Boy Meets HERO by Chayne Avery & Russell Garcia
TITLE: Boy Meets HERO AUTHOR: Chayne Avery & Russell Garcia
ISBN: 978-3-86187-891-9 PUBLISHER: Bruno Gmunder
BOOK REVIEW: I absolutely loved this graphic novel. The illustrations really popped. The colors in the illustrations were magnigicient. The story was well thought out and had several twists. Even though this graphic novel wasn't as sexual as Dick Master by Roy Klang, but I liked it that way. I think the lack of explicit sex in this graphic novel will make it more appealing to heterosexial superhero fans than Dick Master. I really liked the profiles of the characters at the end describing their abilities and their biography. I recommend this to readers who love gay romance fiction, gay superhero stories, and graphic novel readers of all sexual orientations and ages above 13. The superheroes and supervillians have great powers.
Review by Fred Towers
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Book Review: Dick Master: Leatherland Under Attack
Dick Master: Leatherland Under Attack by Roy Klang
TITLE: Dick Master: Leatherland Under Attack AUTHOR: Roy Klang
ILLUSTRATED:Roy Klang ISBN:3-86187-970-0 PUBLISHER: Bruno Gmunder
BOOK REVIEW: I thoroughly enjoyed this graphic novel with some great gay superhero action and some sexually explicit action. I wasn't sure if it would be heavier on one over the other, but the story was balanced between the two. The supervillians, Sperminator and Cyber-Drag are aliens invading the gay city, Leatherland. Dick Master and his friends have to conquer them with wit, strength, and great technical gadgets. The illustrations are great with depth and strong lines, but I wish they were in color. The story is creative, and I hope Roy Klang writes more superhero graphic novels. As the title implies, the sexual matter in the story is BDSM centered around a gay leather bar. I recommend this for adult (over 18) readers of gay fiction and/or superhero graphic novels, who won't be bothered by the sexual content. It is quite an adventure.
Review by Fred Towers
TITLE: Dick Master: Leatherland Under Attack AUTHOR: Roy Klang
ILLUSTRATED:Roy Klang ISBN:3-86187-970-0 PUBLISHER: Bruno Gmunder
BOOK REVIEW: I thoroughly enjoyed this graphic novel with some great gay superhero action and some sexually explicit action. I wasn't sure if it would be heavier on one over the other, but the story was balanced between the two. The supervillians, Sperminator and Cyber-Drag are aliens invading the gay city, Leatherland. Dick Master and his friends have to conquer them with wit, strength, and great technical gadgets. The illustrations are great with depth and strong lines, but I wish they were in color. The story is creative, and I hope Roy Klang writes more superhero graphic novels. As the title implies, the sexual matter in the story is BDSM centered around a gay leather bar. I recommend this for adult (over 18) readers of gay fiction and/or superhero graphic novels, who won't be bothered by the sexual content. It is quite an adventure.
Review by Fred Towers
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Book Review: Hero
Hero by Perry Moore
Gay Book Reviews/Young Adult, Gay Book Reviews/Fantasy
TITLE: Hero AUTHOR: Perry Moore
ISBN: 978-142310195-6 PUBLISHER: Hyperion Books
BOOK BLURB: At the same time that he's coming to terms with his sexual orientation, basketball star Thom Creed is trying to figure out exactly what his untrained superpowers can do. In an attempt to break away from his seemingly non-understanding father (an ex-hero with something to hide) and homophobic community, Thom runs away, only to find himself in the middle of a multi-hero rescue operation. Using his ability to heal, he keeps an injured woman alive until the League superheroes arrive and impresses them enough to get an invitation to try out for a hero apprentice position. Thom is teamed with an old woman who can see into the future, a spiteful girl who unleashes her power through fire, a sickly boy who is able to inflict disease on anyone, and a demoted hero with insane speed. With superheroes dying in mysterious circumstances, Thom is forced to admit publicly that he is gay in order to prevent a miscarriage of justice, but finds himself cast out of the League. He organizes his ragtag team to figure out what is really going on and to fight society's prejudices as well as the criminal element of the town.
BOOK REVIEW: Some reviews I've read have said that this book starts slow, but I found that not to be true. This novel packs in teen angst about fitting in, coming out as gay, coming out as a superhero and more. This novel packs in a great deal of story into 428 pages. Thom has to come to terms with his newfound realization of his sexual orientation as well as the fact that he has superpowers, which is made worse by the fact that his dad is a fallen superhero who is against super-powered people and gays, too. What a conflict for a young male teen? His mother abandoned him, so he has no one to turn to about these feelings he's having. Except for maybe a villain in disguise. Or is he the villain? I won't give it away. Read it to find out.
