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In the Company of Shadows #1
Evenfall
NOTE FROM THE AUTHORS:
This is the OLD version of Evenfall. An updated, heavily revised, and partially re-written edition of Evenfall can be found under Evenfall Volume 1: Director's Cut and Evenfall Volume 2: Director's Cut
The authors strongly suggest new readers download the new edition.
After September 21, 2014, the old edition will no longer be available for download. :]
__________
Years after the bombs of WWIII have changed the physical and political landscape, the Agency ruthlessly works behind the scenes to take down rebel groups that threaten the current government. Their goals justify all means. Hsin Liu Vega (Sin) is their most efficient and deadly assassin ever. However, he tends to go off on unauthorized killing sprees and somehow his assigned partners all end up dead under suspicious circumstances. That is why the Agency has had him locked up in a box on the fourth floor for years. But now they think it is time to put the psychopath back in the field. With a new partner.
Boyd's mother, a high ranking Agency official, volunteers her teenage son for the position. Boyd is not afraid of death. In fact, his life has been such an endless cycle of apathy and despair for the last few years that he'd welcome it.
Can these two broken men form an efficient partnership? Can they learn to trust anyone, let alone each other? Sin doesn't give a fuck about the Agency, or the androgynous boy who holds the remote to the shock collar that is supposed to control him.
On the other hand, Boyd is strangely unafraid of the man everyone calls 'monster' and Sin seems reluctant to let his keeper get himself killed on any missions. Yet.
This is the OLD version of Evenfall. An updated, heavily revised, and partially re-written edition of Evenfall can be found under Evenfall Volume 1: Director's Cut and Evenfall Volume 2: Director's Cut
The authors strongly suggest new readers download the new edition.
After September 21, 2014, the old edition will no longer be available for download. :]
__________
Years after the bombs of WWIII have changed the physical and political landscape, the Agency ruthlessly works behind the scenes to take down rebel groups that threaten the current government. Their goals justify all means. Hsin Liu Vega (Sin) is their most efficient and deadly assassin ever. However, he tends to go off on unauthorized killing sprees and somehow his assigned partners all end up dead under suspicious circumstances. That is why the Agency has had him locked up in a box on the fourth floor for years. But now they think it is time to put the psychopath back in the field. With a new partner.
Boyd's mother, a high ranking Agency official, volunteers her teenage son for the position. Boyd is not afraid of death. In fact, his life has been such an endless cycle of apathy and despair for the last few years that he'd welcome it.
Can these two broken men form an efficient partnership? Can they learn to trust anyone, let alone each other? Sin doesn't give a fuck about the Agency, or the androgynous boy who holds the remote to the shock collar that is supposed to control him.
On the other hand, Boyd is strangely unafraid of the man everyone calls 'monster' and Sin seems reluctant to let his keeper get himself killed on any missions. Yet.
1427 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2007
384 people are currently reading
13896 people want to read
About the author
Ais
24 books743 followersHey! I write LGBTQIA+, usually with a twist. My solo works are mostly fantasy, sci-fi, supernatural, or similar. Currently working on Wildwood Rising, a long LGBTQIA+ fantasy series; first book written/being edited: Incarnations.
Helpful links? Helpful links!
-My masterlist of original writing: http://aisylum.com/writing-masterlist/
-Some of my favorite solo stories: https://archiveofourown.org/users/mik...
-My patreon- $1 for all but most things are eventually free for those who can't/won't pay: patreon.com/ais
-My site: http://aisylum.com
By the way, you may know me because I co-wrote In the Company of Shadows.
PS: I can be chatty so if you have questions, feel free to ask! Have a lovely day! <3
Helpful links? Helpful links!
-My masterlist of original writing: http://aisylum.com/writing-masterlist/
-Some of my favorite solo stories: https://archiveofourown.org/users/mik...
-My patreon- $1 for all but most things are eventually free for those who can't/won't pay: patreon.com/ais
-My site: http://aisylum.com
By the way, you may know me because I co-wrote In the Company of Shadows.
PS: I can be chatty so if you have questions, feel free to ask! Have a lovely day! <3
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 567 reviews
September 1, 2016
A book of 1427 pages!!!
Hallelujah,I finished it after hours and hours of voracious reading.
WARNING Readers!!!
1) In this short period of time, it changed my status from friendly and social to an anti-social biatch.It seems that two days of barely sleeping,cancelling all plans,not receiving calls,and talking in non-committable grunts can do that.
2) Sin and Boyd (the main characters of this story) can try the patience of any saint,any day.
That said,together they will try the patience of God himself!
3) One time specifically, they gave me a major heart attack.But don't worry, other times the attacks were pretty minor ones.
4) Oh,and do keep a pillow nearby to muffle your frustrated screams.It will save you from being thought of as a raving lunatic.
Hmm...I guess that will be it,for now.
Now,let me introduce you to these two irritating, gorgeous, exasperating, amazing, beautiful, lethal, stunning,....ummm,okay,I guess you got my point!!
Together, Sin and Boyd are unforgettable.
So many and so various laws are giv’n;
So many laws argue so many sins.
Sins,there are so many sins of Mankind.And this book presents us with innumerable examples.
Set up in a post-war dystopian world,this book sets up a pace from the beginning which is fast,dangerous and thrilling.
As I've said before,this story revolves around these two men.....
Sin is thought of as inhuman.And Boyd is more like a robot.
Sin has been labelled as 'Monster'.And Boyd has been labelled as 'Worthless'.
Sin is feared by everyone,afterall he is death.Boyd does not fear death.
And the relationship which grows between them,will leave you breathless.
After WWIII, several rebel groups came into play to take down the Government.So, the Agency works behind the scene to remove them.The Agency and all the agents of the Agency,stay in shadows.No one knows of their existence.
They are phantoms who get the work done and then leave the scene undetected and unnoticed.
Hsin Liu Vega (Sin) is the very best they have.But,he is deemed mentally unstable.He's said to be a psychopath.He is said to go wild sometimes and kill whoever comes in contact.And all his partners end up dead,somehow.So,he is locked and caged,until need for him arises.And this time when the need arises, he is put back in the field with a new partner.
Boyd's mother is the second in command.She nominates Boyd for the job.Boyd doesn't mind that being Sin's partner is nearly signing his own death warrant.Because he does not want to live anyway.A violent episode of his past haunts him.It had nearly killed him and took all he held dear away from him.Now, all his emotions are buried deep down.
But how can these to utterly broken men,each in their own way,can ever be partners? How can they ever develop a relationship?
---------------------------------------------------
Readers,I suggest you read this book.Because it will take you through one unforgettable journey.
Now I'm not saying that it will be a cakewalk.At times it is really annoying,at times irritating.A lot of editing could be done.Descriptions could be smaller,inner monologues could be cut down.Times when Sin and Boyd are not together could be shorter too.
But,to be very frank,I am giving it 5 stars,because any book which can capture my attention,engross me,suck me in like this one did,deserves a 5 star rating from me.
And lets not forget that this has 1427 pages.Which means that it is nearly 5 times the length of any average book.
And the fact that it did not let my attention divert even for a minute,is by itself amazing.
Seriously,it deserves an applause.
I loved this book.I wanted to start with Afterimage today,but I cannot cancel anymore classes,and I do need some sleep.Immediately.
All that said....
So sleepy.
....It's time for me to go.
That's all for now,Readers.
Ta-Ta!!
June 5, 2014
(review of an earlier edition)
Why hate the sinner... when you can love the Hsin?
A month ago I read a great review of Afterimage, and blogged about it, but spent most of my post whining about how much of a chickenshit motherfucker I was for not only failing to read the second volume of In the Company of Shadows, but not even reviewing the first one.
The results of the poll on that page pretty much vindicated my cowardice.
I read Evenfall not long after Special Forces, for one. And winter is a historically bad time in Chateau Joolz, and I was all cried-out—and I'd really appreciate it if you guys could just not give me any shit about the blubbering and the wailing, thanks.
So, uh—that's why.
Mostly.
The other reason I never went on to read the next book? I'm writing about assassins too, and somehow they started looking and acting and talking and even fucking like Hsin Liu Vega.
All of them.
So. Yeah.
Then, two weeks ago, someone asked me in an Evenfall thread what my opinion on the book was, and why hadn't I et cetera, and—also—what the hell was wrong with me, anyway?
Nothing is wrong with me, okay—look, just—whatever, leave me alone, okay, I'll take care of it, my gosh.
So here's me taking care of it.
***
Halfway through reading it I stopped to write Santino Hassell an email. It was a love letter disguised as fan mail.
This email was defined by two (2) costly errors in judgement:
1. My email was too long. I wrote about all the things stewing in my fervid little brain, which had been awakened by his and Ais's writez.
and
2. My email was a love letter disguised as fan mail.
I had tried to corral all the epic feelz the book had set loose, as if that were even possible with a book of this size. Never mind the stupidity of trying to make sense out of any of it when I hadn't even finished it. I was too excited.
Mr. Hassell forgave me for that.
He forgave me for my second mistake too, cuz he is a cool dude, and was kind enough to never speak of either my knicker-moistening passion or my Caribbean indiscretion, ever again. He even declined to call the cops when I broke the terms of the restraining order and said hi to him at Dunkin Donuts that one time.
Buuuuut anyway. Evenfall.
I learned my lesson. No crazy, all-inclusive review. At over 1,100 words, this still turned out to be the longest review I've ever written—but it's incomplete. No matter how long I make it, my review will always be incomplete, and so I won't even try.
These, then, are some of my impressions.
***
It's long. Half a million words is a lot of words. Some of them don't need to be there. Sometimes the prose is pedantic, or repetitive. Most of the time it's neither of those things.
It's fascinating. The world this story unfolds in is layered, rich, and intensely compelling. The premise is solid, and so is the setting. As an example of speculative fiction, it delivers.
It's hot as fuck. I touched myself in my Special Place many, many times—I mean... yyyes—obviously I do that all the time anyway—I just meant: while reading this. There were many scenes that were so sensuously drawn I sprang a semi-chub. One of them—the scene featuring a dark room, the pretense of sleep, and stolen underwear? I re-read it so many times in the past six months that I could up the book's goodreads metadata read-count to 16 and not even feel like I was lying.
It has Hsin Liu Vega in it. ...no, I didn't say anything else. That's all. Hsin. Hsin Liu Vega. In it.
It needs a vicious editor. I'm pretty sure I'm not just being a jealous twat at how productive Ais and Santino are—pretty sure—when I say an old-timey, chain-smoking, liquid-lunch-having Noo Yawk editor would do wonders for this book. I mean, every author needs an editor. Especially the ones who write 3-million-word Epics of Awesomely Epic Awesomeness™ entirely on their own over the course of seven years, the fancy bastards.
It's got great action. SPOILER, SPOILER, another SPOILER, and holy fuck did you see the SPOILER. (Because a shit-ton of stuff goes down, spectacularly, and with an incredibly-high body-count, this seemed an obvious place to cut things out of my review, to get the word-count down.)
It features fun secondary characters. With one notable exception, all the second-tier players are wildly entertaining and memorable. Some are so successful I'm told they go on to carry parts of the tale in subsequent volumes—which tells you how well-crafted they were from the beginning. The exception is Vivienne, who remained disappointingly one-dimensional and cartoonish while still being more or less a heinous bitch. I hope her motivations and decisions are a little less inscrutable and a lot less universally appalling in the next book.
Mexico. Sweet, sweet Mexico. By the time this part of the tale arrived I was a wreck of angst and bitterness and anxiety. "Wait until Mexico!" my book buddies advised. "It's all worth it once they get to Mexico."
And it was.
Because for all the darkness in a dystopian novel like this one—with all the hate and despair and soul-crushing tragedy woven into it; with all the characters and all their victories, and their defeats; with all the death, and all the destruction—all the cold-blooded denial of basic humanity; with all of that, in all those memorable scenes—this is still a romance.
And a very good one.
Because there's one scene that lives in my memory, still, all these months later. The one scene my mind returns to more often than any other.
Even more often than the bit with the underwear.
It's the scene on that ancient bus to Mexico, with the sun sinking into the desert, when two lonely, fucked-up young men bump sweaty arms in the heat of a dying day, and for a moment their defenses are down, and the connection they spend so much energy denying is allowed to remain.
On that long, somber ride toward the disaster waiting for them on the other side of the horizon, they share a secret between them, these two, surrounded by unknowing strangers with hopes and fears of their own.
They share a secret, and—for a little while—they are allowed to keep it.
UPDATED 31 MARCH, 2014:
this series has been revised and re-released beginning with this volume, evenfall. it is now available for download at http://www.inthecompanyofshadows.com
Why hate the sinner... when you can love the Hsin?
A month ago I read a great review of Afterimage, and blogged about it, but spent most of my post whining about how much of a chickenshit motherfucker I was for not only failing to read the second volume of In the Company of Shadows, but not even reviewing the first one.
The results of the poll on that page pretty much vindicated my cowardice.
I read Evenfall not long after Special Forces, for one. And winter is a historically bad time in Chateau Joolz, and I was all cried-out—and I'd really appreciate it if you guys could just not give me any shit about the blubbering and the wailing, thanks.
So, uh—that's why.
Mostly.
The other reason I never went on to read the next book? I'm writing about assassins too, and somehow they started looking and acting and talking and even fucking like Hsin Liu Vega.
All of them.
So. Yeah.
Then, two weeks ago, someone asked me in an Evenfall thread what my opinion on the book was, and why hadn't I et cetera, and—also—what the hell was wrong with me, anyway?
Nothing is wrong with me, okay—look, just—whatever, leave me alone, okay, I'll take care of it, my gosh.
So here's me taking care of it.
***
Halfway through reading it I stopped to write Santino Hassell an email. It was a love letter disguised as fan mail.
This email was defined by two (2) costly errors in judgement:
1. My email was too long. I wrote about all the things stewing in my fervid little brain, which had been awakened by his and Ais's writez.
and
2. My email was a love letter disguised as fan mail.
I had tried to corral all the epic feelz the book had set loose, as if that were even possible with a book of this size. Never mind the stupidity of trying to make sense out of any of it when I hadn't even finished it. I was too excited.
Mr. Hassell forgave me for that.
He forgave me for my second mistake too, cuz he is a cool dude, and was kind enough to never speak of either my knicker-moistening passion or my Caribbean indiscretion, ever again. He even declined to call the cops when I broke the terms of the restraining order and said hi to him at Dunkin Donuts that one time.
Buuuuut anyway. Evenfall.
I learned my lesson. No crazy, all-inclusive review. At over 1,100 words, this still turned out to be the longest review I've ever written—but it's incomplete. No matter how long I make it, my review will always be incomplete, and so I won't even try.
These, then, are some of my impressions.
***
It's long. Half a million words is a lot of words. Some of them don't need to be there. Sometimes the prose is pedantic, or repetitive. Most of the time it's neither of those things.
It's fascinating. The world this story unfolds in is layered, rich, and intensely compelling. The premise is solid, and so is the setting. As an example of speculative fiction, it delivers.
It's hot as fuck. I touched myself in my Special Place many, many times—I mean... yyyes—obviously I do that all the time anyway—I just meant: while reading this. There were many scenes that were so sensuously drawn I sprang a semi-chub. One of them—the scene featuring a dark room, the pretense of sleep, and stolen underwear? I re-read it so many times in the past six months that I could up the book's goodreads metadata read-count to 16 and not even feel like I was lying.
It has Hsin Liu Vega in it. ...no, I didn't say anything else. That's all. Hsin. Hsin Liu Vega. In it.
It needs a vicious editor. I'm pretty sure I'm not just being a jealous twat at how productive Ais and Santino are—pretty sure—when I say an old-timey, chain-smoking, liquid-lunch-having Noo Yawk editor would do wonders for this book. I mean, every author needs an editor. Especially the ones who write 3-million-word Epics of Awesomely Epic Awesomeness™ entirely on their own over the course of seven years, the fancy bastards.
It's got great action. SPOILER, SPOILER, another SPOILER, and holy fuck did you see the SPOILER. (Because a shit-ton of stuff goes down, spectacularly, and with an incredibly-high body-count, this seemed an obvious place to cut things out of my review, to get the word-count down.)
It features fun secondary characters. With one notable exception, all the second-tier players are wildly entertaining and memorable. Some are so successful I'm told they go on to carry parts of the tale in subsequent volumes—which tells you how well-crafted they were from the beginning. The exception is Vivienne, who remained disappointingly one-dimensional and cartoonish while still being more or less a heinous bitch. I hope her motivations and decisions are a little less inscrutable and a lot less universally appalling in the next book.
