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January 1, 2010This is a fantasy novel but I think there are some references to the way of life of more or less 2.000 years ago, when Jesus Christ probably was wandering around and doing his miracles.
Two different people, the Riineans and the Keshens are living together, but not in harmony. The Keshens are soldiers and they conquered the Riineans, and now the conquered people have to pay high taxes to the conquerors, taxes that sometime they are not able to reach. Slavery in this case is legal choice and a family sometime is forced to give up one of their sons as payment. That is the destiny of Arieh, the older son of a farmer, who is chosen, thanks to his good looks, to be sold as a pleasure slaves. Actually Arieh doesn’t fully realize is destiny, the Riineans are a very strict people, and sex is not a way of pleasure, but a procreation duty; plus homosexuality is seen as one of the biggest sin, death the normal consequence.
Even if the author chooses a fantasy setting, I think she tried to respect some historical accuracy. Arieh’s age is not clearly stated, it’s only said that he is a boy and that he reached the age to be declared “independent” from his family; he is soon to become an apprentice. All those details can give you the idea that he is an adult, young yes, but still an adult. But if you think to the time, and to the usually lifespan of a man of that period, I think that Arieh is probably still a teenager, probably in the middle of his teen years. There are different hints of that, both physical than emotional: Arieh is still quite “dependant” on an emotional level, he has still a strong bond with his mother, a figure that he readily substituted with Junia, the main female figure in the novel. It’s not that Arieh suddenly doesn’t love his mother; I think that he loves her so much that he absolutely needs to have still a similar figure in his life. Then there is the physical aspect: Arieh is still smooth like someone who hasn’t yet reach puberty, and even is bone structure is gangly, like a young colt that has still not grown his height. So if someone wonders on Arieh’s lack of rebellion, on his quite fast acceptance of his destiny and his “weak” reaction to Enitan’s first sexual approaches, you have to consider all of above, Arieh for me is not still a man, and his behaviour is more of a boy than a man.
Truth be told, Enitan is not even a so dangerous man. True he is a soldier, but I think he has not a “strong” core, meaning that I see him more like a kind and gentle man than a dangerous soldier. He is probably the right man to help Arieh in his path towards the life of a pais, a male lover, since he doesn’t approach Arieh with strength but more with a gentle hand. Enitan waits, cuddles, comforts, and in the end picks up the results of his patience. The love story between Arieh and Enitan is not made of strong passions, but more of warm feelings, and I believe that this approach well go with both men’s characters.
There are also other two interesting stories going on in the background, not fully developed but with an interesting point of view: one is the story of a Riinean magician, Ashar, and his apprentice Suqua; they are both interesting characters and just in the end we learn something about Suqua that made me look back with different eyes to their story. But the more interesting story is probably the one between Junia and Sariyah: Junia is a female slave in the home of Enitan, a woman who Enitan practically made into his housekeeper and mistress, without any sexual bonds between them; Sariyah is a dancer, a single mother, who enters Enitan’s house a night for a feast and practically never goes out. There is something between Junia and Sariyah, something subtle that probably no one of them yet realize, but that the reader can clearly see.
Reading the blurb, I was expecting for the book to be more harsh, and instead in the end, there is an odd quietness all along the story, a feeling that goes well with the quite “Arabian” atmosphere, that is more like the peaceful sound of flowing water in a fountain, than the noisy rushing of water down a fall.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1608200868/?...
Two different people, the Riineans and the Keshens are living together, but not in harmony. The Keshens are soldiers and they conquered the Riineans, and now the conquered people have to pay high taxes to the conquerors, taxes that sometime they are not able to reach. Slavery in this case is legal choice and a family sometime is forced to give up one of their sons as payment. That is the destiny of Arieh, the older son of a farmer, who is chosen, thanks to his good looks, to be sold as a pleasure slaves. Actually Arieh doesn’t fully realize is destiny, the Riineans are a very strict people, and sex is not a way of pleasure, but a procreation duty; plus homosexuality is seen as one of the biggest sin, death the normal consequence.
Even if the author chooses a fantasy setting, I think she tried to respect some historical accuracy. Arieh’s age is not clearly stated, it’s only said that he is a boy and that he reached the age to be declared “independent” from his family; he is soon to become an apprentice. All those details can give you the idea that he is an adult, young yes, but still an adult. But if you think to the time, and to the usually lifespan of a man of that period, I think that Arieh is probably still a teenager, probably in the middle of his teen years. There are different hints of that, both physical than emotional: Arieh is still quite “dependant” on an emotional level, he has still a strong bond with his mother, a figure that he readily substituted with Junia, the main female figure in the novel. It’s not that Arieh suddenly doesn’t love his mother; I think that he loves her so much that he absolutely needs to have still a similar figure in his life. Then there is the physical aspect: Arieh is still smooth like someone who hasn’t yet reach puberty, and even is bone structure is gangly, like a young colt that has still not grown his height. So if someone wonders on Arieh’s lack of rebellion, on his quite fast acceptance of his destiny and his “weak” reaction to Enitan’s first sexual approaches, you have to consider all of above, Arieh for me is not still a man, and his behaviour is more of a boy than a man.
