarized from his record. You can really feel his deep struggle within himself and his life. First book was written by Michael to describe their story.
I am re-reading first book again, I am sure I will get it now even better.
Otherwise there are so many why-s, everything could be so different, but one decision leads into another; one lie and mistake into another... I am sure this story / both books are going to stick with me for long time.
October 6, 2018
I promise to keep this spoiler free not only for The Silver Cord but also for The Silver Cage
5 "I needed closure" stars
To better understand this review I advise you to read The Silver Cage’s review HERE
First of all I want to thank Anonymous not only for gifting me this book but also for giving me closure.
The Silver Cage left me bereft. It was like an open wound that would never close. I was revolted, angry, upset...I could not comprehend why it was wrong. Why it was sick. Why it had to be like that.
When I began The Silver Cord I already knew the ending as this is a companion novel to The Silver Cage. It travels back in time to Caleb’s youth.
I thought I would be destroyed again never imagining it would be just what I needed to end what I could compare to grieving. I am at peace….finally.
It is still profoundly unfair.
It is still immensely sad.
It is still incredibly well written.
It is still utterly beautiful.
But above all else revisiting Caleb's story, delving once more in his psyche, in his faith being a key component of who he IS gave me a better understanding and acceptance of what would unfold.
From the first sentences I was into the story and could find “My” Caleb back. He already had a fire, a presence, a charisma. Religion plays a key role again in this story, being its very own character. Bathing in a faith that condemned what he wanted was stifling. Caleb loved his faith and would not have it any other way yet instead of elating him it shunned his true self. Constantly battling against his true nature was exhausting. I could not imagine living years and years hiding such secret, denying my body and soul what they truly needed.
I described Caleb in "The Silver Cage" like " a dark predator. A wild animal prowling, circling innocent preys."
The Silver Cord is your "before" and shows a younger Caleb very different. It was before he had been destroyed by life.
In "The Silver Cord" Caleb has a deep protective instinct. He was the strong one. Always placing Jamie above anything else. Soft and sweet Jamie was his Achille’s heel.
I delighted in reading about Caleb and Jamie’s youth. Their innocence. Their evidence.
I learned all the important details about their relationship. It grew with the kids and morphed into a powerful bond never to be broken till the very end.
I kept this spoiler free and maybe vague as I want everyone to dive in this book duet completely blind.
To be enjoyed...
No that's not a word I would use for reading these...
To be affected the way it should you have to read The Silver Cage first.
Why?
Because I want you to be changed and hurt like I've been.
Because there is beauty in this pain.
I don't know who the author is but I bet I would recognize his prose among any other.
Anonymous has an elegant yet incredibly efficient writing. He will use all the right words to make you experience this story down to your bone marrow. Yet not one unnecessary word will be used. It is indomitable. Like a surgeon's scalpel. It will cut you open and won't let you hide behind false pretense.
You just have to live this story. Just like Caleb and Jamie had to live it.
With the joy, the elation but also the fury, the disgust and the guilt.
Recommend it? It is a MUST read if you have read The Silver Cage and if you haven’t yet, what are you waiting for?
Have you read these books yet? Did I convince you to give them a chance?
Thanks for reading!
Sophie
Find me on:
Wordpress: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook group : Beware Book Boyfriends Alert
Instagram: @bewareofthereader
Twitter: @BewareOffReader
5 "I needed closure" stars
“He came to me when I was a child. We were both children and therein lay the danger. It is in the blue mist of youth that the legends of our whole life are born. Whatever we come to love in those years—whatever we read or hear, whomever we admire or idolize—haunts us to death. For me, it was that boy. He was my soul’s totem, a guide outside of morality. I followed him until the end.”
To better understand this review I advise you to read The Silver Cage’s review HERE
First of all I want to thank Anonymous not only for gifting me this book but also for giving me closure.
The Silver Cage left me bereft. It was like an open wound that would never close. I was revolted, angry, upset...I could not comprehend why it was wrong. Why it was sick. Why it had to be like that.
When I began The Silver Cord I already knew the ending as this is a companion novel to The Silver Cage. It travels back in time to Caleb’s youth.
I thought I would be destroyed again never imagining it would be just what I needed to end what I could compare to grieving. I am at peace….finally.
It is still profoundly unfair.
It is still immensely sad.
It is still incredibly well written.
It is still utterly beautiful.
But above all else revisiting Caleb's story, delving once more in his psyche, in his faith being a key component of who he IS gave me a better understanding and acceptance of what would unfold.
From the first sentences I was into the story and could find “My” Caleb back. He already had a fire, a presence, a charisma. Religion plays a key role again in this story, being its very own character. Bathing in a faith that condemned what he wanted was stifling. Caleb loved his faith and would not have it any other way yet instead of elating him it shunned his true self. Constantly battling against his true nature was exhausting. I could not imagine living years and years hiding such secret, denying my body and soul what they truly needed.
I described Caleb in "The Silver Cage" like " a dark predator. A wild animal prowling, circling innocent preys."
The Silver Cord is your "before" and shows a younger Caleb very different. It was before he had been destroyed by life.
