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Being(s) in Love #5
The Firebird and Other Stories
A Being(s) in Love Anthology
Magical creatures known as beings emerged from hiding amid the destruction of the First World War. Since then they’ve lived on the margins of the human world as misunderstood objects of fear and desire. Some are beautiful, others fearsome and powerful. Yet for all their magic and strength, they are as vulnerable as anyone else when it comes to matters of the heart.
In 1930s Paris, magnificent Kazimir the firebird never expects to find love but is drawn to a writer with a haunted past. Upon returning from fighting during World War Two, a revered jaguar shifter finds Teo, a third-gender human, left on his doorstep. Early rock ‘n’ roll DJ Hyacinth the fairy shocks his listeners with his admiration for his quiet and very male human assistant. During the AIDS crisis, a leather daddy troll named Tank dreams of a settled life with the interspecies elf across the bar. Rennet the imp, who remembers too well how cruel the world can be, tells himself he’s content to stay behind the scenes for the sake of the human he adores—if only his chaotic, impish magic would stop getting in the way. And Miki, a shy human tending his poisonous and carnivorous plants, is convinced no one will ever want him, certainly not the handsome werewolf grieving for a lost mate. It will take advice from a being of inhuman beauty to convince him to try for what he wants, no matter the risk. Human or being, all must overcome fear to reach for love.
Magical creatures known as beings emerged from hiding amid the destruction of the First World War. Since then they’ve lived on the margins of the human world as misunderstood objects of fear and desire. Some are beautiful, others fearsome and powerful. Yet for all their magic and strength, they are as vulnerable as anyone else when it comes to matters of the heart.
In 1930s Paris, magnificent Kazimir the firebird never expects to find love but is drawn to a writer with a haunted past. Upon returning from fighting during World War Two, a revered jaguar shifter finds Teo, a third-gender human, left on his doorstep. Early rock ‘n’ roll DJ Hyacinth the fairy shocks his listeners with his admiration for his quiet and very male human assistant. During the AIDS crisis, a leather daddy troll named Tank dreams of a settled life with the interspecies elf across the bar. Rennet the imp, who remembers too well how cruel the world can be, tells himself he’s content to stay behind the scenes for the sake of the human he adores—if only his chaotic, impish magic would stop getting in the way. And Miki, a shy human tending his poisonous and carnivorous plants, is convinced no one will ever want him, certainly not the handsome werewolf grieving for a lost mate. It will take advice from a being of inhuman beauty to convince him to try for what he wants, no matter the risk. Human or being, all must overcome fear to reach for love.
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2015
50 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
R. Cooper
81 books996 followersI'm R. Cooper, a somewhat absentminded, often distracted, writer of queer romance. I'm probably most known for the Being(s) in Love series and The Suitable 'Verse stories. Also the occasional story about witches or firefighters in love.
You can visit my website for updates or sign up for my newsletter . My newsletter is free! And comes out once a month or once every two months or so.
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If you just want book release updates, I have a BookBub profile.
Also, I now have a Storygraph where I will try to track my reading in an organized fashion.
You can visit my website for updates or sign up for my newsletter . My newsletter is free! And comes out once a month or once every two months or so.
Otherwise... have some social media links if you want updates and whatever the hell else I am talking about.
Tumblr
BlueSky
**With Meta's current policies, I do not use FB or Insta or Threads for anything but the bare minimum.**
Instagram and Threads
You can also support me on Patreon if you like
If you just want book release updates, I have a BookBub profile.
Also, I now have a Storygraph where I will try to track my reading in an organized fashion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
September 21, 2015
My first R. Cooper book, and oh my god, it couldn't have been any better. Subtle and gorgeous and heartbreaking and triumphant, a passage through time and love and epic moments in history for a world shifted just slightly to the fantastic. I just...adored it. It's the sort of book I could read over and over again, not because it's easy but because I feel better after dwelling in this beautiful, complicated, tormented and fantastic place. Five glorious stars.
October 5, 2015
A rich, colourful selection of short stories that span different decades, different attitudes. As with the 'being' books there's a theme of longing and interspecies communication, but each story offers something new. Some bring a strong feel of the period, all show love.
You don't need familiarity with the series except for the last story, but these are best read in order as characters sometimes reappear, if only for a subtle cameo.
The Firebird - Firebird & Human - skipped
Unfortunately looking for individual fic blurbs I stumbled on an unmarked spoiler - it spoiled - unable to read this with that knowledge forefront. Be careful and read in order!
The Warrior's Sacrifice - Jaguer & Human muxe - 5*
Fascinating Spanish/Mexican setting. Really liked meeting both these characters, there's an intense feel to the story and colour from the setting. Loved the glance at another culture. Definitely a favourite; I'd complain it's not a book but liked it too much as it was.
Hyacinth on the Air - Fairy and Human - 5*
Sugar, sass and sex; I enjoyed the freebie version, this has a little extra spice at the end.
A Giant Among Men - Troll and possible Elf - 4*
A sappy dominant troll. Would have liked a little more about Simon, the focus was on Tank. With the plot expanded a touch and the dynamic between them explored further, this could have filled a book.
The Imp and Mr Sunshine - Imp & Human - 4*
Standard miscommunication plot, I got really confused about the status of their relationship myself at the beginning. Rennet was an adorable tailed trouble-maker though, I really liked him; and his tail! Mr Sunshine made me think of Pratchett's Patrician, lots beneath the surface. Forget Weres Ms Cooper - there needs to be more Imps!
The Wolf in the Garden - Were & Human - 3.5*
Loved shy gardener Mikki, such a gentle soul, but he was overshadowed in his own story which was a shame. Other characters have a little too much involvement for a story of this length.
The feels are from loss and living on - rather poignantly bringing home the longevity of beings compared to humans and adding a sad veil to the series, but overwhelming the new romance.
Personally I needed a lot more from Diego here, from Mikki's pov Diego's regard is subtle which doesn't give it full power, there's a risk of Mikki appearing second place. Would not say no to a glimpse from Deigo's perspective!
There was a lot I loved about this story - Mikki, Mikki, Mikki ;)
The Dragon's Egg - Dragon & Human - 2-3*
Nice to revisit Bertie and his Arthur from A Boy and His Dragon; the egg amused me a great deal, but didn't like this story quite as much as others in the selection. For some reason the writing didn't seem to flow as easily, lots of short sentences and name using at the start. By the end there's the full warm feel of the couple from the book and I was left eager for a glimpse further down the line.
You don't need familiarity with the series except for the last story, but these are best read in order as characters sometimes reappear, if only for a subtle cameo.
The Firebird - Firebird & Human - skipped
Unfortunately looking for individual fic blurbs I stumbled on an unmarked spoiler - it spoiled - unable to read this with that knowledge forefront. Be careful and read in order!
The Warrior's Sacrifice - Jaguer & Human muxe - 5*
Fascinating Spanish/Mexican setting. Really liked meeting both these characters, there's an intense feel to the story and colour from the setting. Loved the glance at another culture. Definitely a favourite; I'd complain it's not a book but liked it too much as it was.
Hyacinth on the Air - Fairy and Human - 5*
Sugar, sass and sex; I enjoyed the freebie version, this has a little extra spice at the end.
A Giant Among Men - Troll and possible Elf - 4*
A sappy dominant troll. Would have liked a little more about Simon, the focus was on Tank. With the plot expanded a touch and the dynamic between them explored further, this could have filled a book.
The Imp and Mr Sunshine - Imp & Human - 4*
Standard miscommunication plot, I got really confused about the status of their relationship myself at the beginning. Rennet was an adorable tailed trouble-maker though, I really liked him; and his tail! Mr Sunshine made me think of Pratchett's Patrician, lots beneath the surface. Forget Weres Ms Cooper - there needs to be more Imps!
The Wolf in the Garden - Were & Human - 3.5*
Loved shy gardener Mikki, such a gentle soul, but he was overshadowed in his own story which was a shame. Other characters have a little too much involvement for a story of this length.
The feels are from loss and living on - rather poignantly bringing home the longevity of beings compared to humans and adding a sad veil to the series, but overwhelming the new romance.
Personally I needed a lot more from Diego here, from Mikki's pov Diego's regard is subtle which doesn't give it full power, there's a risk of Mikki appearing second place. Would not say no to a glimpse from Deigo's perspective!
There was a lot I loved about this story - Mikki, Mikki, Mikki ;)
The Dragon's Egg - Dragon & Human - 2-3*
Nice to revisit Bertie and his Arthur from A Boy and His Dragon; the egg amused me a great deal, but didn't like this story quite as much as others in the selection. For some reason the writing didn't seem to flow as easily, lots of short sentences and name using at the start. By the end there's the full warm feel of the couple from the book and I was left eager for a glimpse further down the line.
December 16, 2019
1st story: I like the idea of Firebird as muse, inspiration but potentially destructive.
Kazimir was kept prisoner by a series of men who wanted his power to make them great, but he learned how to manipulate them to their destruction.
2nd story: Post WWII Los Cerros, werejaguar, sacrifice and protection. Cool story.
3rd story: Hyacinth and his lawyer! I'm so glad this side couple from Sweet Clematis got their 1960s backstory told.
4th story: I like the setting with the bar and its odd owner, and the context of 1980s AIDS crisis and civil rights efforts. Simon's desire to find his being heritage and African roots was cool; I don't often see the paranormal beings included in this sort of cultural displacement narrative. The relationship was less interesting to me, maybe because mild bdsm is so in right now in romance fiction. I was never into this as a fictional trope, and now I'm well tired of bondage-lite.
[Slanderous aside: also, the two MCs and the bar and their relationship are sooo similar to the more recently-published [book:The Omega Objection|38407686]...]
5th story: I'm glad Rennet, a minor character from the Firebird story, got his own tale. Imps seem rare as MCs. The idea of their power as chaotic rather than malicious was interesting. I liked Summers attraction to the [riskiness? challenge? unpredictability?] -- Cooper does this type of controlled, pleasant character with hidden facets well. (See the Sheriff)
6th story: I thought this was really well done, even though it was sad and I don't usually want sad. It would have been well placed as the last story. Things end, but it's not The End.
Nice to see Arthur and Bertie again.
Kazimir was kept prisoner by a series of men who wanted his power to make them great, but he learned how to manipulate them to their destruction.
2nd story: Post WWII Los Cerros, werejaguar, sacrifice and protection. Cool story.
3rd story: Hyacinth and his lawyer! I'm so glad this side couple from Sweet Clematis got their 1960s backstory told.
4th story: I like the setting with the bar and its odd owner, and the context of 1980s AIDS crisis and civil rights efforts. Simon's desire to find his being heritage and African roots was cool; I don't often see the paranormal beings included in this sort of cultural displacement narrative. The relationship was less interesting to me, maybe because mild bdsm is so in right now in romance fiction. I was never into this as a fictional trope, and now I'm well tired of bondage-lite.
[Slanderous aside: also, the two MCs and the bar and their relationship are sooo similar to the more recently-published [book:The Omega Objection|38407686]...]
5th story: I'm glad Rennet, a minor character from the Firebird story, got his own tale. Imps seem rare as MCs. The idea of their power as chaotic rather than malicious was interesting. I liked Summers attraction to the [riskiness? challenge? unpredictability?] -- Cooper does this type of controlled, pleasant character with hidden facets well. (See the Sheriff)
6th story: I thought this was really well done, even though it was sad and I don't usually want sad. It would have been well placed as the last story. Things end, but it's not The End.
Nice to see Arthur and Bertie again.
August 11, 2016
4.5
This collection made me so happy. I loved the elegant writing, the thoughtful stories that weaved events from different periods of history through an alternate universe with beings like fairies, elves, shifters, and trolls, and best of all, the characters themselves.
Characters who said or thought things like:
The Firebird
The feeling was stronger than waiting. He thought it was yearning, and shivered for the realization.
“You are so stupid you make my chest hurt,” he exhaled shakily.
He was aroused but didn’t move to take the kisses further, another new sensation for him to explore. This was Jacob’s mouth, and he wanted to learn it. He wanted to honor it so Jacob could know what he felt.
The Warrior's Sacrifice
“You should have come to me,” he pronounced, very seriously, because he had worn a flower in his hair, and only an idiot would have failed to see why.
Hyacinth on the Air
"I adore your mouth, but I’d need you to have mine first, and I’d need to hear your sounds."
Personally, Hyacinth liked his body, especially his cock. He was hoping Walter would too...
A Giant Among Men
“When we figure out how to be safest, I am going to make you beg. I’ll give you all the direction you need. Where to touch and when to use your mouth and when to wait, until you’re making those tiny, pleading whimpers I already like so much.”
Tank the Troll was in love, and he could face anything, be it cops or humans or fear itself, or a complicated, frosty drink that tasted like cherries.
The Imp and Mr. Sunshine
He had to take a moment to forcibly remove his tail from John’s leg. Damn thing could have a mind of its own.
"Clearly I should have known you require the delicacy of an H-Bomb.”
Rennet slid his cheek over the top of John’s head and shivered when John stroked under his wings.
The Wolf in the Garden
Katz is back, in a bittersweet role, but with some of the best lines...
“How he stared at you is how you should be stared at, rabbit...As if he wants to devour you, or keep you safe, and cannot decide which.”
Sweet story, beautiful writing, but it felt more like an intro, with the ending coming too soon for me. I wanted to see Miki and Diego together as a couple.
The Dragon's Egg
Bertie was a dragon of a powerful line. His treasure had a need, and Bertie had filled it.
...these books were spells to give their child knowledge and power. For their child, Arthur practiced the strongest protective magic there was.
His Arthur had the soul of a dragon. A soul of fire.
This collection made me so happy. I loved the elegant writing, the thoughtful stories that weaved events from different periods of history through an alternate universe with beings like fairies, elves, shifters, and trolls, and best of all, the characters themselves.
