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Gothika #1
Stitch
Stitch is an anthology of 4 novellas by m/m romance authors, each with a Frankenstein/Creature theme. It is the first in a series of gothic m/m romance anthologies called gothika.
The stories in this volume are:
Made For Aaron by Sue Brown
As a teenager, Aaron Fox was sent to an asylum by his parents because he was gay, leaving him emotionally fragile after the treatment. However it gave him Damon Fox, the nurse he later married. For over twenty years, Damon’s devotion and strength has never faltered. When Damon is killed in a car accident, Aaron’s devastation soon gives way to confusion when he is shown Damon walking away from the hospital. Despite a desperate search, Damon isn’t seen again, and if Aaron can’t live with Damon, he may not want to live at all. But forces beyond Aaron’s understanding work behind the scenes, and if he can find the courage to unveil the secrets, he might get a second chance at happiness.
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden
Harland Wallace made his name as one of the premiere watchmakers in Victorian London, so he isn’t surprised when a handsome young gentleman named Luke Prescott comes to his townhouse to hire him for a repair job. He is apprehensive when he discovers it is not a watch Mr. Prescott wants repaired, but a complex prosthesis he has in place of a hand.
As further repairs are needed, Harland begins to wonder how much of Mr. Prescott is real and how much is mechanical, but he cannot deny the growing attraction he feels toward him. When he learns Prescott’s household servants pose a threat to the man they see as a monster, Harland must choose between what his culture tells him is wrong and what his heart tells him is right.
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding
In a small, 17th-century Eastern European town, a rabbi creates a man of clay—a golem—to protect the Jewish people from the threat of pogrom. Awaiting a call to duty, the golem spends a long time confined to an attic, lonely and sad. His only joys are watching the stonemason at work across the street and listening to a lovely voice singing prayers.
When the golem meets the mason, Jakob, the two become friends, and Jakob names the golem Emet. But devout Jakob struggles with his attraction to Emet, and Emet dreads being used as an instrument for violence. Though Emet’s name means truth, honest love between a faithful man and a golem will only survive if they risk everything for a miracle.
Reparation by Eli Easton
On the harsh planet of Kalan, weakness is not tolerated. When young spore farmer Edward suffers an carriage accident that kills his mail-order bride and his factory manager, Edward has little chance of survival, until Knox—an enormous “reconstitute” labor slave—plucks him from disaster.
Recons are part machine, part human remains from executed Federation prisoners. But Knox is different from other recons. He can read and has flashes of brilliance. With no one else to rely on over the bleak winter, Edward forms an alliance with Knox, and against social taboos, they become friends. Edward struggles against his growing lust for the large humanoid, and while Knox thrives in his new life, memories of his past torment him.
A twist of fate brought Knox and Edward together, but there will be a price to pay in blood when they learn how deeply their lives truly intersect.
The stories in this volume are:
Made For Aaron by Sue Brown
As a teenager, Aaron Fox was sent to an asylum by his parents because he was gay, leaving him emotionally fragile after the treatment. However it gave him Damon Fox, the nurse he later married. For over twenty years, Damon’s devotion and strength has never faltered. When Damon is killed in a car accident, Aaron’s devastation soon gives way to confusion when he is shown Damon walking away from the hospital. Despite a desperate search, Damon isn’t seen again, and if Aaron can’t live with Damon, he may not want to live at all. But forces beyond Aaron’s understanding work behind the scenes, and if he can find the courage to unveil the secrets, he might get a second chance at happiness.
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden
Harland Wallace made his name as one of the premiere watchmakers in Victorian London, so he isn’t surprised when a handsome young gentleman named Luke Prescott comes to his townhouse to hire him for a repair job. He is apprehensive when he discovers it is not a watch Mr. Prescott wants repaired, but a complex prosthesis he has in place of a hand.
As further repairs are needed, Harland begins to wonder how much of Mr. Prescott is real and how much is mechanical, but he cannot deny the growing attraction he feels toward him. When he learns Prescott’s household servants pose a threat to the man they see as a monster, Harland must choose between what his culture tells him is wrong and what his heart tells him is right.
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding
In a small, 17th-century Eastern European town, a rabbi creates a man of clay—a golem—to protect the Jewish people from the threat of pogrom. Awaiting a call to duty, the golem spends a long time confined to an attic, lonely and sad. His only joys are watching the stonemason at work across the street and listening to a lovely voice singing prayers.
When the golem meets the mason, Jakob, the two become friends, and Jakob names the golem Emet. But devout Jakob struggles with his attraction to Emet, and Emet dreads being used as an instrument for violence. Though Emet’s name means truth, honest love between a faithful man and a golem will only survive if they risk everything for a miracle.
Reparation by Eli Easton
On the harsh planet of Kalan, weakness is not tolerated. When young spore farmer Edward suffers an carriage accident that kills his mail-order bride and his factory manager, Edward has little chance of survival, until Knox—an enormous “reconstitute” labor slave—plucks him from disaster.
Recons are part machine, part human remains from executed Federation prisoners. But Knox is different from other recons. He can read and has flashes of brilliance. With no one else to rely on over the bleak winter, Edward forms an alliance with Knox, and against social taboos, they become friends. Edward struggles against his growing lust for the large humanoid, and while Knox thrives in his new life, memories of his past torment him.
A twist of fate brought Knox and Edward together, but there will be a price to pay in blood when they learn how deeply their lives truly intersect.
294 pages, ebook
First published April 20, 2014
About the author
Sue Brown
129 books819 followersHot guys, big hearts, Sue's world.
Sue Brown is a Londoner with a dream to live on a small island. Coffee fuels her addiction to writing romance with hot guys loving each other, and her Adorkadog snores in harmony as she creates.
Sue Brown is a Londoner with a dream to live on a small island. Coffee fuels her addiction to writing romance with hot guys loving each other, and her Adorkadog snores in harmony as she creates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
January 26, 2020
From Stitch anthology I've read only Reparation by Eli Easton.
Reparation is a love story inspired by Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein, set in the future, in a high fantasy setting, on the planet of Kalan.
After losing his wife and his factory manager in an accident, Edward struggles to manage his spore farm all alone. Knox, one of his reconstituted slaves, shows unusual intelligence, so Edward - not having any other options - puts him in the leader position. Furthermore, being lonely and feeling strangely attracted to him, he longs for Knox’s company.
Recons are part machine - part human remains from executed Federation prisoners. But Knox is different from other recons. Recons’ brain is wiped clean, but Knox is intelligent and perceptive. The more stimuli he gets from Edward, the more he remembers his previous life.
The mutual attraction shows in camaraderie and friendship, and soon it is impossible to resist the inexplicable draw between them.
But of course, everything happens for a reason. As Knox memories slowly unfold, they have to decide how to deal with their fate.
Plot
Engaging: perfectly structured storyline, twists I didn’t see coming, cruel fate and all. Perfection!
Character development
Smooth and comes at a good pace.
In the case of Knox it is not really a development, rather a rediscovery of himself.
Edward – there is a development here, but similarly to Knox, Edward simply discovers those traits in his personality the reader already can see he is having.
World-building
Focused on Kalan, we don’t know much about the other planets. But the depiction of Kalan and its atmosphere is captivating. I’d love to read more stories set in this world, especially a follow up of Edward and Knox’s life. The concept of the Recons is believable and creates a solid base for the story.
Romance
Nicely built anticipation, full of tension and suppressed desire, mind blowing and intimate erotica – it is beautiful.
Atmosphere
The Wuthering Heights vibe is stronger and more prominent than the Frankenstein: it is raw and gloomy, but unlike WH, there is hope and prospect for Edward and Knox.
Ending
I want more!
Reparation is a love story inspired by Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein, set in the future, in a high fantasy setting, on the planet of Kalan.
After losing his wife and his factory manager in an accident, Edward struggles to manage his spore farm all alone. Knox, one of his reconstituted slaves, shows unusual intelligence, so Edward - not having any other options - puts him in the leader position. Furthermore, being lonely and feeling strangely attracted to him, he longs for Knox’s company.
Recons are part machine - part human remains from executed Federation prisoners. But Knox is different from other recons. Recons’ brain is wiped clean, but Knox is intelligent and perceptive. The more stimuli he gets from Edward, the more he remembers his previous life.
The mutual attraction shows in camaraderie and friendship, and soon it is impossible to resist the inexplicable draw between them.
But of course, everything happens for a reason. As Knox memories slowly unfold, they have to decide how to deal with their fate.
Plot
Engaging: perfectly structured storyline, twists I didn’t see coming, cruel fate and all. Perfection!
Character development
Smooth and comes at a good pace.
In the case of Knox it is not really a development, rather a rediscovery of himself.
Edward – there is a development here, but similarly to Knox, Edward simply discovers those traits in his personality the reader already can see he is having.
World-building
Focused on Kalan, we don’t know much about the other planets. But the depiction of Kalan and its atmosphere is captivating. I’d love to read more stories set in this world, especially a follow up of Edward and Knox’s life. The concept of the Recons is believable and creates a solid base for the story.
Romance
Nicely built anticipation, full of tension and suppressed desire, mind blowing and intimate erotica – it is beautiful.
Atmosphere
The Wuthering Heights vibe is stronger and more prominent than the Frankenstein: it is raw and gloomy, but unlike WH, there is hope and prospect for Edward and Knox.
Knox held him tight, reveling in the feeling of Edward in his arms and trying to comprehend the man’s generosity of spirit. It was humbling. Edward’s forgiveness, the return of his affection, flooded Knox with joy and relief and pleasure so raw it could only be love. How ironic that he’d found it only now, here on Kalan, that he’d had to be cut up into pieces and put back together again to find it.
Ending
I want more!
May 5, 2014
"The Golem of Mala Lubovnya" by Kim Fielding- 4 stars
Beautifully told and very atmospheric, Kim Fielding nailed this one. It read like a folklore tale and felt rich with history and meaning. It reminded me a wee bit of Truth in the Dark, and I enjoyed the religious aspect of it (more used to set the stage than preach anything). This story was expertly done but I wished for a little more . I also think this might have been more powerful if it had been left as a bittersweet ending but I think most people would prefer the current finale. Very nice, excellent start to the collection.
"Watchworks" by Jamie Fessenden- 4 stars
I always love Jamie Fessenden and this was no different. Here, he created a smart, sexy steampunk romance that worked on so many levels. As in the first in the collection, the story made me consider what is "human" and what is a facsimile, and where the lines become so blurred that they can't be distinguished any more. I found the historical setting to be erotic in that buttoned-up kind of way. Very nicely done.
"Reparation" by Eli Easton- 4 stars
I'm so on board with Eli Easton these days! First she wowed me with Blame It On The Mistletoe, and now she killed it with a great, sexy sci-fi story. This was really good. Again, the theme of human or not persists but this time it is in an intergalactic setting. I loved the little twists in the plot and Knox's chemistry with Edward was sizzling. Nicely conceptualized and executed and another winner from this author.
"Made For Aaron" by Sue Brown- 1.5 stars
Ugh, this ending to the collection left a bad taste in my mouth. This story felt clumsy and awkward, without that magical quality that the other stories had. I started off thinking that it was decent but the plot took a nosedive at around half way through. The way the story ended felt rushed and poorly planned. To top it off, I disliked the characters. Damon was a control freak (Aaron keeps worrying that Damon will get mad at him all the time), and his relationship with Aaron was a co-dependent hot mess. I wasn't rooting for them so it was difficult to feel satisfied with the story. Not a good one.
I'm still giving this collection 4 stars because the other stories were so unbelievably strong. I'm just going to pretend the Sue Brown story wasn't there....
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Beautifully told and very atmospheric, Kim Fielding nailed this one. It read like a folklore tale and felt rich with history and meaning. It reminded me a wee bit of Truth in the Dark, and I enjoyed the religious aspect of it (more used to set the stage than preach anything). This story was expertly done but I wished for a little more . I also think this might have been more powerful if it had been left as a bittersweet ending but I think most people would prefer the current finale. Very nice, excellent start to the collection.
"Watchworks" by Jamie Fessenden- 4 stars
I always love Jamie Fessenden and this was no different. Here, he created a smart, sexy steampunk romance that worked on so many levels. As in the first in the collection, the story made me consider what is "human" and what is a facsimile, and where the lines become so blurred that they can't be distinguished any more. I found the historical setting to be erotic in that buttoned-up kind of way. Very nicely done.
"Reparation" by Eli Easton- 4 stars
I'm so on board with Eli Easton these days! First she wowed me with Blame It On The Mistletoe, and now she killed it with a great, sexy sci-fi story. This was really good. Again, the theme of human or not persists but this time it is in an intergalactic setting. I loved the little twists in the plot and Knox's chemistry with Edward was sizzling. Nicely conceptualized and executed and another winner from this author.
"Made For Aaron" by Sue Brown- 1.5 stars
Ugh, this ending to the collection left a bad taste in my mouth. This story felt clumsy and awkward, without that magical quality that the other stories had. I started off thinking that it was decent but the plot took a nosedive at around half way through. The way the story ended felt rushed and poorly planned. To top it off, I disliked the characters. Damon was a control freak (Aaron keeps worrying that Damon will get mad at him all the time), and his relationship with Aaron was a co-dependent hot mess. I wasn't rooting for them so it was difficult to feel satisfied with the story. Not a good one.
I'm still giving this collection 4 stars because the other stories were so unbelievably strong. I'm just going to pretend the Sue Brown story wasn't there....
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
November 3, 2021
Eu no final de cada história apresentada em Ghotika ⬇
Aqui temos histórias diferentes de criaturas criadas pelo homem (tipo Frankenstein e tal) , cada história com a essência de um autor.
Tivemos história do golem e o pedreiro judeu. Foi uma história tocante, amei o golem Emet e o judeu. O final foi muito bonito 😭
Tivemos história do automata e o inglês relojoeiro, história do automata me lembrou hybrid child que eram tipo bonecos com aparência humana perfeita. Tbm foi uma história muito bonita 💞
Tivemos história do recon knox e do Kalan Edward, considero essa a melhor história desse livro! Reparation foi uma história muito bem elaborada, merecia mais páginas. Por mim teria umas 300 pags só com momentos de Knox e Edward, o universo criado nessa história me deixou com vontade de muito mais. Acho que se fosse um livro só dessa história seria bem mais elaborada e seria melhor ainda. O lance de prisioneiros condenados à morte e virarem tipo Cyborg escravos foi muito interessante. Adorei essa história!! Acho que só ela já valeu 5 estrelas.
Por fim... Tivemos história do mader e Aaron, de todas que li.. Foi a história que menos me impactou, foi boa, mas não tão marcante como as outras que li.
Aqui temos histórias diferentes de criaturas criadas pelo homem (tipo Frankenstein e tal) , cada história com a essência de um autor.
Tivemos história do golem e o pedreiro judeu. Foi uma história tocante, amei o golem Emet e o judeu. O final foi muito bonito 😭
Tivemos história do automata e o inglês relojoeiro, história do automata me lembrou hybrid child que eram tipo bonecos com aparência humana perfeita. Tbm foi uma história muito bonita 💞
Tivemos história do recon knox e do Kalan Edward, considero essa a melhor história desse livro! Reparation foi uma história muito bem elaborada, merecia mais páginas. Por mim teria umas 300 pags só com momentos de Knox e Edward, o universo criado nessa história me deixou com vontade de muito mais. Acho que se fosse um livro só dessa história seria bem mais elaborada e seria melhor ainda. O lance de prisioneiros condenados à morte e virarem tipo Cyborg escravos foi muito interessante. Adorei essa história!! Acho que só ela já valeu 5 estrelas.