Mexico. Sweet, sweet Mexico. By the time this part of the tale arrived I was a wreck of angst and bitterness and anxiety. "Wait until Mexico!" my book buddies advised. "It's all worth it once they get to Mexico."
And it was.
Because for all the darkness in a dystopian novel like this one—with all the hate and despair and soul-crushing tragedy woven into it; with all the characters and all their victories, and their defeats; with all the death, and all the destruction—all the cold-blooded denial of basic humanity; with all of that, in all those memorable scenes—this is still a romance.
And a very good one.
Because there's one scene that lives in my memory, still, all these months later. The one scene my mind returns to more often than any other.
Even more often than the bit with the underwear.
It's the scene on that ancient bus to Mexico, with the sun sinking into the desert, when two lonely, fucked-up young men bump sweaty arms in the heat of a dying day, and for a moment their defenses are down, and the connection they spend so much energy denying is allowed to remain.
On that long, somber ride toward the disaster waiting for them on the other side of the horizon, they share a secret between them, these two, surrounded by unknowing strangers with hopes and fears of their own.
They share a secret, and—for a little while—they are allowed to keep it.
UPDATED 31 MARCH, 2014:
this series has been revised and re-released beginning with this volume, evenfall. it is now available for download at http://www.inthecompanyofshadows.com
December 17, 2013
Exhausting
Venerable
Elegant
Necessary. Yeah, you need to read and experience this book.
Frenetic
AMAZING!
Long.
Loco!!! This book was completely CRAZY! Or at least, it drove me crazy…
So I finished! I can’t believe it. It took me forever but I finally did it and now I don’t even know how to start this review. Short and nice is always better, right? Ok, let me warn you first. If you haven’t read this book you are NOT allowed to open any spoilers. AT ALL. I’ll find out and will do bad things to you so behave!
I am going to assume you know what the book is about because I will talk more about my emotions than about the blurb per se. Boyd and Hsin are the main characters in this story and they are forced to work together for the Agency. I don’t know about yourselves but I do love haters-to-lovers stories and this one was by far the absolute BEST.
Because the book is that long that you really feel how they dislike each other at the beginning and you experience the change in them (I’m having goosebumps now remembering certain parts).
I don’t (*didn’t*) read Dystopian so If you have doubts about this one for that reason, please read the book. I promise it was like reading contemp, I promise.
While the story is interesting I would say the characters are why this book is so special. I think I had never “seen” characters so perfectly built.
Boyd is the man of my life. I swear! He’s this little shy kid who doesn’t have friends or a social life. He had a hard life and something happened to him that marked him years ago.
Hsin was not my favourite but I must admit he was a great character. He’s the BEST in his job but he loses it very easily so he needs a partner like Boyd to put him in place? Not sure about that but the thing is they connect and they’re perfect for each other.
Then there are some secondary characters that were awesome and a great addition to the story, specially Ryan. I really hope I’ll get more Ryan in the next book.
And then there are thoughts in my head that are making me think that Lo Mas Funny and
***PLEASE DO NOT OPEN THIS SPOILER*** If you do, this will ruin the book for you
And it's free, AMIG@S!!! Although you can donate some pennies to the authors. Seriously, I cannot read 1427 pages for free!
http://www.aisylum.com/sonnyais/story...
P.S. Thanks Shelley for introducing me to this series. Also, thanks for telling me about Pinterest so I could picture the characters ;)
March 10, 2018
ETA 2018: adjusted my 2.5 star rating to 1 star.
http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...
Before jotting down my thoughts, I’d like to post a picture that pretty much captures my current state of mind.
I was either going to address all my issues in painstaking detail (and this would become an essay) or summarize. I opted for the latter. So after careful consideration of several factors (for example: the tireless effort that obviously went into this 1400-something pages book, the mellowing effect that its m/m-ness and freeness have on me, this thriving, happily fangasming Goodreads community that followed my progress and supported -- and threatened -- me every step of the long, long way) I came to the conclusion that Evenfall deserves 2.5 stars after all.
Despite...
• It being a good 600 pages too long
• The extremely limited vocabulary (thousands of references to how everyone’s "irritated", has honey-colored or green eyes, lifts eyebrows etc., that I always think should be less obvious to me, considering that English isn't my native language), the stilted, static writing style (he had to admit that, he couldn’t help thinking that (x1000)).
• The continuous, repetitive internal dialog and analysis (see point 1).
• The major plot-holes and artificial plot-devices and stupid shizzle, that didn't make sense. Even after I tried to adjust my expectations and view this as uncomplicated pulp instead, it still managed to drive me bug-fuck.
• The simplistic, pointless missions that didn't make sense in so many ways (see point 4) and were wrapped up so conveniently.
• The lack of character development and interesting dynamics between the two MC's (surprising because of point 1 and 3).
• The one-dimensional, mostly "irritated" side characters.
• This bizarrely unbelievable clusterfuck of an organization called 'The Agency' (point 4 and 5).
• Having to necessarily perfect my skimming skills.
• And last but not least, getting behind on my freaking Reading Challenge.:p
What I did like:
• The delicious hype surrounding this series.
• The Emo cover kicks ass.
• Mexico AKA the sex. It seemed like the writing momentarily picked up during the sex scenes. Or maybe I was just too excited to finally come across something else than bitch-mom's from hell, lethal wounds that heal miraculously and without consequences because it's Da Sin, dude...Boyd's whining... Anyway, I thought the sex scenes were okay and for a change there were no 1..2..3 fingers involved, thank you jesus! Maybe this is just a sign that I'm now an advanced m/m reader, but man, am I getting fed up with fingers aimlessly attempting to loosen up a muscle that just needs a good...well, let's not start talking dirty. So I told my buddy read partner in crime, Day-thief, delightedly that I had finally found something that I did really enjoy about Evenfall. She then brought up a few points that were reason enough for me to reread the sex scenes (hehe! >:-)). And I still liked them, but have to admit that, as is the case with the entire book, they could've been turned into something more, more intense, more brilliant.
• The pictures of Hsin and Boyd Lenore showed me. To which I'd like to add a coincidental Tumblr find:
In the end it turns out that I'm one of those people who stay in a relationship just because the sex is good. So I'll be reading on. Just not right away...
And finally, it's so comforting to buddy read a hyped book and end up feeling pretty much the same. Thank you Day-thief.<3
http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...
Before jotting down my thoughts, I’d like to post a picture that pretty much captures my current state of mind.
I was either going to address all my issues in painstaking detail (and this would become an essay) or summarize. I opted for the latter. So after careful consideration of several factors (for example: the tireless effort that obviously went into this 1400-something pages book, the mellowing effect that its m/m-ness and freeness have on me, this thriving, happily fangasming Goodreads community that followed my progress and supported -- and threatened -- me every step of the long, long way) I came to the conclusion that Evenfall deserves 2.5 stars after all.
Despite...
• It being a good 600 pages too long
• The extremely limited vocabulary (thousands of references to how everyone’s "irritated", has honey-colored or green eyes, lifts eyebrows etc., that I always think should be less obvious to me, considering that English isn't my native language), the stilted, static writing style (he had to admit that, he couldn’t help thinking that (x1000)).
• The continuous, repetitive internal dialog and analysis (see point 1).
• The major plot-holes and artificial plot-devices and stupid shizzle, that didn't make sense. Even after I tried to adjust my expectations and view this as uncomplicated pulp instead, it still managed to drive me bug-fuck.
• The simplistic, pointless missions that didn't make sense in so many ways (see point 4) and were wrapped up so conveniently.
• The lack of character development and interesting dynamics between the two MC's (surprising because of point 1 and 3).
• The one-dimensional, mostly "irritated" side characters.
• This bizarrely unbelievable clusterfuck of an organization called 'The Agency' (point 4 and 5).
• Having to necessarily perfect my skimming skills.
• And last but not least, getting behind on my freaking Reading Challenge.:p
What I did like:
• The delicious hype surrounding this series.
• The Emo cover kicks ass.
• Mexico AKA the sex. It seemed like the writing momentarily picked up during the sex scenes. Or maybe I was just too excited to finally come across something else than bitch-mom's from hell, lethal wounds that heal miraculously and without consequences because it's Da Sin, dude...Boyd's whining... Anyway, I thought the sex scenes were okay and for a change there were no 1..2..3 fingers involved, thank you jesus! Maybe this is just a sign that I'm now an advanced m/m reader, but man, am I getting fed up with fingers aimlessly attempting to loosen up a muscle that just needs a good...well, let's not start talking dirty. So I told my buddy read partner in crime, Day-thief, delightedly that I had finally found something that I did really enjoy about Evenfall. She then brought up a few points that were reason enough for me to reread the sex scenes (hehe! >:-)). And I still liked them, but have to admit that, as is the case with the entire book, they could've been turned into something more, more intense, more brilliant.
• The pictures of Hsin and Boyd Lenore showed me. To which I'd like to add a coincidental Tumblr find:
In the end it turns out that I'm one of those people who stay in a relationship just because the sex is good. So I'll be reading on. Just not right away...
And finally, it's so comforting to buddy read a hyped book and end up feeling pretty much the same. Thank you Day-thief.<3
August 13, 2016
ETA: This is a review for the original version of Evenfall.
The new Directors Cut versions are edited and have some additional content.
Evenfall DC pt 1: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Evenfall DC pt 2 (to be released): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Strongly suggest you read these newer versions instead...
**********
Ok, hand over the medal. I finished.
Look, I’m usually ALL about the instant-gratification. Give me 100’ish pages with a HEA and I’ll give you a smile. So, obvi, I was NOT looking forward to devoting myself to 1500 pages of dystopian angst. But, begrudgingly, I began. AND THANK GOD I DID...
At times it felt torturous, at times it felt painful, at times it felt comedic, at times it felt blissful, at times it felt frustrating, at times it felt like it would never end…at times I wished it would never end…
Ultimately, it all came down to the strength of the characters. And though I became so connected to Hsin & Boyd that I had a myriad of emotional & physical reactions to their journey…it wasn’t just them. It was ALL of them… strong, interesting, haunting, sympathetic, annoying, aggravating, tender, attractive, fierce characters. And that’s what drives this book…that’s what makes you want to push through 1500 pages…to find out what happens to them…
After Book 1:
Boyd = Brat
Hsin = Hperfect
Ryan = the pocket version of my dream man
Kassian = I’d do you in a heartbeat.
Viv = Looked up frigid bitch in the dictionary. It read “see Vivienne Beaulieu”
Thierry & Jessica = rage
Yes, the book dragged at parts, and indeed, it is WAY too long, but still, totally worth the blurry-eyed, sleep-deprived, over-caffeinated 5 days it took me to finish.
Note to authors (Sonny & Ais): the story is SO MUCH BETTER in the scenes where Sin & Boyd are together…just sayin’. Oh, and I’ve now entrusted you with my heart…please don’t destroy it.
January 12, 2016
*** 5 Stars for Sin and Boyd....Absolutely loved it!! ***
Review to come.
Review to come.
June 21, 2013
Caution:This book contains feelings! Fierce, sexy assassins, m/m hot man action, torture and attempted rape. Also...This book is long. So long that it probably would have been quicker for me to skip the length of the Great wall of China than it has taken me to finish this.
I could have read a dozen books in the time I have invested in this book, and it's only book1!
So do I regret any of it?
Oh hell NO!
It grabbed me from the start and at no point did I want to let go. A real two handed handed hold on tight, white knuckle ride. I was so impressed, like seriously ..just WOW!
When it kicks off, oh Jesus...does it ever. It's not just the OH.MY.GOD's.
It's all kinds of emotions, fear, anger, loathing, wanting, needing, and sheer desperation that had me squirming and hair pulling. Intense!
The story is full on, engaging, intriguing, exciting and just plain fabulous.
Filled with a paranoid post apocalyptic society of warring government and terrorist factions all set out to destroy each other. It's about twenty years after World War III, and the great nations have just about been wiped out by bombing the crap out of each other. Cities like London, France and New York are pretty much nothing but radioactive wastelands.
It creates an intriguing and absorbing atmosphere that really adds to the sense of other worldliness surrounding the characters and plot. Superb!
Let me introduce you to the MC's Boyd and Sin/Hsin. Meet Boyd...
A young androgonous looking man who has nothing and nobody to live for after an excruciating loss and traumatic experience; he'd given up his desire to to live years ago and with it all sense of hope and a belief in any kind of future.
He is emotionless, numb, without a care for life or death and has just become...well...nothing really, until he is ordered by his bitch of a mother to apply for the position of partner to the monster assassin Hsin Vega. A job with zero chance of survival.
Meet Sin...sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy!
picture edited 21/06/2013
Holy hell he is just so sexy, did I say sexy already? I am so freaking in love with him!
He is tall, broad shouldered, piercing green exotic eyes, fierce and a seriously deadly kick ass heartless (it seems) assassin, with a talent for killing a man dead in 0.03 seconds - while he's tied down!
I read a scene where he single handedly murders 40 men in such a graceful almost dance-like display of sheer power and strength...I was spellbound and so turned on!
Everybody fears Sin and he is treated like an animal by the agency and it's employees, worse than a dog. He is 28 years old and Boyd is the first person he has ever had a real conversation with.
Both Boyd and Sin are pawns in a new kind of war. Their fate is held in the barbed and poisonous hands of the agencies leader Marshal Conners, a man who could quite easily put Saddam Hussain and Hitler to shame,a and second in command, Boyd's mother – the bitch whore!
“While yet we live, scarce one short hour perhaps,
Between us two let there be peace, both joining,
As joined in injuries, and enmity
Against a foe by doom express assigned us,
That cruel serpent.”
― John Milton, Paradise Lost
There is some fantastic character development in this story. Totally unique and original revealings all the way through. Heartbreaking, intense, vivid, orgasmic and just a bloody good book!
I read every word, and yes it was a struggle at times because Boyd has the need to over analyse everything.
His inner monologue drove me crackers but also gave me the answers and understanding needed to understand his, at times rather immature and selfish motives.
He is a great guy, who has has been through so much and I really liked him, a lot! But sheesh ...can he gab away in his head! A few times, I was like...alright alright already! Get the hell on with it, you've got your hands down his pants for gawd sake! Just DO something with it! Stop thinking dammit!
There are a few writing issues and a couple of glaringly obvious inconsistencies and the Spanish dialog lost me for a while. I mean what the hell was up with that? English please or tell me what the hell was just said please. In hind sight I don't think I missed anything vital- but still annoying.
So will I read the next book? Oh Yes! Most certainly, I just hope Boyd chills out with the inner thought processes.
3.5 - 4 Stars!
August 1, 2014
Since everyone still likes this gif so much, weeks after I posted it on that status update, I'm adding it here.
It's Hsin and Boyd! :)
-----------------------
Edited on 30 July 2013 to add:
Because people keep asking, behind the spoiler tag I've added my favourite pics of Hsin and Boyd.
March 9, 2018
I know many are removing their ratings and reviews of all the books they have read, written by Santino Hassell, in light of his despicable behavior. I have deleted my ratings from all Santino books I have read, because I too am shocked and appalled!!! I won't do it with the ICOS series though. I am gonna be honest here and say, that this series is one of the best I have ever read, and I am sure Ais played a big part in my enjoyment. As far as I know, Ais had nothing to do with all that has happend. Until I hear otherwise, my ratings and reviews for this series, will stay up. I am sorry for those who might not agree with me on this. I would also like to say that I am so sorry for all of you who have been hurt....my heart goes out to all of you ;) xoxo
Wow....I have no idea how to explain what this book is all about and since there are so many wonderfull reviews out here already, I won't.
I will say that this book blew my mind. It took me on a freaking rollercoaster ride of emotions. I loved the two MC's, yet hated them at the same time..lol. I can't tell you which one of them I liked best, because it kept changing.... Let's just say that both Boyd and Sin were awesome !!
This book is very very long. My dear friends, told me to read the long version instead of the directors cut, because I wouldn't want to miss anything....and they were right !! It was long, but there wasn't a moment that I was bored. I ate it all up...all 1400 + pages ;)
I laughed, I cried, I cursed (a lot) and I swooned. These boys were epic and very very sexy :D
I do have to note that eventhough this wasn't a buddy read, I wouldn't have survived wihout the support of my dutch girls...lol. Thank you Susan and Elsbeth for being on stand by !! :D
I'm gonna need you guys again for book 2 !!!
Ofcourse I'm gonna jump into book 2 right away, because after all these pages I feel like I already know them so well. I can't wait to read what happens next, though a little birdie told me that book 2 was the most angsty.....
5 stars for this awesome book with it's awesome characters !!
Wow....I have no idea how to explain what this book is all about and since there are so many wonderfull reviews out here already, I won't.