Characters who said or thought things like:
The Firebird
The feeling was stronger than waiting. He thought it was yearning, and shivered for the realization.
“You are so stupid you make my chest hurt,” he exhaled shakily.
He was aroused but didn’t move to take the kisses further, another new sensation for him to explore. This was Jacob’s mouth, and he wanted to learn it. He wanted to honor it so Jacob could know what he felt.
The Warrior's Sacrifice
“You should have come to me,” he pronounced, very seriously, because he had worn a flower in his hair, and only an idiot would have failed to see why.
Hyacinth on the Air
"I adore your mouth, but I’d need you to have mine first, and I’d need to hear your sounds."
Personally, Hyacinth liked his body, especially his cock. He was hoping Walter would too...
A Giant Among Men
“When we figure out how to be safest, I am going to make you beg. I’ll give you all the direction you need. Where to touch and when to use your mouth and when to wait, until you’re making those tiny, pleading whimpers I already like so much.”
Tank the Troll was in love, and he could face anything, be it cops or humans or fear itself, or a complicated, frosty drink that tasted like cherries.
The Imp and Mr. Sunshine
He had to take a moment to forcibly remove his tail from John’s leg. Damn thing could have a mind of its own.
"Clearly I should have known you require the delicacy of an H-Bomb.”
Rennet slid his cheek over the top of John’s head and shivered when John stroked under his wings.
The Wolf in the Garden
Katz is back, in a bittersweet role, but with some of the best lines...
“How he stared at you is how you should be stared at, rabbit...As if he wants to devour you, or keep you safe, and cannot decide which.”
Sweet story, beautiful writing, but it felt more like an intro, with the ending coming too soon for me. I wanted to see Miki and Diego together as a couple.
The Dragon's Egg
Bertie was a dragon of a powerful line. His treasure had a need, and Bertie had filled it.
...these books were spells to give their child knowledge and power. For their child, Arthur practiced the strongest protective magic there was.
His Arthur had the soul of a dragon. A soul of fire.
June 17, 2020
“The world is a troubled and cruel place. Shouldn’t we embrace happiness when we find it, no matter the odds on it lasting or the world interfering?"
This could be the motto of the anthology, or even the whole series.
Most of these stories take place in Los Cerros, a town that was mentioned a few times in the series and if I remember right the first 2 books take place there. Over time it became some kind of a safe haven for beings.
The Firebird - 1934
“You have more to say? You think I was cruel? That he did not deserve rejection?”
The man considered him over the wire rim of his glasses. Kazimir knew he was being studied, and yet could not catch the man’s gaze. The strange, somewhat insolent human took another drink of his brown booze.
“You didn’t have much respect for his feelings.”
Kazimir surprised himself by letting out a short, icy laugh. “He should have had respect for mine.”
“Were yours clear?”
[...]
“What responsibility is it of mine to make my feelings clear? My feelings are mine.” His voice rang out; the little American would not argue. Kazimir kept on. “He was told no. It’s not my fault he did not listen.”
I read this story twice, and only now that I'm writing his review and selecting quotes does it occur to me that Kazimir and Jacob's dialogue is almost like listening to Elizabeth and Darcy arguing. Isn't it? :D And now that I think about it, the tone and atmosphere of the story is similar to a degree.
I'm not sure why but the writing felt different from what I'm used to from the author. It might be the historical setting or the nature of the characters, but I enjoyed it more because of it. Definitely liked the dialogue. :)
I can't explain how much I loved this story. It takes place after WWII and well, I'm not sure what exactly happened in France at that time... something with the fascists and a coup d'état but beyond that I have not bothered to look it up.
This historical event gave the story a melancholic feel. The story cut off without a proper ending, so the reader could only guess what happened... well.. you don't actually have to guess because Firebird shows up in the story The Wolf in the Garden. Not only that but we get little hints throughout the anthology, even though the stories are not connected to each other.
Not sure how successful I was in conveying my feelings towards this story, but this is the best I could do.
The Warrior's Sacrifice - 1947
I wasn't too fond of this story, something felt off to me. Not sure what. I don't think I quite understood what was going on. On top of that the author created a love interest who is cold and aloof, and doesn't talk much, he's more of an observer and only speaks if he has something meaningful to say. So the story was lacking in dialogue. But it's just as melancholic as the first story.
To those who are looking specifically for characters like Teo, he is what the Mexicans call 'muxe' which in my understanding is a genderfluid person, I hope I'm not mixing up the terms.
Hyacinth on the Air - 1961
"Not seeking to understand one another was what had led the humans into decades of war. Hyacinth did not want to see decades more. He found it wasteful and ugly."
Quite the kinky read this turned out to be in the end. lol
I don't have much to say about this one. I liked it. Hyacinth is a typical fairy: flirtatious and outspoken. He doesn't understand the human stupidity in which they frown upon two men or two women in love, especially if one of them is a being. Then there is Walter who is clearly smitten with Hyacinth, but he doesn't want to be, though he doesn't take much convincing.
A Giant among Men - 1982
It's a short and interesting crime story with Tank the troll as the main character, who is in love with an elf, who works as a bartender in the local bar beings usually frequent. A typical story from the author, which means these two idiots didn't seem to notice they are in love with each other.
I find it interesting how the author worked the historical events into these stories. Not as the main objective, but placed the love story in an already existing environment. In this case the mysterious human illness called the gay cancer that they blamed the fairies for. Even though not one fairy was sick.
It was basically mentioned as a side comment.
The Imp and Mr. Sunshine - 2005
This was pure fun. Rennet is a disaster. Wherever he goes, he causes destruction. Otherwise he is a fun being to be around. And he is in love with a politician of all people. For a human, to be in a relationship with a being is still frowned upon but John doesn't seem to care.I enjoyed this, it was light and fun.
The Wolf in the Garden - 2014
Miki thinks he's an ugly duckling due to the birthmark on his face. He's always hiding under clothes and his hair, and feels content in the company of his flowers. Along comes a werewolf who lost his mate, and he is immediately in awe of Miki and can't take his eyes (or nose) off him. Miki believes he doesn't have a chance with the incredibly handsome were, who sends some mixed signals. So he needs some nudging and convincing from his friend/roommate/parent, the one and only Kazimir, our precious Firebird.What happened to Kaz, how he got to Los Cerros from France, that's not my story to tell.
The Dragon's Egg - 2015
A bonus story with Arthur and Bertie, which takes place a few years after A Boy and His Dragon. Arthur is busier than ever, so when he finds a Dragon's egg in their living room, which mysteriously appeared overnight after his passionate reunion with Bertie, after the dragon came home from a month-long lecture tour, he is rather miffed and freaked out. But that doesn't stop him from planning, because that's what he's best at.This was charming and delightful.
Overall this anthology was more melancholic and sad than I would have expected. But that didn't take away from the enjoyment. This series is starting to become a comfort read for me.
December 15, 2015
Full of the trademark Cooper goodness
special mention goes to my favorites:
The Imp and Mr Sunshine
The Dragon's Egg
A Giant Among Men
October 8, 2015
This collection of stories from the Beings universe is quintessential R.Cooper. Stories of longing (no one does UST better!)and sadness and hope and acceptance and love. Sometimes bittersweet, sometimes quirky, always utterly charming and oh, so romantic.
Loved it
Loved it
September 14, 2025
Updated review (September 2025): I’ve returned to this book (cover to cover or dipping in for a story or two) countless times since first reading. More recently, I purchased the audiobook and am enjoying it in new ways. I’m realizing how difficult a read this is. Not because of poor quality of *any* type. But because despite the fictional setting (the Being(s) ‘Verse), each story is so real and carries such beautiful truth. Joy and sadness exist side by side, just like (when we’re lucky) real life. When I read in print, I guess it’s a little too easy to skim past through the pain and dive into the happy. Which is ok, because maybe that’s what I need on that particular reread. In audio, there’s no skimming - just skipping. I’m grateful I found room in my budget for the audiobook purchase as it’s allowing me to revisit the full emotional impact residing within these stories.
Original review (February 2017): If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. Each story individually is great. The whole is more than the sum of its parts. Poignant and beautiful.
Original review (February 2017): If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. Each story individually is great. The whole is more than the sum of its parts. Poignant and beautiful.
April 20, 2020
I was more than pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! It was beyond lovely with very poignant stories of acceptance and love. There was not one story that I didn't love and although I would have been more than happy to read expanded stories about these characters and their experiences, I felt like this author actually excelled at keeping them brief. One thing that I have had issues with in the past books of this series was they tended to be repetitive and the dialogue felt incomplete or stilted. I didn't find that to be the case in this book at all.
I will say that I am almost glad when didn't get more of Kazamir's story because it seemed to tragic for my heart.
I am happy there's more books in the series and I am also happy that I continued when I wasn't too sure if I should.
I will say that I am almost glad when didn't get more of Kazamir's story because it seemed to tragic for my heart.
I am happy there's more books in the series and I am also happy that I continued when I wasn't too sure if I should.
July 21, 2017
I loved these stories that stretched over a near century. If you're already a fan of R. Cooper's "Beings in Love" series, then this is a must read. You will recognize cameos from characters in the first four books, either in person or by mention. Although this can be read as a standalone, having knowledge of the universe Cooper has created is very helpful.
Each story focused on a different couple in different eras of time and the struggles beings and those who loved them faced. It's hard to pick a favorite story, but I do know that I did have my heartbroken in "Wolf in the Garden." The last story revisits Bertie and Arthur, so it really helps if you've read their book, "A Boy and His Dragon."
I can't wait to read the next full length novel in the series!
Each story focused on a different couple in different eras of time and the struggles beings and those who loved them faced. It's hard to pick a favorite story, but I do know that I did have my heartbroken in "Wolf in the Garden." The last story revisits Bertie and Arthur, so it really helps if you've read their book, "A Boy and His Dragon."
I can't wait to read the next full length novel in the series!
March 1, 2017
3.5 stars Anthologies are always a mixed bag, and that's no different when it's all made up of stories from the same author. This had a good spread of stories, and even the few that I rated lower I think that most people will enjoy. I was, however, pleasantly surprised to have 2 very hard-hitting shorts that ended up being spectacular. This is a series that I've read and enjoyed from R. Cooper so I was happy to continue with it, Robert Nieman is the same narrator who read Little Wolf and A Beginner's Guide to Wooing Your Mate. He's not my favorite narrator, as he tends not to have any variance in his voice acting for different characters, but it's certainly not offensive and worked fine for an anthology.
The Firebird (Firebird & Human) 2 stars - This didn't do anything for me. It was very flowery to where I felt like I was reading Pride and Prejudice. Just the back and forth, the subtle 19th century (I couldn't tell which war they were talking about) flirtations and coyness that was confusing and tiresome. I increased the narration to x2 speed. It wasn't the narrators fault, but the audio didn't add anything either. I feel bad, but this one wasn't for me.
The Warrior's Sacrifice (Jaguer & Human muxe) 3 stars - I liked this one better. It was an interesting take on a shifter story. A Hispanic city where the people have co-existed with the Jaguar seemingly since before Beings even came out. They leave him offerings and he provides protection. I was getting a tad annoyed with Teo's denseness, I mean c'mon! And then of course at the end he does a 180 and all of a sudden totally gets it. But it was an interesting and sweet story, and a pleasure to listen to.
Hyacinth on the Air (Fairy and Human) 2.5 stars - So So. These stories still sometimes lose me in the back and forth convos and talking in circles. This was cute enough and I liked Hyacinth. These short stories all jump around in time and place. I liked how the time period was relevant to this story, the characters, and their experiences. The author makes interesting social commentary by allowing us to relive different times throughout history and see the prejudices experienced by people differing from 'the norm', whether it be the color of their skin, their sexual orientation, or the fact that they're a 'Being'. So I liked seeing through the lens of history but with Beings added to the mix. But the romance itself and their story didn't interest me too much, not the most chemistry.
A Giant Among Men (Troll and possible Elf) 5 stars - Well where the hell did that come from?!? This was absolutely lovely! The first half was nice enough, a solid 3 stars. I'm partial to unique characters like Trolls and such unlikely heros (Brute is an all time favorite), and Tank was a prime example. A lovable giant who plays into the role others have given him, but cannot hide his underlying shine. So the characters were amazing.
There is also a vandalism/mystery plot that while minor, is integral to their story. The author does a great job of balancing this, giving us just enough that it plays its part without taking over the story. This is first and foremost, a romance.
But the setting is another character in and of itself. Taking place during the 1980's while the AIDS epidemic was at it's height and Civil Rights were still much more of an issue than people wanted to admit, it was poignant and relevant without feeling like it was even trying to make any kind of statement.
Their chemistry was sizzling once they finally got their heads out of their own asses. Tank's gentle and confident Dominance and Simon's genuine need to give up control are what I love about BDSM. Don't be scared off, this had just the tiniest hint of it, but that's why it felt to real. No scenes or speeches or contracts, just two people who understand the others needs. And SO EFFEN SWEET!!!
Once tiny criticism for the audio, I wish the narrator had changed his voice at all. I mean, c'mon. Tank needed a deep voice and we all know it.
The Imp and Mr Sunshine (Imp & Human) 3.5 stars - This was cute, and I feel like I should have rated it higher. As I've mentioned before, I love unusual characters. Renate (sp?) was awesome. Imp's have been mentioned in this series before as outcasts and it was nice to dive into that a little more, also sad to see how Renate just assumed that no one would want him.
But I was very confused midway and actually had to rewind to see if I had missed something. This has happened a couple times in this series and I don't know if it's a product of the audio version. They like to banter and sometimes it's hard to keep up. The stupid and (once I figured out what was going on) obvious miscommunication got a tad annoying, but all worked out in the end. This was a good pairing and I could see reading a full length story including the backstory/prequel that led up to their friendship.
