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Amaranthine Interludes #1
Lord Mettlebright's Man
Jacques Smythe brazens his way into Stately House and shows no sign of departing. Like it or not, Lord Mettlebright has himself a butler.
Unique format! A story in 100-word chapters that was originally serialized on forthright’s blog, beginning in 2018. Set behind the scenes of the Amaranthine Saga, Jacques’ story begins immediately after the events of Bk1: Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox and concludes with the events leading up to Bk4: Mikoto and the Reaver Village. Slice-of-life. Family.
*Print edition includes the short story Suuzu and the Nine Nippets of Legend (Amaranthine Interludes, #2).
Unique format! A story in 100-word chapters that was originally serialized on forthright’s blog, beginning in 2018. Set behind the scenes of the Amaranthine Saga, Jacques’ story begins immediately after the events of Bk1: Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox and concludes with the events leading up to Bk4: Mikoto and the Reaver Village. Slice-of-life. Family.
*Print edition includes the short story Suuzu and the Nine Nippets of Legend (Amaranthine Interludes, #2).
560 pages, Paperback
Published June 4, 2023
13 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Forthright .
38 books550 followersa teller of tales with a fondness for unlikely friendships, wary alliances, unexpected upshots, hard-won trust, diverse cultures, found family, local legends, and folksome things. Author of the Immortal Holmes series, paranormal mysteries with a steampunk aesthetic set in an alternate history & the romantically-inclined Amaranthine Saga, with all of its attendant short stories & serials.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 10, 2023
I am sad for Jacques. I wish I had the gestures and the comfort for him- where the hell is Sonnet!! What is happening!!
5 stars for this strange cadence blog- turned- story, 700 words! If you have not read any of the Amaranthine books, I do not recommend you start here! It will make no sense. And it took a while for me to get used to the 100 word chapters- very well done and creative.
But boy do I recommend starting these stories from the beginning! They have a strange tenderness, innuendo, slyness and intimacy that just sucks you in and wish for gentle grooming. Sigh. This world and its openness to all the ways to love a person, there are so many ways and not always sexual.
I always wondered about Uncle Jacky, especially after the last book (Pimiko and the Uncharted Island) where I had no idea of what was going on, thought he was awful and his confusion with Akira! Now I need to read it again for closure but I am so glad for this behind- the- scenes look at his story. I hope it will continue in the best way but I am already sad so much time has gone by for him and Sonnet.
We find Jacques at Stately House to serve Argent and he won't be turned away, he is given a name- Devotion. And eventually a home and family. I will say that this story feels like it has way more sexual overtones but maybe that is just Jacky.
Highlights that hit me in the feels, spoilers ahead:
Taking a shallow, shaky breath, Jacques whispered, “I’m willing to beg.”
“You know how?”
For an answer, he bowed at the waist and touched his lips to the inside of Argent’s wrist. Argent growled in annoyance, and Jacques flinched. But the fool clung desperately to his hand, properly pressing his forehead to the spot. Would he grovel next?
But a hot tear splashed onto Argent’s palm, and then another, and his heart sank.
Of all his tormentors, why was this insufferable brat the only one to come back, to bother to learn how, to give what no one else ever did? Apologies.
----------
Michael went into greater detail while Jacques tried not to be devastated. Argent would accept children simply because they were part-chicken or part-goat yet shun someone who wanted a place just as much. Non … more.
As he is inducted in the way of the Amaranthine:
Weak and wilting, Jacques became something the cat dragged in.
He failed to struggle against the indignity.
Probably because the brawny, brooding, bashful idiot was petting his hair.
And star wine is introduced:
Jacques sipped and swayed peacefully within the wine’s thrall. “Who were you, again?”
“Valor.”
"Seriously?”
“You would not be the first to find humor in our traditions.”
“Could be worse.” Another swallow. Lovely stuff, star wine.
“Stodgy or Manky or Pudge.”
“More?”
Jacques nodded happily. “Very generous.”
Valor winked. “Generous is my aunt.”
----------
Turning Jacques hand, Lapis leaned his cheek into it and observed, “You’re happy.”
That reminded Jacques why. Lowering his voice, he confided, “Argent wants me.”
Lapis whispered, “What holds you back?”
Jacques petted and pondered. Ah, yes. “Chocolate.”
“Yeah? I know where Sansa stashes the good stuff.” Ginkgo stood in the doorway, arms folded across his chest. “Which one of you got him drunk?”
Jacques wants to show his brother up:
Jacques confided, “He can always tell when I’m happy.”
Something in Argent’s expression shifted. “Happiness is your ambition?”
