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Last Gasp
Tributary by Erastes
It's 1936 and a generation of disaffected youth waits in the space between a war that destroyed many of their friends and family, and a war they know is bound to come. Guy Mason wanders through Italy, bored and restless for reasons he can't even name, and stops at the Hotel Vista, high in the mountains of Lombardy. There, he meets scientist James Calloway and his secretary, Louis Chambers, and it's there that the meandering stream of Guy's life changes course forever.
The White Empire by Chris Smith
Edgar Vaughan sincerely believes that six-thousand miles is enough to give him a fresh start. Escaping in 1838 from the drawing rooms of Belgravia and the constraints of his landed family, he takes up missionary work in the trading post of Hong Kong. On arrival, he finds the region on the cusp of war; the Chinese Emperor has outlawed the importation of opium—the key link in the trade of the East India Company. Between Edgar's sense of isolation, the sight of the puling opium addicts, and one memorable encounter with a man in a peacock waistcoat, Edgar finds himself embroiled in the very marrow of the British Empire's machinations. He finds himself torn between espousing the expeditious whilst protecting his new acquaintance, and doing what is right and risking the wrath of the British Empire.
Sand by Charlie Cochrane
“Safe upon solid rock the ugly houses stand: Come and see my shining palace built upon the sand.”
People come to Syria for many reasons: tourism, archaeology, or because they need to leave Edwardian England to escape potential disgrace. Andrew Parks is one of those, burying past heartache and scandal among the tombs.
Charles Cusiter has travelled here as well, as chaperone to a friend whose fondness for the opposite sex gets him into too much trouble at home. Out in the desert there aren’t any women to turn Bernard’s head—just the ubiquitous sand.
The desert works its magic on Charles, softening his heart and drawing him towards Andrew. Not even a potentially fatal scorpion sting can overcome the power this strange land exerts.
The Ninth Language by Jordan Taylor
Thousands of outsiders descend on Canada's Yukon Territory during the 1898 gold rush, wreaking havoc on the landscape and the indigenous people who live there. Amid the backdrop of this once pristine land, a man struggling against the destruction of his home and culture finds himself indebted to one of the men at fault. These two strangers discover solace and wholeness where they least expect it: with each other.
It's 1936 and a generation of disaffected youth waits in the space between a war that destroyed many of their friends and family, and a war they know is bound to come. Guy Mason wanders through Italy, bored and restless for reasons he can't even name, and stops at the Hotel Vista, high in the mountains of Lombardy. There, he meets scientist James Calloway and his secretary, Louis Chambers, and it's there that the meandering stream of Guy's life changes course forever.
The White Empire by Chris Smith
Edgar Vaughan sincerely believes that six-thousand miles is enough to give him a fresh start. Escaping in 1838 from the drawing rooms of Belgravia and the constraints of his landed family, he takes up missionary work in the trading post of Hong Kong. On arrival, he finds the region on the cusp of war; the Chinese Emperor has outlawed the importation of opium—the key link in the trade of the East India Company. Between Edgar's sense of isolation, the sight of the puling opium addicts, and one memorable encounter with a man in a peacock waistcoat, Edgar finds himself embroiled in the very marrow of the British Empire's machinations. He finds himself torn between espousing the expeditious whilst protecting his new acquaintance, and doing what is right and risking the wrath of the British Empire.
Sand by Charlie Cochrane
“Safe upon solid rock the ugly houses stand: Come and see my shining palace built upon the sand.”
People come to Syria for many reasons: tourism, archaeology, or because they need to leave Edwardian England to escape potential disgrace. Andrew Parks is one of those, burying past heartache and scandal among the tombs.
Charles Cusiter has travelled here as well, as chaperone to a friend whose fondness for the opposite sex gets him into too much trouble at home. Out in the desert there aren’t any women to turn Bernard’s head—just the ubiquitous sand.
The desert works its magic on Charles, softening his heart and drawing him towards Andrew. Not even a potentially fatal scorpion sting can overcome the power this strange land exerts.
The Ninth Language by Jordan Taylor
Thousands of outsiders descend on Canada's Yukon Territory during the 1898 gold rush, wreaking havoc on the landscape and the indigenous people who live there. Amid the backdrop of this once pristine land, a man struggling against the destruction of his home and culture finds himself indebted to one of the men at fault. These two strangers discover solace and wholeness where they least expect it: with each other.
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First published May 1, 2010
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About the author
Erastes
33 books293 followersBorn in Essex, England in 1959, Erastes attended Southend High School for Girls.
Erastes is the penname of a female author who lives in Norfolk, UK. She drew her inspiration to write historical fiction from works such as Gaywyck by Vincent Virga and the novels of Mary Renault. Erastes was the Director of the Erotic Authors Association for two years and is an active member of the Historical Novel Society. She is the moderator of Speak Its Name, an influential blog dedicated to gay historical fiction.
Erastes has been writing since 2003, and details of all her books and short stories can be found on her website.