In "The Silver Cord" Caleb has a deep protective instinct. He was the strong one. Always placing Jamie above anything else. Soft and sweet Jamie was his Achille’s heel.
“He was shy. I was outgoing. He disliked—even seemed to resent—sharing his ideas with others. I was charismatic. He enjoyed painting, cooking, and playing computer games. I preferred being outdoors and fitness.”
I delighted in reading about Caleb and Jamie’s youth. Their innocence. Their evidence.
I learned all the important details about their relationship. It grew with the kids and morphed into a powerful bond never to be broken till the very end.
I kept this spoiler free and maybe vague as I want everyone to dive in this book duet completely blind.
To be enjoyed...
No that's not a word I would use for reading these...
To be affected the way it should you have to read The Silver Cage first.
Why?
Because I want you to be changed and hurt like I've been.
Because there is beauty in this pain.
I don't know who the author is but I bet I would recognize his prose among any other.
Anonymous has an elegant yet incredibly efficient writing. He will use all the right words to make you experience this story down to your bone marrow. Yet not one unnecessary word will be used. It is indomitable. Like a surgeon's scalpel. It will cut you open and won't let you hide behind false pretense.
You just have to live this story. Just like Caleb and Jamie had to live it.
With the joy, the elation but also the fury, the disgust and the guilt.
Recommend it? It is a MUST read if you have read The Silver Cage and if you haven’t yet, what are you waiting for?
Have you read these books yet? Did I convince you to give them a chance?
Thanks for reading!
Sophie
Find me on:
Wordpress: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook group : Beware Book Boyfriends Alert
Instagram: @bewareofthereader
Twitter: @BewareOffReader
October 19, 2018
‘To be the curator of another’s love is no light or laughing matter. It is a grave, sacred, and honorable undertaking. It is a lifelong post, a vigil until the end. I had known this once, but I had forgotten it somewhere along the way.’
Our hearts are wrecked. Completely and utterly wrecked. Not only from the events in The Silver Cord but from the consequences that followed the end of this story into The Silver Cage, bringing those original feelings to the surface once again, adding a whole new depth to those original emotions.
Going back in time to Caleb and Jamie’s ill-fated love story gave us a better understanding of the events of The Silver Cage. If Caleb Bright cut a sad, troubled and lonely figure in Silver Cage, our feelings intensified tenfold once we came to fully understand how his emotional and mental state came to be, and it broke us. Our hearts were annihilated, leaving us in a flood of tears, with these characters consuming our souls days after finishing, and yet, we wouldn’t have missed this reading experience for the world. This book made us feel so much.
‘Intimacy is easier, simpler than morality. It is a land without borders; morality is a civil war.’
We were with Jamie and Caleb every moment, from the heady, perplexing days of youth, sharing their confusion and love, their sorrow and despair and beyond, though we could never shake the dark cloud and impending pain we knew we were destined to feel. Jamie Foust and Caleb Bright should have been allowed to ‘just be‘. They should’ve been allowed to expose and embrace their love, but unfortunately, their strict Christian upbringing and their desire to ‘to the right thing’ would continually plague them, and shape their future lives.
‘There was no point in saying I loved someone I wasn’t allowed to love.’
The Silver Cord is a melancholy coming of age story delivered with the utmost honesty, sincerity and breathtakingly intoxicating prose from this incredibly talented author. Told in an almost autobiographical way we forgot we were reading a work of fiction. The rawness of the storytelling had us believing and experiencing every aching moment as though we knew the characters, making this reading experience sharper, more personal, with an overpowering instinct to protect these sensitive beautiful men from the world around them.
‘It is difficult to speak about happiness. Life rushes forward continually and we are pulled along with it, a child one day and an adult the next.’
A range of emotions; a small amount of hope, anger, frustration, sadness over the family influences in these boy’s lives left us bereft. These two boys who became men and never stopped sacrificing their own happiness for others, with their religious beliefs tormenting them with a need to fit into society.
This author is nothing short of brilliant. The way in which these sensitive characters love story was brought to fruition, the way in which it was delivered with such a realistic narrative, gave us much pause for thought in this emotionally charged and tragically complicated love story.
Our combatted hearts are forever touched by Jamie, Caleb, and this phenomenal author. Love is a religion we should all embrace. Love is love. End of.
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October 12, 2021
He came to me when I was a child. We were both children and therein lay the danger. It is in the blue mist of youth that the legends of our whole life are born. Whatever we come to love in those years—whatever we read or hear, whomever we admire or idolize—haunts us to death. For me, it was that boy. He was my soul’s totem, a guide outside of morality. I followed him until the end.
........................................................................................................
Last week I came back home after living abroad for a while, after taking the chance that I thought would change my whole life for good. I am amazed by how I keep coming back to the place that hurts me the most and accepts me the least. I tried to find a way out, but there is no such. It seems it doesn't matter if I move to the other side of the world, my reality keeps following me wherever I go.
I thought I couldn't be more broken, but I was wrong.
