Review: Gay-Themed Fantasy Page Turner That More Than Holds Its Own Against Other Books In the Genre
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 9, 2013
Citiyo Dreams is an interesting supernatural-fantasy tale about a young man named Citiyo Jackson who discovers that the world isn't quite the way he had always thought it to be.  While arriving to school one morning with his best friend Ruby, he meets a charismatic young man named Jon.  Jon, as it turns out, possesses a number of supernatural abilities along with the rest of his family.  As Citiyo is drawn in to the drama of Jon's life, the two begin to fall in love with one another, but ultimately this love is tested by fate and forces seemingly beyond their control.  Ultimately, Citiyo discovers that he also possesses great powers, but must learn how to control them in order to not hurt the ones around him who he cherishes the most.One could easily say that this is a gay version of Twilight, but that wouldn't do Citiyo Dreams justice.  Author Jamie Assiah does a remarkably good job at teasing out Citiyo's complex personality, that seems torn between obligations to family and the desire to make his own path in life.  He already faces stigmatization due to being biracial, but the loneliness he feels is only compounded by his sexual orientation.  The supporting characters are also drawn beautifully, including the lovely minister's daughter Ruby and the ever-supportive yet bluntly speaking grandpa.Above all else, Citiyo Dreams is an emotionally-satisfying, provocative tale that will keep readers turning the page.  In fact, it is easy enough to read the whole novel in just two sittings, because it is just that good.  The love between Jon and Citiyo is authentic, and isn't rushed or over sexual.  It develops slowly during the course of the novel, and I was more than happy to follow this transformation of their relationship as it blossomed.  Overall, it is rare to find a homosexual relationship portrayed in fantasy fiction that isn't overtly sexual and reduced tor random acts of sex.  With Jon and Citiyo, the reader cares for them and their relationship, and that helps to set up the emotional drama that follows as the story reaches its end.The ending itself really showcases the talents of the writer Jamie Assiah.  Unlike so many other books within the fantasy genre, the resolution to the story isn't wrapped in a neat package where everything is worked out for the better and life seems perfect.  Instead, the ending is true to the way things often happen in the real world.  Citiyo must endure difficult lessons and accept hard truths in order to grow as an individual and follow his own journey in life.  At the conclusion, he has become a different man, but hasn't fully achieved everything he desires.