I will say that this book blew my mind. It took me on a freaking rollercoaster ride of emotions. I loved the two MC's, yet hated them at the same time..lol. I can't tell you which one of them I liked best, because it kept changing.... Let's just say that both Boyd and Sin were awesome !!
This book is very very long. My dear friends, told me to read the long version instead of the directors cut, because I wouldn't want to miss anything....and they were right !! It was long, but there wasn't a moment that I was bored. I ate it all up...all 1400 + pages ;)
I laughed, I cried, I cursed (a lot) and I swooned. These boys were epic and very very sexy :D
I do have to note that eventhough this wasn't a buddy read, I wouldn't have survived wihout the support of my dutch girls...lol. Thank you Susan and Elsbeth for being on stand by !! :D
I'm gonna need you guys again for book 2 !!!
Ofcourse I'm gonna jump into book 2 right away, because after all these pages I feel like I already know them so well. I can't wait to read what happens next, though a little birdie told me that book 2 was the most angsty.....
5 stars for this awesome book with it's awesome characters !!
February 9, 2013
I was a little afraid to start reading this book if I'm completely honest. At 1427 pages, it is the longest book I have ever read, by a mile. That alone is pretty daunting. LOL
I had heard some pretty great things about this series, but nothing could've prepared me for just how much I loved it.
Evenfall took over my whole life, for six wonderful days. My poor hubby got ignored, my house was a complete damn mess, food wasn't really that important anymore, or sleep. Who needs it, really? My house could've been falling down around me and I wouldn't even have cared. LOL
I am struggling to know what to say. I want everyone to know that this book is absolutely incredible, but I don't know if anything I say will do it justice.
This is one good way to show how much I liked it... I made 99 highlights on my Kindle, and that was edited, a lot! I wanted to highlight something on every single page. Also, I hit a new record of progress updates too. There were so many amazing things that happened, so many twists and turns.
I loved every single word, every single page.
Okay, moving on to the characters.
I have to start with Hsin/Sin Vega. I'll give you a quick run-down on him, some facts...
Sin was trained to be an assassin, by his father Emilio, when he was just eight years old. He wanted Sin to be just like him but without any of his weaknesses, leading to a very harsh and abusive childhood.
Sin's father died when he was fourteen years old, that's when Sin took over his position at The Agency. He was the perfect assassin, just like Emilio had trained him to be. But it eventually became clear that his past and all the abuse he suffered, could never be forgotten. It's there in his head all the time. When faced with any form of abuse, whether it's against himself or seeing someone else in that position, he takes very drastic action. Leading him into some terrible situations where he kills anyone that comes close to him.
Everyone in the Agency seems to hate him; they judge him based on his past actions because they're too afraid of him and refuse to get to know him now. They Agency call him 'The Monster', and when he does lose control they use the one weakness they know about, claustrophobia, to control him. They lock him away in a box for months at a time and drug him when he becomes distressed. Then they wonder why he comes out swinging? They're the monsters.
This is where we meet Boyd Beaulieu. He has been put forward by his Agency Official mother, Vivienne, to be Sins new partner. His job is to be Sin's back-up. To stand back and allow Sin to do his job, but to stop him from killing people unnecessarily, to stop him from doing anything that he hasn't been asked to do.
********** Spoilers Ahead, read ahead at your own risk. ************
Boyd is a really wonderful character. It's very difficult to remember that he is only nineteen years old. Boyd is just as messed up as his new partner, but for very different reasons. He lived through a very brutal and violent attack by a street gang a few years ago. He was forced to watch a lover be murdered, right before his eyes; he was pinned to the ground while they whispered true horrors in his ears. Leaving him scarred for life. Boyd has been alone and lost for so long, just letting his life pass him by. Not really living at all.
Now onto the best part of the entire book, Sin and Boyd together!
(There's a ridiculous grin on my face right now. LOL)
I will admit that by like 45%, I was starting to get a little frustrated at the lack of sexy time we were seeing. *wink wink* But the slow development and realistic build up was truly amazing. Seeing them go from completely ignoring each other, to all the little smiles, the laughing, and the beautiful connection that they forge together. They do this by being themselves. Through trust, honesty and dedication to one another. I loved it.
Sin -"At first... I realised I didn't want you to die. And then... I realised I wanted to protect you. And then I became very possessive of you, or perhaps the idea of you. I'm still not precisely sure what any of that means."
We had to wait a long time, but when Boyd and Sin do finally come together (pun totally intended, LOL), it's out of this world! They are explosive.
Sin has a really great sense of humour too...
'Boyd's eyebrows lifted. "Are you calling me psychotic?"
Sin smirked. "You might be. Or masochistic."
"Masochistic?" Boyd echoed in a drawl, his lips lifting into a wry smile. "You think so?"
"You must be if you want to screw around with a half deranged assassin," he replied with a raised brow.'
Bwahahahaha!
But what I think I loved the most about them was how much they both change, together. They relax more, they talk more and they laugh. They flirt and they tease. That was the reason for my permanent smile throughout this book.
I also loved the huge differences between them. How Sin craves a good fight, whereas Boyd will avoid it if at all possible. Anyway, my point is about how they are when together. Boyd loves that Sin is so fast, so strong and so dangerous, but with him? He takes his time; he gets to know Boyd's body and exactly what he likes. He can be slow and gentle and caring. Boyd relishes the fact that no other person in the world gets to see Sin this was. It's amazing.
Things are far from simple between them, they have to navigate themselves through situations that most people would never even dream of. Sin doesn't know how to be a friend, or a lover. Things that to him are normal, that he thinks will help, are not generally acceptable. He has to learn the difference, which is really hard.
"He was a helpless, emaciated, fucking drug addict. And I ripped him apart because of what he did to you, and you -- you just treat me like I'm a freak, and you sit there in my face and make nice with Thierry and let him take you home and fuck you."
While they had their problems, this relationship is just beautiful to watch.
When things go seriously wrong, I was so happy that they both foght for what they wanted, each other. They don't mess around or let the other think things that aren't true...
Sin - "I don't want to go back to the way I fucking was. I don't want to go back to being alone and having to be nothing but a weapon. I don't want to pretend that I don't --" He stopped again and realised with a sense of humiliation that he was about to display the ultimate form of human weakness.
"I can't do it without you," he grit out. "I won't."
The cast of secondary characters were brilliant and so well done. There was the perfect amount of back ground detail so we could connect them with the story.
Vivienne (Boyd's mother) really is a terrible, terrible person. I hate the way she makes Boyd feel so worthless. Like he has nothing to live for and that no one would miss him if he was no longer here. The more we got to know her, the more I hated her.
Ryan was such a darling. It was so sweet that he had such a crush on Sin, but also that he was Sin's friend, whether Sin knew it or not. He looks out for Sin and now Boyd. He cares about how they are treated and helps them whenever he can. He's a great friend.
I really enjoyed learning all about this world that Sonny and Ais have created, some years in the future after another world war. The stories and the missions are so clever and detailed.
Now, I have to stop there otherwise there will be nothing left for you all to read. Sorry I got carried away, again! LOL
I honestly don't think I will find another book I love quite as much as this one, in 2013. It was everything I look for in a book, and so, so much more.
*Huge thanks to Em and Giorgia. This book wouldn't have been the same without you both.*
I had heard some pretty great things about this series, but nothing could've prepared me for just how much I loved it.
Evenfall took over my whole life, for six wonderful days. My poor hubby got ignored, my house was a complete damn mess, food wasn't really that important anymore, or sleep. Who needs it, really? My house could've been falling down around me and I wouldn't even have cared. LOL
I am struggling to know what to say. I want everyone to know that this book is absolutely incredible, but I don't know if anything I say will do it justice.
This is one good way to show how much I liked it... I made 99 highlights on my Kindle, and that was edited, a lot! I wanted to highlight something on every single page. Also, I hit a new record of progress updates too. There were so many amazing things that happened, so many twists and turns.
I loved every single word, every single page.
Okay, moving on to the characters.
I have to start with Hsin/Sin Vega. I'll give you a quick run-down on him, some facts...
Sin was trained to be an assassin, by his father Emilio, when he was just eight years old. He wanted Sin to be just like him but without any of his weaknesses, leading to a very harsh and abusive childhood.
Sin's father died when he was fourteen years old, that's when Sin took over his position at The Agency. He was the perfect assassin, just like Emilio had trained him to be. But it eventually became clear that his past and all the abuse he suffered, could never be forgotten. It's there in his head all the time. When faced with any form of abuse, whether it's against himself or seeing someone else in that position, he takes very drastic action. Leading him into some terrible situations where he kills anyone that comes close to him.
Everyone in the Agency seems to hate him; they judge him based on his past actions because they're too afraid of him and refuse to get to know him now. They Agency call him 'The Monster', and when he does lose control they use the one weakness they know about, claustrophobia, to control him. They lock him away in a box for months at a time and drug him when he becomes distressed. Then they wonder why he comes out swinging? They're the monsters.
This is where we meet Boyd Beaulieu. He has been put forward by his Agency Official mother, Vivienne, to be Sins new partner. His job is to be Sin's back-up. To stand back and allow Sin to do his job, but to stop him from killing people unnecessarily, to stop him from doing anything that he hasn't been asked to do.
********** Spoilers Ahead, read ahead at your own risk. ************
Boyd is a really wonderful character. It's very difficult to remember that he is only nineteen years old. Boyd is just as messed up as his new partner, but for very different reasons. He lived through a very brutal and violent attack by a street gang a few years ago. He was forced to watch a lover be murdered, right before his eyes; he was pinned to the ground while they whispered true horrors in his ears. Leaving him scarred for life. Boyd has been alone and lost for so long, just letting his life pass him by. Not really living at all.
Now onto the best part of the entire book, Sin and Boyd together!
(There's a ridiculous grin on my face right now. LOL)
I will admit that by like 45%, I was starting to get a little frustrated at the lack of sexy time we were seeing. *wink wink* But the slow development and realistic build up was truly amazing. Seeing them go from completely ignoring each other, to all the little smiles, the laughing, and the beautiful connection that they forge together. They do this by being themselves. Through trust, honesty and dedication to one another. I loved it.
Sin -"At first... I realised I didn't want you to die. And then... I realised I wanted to protect you. And then I became very possessive of you, or perhaps the idea of you. I'm still not precisely sure what any of that means."
We had to wait a long time, but when Boyd and Sin do finally come together (pun totally intended, LOL), it's out of this world! They are explosive.
Sin has a really great sense of humour too...
'Boyd's eyebrows lifted. "Are you calling me psychotic?"
Sin smirked. "You might be. Or masochistic."
"Masochistic?" Boyd echoed in a drawl, his lips lifting into a wry smile. "You think so?"
"You must be if you want to screw around with a half deranged assassin," he replied with a raised brow.'
Bwahahahaha!
But what I think I loved the most about them was how much they both change, together. They relax more, they talk more and they laugh. They flirt and they tease. That was the reason for my permanent smile throughout this book.
I also loved the huge differences between them. How Sin craves a good fight, whereas Boyd will avoid it if at all possible. Anyway, my point is about how they are when together. Boyd loves that Sin is so fast, so strong and so dangerous, but with him? He takes his time; he gets to know Boyd's body and exactly what he likes. He can be slow and gentle and caring. Boyd relishes the fact that no other person in the world gets to see Sin this was. It's amazing.
Things are far from simple between them, they have to navigate themselves through situations that most people would never even dream of. Sin doesn't know how to be a friend, or a lover. Things that to him are normal, that he thinks will help, are not generally acceptable. He has to learn the difference, which is really hard.
"He was a helpless, emaciated, fucking drug addict. And I ripped him apart because of what he did to you, and you -- you just treat me like I'm a freak, and you sit there in my face and make nice with Thierry and let him take you home and fuck you."
While they had their problems, this relationship is just beautiful to watch.
When things go seriously wrong, I was so happy that they both foght for what they wanted, each other. They don't mess around or let the other think things that aren't true...
Sin - "I don't want to go back to the way I fucking was. I don't want to go back to being alone and having to be nothing but a weapon. I don't want to pretend that I don't --" He stopped again and realised with a sense of humiliation that he was about to display the ultimate form of human weakness.
"I can't do it without you," he grit out. "I won't."
The cast of secondary characters were brilliant and so well done. There was the perfect amount of back ground detail so we could connect them with the story.
Vivienne (Boyd's mother) really is a terrible, terrible person. I hate the way she makes Boyd feel so worthless. Like he has nothing to live for and that no one would miss him if he was no longer here. The more we got to know her, the more I hated her.
Ryan was such a darling. It was so sweet that he had such a crush on Sin, but also that he was Sin's friend, whether Sin knew it or not. He looks out for Sin and now Boyd. He cares about how they are treated and helps them whenever he can. He's a great friend.
I really enjoyed learning all about this world that Sonny and Ais have created, some years in the future after another world war. The stories and the missions are so clever and detailed.
Now, I have to stop there otherwise there will be nothing left for you all to read. Sorry I got carried away, again! LOL
I honestly don't think I will find another book I love quite as much as this one, in 2013. It was everything I look for in a book, and so, so much more.
*Huge thanks to Em and Giorgia. This book wouldn't have been the same without you both.*
December 30, 2013
This book is EPIC!!!!!!! The characters.....the dystopian world.....EPIC!!!
However you better have the patience of a saint because these characters will PISS you off!!! I'm talkin' about backhanding people right across the mouth!!
I don't even know where to start!!
This book has it ALL!!
Assassin BADASS Mofo.......YES
Hsin........Sin I love you!! I want to do bad things with you.....I want to make you better...you psychotic sexy bastard!!!!!!! I want those green eyes looking at me with that smirk......don't judge me because I don't CARE!! All of those Agency jerks that give you a hard time...SCREW you who are you to judge him! You judge him but you also have your own agenda for him!!
Badass partner in crime.....YES
Boyd.........I'm so jealous of you!
I love you, I swear I do but damn I'm green with envy! You learned, somewhat, how to handle him when NO one else could....or when no one else wanted to. I would have volunteered had I been there but since I wasn't invited to the Agency you were a GOOD substitute...I LOVE HOW YOU LOVE HIM!! I also secretly love your flirty behavior when it comes to Sin.....it makes me grin every time:)
World Building.....YES!!
As much as I loved these characters I was equally involved with everything else. The secondary characters were fabulous and interesting, although I like some more than others. However in the last 15% of the book.....the world comes CRASHING down!!!!!!
Chaos occurs within the Agency....what will happen next?!?!?
I have NO clue but I can't wait to find OUT:)))
I just don't have the skill to write how good this book was but trust me it's the kind of GOOD that makes you want to smash your iPad while reading....
The kind of good that makes your ovaries explode.....
The kind of good that makes you want to reach in the book and keep one of the these characters as your own *cough Sin* I would keep him...
The kind of good that makes you smile and then the next sentence you want to smack everyone.....
The kind of good that when you get to the end after 1400+ pages you are sad that it's done....
See people it's just THAT GOOD!! READ IT!!!!!
This song is PERFECT for this book!!
http://youtu.be/e8-sMJZTYf0
However you better have the patience of a saint because these characters will PISS you off!!! I'm talkin' about backhanding people right across the mouth!!
I don't even know where to start!!
This book has it ALL!!
Assassin BADASS Mofo.......YES
Hsin........Sin I love you!! I want to do bad things with you.....I want to make you better...you psychotic sexy bastard!!!!!!! I want those green eyes looking at me with that smirk......don't judge me because I don't CARE!! All of those Agency jerks that give you a hard time...SCREW you who are you to judge him! You judge him but you also have your own agenda for him!!
Badass partner in crime.....YES
Boyd.........I'm so jealous of you!
I love you, I swear I do but damn I'm green with envy! You learned, somewhat, how to handle him when NO one else could....or when no one else wanted to. I would have volunteered had I been there but since I wasn't invited to the Agency you were a GOOD substitute...I LOVE HOW YOU LOVE HIM!! I also secretly love your flirty behavior when it comes to Sin.....it makes me grin every time:)
World Building.....YES!!
As much as I loved these characters I was equally involved with everything else. The secondary characters were fabulous and interesting, although I like some more than others. However in the last 15% of the book.....the world comes CRASHING down!!!!!!
Chaos occurs within the Agency....what will happen next?!?!?
I have NO clue but I can't wait to find OUT:)))
I just don't have the skill to write how good this book was but trust me it's the kind of GOOD that makes you want to smash your iPad while reading....
The kind of good that makes your ovaries explode.....
The kind of good that makes you want to reach in the book and keep one of the these characters as your own *cough Sin* I would keep him...
The kind of good that makes you smile and then the next sentence you want to smack everyone.....
The kind of good that when you get to the end after 1400+ pages you are sad that it's done....
