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The First Quarto #5
Thuggiana
Pics, or it didn’t happen.
Thuggiana is a collection of short stories connected to The First Quarto. It includes the following:
“The Slightest Folly”
This prequel provides a glimpse into Auggie’s and Theo’s lives in high school. It takes place before They Told Me I Was Everything.
“As School-Boys from Their Books”
A series of vignettes set shortly after the events of They Told Me I Was Everything.
“The Woodsong Fog”
A series of vignettes set shortly after the events of Yet a Stranger.
“We Fools of Nature”
Theo and Auggie go on a float trip. This story is set after The Fairest Show.
“Thuggiana”
Auggie takes the gang on a private, overnight ghost hunt in an abandoned prison. This story is set after A Fault against the Dead.
Please note that the first four stories were distributed previously in various formats.
“Thuggiana” is exclusively available in this collection.
Thuggiana is a collection of short stories connected to The First Quarto. It includes the following:
“The Slightest Folly”
This prequel provides a glimpse into Auggie’s and Theo’s lives in high school. It takes place before They Told Me I Was Everything.
“As School-Boys from Their Books”
A series of vignettes set shortly after the events of They Told Me I Was Everything.
“The Woodsong Fog”
A series of vignettes set shortly after the events of Yet a Stranger.
“We Fools of Nature”
Theo and Auggie go on a float trip. This story is set after The Fairest Show.
“Thuggiana”
Auggie takes the gang on a private, overnight ghost hunt in an abandoned prison. This story is set after A Fault against the Dead.
Please note that the first four stories were distributed previously in various formats.
“Thuggiana” is exclusively available in this collection.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2022
About the author
Gregory Ashe
152 books1,893 followersI'm a long-time Midwesterner. I've lived in Chicago, Bloomington (IN), and Saint Louis, my current home. Aside from reading and writing (which take up a lot of my time), I'm an educator.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 25, 2022
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ: 2023 Thuggie Rereadathon :･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
thank you to my favorite Wahredua Wildcat Wild Readers for embarking on a TFQ (Take 2) journey with me before The Girl in the Wind's release! our love for Thuggie is ✨infinite✨
————
the gates have opened; this collection is officially out now!! 🥳🙌🏼 don’t forget to come back later so we can scream about that ending together - you know, seek some comfort in the chaos 😉
when GA canonizes the couple name for Theo and Auggie you’ve been vouching for since day one 🥳 THUGGIE FANS BE WINNING.
you might recognize a few of the included shorts as ones previously distributed via his newsletter, but “Thuggiana” is an exclusive to this collection that you absolutely don’t want to miss.
why you might ask?
cue the featurette reminding us that one of Greg’s favorite pastimes is leaving us hanging on cliffs for our dear lives while he goes on his merry way to walk his totes adorbs doggo Watson.
the story is such good fun (Orlando is a big, endearing goof 🥹) with a flare—or more like a firestorm—of danger that GA’s couples tend to attract like magnets. i blame the high altitudes of where i’m currently vacationing for carelessly allowing myself to get caught up in the overnight abandoned prison ghost extravaganza, and subsequently, forgetting about the inevitable, eye-popping twist that drops right before the curtains close.
I NEED ANSWERS *desperately shakes GA by the shoulders*
*ahem* let me sign off with an out of context quote to whet your appetite for the official Nov. 4th release before i get too carried away: “I’m filing an official request for your seed.” 😏
Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review :)
thank you to my favorite Wahredua Wildcat Wild Readers for embarking on a TFQ (Take 2) journey with me before The Girl in the Wind's release! our love for Thuggie is ✨infinite✨
————
the gates have opened; this collection is officially out now!! 🥳🙌🏼 don’t forget to come back later so we can scream about that ending together - you know, seek some comfort in the chaos 😉
-ana: a Latin-origin suffix that is used in English to convert nouns—usually proper names—into mass nouns, most commonly in order to refer to a collection of things, facts, stories, memorabilia, and anything else, that relate to a specific place, period, person, etc.
when GA canonizes the couple name for Theo and Auggie you’ve been vouching for since day one 🥳 THUGGIE FANS BE WINNING.
you might recognize a few of the included shorts as ones previously distributed via his newsletter, but “Thuggiana” is an exclusive to this collection that you absolutely don’t want to miss.
why you might ask?
cue the featurette reminding us that one of Greg’s favorite pastimes is leaving us hanging on cliffs for our dear lives while he goes on his merry way to walk his totes adorbs doggo Watson.
the story is such good fun (Orlando is a big, endearing goof 🥹) with a flare—or more like a firestorm—of danger that GA’s couples tend to attract like magnets. i blame the high altitudes of where i’m currently vacationing for carelessly allowing myself to get caught up in the overnight abandoned prison ghost extravaganza, and subsequently, forgetting about the inevitable, eye-popping twist that drops right before the curtains close.
I NEED ANSWERS *desperately shakes GA by the shoulders*
*ahem* let me sign off with an out of context quote to whet your appetite for the official Nov. 4th release before i get too carried away: “I’m filing an official request for your seed.” 😏
Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review :)
May 2, 2025
The hell was that cliffhanger???
I need more Auggie, Theo and Lana ASAP.
I need more Auggie, Theo and Lana ASAP.
November 20, 2022
Who, me? I did not scream at that ending. No, sir. You must be hearing things.
