Scarred by J.M. Snyder, July 19, 2007

In an post apocalyptic world, Dae owns a diner in an almost abandoned city. No law reigns unless the regulators' law, biker gang who patrolling the zone.

Dae must protect his younger sister and so he takes on him all the brutality of the gangs member, in particular of the leader. So now Dae is alive but his body is scarred, like his soul. He no more has hope.

But one day a new regulater arrives in the city: Coby is younger but he is also a born leader. But when he is with Dae, he has a gentle touch. He promises not to hurt Dae. He says he will return to Dae every night, and every night he returns. So maybe Dae can find some hope inside him.

This is a wonderful story, of a love who blossoms among the pain. Cody is so tender and caring, Dae, even if he is older, is like a baby who reborns with the gentle touch of Cody. It is also an over romantic story, and of passion, even if you will not find the mere act of sex: the passion is all in the magic touch of Cody, and a kiss will be the ultimate gift.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/059523111X/?tag=elimyrevandra-20

JM Snyder's collection of novellas is outstanding. The stories draw the reader in with more depth than is usually found in short stories, and well-developed characters. "Scarred" is the best offering here, I agree, but the other stories are also gems.

But, what really shines in this book is the author's writing. It is very well done and also quite unique. Each story is told is a different way. The first story, "VR Palace", is written in the second person point of view! This is something I have never come across in fiction before, and I read a lot. Third person ("he, she, they") with an omnicient narrator is the norm, with first person ("I") storytelling becoming more common. However, by using "you," the reader becomes the man who has created the perfect "playmate." It is cleverly done, and placed me in the story in a way I've never experienced before.

If you are looking for high quality writing, with a fresh style, then grab up this book today. I will definitely be buying more books from JM. ( )