The Wolf in the Garden (Were & Human) 4.5 stars! - Another whammy, like 'A Giant Among Men'. First of all, this has the reappearance of Cass from 'The Firebird' so it has DEFINITE SPOILERS for that! Cass is beautiful and sad and wise and absolutely lovely. I liked him better this time around, to be completely honest.
But like 'A Giant Among Men' this hit me in the feels with multi-dimensional and unique characters. Heartbroken and lost, Diego wanters into Micky's garden, stunned to find that he can feel again and that maybe his life isn't over. Sweet and lonely with a port-wine birthmark, Micky is unable to see how brightly he shines.
Micky was being a little silly with some obliviousness, but Cass did a good job of moving things along. And since it's a short story things didn't drag on at all. The end did come a tad suddenly though, and I felt like I wanted one more scene. Perhaps one related to Cass, because that's a part of Micky's story too.
The Dragon's Egg (Dragon & Human) 3 stars - I was disappointed at first to realize this is a pre-existing couple, since that's not my personal favorite to read. Then I realized I did actually know this couple from A Boy and His Dragon. You don't have to have read that to appreciate this, although like I said, that's my personal preference. This was a nice enough little story although I couldn't figure out why among all new stories there was a repeat couple. It was perhaps explained at the end, when Bertie and Arthur discuss the idea of becoming more vocal advocates for Beings in general and children specifically. This whole anthology has themes of Civil Rights and discrimination mirroring our own history throughout time, but supplemented with the addition of Beings. So this was perhaps planned as an uplifting and hopeful ending to the anthology. I did end up liking it more than expected, and as a whole the anthology as well as the world this series is based in.
Received audio version from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
The Firebird (Firebird & Human) 2 stars - This didn't do anything for me. It was very flowery to where I felt like I was reading Pride and Prejudice. Just the back and forth, the subtle 19th century (I couldn't tell which war they were talking about) flirtations and coyness that was confusing and tiresome. I increased the narration to x2 speed. It wasn't the narrators fault, but the audio didn't add anything either. I feel bad, but this one wasn't for me.
The Warrior's Sacrifice (Jaguer & Human muxe) 3 stars - I liked this one better. It was an interesting take on a shifter story. A Hispanic city where the people have co-existed with the Jaguar seemingly since before Beings even came out. They leave him offerings and he provides protection. I was getting a tad annoyed with Teo's denseness, I mean c'mon! And then of course at the end he does a 180 and all of a sudden totally gets it. But it was an interesting and sweet story, and a pleasure to listen to.
Hyacinth on the Air (Fairy and Human) 2.5 stars - So So. These stories still sometimes lose me in the back and forth convos and talking in circles. This was cute enough and I liked Hyacinth. These short stories all jump around in time and place. I liked how the time period was relevant to this story, the characters, and their experiences. The author makes interesting social commentary by allowing us to relive different times throughout history and see the prejudices experienced by people differing from 'the norm', whether it be the color of their skin, their sexual orientation, or the fact that they're a 'Being'. So I liked seeing through the lens of history but with Beings added to the mix. But the romance itself and their story didn't interest me too much, not the most chemistry.
A Giant Among Men (Troll and possible Elf) 5 stars - Well where the hell did that come from?!? This was absolutely lovely! The first half was nice enough, a solid 3 stars. I'm partial to unique characters like Trolls and such unlikely heros (Brute is an all time favorite), and Tank was a prime example. A lovable giant who plays into the role others have given him, but cannot hide his underlying shine. So the characters were amazing.
There is also a vandalism/mystery plot that while minor, is integral to their story. The author does a great job of balancing this, giving us just enough that it plays its part without taking over the story. This is first and foremost, a romance.
But the setting is another character in and of itself. Taking place during the 1980's while the AIDS epidemic was at it's height and Civil Rights were still much more of an issue than people wanted to admit, it was poignant and relevant without feeling like it was even trying to make any kind of statement.
Their chemistry was sizzling once they finally got their heads out of their own asses. Tank's gentle and confident Dominance and Simon's genuine need to give up control are what I love about BDSM. Don't be scared off, this had just the tiniest hint of it, but that's why it felt to real. No scenes or speeches or contracts, just two people who understand the others needs. And SO EFFEN SWEET!!!
Once tiny criticism for the audio, I wish the narrator had changed his voice at all. I mean, c'mon. Tank needed a deep voice and we all know it.
The Imp and Mr Sunshine (Imp & Human) 3.5 stars - This was cute, and I feel like I should have rated it higher. As I've mentioned before, I love unusual characters. Renate (sp?) was awesome. Imp's have been mentioned in this series before as outcasts and it was nice to dive into that a little more, also sad to see how Renate just assumed that no one would want him.
But I was very confused midway and actually had to rewind to see if I had missed something. This has happened a couple times in this series and I don't know if it's a product of the audio version. They like to banter and sometimes it's hard to keep up. The stupid and (once I figured out what was going on) obvious miscommunication got a tad annoying, but all worked out in the end. This was a good pairing and I could see reading a full length story including the backstory/prequel that led up to their friendship.
The Wolf in the Garden (Were & Human) 4.5 stars! - Another whammy, like 'A Giant Among Men'. First of all, this has the reappearance of Cass from 'The Firebird' so it has DEFINITE SPOILERS for that! Cass is beautiful and sad and wise and absolutely lovely. I liked him better this time around, to be completely honest.
But like 'A Giant Among Men' this hit me in the feels with multi-dimensional and unique characters. Heartbroken and lost, Diego wanters into Micky's garden, stunned to find that he can feel again and that maybe his life isn't over. Sweet and lonely with a port-wine birthmark, Micky is unable to see how brightly he shines.
Micky was being a little silly with some obliviousness, but Cass did a good job of moving things along. And since it's a short story things didn't drag on at all. The end did come a tad suddenly though, and I felt like I wanted one more scene. Perhaps one related to Cass, because that's a part of Micky's story too.
The Dragon's Egg (Dragon & Human) 3 stars - I was disappointed at first to realize this is a pre-existing couple, since that's not my personal favorite to read. Then I realized I did actually know this couple from A Boy and His Dragon. You don't have to have read that to appreciate this, although like I said, that's my personal preference. This was a nice enough little story although I couldn't figure out why among all new stories there was a repeat couple. It was perhaps explained at the end, when Bertie and Arthur discuss the idea of becoming more vocal advocates for Beings in general and children specifically. This whole anthology has themes of Civil Rights and discrimination mirroring our own history throughout time, but supplemented with the addition of Beings. So this was perhaps planned as an uplifting and hopeful ending to the anthology. I did end up liking it more than expected, and as a whole the anthology as well as the world this series is based in.
Received audio version from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
September 20, 2015
I've noted previously that I'm ridiculously addicted to R. Cooper's "Beings" fantasy stories. And so it was with much happiness that I purchased her latest "Beings" book,
The Firebird and Other Stories
, the moment it was available.
Cooper expands the world she writes about in this latest book; the stories included here take place in different times and places, and include a number of "beings" she hasn't written about previously. Let's see... the romantic pairings this time around include:
The Firebird: firebird and human
The Warrior's Sacrifice: jaguar shifter and human
Hyacinth on the Air: fairy and human
A Giant Among Men: troll and elf
The Imp and Mr Sunshine: imp and human
The Wolf in the Garden: werewolf and human
The Dragon's Egg: dragon and human
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to re-visit Bertie and Arthur from A Boy and His Dragon ! Their story takes place a couple of years after the time period of the novel, and what a surprise is in store for them... Still, if I had to pick a favourite... well, it's difficult to choose. I did find "The Warrior's Sacrifice" and "The Wolf in the Garden" to be particularly moving (though the latter made me all snuffly, darn it).
This book can be read quite independently of all the other Beings novels, though those of you who are familiar with the world that Cooper has created here will recognise references to the earlier works. In this book,the later stories also reference elements of some of the earlier stories, so you'll want to read the tales in this book in order. The collection comes in at around 350 pages, so much care is taken to fully develop each story; each individual tale is of sufficient length.
I was thrilled to have the chance to go back to the Beings world with this collection, and I can only hope the author has more Beings tales in store for us. Recommended.
Cooper expands the world she writes about in this latest book; the stories included here take place in different times and places, and include a number of "beings" she hasn't written about previously. Let's see... the romantic pairings this time around include:
The Firebird: firebird and human
The Warrior's Sacrifice: jaguar shifter and human
Hyacinth on the Air: fairy and human
A Giant Among Men: troll and elf
The Imp and Mr Sunshine: imp and human
The Wolf in the Garden: werewolf and human
The Dragon's Egg: dragon and human
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to re-visit Bertie and Arthur from A Boy and His Dragon ! Their story takes place a couple of years after the time period of the novel, and what a surprise is in store for them... Still, if I had to pick a favourite... well, it's difficult to choose. I did find "The Warrior's Sacrifice" and "The Wolf in the Garden" to be particularly moving (though the latter made me all snuffly, darn it).
This book can be read quite independently of all the other Beings novels, though those of you who are familiar with the world that Cooper has created here will recognise references to the earlier works. In this book,the later stories also reference elements of some of the earlier stories, so you'll want to read the tales in this book in order. The collection comes in at around 350 pages, so much care is taken to fully develop each story; each individual tale is of sufficient length.
I was thrilled to have the chance to go back to the Beings world with this collection, and I can only hope the author has more Beings tales in store for us. Recommended.
April 4, 2020
As anyone who follows my reviews knows, I absolutely adore the ‘Being(s) In Love’ series. I was hoping for another full-length novel, but when this collection of short stories popped up on my radar, I was quite excited. For one thing, they tell parts of the history of this world, which answered some of the questions I had from reading the first four books in the series. For another, they introduced me to a whole range of magical and mystical beings that have so far not appeared in the books, or have only been mentioned without further details. In short, this is a great addition to the series and I loved reading all of the stories so much that – guess what – now I want more!
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2018
I loved this so much. I cried. I laughed. I hurt. I rejoiced. I was so invested in EACH couple, I didn't expect that, I thought one or two would lack but that didn't happen. I can't even pick a favorite. I think what I like most is the CHOICE. The characters don't just fall in love, they CHOOSE to fall in love and take the leap with each other. There's thought and depth. I also just love how the characters navigate with each other. It was so interesting and amazing.
did-not-finish
October 7, 2015I managed to get through one story (The Warrior's Sacrifice) but it had such an awkward, confusing flow and disjointed narration that I kept growly-huffing, "much like a cat whose paw had gotten stuck in the rug."
Not for me, this one. Even though I've gotta admit, with all this attention to detail instead of the flow of the story, there's an impressive sense of place here.
Not for me, this one. Even though I've gotta admit, with all this attention to detail instead of the flow of the story, there's an impressive sense of place here.
October 19, 2015
R. Cooper fans will swoon to get their hands on this anthology of intensely romantic and fantastic tales. Each story stands fully on its own, with remarkable characters and quirky, beautifully rendered settings; but there are also subtle interconnections.
What sets this group of seven works apart is that they are in chronological order from the 1930s to the present day, and for the first time the author establishes a backstory for the emergence of beings – all those magical creatures we assumed were imaginary. It seems that World War I, the first human war that truly threatened to destroy the world, forced beings to come out of hiding. Initially the fairies, then the others, from werewolf to shapeshifters to trolls and dragons and all the rest. All the creatures of the world’s fairy tales were suddenly in the real world.
Once the Great War was over, the humans had to deal with it. Beings became a grudgingly tolerated minority in the human world, isolated into ghettos and restricted as to their rights and activities. Their safe places became havens for queer folk as well, and their destinies become intertwined.
But, unlike the human victims of prejudice, the beings couldn’t really be destroyed, because their magic made them powerful, and humans were afraid to go too far.
If you’ve already read the first four “Beings in Love” books, you’ll eat this up. If this is your first foray into Cooper’s passionately written fictions, it will introduce you to a world unlike any other in contemporary gay fiction.
The Firebird, set in 1934, focuses on the intellectual Parisian salon of Kazimir – a Russian born Firebird and celebrated opera singer. We see young aristocratic French fascists, who decry both beings and homosexuals, try to seduce the Firebird because of his ethereal voice. But we also see the courage of a young Jewish American journalist covering the darkening political world. Jacob doesn’t want anything from Kazimir, but can’t seem to stay away from him. For the first time in his long life, much of it captive, the Firebird can’t stifle his emotional response to this outspoken outcast.
With each story we move ahead in history, and to different places in the world, although several of the stories are set in or near Los Cerros, a fictional town that seems to be in California (this is never made clear and I suppose it doesn’t matter). There is a were-jaguar, whose family descended from an ancient Aztec god; a fairy named Hyacinth who is a DJ in an early 1960s top-40 radio station; a gentle giant of a troll called Tank, who falls for a dark-skinned elf in the early 1980s, when beings and gays are both being blamed for a mysterious plague all too familiar.
Fascinatingly, along with the troll, we meet a human policeman, who’s married to a female fairy – and whose infant son grows up to be the hero of another of Cooper’s novels. In “The Imp and Mr. Sunshine” (my favorite title), we revisit a character who appears as an infant being who was rescued by the Firebird in the 1930s. The firebird himself reappears in the 21st century as the housemate and confidante of a scarred young man who tends a witch’s garden and trembles at the sight of a widowed werewolf. Finally, in a story that made me teary-eyed and nostalgic, we are in the present, revisiting the characters from Cooper’s novel “A Boy and his Dragon.” An unexpected surprise not only reminds us that Cooper’s world is one of emotion and not logic, but also that beings, as well as gay folk, are forever tied to each other by the things that separate them from the normal world.
As I always say, Cooper’s stories are not for everyone. But if this kind of thing suits your particular emotional makeup, they’re fabulous.