December 22, 2024
These are Gregory Ashe crumbs 🥰
November 4, 2022
Obviously I loved this because how could I not? It's Theo and Auggie, so duh. These short stories were like those deliciously soft after dinner mints (not those hard starlight mints, blah) - something sweet to take the edge off a meal cooked with a ton of garlic that will surely give you indigestion later. I loved seeing Theo and Auggie as teens and comparing the differences in their experiences. The vignettes were funny, sweet and adorable, as usual. The camping trip made me smile so hard I had to take an Advil afterwards. And then there was Thuggiana, where we were reminded that these guys can find trouble absolutely anywhere. I don't know what was scarier - what went down in the haunted prison or the time spent with Orlando's partners. Eeeesh, they were A LOT. But, of course, the piece de resistance was ANOTHER BOMB DROP! This one didn't rock me to my foundation the way the end of Off Duty #2 did, but holy crap I didn't see it coming. What does it mean? What will happen next? Is this a good thing or a really, really bad thing? And how long will we have to wait to find out? I have a feeling it might be awhile, but I also know it will be worth it. Until then, I guess I'll have to get my GA fix by tearing through his entire back catalog. Woe is me. 🤓🤣
February 16, 2026
4.5 stars
Thuggiana (and you’ve gotta love that Gregory Ashe has adopted the ship name given to Theo and Auggie by fans!) is a collection of short stories from the First Quarto series that, as with the other similar collections from other series, feature the characters in more… domestic, less life-threatening situations than they face in the full-length books. The first four stories were originally sent out with the author’s newsletter and the fifth is new material, available only in this collection. Having J.F. Harding back in the narrator’s chair for the audio version is just the icing on the cake.
The first story, The Slightest Folly, is set before the events of They Told Me I Was Everything; Theo – who is still going by his first name, Daniel, at this point – is in high school and acting like a redneck thug in order to fit in and hide his sexuality; ten years later, sixteen-year-old Auggie is also in high-school and grappling with his attraction towards another boy in his year. As School-Boys from Their Books, The Woodson Fog and We Fools of Nature fill in some of the gaps between books, and offer some valuable insight into how their relationship is developing and into their growth as characters and as a couple. The stories are funny and charming and full of banter and affection - even when the pair of them are trying not to be cute and affectionate and in love with each other.
And as always, there are outrageously funny gems like these:
“I’m going to stay standing, to keep my knee from stiffening up.”
“Sometimes you do these incredibly badass things,” Auggie said, staring up at the rectangle of blue sky. “And then you open your mouth, and I remember that you’re secretly a million years old, and you peaked in the Jacobean period.”
“Elizabethan, you son of a bitch.”
For some reason, that made Auggie laugh incredibly hard.
The final story, Thuggiana, reminds us once again that if you look up the definition of “trouble magnets” in the dictionary, you’ll find the names Theo Stratford and Auggie Lopez next to it. They, along with Orlando and his partners and his emotional support Doritos (which he witholds from Auggie!) head off to spend the night in an abandoned – and supposedly haunted – prison, and of course, things take a turn for the scary.
And that cliffhanger… I hope we’re going to get some resolution to that in the not too distant future.
J.F. Harding is one of my all-time favourite narrators, and he does a fantastic job here. The handful of secondary characters are clearly differentiated, the pacing is spot on and he absolutely gets Theo and Auggie and their dynamic - Auggie’s winsome brattishness, Theo’s long-suffering (but secretly adoring) exasperation – and voices them perfectly. Thuggiana is fun, poignant, silly and heartwarming by turns; Theo and Auggie are one of my favourite Asheverse couples, and I loved getting to spend time with them again.
Thuggiana (and you’ve gotta love that Gregory Ashe has adopted the ship name given to Theo and Auggie by fans!) is a collection of short stories from the First Quarto series that, as with the other similar collections from other series, feature the characters in more… domestic, less life-threatening situations than they face in the full-length books. The first four stories were originally sent out with the author’s newsletter and the fifth is new material, available only in this collection. Having J.F. Harding back in the narrator’s chair for the audio version is just the icing on the cake.
The first story, The Slightest Folly, is set before the events of They Told Me I Was Everything; Theo – who is still going by his first name, Daniel, at this point – is in high school and acting like a redneck thug in order to fit in and hide his sexuality; ten years later, sixteen-year-old Auggie is also in high-school and grappling with his attraction towards another boy in his year. As School-Boys from Their Books, The Woodson Fog and We Fools of Nature fill in some of the gaps between books, and offer some valuable insight into how their relationship is developing and into their growth as characters and as a couple. The stories are funny and charming and full of banter and affection - even when the pair of them are trying not to be cute and affectionate and in love with each other.
And as always, there are outrageously funny gems like these:
“I’m going to stay standing, to keep my knee from stiffening up.”
“Sometimes you do these incredibly badass things,” Auggie said, staring up at the rectangle of blue sky. “And then you open your mouth, and I remember that you’re secretly a million years old, and you peaked in the Jacobean period.”
“Elizabethan, you son of a bitch.”
For some reason, that made Auggie laugh incredibly hard.
The final story, Thuggiana, reminds us once again that if you look up the definition of “trouble magnets” in the dictionary, you’ll find the names Theo Stratford and Auggie Lopez next to it. They, along with Orlando and his partners and his emotional support Doritos (which he witholds from Auggie!) head off to spend the night in an abandoned – and supposedly haunted – prison, and of course, things take a turn for the scary.
And that cliffhanger… I hope we’re going to get some resolution to that in the not too distant future.
J.F. Harding is one of my all-time favourite narrators, and he does a fantastic job here. The handful of secondary characters are clearly differentiated, the pacing is spot on and he absolutely gets Theo and Auggie and their dynamic - Auggie’s winsome brattishness, Theo’s long-suffering (but secretly adoring) exasperation – and voices them perfectly. Thuggiana is fun, poignant, silly and heartwarming by turns; Theo and Auggie are one of my favourite Asheverse couples, and I loved getting to spend time with them again.
January 9, 2024
Me: I want more Thuggie! Please, can I have more?
Gregory Ashe: Sure, here you go!
