Brethren: Raised By Wolves, Volume One
by W. A. Hoffman
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Book Reviews of Brethren: Raised By Wolves, Volume One
Book Review: Loved it!
Summary: 5 Stars
It's been a long time since I've found a book so good I couldn't put it down. I was so eager to find out what would happen to the characters and the relationship between the main two characters that, in a mere 3 days, I had plowed through this 544-page volume. I was quite skeptical because of the length, but I found the information pertinent and wouldn't want any less. The author has a very tight writing style and avoids the florid styles so many other authors seem to prefer. In a way, this particular style complements Will's personality and makes him such a credible narrator.
This was a well-researched book, clear down to the finer details of period language, which made this all the more believable and intriguing. Moral dilemmas and familial obligations both plague and shape the personalities of the characters and how they interact with one another. Much of the humor in the book stems from these interactions. I found myself wanting to read more about secondary characters such as Striker and Pete just as much as Will and Gaston.
My only minor qualm about this book is how badly edited it is in some places--particularly later on. Regardless, this is not something that detracts from the overall enjoyment of this book.
Even if trilogies aren't your thing, don't be afraid to give this book a try--it stands very well on it's own. As for me, I'm looking forward to the other 3 books.
Book Review: Best. Book. EVER!
Summary: 5 Stars
Yes, I say that and I mean it. This is my favorite book, period. I have read it three times, the first time only taking two days (and only that long because I had to go to work both days... how dare work interfere with literary obsession?!). I don't usually re-read a book, no matter how much I like it, let alone three times in a row, so that should say something about how addictive this book is!
If you are anything like me, you will be sucked into this book and in love with the characters (especially Will and Gaston... and to clarify one of the earlier reviews, Will = Marsdale). The storytelling is wonderful, the attention to historical accuracy is obvious, and the love story will make you wish you were so lucky to find a love like that! You don't have to enjoy gay romance to enjoy this book. I had never read a gay romance before this one. The fact that they are two men is not the point, really, it's just the best love story EVER (imho, of course, but nothing I've read... and I'm a huge bibliophile... comes close). I cannot reccommend this book enough. I've been on pins and needles for the next one as soon as I finished the first, and not because it's so much a cliffhanger as I just... wanted... MORE! Which is why, of course, I've re-read this one a couple of times.
I cannot explain adequately the wonderfulness of this book. Read it for yourself and see!!!
Book Review: Mesmerizing Historical Gay Romance. Love this!
Summary: 5 Stars
This historical gay romance set in the West Indies pirate world is a gem of a story. The plot is fascinating and pulled you in from page 1. There is never a dull moment as these buccaneers love, hate and live freely, their matelots world arousing and enviable.
The characters of Will and Gaston are truly mesmerizing, their love story bitter sweet, gripping, captivating and deeply moving. Will and Gaston are tormented men, ostracized from their noble families and haunted by their pasts. They are sensitive, vulnerable yet so strong in character. Their love story is also a healing story of their wounded souls as they found solace in each other and grew to love each other deeply. Their love is all the more amazing as one is gay while the other may not have the same inclination. And I cannot remember the last time when the exchange of words between 2 lovers could be so meaningful and charged with emotions.
"Brethren" is all the more effective as it is narrated by Will whose voice lent so much life and emotional depth into the story.
This may be Vol 1 of a Trilogy but it is complete by itself and does not leave a cliff hanger which I hate. However it does leave me craving for much more and I hope "Matelots: Raised by Wolves Vol 2" will be available soon. If you are into gay or M/M romance you are missing a lot if you pass this.
Book Review: a good read
Summary: 5 Stars
W. A. Hoffman is a wonderful find: she is a story teller in the ancient tradition. She shows the reader what's going on, rather than describing it. Her style is full of actions and dialogue. She doesn't spend a lot of time describing scenery or inner thoughts; when she has to, she does so with a minimum of words. Her main characters of fully formed and consistant. One of her themes, homosexuality among pirates in the Caribbean during the late 1600s, is unique, informative, and entertaining.
The sexuality is described without anatomical detail. Rather, it reflects the participants' mental and emotional states. Love plays a large part in her story. It can triumph over cruelty and hatred. It can assuage guilt and ease madness. While the sex is important, it isn't mindless, souless ejaculations with multiple partners. In this, Hoffman's view of the world is more feminine than masculine. Sex means something to her: attachment, trust, caring, and love. It is an outward and physical manifestation of an inner and spiriual condition.
My partner and I see ourselves reflected in the two main characters, Gaston and Will. We see our own fears and obsessions, our own love and acceptance, our own madness and sacrifice. We have read the first two volumes and a waiting for the next two. What a wonderful find!
Book Review: Read this book!
Summary: 5 Stars
You are in the hands of a skillful storyteller with this one. It's a great adventure story and a great love story all rolled into one. It completely transports you to another time and place and you become so invested in these characters that you never want the story to end!
The whole cast of characters is great but I just fell in love with both Will and Gaston, deeply troubled men who come to love each other in spite of their demons. There are so many sweet, tender moments between them throughout the book - that have nothing to do with sex - that you really feel that these men come to fully know and love each other. I can think of few books where the love interests have such meaningful conversations with each other. The reader is really privy to why and how they come to love each other so deeply. It's not just told to us as something to accept. We are in on the whole process. These men truly need each other and seem destined to be together, to help each other heal.
I second the other reviewer's suggestion that you don't avoid this book because it is the first of three. The story is complete and satisfying as is. I just can't wait for more!