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roannasylver's review
5.0
"And what are entertaining lies if not a story?"
* * *
This isn't the first line, but I *was* hooked by line 1. First time a book's done that in a very, very long time. And I absolutely stayed hooked through the entire thing - it's not a short book, but I couldn't put it down, and ripped through it in 2, 3 days (very quickly for me and my lack of spoons!). You may have noticed I stuck this in my "gems" folder before I even wrote the review.
And that's because I cannot freaking say enough good about this book. I'm not going to get into the plot itself so much because everyone already has (and the summary's right there), but. Oh. My goodness. I ended up highlighting basically every other line, the prose is so gorgeous and artful. (Seriously, read through my highlights. Even with no context, *damn.*) As someone with a pretty deep interest in Norse mythology and spirituality beyond what Marvel's brought into the massive public consciousness, this was just... a treat, but a filling and nutritious one. I've been hungry for a long time.
Also, I flat-out adored Sigmund and Lain (and everyone else that entailed~) by the end, and immediately after reading, bought the sequel, which should say something.
The only issue I had - for which I'm not taking off a star, because I'm fairly certain that chaos and confusion was the intent, and even the characters don't seem entirely clear on everything - was that ending. I... think I know essentially what happened. Maybe. Ha - I've never been great at keeping up with double-cross long cons or identity switches, both of which are very much at work here. Honestly one reason I went ahead and grabbed the sequel immediately is I'm hoping some of Book 1's ending will be a little clearer!
Because oh gosh, I WANT to understand. The story is so good; this is easily one of my favorite books I've read all year, I'm talking top 5 favorite. Considering the number of books I've read this year, that's No Mean Feat.
And I just want more. So much more. This is the kind of gem you don't come across much, where marginalized characters actually get to do things and be heroic and not die, and the queer heroes have a happy ending (or at least Happy For Now, because obvs things will get wild again in the sequel, as they do) - and if you do, it's an obscure indie or self-pubbed, so it's legitimately great to see that this one does have a publisher behind it!
Recommended Strongly for anyone who enjoys Norse anything (particularly if you're feeling sympathetic toward Loki, LBR), adorable nerd boys discovering their innate badassery, and an intricate storyline that will leave you guessing until a whirlwind ending... which may just make you immediately grab for Book 2.
* * *
This isn't the first line, but I *was* hooked by line 1. First time a book's done that in a very, very long time. And I absolutely stayed hooked through the entire thing - it's not a short book, but I couldn't put it down, and ripped through it in 2, 3 days (very quickly for me and my lack of spoons!). You may have noticed I stuck this in my "gems" folder before I even wrote the review.
And that's because I cannot freaking say enough good about this book. I'm not going to get into the plot itself so much because everyone already has (and the summary's right there), but. Oh. My goodness. I ended up highlighting basically every other line, the prose is so gorgeous and artful. (Seriously, read through my highlights. Even with no context, *damn.*) As someone with a pretty deep interest in Norse mythology and spirituality beyond what Marvel's brought into the massive public consciousness, this was just... a treat, but a filling and nutritious one. I've been hungry for a long time.
Also, I flat-out adored Sigmund and Lain (and everyone else that entailed~) by the end, and immediately after reading, bought the sequel, which should say something.
The only issue I had - for which I'm not taking off a star, because I'm fairly certain that chaos and confusion was the intent, and even the characters don't seem entirely clear on everything - was that ending. I... think I know essentially what happened. Maybe. Ha - I've never been great at keeping up with double-cross long cons or identity switches, both of which are very much at work here. Honestly one reason I went ahead and grabbed the sequel immediately is I'm hoping some of Book 1's ending will be a little clearer!
Because oh gosh, I WANT to understand. The story is so good; this is easily one of my favorite books I've read all year, I'm talking top 5 favorite. Considering the number of books I've read this year, that's No Mean Feat.
And I just want more. So much more. This is the kind of gem you don't come across much, where marginalized characters actually get to do things and be heroic and not die, and the queer heroes have a happy ending (or at least Happy For Now, because obvs things will get wild again in the sequel, as they do) - and if you do, it's an obscure indie or self-pubbed, so it's legitimately great to see that this one does have a publisher behind it!
Recommended Strongly for anyone who enjoys Norse anything (particularly if you're feeling sympathetic toward Loki, LBR), adorable nerd boys discovering their innate badassery, and an intricate storyline that will leave you guessing until a whirlwind ending... which may just make you immediately grab for Book 2.
raven_morgan's review
5.0
NOTE: I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I have also subsequently purchased a copy.