What sets this group of seven works apart is that they are in chronological order from the 1930s to the present day, and for the first time the author establishes a backstory for the emergence of beings – all those magical creatures we assumed were imaginary. It seems that World War I, the first human war that truly threatened to destroy the world, forced beings to come out of hiding. Initially the fairies, then the others, from werewolf to shapeshifters to trolls and dragons and all the rest. All the creatures of the world’s fairy tales were suddenly in the real world.
Once the Great War was over, the humans had to deal with it. Beings became a grudgingly tolerated minority in the human world, isolated into ghettos and restricted as to their rights and activities. Their safe places became havens for queer folk as well, and their destinies become intertwined.
But, unlike the human victims of prejudice, the beings couldn’t really be destroyed, because their magic made them powerful, and humans were afraid to go too far.
If you’ve already read the first four “Beings in Love” books, you’ll eat this up. If this is your first foray into Cooper’s passionately written fictions, it will introduce you to a world unlike any other in contemporary gay fiction.
The Firebird, set in 1934, focuses on the intellectual Parisian salon of Kazimir – a Russian born Firebird and celebrated opera singer. We see young aristocratic French fascists, who decry both beings and homosexuals, try to seduce the Firebird because of his ethereal voice. But we also see the courage of a young Jewish American journalist covering the darkening political world. Jacob doesn’t want anything from Kazimir, but can’t seem to stay away from him. For the first time in his long life, much of it captive, the Firebird can’t stifle his emotional response to this outspoken outcast.
With each story we move ahead in history, and to different places in the world, although several of the stories are set in or near Los Cerros, a fictional town that seems to be in California (this is never made clear and I suppose it doesn’t matter). There is a were-jaguar, whose family descended from an ancient Aztec god; a fairy named Hyacinth who is a DJ in an early 1960s top-40 radio station; a gentle giant of a troll called Tank, who falls for a dark-skinned elf in the early 1980s, when beings and gays are both being blamed for a mysterious plague all too familiar.
Fascinatingly, along with the troll, we meet a human policeman, who’s married to a female fairy – and whose infant son grows up to be the hero of another of Cooper’s novels. In “The Imp and Mr. Sunshine” (my favorite title), we revisit a character who appears as an infant being who was rescued by the Firebird in the 1930s. The firebird himself reappears in the 21st century as the housemate and confidante of a scarred young man who tends a witch’s garden and trembles at the sight of a widowed werewolf. Finally, in a story that made me teary-eyed and nostalgic, we are in the present, revisiting the characters from Cooper’s novel “A Boy and his Dragon.” An unexpected surprise not only reminds us that Cooper’s world is one of emotion and not logic, but also that beings, as well as gay folk, are forever tied to each other by the things that separate them from the normal world.
As I always say, Cooper’s stories are not for everyone. But if this kind of thing suits your particular emotional makeup, they’re fabulous.
June 27, 2016
"Of course I know the story!” The kid squawked indignantly. “Everybody’s heard it. They came fleeing down from the Ardennes in the summer heat, running from the guns. All of them naked and afraid. All of them like angels, like angels with shimmering wings.”
The private’s voice grew softer there, making him sound even younger than he was. A boy like the rest of the boys here, only this one didn’t know why anyone would want to hear the story again. He didn’t know yet that there was boredom and terror and death to come, again and again and always, until gray, monotonous fear was all there was.
There was nothing for men down here to do but talk and dream. Telling tales about them, those things that everyone and no one had seen, that was chatter to keep you from thinking, but there was hope in there too. Stories of the creatures made me wish I’d seen one of those things instead of just hearing about them. Then they made me afraid I wouldn’t live long enough to see anything as beautiful as a fairy with my own eyes.
I hoped I’d get the chance. A chance was worth trying for.
— From Pavot the Fairy by Talfryn Graves
From The Lost Ones, 1936
editor J Rifkin
This was just beautiful. I love this universe/series and those stories were, in my opinion, the best Cooper has written so far.
She really excels when she mixes her magical beings/fantasy world with real human history.
The first story, the Firebird has a special place in my heart, because it ties all the other stories/characters together and becomes a symbol of love/hope despite life's hardships throughout those stories. It makes me ache, in a good way.
Other favorites: A Giant Among Men, The Wolf in the Garden, The Dragon's Egg, The Imp and Mr. Sunshine
I would give a lot to read this fictional story collection: The Lost Ones.
March 6, 2022
Re-read March 6, 2022.
It's still a wonderful comfort read for me. I'm glad I revisited it.
It's still a wonderful comfort read for me. I'm glad I revisited it.
October 8, 2018
This may be my favoring Beings story. I love the history and the way the world changes and those changes are shown. I like that is how's how these various events affected and affect humans and beings. I love how they're interconnected but that weaving together is so subtly done that it's a catching of wispy nuances. I cried for some, laughed at others. Just, the world building is so exquisitely done and the stories included, though short, are still grabbing and holding and just making me feel so much.
[updated 9/19/17, read physical copy]
This book is just STUNNING. The way each piece is tied subtly together creates a masterpiece that leaves me wanting more from each story. Kaz just breaks my heart and what was done to Jacob... Just, this may be a collection of short stories technically, but the reality is that it is a tapestry woven of feelings and nuance and tied together so beautiful, it just is Hope...
[updated 9/19/17, read physical copy]
This book is just STUNNING. The way each piece is tied subtly together creates a masterpiece that leaves me wanting more from each story. Kaz just breaks my heart and what was done to Jacob... Just, this may be a collection of short stories technically, but the reality is that it is a tapestry woven of feelings and nuance and tied together so beautiful, it just is Hope...
July 18, 2020
I follow the scale GR and amazon suggests that 3*s means it was a good book. I reserve 4 for the titles that stick out as loved and 5 for the ones that I could read/listen to every day. Please do not take 3*s as a negative. This was a good book.
I rarely, if ever, review collections/anthologies. This is mostly because I rarely write out full reviews. There always seems to be at least one review that says what I want to say but says it better than me. So, I leave it alone. This one is an exception. I read nearly ever review GR gave me and I still had little to no clue what this book actually was, what the point was. (There are some good reviews, just none that made me understand what was actually happening.) Like, why is this considered a part of the core series rather than just a set of shorts? So, I’m going to add my thoughts here in the hopes that others will be encouraged to read the title and enjoy it. I’m not giving any spoilers. It may sound like it at points, but everything I’m putting here is stuff you find out in the first few minutes/pages of any given story. Also, sorry in advance that it is so long… it is summarizing seven stories after all.
To start off, the book is a collection of 7 stories. The first six are all share certain elements including that the firebird is referenced in some way in each. The last is like a bonus short that catches us up on Arthur and Bertie. Together, all seven tell us the history of being(s) in relation to the world around them from shortly after they revealed themselves up to the present. It doesn’t read like a history book though. It is in fact shown through the love stories that overcome the world around them.
o1. FIREBIRD (1934)
Kazimir (the firebird) + Jacob
Kazimir and Jacob meet when a mutual friend introduces them. No one expected the connection that forms between the lonely magnificent bird and the hurting editor/writer. Kaz knows that loving him is dangerous and his life has taught him to fight being owned at all costs. Jacob knows the worth of Kaz’s heart and has to overcome his own self-image. There is also a very young playful imp and protective jaguar who flitters in and out of the story.
o2. WARRIOR’S SACRIFICE (1947)
Teo + Carmelo (a were-jaguar)
We find Teo shortly after the war has ended. They are broken, bleeding, and left for dead. Their tormentors have left them as a sacrifice for the were-jaguar who is said to be their community’s protector knowing that Teo cares for the jag but expecting the jag to reject Teo (the tormentors hoping to hurt Teo that much more). Teo is also still deeply grieving the recent loss of their beloved grandmother. It used to be a family of Jaguars but the rest have all moved on to other places. Only Carmelo remains. He has returned after the war and hides himself away. Teo must discover their new role in life and whether they have a place with Carmelo, and dealing with the grief of their grandmother who taught them they matter even in a world that doesn’t seem to have a place for them.
(I’m not certain if Teo is trans, fluid, just preferred to cross, or something else. But they are born physically male and prefer to at least dress “fem”.)
Possible Spoiler (though I don’t think so) – I think that Carmelo is a great grandkid or similar of the jag from the first story. I’m not certain though.
o3. HYACINTH IN THE AIR (1961)
Hyacinth + Walter
Hyacinth is a music-loving fairy who runs a show at the local radio station. He is also more than a little obsessed with the human lawyer, Walter, that the station assigned to be his watcher in hopes of keeping him from getting the station in trouble with regulations and follows the rules. Hyacinth is struggling to better understand the society around him and why the humans are so caught up on the differences between them and being “proper”.
Note - These two are also seen in Sweet Clementine
o4. GIANT AMONG MEN (1982)
Tank + Simon
Tank the troll + Simon, the elf bartender are just trying to live their lives as the world around them escalates in hatred and violence towards being(s). The world is terrified by a new disease (HIV/AIDS) and with a lack of clear understanding of what the source of the illness is, they are blaming being(s), especially fairies. The fact that being(s) seem to be unaffected by the illness is not helping the prejudices. Tank and Simon’s community is being vandalized and fear for the safety of all being(s) is sky-high. Their distrust of police (due to police abusing and neglecting them in the past) is making things even scarier.
o5. IMP & MR. SUNSHINE (2oo5)
Rennet + John
Rennet, our loveable imp friend has lived a long time and seen a great deal. Some things have scarred him more than even he realizes. He is coming to terms with what he thinks he can expect from life. He’s also a little more than infatuated with his friend John, a local politician who seems to be perfect in every way. Rennet gets a little twisted up and must confront his own self-image when he learns that John has a date with a fairy.
o6. WOLF IN THE GARDEN (2014)
Miki + Diego
Miki is a self-proclaimed outsider. He feels that there is no place and no one for him aside from the garden he tends for his work. He pours all he has into caring for his plants. But his dear firebird friend is pushing him to try to interact with the world and a grieving wolf, Diego seems to keep coming around. Miki needs to decide if he will be brave enough to follow Kaz’s advice or continue to stay hidden away.
o7. DRAGON’S EGG
Bertie + Arthur are going to be parents. Both struggle with insecurities and fears. We also continue to see how far society has or hasn’t come in regards to prejudices and bigotry. But this is a sweet story that shows more of Bertie’s side of things and their love. It also rounds the collection out nicely.
I rarely, if ever, review collections/anthologies. This is mostly because I rarely write out full reviews. There always seems to be at least one review that says what I want to say but says it better than me. So, I leave it alone. This one is an exception. I read nearly ever review GR gave me and I still had little to no clue what this book actually was, what the point was. (There are some good reviews, just none that made me understand what was actually happening.) Like, why is this considered a part of the core series rather than just a set of shorts? So, I’m going to add my thoughts here in the hopes that others will be encouraged to read the title and enjoy it. I’m not giving any spoilers. It may sound like it at points, but everything I’m putting here is stuff you find out in the first few minutes/pages of any given story. Also, sorry in advance that it is so long… it is summarizing seven stories after all.
To start off, the book is a collection of 7 stories. The first six are all share certain elements including that the firebird is referenced in some way in each. The last is like a bonus short that catches us up on Arthur and Bertie. Together, all seven tell us the history of being(s) in relation to the world around them from shortly after they revealed themselves up to the present. It doesn’t read like a history book though. It is in fact shown through the love stories that overcome the world around them.
o1. FIREBIRD (1934)
Kazimir (the firebird) + Jacob
Kazimir and Jacob meet when a mutual friend introduces them. No one expected the connection that forms between the lonely magnificent bird and the hurting editor/writer. Kaz knows that loving him is dangerous and his life has taught him to fight being owned at all costs. Jacob knows the worth of Kaz’s heart and has to overcome his own self-image. There is also a very young playful imp and protective jaguar who flitters in and out of the story.
o2. WARRIOR’S SACRIFICE (1947)
Teo + Carmelo (a were-jaguar)
We find Teo shortly after the war has ended. They are broken, bleeding, and left for dead. Their tormentors have left them as a sacrifice for the were-jaguar who is said to be their community’s protector knowing that Teo cares for the jag but expecting the jag to reject Teo (the tormentors hoping to hurt Teo that much more). Teo is also still deeply grieving the recent loss of their beloved grandmother. It used to be a family of Jaguars but the rest have all moved on to other places. Only Carmelo remains. He has returned after the war and hides himself away. Teo must discover their new role in life and whether they have a place with Carmelo, and dealing with the grief of their grandmother who taught them they matter even in a world that doesn’t seem to have a place for them.
(I’m not certain if Teo is trans, fluid, just preferred to cross, or something else. But they are born physically male and prefer to at least dress “fem”.)
Possible Spoiler (though I don’t think so) – I think that Carmelo is a great grandkid or similar of the jag from the first story. I’m not certain though.
o3. HYACINTH IN THE AIR (1961)
Hyacinth + Walter
Hyacinth is a music-loving fairy who runs a show at the local radio station. He is also more than a little obsessed with the human lawyer, Walter, that the station assigned to be his watcher in hopes of keeping him from getting the station in trouble with regulations and follows the rules. Hyacinth is struggling to better understand the society around him and why the humans are so caught up on the differences between them and being “proper”.