There's also a lot of superhero action on top of that. The reader will find great, quirky characters to adore, be aggravated by, and befriend. Great action that goes out with a boom. Relationships of all types will be tested in this story.
I hope the rumors are true that this one will be turned into a movie for the big screen. I'll be first in line for it.
I highly recommend this one for all ages, even though it's considered a young adult novel. Don't let that hold you back from diving into this one. It has action, adventure, friendship, and so much more.
Review by Fred Towers
Reprinted from Rainbow Reviews
Gay Book Reviews/Young Adult, Gay Book Reviews/Fantasy
TITLE: Hero AUTHOR: Perry Moore
ISBN: 978-142310195-6 PUBLISHER: Hyperion Books
BOOK BLURB: At the same time that he's coming to terms with his sexual orientation, basketball star Thom Creed is trying to figure out exactly what his untrained superpowers can do. In an attempt to break away from his seemingly non-understanding father (an ex-hero with something to hide) and homophobic community, Thom runs away, only to find himself in the middle of a multi-hero rescue operation. Using his ability to heal, he keeps an injured woman alive until the League superheroes arrive and impresses them enough to get an invitation to try out for a hero apprentice position. Thom is teamed with an old woman who can see into the future, a spiteful girl who unleashes her power through fire, a sickly boy who is able to inflict disease on anyone, and a demoted hero with insane speed. With superheroes dying in mysterious circumstances, Thom is forced to admit publicly that he is gay in order to prevent a miscarriage of justice, but finds himself cast out of the League. He organizes his ragtag team to figure out what is really going on and to fight society's prejudices as well as the criminal element of the town.
BOOK REVIEW: Some reviews I've read have said that this book starts slow, but I found that not to be true. This novel packs in teen angst about fitting in, coming out as gay, coming out as a superhero and more. This novel packs in a great deal of story into 428 pages. Thom has to come to terms with his newfound realization of his sexual orientation as well as the fact that he has superpowers, which is made worse by the fact that his dad is a fallen superhero who is against super-powered people and gays, too. What a conflict for a young male teen? His mother abandoned him, so he has no one to turn to about these feelings he's having. Except for maybe a villain in disguise. Or is he the villain? I won't give it away. Read it to find out.
There's also a lot of superhero action on top of that. The reader will find great, quirky characters to adore, be aggravated by, and befriend. Great action that goes out with a boom. Relationships of all types will be tested in this story.
I hope the rumors are true that this one will be turned into a movie for the big screen. I'll be first in line for it.
I highly recommend this one for all ages, even though it's considered a young adult novel. Don't let that hold you back from diving into this one. It has action, adventure, friendship, and so much more.
Review by Fred Towers
Reprinted from Rainbow Reviews
Book Review: Simple and Easy
Simple and Easy by Gavin Atlas
Gay Book Reviews/BDSM, Gay Book Reviews/Erotica
TITLE: Simple and Easy AUTHOR: Gavin Atlas
PUBLISHER: Forbidden Publications
BOOK BLURB:Derek, a young New Yorker, is tired of being treated like a piece of meat by his boyfriend. He moves to Richmond, a smaller city in the South, hoping to find love. However, he's not prepared for the overwhelming response to his arrival. Sure, he was considered cute in New York, but handsome guys there are a dime a dozen. In Richmond, he's the hottest bottom around. Derek isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, and quickly earns a reputation of being “simple and easy.” He tries to behave, but before long, the city's tops are tricking him into giving up his rump all the time. Derek discovers that he loves every minute of it. Will he decide he still wants romance or that he wants to be the official town sex toy?
BOOK REVIEW: At times, I wanted to slap Derek silly for falling for the tricks the tops pulled on him, but I chuckled to myself because I realized that he had become a real person instead of just a character in a gay porn novella. If you like your erotica grittier than most anthologies, you'll love this one-handed reading by Gavin Atlas. He's developed Derek into a real person that you want to root for, be in his place with his boots in the air, and sometimes, want to be the naughty top, taking advantage of his sweet ass.
The only thing that didn't ring true for me was that he came from New York. In my mind, he'd be more street smart than he is if that were the case. This little detail didn't hold me back from stroking myself while reading about his sexual adventures in his new town.
If you like gay porn, give this one a read. It'll have your cock standing at attention in no time. I recommend it.
