Forbidden reviews

The Archer

2008-12-16T07:59:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since I stopped by but life, work and forgetting the blog was here got in the way.

The book I am writing about I recommend more than any other I have read so far.

The Archer by Abigail Roux.

With her writing partner Madeleine Urban, I first encountered her books Caught Running and Cut and Run. It is because of those books I decided to try this one. If you love mystery, intrigue, and personal conflict this is the book for you. Generally, I have a book figured out by the half way mark. I know who the good guys are and who are the villains that allows me to settle back for the ride. But you can not do that with this book. Every character has a story, that sounds so cliche, but in this case it is true. Truth is a commodity and we have to find out what is real and what is not.

Shawn (agent), Remy (agent), Thi (agent), Carl (assassin), Wally (demolition), and Nico (communications) are loners thrown together by the Organization to catch The Archer or are they? Trust is hard for them to give one another so that unexpected bonds that are formed between these men create the foundation of the story. Couples are created and crushed within the span of a few pages. When a betrayal happens within the group, it affects them more as it is a friend who commits it.

Because of the friendships that were created, I hope that there is a sequel. I don't see the others leaving anyone behind or forgiving a wrong done to them. Watching the controlled (?) chaos that would ensue would be a wild ride as each specialty could and can create major problems or even a coup. No matter how many scenarios I come up with I have to concede that it is a child trying to out think a master because for this suicide mission only Abigail can get them all out alive using every trick in her (their) arsenal.

October 1 (bored out of my mind)

2007-10-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

October first and I am sitting here typing instead of reading the new Rowan McBride book. Why because it has not been posted on the site for download yet. This is a straight bummer as I have waited so long it seems like forever for the book. So I will just write for a moment.

I dont know if I mentioned how I have searched out books after visiting authors sites. I only mention this now because of two books that I found that on an ebook distribution site. I usually go directly to where the author has the book but in the case of Wheels by Vic Winter and Fallen Angel by Sean Micheal the other site had the stories in volumes. The thing I wonder about after I purchased it was the payment for the authors. I mean usually because of the excerpts on the sites I go straight to the publisher but being unable to find them on Torquerebooks I went through the added step of asking the author about it. (I hate bothering them about things like that) I was advised that the story was in negotiations and to try later however when I went to the site later the book and excerpt were taken down. At the time it didnt phase me as I had been advised that the book was unavailable and it was nice that the author was nice enough to take it off until things were settled. So now I have the books (wheels I have had for a minute I just tried out of curiosity to check for fallen angel) but now I wonder how it works for them have I cheated them out of their money? I hope not because I know how hard it is to write a story and go through the process (term papers). It is also why I wont read free books online that an author is going to sell.

That may seem silly to some but for example I like going to T A Chase's site, his page is great. He also provides free stories that he's completed and will submit. I found this out when I purchased Stealing Life. He had provided the story as a free one on his site I was totally ticked. As if it was free why would I want to pay even it one or two chapters were added. I started to read it so that I could compare the changes but then decided against it. I do like the way that the man writes. I want to support his efforts so I make it a point to only check now to see how he is progressing with other stories and avoiding the everything else except excerpts. I am not saying that he should stop because I do not want to be hunted down but for me this is the best way. Willa Okati has a couple of books out one on Loose id and another on Changeling press. I am trying to figure out which one I am going to get along with Paul's Dream.

Why am I rambling well again because the book that I am waiting for is not showing yet, my homework is done, the house is clean, I have all the yaois that I have been following downloaded and bought the others. So it looks like I will be doing the responsible thing and study more as midterms are coming.

Upcoming attactions

2007-09-16T22:03:00.000-07:00

Homework is a bummer. It is cutting seriously into my reading time. However what is coming down the as the must haves. October Paul's Dream Rowan McBride and November Deviations Bondage Owen/Payne.

Late but with a reason

2007-08-22T09:11:00.000-07:00

I said I would be more involved but school happened and things got really hectic. Now for the last 2 books or mentioned. Lines and Felidae both were great and worth the wait because they are part of series I strongly suggest you get them all. The Felidae series is more about family and the connections that are created and strengthened.
Ms Buchanan is also starting a series called the Pridelands with has characters from the Felidae series making appearances.

Now I have told you about the Lines saga and my love for it. Like I mentioned about the Felidae series Lines #4 is about family. But whereas the above series was about the creation. Lines deals with the interactions of fractured families. Acceptance, trust, regret, and love blend equally with betrayal, insecurity, loyalty, and friendship. So are the lines something that only provide power or are they the tools needed to create connections. (hmmm trying to go deep and metaphysical) I have to provide a quote from the story:

"Something is seriously wrong with you,my friend," Vision said.
Janus blinked. Vision pushed him again, this time rocking him back a couple inches.
Vision tried again, "You're trying to cow me, Janus. Like this. Me. Think about it."
Janus looked down. "Oh."

If you havent purchased the other books please do then you will know how funny the quote above is concerning Vision.