“Oui.”
“A vague goal.”
“But easily reached.”
“Happiness,” Argent repeated thoughtfully. “You have always been the sort who finds it easily.”
Once again, Jacques suspected a compliment. Perhaps even a touch of envy.
He becomes "Uncle Jacky" to the crosser orphans at Stately House, a role that he excels in:
Like most young crossers, Kyrie didn’t have words for everything that was going on inside.
“One thing,” Jacques urged. “Tell me one true thing.”
Soft as a sigh, Kyrie answered, “Love you, Uncle Jackie.”
He has a light hearted character with them all:
He joined their workout, though at half the speed of Sansa and the boys.
“Your form is good,” she said mildly.
“Speed isn’t everything.”
“What else do you have?”
Jacques winked. “Staying power.” She laughed and lowered herself to the floor.
And young Nonny thinks he hangs the stars:
“Nonny, what’s the rule we established with regards to my sex life?”
“It’s none of my business.” He grimly added, “Until I’m bloody well part of it.”
“Stop appending.” Jacques kept walking. “Your feelings are noted, and they are safe.”
“If I wanted safe, I wouldn’t have settled on you.”
“Too soon for that. Your voice hasn’t even fully settled.”
Sonnet comes to him for a "run" which has way more connotations than I expected. Like a mating run under the moon for wolves but no bonding allowed? Anyway, Jacky accepts Sonnet's trust in him, trying to keep it casual but the heart got involved :(
Gingko tries to explain:
“There’s no romance?” Jacques was skeptical.
“Oh, I wouldn’t say that. This is Sonnet we’re talking about. He romanticizes gruel.”
-----------
“Be your sexy self. And … he’ll probably be extra careful, but if by some fluke, things take an uncomfortable turn, I’m there.”
“Literally? Good thing I have exhibitionist tendencies.”
Ginkgo snorted. “I’m no voyeur. My wards are tuned. Just say the word.” And leaning close, he whispered, “Pompadour.” (LOLOLOL that is Jacky's "safe" word. Hilarious)
And as Uncle Jacky:
Torloo wriggled closer, breathed deeply, and sighed his way to a smile. “Hello, Uncle Jackie.”
“Hello, Petal Moon.” Blue eyes shone with delight over Jacques’ nickname for him. Such endearments were treasured by wolves, who valued them as a reflection of the bonds that inspired them. Lord.
Why had he never come up with one for Sonnet?
and
"Jacques had been through this so many times before, so he didn’t ask Sonnet to stay.
And Sonnet didn’t ask him to wait."
NOOOOO. So sad. The story stops at Pimiko and we are left wondering what happens next to dear Jacky. On to the next!
5 stars for this strange cadence blog- turned- story, 700 words! If you have not read any of the Amaranthine books, I do not recommend you start here! It will make no sense. And it took a while for me to get used to the 100 word chapters- very well done and creative.
But boy do I recommend starting these stories from the beginning! They have a strange tenderness, innuendo, slyness and intimacy that just sucks you in and wish for gentle grooming. Sigh. This world and its openness to all the ways to love a person, there are so many ways and not always sexual.
I always wondered about Uncle Jacky, especially after the last book (Pimiko and the Uncharted Island) where I had no idea of what was going on, thought he was awful and his confusion with Akira! Now I need to read it again for closure but I am so glad for this behind- the- scenes look at his story. I hope it will continue in the best way but I am already sad so much time has gone by for him and Sonnet.
We find Jacques at Stately House to serve Argent and he won't be turned away, he is given a name- Devotion. And eventually a home and family. I will say that this story feels like it has way more sexual overtones but maybe that is just Jacky.
Highlights that hit me in the feels, spoilers ahead:
Taking a shallow, shaky breath, Jacques whispered, “I’m willing to beg.”
“You know how?”
For an answer, he bowed at the waist and touched his lips to the inside of Argent’s wrist. Argent growled in annoyance, and Jacques flinched. But the fool clung desperately to his hand, properly pressing his forehead to the spot. Would he grovel next?
But a hot tear splashed onto Argent’s palm, and then another, and his heart sank.
Of all his tormentors, why was this insufferable brat the only one to come back, to bother to learn how, to give what no one else ever did? Apologies.
----------
Michael went into greater detail while Jacques tried not to be devastated. Argent would accept children simply because they were part-chicken or part-goat yet shun someone who wanted a place just as much. Non … more.
As he is inducted in the way of the Amaranthine:
Weak and wilting, Jacques became something the cat dragged in.
He failed to struggle against the indignity.