**
Liesmith is Australian author Alis Franklin’s debut novel. It is the first book in the urban fantasy series, The Wyrd. Two more books in the series are forthcoming.
Let’s get one thing up front: I make no secret of the fact that I am really, really burned out on a lot of what passes for urban fantasy these days. I am tired of love triangles and of seeing characters doing dumb things to perpetuate love triangles. I am tired of seeing mythology thinned, turned into yet another cookie-cutter book filled with the same old tropes.
And so I approached Liesmith with some trepidation. Worried that this would be yet another same-old same-old.
I shouldn’t have worried.
Because seriously, Franklin has knocked this one out of the park.
Sigmund Sussman is a geek. He works in IT – and worse, the brand of “Have you tried turning it off then on again?” IT – he’s chubby, somewhat awkward with non-geeks, and he plays DnD. Refreshingly, though he’s unashamedly geeky, he’s not portrayed as a loner – his two best friends, both female gamers, Wayne and Em, are always there for him. Sigmund can also always sense when someone is lying, an ability that he keeps to himself.
Enter Lain Laufeyjarson, hipsterish new addition to the IT department. Sigmund brushes Lain off originally (at which point I was pretty much cheering because no love at first sight trope!), but Lain is immediately interested in Sigmund. He slowly takes his time getting to know him (double hooray!) and the two of them are drawn together.
You make think this is a standard romance, but beneath Lain’s skin lies someone – and something – else, and Sigmund and his friends are thrown into a world of monsters where gods can be reincarnated and not everything is as it seems.
First of all, the romance in this is wonderful. There’s no love at first sight, just a believable growing together of two people. Without spoiling anything specific, Franklin could very easily have thrust these Lain and Sigmund together, but she chooses not to, instead creating a very gradual relationship (including the awkward moments that happen in any nascent relationship). This is no stereotypical Powerful Character falls in love with Squishy Mortal story, but something that feels very, very real. The fluid treatment of sexuality is also to be commended.
The fantasy elements in this are also amazing. Franklin has taken the Norse myths and created something pretty damn amazing. What lies beneath Lain’s skin is monstrous, but there’s a deep humanity to him, even in his most inhuman moments.
I seriously do not have enough words for how much I love this book and want to thrust it at everyone I know who reads urban fantasy (and those who don’t). The romance is wonderful, all of the characters are well-rounded (including Wayne and Em, who could have easily been just so much window dressing in a lesser writer’s hands), and the fantastical elements are original and solid. On top of everything, the writing is brilliant, and there’s fun and humour and darkness in just the right balance.
Franklin is most definitely a writer to watch. She brings something truly fresh to urban fantasy in Liesmith and I hope we get to see many more books by her. Based on Liesmith alone, she’s on my instant buy list for life.
**
Liesmith is Australian author Alis Franklin’s debut novel. It is the first book in the urban fantasy series, The Wyrd. Two more books in the series are forthcoming.
Let’s get one thing up front: I make no secret of the fact that I am really, really burned out on a lot of what passes for urban fantasy these days. I am tired of love triangles and of seeing characters doing dumb things to perpetuate love triangles. I am tired of seeing mythology thinned, turned into yet another cookie-cutter book filled with the same old tropes.
And so I approached Liesmith with some trepidation. Worried that this would be yet another same-old same-old.
I shouldn’t have worried.
Because seriously, Franklin has knocked this one out of the park.
Sigmund Sussman is a geek. He works in IT – and worse, the brand of “Have you tried turning it off then on again?” IT – he’s chubby, somewhat awkward with non-geeks, and he plays DnD. Refreshingly, though he’s unashamedly geeky, he’s not portrayed as a loner – his two best friends, both female gamers, Wayne and Em, are always there for him. Sigmund can also always sense when someone is lying, an ability that he keeps to himself.
Enter Lain Laufeyjarson, hipsterish new addition to the IT department. Sigmund brushes Lain off originally (at which point I was pretty much cheering because no love at first sight trope!), but Lain is immediately interested in Sigmund. He slowly takes his time getting to know him (double hooray!) and the two of them are drawn together.
You make think this is a standard romance, but beneath Lain’s skin lies someone – and something – else, and Sigmund and his friends are thrown into a world of monsters where gods can be reincarnated and not everything is as it seems.