Por fim... Tivemos história do mader e Aaron, de todas que li.. Foi a história que menos me impactou, foi boa, mas não tão marcante como as outras que li.
November 2, 2014
3.6 stars rounded up to 4
Worth reading for Fielding's and Easton's stories alone! One historical, one dystopian/sci-fi, both were creative, romantic, and thoughtful.
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya
Kim Fielding
~5~
#historical; comfort; tears and heartbreak; sensual, nongraphic sex; mysticism; fantasy; gorgeous HEA
Astoundingly beautiful! This is part fable, part historical fiction, about a small Jewish diaspora in Eastern Europe whose Rabbi creates a golem out of clay (You are dust, and to dust you shall return) to protect the Jews against the Gentiles who would wish them harm.
How can a creature with no soul have such a vast capacity for love?
Jakob and Emet stole my heart. Emet's loneliness, his yearning to touch and be touched, to MATTER, broke my heart, and Jakob's quiet kindness, his faith and shame, his ability to see BEYOND, broke it again.
I would have liked more on-page steam (I wanted this love consummated every which way, a million times over), but this story is heartbreaking and evocative, with one of the most poignant endings I've ever read.
Reparation
Eli Easton
~4.5~
#dystopia/sci-fi; comfort; fantasy; steamy sex; mystery; HEA
Reparation is sci-fi/dystopia set on another planet where a "spores" farmer discovers that truth and love sometimes go hand in hand.
This story reminds me of Neil Shustermnan's Unwind series. On Kalan, "recons" like Knox are used for slave labor; they are mostly human with some machine enhancements for brute stength. The recons' humanness is recycled; they are made up of harvested parts.
But Edward, left alone following the death of his right-hand man and mail-order bride, really sees Knox and senses in him a sharp intelligence, something truly human, something MORE.
The mystery behind Kalan's consciousness unfolded with subtle clues and a slowly developed tension. The ending is at once shocking and...expected (because how could something that's supposed to be good cause so much pain?), and, while not everything was wrapped up in a neat bow, we still get a HEA.
I would have prostrated myself for an epilogue, but the setting and world-building are fairly complex for such a short read, the chemistry between Edward and Knox SIZZLING (hot, urgent sex included!), and the story immensely satisfying.
Watchworks
Jamie Fessenden
~3.5~
#historical; steampunk; machinery/robots; healing; tears and heartbreak; sensual sex; HEA
A well done steampunk fantasy/historical about a mechanical man who is so much more than the sum of his parts, Fessenden's story begs the question: What makes us human? Lightly steamy and thoughtfully written, Watchworks doesn't take the easy way out.
Made For Aaron
Sue Brown
~1.5~
#contemporary; grief; mystery; fantasy; no sex on page; unconvincing HEA
This is the one that doesn't belong. Silly contrived plot (rich and powerful gay "mafia" builds human-like "maders" to help sad gays in need! What the fuckety fuck?), a ridiculous "mystery," and a complete lack of character development make for a terribly painful read. There were so many plot holes, I could only roll my eyes and sigh. The writing was stilted, and the ending absurdly abrupt.
Do yourself a favor and just skip this one. I was warned and wish I had.
Worth reading for Fielding's and Easton's stories alone! One historical, one dystopian/sci-fi, both were creative, romantic, and thoughtful.
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya
Kim Fielding
~5~
#historical; comfort; tears and heartbreak; sensual, nongraphic sex; mysticism; fantasy; gorgeous HEA
Astoundingly beautiful! This is part fable, part historical fiction, about a small Jewish diaspora in Eastern Europe whose Rabbi creates a golem out of clay (You are dust, and to dust you shall return) to protect the Jews against the Gentiles who would wish them harm.
How can a creature with no soul have such a vast capacity for love?
Jakob and Emet stole my heart. Emet's loneliness, his yearning to touch and be touched, to MATTER, broke my heart, and Jakob's quiet kindness, his faith and shame, his ability to see BEYOND, broke it again.
I would have liked more on-page steam (I wanted this love consummated every which way, a million times over), but this story is heartbreaking and evocative, with one of the most poignant endings I've ever read.
"I'd do anything. I'd have nothing but my name and this cloak, but I'd give everything. I will crumble to dust before I allow him to be hurt."
Reparation
Eli Easton
~4.5~
#dystopia/sci-fi; comfort; fantasy; steamy sex; mystery; HEA
Reparation is sci-fi/dystopia set on another planet where a "spores" farmer discovers that truth and love sometimes go hand in hand.
This story reminds me of Neil Shustermnan's Unwind series. On Kalan, "recons" like Knox are used for slave labor; they are mostly human with some machine enhancements for brute stength. The recons' humanness is recycled; they are made up of harvested parts.
But Edward, left alone following the death of his right-hand man and mail-order bride, really sees Knox and senses in him a sharp intelligence, something truly human, something MORE.
The mystery behind Kalan's consciousness unfolded with subtle clues and a slowly developed tension. The ending is at once shocking and...expected (because how could something that's supposed to be good cause so much pain?), and, while not everything was wrapped up in a neat bow, we still get a HEA.
I would have prostrated myself for an epilogue, but the setting and world-building are fairly complex for such a short read, the chemistry between Edward and Knox SIZZLING (hot, urgent sex included!), and the story immensely satisfying.
They kissed long and hungry and slow...The way their bodies felt pressed together, and the slick suction of their mouths, aroused them both. But there was no need to go anywhere or do anything more than to stretch out this moment....
Watchworks
Jamie Fessenden
~3.5~
#historical; steampunk; machinery/robots; healing; tears and heartbreak; sensual sex; HEA
A well done steampunk fantasy/historical about a mechanical man who is so much more than the sum of his parts, Fessenden's story begs the question: What makes us human? Lightly steamy and thoughtfully written, Watchworks doesn't take the easy way out.
There was no denying that [Luke's] skeletal frame covered in pistons and hydraulics and gears was a machine. Yet something in Harland's vision had changed. Luke looked beautiful to him, even like this. And Harland knew now that no one else would ever look as beautiful to him, not until the day he died.
Made For Aaron
Sue Brown
~1.5~
#contemporary; grief; mystery; fantasy; no sex on page; unconvincing HEA
This is the one that doesn't belong. Silly contrived plot (rich and powerful gay "mafia" builds human-like "maders" to help sad gays in need! What the fuckety fuck?), a ridiculous "mystery," and a complete lack of character development make for a terribly painful read. There were so many plot holes, I could only roll my eyes and sigh. The writing was stilted, and the ending absurdly abrupt.
Do yourself a favor and just skip this one. I was warned and wish I had.
April 23, 2014
Fuck-ta-stic .
Stitch is a collection of four novellas with a different setting but sharing a common theme: all of them have a man-made (gay) man as MC.
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding 4.5 stars
Set in a 17th Eastern European Shtetl , is a sweet and amazing retelling of the old Golem’s myth. Fielding has a way with words.
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden 4 stars
Set in Victorian London, is a creepy and at the same time arousing love story between a watchmaker and a sexy automaton. You’ll never guess how he recharges his batteries..
Reparation by Eli Easton 5 stars
The best one. Set in a distant and rough planet, is an amazing story of rebirth and second chances. Unexpected plot twist and a hot sex scene which will leave you breathless!!
Made For Aaron by Sue Brown 2 stars
Can’t say much without spoiling it. Too soap-operish for my taste.
If you sympathize with Frankestein’s monster, if you would like to be The Hunchback of Notre Dame’s best friend or if your secret phantasy is having a gorgeous android as your own
August 19, 2019
I absolutely loved this collection of Frankenstein themed short stories.
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding
What happens when a rabbi summons a golem to help protect his Jewish community? The lovable clay monster falls in love with the only single guy in town who happens to be gay.
I loved this one. It was very sweet and surprisingly blood thirsty...
4.5 stars!
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden
A watchmaker receives a weird assignment from a shrewd old scientist. He shall work on the prosthetic arm of a handsome young man in the scientist's care. When the guy is called back again and again to work on other prosthetic parts on the young man's body, the question arises: Is there anything about the man that isn't mechanical?
This one is clearly my favorite. I've always had a thing for EXACTLY that kind of story. I also loved how it took a scientific approach with lots of creative freedom so the author didn't have to try to explain the details behind the technology.
5 stars!!
Reparation by Eli Easton
A foreign planet where poisonous lichens are harvested for pharmaceutical purposes. An accident in a storm kills the farmer's wife and ranch hand and it is only due to the quick reaction of one of the farm's 'recons' aka cyborg slaves (who used to be prisoners sentenced to die) that the farmer survives.
With nobody but recons on the farm, the lonely farmer turns to his savior and asks him to help him run the farm until the next Federation ship arrives - with hopefully new humans looking for work.
The quiet recon does his best and helps the farmer to keep things afloat.
And then they fall in love.
It sounds like a fairy tale, but it is one of the most sophisticatedly plotted sci fi shorts I know. The plot twists and revelations are out of this world.
You simply have to read this!!
5 stars!!
Made for Aaron by Sue Brown
Aaron is a repressed young guy who lives for and with his husband Damon. And literally nothing else.
When Damon is killed in an accident, Aaron is crushed. But even more surprising is the call from the hospital saying that Damon's body got up and left the hospital.
This story took a weirder turn than expected and actually one I don't feel comfortable with. I don't like the concept behind it and I don't like the characters for not overcoming their weaknesses but reinforcing them - and presenting this as their HEA.
Weird. 2.5 stars!
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding
What happens when a rabbi summons a golem to help protect his Jewish community? The lovable clay monster falls in love with the only single guy in town who happens to be gay.
I loved this one. It was very sweet and surprisingly blood thirsty...
4.5 stars!
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden
A watchmaker receives a weird assignment from a shrewd old scientist. He shall work on the prosthetic arm of a handsome young man in the scientist's care. When the guy is called back again and again to work on other prosthetic parts on the young man's body, the question arises: Is there anything about the man that isn't mechanical?
This one is clearly my favorite. I've always had a thing for EXACTLY that kind of story. I also loved how it took a scientific approach with lots of creative freedom so the author didn't have to try to explain the details behind the technology.
5 stars!!
Reparation by Eli Easton
A foreign planet where poisonous lichens are harvested for pharmaceutical purposes. An accident in a storm kills the farmer's wife and ranch hand and it is only due to the quick reaction of one of the farm's 'recons' aka cyborg slaves (who used to be prisoners sentenced to die) that the farmer survives.
With nobody but recons on the farm, the lonely farmer turns to his savior and asks him to help him run the farm until the next Federation ship arrives - with hopefully new humans looking for work.
The quiet recon does his best and helps the farmer to keep things afloat.
And then they fall in love.
It sounds like a fairy tale, but it is one of the most sophisticatedly plotted sci fi shorts I know. The plot twists and revelations are out of this world.
You simply have to read this!!
5 stars!!
Made for Aaron by Sue Brown
Aaron is a repressed young guy who lives for and with his husband Damon. And literally nothing else.
When Damon is killed in an accident, Aaron is crushed. But even more surprising is the call from the hospital saying that Damon's body got up and left the hospital.
This story took a weirder turn than expected and actually one I don't feel comfortable with. I don't like the concept behind it and I don't like the characters for not overcoming their weaknesses but reinforcing them - and presenting this as their HEA.
Weird. 2.5 stars!
September 15, 2014
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding 5 stars
Ok, this story? This story almost killed me. I just love Emet, the golem, so much. He is innocent and just wants to be loved & be useful to those he loves. It is beautiful the way he personifies the earth & flowers & rocks. He was made from the earth & he has feelings so why shouldn't they?
The golem liked the way the soil felt under his soles, although he couldn't help wondering whether the road minded being walked on. Did it hurt when metal-rimmed wagon wheels rolled over it, or when horses clomped their metal-shod hooves?
Gah! Don't you just want to hug him? I was so happy he got his . Of course, all that beauty didn't stop me from wondering if, when Emet spooges, is his sperm made out of little pebbles? Huh. It's a real conundrum.
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden 4 stars
Luke Prescott has much in common with the golem. Like Emet, he wants to be useful, he wants to be loved. Harland Wallace, the watchmaker, who for some reason I imagined as looking exactly like the author, spends most of the story denying both his feelings for Luke and Luke's for him. I wanted to give him an ass kicking and tell him to get with the fucking program. Literally. However, Fessenden was being very true to the Victorian age in both Harland's thoughts and actions and I admire that.
When a horrible act of violence takes place, Harland finally gives into his love for Luke. It is so heartbreaking and sweet I actually cried. The horrible act I mentioned is, well, fucking horrifying. It made me think, for the millionth time, about why people have to be such unconscionable assholes. Another GD conundrum.
Reparation by Eli Easton 4 stars
This is a beautiful love story between Edward, a farmer & Knox, a reconstituted slave, who's made up of at least two different criminals & some machinery. The author based this story on both Frankenstein and Wuthering Heights. My reaction to that was "yay" for the former, and "boo" for the latter (Cathy and Heathcliff are a pair of dicks who deserve each other, I don't care if it is "great literature"). Thankfully, while I could see the influences of both books on the story, it didn't overwhelm Easton's cool blend of sci fi and the Victorian era. She took Victorian society and stuck it on an isolated planet. My absolute favorite part of this story is after Edward has slept with Knox for the first time, and his housekeeper, Moll, clearly disapproves: "Ya let him touch you, didn't ya? That...thing, that creature. Ya wanted it." Oh, yeah, he did, Moll. He really, really did. And it was so hawt.
Made for Aaron by Sue Brown 2 stars
This is the story of Aaron, whose husband of 20 years, Damon, suddenly dies, appears to come back to life and then totally disappears. Aaron is completely lost without his husband, which is understandable, given that Damon is the one constant in his life. I just wish there had been more scenes with Aaron & Damon, as Damon sounded like a controlling asshole when described by Aaron. At first I thought the story might have been better if it had been told from the Damon's persective, but after we learn exactly what Damon is, I was just flummoxed. I didn't really see a point to the story and it didn't seem to fit in with the other stories. Damon was kind of a null, instead of a "misunderstood monster."
Except for the final story, I really liked this anthology. They're not only stories about "gentle giants" and the men who love them, but a profound statement on dick for brains who fear & hate what they don't understand. The "monsters" in these tales could be anyone considered an outsider our society or who our society has decided is different and therefore something to be feared. I suppose that's human nature...but at the same time "human nature" is a poor excuse for being an unmitigated poop stain.
Ok, this story? This story almost killed me. I just love Emet, the golem, so much. He is innocent and just wants to be loved & be useful to those he loves. It is beautiful the way he personifies the earth & flowers & rocks. He was made from the earth & he has feelings so why shouldn't they?
The golem liked the way the soil felt under his soles, although he couldn't help wondering whether the road minded being walked on. Did it hurt when metal-rimmed wagon wheels rolled over it, or when horses clomped their metal-shod hooves?