Her second novel, "Transgressions," was one of the flagship releases by Running Press in their M/M Historical Romance line which is being marketed directly at the existing romance market and was shortlisted for a Lambda award in 2010.
Her releases for 2011 are:
Mere Mortals - Lethe Press in April
Muffled Drum - Carina Press in July
Junction X - Cheyenne Press in November
Erastes is represented by The Schiavone Literary Agency, Inc.
Bibilography
Novels/Novellas
Mere Mortals - to be published by Lethe Press in March 2011
Muffled Drum - to be published by Carina Press in July 2011
Tributary - published in Last Gasp by Noble Romance Publishing (novella)
Transgressions - published by Perseus Books (novel)
Frost Fair - published by Cheyenne Publishing(novella)
Hard & Fast - published in "Speak Its Name" by Cheyenne Publishing (novella)
Chiaroscuro - published in "Night Moves" by Aspen Mountain Press December 2007 (novella)
Standish - published by PD Publishing November 2006 (novel)
Short Stories
Right Hand Man - published in Unmasked II, more erotic tales of gay superheroes by STARbooks.
Whatever the Risk - published in the Queer Dimensions anthology by Queered Fiction
The Snow Queen - published in the I DO anthology by MLR Press
If you can't stand the Heat - to be published by Cleis press
Drug Colours - published by Lethe Press in "Best Gay Short Stories"
Show Don't Tell - published in MEN Magazine March 2008
Fire & Ice - published by Cleis Press in their Erotic Alphabet series "J is for Jealousy"
Lifeline - published in Alyson Book's "Cruising" anthology
Drug Colours - published in Cleis Press's "Where the Boys are: Urban Gay Migrations" Anthology
Ribinks - published by The Drabbler
The Bird - published in Alyson's "Fast Balls" Baseball Anthology
Matelotage - published in Alyson's "Treasure Trails" Pirate Anthology
Lucky - published in "Love in a Lock up" by Starbooks
In the Dark - published in "Ultimate Gay Erotica 2007" by Alyson Books
Ten Kisses - published in "Connections" by Iris Print
My Best Customer - published in "Travelrotica" by Alyson Books
Petard - published by Clean Sheets
His Story Teller - runner up in Torquere Press' "Do it yourself" competition
Bright Souls - published by Alyson Books in Ultimate Gay Erotica 2005
Sin of the Tongue - published by Torquere Press
Lifeline - published by Torquere Press
Bright Souls published by Torquere Press
Erastes is the penname of a female author who lives in Norfolk, UK. She drew her inspiration to write historical fiction from works such as Gaywyck by Vincent Virga and the novels of Mary Renault. Erastes was the Director of the Erotic Authors Association for two years and is an active member of the Historical Novel Society. She is the moderator of Speak Its Name, an influential blog dedicated to gay historical fiction.
Erastes has been writing since 2003, and details of all her books and short stories can be found on her website.
Her second novel, "Transgressions," was one of the flagship releases by Running Press in their M/M Historical Romance line which is being marketed directly at the existing romance market and was shortlisted for a Lambda award in 2010.
Her releases for 2011 are:
Mere Mortals - Lethe Press in April
Muffled Drum - Carina Press in July
Junction X - Cheyenne Press in November
Erastes is represented by The Schiavone Literary Agency, Inc.
Bibilography
Novels/Novellas
Mere Mortals - to be published by Lethe Press in March 2011
Muffled Drum - to be published by Carina Press in July 2011
Tributary - published in Last Gasp by Noble Romance Publishing (novella)
Transgressions - published by Perseus Books (novel)
Frost Fair - published by Cheyenne Publishing(novella)
Hard & Fast - published in "Speak Its Name" by Cheyenne Publishing (novella)
Chiaroscuro - published in "Night Moves" by Aspen Mountain Press December 2007 (novella)
Standish - published by PD Publishing November 2006 (novel)
Short Stories
Right Hand Man - published in Unmasked II, more erotic tales of gay superheroes by STARbooks.
Whatever the Risk - published in the Queer Dimensions anthology by Queered Fiction
The Snow Queen - published in the I DO anthology by MLR Press
If you can't stand the Heat - to be published by Cleis press
Drug Colours - published by Lethe Press in "Best Gay Short Stories"
Show Don't Tell - published in MEN Magazine March 2008
Fire & Ice - published by Cleis Press in their Erotic Alphabet series "J is for Jealousy"
Lifeline - published in Alyson Book's "Cruising" anthology
Drug Colours - published in Cleis Press's "Where the Boys are: Urban Gay Migrations" Anthology
Ribinks - published by The Drabbler
The Bird - published in Alyson's "Fast Balls" Baseball Anthology
Matelotage - published in Alyson's "Treasure Trails" Pirate Anthology
Lucky - published in "Love in a Lock up" by Starbooks
In the Dark - published in "Ultimate Gay Erotica 2007" by Alyson Books
Ten Kisses - published in "Connections" by Iris Print
My Best Customer - published in "Travelrotica" by Alyson Books
Petard - published by Clean Sheets
His Story Teller - runner up in Torquere Press' "Do it yourself" competition
Bright Souls - published by Alyson Books in Ultimate Gay Erotica 2005
Sin of the Tongue - published by Torquere Press
Lifeline - published by Torquere Press
Bright Souls published by Torquere Press
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 12, 2010
Last Gasp, a series of four short novellas wherein we discover: four gay couples who struggle to find happiness during historical periods on the brink of change. Take a trip back to 1840s Hong Kong, Edwardian Syria, 1898 Yukon and 1936 Italy, and experience passion that will endure through the ages.