Review by Fred Towers
Reprinted from Rainbow Reviews
Gay Book Reviews/BDSM, Gay Book Reviews/Erotica
TITLE: Simple and Easy AUTHOR: Gavin Atlas
PUBLISHER: Forbidden Publications
BOOK BLURB:Derek, a young New Yorker, is tired of being treated like a piece of meat by his boyfriend. He moves to Richmond, a smaller city in the South, hoping to find love. However, he's not prepared for the overwhelming response to his arrival. Sure, he was considered cute in New York, but handsome guys there are a dime a dozen. In Richmond, he's the hottest bottom around. Derek isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, and quickly earns a reputation of being “simple and easy.” He tries to behave, but before long, the city's tops are tricking him into giving up his rump all the time. Derek discovers that he loves every minute of it. Will he decide he still wants romance or that he wants to be the official town sex toy?
BOOK REVIEW: At times, I wanted to slap Derek silly for falling for the tricks the tops pulled on him, but I chuckled to myself because I realized that he had become a real person instead of just a character in a gay porn novella. If you like your erotica grittier than most anthologies, you'll love this one-handed reading by Gavin Atlas. He's developed Derek into a real person that you want to root for, be in his place with his boots in the air, and sometimes, want to be the naughty top, taking advantage of his sweet ass.
The only thing that didn't ring true for me was that he came from New York. In my mind, he'd be more street smart than he is if that were the case. This little detail didn't hold me back from stroking myself while reading about his sexual adventures in his new town.
If you like gay porn, give this one a read. It'll have your cock standing at attention in no time. I recommend it.
Review by Fred Towers
Reprinted from Rainbow Reviews
Book Review: Unmasked: Erotic Tales of Gay Superheroes
Unmasked by Eric Summers
Gay Book Reviews/Fantasy, Gay Book Reviews/Anthology, Gay Book Reviews/Erotica
TITLE: Unmasked: Erotic Tales of Gay Superheroes AUTHOR: Eric Summers
ISBN: 1-934187-20-8 PUBLISHER: Starbooks Press
BOOK BLURB: Next time you are rescued from a burning building by a tall, hung, muscle-bound man in tights, will you offer your services in appreciation? Why not? Superheroes have needs just like everyone else. All you have to do is promise to protect his secret identity and try not to damage the spandex! Some things just won't wash out. With any luck, you might become a sidekick. Every superhero has a super ability, and this latest Eric Summers collection of erotic short stories highlights those incredible talents that seem to come out when the sun goes down and the bedroom door closes. But, every superhero also has a weakness. Be careful because one such superhero in Unmasked: Erotic Tales of Gay Superheroes loses his powers if he has an orgasm. What is a boy to do?
"Unmasked: Erotic Tales of Gay Superheroes" tells the stories of those hot men who are powerful in a dangerous situation and equally powerful under the covers. Try not to fall in love because the life of a superhero can be a lonely one, and the life of a heart-sick admirer can be even lonelier. Just lie back and enjoy the moment as a man with a cape and a mask takes you to new levels of ecstasy.
BOOK REVIEW: This is a hot collection of erotica, and for the superhero freaks like me, it's an amazing collection. The stories are great superhero fiction as well as hot erotica. I didn't want to like this collection, since my story was accepted at first, but was cut at the last minute. But this collection is too great to pass up.
The reader will enjoy the superheroes and the super villains in this anthology. The short stories have fully developed characters and plots, which go beyond the erotic elements. The erotica is a bonus for battling the bad guys.
I recognized some of the authors, such as Jay Starre and my friend, Stephen Osborne. You can't read an erotica anthology without coming across one of these guys. There are probably more authors that others would recognize. Whether they are known or not, all of these stories are topnotch.
I highly recommend this to superhero freaks and readers of smut. Don't miss this one!
Review by Fred Towers
Reprinted from Rainbow Reviews
Gay Book Reviews/Fantasy, Gay Book Reviews/Anthology, Gay Book Reviews/Erotica
TITLE: Unmasked: Erotic Tales of Gay Superheroes AUTHOR: Eric Summers
ISBN: 1-934187-20-8 PUBLISHER: Starbooks Press
BOOK BLURB: Next time you are rescued from a burning building by a tall, hung, muscle-bound man in tights, will you offer your services in appreciation? Why not? Superheroes have needs just like everyone else. All you have to do is promise to protect his secret identity and try not to damage the spandex! Some things just won't wash out. With any luck, you might become a sidekick. Every superhero has a super ability, and this latest Eric Summers collection of erotic short stories highlights those incredible talents that seem to come out when the sun goes down and the bedroom door closes. But, every superhero also has a weakness. Be careful because one such superhero in Unmasked: Erotic Tales of Gay Superheroes loses his powers if he has an orgasm. What is a boy to do?
"Unmasked: Erotic Tales of Gay Superheroes" tells the stories of those hot men who are powerful in a dangerous situation and equally powerful under the covers. Try not to fall in love because the life of a superhero can be a lonely one, and the life of a heart-sick admirer can be even lonelier. Just lie back and enjoy the moment as a man with a cape and a mask takes you to new levels of ecstasy.
BOOK REVIEW: This is a hot collection of erotica, and for the superhero freaks like me, it's an amazing collection. The stories are great superhero fiction as well as hot erotica. I didn't want to like this collection, since my story was accepted at first, but was cut at the last minute. But this collection is too great to pass up.
The reader will enjoy the superheroes and the super villains in this anthology. The short stories have fully developed characters and plots, which go beyond the erotic elements. The erotica is a bonus for battling the bad guys.
I recognized some of the authors, such as Jay Starre and my friend, Stephen Osborne. You can't read an erotica anthology without coming across one of these guys. There are probably more authors that others would recognize. Whether they are known or not, all of these stories are topnotch.
I highly recommend this to superhero freaks and readers of smut. Don't miss this one!
Review by Fred Towers
Reprinted from Rainbow Reviews
Book Review: First Person Plural
First Person Plural by Andrew W.M. Beierle
Gay Book Reviews/Fiction, Gay Book Reviews/Romance
TITLE: First Person Plural AUTHOR: Andrew W.M. Beierle
ISBN: 978-0-7582-1970-1 PUBLISHER: Kensington Books
Owen and Porter Jamison are conjoined twins inhabiting one body with two heads, one torso, and two very different hearts. As children, they're seen as a single entity ~ Owenandporter, or more often, Porterandowen. As they grow to adulthood, their differences become more pronounced: Porter is outgoing and charismatic while Owen is cerebral and artistic. When Porter becomes a high school jock hero, complete with cheerleader girlfriend, a greater distinction emerges, as Owen gradually comes to realize that he's gay.
I was enthralled with this book after I read the back of the book. The whole idea of conjoined twins with two different sexual orientations was very intriguing, and this book delivered everything I expected and much more. I half-expected and feared this novel would be a comedy like the movie, Stuck on You, but the book treated the subject matter with compassion and honesty that transcended that movie. This novel is a literary masterpiece.
Even though Porter's teenage years are the American dream with him being the school jock dating a cheerleader, Owen's narration describes it in a way that the reader realizes this is not your typical story. Their music career is also a little far-fetched, but the narration keeps it from becoming cliche. Even though it's written from Owen's viewpoint, all the characters are three-dimensional and realistic, breathing individuals, including the minor characters. His narration is always honest.
At times, I forgot that Owen and Porter were conjoined twins because they are painted as two different individuals, but then, the plot reminded me that they were indeed conjoined, and that fact added tension to normal everyday things that I would take for granted. Beierle takes all the characters beyond the stereotypes. For example, Faith is much more than the Southern Baptist wife of Porter. Her emotional struggles with pregnancy, marriage, and Owen's sexuality are realistic and never stereotypical. It would have been easy for Beierle to go with the stereotypes, but he broke away from them until all his characters could walk and talk to the reader like a friend.
This novel is a literary coming-of-age, romance novel, which doesn't fit most labels associated with books. I struggled with putting this book under gay fiction because I didn't want to limit its readership. It's a book we should all read and digest. It has something that all readers could learn and grow from. The novel includes a reading group guide with questions for discussion. I HIGHLY recommend this book for ALL readers.
Review by Fred Towers
Reprinted from Rainbow Reviews
Gay Book Reviews/Fiction, Gay Book Reviews/Romance
TITLE: First Person Plural AUTHOR: Andrew W.M. Beierle
ISBN: 978-0-7582-1970-1 PUBLISHER: Kensington Books
Owen and Porter Jamison are conjoined twins inhabiting one body with two heads, one torso, and two very different hearts. As children, they're seen as a single entity ~ Owenandporter, or more often, Porterandowen. As they grow to adulthood, their differences become more pronounced: Porter is outgoing and charismatic while Owen is cerebral and artistic. When Porter becomes a high school jock hero, complete with cheerleader girlfriend, a greater distinction emerges, as Owen gradually comes to realize that he's gay.
I was enthralled with this book after I read the back of the book. The whole idea of conjoined twins with two different sexual orientations was very intriguing, and this book delivered everything I expected and much more. I half-expected and feared this novel would be a comedy like the movie, Stuck on You, but the book treated the subject matter with compassion and honesty that transcended that movie. This novel is a literary masterpiece.
Even though Porter's teenage years are the American dream with him being the school jock dating a cheerleader, Owen's narration describes it in a way that the reader realizes this is not your typical story. Their music career is also a little far-fetched, but the narration keeps it from becoming cliche. Even though it's written from Owen's viewpoint, all the characters are three-dimensional and realistic, breathing individuals, including the minor characters. His narration is always honest.
At times, I forgot that Owen and Porter were conjoined twins because they are painted as two different individuals, but then, the plot reminded me that they were indeed conjoined, and that fact added tension to normal everyday things that I would take for granted. Beierle takes all the characters beyond the stereotypes. For example, Faith is much more than the Southern Baptist wife of Porter. Her emotional struggles with pregnancy, marriage, and Owen's sexuality are realistic and never stereotypical. It would have been easy for Beierle to go with the stereotypes, but he broke away from them until all his characters could walk and talk to the reader like a friend.
This novel is a literary coming-of-age, romance novel, which doesn't fit most labels associated with books. I struggled with putting this book under gay fiction because I didn't want to limit its readership. It's a book we should all read and digest. It has something that all readers could learn and grow from. The novel includes a reading group guide with questions for discussion. I HIGHLY recommend this book for ALL readers.
Review by Fred Towers
Reprinted from Rainbow Reviews
Book Review: Through Neon Eyes: Zoner
Through Neon Eyes: Zoner by Michael Barnette
Gay Book Reviews/Science Fiction, Gay Book Reviews/Erotica
TITLE: Through Neon Eyes: Zoner AUTHOR: Michael Barnette
PUBLISHER: Mojocastle Press
David Jessman has it all. A great job, a wonderful home and wealth. What he doesn't have is a lover, but that's about to change ...
The setting of this futuristic BDSM yaoi story is established by the author early. He describes how the main character, Mr. Jessman was kidnapped by NeuroTech from Megalli-Loran Corporation. He wonders why MLC hasn't tried to get him back, while he waits for someone he's hired to entertain him for the evening. He soon discovers the truth about MLC's desire for him, when Bells arrives.
I believe I felt distanced from both characters because the narrator never allows the reader to get too close to them. The fact that both characters are always referred to by what I believe is their last name is part of that distance. I don't know if the author wanted it that way because of the BDSM theme with one character being a sadistic top, while the other one discovers his desire for the bottom role. I wanted to be able to get inside the characters more and learn more about them. I wonder if the author wanted to stretch the character development throughout the series of stories. I wanted more depth, but they may come in future installments in this series. Based on the cover art, I thought Bells was female, but that wasn't the case. An effeminate male is typical in the yaoi genre. I did enjoy the sex scene, which extended throughout the majority of this installment of the Through Neon Eyes series. I recommend this for yaoi fans and scifi erotica fans, who are willing to take a chance on a series of short, futuristic novellas. This was a fun, entertaining read.
Review by Fred Towers
Reprinted from Rainbow Reviews
Gay Book Reviews/Science Fiction, Gay Book Reviews/Erotica
TITLE: Through Neon Eyes: Zoner AUTHOR: Michael Barnette
PUBLISHER: Mojocastle Press
David Jessman has it all. A great job, a wonderful home and wealth. What he doesn't have is a lover, but that's about to change ...
The setting of this futuristic BDSM yaoi story is established by the author early. He describes how the main character, Mr. Jessman was kidnapped by NeuroTech from Megalli-Loran Corporation. He wonders why MLC hasn't tried to get him back, while he waits for someone he's hired to entertain him for the evening. He soon discovers the truth about MLC's desire for him, when Bells arrives.
I believe I felt distanced from both characters because the narrator never allows the reader to get too close to them. The fact that both characters are always referred to by what I believe is their last name is part of that distance. I don't know if the author wanted it that way because of the BDSM theme with one character being a sadistic top, while the other one discovers his desire for the bottom role. I wanted to be able to get inside the characters more and learn more about them. I wonder if the author wanted to stretch the character development throughout the series of stories. I wanted more depth, but they may come in future installments in this series. Based on the cover art, I thought Bells was female, but that wasn't the case. An effeminate male is typical in the yaoi genre. I did enjoy the sex scene, which extended throughout the majority of this installment of the Through Neon Eyes series. I recommend this for yaoi fans and scifi erotica fans, who are willing to take a chance on a series of short, futuristic novellas. This was a fun, entertaining read.
Review by Fred Towers
Reprinted from Rainbow Reviews
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