Truth be told, Enitan is not even a so dangerous man. True he is a soldier, but I think he has not a “strong” core, meaning that I see him more like a kind and gentle man than a dangerous soldier. He is probably the right man to help Arieh in his path towards the life of a pais, a male lover, since he doesn’t approach Arieh with strength but more with a gentle hand. Enitan waits, cuddles, comforts, and in the end picks up the results of his patience. The love story between Arieh and Enitan is not made of strong passions, but more of warm feelings, and I believe that this approach well go with both men’s characters.
There are also other two interesting stories going on in the background, not fully developed but with an interesting point of view: one is the story of a Riinean magician, Ashar, and his apprentice Suqua; they are both interesting characters and just in the end we learn something about Suqua that made me look back with different eyes to their story. But the more interesting story is probably the one between Junia and Sariyah: Junia is a female slave in the home of Enitan, a woman who Enitan practically made into his housekeeper and mistress, without any sexual bonds between them; Sariyah is a dancer, a single mother, who enters Enitan’s house a night for a feast and practically never goes out. There is something between Junia and Sariyah, something subtle that probably no one of them yet realize, but that the reader can clearly see.
Reading the blurb, I was expecting for the book to be more harsh, and instead in the end, there is an odd quietness all along the story, a feeling that goes well with the quite “Arabian” atmosphere, that is more like the peaceful sound of flowing water in a fountain, than the noisy rushing of water down a fall.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1608200868/?...
September 11, 2009
This was a sweet romance in the GFY family.
Once Areieh is chosen as a pais (consort) to the soldier he is very gently wooed. Slowly coaxed. Step by step. We see the relationship ooze along like molasses until Areih overcomes upbringing and ignorance to grasp at the life he is given.
Once Areieh is chosen as a pais (consort) to the soldier he is very gently wooed. Slowly coaxed. Step by step. We see the relationship ooze along like molasses until Areih overcomes upbringing and ignorance to grasp at the life he is given.
May 13, 2011
Truly one of the best written books I've read to date. Poignant and lyrical, it is a definite keeper. I reserve it as a special treat for myself when I've done something difficult very, very well...it's just that good.
March 22, 2010
4.25 stars.
The basic premise of this novel is not overly original. A tall, strong, righteous, affluent soldier acquires a young, beautiful and virginal slave to be his pais, his consort. The boy, Arieh, is at first reluctant, but eventually warms up to the soldier, Enitan. What sets this book apart and makes it an amazing read is 1) the writing and 2) that the story eventually develops into something much more complex.
First, the writing. Flawless. Both grammatically/stylistically and in terms of world building and characterization. The world-building was pretty subtle, mostly because the world in which the story is set borrows a lot from ours (a cold north inhabited by pale-skinned, fur-wearing barbarians, for example-also there are no elves or weird animals), but I'll come back to that later. The cast of characters is fairly large and the pov's alternate (sort of like in A Song of Ice and Fire) and this structure kept the pace of the story from dragging. The book is, I believe, the first in a series, so I think that explains why not a lot happened in terms of events, but it's a real journey for the characters and the few actual, plotty happenings are fairly important. The editing was pretty tight as well, and I don't recall seeing any typos.
Second, though the basic premise was a little cliché, the story grew to be more complex and interesting towards the second half of the novel. We're introduced to new characters and sub-plots begin to unravel. There's a Riinean magician going around and healing people, and since magic is something that was thought lost within the Riinean race, it's a pretty big deal. If indeed (as it was not clear from the book) magic is returning to the entire race (and not just to this one individual), this could have major political repercussions. The Riineans have been "conquered" and are being oppressed by the Keshens. They're poor, they're weak and are being taken advantage of. If magic comes back to them, they could rebel and they could win. If they rebel, this might intice the other conquered races to rebel as well...
I have to say, towards the end of the novel, I was more interested in one of the subplots than in the main romantic scenario. That said, the author kept a good balance between the two so my enjoyment of the story didn't really suffer. While what I call the main scenario (the story of Arieh and Enitan, the slave and the soldier) is resolved at the end of the book, some of the subplots weren't and I'm thinking they will be developed in the following books. Even for Arieh and Enitan, all was not said. Arieh still needs to deal with some personal "baggage" and Enitan (and through Enitan, Arieh) is brought into that subplot I liked which I can't say to much about for fear of spoiling it for you all. :D
Okay, now to what I was most looking forward to writing about in this review:
One thing I noticed in the story, and which has been mentioned by another reviewer, is the strong parallels with the Bible, especially the New Testament. Here are a few examples:
The setting: The city, Dega, is described very similarly to Jerusalem. Climate-wise, demographically and politically. For instance, it's hot and sandy, there are temples, various communities living together but each in their own enclaves. The Riineans are described like the Jews of the New Testament. They're dark skinned, with dark hair and eyes. They've been conquered, but they've kept their own practices and their own religion. A religion that's very similar to Judaism. Two gods where the others have several. Culinary restrictions like no pork and the animals have to be slaughtered a certain way and they have a religious book called the Votan, and something called days of darkness, which sounded very much like Passover. Moral issues for Riineans are also treated as they are in Judaism, like the attitude towards homosexuality and their view on marriage. There are tax collectors, a feature that's very present in the daily life in the city, just like—as you've most probably guessed—in the Bible.
Also, to continue the parallels, to me, the Keshens represent the Romans. Their gods-system is similar and they are the political and military figure in the city. Overseeing the tax collections, the markets and settling fights and arguments. They're lighter-skinned and at least one of them has light hair and blue eyes.