The Stories:
Tributary by Erastes
It’s 1936 and a generation of disaffected youth waits in the space between a war that destroyed many of their friends and family, and a war they know is bound to come. Guy Mason wanders through Italy, bored and restless for reasons he can’t even name, and stops at the Hotel Vista, high in the mountains of Lombardy. There, he meets scientist James Calloway and his secretary, Louis Chambers, and it’s there that the meandering stream of Guy’s life changes course forever.
The White Empire by Chris Smith
Edgar Vaughan sincerely believes that six-thousand miles is enough to give him a fresh start. Escaping in 1838 from the drawing rooms of Belgravia and the constraints of his landed family, he takes up missionary work in the trading post of Hong Kong. On arrival, he finds the region on the cusp of war; the Chinese Emperor has outlawed the importation of opium — the key link in the trade of the East India Company. Between Edgar’s sense of isolation, the sight of the puling opium addicts, and one memorable encounter with a man in a peacock waistcoat, Edgar finds himself embroiled in the very marrow of the British Empire’s machinations. He finds himself torn between espousing the expeditious whilst protecting his new acquaintance, and doing what is right and risking the wrath of the British Empire.
Sand by Charlie Cochrane
People come to Syria for many reasons; tourism, archaeology, or because they need to leave Edwardian England to escape potential disgrace. Andrew Parks is one of those, burying past heartache and scandal among the tombs.
Charles Cusiter has travelled here as well, as chaperone to a friend whose fondness for the opposite sex gets him into too much trouble at home. Out in the desert there aren’t any women to turn Bernard’s head – just the ubiquitous sand.
The desert works its magic on Charles, softening his heart and drawing him towards Andrew. Not even a potentially fatal scorpion sting can overcome the power this strange land exerts.
The Ninth Language by Jordan Taylor
Thousands of outsiders descend on Canada’s Yukon Territory during the 1898 gold rush, wreaking havoc on the landscape and the indigenous people who live there. Amid the backdrop of this once pristine land, a man struggling against the destruction of his home and culture finds himself indebted to one of the men causing it. These two strangers discover solace and wholeness where they least expect it: each other
Review by Leslie H. Nicoll
As others have noted, anthologies can be a hit or miss or affair but fortunately that is not the case with Last Gasp, which consists of four excellent short novels that will keep any historical fiction fan happy for several hours of entertaining reading.
Three of the authors are familiar to me (Erastes, Charlie Cochrane, and Jordan Taylor); The White Empire by Chris Smith is her debut publication and it is an impressive first start. Although I enjoyed all four stories in Last Gasp, this one may edge out the others (by a hair) as my favorite. It was the longest and the most complex in terms of plot, with a little mystery, some suspense, more than a bit of moral ambiguity and, of course, a romance. I think, too, I am partial to the 1840s as a time period for a story so that added to my enjoyment. I look forward to Smith’s next published offering.
Jordan Taylor’s story was the only one that did not feature British characters and coming at the end of the book (I read the stories in order), it was a nice change. Her writing brought the Yukon Territories to life and the push/pull conflict between the two main characters, Mitsrii and Troy, was palpable. Taylor is a new, young, and very talented author and I was excited to see her story was included in this collection.
Fans of Charlie Cochrane’s “Lessons” series will feel right at home with Sand, although the setting couldn’t be much further from St. Bride’s Senior Common Room! Even so, the writing was classic Cochrane with her signature funny turns of phrase and amusing expressions. Charles and Andrew quickly fall in love—some might feel a little too quickly, to the point of declaring themselves to each other and making what sounds like a lifetime commitment within days of meeting. I do think that Cochrane’s writing works a little bit better in longer-format fiction where she has time to carefully develop the characters and setting. Even so, I enjoyed this story very much and my little quibble is only a minor problem point in an overall excellent story.
Last, but not least (although it is the first story in the book), Erastes once again seduced me with her prose. While some writers excel at dialogue—and Erastes does fine in that respect—I love her beautiful descriptions of her characters, their locales, and their activities. Tributary did not disappoint. There was enough ambiguity to keep the story interesting and the uncertain future for the main characters certainly lived up to the premise of the entire collection—a world on the brink of change.