Gah! Don't you just want to hug him? I was so happy he got his . Of course, all that beauty didn't stop me from wondering if, when Emet spooges, is his sperm made out of little pebbles? Huh. It's a real conundrum.
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden 4 stars
Luke Prescott has much in common with the golem. Like Emet, he wants to be useful, he wants to be loved. Harland Wallace, the watchmaker, who for some reason I imagined as looking exactly like the author, spends most of the story denying both his feelings for Luke and Luke's for him. I wanted to give him an ass kicking and tell him to get with the fucking program. Literally. However, Fessenden was being very true to the Victorian age in both Harland's thoughts and actions and I admire that.
When a horrible act of violence takes place, Harland finally gives into his love for Luke. It is so heartbreaking and sweet I actually cried. The horrible act I mentioned is, well, fucking horrifying. It made me think, for the millionth time, about why people have to be such unconscionable assholes. Another GD conundrum.
Reparation by Eli Easton 4 stars
This is a beautiful love story between Edward, a farmer & Knox, a reconstituted slave, who's made up of at least two different criminals & some machinery. The author based this story on both Frankenstein and Wuthering Heights. My reaction to that was "yay" for the former, and "boo" for the latter (Cathy and Heathcliff are a pair of dicks who deserve each other, I don't care if it is "great literature"). Thankfully, while I could see the influences of both books on the story, it didn't overwhelm Easton's cool blend of sci fi and the Victorian era. She took Victorian society and stuck it on an isolated planet. My absolute favorite part of this story is after Edward has slept with Knox for the first time, and his housekeeper, Moll, clearly disapproves: "Ya let him touch you, didn't ya? That...thing, that creature. Ya wanted it." Oh, yeah, he did, Moll. He really, really did. And it was so hawt.
Made for Aaron by Sue Brown 2 stars
This is the story of Aaron, whose husband of 20 years, Damon, suddenly dies, appears to come back to life and then totally disappears. Aaron is completely lost without his husband, which is understandable, given that Damon is the one constant in his life. I just wish there had been more scenes with Aaron & Damon, as Damon sounded like a controlling asshole when described by Aaron. At first I thought the story might have been better if it had been told from the Damon's persective, but after we learn exactly what Damon is, I was just flummoxed. I didn't really see a point to the story and it didn't seem to fit in with the other stories. Damon was kind of a null, instead of a "misunderstood monster."
Except for the final story, I really liked this anthology. They're not only stories about "gentle giants" and the men who love them, but a profound statement on dick for brains who fear & hate what they don't understand. The "monsters" in these tales could be anyone considered an outsider our society or who our society has decided is different and therefore something to be feared. I suppose that's human nature...but at the same time "human nature" is a poor excuse for being an unmitigated poop stain.
Read
April 23, 2014Stitch trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVCZ8...
Desktop -- Images that Inspired "Reparation" -- http://elieaston.com/desktop-stitch-r...
Stitch is the first volume of a new series called gothika. I love dark, gothic romance stories, and I love m/m. I was a bit disappointed last year when there didn’t seem to be many new things out in m/m for Halloween that were, well, Halloween-y. So Jamie Fessenden and I started talking about doing an anthology together. And we had so many ideas that turned into a series of anthologies. We were fortunate enough to get Sue Brown and Kim Fielding to agree to participate. Et voila.
Each volume of gothika will have a theme and include four novellas. The theme of Stitch is Frankenstein/Creature. In other words, one of the MCs is a man-made man. I have always loved stories like this and there aren’t many in the m/m category.
The stories in this volume include:
Made For Aaron — by Sue Brown
The Watchwork Man — by Jamie Fessenden
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya — by Kim Fielding
Reparation — by Eli Easton
My story, Reparation, is a sci-fi/dystopian novella, 33K words. It was heavily influenced by Wuthering Heights, one of my favorite gothic novels.
We’ll have a second volume of gothika out for Halloween 2014.
Desktop -- Images that Inspired "Reparation" -- http://elieaston.com/desktop-stitch-r...
Stitch is the first volume of a new series called gothika. I love dark, gothic romance stories, and I love m/m. I was a bit disappointed last year when there didn’t seem to be many new things out in m/m for Halloween that were, well, Halloween-y. So Jamie Fessenden and I started talking about doing an anthology together. And we had so many ideas that turned into a series of anthologies. We were fortunate enough to get Sue Brown and Kim Fielding to agree to participate. Et voila.
Each volume of gothika will have a theme and include four novellas. The theme of Stitch is Frankenstein/Creature. In other words, one of the MCs is a man-made man. I have always loved stories like this and there aren’t many in the m/m category.
The stories in this volume include:
Made For Aaron — by Sue Brown
The Watchwork Man — by Jamie Fessenden
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya — by Kim Fielding
Reparation — by Eli Easton
My story, Reparation, is a sci-fi/dystopian novella, 33K words. It was heavily influenced by Wuthering Heights, one of my favorite gothic novels.
We’ll have a second volume of gothika out for Halloween 2014.
May 9, 2020
avg. 3.75 stars, rounded up to 4
the golem of mala lubovyna by kim fielding - 4 stars
everything i've ever read by kim fielding has been fantastic and this was no exception!
watchworks by jamie fessenden - 5 stars
steampunk!! angst!! great chemistry!! what more does a guy need?
reparation by eli easton - 5 stars... and more
i am OBSESSED with this one. it's an absolute fucking masterpiece and i was tempted to give the whole volume 5 stars based on this story alone.
made for aaron by sue brown - 1 star
not sure what sort of crack the editor was smoking when they put this drivel in an otherwise wonderful anthology. a truly awful premise with zero plot development, this really stuck out like a sore thumb. an at least it was one of the shortest.
the golem of mala lubovyna by kim fielding - 4 stars
everything i've ever read by kim fielding has been fantastic and this was no exception!
watchworks by jamie fessenden - 5 stars
steampunk!! angst!! great chemistry!! what more does a guy need?
reparation by eli easton - 5 stars... and more
i am OBSESSED with this one. it's an absolute fucking masterpiece and i was tempted to give the whole volume 5 stars based on this story alone.
made for aaron by sue brown - 1 star
not sure what sort of crack the editor was smoking when they put this drivel in an otherwise wonderful anthology. a truly awful premise with zero plot development, this really stuck out like a sore thumb. an at least it was one of the shortest.
December 25, 2014
I should probably start by admitting that I'm not a fan of Gothic novels. In university, I read a few chapters of Frankenstein and couldn't get into it. The characters, the language, even the settings just didn't draw me in like I wanted them to. Later, I tried a few chapters of Jane Eyre. Same reaction. And, though I gave Wuthering Heights the old college try, before long the idea of putting my head in an oven held more appeal to me than finding out how Catherine and Heathcliff fared at the end of the novel.
So you think I'd avoid this anthology like the plague. However, there is just no denying the power of that cover. It. Is. Awesome. Moody and dark and evocative. All of a sudden it didn't matter that I don't typically read horror or sci-fi or Gothic novels; I had to read this one. (So bravo, Ms. Easton. Clearly, if this author thing doesn't work out for you, you won't go hungry.
But now to the novellas, since that's - presumably - why you're putting up with my (hopefully) mildly entertaining ramblings.
Reparation by Eli Easton - 5 Stars
Eli Easton is a real life Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. There is no other rational explanation for how the author of the sweet, fluffy, holiday romance Blame It on the Mistletoe is also the author of the darkly romantic slave tale, Reparation. But while I really enjoyed the first, it is the second that I know will stay with me over time.
Simply put, Reparation blew me away.
In Easton's introduction, she mentions that the inspiration for her novella was a mix between Frankenstein and Wuthering Heights. And, while I can clearly see the parallels between those two classic novels and this one (with a little Pinocchio thrown in for good measure), Easton managed to give Reparation a few twists all her own.
Readers are introduced to Edward in the wake of a horrific carriage accident that has left his young wife and his foreman dead and his own life's blood pumping steadily into the soil beneath him. This is how Knox, one of Edward's Reconstitutes - a part human, part robot, entirely slave cyborg - stumbles upon him in the face of a terrible storm. Even devastated by his losses and fearing for his life, Edward can't help but notice the unusual tenderness and compassion with which Knox handles him. And neither can I.
Life is sacred.
While I appreciated Edward and his struggles, all it took was one simple thought to have me putty in Knox's overly large hands. There were just so many layers of complexity and vulnerability to his character that I couldn't help but ache for him. And root for him. And love him. Honestly, I can't remember the last time a character gripped me by the throat and refused to let go of my attention until I had discovered every last facet of his personality and history. And the fact that Easton managed a character of this depth within the space of a novella is all the more impressive.
And then there's the story's setting - that of the fictional planet of Kalan - which was at once both completely foreign and strangely familiar to me. I had no trouble envisioning the planet's stark beauty, its endless "fields" of lichen, the haze of the spores in the air, the razor sharp rocks that cut Knox's feet like glass, or the ferociously icy wind storms that swept away everyone and everything in its path. And then there were times as I was reading that I would feel this oppressive pressure in my chest - a sort of borderline claustrophobic feeling - at the thought of being surrounded by all that completely toxic air. It was legitimately frightening. It may sound strange, but for me, Easton described Kalan so vividly that it became another main character in the story - a beast that the story's actual main character, Knox and Edward, had to battle together.
The story's conflict felt inevitable and the resolution, organic; both were true to every breath the characters had taken to get to that point. I believed their actions. I believed their words. And I believed in Knox and Edward's happily ever after.
As I said in the beginning of this review, this story is a memorable one. I have a feeling that at the end of the year - with hundreds of books read and thousands of characters met - this will still be one of my favourites of 2014.
Still to read:
Made For Aaron by Sue Brown
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding
So you think I'd avoid this anthology like the plague. However, there is just no denying the power of that cover. It. Is. Awesome. Moody and dark and evocative. All of a sudden it didn't matter that I don't typically read horror or sci-fi or Gothic novels; I had to read this one. (So bravo, Ms. Easton. Clearly, if this author thing doesn't work out for you, you won't go hungry.
But now to the novellas, since that's - presumably - why you're putting up with my (hopefully) mildly entertaining ramblings.
Reparation by Eli Easton - 5 Stars
Eli Easton is a real life Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. There is no other rational explanation for how the author of the sweet, fluffy, holiday romance Blame It on the Mistletoe is also the author of the darkly romantic slave tale, Reparation. But while I really enjoyed the first, it is the second that I know will stay with me over time.
Simply put, Reparation blew me away.
In Easton's introduction, she mentions that the inspiration for her novella was a mix between Frankenstein and Wuthering Heights. And, while I can clearly see the parallels between those two classic novels and this one (with a little Pinocchio thrown in for good measure), Easton managed to give Reparation a few twists all her own.
Readers are introduced to Edward in the wake of a horrific carriage accident that has left his young wife and his foreman dead and his own life's blood pumping steadily into the soil beneath him. This is how Knox, one of Edward's Reconstitutes - a part human, part robot, entirely slave cyborg - stumbles upon him in the face of a terrible storm. Even devastated by his losses and fearing for his life, Edward can't help but notice the unusual tenderness and compassion with which Knox handles him. And neither can I.
Life is sacred.
While I appreciated Edward and his struggles, all it took was one simple thought to have me putty in Knox's overly large hands. There were just so many layers of complexity and vulnerability to his character that I couldn't help but ache for him. And root for him. And love him. Honestly, I can't remember the last time a character gripped me by the throat and refused to let go of my attention until I had discovered every last facet of his personality and history. And the fact that Easton managed a character of this depth within the space of a novella is all the more impressive.
And then there's the story's setting - that of the fictional planet of Kalan - which was at once both completely foreign and strangely familiar to me. I had no trouble envisioning the planet's stark beauty, its endless "fields" of lichen, the haze of the spores in the air, the razor sharp rocks that cut Knox's feet like glass, or the ferociously icy wind storms that swept away everyone and everything in its path. And then there were times as I was reading that I would feel this oppressive pressure in my chest - a sort of borderline claustrophobic feeling - at the thought of being surrounded by all that completely toxic air. It was legitimately frightening. It may sound strange, but for me, Easton described Kalan so vividly that it became another main character in the story - a beast that the story's actual main character, Knox and Edward, had to battle together.
The story's conflict felt inevitable and the resolution, organic; both were true to every breath the characters had taken to get to that point. I believed their actions. I believed their words. And I believed in Knox and Edward's happily ever after.
As I said in the beginning of this review, this story is a memorable one. I have a feeling that at the end of the year - with hundreds of books read and thousands of characters met - this will still be one of my favourites of 2014.
Still to read:
Made For Aaron by Sue Brown
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding
August 18, 2015
BR with Mishyjo!
Overall, 4 stars for the anthology. The second gothika anthology is supposed to come out sometime in October, so I'll be keeping an eye out for that.
I would definitely recommend Stitch for anyone who wants to read some short stories written by some very talented authors about MCs who have to fight society's fear of the "other".
'Reparation' by Eli Easton
Date read: Sept 14, 2014
Rating: 4.25 stars
Ever since I read Eli Easton's The Mating of Michael in June, she's been on my author watchlist. While I had read a couple shorts by her before, they didn't blow me away like Mating of Michael did. After having read Easton's Superhero last month, and now having read Reparation, I can definitely say that I'm a fan.
Reparation is a science fiction romance, with a dash of the Victorian era to change things up a bit. Edward is a wealthy landowner and farmer on a harsh planet called Kalan, and Knox is an ex-convict slave serving on Edward's farm. Edward and Knox find themselves in an unlikely friendship and are attracted to one another. However, they have to overcome both personal and external obstacles if they are build a relationship. As this is sci-fi, you can expect issues like politics, war and classism to pop up. The issue of classism is perhaps more prominent due to the Victorian aspect of the story .
Reparation was different from the other two anthology stories I've read so far, in that Knox, , which made his interactions with Edward and his own circumstances very interesting. There were plot twists that perhaps wouldn't have worked in another genre, but they fit in perfectly fine with sci-fi. Overall, I really enjoyed Eli Easton's contribution to the Stitch anthology.
'Watchworks' by Jamie Fessenden
Date read: Sept 12, 2014
Rating: 3.25 stars
See that extra .25 up there? That's for Luke. What can I say, I've got a soft spot for the misfits and the misunderstood.
'Watchworks' is about Luke, an automaton that can feel and think for himself, and Harland, a watchmaker who, a bit reluctantly, becomes Luke's repairman. As Harland works to fix some issues that Luke had with his internal machinations, the two are put in some awkward positions. By awkward I mean arousing...because it's MM, after all. The two end up developing a friendship which eventually becomes something more.
While I really liked Luke, I wasn't so happy with Harland. I could understand if Harland struggled with his own sexuality, but what didn't sit right with me was . But on the other hand, it was awesome that . Overall, I liked book 2 in the anthology, but I wasn't as wowed as I was with Kim Fielding's story.
'The Golem of Mala Lubovnya' by Kim Fielding
Date read: Sept. 5, 2014
Rating: 4.5 stars
Kim Fielding's entry in this anthology is exactly the kind of work that I've come expect from her. There's raw emotion, there's angst, there are two men who, if not outright broken, are nonetheless struggling greatly with their circumstances, and there's just a whole lot of awesome writing.