First of all, the romance in this is wonderful. There’s no love at first sight, just a believable growing together of two people. Without spoiling anything specific, Franklin could very easily have thrust these Lain and Sigmund together, but she chooses not to, instead creating a very gradual relationship (including the awkward moments that happen in any nascent relationship). This is no stereotypical Powerful Character falls in love with Squishy Mortal story, but something that feels very, very real. The fluid treatment of sexuality is also to be commended.
The fantasy elements in this are also amazing. Franklin has taken the Norse myths and created something pretty damn amazing. What lies beneath Lain’s skin is monstrous, but there’s a deep humanity to him, even in his most inhuman moments.
I seriously do not have enough words for how much I love this book and want to thrust it at everyone I know who reads urban fantasy (and those who don’t). The romance is wonderful, all of the characters are well-rounded (including Wayne and Em, who could have easily been just so much window dressing in a lesser writer’s hands), and the fantastical elements are original and solid. On top of everything, the writing is brilliant, and there’s fun and humour and darkness in just the right balance.
Franklin is most definitely a writer to watch. She brings something truly fresh to urban fantasy in Liesmith and I hope we get to see many more books by her. Based on Liesmith alone, she’s on my instant buy list for life.
teebeethegreat's review
3.0
The Nitty Gritty: Sigmund Sussman is a twenty year old nerd. The pudgy computer geek living not with his mother (thank you for that) but with his dad. He is that IT guy. The voice at the other end of the line asking you "Have you done control, alt, delete?" The lonely one with the armpit stains. He plays dungeons and dragons and he has two best friends who happen to be girls. Oh and he can always tell one someone is lying.
Then Lain walks into his life. That sexy new IT it guy. Sigmund's life takes a sharp left into Norse mythology and while Sigmund resisted the detour at first he grabbed a hold of his destiny and his first male on male kiss with both hands.
As the romance blossoms between the total delicious Lain and the plump Sigmund something is right about Lain and fate comes crashing down in the form of the Wyrd. An ancient force that throws Lain and Sigmund into a proverbial blender on pulse. Unwilling for the adventure Sigmund is warned that "only fools mess with the Wyrd. Why? Because the Wyrd messes back."
Opening Line: "Everything is true, especially the lies."
The Good: This books gave me a newly found love or trope, the reluctant, ordinary hero or rather person is Sigmund's case. Yes we've seen this trope in television and in other genres, but in fantasy we get the farm boy yearning for adventure, or the chosen one being prepped since birth or the kickass warrior woman or girl itching to make some nasty beast her bitch for the night, but we never really see the reluctant hero in fantasy. I think it was a little cliche to make him a nerd. As if nerds are the only reluctant people in the world. I though that was an easy out for the author, but there it is.
Sigmund Sussman, just couldn't be bothered to care really. His singular goal in life seemed to be to make his father proud. As proud as a lowly IT guy can make his father. He was almost an extra from Office Job, which was an hilarious movie for me, but Sigmund seemed less funny and more sad.
I really liked that this is an urban fantasy novel which 1) not set in the United States or Victorian England 2) highlighted a gay romance 3) had minority main characters. We need more of this, we need more diversity in our books. Franklin gives us that.
Sigmund has a gift. No he isn't a Stackhouse psychic, or a Potter magician, or a Dresden wizard. Sigmund can tell when people are lying. That's all. Nothing something that will make him a hot commodity in the "world beyond the veil" and is able to tell when people are lying. Something I learned to love watching Agent Jinks on Warehouse 13. *sniffle* I miss Pete. But I digress, Sigmund doesn't think his gift is a big deal, he's lived with it his entire life, but he doesn't full grasp the breadth of this gift because he doesn't yet understand himself. I like that. Even as an adult he has room to grow he is still learning about himself. We always expect adults to be set in stone, to know who they are and to conquor the world. Teens are the ones always in flux, but sometimes we adults still don't know who we are, or more importantly who we want to be. Sigmund is that sort of man.
The Bad: The romance, while not insta-love just didn't seem to go anywhere. I'm not familiar with the mating rituals of gay men but I know that something has to happen. This was just page after page of awkward glances and a camping trip that was the perfect place for a Brokeback Mountain kiss and reference but we didn't get that. I think Franklin really missed an teaching moment here. There are a lot of people who haven't been exposed to a gay relationship, especially in fantasy. This could have been that book. Give us the same you would with a hetro relationship. Not insta-love, but give us more.
You know that I am a stickler for great character names and Sigmund Sussman just rubs me the wrong way. Like he should be the subject of a episode of Criminal Minds, not a gay IT guy on the brink of a intergalactic war between the Norse Gods. And frankly he does sound like a fat guy. Like the name screams I'm a tub or lard who likes to close down the Sizzler. Even though Sussmen just has a little extra poundage in the belly area. I will give Franklin brownie points on a non-traditional main character though.
I am getting a little tired of low self esteem man characters and more so when its a guy. Just because guys aren't forced to live up to the unrealistic expectations that girls are. So for Franklin to go on and on about Lain's golden hair, beautiful hair and how plain jane Sussman is was a little grating and very Bella Swan/Ana Steele.
Along comes Lain. Lain is hot, funny and attractive and the newest member of staff in Sigmund's team. And of course Sigmund is attracted to him. But poor, nerdy Sigmund has never had a boyfriend (surprise) only has two friends is not in the same league with Lain. Oh surprise, surprise there. Give me a break. Why is it so hard to either a hot main character to fall for another hot character, or to have two plain janes be attracted to each other. Or better yet different kinds of beautiful. For me there is nothing sexier than a tall, skinny, slightly pale nerd with a flop of hair in his face. For someone else a ginger with a mass of freckles all over her face is the perfect vision of Venus. I'm so sick of the golden haired, blue or green eyes god with a chiseled chin and chest. There is more than one way to build a beautiful man.
My Final Thoughts: I think I would read the next book in the series. I like that we are getting a different set of gods and that it's not a group of teenagers, but then when it is the world make a little more sense. I want Sigmund to really get his footing, grow some balls and really get with the program.
But if you like decently written urban fantasy with a dab of gay romance, a sprinkling of Norse gods, battles, monsters, and things that go bump night and sometimes in the day, then this is the book you need in your life.
Then Lain walks into his life. That sexy new IT it guy. Sigmund's life takes a sharp left into Norse mythology and while Sigmund resisted the detour at first he grabbed a hold of his destiny and his first male on male kiss with both hands.
As the romance blossoms between the total delicious Lain and the plump Sigmund something is right about Lain and fate comes crashing down in the form of the Wyrd. An ancient force that throws Lain and Sigmund into a proverbial blender on pulse. Unwilling for the adventure Sigmund is warned that "only fools mess with the Wyrd. Why? Because the Wyrd messes back."
Opening Line: "Everything is true, especially the lies."
The Good: This books gave me a newly found love or trope, the reluctant, ordinary hero or rather person is Sigmund's case. Yes we've seen this trope in television and in other genres, but in fantasy we get the farm boy yearning for adventure, or the chosen one being prepped since birth or the kickass warrior woman or girl itching to make some nasty beast her bitch for the night, but we never really see the reluctant hero in fantasy. I think it was a little cliche to make him a nerd. As if nerds are the only reluctant people in the world. I though that was an easy out for the author, but there it is.
Sigmund Sussman, just couldn't be bothered to care really. His singular goal in life seemed to be to make his father proud. As proud as a lowly IT guy can make his father. He was almost an extra from Office Job, which was an hilarious movie for me, but Sigmund seemed less funny and more sad.
I really liked that this is an urban fantasy novel which 1) not set in the United States or Victorian England 2) highlighted a gay romance 3) had minority main characters. We need more of this, we need more diversity in our books. Franklin gives us that.
Sigmund has a gift. No he isn't a Stackhouse psychic, or a Potter magician, or a Dresden wizard. Sigmund can tell when people are lying. That's all. Nothing something that will make him a hot commodity in the "world beyond the veil" and is able to tell when people are lying. Something I learned to love watching Agent Jinks on Warehouse 13. *sniffle* I miss Pete. But I digress, Sigmund doesn't think his gift is a big deal, he's lived with it his entire life, but he doesn't full grasp the breadth of this gift because he doesn't yet understand himself. I like that. Even as an adult he has room to grow he is still learning about himself. We always expect adults to be set in stone, to know who they are and to conquor the world. Teens are the ones always in flux, but sometimes we adults still don't know who we are, or more importantly who we want to be. Sigmund is that sort of man.
The Bad: The romance, while not insta-love just didn't seem to go anywhere. I'm not familiar with the mating rituals of gay men but I know that something has to happen. This was just page after page of awkward glances and a camping trip that was the perfect place for a Brokeback Mountain kiss and reference but we didn't get that. I think Franklin really missed an teaching moment here. There are a lot of people who haven't been exposed to a gay relationship, especially in fantasy. This could have been that book. Give us the same you would with a hetro relationship. Not insta-love, but give us more.
You know that I am a stickler for great character names and Sigmund Sussman just rubs me the wrong way. Like he should be the subject of a episode of Criminal Minds, not a gay IT guy on the brink of a intergalactic war between the Norse Gods. And frankly he does sound like a fat guy. Like the name screams I'm a tub or lard who likes to close down the Sizzler. Even though Sussmen just has a little extra poundage in the belly area. I will give Franklin brownie points on a non-traditional main character though.
I am getting a little tired of low self esteem man characters and more so when its a guy. Just because guys aren't forced to live up to the unrealistic expectations that girls are. So for Franklin to go on and on about Lain's golden hair, beautiful hair and how plain jane Sussman is was a little grating and very Bella Swan/Ana Steele.
Along comes Lain. Lain is hot, funny and attractive and the newest member of staff in Sigmund's team. And of course Sigmund is attracted to him. But poor, nerdy Sigmund has never had a boyfriend (surprise) only has two friends is not in the same league with Lain. Oh surprise, surprise there. Give me a break. Why is it so hard to either a hot main character to fall for another hot character, or to have two plain janes be attracted to each other. Or better yet different kinds of beautiful. For me there is nothing sexier than a tall, skinny, slightly pale nerd with a flop of hair in his face. For someone else a ginger with a mass of freckles all over her face is the perfect vision of Venus. I'm so sick of the golden haired, blue or green eyes god with a chiseled chin and chest. There is more than one way to build a beautiful man.
My Final Thoughts: I think I would read the next book in the series. I like that we are getting a different set of gods and that it's not a group of teenagers, but then when it is the world make a little more sense. I want Sigmund to really get his footing, grow some balls and really get with the program.
But if you like decently written urban fantasy with a dab of gay romance, a sprinkling of Norse gods, battles, monsters, and things that go bump night and sometimes in the day, then this is the book you need in your life.
kirkw1972's review
4.0
I do like Norse mythology and I like when people play around with established myths to create something new. This is utterly bonkers and completely in a good way. Loki has returned disguised as both the CEO of an IT company and worlds 3rd richest man but also a lowly tech guy in the same company so he can be closer to his new crush Sigmund, a guy sharing a sould with his dead wife. With me so far?? However as often with NOrse mythology the dead never stay dead so a host of characters return to wage another end of the world battle.
I got a little confused by the big reveal at the end but seeing as so did some of the characters I think that may have been intentional. IIt did all make sense eventually.
I enjoyed the interwoven stories of current events and those of past times and how everyone ended up where they now were. I didn't mind the flip flopping of the two styles. I found it kept the story moving.
It was good, a little different and I liked it.
I got a little confused by the big reveal at the end but seeing as so did some of the characters I think that may have been intentional. IIt did all make sense eventually.
I enjoyed the interwoven stories of current events and those of past times and how everyone ended up where they now were. I didn't mind the flip flopping of the two styles. I found it kept the story moving.
It was good, a little different and I liked it.
sumayyah_t's review
4.0
I received an e-copy via Net Galley for review.
Hoo, boy, where do I start with this one?
** may contain spoilers**
In the city of Pandemonium, the old gods walk among mortals. Specifically, one old god owns the hippest, hottest tech company and, therefore, the city. Meet Lain, a Norse god who, disguised as human, happens to become enamored with a mortal employed by the company by the name of Sigmund Sussman. Sigmund is, by his own definition, a big dork. He works in the IT department of the company, and has two close friends, Wayne and Em. He falls for Lain─hard─and discovers that he might have bitten off more than he can choke down. Flames, dead gods, realms-pillage, ancient secrets, and kick ass action compliment the adorkable romance between Sigmund and Lain nicely. Even when you think you've figured it out, it throws you for a loop.
"Everything is true, especially the lies. That's the trick."
Since this is an uncorrected proof, there seems to be a coding issue with a text conversation. Beyond that, the story flowed so smoothly that I hated to have to stop reading for whatever reason. Seriously looking forward to book #2.