As historicals, the details were magnificent. Each story quickly pulled me into its world and kept me there. The characterizations, too, were excellent. At the end of each short novel, I wanted to know more, wondering what happened to the characters and where they moved on in their lives together—or maybe apart.
All in all, it is easy to recommend this collection. Fans of the authors will definitely want to add this to their “to buy” list. If you are a reader who says, “I’m not so sure about historicals…” this might be a good place to start, as the stories have enough variety and detail to give a good overview of what the world of historical fiction has to offer. The stories are full and rich and complete and made for a very satisfying reading experience. A definite keeper of four stories that I am sure to re-read. Brava to the authors, for a job well done!
(published at Speak Its Name and Reviews by Jessewave, 5/12/2010)
The Stories:
Tributary by Erastes
It’s 1936 and a generation of disaffected youth waits in the space between a war that destroyed many of their friends and family, and a war they know is bound to come. Guy Mason wanders through Italy, bored and restless for reasons he can’t even name, and stops at the Hotel Vista, high in the mountains of Lombardy. There, he meets scientist James Calloway and his secretary, Louis Chambers, and it’s there that the meandering stream of Guy’s life changes course forever.
The White Empire by Chris Smith
Edgar Vaughan sincerely believes that six-thousand miles is enough to give him a fresh start. Escaping in 1838 from the drawing rooms of Belgravia and the constraints of his landed family, he takes up missionary work in the trading post of Hong Kong. On arrival, he finds the region on the cusp of war; the Chinese Emperor has outlawed the importation of opium — the key link in the trade of the East India Company. Between Edgar’s sense of isolation, the sight of the puling opium addicts, and one memorable encounter with a man in a peacock waistcoat, Edgar finds himself embroiled in the very marrow of the British Empire’s machinations. He finds himself torn between espousing the expeditious whilst protecting his new acquaintance, and doing what is right and risking the wrath of the British Empire.
Sand by Charlie Cochrane
People come to Syria for many reasons; tourism, archaeology, or because they need to leave Edwardian England to escape potential disgrace. Andrew Parks is one of those, burying past heartache and scandal among the tombs.
Charles Cusiter has travelled here as well, as chaperone to a friend whose fondness for the opposite sex gets him into too much trouble at home. Out in the desert there aren’t any women to turn Bernard’s head – just the ubiquitous sand.
The desert works its magic on Charles, softening his heart and drawing him towards Andrew. Not even a potentially fatal scorpion sting can overcome the power this strange land exerts.
The Ninth Language by Jordan Taylor
Thousands of outsiders descend on Canada’s Yukon Territory during the 1898 gold rush, wreaking havoc on the landscape and the indigenous people who live there. Amid the backdrop of this once pristine land, a man struggling against the destruction of his home and culture finds himself indebted to one of the men causing it. These two strangers discover solace and wholeness where they least expect it: each other
Review by Leslie H. Nicoll
As others have noted, anthologies can be a hit or miss or affair but fortunately that is not the case with Last Gasp, which consists of four excellent short novels that will keep any historical fiction fan happy for several hours of entertaining reading.
Three of the authors are familiar to me (Erastes, Charlie Cochrane, and Jordan Taylor); The White Empire by Chris Smith is her debut publication and it is an impressive first start. Although I enjoyed all four stories in Last Gasp, this one may edge out the others (by a hair) as my favorite. It was the longest and the most complex in terms of plot, with a little mystery, some suspense, more than a bit of moral ambiguity and, of course, a romance. I think, too, I am partial to the 1840s as a time period for a story so that added to my enjoyment. I look forward to Smith’s next published offering.
Jordan Taylor’s story was the only one that did not feature British characters and coming at the end of the book (I read the stories in order), it was a nice change. Her writing brought the Yukon Territories to life and the push/pull conflict between the two main characters, Mitsrii and Troy, was palpable. Taylor is a new, young, and very talented author and I was excited to see her story was included in this collection.
Fans of Charlie Cochrane’s “Lessons” series will feel right at home with Sand, although the setting couldn’t be much further from St. Bride’s Senior Common Room! Even so, the writing was classic Cochrane with her signature funny turns of phrase and amusing expressions. Charles and Andrew quickly fall in love—some might feel a little too quickly, to the point of declaring themselves to each other and making what sounds like a lifetime commitment within days of meeting. I do think that Cochrane’s writing works a little bit better in longer-format fiction where she has time to carefully develop the characters and setting. Even so, I enjoyed this story very much and my little quibble is only a minor problem point in an overall excellent story.
Last, but not least (although it is the first story in the book), Erastes once again seduced me with her prose. While some writers excel at dialogue—and Erastes does fine in that respect—I love her beautiful descriptions of her characters, their locales, and their activities. Tributary did not disappoint. There was enough ambiguity to keep the story interesting and the uncertain future for the main characters certainly lived up to the premise of the entire collection—a world on the brink of change.
As historicals, the details were magnificent. Each story quickly pulled me into its world and kept me there. The characterizations, too, were excellent. At the end of each short novel, I wanted to know more, wondering what happened to the characters and where they moved on in their lives together—or maybe apart.