In 'The Golem of Mala Lubovnya', we meet Emet, a golem created by a rabbi to protect the local Jewish community from pogroms in Eastern Europe, and Jakob, a young Jewish man struggling with his sexual orientation and his religion. While Emet recognizes that his primary responsibility is to serve the rabbi and protect innocent civilians, he also can't help but question why he can't live a real life, as a real human man. Emet and Jakob must try and overcome their individual burdens and see whether they can build lives in which they can be happy.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The ending was . Emet completely won me over with his simple yet very enlightening way of looking at the world.
'Made For Aaron' by Sue Brown
Didn't read this one on account of some not-so-great reviews and the pile of books that I still have to catch up on. I was able to convince Mish to skip this while she was drunk and singing Miley Cyrus' 'Wrecking Ball' and an assortment of Beyonce songs. I regret nothing. =P
Thanks for the awesome BR, Mish!
Overall, 4 stars for the anthology. The second gothika anthology is supposed to come out sometime in October, so I'll be keeping an eye out for that.
I would definitely recommend Stitch for anyone who wants to read some short stories written by some very talented authors about MCs who have to fight society's fear of the "other".
'Reparation' by Eli Easton
Date read: Sept 14, 2014
Rating: 4.25 stars
Ever since I read Eli Easton's The Mating of Michael in June, she's been on my author watchlist. While I had read a couple shorts by her before, they didn't blow me away like Mating of Michael did. After having read Easton's Superhero last month, and now having read Reparation, I can definitely say that I'm a fan.
Reparation is a science fiction romance, with a dash of the Victorian era to change things up a bit. Edward is a wealthy landowner and farmer on a harsh planet called Kalan, and Knox is an ex-convict slave serving on Edward's farm. Edward and Knox find themselves in an unlikely friendship and are attracted to one another. However, they have to overcome both personal and external obstacles if they are build a relationship. As this is sci-fi, you can expect issues like politics, war and classism to pop up. The issue of classism is perhaps more prominent due to the Victorian aspect of the story .
Reparation was different from the other two anthology stories I've read so far, in that Knox, , which made his interactions with Edward and his own circumstances very interesting. There were plot twists that perhaps wouldn't have worked in another genre, but they fit in perfectly fine with sci-fi. Overall, I really enjoyed Eli Easton's contribution to the Stitch anthology.
'Watchworks' by Jamie Fessenden
Date read: Sept 12, 2014
Rating: 3.25 stars
See that extra .25 up there? That's for Luke. What can I say, I've got a soft spot for the misfits and the misunderstood.
'Watchworks' is about Luke, an automaton that can feel and think for himself, and Harland, a watchmaker who, a bit reluctantly, becomes Luke's repairman. As Harland works to fix some issues that Luke had with his internal machinations, the two are put in some awkward positions. By awkward I mean arousing...because it's MM, after all. The two end up developing a friendship which eventually becomes something more.
While I really liked Luke, I wasn't so happy with Harland. I could understand if Harland struggled with his own sexuality, but what didn't sit right with me was . But on the other hand, it was awesome that . Overall, I liked book 2 in the anthology, but I wasn't as wowed as I was with Kim Fielding's story.
'The Golem of Mala Lubovnya' by Kim Fielding
Date read: Sept. 5, 2014
Rating: 4.5 stars
Kim Fielding's entry in this anthology is exactly the kind of work that I've come expect from her. There's raw emotion, there's angst, there are two men who, if not outright broken, are nonetheless struggling greatly with their circumstances, and there's just a whole lot of awesome writing.
In 'The Golem of Mala Lubovnya', we meet Emet, a golem created by a rabbi to protect the local Jewish community from pogroms in Eastern Europe, and Jakob, a young Jewish man struggling with his sexual orientation and his religion. While Emet recognizes that his primary responsibility is to serve the rabbi and protect innocent civilians, he also can't help but question why he can't live a real life, as a real human man. Emet and Jakob must try and overcome their individual burdens and see whether they can build lives in which they can be happy.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The ending was . Emet completely won me over with his simple yet very enlightening way of looking at the world.
'Made For Aaron' by Sue Brown
Didn't read this one on account of some not-so-great reviews and the pile of books that I still have to catch up on. I was able to convince Mish to skip this while she was drunk and singing Miley Cyrus' 'Wrecking Ball' and an assortment of Beyonce songs. I regret nothing. =P
Thanks for the awesome BR, Mish!
June 6, 2014
It's not often any reader likes every story in an anthology, but this was all great. So unique and engaging.
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding – 5 Stars
Wow. After reading the title I really had no idea what to expect and I was so pleasantly surprised and really moved by this story. It’s a perfect little gem of historical folklore that snuck up and taught me things when I didn’t even realize it. Told from the perspective of the Golem, the story is simple and profound at the same time. The Golem, or Emet, as he comes to be known is created by the rabbi for protection of the village of Mala Lubovnya and his basic needs to serve his people is really bittersweet. He feels and sees so much more than what the rabbi expects and reading about his time spent alone in the attic is heartbreaking. It’s written so well too. With Emet’s limited experiences and knowledge of the outside world, he is still able to convey such a moody atmosphere of unease from the threats to the town, confusion about the world around him and optimism as seems to be his basic nature. As a reader, you can’t help but root for him and want better for him which is seemingly impossible.
Emet watches a lonely and seemingly sad stone mason, Jakob, from his window above the town as he goes through his daily work with his father and brothers. The two end up meeting when the rabbi shows the town Emet and his extraordinary strength. All Emet wants to do is be helpful and when he gets the opportunity to help Jakob he is so happy. What follows is quite sweet as two lonely souls (except one really has no soul) come together.
There is an ominous air hanging over the whole story that doesn’t even need to be articulated. Given their situation, Emet and Jakob could never be together and knowing they were living on borrowed time was a tough underlying note to read through. You really have to read it for the resolution and the last two chapters absolutely slayed me. This was a really unique story that will stick with me.
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden – 4 Stars
This is a steampunk story at its finest. Harland is confirmed bachelor watchmaker and he’s called to Dr. Mordecai Steward’s home to help him with a “project”. Harlan is no doctor, so he’s not sure what awaits him at the good doctor’s home. There he meets Luke Prescott and he is immediately taken with the beautiful man. Being that the story is set historically, it’s not safe for Harland to act on his desires, but Luke has gotten to him like no one else ever has. The misunderstanding about Luke that follows is understandable from Harland’s point of view and is the point of the story where I fell for Luke and his heartbreaking situation. The way he is treated by the household staff and the way he is hidden away because of who he is, makes him the damaged hero that I love.
The explanation of how Luke “operates” was fun and interesting to read. The moody setting of Dr. Steward’s house was a perfect setting for what was to come. As Luke and Harland get to know each other and the attraction grows I got a good feel for Harland’s frustration. How could he possibly have a relationship with a man, much less Luke? Didn’t make Harland’s feelings any less real though. Dr. Steward’s health had me worried about Luke’s fate and rightfully so. What came next was inevitable and I hated it. Poor Luke!
The fact that this was a historical really worked to make an HEA possible. It seems like the actual romance in historicals is less complicated, less emotionally angsty in and of itself. Possibly because the real world was enough of a threat then that the MC’s are just more appreciative of the love they have regardless of the “reality” of their partner (at least in Harland’s case).
Reparation by Eli Easton – 5 Stars
Man, I got sucked into this story from the first. At the very beginning the author states:
“Reparation was inspired by two of my favorite gothic novels – Frankenstein and Wuthering Heights”
Well, she wins, definitely, because the atmosphere of Reparation is a complete blend of those two classics.
Edward is a farmer in Kalan, a harsh and unforgiving land where the only commodity that is produced is lichen that is sold off world as an ingredient to life saving medicine. The spores from the lichen are incredibly dangerous so air purifying is a way of life and any infected cut can be a death sentence if not treated quickly and properly. Because the life is so dangerous, Reconstitutes (recons) have been created to work the farms. A recon is a cobbled together cyborg worker, part human and part robot. The human part is harvested from condemned prisoners and seen as a way for the prisoners to pay their debt to society. They are strictly programmed and made for manual labor.
After a horrific accident, Edward is left on the farm without his right-hand man and being that another transport wasn’t coming for many months and the storm season is bearing down on him, Edward has no choice but to enlist the help of Knox, the recon who saved his life after the accident. Being that involved with a recon, much less giving him responsibility with your livelihood is virtually unheard of and an unlikely friendship forms.
This was so endearing to read. Knox is more than just a cyborg, he has true intelligence and Edward finally has a friend to talk to who understands him. Edward is just so lonely and you can feel it in every scene that Knox isn’t in. What makes this one unique is how Knox begins to change and what that means to both of them and everything they think they know. Knox begins to remember “before” in dreams and snippets of memory. The mystery that follows and the questions that are raised made for a really engaging read. As they are getting to know each other, Knox is also getting to know himself. He knows the massive strong body he has now is not the one his human self was born with and I kinda loved the fact that both Edward and Knox could appreciate the packaging in a unique way. It gave Knox even more of a human voice as the story progressed.
The mystery has to be read first hand to be appreciated. All is not as it seems in the land of Kalan and the twists and turns made for a really fun and fast ride once secrets began to be uncovered. A totally unique and moodily atmospheric tale of friends to lovers that was sad, hopeful and sexy all at the same time and I loved it.
Made for Aaron by Sue Brown – 3.5 Stars
I loved this story and hated reading it at the same time. This has absolutely NOTHING to do with the great writing or the unique story but everything to do with how it broke my heart. It’s definitely different and I really appreciated the uniqueness of it. Aaron had lived in an institution for all his formative years and he is so irreparably damaged it hurt to read his story. His whole life outside the institution is his husband Damon and when Damon disappears he is left floundering and lost.
The meat of the story is about Aaron and how he deals with the loss of Damon. The hurt, confusion and anger he feels are palpable. I could feel his anguish and helplessness. Thing is, he handled himself and all things practical really well considering which was why reading about his “solutions” to the rest of his life were so heartbreaking. I understood his thought process, but really didn’t want to, if that makes sense. We know Damon through Aaron’s memories and can see how Damon really was made for Aaron and that added to the feeling of helplessness while reading this one. Part of Aaron was relieved when he was instructed what to do, he’d been institutionalized for so long, choices were stressful and Damon was the calming anchor that kept him grounded. Once that was gone, Aaron could function, but he was so uncomfortable and so unhappy.
In keeping with an underlying theme in all these stories, all is not what it appears to be and all the questions do get answered. I left with an HFN feeling though when I really wanted a solid HEA. I’m not sure if it was because the end seemed to get wrapped up a little quickly and neatly considering all that Aaron had gone through or if I wanted an epilogue to feel some confidence in the longevity of the “happy”. Either way, another completely intriguing read.
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding – 5 Stars
Wow. After reading the title I really had no idea what to expect and I was so pleasantly surprised and really moved by this story. It’s a perfect little gem of historical folklore that snuck up and taught me things when I didn’t even realize it. Told from the perspective of the Golem, the story is simple and profound at the same time. The Golem, or Emet, as he comes to be known is created by the rabbi for protection of the village of Mala Lubovnya and his basic needs to serve his people is really bittersweet. He feels and sees so much more than what the rabbi expects and reading about his time spent alone in the attic is heartbreaking. It’s written so well too. With Emet’s limited experiences and knowledge of the outside world, he is still able to convey such a moody atmosphere of unease from the threats to the town, confusion about the world around him and optimism as seems to be his basic nature. As a reader, you can’t help but root for him and want better for him which is seemingly impossible.
Emet watches a lonely and seemingly sad stone mason, Jakob, from his window above the town as he goes through his daily work with his father and brothers. The two end up meeting when the rabbi shows the town Emet and his extraordinary strength. All Emet wants to do is be helpful and when he gets the opportunity to help Jakob he is so happy. What follows is quite sweet as two lonely souls (except one really has no soul) come together.
There is an ominous air hanging over the whole story that doesn’t even need to be articulated. Given their situation, Emet and Jakob could never be together and knowing they were living on borrowed time was a tough underlying note to read through. You really have to read it for the resolution and the last two chapters absolutely slayed me. This was a really unique story that will stick with me.
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden – 4 Stars
This is a steampunk story at its finest. Harland is confirmed bachelor watchmaker and he’s called to Dr. Mordecai Steward’s home to help him with a “project”. Harlan is no doctor, so he’s not sure what awaits him at the good doctor’s home. There he meets Luke Prescott and he is immediately taken with the beautiful man. Being that the story is set historically, it’s not safe for Harland to act on his desires, but Luke has gotten to him like no one else ever has. The misunderstanding about Luke that follows is understandable from Harland’s point of view and is the point of the story where I fell for Luke and his heartbreaking situation. The way he is treated by the household staff and the way he is hidden away because of who he is, makes him the damaged hero that I love.
The explanation of how Luke “operates” was fun and interesting to read. The moody setting of Dr. Steward’s house was a perfect setting for what was to come. As Luke and Harland get to know each other and the attraction grows I got a good feel for Harland’s frustration. How could he possibly have a relationship with a man, much less Luke? Didn’t make Harland’s feelings any less real though. Dr. Steward’s health had me worried about Luke’s fate and rightfully so. What came next was inevitable and I hated it. Poor Luke!
The fact that this was a historical really worked to make an HEA possible. It seems like the actual romance in historicals is less complicated, less emotionally angsty in and of itself. Possibly because the real world was enough of a threat then that the MC’s are just more appreciative of the love they have regardless of the “reality” of their partner (at least in Harland’s case).
Reparation by Eli Easton – 5 Stars
Man, I got sucked into this story from the first. At the very beginning the author states:
“Reparation was inspired by two of my favorite gothic novels – Frankenstein and Wuthering Heights”
Well, she wins, definitely, because the atmosphere of Reparation is a complete blend of those two classics.
Edward is a farmer in Kalan, a harsh and unforgiving land where the only commodity that is produced is lichen that is sold off world as an ingredient to life saving medicine. The spores from the lichen are incredibly dangerous so air purifying is a way of life and any infected cut can be a death sentence if not treated quickly and properly. Because the life is so dangerous, Reconstitutes (recons) have been created to work the farms. A recon is a cobbled together cyborg worker, part human and part robot. The human part is harvested from condemned prisoners and seen as a way for the prisoners to pay their debt to society. They are strictly programmed and made for manual labor.
After a horrific accident, Edward is left on the farm without his right-hand man and being that another transport wasn’t coming for many months and the storm season is bearing down on him, Edward has no choice but to enlist the help of Knox, the recon who saved his life after the accident. Being that involved with a recon, much less giving him responsibility with your livelihood is virtually unheard of and an unlikely friendship forms.
This was so endearing to read. Knox is more than just a cyborg, he has true intelligence and Edward finally has a friend to talk to who understands him. Edward is just so lonely and you can feel it in every scene that Knox isn’t in. What makes this one unique is how Knox begins to change and what that means to both of them and everything they think they know. Knox begins to remember “before” in dreams and snippets of memory. The mystery that follows and the questions that are raised made for a really engaging read. As they are getting to know each other, Knox is also getting to know himself. He knows the massive strong body he has now is not the one his human self was born with and I kinda loved the fact that both Edward and Knox could appreciate the packaging in a unique way. It gave Knox even more of a human voice as the story progressed.