See people it's just THAT GOOD!! READ IT!!!!!
This song is PERFECT for this book!!
http://youtu.be/e8-sMJZTYf0
October 5, 2015
Final rating: 4.5/5 stars
edit: MWAHAHAH UPDATED THE REVIEW WITH PICS FOR SIN AND BOYD ♥
4.5 stars only because it was freaking long - and officially the longest book i have ever read!!! Other than that, this book is just perfect, and so far, the best mm i have ever read.
The story was very cool, it had action, stealth missions, seductions and whatever else; but the main point was once again-in characters, who were so perfect that i have no words for. Actually - they are one of the most believable set of characters ever. Anyway, it was just fantastic.(especially for those who love tortured heroes[both of the MC are]).
And another thing for 4.5 stars => sometimes there were to many descriptions of surroundings and such.
Soooooooooo......it's worth of reading, though you have to have patience to read this enormous book and it's way to long chapters. But it was worth every page of it :D
____________________________________________
CHARACTERS :
____________________________________________
There were many of them in the book. And so many worth remembering. Except for Sin and Boyd (our hot male duo) there are also many many more who are important for the story. Most of them i wanted to kill though. Except Ryan - he was way to adorable!!!!
♦ Boyd :
In the beginning he is represented as quite emotionless blondie,who was chosen to be Sin's partner. And, that practically meant a willing death sentence, since Sin's reputation spoke that his partners didn't live long. Or at all, if he didn't kill them first. But since Boyd didn't have anything left to lose, he accepted the role. After a while we do see that he after all, has feelings and fears but he is afraid of showing them. Since his mother is one of the heads of the agency, everybody underestimated him always, and he was so-so in almost the same situation as Sin. But unlike everyone else, he thought he could get to know Sin from the inside. Which he eventually succeeded. He also had really tortured past, and unlike the standard tortured heroes pasts. His was more complicated and in more ways always had quite psychological consequences. The only thing i hated about him: he is way to observing stuff. To much info for my brain sometimes...
♦ Sin :
Kick ass. Serious, kick-ass-Asian-super-awesome-green-eyed-abso-f*cking-lutely-mothafakaaaaa xDDD.... is also my poor poor baby.
Many people consider him a monster,and in retaliation they treat him as an animal. Sometimes he has bad "episodes" where he gloriously kills dozen people - without weapons sometimes. And all of that because he can't stand someone being abused, but when it comes to him, he will tolerate it until he cracks...and he has strong pain endurance, which makes people (sadists) hurt him even more. These episodes of his also happen every time that Sin can't withstand their torture. They never treated him as a human, even though he is the agency best agent-assassin ever. So, in the end, they abuse him, torture him both mentally and physically, and they use his fear of claustrophobia against him so they can control him. (erm...if he was a monster he wouldn't have fears, right? F*ck logic, huh???)....AAAAAAnd, he would never be considered as a monster if they just gave him a chance, and no one ever did. Except for Boyd. He truly understood Sin, and he has never hurt him. Oh and if Boyd past was unique enough, Sin's even more....oh, and not just past, everything is happening in the present as well, and i wonder how he is still sane after all that has happened to him, or what had been done to him. And yet, he is still loyal to the agency. Poor guy.
Other than that, when you see through Sin's eyes, you see just how absolutely adorable he is (when he is not in his killing spree mode xD)...
And every time something happens to him i was swept by the wave of feels.
♦ Actually their relationship is not love at the first sight, or love by looks. They both take their time to open to each other, and they are both stubborn and in many ways similar, though it takes many of chapters for them to actually admit it. So, there was no insta love, there was only insta-hate at the beginning.
____________________________________________
OVERALL :
____________________________________________
And, i need to read second book, but there are so many which *puppy eye* me, so it will have to wait for a while.
This review can be found on my blog: infinity-of-time.blogspot.com also known as...
edit: MWAHAHAH UPDATED THE REVIEW WITH PICS FOR SIN AND BOYD ♥
4.5 stars only because it was freaking long - and officially the longest book i have ever read!!! Other than that, this book is just perfect, and so far, the best mm i have ever read.
The story was very cool, it had action, stealth missions, seductions and whatever else; but the main point was once again-in characters, who were so perfect that i have no words for. Actually - they are one of the most believable set of characters ever. Anyway, it was just fantastic.(especially for those who love tortured heroes[both of the MC are]).
And another thing for 4.5 stars => sometimes there were to many descriptions of surroundings and such.
Soooooooooo......it's worth of reading, though you have to have patience to read this enormous book and it's way to long chapters. But it was worth every page of it :D
____________________________________________
CHARACTERS :
____________________________________________
There were many of them in the book. And so many worth remembering. Except for Sin and Boyd (our hot male duo) there are also many many more who are important for the story. Most of them i wanted to kill though. Except Ryan - he was way to adorable!!!!
"After all, a life without living was simply a death without dying. What more was there to fear or hate but life, endless life, with no respite?"
♦ Boyd :
In the beginning he is represented as quite emotionless blondie,who was chosen to be Sin's partner. And, that practically meant a willing death sentence, since Sin's reputation spoke that his partners didn't live long. Or at all, if he didn't kill them first. But since Boyd didn't have anything left to lose, he accepted the role. After a while we do see that he after all, has feelings and fears but he is afraid of showing them. Since his mother is one of the heads of the agency, everybody underestimated him always, and he was so-so in almost the same situation as Sin. But unlike everyone else, he thought he could get to know Sin from the inside. Which he eventually succeeded. He also had really tortured past, and unlike the standard tortured heroes pasts. His was more complicated and in more ways always had quite psychological consequences. The only thing i hated about him: he is way to observing stuff. To much info for my brain sometimes...
♦ Sin :
Kick ass. Serious, kick-ass-Asian-super-awesome-green-eyed-abso-f*cking-lutely-mothafakaaaaa xDDD.... is also my poor poor baby.
Many people consider him a monster,and in retaliation they treat him as an animal. Sometimes he has bad "episodes" where he gloriously kills dozen people - without weapons sometimes. And all of that because he can't stand someone being abused, but when it comes to him, he will tolerate it until he cracks...and he has strong pain endurance, which makes people (sadists) hurt him even more. These episodes of his also happen every time that Sin can't withstand their torture. They never treated him as a human, even though he is the agency best agent-assassin ever. So, in the end, they abuse him, torture him both mentally and physically, and they use his fear of claustrophobia against him so they can control him. (erm...if he was a monster he wouldn't have fears, right? F*ck logic, huh???)....AAAAAAnd, he would never be considered as a monster if they just gave him a chance, and no one ever did. Except for Boyd. He truly understood Sin, and he has never hurt him. Oh and if Boyd past was unique enough, Sin's even more....oh, and not just past, everything is happening in the present as well, and i wonder how he is still sane after all that has happened to him, or what had been done to him. And yet, he is still loyal to the agency. Poor guy.
Other than that, when you see through Sin's eyes, you see just how absolutely adorable he is (when he is not in his killing spree mode xD)...
And every time something happens to him i was swept by the wave of feels.
♦ Actually their relationship is not love at the first sight, or love by looks. They both take their time to open to each other, and they are both stubborn and in many ways similar, though it takes many of chapters for them to actually admit it. So, there was no insta love, there was only insta-hate at the beginning.
____________________________________________
OVERALL :
____________________________________________
And, i need to read second book, but there are so many which *puppy eye* me, so it will have to wait for a while.
This review can be found on my blog: infinity-of-time.blogspot.com also known as...
Want to read
September 27, 2016Why can't i find this anywhere??
M/M Romance!!??!!
Military?
Psychopaths?
Deadly Assassins?
WWIII?
Dark?
Dystopia?
GIRL! Sign me up!
M/M Romance!!??!!
Military?
Psychopaths?
Deadly Assassins?
WWIII?
Dark?
Dystopia?
GIRL! Sign me up!
January 6, 2018
Words fail me as to just how unbelievably brilliant this book is.
Having read the Directors Cut back in 2016 I always intended to read the original version.
Firstly I had to actually get my hands on a copy since it’s no longer available (thanks Christelle) once I had my copy I needed time to read and enjoy and decided this would be my Christmas present to myself.
This book is long and I do mean long (1427 pages) that’s a lot of reading especially when you consider that
Evenfall 1 (Director’s Cut) is 334 pages
Evenfall 2 (Director’s Cut) is 344 pages
That’s a lot of extra pages but I read every word on every page, I never once considered skimming or skipping. I was mesmerised completely and utterly.
Nothing I write will come close to describing this book, how it made me feel and the extent to which I totally lost myself in it. The feelings it evoked in me (I think I went through the whole spectrum) it’s frustrating as hell at times and the misunderstandings and lack of communication drove me crazy.
It's set in the post-apocalyptic future where the Agency works covertly to protect the current government. Doing anything that it deems necessary using whatever means it has available.
Hsin Liu Vega or Sin as he’s known is the Agency's most efficient killer, he's a living legend surrounded my mystery and fear, he's a killing machine they find difficult to control.
When we first encounter Sin he's being kept unconscious in a box. Sin is claustrophobic and has spent the last six months in a six feet by five feet metal box. Sin is over six feet tall.
Slumping against the sterile floor, the man appeared to be in his twenties and was heavily restrained. He wore only close-fitting black shorts so his body was completely displayed to the heavily armored men that surrounded him. He was sleekly muscular and incredibly well-toned despite his slender build. His light olive-toned skin was marred by horrific-looking scars, gashes, what had obviously been bullet holes, and a tattoo. Hsin Liu Vega, or Sin as he was widely referred to in the Agency, was emaciated and had a wild look about him.
They also need a partner for him since all his previous partners have ended up dead and this is how we meet Boyd. Boyd is different, for a start he's not from the Agency although his mother is, he's closed off and most of the time it appears he has zero personality and this intrigues Sin.
As Boyd and Sin grow close we discover a fun side to Sin and we see how good these two are together. Before Boyd he never had a reason to smile, his life has been one form of hell or another.
The world that's been created here is terrifying brilliant, the Agency and the ruthless way it operates is truly chilling but the story is Sin and Boyd, this is what draws the reader in and doesn't let you go. I just couldn't get enough of these two and I agonised and wanted so much more for them than the life they have.
Even though I’ve previously read the Director’s Cut a lot of time it felt like I was
reading it for the first time. I was excited and almost to the point of biting my nails and I’ve never bitten my nails, even though I knew what happened I was still anxious and I’d forgotten just how long it takes Sin and Boyd to get their act together.
My genre is romance all kinds of romance and that's always without exception the priority for me, now don't get me wrong I like my romance wrapped in a good story but here the writing, the descriptions, secondary characters and just Sin and Boyd themselves managed to pull me into this story to the extent where I'd have kept reading regardless. At one point it looked bleak, okay at several points it looked bleak but I realised I was so into this book that even if the relationship fell away I'd still be reading and while you might think this is obvious it's the first time I remember it happening to me. Although I have to say I would not have been a happy bunny.
This mission is their most difficult yet and it makes for an agonising read at times, Sin and Boyd find themselves in Mexico set up in a crappy apartment Sin is expected to find a job and socialize with people after he's been isolated and treated like an abomination all his life, surely they must realise how difficult this would be for him but they just don't care.
Boyd is sent to evaluate the area and find escape routes, which is dangerous in itself when he's deep in drug territory.
Have I mentioned how much I hate the Agency?
After the scene at the beginning of the book when we encounter Sin in the box I didn't have a lot of love for the Agency, this got worse the more I read and in this book I positively hate the Agency and Connors in particular although it has to be said I have a long mental list of people I want to die and that again has never happened to me before. The treatment of their own agents is unbelievable and I wanted something dreadful to happen to a lot of them.
This book is simply amazing and it’s almost impossible to pick out any best bits but these two made me smile, along with many others I might add.
"I figured you'd be dead by now. It's surprising and I'm very rarely surprised."
"Oh not at all," and this time the sarcasm was dripping from Boyd's tone. "Why don't I just go out there," he pointed toward the door as if Sin could not understand, "and walk into the wall a few times, maybe crouch in the light more than shadows. You know, lure him out with my ineptitude. I could also have my pants undone for easy access castration. This sounds like a good plan."
It’s straight into Afterimage for me and I have mixed feelings about this. While it is undeniably brilliant I spent a large chunk of it annoyed and upset with Boyd, let’s hope it’s easier the second time round.
Having read the Directors Cut back in 2016 I always intended to read the original version.
Firstly I had to actually get my hands on a copy since it’s no longer available (thanks Christelle) once I had my copy I needed time to read and enjoy and decided this would be my Christmas present to myself.
This book is long and I do mean long (1427 pages) that’s a lot of reading especially when you consider that
Evenfall 1 (Director’s Cut) is 334 pages
Evenfall 2 (Director’s Cut) is 344 pages
That’s a lot of extra pages but I read every word on every page, I never once considered skimming or skipping. I was mesmerised completely and utterly.
Nothing I write will come close to describing this book, how it made me feel and the extent to which I totally lost myself in it. The feelings it evoked in me (I think I went through the whole spectrum) it’s frustrating as hell at times and the misunderstandings and lack of communication drove me crazy.
It's set in the post-apocalyptic future where the Agency works covertly to protect the current government. Doing anything that it deems necessary using whatever means it has available.
Hsin Liu Vega or Sin as he’s known is the Agency's most efficient killer, he's a living legend surrounded my mystery and fear, he's a killing machine they find difficult to control.
When we first encounter Sin he's being kept unconscious in a box. Sin is claustrophobic and has spent the last six months in a six feet by five feet metal box. Sin is over six feet tall.
Slumping against the sterile floor, the man appeared to be in his twenties and was heavily restrained. He wore only close-fitting black shorts so his body was completely displayed to the heavily armored men that surrounded him. He was sleekly muscular and incredibly well-toned despite his slender build. His light olive-toned skin was marred by horrific-looking scars, gashes, what had obviously been bullet holes, and a tattoo. Hsin Liu Vega, or Sin as he was widely referred to in the Agency, was emaciated and had a wild look about him.
They also need a partner for him since all his previous partners have ended up dead and this is how we meet Boyd. Boyd is different, for a start he's not from the Agency although his mother is, he's closed off and most of the time it appears he has zero personality and this intrigues Sin.
As Boyd and Sin grow close we discover a fun side to Sin and we see how good these two are together. Before Boyd he never had a reason to smile, his life has been one form of hell or another.
The world that's been created here is terrifying brilliant, the Agency and the ruthless way it operates is truly chilling but the story is Sin and Boyd, this is what draws the reader in and doesn't let you go. I just couldn't get enough of these two and I agonised and wanted so much more for them than the life they have.
Even though I’ve previously read the Director’s Cut a lot of time it felt like I was
reading it for the first time. I was excited and almost to the point of biting my nails and I’ve never bitten my nails, even though I knew what happened I was still anxious and I’d forgotten just how long it takes Sin and Boyd to get their act together.
My genre is romance all kinds of romance and that's always without exception the priority for me, now don't get me wrong I like my romance wrapped in a good story but here the writing, the descriptions, secondary characters and just Sin and Boyd themselves managed to pull me into this story to the extent where I'd have kept reading regardless. At one point it looked bleak, okay at several points it looked bleak but I realised I was so into this book that even if the relationship fell away I'd still be reading and while you might think this is obvious it's the first time I remember it happening to me. Although I have to say I would not have been a happy bunny.
This mission is their most difficult yet and it makes for an agonising read at times, Sin and Boyd find themselves in Mexico set up in a crappy apartment Sin is expected to find a job and socialize with people after he's been isolated and treated like an abomination all his life, surely they must realise how difficult this would be for him but they just don't care.
Boyd is sent to evaluate the area and find escape routes, which is dangerous in itself when he's deep in drug territory.
Have I mentioned how much I hate the Agency?
After the scene at the beginning of the book when we encounter Sin in the box I didn't have a lot of love for the Agency, this got worse the more I read and in this book I positively hate the Agency and Connors in particular although it has to be said I have a long mental list of people I want to die and that again has never happened to me before. The treatment of their own agents is unbelievable and I wanted something dreadful to happen to a lot of them.
This book is simply amazing and it’s almost impossible to pick out any best bits but these two made me smile, along with many others I might add.
"I figured you'd be dead by now. It's surprising and I'm very rarely surprised."
"Oh not at all," and this time the sarcasm was dripping from Boyd's tone. "Why don't I just go out there," he pointed toward the door as if Sin could not understand, "and walk into the wall a few times, maybe crouch in the light more than shadows. You know, lure him out with my ineptitude. I could also have my pants undone for easy access castration. This sounds like a good plan."
It’s straight into Afterimage for me and I have mixed feelings about this. While it is undeniably brilliant I spent a large chunk of it annoyed and upset with Boyd, let’s hope it’s easier the second time round.