All in all, it is easy to recommend this collection. Fans of the authors will definitely want to add this to their “to buy” list. If you are a reader who says, “I’m not so sure about historicals…” this might be a good place to start, as the stories have enough variety and detail to give a good overview of what the world of historical fiction has to offer. The stories are full and rich and complete and made for a very satisfying reading experience. A definite keeper of four stories that I am sure to re-read. Brava to the authors, for a job well done!
(published at Speak Its Name and Reviews by Jessewave, 5/12/2010)
July 15, 2010
This is a collection of four historical short stories and the individual blurbs are available on the buy site. These stories are universally well written, authentic, and make use of the time periods extraordinarily well. The authors embrace the historical aspects instead of fighting against them as often historical stories seem to. The details feel natural and honest, using the time frames to the stories’ advantage. Several of these are on the cusp of great coming change so the emotion is already increased. The stories each feel different with their own merits and flaws, but come together to offer a solid, interesting collection.
The lead off story is Tributary by Erastes about a wandering Englishman Guy in the late 1930’s who settles at an Italian Inn. Once there he encounters a professor and his assistant. Guy is immediately drawn to the assistant Louis, but everyone is keeping secrets. This initially reads like an intriguing love triangle with Louis as the fulcrum. Guy wants Louis and the Professor wants Louis. What Louis wants though is the question up to the very end of the story. The intrigue is low key but nice, keeping you guessing how the story will end. It has a nice ending that I didn’t anticipate but appreciated. While the writing is smooth and engaging, the characters feel stiff and distant. Louis’ mystery starts to wear and soon makes me wonder if a happy ending is possible. The characters also feel very muted and their emotions disconnected. Guy’s lack of motivation and action is translated beautifully but almost too much as I failed to connect and really care about any of them or their outcomes. I preferred the descriptions and details afforded from the sounds and scents to lingering warmth of sheets. These small delights really made this story for me even as the characters failed to make me care about them.
The next story is The White Empire by Chris Smith. This story is less of a short story and more of a novella as it offers the longest length and the most character development and plot. The setting is 1838 Orient and the opium trade is the lingering sub plot. Edgar, a priest, has decided to flee England to get away from his homosexual tendencies and ends up halfway around the world in Hong Kong. While there he meets an eclectic group of people at the missionary and becomes embroiled in a dangerous game with the Trade Advisor. The longer length makes this story one of the more interesting of the group, as it takes time to introduce and mature the various members of the cast. Edgar is a total snob, the second son of a wealthy man, and used to indulging his every whim. Edgar’s slow maturation is interesting to watch as his experiences humble him somewhat; however the subtext of Edgar wanting to deny his sexuality is completely forgotten once he arrives in Hong Kong. The mystery aspect is interesting and I liked that Edgar does not arrive with his prejudices and save the day with his morals. He’s compromised and questioned and that makes his redemption (such as it is) with Runford compelling. The entire cast swings from depraved to indulgent and the writing is kind of comical during the sex scenes.
After that lengthy selection, is the much shorter and most romantic offering Sand by Charlie Cochrane. Here the main character Charles is accompanying a friend to Syria for an archeological dig. Charlie is trying to keep his friend out of trouble and away from women but can’t help his own fascination with the man in charge of the dig. Andrew and Charles are rather typical characters of the author and her writing style feels familiar and comfortable. This is a light hearted, easy read after the absorbing complexity of the last and a good change of pace. The characters are enjoyable with quick, recognizable banter that works for the story. They fall in love almost instantly, planning a future and ignoring any problems with an ease that is somewhat mind boggling but this does help make up for a distinct lack of romance to the collection. The only qualm I had is that the references to sand being everywhere, which I can imagine and sympathize with, ended making me question the sex scenes. I couldn’t get the image of sand in bad places out of my head and thought “ouch” the entire time. However, like the previous offerings this is another engaging, interesting story with a nice dose of romance fans will appreciate.
The final story is The Ninth Language by Jordan Taylor. Keeping with the tradition of foreigners in strange lands, American linguist Troy travels to Canada to study and interact with indigenous tribes. He meets a native Mistrii and the two begin an odd companionship. This story is beautiful, savage, disturbing and lingers long after the last words. I hesitate to call this my favorite but it’s the most memorable for me of the group. The vivid landscape is stunningly portrayed and beautifully captured in the descriptions. The wildlife and their unique language is a reminder of nature in the starkest form. Mistrii and Troy feel like exaggerations of their environment to some extent. Mistrii willing to be killed than explain himself while Troy fumbles in his ignorance. It’s meant as a look at human behavior as well and it succeeds in that, if perhaps a bit too much. Some of the subtly is lost in the extremes. However the connection between Troy and Mistrii is enjoyable and absorbing. I actually read this last story the fastest and appreciated the ending. It whitewashes the problems too much but I didn’t mind for the sake of the characters.
