Review: Breathlessly Waiting for Book Two!!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 13, 2014
What an impressive first book by an exciting new talent, Bey Deckard. I truly loved the characters and the story, but I was astounded by the beauty, depth and freshness of the writing; a skillful display of a sub-genre (mm romance) redefining its preconceived limitations and becoming a literary treat. "Caged" is a thrilling adventure exploring the high seas and the dark, myriad passages of the heart. *sigh* Sorry for the touch of melodrama, but I'm more than a little infatuated with Jon, Baltsaros and Tom.The MC, Jon, possess a keen insight into other people- so much so that his stepfather, Reginald, employs his powers of perception in the dungeons, on the tortured accused.  It's a skill that is part observation and intuition borne from a childhood of isolation and emotional neglect.As of late, Jon has been suffering from a terrible malady that leaves him stricken with debilitating headaches, fever and nausea. Nonetheless, he is sent to gather information concerning a particularly gruesome murder of a young prostitute. It is here that he first comes face to face with his fate- Baltsaros and Tom.Captain Baltsaros is handsome and exotic with a dark streak an ocean wide- he, along with the menacingly cheerful Tom, are the first people that Jon has failed to fully "read."Although initially kidnapped for the use of his gift, Jon swiftly finds life aboard a pirate ship much to his liking, even if it unsettles an already turbulent relationship between the captain and first mate.There's really a lot going on in this book (in a completely good way). It's part swashbuckling adventure, romance, erotic thriller and frightening canvass of the human psyche but whatever role it assumes, it does it well. It's entirely due to the author's nimble handling that characters as deeply flawed, even demented, can also be sympathetic; It's a merit to his writing that they have found a way into my heart.Anyway, it's an appealing read that's well worth the meager price. Trust me- this series is going to be great! Can't wait...