The mystery has to be read first hand to be appreciated. All is not as it seems in the land of Kalan and the twists and turns made for a really fun and fast ride once secrets began to be uncovered. A totally unique and moodily atmospheric tale of friends to lovers that was sad, hopeful and sexy all at the same time and I loved it.
Made for Aaron by Sue Brown – 3.5 Stars
I loved this story and hated reading it at the same time. This has absolutely NOTHING to do with the great writing or the unique story but everything to do with how it broke my heart. It’s definitely different and I really appreciated the uniqueness of it. Aaron had lived in an institution for all his formative years and he is so irreparably damaged it hurt to read his story. His whole life outside the institution is his husband Damon and when Damon disappears he is left floundering and lost.
The meat of the story is about Aaron and how he deals with the loss of Damon. The hurt, confusion and anger he feels are palpable. I could feel his anguish and helplessness. Thing is, he handled himself and all things practical really well considering which was why reading about his “solutions” to the rest of his life were so heartbreaking. I understood his thought process, but really didn’t want to, if that makes sense. We know Damon through Aaron’s memories and can see how Damon really was made for Aaron and that added to the feeling of helplessness while reading this one. Part of Aaron was relieved when he was instructed what to do, he’d been institutionalized for so long, choices were stressful and Damon was the calming anchor that kept him grounded. Once that was gone, Aaron could function, but he was so uncomfortable and so unhappy.
In keeping with an underlying theme in all these stories, all is not what it appears to be and all the questions do get answered. I left with an HFN feeling though when I really wanted a solid HEA. I’m not sure if it was because the end seemed to get wrapped up a little quickly and neatly considering all that Aaron had gone through or if I wanted an epilogue to feel some confidence in the longevity of the “happy”. Either way, another completely intriguing read.
September 4, 2016
Uh oh. I’m feeling all gushy again. Um. Okay, first: Cover. Love. Second: this is my very first anthology, and wow, what a treat! Stitch includes two of my most beloved m/m authors: Kim Fielding and Jamie Fessenden, and two new-to-me authors: Eli Easton and Sue Brown. Reading this collection felt like my birthday on rewind, with each story as a new little gift for me. Weee! And the theme—gothika—I loved it to the moon and back. Short reviews for each story:
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding
I’m in love with every single one of Kim Fielding’s big, brutish characters, and Emet is no exception. Created to protect his village from its enemies, he’s a gentle golem who longs for human contact. When he’s finally introduced to Jakob (see, Emet’s been watching Jakob from afar for several weeks…), Emet wants nothing more than to help Jakob build his house and serve Jakob in every possible way (yes, please). I swear, every time I read a Kim Fielding story I walk away thinking, “know yourself, love yourself, love everybody else.” How awesome. Warning: this story was so sticky sweet, I had to brush my teeth when I finished. Right after my cold shower. ;)
4.5 stars
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden
Oh, how I love a good historical! Jamie Fessenden’s concept, characters, setting, writing in Watchworks = pure magic. I loved MC Harland, this grown, loaner of a man who’s brought to his knees when he discovers that servant Luke is not what he appears to be. Is Luke man, or machine? Does he feel? Can he love? Can he make Harland believe? Harland reluctantly (and dramatically) finds the answers in this story’s denouement, and what these two are left with is so satisfying, I just about burst from all the feels.
4 stars
Reparation by Eli Easton
Reparation is so, so interesting, and my first Eli Easton to boot, and, well, I’m in love. Set in a dystopian future, the story follows MC Edward as he struggles to survive on a hostile planet where enemies abound. But with half human/half machine Knox at Edward’s side, things are looking brighter. What thrilled me so much about Reparation were the visuals; the words carried my mind to the harsh, deadly terrain of Kalan. I could see spores flying through the air, I could feel them almost choking me. I sat at Edward’s table, in his library. I felt the internal struggles plaguing Edward and Knox: can you forgive the person responsible for destroying your family and way of life? Can a writer help you find the answers to such complex questions in so few pages? If it’s Eli Easton, my answer is yes.
4 stars
Made For Aaron by Sue Brown
Just the other day I was telling a friend how I believe there’s someone for everyone. Naïve? Maybe not. What if there really, truly is someone for us all? Made for Aaron addresses the theory head-on, and I’m in love with the idea that there could be forces out there, touching us, connecting us just when we most need someone to help us move to the next phase of our lives. And when we find that perfect someone, maybe there’s nothing in this world that can ever keep us apart, not even death. Thanks for keeping my dream alive, Sue Brown!
4 stars
OVERALL RATING: 4 stars
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding
I’m in love with every single one of Kim Fielding’s big, brutish characters, and Emet is no exception. Created to protect his village from its enemies, he’s a gentle golem who longs for human contact. When he’s finally introduced to Jakob (see, Emet’s been watching Jakob from afar for several weeks…), Emet wants nothing more than to help Jakob build his house and serve Jakob in every possible way (yes, please). I swear, every time I read a Kim Fielding story I walk away thinking, “know yourself, love yourself, love everybody else.” How awesome. Warning: this story was so sticky sweet, I had to brush my teeth when I finished. Right after my cold shower. ;)
4.5 stars
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden
Oh, how I love a good historical! Jamie Fessenden’s concept, characters, setting, writing in Watchworks = pure magic. I loved MC Harland, this grown, loaner of a man who’s brought to his knees when he discovers that servant Luke is not what he appears to be. Is Luke man, or machine? Does he feel? Can he love? Can he make Harland believe? Harland reluctantly (and dramatically) finds the answers in this story’s denouement, and what these two are left with is so satisfying, I just about burst from all the feels.
4 stars
Reparation by Eli Easton
Reparation is so, so interesting, and my first Eli Easton to boot, and, well, I’m in love. Set in a dystopian future, the story follows MC Edward as he struggles to survive on a hostile planet where enemies abound. But with half human/half machine Knox at Edward’s side, things are looking brighter. What thrilled me so much about Reparation were the visuals; the words carried my mind to the harsh, deadly terrain of Kalan. I could see spores flying through the air, I could feel them almost choking me. I sat at Edward’s table, in his library. I felt the internal struggles plaguing Edward and Knox: can you forgive the person responsible for destroying your family and way of life? Can a writer help you find the answers to such complex questions in so few pages? If it’s Eli Easton, my answer is yes.
4 stars
Made For Aaron by Sue Brown
Just the other day I was telling a friend how I believe there’s someone for everyone. Naïve? Maybe not. What if there really, truly is someone for us all? Made for Aaron addresses the theory head-on, and I’m in love with the idea that there could be forces out there, touching us, connecting us just when we most need someone to help us move to the next phase of our lives. And when we find that perfect someone, maybe there’s nothing in this world that can ever keep us apart, not even death. Thanks for keeping my dream alive, Sue Brown!
4 stars
OVERALL RATING: 4 stars
July 1, 2014
"The Golem of Mala Lubovnya" by Kim Fielding- 4.5 stars
"Watchworks" by Jamie Fessenden- 4 stars
"Reparation" by Eli Easton- 4.5 stars - Excellent world building! Wished this was longer. Reminds me a lot of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Vol. 1
"Made For Aaron" by Sue Brown- 3 stars - A Seriously? It was kinda lame
Over all a 4.5 stars!
"Watchworks" by Jamie Fessenden- 4 stars
"Reparation" by Eli Easton- 4.5 stars - Excellent world building! Wished this was longer. Reminds me a lot of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Vol. 1
"Made For Aaron" by Sue Brown- 3 stars - A Seriously? It was kinda lame
Over all a 4.5 stars!
September 26, 2017
These stories were amazing. What a FUNKY, FUN, and FRESH read this was. And sexy. All these stories were good. But Eli EAston, turned me the fuck on with her story. WHAT?! The descriptions of Knox. WTF.
((Funny feelings happening insiiiiide))
That was crazy brilliant.
The Golem was sexy, too. And sweet. And mythical.
So was Fessenden's Robot. And Sue's story kicked ass.
This was freaking good.
The ONLY reason that this wasn't five starred, was - of course- I wished the stories were longer.
REad the story!!!
((Funny feelings happening insiiiiide))
That was crazy brilliant.
The Golem was sexy, too. And sweet. And mythical.
So was Fessenden's Robot. And Sue's story kicked ass.
This was freaking good.
The ONLY reason that this wasn't five starred, was - of course- I wished the stories were longer.
REad the story!!!
April 25, 2014
4.5 stars overall
#1 - The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding
The hero of this story is a Golem, brought to life by a desperate Rabbi Eleazar who expected his Jewish community to be attacked by the city gentiles who had been ravaged by plague and blamed the nearby Jewish community which was not affected. Emet is the sweetest and most guileless Golem you're ever likely to meet. I loved him immediately and Jakob was taken as well. Jakob, a devout young Jew searches his faith's writings to assure himself that yearning for a man is not an abomination, but he can find no solace there . Jakob and Emet strike up a close friendship as Emet helps Jakob build a house. Their time together was beautiful to read with an HEA ending. So much emotion here, I'm more than ever a Kim Fielding fan!
#2 - Watchworks by Jamie Fesenden
A truly fresh and delightful Steampunk story about Harland, a watchmaker summoned to a sick doctor's home to repair what he expects to be a watch. He is astounded to find a mechanical hand attached to a very handsome young man, but once he is past his shock, he is up to the task of doing the repairs. Harland cannot get the young man out of his mind and the annoying attraction he has to him. He is soon summoned back to the failing physcian's home for more repairs. Can't tell you much more without spoilers, so I will just say there are more shocks ahead for Harland, some angst and a very nice HEA. Loved it!
#3 - Reparation by Eli Easton
Nicely done science fiction. The author combines a compelling romance, with quite a bit of suspense as we gradually find out who farm-worker Knox actually is and what is really happening on Edward's home planet of Kalen. Both characters have many reasons why their coming together is a bad idea, but they find it impossible to ignore their attraction. I really cannot say more without giving a lot away. Really enjoyed it!
#4 - Made for Aaron by Sue Brown
This story begins just as Aaron's partner of 20+ years is in a severe car accident, so the majority of the story is centered on Aaron and the process of grieving he goes through as he deals with losing Damon under some very strange circumstances. The ending was a bit of a surprise, but it all made sense. Not really a romance, and I missed that aspect.
#1 - The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding
The hero of this story is a Golem, brought to life by a desperate Rabbi Eleazar who expected his Jewish community to be attacked by the city gentiles who had been ravaged by plague and blamed the nearby Jewish community which was not affected. Emet is the sweetest and most guileless Golem you're ever likely to meet. I loved him immediately and Jakob was taken as well. Jakob, a devout young Jew searches his faith's writings to assure himself that yearning for a man is not an abomination, but he can find no solace there . Jakob and Emet strike up a close friendship as Emet helps Jakob build a house. Their time together was beautiful to read with an HEA ending. So much emotion here, I'm more than ever a Kim Fielding fan!
#2 - Watchworks by Jamie Fesenden
A truly fresh and delightful Steampunk story about Harland, a watchmaker summoned to a sick doctor's home to repair what he expects to be a watch. He is astounded to find a mechanical hand attached to a very handsome young man, but once he is past his shock, he is up to the task of doing the repairs. Harland cannot get the young man out of his mind and the annoying attraction he has to him. He is soon summoned back to the failing physcian's home for more repairs. Can't tell you much more without spoilers, so I will just say there are more shocks ahead for Harland, some angst and a very nice HEA. Loved it!
#3 - Reparation by Eli Easton
Nicely done science fiction. The author combines a compelling romance, with quite a bit of suspense as we gradually find out who farm-worker Knox actually is and what is really happening on Edward's home planet of Kalen. Both characters have many reasons why their coming together is a bad idea, but they find it impossible to ignore their attraction. I really cannot say more without giving a lot away. Really enjoyed it!
#4 - Made for Aaron by Sue Brown
This story begins just as Aaron's partner of 20+ years is in a severe car accident, so the majority of the story is centered on Aaron and the process of grieving he goes through as he deals with losing Damon under some very strange circumstances. The ending was a bit of a surprise, but it all made sense. Not really a romance, and I missed that aspect.
April 23, 2014
This was one of the most highly anticipated books I've had on my to-read list for some time and that is probably one of the main reasons that I feel a bit discombombulated now having read it. The cover, the theme, and the way it is marketed as gothic all give a very particular impression and, because I was looking forward to something darker, the collection simply didn't meet expectations. My failed expectations aside, most of the stories are extremely well-written and definitely worth reading!
Starting with the only story I didn't like at all, "Made for Aaron" by Sue Brown, I'm sorry to say that it is poor enough to affect my rating. The concept is okay and it had potential to make a good story but it was botched up beyond repair in everything from characterization to narrative progression, not to mention that the writing itself is sadly substandard and awkward. The main character Aaron isn't very likeable despite his tragic backstory because of his dismissive and rude attitude toward everybody but his lover. Allowances might be made for the sake of his obvious depression but that storyline soon dissolves into melodrama that is quickly fixed though the power of love yadda yadda yadda. Besides, the relationship between Aaron and Damon was a poor choice for this saving grace since it seems that it is actually co-dependent at best and downright abusive at worst. The unhealthiness of relying on one single person is even noted upon in text (so kudos to Brown for that) but the issue wasn't resolved in any meaningful way. I should clarfy that there isn't any explicit abuse other than what Aaron suffers during his time at the asylum but the way Aaron constantly thinks about how Damon would get mad at him for this and disapprove of that gave me the creeps and raised some red flags. The plot could have been interesting but many aspects of it are so unlikely that they really don't work in a modern, real-world setting. Then there is the ending that's so anticlimatic that I suggest everyone dream up their own conclusion. As a silver lining, at least "Made for Aaron" is bad in a way that gets the imagination racing with all the things that might have been...
"The Golem of Mala Lubovnya" by Kim Fielding is one of the stories I loved even as I questioned whether or not it could rightly be called gothic. It is so sweet. Fielding excells in writing characters that you cannot help but love; both Emet and Jakob are absolute sweethearts! Their story is touching but there was little doubt in my mind about how it would end. I almost craved a little more tension, more build-up to the twist in the end. The way the Jewish folktales were crafted into a m/m romance was brilliant, however, and the writing is amazing. The story is told in third person narration but the point of view is mostly tied to the golem – a choice I found bit daring since the effect of a non-human character might have been more thrilling from the human's perspective. Insight into the golem's mind makes it clear from the start that this is a profoundly good man which lessens his otherness considerably. I liked it quite a lot, though, that through Emet the reader gets to experience something that no human really goes through in real life. It was a lovely read!
"Reparation" by Eli Easton is another good one and a little more fitting for the gothika title with gruesome themes like reanimated body parts and murder. I was initially a little put off by the sci-fi element but the world building is so fantastic that I was sucked into the story in no time. Quite an incredible feat for a relatively short story! The story is (again) told in third person singular but the point of view is limited and switches back and forth between the main characters from chapter to chapter. I quite liked this decision because both characters have a lot to offer the narrative both in terms of how their relationship develops and how the plot unravels, not to mention that Knox and Edward are simply amazing and very compelling characters in their own right. The plot is clever and fresh and the narrative is well-structured. The only piece of constructive criticism that I might offer is that the ending offers the sort of moral dilemma that just begs to be explored further. In other words, I was hooked and I wanted more, okay? I suppose that's fundamentally a good thing if a little frustrating for me.