October 9, 2018
4.5 Stars
In this companion novel to The Silver Cage, we are transported back to Caleb Bright as a pre-teen who commences his first session at summer camp. During this time, Caleb befriends a shy boy named Jamie Foust. Discovering how their lives are quite different, they share a common bond of religion but also they seem to balance each other in every way. As each year passes, Caleb and Jamie reunite at camp reinforcing their friendship, but they also come to realize their feelings are much deeper than they could have imagined.
“Wanting him and being unable to do anything about it was like burning alive, but inside, where nobody could see. And I was supposed to smile and act normal, to go day after day in that state, for the rest of my life.”
What took seed at summer camp was formative to Caleb in that he realized he was wired differently than he thought. The feelings he developed for Jamie were grounded in the desire to protect, nurture and love and yet he was taught such a relationship between two men was wrong. Battling to please his parents and to conform to doctrine, a war raged inside of Caleb. The ever-present tension of doing what is expected and trying to appear “normal” is inescapable. As the years pass, the pull doesn’t diminish causing Caleb to assimilate due to necessity.
“Loving him, protecting him, had been my life’s purpose. I should never have put anything before him.”
With this narrative focused on Caleb’s perspective, the enormous pressure he feels is intense and tangible. There were times when I wanted Caleb to renounce his beliefs and be honest with his family but then the consequences became suffocating. Though Caleb experienced stolen and precious moments with Jamie, those times remained the most brilliant.
“He was made for me. He begged the whole time, even when I sped up, even when I pushed him flat on the mattress and began pounding against him. We shook the bed. The grip of his body was intoxicating.”
Experiencing a range of emotion while reading, the injustice of their situation is resounding. To what degree must Caleb sacrifice his true self and who shall truly benefit? Knowing that Caleb and Jamie had their time is the silver lining to a poignant and painful life.
Silver Cord is about a man’s journey struggling with his own sense of duty and the truth. Filled with moments of self-discovery, wonderment, love, hopelessness and pure sadness, this story is important and the characters have lasting value.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey and Loyda!*
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February 10, 2019
Since I read 'The Silver Cage' before this book, I knew how this story would end. What I didn't expect was how much of a heavy, grey blanket that knowledge would weigh down my reading enjoyment.
The ending of the first book left me angry with Caleb. I wanted to better understand his adult decisions by taking this journey through his younger years. The society and culture he grows up in is so far removed from mine, I repeatedly forgot the setting wasn't 50 years ago but current day. By the end of the book, I had to accept I still can't understand Caleb's reasoning but acknowledge they made sense—to him—given his upbringing.
The writing style was as good as in the first book, and the loneliness and isolation of young Caleb cleverly heightened by the change into single POV for this part of the story. Still, I enjoyed the first book a lot more, perhaps because the plot outcome was unknown and felt more positive and hopeful.
The ending of the first book left me angry with Caleb. I wanted to better understand his adult decisions by taking this journey through his younger years. The society and culture he grows up in is so far removed from mine, I repeatedly forgot the setting wasn't 50 years ago but current day. By the end of the book, I had to accept I still can't understand Caleb's reasoning but acknowledge they made sense—to him—given his upbringing.
The writing style was as good as in the first book, and the loneliness and isolation of young Caleb cleverly heightened by the change into single POV for this part of the story. Still, I enjoyed the first book a lot more, perhaps because the plot outcome was unknown and felt more positive and hopeful.
October 4, 2018
*Possible spoilers ahead*
First things first. This book can be read as a standalone. Reading The Silver Cage is not a requirement, but if you decide you want to read that to, I suggest starting with that one, though it actually doesn't matter, there are no overlapping events, but I still preferred reading The Silver Cage first.
This book is about life restricted by religion. A friends to lovers story, which starts with the boys when they're only 10 years old.
Jamie likes artsy stuff, like drawing and cooking and he's not good at sports. He's also shy. Caleb befriends him at church camp immediately, and they were inseparable. Every summer they meet at the camp, spending all their time together. When they're 17 and hormonal, everything changes.
Seemingly there's nothing Caleb could complain about, he should be happy. He's intelligent, he's good at everything: sports, arts, etc. He's the perfect son. But he feels like he's suffocating. He can't show he's real self to anyone. Only one person knows him truly and when his with him, that's when he's happiest.
In Silver Cage, I remember the biggest question that stayed with me. "You think one faith is right and the others are all wrong? You've decided Christianity is the only real truth?" I think in Cal's mind the answer to that question was yes. He didn't think to consider this. He just accepted that Christianity is the only religion he can practice. Of course he did, that's how he grew up, surrounded by Christians. He didn't question it, and he wanted to please his parents, to make them proud, he didn't want to disappoint them and embarrass them, and I think that might've been his biggest flaw. Christianity was set in stone for him, he didn't know another way to be.
But it wasn't just his parents. He loved God too, believed in him, but he also loved Jamie. And the two people inside him were at constant war. Caleb felt torn in two. Learning about how he grew up, helped me understand him better. I think what he failed to see is, he can believe in God, and serve him, and be with a man at the same time. One doesn't preclude the other. But it's hard to go against everything he knew.
