Taking Flight

by A.L. Lester

Gwyn is trying to balance his business aims with his desire to leave the Kings of Ireland hotel. He honestly thought Mal knew he was trans before they hooked up. It takes a blow to the face in front of all the kitchen staff before he reaches his own personal line in the sand and leaves with the help of Darren. Could the delicate pull of attraction between them grow into something stronger?A 14,500-word short story in the Reworked Celtic Myths series based on the story of Brânwen in the Mabinogion.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Queer

54 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 13, 2021

About the author

Writer of queer, paranormal, historical, romantic suspense. Lives in the South West of England with Mr AL, two children, a badly behaved dachshund, a terrifying cat and some hens. Likes gardening but doesn't really have time or energy. Not musical. Doesn't much like telly. Non-binary. Chronically disabled. Has tedious fits.
For updates, giveaways and general shenanigans: My newsletter and a free novella - my facebook group - twitter - instagram - tiktok.
I also write higher-heat contemporary MM romance as Frances Fox.

Reviews

[annob [on hiatus] · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it ok, a mix of good parts and bits that were less so. The best part was the story idea, when it came to the characters. I found the MCs sweet and their budding relationship good. What irked me the most were repetitive elements that should have been cut from such a short story, and an odd restaurant scene where they had their bellies full of pizza, only to have that very pizza brought to their table a page later. Overall enjoyable, with a sweet lingering feeling.

[Shelba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really well written, a lot packed into a little. Though I think my favouite part is probably the afterword "About Branwen and the Mabinogion" at the end.

I've also cut out the child-murder, the horse-disfigurement, the battles and the resurrection cauldron. Sorry.

Wouldn't that have made for quite the different story, lol.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written short novella. The author does a great job building the story and moving it quickly and smoothly. I enjoyed reading Gwyn and Darren's story and watching them come together in the end. Well done!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[A.L. Lester]

Out this week! Taking Flight is based on the tale of Brânwen in the Mabinogion. In my queer retelling the MC is trans, the starling is a chef and there's no resurrection cauldron on talking head buried under the Tower of London, but there is a sweet, tentative gay romance.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good solid story

This was my 1st story by this author. I liked it more than I thought I would. I'm not very familiar with Celtic myths, but there is an explanation of the myth this book is based on at the end. I think I'll check out more of the stories based on Celtic myths by the author.
This story is well written, paced good, and entertaining. I wasn't sure what to expect other than the brief blurb. This is a short story about 50-ish pages long. It's part of Kindle Unlimited. As are the author's other Celtic myth stories.

The story is about a man named Gywn. Who happens to be transgender. He is working in a hotel shadowing the owner. Gywn's family is planning on buying the hotel. Gywn has had a negative encounter with the owner based around him being transgender. Gywn was not physically harmed during the encounter, but was emotionally and mentally hurt due to it. The owner is now treating Gywn badly and being a real asshole. While working in the kitchen one day the owner and Gywn have another negative encounter. This one ends in the owner hitting Gywn. Gywn is so shocked he doesn't know what to do at first. Luckily his co-workers and especially a line cook named Darren step up to help. Darren helps Gywn leave this harmful situation he has found himself in. Darren and Gywn head off both back to their families. Darren is very sweet and helpful to Gywn during this time. It was nice to see their relationship blossom. You'll have to read it to find out what all else happens. It is a short, sweet, well written story. Give it a.read and see if you like it too.

[Jen Bridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute

Very PG13 and sweet. I’m not sure that I think bloody noses are as attractive as this author does, but I suppose that’s one way to make a transel in distress.

[Sreberko · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's my second book in this series, and while I fell in love with the characters from As the Crows Fly, the ones from Taking Flight didn't resonate with me that much. I was hoping for more, probably even something... different.
The short stories have less time to make me convinced that I care about MCs and fewer pages to give them satisfying HEA/HFN - and that is exactly the case here.

Gwyn is an interesting character with his faults, ups, and downs, don't get me wrong. As a trans person, he deals with different kinds of problems and challenges, and he does it with certainty that someone can see as prowess. He isn't just a pawn accepting his fate; he has his plan for life.
Darren is just nice - and sometimes this is all we want from others. He helps Gwyn without hesitation, doesn't use him, or doesn't take advantage of the situation.
I... just couldn't connect with either of them.

The story itself is strangely written. The time jumps in exposition seemed off for me, a couple of times just destroying the pace of the narrative. I learned that Darren and Gwyn were (kind of) friends before the beginning of the story in the second half of the book? Which was a weird decision.
The motivations of secondary characters were just a mystery, which made me trust less the MCs. Why did they behave like that in all these situations? Why make people around them be extremely jerks or angels of goodwill?

And last thing: I didn't find any connection to the original story in this novel. Yes, the names were mostly the same (or similar enough), but the rest was 90% different. Maybe my poor understanding of the author's decision is the effect of not-so-large knowledge of Celtic Myths; maybe the disproportionate expectations. Either way, even in the author's note I couldn't find the reason to write this story in that specific way.
Branwen maybe isn't an object in this story (which is disputable, because he still ends up needing the help of another person to decide to go away from the place where he is abuse), but he isn't also really similar to the original character. This isn't wrong per se, just made me confused and added to this feeling of disconnection with the tale.