Me reading the first 4 short stories: Yes. This is exactly what I needed. Thank you. 😌
Me reading the last short story: OH GOD WHHHHHYYYYY??? HOW LONG MUST I SUFFER???? 🫠
Gregory Ashe: Sure, here you go!
Me reading the first 4 short stories: Yes. This is exactly what I needed. Thank you. 😌
Me reading the last short story: OH GOD WHHHHHYYYYY??? HOW LONG MUST I SUFFER???? 🫠
July 10, 2023
Don't miss this one!
Funny, poignant short stories that capture slices of life with Theo and Auggie. The last short story has a definite cliff hanger ending to it.
I want more!
Funny, poignant short stories that capture slices of life with Theo and Auggie. The last short story has a definite cliff hanger ending to it.
I want more!
September 1, 2023
4.00 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
That ending 🤨 So…more books must be coming right??
That ending 🤨 So…more books must be coming right??
October 30, 2022
I'm not going to talk about the *thing* except to say that it got me screaming and jumping in excitement for a good 10 minutes. I was so caught up in the last short story that the *thing* completely blindsided me and let me tell you I CANNOT wait to read more
Anyway this is me done not talking about the *thing* but if I were you I'd totally want to know what the *thing* is so I could join in and speculate on what's coming.
As usual these short stories are meant to be read in between the main books. They usually bring much needed relief after some of the traumatic events our heroes go through. But they also offer invaluable insight on their relationship and how they grow both as individuals and as a couple.
I have a particular fondness for the first story The Slightest Folly. It tells us of a time before Auggie and Theo knew each other, a peek into their lives as teenagers. The bittersweet tone on the story just hits me straight in the guts. There's so much love in writing these characters, you can't help but want to get to know more. It's the perfect introduction to these characters and Gregory's world in general.
The last story Thuggiana is exclusive to the book and was the perfect Halloween read. Theo and Thuggie meet up with Orlando and Co for a spooky adventure in an abandoned prison. Things take a turn for the downright scary for our Scooby gang. It's funny, creepy and nail-biting, a full roller-coaster ride.
It's my first time reading one of these collection of short stories as a book in its own right (I usually read the stories in between the books) and I'm in awe of Theo and Auggie's journey. It's beautiful to see them fight their own demons and build a strong, sweet relationship. Greg does character growth better than anyone and it shows again here. Another must read series.
Thank you to the author for providing this ARC, this is my honest opinion.
Anyway this is me done not talking about the *thing* but if I were you I'd totally want to know what the *thing* is so I could join in and speculate on what's coming.
As usual these short stories are meant to be read in between the main books. They usually bring much needed relief after some of the traumatic events our heroes go through. But they also offer invaluable insight on their relationship and how they grow both as individuals and as a couple.
I have a particular fondness for the first story The Slightest Folly. It tells us of a time before Auggie and Theo knew each other, a peek into their lives as teenagers. The bittersweet tone on the story just hits me straight in the guts. There's so much love in writing these characters, you can't help but want to get to know more. It's the perfect introduction to these characters and Gregory's world in general.
The last story Thuggiana is exclusive to the book and was the perfect Halloween read. Theo and Thuggie meet up with Orlando and Co for a spooky adventure in an abandoned prison. Things take a turn for the downright scary for our Scooby gang. It's funny, creepy and nail-biting, a full roller-coaster ride.
It's my first time reading one of these collection of short stories as a book in its own right (I usually read the stories in between the books) and I'm in awe of Theo and Auggie's journey. It's beautiful to see them fight their own demons and build a strong, sweet relationship. Greg does character growth better than anyone and it shows again here. Another must read series.
Thank you to the author for providing this ARC, this is my honest opinion.
October 31, 2022
This collection contains five short stories, four of which were previously distributed for free via Gregory Ashe's newsletter. The fifth one is exclusive to this book and is set after the events of A Fault against the Dead.
I always tell people that Ashe's short stories are required reading, and this collection is no different. While the stories are sweet interludes that take place in between the events of the books, they are pivotal in providing a deeper look into Theo and Auggie's characters and relationship, and allow us insight into their lives when they are not caught up in the middle of a murder mystery.
The last short story leaves us on a cliffhanger (not as huge as the one in Hazard and Somerset: Off Duty 2, but still quite a shocking moment), and now I have a ton of questions about what this means and the impact it will have on potential future TFQ books, as well as upcoming Hazardverse books in which Theo and Auggie appear. It's a must-read for Theo & Auggie fans!
I always tell people that Ashe's short stories are required reading, and this collection is no different. While the stories are sweet interludes that take place in between the events of the books, they are pivotal in providing a deeper look into Theo and Auggie's characters and relationship, and allow us insight into their lives when they are not caught up in the middle of a murder mystery.
The last short story leaves us on a cliffhanger (not as huge as the one in Hazard and Somerset: Off Duty 2, but still quite a shocking moment), and now I have a ton of questions about what this means and the impact it will have on potential future TFQ books, as well as upcoming Hazardverse books in which Theo and Auggie appear. It's a must-read for Theo & Auggie fans!
October 25, 2022
Omg, Theo please stop saying Penis…
Aww I love these short stories. It’s such a fun way to break up all the angst and heaviness that accompanies this series.
I really don’t know how Greg manages to find time to writes these little in between snippets but it’s clear that he still gives them 110% and I love them just as much as his full length novels 😍
Without spoiling anything for the ending of this one…what the hell Greg? Why must you insist on unsettling us like this every damn time !
Aww I love these short stories. It’s such a fun way to break up all the angst and heaviness that accompanies this series.
I really don’t know how Greg manages to find time to writes these little in between snippets but it’s clear that he still gives them 110% and I love them just as much as his full length novels 😍
Without spoiling anything for the ending of this one…what the hell Greg? Why must you insist on unsettling us like this every damn time !