Beautiful and heartbreaking story. The writing, around the middle turns into a recollection of events, you know when the narrator tells 'this happened and that, and then we went there an did that". There wasn't much dialogue, mostly just in the beginning. And I felt a little bit detached from the characters (though not in a major way, I still felt everything), which I was truly happy about, because I didn't have the energy for a total breakdown. ;(
On a side note: I was perfectly happy with just Caleb's POV, but I was also curious about Jamie's thoughts, cause I don't think he agreed with Caleb, though he hadn't said anything. I think, if Caleb said "Fuck my parents and the church, I don't need God. I only need you Jamie." Jamie would've dropped everything. His love for Caleb outgrew his love for God. And Caleb might've felt the same way, but he either didn't realize it or didn't acknowledge it. Maybe both.
Again, I'm still hoping for another book. For Michael.
First things first. This book can be read as a standalone. Reading The Silver Cage is not a requirement, but if you decide you want to read that to, I suggest starting with that one, though it actually doesn't matter, there are no overlapping events, but I still preferred reading The Silver Cage first.
This book is about life restricted by religion. A friends to lovers story, which starts with the boys when they're only 10 years old.
Jamie likes artsy stuff, like drawing and cooking and he's not good at sports. He's also shy. Caleb befriends him at church camp immediately, and they were inseparable. Every summer they meet at the camp, spending all their time together. When they're 17 and hormonal, everything changes.
Seemingly there's nothing Caleb could complain about, he should be happy. He's intelligent, he's good at everything: sports, arts, etc. He's the perfect son. But he feels like he's suffocating. He can't show he's real self to anyone. Only one person knows him truly and when his with him, that's when he's happiest.
In Silver Cage, I remember the biggest question that stayed with me. "You think one faith is right and the others are all wrong? You've decided Christianity is the only real truth?" I think in Cal's mind the answer to that question was yes. He didn't think to consider this. He just accepted that Christianity is the only religion he can practice. Of course he did, that's how he grew up, surrounded by Christians. He didn't question it, and he wanted to please his parents, to make them proud, he didn't want to disappoint them and embarrass them, and I think that might've been his biggest flaw. Christianity was set in stone for him, he didn't know another way to be.
But it wasn't just his parents. He loved God too, believed in him, but he also loved Jamie. And the two people inside him were at constant war. Caleb felt torn in two. Learning about how he grew up, helped me understand him better. I think what he failed to see is, he can believe in God, and serve him, and be with a man at the same time. One doesn't preclude the other. But it's hard to go against everything he knew.
Beautiful and heartbreaking story. The writing, around the middle turns into a recollection of events, you know when the narrator tells 'this happened and that, and then we went there an did that". There wasn't much dialogue, mostly just in the beginning. And I felt a little bit detached from the characters (though not in a major way, I still felt everything), which I was truly happy about, because I didn't have the energy for a total breakdown. ;(
On a side note: I was perfectly happy with just Caleb's POV, but I was also curious about Jamie's thoughts, cause I don't think he agreed with Caleb, though he hadn't said anything. I think, if Caleb said "Fuck my parents and the church, I don't need God. I only need you Jamie." Jamie would've dropped everything. His love for Caleb outgrew his love for God. And Caleb might've felt the same way, but he either didn't realize it or didn't acknowledge it. Maybe both.
Again, I'm still hoping for another book. For Michael.
October 3, 2018
Got to love a long train journey on the day your most anticipated book of the year is released.
Caleb Bright will forever hold my heart. All of the broken pieces of it.
The ending is a forgone conclusion. We read about it in The Silver Cage. The Silver Cord is the love story of Caleb and Jamie. Full of the pain and trauma that steals them of their love but also full of love.
My heart sang in places and hurt beyond measure in others.
Now I’m just sad.
But I loved the book.
The writing is breathtaking. The journey from boy to man is sweet and sour. I wish I could hug Jamie and Caleb and tell them love is love. It is pure and true.
“It is in the blue mist of youth that the legends of our whole life are born.”
Caleb Bright will forever hold my heart. All of the broken pieces of it.
The ending is a forgone conclusion. We read about it in The Silver Cage. The Silver Cord is the love story of Caleb and Jamie. Full of the pain and trauma that steals them of their love but also full of love.
My heart sang in places and hurt beyond measure in others.
Now I’m just sad.
But I loved the book.
The writing is breathtaking. The journey from boy to man is sweet and sour. I wish I could hug Jamie and Caleb and tell them love is love. It is pure and true.
“It is in the blue mist of youth that the legends of our whole life are born.”
October 6, 2018
After finishing The Silver Cage I was numb. For a week or even longer. Right now I’m angry, livid. I need time to disentangle myself from the overwhelming fury I’m feeling. Because of the anger my finger is hovering dangerously over 1-star button. Don't get me wrong, it was an interesting and important read, but one passage at the end infuriated me. Cal, what the fuck? Why did do to Michael what you did, after thinking that way about what you should do to Jamie?
And here we have talk about joint custody? In TSCage Coral had a full custody???
And here we have talk about joint custody? In TSCage Coral had a full custody???
October 5, 2018
Quick review as this was a personal TBR that I read just for myself.
I wasn't nearly as caught up in this as I was with The Silver Cage, however it was a gripping, emotional story that I'm thankful I read. This companion novel gives us the background story to Caleb that we were missing in The Silver Cage, revealing to us his tender upbringing, his relationship with religion, and the bond he formed with Jamie in his youth. The young voice that Anonymous gives Caleb in this novel is incredible, I was astonished at the difference in him from his youth to the broody adult we know in Cage. It also made me weary, recognizing that young Caleb had learned a lesson in his youth that he was unable to follow upon meeting Michael. It's a vicious circle one that I am thankful I read in release order and would highly recommend.
The Silver Cage and The Silver Cord took me out of my comfort zone. I purchased each based on a favorite author's recommendation, unaware of the contents inside, and finished Cage changed forever and upon completion of The Silver Cord I just feel sad and a bit more aware of the real life trauma that many go through. I loved Michael, I loved Caleb, and now I've grown to love Jamie; their coming of age story having changed my outlook on religion, love, and the choices we make in life.
I wasn't nearly as caught up in this as I was with The Silver Cage, however it was a gripping, emotional story that I'm thankful I read. This companion novel gives us the background story to Caleb that we were missing in The Silver Cage, revealing to us his tender upbringing, his relationship with religion, and the bond he formed with Jamie in his youth. The young voice that Anonymous gives Caleb in this novel is incredible, I was astonished at the difference in him from his youth to the broody adult we know in Cage. It also made me weary, recognizing that young Caleb had learned a lesson in his youth that he was unable to follow upon meeting Michael. It's a vicious circle one that I am thankful I read in release order and would highly recommend.
The Silver Cage and The Silver Cord took me out of my comfort zone. I purchased each based on a favorite author's recommendation, unaware of the contents inside, and finished Cage changed forever and upon completion of The Silver Cord I just feel sad and a bit more aware of the real life trauma that many go through. I loved Michael, I loved Caleb, and now I've grown to love Jamie; their coming of age story having changed my outlook on religion, love, and the choices we make in life.
September 25, 2023
Well, that was fucking DEVASTATING. As I knew it would be; being a prequel to an equally devastating book. I've been sitting on this book for a while now, because even though The Silver Cage was one of the best books I've read this year, I knew that this book would hurt. And I was just not in a mental space where I could deal with that. But it has been an exceedingly gloomy weekend where I am, so I figured why not lean in to the mood.
We get Caleb's origin story here, told entirely from his perspective, and it really helps to understand why he was the way he was in the first book. He was an enigma there, an impenetrable mystery, but it was all laid bare for us here. This story was beautifully told, the writing was spare and impactful. The tension between Caleb's Christianity and his love for Jamie was depicted so well, as well as the destruction that this causes.
In the end, I'm glad that I knew what was going to happen because book 1 blindsided me, and I was pretty messed up about it for a while, but I could at least prepare myself here. I'm not sure who I would recommend these books to, but it was a striking piece of fiction that I'm glad I decided to read.
We get Caleb's origin story here, told entirely from his perspective, and it really helps to understand why he was the way he was in the first book. He was an enigma there, an impenetrable mystery, but it was all laid bare for us here. This story was beautifully told, the writing was spare and impactful. The tension between Caleb's Christianity and his love for Jamie was depicted so well, as well as the destruction that this causes.
In the end, I'm glad that I knew what was going to happen because book 1 blindsided me, and I was pretty messed up about it for a while, but I could at least prepare myself here. I'm not sure who I would recommend these books to, but it was a striking piece of fiction that I'm glad I decided to read.
January 23, 2020
Despite this being book two, THE SILVER CORD is the pre-THE SILVER CAGE story. It chronicles the life of the character we meet in book one, everything that lead to where we find ourselves, so in some sense it makes sense to read book "two" first and avoid spoilers for how that one ends. And as a trusted friend suggested, that is how I approached this series.
However, I couldn't connect to the characters because I struggled with the writing, so while context of where these two would end up might have helped, might have given me a leg up on enjoyment or any kind of investment, it didn't. The narrative came across really self-important and.. honestly, strange, and combined with his ability to just do everything awesomely, and be amazing, I was one eyeroll away from being permanently stuck that way. Plus I didn't like any of the characters at all, so, frustrations with writing and tone aside, I was just unmoved and bored. So. bored.
This one just wasn't for me.
(Moons, ilu)
However, I couldn't connect to the characters because I struggled with the writing, so while context of where these two would end up might have helped, might have given me a leg up on enjoyment or any kind of investment, it didn't. The narrative came across really self-important and.. honestly, strange, and combined with his ability to just do everything awesomely, and be amazing, I was one eyeroll away from being permanently stuck that way. Plus I didn't like any of the characters at all, so, frustrations with writing and tone aside, I was just unmoved and bored. So. bored.
This one just wasn't for me.
(Moons, ilu)
October 8, 2018
I didn’t ugly cried like I was hoping, I was utterly upset at some people and overall I liked the story but I needed more at the end. I already knew how it was going to end but that still didn’t stopped me from shreading tears for a character 🙄😭😭😭😭😆. I wished the end would have been longer though other than that it was still pretty good book.