There are more parallels, episodes from the New Testament, which were repeated or echoed in the story. Like adulteress woman being stoned, Zachariah on the tree, the healing of a woman's child every one thought was hopeless and finally the Roman soldier coming to Jesus asking him to heal his slave.
I mention Jesus because there is a Jesus-like figure in the book (Int'ea). He has magic, something that the Riineans thought they had lost forever and hadn't had for centuries. Some believe that he (Int'ea) signals the return of magic to their race. Also, he just wanders around the Riinean enclave healing and generally helping people. No one knows where he's from or his parents' names. He's wise, forgiving, loving, mysterious. He is at the center of these Biblical parallels. Some Riineans like him, some hate him, he gets arrested, and as word gets around, the authorities become wary of him. Yep, Jesus.
So we have all of these parallels, and I'm not sure what to make of them. On the one hand, I think it's pretty cool how the author has weaved those references into her story while keeping it fresh and original, but on the other hand, because I have no idea where she was trying to go with that, it felt gratuitous. It's true that this is just an installment in a future series and I would suppose this will all be developed further in the upcoming books, but I think the author should have hinted at the point of all these references in the first book.
Despite this little negative, this was a great read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a solid, plotty read with a dash of fantasy. As to myself, I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel.
The basic premise of this novel is not overly original. A tall, strong, righteous, affluent soldier acquires a young, beautiful and virginal slave to be his pais, his consort. The boy, Arieh, is at first reluctant, but eventually warms up to the soldier, Enitan. What sets this book apart and makes it an amazing read is 1) the writing and 2) that the story eventually develops into something much more complex.
First, the writing. Flawless. Both grammatically/stylistically and in terms of world building and characterization. The world-building was pretty subtle, mostly because the world in which the story is set borrows a lot from ours (a cold north inhabited by pale-skinned, fur-wearing barbarians, for example-also there are no elves or weird animals), but I'll come back to that later. The cast of characters is fairly large and the pov's alternate (sort of like in A Song of Ice and Fire) and this structure kept the pace of the story from dragging. The book is, I believe, the first in a series, so I think that explains why not a lot happened in terms of events, but it's a real journey for the characters and the few actual, plotty happenings are fairly important. The editing was pretty tight as well, and I don't recall seeing any typos.
Second, though the basic premise was a little cliché, the story grew to be more complex and interesting towards the second half of the novel. We're introduced to new characters and sub-plots begin to unravel. There's a Riinean magician going around and healing people, and since magic is something that was thought lost within the Riinean race, it's a pretty big deal. If indeed (as it was not clear from the book) magic is returning to the entire race (and not just to this one individual), this could have major political repercussions. The Riineans have been "conquered" and are being oppressed by the Keshens. They're poor, they're weak and are being taken advantage of. If magic comes back to them, they could rebel and they could win. If they rebel, this might intice the other conquered races to rebel as well...
I have to say, towards the end of the novel, I was more interested in one of the subplots than in the main romantic scenario. That said, the author kept a good balance between the two so my enjoyment of the story didn't really suffer. While what I call the main scenario (the story of Arieh and Enitan, the slave and the soldier) is resolved at the end of the book, some of the subplots weren't and I'm thinking they will be developed in the following books. Even for Arieh and Enitan, all was not said. Arieh still needs to deal with some personal "baggage" and Enitan (and through Enitan, Arieh) is brought into that subplot I liked which I can't say to much about for fear of spoiling it for you all. :D
Okay, now to what I was most looking forward to writing about in this review:
One thing I noticed in the story, and which has been mentioned by another reviewer, is the strong parallels with the Bible, especially the New Testament. Here are a few examples:
The setting: The city, Dega, is described very similarly to Jerusalem. Climate-wise, demographically and politically. For instance, it's hot and sandy, there are temples, various communities living together but each in their own enclaves. The Riineans are described like the Jews of the New Testament. They're dark skinned, with dark hair and eyes. They've been conquered, but they've kept their own practices and their own religion. A religion that's very similar to Judaism. Two gods where the others have several. Culinary restrictions like no pork and the animals have to be slaughtered a certain way and they have a religious book called the Votan, and something called days of darkness, which sounded very much like Passover. Moral issues for Riineans are also treated as they are in Judaism, like the attitude towards homosexuality and their view on marriage. There are tax collectors, a feature that's very present in the daily life in the city, just like—as you've most probably guessed—in the Bible.
Also, to continue the parallels, to me, the Keshens represent the Romans. Their gods-system is similar and they are the political and military figure in the city. Overseeing the tax collections, the markets and settling fights and arguments. They're lighter-skinned and at least one of them has light hair and blue eyes.
There are more parallels, episodes from the New Testament, which were repeated or echoed in the story. Like adulteress woman being stoned, Zachariah on the tree, the healing of a woman's child every one thought was hopeless and finally the Roman soldier coming to Jesus asking him to heal his slave.
I mention Jesus because there is a Jesus-like figure in the book (Int'ea). He has magic, something that the Riineans thought they had lost forever and hadn't had for centuries. Some believe that he (Int'ea) signals the return of magic to their race. Also, he just wanders around the Riinean enclave healing and generally helping people. No one knows where he's from or his parents' names. He's wise, forgiving, loving, mysterious. He is at the center of these Biblical parallels. Some Riineans like him, some hate him, he gets arrested, and as word gets around, the authorities become wary of him. Yep, Jesus.