July 14, 2025
Little snapshots with Auggie and Theo 😍
September 26, 2024
Short stories som utspelade sig mellan varje bok. Det var väl sådär. Den bästa var dock när Theo var ung!!! Det var kul att läsa om❤️
June 4, 2023
“I’m going to stay standing, to keep my knee from stiffening up.”
“Sometimes you do these incredibly badass things,” Auggie said, staring up at the rectangle of blue sky. “And then you open your mouth, and I remember that you’re secretly a million years old, and you peaked in the Jacobean period.”
“Elizabethan, you son of a bitch.”
For some reason, that made Auggie laugh incredibly hard.
——————
He frowned. “Oh no. That’s not going to work.”
“You were so strong.”
“Oh Lord.”
“And you acted so decisively.”
“Would you please park the truck up there?…”
“I feel like it’s important you know, um, the effect your stalwartness had on me.”
——————
(Context: Auggie taking Theo to his favorite places in Missouri, and Auggie takes Theo to Theo’s home as his favorite place)
Theo stood at the sink, taking his time as he rinsed the bowls, thinking about first place. He loaded the dishwasher.
He thought about the nights after the accident, coming home to an empty house, the sound of its emptiness crashing over him like the surf.
He thought about muddy sneakers by the door, Doritos crumbs behind the couch cushions, legs and feet that were always kicking him and knocking his papers over and finding their way into his lap. He turned on the water, elbows on the lip of the sink, afraid he would make a sound.
——————
June 2023. Bonus set of short stories in the mystery/suspense series about an unlikely partnership (and eventually a relationship) between a gay undergrad student and gay grad student who are studying Shakespeare and find themselves pulled into a mystery each year at the university.
Heartfelt and funny, lacking the murders and danger of the main stories and giving us peeks into the interactions of our boys outside the timeframes of the cases, in the summers.
Absolutely loved, a fantastic addition worth reading if you enjoyed the main series. Bought on Kindle.
“Thuggiana” by Gregory Ashe. Set of short stories about the characters from The First Quarto.
“Sometimes you do these incredibly badass things,” Auggie said, staring up at the rectangle of blue sky. “And then you open your mouth, and I remember that you’re secretly a million years old, and you peaked in the Jacobean period.”
“Elizabethan, you son of a bitch.”
For some reason, that made Auggie laugh incredibly hard.
——————
He frowned. “Oh no. That’s not going to work.”
“You were so strong.”
“Oh Lord.”
“And you acted so decisively.”
“Would you please park the truck up there?…”
“I feel like it’s important you know, um, the effect your stalwartness had on me.”
——————
(Context: Auggie taking Theo to his favorite places in Missouri, and Auggie takes Theo to Theo’s home as his favorite place)
Theo stood at the sink, taking his time as he rinsed the bowls, thinking about first place. He loaded the dishwasher.
He thought about the nights after the accident, coming home to an empty house, the sound of its emptiness crashing over him like the surf.
He thought about muddy sneakers by the door, Doritos crumbs behind the couch cushions, legs and feet that were always kicking him and knocking his papers over and finding their way into his lap. He turned on the water, elbows on the lip of the sink, afraid he would make a sound.
——————
June 2023. Bonus set of short stories in the mystery/suspense series about an unlikely partnership (and eventually a relationship) between a gay undergrad student and gay grad student who are studying Shakespeare and find themselves pulled into a mystery each year at the university.
Heartfelt and funny, lacking the murders and danger of the main stories and giving us peeks into the interactions of our boys outside the timeframes of the cases, in the summers.
Absolutely loved, a fantastic addition worth reading if you enjoyed the main series. Bought on Kindle.
“Thuggiana” by Gregory Ashe. Set of short stories about the characters from The First Quarto.
June 27, 2025
¡¿QUÉ FUE ESE FINAL?! WHATDOYOUMEAN
(este libro se quedó todo el fluff que debía tener la saga)
(este libro se quedó todo el fluff que debía tener la saga)
October 29, 2022
The best part of being on Greg's newsletter is you get the opportunity to read short stories that go along with the main ARC series. But it's even better when they are all packaged up in a single book to read through. These stories range from before They Told I Was Everything all the way to a story post A Fault against the Dead. Each story provides a great insight into Theo and Auggie and how they have grown over time. Love that the Thuggiana has its own quick mystery. These stories will leave you craving for MORE.
Audio:
Love coming back to these guys after a bit of time. It's a great to see the progression of Auggie and Theo's relationship through the series and getting a little bit more. J.F. Harding does the greatest voice for Theo. The added gruffness for his indifferent attitude is just perfect.
Audio:
Love coming back to these guys after a bit of time. It's a great to see the progression of Auggie and Theo's relationship through the series and getting a little bit more. J.F. Harding does the greatest voice for Theo. The added gruffness for his indifferent attitude is just perfect.
November 1, 2022
Aaaaaaaargh! The end of the last story killed me!!! I want to know what's going on, Mr Ashe. ASAP! *looks sternly to somewhere in the north*
That said, I utterly enjoyed these short stories, most of them fun and lovely snapshots of different moments in Theo and Auggie's lives.
The last one, though, is a short mystery, perfect for Halloween with Orlando and his boyfriend and girlfriend playing their part to increase madness :P
If you enjoyed the other books in the series you sure will enjoy this one :D
That said, I utterly enjoyed these short stories, most of them fun and lovely snapshots of different moments in Theo and Auggie's lives.
