Xen (1)

It's been awhile, years, since I ventured into horror short stories. I'm acquainted with Sanders's work, which you'd think would be encouraging. And it is! Technically. Just, he writes on a visceral level. His romances dig deep into characters and reveal what many authors gloss over, and that challenges me, sometimes in unexpected ways. I like that. (Right after I stop cursing and using up tissues.)

So, take that ability to challenge, remove the HEA, and crank the 'oh crap' knob to 11, and show more there you go. (People who know me won't be surprised that the last story, "flicker," is my favorite of these three tales.) show less

This is an early work of the author's, "remastered," if you will.

The story hits me where I live: people with unusual, rare powers struggle against prejudice, and our protagonist is caught in a unique spot regarding good versus evil and his lack of choice in the matter. Having read Shatterproof just recently, Sanders' progress in writing skill is obvious, but From the Ashes is very good, and I'm glad to have read it.

Minor quibbles; one sex scene struck me as improbable, and there's a little show more repetition here and there within paragraphs. A stronger ending would've earned a fifth star from me. show less

I loved the first version of this story.

This one is SO MUCH BETTER. Magnificent!

This version is what the author originally intended. Beyond the intensely personal emotional and ethical struggles of Gray and Saint, (the struggle through two different darknesses, human and sidhe,
and the love that could heal them, if only they can find the way through), lies a bigger story. Much bigger. I read the last words both satisfied and intrigued, eager for what comes next.