Probably because the brawny, brooding, bashful idiot was petting his hair.
And star wine is introduced:
Jacques sipped and swayed peacefully within the wine’s thrall. “Who were you, again?”
“Valor.”
"Seriously?”
“You would not be the first to find humor in our traditions.”
“Could be worse.” Another swallow. Lovely stuff, star wine.
“Stodgy or Manky or Pudge.”
“More?”
Jacques nodded happily. “Very generous.”
Valor winked. “Generous is my aunt.”
----------
Turning Jacques hand, Lapis leaned his cheek into it and observed, “You’re happy.”
That reminded Jacques why. Lowering his voice, he confided, “Argent wants me.”
Lapis whispered, “What holds you back?”
Jacques petted and pondered. Ah, yes. “Chocolate.”
“Yeah? I know where Sansa stashes the good stuff.” Ginkgo stood in the doorway, arms folded across his chest. “Which one of you got him drunk?”
Jacques wants to show his brother up:
Jacques confided, “He can always tell when I’m happy.”
Something in Argent’s expression shifted. “Happiness is your ambition?”
“Oui.”
“A vague goal.”
“But easily reached.”
“Happiness,” Argent repeated thoughtfully. “You have always been the sort who finds it easily.”
Once again, Jacques suspected a compliment. Perhaps even a touch of envy.
He becomes "Uncle Jacky" to the crosser orphans at Stately House, a role that he excels in:
Like most young crossers, Kyrie didn’t have words for everything that was going on inside.
“One thing,” Jacques urged. “Tell me one true thing.”
Soft as a sigh, Kyrie answered, “Love you, Uncle Jackie.”
He has a light hearted character with them all:
He joined their workout, though at half the speed of Sansa and the boys.
“Your form is good,” she said mildly.
“Speed isn’t everything.”
“What else do you have?”
Jacques winked. “Staying power.” She laughed and lowered herself to the floor.
And young Nonny thinks he hangs the stars:
“Nonny, what’s the rule we established with regards to my sex life?”
“It’s none of my business.” He grimly added, “Until I’m bloody well part of it.”
“Stop appending.” Jacques kept walking. “Your feelings are noted, and they are safe.”
“If I wanted safe, I wouldn’t have settled on you.”
“Too soon for that. Your voice hasn’t even fully settled.”
Sonnet comes to him for a "run" which has way more connotations than I expected. Like a mating run under the moon for wolves but no bonding allowed? Anyway, Jacky accepts Sonnet's trust in him, trying to keep it casual but the heart got involved :(
Gingko tries to explain:
“There’s no romance?” Jacques was skeptical.
“Oh, I wouldn’t say that. This is Sonnet we’re talking about. He romanticizes gruel.”
-----------
“Be your sexy self. And … he’ll probably be extra careful, but if by some fluke, things take an uncomfortable turn, I’m there.”
“Literally? Good thing I have exhibitionist tendencies.”
Ginkgo snorted. “I’m no voyeur. My wards are tuned. Just say the word.” And leaning close, he whispered, “Pompadour.” (LOLOLOL that is Jacky's "safe" word. Hilarious)
And as Uncle Jacky:
Torloo wriggled closer, breathed deeply, and sighed his way to a smile. “Hello, Uncle Jackie.”
“Hello, Petal Moon.” Blue eyes shone with delight over Jacques’ nickname for him. Such endearments were treasured by wolves, who valued them as a reflection of the bonds that inspired them. Lord.
Why had he never come up with one for Sonnet?
and
"Jacques had been through this so many times before, so he didn’t ask Sonnet to stay.
And Sonnet didn’t ask him to wait."
NOOOOO. So sad. The story stops at Pimiko and we are left wondering what happens next to dear Jacky. On to the next!
June 18, 2023
I first read Lord Mettlebright's Man as posts on the author's blog. This tale is unique because EACH chapter is precisely 100 words.
I appreciated getting to read the entire story as a whole. While it was being serialized on the blog, some days I would not have time to look for the post. Towards the end, I stopped reading it on the blog, preferring to read it as a whole work.
Jacques Smythe is a unique character because one day he just shows up at Stately House and declares that he is there to take the open post of butler, since Argent (the former butler) is now so busy. Which actually works out well since Argent's new position puts him in the public eye and Jacques' role in managing Argent's wardrobe proves to be invaluable.
This is also the novel where the crosser (half-human, half-Amaranthine) children start joining Stately House. Kyrie, Argent's adopted crosser son, is here, of course, and Argent and his mate Tsumiko (who actually owns Stately House & happens to be Jacque’s distant cousin) make it their mission to save every crosser child that they can (as neither the humans nor the Amaranthine especially want them around). So, Kyrie is provided with siblings as he grows up AND these crosser kids have a lot to offer on their own, as well, including added value to the novel’s & the series’ overall plot.
