So when I saw the title for this, at first I thought it might be a merman tale. I was pleasantly surprised when it turns out that the “water witch” reSo when I saw the title for this, at first I thought it might be a merman tale. I was pleasantly surprised when it turns out that the “water witch” really is a witch, a practitioner of water magic complete with all the rituals and belief systems of Wicca. The other water connection in this story comes in the form of Salil, a Fae of both water and Earth. Amelia weaves a tale of destiny and family and love that binds these two together. The main character, Vincenzo, has a bit of fire despite his affinity for water, but there’s depth there as well. Salis as the Fae was wonderfully sexy and mysterious.
I really liked all the details of the Fae and the Wiccan community, as well as the “magic” (or some might call it psychic) talents of the main character and his loved ones. There were a few twists and turns as well, which kept the plot moving. Amelia also used water magic rather ingeniously in the bedroom, lol.
For readers of fantasy and paranormal m/m, I’d definitely give this one a try. ...more
I really loved how this series turned out, and this was a completely satisfying conclusion. I don't give out five stars lightly, but this book hit all
I really loved how this series turned out, and this was a completely satisfying conclusion. I don't give out five stars lightly, but this book hit all the great plot and world building elements of fantasy, as well as the gay romance points. Bravo!!
There were also a few unexpected twists in this last book that readers of fantasy writers like Anne McCaffery and Ursula LeGuin would appreciate. I love how Crow deals with the different cultures in the book, and how they all regard each other, how legends and history can combine into a rich tapestry. The emotions ran high in this book as well, pulling the reader to find out what happened next. It's a bit of a roller coaster ride.
There are lies between Scarlet and Liall which threaten to tear them apart, but there is also a steadfast love holding them together. The push and pull between them is what I think really works in this book. Definitely read the series in order.
I enjoyed the first book of this series, although the pacing was a bit slow for me. Things pick up in a nice way in this book with not only more emotiI enjoyed the first book of this series, although the pacing was a bit slow for me. Things pick up in a nice way in this book with not only more emotional development between the men but also a more consistent outside threat as well. I found it ironic that while Scarlet tries to be prickly and hotheaded as he was in the first book, the lack of space on board and the dislike of the crew force him to engage with Liall. The movement in this book is much more internal than external, which some readers took as less exciting. I found it more interesting, personally. The first book had way too much avoidance and fleeing for me.
By the end, the reader learns a lot more about Liall and where he comes from. There’s quite a setup for the next book, and I’m curious to see how far the series goes, considering the size of Liall’s task ahead of him. This was a shorter novel but I didn’t have any issues with the length. I thought it broke at a natural point.
I guess the next book will determine how I feel this series is progressing. ...more
I’ve decided that of all the M/M writers, Adrienne Wilder is my favorite. While the first Grey Zone had some issues (the ending was too abrupt, mainlyI’ve decided that of all the M/M writers, Adrienne Wilder is my favorite. While the first Grey Zone had some issues (the ending was too abrupt, mainly), this book shows a leap in Adrienne’s skills and a much smoother ending with things tied up nicely.
There are some common themes in Adrienne’s work as well. The downtrodden, outcast, and abused are typically the stars. In this book, that comes in the form of Liam, a young man trying to protect his younger brothers from a ruthless sexual molester, their father. Liam endures everything from sexual abuse to beatings and cuttings from his aggressors and only berates himself for failing to protect the youngest who suffered a brain injury as a child and how has a permanent mental disability.
The Grey Zone is another interesting construct, a zone where normal laws don’t exist and the dregs of society have to fight for themselves. Adrienne’s dragon Kin are not like other shifters; there is nothing human about them, and to cross one is death. But the Lesser Kin, half dragon, half human, still remember at least part of their human ancestry. As in the first Grey Zone book, “Worth” delves into the transformation from man to part beast and how strength can be found through a friend.
In terms of the romance, this book struck a nice balance between the plot of Liam trying to protect his brothers and his developing attraction to a Lesser Kin. The sex was hot (as usual) and there was also some nice backstory and a greater understanding of what it means to transform from one thing to another. I like that Adrienne typically has a few things going on at once in her books. The pace is driven and I have a hard time putting it down!
Yes, there will be more reviews of this writer coming up. But even if you’re not sold on fantasy, just the human element of this book should be a reason to take a peek. ...more
This story felt authentic, which makes sense when I read that Arielle has lived in Wales. I really liked the main character's voice, which was a combiThis story felt authentic, which makes sense when I read that Arielle has lived in Wales. I really liked the main character's voice, which was a combination of snark and dispirited hopefulness, especially when it comes to his love life. Osian encounters a member of the Sidhe (Fae) while visiting Ireland and badmouthing their folk music. While Conall might succeed at physically seducing Osian, it takes quite a bit more before he's willing to let his heart open up.
This was a novella and it ran through the story in a fairly quick and straightforward way, but the voice and the attention to detail is why I give this story four stars. Plus I like that the Fae were slightly dangerous and that there was a feeling of danger in whether or not to succumb to their charms. ...more
I did enjoy this book. I wouldn’t call it great literature or anything, but it was an enjoyable read. It’s a pretty classic Romance plot, the world-trI did enjoy this book. I wouldn’t call it great literature or anything, but it was an enjoyable read. It’s a pretty classic Romance plot, the world-travelling love interest having to be rescued in present-day time (the flipside of the other trope, the love interest traveling BACK in time), and as such things go, I think it was well done. I actually think the author did a good job with the world of the elves, their culture and their description.
This is why I think the author should have avoided mentioning Tolkien. It wasn’t needed–the reader got that these were beautiful elves. The world wasn’t Middle Earth, so why compare it? I get that the character might think such a thing. But I think it detracted from the beauty and differences of Beecroft’s own elves. You made them different–now own it!
Other than that little nit, I only had one other issue with the story line, which was the strange resolution between Joel and Drake, his nemesis or at least the guy who is trying to kill him. The battle in the flat was a bit hard to follow and it just seemed a little too neatly packaged as a solution. I think I would have liked something more there. Perhaps more clues ahead of time (won’t say why–spoiler). Again, it just felt a little artificial. The stuff between Joel and the Queen, however, was priceless. I ate that stuff up, as well as all the little nuances of having an elf in modern London–Nutella!
I see that this writer has other historical gay romance out there, so I’ll have to check it out. What I saw here tells me that while this writer is still developing, Alex has a strong grasp on the romance side of things, and I look forward to seeing more. ...more
I have to say that this is the first merman love story that I’ve ever read. I have to give Arielle props just for the concept and her treatment of whaI have to say that this is the first merman love story that I’ve ever read. I have to give Arielle props just for the concept and her treatment of what had to be a challenge to write. She also figured out a way to allow mermen to have proper sex, which is something you have to wonder about!
Overall, I enjoyed the tale. There was a mystical quality to it, partly because of the setting in Wales some time in the past and also because of the lyrical language used. The plot is fairly straightforward, also mimicking classic fairy tales. Dylan struggles between his birthright as a creature of the sea and his life on land, particular his ties to his mother. The man he meets is mysterious, dangerous, and wild, and he’s justifiably afraid of losing himself along the ride.
Arielle does an excellent job submersing the reader into this world and the culture of the sirens. I think my only complaint is that I wanted the piece to be longer; at 50 pages this is basically a novelette. I also really would have liked to know more about Llewellyn outside of his role as teacher and lover. Hopefully Arielle plans to expand on this world and write more lovely tales in the future! ...more
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