"Watchworks" by Jamie Fessenden is my favorite from this collection. It is a wonderful mix of gothic romance, steampunk, and love between two men. This story is thrilling and just a little chilling in the way I've come to expect from the grotesque in gothic stories. I loved it, loved it, loved it. The writing is excellent, the characters are relatable and intriguing, the plot is simple but oh so good, the themes of otherness and self-acceptance are very powerful, and I have nothing but praises to sing for this story. I'm not even going to go into specifics, you're just going to have to read it...
Starting with the only story I didn't like at all, "Made for Aaron" by Sue Brown, I'm sorry to say that it is poor enough to affect my rating. The concept is okay and it had potential to make a good story but it was botched up beyond repair in everything from characterization to narrative progression, not to mention that the writing itself is sadly substandard and awkward. The main character Aaron isn't very likeable despite his tragic backstory because of his dismissive and rude attitude toward everybody but his lover. Allowances might be made for the sake of his obvious depression but that storyline soon dissolves into melodrama that is quickly fixed though the power of love yadda yadda yadda. Besides, the relationship between Aaron and Damon was a poor choice for this saving grace since it seems that it is actually co-dependent at best and downright abusive at worst. The unhealthiness of relying on one single person is even noted upon in text (so kudos to Brown for that) but the issue wasn't resolved in any meaningful way. I should clarfy that there isn't any explicit abuse other than what Aaron suffers during his time at the asylum but the way Aaron constantly thinks about how Damon would get mad at him for this and disapprove of that gave me the creeps and raised some red flags. The plot could have been interesting but many aspects of it are so unlikely that they really don't work in a modern, real-world setting. Then there is the ending that's so anticlimatic that I suggest everyone dream up their own conclusion. As a silver lining, at least "Made for Aaron" is bad in a way that gets the imagination racing with all the things that might have been...
"The Golem of Mala Lubovnya" by Kim Fielding is one of the stories I loved even as I questioned whether or not it could rightly be called gothic. It is so sweet. Fielding excells in writing characters that you cannot help but love; both Emet and Jakob are absolute sweethearts! Their story is touching but there was little doubt in my mind about how it would end. I almost craved a little more tension, more build-up to the twist in the end. The way the Jewish folktales were crafted into a m/m romance was brilliant, however, and the writing is amazing. The story is told in third person narration but the point of view is mostly tied to the golem – a choice I found bit daring since the effect of a non-human character might have been more thrilling from the human's perspective. Insight into the golem's mind makes it clear from the start that this is a profoundly good man which lessens his otherness considerably. I liked it quite a lot, though, that through Emet the reader gets to experience something that no human really goes through in real life. It was a lovely read!
"Reparation" by Eli Easton is another good one and a little more fitting for the gothika title with gruesome themes like reanimated body parts and murder. I was initially a little put off by the sci-fi element but the world building is so fantastic that I was sucked into the story in no time. Quite an incredible feat for a relatively short story! The story is (again) told in third person singular but the point of view is limited and switches back and forth between the main characters from chapter to chapter. I quite liked this decision because both characters have a lot to offer the narrative both in terms of how their relationship develops and how the plot unravels, not to mention that Knox and Edward are simply amazing and very compelling characters in their own right. The plot is clever and fresh and the narrative is well-structured. The only piece of constructive criticism that I might offer is that the ending offers the sort of moral dilemma that just begs to be explored further. In other words, I was hooked and I wanted more, okay? I suppose that's fundamentally a good thing if a little frustrating for me.
"Watchworks" by Jamie Fessenden is my favorite from this collection. It is a wonderful mix of gothic romance, steampunk, and love between two men. This story is thrilling and just a little chilling in the way I've come to expect from the grotesque in gothic stories. I loved it, loved it, loved it. The writing is excellent, the characters are relatable and intriguing, the plot is simple but oh so good, the themes of otherness and self-acceptance are very powerful, and I have nothing but praises to sing for this story. I'm not even going to go into specifics, you're just going to have to read it...
Read
January 31, 2016Stitch has been on the tippy top of my to-read pile for ages, but like the empty promises of waking up earlier/going to the gym/eating salad, I've just never got round to doing it. WHY? I read The Golem on the in the morning before work and was like "hey, I really dig this". Silly me for letting it collect dust.
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya was a solid three star read for me. It was my first read by Kim Fielding and I really enjoyed it. I normally don't like books that have religious undertones just because of preference, but in this one I found it interesting and a little sweet, and I can't even blame that on author bias. When I realized I was essentially reading an interspecies love story that wasn't a part of some humorous niche erotica a la Chuck Tingle, I was like whaaaaaaat, this is actually pretty darn cute. I was drawn into the story by the realness of the characters. The fact that the Golem did, in fact, look like a Golem actually made me hum with approval. Writing such a heart-melty story in less than 100 pages? *slow clap* will read more from you, Kim.
Watchworks review to come.
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya was a solid three star read for me. It was my first read by Kim Fielding and I really enjoyed it. I normally don't like books that have religious undertones just because of preference, but in this one I found it interesting and a little sweet, and I can't even blame that on author bias. When I realized I was essentially reading an interspecies love story that wasn't a part of some humorous niche erotica a la Chuck Tingle, I was like whaaaaaaat, this is actually pretty darn cute. I was drawn into the story by the realness of the characters. The fact that the Golem did, in fact, look like a Golem actually made me hum with approval. Writing such a heart-melty story in less than 100 pages? *slow clap* will read more from you, Kim.
Watchworks review to come.
November 4, 2014
** 4.5 Stars **
(4.5 stars)~The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding
A retelling of "The Golem" from Jewish Folklore but with a twist. Very well-written, soulful, touching and full of hope ... marvellous!
(5 stars)~Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden
Historical steampunk, love it!
Thrilling, surprising, freaky, fabulously descriptive ... an absolute gem!
(5 stars)~Reparation by Eli Easton
What an emotional roller-coaster!
Absolutely everything about this story is amazing. It's clever, subtle and beautifully intricate with an extraordinary world building. Edward and Knox's inner turmoil is tangible. There's loads of sexual tension and more ... and it has a perfect ending!
(2 stars) ~Made For Aaron by Sue Brown
Nothing is terribly wrong with this story, good concept and decent writing but I didn't enjoy it. I simply couldn't connect with the two protagonists. Sorry!
GREAT read nonetheless, I definitively recommend Stitch and I'm looking forward to reading book 2!!!
*L*O*V*E* that cover !!!!
(4.5 stars)~The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding
A retelling of "The Golem" from Jewish Folklore but with a twist. Very well-written, soulful, touching and full of hope ... marvellous!
(5 stars)~Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden
Historical steampunk, love it!
Thrilling, surprising, freaky, fabulously descriptive ... an absolute gem!
(5 stars)~Reparation by Eli Easton
What an emotional roller-coaster!
Absolutely everything about this story is amazing. It's clever, subtle and beautifully intricate with an extraordinary world building. Edward and Knox's inner turmoil is tangible. There's loads of sexual tension and more ... and it has a perfect ending!
(2 stars) ~Made For Aaron by Sue Brown
Nothing is terribly wrong with this story, good concept and decent writing but I didn't enjoy it. I simply couldn't connect with the two protagonists. Sorry!
GREAT read nonetheless, I definitively recommend Stitch and I'm looking forward to reading book 2!!!
*L*O*V*E* that cover !!!!
January 3, 2023
4.5 Stars ~ A dear friend of mine (you know who you are) can't read anything scary or disturbing. I adore it, which is why I'm always the one reading zombie apocalypse and serial killer stories. I'm just slightly twisted that way. Apparently, so are authors Sue Brown, Jamie Fessenden, Eli Easton, and Kim Fielding, as they've written this anthology of stories entitled 'Stitch', a play on the Frankenstein myths. I was deliriously happy to read it and adored every moment of spine-tingling chills combined with moments of absolute beauty and heartbreak.
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding
The golem was created by the town's Rabbi to protect his congregation against power hungry men. But the golem grows lonely, living alone in the attic, only looking out the window at the world, watching people go by, and especially watching the father and sons building the house below. The youngest son, Jakob, a stone mason, the golem watches particularly intensely. He seems lonely, too, even though he is surrounded by family and can walk about in the world. The golem is left in the attic for a long time and he wonders if his master has forgotten about him.
Then it seems that danger might come to Mala Lubovnya, so the Rabbi lets his people know about the golem. That is how the golem ends up working outside with Jakob, helping Jakob to build his home. Jakob calls him Emet, which means 'truth', and is what the Rabbi stenciled into the golem's clay chest. Jakob and Emet become friends and Emet begins to learn why Jakob is so sad all the time. For, you see, Jakob is not interested in girls and this is a sin against his God. Emet doesn't understand how two people loving each other could be worse than hate and violence, but he keeps his questions to himself, just happy to spend time with Jakob. And Emet and Jakob fall in love. Soon the violence comes to their village and it is up to Emet to fulfill his duty.
Kim Fielding is a much loved author of mine because of the beauty in her writing. In this short story 'The Golem of Mala Lubovnya', the author has created an incredible story, not just of love, but of life and what it means to live it.
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden
I couldn't help but be reminded of Johnny Depp in 'Edward Scissorhands' when I started reading about Luke Prescott. Luke has a prosthetic/mechanical arm which has broken. His employer, Dr. Stewart, has become too old and his hands too arthritic to be able to fix Luke's arm. Which is why Dr. Stewart has retained the services of prominent watchmaker Harland Wallace. Harland is shocked when he discovers what he is to work on, but feels it's only fair to help the poor man. Little does Harland know the full extent of what he's getting himself into.
Harland is beyond traumatized when he discovers that Luke isn't a man, at all, but the most advanced automaton Dr. Stewart could build. Besides this fact, Harland is horrified to discover he feels arousal over this machine, this creature that isn't even a man. Harland tries to stay away but in the face of the doctor’s declining health, Harland is the only one who can properly care for Luke. It is during these times that Harland must face the fact that Luke may be a machine, but for all intents and purposes, he thinks, he feels, and he reasons, making him very attractive to Harland.
When the doctor passes away from his illness, the servants attack and desecrate Luke in their fear and hatred of him. Luckily for Harland, the doctor leaves everything to Harland in his will, thus ensuring that Luke will be taken care of. However, Harland must repair the damage done to Luke, to the man he's grown to love, before they can move forward.
An utterly fascinating addition to this book, Jamie Fessenden gave me a story to think about, to ponder what makes us who we are, and to wonder whether a soul can live within a machine. I greatly enjoyed this story and will need to look for more works by this author.
Reparation by Eli Easton
I'm a true fan of science fiction and of Eli Easton, so I was not surprised, in the least, that she delivered such an incredible addition to this anthology. Edward is a spore farmer on his home world of Kalan, a harsh and desolate planet that can kill the weak in an instant. After a carriage accident, Edward is rescued by Knox, one of his recon laborers, half man and half machine. Knox is different from the other recons whom Edward employs. Knox almost looks human, he can read, and he seems to recall bits and pieces of knowledge from the human part of him who lived before. This is not normal for reconstituted slaves, built from machines and human remains of executed prisoners, cyborgs, essentially.
Because of Edward's injuries from the accident, and the loss of his right-hand man, he takes a chance and asks Knox to manage the spore harvest, overseeing the other laborers too, while Edward works the factory. Edward also insists that Knox move into the house from the barracks to now separate him from the other slaves. Winter begins, the workdays grow shorter, and Edward and Knox's time together in the evenings in front of the fire, reading, talking, playing chess, grows longer. The attraction they both feel intensifies. But, as the days go by, Knox's memories become more clear and he understands that he was a prisoner, executed, and his brain put into a different body. Knox remembers his other body and begins to know who he was, before. Unfortunately, who Knox was before is the reason that Edward lost his father and his brother and why he is all alone now struggling to run the farm.
What an incredible story! I loved every minute of it, Eli. Knox and Edward are amazing characters and their love story is sublime. A true tale of heartache and redemption.
Made for Aaron by Sue Brown
Aaron's parents had him committed to an insane asylum when he was a teenager because Aaron is a homosexual. It wasn't illegal to be gay, but his parents were very religious and they had a lot of influence and money so people looked the other way. In the asylum is where Aaron met and fell in love with Damon, a nurse. They've been together for over eighteen years and have now married and made a life and a home together. Until Aaron receives a call from the hospital that Damon has been in a car accident and Aaron needs to get there as soon as possible. Except, when Aaron gets there, Damon is gone. He has disappeared. Damon was pronounced dead at the hospital and forty-five minutes later, he got up and walked out.
Strangely enough, just a day after Damon's Lazarus routine, their home is burglarized and trashed. The police are investigating but it all seems rather odd. What I thought was unusual was that Aaron and Damon didn't have any friends or family, no one Aaron can call for help or support. They both devoted their lives solely to one another. Damon appears to be the only person Aaron ever needed, and because of Aaron's trauma with the asylum, Damon took the role of gently asserting dominance over Aaron in decision making and dealing with any authority figures. A picture begins to form for the police and Aaron. A picture that shows there is no record of Damon existing before he met Aaron, no record of his graduating from nursing school, no family, no prior jobs. No life.
Oh how I would love to tell you what Aaron discovered, but, I can't. You're going to have to read this incredible final story in the book to get the answers. Believe me when I say, I thought it was going one way and then it zigged and zagged in a whole new direction. Absolutely fabulous, Sue!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding
The golem was created by the town's Rabbi to protect his congregation against power hungry men. But the golem grows lonely, living alone in the attic, only looking out the window at the world, watching people go by, and especially watching the father and sons building the house below. The youngest son, Jakob, a stone mason, the golem watches particularly intensely. He seems lonely, too, even though he is surrounded by family and can walk about in the world. The golem is left in the attic for a long time and he wonders if his master has forgotten about him.
Then it seems that danger might come to Mala Lubovnya, so the Rabbi lets his people know about the golem. That is how the golem ends up working outside with Jakob, helping Jakob to build his home. Jakob calls him Emet, which means 'truth', and is what the Rabbi stenciled into the golem's clay chest. Jakob and Emet become friends and Emet begins to learn why Jakob is so sad all the time. For, you see, Jakob is not interested in girls and this is a sin against his God. Emet doesn't understand how two people loving each other could be worse than hate and violence, but he keeps his questions to himself, just happy to spend time with Jakob. And Emet and Jakob fall in love. Soon the violence comes to their village and it is up to Emet to fulfill his duty.
Kim Fielding is a much loved author of mine because of the beauty in her writing. In this short story 'The Golem of Mala Lubovnya', the author has created an incredible story, not just of love, but of life and what it means to live it.
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden
I couldn't help but be reminded of Johnny Depp in 'Edward Scissorhands' when I started reading about Luke Prescott. Luke has a prosthetic/mechanical arm which has broken. His employer, Dr. Stewart, has become too old and his hands too arthritic to be able to fix Luke's arm. Which is why Dr. Stewart has retained the services of prominent watchmaker Harland Wallace. Harland is shocked when he discovers what he is to work on, but feels it's only fair to help the poor man. Little does Harland know the full extent of what he's getting himself into.
