Review: Short and Wonderful about Corin's Life's Journey
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 6, 2014
What motivated me to read this free download was I had great experiences reading m/m books written for various contests.  So even though Playing with Shadows is extremely short, I felt I'd get a worthwhile experience.  I was right.I saw this as a journey in Corin's maturity from a young man into a man.  He was chosen to serve the Priests with the goal of learning humility and obedience.  Yes, he learned that under tough conditions but the longer he was there, the more he gained.  Corin was portrayed as one without friends, expected to do whatever the Priests ask, and survive with little food and inadequate sleeping conditions.Did Corin complain?  No, he wasn't a whiner.  Instead he looked forward to when his year's service was up.  He sought the positive aspects of each job -- Of being in the sunshine while sweeping the roof.  We learn enough about Corin to prepare for his future.Priests are usually characterized as either pompus or extremely evil.  Well, this story hits on one and it reflects the title well.  So yes this can be seen as a dark book but there isn't any torture, whipping, or other humble acts of belittling -- It's just not there.  Instead the darkness within the temple walls are sinister.  Scary.  Borderline myth, whether Corin believes or not.I was invested enough in this 65 page work that when I was done, I was hitting the author's webpage, looking for a continuing story.  I'd love to see Corin evolve to be a valued member of society, rising way above his humble farming background.  And his relationship with his mentor - I'd love to see how that progresses.  Corin is so honest, I know he'd be a wonderful main character to follow and I'd be cheering on his progress.Please.  Another book!  -- Dan's Wife