The Stark Divide by J. Scott Coatsworth

Title: The Stark Divide

Series: Liminal Sky 01

Author: J. Scott Coatsworth

Genre: Science Fiction

Length: Novel (284pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-63533-833-1

Publisher: DSP Publications (10th October 2017)

Heat Level: Nil

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Some stories are epic.

The Earth is in a state of collapse, with wars breaking out over resources and an environment pushed to the edge by human greed.

Three living generation ships have been built with a combination of genetic mastery, artificial intelligence, technology, and raw materials harvested from the asteroid belt. This is the story of one of them—43 Ariadne, or Forever, as her inhabitants call her—a living world that carries the remaining hopes of humanity, and the three generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers working to colonize her.

From her humble beginnings as a seedling saved from disaster to the start of her journey across the void of space toward a new home for the human race, The Stark Divide tells the tales of the world, the people who made her, and the few who will become something altogether beyond human.

Humankind has just taken its first step toward the stars.

Purchase Link: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/the-stark-divide-by-j-scott-coatsworth-415-b

Review: The Stark Divide throws you into the stars as Earth races towards extinction. Humanity takes one last grasping chance to save themselves even as the world dies around them because of their stupidity, and even in the dying last breaths they continue throwing nuclear missiles at each other and condemning the entire species.   

J. Scott Coatsworth has written an amazing science fiction novel that sends shivers down your spine because of the ring of truth to it.

The setting of the story is a living world/ship that’s an amazing combination of organic/technology with an artificial intelligence that is more than it seems.

The story starts from the very beginning of Forever’s life when she’s still a seedling and the amazing crew who first ‘plant’ her. The Dressler’s crew, Captain Colin McAvery, Anastasia Anatov scientist and creator of the seedlings (Forever) and Jackson Hammond ship’s engineer, have the important task of ensuring that the seedling is planted on an asteroid so it can begin growing so it can save a portion of humanity. The problem is something’s wrong with the Dressler and it’s a race against time.

The story then jumps in time with Colin, Anastasia and Jackson’s son Aaron meeting as Forever is being colonised for human habitation. It’s a fraught time as truths come out and Forever doesn’t forget grudges.

The final segment in the story is 30 years on from Forever’s birth, while Forever still isn’t quite big enough or ready for mass human habitation the Earth is failing, and refugees are flocking to Forever.  

This really is an amazing story and while it has gay, lesbian and Trans characters I would actually say that this is a more mainstream story. There’s no romance and no one character to focus on, the story is about Forever’s journey with the stories of some of the humans who are important to her survival coming through.

The world building is absolutely amazing; we get to see a new world emerging through determination and survival instincts, we get to picture through the authors words exactly what a new world for humans might be like, living inside that world… it’s just amazing.

The characters each come to life, their hopes, dreams, fear, anger, desperation and shame comes through brilliantly, we are left in no doubt as to what the characters are going through.

This isn’t your usual science fiction story, there’s no danger other than that brought on by humans stupid actions, there’s no aliens racing to help humanity, there’s no devastating natural world event, there’s no nicely timed rescue of Earth. It’s a story of amazing ingenuity, characters connected by the beginning and shear survival instincts.

I recommend this to those who love deep science fiction stories, who adore a storyline that pulls you along in its wake, who love interesting characters, and an ending that is also a brand new beginning.

The Stark Divide by J. Scott Coatsworth Blog Tour, Interview, Excerpt & Review!

Hi peeps! We have J. Scott Coatsworth visiting today with his brand new release The Stark Divide, we have a fantastic interview with J. Scott, a great excerpt and my review, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

The Stark Divide

(Liminal Sky 01)
by

J. Scott Coatsworth

Some stories are epic.

The Earth is in a state of collapse, with wars breaking out over resources and an environment pushed to the edge by human greed.

Three living generation ships have been built with a combination of genetic mastery, artificial intelligence, technology, and raw materials harvested from the asteroid belt. This is the story of one of them—43 Ariadne, or Forever, as her inhabitants call her—a living world that carries the remaining hopes of humanity, and the three generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers working to colonize her.

From her humble beginnings as a seedling saved from disaster to the start of her journey across the void of space toward a new home for the human race, The Stark Divide tells the tales of the world, the people who made her, and the few who will become something altogether beyond human.

Humankind has just taken its first step toward the stars.

DSP Publications paperback | DSP Publications ebook | Amazon | B&NKoboiTunesQueeRomance Ink

Continue reading “The Stark Divide by J. Scott Coatsworth Blog Tour, Interview, Excerpt & Review!”