Note - These two are also seen in Sweet Clementine
o4. GIANT AMONG MEN (1982)
Tank + Simon
Tank the troll + Simon, the elf bartender are just trying to live their lives as the world around them escalates in hatred and violence towards being(s). The world is terrified by a new disease (HIV/AIDS) and with a lack of clear understanding of what the source of the illness is, they are blaming being(s), especially fairies. The fact that being(s) seem to be unaffected by the illness is not helping the prejudices. Tank and Simon’s community is being vandalized and fear for the safety of all being(s) is sky-high. Their distrust of police (due to police abusing and neglecting them in the past) is making things even scarier.
o5. IMP & MR. SUNSHINE (2oo5)
Rennet + John
Rennet, our loveable imp friend has lived a long time and seen a great deal. Some things have scarred him more than even he realizes. He is coming to terms with what he thinks he can expect from life. He’s also a little more than infatuated with his friend John, a local politician who seems to be perfect in every way. Rennet gets a little twisted up and must confront his own self-image when he learns that John has a date with a fairy.
o6. WOLF IN THE GARDEN (2014)
Miki + Diego
Miki is a self-proclaimed outsider. He feels that there is no place and no one for him aside from the garden he tends for his work. He pours all he has into caring for his plants. But his dear firebird friend is pushing him to try to interact with the world and a grieving wolf, Diego seems to keep coming around. Miki needs to decide if he will be brave enough to follow Kaz’s advice or continue to stay hidden away.
o7. DRAGON’S EGG
Bertie + Arthur are going to be parents. Both struggle with insecurities and fears. We also continue to see how far society has or hasn’t come in regards to prejudices and bigotry. But this is a sweet story that shows more of Bertie’s side of things and their love. It also rounds the collection out nicely.
January 8, 2017
Well-written whimsy; a series of short stories about magical creatures in love with humans, from 1930s to current day. The first of the stories is the strongest, transcending the (potentially) twee premise of the book to offer a thoughtful (and ultimately tragic) look at the creative process (a theme that roughly runs through the stories).
January 15, 2017
This is an excellent addition to the Beings in Love story and really weaves history in with the Beings.
I can't wait for this to be in audio! So far it's only the first two books
**I want to listen to the next one but A Dandelion for Tulip isn't out in audible yet :(**
I can't wait for this to be in audio! So far it's only the first two books
**I want to listen to the next one but A Dandelion for Tulip isn't out in audible yet :(**
August 1, 2019
I've been trying to listen to this audio since November 2018 and I've finally given up. I made to about halfway. It just doesn't interest me at all. Long-winded and complex with no chemistry.
April 4, 2020
As anyone who follows my reviews knows, I absolutely adore the ‘Being(s) In Love’ series. I was hoping for another full-length novel, but when this collection of short stories popped up on my radar, I was quite excited. For one thing, they tell parts of the history of this world, which answered some of the questions I had from reading the first four books in the series. For another, they introduced me to a whole range of magical and mystical beings that have so far not appeared in the books, or have only been mentioned without further details. In short, this is a great addition to the series and I loved reading all of the stories so much that – guess what – now I want more!
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 3, 2016
I may have love-hate feelings for this author. I love how she writes, so beautifully and not describing so much, except maybe for feelings. I love her characters; nice boys that are a bit lonely and are in need of someone to care for them, to love them. I love how most of her stories are more conversation and less action; sometimes it is as if I am a voyeur and just looking at the boys talking, understanding what they say about a 70%... the other 30% is something precious between them only. I love how it is mostly pinning, but this pinning also leads to an ache in the chest, both for the characters and for myself. Broken love stories. It is so sweet how both of them love the other, how they ache for the other, but since one is looking when the other is not, they are always missing the chance. Which is mostly what happens in these short stories.
These stories take set in different years but are somehow linked, mostly thru the Firebird. The setting is in Los Cerros, and most of the characters are Latin.
*The Firebird* (3/5)
Kazimir the Firebird; Jacob the drunken writer. This story was truly beautiful. I just love how the characters connect in their first meeting. Kazimir is a beautiful Firebird opera singer, who is always breaking people's heart. Until he meets Jacob, who doesn't try to win him over and seems to understand Kaz. All talk and a few glances (from Jacob's side). Both Kazimir and Jacob were so lonely. It was a bit dark maybe, and oh it was kind of hurtful as well. I down-rated it because of the end, that happens in another story.
*The Warrior's Sacrifice* (3/5)
Carmelo the Jaguar-shifter and Teo the muxe (basically, a transvestite). Oh the pinning between these two. Teo was left as a sacrifice at the door of Carmelo, and from then on, he lives at his place. Carmelo just wants to take care of Teo. And Teo, who has never had a suitor and who has always look at Carmelo from the distance, is just a little lost boy who is not sure of anything.
*Hyacinth in the Air* (4/5)
I loved this couple. Hyacinth the Fairy and Walter the human lawyer. Hyacinth is naughty DJ at a local radio-station and Walter is the lawyer who has to keep an eye on him. Hyacinth loves to tell his audience about Walter's lips, his date with Walter, how he craves for Walter, etc. It was all very lovely, and it may be a g4u in Walter's case. The end was so sexy <3 Who would have thought that Walter was on those things?
*A Giant Among Men* (2.5/5)
Tank the Troll and Simon the human, dark-skin barista. First time I read a romance where a troll is one of the MC. Tank is a kind of cop/bodyguard who is also into BDSM, which kind of ruined his image for me, since he was so kind and gentle and then, BAM, he is also into paddles, whips and putting men and women into pain until they come. While the first part was cute, the last part was MEH because of the BDSM thing, which was completely unexpected.
*The Imp and The Sunshine* (2/5)
Rennet the Imp and John the deputy major. My, how angsty, and all because they did not talk! Rennet and John are lovers but Rennet always leaves once they are done. He doesn't want to hurt nor bring any bad luck to John, since he is an Imp and John an important figure. So John thinks that Rennet doesn't really care for him, so he goes on dates. And that hurts Rennett. Everyone knows there are kind of a thing, but both of them don't. Usually I love this kind of premise but it was a bit exasperating in this story.
*The Wolf in the Garden* (2/5)
Miki the human gardener and Diego the Werewolf. Basically I love everything that involves a werewolf staring at his human and sniffing his scent. It is very romantic, at least in a MM romance. Miki has a red stain in his face and thinks of himself as ugly, in spite of Kazimir's words. One day on the garden he meets Diego, and he likes him, but since Diego is a recent widow and just lost his mate... So that's it, why I couldn't like this story. Once a werewolf finds his mate it is forever, right? But no, in this case is "until death do us part". I hated it! And also we read Kazimir's life decades after the first story. You can guess what happened...
*The Dragon's Egg* (3/5)
My favorite couple, my beloved Bertie and Arthur. My pearls. I love them so much and the whole reason why I continue reading the Beings series. They are so cute together, and that is the reason why I wanted to sob disappointed tears when I've read this story. So it is not Bertie and Arthur together anymore, but Bertie, Arthur and the Egg together. Don't ask me how it happened, it did. Bertie, who had his precious Arthur with him at last, and who wouldn't share him for anything in the world. And now comes and the Egg **sighs** And well, the whole Kaz thing made me realize that beings live for centuries, while humans don't. In short, in a few years Arthur will be old and then dead and Bertie will be alone and still young, without his precious pearl. That depressed me so much I barely could sleep yesterday night after I finished this book.
So that's it. No matter how much I love how she writes and the world she creates and her characters and their love, her stories mostly depressed me so much, even if it doesn't happen much. I love you R. Cooper, I honestly do, and I love your boys (*my* boys as well, since they are so dear to me) but it is also painful :(
These stories take set in different years but are somehow linked, mostly thru the Firebird. The setting is in Los Cerros, and most of the characters are Latin.
*The Firebird* (3/5)
Kazimir the Firebird; Jacob the drunken writer. This story was truly beautiful. I just love how the characters connect in their first meeting. Kazimir is a beautiful Firebird opera singer, who is always breaking people's heart. Until he meets Jacob, who doesn't try to win him over and seems to understand Kaz. All talk and a few glances (from Jacob's side). Both Kazimir and Jacob were so lonely. It was a bit dark maybe, and oh it was kind of hurtful as well. I down-rated it because of the end, that happens in another story.
*The Warrior's Sacrifice* (3/5)
Carmelo the Jaguar-shifter and Teo the muxe (basically, a transvestite). Oh the pinning between these two. Teo was left as a sacrifice at the door of Carmelo, and from then on, he lives at his place. Carmelo just wants to take care of Teo. And Teo, who has never had a suitor and who has always look at Carmelo from the distance, is just a little lost boy who is not sure of anything.
*Hyacinth in the Air* (4/5)
I loved this couple. Hyacinth the Fairy and Walter the human lawyer. Hyacinth is naughty DJ at a local radio-station and Walter is the lawyer who has to keep an eye on him. Hyacinth loves to tell his audience about Walter's lips, his date with Walter, how he craves for Walter, etc. It was all very lovely, and it may be a g4u in Walter's case. The end was so sexy <3 Who would have thought that Walter was on those things?
*A Giant Among Men* (2.5/5)
Tank the Troll and Simon the human, dark-skin barista. First time I read a romance where a troll is one of the MC. Tank is a kind of cop/bodyguard who is also into BDSM, which kind of ruined his image for me, since he was so kind and gentle and then, BAM, he is also into paddles, whips and putting men and women into pain until they come. While the first part was cute, the last part was MEH because of the BDSM thing, which was completely unexpected.
*The Imp and The Sunshine* (2/5)
Rennet the Imp and John the deputy major. My, how angsty, and all because they did not talk! Rennet and John are lovers but Rennet always leaves once they are done. He doesn't want to hurt nor bring any bad luck to John, since he is an Imp and John an important figure. So John thinks that Rennet doesn't really care for him, so he goes on dates. And that hurts Rennett. Everyone knows there are kind of a thing, but both of them don't. Usually I love this kind of premise but it was a bit exasperating in this story.
*The Wolf in the Garden* (2/5)
Miki the human gardener and Diego the Werewolf. Basically I love everything that involves a werewolf staring at his human and sniffing his scent. It is very romantic, at least in a MM romance. Miki has a red stain in his face and thinks of himself as ugly, in spite of Kazimir's words. One day on the garden he meets Diego, and he likes him, but since Diego is a recent widow and just lost his mate... So that's it, why I couldn't like this story. Once a werewolf finds his mate it is forever, right? But no, in this case is "until death do us part". I hated it! And also we read Kazimir's life decades after the first story. You can guess what happened...
*The Dragon's Egg* (3/5)
My favorite couple, my beloved Bertie and Arthur. My pearls. I love them so much and the whole reason why I continue reading the Beings series. They are so cute together, and that is the reason why I wanted to sob disappointed tears when I've read this story. So it is not Bertie and Arthur together anymore, but Bertie, Arthur and the Egg together. Don't ask me how it happened, it did. Bertie, who had his precious Arthur with him at last, and who wouldn't share him for anything in the world. And now comes and the Egg **sighs** And well, the whole Kaz thing made me realize that beings live for centuries, while humans don't. In short, in a few years Arthur will be old and then dead and Bertie will be alone and still young, without his precious pearl. That depressed me so much I barely could sleep yesterday night after I finished this book.
So that's it. No matter how much I love how she writes and the world she creates and her characters and their love, her stories mostly depressed me so much, even if it doesn't happen much. I love you R. Cooper, I honestly do, and I love your boys (*my* boys as well, since they are so dear to me) but it is also painful :(
July 12, 2017
** This review is word-for-word as the one contained within the Being(s) in Love Bundle **
Book 5: The Firebird and Other Stories
Length: 74-100%
Star rating: ★★★★★
The Firebird (74-77%) is an adorable, sweet short that takes place in Paris, 1934. I centers around the Firebird, Kazimir and human, Seer, Jacob Rifkin. Kazimir is a firebird with a chip on his shoulder, having fought through many years of being a slave to humans until finally finding his freedom; an opera singer/performer, he laments over the false portrayal of Beings but never things to push against them. Jacob, on the other hand, is a writer/editor and ex-soldier haunted by the things he's seen, while also being a Seer who drowns himself in alcohol to forget. Until Kazimir accidentally unlocks his thoughts and opens up his writing pass, once again.
The two have great chemistry and affection for one another that blossoms on page, though over a relatively short time. I loved the characiterisation, the flair of the era and the flounce of the diva, prima donna, Kazimir. Jacob was a breath of fresh air in his brutal honesty and I love the thought of them together. There was nothing explicit about this story and that felt perfectly natural. The glimmers of side characters, the tales about Imps and such, were all nicely added to give the story some depth that I really appreciated. I'd love to see Michel's story, too.
★★★★★
The Warrior's Sacrifice (77-81%) is another sweet offering, with some heat. It takes place in 1947 and bravely combines the pain and torment of a man returned from war with the simple, gentle life of Teo, a muxe → a third gender, of a gay man who identifies as and behaves and dresses like a woman. I say brave, because even in a Mexican community, such as this story has, the 40's weren't a time of acceptance for gay men, never mind a muxe. Yet it was written with heart and compassion and understanding for who Teo was and who he needed to be openly.
The story takes place in Los Cerros, the location of book 1 in the series and a place mentioned in book 4, which offers a nice continuity.
Told in 3rd person, with a single POV, it was really nice to be inside Teo's head, as he was a relatable character – someone looked down on for who he was, but brave and loyal, gentle and kind. Carmelo was also a really interesting character – quiet, withdrawn and more animalistic than even some of the wolves in the series, yet it fitted his gruff but loveable personality.
There was a mis-communication theme again, but this one less so than the others. It involved a jaguar this time, which was a nice change, going back to the tehuantl ancestry and covering the Warrior and Protector role that the jaguar had over Teo's community. It was a great piece of writing, great world building and I loved the glimpse into this other community, so different from the other books in the series.
I would have liked to see a little more of Teo and Carmelo getting to know one another, as they both made it clear that they had only ever spoken once and, despite their attraction (hinted at a mating, but not clearly defined as a mate bond) they barely knew each other. A little more communication would have helped with that.
