 If I'd been a little younger, this would be where I'd be saying Oh. My. God. Maybe even OMG. Because reading this book is simply one of those experiences which will stay with me for a long, long time. Wow.
I'm talking about the Special Forces trilogy (Soldiers, Mercenaries I/II, and Veterans) by Aleksandr Voinov and Marquesate. Almost 3,400 pages, and it was way too short. I've been reading extra slowly this entire week, desperately trying to stretch the last two hundred pages or so because I really, really didn't want it to end. I've been living in these two guys' world for weeks now, and I can't bear to part ways. It's a really harsh story in many ways; the saga about two soldiers on each side during the Cold War. As a matter of fact, many readers will probably balk at the violence and misery in it; consider yourself warned. What drew me into the story was the very real, very raw feeling in it - and the incredibly well done characterization. These men are soldiers, flawed and damaged and intriguing, and they aged and developed over twenty-five years. It's an impressive accomplishment. And did I mention that the story is free? Yes, it's hard to believe, but it is. You can find it on Aleksandr Voinov's page and on Marquesate's page. Beware: The point of view is jumpy, which made me dizzy in the beginning. Stick with it anyway; it's totally worth it. Now I have to drag myself out of this universe and back into my own reality.
KristiP
10/4/2013 08:59:50
I have Soldiers downloaded, but I haven't started it yet. I just finished the 3rd book (out of 4) from the In The Company Of Shadows series (also free), and I need recovery time before I head into dark territory again.
KristiP
10/4/2013 09:01:10
I swear I typed "addiction"!
CB Conwy
10/4/2013 12:18:26
Oh, if you need to read something lighter, then you definitely shouldn't read Special Forces yet! I remember looking down at the page numbers while reading and thinking "the first remotely pleasurable sex in this story - and we're eight hundred pages in"! It's really dark at times, but that makes it all so much better when they're put back together... But I must admit that right now, I have to read a book about a wereboa; I really, really need something lighter!
KristiP
10/4/2013 21:19:50
Free stories also lead you to some amazing, new-to-you authors!
CB Conwy
10/29/2013 13:07:47
Kristi! Now you got me hooked on In the Company of Shadows! And you're right, it's very, very dark. And reading it is a bit like listening to Wagner; dear God, it's long. But I still can't put it down, even though I had to take a break before book three and read something lighter. I do feel like shouting "WILL THE TWO OF YOU JUST TALK, FOR GOD'S SAKE!" now and then, but I'm still hooked. And worried for my poor characters. But let's face it: I'm a sucker for a troubled hero:).
KristiP
10/29/2013 14:36:02
It feels good to spread the pain around...I picked up ICoS because a fellow m/m reader was so enthusiastic, and she was particularly gleeful about sharing the pain. I still haven't started Fade. I needed a longer break than I thought I would. I'm so addicted to HEA, and I'm not sure Sin and Boyd have one waiting.
CB Conwy
10/29/2013 16:13:32
Oh, please don't say that! I'm a fellow HEA addict, and I can't bear the thought of 5,500 pages of misery without some sort of relief. But you're right, that could very well be the case... Comments are closed.
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CB Conwy
I read and I write - everything from corporate to kink. My naughty fictional friends are always there to make my life interesting. And pester me, of course. Pesky creatures. Archives
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