June 22, 2023
✰ 4.25 stars ✰
“You'll always be human to me.”
I knew there was no way I could enjoy Evenfall, if I read it one go, so reading bits of it at various intervals, over the course of almost a month, was suffice to say, a daunting, if not, exhilarating experience. ☺️ I didn't quite know what to expect, once I started, but as I read, as the story progressed, as the characters intertwined, as the plot developed, I became immersed in the story. Boyd and Hsin - Hsin and Boyd - two agents who become partners - forced to work together because they were the best fit for each other. Each haunted by their own shadows of the past, each carrying a weight of a burden neither of them know how to overcome. This is the start of what they go through to get to the level where they are NOW - what a ride - what a show - taking slow-burn to another level. 🩶 🩶
'We'll always have Mexico.'
“But... after months of wondering what it would be like to put my hands on you and my mouth on you, I think... I just want to touch you.
"I think I just want to taste you.”
Can you hear that? ❤️🔥❤️🔥 That's me screaming - screaming, because Monterrey is where the slow-burn really paid off. Slow-burn which intensified into such strong feelings. Feelings that morphed into something even more fierce. Fierce that transpired into want and need and overwhelming level of trust and belonging that made Sin and Boyd's chemistry spark with a flare I was waiting to see, since their first meeting. 🫠🫠 They brought out the worst and the best in each other - it was more than just Boyd being the only agent compatible with Sin's demeanor and personality.
“I wish I could hate you. God, I wish I could fucking kill you for doing this to me. Why couldn't you just leave me alone if it was going to be this way?”
They changed each other - they helped each other, before even realizing what they felt for each other. And even so, there was so much stacked against them - the agency, their own pent-up histories, their desire to protect the other from each other's pain. 🥺🥺 I don't know who had it worse - Boyd or Sin - all the torture, the ill-timed decisions, their inability to voice how they really feel. My heart broke for both of them, because no matter how hard they believed they could be together, there was so much at risk that kept them from each other. And yet, I still want to believe - in my heart- that they are destined to be for each other. 🤍🤍
“The fact that agents were watching their every move didn't help matters. That, combined with the uncomfortable embarrassment that shadowed the outpouring of feelings the night before, made for a very quiet farewell.”
I am aware that this version is in need for some serious editing; it is far from perfect. But, I still wanted to read it in it's rawest essence, so I could brace myself for the onslaught of 1+k words of reading that would be for the rest of the series. Yes, it did become tiresome at times with the repetitive dialogue and inner monologues, the overzealous descriptions of background buildings and surroundings, but in the rubble of all those words, I found a diamond in the rough. A hidden gem, that if you blink, you'll miss it, and it was this one that just hit me, at how deep the series' title really intended to be. 😥
"Yes, I do," Boyd said mildly, looking away to search the shadows as if he would find an answer there as to how to deal with his mother.”
And I'm still bursting with so many questions! What is Vivienne plotting now that's she in charge? Has she softened up to Sin and Boyd, or does she have another such devious scheme up her sleeve? What was the need to make Ryan injured? He was the best of the lot! What is Kassian's agenda? He seems like a decent guy, but that lingering touch on Boyd's arm (something I DID NOT LIKE AT ALL 😦) made me very apprehensive. What is Cahart hiding from his past with Sin's father?
Will Sin and Boyd find eternal happiness? 😟😟
To think that a story that was built on so much torture and pain and struggle and violence could end on such a soft note - almost like a calm before the storm - makes me ever so wary of what lies for them, when they're in the company of shadows...
Wow, that does hit hard... 😔😔
“You'll always be human to me.”
I knew there was no way I could enjoy Evenfall, if I read it one go, so reading bits of it at various intervals, over the course of almost a month, was suffice to say, a daunting, if not, exhilarating experience. ☺️ I didn't quite know what to expect, once I started, but as I read, as the story progressed, as the characters intertwined, as the plot developed, I became immersed in the story. Boyd and Hsin - Hsin and Boyd - two agents who become partners - forced to work together because they were the best fit for each other. Each haunted by their own shadows of the past, each carrying a weight of a burden neither of them know how to overcome. This is the start of what they go through to get to the level where they are NOW - what a ride - what a show - taking slow-burn to another level. 🩶 🩶
'We'll always have Mexico.'
“But... after months of wondering what it would be like to put my hands on you and my mouth on you, I think... I just want to touch you.
"I think I just want to taste you.”
Can you hear that? ❤️🔥❤️🔥 That's me screaming - screaming, because Monterrey is where the slow-burn really paid off. Slow-burn which intensified into such strong feelings. Feelings that morphed into something even more fierce. Fierce that transpired into want and need and overwhelming level of trust and belonging that made Sin and Boyd's chemistry spark with a flare I was waiting to see, since their first meeting. 🫠🫠 They brought out the worst and the best in each other - it was more than just Boyd being the only agent compatible with Sin's demeanor and personality.
“I wish I could hate you. God, I wish I could fucking kill you for doing this to me. Why couldn't you just leave me alone if it was going to be this way?”
They changed each other - they helped each other, before even realizing what they felt for each other. And even so, there was so much stacked against them - the agency, their own pent-up histories, their desire to protect the other from each other's pain. 🥺🥺 I don't know who had it worse - Boyd or Sin - all the torture, the ill-timed decisions, their inability to voice how they really feel. My heart broke for both of them, because no matter how hard they believed they could be together, there was so much at risk that kept them from each other. And yet, I still want to believe - in my heart- that they are destined to be for each other. 🤍🤍
“The fact that agents were watching their every move didn't help matters. That, combined with the uncomfortable embarrassment that shadowed the outpouring of feelings the night before, made for a very quiet farewell.”
I am aware that this version is in need for some serious editing; it is far from perfect. But, I still wanted to read it in it's rawest essence, so I could brace myself for the onslaught of 1+k words of reading that would be for the rest of the series. Yes, it did become tiresome at times with the repetitive dialogue and inner monologues, the overzealous descriptions of background buildings and surroundings, but in the rubble of all those words, I found a diamond in the rough. A hidden gem, that if you blink, you'll miss it, and it was this one that just hit me, at how deep the series' title really intended to be. 😥
"Yes, I do," Boyd said mildly, looking away to search the shadows as if he would find an answer there as to how to deal with his mother.”
And I'm still bursting with so many questions! What is Vivienne plotting now that's she in charge? Has she softened up to Sin and Boyd, or does she have another such devious scheme up her sleeve? What was the need to make Ryan injured? He was the best of the lot! What is Kassian's agenda? He seems like a decent guy, but that lingering touch on Boyd's arm (something I DID NOT LIKE AT ALL 😦) made me very apprehensive. What is Cahart hiding from his past with Sin's father?
Will Sin and Boyd find eternal happiness? 😟😟
To think that a story that was built on so much torture and pain and struggle and violence could end on such a soft note - almost like a calm before the storm - makes me ever so wary of what lies for them, when they're in the company of shadows...
Wow, that does hit hard... 😔😔
December 4, 2013
This is my ideal kind of book; a real slow burner, with originality, a great concept and lots of angst. I am however, glad I had this week off work or it would have taken me a hell of a lot longer to get though it than just 8 days!
This is a dystopian post-war story about an unofficial government agency who are trying to infiltrate and bring down a rebel organisation. The two main characters Hsin and Boyd are newly appointed partners, who over a period of time, grow to trust and respect each other, in the process forming an unconventional relationship.
I felt the last part dragged a bit, but overall I absolutely loved this book and I am moving swiftly on to Afterimage. Hoping there is a LOT more of Kassian in the next book!
Just a couple of questions left unanswered:
Why is Owen always tired and needing coffee, what's he up to?
What exactly is wrong with Ryan?
After everything that's happened to Hsin, why is Carhart still fond of his father, Emilio?
Why did Hsin comment about his father saying "He knows....knew, where I am weak and he will exploit it, just like he did during my training" (is he still alive then?)
Following Hsin's torture, why does he now appear to have super human strength and amazing eyesight?
This is a dystopian post-war story about an unofficial government agency who are trying to infiltrate and bring down a rebel organisation. The two main characters Hsin and Boyd are newly appointed partners, who over a period of time, grow to trust and respect each other, in the process forming an unconventional relationship.
I felt the last part dragged a bit, but overall I absolutely loved this book and I am moving swiftly on to Afterimage. Hoping there is a LOT more of Kassian in the next book!
Just a couple of questions left unanswered:
Why is Owen always tired and needing coffee, what's he up to?
What exactly is wrong with Ryan?
After everything that's happened to Hsin, why is Carhart still fond of his father, Emilio?
Why did Hsin comment about his father saying "He knows....knew, where I am weak and he will exploit it, just like he did during my training" (is he still alive then?)
Following Hsin's torture, why does he now appear to have super human strength and amazing eyesight?
May 9, 2016
I finished this wonderful book (old version) last night at 1 a.m. and I was wondering for a long time haw to rate it...
I was somehow emotional and I just didn't have the strength to write this review.
But now I am ready. SO ...
5 BIG stars because I couldn't go to sleep so many nights until 4.30 a.m. but than woke up at 7 to go to work.
5 stars because I loved SIN!!! And SIN & Boyd together <3
5 stars because it was one of the most terrific stories I've read so far!
This book kept me awake at night for so many hours... I just couldn't put it down!!!
From the beginning I was so attracted to SIN, but it was more than curiosity... He made me want to discover his story and read more, just to discover more of him and his life, his past, his story.
Boyd.. hmm. He made me imagine him as a very cute, but somehow broken man. He made me like him and want to discover his past too.
Together they made such a good team and more than that. It was somehow one of the best couples I've read about. The tension was HUGE!
It was the biggest/longest book I've read so far, with a lot of action and the scenes were somehow so real. God, I imagined them and everything...
So, I can't wait to read more and I just can't let them go!
So... 5 emotional stars!
I was somehow emotional and I just didn't have the strength to write this review.
But now I am ready. SO ...
5 BIG stars because I couldn't go to sleep so many nights until 4.30 a.m. but than woke up at 7 to go to work.
5 stars because I loved SIN!!! And SIN & Boyd together <3
5 stars because it was one of the most terrific stories I've read so far!
This book kept me awake at night for so many hours... I just couldn't put it down!!!
From the beginning I was so attracted to SIN, but it was more than curiosity... He made me want to discover his story and read more, just to discover more of him and his life, his past, his story.
Boyd.. hmm. He made me imagine him as a very cute, but somehow broken man. He made me like him and want to discover his past too.
Together they made such a good team and more than that. It was somehow one of the best couples I've read about. The tension was HUGE!
It was the biggest/longest book I've read so far, with a lot of action and the scenes were somehow so real. God, I imagined them and everything...
So, I can't wait to read more and I just can't let them go!
So... 5 emotional stars!
March 19, 2013
**Caution Spoilers Ahead**
”a life without living was simply a death without dying”
All the whispers, rants and raves hopping around GR about Evenfall are true! The updates alone scared the bejesus out of me! Haha… I was shaking in my reading booties even before I made one kindle click. Just a few steps in though; my fear turned into a fierce, addictive love with gut twisting, heart breaking, pulse racing intensity. It terrifies me how fast this world, words, and characters got under my skin. NO ONE gets to me that fast in fiction or life. But let’s face it…my heart’s bitter, ironclad walls of denial, deflections, and sarcasm didn’t stand a chance against Hsin Liu Vega.
Let me try to introduce the world of Evenfall though before this turns into a Hsin gush-fest. :) We are thrown into a world after WWIII where fighting, bombs, and radiation fallout cause the powers-that-be to clash and fight over control, secrets, technology, and more. In a land where the sun rarely touches the ground anymore, everything appears almost tainted and grey. Nothing is as it seems. Perceptions, emotions, and motives are always in question. A dangerous environment where a covert organization known as The Agency exists to control the rebel groups and revolts that threaten the government. With research, technology, manipulation, torture, and assassins, the Agency operates with brutal any-mean-necessary methods and force. And the best badass “guns blazing” assassin in the bunch is agent Hsin Vega (Sin).
”Sin’s gaze was intense; hawk-like. It was the glower of someone who could very easily reduce someone to a mass of shaking limbs if he chose.”
A killer simultaneously used, praised, shunned, and almost mythologized within the Agency for his skills and strength as a predator. Trained as a child by his father, violence is all Sin has known in life. Taught to kill and trust no one. Feared and punished even by the people that employ him, Sin is locked away in a box in an attempt to control his violent outbursts, snaps, and instability. If violence is all you have known though, how do you communicate or trust? Sin has been drugged and locked away for years, but a new plan and mission places Sin back in the field with a new partner. A partner to watch and control him. Boyd Beaulieu, a shattered, emotionless, introverted teenager is thrust into the job. I know what you must be thinking---Who in their right mind would suggest pairing a teenager with the agent known as the Monster? Well that would be Boyd’s mother! But don’t even get me started on Vivienne. I will let you meet that block of ice on your own! Can this new plan work? Can these two “social misfits” find a way to work together and not get each other killed? Somehow break out from their haunted pasts and perceptions people place on them? Maybe find what they need in each other to heal and survive? Haha…Shit! Now I sound like Boyd’s inner voice with all those questions. ;) I do know that Sin and Boyd reminded me how powerful, passionate and all-consuming the heat of intimacy, friendship and love can be.
”He could think of nothing but the intensity of the feelings coursing through him. The way this all felt, the sweaty, sliding heat of his skin and the hungry, muffled pants caught between their lips.”
The chemistry and energy captured on the page here was fucking mind-blowing! Like nothing I’ve experienced before in fiction! Intense, fierce, and insatiable. Sin’s green eyes captivated and caught me with one fiery look! When we first meet Boyd and Sin they are both so broken and haunted with such loneliness and vulnerability. The idea that one so strong, a killer, needed someone to protect him and reach out to him with kindness had my heart gulping for air! I don’t really want to spoil this experience with too many details—especially about Boyd’s past. Just know Boyd’s beautiful expressionless, guarded pout masks unbearable loss and fear. He broke my heart again and again. Boyd’s pain paired with Sin’s guarded sarcastic front and force formed a powerful “can’t look away” blend of emotion and tension. But wait! Just wait!
To then witness their hearts slowly change! To see and feel the trust build over time by sharing pasts and space together was beautiful and addictive! Like Boyd, once I got a taste and look at their emotions—I wanted more! More! Their distinctive Sin & Boyd brand of communicating with brutal honesty was hilarious, sad, and one of my favorite parts of their chemistry. I watched with bated breath as apathy changed to passion and curiosity changed to possessiveness. Hunger. Lust. Need. And Want! I’m ready to pop just thinking about it all now! Very, very sexy tension and heat that kept building and building! You will feel it in the air. My skin was flushed and shivering! The watching, flirting, denying, and touching that turned to such heat drove me crazy! God, I loved it all.
”Suddenly Sin’s taste was all around him; intoxicating and making him crave more. Every time he’d been attracted to Sin and had ignored it, every time he’d wondered what Sin would feel like pressed against him, came back at him in an overwhelming wave of desire.”
There was something else living under the words as well though. A hard to explain energy and vibe that jumped off the page. A youthful, sometimes geeky and fun feeling mixed with a mesmerizing, voyeuristic intensity. A dark, dangerous pull that was sexy as all hell! Pure electric at times. Sparks of life, pain, and love that made me feel so alive! Evenfall is an exhilarating and exhausting read. One I will cherish as one of my favorites.
My heart loved every step, miscommunication, flirty exchange, “Why?”, sweet craving, TOUCH, and silent moment shared between Sin and Boyd. Every moment seemed to burn into me. Sin’s lanky allure zinging across the page, Boyd’s mask slowly changing and cracking, and every rare ray of sunlight left a mark. What I wouldn’t do to be able to hear…
And just when I thought it couldn’t possibly get any hotter, the intensity any higher? Haha….Hell! The flash, feel, and taste of a lip ring shows up to completely bring me to my knees! :D
Please. Dive in. Meet Sin and Boyd. Feel their touch.
Extras:
Ryan. My love! I’m putting you in my pocket for safe keeping.
Carhart: The General piqued my curiosity at first sight. I’m watching you! *points finger*
Hsin: Sin, Sin, Sin!
This is where Sin had me. Felt my heart squeeze right there and then.
The breath on the window.
“he noticed Sin leaning in toward the passenger window, opening his mouth and breathing on it so fog curled against the glass….”
“It was such a child-like thing for Sin to do that it distracted Boyd and he looked over. He never would have expected to see the man known as an psychopathic assassin do something a ten year old would do. The impression only grew when Sin reached up with one long finger and started drawing on the window.”