★★★★☆
Hyacinth on the Air (81-85%) is a story set in 1961. It is...scandalous...hot...incredible...and perfect for being all of those things. The title is so very apt, because Hyacinth really does just pour his heart out to the listeners of his radio show. As a fairy, he has less shame and inhibitions as a human would, especially for the period, but his human companion, the lawyer tasked with keeping him in line, Walter, is all the things Hyacinth should be. Careful, respectful, mindful of the rules and proper. Yet, through the slow burn romance between Hyacinth and Walter, through stumbling conversations to stolen kisses, the intensity never lessens, even when they're expressing themselves, sometimes unconsciously, live over the air.
The 3rd person, singular POV was perfect, because we needed to know Hyacinth's thoughts but knowing Walter's would have ruined the effect completely. The slow burn nearly killed me, but it was in the best way, because I could feel Hyacinth's nerves and fear, the same way I could feel Cal's in book 1, despite his being a fairy who was supposed to be infallible and without fear. Walter was the incredibly real, awkward human, who wanted to succumb to his nature but was afraid of repercussions so predominant in the 60's. The addition of the “live on air” moments created incredible tension.
It was even better to see Robin's Egg (from book 4) and to be back in Los Cerros again. The continuity never goes away, with this series, no matter whether it's within the novels or the short stories.
★★★★★
A Giant Among Men (85- 89%) is set in 1982, covering the topic of the AIDS epidemic (as yet unnamed, in the story).
It takes place in Los Cerros again, continuing to link the stories, while also hinting at a character who is very likely Teo (an old lady with a flower behind her ear, who speaks old Spanish), as well as hinting at Carmelo, with the mention of an urban legend beast that used to protect the neighborhood. The story more blatantly shows us Calvin Parker (Cal's dad) during his police days, which was really great to see. I also really liked the hint that Teo got his bookstore, with the mention Guerrero's Books and Comics, which would be right up his alley. I'm also pretty sure that the lawyer with glasses that's mentioned would be Walter, from the previous story, since it's only 20 years after that story and he'd likely still be practicing and working with Beings.
As well as tackling the AIDS epidemic of the eighties, the story also touches on the confusion and difficulty of black Beings to pinpoint their roots, while also touching on the fact that Mami, the club owner, is a man. It's not clear whether it's drag, cross-dressing or that Mami is transgender, but I think it's another case of gender-neutral or muxe influence, because of the hints within the story. This is also the first (chronological) mention of a Being hired as part of the police force, with Tank and “others” not lasting long because of “budget cuts” but having been brought in to make it look like something was being done. It was really nice to see what paved the way for Ray.
The main characters are Tank, a troll, and the Elf, Simon, who are both great characters. It's great to have another 3rd person, singular POV in Tank's view, because it tells us so much about him, while not showing us how Simon really feels, until he admits it. Tank is one of those self-conscious Beings who tried to behave the way humans expect, being a Dom in a leather club and portraying the big bad Tank whenever it's needed, yet he's a pussycat underneath, especially for Simon. I loved that Simon reminded me of how feisty Cal could be, because he stands up to Tank, not scared of him or intimidated by him.
The story was another original take on the Beings in history theme, while offering great chemistry between the MC's and a good side story of the vandalism and the way that everyone, even the Beings, handled the onset of the AIDS epidemic. The Dom/sub elements of what Tank did and what he and Simon were going to begin experimenting with were nicely done, both in heat level and the appropriate experience for Simon's experience. A really great story to add to a bunch of great stories.
★★★★★
The Imp and Mr. Sunshine (89-93%) returns to Rennet, from The Firebird, but jumps ahead to 2005, which is nicely appropriate because Rennet was only a child in the previous story. It's a really cute, fun story with lots of mischief and teasing. Rennet is a real firecracker, causing mayhem without realising it and without meaning it. Yet, the Deputy Mayor (and sort of boss), John, otherwise known as Mr Sunshine, doesn't do anything but enjoy the chaos that follows Rennet like a bad penny. He revels in Rennet being unashamedly who he is.
There's a hint of the 'misunderstanding' theme here, again, but in a slightly different tone, as Rennet and John had a friends with benefit arrangement, though they both see it slightly differently to the other, which causes some confusion. It was nice that they were an established couple and the 3rd person, single POV from Rennet was perfect to properly explore that friendship and their long term arrangement.
It was nice to be back in Los Cerros again, getting a brief glimpse of Ray, though he wasn't mentioned by name, and having connections that gave a hint of gradual improvements to the way Beings were treated by humans.
I loved the relationship and the chemistry between John and Rennet; it was organic and well explored, with some heat. I really enjoyed it.
★★★★★
The Wolf in the Garden (93-97%) jumps further ahead to 2014. Although the story is about Diego and Miki, it also has a lot of Kazimir in it. To be honest, his parts made me cry, because it finally answered the question I'd been thinking about, of how Beings coped or felt when their human mate died. This wasn't the usual old-age death, though, which made it all the worse and I'm not entirely sure what got Jacob, in the end, but I can imagine that it was probably a war of some kind, with the implication that Beings like Rennet had to be smuggled out of the country.
However, although Kazimir's part of the story made it sad and beautiful and soul-destroying, I also loved Miki's part in it. He was such a gentle soul, so loveable and relatable; obsessed with his weird and wonderful flowers, as only a true, dedicated gardener could be, he is a loner and afraid to interact outside of his garden. It's almost beautiful to see him opening up to Diego, even in the small ways that begin their friendship.
Thankfully, there is no confusion or miscommunication over their attraction or chemistry. It's all made perfectly clear, with the help of Kaz and Diego's honesty.
Again, the story takes place in Los Cerros, mentioning Cassandra's magic shop and implying that Kaz is the one that Tank heard singing opera, in A Giant Among Men.
It's sad to know that Miki's parents threw him out for being gay, but the human/wolf mating was really nice to see, since it's been a while.
And that's all I can say without giving it all away. A brilliantly done story about awkward love and lost love, wrapped up in beautiful flowers.
★★★★★
Finally, we come to the present day, with The Dragon's Egg (97-100%) and revisit one of my favourite pairings, Arthur and Bertie, from A Boy and His Dragon. This one was...sigh...another story of utter perfection. The gentleness of Arthur and Bertie, with the heat of their simmering love for each other, was beautiful to return to, but the added joy of a baby hatchling was just too much for my heart. It was perfect and I refuse to say any more than that.
Unlike the novel of these two, this one is a single POV, through Bertie, but it's perfect for that, because it lets us see Arthur's behaviour from the distance we need to not know what's going on right away. I loved that Arthur got to go back to school, like he'd wanted and that they'd been together for a few years, by this time, as well as all the plans Arthur made for their future. I'm so excited to see how they work out.
The fact that we had a mention of Jacob's book in there just stole my heart.
★★★★★
Overall, the entire book was a perfect blend of old and new stories, old and new characters and it definitely answered some questions I hadn't known I was harbouring from the previous novels. I can't wait to read more from this universe. It could go on forever and I'd never get enough.
~
Favourite Quote
“Fairy healing or not, his little Walter could break him without even trying. He only had to leave.” ~ Hyacinth on the Air
“Simon was a thousand breathless fears. Tank was going to crush them all.” ~ A Giant Among Men
“He'd never wanted a tragic love. Of course he'd been given one.” ~ The Imp and Mr. Sunshine
“I am closer to my Yasha with every page.” ~ The Wolf in the Garden
“I can't watch the Super Bowl, Arthur, please don't make me.” ~ The Dragon's Egg
Book 5: The Firebird and Other Stories
Length: 74-100%
Star rating: ★★★★★
The Firebird (74-77%) is an adorable, sweet short that takes place in Paris, 1934. I centers around the Firebird, Kazimir and human, Seer, Jacob Rifkin. Kazimir is a firebird with a chip on his shoulder, having fought through many years of being a slave to humans until finally finding his freedom; an opera singer/performer, he laments over the false portrayal of Beings but never things to push against them. Jacob, on the other hand, is a writer/editor and ex-soldier haunted by the things he's seen, while also being a Seer who drowns himself in alcohol to forget. Until Kazimir accidentally unlocks his thoughts and opens up his writing pass, once again.
The two have great chemistry and affection for one another that blossoms on page, though over a relatively short time. I loved the characiterisation, the flair of the era and the flounce of the diva, prima donna, Kazimir. Jacob was a breath of fresh air in his brutal honesty and I love the thought of them together. There was nothing explicit about this story and that felt perfectly natural. The glimmers of side characters, the tales about Imps and such, were all nicely added to give the story some depth that I really appreciated. I'd love to see Michel's story, too.
★★★★★
The Warrior's Sacrifice (77-81%) is another sweet offering, with some heat. It takes place in 1947 and bravely combines the pain and torment of a man returned from war with the simple, gentle life of Teo, a muxe → a third gender, of a gay man who identifies as and behaves and dresses like a woman. I say brave, because even in a Mexican community, such as this story has, the 40's weren't a time of acceptance for gay men, never mind a muxe. Yet it was written with heart and compassion and understanding for who Teo was and who he needed to be openly.
The story takes place in Los Cerros, the location of book 1 in the series and a place mentioned in book 4, which offers a nice continuity.
Told in 3rd person, with a single POV, it was really nice to be inside Teo's head, as he was a relatable character – someone looked down on for who he was, but brave and loyal, gentle and kind. Carmelo was also a really interesting character – quiet, withdrawn and more animalistic than even some of the wolves in the series, yet it fitted his gruff but loveable personality.
There was a mis-communication theme again, but this one less so than the others. It involved a jaguar this time, which was a nice change, going back to the tehuantl ancestry and covering the Warrior and Protector role that the jaguar had over Teo's community. It was a great piece of writing, great world building and I loved the glimpse into this other community, so different from the other books in the series.
I would have liked to see a little more of Teo and Carmelo getting to know one another, as they both made it clear that they had only ever spoken once and, despite their attraction (hinted at a mating, but not clearly defined as a mate bond) they barely knew each other. A little more communication would have helped with that.
★★★★☆
Hyacinth on the Air (81-85%) is a story set in 1961. It is...scandalous...hot...incredible...and perfect for being all of those things. The title is so very apt, because Hyacinth really does just pour his heart out to the listeners of his radio show. As a fairy, he has less shame and inhibitions as a human would, especially for the period, but his human companion, the lawyer tasked with keeping him in line, Walter, is all the things Hyacinth should be. Careful, respectful, mindful of the rules and proper. Yet, through the slow burn romance between Hyacinth and Walter, through stumbling conversations to stolen kisses, the intensity never lessens, even when they're expressing themselves, sometimes unconsciously, live over the air.
The 3rd person, singular POV was perfect, because we needed to know Hyacinth's thoughts but knowing Walter's would have ruined the effect completely. The slow burn nearly killed me, but it was in the best way, because I could feel Hyacinth's nerves and fear, the same way I could feel Cal's in book 1, despite his being a fairy who was supposed to be infallible and without fear. Walter was the incredibly real, awkward human, who wanted to succumb to his nature but was afraid of repercussions so predominant in the 60's. The addition of the “live on air” moments created incredible tension.
It was even better to see Robin's Egg (from book 4) and to be back in Los Cerros again. The continuity never goes away, with this series, no matter whether it's within the novels or the short stories.
★★★★★
A Giant Among Men (85- 89%) is set in 1982, covering the topic of the AIDS epidemic (as yet unnamed, in the story).
It takes place in Los Cerros again, continuing to link the stories, while also hinting at a character who is very likely Teo (an old lady with a flower behind her ear, who speaks old Spanish), as well as hinting at Carmelo, with the mention of an urban legend beast that used to protect the neighborhood. The story more blatantly shows us Calvin Parker (Cal's dad) during his police days, which was really great to see. I also really liked the hint that Teo got his bookstore, with the mention Guerrero's Books and Comics, which would be right up his alley. I'm also pretty sure that the lawyer with glasses that's mentioned would be Walter, from the previous story, since it's only 20 years after that story and he'd likely still be practicing and working with Beings.
As well as tackling the AIDS epidemic of the eighties, the story also touches on the confusion and difficulty of black Beings to pinpoint their roots, while also touching on the fact that Mami, the club owner, is a man. It's not clear whether it's drag, cross-dressing or that Mami is transgender, but I think it's another case of gender-neutral or muxe influence, because of the hints within the story. This is also the first (chronological) mention of a Being hired as part of the police force, with Tank and “others” not lasting long because of “budget cuts” but having been brought in to make it look like something was being done. It was really nice to see what paved the way for Ray.
The main characters are Tank, a troll, and the Elf, Simon, who are both great characters. It's great to have another 3rd person, singular POV in Tank's view, because it tells us so much about him, while not showing us how Simon really feels, until he admits it. Tank is one of those self-conscious Beings who tried to behave the way humans expect, being a Dom in a leather club and portraying the big bad Tank whenever it's needed, yet he's a pussycat underneath, especially for Simon. I loved that Simon reminded me of how feisty Cal could be, because he stands up to Tank, not scared of him or intimidated by him.
The story was another original take on the Beings in history theme, while offering great chemistry between the MC's and a good side story of the vandalism and the way that everyone, even the Beings, handled the onset of the AIDS epidemic. The Dom/sub elements of what Tank did and what he and Simon were going to begin experimenting with were nicely done, both in heat level and the appropriate experience for Simon's experience. A really great story to add to a bunch of great stories.
★★★★★
The Imp and Mr. Sunshine (89-93%) returns to Rennet, from The Firebird, but jumps ahead to 2005, which is nicely appropriate because Rennet was only a child in the previous story. It's a really cute, fun story with lots of mischief and teasing. Rennet is a real firecracker, causing mayhem without realising it and without meaning it. Yet, the Deputy Mayor (and sort of boss), John, otherwise known as Mr Sunshine, doesn't do anything but enjoy the chaos that follows Rennet like a bad penny. He revels in Rennet being unashamedly who he is.