The Great North by J. Scott Coatsworth

J. Scott Coatsworth - The Great North CoverTitle: The Great North

Series: A Legendary Love Imprint 01

Author: J. Scott Coatsworth

Genre: Sci Fi, Fantasy, Myths, Legends, Gods, Post-Apocalyptic

Length: Novella (147pgs)

ISBN: B07172TL6H

Publisher: Mischief Corner Books (14th June 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Dwyn is a young man in the small, isolated town of Manicouga, son of the Minstor, who is betrothed to marry Kessa in a few weeks’ time.

Mael is shepherding the remains of his own village from the north, chased out by a terrible storm that destroyed Land’s End.

Both are trying to find their way in a post-apocalyptic world. When the two meet, their love and attraction may change the course of history.

Purchase Link: http://www.mischiefcornerbooks.com/store/p121/The_Great_North.html

Review: Dwyn lives in a small isolated village, the life ahead of him is set out before him by his father, the Minstor, and it’s not one he is particularly looking forward to. When strangers come to town telling of foul snows and a destroyed town he has no clue as to what choices he will have to make or how his actions could change the future.

Mael and his friends are fleeing Land’s End and the terrible storms that follow them, when they finally reach a small village it’s with a sense of relief but they soon feel trepidation when they learn that their religious beliefs differ so vastly. Catching the eye of the Minstor’s son Mael has to be careful, they desperately need supplies, and the Minstor has an ever watchful eye on them.  

This is a wonderful story that I found to be refreshing, it is set in post-apocalyptic Canada (roughly) and the surviving humanity live in small villages with repopulation first most in the elders minds. In Dwyn’s village relationships can only be between man and woman so they can have children, in Mael’s village relationships between same sex couples (heartmates) are accepted as long as they also have someone to have children with (breedmate). Now I can’t say if there were bisexual ménage relationships in Mael’s village, the story doesn’t cover that as it’s focused on the few people we meet in this story and we only get to know a handful of survivors from Mael’s village… so maybe there were but we just don’t meet them.

J. Scott Coatsworth has worked his magic again with the way that his words turn into visions in your mind, his world building is exceptional, dragging you into a scenes that have a simple old world feel to them. I will admit you can easily forget that there was a society with advanced technology that was wiped out until circumstances remind you; it’s quite a powerful bit of world building.

Dwyn & Mael’s relationship is kinda insta-love, but to be honest it fits the story. They have a limited time before Mael has to leave and Dwyn is desperate for more than the life that’s laid out for him, so the circumstances condense their feelings into a short timeframe making them more intense.

The storyline is brilliant, not only do with have an impending sense of doom of a forced marriage, a devastating snow storm and a mysterious spirit but we also have Dwyn’s internal struggle as he battles between what he really wants and what his father demands.

I recommend this to those who love back to basic post-apocalyptic stories, a flash romance that becomes the stuff of legends and a great story that entertains to the last page.

The Great North by J. Scott Coatsworth Excerpt & Review!

Hi peeps! We have J. Scott Coatsworth visiting today with his newest release The Great North, we have a great excerpt and my review, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

J. Scott Coatsworth - The Great North Cover

The Great North

(A Legendary Love 01)
by

J. Scott Coatsworth

Dwyn is a young man in the small, isolated town of Manicouga, son of the Minstor, who is betrothed to marry Kessa in a few weeks’ time.

Mael is shepherding the remains of his own village from the north, chased out by a terrible storm that destroyed Land’s End.

Both are trying to find their way in a post-apocalyptic world. When the two meet, their love and attraction may change the course of history.

A Legendary Love imprint from MCB is the house line for mythology themed MM books:

The Great North was inspired by St. Dwynwen’s Day, also known as Welsh Valentines Day: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwynwen

Continue reading “The Great North by J. Scott Coatsworth Excerpt & Review!”

Skythane by J. Scott Coatsworth

J. Scott Coatsworth - Skythane CoverTitle: Skythane

Author: J. Scott Coatsworth

Genre: Science Fiction

Length: Novel (244 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 17, 2017)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Jameson Havercamp, a psych from a conservative religious colony, has come to Oberon—unique among the Common Worlds—in search of a rare substance called pith. He’s guided through the wilds on his quest by Xander Kinnson, a handsome, cocky skythane with a troubled past.

Neither knows that Oberon is facing imminent destruction. Even as the world starts to fall apart around them, they have no idea what’s coming—or the bond that will develop between them as they race to avert a cataclysm.

Together, they will journey to uncover the secrets of this strange and singular world, even as it takes them beyond the bounds of reality itself to discover what truly binds them together..

ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-404-3

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/skythane-by-j-scott-coatsworth-8154-b

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Two men taken to safety as children will come together twenty five years later to save the world.  Xander is a Skythane. He’s had a hard life. Abused at the hands of a diabolical man’s hands he is saved one day by Alix who cherishes and nurtures him until Alix disappears.

Jameson grew up in a religious home and became a psych. He helps people as is what he’s always wanted to do. The time comes when he is tasked to find out where a drug called Pith comes from. It will be a journey fraught with revelations and danger, spanning decades of memories.

The twists and turns and the buried memories were spellbinding to witness. This book had it all. Drama, mystery, suspense, a corrupt corporation, a world on the brink of destruction, characters that added insight to the ever growing mystery as to what it going on, and two men who discover who they truly are and what they are destined for. Simply put this was a fascinating story that grabs your attention from the start. 

I absolutely loved, loved, loved this story. If I could rate it more than a five I would. The Skythane people were described beautifully as well as the worlds themselves. It was so elaborate that I felt as though I was there every step of the way. It was an amazing story from start to finish. 

Highly recommended for all.

Skythane by J. Scott Coatsworth Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt & Review!

J. Scott Coatsworth - Skythane Banner

Hi guys, we have J. Scott Coatsworth stopping by today with the tour for his new release Skythane, we have a fantastic guest post where Scott chats about his world building, we have a great excerpt and Shorty’s review, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~ 

J. Scott Coatsworth - Skythane Cover

Skythane

by

J. Scott Coatsworth

Jameson Havercamp, a psych from a conservative religious colony, has come to Oberon—unique among the Common Worlds—in search of a rare substance called pith. He’s guided through the wilds on his quest by Xander Kinnison, a handsome, cocky wing man with a troubled past.

Neither knows that Oberon is facing imminent destruction. Even as the world starts to fall apart around them, they have no idea what’s coming—or the bond that will develop between them as they race to avert a cataclysm.

Together, they will journey to uncover the secrets of this strange and singular world, even as it takes them beyond the bounds of reality itself to discover what truly binds them together.

Continue reading “Skythane by J. Scott Coatsworth Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt & Review!”

This Wish Tonight ~ MCB Anthology Blog Tour, Excerpts & Review!

Anthology - This Wish Tonight Banner

Hi peeps, we have This Wish Tonight anthology and it’s authors Gregory L. Norris, J. Scott Coatsworth and Wendy Rathbone stopping by for a visit today. We have some great excerpt for you to peek at and we have Lisa’s review. So check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Anthology - This Wish Tonight Cover M

This Wish Tonight

by

Gregory L. Norris, J. Scott Coatsworth & Wendy Rathbone

Warmth, family, good cheer? Not everyone associates these things with the winter holidays. For some, it’s a time of longing and reflection. Mischief Corner Books invites authors to create stories set during the holiday season and centered on the fulfillment of a wish or desire.

Fear of Fire by Gregory L. Norris

Glass Artist Lucius Price works desperately to create a holiday symbol intended to help the town of Villatopia heal from a rash of unsolved hate crimes against gay men. When he is targeted next and his studio set ablaze, handsome firefighter Oscar Ramos rescues Lucius from the flames, creating a different kind of fire during an unforgettable Christmas.

Wonderland by J. Scott Coatsworth

Zeke is a loner his late forties, living in a small cabin in rural Montana. Nathan has been traveling across country on foot since the zombie apocalypse, dealing with his OCD in an empty world.  Zeke just wants someone to love. Nathan just wants to be home again.

Fate brings them together in a winter wonderland, but their own fears and baggage may tear them apart.

Is there still hope for love at Christmas, at the end of the world?

Eve of the Great Frost by Wendy Rathbone

Remi has prepared for over a year to be the king’s gift at the annual celebration of the Eve of the Great Frost on the planet Niobe. Twelve men, taught under the tutelage of the Pleasure Master, hope to be the one (or one of several) chosen to spend an erotic night with the mysterious alien king who always wears a mask. But when Remi’s turn comes to be presented to His Majesty, everything goes wrong from a costume malfunction to breaking protocol. What happens next is a shock, and a night he will never forget

Continue reading “This Wish Tonight ~ MCB Anthology Blog Tour, Excerpts & Review!”

Myths Untold: Faery ~ Anthology

Myths Untold Faery Cover sTitle: Myths Untold: Faery

Series:  Anthology

Author: August Li, Brandon Witt, J. Scott Coatsworth, Skye Hegyes

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal

Length: Novel (247pgs)

Publisher: Wilde City Press (April 13, 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Faeries are part of mythology the world over, past, present, and future. Called elves, brownies, the fae, and more, they evoke a sense of wonder and a little danger. Faery has its own rules, and humans enter at their peril. In this spirit, we bring you the first book in the Myths Untold anthology series—four stories from the land of the Fae: a homeless man in Cardiff and the luck that could destroy him; the trans man in future San Francisco who falls for an elf; the village boy who has always been a little different; and a faery prince whose birthright was stolen from him. Welcome to Faery.