BAM! That was it. Just 7% in my heart knew it. I was in deep!
Boyd. Oh Boyd!
Christina—Thank you once again. I know in my heart I would never have met Sin and Boyd without you. *bows and curtseys*
Ilhem and all the ICoS gang—Thank you for the company and hand holding. I would be lost without you! :)
Off for more…..
”a life without living was simply a death without dying”
All the whispers, rants and raves hopping around GR about Evenfall are true! The updates alone scared the bejesus out of me! Haha… I was shaking in my reading booties even before I made one kindle click. Just a few steps in though; my fear turned into a fierce, addictive love with gut twisting, heart breaking, pulse racing intensity. It terrifies me how fast this world, words, and characters got under my skin. NO ONE gets to me that fast in fiction or life. But let’s face it…my heart’s bitter, ironclad walls of denial, deflections, and sarcasm didn’t stand a chance against Hsin Liu Vega.
Let me try to introduce the world of Evenfall though before this turns into a Hsin gush-fest. :) We are thrown into a world after WWIII where fighting, bombs, and radiation fallout cause the powers-that-be to clash and fight over control, secrets, technology, and more. In a land where the sun rarely touches the ground anymore, everything appears almost tainted and grey. Nothing is as it seems. Perceptions, emotions, and motives are always in question. A dangerous environment where a covert organization known as The Agency exists to control the rebel groups and revolts that threaten the government. With research, technology, manipulation, torture, and assassins, the Agency operates with brutal any-mean-necessary methods and force. And the best badass “guns blazing” assassin in the bunch is agent Hsin Vega (Sin).
”Sin’s gaze was intense; hawk-like. It was the glower of someone who could very easily reduce someone to a mass of shaking limbs if he chose.”
A killer simultaneously used, praised, shunned, and almost mythologized within the Agency for his skills and strength as a predator. Trained as a child by his father, violence is all Sin has known in life. Taught to kill and trust no one. Feared and punished even by the people that employ him, Sin is locked away in a box in an attempt to control his violent outbursts, snaps, and instability. If violence is all you have known though, how do you communicate or trust? Sin has been drugged and locked away for years, but a new plan and mission places Sin back in the field with a new partner. A partner to watch and control him. Boyd Beaulieu, a shattered, emotionless, introverted teenager is thrust into the job. I know what you must be thinking---Who in their right mind would suggest pairing a teenager with the agent known as the Monster? Well that would be Boyd’s mother! But don’t even get me started on Vivienne. I will let you meet that block of ice on your own! Can this new plan work? Can these two “social misfits” find a way to work together and not get each other killed? Somehow break out from their haunted pasts and perceptions people place on them? Maybe find what they need in each other to heal and survive? Haha…Shit! Now I sound like Boyd’s inner voice with all those questions. ;) I do know that Sin and Boyd reminded me how powerful, passionate and all-consuming the heat of intimacy, friendship and love can be.
”He could think of nothing but the intensity of the feelings coursing through him. The way this all felt, the sweaty, sliding heat of his skin and the hungry, muffled pants caught between their lips.”
The chemistry and energy captured on the page here was fucking mind-blowing! Like nothing I’ve experienced before in fiction! Intense, fierce, and insatiable. Sin’s green eyes captivated and caught me with one fiery look! When we first meet Boyd and Sin they are both so broken and haunted with such loneliness and vulnerability. The idea that one so strong, a killer, needed someone to protect him and reach out to him with kindness had my heart gulping for air! I don’t really want to spoil this experience with too many details—especially about Boyd’s past. Just know Boyd’s beautiful expressionless, guarded pout masks unbearable loss and fear. He broke my heart again and again. Boyd’s pain paired with Sin’s guarded sarcastic front and force formed a powerful “can’t look away” blend of emotion and tension. But wait! Just wait!
To then witness their hearts slowly change! To see and feel the trust build over time by sharing pasts and space together was beautiful and addictive! Like Boyd, once I got a taste and look at their emotions—I wanted more! More! Their distinctive Sin & Boyd brand of communicating with brutal honesty was hilarious, sad, and one of my favorite parts of their chemistry. I watched with bated breath as apathy changed to passion and curiosity changed to possessiveness. Hunger. Lust. Need. And Want! I’m ready to pop just thinking about it all now! Very, very sexy tension and heat that kept building and building! You will feel it in the air. My skin was flushed and shivering! The watching, flirting, denying, and touching that turned to such heat drove me crazy! God, I loved it all.
”Suddenly Sin’s taste was all around him; intoxicating and making him crave more. Every time he’d been attracted to Sin and had ignored it, every time he’d wondered what Sin would feel like pressed against him, came back at him in an overwhelming wave of desire.”
There was something else living under the words as well though. A hard to explain energy and vibe that jumped off the page. A youthful, sometimes geeky and fun feeling mixed with a mesmerizing, voyeuristic intensity. A dark, dangerous pull that was sexy as all hell! Pure electric at times. Sparks of life, pain, and love that made me feel so alive! Evenfall is an exhilarating and exhausting read. One I will cherish as one of my favorites.
My heart loved every step, miscommunication, flirty exchange, “Why?”, sweet craving, TOUCH, and silent moment shared between Sin and Boyd. Every moment seemed to burn into me. Sin’s lanky allure zinging across the page, Boyd’s mask slowly changing and cracking, and every rare ray of sunlight left a mark. What I wouldn’t do to be able to hear…
And just when I thought it couldn’t possibly get any hotter, the intensity any higher? Haha….Hell! The flash, feel, and taste of a lip ring shows up to completely bring me to my knees! :D
Please. Dive in. Meet Sin and Boyd. Feel their touch.
Extras:
Ryan. My love! I’m putting you in my pocket for safe keeping.
Carhart: The General piqued my curiosity at first sight. I’m watching you! *points finger*
Hsin: Sin, Sin, Sin!
This is where Sin had me. Felt my heart squeeze right there and then.
The breath on the window.
“he noticed Sin leaning in toward the passenger window, opening his mouth and breathing on it so fog curled against the glass….”
“It was such a child-like thing for Sin to do that it distracted Boyd and he looked over. He never would have expected to see the man known as an psychopathic assassin do something a ten year old would do. The impression only grew when Sin reached up with one long finger and started drawing on the window.”
BAM! That was it. Just 7% in my heart knew it. I was in deep!
Boyd. Oh Boyd!
Christina—Thank you once again. I know in my heart I would never have met Sin and Boyd without you. *bows and curtseys*
Ilhem and all the ICoS gang—Thank you for the company and hand holding. I would be lost without you! :)
Off for more…..
March 2, 2018
2.5 stars rounded up
I am literally exhausted after finishing this book tonight.
I'll try not to write a long detailed review for it.
Let me start with the good news:
My updates at 50%:
My final conclusions:
If you read all reviews you'll notice that everybody wish a good and strong editing for this book. I know that this editing requires the investment of a lot of time and much hard work. I don't expect it to be for free after and it is fair. Every hard job should be rewarded. I just wish the authors do it though.
And here is my casting:
Hsin Liu Vega (Sin)
Boyd
I would like to thank my GR friend Shelley who introduced me to this series!
I am literally exhausted after finishing this book tonight.
I'll try not to write a long detailed review for it.
Let me start with the good news:
♥ It's worth to read it. It's worth it to victim your precious time for this book.
♥ Boyd and HSin are amazing as a duo/team/friends/lovers. The chemistry between them is fantastic.
♥ The storyline is not bad.
♥ It could be fixed with a good editing.
♥ My rating means nothing. You have to make your own reading experience.
My updates at 50%:
My final conclusions:
◆ IT IS NOT Special Forces. NO WAY.
◆ Boyd and HSin, two great main characters that are worth discovering.
◆ The book is full of insignificant details, overloaded with the dialogs that are totally unimportant for the story. There are so many boring places and you'll find for sure some imprecision in the storytelling.
◆ A non-stop searching for a story itself that are buried sometimes under the mountains of words, phrases, sentences, pages IS TIRESOME! And exhausting.
◆ As it's a science fiction book I can't use the adjectives such as unreal, illogical, ridiculous and incredible. It is why I just say: Agency, Missions, Briefings.
◆ Sex scenes. They are good. But they are rare. I would like to replace a lot of fighting scenes that reminded me of a computer game with some hot intense sex scenes. Because the authors KNOW how to write them.
◆ The book needs urgently a good and strong editing.
◆ I'm not going to read the next sequel immediately after. But I want to read more of this authors.
◆ It's probably one of those MUST-READ-BOOKS, but I would recommend though to wait for an editing version. There are rumors that they are working on the editing.
◆ I overrate my stamina- I am not ready for the book 2 but I admire all my GR friends and all readers who read/are going to read all sequels at once.
If you read all reviews you'll notice that everybody wish a good and strong editing for this book. I know that this editing requires the investment of a lot of time and much hard work. I don't expect it to be for free after and it is fair. Every hard job should be rewarded. I just wish the authors do it though.
And here is my casting:
Hsin Liu Vega (Sin)
Boyd
I would like to thank my GR friend Shelley who introduced me to this series!
November 16, 2021
So.... as you can tell from my shelf tags, LOTS going on in this book!
What I loved:
1. It's "free" for download on GR. Yay!
2. SIN. That's all. He checks all my Hero boxes--alpha, badass, warrior, virgin, demi-sexual (meaning, he doesn't have sex randomly - he's a virgin at 28 and HOTTTTT!!!), well-endowed (YYYYYESSSSSS), and really good at sex once he gets going. I love that he's like a pure animal, all instinct, no lies. And feels sooooo deeply! That scene where he tried to kill himself, OMG!
3. The writing was not without errors, but reads like a suspense book. I like. It's thoughtful. Some twists and turns and mysteries building.
4. The questions that the plot provokes. Here are mine:
a. Is Emilio actually still alive? I see no proof that he's dead, so I will assume he's alive.
b. What is Carhart and Emilio's history? Partners, yet, like Sin and Boyd? JUST like them?? Possible.
c. Is Carhart hiding things and really the bad guy in this whole thing? Did HE kill Emilio or lead to his demise? Possible.
d. Vivienne. What's her thing? Wouldn't be surprised if she turns out to be an asset.
What I didn't love:
1. All of this could have been conveyed in 1/3 of the length. It's over 1400+ pages!!!!! I skipped a lot. I don't think I missed all that much by skipping either. I doubt I'll be surprised by much at the end of all this, or even as I go along.
2. Boyd. I'm just not nearly as fond of him as I am of Sin. He was interesting in the beginning but he's the "secondary character" as far as I'm concerned. He's done soooo much wrong to Sin! From "cheating" (having sex for information as part of a mission when it was clear Sin didn't want him to, and that something was developing between them), to breaking Sin's heart a few times - the jealousy over Jessica (understandable, but STILL, that led to Sin's torture), and pushing Sin away when he defeated DEATH to come to Boyd!!!!! What a little f*cker!!!
But, given that it was well written and there's SIN!!!! And it's free, I'll give it 5 stars =)
What I loved:
1. It's "free" for download on GR. Yay!
2. SIN. That's all. He checks all my Hero boxes--alpha, badass, warrior, virgin, demi-sexual (meaning, he doesn't have sex randomly - he's a virgin at 28 and HOTTTTT!!!), well-endowed (YYYYYESSSSSS), and really good at sex once he gets going. I love that he's like a pure animal, all instinct, no lies. And feels sooooo deeply! That scene where he tried to kill himself, OMG!
3. The writing was not without errors, but reads like a suspense book. I like. It's thoughtful. Some twists and turns and mysteries building.
4. The questions that the plot provokes. Here are mine:
a. Is Emilio actually still alive? I see no proof that he's dead, so I will assume he's alive.
b. What is Carhart and Emilio's history? Partners, yet, like Sin and Boyd? JUST like them?? Possible.
c. Is Carhart hiding things and really the bad guy in this whole thing? Did HE kill Emilio or lead to his demise? Possible.
d. Vivienne. What's her thing? Wouldn't be surprised if she turns out to be an asset.
What I didn't love:
1. All of this could have been conveyed in 1/3 of the length. It's over 1400+ pages!!!!! I skipped a lot. I don't think I missed all that much by skipping either. I doubt I'll be surprised by much at the end of all this, or even as I go along.
2. Boyd. I'm just not nearly as fond of him as I am of Sin. He was interesting in the beginning but he's the "secondary character" as far as I'm concerned. He's done soooo much wrong to Sin! From "cheating" (having sex for information as part of a mission when it was clear Sin didn't want him to, and that something was developing between them), to breaking Sin's heart a few times - the jealousy over Jessica (understandable, but STILL, that led to Sin's torture), and pushing Sin away when he defeated DEATH to come to Boyd!!!!! What a little f*cker!!!
But, given that it was well written and there's SIN!!!! And it's free, I'll give it 5 stars =)
Read
March 10, 2018**The following review reflects how I felt about the book at the time of reading. I do not believe in erasure, therefore I am letting my review stand.
However, due to too much supporting evidence of abuse, lies, fraud and slander, I can no longer recommend this work.
See: https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
**
~~~
Evenfall is the first book in the In the Company of Shadows series. This free read is available at:
http://www.aisylum.com/sonnyais/story...
I think I'm friends with some of the coolest people on Goodreads, in my opinion, and for as long as I can remember they've been talking about this thing called ICoS and Evenfall. These discussions often include references to Hsin, the Agency, Monsters and Sonny and Ais. What? I was starting to think it was a cult following more than a book to be read. Heh, funny how I was so close to the truth. Just go check out the author's website, you'll see what I mean. These fans are serious. Even though this is a free read, I'm quite invested.
THE STORY
"How much desolation was there in the world today, how much more now than had been even two decades ago before that first bomb exploded on foreign soil?"
In post-WWIII America the world is frighteningly familiar. The Agency is secretly in charge of containing threats from terrorists and other rebel groups. Within this covert operation we meet Hsin, a level-10 field agent who is like no other. Boyd is a very broken boy, who's had a rough time of emotionally coping with reality. Hsin is VERY real. These two are thrust together in ridiculously dangerous situations. Despite the internal struggles, risky objectives and lack of common ground, there are sexy glances, quirky lips, tattoos, calloused hands and solid, sinuous muscle groups. Oh right, the story. So "Sin" and Boyd begin to grow on one another while we learn more about the Agency and their objectives around the world. Their assignments are made much more difficult because of their complete lack of social skills. So, what we want to know is; Can two social losers find love?
"No thanks, sweetheart. That brief moment of insanity has passed."
The storyline is solid and multifaceted unfortunately it could have been told in half the time. See, The Writing, below.
After all, a life without living was simply a death without dying."
THE CHARACTERS
"He is valuable material to the Agency"
Hsin Liu Vega is considered a deadly monster. Though he has been isolated and tortured, he is generally hated, feared and loathed but not without reason. On the surface, it should be Sin who has me in knots since I love the sexy, dangerous, brooding, cryptic types. Unfortunately, there isn't enough of Sin's POV throughout this book to clinch the deal. Don't get me wrong, he is fascinating and damn sexy, I guess I just need more Sin.
"Would anyone remember that he'd ever lived?"
Boyd Beaulieu on the other hand, is in the story so much you could easily forget that there are other characters. I've never met such a long-winded, endlessly pondering character - Ever. I like Boyd. He's delightfully bland, an emotional void and arousingly androgenous. I really like Boyd but he needed to turn off for a while. Through his epically long internal dialogs, I feel like I know Boyd completely. I just know him about ten times over, that's all.
Conners - Asshole.
Carhart - Diggin' him.
Vivienne - Bitch, but mysteriously so.
Lou - The boyfriend.
Ryan - Geek extraordinaire.
Owen - ??? Hm?
Jeffrey - Arrogant
Thierry - The player.
"Who are you interested in, then? Men? Women?" "I've grown to despise both."
I really like, love and care about the characters. That's the hook for me in this book. If the characters hadn't held my interest like they did, I may not have been able to slog through the sloggy parts. See, The Writing, below.
THE WRITING
Note 1 on my Kindle is: This reads a bit like the elementary readers, Dick and Jane. That's harsh and certainly doesn't hold true for long, it's just that I was trying to capture how choppy it felt. Like I said, that didn't last. Instead it turned into the longest winded read of my life. It started to read much like a loosely edited fanfic. Most often points of the narrative were repeated multiple times and while that drove the point home it just drove me crazy. As I said, I liked the story and the characters so I really feel like this book could gain a lot from some strong, very strong editing.
I have to say that there were also many moments that reached me and caused solid emotional responses. Everything from laugh out loud moments to seriously heart-wrenching drama, to "wow, I finally just took a breath" moments are written into this book. The authors have the skills and know how, they just need the discipline to pare it down.