Now, I have to admit I am in a good mood because so far the authors that I am into now have not disappointed me. I have decided however not to try any more for my finances sake. I think between the ones that have showing and a few more that I need to add I have more than enough to keep me busy between all my activities. My reading will not be as rabid :) as it was before but I have so many books and mangas that I wont feel the pain as badly as it could be.

Enough about me. I never entered the information about Founder and that is a shame that I didnt. Everyone in life has issues, we all know it, see it and feel it. This is how Aubrey enters the story. You have to feel for him but you also want to blame him. Why is he doing these things to himself, why wont he allow someone to help him, and lastly why doesnt he want more for himself? All these questions haunt you as you struggle with him and pray that he wont do himself permanent damage. Redemption is the theme of this book and just like any road to recovery it is hard but as Aubrey found out it is only through those bumps that you can truly find yourself and become the man that you are meant to be.
Kelly, on the other hand, loves with everything in him. He deserves better and the fear is that he will leave before Aubrey will see the light. Because just as Aubrey is growing and learning so is Kelly. The value that he finds in himself compensates for the loss in his life. Yet, his determination to see things through provides hope. This is a great buy go for it.

Suprise

2007-08-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

Master of the Lines #4 and the Felidae #5 are both out. I am bummed that I didnt guess that they would be out this soon (got of course)because I try to have everything done and just relax and read the moment I get my hands on them. I have to clean so I cant stop everything and read them right this moment. But I guess this will teach me how to work on issues concerning instant gratification.

What's next

2007-07-31T07:09:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't see when the next batch of must haves are going to be released but so far my list includes Master of the Lines:Prodigals, Want Me and The Felidae 5: Navin's Master (Jade Buchanan). T A Chase has a couple of books that are completed but according to his blog they are somewhere in the twilight zone when it comes to getting it out and my vigil for J L Langley's due date of With Caution still has not born any fruits. I am also into the Deviation series if I haven't mentioned it but Mr Owen does not provide dates and Torquere Press does not have a coming soon icon. So by the looks of things, now that summer is over I will be able to save some money.

Reviews

2007-07-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

I finished all the books that I waited for last week and have read them a couple of times just because I could :). Willa Okati's Brotherhood is at an end. It was a great ride as each book could stand alone and the end only mentioned Liam and Jordan so there were no loose ends concerning the others. Will you like some brothers more than others? Yes. Does the end have twists and turns? Yes. But as it is Willa's style (check out her Dante's world series at Changling Press) you cant just discount anything that is there as part of the background or you will miss important facts. Jet Mykles' Faith is the last story of the Heaven Sent series. Darien the fun loving drummer has met someone that can ground him in Christopher but their past actions prevent a quick meeting of the minds. Having met Darien briefly in the other three books the foundation of his character are already in place to fully explain why he did what he did. Chris on the other hand made a brief appearance in the third book Hell so it was nice getting to know him. The ending gives a hint of the future and it ......(go read the book). As you know from my other comments with these two books being the last ones I will always finish the series but honestly you will like these two books and be glad that you bought them.

Now to Rowan McBride's Just Wait. I was disappointed with this book not because it was a bad story but becuase it was a short story 25 pages. Let me make it clear that I bought the book and I would buy it again. The story is about the Drayner twins who are magical. But how far will they take it now that they are finally on their own away from their watchful parents for the first time? As you know from a previous post I love the way Rowan writes so my anticipation for this story was high already. The premise is really cool but he could have gone farther. What would happen if they were truly caught using their abilities, could the other members of the family come together to try to stop Mark and if they did just how far would Travis' loyalty go, how much of the dynamics between the brothers really depend on their love for each other or the power that one craves and the other admires, could or would one be used to destroy the other? So many different ways to play this. But the bottom line is (sigh) the story does work the way it is. (Thinking because I hate to give up on an idea) I wonder if I beg hard enough he might hear me and consider making it a novel at a later date? :) Hmm there's always hope right?

Updates

2007-07-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

Today is day one of a super countdown week. If you visit Jet Mykles site you will see that Faith the last of her series has a release date of tomorrow (July 24th). Now considering that her site has a picture of the book but loosed id does not as of Sunday night, I hope that Incubus Call Willa Okati's book will be released tomorrow also. ( I can only hope) Friday Rowan McBride's Book Just Wait will be out. If you are still waiting on J L Langley's With/Without series it still has a release of 2007 but nothing is showing on Samhain release site at this moment and it has books up until February of next year showing. Also there is no mention of a release date of her Ranch series. The good news and bad news about T A Chase is that he is now providing updates on the word count of his books that he is working on. The goal that he has stated is 50,000. This is great but now once the goal has been reached we have to wait on when the release will be. Side note on Mr. Chase he says he still has not started Shade's story but he plays a bigger role in the Gypsy book. Lastly but not least Chris Owen and Jodi Payne have the Deviations series going. Check out Mr. Owens site to find out about the books and also read a couple of the short stories to introduce you to Tor and Jake from Bareback.