ISBN: 978-1-925313-94-9

Product Link: https://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-mainstream/myths-untold-book-one-faery/#.V8m_1DFrg4c

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: The Pwcca and the Persian Boy by Gus Li

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Glyn and Farrokh are companions and lovers trying to survive on the streets. Farrorkh learns there are homeless disappearing and so leaves to discover why until he does not return and Glyn goes looking for him. Intriguing and well written. This story draws you in till the end.

The Other Side of the Chrysalis A Myth of Men Story by Brandon Witt

Hreat Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

This was a great story but also horrifying at what was done to Quay. My heart broke for Quay’s suffering silently as he watched his perfect brother take his place. At the same time he sse’s Flessar, an outcast like him as attractive. It is forbidden for them to be together though. The whole story was both magical yet sad. It was a great mix.

Changeling by Skye Hegyes

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Tyler and Marsh were a great match in this story as one is different than the others and soon learns why. The overall feeling is learning to live with the truth and being happy in the situation as you can.

Through the Veil by J. Scott Coatsworth

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Tris takes Colton on the other side of the wall and shows him things he’s never seen before. I loved how this story showed the differences between the two men and places. It was a perfect blend to keep the reader interested.

I have to say I normally do not like all the stories in an anthology yet this one I loved them all. They each were unique in their own ways and were beautifully written. Highly recommended.

A More Perfect Union Anthology, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!!

Anthology - A More Perfect Union Banner L

Hi guys, we have four pf Dreamspinner Press’ authors B.G. Thomas, J. Scott Coatsworth, Jamie Fessenden and Michael Murphy stopping by today to celebrate the release of their marriage equality anthology, we have a short interview with all four authors, great excerpts from each of the stories and MM Good Book Reviews is throwing in a $10 Dreamspinner Press credit giveaway! So check out the post and leave a comment to enter our giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Anthology - A More Perfect Union cover s

A More Perfect Union

(Anthology)
by

B.G. Thomas, J. Scott Coatsworth, Jamie Fessenden, Michael Murphy

On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States made a monumental decision, and at long last, marriage equality became the law of the land. That ruling made history, and now gay and lesbian Americans will grow up in a country where they will never be denied the right to marry the person they love.

But what about the gay men who waited and wondered all of their lives if the day would ever come when they could stand beside the person they love and say “I do”?

Here, four accomplished authors—married gay men—offer their take on that question as they explore same-sex relationships, love, and matrimony. Men who thought legal marriage was aright they would never have. Men who, unbelievably, now stand legally joined with the men they love. With this book, they share the magic and excitement of dreams that came true—in tales of fantasy and romance with a dose of their personal experiences in the mix.

To commemorate the anniversary of full marriage equality in the US, this anthology celebrates the idea of marriage itself—and the universal truth of it that applies to us all, gay or straight.

Someday, by B.G. Thomas

Lucas Arrowood is walking to school on his first day of kindergarten when he meets Dalton Churchill—a boy who stops and helps him tie his shoe. He knows from that moment he is going to marry that boy one day.  “Boys can’t marry other boys,” his mother explains, but that doesn’t stop Lucas. He knows what he wants.

He and Dalton become best friends—and then, no matter how much he resists, Dalton falls in love with Lucas. Dalton’s very conservative family can’t accept that their boy loves another boy, but finally Dalton stands up for love and for Lucas. Still, he declares he won’t marry Lucas until it is legal everywhere. He hates the “Commitment Ceremonies” gay men have. They aren’t the real thing. Why bother?

So Lucas waits for his day. The day same-sex marriage finally becomes legal and he can be joined forever with the love of his life.

Flames, by J. Scott Coatsworth

Alex and Gio had a big fight, and Alex ran away. Then a fire at home destroyed the life they had built together, and threatened to take Gio away from him.

Alex had always thought love was enough to keep them together. Why did they need wedding rings or legal certificates? But now, with Gio lost in a coma, his mother has banished Alex from his side.

What if Alex’s voice is the only thing that can bring Gio back from the brink? Their memories are all Gio has left, and the urge to just let go is getting stronger.

Still, nothing can keep Alex from Gio’s side. If it’s against the rules, he’ll break them. In stolen moments alone together, Alex fights to bring him back, one memory at a time.