The last one, though, is a short mystery, perfect for Halloween with Orlando and his boyfriend and girlfriend playing their part to increase madness :P
If you enjoyed the other books in the series you sure will enjoy this one :D
December 15, 2024
4.5
I'll always love every silly, sweet, and surprising peek we get into Theo and Auggie's lives. These stories help flesh out their respective backgrounds and show us some "behind-the-scenes" bonding moments like their hilarious and heartwarming rafting/camping trip. And the last adventure is quite a thrilling and *frustrating* surprise, one that I have faith we'll see a continuation of in the future!
I'll always love every silly, sweet, and surprising peek we get into Theo and Auggie's lives. These stories help flesh out their respective backgrounds and show us some "behind-the-scenes" bonding moments like their hilarious and heartwarming rafting/camping trip. And the last adventure is quite a thrilling and *frustrating* surprise, one that I have faith we'll see a continuation of in the future!
July 29, 2023
I FORGOT ABOUT THAT ENDING.
I love these two. Their whole dynamic, the way they love each other, everything about them is just perfection to me. But, sometimes I have a bone to pick with Greg because of the damage he does to my heart rate. (JK I love it, give me more)
I love these two. Their whole dynamic, the way they love each other, everything about them is just perfection to me. But, sometimes I have a bone to pick with Greg because of the damage he does to my heart rate. (JK I love it, give me more)
May 27, 2026
Theo and Auggie are such an interesting duo in the "Hazardverse." They have a connection that defies their age gap, they are humorous, and often seem unlucky with all the trouble they get into. I mean how many times has Auggie ended up in the hospital? In this set of short stories they manage to stay in one piece, mostly, and watching them grow from their first high school same sex attractions to the solid couple they are at the end of their series was enjoyable.
The Slightest Folly starts us off with Auggie in 2012 and Theo in 2002. Auggie's story revolves around him goofing off in a pool and things get a little heated with a fellow student. Auggie is attracted to a guy, but the homophobia he is surrounded by must intimidate him. Water horseplay leads to a sleepover in which Auggie chickens out from discovering if he really is interested in guys. Theo who goes by his given name, Daniel, and let me tell you that I missed that and couldn't figure out why I was listening to a story that didn't involve Theo or Auggie. I was confused. After going back a little bit and relistening to who Daniel was, I was back on board. Theo was so different as a teenager. Before he was married, adopted a child, and had a life changing accident, he was confident and aloof. His emotions seemed a little bit stunted as he had a tryst with one of his fellow high school classmates. Both Theo and Auggie were clearly not ready for relationships in their younger days.
As Schoolboys From Their Books is a collection of scenes after the first book, in which Auggie and Theo mostly seem to be friends. I honestly don't have much to say about this short section other than that Auggie and Theo are engaging. Auggie seems to be the breath of life Theo needs so that he doesn't feel like all he is is his age and injury. That kind of goes for The Woodsong Fog as well. In this book, Auggie and Theo are more couple-ly. It is a bit of an emotional roller coaster of a short. Auggie and Theo commiserate together about Auggie's ex who humiliated Auggie on video, Later Theo has a paper to write and an event at the college to set up in which Auggie generally makes himself a distraction. I can't tell if Auggie is oblivious to his annoying behavior or if he is just trying to make sure that Theo doesn't take life too seriously. In the end, I think it might be a little bit of both at different times. Auggie is also haunted by doubt when it comes to taking things further with Theo.
We Fools of Nature is a sweet story where Auggie finally agrees to go on a camping trip with Theo, complete with river rafting. Unlike the shorts before there is flow to this story. It's not super exciting, but more like a look at the two men and seeing Auggie try new things. It was short and sweet.
Thuggiana is my favorite short in this collection. In this story Theo and Auggie go to a haunted location to make video content for Auggie's social media. They bring along Orlando who was an important side character throughout the series, as well as Orlando's boyfriend and girlfriend. Normally I enjoy seeing the side characters get their happy too. It just gives me more closure. I'm not really a fan of the boyfriend and girlfriend, honestly, though I'm glad Auggie just wants to see his friend happy. I guess he's a little more altruistic than me. There is more mystery in this short than the others, more plot. I was drawn in and the surprise at the end really has me wanting future books featuring this couple. I feel like it's where the author is going, but I don't want to take things for granted.
Overall, it was an enjoyable collection of stories that gave me new insight to the characters. The narration by J.F. Harding only elevated the book.
8.510 Pots of Gold (85% Recommended) – Compares to 4.25/5 Stars
The Slightest Folly starts us off with Auggie in 2012 and Theo in 2002. Auggie's story revolves around him goofing off in a pool and things get a little heated with a fellow student. Auggie is attracted to a guy, but the homophobia he is surrounded by must intimidate him. Water horseplay leads to a sleepover in which Auggie chickens out from discovering if he really is interested in guys. Theo who goes by his given name, Daniel, and let me tell you that I missed that and couldn't figure out why I was listening to a story that didn't involve Theo or Auggie. I was confused. After going back a little bit and relistening to who Daniel was, I was back on board. Theo was so different as a teenager. Before he was married, adopted a child, and had a life changing accident, he was confident and aloof. His emotions seemed a little bit stunted as he had a tryst with one of his fellow high school classmates. Both Theo and Auggie were clearly not ready for relationships in their younger days.
As Schoolboys From Their Books is a collection of scenes after the first book, in which Auggie and Theo mostly seem to be friends. I honestly don't have much to say about this short section other than that Auggie and Theo are engaging. Auggie seems to be the breath of life Theo needs so that he doesn't feel like all he is is his age and injury. That kind of goes for The Woodsong Fog as well. In this book, Auggie and Theo are more couple-ly. It is a bit of an emotional roller coaster of a short. Auggie and Theo commiserate together about Auggie's ex who humiliated Auggie on video, Later Theo has a paper to write and an event at the college to set up in which Auggie generally makes himself a distraction. I can't tell if Auggie is oblivious to his annoying behavior or if he is just trying to make sure that Theo doesn't take life too seriously. In the end, I think it might be a little bit of both at different times. Auggie is also haunted by doubt when it comes to taking things further with Theo.