Harland is beyond traumatized when he discovers that Luke isn't a man, at all, but the most advanced automaton Dr. Stewart could build. Besides this fact, Harland is horrified to discover he feels arousal over this machine, this creature that isn't even a man. Harland tries to stay away but in the face of the doctor’s declining health, Harland is the only one who can properly care for Luke. It is during these times that Harland must face the fact that Luke may be a machine, but for all intents and purposes, he thinks, he feels, and he reasons, making him very attractive to Harland.
When the doctor passes away from his illness, the servants attack and desecrate Luke in their fear and hatred of him. Luckily for Harland, the doctor leaves everything to Harland in his will, thus ensuring that Luke will be taken care of. However, Harland must repair the damage done to Luke, to the man he's grown to love, before they can move forward.
An utterly fascinating addition to this book, Jamie Fessenden gave me a story to think about, to ponder what makes us who we are, and to wonder whether a soul can live within a machine. I greatly enjoyed this story and will need to look for more works by this author.
Reparation by Eli Easton
I'm a true fan of science fiction and of Eli Easton, so I was not surprised, in the least, that she delivered such an incredible addition to this anthology. Edward is a spore farmer on his home world of Kalan, a harsh and desolate planet that can kill the weak in an instant. After a carriage accident, Edward is rescued by Knox, one of his recon laborers, half man and half machine. Knox is different from the other recons whom Edward employs. Knox almost looks human, he can read, and he seems to recall bits and pieces of knowledge from the human part of him who lived before. This is not normal for reconstituted slaves, built from machines and human remains of executed prisoners, cyborgs, essentially.
Because of Edward's injuries from the accident, and the loss of his right-hand man, he takes a chance and asks Knox to manage the spore harvest, overseeing the other laborers too, while Edward works the factory. Edward also insists that Knox move into the house from the barracks to now separate him from the other slaves. Winter begins, the workdays grow shorter, and Edward and Knox's time together in the evenings in front of the fire, reading, talking, playing chess, grows longer. The attraction they both feel intensifies. But, as the days go by, Knox's memories become more clear and he understands that he was a prisoner, executed, and his brain put into a different body. Knox remembers his other body and begins to know who he was, before. Unfortunately, who Knox was before is the reason that Edward lost his father and his brother and why he is all alone now struggling to run the farm.
What an incredible story! I loved every minute of it, Eli. Knox and Edward are amazing characters and their love story is sublime. A true tale of heartache and redemption.
Made for Aaron by Sue Brown
Aaron's parents had him committed to an insane asylum when he was a teenager because Aaron is a homosexual. It wasn't illegal to be gay, but his parents were very religious and they had a lot of influence and money so people looked the other way. In the asylum is where Aaron met and fell in love with Damon, a nurse. They've been together for over eighteen years and have now married and made a life and a home together. Until Aaron receives a call from the hospital that Damon has been in a car accident and Aaron needs to get there as soon as possible. Except, when Aaron gets there, Damon is gone. He has disappeared. Damon was pronounced dead at the hospital and forty-five minutes later, he got up and walked out.
Strangely enough, just a day after Damon's Lazarus routine, their home is burglarized and trashed. The police are investigating but it all seems rather odd. What I thought was unusual was that Aaron and Damon didn't have any friends or family, no one Aaron can call for help or support. They both devoted their lives solely to one another. Damon appears to be the only person Aaron ever needed, and because of Aaron's trauma with the asylum, Damon took the role of gently asserting dominance over Aaron in decision making and dealing with any authority figures. A picture begins to form for the police and Aaron. A picture that shows there is no record of Damon existing before he met Aaron, no record of his graduating from nursing school, no family, no prior jobs. No life.
Oh how I would love to tell you what Aaron discovered, but, I can't. You're going to have to read this incredible final story in the book to get the answers. Believe me when I say, I thought it was going one way and then it zigged and zagged in a whole new direction. Absolutely fabulous, Sue!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 15, 2014
"The Golem of Mala Lubovnya" by Kim Fielding - 5 stars - Excellent, beautiful little story. Unusual setting and characters, (with a time period and subject matter - the creation of golems - that I have always found fascinating) so that made this even better.
"Watchworks" by Jamie Fessenden - 4 stars - Beautiful and horrible.
"Reparation" by Eli Easton - 4 stars - Very enjoyable and excellently described. Felt very bleak and very much reminded me of the old gothic novels despite the sci-fi setting, I thought the author did an excellent job in conveying that "feeling".
"Made For Aaron" by Sue Brown - 3 stars - I liked this but was a bit unsatisfied with the ending.
"Watchworks" by Jamie Fessenden - 4 stars - Beautiful and horrible.
"Reparation" by Eli Easton - 4 stars - Very enjoyable and excellently described. Felt very bleak and very much reminded me of the old gothic novels despite the sci-fi setting, I thought the author did an excellent job in conveying that "feeling".
"Made For Aaron" by Sue Brown - 3 stars - I liked this but was a bit unsatisfied with the ending.
June 24, 2014
I started reading this anthology a while back, but had not finished it. Here are my impressions:
Kim Fielding's Golen won my heart. Our creature was made only for one purpose, the ability to defend with violence, but our Golen had such "human" characteristics like curiosity, the appreciation for music, and specifically for one voice--as well as joy, wonder, sadness, happiness, and last but not least, love. I adored this story. It seemed longer than it was and it "felt" complete. 5 stars.
Fessenden's Watchwork is a very well researched Steampunk story. A multilayered logical story that shows the skill of this author on leaving no stone unturned, no errors or plot holes. I admire this very much. I once heard a well known editor state that no author should overestimate or underestimate the reader, and he does that skillfully. We understand exactly what our creature is and we understand the emotional and moral dilemma. 4 stars.
Eli's Easton's Reparation is heartbreaking and hopeful. The title of this story is perfect for the content. Our creature used to be a man, a man that has been wiped and recreated for service as part of his sentence --that this sentence is for life is obvious, but when necessity involves a decent treatment for our cyborg what made him a man starts to awaken-- and then appreciation, loyalty, and love are not far behind, especially since there's a conspiracy that puts them in danger. 4 stars.
Sue Brown's Made for Aaron is an emotional tale and in that Sue Brown shines. The story lacked the foundation or worldbuilding required for this type of anthology. BUT I still enjoyed it. 3 stars.
Kim Fielding's Golen won my heart. Our creature was made only for one purpose, the ability to defend with violence, but our Golen had such "human" characteristics like curiosity, the appreciation for music, and specifically for one voice--as well as joy, wonder, sadness, happiness, and last but not least, love. I adored this story. It seemed longer than it was and it "felt" complete. 5 stars.
Fessenden's Watchwork is a very well researched Steampunk story. A multilayered logical story that shows the skill of this author on leaving no stone unturned, no errors or plot holes. I admire this very much. I once heard a well known editor state that no author should overestimate or underestimate the reader, and he does that skillfully. We understand exactly what our creature is and we understand the emotional and moral dilemma. 4 stars.
Eli's Easton's Reparation is heartbreaking and hopeful. The title of this story is perfect for the content. Our creature used to be a man, a man that has been wiped and recreated for service as part of his sentence --that this sentence is for life is obvious, but when necessity involves a decent treatment for our cyborg what made him a man starts to awaken-- and then appreciation, loyalty, and love are not far behind, especially since there's a conspiracy that puts them in danger. 4 stars.
Sue Brown's Made for Aaron is an emotional tale and in that Sue Brown shines. The story lacked the foundation or worldbuilding required for this type of anthology. BUT I still enjoyed it. 3 stars.
May 26, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Sometimes the only solution is to create the man that you need. Stitch is a collection of four stories detailing exactly what happens when these men are brought into the world by artificial means. The sheer diversity of these stories made for a delightful read. I liked the different variations on the same theme; no two stories are alike. There is absolutely something for everyone here. I really enjoyed it, and can absolutely recommend Stitch.
Read Kris's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Sometimes the only solution is to create the man that you need. Stitch is a collection of four stories detailing exactly what happens when these men are brought into the world by artificial means. The sheer diversity of these stories made for a delightful read. I liked the different variations on the same theme; no two stories are alike. There is absolutely something for everyone here. I really enjoyed it, and can absolutely recommend Stitch.
Read Kris's review in its entirety here.
Shelved as 'perhaps'
April 22, 2014Now that's a cover.
June 5, 2014
I'm not usually a fan of anthologies, but I when I saw both Kim Fielding and Eli Easton in this one, I had to buy it. And it was wonderful! For those who like the hurt/comfort trope, these are 4 stories that you will love...
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding. 5 Stars. The golem was created without a name, and with no purpose but to protect the village, so he is strong and implacable. He is fearful to behold, and is kept isolated in the attic of the shul to await the time he is needed. But he wants more than anything to be with people, to be useful, and he yearns to know more about the community and their God. When he is finally shown to the people, they are understandably frightened of him, and only one man is willing to look past his threatening exterior. Jakob names him Emet, which is the word carved into his chest. Jakob is also somewhat of an outcast, ashamed of his desire for men – anathema to this medieval Jewish community – and unable to marry as a good man should. The two become close friends, and eventually lovers. But the pogrom is inevitable, and Emet has to fulfill his purpose.
I loved Emet's innocence and enthusiasm, and his humility. I loved Jakob's compassion, and his ernest desire to do the right thing for his God, his community, as well as for Emet. And the setting in this medieval town, with its rhythms and rituals, was lovely and perfect. The way the prayers/psalms were worked into the story was both poetic and heartbreaking. Ms. Fielding really found a way to touch my heart!
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden. 3.5 Stars. Harland Wallace is called by Dr. Mordecai Steward to help repair what he initially thinks is a very sophisticated prosthetic hand for Luke Prescott. Dr. Steward is very old and frail, and increasingly ill, and no longer has the manual dexterity needed to do the precise mechanical work he did to create the hand. Harland finds himself fascinated as much by Luke as he is by the mechanism itself, which is distressing to him because he's tried to ignore his attraction to men. When he learns that Luke is not a man at all, he feels even more disgusted with himself for having sexual feelings for an object.
Although I didn't care for the insta-love aspect of this story, I did like how Harland's ambivalence was handled, and how he ultimately rose above it to do the right thing. I felt Luke's sadness, knowing that even his creator didn't consider him an equal, and how lonely he was. But there were in some ways too many details about his mechanics, because I started thinking “no, that wouldn't work that way” – I started thinking about Data's positronic brain from Star Trek and how that wasn't gonna happen with silk and painted gold in Victorian England – and those details pulled me out of the story. I think I would have been happier if all the hows had remained a mystery, and Harland didn't master everything about his construction.
Reparation by Eli Easton. 5 Stars. There was some amazing world building going on in this story, which was even more impressive given it's length. The lethal storms, killer spores, class conscious society, and of course, the government subsidies in the form of “recons” – slaves made from leftover parts of condemned prisoners with a little extra mechanics thrown in to make them better suited to the harsh planetary conditions. Edward is forced into management of the family farm when his brother and father are killed in a terrorist attack, despite the fact that the locals don't like or respect him because of his liberal and kind ways. Further tragedy strikes and his wife and foreman are killed, and he has no choice but to trust Knox, a recon, to help him run the farm. The recons have had their minds wiped and reconditioned before they are placed on the farms, so in general they are subhuman and of minimal intelligence and curiosity. Knox seems to have more depth to begin with, and as he spends more time with Edward, reading, talking, playing chess, his conditioning starts to wear off. He becomes sharper, more interested and eager, and starts to remember bits and pieces of his old life. Like the fact that he is gay. And he is attracted to Edward. Edward has from the beginning been sexually attracted to Knox, but doesn't act on it because he doesn't want to abuse his position of power as Knox's employer/owner. But he's been so lonely for so long, and enjoys Knox's company so much, that it is inevitable that they eventually become lovers. With that act, the rest of Knox's memory comes back, and his past crimes pull them apart.
I can't say enough about both the world building, and the character building in this story. You can't help but be drawn in to both of these men, who have so much to give, and are so forgiving and loving in an environment and society that is anything but.
Made for Aaron by Sue Brown. 3.5 Stars. This was probably my least favorite of the stories, but only because the interpretation of the Frankenstein/creature theme was not really believable at all. The first 80% of the book or so is a cross between mystery – what really happened to Damon? – and the severe grief of Aaron, and that part I loved. Would Aaron find Damon? Would he succeed in committing suicide or find a way to go on? And my heart broke as the story followed him through those empty months after Damon disappeared. But when the mystery was revealed to be Great buildup, terrible let down.
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding. 5 Stars. The golem was created without a name, and with no purpose but to protect the village, so he is strong and implacable. He is fearful to behold, and is kept isolated in the attic of the shul to await the time he is needed. But he wants more than anything to be with people, to be useful, and he yearns to know more about the community and their God. When he is finally shown to the people, they are understandably frightened of him, and only one man is willing to look past his threatening exterior. Jakob names him Emet, which is the word carved into his chest. Jakob is also somewhat of an outcast, ashamed of his desire for men – anathema to this medieval Jewish community – and unable to marry as a good man should. The two become close friends, and eventually lovers. But the pogrom is inevitable, and Emet has to fulfill his purpose.
I loved Emet's innocence and enthusiasm, and his humility. I loved Jakob's compassion, and his ernest desire to do the right thing for his God, his community, as well as for Emet. And the setting in this medieval town, with its rhythms and rituals, was lovely and perfect. The way the prayers/psalms were worked into the story was both poetic and heartbreaking. Ms. Fielding really found a way to touch my heart!
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden. 3.5 Stars. Harland Wallace is called by Dr. Mordecai Steward to help repair what he initially thinks is a very sophisticated prosthetic hand for Luke Prescott. Dr. Steward is very old and frail, and increasingly ill, and no longer has the manual dexterity needed to do the precise mechanical work he did to create the hand. Harland finds himself fascinated as much by Luke as he is by the mechanism itself, which is distressing to him because he's tried to ignore his attraction to men. When he learns that Luke is not a man at all, he feels even more disgusted with himself for having sexual feelings for an object.
Although I didn't care for the insta-love aspect of this story, I did like how Harland's ambivalence was handled, and how he ultimately rose above it to do the right thing. I felt Luke's sadness, knowing that even his creator didn't consider him an equal, and how lonely he was. But there were in some ways too many details about his mechanics, because I started thinking “no, that wouldn't work that way” – I started thinking about Data's positronic brain from Star Trek and how that wasn't gonna happen with silk and painted gold in Victorian England – and those details pulled me out of the story. I think I would have been happier if all the hows had remained a mystery, and Harland didn't master everything about his construction.
