The Prisoner's Release and Other Stories

Argaea #2

by Kyell Gold, Vince Suzukawa (Illustrator), Taurin Fox (Illustrator)

This collection brings together the two-part short story which originally appeared in Heat #1 and Heat #2 -- "The Prisoner's Release" -- with three entirely new tales set in the world of Argaea. * "Inside the Cage" takes place at the Jackal's Staff where a young cougar seeks to escape his life of prostitution. * "The Prisoner's Release" previously appeared in Heat #1 and Heat #2 and tells the story of how Volle met Streak. * "Home Again" picks up just after "The Prisoner's Release" when Volle and Streak have returned Ferrenis and fills in some details leading up to their ill-fated return to Tephos in "Pendant of Fortune." * Finally we return to the Jackal's Staff in "For Love or Family", this time through the eyes of a patron trying to balance the way he feels against the duties of his station.

Genres: M M Romance, Gay, Fiction, Fantasy, Anthologies

399 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2007

About the author

Hi there! I am a writer of gay furry fiction--but you probably know that if you've seen my book listing here. I live in California with my husband Kit, and when I'm not writing, we like to go out to eat and watch movies. We travel a lot, too, mostly around the West Coast, but occasionally to the midwest and east.

I blog at http://www.kyellgold.com/wpblog about upcoming travel plans, upcoming books and news, general writing principles, gay rights, and whatever else seems interesting. And I co-host a podcast, called "Unsheathed," where we talk about the craft of writing and the furry fandom, sometimes at the same time.

If you have a question about any of the books, check the FAQ on my website and then ask away! :)

Reviews

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful stories. I wish I'd realized that Inside the Cage was such a large part of the book, but I'm still glad I read it. Seeing Jonas develop from the young person he was to who he is by the end of the story is wonderful, along with the family he builds for himself. Volle -- I knew he'd be in prison, but the reality of his hopelessness was heartbreaking. Streak is my new favorite character in this world! And Cef and Richy...I hope they show up again some time.

[Eepa *mm loving bookworm* · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the first 3 stories. I'm not big on prostitutes as MC's but this was quite interesting and I enjoyed it.

Prisoner's release and Home again were great as we got more Volle. I had already read (at least a part of) Prisoner's release in the collection Mr. Gold has and it's very good and enjoyable story. Not sure I really buy their love but the plot apart from the romance was what I liked.

With only these 3 stories in the book I would have given it 4 stars easy. But the last story was bad enough that I didn't even finish it. I usually don't like teenage MCs' so that was first strike against For love or family. And then there is Dereath, who I despise and I could all too clearly see where the story would most likely go with forbidden, stupid love for a prostitute, Dereath giving away money and Chef being a teenage idiot. It's a concoction that I don't want to read, even if there is a promise of hea.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

It helps to read the first book ("Volle") about the characters in here before reading the short stories, then you understand all the relationships. It was also good to read the original story "Volle" was expanded into. If you're a fan of the author or of the genre, I highly recommend reading this book--especially if you've read the others set in this world.

[Denicemarcell]

I picked this title at Gaylaxicon 2012 figuring short stories would be a good intro to this world. the intro and the comments here are giving me a doubt, however from the few pages i've read, i think my first impulse was correct.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read "The Prisoner's Release" and will endevure to read all Argaea series novels and short stories A.S.A.P! "The Prisoner's Release" is by far my favourite short story ever!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

These stories are delightful, but having previously read the also-delightful "Volle" made them moreso. I'm inspired to continue on with "Pendant of Fortune" sooner than I had previously planned, now.