So we have all of these parallels, and I'm not sure what to make of them. On the one hand, I think it's pretty cool how the author has weaved those references into her story while keeping it fresh and original, but on the other hand, because I have no idea where she was trying to go with that, it felt gratuitous. It's true that this is just an installment in a future series and I would suppose this will all be developed further in the upcoming books, but I think the author should have hinted at the point of all these references in the first book.
Despite this little negative, this was a great read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a solid, plotty read with a dash of fantasy. As to myself, I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel.
August 26, 2014
Okay, the official blurb for this book is a bit of a groaner; sounds like a rather seedy romance. But this novel (and it is a full-length novel, not yet another of the shorter novellas that are so popular) is so much more than that. The story is completely different in style and tone than Windows in Time , which I had previously mentioned enjoying and which is what led me to this book in the first place. Despite the very different tone, in the end I would say that this is perhaps an even better story than the aforementioned time-slip mystery.
Every Good Thing is in fact a fantasy, not a historical. But the magical elements are muted, and in many ways it reads like a historical as it's set in a world very similar to what one would find at the heart of the Roman Empire at its peak. Arieh's culture and religion have more than a few elements in common with the Judaism of 2000 years ago, but in addition to this there are also echoes of a few New Testament stories. (Some examples would be the story of the centurion and the slave, and Zacchaeus in the tree. Okay, perhaps not quite so much the Zacchaeus story, just a few elements of it.)
I suppose this could almost have been written as a straightforward historical by removing the magical elements, but I'm glad it wasn't; I'm not quite sure the story could have played out as it did and still have been perfectly "in period." I personally always enjoy reading fantasy novels which go into a little detail regarding the religious structure of the imagined world, and this was no different; I liked the way the varying systems were presented.
When describing the relationship between the two men, the book doesn't reach the depth or detail of a fantasy like The Archer's Heart---but then, that book is a personal favourite of mine and there's not much that is quite equal to it, in my opinion! Overall, however, I was quite pleased with this story---as I said, I couldn't put it down---and I was rather captivated by it. The tale ends most satisfactorily, but there are a few small loose threads that aren't quite entirely tied up, and I can't help but hope that the author has another story in the works regarding these two fellows. I would love to read more about them.
The cover perhaps isn't particularly professional by today's e-book standards, but I do like it. It's a bit different than the usual type of design---though I can't say that the model looks exactly like how I pictured the main character----he's far too pale!
Every Good Thing is in fact a fantasy, not a historical. But the magical elements are muted, and in many ways it reads like a historical as it's set in a world very similar to what one would find at the heart of the Roman Empire at its peak. Arieh's culture and religion have more than a few elements in common with the Judaism of 2000 years ago, but in addition to this there are also echoes of a few New Testament stories. (Some examples would be the story of the centurion and the slave, and Zacchaeus in the tree. Okay, perhaps not quite so much the Zacchaeus story, just a few elements of it.)
I suppose this could almost have been written as a straightforward historical by removing the magical elements, but I'm glad it wasn't; I'm not quite sure the story could have played out as it did and still have been perfectly "in period." I personally always enjoy reading fantasy novels which go into a little detail regarding the religious structure of the imagined world, and this was no different; I liked the way the varying systems were presented.
When describing the relationship between the two men, the book doesn't reach the depth or detail of a fantasy like The Archer's Heart---but then, that book is a personal favourite of mine and there's not much that is quite equal to it, in my opinion! Overall, however, I was quite pleased with this story---as I said, I couldn't put it down---and I was rather captivated by it. The tale ends most satisfactorily, but there are a few small loose threads that aren't quite entirely tied up, and I can't help but hope that the author has another story in the works regarding these two fellows. I would love to read more about them.
The cover perhaps isn't particularly professional by today's e-book standards, but I do like it. It's a bit different than the usual type of design---though I can't say that the model looks exactly like how I pictured the main character----he's far too pale!
April 6, 2013
Are these people supposed to be vaguely Hebrew-inspired?
Cuz this Sefar dude (the ancestor one) seems vaguely Joseph-inspired...
That would make E'ea...Egypt?
I mean, the names fit. They're slightly bastardized, but that's what fantasy authors do.
Arieh, Rahel, Simen, Dan, Ashar...
And then later, there's Dinah and Mara.
That's interesting because "Ayh" reminded me "Allah" even before I started drawing heavier parallels.
Junia is interesting. It was mentioned (someone did) that Junia was named after one of Enitan's gods...
Juno lol
...so...Roman...?
kentari would be centurion...
O: WAIT A MINUTE. Romans and Hebrews...
Ooooh that actually happened in history O: (Like, in the Bible and stuff. The whole Jesus times. That was all in Rome. You can tell cuz there's that thing about whether or not it's moral to pay taxes to Caesar and Jesus is all like "Who's face is on the coin?" "...Caesar's...? (duh?)" "Give unto Caesar what is his" or something like that)
Anyways, all this Bible-speak made it awk cuz it made it really allegorical...
I think Ashar's Jesus.
...Oh, my god. This is the gospels told from the POV of a gay centurion. Hooooly shit. That was a weird revelation.
...does that make Arieh the dude who's ear got cut off?
Nah. Just one of those random bedridden, mysteriously ill dudes Jesus healed, then.
I'm curious as to why life as a dedicant of Ashkal is so horrendous.