October 4, 2018
Two words immediately come to mind as the last words were read from The Silver Cord: sadness and regret. Both such intense feelings, it's a wonder Caleb Bright had any kind of happy in his life at all. But this book is what I wanted. What I craved to know after finishing The Silver Cage. I guess I am glad to have the full story now. The whys and how comes have been answered but I'm still so unsettled.
Walking away from a book like this one brings up a virtual whirlwind of emotions. Thoughts of despair that Cal had to live his life in the shadow of his true desires. Not being able to be the man he wanted to be. To reconcile his want of Jamie for his want of God. I could feel every twist of the knife in his heart as he never truly chose. He didn't choose God. Nor Jamie. Nor Coral and Caleb, Jr. Instead he chose a silent torture that had no relief.
I am once again floored by the talent that Anonymous chooses to bestow upon his or her readers. Those brave enough to enter this dulled existence, given a few bursts of light, knowing it simply can't and won't end well. But yet I savored every word. Grasped every bit of joy and resigned myself to the fact that life is never easy. And those who try to live it without the love they so desperately crave, are never going to be truly happy. I still want to hug Caleb and bring him back to a time where he could have made different choices and perhaps found the hope that love can, in fact, set you free.
The Silver Cord is a story like no other and together with The Silver Cage, is one I will not soon forget. Truly brilliant in the execution and delivery of such a painful tale, I couldn't give anything less than 5 stars.
Walking away from a book like this one brings up a virtual whirlwind of emotions. Thoughts of despair that Cal had to live his life in the shadow of his true desires. Not being able to be the man he wanted to be. To reconcile his want of Jamie for his want of God. I could feel every twist of the knife in his heart as he never truly chose. He didn't choose God. Nor Jamie. Nor Coral and Caleb, Jr. Instead he chose a silent torture that had no relief.
I am once again floored by the talent that Anonymous chooses to bestow upon his or her readers. Those brave enough to enter this dulled existence, given a few bursts of light, knowing it simply can't and won't end well. But yet I savored every word. Grasped every bit of joy and resigned myself to the fact that life is never easy. And those who try to live it without the love they so desperately crave, are never going to be truly happy. I still want to hug Caleb and bring him back to a time where he could have made different choices and perhaps found the hope that love can, in fact, set you free.
The Silver Cord is a story like no other and together with The Silver Cage, is one I will not soon forget. Truly brilliant in the execution and delivery of such a painful tale, I couldn't give anything less than 5 stars.
January 22, 2023
"He came to me when I was a child. We were both children and therein lay the danger. It is in the blue mist of youth that the legends of our whole life are born. Whatever we come to love in those years— whatever we read or hear, whomever we admire or idolize—haunts us to death. For me, it was that boy. He was my soul’s totem, a guide outside of morality. I followed him until the end."
I have no words.
I have no words.
January 28, 2023
After reading (and finding myself devastated by it) The Silver Cage I started this one right away. It's the second book in this series, but it's actually the prequel to The Silver cage, since this is Caleb's story.
In this book we get to see how Caleb became the man he was when he met Michael in The Silver cage. This is the story in which he meets Jamie (the young man that eventually ends up determining Caleb's course of life) at summer camp, and where the two of them become the best of friends. Since both are brought up within a religion, they are hesitant to let their growing affection towards each other grow into something more. But the pull is so strong, a moment comes where they can no longer resist. And that's a heavy secret to keep. And as pure and deep as their love is, it's still a forbidden one. Love between two boys would never be tolerated by their family or their church, and both struggle with their faiths and beliefs, while at the same time they don't feel like they are doing something wrong together because it feels too good.
In this book we see how Caleb meets the woman he is married to in The Silver cage, and his reasons for doing so. In short, this book answers a lot of questions and shines a light on the mysterious man Caleb became.
I felt so deeply for him and Jamie, knowing what would happen didn't make it any easier.
This duet is not for everyone, but I would wish for every reader to experience such a beautiful story, and yet so heartbreaking and devastating. The writing is beautiful too - the words flowing, the dialogues real, the pacing quite right. You'd wonder who the author is that hides behind this. There's no doubt they know how to write a captivating, touching story and I would really wish for more of this to come.
This duet is unforgettable - Caleb, Jamie and Michael have found a place in my heart, they occupy this small room in my mind and I don't see them leaving there yet soon. I still hurt for them.
In this book we get to see how Caleb became the man he was when he met Michael in The Silver cage. This is the story in which he meets Jamie (the young man that eventually ends up determining Caleb's course of life) at summer camp, and where the two of them become the best of friends. Since both are brought up within a religion, they are hesitant to let their growing affection towards each other grow into something more. But the pull is so strong, a moment comes where they can no longer resist. And that's a heavy secret to keep. And as pure and deep as their love is, it's still a forbidden one. Love between two boys would never be tolerated by their family or their church, and both struggle with their faiths and beliefs, while at the same time they don't feel like they are doing something wrong together because it feels too good.
