Title: Skybound
Author: Aleksandr Voinov
Genre: m/m historical
Print length: 43 pages
Publication date: August 18, 2012
Rating: Four and a Half Stars
Blurb: Germany, 1945. The Third Reich is on its knees as Allied forces bomb Berlin to break the last resistance. Yet on an airfield near Berlin, the battle is far from over for a young mechanic, Felix, who’s attached to a squadron of fighter pilots. He’s especially attached to fighter ace Baldur Vogt, a man he admires and secretly loves. But there’s no room for love at the end of the world, never mind in Nazi Germany.
When Baldur narrowly cheats death, Felix pulls him from his plane, and the pilot makes his riskiest move yet. He takes a few days’ leave to recover, and he takes Felix with him. Away from the pressures of the airfield, their bond deepens, and Baldur shows Felix the kind of brotherhood he’d only ever dreamed of before.
But there’s no escaping the war, and when they return, Baldur joins the fray again in the skies over Berlin. As the Allies close in on the airfield where Felix waits for his lover, Baldur must face the truth that he is no longer the only one in mortal danger.
Review:
This story is short but powerful. On the losing side of a war, the German forces are fighting their last battles. The main character is a mechanic, working tirelessly to repair fighter planes so the man he worships can fly into the danger and defend Berlin from the invading forces.
Rarely ever does an author in this genre dare to step this far outside the comfort zone. There is very little about the German forces in that time period that will inspire sympathy. Yet, within the first few pages, the stark reality of a war is revealed. It doesn’t matter which side is right or wrong, nor does it matter who wins or loses, because war reduces all men to baser creatures. In the end, when surrounded by death, each man will focus on saving what is most dear to him.
Felix is a simple character prone to unexpected glimmers of insight and depth. The story is narrated from his point of view. He struck me as a young man, although his age is never stated. A man who dreamt of flying as a boy but when the time came, failed the test. Some parts of him are sweet and uncomplicated, almost idealistic.
“I would devote myself like this to another man. Take a bullet meant for him, and die in his arms, knowing I had fulfilled my destiny.”
The man he worships from afar is a fighter pilot, a legend. Vogt is a bit elusive through most of the story, partly because we don’t have access to his point of view. His first interaction with Felix centers around a bullet that Felix had dug out of the pilot seat, and those few sentences they exchange are almost too painful to read.
Their entire relationship is full of melancholy. Not only because the war is at their doorstep, but because they are so different from each other. Everything about Vogt, as seen through Felix’s eyes, is intimidating. The way he carries himself, the things he says so nonchalantly and without the slightest regard of how they may be perceived, even his reading material. Herodotus’s Histories, a far cry from the fanciful and highly imaginative Karl May adventures that Felix is reading. With each page I felt more and more anxious for Felix, more and more certain that the story would end in heartbreak.
“I’m the eagle who died in his egg while my brother grew up strong and proud.”
Still, a connection blooms between the two men. Something beautiful and fragile and short, made all the more powerful by the fact that this is likely to be their only time together. As the end nears, the despair deepens. We all know how WWII ended. The German forces are determined to fight until they are completely obliterated. A mention is made of suicide missions, of fighting to the last man. The story accelerates, and although you might think you know how it will all end, you will be wrong. Trust me.
This brings me to the only reason why this book did not receive five stars. As much as I loved the ending, it struck me as an entirely unrealistic scenario. It also left me with a feeling that this was not the ending the author had originally intended. Regardless, this book was so exquisite that such a small imperfection, in my opinion, can be overlooked.
Aleksandr Voinov has a skill with words that is almost impossible to match. Each sentence in this story has a beauty of its own. I tend to highlight the passages that strike a chord in me when reading a book for the first time. In this book, I gave up after the first dozen pages having highlighted nearly every other section. I’m embarrassed to admit that this is the first Aleksandr Voinov novel I’ve read, but I will be remedying this very soon.
This may be labeled as a m/m romance but it’s so much more; a piece of history brought to life, threaded with unanticipated poetry. I recommend it with all my heart.
Buy it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008ZPFP3O/ref=oh_d__o07_details_o07__i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
More titles by Aleksandr Voinov:
Title: Gold Digger
Author: Aleksandr Voinov
Genre: m/m romance
Print length: 136 pages
Publication date: September 15, 2012
Overall reviewer rating: Four Stars
Blurb: Nikolai Krasnorada leads the life of a corporate nomad. Working for a gold explorations company, he’s never put down roots, and he likes it that way. Roots can be dangerous, as everyone from his “man-hating” sister to his manipulative mother to his war-traumatized father has proven.
But when his CEO sends him to Toronto to strike a deal with LeBeau Mining, Nikolai meets Henri LeBeau, crown prince to the resources conglomerate and inveterate flirt. Sparks fly immediately, despite the business deal that threatens to go sour and Nikolai’s own reluctance to give Henri false hope about him being Mr. Right. He’s barely come to terms with his bisexuality, and getting involved with Henri would get messy.