"A few minutes passed before he reemerged in a dark green t-shirt with a picture of a pinwheel on it and white letters beneath that said simply, 'Blow me.'"
~~~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
However, due to too much supporting evidence of abuse, lies, fraud and slander, I can no longer recommend this work.
See: https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
**
~~~
Evenfall is the first book in the In the Company of Shadows series. This free read is available at:
http://www.aisylum.com/sonnyais/story...
I think I'm friends with some of the coolest people on Goodreads, in my opinion, and for as long as I can remember they've been talking about this thing called ICoS and Evenfall. These discussions often include references to Hsin, the Agency, Monsters and Sonny and Ais. What? I was starting to think it was a cult following more than a book to be read. Heh, funny how I was so close to the truth. Just go check out the author's website, you'll see what I mean. These fans are serious. Even though this is a free read, I'm quite invested.
THE STORY
"How much desolation was there in the world today, how much more now than had been even two decades ago before that first bomb exploded on foreign soil?"
In post-WWIII America the world is frighteningly familiar. The Agency is secretly in charge of containing threats from terrorists and other rebel groups. Within this covert operation we meet Hsin, a level-10 field agent who is like no other. Boyd is a very broken boy, who's had a rough time of emotionally coping with reality. Hsin is VERY real. These two are thrust together in ridiculously dangerous situations. Despite the internal struggles, risky objectives and lack of common ground, there are sexy glances, quirky lips, tattoos, calloused hands and solid, sinuous muscle groups. Oh right, the story. So "Sin" and Boyd begin to grow on one another while we learn more about the Agency and their objectives around the world. Their assignments are made much more difficult because of their complete lack of social skills. So, what we want to know is; Can two social losers find love?
"No thanks, sweetheart. That brief moment of insanity has passed."
The storyline is solid and multifaceted unfortunately it could have been told in half the time. See, The Writing, below.
After all, a life without living was simply a death without dying."
THE CHARACTERS
"He is valuable material to the Agency"
Hsin Liu Vega is considered a deadly monster. Though he has been isolated and tortured, he is generally hated, feared and loathed but not without reason. On the surface, it should be Sin who has me in knots since I love the sexy, dangerous, brooding, cryptic types. Unfortunately, there isn't enough of Sin's POV throughout this book to clinch the deal. Don't get me wrong, he is fascinating and damn sexy, I guess I just need more Sin.
"Would anyone remember that he'd ever lived?"
Boyd Beaulieu on the other hand, is in the story so much you could easily forget that there are other characters. I've never met such a long-winded, endlessly pondering character - Ever. I like Boyd. He's delightfully bland, an emotional void and arousingly androgenous. I really like Boyd but he needed to turn off for a while. Through his epically long internal dialogs, I feel like I know Boyd completely. I just know him about ten times over, that's all.
Conners - Asshole.
Carhart - Diggin' him.
Vivienne - Bitch, but mysteriously so.
Lou - The boyfriend.
Ryan - Geek extraordinaire.
Owen - ??? Hm?
Jeffrey - Arrogant
Thierry - The player.
"Who are you interested in, then? Men? Women?" "I've grown to despise both."
I really like, love and care about the characters. That's the hook for me in this book. If the characters hadn't held my interest like they did, I may not have been able to slog through the sloggy parts. See, The Writing, below.
THE WRITING
Note 1 on my Kindle is: This reads a bit like the elementary readers, Dick and Jane. That's harsh and certainly doesn't hold true for long, it's just that I was trying to capture how choppy it felt. Like I said, that didn't last. Instead it turned into the longest winded read of my life. It started to read much like a loosely edited fanfic. Most often points of the narrative were repeated multiple times and while that drove the point home it just drove me crazy. As I said, I liked the story and the characters so I really feel like this book could gain a lot from some strong, very strong editing.
I have to say that there were also many moments that reached me and caused solid emotional responses. Everything from laugh out loud moments to seriously heart-wrenching drama, to "wow, I finally just took a breath" moments are written into this book. The authors have the skills and know how, they just need the discipline to pare it down.
"A few minutes passed before he reemerged in a dark green t-shirt with a picture of a pinwheel on it and white letters beneath that said simply, 'Blow me.'"
~~~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
May 27, 2011
I really have no idea how I'm ever going to review this..
First of all, I feel like I've been reading this story/book for the last 8 weeks.. Its an online story of 45 chapters and an epilogue, but there are no page numbers, so I have no idea how long it is, or how much I've actually read in the last couple of days.. But.. its a lot!
Can I just say, before I go into whats its about, that:
Holy Mother of sweet baby Jesus!!
This is good.. This is soooooo goood!! *growls*
Ok, now that I got that out of my system, I can go on..
I feel like this is a mix of the Special Forces books, and the Administration books..
Its about Boyd and Sin. Sin has been trained to be a killer since he was 8. His dad was a big-ass assassin, and trained his son to be the same. And with Sin's whole background, its not a surprise that he turns out to be a monster, who can kill anyone and everyone in the blink of an eye.. Sin has a lot of problems. Mentally and.. yeah well.. A lot of problems. When we meet him, he's been locked in a tiny cage for 6 months, and when his only weakness is claustrophobia, yeah, he's not in his happy place..
In comes Boyd. He's been picked to be Sin's new partner. Let me say that this story is taking place in the nearest future, after a WWIII situation. Sin works for The Agency. Anywho.. In comes Boyd as Sin's new partner. And when you think about Sin killing his last 4 partners.. yeah.. Boyd doesnt have high hopes for how this is going to turn out..
But Boyd is the first person to see something else in Sin, other than him being a monster and therefore a friendship forms..
This is about Sin finding out that life can be something else than just killing, and he discovers that he is actually capable of trusting another person..
Ok, this is a very rough draft.. And there is sooo much going on. Missions, fights, killing, whatever..
Let me just say that this is without a doubt the longest bulid-up to a "first kiss" I've read.. Holy hell!!
But when it happened?? Jesus Christ!
Soooo goood!!! This is just.. So. Freaking. Good.
There were whole chapters of me wildly shivering
Sin... Mmmmm.. I love him! I freaking love this dude! With everything from his freaky green eyes to how he responded to Boyd.. Grrrr!
"I want whatever you want to give me."
Give him everything, Boyd!!! Please dear God, give him everything he wants!
I absolutly LOVED this story, and I cannot wait to start the 2nd.. Which I will, about 2 seconds after I'm done here..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2011
I started reading this story because of the manic raving of my trusted Goodreads friends. They promised a highly addictive and emotional roller coaster ride which spread over four books and thousands of pages. Safe to say I immediately made the connection to Special Forces and had very high expectations.
Evenfall was totally different than I had expected. Unlike that other epic m/m book, I didn’t have a constant sense of panic while reading, which meant that this time around I wasn't forsaking sleep and food just in order to read a few pages more. A lot of parts were too fantastical, lacked nuance and not to mention good common sense. There was too much introspection which was repetitive and at times slowed the story down and towards the ending the story just seemed to be going on and on.
This all being said: I liked the book. A lot. Dystopia, government conspiracies, prejudices, parental issues, identity problems, m/m lovin’; you name it: the book had it. And -despite the absurdity of some situations and the overabundance of internal monologues- the events and psychological consequences were dealt with in a very satisfying manner. The tension was built up gradually, the action had me on the edge of my seat and the love scenes had me fanning myself.
I found Sin and Boyd to be wonderfully captivating and as the book progressed they got more and more layered. I loved how these two seemingly polar opposites turned out to be much more alike than one would have thought and how their relationship lead to learning from each other and about themselves.
All in all Evenfall was a great book (4,5 stars) and I'm very curious about the sequel.
Evenfall was totally different than I had expected. Unlike that other epic m/m book, I didn’t have a constant sense of panic while reading, which meant that this time around I wasn't forsaking sleep and food just in order to read a few pages more. A lot of parts were too fantastical, lacked nuance and not to mention good common sense. There was too much introspection which was repetitive and at times slowed the story down and towards the ending the story just seemed to be going on and on.
This all being said: I liked the book. A lot. Dystopia, government conspiracies, prejudices, parental issues, identity problems, m/m lovin’; you name it: the book had it. And -despite the absurdity of some situations and the overabundance of internal monologues- the events and psychological consequences were dealt with in a very satisfying manner. The tension was built up gradually, the action had me on the edge of my seat and the love scenes had me fanning myself.
I found Sin and Boyd to be wonderfully captivating and as the book progressed they got more and more layered. I loved how these two seemingly polar opposites turned out to be much more alike than one would have thought and how their relationship lead to learning from each other and about themselves.
All in all Evenfall was a great book (4,5 stars) and I'm very curious about the sequel.
October 29, 2018
Bruh
I did it. I fucking did it.
1200 pages, and after hundreds of hours trying to get through this book, the bitch finally did it.
At first I was skeptical, because shit, I ain't gonna be wasting my time reading over thousand of pages just for a mediocre book. There were times where I was going to quit and DNF it in the middle, but because of all the amazing 4/5 stars rating, I pushed through.
And at long last, I finished.
The overall plot was good, although I do wish that I didn't have to shift through so much words and gibberish just to get to the meat of the story. There just seems to be so much redundant words of pages upon pages of describing their surroundings, their mission, the sky. Like shit, it's fine if you do it every now and then, but doing it every single time was really unnecessary.
And as most people say, this book needs a good editor because the plot was pretty okay, there were plot holes here and there, a lot of things that happened in this book could be better capitalized, but we're not gonna go into that as I'm keeping out hope that it will improve in the second book. The writing, though, could really do with some cleaning up.
Like cut it to half it's length type of cleaning up.
But since there was already a shortened version of this book, and yes, I did choose to read the longer version of it, I won't go too much into details about the editing as I am sure the newer version are very much improved.
The sole reason why I even decided to keep pushing through until the end was mainly, and honestly because of Sin and Boyd. Needless to say, I love these two. Especially Sin, that man with his sweet-tooth and sometimes childish tendencies will be the death of me I swear.
Other than that, not much to complain about. Now, please do pray for my sanity as I continue down book 2 that also seems to be 1000 pages long.
Blog : More of me in writing form
Youtube : le youchube here
IG : and instagram here
I did it. I fucking did it.
1200 pages, and after hundreds of hours trying to get through this book, the bitch finally did it.
At first I was skeptical, because shit, I ain't gonna be wasting my time reading over thousand of pages just for a mediocre book. There were times where I was going to quit and DNF it in the middle, but because of all the amazing 4/5 stars rating, I pushed through.
And at long last, I finished.
The overall plot was good, although I do wish that I didn't have to shift through so much words and gibberish just to get to the meat of the story. There just seems to be so much redundant words of pages upon pages of describing their surroundings, their mission, the sky. Like shit, it's fine if you do it every now and then, but doing it every single time was really unnecessary.
And as most people say, this book needs a good editor because the plot was pretty okay, there were plot holes here and there, a lot of things that happened in this book could be better capitalized, but we're not gonna go into that as I'm keeping out hope that it will improve in the second book. The writing, though, could really do with some cleaning up.
Like cut it to half it's length type of cleaning up.
But since there was already a shortened version of this book, and yes, I did choose to read the longer version of it, I won't go too much into details about the editing as I am sure the newer version are very much improved.
The sole reason why I even decided to keep pushing through until the end was mainly, and honestly because of Sin and Boyd. Needless to say, I love these two. Especially Sin, that man with his sweet-tooth and sometimes childish tendencies will be the death of me I swear.
Other than that, not much to complain about. Now, please do pray for my sanity as I continue down book 2 that also seems to be 1000 pages long.
Blog : More of me in writing form
Youtube : le youchube here
IG : and instagram here
December 4, 2013
Evenfall is a fabulous book and left me exhausted. It is so long… I would give 5 stars if it had not so many boring and annoying parts. In the beginning I thought that so detailed descriptions and dialogues had a meaning, but, as the reading went by, I realized that it is the writing style… and so, all those boring parts were irrelevant and unnecessary, and the book would be shorter and less tiring without them.
Nevertheless, the story itself shows two amazing and creative minds, and the characters that these authors created are absolutely rich, complex and absorbents!!! Some of these characters I really liked… others I really hated.
The MC characters however, marked this book in an unforgettable way.
Boyd
Boyd is a vulnerable and broken young man without a reason to live.
“After all, a life without living was simply a death without dying.”
He made some mistakes that made very angry with him. However he grows and became more confident and trustworthy. In this amazing plot, he meets the man that will give him all the motives to fight for his happiness and for his life.
He meets his partner who became is best friend and his lover:
Hsin!!!
I don't know how to even start to say what I feel about Hsin/Sin… First I have to say that he is on my top 5 list of the best male characters ever!!!
“ 'So many and so various laws are giv’n; So many laws argue so many sins'”
I love him! I love his beauty, his green eyes, his arrogance and sarcasm, I love his strength and intelligence, I love his vulnerability and even the way he loves Boyd!
He is perfect and magnificent!!!
I will never forget him, and I will continue to read this series mostly because of him!
Hsin and Boyd share some of the greatest, hottest and overwhelming scenes that I ever read… The talking, the teasing, the looks, the kisses, the sex… what a turn on scenes!
Read
March 10, 2018I'm removing my rating, but not my review. I still love this series, even though I most definitely do not condone what SH has done.
-------------------------------------------
I can hardly explain how I feel about this book. Perhaps I should describe my life the past week while reading this book. I am soooooooo tired.... because I haven't had much sleep. I read while I was cooking, I read while I was cleaning the toilet (that was a challenge), I got up early in the morning to just keep reading and I read while I should have been sleeping (sleep is so overrated)... Yes it was that good!
I fell in love with Hsin (Sin) from the first page. He was so badass yet sweet. The perfect combination. He absolutely did not care what people thought of him.
And Boyd, my Boyd. I cannot express my love for him with simple words. The way he had given up on life and was trying to be emotionless, I was so intrigued. Because as it turns out, he was such an incredibly passionate person. He did everything with such conviction.
And when these two got together. OMG, explosion! The sex scenes, wow!
And the world building, just awesome.
Sin and Boy are my favorite couple of all time. Their chemistry together was amazing.
Highly recommended.
-------------------------------------------
I can hardly explain how I feel about this book. Perhaps I should describe my life the past week while reading this book. I am soooooooo tired.... because I haven't had much sleep. I read while I was cooking, I read while I was cleaning the toilet (that was a challenge), I got up early in the morning to just keep reading and I read while I should have been sleeping (sleep is so overrated)... Yes it was that good!
I fell in love with Hsin (Sin) from the first page. He was so badass yet sweet. The perfect combination. He absolutely did not care what people thought of him.
And Boyd, my Boyd. I cannot express my love for him with simple words. The way he had given up on life and was trying to be emotionless, I was so intrigued. Because as it turns out, he was such an incredibly passionate person. He did everything with such conviction.
And when these two got together. OMG, explosion! The sex scenes, wow!
And the world building, just awesome.
Sin and Boy are my favorite couple of all time. Their chemistry together was amazing.
Highly recommended.
January 27, 2016
This is one of those books where I have an internal argument with myself on how to rate it.
Right Brain: I need to give it all the stars because I'm in love with the characters and the story is awesome.
Left Brain: No, you romantic fool, you need to give it a low star rating because you know this book needed some serious editing.
Right Brain: You are so anal retentive! You know it's the feels that matter.
Left Brain: Feelings are for fools. My mathematical calculations say that this book could have been at least 100 pages shorter.
Right Brain:
So, we all know who won. My pretty pretty pony side.
This book is about Sin and Boyd who work as special agents for a government agency that squashes any form of rebellion by killing everyone. Works for me. Kill em all, let God sort them out.
Anyway, we start our story with Boyd, who is described as being young (only 18), man-pretty with long blonde hair, androgynous looks, and thin. Here's my Boyd:
Boyd is brought in as a new partner for Sin, who has killed all of his previous partners. They are hoping his personality will blend better with Sin, and maybe he will live longer than a month. Sin is known as the "monster", and has been an assassin since he was 14. He is now 28 and has killed more people than your average serial killer. And, with less remorse. Sin is described as dark haired with very green eyes and olive skin. Here's my Sin:
The thing is, Sin has been misjudged and beaten down pretty badly. He has absolutely no social skills because he has been punished and kept in a cell or box most of his life, and he trusts nobody. Because of his reputation, the people at the agency are all terrified of Sin and hurry away from him at sight. They think he is a rabid, evil dog that needs to be put down. But, Boyd has been depressed and suicidal for the last couple of years. He was given records on Sin, but sees the truth that Sin has been mistreated by the agency. Because of his thoughts about this mistreatment, and his lack of caring if he dies anyway, he has no fear of Sin. This totally freaks Sin out.