There's a hint of the 'misunderstanding' theme here, again, but in a slightly different tone, as Rennet and John had a friends with benefit arrangement, though they both see it slightly differently to the other, which causes some confusion. It was nice that they were an established couple and the 3rd person, single POV from Rennet was perfect to properly explore that friendship and their long term arrangement.
It was nice to be back in Los Cerros again, getting a brief glimpse of Ray, though he wasn't mentioned by name, and having connections that gave a hint of gradual improvements to the way Beings were treated by humans.
I loved the relationship and the chemistry between John and Rennet; it was organic and well explored, with some heat. I really enjoyed it.
★★★★★
The Wolf in the Garden (93-97%) jumps further ahead to 2014. Although the story is about Diego and Miki, it also has a lot of Kazimir in it. To be honest, his parts made me cry, because it finally answered the question I'd been thinking about, of how Beings coped or felt when their human mate died. This wasn't the usual old-age death, though, which made it all the worse and I'm not entirely sure what got Jacob, in the end, but I can imagine that it was probably a war of some kind, with the implication that Beings like Rennet had to be smuggled out of the country.
However, although Kazimir's part of the story made it sad and beautiful and soul-destroying, I also loved Miki's part in it. He was such a gentle soul, so loveable and relatable; obsessed with his weird and wonderful flowers, as only a true, dedicated gardener could be, he is a loner and afraid to interact outside of his garden. It's almost beautiful to see him opening up to Diego, even in the small ways that begin their friendship.
Thankfully, there is no confusion or miscommunication over their attraction or chemistry. It's all made perfectly clear, with the help of Kaz and Diego's honesty.
Again, the story takes place in Los Cerros, mentioning Cassandra's magic shop and implying that Kaz is the one that Tank heard singing opera, in A Giant Among Men.
It's sad to know that Miki's parents threw him out for being gay, but the human/wolf mating was really nice to see, since it's been a while.
And that's all I can say without giving it all away. A brilliantly done story about awkward love and lost love, wrapped up in beautiful flowers.
★★★★★
Finally, we come to the present day, with The Dragon's Egg (97-100%) and revisit one of my favourite pairings, Arthur and Bertie, from A Boy and His Dragon. This one was...sigh...another story of utter perfection. The gentleness of Arthur and Bertie, with the heat of their simmering love for each other, was beautiful to return to, but the added joy of a baby hatchling was just too much for my heart. It was perfect and I refuse to say any more than that.
Unlike the novel of these two, this one is a single POV, through Bertie, but it's perfect for that, because it lets us see Arthur's behaviour from the distance we need to not know what's going on right away. I loved that Arthur got to go back to school, like he'd wanted and that they'd been together for a few years, by this time, as well as all the plans Arthur made for their future. I'm so excited to see how they work out.
The fact that we had a mention of Jacob's book in there just stole my heart.
★★★★★
Overall, the entire book was a perfect blend of old and new stories, old and new characters and it definitely answered some questions I hadn't known I was harbouring from the previous novels. I can't wait to read more from this universe. It could go on forever and I'd never get enough.
~
Favourite Quote
“Fairy healing or not, his little Walter could break him without even trying. He only had to leave.” ~ Hyacinth on the Air
“Simon was a thousand breathless fears. Tank was going to crush them all.” ~ A Giant Among Men
“He'd never wanted a tragic love. Of course he'd been given one.” ~ The Imp and Mr. Sunshine
“I am closer to my Yasha with every page.” ~ The Wolf in the Garden
“I can't watch the Super Bowl, Arthur, please don't make me.” ~ The Dragon's Egg
November 26, 2022
The Firebird is an adorable, sweet short that takes place in Paris, 1934. It centers around the Firebird, Kazimir and human, Seer, Jacob Rifkin. Kazimir is a firebird with a chip on his shoulder, having fought through many years of being a slave to humans until finally finding his freedom; an opera singer/performer, he laments over the false portrayal of Beings but never things to push against them. Jacob, on the other hand, is a writer/editor and ex-soldier haunted by the things he's seen, while also being a Seer who drowns himself in alcohol to forget. Until Kazimir accidentally unlocks his thoughts and opens up his writing passion, once again.
The two have great chemistry and affection for one another that blossoms on page, though over a relatively short time. I loved the characiterisation, the flair of the era and the flounce of the diva, prima donna, Kazimir. Jacob was a breath of fresh air in his brutal honesty and I love the thought of them together. There was nothing explicit about this story and that felt perfectly natural. The glimmers of side characters, the tales about Imps and such, were all nicely added to give the story some depth that I really appreciated. I'd love to see Michel's story, too.
★★★★★
The Warrior's Sacrifice is another sweet offering, with some heat. It takes place in 1947 and bravely combines the pain and torment of a man returned from war with the simple, gentle life of Teo, a muxe → a third gender, a man who identifies as and behaves and dresses like a woman. I say brave, because even in a Mexican community, such as this story has, the 40's weren't a time of acceptance for gay men, never mind a muxe. Yet it was written with heart and compassion and understanding for who Teo was and who he needed to be openly.
The story takes place in Los Cerros, the location of book 1 in the series and a place mentioned in book 4, which offers a nice continuity.
Told in 3rd person, with a single POV, it was really nice to be inside Teo's head, as he was a relatable character – someone looked down on for who he was, but brave and loyal, gentle and kind. Carmelo was also a really interesting character – quiet, withdrawn and more animalistic than even some of the wolves in the series, yet it fitted his gruff but loveable personality.
There was a mis-communication theme again, but this one less so than the others. It involved a jaguar this time, which was a nice change, going back to the tehuantl ancestry and covering the Warrior and Protector role that the jaguar had over Teo's community. It was a great piece of writing, great world building and I loved the glimpse into this other community, so different from the other books in the series.
I would have liked to see a little more of Teo and Carmelo getting to know one another, as they both made it clear that they had only ever spoken once and, despite their attraction (hinted at a mating, but not clearly defined as a mate bond) they barely knew each other. A little more communication would have helped with that.
★★★★☆
Hyacinth on the Air is a story set in 1961. It is...scandalous...hot...incredible...and perfect for being all of those things. The title is so very apt, because Hyacinth really does just pour his heart out to the listeners of his radio show. As a fairy, he has less shame and inhibitions as a human would, especially for the period, but his human companion, the lawyer tasked with keeping him in line, Walter, is all the things Hyacinth should be. Careful, respectful, mindful of the rules and proper. Yet, through the slow burn romance between Hyacinth and Walter, through stumbling conversations to stolen kisses, the intensity never lessens, even when they're expressing themselves, sometimes unconsciously, live over the air.
The 3rd person, singular POV was perfect, because we needed to know Hyacinth's thoughts but knowing Walter's would have ruined the effect completely. The slow burn nearly killed me, but it was in the best way, because I could feel Hyacinth's nerves and fear, the same way I could feel Cal's in book 1, despite his being a fairy who was supposed to be infallible and without fear. Walter was the incredibly real, awkward human, who wanted to succumb to his nature but was afraid of repercussions so predominant in the 60's. The addition of the “live on air” moments created incredible tension.
It was even better to see Robin's Egg (from book 4) and to be back in Los Cerros again. The continuity never goes away, with this series, no matter whether it's within the novels or the short stories.
★★★★★
A Giant Among Men is set in 1982, covering the topic of the AIDS epidemic (as yet unnamed, in the story).
It takes place in Los Cerros again, continuing to link the stories, while also hinting at a character who is very likely Teo (an old lady with a flower behind her ear, who speaks old Spanish), as well as hinting at Carmelo, with the mention of an urban legend beast that used to protect the neighborhood. The story more blatantly shows us Calvin Parker (Cal's dad) during his police days, which was really great to see. I also really liked the hint that Teo got his bookstore, with the mention Guerrero's Books and Comics, which would be right up his alley. I'm also pretty sure that the lawyer with glasses that's mentioned would be Walter, from the previous story, since it's only 20 years after that story and he'd likely still be practicing and working with Beings.
As well as tackling the AIDS epidemic of the eighties, the story also touches on the confusion and difficulty of black Beings to pinpoint their roots, while also touching on the fact that Mami, the club owner, is a man. It's not clear whether it's drag, cross-dressing or that Mami is transgender, but I think it's another case of gender-neutral or muxe influence, because of the hints within the story. This is also the first (chronological) mention of a Being hired as part of the police force, with Tank and “others” not lasting long because of “budget cuts” but having been brought in to make it look like something was being done. It was really nice to see what paved the way for Ray.
The main characters are Tank, a troll, and the Elf, Simon, who are both great characters. It's great to have another 3rd person, singular POV in Tank's view, because it tells us so much about him, while not showing us how Simon really feels, until he admits it. Tank is one of those self-conscious Beings who tried to behave the way humans expect, being a Dom in a leather club and portraying the big bad Tank whenever it's needed, yet he's a pussycat underneath, especially for Simon. I loved that Simon reminded me of how feisty Cal could be, because he stands up to Tank, not scared of him or intimidated by him.
The story was another original take on the Beings in history theme, while offering great chemistry between the MC's and a good side story of the vandalism and the way that everyone, even the Beings, handled the onset of the AIDS epidemic. The Dom/sub elements of what Tank did and what he and Simon were going to begin experimenting with were nicely done, both in heat level and the appropriate experience for Simon's experience. A really great story to add to a bunch of great stories.
★★★★★
The Imp and Mr. Sunshine returns to Rennet, from The Firebird, but jumps ahead to 2005, which is nicely appropriate because Rennet was only a child in the previous story. It's a really cute, fun story with lots of mischief and teasing. Rennet is a real firecracker, causing mayhem without realising it and without meaning it. Yet, the Deputy Mayor (and sort of boss), John, otherwise known as Mr Sunshine, doesn't do anything but enjoy the chaos that follows Rennet like a bad penny. He revels in Rennet being unashamedly who he is.
There's a hint of the 'misunderstanding' theme here, again, but in a slightly different tone, as Rennet and John had a friends with benefit arrangement, though they both see it slightly differently to the other, which causes some confusion. It was nice that they were an established couple and the 3rd person, single POV from Rennet was perfect to properly explore that friendship and their long term arrangement.
It was nice to be back in Los Cerros again, getting a brief glimpse of Ray, though he wasn't mentioned by name, and having connections that gave a hint of gradual improvements to the way Beings were treated by humans.
I loved the relationship and the chemistry between John and Rennet; it was organic and well explored, with some heat. I really enjoyed it.
★★★★★
The Wolf in the Garden jumps further ahead to 2014. Although the story is about Diego and Miki, it also has a lot of Kazimir in it. To be honest, his parts made me cry, because it finally answered the question I'd been thinking about, of how Beings coped or felt when their human mate died. This wasn't the usual old-age death, though, which made it all the worse and hints/implies he was captured and tortured by the Nazis (as he was Jewish, as mentioned in the Firebird) while fighting for justice.
However, although Kazimir's part of the story made it sad and beautiful and soul-destroying, I also loved Miki's part in it. He was such a gentle soul, so loveable and relatable; obsessed with his weird and wonderful flowers, as only a true, dedicated gardener could be, he is a loner and afraid to interact outside of his garden. It's almost beautiful to see him opening up to Diego, even in the small ways that begin their friendship.
Thankfully, there is no confusion or miscommunication over their attraction or chemistry. It's all made perfectly clear, with the help of Kaz and Diego's honesty.
Again, the story takes place in Los Cerros, mentioning Cassandra's magic shop and implying that Kaz is the one that Tank heard singing opera, in A Giant Among Men.
It's sad to know that Miki's parents threw him out for being gay, but the human/wolf mating was really nice to see, since it's been a while.
And that's all I can say without giving it all away. A brilliantly done story about awkward love and lost love, wrapped up in beautiful flowers.
★★★★★
Finally, we come to the present day, with The Dragon's Egg and revisit one of my favourite pairings, Arthur and Bertie, from A Boy and His Dragon. This one was...sigh...another story of utter perfection. The gentleness of Arthur and Bertie, with the heat of their simmering love for each other, was beautiful to return to, but the added joy of a baby hatchling was just too much for my heart. It was perfect and I refuse to say any more than that.
Unlike the novel of these two, this one is a single POV, through Bertie, but it's perfect for that, because it lets us see Arthur's behaviour from the distance we need to not know what's going on right away. I loved that Arthur got to go back to school, like he'd wanted and that they'd been together for a few years, by this time, as well as all the plans Arthur made for their future. I'm so excited to see how they work out.
The fact that we had a mention of Jacob's book in there just stole my heart.
★★★★★
Overall, the entire book was a perfect blend of old and new stories, old and new characters and it definitely answered some questions I hadn't known I was harbouring from the previous novels. I can't wait to read more from this universe. It could go on forever and I'd never get enough.
~
Favourite Quote
“Fairy healing or not, his little Walter could break him without even trying. He only had to leave.” ~ Hyacinth on the Air
“Simon was a thousand breathless fears. Tank was going to crush them all.” ~ A Giant Among Men
“He'd never wanted a tragic love. Of course he'd been given one.” ~ The Imp and Mr. Sunshine
“I am closer to my Yasha with every page.” ~ The Wolf in the Garden
“I can't watch the Super Bowl, Arthur, please don't make me.” ~ The Dragon's Egg
The two have great chemistry and affection for one another that blossoms on page, though over a relatively short time. I loved the characiterisation, the flair of the era and the flounce of the diva, prima donna, Kazimir. Jacob was a breath of fresh air in his brutal honesty and I love the thought of them together. There was nothing explicit about this story and that felt perfectly natural. The glimmers of side characters, the tales about Imps and such, were all nicely added to give the story some depth that I really appreciated. I'd love to see Michel's story, too.
★★★★★
The Warrior's Sacrifice is another sweet offering, with some heat. It takes place in 1947 and bravely combines the pain and torment of a man returned from war with the simple, gentle life of Teo, a muxe → a third gender, a man who identifies as and behaves and dresses like a woman. I say brave, because even in a Mexican community, such as this story has, the 40's weren't a time of acceptance for gay men, never mind a muxe. Yet it was written with heart and compassion and understanding for who Teo was and who he needed to be openly.