In this book we see how Caleb meets the woman he is married to in The Silver cage, and his reasons for doing so. In short, this book answers a lot of questions and shines a light on the mysterious man Caleb became.
I felt so deeply for him and Jamie, knowing what would happen didn't make it any easier.
This duet is not for everyone, but I would wish for every reader to experience such a beautiful story, and yet so heartbreaking and devastating. The writing is beautiful too - the words flowing, the dialogues real, the pacing quite right. You'd wonder who the author is that hides behind this. There's no doubt they know how to write a captivating, touching story and I would really wish for more of this to come.
This duet is unforgettable - Caleb, Jamie and Michael have found a place in my heart, they occupy this small room in my mind and I don't see them leaving there yet soon. I still hurt for them.
June 18, 2020
He came to me when I was a child. We were both children and therein lay the danger. It is in the blue mist of youth that the legends of our whole life are born.
Whatever we come to love in those years-whatever we read or hear, whomever we admire or idolize- haunts us to death.
For me, it was that boy.
He was my soul's totem, a guide outside of morality.
I followed him until the end.
This...
Caleb in The Silver Cord is not the one from The Silver Cage. And he can't be.
To me, it was marvelous to see how much he changed, how he shares his thoughts with the reader is different.
I love Caleb, he's the reason why I am reading those books. And with that one I realize how important it was to make Michael look the same as Jamie.
It was never about Michael, was it...
It is a heart- breaking story. Just this time, I was more prepared.
I feel like it will always haunt me...
Whatever we come to love in those years-whatever we read or hear, whomever we admire or idolize- haunts us to death.
For me, it was that boy.
He was my soul's totem, a guide outside of morality.
I followed him until the end.
This...
Caleb in The Silver Cord is not the one from The Silver Cage. And he can't be.
To me, it was marvelous to see how much he changed, how he shares his thoughts with the reader is different.
I love Caleb, he's the reason why I am reading those books. And with that one I realize how important it was to make Michael look the same as Jamie.
It was never about Michael, was it...
It is a heart- breaking story. Just this time, I was more prepared.
I feel like it will always haunt me...
December 11, 2021
PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE FIRST BOOK YET! And also ... you might stop reading now if you're a religious person!
If you've read the first book ...
... you already know that both Jamie and Caleb are dead by now. So you might think this 2nd book might not be for you. Why read a book where you know both heroes will die soon? Kill themselves soon.
But when you loved Caleb and his sad life in the first book, you really need to read this one too!
It's a prequel kind of thing, but you should not read it first I think. You could, but I wouldn't.
We follow Caleb from the age of ten when he meets Jamie at Church Camp. And we leave them when they're in their mid to late twenties - Jamie just killed himself and Caleb now lives a sad and lonely life in his Colorado cabin. That would be when we meet him in the first book.
I loved Caleb's voice in this second book. He was so much more wordsy than the brooding author we met in the first book. This book is written in his POV and I loved that. He was so much more hopeful, but also so very torn and he felt so guilty and he didn't want to disappoint anyone.
I loved how they met and how they fell for each other and I LOVED that they had those few happy days at college in Colorado. That was the hightlight of both their lives.
I still hate religion and everything connected to it. I just don't understand it.
Religion is the reason for so many deaths in the world.
The earth would be such a peaceful place without it.
No 17 year old gay kid from Utah would have to kill himself because he was taught that what he feels is a sin.
No 7 year old kid from the middle east would have to let a father wrap a bomb around his little body so that he can kill as many 'non-believers' as possible.
No 33 year old father of four would lose his life doing his job as a cop or soldier in some far away country divided by religion.
The bible is only a book. Just as Spiderman or Harry Potter or The Great Gatsby were written to entertain people. Please stop preaching stupid sh*t to impressionable people all over the world!
If you have to believe in something/someone ... how about believing in yourself? Your grandma? Your dad? Your dog? That would make so much more sense!
I also don't understand why suicide is more religiously acceptable than being gay? Both are probably a sin if you're a good religious person. Why not choose to use the one that feels better? I just don't get this whole religion thing, and I don't want to.
OK - rant over.
The book was really beautiful. So very heartbreaking and full of love.
I fell in love with Caleb and Jamie and I hated their world for being what it is. I cried a lot.
Read it! If you've loved the first book you will love this one too!
Maybe some kid in the same situation will find it helpful in freeing himself of his stupid upbringing and the cult-like beliefs he's been taught and live a happy life with the person his heart belongs to. And I don't mean a fictional god! Real people in a real life! ♥
I really hope we'll get Michael's happy end one day too!
♡
♡
♡
If you've read the first book ...
... you already know that both Jamie and Caleb are dead by now. So you might think this 2nd book might not be for you. Why read a book where you know both heroes will die soon? Kill themselves soon.
But when you loved Caleb and his sad life in the first book, you really need to read this one too!
It's a prequel kind of thing, but you should not read it first I think. You could, but I wouldn't.
We follow Caleb from the age of ten when he meets Jamie at Church Camp. And we leave them when they're in their mid to late twenties - Jamie just killed himself and Caleb now lives a sad and lonely life in his Colorado cabin. That would be when we meet him in the first book.
