Review: 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 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.

To be honest I liked this way more than I expected I would.  I had just finished reading an amazing series and I couldn’t help but compare this book to it.  But, once I got into the story I found myself comparing it less and less.  The world building was fascinating.  It was well thought out; no stone left unturned.  I could tell the author spent tons of time on it, planning it out to the littlest detail.

Jameson has been asked to investigate why there has been a shortage of pith, a substance used primarily for medicinal purposes.  He’s unsure as to why he was chosen for this task.  He’s a nobody, just one more psych (therapist) in a sea of others of the like.

He was nothing special, a cog in the machine.  A low-level psych who was never meant for anything greater than midlevel success.

Once he arrives on Oberon he’s greeted by Xander, who will be his escort to where the pith is manufactured.  Xander is a skythane, one of the winged humans from Oberon who are ostracized from the regular humans inhabiting the strange half-planet.  Oberon is an enigma as it is literally half a planet and no one can figure out why it still exists and hasn’t gone spinning off into the universe or broken up into itty bitty pieces.

From the moment these two meet, the story takes off to an action packed adventure filled with high flying chases, gunfights, mystery and intrigue as they journey to the edge of the world and beyond.  I was glued to my screen throughout.  I just had to know what happened next and what enfolded was a fascinating tale about destiny and greatness.  These two seemingly nobodies were much more than they first appeared. 

The writing was creative.  I loved the detailed history of the planet and its inhabitants that was told gradually as the story progressed.  The character development was well above par and all of the characters, even the secondary ones, we fully fleshed.  What I loved most was the delicate balance between sci-fi and fantasy that was woven into the book.  Most of the time when I read sci-fi, it is all logical and straightforward without any fantasy to it so it was great to see a bit of magic thrown in.

I recommend Skythane to sci-fi lovers who like a little fantasy and romance mixed in to sweeten the pot.  The romance does take a backseat but I didn’t mind at all, I was busy being distracted by the fabulous world building and enthralling storyline.  They do get their HFN though, don’t worry about that.  And the ending was left open for a sequel which I’m thankful for as I want to know more about this world.  I can’t wait for the next book!

Buy Links:

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

Dreamspinner - paperback: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/skythane-by-j-scott-coatsworth-8155-b

Amazon - kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Skythane-J-Scott-Coatsworth-ebook/dp/B01MUF8D9G/

Amazon - paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Skythane-J-Coatsworth/dp/1635334039/

Barnes & Noble – paperback: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/skythane-j-scott-coatsworth/1125557133?ean=9781635334036

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/skythane

iBooks: https://linkmaker.itunes.apple.com/en-us/details/1195468498?country=us&mediaType=books&term=Skythane

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33899235-skythane?from_search=true

Review: Nachos & Hash (Mary's Boys #1) by Brandon Witt

Darwin Michaels is living his dreams in the Mile High City. While Denver offers the perfect job, scrumptious dining, and whirlwind dating options, Darwin is losing hope he’ll find the right man to spark his interest for more than a one-night stand—until he sets eyes on Cody Russell.

Cody has just accomplished his life’s goal—get the hell out of Kansas. In one fell swoop, he lands a job at Hamburger Mary’s and gets a newfound family and the chance to be with other gay people! All that’s missing is someone special. But when Darwin shows his interest, Cody is sure it’s too good to be true. After all, what can Darwin possibly see in the high school dropout serving him nachos?

As Darwin falls in love, Cody struggles to realize his worth. When his past threatens the fragile life he is building, Cody spirals into a moment of dark desperation. But Darwin is determined to show Cody that love and family and home are there for him… will Cody accept what is offered?

 “You sure you don’t want something besides nachos?  I know it’s good to be a cheap date and all, but you’re cute enough to earn a real dinner.”

Darwin’s on the latest of a long string of dates from hell and it’s taking all that is in him not to run screaming from the table.  He’s got his life in order, college, grad school, a successful career and he’s ready to take that next step.  He’s been searching for the man who will help him achieve his dream of the house with a picket fence, the husband and 3.5 kids but after this latest disaster of a date he’s about ready to swear off men for good.  Or for at least a little while.  Fortunately, his newfound resolve is derailed by the adorable little twink of a waiter at Hamburger Mary’s.

“Do we really have to play Britney every night?”

“Of course we do!  She’s like the original diva.  Without her, there’d be no Selena Gomez or Demi Lovato.”

There’s just something about Cody that Darwin can’t seem to resist.  He’s immediately enamored with the little cutie and though he has some reservations about Cody’s age he decides to stick around and get to know him better.

I have a confession to make.  This is my first Brandon Witt book and I have to say… I liked it.  Quite a bit in fact.  I went into this book not knowing anything about the way Witt writes and I was pleased by what I discovered.  By the blurb and the cover I was expecting a light romantic comedy and I got that for the most part, but I also got a whole lot more. 

For me, the overall theme of this book is perspective.  How one person views something is not necessarily how everyone else will see it.  This was clearest to me when Darwin and Cody were discussing their hopes and dreams.  How shocked Darwin was when he found out about Cody’s dreams!  He couldn’t fathom how Cody could be happy with what he wanted out of life and it made him look at it from Cody’s perspective.

There are some darker moments in this story that I won’t get into (I don’t want to spoil anything) and it touched on some very sensitive subjects that had me waiting for the incredible angst but, thankfully, it wasn’t too angsty.

I know some, once they read this, will say it was too ‘insta-love’ between Cody and Darwin and while, yes, they seemed to get together at breakneck speed and the ‘I love yous’ came soon after they got together, it really worked for this story.  It felt organic to me, like it was a natural progression.  I believed in their love.  And for those who say there’s no such thing as love at first sight?  Well, let me just tell you… I met my husband in a bar while he was on a date with another woman.  I could literally feel the connection between us from the moment our eyes met.  He ended up ditching his date and went home with me that night and never left.  Yes, that’s right, we moved in together the day we met.  Now, here we are almost 21 years later.  There is such a thing as love at first sight.  I’ve seen it.  Hell, I’m proof of it!

If you’re looking for a feel good romance with a bit, but not too much, angst that delves deeper than what is just on the surface, look no further than this book.  I think it’s safe to say that I will be reading a lot more of Witt’s work in the very near future.  I see you now, Mr. Witt, and I can’t wait to get my hands on book two! 

Dreamspinner Press
Goodreads