Sometimes choices teach you a bitter lesson. Sky, a half-Native American, knows that all too well. His first choice as a boyfriend was a man who only wanted to dominate him and bend him to his will. Now he has a second chance to find love from a man hundreds of miles away on a computer. Soon he will be surrounded by southwestern myths and monsters, but for right now, he has to survive his old boyfriend and learn how to trust someone again. Sky dives into the sensitive issue of abuse and the feelings it leaves with an individual. In his cards of fate, however, those who love Sky will soon surround him with protection and special skills. They will need it because what is coming to meet them in the dark isn’t for the faint of heart and Sky will be their best bet against beating the unknown. Each book in the series will become more immersed in the supernatural and Native American southwestern myths and monsters.
I had a hard time following the story. The sudden shifts in POV’s would lose me and I wouldn’t know who was “talking” and that was pulling me out of the story.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
This is the first story I’ve read by this author. This is also not my normal type story to read since I don’t do fantasy etc. There was just something about the blurb that drew me in and I have to thank GRR for giving me a chance to check out this author. I love this story. Sky is a guy needing to get out of an abusive relationship. He has little if any self-confidence. While putting up with this abuse he has been conversing with someone online. Jessie has been on the other end of this conversation but doesn’t realize the type relationship Sky has been enduring. When they meet in person it’s instant attraction. As this develops so does needing to resolve Sky’s previous relationship. There is quite a bit of explaining about Sky’s abilities that he doesn’t realize. I liked the background the author gives for Sky. The secondary characters play into this story a lot and I can’t wait to learn more about them. This story is the beginning of a trilogy but I think it could be read on it’s own. I will be watching for the rest now that I’m hooked on these characters.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
Trigger Warning one MC is leaving an abusive relationship. and he is kidnapped by the abuser.
This is a book with a half native American Character, Sky, who is in an abusive relationship, the thing that make him leave is when the abuser attacks his cat. His new interest is an online friend, who when he tries to tell him he is in an abusive relationship doesn't understand is abrupt thinking Sky is trying to break the relationship off. They meet at a gathering of the site where they chat. Jessie is a doctor and in person see the signs of an abuse victim. The Native American spiritual beliefs are strong in this story and treated with respect. We Also see the meeting of the Characters that will be the main focus of the second book in the series.
if the abuse/violence doesn't trigger you, this is a great book.
I wish I would have liked this, but I can't say I did. It had great potential, but somehow it just didn't work..
The idea was interesting and it covered some hard topics like domestic abuse, but it still didn't work. The points of view kept shifting with no warning in the middle of the chapters, sometimes several times in a row. That made it hard to differentiate and understand whose POV it is this time. The life lessons were a bit too preacher like for me as well. It makes sense when characters come to those conclusions on their own, but when they are randomly sprouted left and right like a romance was mated with a self-help book? Not so much. The plot was rather rushed and quite perfunctory. Nothing was quite explained in a way that would meld it all together. Some parts were long and drawn out, but the rest was like clip notes on 2x speed. Everything seemed to be in fast forward where you only catch every other sentence or something. It has a good Native American background and mythology studies behind it, but it could use some improvement in the writing itself.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
I looked forward to this book. Just wow. This book was not thought out. The characters viewpoints switched so often I had to back track to see what the heck I even read. I made it 52% of the book before I had to quit. I got a literal migraine trying to keep track of who said what where they were. Honestly if you edited this more and I don't know paid more attention to dialogue it would be better. Just this is a big no for me.
Is this the 1 draft? Did the author publish the wrong draft?! This is apparently meant to be a "fill in the blanks" book. Things are happening so quickly that the author forgot to mention what is happening before something new happens. So confusing! It seemed like the author stopped caring after the first 4 chapters or so. Had to give up after 64 % in the book.. can't even anymore.. I got a headache by trying to ignore all the stupid mistakes...
I really hope the author see these comments. This book needs another look. Other than that it's a sweet story. Has this even been beta read? Been through a developing editing, copy editing or proofreading??? Holy shit this is one big mess...
From authors note: "The Native American culture is meaningful to me. I’ve tried to be careful how I displayed the great nation; they deserve to have every respect given tothem. We would all be wiser if we listened to the tribe elders speak." (Ironic then, that the cover is anything but careful. Terrible photoshop and what is clearly a white man with long hair and feathers badly photoshopped on top. Cultural appropriation? There are a lots of photos of native americans on istockphoto and many other sites that could have been used. Or the author could simply had chosen an illustrator, that doesn't have to be expensive. And the stories is just one big hell of a mess...)
Please don’t use "babe" when you are talking about a child. For me "babe" is used as a sexual term "you are such a babe." Use baby it's the fucking same amount of letters. It maybe be a personal grip, but it's a big one for me.
Why does the author call the prologue for introduction?
Why was it sooo easy for Sky to get Deacon out of his apartment? He should have done that years ago. A person like Deacon would have killed him if he tried to throw him out. And he didn’t get any key back or getting his stuff, it went way too quickly for that...
The author didn't seem to be sure of weather Sky should be written as Skylar or Skyler at some point.
How convenient that every single "hero" in books have the black belt when they need to be bad ass.
Just take all the mystery and excitement out of the book by make a section with Deacon.. why..
The formatting is hell. There is not much indication for time laps even if its only a few minutes or hours and if it shift narration its only half of the time being shown by ***
“We just meant for the first time tonight; why are you already protecting me?” (I think it was "meant" to be a met in this sentence.)
People are reacting differently on being harrased, but after 4 years of abused Sky should be so confident on sleeping with Jess that quickly. Nothing about him being nervous other than when they go into the bedroom, is mentioned.. and his nether parts are a little too happy despite him not being alout to get a release in his previous relationship. And hold up! That was a quick bj. A entire half page, very impressive.. **cough** and what about kissing??? Where is the kissing!!!
“That is a look I could learn to love,” Jessie chuckled, standing up. (It he think it looks good, he already likes it. Then he doesn't need to learn to love it.)
“I didn’t think it was right that I fantasized about sex with a man,” (I hate to break it to you Sky, but you have been in a relationship with a man for 4 years before Jessie...)
“It will be soon enough in the morning, Jessie replied. (Missing double quotation. And I'm not sure this sentence makes any sense in context.)
“He called me, his it. ("His it" what??)
“ My grandmother wrote me right before I left Deacon and told me to think of myself for once. (Again a double quotation is missing, and too much space between " and my.)
Jessie exhaled before pulling Sky into his arms. “I’m glad she pushed you to end that nightmare. I’m here now. Come on, kitty,” Jessie called, watching Kia jump up on the bed and move onto the blankets between them. (There is not space between them for the cat, is Jessie pulls Sky into his arms. I can't see it for myself at least.)
“I know, I know Sky’s trying, boy, is he trying,” Jess sighed, (is he shifting into a question?)
Why?” Sky moaned. (Again with those quotation marks)
“I think we will wait for sex until tonight?” Sky called out, (this isn't s question but a statement.)
Wtf the entire chapter 5 is one big mess... and loooong.... it could easily have been cut in half. It was like a never ending story! It was so confusing where they stood in the apartment all the time. Bedroom, kitchen, somewhere, kitchen, bathroom, somewhere, running for the bathroom again, then in thin air and time having been showering. Then "picking up his trash can once more" Wtf... when did he pick it up the first time? He used the sink and toilet to throw up in, right??? And when he is sitting on the bed with the trash can he apparently run out to the bathroom again. Why? He used the trash can! The he leans over the stool. What is happening I'm so fucking confused!!!!
I'm going to say it again the formatting is so fucked!!!
And why does Jessie leave that early? They only just woke up, and it was a dinner mearing he had with his friends? But when he comes back it sounds like he has been away the entire day.
The confusion is not stopping....
Sky put his water down slowly. “Do you have feelings for him?” (umm... when did he pick up the water again, he's lying down. Nothing was mentioned...)
“Okay, I already know your expressions,” Jessie said, (what??? We didn't hear anything about Sky's expression!! We are only hearing that an entire page later.)
I must say Jessie is an excellent doctor... *cough!
I don't think after so many hours Sky is able to throw up carrots, they are about 90 % water, they should be digested and peed out. Plus they are good when you have food poisoning, attacking bad bacteria and so on.. he should eat some more.
Sky, I think you were alwaysmine. I just had to find you. He placed his hand on Sky’s leg. I was nervous about having dinner with you. I couldn’t figure out why someone that looks like you would be interested in me. You don’t care about outward appearances, do you? The perplexed expression Sky gave him back answered his question. (Here there is fucking missing 2 quotation marks!!)
I gave up on writing notes from here... holy shit the confusion continues!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Sky is half white and half Native American. He's a very shy young man. His beauty brings more attention than he is comfortable with. He meets Deacon in college and thinks it's a good deal but shortly realizes that it's actually a nightmare. On a social media website he meets Jessie and starts to realize that he deserves better than Deacon. He finally gets up the courage to break up with Deacon and start something real with Jessie. Just when he thinks life is going to go his way Deacon shows back up and the real trouble begins.
This is a nice story that wasn't written very well IMO. It's slow and boring at times and was a real struggle to finish. There are constant POV changes throughout the book and even in some paragraphs the POV changes back and forth. Sky and Jessie's first dinner date is a ridiculous disaster and just because the author wanted to show how Sky's shyness makes him refuse to put anyone out, even when it's okay. There's a kidnapping where a Captain supposedly shows up and this is completely unrealistic. A Captain wouldn't show up unless it was an extremely wealthy or famous person (not sure they would show then either), which wasn't the case here. Also in chapter 8 Jessie calls James and James says to Jessie it's 4am. They happen to be in Kansas City (I couldn't find whether it was Kansas or Missouri but it doesn't matter as they're both in the same time zone) which is Central Standard Time. When Jessie calls David in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which is Mountain Standard Time Zone Jessie says it's 5am. These times needed to be reversed as Central time is an hour before Mountain time, not an hour after. This is poor research and I really don't know why the editor or beta readers didn't note this. Maybe everyone lives in another country but even then research!!! This book wasn't for me. I'm sorry to say I didn't enjoy it at all. Maybe as the author gets further into their career the books will be better. I was really hoping to read a book with Native American culture, beliefs, traditions, spiritualism, etc.. but I don't feel like I got that here.
Sky was born on a Tuesday in the heat of August, during a thunderstorm. His mother, Tayen is daughter to Blue Corn, the medicine women of the village. The only ones to celebrate Sky’s coming into the world were the dogs, as the people of the village were very discontent. Sky was born into a deceitful relationship. He was a beautiful baby and grew to love nature and animals. Even with the hatefulness of the village Tayen did her best to raise her son. With his time and his mothers passing, he is now in college and he feels he doesn’t fit in either world.
With all the hateful words and abuse, Sky lost his way and met Deacon, in college. He became absorb with Deacon and became a prisoner to deceit and verbal and physical abuse. Sky lost his self confidence and self esteem and most of all he lost his way. The only friend he had was Jessie LaCombe who he chatted with on-line for three years. Of course, he feared that Deacon would find out and he feared for Jessie too. But Deacon makes a very big mistake and mistreats Kia, the only true friend and companion that Sky trusts. Sky reaches his breaking point and kicks Deacon out of his home.
Sky is very self sufficient, he’s a famous model and lives in a beautiful suite at the top of the hotel, where Jessie is attending a retreat for doctors. Jessie begged Sky to meet him at the retreat but Sky feared Deacon so much he kept making excuses. But once Sky had reached his breaking point when he threw Deacon out, he made a decision to meet Jessie. Jessie being a doctor, realizes Sky has been through hell with Deacon. As Sky feels more comfortable with Jessie, things are getting better. Sky even invites David to the festivities at the hotel. Jessie’s friend James, a detective has come along and they make a date out of the evening.
Even though everything seems to be going well, Sky is still threatened by Deacon. Will Sky, Jessie, David and James be able to face what is to come? Blue Corn knows life is about to change for them all.
Jess Thomas creates a novel with Native American lore, magic and the supernatural. “Sky Trilogy” focuses on Sky himself from the time of birth and his young years. He was shunned by his own village and faced bullying. His shyness and naiveté lead him to an abusive relationship that he struggled to get out of. He doesn’t realize how important he is and the power that he has. The novel also shows Sky’s vulnerability, until he makes a connection with Jessie. He starts to realize there are people who care as Jessie helps him.
There are several other characters who help support Sky: Blue Corn, Sky’s grandmother that is a Shaman and knows what’s to come for Sky and his new found friends. Kai, from the cat tribe and faithful companion to Sky. David who modeled and is a friend to Sky and James the fearless detective and college roommate of Jessie’s.
What I particularly found interesting is the “Author’s note” from Jess Thomas. It reflects an understanding of being positive and respectful of differences. The expressed feeling for the love of the Native American culture, lore and how special they are.
I was totally entertained with “Sky” the first novel to start this trilogy. I’m sure there is more to come from Jess Thomas as Sky and his friends will grow and find themselves headed into a new life.
To begin this book was very interesting. The plot of this book took me by surprise. Jess Thomas is a creative writer and as a reader it grasp me into this book even more. In this book, it shows that sometimes choices teaches you a better lesson. Now he has a second chance to find love from a man hundreds of miles away on a computer. Sky dives into the sensitive issue of abuse and the feelings it leaves with an individual. In his cards of fate, however, those who love Sky will soon surround him with protection and special skills. I can honestly say that the characters switched a lot in this book, which kind of made it a little confusing at times. Sky is half white and half Native American. This book was very interesting and quite different from anything else I have read lately. I haven’t read this author’s work before so I don’t know if this is their style, but I honestly think a solid beta read followed by a final edit would make this book absolutely shine - it really could be an absolutely fantastic book. Sky has had a rough past and has been through some awful times and was in an abusive relationship. This book was all over the place and it sometimes got a little confusing and some what not interesting at times. The story offers friendship, love, recovery from an abusive situation and moving forward in life after something tragic. This book touched all aspects and it dug deep into all that the author was trying to help the reader see. As a reader I enjoy books with suspense, however, this book didn't have much suspense in it to me. As I stated before it touched different views and aspects of the book. This was the first time that I had ever read a book from this particular author before. Sky has had a really tough time especially in his previous relationship. This book jumped around a lot as well. I recommend this book to be read, however, it can be a little difficult to read and even understand.
This book was very interesting and quite different from anything else I have read lately. It is steeped in Native American folklore and magical traditions which is a topic very dear to me. (My grandmother was Cherokee.) This book tells the story of how a young half Native man overcomes an abusive relationship to find his own inner strength. He also meets the people who will be helping him in an upcoming spiritual war as his protectors. The POV shifts quite a bit in this book, often in the middle of the page without much warning. If this is something that you don’t like, you should probably not read this book. It does not take effort to keep up and the story flows. Sky is a model who meets someone online that gives him the courage to get out of an abusive relationship. Jessie isn’t quite sure what to make of it at first but he knows that he wants to protect Sky and take care of him. He and his best friend James are making plans to move to New Mexico. James also meets someone special in David, who happens to be a model with Sky. These three men quickly get caught up in helping Sky move on and overcome his fear and his abusive past. This is obviously a book that is setting up something much bigger and the rest of this series should be interesting.
The plot in this was great - a little heartbreaking, heartwarming and interesting all mixed into one. You really feel for Sky and want him to find his way not only as himself but in a relationship where he is valued. There’s also some really interesting mythology going on in the background (and I do think it takes a backseat, though I hope it will be more at the forefront in the next book). What stops this from being a 4 or 5 star (and honestly it’s got the bones to be 5 stars) is that it came across as an unedited draft. Not in the sense that there were lots of typos etc, but in the sense that it didn’t have the flow that a finished piece should have. The writing jumped around and the POV could at times be a bit hard to follow (not catastrophically so, but noticeable). I haven’t read this author’s work before so I don’t know if this is their style, but I honestly think a solid beta read followed by a final edit would make this book absolutely shine - it really could be an absolutely fantastic book. I’m hoping the second in the series is a bit smoother but either way I’ll be reading it!
Sky is a half Native American who models for a living. He has made bad choices in his love life and finally had enough. He kicked out his abusive boyfriend and turns to the man he has known for several years but only through the computer. He has the opportunity for a second chance with Jessie, he just has to be brave enough to try. He will need that bravery for the darkness coming, but, with the help of some friends, as well as Jessie, he will be successful.
This wonderful story takes us into Native American mysticism and lore as well as addressing how hard it is to overcome abuse. Sky was a beautiful man, inside and out, and was finally on track with Jessie in his life. He did not deserve to have any of that taken from him. Jess Thomas is planning a trilogy called The Sky Trilogy. With the first book, Jess Thomas sets a stunning standard with Sky.
Slow unveiling of mysteries and adventures. Sky, is an abused model who hides his trauma from everyone. Jesse, is his online buddy who provides friendship and peace. Sky, doesn't tell Jesse about his abusive relationship. He keeps a lot to himself. When they finally meet after a few difficulties, Jesse proves to be an amazing supportive friend. Sky may have residual PTSD as he tries to navigate his professional and personal life. Sky, has gifts which are slowly revealing themselves. He may have a low esteem, but he is of great importance to future events. Will Sky's ex find him? Can Sky accept the magic in his life? Will Sky find the strength and courage to set his baggage down? Good representation of Native American culture. Nice story of supportive friends, found family and great adventure. Well done! Great cover art. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So this was a hard one for me. I really like the idea and main plot of this book. It was definitely different from most books I have read recently. It is also rare to have a Native American MC and I appreciated that. I did like the characters Sky and Jessie were great and the secondary characters David and James were interesting. What actually bothered me was the POV changes. They happened randomly and sometimes in the middle of a page. It got confusing and took away from the book a little. It got whiplash-ish... What redeemed it to 3 stars was the plot was interesting. It is book one of a trilogy and regardless of the problems, it is an interesting enough plot that I do want to know what is happening in book two.
I received this arc from GRR and this is my honest review
I usually don't post reviews for books I don't give at least three stars. It is difficult to leave a low review without being unkind but I am hoping the author will see this and use it to improve their writing. The plot has potential but the horrible editing for grammar, punctuation and writing style mistakes ruins any enjoyment for this reader. Before publishing another book, I hope the author will take the time to familiarize themself with some writing style and grammar and punctuation reference material. I applaud anyone brave enough to put their ideas out for others to read but think this author isn't ready for that yet.
The foundation of this book is good and interesting. One of the main characters, Sky, is in an abusive relationship. Sky is a successful model who is shy and hides the turmoil in his life. The people around him think that he is aloof. He met Jessie on line and the two men carried on a three year friendship. But Jessie does not know about the abuse that Sky has gone through. Just before the two men meet, Sky ends the relationship. Sky and Jessie get along with each other as if they have known each other for years. But Sky’s ex is not done yet. Sky will have to draw on the magic from his Native American heritage to find his way to freedom and happiness.
Sky has had a rough past and has been through some awful times and was in an abusive relationship. Jessie is so caring and understanding. They met online and became good friends. The story offers friendship, love, recovery from an abusive situation and moving forward in life after something tragic. Things begin to go so well with Jessie, but Deacon comes back into his life and starts to make things hard for him again. I thought the story was well written. I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
This was my first time reading a book by this author. This was an interesting story. Sky has had a really tough time especially in his previous relationship. Sky knows that he has been unlucky in love so far but he know that there is more out there for him. This story slowly builds with ups and downs along the way. I also found the authors writing to be a little bumpy. I read an advanced copy of this story and this is my unbiased review!
As a huge fan of Tony Hillerman and m/m romance, this checked all kinds of boxes for me. I love the developing relationship between Sky and Jessie as well as the suspense plot of the threat posed by Deacon. There is clearly a whole other world coming into focus as well and we are about to learn all kinds of things about Native American mythology and I can't wait.
I enjoyed this book. It was a bit dark with the abuse story line but I love how Jessie and Sky connected and how they won in the end. Cannot wait for the next part! Four stars!
I received this ARC from GRR for a fair and honest review.