I loved Caleb's voice in this second book. He was so much more wordsy than the brooding author we met in the first book. This book is written in his POV and I loved that. He was so much more hopeful, but also so very torn and he felt so guilty and he didn't want to disappoint anyone.
I loved how they met and how they fell for each other and I LOVED that they had those few happy days at college in Colorado. That was the hightlight of both their lives.
I still hate religion and everything connected to it. I just don't understand it.
Religion is the reason for so many deaths in the world.
The earth would be such a peaceful place without it.
No 17 year old gay kid from Utah would have to kill himself because he was taught that what he feels is a sin.
No 7 year old kid from the middle east would have to let a father wrap a bomb around his little body so that he can kill as many 'non-believers' as possible.
No 33 year old father of four would lose his life doing his job as a cop or soldier in some far away country divided by religion.
The bible is only a book. Just as Spiderman or Harry Potter or The Great Gatsby were written to entertain people. Please stop preaching stupid sh*t to impressionable people all over the world!
If you have to believe in something/someone ... how about believing in yourself? Your grandma? Your dad? Your dog? That would make so much more sense!
I also don't understand why suicide is more religiously acceptable than being gay? Both are probably a sin if you're a good religious person. Why not choose to use the one that feels better? I just don't get this whole religion thing, and I don't want to.
OK - rant over.
The book was really beautiful. So very heartbreaking and full of love.
I fell in love with Caleb and Jamie and I hated their world for being what it is. I cried a lot.
Read it! If you've loved the first book you will love this one too!
Maybe some kid in the same situation will find it helpful in freeing himself of his stupid upbringing and the cult-like beliefs he's been taught and live a happy life with the person his heart belongs to. And I don't mean a fictional god! Real people in a real life! ♥
I really hope we'll get Michael's happy end one day too!
♡
♡
♡
October 6, 2018
This book is fantastic! So much emotional turmoil and gut-wrenching love AND THE CHEMISTRY, so heady! All of it in this tiny book, amazing stuff!
April 2, 2023
I’m so glad we were able to go back in time with this character. This story certainly explains a lot of the character motivations in The Silver Cage.
October 4, 2018
I was expecting a continuation of The Silver Cage so I was surprised when I started reading. This is in fact more of a prequel. I am not usually a fan of backstories/prequels, but I needed more of Caleb’s story so I dove right in.
Having read The Silver Cage, I thought I knew what to expect, but I was wrong. This was so much more than the retelling of facts we already knew.
THE SILVER CORD was another thought provoking emotional story, showing that you never know what is going on in someone’s life. What events cause someone to choose a certain path. What factors make a person who they are. Caleb’s inner turmoil rang so true, it broke my heart. That one’s beliefs and family can cause such torture hurts my soul to the core. I wanted to hug and shake Caleb and Jaime so many times. At times I even *gasp* understood Coral. (I know, I’m shocked by that too.)
If there is one thing I’d change it would be the pacing of the last bit of the book. I feel the last portion was a bit rushed. Having read The Silver Cage I knew what was going to happen and had been waiting for it throughout the entire book as this particular series of events really shaped The Silver Cage, so when I got to that part of The Silver Cord, I thought it was a little rushed. Regardless of knowing what was going to happen and of feeling a bit rushed, the end still had an impact on me.
I highly recommend The Silver Cord. This book is thought provoking and highly impactful. It reached into the depths of my soul and really made me rethink so many things in life. I hope this novel moves others the way it has moved me, and I hope that it can be a conversation starter for many. My hope is that this story can change the mind of at least one person, that it can ease the struggle and inner turmoil of one person, that it can show someone that they are not alone....
Well done Anonymous, you did it again.
Having read The Silver Cage, I thought I knew what to expect, but I was wrong. This was so much more than the retelling of facts we already knew.
THE SILVER CORD was another thought provoking emotional story, showing that you never know what is going on in someone’s life. What events cause someone to choose a certain path. What factors make a person who they are. Caleb’s inner turmoil rang so true, it broke my heart. That one’s beliefs and family can cause such torture hurts my soul to the core. I wanted to hug and shake Caleb and Jaime so many times. At times I even *gasp* understood Coral. (I know, I’m shocked by that too.)
If there is one thing I’d change it would be the pacing of the last bit of the book. I feel the last portion was a bit rushed. Having read The Silver Cage I knew what was going to happen and had been waiting for it throughout the entire book as this particular series of events really shaped The Silver Cage, so when I got to that part of The Silver Cord, I thought it was a little rushed. Regardless of knowing what was going to happen and of feeling a bit rushed, the end still had an impact on me.
I highly recommend The Silver Cord. This book is thought provoking and highly impactful. It reached into the depths of my soul and really made me rethink so many things in life. I hope this novel moves others the way it has moved me, and I hope that it can be a conversation starter for many. My hope is that this story can change the mind of at least one person, that it can ease the struggle and inner turmoil of one person, that it can show someone that they are not alone....
Well done Anonymous, you did it again.
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