When LeBeau Mining launches a hostile takeover bid, Nikolai and Henri find themselves on opposite sides of the negotiating table. But fortunately—or perhaps unfortunately—for Nikolai, Henri’s not nearly as interested in his company as he is in his heart.
Review by Attention Is Arbitrary M/M Book Reviews:
A very fine stand-alone as well as a must-read for established Special Forces fans. I would also nominate this as an excellent first male/male romance book.
Aleksandr Voinov's voice takes on a fresher, lighter tone yet remains sophisticated in this highly enjoyable romance. I've been anxiously awaiting this new look at the next generation of his Special Forces characters. While it's possible that this book was written purely to indulge his fan's wanton pleading, I honestly believe this project was something the author enjoyed pursuing.
For the past eight months I have been rereading, buddy reading, quoting and praising the epic Special Forces. It's kind of like that first rock album you really connected with and had to share it with everyone willing to listen, in an effort to keep it alive and valid. So, when I heard that Aleks would continue the story, I was thrilled. When I heard the story would be contemporary and revolve around Nikolai, Vadim's son, I was intrigued. When I found that it would be a "sweet romance", I was apprehensive. How could the tragic, physically invasive SF be turned into anything sweet? Duh, I've said this before; I trust Aleks writing and I trust his vision. What he created here was a new day, a new path, while simultaneously easing my soul and giving much needed comfort. Well done.
THE CHARACTERS
There's much better than me out there for you.
Nikolai Krasnorada - Strong, gorgeous, open-minded and introverted. Nikolai is a surprising character to develop from the madness that is Special Forces. He feels normal, average and yet leads a lifestyle many would envy. An explorer by nature or just seeking something he's never known, he works hard to keep a birds-eye-view of his family's, uh, unique quirks.
"The harmless one"
Henri LeBeau - Smooth, rich, flirtatious and the enemy. Wow, what's not to like there?
Vadim sat...back to the wall, seemingly playing with his smartphone -- or really plotting who to kill first...with nothing more than a coctail umbrella.
Vadim Krasnorada - I had instant concern for Vadim in this story. The god-like strength is subdued, vulnerable and he fears losing someone he loves deeply. His brilliance, cunning and protective nature are completely intact. I love him more than ever.
Anya - So like her mother. Competitive, manipulative, mean.
I have to say that it was quite interesting to watch Voinov work with the more "normal" characters of Nikolai and Henri. As a fan, I've seen him develop and present some fascinating, unique and complex characters, so seeing his ability with regular guys was enlightening.
THE STORY
It turns out, for me, this was the perfect contrast to Special Forces. A modern story reflecting a more progressive, yet far from perfect world. Opening within the exciting and fast-paced corporate world, Nikolai and Henri are in high-level discussions relating to corporate mergers and takeovers. The two men are both successful in business but have each forestalled their personal lives. The tentative attraction is acknowledged, but Nikolai is not one to be pinned down. His family has not given him much reason to seek anything long term.
There are glimpses of the parents and family who have worked to achieve certain levels so that their children can have a different type of life. For all that parents strive to make their children's lives easier, smoother, those children must still attain their own sense of self via pitfalls and success.
A strong and necessary undercurrent in the book revolves around Nikolai and Vadim's incomplete relationship. I found myself crying for Vadim. I think you will too.
The Anya twist is reminiscent and surprising. Voinov's genius was showing when he developed this plot line. I have to wonder how long he was sitting on that idea.
THE WRITING
The chemistry and the banter.
This is why I think Voinov found enjoyment in these characters. It was clear in the writing style that he liked both Nikolai and Henri and I found it delightful that he could interest me in such normal, warm and "real" guys.
The story was quick, lively and well written. Again, I would say this would also be an excellent introduction into male/male romance. The pace, tone and visuals are easy to sink into.
...you never know what kind of memory will keep you going when you need it.
~~~~
The longer I digest this book the more satisfaction I'm taking from it. If this is Aleks' attempt to appease his fans, fine. I say more power to his fans for causing this revisit.
There are several plot lines that would be very interesting to pursue. In a very vain attempt to color Aleks' mind, I would love to see more of these characters.
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog
[...]
Review originally posted on Goodreads
Buy it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Gold-Digger-ebook/dp/B009BPUZOG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373956016&sr=8-1&keywords=aleksandr+voinov
More titles by Aleksandr Voinov:
Title: Gold Digger
Author: Aleksandr Voinov
Genre: m/m romance
Print length: 136 pages
Publication date: September 15, 2012
Overall reviewer rating: Four Stars
Blurb: Nikolai Krasnorada leads the life of a corporate nomad. Working for a gold explorations company, he’s never put down roots, and he likes it that way. Roots can be dangerous, as everyone from his “man-hating” sister to his manipulative mother to his war-traumatized father has proven.
But when his CEO sends him to Toronto to strike a deal with LeBeau Mining, Nikolai meets Henri LeBeau, crown prince to the resources conglomerate and inveterate flirt. Sparks fly immediately, despite the business deal that threatens to go sour and Nikolai’s own reluctance to give Henri false hope about him being Mr. Right. He’s barely come to terms with his bisexuality, and getting involved with Henri would get messy.
When LeBeau Mining launches a hostile takeover bid, Nikolai and Henri find themselves on opposite sides of the negotiating table. But fortunately—or perhaps unfortunately—for Nikolai, Henri’s not nearly as interested in his company as he is in his heart.
Review by Attention Is Arbitrary M/M Book Reviews:
A very fine stand-alone as well as a must-read for established Special Forces fans. I would also nominate this as an excellent first male/male romance book.
Aleksandr Voinov's voice takes on a fresher, lighter tone yet remains sophisticated in this highly enjoyable romance. I've been anxiously awaiting this new look at the next generation of his Special Forces characters. While it's possible that this book was written purely to indulge his fan's wanton pleading, I honestly believe this project was something the author enjoyed pursuing.
For the past eight months I have been rereading, buddy reading, quoting and praising the epic Special Forces. It's kind of like that first rock album you really connected with and had to share it with everyone willing to listen, in an effort to keep it alive and valid. So, when I heard that Aleks would continue the story, I was thrilled. When I heard the story would be contemporary and revolve around Nikolai, Vadim's son, I was intrigued. When I found that it would be a "sweet romance", I was apprehensive. How could the tragic, physically invasive SF be turned into anything sweet? Duh, I've said this before; I trust Aleks writing and I trust his vision. What he created here was a new day, a new path, while simultaneously easing my soul and giving much needed comfort. Well done.
THE CHARACTERS
There's much better than me out there for you.
Nikolai Krasnorada - Strong, gorgeous, open-minded and introverted. Nikolai is a surprising character to develop from the madness that is Special Forces. He feels normal, average and yet leads a lifestyle many would envy. An explorer by nature or just seeking something he's never known, he works hard to keep a birds-eye-view of his family's, uh, unique quirks.
"The harmless one"
Henri LeBeau - Smooth, rich, flirtatious and the enemy. Wow, what's not to like there?
Vadim sat...back to the wall, seemingly playing with his smartphone -- or really plotting who to kill first...with nothing more than a coctail umbrella.
Vadim Krasnorada - I had instant concern for Vadim in this story. The god-like strength is subdued, vulnerable and he fears losing someone he loves deeply. His brilliance, cunning and protective nature are completely intact. I love him more than ever.
Anya - So like her mother. Competitive, manipulative, mean.
I have to say that it was quite interesting to watch Voinov work with the more "normal" characters of Nikolai and Henri. As a fan, I've seen him develop and present some fascinating, unique and complex characters, so seeing his ability with regular guys was enlightening.
THE STORY
It turns out, for me, this was the perfect contrast to Special Forces. A modern story reflecting a more progressive, yet far from perfect world. Opening within the exciting and fast-paced corporate world, Nikolai and Henri are in high-level discussions relating to corporate mergers and takeovers. The two men are both successful in business but have each forestalled their personal lives. The tentative attraction is acknowledged, but Nikolai is not one to be pinned down. His family has not given him much reason to seek anything long term.
There are glimpses of the parents and family who have worked to achieve certain levels so that their children can have a different type of life. For all that parents strive to make their children's lives easier, smoother, those children must still attain their own sense of self via pitfalls and success.
A strong and necessary undercurrent in the book revolves around Nikolai and Vadim's incomplete relationship. I found myself crying for Vadim. I think you will too.
The Anya twist is reminiscent and surprising. Voinov's genius was showing when he developed this plot line. I have to wonder how long he was sitting on that idea.
THE WRITING
The chemistry and the banter.
This is why I think Voinov found enjoyment in these characters. It was clear in the writing style that he liked both Nikolai and Henri and I found it delightful that he could interest me in such normal, warm and "real" guys.
The story was quick, lively and well written. Again, I would say this would also be an excellent introduction into male/male romance. The pace, tone and visuals are easy to sink into.
...you never know what kind of memory will keep you going when you need it.
~~~~
The longer I digest this book the more satisfaction I'm taking from it. If this is Aleks' attempt to appease his fans, fine. I say more power to his fans for causing this revisit.
There are several plot lines that would be very interesting to pursue. In a very vain attempt to color Aleks' mind, I would love to see more of these characters.
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog
[...]
Review originally posted on Goodreads
Buy it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Gold-Digger-ebook/dp/B009BPUZOG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373956016&sr=8-1&keywords=aleksandr+voinov
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