Destined, by Jamie Fessenden

When Jay and Wallace first meet at an LGBTQ group, they have no idea they’ll be dating six years later. In fact, they quickly forget each other’s names. But although fate continues to throw them together, the timing is never quite right. Finally they’re both single and  realize they want to be together… but now they can’t find each other! With determination and the help of mutual friends, Jay and Wallace can finally pursue the relationship they’ve both wanted for so long.

It’s only the beginning of the battles they’ll face to build a life together.

From disapproving family members all the way to the state legislature, Jay and Wallace’s road to happily ever after is littered with obstacles. But they’ve come too far to give up the fight.

Jeordi and Tom, by Michael Murphy

Living as an open, loving gay couple in the rural South isn’t easy—even today.

When Jeordi and Tom move in together and come out to their families, Jeordi’s family does not take the news especially well. When yelling doesn’t work, they send in one sibling after another to try to separate the couple. When that fails, they call out their pastor to help Jeordi see the error of his ways. But Jeordi’s love for Tom is greater than anything they throw at them.

When an accident sends Jeordi to the hospital, his family goes too far when they try to keep Tom from visiting his partner. Jeordi and Tom are determined to do everything in their power to gain legal protection so this can never happen again. But when a bigoted county clerk refuses to issue them a marriage license, Jeordi decides a big, bold effort is called for, which is precisely what he sets in moVon so no one can ever separate him from Tom again.

Continue reading “A More Perfect Union Anthology, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!!”

Myths Untold: Faery Anthology Blog Tour & Interview Question!

Myths Untold Faery B1 copy

Hi guys, we have August Li, Brandon Witt, J. Scott Coatsworth, Skye Hegyes stopping by to celebrate their new release the anthology Myths Untold: Faery, I asked the guys where they got their inspiration for their stories so check out their answers. Enjoy the post <3 ~Pixie~

Myths Untold Faery Cover s

Myths Untold: Faery

by

August Li, Brandon Witt, J. Scott Coatsworth, Skye Hegyes,

Faeries are part of mythology the world over, past, present, and future. Called elves, brownies, the fae, and more, they evoke a sense of wonder and a little danger. Faery has its own rules, and humans enter at their peril.

In this spirit, we bring you the first book in the Myths Untold anthology series—four stories from the land of the Fae: a homeless man in Cardiff and the luck that could destroy him; the trans man in future San Francisco who falls for an elf; the village boy who has always been a little different; and a faery prince whose birthright was stolen from him.

Welcome to Faery.

The Pwcca and the Persian Boy, by Gus Li

Despite beauty and luck, something about Glyn makes everyone uncomfortable. Homeless on the streets of Cardiff, he has nothing to keep him going but his friendship with Farrokh. Through stealing and fortune’s occasional favor, Glyn keeps them alive. But then homeless youths begin to disappear, and when Farrokh goes missing, Glyn begins to discover the reasons behind both his luck and the way people react to him. Determined to save his friend from a danger he never imagined, he enlists the help of Lleu, who might be an ally, or might be manipulating Glyn to achieve his own goals.

The Other Side of the Chrysalis, by Brandon Witt

In a species that values beauty above all else, Quay looses both his freedom and his birthright as prince of the fairies.  Lower than an outcast, he watches over his younger brother, hoping against hope that Xenith’s rebirth will provide safety and positions that has slipped through Quay’s grasp.  Though he expected kindness from no one, Quay gradually starts to trust that there is more to life, even for the likes of him, as sexual encounters with Flesser, a fairy barely accepted himself, turn from lust to love.  Quay knows having forbidden relationships will be his undoing,  but he is powerless to turn away.

Changeling, by Skye Hegyes

With his pointed ears and a tail, Tyler’s always been different than the other children, but until Marsh, a brownie tells him he’s a changeling, he never thought he wasn’t human. Now he will discover what faery life is like, and just how being a changeling could change his life. On the way, his ties with his mother will be pushed and prodded even as his friendships grow and his love life blossoms.  However, in a village of God-fearing people, those who are different are spurned and Tyler will discover how much trouble a fledgling changeling can get into.

Through the Veil, by J. Scott Coatsworth

In the not-too-distant future, San Francisco has been swamped by rising sea levels caused by global warming, and has only survived by building a wall to keep the water out of the heart of the City. Colton is a trans man barely getting by on the canals outside the wall. Tris is an elf who has come to the human world on his journey to become a man. Fate brings them together, and everything changes for Colton when he sets out with Tris to find the elf’s missing brother, taking Colton behind the Wall for the first time.

Continue reading “Myths Untold: Faery Anthology Blog Tour & Interview Question!”