We Fools of Nature is a sweet story where Auggie finally agrees to go on a camping trip with Theo, complete with river rafting. Unlike the shorts before there is flow to this story. It's not super exciting, but more like a look at the two men and seeing Auggie try new things. It was short and sweet.
Thuggiana is my favorite short in this collection. In this story Theo and Auggie go to a haunted location to make video content for Auggie's social media. They bring along Orlando who was an important side character throughout the series, as well as Orlando's boyfriend and girlfriend. Normally I enjoy seeing the side characters get their happy too. It just gives me more closure. I'm not really a fan of the boyfriend and girlfriend, honestly, though I'm glad Auggie just wants to see his friend happy. I guess he's a little more altruistic than me. There is more mystery in this short than the others, more plot. I was drawn in and the surprise at the end really has me wanting future books featuring this couple. I feel like it's where the author is going, but I don't want to take things for granted.
Overall, it was an enjoyable collection of stories that gave me new insight to the characters. The narration by J.F. Harding only elevated the book.
8.510 Pots of Gold (85% Recommended) – Compares to 4.25/5 Stars
November 14, 2022
I love Auggie and Theo, and this short stories book is such a wonderful summary of their journey together throughout The First Quarto series. Every story reminded me a different stage of their friendship/relationship, and most of the time it was very moving and nostalgic.
I especially loved the second story, "As School-boys from Their Books", where Auggie shows Theo all the things he actually likes at Wahredua - at the end of his freshman year, where he still wasn't sure he's actually coming back - and Theo finally admits he'll miss him. That phase was very unstable for both of them - they were barely even friends, mostly still student/teacher, and Auggie was just coming out, so there was no relationship between them then (and thank god for that). Which makes the admission that they do like each other and want to come back and meet again very sweet and touching.
I also loved the story "The Woodsong Fog", which takes place after Auggie had a major abusive relationship trauma, and it shows how unstable he is at that time and how sweet and understanding Theo was. This is another beautiful step at their relationship, though in the shadow of a traumatic experience.
Mainly the stories focus on Theo's and Auggie's relationship, and shows cute and warm domestic moments, trips together etc. I loved it even more then some of the books themselves, because FINALLY this sweet and good-natured couple doesn't gat threatened, beaten and shot all the time. I keep thinking they just don't deserve that, and there is SO MUCH to tell about their lives and relationship without the scary mystery-action plots. This book shows it beautifully.
My only problem was with the last story, Thuggiana, which (a) shows so much from Orlando and his partners and they all just SO annoying, and (b) has another (mini-) mystery-action plot. Which was interesting and fun on it's own way, but I really think Auggie and Theo deserve some real rest. I would LOVE to read an emotional family drama from them, and not another mystery that adds endless new traumas to both of them, and has no connection whatsoever to their real lives (unlike Hazard and Somers, North and Shaw, etc.).
But all in all I loved this book, and the series in general. I think Auggie and Theo are two of Ashe's best characters, and definitely two of my personal favorites. I particularly adore Auggie from the sheer beginning, and loved to watch his development from a reckless teen to a very sweet and stable young man. I do hope to see more of them in the future.
I especially loved the second story, "As School-boys from Their Books", where Auggie shows Theo all the things he actually likes at Wahredua - at the end of his freshman year, where he still wasn't sure he's actually coming back - and Theo finally admits he'll miss him. That phase was very unstable for both of them - they were barely even friends, mostly still student/teacher, and Auggie was just coming out, so there was no relationship between them then (and thank god for that). Which makes the admission that they do like each other and want to come back and meet again very sweet and touching.
I also loved the story "The Woodsong Fog", which takes place after Auggie had a major abusive relationship trauma, and it shows how unstable he is at that time and how sweet and understanding Theo was. This is another beautiful step at their relationship, though in the shadow of a traumatic experience.
Mainly the stories focus on Theo's and Auggie's relationship, and shows cute and warm domestic moments, trips together etc. I loved it even more then some of the books themselves, because FINALLY this sweet and good-natured couple doesn't gat threatened, beaten and shot all the time. I keep thinking they just don't deserve that, and there is SO MUCH to tell about their lives and relationship without the scary mystery-action plots. This book shows it beautifully.
My only problem was with the last story, Thuggiana, which (a) shows so much from Orlando and his partners and they all just SO annoying, and (b) has another (mini-) mystery-action plot. Which was interesting and fun on it's own way, but I really think Auggie and Theo deserve some real rest. I would LOVE to read an emotional family drama from them, and not another mystery that adds endless new traumas to both of them, and has no connection whatsoever to their real lives (unlike Hazard and Somers, North and Shaw, etc.).
But all in all I loved this book, and the series in general. I think Auggie and Theo are two of Ashe's best characters, and definitely two of my personal favorites. I particularly adore Auggie from the sheer beginning, and loved to watch his development from a reckless teen to a very sweet and stable young man. I do hope to see more of them in the future.
October 31, 2022
Everything about this is collection is love, LOVE, I tell you! I adore Greg’s short story collections. They are little bits of joy that feel like they’re made just for you. And the best part? Half the angst and twice the humour of his novels – lol!
This volume contains five shorts, four of which we have seen in Ashe’s newsletters and one that is new for this book. They span approximately 20 years which means we get to see thug!Theo back in his high school days. I adored this glimpse into Theo before he smoothed out his rough edges (on the surface anyway). I also liked seeing the juxtaposition of Theo’s story and Auggie’s story as they each try to navigate their sexuality in the thorny wilds of high school. Auggie killed me in this one though. I mean, Auggie always kills me, little tender baby.
