Star Crossed 1: Demon Tailz by Reno MacLeod and Jaye ValentineSet in Salem Massachusetts this dark UF story tells of demon Jace who runs a bar called Tailz in the town. He's approached by demon hunter Cash who has an unusual request for him. I bought this because the whole series was recommended by Kassa and I was looking out for a new UF series since the Utopia X series is coming to an end soon. This story was very dark with some scenes bordering on horror, which I really liked. There was also a twincest subplot which didn't bother me, but may not appeal to everyone. What did bother me was the long shifted sex scene with Jace in shifted demon form. I don't really like shifted sex, but also I found it difficult to picture in my head what Jace looked like in demon form, which seemed to be a bit like a wolf but with grey hide instead of fur and with hands with claws on them. Perhaps if any of you have read the book you might have a better idea than me. Anyway, I found myself skimming the shifted sex bit. It hasn't put me entirely off the series and I shall try book two, especially as I liked the contrast in the personalities of Jace and Konnor and the fact that the story didn't shy away from some deliciously gruesome parts. Grade: Very Good.
Buy this story HERE.
Stroke of Midnight by Jordan Castillo PriceThis is a free short written in the psycop world created by JCP. However, instead of Vic we get Jacob's point of view. It's also set somewhere between book 3 and book 4 of the Psycop series, which surprised me at first and had me making mental adjustments as I tried to remember the state of Jacob and Vic's relationship during that time. Vic has been called away to a job on New Year's Eve, leaving Jacob to attend a party held by his friends and fellow gym members Keith and Manny on his own. He doesn't really want to be there but hates more the idea of sitting on his own in Vic's white depressing apartment. What was most interesting about this is that we get to see Jacob in his world, with his friends and all the pressures and difficulties that brings. Vic is so wrapped up in himself sometimes that he doesn't notice things about Jacob and I found it ironic that Jacob has this whole life away from Vic that we never get to see. We also get an insight into Jacob's feelings for Vic in the tender moment between them towards the end of the story. Great stuff - and did I mention it's free :). Grade: Very Good.
Get this story HERE.
Silver Lining by Lucius ParhelionSet in the US during the 1950's, this story follows scientists and civil servants Rob and Philip who work on experiments to gauge the effects of radiation on the weather. They begin a tentative relationship, but in a world fuelled by paranoia and the fear of the Soviets there is little opportunity for privacy. There was so much to love about this story that there just isn't space to put it all in this short review. Fortunately, I've written a much longer review for Wave HERE which sets out all my reasons why this story was a winner. Grade: Excellent.
Buy this story HERE.
I must get my butt in gear and get Jordan's short. I keep forgetting. I don't mind demon sex if it's a humanoid demon, that's okay, but what you describe sounds a bit weird.
ReplyDeleteI did read Silver and I'm not sure I LOVED it, but I did like it. :-) I did like how they responded to being watched 24/7 because I think I would have handled it much more badly or perhaps like a naughty 12 year old. LOL
It was great to get Jacob's perspective... and now I want more. :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the StarCrossed series although you're right, when they're shifted they really don't sound too sexy.
ReplyDeleteI downloaded JCP's story but haven't read it yet and Silver sounds really nice so I've added it to my TBB.
Tam: I'm surprised you haven't got Jordan's free story yet.
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit like you, if the demon is human shaped with recognisable humanoid features then that's OK. Jace was sort of more of a human/animal mix which didn't work for me. I get squicky about these things :).
Chris: It was good to get Jacob's views and he was exactly like I thought he would be - a mixture of slightly gruff but prepared to think the best of his friends even when they were a bit horrid to him. I still love Vic though and I don't think I'd want a whole book from Jacob's POV. Another story would be fine tho.
ReplyDeleteLily: I'm definitely going to read the next one in the series and then I'll see how I feel then. I liked the concept and the writing was really good.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy Silver Lining as much as I did :).
Hi Jen! Wow, you reviewed my little freebie. I figured it was a good idea to make sure readers didn't forget about PsyCop. But strangely, writing that much of a story from Jacob's POV gave me a lot of insight that I'll carry into the rest of series. It's good to realize that just because Vic thinks something is a certain way doesn't mean either that 1.) it is, or 2.) that Jacob has to agree with him. Just because Jacob's smitten doesn't put him in automatic agreement. He's too crafty for that.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your comment about Jacob having this whole life that we never get to see because Vic doesn't perceive it. It's true. Vic's always on overload. Being Vic would be like trying to watch two movies at the same time. No doubt you might not notice the phone ringing or dinner burning in the oven.
(The word verification is stifiti, ha ha. Is that a cocktail that STiffs drink?)
Hi Jordan: you needed to remind us about Psycop, huh? As if we could forget since we're all waiting patiently (well, almost) for number 6 :).
ReplyDeleteI'll look forward to reading some of the insights into Jacob the story has given you, but knowing Vic, he probably won't even notice them.