Reparation by Eli Easton. 5 Stars. There was some amazing world building going on in this story, which was even more impressive given it's length. The lethal storms, killer spores, class conscious society, and of course, the government subsidies in the form of “recons” – slaves made from leftover parts of condemned prisoners with a little extra mechanics thrown in to make them better suited to the harsh planetary conditions. Edward is forced into management of the family farm when his brother and father are killed in a terrorist attack, despite the fact that the locals don't like or respect him because of his liberal and kind ways. Further tragedy strikes and his wife and foreman are killed, and he has no choice but to trust Knox, a recon, to help him run the farm. The recons have had their minds wiped and reconditioned before they are placed on the farms, so in general they are subhuman and of minimal intelligence and curiosity. Knox seems to have more depth to begin with, and as he spends more time with Edward, reading, talking, playing chess, his conditioning starts to wear off. He becomes sharper, more interested and eager, and starts to remember bits and pieces of his old life. Like the fact that he is gay. And he is attracted to Edward. Edward has from the beginning been sexually attracted to Knox, but doesn't act on it because he doesn't want to abuse his position of power as Knox's employer/owner. But he's been so lonely for so long, and enjoys Knox's company so much, that it is inevitable that they eventually become lovers. With that act, the rest of Knox's memory comes back, and his past crimes pull them apart.
I can't say enough about both the world building, and the character building in this story. You can't help but be drawn in to both of these men, who have so much to give, and are so forgiving and loving in an environment and society that is anything but.
Made for Aaron by Sue Brown. 3.5 Stars. This was probably my least favorite of the stories, but only because the interpretation of the Frankenstein/creature theme was not really believable at all. The first 80% of the book or so is a cross between mystery – what really happened to Damon? – and the severe grief of Aaron, and that part I loved. Would Aaron find Damon? Would he succeed in committing suicide or find a way to go on? And my heart broke as the story followed him through those empty months after Damon disappeared. But when the mystery was revealed to be Great buildup, terrible let down.
May 8, 2015
This book was really interesting. I loved the premise of these stories, their gothic nature really carried. The idea of falling in love with a "creature," something not human, something taboo, was handled really well and as I reader I found I identified with the characters in all the stories. There was a lot of good about everyone of these stories.
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding ★★★★★
Oh man, for a monster story this was sooooooo unbelievably sweet. Golem has been created to protect the village from the threat of religious persecution. He's been hidden away, watching out one small window at the people of the village, and listening in awe as they come to sing their daily prayers. When his presence is finally revealed he's feared for his strength, yet Jakob takes him in to help build his home. Jakob understand what it means to be different, to question his place in the world and under God's love. He's gay, and that is something condemned under the strictures of his religious beliefs. Yet the pure honest love that develops between these two was so touching and sweet that they both can do nothing but acknowledge it. The ending, was painful and rejuvenating at the same time. This may have been my favorite of the entire book.
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden ★★★★
I think the thing I appreciated about this steampunk style novel is that the acceptance of Luke isn't easy for Harlan. He's in parts enthralled by the mechanisms that support Luke and appalled by lifelike/thinking nature of him as a simulacrum. The details of the mechanics were fascinating and I really did feel I was along for the ride with Harlan as he came to grips with how he was feeling. The ending was heart wrenching as he discovered what happened to Luke. I enjoyed so much about the details of Harlan's skills as a watchmaker and what it gave him as far as abilities to fix the inner workings of Luke's mechanics.
Reparation by Eli Easton ★★★★★
I really LOVED this story! I think a large part of that is I love sci-fi and the world building here, especially for a short story, was super well done. The isolation Edward suffers as a spore farmer was profound and impact-full. His desperation after the loses he suffered was believable and the circumstances that pushed him into turning to Knox made sense. I adored Knox as a character. I struggled along with him as the memories buried in the brain implanted into the body of a different recon rattled around and started to spring loose. Whatever made him different from other recons, whether it was his strength when he was alive or something they messed up in the process of combining his brain with the bodies from others only made him more fascinating. The twists this story took were unexpected and really brought these two men closer together. So creative and fun.
Made For Aaron by Sue Brown ★★★½
Ok so here's my deal with this one. I enjoyed it, but really I loved the concept more than the final story. If this had been a full length novel I think I could have gotten into it more, but because this whole story is really about one man's struggle to deal with a loss, to move on, to function I really missed out on the romance aspect here. Damon and Aaron are married already, desperately in love, and Damon's disappearance completely destroys Aaron. His past and time spent in an asylum makes the world difficult for him to deal with. Damon was his anchor and losing that really set Aaron adrift. All of this I liked. I felt for Aaron and was with him in his struggle to understand. Where this story lost me was in the slight unbelievability of the premise and that it's only in the last few pages that we get to see how much Damon and Aaron really mean to each other. It's a lovely moment and there was a lot of power behind it. But it was then over too quickly for me. I would love to see this world developed into a longer novel, especially if it was from the point of view of a madder. For instance I would LOVE to see how PC Collins felt and the experience he went through as he discovered that his feelings were not what he was programed to be. That journey would be incredibly fascinating to me.
All in all though this book was incredibly lovely and I'm so glad I read it. Nothing like what I expected, but was truly wonderful.
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding ★★★★★
Oh man, for a monster story this was sooooooo unbelievably sweet. Golem has been created to protect the village from the threat of religious persecution. He's been hidden away, watching out one small window at the people of the village, and listening in awe as they come to sing their daily prayers. When his presence is finally revealed he's feared for his strength, yet Jakob takes him in to help build his home. Jakob understand what it means to be different, to question his place in the world and under God's love. He's gay, and that is something condemned under the strictures of his religious beliefs. Yet the pure honest love that develops between these two was so touching and sweet that they both can do nothing but acknowledge it. The ending, was painful and rejuvenating at the same time. This may have been my favorite of the entire book.
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden ★★★★
I think the thing I appreciated about this steampunk style novel is that the acceptance of Luke isn't easy for Harlan. He's in parts enthralled by the mechanisms that support Luke and appalled by lifelike/thinking nature of him as a simulacrum. The details of the mechanics were fascinating and I really did feel I was along for the ride with Harlan as he came to grips with how he was feeling. The ending was heart wrenching as he discovered what happened to Luke. I enjoyed so much about the details of Harlan's skills as a watchmaker and what it gave him as far as abilities to fix the inner workings of Luke's mechanics.
Reparation by Eli Easton ★★★★★
I really LOVED this story! I think a large part of that is I love sci-fi and the world building here, especially for a short story, was super well done. The isolation Edward suffers as a spore farmer was profound and impact-full. His desperation after the loses he suffered was believable and the circumstances that pushed him into turning to Knox made sense. I adored Knox as a character. I struggled along with him as the memories buried in the brain implanted into the body of a different recon rattled around and started to spring loose. Whatever made him different from other recons, whether it was his strength when he was alive or something they messed up in the process of combining his brain with the bodies from others only made him more fascinating. The twists this story took were unexpected and really brought these two men closer together. So creative and fun.
Made For Aaron by Sue Brown ★★★½
Ok so here's my deal with this one. I enjoyed it, but really I loved the concept more than the final story. If this had been a full length novel I think I could have gotten into it more, but because this whole story is really about one man's struggle to deal with a loss, to move on, to function I really missed out on the romance aspect here. Damon and Aaron are married already, desperately in love, and Damon's disappearance completely destroys Aaron. His past and time spent in an asylum makes the world difficult for him to deal with. Damon was his anchor and losing that really set Aaron adrift. All of this I liked. I felt for Aaron and was with him in his struggle to understand. Where this story lost me was in the slight unbelievability of the premise and that it's only in the last few pages that we get to see how much Damon and Aaron really mean to each other. It's a lovely moment and there was a lot of power behind it. But it was then over too quickly for me. I would love to see this world developed into a longer novel, especially if it was from the point of view of a madder. For instance I would LOVE to see how PC Collins felt and the experience he went through as he discovered that his feelings were not what he was programed to be. That journey would be incredibly fascinating to me.
All in all though this book was incredibly lovely and I'm so glad I read it. Nothing like what I expected, but was truly wonderful.
January 4, 2016
4.5*
The Golem
I would liken The Golem to a sort of Pinocchio-esque tale. The Golem was created for one violent purpose, to protect, and made to live a life of solitude and servitude. He is reminded often that he is not real. Over the years, he finds his own purpose, and his master is kind enough to let him live for himself, to an extent. You hurt with The Golem. You want him to be real. You do not want him to have to fulfill his destiny. You want him to have a friend. The one word that comes to mind is “Sweet”. Overall, this tale is one of love, acceptance, and sacrifice that will warm your heart.
Watchworks
This story is the epitome of what I envision of when I think of steampunk. As always, Fessenden’s writing is tight, imaginative, and believable, despite the fantastic nature of the actual story. One thing I enjoyed about this tale is that it was true to the time period, well as much as it can be given one of the main characters is well… So often historicals disregard the fear and oppression associated with being a gay person in that society. I appreciated the struggle Harland had with himself. I also appreciate that the struggle was never magically solved. Watchworks is a quick and enjoyable read about nature of human-kind, and what it often takes for the heart to overcome the engrained programming.
Reparations
In the universe that includes Kalan, criminals from all over the universe are dealt a harsh punishment. They are made to live on a cyborg slaves. But what happens when one slave begins to remember? Reparations by Eli Easton looks at just such a scenario. After saving his master from the crash that took the life of his wife and farm foreman, Knox begins to experience flashes of his former life. Easton creates and interesting world that I would love to revisit again in a future Gothika installment.
Made for Aaron
What happens when the love of your life dies, then gets up and walks out of the hospital? What happens when everything you have known for the last 20 years is shown to be a lie? You fall apart for a while, then you do what you have been taught and make a plan. Even if that plans leads to the end. Aaron faces just this dilemma when his husband and lover of 20 years is in a horrific crash that appears to take his life, if only briefly.
While I enjoyed this story immensely, I felt there were parts in which I would have loved just a bit more depth. I don’t want to give away much of the plot but I never felt the “made” for me vibe. Sure, I was told it over and over, but I didn’t feel that connection. Overall, however, Made for Aaron was an excellent end to an excellent collection that looks at the darker side of M/M for just s bit.
Find the Full review at Prism Book Alliance http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
The Golem
I would liken The Golem to a sort of Pinocchio-esque tale. The Golem was created for one violent purpose, to protect, and made to live a life of solitude and servitude. He is reminded often that he is not real. Over the years, he finds his own purpose, and his master is kind enough to let him live for himself, to an extent. You hurt with The Golem. You want him to be real. You do not want him to have to fulfill his destiny. You want him to have a friend. The one word that comes to mind is “Sweet”. Overall, this tale is one of love, acceptance, and sacrifice that will warm your heart.
Watchworks
This story is the epitome of what I envision of when I think of steampunk. As always, Fessenden’s writing is tight, imaginative, and believable, despite the fantastic nature of the actual story. One thing I enjoyed about this tale is that it was true to the time period, well as much as it can be given one of the main characters is well… So often historicals disregard the fear and oppression associated with being a gay person in that society. I appreciated the struggle Harland had with himself. I also appreciate that the struggle was never magically solved. Watchworks is a quick and enjoyable read about nature of human-kind, and what it often takes for the heart to overcome the engrained programming.
Reparations
In the universe that includes Kalan, criminals from all over the universe are dealt a harsh punishment. They are made to live on a cyborg slaves. But what happens when one slave begins to remember? Reparations by Eli Easton looks at just such a scenario. After saving his master from the crash that took the life of his wife and farm foreman, Knox begins to experience flashes of his former life. Easton creates and interesting world that I would love to revisit again in a future Gothika installment.
Made for Aaron
What happens when the love of your life dies, then gets up and walks out of the hospital? What happens when everything you have known for the last 20 years is shown to be a lie? You fall apart for a while, then you do what you have been taught and make a plan. Even if that plans leads to the end. Aaron faces just this dilemma when his husband and lover of 20 years is in a horrific crash that appears to take his life, if only briefly.
While I enjoyed this story immensely, I felt there were parts in which I would have loved just a bit more depth. I don’t want to give away much of the plot but I never felt the “made” for me vibe. Sure, I was told it over and over, but I didn’t feel that connection. Overall, however, Made for Aaron was an excellent end to an excellent collection that looks at the darker side of M/M for just s bit.
Find the Full review at Prism Book Alliance http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
February 11, 2017
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding
Such a sweet story. Plenty of emotion for me to get invested in. I really could see no way this could work, but as usual I was wrong. They way this one resolved itself felt perfect. I'd love to follow these to on their journey 3.5 stars
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden
Well this one was certainly different. No fairytale ending as such. But I really enjoyed it. I loved Luke as much as Harland did. As long as I don't think of the future then I'm very happy with this one. I just wish there was a way to make that horrid bunch pay. 3.5 stars
Reparation by Eli Easton
A full sized story that kept me intrigued. From the start there was something about Knox I loved. Waiting to see how much he would remember and how much of a bad guy he really was, was the biggest part of this story. Edward was sweet. Such a gentle soul. Watching them bond was perfect. For me the sex got in the way of the story. I happily skimmed it. The ending while fitting left me wanting more. I prefer the bad guys get exactly what they deserve and as with real life that never happened. 4 stars
Made for Aaron by Sue Brown
Well this one certainly delivered more than I expected. I was kept guessing to to who or what Damon was. At times I felt Aaron might be better off without Damon. His life sounded rather sad and isolated, which seemed to be Damons influence. But by the end I was totally back on board with wanting Aaron to get his perfect HEA. And now I think it's going to be even better because now they have friends. 4 stars
Such a sweet story. Plenty of emotion for me to get invested in. I really could see no way this could work, but as usual I was wrong. They way this one resolved itself felt perfect. I'd love to follow these to on their journey 3.5 stars
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden
Well this one was certainly different. No fairytale ending as such. But I really enjoyed it. I loved Luke as much as Harland did. As long as I don't think of the future then I'm very happy with this one. I just wish there was a way to make that horrid bunch pay. 3.5 stars
Reparation by Eli Easton
A full sized story that kept me intrigued. From the start there was something about Knox I loved. Waiting to see how much he would remember and how much of a bad guy he really was, was the biggest part of this story. Edward was sweet. Such a gentle soul. Watching them bond was perfect. For me the sex got in the way of the story. I happily skimmed it. The ending while fitting left me wanting more. I prefer the bad guys get exactly what they deserve and as with real life that never happened. 4 stars
Made for Aaron by Sue Brown
Well this one certainly delivered more than I expected. I was kept guessing to to who or what Damon was. At times I felt Aaron might be better off without Damon. His life sounded rather sad and isolated, which seemed to be Damons influence. But by the end I was totally back on board with wanting Aaron to get his perfect HEA. And now I think it's going to be even better because now they have friends. 4 stars
August 21, 2014
I love fairy tale-ish spin on stories and add Frankenstein and his Monster to that and I'm sold. I was expecting a side of gruesome with these but they all ended up being sweet. Weird and creepy....but sweet.
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya ~ 4 stars
Watchworks ~ 4 stars
Reparation ~ 4 stars
Made for Aaron ~ 3.5 stars
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya ~ 4 stars
Watchworks ~ 4 stars
Reparation ~ 4 stars
Made for Aaron ~ 3.5 stars
October 19, 2015
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding 4.5
Reparation by Eli Easton 4
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden 3
Made For Aaron by Sue Brown (skipped, no rating)
Reparation by Eli Easton 4
Watchworks by Jamie Fessenden 3
Made For Aaron by Sue Brown (skipped, no rating)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews