Review: Beautiful, realistic fairy tale
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 25, 2011
Beautiful, "realistic" fairy tale (not because it wasn't set in a fairy-tale universe, but because the characters and emotions were very real) about two young men who grew up together in an orphanage. Definitely not a traditional telling of a fairy tale, with the menage element added, or the hot sex scenes, but the sentiments are reminiscent of the stories I read as a little girl (and dreamed about). My eyes were definitely NOT dry when I read the sweet ending (and I don't generally cry at stories, which is a testament to Amy's craft). A sweet story without being sappy, and one that I'll be rereading again, I'm sure!MILD SPOILERS:Hammer has always kept Eirn (Air) safe, but it isn't until the two boys are nearly ready to leave the orphanage where they grew up together that they realize they are meant to be together as a couple. On the run after Hammer defends Eirn's honor, they find themselves in a magical cottage where, for the first time, they are comfortable and feel safe.At this point, the story introduces a menage element, with a third character who I won't go into much detail about (don't want to spoil it), but the character is not used to drive a wedge between the two lovers, only to deepen their relationship. The resolution of this relationship is central to the book's plot, and quite lovely.Told in the first-person narrative of Eirn, the story is sweet and poignant. I loved the second to the last line of the story, "Every dream I ever had as a child has come true, simply because Hammer loved me." And that is the strength and the beauty of this sweet book - the undying love of two men for each other, come what may.