All of the stories have the great banter and humour that Ashe does so well and so many little moments of Theo and Auggie just being Theo and Auggie. From Auggie eating Doritos and putting his feet all over Theo’s lap to Theo striking fear into Orlando’s heart, these stories just make you sink to a happy place. You get to see them working through the barriers to become closer and more solid with each story. You get to see Auggie growing in confidence in who he is and Theo facing his fears of loving someone again. Ashe does character growth like no one’s business and these shorts serve as little snapshots of the guys along the way. Love love love!
But in case you think it’s all laughs and rainbows, The Woodsong Fog will disabuse you of that notion. Oh sure, parts of it are sweet and funny and sexy, but then BAM! Auggie getting humiliated by his asshole ex and BAM! Sexual trauma rearing its head. Also, btw, some wonderfully evocative writing. It takes place during a summer heat wave and even though we’ve had temperatures hovering near zero here at night, I swear I could almost feel sweat dripping down my spine just reading it.
Anyway, loved this volume of shorts. Lots of great dialogue, wonderful mini-adventures with our favourite guys, enough angsty moments to keep it real, and enough humour and romance to make your heart super happy.
And, because it’s Ashe, a cliffy at the end of the last story that will have you screaming for the next installment. I shake my fist at you, Greg!! You better not be mean to my sweet Auggie!!
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
This volume contains five shorts, four of which we have seen in Ashe’s newsletters and one that is new for this book. They span approximately 20 years which means we get to see thug!Theo back in his high school days. I adored this glimpse into Theo before he smoothed out his rough edges (on the surface anyway). I also liked seeing the juxtaposition of Theo’s story and Auggie’s story as they each try to navigate their sexuality in the thorny wilds of high school. Auggie killed me in this one though. I mean, Auggie always kills me, little tender baby.
All of the stories have the great banter and humour that Ashe does so well and so many little moments of Theo and Auggie just being Theo and Auggie. From Auggie eating Doritos and putting his feet all over Theo’s lap to Theo striking fear into Orlando’s heart, these stories just make you sink to a happy place. You get to see them working through the barriers to become closer and more solid with each story. You get to see Auggie growing in confidence in who he is and Theo facing his fears of loving someone again. Ashe does character growth like no one’s business and these shorts serve as little snapshots of the guys along the way. Love love love!
But in case you think it’s all laughs and rainbows, The Woodsong Fog will disabuse you of that notion. Oh sure, parts of it are sweet and funny and sexy, but then BAM! Auggie getting humiliated by his asshole ex and BAM! Sexual trauma rearing its head. Also, btw, some wonderfully evocative writing. It takes place during a summer heat wave and even though we’ve had temperatures hovering near zero here at night, I swear I could almost feel sweat dripping down my spine just reading it.
Anyway, loved this volume of shorts. Lots of great dialogue, wonderful mini-adventures with our favourite guys, enough angsty moments to keep it real, and enough humour and romance to make your heart super happy.
And, because it’s Ashe, a cliffy at the end of the last story that will have you screaming for the next installment. I shake my fist at you, Greg!! You better not be mean to my sweet Auggie!!
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Read
October 2, 2024Thuggiana is a set of short stories that takes place throughout The First Quarto series. It starts when Theo and Auggie are teens with their respective sexual awakenings, all the way to a look into their not so low-key post-series happily ever after.
There are so many classic Theo and Auggie moments, from little slice of life excerpts to more serious events. The main theme in all of them is just that Auggie and Theo are very much in love, no matter how annoying the other person can be at times because they love that part too. They are willing to step outside their comfort zone to spend time together, but also know when to give space. It highlights just how well they know each other and why they work so well.
Another character who gets some time to shine in these shorts is Orlando. He has had great character development throughout the series. I really thought he could easily slide into being a villain, but he's actually just a big old teddy bear with a crappy family. He's a good friend, and has found more love than he knows what to do with. I loved seeing him and Auggie still being friends and getting up to no good in the last short, but then you get hit with the cliffhanger! I know for sure that we will see more of Auggie and Theo, because Gregory Ashe just can't leave us hanging like that.
Unlike the last series and set of shorts, I read all of these in order as I read the series. I liked both ways of reading them! It added a little lightness when you're reading them throughout, but are also entertaining when you've finished and just want more. I'm really excited to continue on with the Hazardverse and make it to the crossover books!
Read if you like:
• novella/short stories
• opposites attract
• mystery/suspense
•••••••••••••••••••••
There are so many classic Theo and Auggie moments, from little slice of life excerpts to more serious events. The main theme in all of them is just that Auggie and Theo are very much in love, no matter how annoying the other person can be at times because they love that part too. They are willing to step outside their comfort zone to spend time together, but also know when to give space. It highlights just how well they know each other and why they work so well.
Another character who gets some time to shine in these shorts is Orlando. He has had great character development throughout the series. I really thought he could easily slide into being a villain, but he's actually just a big old teddy bear with a crappy family. He's a good friend, and has found more love than he knows what to do with. I loved seeing him and Auggie still being friends and getting up to no good in the last short, but then you get hit with the cliffhanger! I know for sure that we will see more of Auggie and Theo, because Gregory Ashe just can't leave us hanging like that.
Unlike the last series and set of shorts, I read all of these in order as I read the series. I liked both ways of reading them! It added a little lightness when you're reading them throughout, but are also entertaining when you've finished and just want more. I'm really excited to continue on with the Hazardverse and make it to the crossover books!