In the end, this is more a book about the (small) journey, having a friend when you need it most, and being a good person. Not perfect, just your own. And I think that these kinds of lessons are always needed; where romance and drama aren't so important. Even if I personally didn't connect with the MCs, it's still a nicely written short novel worth checking. The style and the character's dialect/jargon (for me) were new and refreshing and made the book more unique.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maryann Kafka · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the Caernarvon Hospitality Group buying out the The Kings of Ireland Hotel at Tara, Gwyn Mabler takes on the assignment to learn the day to day business before the buy-out. He really wants to show his older brother, Bran, that he can run a hotel.

Gwyn has to shadow the current owner, Mal Reagan, until the buy-out. With a misunderstanding and an ordering error, Gwyn finds himself in a violent situation. He could call Bran for help but he again wants to handle things as he sees fit.

Luckily for Gwyn, Darren Starling one of the staff, helps him out. They find common ground when it comes to the situation at the hotel and decide to make their way home. Darren sticks by Gwyns side and takes time to really listen to him. All Gwyn has left to do is face Bran, with Darren at his side.

This is the third story of A.L. Lester’s, “A Short Story: Celtic Myths” series and I have to admit I’m enjoying them. The stories are easy, quick reads and always have a lesson to be learned. What makes the story interesting is how she takes what is important in the myth and put’s a modern day spin on it.

Be sure to read: “About Branwen and the Mabinogion” at the end of the story. AL always explains and shares the “Celtic Myth” that she creates her stories from. This myth is a little more gruesome, so I see why she made Branwyn the center of her story, along with the meaning of the starlings. There’s also some historic fact too. There used to be a cartoon show called “Fractured Fairy Tales”, not that these stories are funny, but I think of these as “Fractured Celtic Myths!

Once again, I’m looking forward to the next Celtic Myth that A.L. Lester will share.

[Reading to Stay Awake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the way that A.L Lester is able to retell these Celtic Myths and bring them up to date, making them relevant to what's happening in today's society. Whilst the previous books have been gentle and beautiful Taking Flight has more of an edge to it; a threat of violence that could fall to protect or attack that we haven't seen before.

But don't get me wrong this is a beautiful book because A.L Lester can't write anything else. It has gentle characters, it has allies, it has bigots, it has fear, it has love, it has understanding, it has support, it has relief, and it tells a great story that has stood the test of time.

This is a short novella and as such moves with great pace; you have no time to dally your way through the pages, and you won't want to. You'll be wanting more of the two main characters at the end of the book because I was, I really hope that there AL will pick them up for a further book at some point.

I have nothing bad to say about this book. It is everything that all of Ally's books are and I love them. You should add it to your Kindle library today xx

I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and provide my honest review voluntarily

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story, and especially the character of Darren. He was so sweet and selfless that he was like Gwyn's guardian angel. I liked all the other sweet people they met along the way home, too. Everyone was so friendly and just seemed to want to help Gwyn out after his rough treatment by Mal. I have to admit all the Celtic myth stuff was lost on me, but I didn't need it to enjoy the story, and I didn't read it because of that. So, if you're here to relate to the Celtic myth, that's fine; there are plenty of other reviews that delve into that. But, if you just want a good story, myth or no myth, you're still in the right place. I loved the characters and loved the story, although I really wanted to see Mal get knocked upside the head. I'm kind of from the 'eye-for-an-eye' mythology. 😏 However, the end was great, and I enjoyed reading about Gwyn and Darren's HEA. Looking forward to the next A.L. Lester story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very gentle take on a gruesome (but intriguing) story— see the author’s note for its roots in the Mabinogion— and while it contains absolutely no resurrection cauldrons, it’s absolutely a great read. The story feels somehow epic and absolutely ordinary (in the best possible way), as Gwyn and Darren's travels take them through some prosaic places and introduce them to some beautifully kind supporting characters. I liked Gwyn very much— how determined he is, how true to himself and how absolutely unwilling he is to let anything, including the actions of some truly awful people, stop him from getting what he wants. Darren— steady, kind, and down-to-earth— is exactly the companion and partner he deserves, and their HEA is perfect for them both.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who inherited a very old copy of fairy tales, I’m accustomed to the more violent version of such stories. However, I’m glad that A.L. Lester edited out some really gruesome aspects of a Welsh tale to create Taking Flight. While I guessed that Darren Starling was an actual bird in the original, I had no clue of the important role he played, although I should have since he saves the day in Taking Flight. I especially enjoyed that the author took a female character from the old tale and made them trans in this story. Unfortunately there are still people who treat anyone other than cis men with disdain and outright cruelty, which echoes themes from the Welsh mythl. Part of what I find entertaining about reading these Contemporary Celtic Myths is googling the locations of places I’ve never been and now am unlikely to ever visit.

