I previously reviewed the J. Scott Coatsworth story “The Emp Test,” after reading it as a separate eBook. This collection includes “The Emp Test” and other stories set on Coatsworth’s fictional world of Tharassas.
As in real life, the people of Tharassas find that tradition can both connect them to the past and isolate them in the present. While they benefit from the wisdom of their ancestors, they can also become trapped in the confines of the small-minded thinking those ancestors often practiced. Coatsworth imbues his characters with a rich mythology and the weight of cultural history.
The stories benefit from an emphasis on strong character development and fast-paced changes. I can see why so many readers love Coatsworth’s books, including the other ones set in this thought-provoking world. The overall collection provides a framework for the Tharassas novels while also providing an enjoyable reading experience in and of itself.
“A lush tangle of small-town life branches out in this engrossing collection of short stories.” –Kirkus Reviews
“The Acorn Stories delivers insight into a fictional small town, illustrating the ups and downs of life.” –Novels Alive
“A vivid West Texas story-cycle that blends sharp comedy with hard truths, rewarding readers who like recurring-cast, small-town literary fiction built from interlocking short stories.” –True Voice Review
Most boogie men make your feet want to run, but this boogie man makes your feet want to dance. I still remember getting Part 3, my first KC & the Sunshine Band album. I set it aside that night to watch the premiere of the Spider-Man TV pilot on CBS but then got back to KCSB and still love their music now.
As the welcoming page at Liminal Fiction states, “We’re an inclusive library of spec fic titles (fantasy, sci fi, paranormal and horror). Use the book search, our filter search, or the menu links.” Readers can find speculative fiction by genre, tropes, keywords, etc. They can also find sales, book reviews, and much more.
Though it pales in comparison to his classics War of the Worlds, The Time Machine, The Island of Doctor Moreau, and The Invisible Man, the H. G. Wells novel provides a creepy look at good intentions gone awry. It often appears in boxed sets or single-volume collections of his work. I loved my H. G. Wells boxed set as a kid and still think about his writing.
J. Scott Coatsworth’s fantasy story The Emp Test involves two men from different cultures, thrown together and obviously attracted to each other. Jey must let Avain care for him, though their people see each other as enemies.
Coatsworth works a great deal of mythology into the story in a natural way that both connects the two men and divides them. Jey also faces conflict within himself, but I won’t give any of that away.
Readers who want a gay story without tired settings or predictable tropes should enjoy this emotional, fast-moving, and empowering fantasy.
I had been following Coatsworth for years via social media and the book sites he runs with his husband but had honestly never gotten around to reading one of his books. The Emp Test provided a brief but enjoyable introduction that made me want to read more.
Writer/director Katy Dore’s gay short film Odd Bird brings a comic book creator back to his home town. This charming comedy includes some tense or awkward moments before going off in an unexpected direction.
#GayFilm #GayMovies
We thought the aliens wouldn’t find us. We thought we could trust the Maintainers. We were wrong.
The Iroquois scientist Taldra became Leader of our world a year before the alien shapeshifters attacked. Her twin gay sons, Telius and Argen, will rally to her side.
Telius, a former time traveler, wants to marry his boyfriend, a former spy. Argen, a prodigy with a troubled past, modifies a handsome captain’s vessel for the battle.
Our world’s other protectors hold dark secrets that might pose an even greater threat than the invaders.
“A major voice not only in American literature but also in the LGBTQ genre. Highly recommended.” –Author Grady Harp
“Truly unique and amazing!” —Author Eric Rench (formerly Shay Mills)
“Refreshingly different, and at its beating heart is some much needed diversity that slots in effortlessly and with purpose.” –Sebastian J. Brook. Read the review at Doctor Who Online.
“Overall, this book was a quick fun read for anyone who enjoys sci-fi and adventure books. The plot was compelling and the characters were engaging.” –Fiction Flock
“An explosive book that will mean different things to each reader. The familial love and romantic love that shine make it even a deeper read.” —N. N. Light’s Book Heaven
“I recommend this book to science fiction readers and those who like complex storylines.” —Review Tales
On the season premiere of Lalololalo’s Celebrity Show, meet Admiral Nil, Top Maintainer, and learn about how she protects us from alien invasions, criminals, heavy hazard thoughts, and ourselves. All of Valchondria will be tuning it, so click the link below for the interview.
The Protagonist Speaks features character interviews from a variety of writers and includes details on how other authors can participate, as a type of book promotion and content creation. Author Assaph Mehr of egretia.com created and manages that site.
With Remember Always, author BL Maxwell sidesteps all the tragedy and hatred that permeate too many books and movies about LGBTQ characters. Here, two gay men in love navigate how to best plan their lives together, with the support of a loving community. Thanksgiving might provide a special opportunity for bringing those plans in an even happier direction.
Maxwell keeps the narrative moving quickly, with both men trying to balance their career goals with their undeniable connection. While the book perhaps needed more editing for punctuation, the writing is polished and enjoyable in every other way. I highly recommend Remember Always for fans of MM romance.
The small-town setting makes it even more appealing, adding to the sense of supportive community and giving queer lit fans a break from big-city landscapes. Everything about this story feels fresh and welcoming.
Still on hiatus!
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Hi everyone!
So, oops, this is embarrassing... but I'm still on a break from blogging!
Yes, I know, naughty Jane, but I've been secretly busy writing my ow...
Review: Murder at Ardaig Castle, Daniel Sellers
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Review: Murder at Ardaig Castle, DCI Lola Harris Book 5, Daniel Sellers
Blog Tour: March 23, 2025 DCI Lola Harris has taken the opportunity to
work w...
Tales From Tharassas: Tharassas Cycle Book 0 by J. Scott Coatsworth