Meh. It's not bad. I'm not really a major fan of historicals (although I am rather partial to Regency romances if they're worked well), though, so *shrug
I'm a bit sad we don't get to learn more about the Jesus dude.
I also don't like the cover. *ahudders
Meh. Idk, man. I mean, I guess it's not bad. They avoid the research aspect by basically creating their own parallel dimension.
The story was kind of sweet.
August 21, 2009
There was a lot packed into this story, good thing there will be more! I was particularly intrigued with the parallels to biblical stories: Jesus the miracle healer, the centurion's servant, Zacchaeus in the tree... it will be interesting to see where this goes!
May 2, 2015
Very good story about a man sold into slavery to a soldier of the empire that conquered his people. His people's beliefs are very strict against wasted sperm--through masturbation, homosexual sex, everything that's not missionary position male/female--and so it is a challenge for him to adjust.
I really liked Enitan (the soldier), who wanted more than a slave or willing body, he bought Arieh (beautiful name, btw) as a pais, which is more of a highly-ranked (in the household) lover or husband.
At first, the sections that were through secondary characters' eyes bothered me and I wanted more through the MCs' eyes, but then I saw how those POV's were necessary to really understand all of the workings behind the main love story. It also let me see what was coming from a mile away and left me questioning at the end when a couple of plot threads weren't tied up (Suqua's story? Junia and Sariyah? Sariyah's brother's fate?). I hope we at least get a sequel vignette with Suqua finding his one-and-only.
But, what I liked most was that it was not an instant let's-just-forget-all-logic insta-love/lust situation where they go at it like rabbits from the beginning. It took time to build their relationship and become lovers, and I really appreciated that. Stamp of approval!
I really liked Enitan (the soldier), who wanted more than a slave or willing body, he bought Arieh (beautiful name, btw) as a pais, which is more of a highly-ranked (in the household) lover or husband.
At first, the sections that were through secondary characters' eyes bothered me and I wanted more through the MCs' eyes, but then I saw how those POV's were necessary to really understand all of the workings behind the main love story. It also let me see what was coming from a mile away and left me questioning at the end when a couple of plot threads weren't tied up (Suqua's story? Junia and Sariyah? Sariyah's brother's fate?). I hope we at least get a sequel vignette with Suqua finding his one-and-only.
But, what I liked most was that it was not an instant let's-just-forget-all-logic insta-love/lust situation where they go at it like rabbits from the beginning. It took time to build their relationship and become lovers, and I really appreciated that. Stamp of approval!
October 28, 2010
Stars: 2.5/5
Overall:
I started this story expecting a bit more slave-master dynamic, but by the third chapter or so, I realized this wasn't going to be. Although Arieh is sold to Enitan as a slave, Enitan plans on making him his pias, a position between highest ranking slave and wife, leaning toward obedient wife placement. The pias is expected to keep the master of the house's bed, but when Arieh is reluctant, Enitan doesn't push him.
It's a story of a boy overcoming fear and teachings to embrace his feelings for the man who bought him. There are some allusions to the negatives of drugs, the positives/negatives of faith (seems to favor multiple gods over one), and the construction of a family outside the normal "established" family idea.
For the complete review, click here
Overall:
I started this story expecting a bit more slave-master dynamic, but by the third chapter or so, I realized this wasn't going to be. Although Arieh is sold to Enitan as a slave, Enitan plans on making him his pias, a position between highest ranking slave and wife, leaning toward obedient wife placement. The pias is expected to keep the master of the house's bed, but when Arieh is reluctant, Enitan doesn't push him.
It's a story of a boy overcoming fear and teachings to embrace his feelings for the man who bought him. There are some allusions to the negatives of drugs, the positives/negatives of faith (seems to favor multiple gods over one), and the construction of a family outside the normal "established" family idea.
For the complete review, click here
March 20, 2011
There's a lot going on in this story about a young man forced into slavery. Lucky for him he's bought by a good man with a lot of patience. The story is well-written and the plot is quite interesting but there's a lot going on and at times it felt overwhelming. I liked both Arieh and Enitan and their slowly developing relationship was nicely done. The cast of supporting characters is very large and the world building in this novel suggest the possibility of future stories.
September 24, 2011
Love the relation. Good evolution.
Normally not my kind of story (love my slave story to be all consensual), so I'm very surprise of how much I enjoyed this book. How the writer wrote this story (the slavery) help.
Too much personages. Too much stories without resolution.
Normally not my kind of story (love my slave story to be all consensual), so I'm very surprise of how much I enjoyed this book. How the writer wrote this story (the slavery) help.
Too much personages. Too much stories without resolution.
June 12, 2020
A very enjoyable romance with just enough conflict and angst to keep you guessing, stimulating your curiosity and keeping things interesting but not so much angst and conflict that you are biting your nails off or throwing the kindle across the room.
While we get a good look into the different cultures, I feel like I could have done with more building on the cultures and peoples in this story.
I also felt that I got a good view of the main characters, getting to see them change a bit from page one to the end. Getting to see our main characters from the point of view of a side character as well, was quite good, and helped me see different angles. At the same time, I can’t say that the character development was deep and that the characters were incredibly fleshed out and unique.
There are a few sex scenes, but they are much more tender and short on the descriptions than hot and sexy.
All in all, Every Good Thing isn’t a masterpiece, I don’t think it does anything perfectly but it definitely does a lot of things good and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
While we get a good look into the different cultures, I feel like I could have done with more building on the cultures and peoples in this story.
I also felt that I got a good view of the main characters, getting to see them change a bit from page one to the end. Getting to see our main characters from the point of view of a side character as well, was quite good, and helped me see different angles. At the same time, I can’t say that the character development was deep and that the characters were incredibly fleshed out and unique.
There are a few sex scenes, but they are much more tender and short on the descriptions than hot and sexy.
All in all, Every Good Thing isn’t a masterpiece, I don’t think it does anything perfectly but it definitely does a lot of things good and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
August 19, 2009
This intricate story weaves together a large cast and numerous storylines to deliver a great first book in a new series. Due to the complexity and number of characters, as well as several incomplete story lines, this book has to be the first in a series. Hopefully subsequent books can focus more on one storyline and follow that from start to finish without the distraction of so many outside influences that have little impact on the main couple or the surrounding world. The introduction of every conceivable character and situation overwhelmed the story easily and early. However, the story is incredibly well written with fabulous world building and when focusing on the main storyline, the relationship is engaging and entertaining.
Arieh is sold as a slave to cover the taxes his family can’t afford to pay. Arieh is bought as a pais, a special lover, by local Keshen soldier, Enitan. Unfortunately Arieh’s restrictive upbringing and harsh religious rules are at odds with the life Enitan wants for the two of them. While Arieh and Enitan navigate the minefield of their new relationship, jealousy among slaves mingles with newfound magic and problems swirl outside of Enitan’s view.
The story is incredibly intricate as it involves numerous storylines occurring simultaneously. The first is the relationship between Arieh and Enitan. At the same time, Enitan’s personal slave for many years, Demic, is jealous and racist against the newcomer. Demic plots on how to get rid of the irritating new slave with the help of an enterprising young dancer that has access to some magical potions. While all of this is going on, Enitan’s head slave, Junia, has befriended the dancer’s twin sister as a possible love interest. As if all of that was not enough, a long forgotten magician has re-emerged and taken an apprentice. The two are resurrecting magic long thought dead but raise suspension with each new subject they heal.
This may sound confusing but it’s not. It’s merely incredibly complicated and busy. The story is told in a third person narrator, alternating scenes with each story line and every character in the immense cast gets to expose their thoughts to the reader. This allows the reader to identify each character, yet at the same time the cast is way too large and blends together from sheer volume. From the various slaves and their own storylines to the married second in command who has no real purpose yet oddly lusts after strong women, to the magician’s apprentice ~ these storylines detract and distract from the main theme and subsequent relationship.
Although these characters will no doubt be important in later books, several have very little interaction or purpose in relation to the supposed main storyline and thus would not be missed if they were withheld for later books in the series. For example, the magician’s apprentice is clearly a set up for a future relationship between the two but has no weight or purpose in this book other than introducing the reader to the character and offering a thorough history, both of which could easily take place in his own book. Since this thread is left dangling, the story and pacing would have benefited from its absence.
Characters and storylines are still being introduced well after the halfway mark of the book and the main couple, Arieh and Enitan had barely kissed at that point. This is frustrating and distracting. Every scene or two with the main characters is offset by more world building and extraneous storylines. However, the benefit to that is that the story is thought out, careful, and nothing is done hastily or without showing the reader the origins of each new twist. Additionally the world building is simply stunning. The level of detail and unique elements added to the story and its world is remarkable, creating a wonderfully rich texture. The vast array of complexity added show the strength and skill of the story. Although some of this falls into almost too much detail, I can’t complain about the wealth of imagery and layering that has been included. This fascinating world is brought to life with a mastery of language and prose, designed to accentuate each new unfolding detail.
The characters themselves are all well defined, as much as possible in such a large cast. The individual identities and histories add to the world first and then to the various story lines. Although with an epic of this size and a mere 240 pages, the characterization has to suffer and it does but only in the most minor ways. The relationship between Arieh and Enitan is mostly easy and companionable even as it is slow to progress and heat. The sexual tension between them is muted and almost offhand as the actions and machinations of those around them often overwhelm the relationship itself. However, the final dramatic resolution to their relationship showed real depth and emotion, offering a satisfying ending to that storyline.
As a first book in a series, it would have to be, this story is definitely worth reading. It is not wholly successful and tries to pack in an immense amount of information in the form of world building, characters, and storylines that should be spread out over the course of the series, but the instant fascination with this world and its members shines through. The strong writing, evocative prose, and emotional connection create an engaging story brimming with possibility. Fantasy fans will especially appreciate the level of detail afforded, just don’t get too bogged down by the numerous story lines. I’m looking forward to see where the author goes with the next book and if it can possibly stand alone. Be sure to get in on the series now.
Arieh is sold as a slave to cover the taxes his family can’t afford to pay. Arieh is bought as a pais, a special lover, by local Keshen soldier, Enitan. Unfortunately Arieh’s restrictive upbringing and harsh religious rules are at odds with the life Enitan wants for the two of them. While Arieh and Enitan navigate the minefield of their new relationship, jealousy among slaves mingles with newfound magic and problems swirl outside of Enitan’s view.
The story is incredibly intricate as it involves numerous storylines occurring simultaneously. The first is the relationship between Arieh and Enitan. At the same time, Enitan’s personal slave for many years, Demic, is jealous and racist against the newcomer. Demic plots on how to get rid of the irritating new slave with the help of an enterprising young dancer that has access to some magical potions. While all of this is going on, Enitan’s head slave, Junia, has befriended the dancer’s twin sister as a possible love interest. As if all of that was not enough, a long forgotten magician has re-emerged and taken an apprentice. The two are resurrecting magic long thought dead but raise suspension with each new subject they heal.
This may sound confusing but it’s not. It’s merely incredibly complicated and busy. The story is told in a third person narrator, alternating scenes with each story line and every character in the immense cast gets to expose their thoughts to the reader. This allows the reader to identify each character, yet at the same time the cast is way too large and blends together from sheer volume. From the various slaves and their own storylines to the married second in command who has no real purpose yet oddly lusts after strong women, to the magician’s apprentice ~ these storylines detract and distract from the main theme and subsequent relationship.
Although these characters will no doubt be important in later books, several have very little interaction or purpose in relation to the supposed main storyline and thus would not be missed if they were withheld for later books in the series. For example, the magician’s apprentice is clearly a set up for a future relationship between the two but has no weight or purpose in this book other than introducing the reader to the character and offering a thorough history, both of which could easily take place in his own book. Since this thread is left dangling, the story and pacing would have benefited from its absence.
Characters and storylines are still being introduced well after the halfway mark of the book and the main couple, Arieh and Enitan had barely kissed at that point. This is frustrating and distracting. Every scene or two with the main characters is offset by more world building and extraneous storylines. However, the benefit to that is that the story is thought out, careful, and nothing is done hastily or without showing the reader the origins of each new twist. Additionally the world building is simply stunning. The level of detail and unique elements added to the story and its world is remarkable, creating a wonderfully rich texture. The vast array of complexity added show the strength and skill of the story. Although some of this falls into almost too much detail, I can’t complain about the wealth of imagery and layering that has been included. This fascinating world is brought to life with a mastery of language and prose, designed to accentuate each new unfolding detail.
The characters themselves are all well defined, as much as possible in such a large cast. The individual identities and histories add to the world first and then to the various story lines. Although with an epic of this size and a mere 240 pages, the characterization has to suffer and it does but only in the most minor ways. The relationship between Arieh and Enitan is mostly easy and companionable even as it is slow to progress and heat. The sexual tension between them is muted and almost offhand as the actions and machinations of those around them often overwhelm the relationship itself. However, the final dramatic resolution to their relationship showed real depth and emotion, offering a satisfying ending to that storyline.
As a first book in a series, it would have to be, this story is definitely worth reading. It is not wholly successful and tries to pack in an immense amount of information in the form of world building, characters, and storylines that should be spread out over the course of the series, but the instant fascination with this world and its members shines through. The strong writing, evocative prose, and emotional connection create an engaging story brimming with possibility. Fantasy fans will especially appreciate the level of detail afforded, just don’t get too bogged down by the numerous story lines. I’m looking forward to see where the author goes with the next book and if it can possibly stand alone. Be sure to get in on the series now.
May 4, 2024
3.5 rounded up
Felt a little rushed in some places- especially the end. It also felt a little weak in regards to some of the plot points/random character povs. It was a good short read despite those few things!
Felt a little rushed in some places- especially the end. It also felt a little weak in regards to some of the plot points/random character povs. It was a good short read despite those few things!
April 20, 2019
Four solid stars for a solid book. It was a really good read. The feeling it transmits, was about quiet things and love. Lovely writing too!
July 26, 2022
This was ok, but I didn’t love it. Nothing was fleshed out enough
January 30, 2014
3.5 stars
This story takes place in a fantasy medieval middle eastern setting.
Arieh is sold as a slave to pay his familys outstanding atx debts. He is bought by a high ranking officer in the Keshen army Enitan. Enitan is looking for a Pais - a male bride or life companion - not just a pleasure slave, a man who will love him with both body and soul.
Unfortunately Arieh has been brought up in a strictly religious society and believes that all sexual relations without procreation as a goal, is a sin. Not really what you are looking for in a pleasure slave!
If you are looking for a master / slave story, this is NOT the one you want. In spite of the fact, that Enitan buys Arieh as the slave market and is his owner, this is really more of a story of love, patience, seduction and coming to terms with what you want, although it may be very different to what you have been told you should want.
This could have been a 4-4.5 story for me, had it not been for the fact that some parts of the story felt a little rushed and if not for the fact that the authors fails to follow up on many many things through out the story.
I am pretty sure that this story is the beginning of a series, so I will not deduct more from the rating in spite of all these loose ends. In stead I will hope fervently that Ms. Aedin will complete the series!
This story takes place in a fantasy medieval middle eastern setting.
Arieh is sold as a slave to pay his familys outstanding atx debts. He is bought by a high ranking officer in the Keshen army Enitan. Enitan is looking for a Pais - a male bride or life companion - not just a pleasure slave, a man who will love him with both body and soul.
Unfortunately Arieh has been brought up in a strictly religious society and believes that all sexual relations without procreation as a goal, is a sin. Not really what you are looking for in a pleasure slave!
If you are looking for a master / slave story, this is NOT the one you want. In spite of the fact, that Enitan buys Arieh as the slave market and is his owner, this is really more of a story of love, patience, seduction and coming to terms with what you want, although it may be very different to what you have been told you should want.
This could have been a 4-4.5 story for me, had it not been for the fact that some parts of the story felt a little rushed and if not for the fact that the authors fails to follow up on many many things through out the story.
I am pretty sure that this story is the beginning of a series, so I will not deduct more from the rating in spite of all these loose ends. In stead I will hope fervently that Ms. Aedin will complete the series!
May 23, 2010
This book appears to be a retelling of the story of the healing of Centurion's servant (pais) from the New Testament.
It is a good story, but has several story lines which tail off into nothing and made me wonder if--as other reviewers have said--it is the first in a new series?
I liked the main characters Enitan, a Keshen Kentari (high ranking soldier), and his pais, Arieh and enjoyed their story.
As a Bible scholar, it was very easy for me to recognize this as a retelling of one of Christ's miracles (Matt 8:5 and Luke 7:1). One conversation in particular is very similar to the wording from the biblical account.
All of that aside though, I found the book impossible to put down, although there were several threads in the story that I would have liked to have seen tied up. For instance, the relationship between Suqua and Ashar, and whether or not a young woman burned and disfigured in one incident ever recovers or is healed of her injury?
There is also the beginning of a lesbian story thread which I would have liked to see developed further.
The world created in this book felt realistic and was engaging and I enjoyed that aspect of it a lot. I liked learning how each member of the rather large cast fits into the puzzle, but I feel there are one or two characters who were not really essential to the story.
I'd like to congratulate the author for having the courage to present a story from the Bible with a very different take on it to what is commonly accepted. If only he had acknowledged that that is what he was doing.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes historical or alternate history stories.
It is a good story, but has several story lines which tail off into nothing and made me wonder if--as other reviewers have said--it is the first in a new series?
I liked the main characters Enitan, a Keshen Kentari (high ranking soldier), and his pais, Arieh and enjoyed their story.
As a Bible scholar, it was very easy for me to recognize this as a retelling of one of Christ's miracles (Matt 8:5 and Luke 7:1). One conversation in particular is very similar to the wording from the biblical account.
All of that aside though, I found the book impossible to put down, although there were several threads in the story that I would have liked to have seen tied up. For instance, the relationship between Suqua and Ashar, and whether or not a young woman burned and disfigured in one incident ever recovers or is healed of her injury?
There is also the beginning of a lesbian story thread which I would have liked to see developed further.
The world created in this book felt realistic and was engaging and I enjoyed that aspect of it a lot. I liked learning how each member of the rather large cast fits into the puzzle, but I feel there are one or two characters who were not really essential to the story.
I'd like to congratulate the author for having the courage to present a story from the Bible with a very different take on it to what is commonly accepted. If only he had acknowledged that that is what he was doing.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes historical or alternate history stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2015
Extremely touching and romantic. It was very hard for me to swallow the beginning of this book. I felt so bad for Arieh and I really disliked his master; not because he was cruel, but just for his impatience and for the simple fact that he owned slaves. However, over time I grew to respect his choices and began to like him. This situation is very similar to many arranged marriages in the Middle East where the woman often has no choice about her husband. The man must pay a bride price for her, and then she is delivered to him on their wedding night. The difference between those marriages and this story is that the men in arranged marriages rarely have patience with the girl. They take her to their bed the first night. So in the world M. Jules has created, Enitan is following the rules of society and is so very kind to his beloved (although purchased) spouse Arieh. Aside from the love affair, the intrigue in this story built and kept me interested until the end.
February 2, 2021
I was very impressed with the way this author took a well used theme of master / slave and made it her own. Both the characters and the world were well developed. I wish there had been at least a 2nd of not more in this series. I would have loved to see how the Christ like Magician would take on those using religion to be cruel and intolerant. I want to see how our m/c's grow and handle this ever shifting world. Though I really wanted to see more, I do not feel the author left us hanging. Doors are left open, but this story does have a nice conclusion. I loved the twists the author infused throughout, and I'm glad I took the chance on a really old book left on my wishlist.
December 27, 2011
Enjoyable read. There are a few loose threads, though, like the mysterious magician. I could see commentary here on the extremes of religion and politics in today's society, whether meant or not. The characters are good, easily drawing me in. The plot is simple, the development of a relationship in spite of the odds against it, but the drawn society is complex and vivid.
October 26, 2013
Start 5, but 3 total
Arieh changed drastically too fast. I felt like there was a big chunk of the book missing. They needed months to get to kissing... Arieh was thinking about his religion, but we didn't see him actually overcome prejudices. At least, I didn't feel it.
Arieh changed drastically too fast. I felt like there was a big chunk of the book missing. They needed months to get to kissing... Arieh was thinking about his religion, but we didn't see him actually overcome prejudices. At least, I didn't feel it.
August 1, 2011
On the one hand the world building and the characters were excellent. On the other there was a huge jump in the middle like there are missing pages or something. Is this is supposed to have a sequel because it would explain the loose ends?
September 16, 2009
3.5 stars from me and my review:
http://www.rainbow-reviews.com/?p=1737
http://www.rainbow-reviews.com/?p=1737
April 15, 2010
3.5 stars for this one. I would have given it 4 stars but I kept getting yanked out of the story trying to figure out how to pronounce the names. I know...it's a pet peeve of mine :)
January 2, 2013
3.75 stars
a sequel would be nice - many things felt unresolved
a sequel would be nice - many things felt unresolved
December 26, 2013
Wonderful story...master and slave...the blossoming of virgin love...
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