There is probably someone or something that I have forgotten to but as I have made it my goal to be more involved with my site. So the moment I think it I try to go online to write it. Now being the reader I am I am always looking for a good read. Through the toybox series with Torquere I have discovered Vic Winter. I went to his site and read some excerpts liked a few. There is one call Wheels that I would love to get but it no longer has a link option on Torquere. It bums me but hopefully it will be released again in the classics series as Run Away to Home by Chris Owen (Part of the Bareback and Natural Disaster stories) and a few of the Sean Michael's shorts were. I have my eyes on the 2 books that Torquere has of Mr. Winters but I have to have Faith and Just Wait for sure hopefully Incubus Call will be in my hot little hands. If all go as planned those three along with Jodi Payne's Founder will take through the week. Have fun all and pray that I get a raise to help me with my addiction lol

Rowan McBride

2007-07-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

Sad and great news about this author if you have never read his books a great introduction is to go to forbiddenfruits e magazine and check out his short story(this was how I was introduced to his works). The bad news about all three books Warm Rush, True and One Good Hand is that they are no longer available. Twisted Shift Publishing is no more (a moment of silence please) I liked all three books however Warm Rush was my favorite because of the transformation not only of body but of thinking along the way. I suggest you keep an eye out on his homepage for updates on this issue however at this time he has stated that he is looking for a new home for them and for everyone who has not read them sake I hope he finds one. As before I really do not like to give spoilers but if you are looking for something different in the supernatural category then this is it. The angst between the characters and the realization that what should not be is possible well it cant help but make you smile. I guess you are saying well great timing you mention these books but we cant get them. Well never fear Rowan is here (not really) but he has a book coming out July 27th on Dark Eden Press (Just Wait). Also one coming through Liquid Silver Books (Touching Fire) and last but not least he has one that I am almost positive he is self publishing (Want Me). Again go check out his site for the excerpts I bet you will be intrigued.

Angela Fiddler

2007-06-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

Master of the Lines Series
Castoff Janus and Lydall
Lineage Vision and Hanz
Restitution Conclusion
(view comments)

When I wrote this the first two books were out and the third was on the way. Since then the third book is out and available. All three have been read and I am going to share the first opinion and the opinion following the conclusion.

Castoff is the first book and introduces Janus a Lt and Lydall a future pet. The characters here drive the story and lay a great foundation for what is to come. It also brings in a different slant to vampire story line. Although still sexual in nature, their connections are monogamous. Even in a turn that may cause or need a third person there is a reason behind it.

Linage follows with the rise of Vision and and Hans his driver. In this book more attention is paid on the characters and provide further insight into the hierarchy of this world. How power is acquired, transferred and shared are weaved throughout the stories and is an important element to the plot. It is similar to the Italian Mafioso or the Japanese Yakuza in structure. There territories are controlled through the lines. The lieutenant can eventually take over by transfer or beheading. However a challenge can be made for the lines in which the leader if he is the loser he loses everything including in most cases his life. The lieutenant in this case would become the property of the new controller of the lines. Pets are vampires with talent that can eventually become lieutenants.

Both Castoffs and Lineage can stand alone however you are left with Ya teaser at the end of Lineage. Yet even with that cliffhanger a connection to the characters makes a smile at the end of the books guaranteed.

My Opinion

Both Lineage and Castoffs were great stories. Although Castoffs was Janus' story Vision stole my heart, I had hoped that everything would work out for him and cheered when his future was revealed. Understanding how, what, and why he did some of the thing he did were explained and left me with a better view of the situation. More could have been shared about Hanz and I thought it would have been in the last book Restitution. The only thing I can say about Restitution is that it ended the storyline. I was disappointed and at times could not follow where she was leading me. She had a lot of information and left many holes in the story. I would buy the first two books again in a heartbeat but I am unsure about the last. I would buy it on the strength that it is the last book and I hate not having a complete series of anything unless the story completely lacked focus or just appeared to be written to get my money without though of how the reader might feel about the book. But I would not buy it on its own merits.

Angela Fiddler does not appear to have any other books at this time. So I will have to wait on her next creation. Although I did not like the third book I can not wait to see what she comes up with next. Hey, one bad apple does not spoil the whole bunch.

I Lied

2007-06-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

The first review will be on Angela Fiddler's Master of the Lines hopefully it is a trilogy. Third book due out shortly.

The Beginning

2007-06-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

This is to talk about all the books, mangas, and even anime if it is on my mind that day for reviews. I will never talk badly about any author because they have worked hard and deserve respect for that work. However If I do not like that story or book I will say that I do not like it and my reviews will not be the type that gives stars or thumbs up or down. I will state simply that I have it that is either love it, like it, it's ok, I would not buy it again. (I guess that is a star system isnt it). I will also not talk about the art covers on the books we all know that is what either catches our attention or repels it so that is not necessary. At this time I will list a few authors that could write a book on the philosophical and metaphysical ascetics of the ABC's and I would break my neck to buy it. T A Chase, J L Langley, Willa Okati, Sean Micheals, Jet Mykles, and Chris Owens to begin with. I will have the links to the above authors site showing along with e publishing sites for easy and quick access. The first review I will provide will be for Willa Okati's Brotherhood series the last book is about to be published on Loose id so if you start now you will not have to wait on the next installment.