The story takes place in Los Cerros, the location of book 1 in the series and a place mentioned in book 4, which offers a nice continuity.
Told in 3rd person, with a single POV, it was really nice to be inside Teo's head, as he was a relatable character – someone looked down on for who he was, but brave and loyal, gentle and kind. Carmelo was also a really interesting character – quiet, withdrawn and more animalistic than even some of the wolves in the series, yet it fitted his gruff but loveable personality.
There was a mis-communication theme again, but this one less so than the others. It involved a jaguar this time, which was a nice change, going back to the tehuantl ancestry and covering the Warrior and Protector role that the jaguar had over Teo's community. It was a great piece of writing, great world building and I loved the glimpse into this other community, so different from the other books in the series.
I would have liked to see a little more of Teo and Carmelo getting to know one another, as they both made it clear that they had only ever spoken once and, despite their attraction (hinted at a mating, but not clearly defined as a mate bond) they barely knew each other. A little more communication would have helped with that.
★★★★☆
Hyacinth on the Air is a story set in 1961. It is...scandalous...hot...incredible...and perfect for being all of those things. The title is so very apt, because Hyacinth really does just pour his heart out to the listeners of his radio show. As a fairy, he has less shame and inhibitions as a human would, especially for the period, but his human companion, the lawyer tasked with keeping him in line, Walter, is all the things Hyacinth should be. Careful, respectful, mindful of the rules and proper. Yet, through the slow burn romance between Hyacinth and Walter, through stumbling conversations to stolen kisses, the intensity never lessens, even when they're expressing themselves, sometimes unconsciously, live over the air.
The 3rd person, singular POV was perfect, because we needed to know Hyacinth's thoughts but knowing Walter's would have ruined the effect completely. The slow burn nearly killed me, but it was in the best way, because I could feel Hyacinth's nerves and fear, the same way I could feel Cal's in book 1, despite his being a fairy who was supposed to be infallible and without fear. Walter was the incredibly real, awkward human, who wanted to succumb to his nature but was afraid of repercussions so predominant in the 60's. The addition of the “live on air” moments created incredible tension.
It was even better to see Robin's Egg (from book 4) and to be back in Los Cerros again. The continuity never goes away, with this series, no matter whether it's within the novels or the short stories.
★★★★★
A Giant Among Men is set in 1982, covering the topic of the AIDS epidemic (as yet unnamed, in the story).
It takes place in Los Cerros again, continuing to link the stories, while also hinting at a character who is very likely Teo (an old lady with a flower behind her ear, who speaks old Spanish), as well as hinting at Carmelo, with the mention of an urban legend beast that used to protect the neighborhood. The story more blatantly shows us Calvin Parker (Cal's dad) during his police days, which was really great to see. I also really liked the hint that Teo got his bookstore, with the mention Guerrero's Books and Comics, which would be right up his alley. I'm also pretty sure that the lawyer with glasses that's mentioned would be Walter, from the previous story, since it's only 20 years after that story and he'd likely still be practicing and working with Beings.
As well as tackling the AIDS epidemic of the eighties, the story also touches on the confusion and difficulty of black Beings to pinpoint their roots, while also touching on the fact that Mami, the club owner, is a man. It's not clear whether it's drag, cross-dressing or that Mami is transgender, but I think it's another case of gender-neutral or muxe influence, because of the hints within the story. This is also the first (chronological) mention of a Being hired as part of the police force, with Tank and “others” not lasting long because of “budget cuts” but having been brought in to make it look like something was being done. It was really nice to see what paved the way for Ray.
The main characters are Tank, a troll, and the Elf, Simon, who are both great characters. It's great to have another 3rd person, singular POV in Tank's view, because it tells us so much about him, while not showing us how Simon really feels, until he admits it. Tank is one of those self-conscious Beings who tried to behave the way humans expect, being a Dom in a leather club and portraying the big bad Tank whenever it's needed, yet he's a pussycat underneath, especially for Simon. I loved that Simon reminded me of how feisty Cal could be, because he stands up to Tank, not scared of him or intimidated by him.
The story was another original take on the Beings in history theme, while offering great chemistry between the MC's and a good side story of the vandalism and the way that everyone, even the Beings, handled the onset of the AIDS epidemic. The Dom/sub elements of what Tank did and what he and Simon were going to begin experimenting with were nicely done, both in heat level and the appropriate experience for Simon's experience. A really great story to add to a bunch of great stories.
★★★★★
The Imp and Mr. Sunshine returns to Rennet, from The Firebird, but jumps ahead to 2005, which is nicely appropriate because Rennet was only a child in the previous story. It's a really cute, fun story with lots of mischief and teasing. Rennet is a real firecracker, causing mayhem without realising it and without meaning it. Yet, the Deputy Mayor (and sort of boss), John, otherwise known as Mr Sunshine, doesn't do anything but enjoy the chaos that follows Rennet like a bad penny. He revels in Rennet being unashamedly who he is.
There's a hint of the 'misunderstanding' theme here, again, but in a slightly different tone, as Rennet and John had a friends with benefit arrangement, though they both see it slightly differently to the other, which causes some confusion. It was nice that they were an established couple and the 3rd person, single POV from Rennet was perfect to properly explore that friendship and their long term arrangement.
It was nice to be back in Los Cerros again, getting a brief glimpse of Ray, though he wasn't mentioned by name, and having connections that gave a hint of gradual improvements to the way Beings were treated by humans.
I loved the relationship and the chemistry between John and Rennet; it was organic and well explored, with some heat. I really enjoyed it.
★★★★★
The Wolf in the Garden jumps further ahead to 2014. Although the story is about Diego and Miki, it also has a lot of Kazimir in it. To be honest, his parts made me cry, because it finally answered the question I'd been thinking about, of how Beings coped or felt when their human mate died. This wasn't the usual old-age death, though, which made it all the worse and hints/implies he was captured and tortured by the Nazis (as he was Jewish, as mentioned in the Firebird) while fighting for justice.
However, although Kazimir's part of the story made it sad and beautiful and soul-destroying, I also loved Miki's part in it. He was such a gentle soul, so loveable and relatable; obsessed with his weird and wonderful flowers, as only a true, dedicated gardener could be, he is a loner and afraid to interact outside of his garden. It's almost beautiful to see him opening up to Diego, even in the small ways that begin their friendship.
Thankfully, there is no confusion or miscommunication over their attraction or chemistry. It's all made perfectly clear, with the help of Kaz and Diego's honesty.
Again, the story takes place in Los Cerros, mentioning Cassandra's magic shop and implying that Kaz is the one that Tank heard singing opera, in A Giant Among Men.
It's sad to know that Miki's parents threw him out for being gay, but the human/wolf mating was really nice to see, since it's been a while.
And that's all I can say without giving it all away. A brilliantly done story about awkward love and lost love, wrapped up in beautiful flowers.
★★★★★
Finally, we come to the present day, with The Dragon's Egg and revisit one of my favourite pairings, Arthur and Bertie, from A Boy and His Dragon. This one was...sigh...another story of utter perfection. The gentleness of Arthur and Bertie, with the heat of their simmering love for each other, was beautiful to return to, but the added joy of a baby hatchling was just too much for my heart. It was perfect and I refuse to say any more than that.
Unlike the novel of these two, this one is a single POV, through Bertie, but it's perfect for that, because it lets us see Arthur's behaviour from the distance we need to not know what's going on right away. I loved that Arthur got to go back to school, like he'd wanted and that they'd been together for a few years, by this time, as well as all the plans Arthur made for their future. I'm so excited to see how they work out.
The fact that we had a mention of Jacob's book in there just stole my heart.
★★★★★
Overall, the entire book was a perfect blend of old and new stories, old and new characters and it definitely answered some questions I hadn't known I was harbouring from the previous novels. I can't wait to read more from this universe. It could go on forever and I'd never get enough.
~
Favourite Quote
“Fairy healing or not, his little Walter could break him without even trying. He only had to leave.” ~ Hyacinth on the Air
“Simon was a thousand breathless fears. Tank was going to crush them all.” ~ A Giant Among Men
“He'd never wanted a tragic love. Of course he'd been given one.” ~ The Imp and Mr. Sunshine
“I am closer to my Yasha with every page.” ~ The Wolf in the Garden
“I can't watch the Super Bowl, Arthur, please don't make me.” ~ The Dragon's Egg
January 27, 2016
I've been really enjoying this series but even so, I wasn't sure about "The Firebird and Other Stories" because it's a collection. I shouldn't have worried. I absolutely loved it. Five short stories that don't feel like short stories, and a one that is a follow-on for the characters from A Boy and His Dragon.
I laughed, I cried, and I will absolutely be reading these stories again. And that bonus was that three of the stories were connected clearly, with the others connected lightly. And, as has been the norm throughout this series, you love the characters in part because of the differences in each species, not despite them.
R Cooper's beings each have strong traits to their species, but they aren't always traits you'd expect, or the traits don't always manifest the way you expect. And rather than understanding each other immediately, humans and beings don't really understand each other at all, which isn't helped by the way we often make assumptions or generalise.
I honestly can't name a favourite story because I loved them all: the vain firebird, the determined fairy, the lovable troll, the hurting imp, and the shy human. Each story was written from one character's POV, which was perfect for short stories, yet the story was told brilliantly. I didn't want to stop reading even though I had things to do. Do not pass this one by just because it's a collection.
I would recommend this story—well, this series, really—for lovers of interracial or interspecies romance, comprehensive world building, varied societies, or complex relationships.
If you haven't read the other books in the series I don't think it would affect your enjoyment of this one, but you should—they're all different, and all extremely enjoyable. Although I must admit that my favourite until now has been "A Boy and His Dragon". It still is, as far as the longer stories go, but this one is now one of my favourite collections/anthologies. Give "The Firebird and Other Stories" a try. You won't regret it.
I laughed, I cried, and I will absolutely be reading these stories again. And that bonus was that three of the stories were connected clearly, with the others connected lightly. And, as has been the norm throughout this series, you love the characters in part because of the differences in each species, not despite them.
R Cooper's beings each have strong traits to their species, but they aren't always traits you'd expect, or the traits don't always manifest the way you expect. And rather than understanding each other immediately, humans and beings don't really understand each other at all, which isn't helped by the way we often make assumptions or generalise.
I honestly can't name a favourite story because I loved them all: the vain firebird, the determined fairy, the lovable troll, the hurting imp, and the shy human. Each story was written from one character's POV, which was perfect for short stories, yet the story was told brilliantly. I didn't want to stop reading even though I had things to do. Do not pass this one by just because it's a collection.
I would recommend this story—well, this series, really—for lovers of interracial or interspecies romance, comprehensive world building, varied societies, or complex relationships.
If you haven't read the other books in the series I don't think it would affect your enjoyment of this one, but you should—they're all different, and all extremely enjoyable. Although I must admit that my favourite until now has been "A Boy and His Dragon". It still is, as far as the longer stories go, but this one is now one of my favourite collections/anthologies. Give "The Firebird and Other Stories" a try. You won't regret it.
May 10, 2017
This was such a fun collection of short stories throughout history. I really enjoyed the way each of the tales was fitted into the historical context and some of how the world viewed homosexuality at the time was addressed. Each of the stories was memorable in its' own way and I liked how the anthology built upon itself leading the reader to recognize characters from earlier getting their moment to shine in other later stories.
There was a lot of angsty emotional fraught thinking by many of these characters. Everyone wasn't comfortable with who and what the were in the times, but they were all able to find their happiness with another, someone who complimented them beautifully. I think my favorite story may just have been about a twitchy imp and his deputy mayor. ;) That one sticks in my brain. I loved how Remmy couldn't control himself and yet was so wonderful just the same. I appreciate that in each of these stories the characters aren't perfect, they aren't always the super star awesome guy with another super star awesome guy. They're flawed in different ways but still manage to find the one person who will forever be the perfect compliment to them.
There was a lot of angsty emotional fraught thinking by many of these characters. Everyone wasn't comfortable with who and what the were in the times, but they were all able to find their happiness with another, someone who complimented them beautifully. I think my favorite story may just have been about a twitchy imp and his deputy mayor. ;) That one sticks in my brain. I loved how Remmy couldn't control himself and yet was so wonderful just the same. I appreciate that in each of these stories the characters aren't perfect, they aren't always the super star awesome guy with another super star awesome guy. They're flawed in different ways but still manage to find the one person who will forever be the perfect compliment to them.
January 12, 2016
Well I will admit with this one it did take me awhile to get into this book.. The writing just started out so slow I had a hard time staying with this book.
I did like all the different shifters the author featured in this book A firebird, Jaguar, A fairy, troll, elf, imp, werewolf and dragon. But of course you can't forget their human mates either. I thought the stories were beautifully done once I started getting into them.
It was really good to see this author write all these different stories for these shifters and two see how they interact with the one they love. Have to admit still have mixed feelings on the couple from A Boy and His Dragon who have a story in this book too.
So with this book you get a mixture of different beings and also the sweet you feel with these stories.
So all together this started of slow for me but once it picked up I really did like this book!
I would recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
I did like all the different shifters the author featured in this book A firebird, Jaguar, A fairy, troll, elf, imp, werewolf and dragon. But of course you can't forget their human mates either. I thought the stories were beautifully done once I started getting into them.
It was really good to see this author write all these different stories for these shifters and two see how they interact with the one they love. Have to admit still have mixed feelings on the couple from A Boy and His Dragon who have a story in this book too.
So with this book you get a mixture of different beings and also the sweet you feel with these stories.
So all together this started of slow for me but once it picked up I really did like this book!
I would recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
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