Overall this is a very good anthology that can easily be read in one sitting. The stories are engaging historicals, which is not always an easy feat, and feel true to their time periods. The details afforded each story are some of the best aspects and bring vivid descriptions alive with flourish. The romance is lacking in the stories and the endings feel temporary at best but not enough to diminish your enjoyment. If you’re a historical fan, I imagine you can’t do much better than tasting these authors in this collection.
The lead off story is Tributary by Erastes about a wandering Englishman Guy in the late 1930’s who settles at an Italian Inn. Once there he encounters a professor and his assistant. Guy is immediately drawn to the assistant Louis, but everyone is keeping secrets. This initially reads like an intriguing love triangle with Louis as the fulcrum. Guy wants Louis and the Professor wants Louis. What Louis wants though is the question up to the very end of the story. The intrigue is low key but nice, keeping you guessing how the story will end. It has a nice ending that I didn’t anticipate but appreciated. While the writing is smooth and engaging, the characters feel stiff and distant. Louis’ mystery starts to wear and soon makes me wonder if a happy ending is possible. The characters also feel very muted and their emotions disconnected. Guy’s lack of motivation and action is translated beautifully but almost too much as I failed to connect and really care about any of them or their outcomes. I preferred the descriptions and details afforded from the sounds and scents to lingering warmth of sheets. These small delights really made this story for me even as the characters failed to make me care about them.
The next story is The White Empire by Chris Smith. This story is less of a short story and more of a novella as it offers the longest length and the most character development and plot. The setting is 1838 Orient and the opium trade is the lingering sub plot. Edgar, a priest, has decided to flee England to get away from his homosexual tendencies and ends up halfway around the world in Hong Kong. While there he meets an eclectic group of people at the missionary and becomes embroiled in a dangerous game with the Trade Advisor. The longer length makes this story one of the more interesting of the group, as it takes time to introduce and mature the various members of the cast. Edgar is a total snob, the second son of a wealthy man, and used to indulging his every whim. Edgar’s slow maturation is interesting to watch as his experiences humble him somewhat; however the subtext of Edgar wanting to deny his sexuality is completely forgotten once he arrives in Hong Kong. The mystery aspect is interesting and I liked that Edgar does not arrive with his prejudices and save the day with his morals. He’s compromised and questioned and that makes his redemption (such as it is) with Runford compelling. The entire cast swings from depraved to indulgent and the writing is kind of comical during the sex scenes.
After that lengthy selection, is the much shorter and most romantic offering Sand by Charlie Cochrane. Here the main character Charles is accompanying a friend to Syria for an archeological dig. Charlie is trying to keep his friend out of trouble and away from women but can’t help his own fascination with the man in charge of the dig. Andrew and Charles are rather typical characters of the author and her writing style feels familiar and comfortable. This is a light hearted, easy read after the absorbing complexity of the last and a good change of pace. The characters are enjoyable with quick, recognizable banter that works for the story. They fall in love almost instantly, planning a future and ignoring any problems with an ease that is somewhat mind boggling but this does help make up for a distinct lack of romance to the collection. The only qualm I had is that the references to sand being everywhere, which I can imagine and sympathize with, ended making me question the sex scenes. I couldn’t get the image of sand in bad places out of my head and thought “ouch” the entire time. However, like the previous offerings this is another engaging, interesting story with a nice dose of romance fans will appreciate.
The final story is The Ninth Language by Jordan Taylor. Keeping with the tradition of foreigners in strange lands, American linguist Troy travels to Canada to study and interact with indigenous tribes. He meets a native Mistrii and the two begin an odd companionship. This story is beautiful, savage, disturbing and lingers long after the last words. I hesitate to call this my favorite but it’s the most memorable for me of the group. The vivid landscape is stunningly portrayed and beautifully captured in the descriptions. The wildlife and their unique language is a reminder of nature in the starkest form. Mistrii and Troy feel like exaggerations of their environment to some extent. Mistrii willing to be killed than explain himself while Troy fumbles in his ignorance. It’s meant as a look at human behavior as well and it succeeds in that, if perhaps a bit too much. Some of the subtly is lost in the extremes. However the connection between Troy and Mistrii is enjoyable and absorbing. I actually read this last story the fastest and appreciated the ending. It whitewashes the problems too much but I didn’t mind for the sake of the characters.
Overall this is a very good anthology that can easily be read in one sitting. The stories are engaging historicals, which is not always an easy feat, and feel true to their time periods. The details afforded each story are some of the best aspects and bring vivid descriptions alive with flourish. The romance is lacking in the stories and the endings feel temporary at best but not enough to diminish your enjoyment. If you’re a historical fan, I imagine you can’t do much better than tasting these authors in this collection.
October 25, 2015
2011 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
November 27, 2010
This story reads like an art-deco illustration—clean lines and decorated with fashionably beautiful people. It is 1930s-British to the core; sort of a ‘grand tour’ of distant lands while hauling along English-middleclass standards like a tortoise’s shell.
Guy Mason is this aloof, British middleclass traveler in a foreign land (Italy), but who still insists on dressing for dinner and having his English beer. Honour is very high on the priority list as well, and having seen active service in the “Great War” (WWI) is the standard. After all, this was the time of “Order of The White Feather”—the organization aimed at coercing men to enlist in the British Army by persuading women to present them with a white feather if they were not wearing a uniform. Guy Mason served his time shuffling papers at Whitehall, but he nonetheless has the title of Captain. Unfortunately Louis Chambers was too young to serve, and this almost destroys a relationship with Mason.
Enough said, except that this story is a faithful reproduction of a nostalgic era, filled with style and grace that—regretfully—is gone forever.
The White Empire by Chris Smith
Publisher’s Blurb: Edgar Vaughan sincerely believes that six-thousand miles is enough to give him a fresh start. Escaping in 1838 from the drawing rooms of Belgravia and the constraints of his landed family, he takes up missionary work in the trading post of Hong Kong. On arrival, he finds the region on the cusp of war; the Chinese Emperor has outlawed the importation of opium -- the key link in the trade of the East India Company. Between Edgar's sense of isolation, the sight of the puling opium addicts, and one memorable encounter with a man in a peacock waistcoat, Edgar finds himself embroiled in the very marrow of the British Empire's machinations. He finds himself torn between espousing the expeditious whilst protecting his new acquaintance, and doing what is right and risking the wrath of the British Empire.
Gerry B’s Review: This is yet another faithfully recreated tale of the British in a foreign land; somewhat darker than the previous story, however, for this is a period of imperial history that does not reflect well on the empire—Good Queen Victoria notwithstanding. Nevertheless, it should be seen—as the author has suggested—in a context when capitalism, the monarchy and imperial government were virtually the same forces, and very often the same people.
Albeit, Chris Smith has ably captured the arrogance that accompanied white, British middleclass arrivals in their relationships with native nationals all over the world. Moreover, this period of Chinese history is particularly interesting, for the “Opium Wars,” as they become known, (1839-1842, 1856-1860), were the beginning of the end of Chinese sovereignty and domestic order. Being set a year before the first, therefore, this story admirably tells us why.
Sand by Charlie Cochrane
Publisher’s blurb: “Safe upon solid rock the ugly houses stand: Come and see my shining palace built upon the sand.”
People come to Syria for many reasons; tourism, archaeology, or because they need to leave Edwardian England to escape potential disgrace. Andrew Parks is one of those, burying past heartache and scandal among the tombs.
Charles Cusiter has travelled here as well, as chaperone to a friend whose fondness for the opposite sex gets him into too much trouble at home. Out in the desert there aren’t any women to turn Bernard’s head – just the ubiquitous sand.
The desert works its magic on Charles, softening his heart and drawing him towards Andrew. Not even a potentially fatal scorpion sting can overcome the power this strange land exerts.
Gerry B’s Review: This is a delightful story of evolving love that flows like the waves marking the sands of the Syrian desert. It has tension, yes, but mostly it is about love—period.
Superbly written, the setting is colourful; the characters are well-developed and interesting, and story leaves you with a nice, warm afterglow.
The Ninth Language by Jordan Taylor
Publisher’s blurb: Thousands of outsiders descend on Canada's Yukon Territory during the 1898 gold rush, wreaking havoc on the landscape and the indigenous people who live there. Amid the backdrop of this once pristine land, a man struggling against the destruction of his home and culture finds himself indebted to one of the men causing it. These two strangers discover solace and wholeness where they least expect it: each other.
Gerry B’s Review: I read this story with particular interest, for it is set in the same era and setting as my forthcoming novel—i.e. 1898 in the Yukon Territory. My story also includes some Natives of the Dene Tha´ tribe, so it was interesting to see how the author dealt with this topic.
I found her approach to the story quite believable, although I found Mitsrii’s vocabulary just a bit too articulate for his background; however, it is the message that this character is meant to convey that is the more important to the reader. Moreover, some of the ideas and beliefs are too complex for a broken-English dialogue.
I also appreciated it for the Canadian content.
Guy Mason is this aloof, British middleclass traveler in a foreign land (Italy), but who still insists on dressing for dinner and having his English beer. Honour is very high on the priority list as well, and having seen active service in the “Great War” (WWI) is the standard. After all, this was the time of “Order of The White Feather”—the organization aimed at coercing men to enlist in the British Army by persuading women to present them with a white feather if they were not wearing a uniform. Guy Mason served his time shuffling papers at Whitehall, but he nonetheless has the title of Captain. Unfortunately Louis Chambers was too young to serve, and this almost destroys a relationship with Mason.
Enough said, except that this story is a faithful reproduction of a nostalgic era, filled with style and grace that—regretfully—is gone forever.
The White Empire by Chris Smith
Publisher’s Blurb: Edgar Vaughan sincerely believes that six-thousand miles is enough to give him a fresh start. Escaping in 1838 from the drawing rooms of Belgravia and the constraints of his landed family, he takes up missionary work in the trading post of Hong Kong. On arrival, he finds the region on the cusp of war; the Chinese Emperor has outlawed the importation of opium -- the key link in the trade of the East India Company. Between Edgar's sense of isolation, the sight of the puling opium addicts, and one memorable encounter with a man in a peacock waistcoat, Edgar finds himself embroiled in the very marrow of the British Empire's machinations. He finds himself torn between espousing the expeditious whilst protecting his new acquaintance, and doing what is right and risking the wrath of the British Empire.
Gerry B’s Review: This is yet another faithfully recreated tale of the British in a foreign land; somewhat darker than the previous story, however, for this is a period of imperial history that does not reflect well on the empire—Good Queen Victoria notwithstanding. Nevertheless, it should be seen—as the author has suggested—in a context when capitalism, the monarchy and imperial government were virtually the same forces, and very often the same people.
Albeit, Chris Smith has ably captured the arrogance that accompanied white, British middleclass arrivals in their relationships with native nationals all over the world. Moreover, this period of Chinese history is particularly interesting, for the “Opium Wars,” as they become known, (1839-1842, 1856-1860), were the beginning of the end of Chinese sovereignty and domestic order. Being set a year before the first, therefore, this story admirably tells us why.
Sand by Charlie Cochrane
Publisher’s blurb: “Safe upon solid rock the ugly houses stand: Come and see my shining palace built upon the sand.”
People come to Syria for many reasons; tourism, archaeology, or because they need to leave Edwardian England to escape potential disgrace. Andrew Parks is one of those, burying past heartache and scandal among the tombs.
Charles Cusiter has travelled here as well, as chaperone to a friend whose fondness for the opposite sex gets him into too much trouble at home. Out in the desert there aren’t any women to turn Bernard’s head – just the ubiquitous sand.
The desert works its magic on Charles, softening his heart and drawing him towards Andrew. Not even a potentially fatal scorpion sting can overcome the power this strange land exerts.
Gerry B’s Review: This is a delightful story of evolving love that flows like the waves marking the sands of the Syrian desert. It has tension, yes, but mostly it is about love—period.
Superbly written, the setting is colourful; the characters are well-developed and interesting, and story leaves you with a nice, warm afterglow.
The Ninth Language by Jordan Taylor
Publisher’s blurb: Thousands of outsiders descend on Canada's Yukon Territory during the 1898 gold rush, wreaking havoc on the landscape and the indigenous people who live there. Amid the backdrop of this once pristine land, a man struggling against the destruction of his home and culture finds himself indebted to one of the men causing it. These two strangers discover solace and wholeness where they least expect it: each other.
Gerry B’s Review: I read this story with particular interest, for it is set in the same era and setting as my forthcoming novel—i.e. 1898 in the Yukon Territory. My story also includes some Natives of the Dene Tha´ tribe, so it was interesting to see how the author dealt with this topic.
I found her approach to the story quite believable, although I found Mitsrii’s vocabulary just a bit too articulate for his background; however, it is the message that this character is meant to convey that is the more important to the reader. Moreover, some of the ideas and beliefs are too complex for a broken-English dialogue.
I also appreciated it for the Canadian content.
May 27, 2010
My score is actually 3.5, but because the writing and world-building in this is so solid, I'm rounding it up.
The strongest aspect of this entire anthology is the historical detail. Each of the authors clearly loves what she does, and that shows. The stories are mostly well edited, though I'll admit to really only falling in love with one of them, Chris Smith's "The White Empire." The prose tends to be purple, but it's also easily the most complex and layered story of the bunch. Erastes' story is second, for its smooth pacing and readability, while the other two fall further behind than that. I thought Cochrane's story was too short to make its romance believable, while Taylor's, well-written as it was, just bored me for most of it.
Lovers of the genre, however, are likely to be more enamored with the focus on settings than I was and end up enjoying it more.
The strongest aspect of this entire anthology is the historical detail. Each of the authors clearly loves what she does, and that shows. The stories are mostly well edited, though I'll admit to really only falling in love with one of them, Chris Smith's "The White Empire." The prose tends to be purple, but it's also easily the most complex and layered story of the bunch. Erastes' story is second, for its smooth pacing and readability, while the other two fall further behind than that. I thought Cochrane's story was too short to make its romance believable, while Taylor's, well-written as it was, just bored me for most of it.
Lovers of the genre, however, are likely to be more enamored with the focus on settings than I was and end up enjoying it more.
August 11, 2010
Excellent book. Will update review when I can but this deserves a thoughtful review and I don't have time to do it properly now. But--there are no clinkers in this collection and Chris Smith has a stellar debut in White Empire.
May 24, 2010
Full review hopefully coming before the end of this week. Short review: a very strong collection of well-written m/m romance short stories.
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