So, Boyd is the first person to ever treat Sin like a human being and Sin ends up deciding that it would be best if Boyd doesn't die. That's practically an "I love you" in human terms.
Thus begins the amazing partnership that eventually turns into a romance. And, when I say "eventually", I mean so slowly that you feel like you want to shoot someone. Seriously, this is a long book, so that romance doesn't happen for 600 frustrating pages! I just wanted to:
Come on already!!!
Along with the romance that developed slower than my rush to get the latest Justin Beiber cd, we get the story of their missions - which are pretty interesting. There is a lot of action, killing, betrayal, torture, and explosions.
As I've mentioned - this book is long. Like War & Peace long. But, because of that we really get to know the characters. Even the side characters are well-developed. And, the action scenes are well-written. You can visualize everything going on. It gets really complicated, but the story is really engrossing and easy to follow. I loved Sin & Boyd, and I loved Ryan & Carhart, and I'm really intrigued with Boyd's mother. I'm glad this is a series because I can't wait to find out what happens next. (That's right, it was over 1,000 pages and yet the story isn't over! ;-))
Right Brain: I need to give it all the stars because I'm in love with the characters and the story is awesome.
Left Brain: No, you romantic fool, you need to give it a low star rating because you know this book needed some serious editing.
Right Brain: You are so anal retentive! You know it's the feels that matter.
Left Brain: Feelings are for fools. My mathematical calculations say that this book could have been at least 100 pages shorter.
Right Brain:
So, we all know who won. My pretty pretty pony side.
This book is about Sin and Boyd who work as special agents for a government agency that squashes any form of rebellion by killing everyone. Works for me. Kill em all, let God sort them out.
Anyway, we start our story with Boyd, who is described as being young (only 18), man-pretty with long blonde hair, androgynous looks, and thin. Here's my Boyd:
Boyd is brought in as a new partner for Sin, who has killed all of his previous partners. They are hoping his personality will blend better with Sin, and maybe he will live longer than a month. Sin is known as the "monster", and has been an assassin since he was 14. He is now 28 and has killed more people than your average serial killer. And, with less remorse. Sin is described as dark haired with very green eyes and olive skin. Here's my Sin:
The thing is, Sin has been misjudged and beaten down pretty badly. He has absolutely no social skills because he has been punished and kept in a cell or box most of his life, and he trusts nobody. Because of his reputation, the people at the agency are all terrified of Sin and hurry away from him at sight. They think he is a rabid, evil dog that needs to be put down. But, Boyd has been depressed and suicidal for the last couple of years. He was given records on Sin, but sees the truth that Sin has been mistreated by the agency. Because of his thoughts about this mistreatment, and his lack of caring if he dies anyway, he has no fear of Sin. This totally freaks Sin out.
So, Boyd is the first person to ever treat Sin like a human being and Sin ends up deciding that it would be best if Boyd doesn't die. That's practically an "I love you" in human terms.
Thus begins the amazing partnership that eventually turns into a romance. And, when I say "eventually", I mean so slowly that you feel like you want to shoot someone. Seriously, this is a long book, so that romance doesn't happen for 600 frustrating pages! I just wanted to:
Come on already!!!
Along with the romance that developed slower than my rush to get the latest Justin Beiber cd, we get the story of their missions - which are pretty interesting. There is a lot of action, killing, betrayal, torture, and explosions.
As I've mentioned - this book is long. Like War & Peace long. But, because of that we really get to know the characters. Even the side characters are well-developed. And, the action scenes are well-written. You can visualize everything going on. It gets really complicated, but the story is really engrossing and easy to follow. I loved Sin & Boyd, and I loved Ryan & Carhart, and I'm really intrigued with Boyd's mother. I'm glad this is a series because I can't wait to find out what happens next. (That's right, it was over 1,000 pages and yet the story isn't over! ;-))
August 11, 2015
Here we have .....
Hsin Liu Vega (aka "Sin")
and
Boyd Kadin Beaulieu
and they are pretty amazing together...
Their story is fierce, heart-stopping, intense and beautiful and ... just fireworks...
There are obvious issues with the editing and I had to drop a star for that....
but I loved Sin and Boyd and ....I AM HOOKED!
Straight to the second book for more...
Hsin Liu Vega (aka "Sin")
and
Boyd Kadin Beaulieu
and they are pretty amazing together...
Their story is fierce, heart-stopping, intense and beautiful and ... just fireworks...
There are obvious issues with the editing and I had to drop a star for that....
but I loved Sin and Boyd and ....I AM HOOKED!
Straight to the second book for more...
April 30, 2012
***Possible Spoilers
Whew, where to begin with this one. I guess I'll start with Sin. Sexy, Sexy, Sexy! I don't have enough words to describe how incredibly HOT he is. Here's what Boyd sees when he first encounters Sin: over six feet tall, jet black hair, think long black eyelashes, vivid green eyes, sculptured full lips, high cheekbones, caramel-tinted tan complexion, thin body crafted entirely into muscle, moves like a predator. And this isn't even the half of it.
Ok, ok, onto the story.
Evenfall takes place in a dystopian future after WWIII. Hsin Liu Vega (Sin) is one of the top agents working in a secret division of the government that deals with anti-war/government groups. Sin was trained by his father at the age of eight to become an assassin. He is the best at what he does, however he is also mentally unstable and kills at the drop of a hat. Because of this he is labeled "The Monster". Well, it's no wonder since he was trained to become a killer from the time he was a young boy. Then there are the many other disturbing facts that come out about his childhood and all the cruel and sadistic "punishments" inflicted repeatedly on him by The Agency for his disobedience. They isolate him and mentally and physically torment him. They keep him in a locked box knowing he's claustrophobic and in order to control him, they use a neck collar which emits electric shocks when activated. My poor Sin :(
Anyway, Sin is needed on an extremely important mission but needs a partner to keep him under control. Of course it's difficult to find someone since Sin doesn't get along with anyone and has played a role in the death of his last 4 partners. Now, here comes Boyd!
Boyd Beaulieu, is the introverted son of one of the top officials in The Agency and is recommended for the job. Boyd is the first person not to judge Sin and wants to genuinely work with him. However, Boyd also comes with his own set of emotional baggage. They both begin to realize that they are more alike than they think. They slowly break down each other's walls and begin to trust each ane other. They are also incredibly attracted to one another. The build-up is slow but their chemistry together is crazy good and when they finally do get together, Holy Hell it's scorching! I had a hard time breathing when these two got together.
This book has a lot going on. There's the government missions and intrigue, Sin and Boyd's internal battles, their growing relationship, their past relationships, their relationships with family and colleagues and all this comes together in an amazing story. Without realizing it, Sin and Boyd open up new sides to each other which neither of them knew existed.
What prevented this from being a 5-star is how wordy and repetitive it is. This drags down the book tremendously. Not only was the content repetitive but I also noticed the same phrases used several times. Boyd's over-analytical and endless inner monologue's were extremely difficult to get through. It just went on and on and sometimes over ridicules things, like how Boyd was going to work an oven. I mean, we really didn't need him analyzing the in and outs of an oven. But I guess that's Boyd. Besides this, I also found myself questioning some of the logic of the decisions that Sin and Boyd made on missions.
There were also scenes that were very unrealistic. I love Sin but it's a bit unbelievable that he can take on a room of 30 armed men and come out of it alive.
One of the most memorable lines that touched me was when Sin was looking at the painting called Atonement. It was a depiction of a boy standing alone in a bombed out city after the war. He was in uniform, covered in dirt and blood and had an empty stare. Sin saw himself. He says the boy, the soldier needed to atone for his actions in the war, for the lives he took and possibly look for a way to make up for what he's done. What I loved was the artist's interpretation. She stated: "Perhaps it is not him who is in need of atonement. Maybe it is....the world. The world, the powers that be....they created a generation of soldiers like him. Boy fighters, child killers, ones who did not have the chance to live before the world armed them and so, they had no idea how to live when the fighting was no longer needed."
Sin indentified with the boy and I guess it was this moment that Sin's pain became so overwhelming to me.
Despite the issues I mentioned above, I loved this book. Sin and Boyd make it all worth it. I loved the plot, the action kept me on the edge of my seat and I can't wait for more.
Whew, where to begin with this one. I guess I'll start with Sin. Sexy, Sexy, Sexy! I don't have enough words to describe how incredibly HOT he is. Here's what Boyd sees when he first encounters Sin: over six feet tall, jet black hair, think long black eyelashes, vivid green eyes, sculptured full lips, high cheekbones, caramel-tinted tan complexion, thin body crafted entirely into muscle, moves like a predator. And this isn't even the half of it.
Ok, ok, onto the story.
Evenfall takes place in a dystopian future after WWIII. Hsin Liu Vega (Sin) is one of the top agents working in a secret division of the government that deals with anti-war/government groups. Sin was trained by his father at the age of eight to become an assassin. He is the best at what he does, however he is also mentally unstable and kills at the drop of a hat. Because of this he is labeled "The Monster". Well, it's no wonder since he was trained to become a killer from the time he was a young boy. Then there are the many other disturbing facts that come out about his childhood and all the cruel and sadistic "punishments" inflicted repeatedly on him by The Agency for his disobedience. They isolate him and mentally and physically torment him. They keep him in a locked box knowing he's claustrophobic and in order to control him, they use a neck collar which emits electric shocks when activated. My poor Sin :(
Anyway, Sin is needed on an extremely important mission but needs a partner to keep him under control. Of course it's difficult to find someone since Sin doesn't get along with anyone and has played a role in the death of his last 4 partners. Now, here comes Boyd!
Boyd Beaulieu, is the introverted son of one of the top officials in The Agency and is recommended for the job. Boyd is the first person not to judge Sin and wants to genuinely work with him. However, Boyd also comes with his own set of emotional baggage. They both begin to realize that they are more alike than they think. They slowly break down each other's walls and begin to trust each ane other. They are also incredibly attracted to one another. The build-up is slow but their chemistry together is crazy good and when they finally do get together, Holy Hell it's scorching! I had a hard time breathing when these two got together.
This book has a lot going on. There's the government missions and intrigue, Sin and Boyd's internal battles, their growing relationship, their past relationships, their relationships with family and colleagues and all this comes together in an amazing story. Without realizing it, Sin and Boyd open up new sides to each other which neither of them knew existed.
What prevented this from being a 5-star is how wordy and repetitive it is. This drags down the book tremendously. Not only was the content repetitive but I also noticed the same phrases used several times. Boyd's over-analytical and endless inner monologue's were extremely difficult to get through. It just went on and on and sometimes over ridicules things, like how Boyd was going to work an oven. I mean, we really didn't need him analyzing the in and outs of an oven. But I guess that's Boyd. Besides this, I also found myself questioning some of the logic of the decisions that Sin and Boyd made on missions.
There were also scenes that were very unrealistic. I love Sin but it's a bit unbelievable that he can take on a room of 30 armed men and come out of it alive.
One of the most memorable lines that touched me was when Sin was looking at the painting called Atonement. It was a depiction of a boy standing alone in a bombed out city after the war. He was in uniform, covered in dirt and blood and had an empty stare. Sin saw himself. He says the boy, the soldier needed to atone for his actions in the war, for the lives he took and possibly look for a way to make up for what he's done. What I loved was the artist's interpretation. She stated: "Perhaps it is not him who is in need of atonement. Maybe it is....the world. The world, the powers that be....they created a generation of soldiers like him. Boy fighters, child killers, ones who did not have the chance to live before the world armed them and so, they had no idea how to live when the fighting was no longer needed."
Sin indentified with the boy and I guess it was this moment that Sin's pain became so overwhelming to me.
Despite the issues I mentioned above, I loved this book. Sin and Boyd make it all worth it. I loved the plot, the action kept me on the edge of my seat and I can't wait for more.
August 13, 2013
I have this book now... But I'm not gonna to touch till my HEA is confirmed. If not, I'm afraid I will have to abandon this ship. :(
pre-reading review
--------------------------
Hah, how ignorant I was back then...
I really want to write a fantastical review that can illustrate, communicate and summarise everything I felt about this book, but I suppose I've come across a mental block. Or maybe it's just one of the few books where I can't think of anything to write about except how frustrating it is that I can't think of anything to write about. Here's to trying.
As much as I hate this cliche metaphor, this book was a rollercoaster. One long-ass, emotionally and mentally taxing ride filled to the brim with a disgustingly long list of emotions and feels: boredom, curiosity, interest, excitement, amusement, adoration, lust, adoration, lust, adoration... I'm pretty sure you can spot where Mexico is. *snort* I'm finally one of them. The fangirls who throw the word "Mexico" around with knowing glee. I'm finally in on the secret.
To an outsider (glee), one of perhaps the greatest mysteries is how this book can elicit such strong emotions and bone deep loyalty from readers, even as they throw around words like "repetitive" or phrases like "meaningless detail". Such contradictions isn't really one you can explain. To explain is to just blurt out all of these gruesome feels and frantic, jumbled words that may or may not sound like "Sin"... "Mexico"... "Sin"... "Boyd"... "sinboydsex"..."Boyd"... I'll admit. I loved Boyd and Sin. Together. Together they were literally magic. I just-- *speechless emotionally crying feels*
Anyway. I'll try not to sound like a broken record echoing every other reviewer (and saying it much less eloquently) but this was fucking long. But interestingly enough, once I was actually dragged into the story (more like I was tossed into it head first) I didn't find myself caring about the length all too much. I noted how long it took to progress to the next percent, but I really did enjoy nearly all of it.
The writing isn't the most colourful I've seen, but it was well crafted and very skilfully painted the story inside my head, managing to provoke extremely visceral reactions from me and set my heart alight (among other things). The sex scenes... *fades into black before I embarrass myself*
Another problem I had was the occasional inconsistencies I spotted and also the plausibility of some scenarios. I'm not a stickler for such details and I mostly don't even notice them, but it is always nice to have everything line up together. And though I cannot claim to have lived in a dystopian society and lived the high life of an assassin or anything of that sort, but some things just don't seem right, and I do take note of that, even if it doesn't detract from my enjoyment of the novel.
Overall? Evenfall can be described by a whole range of negative adjectives which have been mentioned by a hundred different reviewers; however, at the end of the day, it can also (and is usually) summed up with only four words: I fucking loved it.
Rating: 4.25 give or take
pre-reading review
--------------------------
Hah, how ignorant I was back then...
I really want to write a fantastical review that can illustrate, communicate and summarise everything I felt about this book, but I suppose I've come across a mental block. Or maybe it's just one of the few books where I can't think of anything to write about except how frustrating it is that I can't think of anything to write about. Here's to trying.
As much as I hate this cliche metaphor, this book was a rollercoaster. One long-ass, emotionally and mentally taxing ride filled to the brim with a disgustingly long list of emotions and feels: boredom, curiosity, interest, excitement, amusement, adoration, lust, adoration, lust, adoration... I'm pretty sure you can spot where Mexico is. *snort* I'm finally one of them. The fangirls who throw the word "Mexico" around with knowing glee. I'm finally in on the secret.
To an outsider (glee), one of perhaps the greatest mysteries is how this book can elicit such strong emotions and bone deep loyalty from readers, even as they throw around words like "repetitive" or phrases like "meaningless detail". Such contradictions isn't really one you can explain. To explain is to just blurt out all of these gruesome feels and frantic, jumbled words that may or may not sound like "Sin"... "Mexico"... "Sin"... "Boyd"... "sinboydsex"..."Boyd"... I'll admit. I loved Boyd and Sin. Together. Together they were literally magic. I just-- *speechless emotionally crying feels*
Anyway. I'll try not to sound like a broken record echoing every other reviewer (and saying it much less eloquently) but this was fucking long. But interestingly enough, once I was actually dragged into the story (more like I was tossed into it head first) I didn't find myself caring about the length all too much. I noted how long it took to progress to the next percent, but I really did enjoy nearly all of it.
The writing isn't the most colourful I've seen, but it was well crafted and very skilfully painted the story inside my head, managing to provoke extremely visceral reactions from me and set my heart alight (among other things). The sex scenes... *fades into black before I embarrass myself*
Another problem I had was the occasional inconsistencies I spotted and also the plausibility of some scenarios. I'm not a stickler for such details and I mostly don't even notice them, but it is always nice to have everything line up together. And though I cannot claim to have lived in a dystopian society and lived the high life of an assassin or anything of that sort, but some things just don't seem right, and I do take note of that, even if it doesn't detract from my enjoyment of the novel.
Overall? Evenfall can be described by a whole range of negative adjectives which have been mentioned by a hundred different reviewers; however, at the end of the day, it can also (and is usually) summed up with only four words: I fucking loved it.
Rating: 4.25 give or take
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