Read if you like:
• novella/short stories
• opposites attract
• mystery/suspense
•••••••••••••••••••••
October 31, 2022
So this was a little surprise of a book. Thuggiana is a collection of short stories about Theo and Auggie. The earliest story is set around the early 2000s (more early 2000 in Theo's case at least) while they're both still in high school. Other stories span their relationship while they both study at Wroxhall College and the last story is set just after The Fault of the Dead takes place. I think the die-hard Asheian (Ashe-y???) fans will recognise the majority of these stories, having been made available previously. Thuggiana (which is a title I still don't quite understand even after having read the story) will be new to readers. I liked Thuggiana mainly, as I have requested many times, it contains at least 110% more Orlando. I love Orlando so much, he's so earnest and loyal, it just makes him (I hate this phrase but I will use it) 'totes adorbs'. I think fans of Theo and Auggie will really appreciate this series of stories, and like other short story volumes from the Hazardverse, there is a cliff-hanger that will knock your socks off. Thank you as always to Gregory Ashe for an ARC of this book.
August 13, 2026
More Auggie and Theo! (an audio review)
Apparently, Thuggiana is a mash up of Theo and Auggie. Things I didn’t know!
Although the other stories in the audio are lovely, I want to focus on this final story. Auggie is forever getting into mischief and his determination to go on a ghost hunting expedition is cute. Theo, of course, is along for the ride. Everything seems fine until the moment it’s not – as is often the case with these two.
There’s a murder, an apparent kidnapping, and then all hell breaks loose.
Auggie and Theo to the rescue! Sort of…
This was a typical romp for these two and I really enjoyed it.
JF Harding narrated the entire audio and I have to say he’s a favorite of mine. He just does these two so well (and also the secondary characters). Can’t wait to see if there’s more!
Apparently, Thuggiana is a mash up of Theo and Auggie. Things I didn’t know!
Although the other stories in the audio are lovely, I want to focus on this final story. Auggie is forever getting into mischief and his determination to go on a ghost hunting expedition is cute. Theo, of course, is along for the ride. Everything seems fine until the moment it’s not – as is often the case with these two.
There’s a murder, an apparent kidnapping, and then all hell breaks loose.
Auggie and Theo to the rescue! Sort of…
This was a typical romp for these two and I really enjoyed it.
JF Harding narrated the entire audio and I have to say he’s a favorite of mine. He just does these two so well (and also the secondary characters). Can’t wait to see if there’s more!
October 28, 2023
So… here I was, ecstatic to realise I had found an author with multiple completed series’ that I could enjoy with no loose ends or cliffhangers…
GODDAMNIT.
At least I guess this means there will be another Theo and Auggie series? I haven’t read Iron on Iron yet, but that’s years in the future, isn’t it? Because if the First Wuarto started 5 years before the first hazard and Somers book, then this cliffhanger was uhh. I need a timeline.
Anyway, frustration at not having all of the story immediately available aside, I absolutely loved the First Quarto and this finished it out nicely.
Gimme more.
GODDAMNIT.
At least I guess this means there will be another Theo and Auggie series? I haven’t read Iron on Iron yet, but that’s years in the future, isn’t it? Because if the First Wuarto started 5 years before the first hazard and Somers book, then this cliffhanger was uhh. I need a timeline.
Anyway, frustration at not having all of the story immediately available aside, I absolutely loved the First Quarto and this finished it out nicely.
Gimme more.
February 12, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Thuggiana is a collection of short stories connected to The First Quarto series by Gregory Ashe. It is necessary to have read the series and even more helpful if you have read the series recently. The last book in the series was published in 2022 and some of these stories go back to the beginning. With Ashe working on a new book in this series, it was fun to see the progression of Theo and Auggie’s relationship in a lighter way.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Thuggiana is a collection of short stories connected to The First Quarto series by Gregory Ashe. It is necessary to have read the series and even more helpful if you have read the series recently. The last book in the series was published in 2022 and some of these stories go back to the beginning. With Ashe working on a new book in this series, it was fun to see the progression of Theo and Auggie’s relationship in a lighter way.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
July 26, 2026
Un caso corto, caótico y con un plot twist final que te deja con la boca abierta.
Lo que empieza como una aventura casi absurda con Orlando y sus parejas acompañando a Auggie a grabar contenido paranormal en una prisión embrujada se convierte rápidamente en un caso clásico de Gregory Ashe: un asesinato real, tensión constante y Theo y Auggie teniendo que resolver el misterio antes de que la noche termine mal. Aunque es un relato breve e intermedio, la dinámica del grupo es divertidísima y el revelador final con una repentina aparición deja la mesa servida para el caos emocional que vendrá en alguna continuación. 👻🔎💥
Lo que empieza como una aventura casi absurda con Orlando y sus parejas acompañando a Auggie a grabar contenido paranormal en una prisión embrujada se convierte rápidamente en un caso clásico de Gregory Ashe: un asesinato real, tensión constante y Theo y Auggie teniendo que resolver el misterio antes de que la noche termine mal. Aunque es un relato breve e intermedio, la dinámica del grupo es divertidísima y el revelador final con una repentina aparición deja la mesa servida para el caos emocional que vendrá en alguna continuación. 👻🔎💥
November 4, 2022
Omg, these two... I adore them. They're so dang cute.
All of the short stories are great, but Thuggiana is the new one exclusive to this story collection, and it's a doozy.
Not only do we get a fun little mystery, but we also get to see Theo and Auggie post A Fault Against the Dead, when they're at their happiest and most comfortable with each other and their relationship.
And that cliffhanger...aah. Greg, you're going to kill us all. BUT...that's good because it means the door is open for possible future stories.
All of the short stories are great, but Thuggiana is the new one exclusive to this story collection, and it's a doozy.
Not only do we get a fun little mystery, but we also get to see Theo and Auggie post A Fault Against the Dead, when they're at their happiest and most comfortable with each other and their relationship.
And that cliffhanger...aah. Greg, you're going to kill us all. BUT...that's good because it means the door is open for possible future stories.
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