Highly recommended for series fans (the author carefully notes which portions of this novel happen in between the Amaranthine Saga books), Urban Fantasy fans, found family fans, etc.!
I appreciated getting to read the entire story as a whole. While it was being serialized on the blog, some days I would not have time to look for the post. Towards the end, I stopped reading it on the blog, preferring to read it as a whole work.
Jacques Smythe is a unique character because one day he just shows up at Stately House and declares that he is there to take the open post of butler, since Argent (the former butler) is now so busy. Which actually works out well since Argent's new position puts him in the public eye and Jacques' role in managing Argent's wardrobe proves to be invaluable.
This is also the novel where the crosser (half-human, half-Amaranthine) children start joining Stately House. Kyrie, Argent's adopted crosser son, is here, of course, and Argent and his mate Tsumiko (who actually owns Stately House & happens to be Jacque’s distant cousin) make it their mission to save every crosser child that they can (as neither the humans nor the Amaranthine especially want them around). So, Kyrie is provided with siblings as he grows up AND these crosser kids have a lot to offer on their own, as well, including added value to the novel’s & the series’ overall plot.
Highly recommended for series fans (the author carefully notes which portions of this novel happen in between the Amaranthine Saga books), Urban Fantasy fans, found family fans, etc.!
April 2, 2024
I actually really like this story and love the characters and Amaranthine world. I first read most of this book as part of the serial mailings, but there are some things that can make it difficult to follow and not recommended for a new reader. First, you have to have read the other Amaranthine books to understand the wider events mentioned and characters introduced, (I really should have reread the series to refresh my memory) and, second, the format. Each mailing was a 100 word chapter, which cuts descriptions down to barebones and means sometimes context is missing, especially from conversations. It also wanders, with no real plot, a slice-of-life of characters that are properly introduced in the other books, and it kind of trails off without any real end, open to the next book in the series. But the warmth, friendship and emotion still comes through and it fills in behind the scenes with a different pov.
Also the MC is a gay man and many of the characters are bi-, homo- or pansexual, or bonded in nonsexual relationships, so you need to be comfortable with a variety of love lives. ;)
Also the MC is a gay man and many of the characters are bi-, homo- or pansexual, or bonded in nonsexual relationships, so you need to be comfortable with a variety of love lives. ;)
June 6, 2023
Loved this!
I’ve been a fan of Jacques since he began at Stately House. Trying so hard to fit in. This leads up to Pimiko and the Uncharted Island and all the desperate and dangerous adventures that Jacques and Akira have. I love this world and I’m sorry to see it end. We will have a few more side tales, so I’m not mourning yet. After all, I’ve just started to listen to them all from the beginning. Forthy is a pro at intertwining story lines and she will keep you guessing. They only get better with each time you read them.
I’ve been a fan of Jacques since he began at Stately House. Trying so hard to fit in. This leads up to Pimiko and the Uncharted Island and all the desperate and dangerous adventures that Jacques and Akira have. I love this world and I’m sorry to see it end. We will have a few more side tales, so I’m not mourning yet. After all, I’ve just started to listen to them all from the beginning. Forthy is a pro at intertwining story lines and she will keep you guessing. They only get better with each time you read them.
June 4, 2023
Worth the wait
I originally read LMM on Forthright's blog as it was written, one drabble at a time, but reading it all at once with no pause for loading screens is an utter joy.
Jacques' growth as a character from problem child to beloved uncle and cuddle buddy is a careful dance, rich with nuance. He's easily become one of my favorite characters in the series.
Highly recommended.
I originally read LMM on Forthright's blog as it was written, one drabble at a time, but reading it all at once with no pause for loading screens is an utter joy.
Jacques' growth as a character from problem child to beloved uncle and cuddle buddy is a careful dance, rich with nuance. He's easily become one of my favorite characters in the series.
Highly recommended.
August 12, 2023
I love this series! This one was not my favorite--it was quite episodic and busy. That's OK--just not my favorite.
September 29, 2024
Loved reading this story again, watching as Jacques gain confidence, and his place in this world!
*First Read June 26th, 2023*
I read the 100 word blog posts as this book was being written and I was excited to read the whole thing, and it was so good! I just love Jacques!
*First Read June 26th, 2023*
I read the 100 word blog posts as this book was being written and I was excited to read the whole thing, and it was so good! I just love Jacques!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews