As Good As BRETHREN; A Fabulous, Lush, Adventure

books:


	• Matelots: Raised By Wolves, Volume Two W. A. Hoffman Alien Perspective, 2007 - 606 pages average customer review:based on 16 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

A Worthy Sequel

I was worried that this book wouldn't live up to my expectations from Brethren. I was sure that I would enjoy reading it, if for no other reason than it was more of Will and Gaston. I don't think it's possible to read Brethren without falling in love with these characters and wanting to read more. However, it seemed like most of the secrets had already been revealed in the first volume, which made me worry what could possibly be left to cover.

I need not have worried. The relationship between Will and Gaston progresses much further than I ever thought it would. The exploration of their love and it's limits (or lack thereof) is a very interesting topic for this book. Additionally, there is more sex in this book, and Will and Gaston find new ways of dealing with their issues. I still felt as though I was living in their world while reading the book, and found it extremely hard to put down.

I am anxiously awaiting book 3. If you have any doubt if you should buy this book, go buy it anyway, and go ahead and preorder book 3 for yourself. You're going to want it.

for more information click here

superb gay read

I have been a fan of historical novels since I read Gone with the Wind as a 14 year old. However, I always wished for gay novels written with a historical twist that were long reads. I will always pick a longer novel over a shorter one. And this one has wonderfully developed characters and a wonderful plot. I really have enjoyed watching the madness of Gaston be calmed and somehwat controlled by Will. I am ready for volume III.

for more information click here

Just as good as the first one!

This wonderful book continues the story of Will and Gaston... I just love them and I love this book! I highly recommend you read it!!!

for more information click here

Unique, Moving, and Entertaining

I remember falling in love with Treasure Island by R.L. Stevenson as a kid and wishing for an adult version ever since. This series fulfills that nostalgic longing for a well-researched, emotionally complex, and sexually explicit m/m-centric pirate romp. The plot turns are immensely entertaining and the personalities equally engaging. I was riveted by the central love story as the author skillfully relates every nuance of their painful pasts and developing relationship. I especially enjoyed the battle scenes and the generous descriptions of the heroes' and fellow bucaneers' combat prowess. The political subtext of the bucaneers as freeman carving out a life independent of empire is inspiring too. I hope that you enjoy this series as much as I do.

for more information click here

As Good As BRETHREN; A Fabulous, Lush, Adventure

I am lost for words that would describe just how much I love MATELOTS and the previous BRETHREN and indeed, I'm certain, the entire RAISED BY WOLVES series. I have read countless books and enjoyed many over many decades, but few truly stand out, and I certainly didn't expect a M/M romance series would affect me so greatly--but as those of you who have experienced these books know, they are unique.

The almost day-by-day accounting of life among the 17thC. buccaneers is magical in its depth and detail all on its own. These books are wonderfully long and expansive and as I said in my review of the first book, one can sink completely into another world and live fabulous adventures without danger or discomfort and yet see and feel everything. It's the ultimate experience for a reader of adventure tales, particularly if they enjoy experiences far from the mundane.

And for those of us who also enjoy character-driven tales, Will and Gaston's tale is fascinating. Will is someone who lives and loves passionately--and also thoughtfully. He's an observer of the human condition with his thoughts about wolves and sheep and centaurs. He seeks to understand the complexities of human nature, particularly when it comes to Gaston, who is not just damaged by his past, but has a kind of madness that was a part of him from birth. The ruminations on society and morality and other philosophies can sometimes seem anachronistically modern, but just as Hoffman's world is convincing and detailed, so are her characters, and Will's revolutionary thinking is organic and explained... and realistically portrayed, as he's no constant crusader for reform. Mostly, he just wishes to live honestly as a lover of men at a time when this was difficult--and this may seem modern too, but not really; people are not so different in their hopes and desires whether living centuries ago or currently. But really, do I care? No. Will can want to educate the slaves or not. I'll want to read about him all the same. And Gaston, too. These are characters to fall in love with no matter what your orientation. As with BRETHREN, the secondary characters are fantastic, too. Striker, Pete, Cudro, Otter, Liam, the Bard, Theodore--and introduced in this book, Agnes and Sarah.

In this installment, which opens right after the last book, Will first needs to help Gaston gain control over his madness, which has been gripping him since his torture/treatment at the hands of the crazy doctor. There are also changes coming to the buccaneers. New men arrive on Jamaica every day and many follow the lure of gold that piracy seems to promise, without caring for the traditions of the Brethren of the Coast. Amongst old friends who do hold to traditions, changes are happening, too. Will is instructed by his father to marry--and learns that Gaston desires him to have children some day. Striker lets it be known that he's also wished for children--and a wife, but fears Pete will kill someone rather than let that happen. Much of the first part of this book, the captain and crew of the Virgin Queen are sailing on their own, or in Port Royal, or off on other parts of the islands. There is action in the latter part when Henry Morgan gathers together the buccaneers for his famous action in Panama. But there is not a dull moment in the entire 600 pages of this book.

I am so grateful that the author has written this series. Sometimes books can be magic of the highest order--casting a spell that can transport a reader to other worlds to meet and adventure with people who can be known better than oneself. For me, Hoffman has cast such a magnificent spell that it can make life seem truly magical. I can't wait to read the next book (which fortunately for me, is available as I write this). I will need to wait for the right moment when I can put aside time to immerse myself again in this amazingly vivid world with these incredible characters and adventures. These are among the few books I wish would never end, so I know I will be re-reading them as soon as I can.

for more information click here

reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4

Buccaneer adventure/romance. The second of a series chronicling the relationship between an emotionally wounded and disenchanted English lord and an insane and lonely French exile, set among the buccaneers of Port Royal, Jamaica, in 1667.

hot