[Justine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking Flight is an enjoyable short story. Gwyn is in Tara looking over the day to day runnings of a hotel he and his brother are purchasing. Though the hotel is currently owned by an awful person and the kitchen is run by an equally awful person, Gwyn wants this hotel to be a positive place people want to come and work. Darren, a line cook, befriends Gwyn and stands by him when he needs it the most. I love Darren's protectiveness towards Gwyn in wanting to take care of him. They really are sweet together. I love the wonderful characters Gwyn and Darren find on their journey. Sometimes you just need a friend to stand by you and not try to change you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ru · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely short story from the always excellent Celtic Myths series. This story is sweet and thoughtful, with an excellent depiction of Gwyn, who combines determination and strength with tenderness and loyalty. I loved the hopefulness that is also a trademark of this series and the ending was delightful.
I liked seeing the family relationships as detailed by Gwyn, but I would have liked a little more detail given to Darren, as he intrigued me too. That said I was thoroughly charmed by the relationship and the whole story setup.

Content Notes: transphobia, violence

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be in wants to run the hotel where he is training and his family is making a deal to take over. He is suffering at the hands of Mal, the current owner who wants to sell but is treating him poorly because of who he is. He thinks he needs to stick it out but when Mal, gets violent he takes flight, rescued by Darren who helps him get medical assistance and stand up for what he wants. Sometimes staying is not the solution. Going away, regrouping and coming back stronger is even better. He gets more than just the hotel in the bargain. Lovely parable story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RjS · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a well-written short-story that offered a snapshot of a moment in time - the beginning of a relationship.

I enjoyed reading it as it was lovely to see people stepping up to help the hurt protagonist. However, the main characters didn’t particularly resonate with me and I didn’t get any great sense of their character development as a result of the story arc.

Nevertheless, I like the author’s writing style and the idea of using the Celtic myths in this way so will happily read others in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[WY_reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking Flight is an engaging novella that loosely weaves an old Welsh folktale into the modern day. Gwyn just has to survive the next few weeks under his vindictive boss before the Kings of Ireland inn is his to run. But when Mal crosses a line, fellow cook Darren gives Gwyn the courage to leave the abusive situation. On the way home to Wales, Gwyn finds himself willing to take a chance on trusting Darren with his true self. While short, this novella is well-written and features memorable, fleshed-out characters who can find the silver lining in a bad deal.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

[Anabela.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything I've read by A.L. Lester so far, especially the Celtic Myths books, have always left me bursting at the seems with an amazing feeling of magical happiness. Taking Flight was no different.

Very short, but with two characters that were vividly drawn and stayed with me. I was given the time to have my heart ache seeing how much Gwyn hurt and the chance to see how wonderfully caring Darren was.

Such a sweet, heartwarming story. I would love more of Gwyn and Daren...a sequel, maybe?

[Shawna (endemictoearth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounding up - This short novella starts off with some violence fueled by transphobia, so please be aware. I really liked a lot of aspects of this story. It probably needed a bit more room to flesh out some stuff. But the wanting to stay in a bad situation (not a dating abusive relationship, but showing that there are other types of toxic connections) because you think you can wait it out or it’ll fix itself is very relatable. I liked the quiet stoic Darren just standing by Gwyn and making sure he takes care of himself.

[Emma Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely short story drawing on the Mabinogion. The incoming hotel owner is getting hand over details. But all goes wrong on a personal level, leading to violence. Hurt in body and pride, Gwyn decides to go back home, but his bigoted predecessor is holding onto his wallet and cards. A friendly, and fed up, employee offers to help him escape, looking after him until they reach safety. But what will Gwyn's brother do about the assault?

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, part of an interesting series

I loved this book; the story was enjoyable and allowed me to get lost in it. I have read all the other books in the series and each one is different but equally enjoyable. This book features a character that is transgender, and that content is handled so well, with so much respect. I can tell a lot of care and time went into writing this story. Don’t hesitate to buy this (or any of A. L. Lester’s books). They are all fantastic.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely short story inspired on the tale of Brânwen, from the Mabinogion. It's a story about friendship and acceptance, about being there for the other when they need us. Gwyn is strong and resilient, but he is also hurt and in need of help; Darren is caring and generous, and was there for him.

A sweet addition to the series :)

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous story, angsty at the start and then extremely touching and sweet as we see Gwyn making his way back home, with the help of Darren, a friend like him we could all do with. I really enjoy this authors works, always give a solid tale.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Gwyn and Darren! The world building is sooo good in the story line! This is the third story I've read with in the Celtic Myths story line and each one is a little better.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Arllau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am unfamiliar with the Celtic Myths. Perhaps if I was familiar with the Celtic Myths I may have enjoyed this book more. I thoroughly enjoyed As the Crow Flies. Taking Flight was well written and shows us a small glimpse into the MC's lives.

I received this as an Advanced Readers Copy.

[deborah lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone has a moment in time where they need a friend. This story is a wonderful exploration of one moment. Acceptance means everything to someone.

[TracyG. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy in a giveaway.

This author is new to me, nice full short story. A Trans and a good hearted young man with a HFN.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and short gay retelling of a Celtic myth. I enjoy following Darren help Gwyn get home.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something sweet from a harsh start. Another neat retelling from AL Lester in their Celtic myth series.

[Fancy]

thought-provoking