Recommended for lovers of: queer (clean) romance, Norse mythology, video-game type action, clever genre/geek references, and the perfect blend of snark and humor.
Hoo, boy, where do I start with this one?
** may contain spoilers**
In the city of Pandemonium, the old gods walk among mortals. Specifically, one old god owns the hippest, hottest tech company and, therefore, the city. Meet Lain, a Norse god who, disguised as human, happens to become enamored with a mortal employed by the company by the name of Sigmund Sussman. Sigmund is, by his own definition, a big dork. He works in the IT department of the company, and has two close friends, Wayne and Em. He falls for Lain─hard─and discovers that he might have bitten off more than he can choke down. Flames, dead gods, realms-pillage, ancient secrets, and kick ass action compliment the adorkable romance between Sigmund and Lain nicely. Even when you think you've figured it out, it throws you for a loop.
"Everything is true, especially the lies. That's the trick."
Since this is an uncorrected proof, there seems to be a coding issue with a text conversation. Beyond that, the story flowed so smoothly that I hated to have to stop reading for whatever reason. Seriously looking forward to book #2.
Recommended for lovers of: queer (clean) romance, Norse mythology, video-game type action, clever genre/geek references, and the perfect blend of snark and humor.
leelah's review
2.0
Ok, first thing you need to know about [b:Liesmith: Book 1 of The Wyrd|22092267|Liesmith Book 1 of The Wyrd|Alis Franklin|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1400139655s/22092267.jpg|41414447] is that it's "queer modern version of the saga".
So, what does that exactly mean in this book?
It's a modern take on Loki and Sigyn.
Story is set in present time,in Pandemonium, Australia. Loki, the Trickster god is residing here under the cover of Travis Hale, being a businessman and good at it. At one office party he falls in love with Sigmund, a nerdy and awkward guy. Loki left some angry gods behind him, and when they get information on his whereabouts, Sig is danger, too. But Sig is not what he seems, and he's going to get a crash course on Wyrd.
Just like with every myth, gods are a bit petulant, reasons for ending the world are way too exaggerated and don't get me started on speeches.
******************
What worked for me:
There is some beautiful writing in this book:
"Everything is true, especially the lies.
That’s the trick.
Every tale ever told, every whisper, every song, every single string of words ever uttered by mortal mouths or carved in rocks or scrawled on paper. It’s the ultimate human trait, this endless urge to speak and name and label. To attach sounds to things and meaning to sounds.
To make language."
Loki is very interesting narrator and his pov has that old, "Let me tell you a story.." vibe, that sucks you in. I also have a feeling author wanted us to have Tom Hiddleston in our heads because Loki in his Travis persona has black hair and green eyes and in his Lain persona he is this charming red-haired guy. I approve this. His Loki is so memorable, I feel like if description of Loki would differ from his image in my head, my brain would protest and skip like a mechanical failure messing up pc. ;)
What didn't work for me:
In her own words, author is a huge fan of Norse mythology, light queer romances and happy endings. And reading this book, anyone can tell. This book is everything Alis Franklin loves.
So, romance between Loki and Sig is cute and fluffy. They have their hea. But the problem is about first one: Norse mythology.
Here is the thing: If your entire knowledge on Loki can be attributed to Tom Hiddleston performance in Marvel movies, you may be a bit lost here. For example, some pieces about Sigyn and their 3 children: Hel, Fenrir and giant snake I knew about because I read urban fantasy. And if there is one genre authors are trying to incorporate mythology it's UF- I often get interested and look into something I read. Like goddess Hel I read in Jacqueline Carey's series. Hence I knew who some of relevant players are (not all, I admit). But, I was 100% lost on those meta, surreal parts of mythology that are more advanced, for someone who knows more about it than me. For example, Bleeds or the fires of Múspell or tons of other references I am not sure I even caught (but I know there is 90% chance I would spell it wrong here even if I did without looking). I don't say this is a bad thing, I just say that for someone like me who wants to understand entire backstory it required additional looking up on some words/references.
Now, the thing I noticed and it bugged me to no end is that Sig is written like every cliche ever on geeks, but even more accentuated. I was annoyed with how many times there was "like" in his pov. If he can tell me everything on DnD, there is no need for verbal filler to show me he's awkward, nervous guy all the time and in that amount.
etoiline's review
4.0
I have to admit, when I first read the blurb for LIESMITH I was worried that the book might devolve into some fanfic-worthy slash, but this is a solid urban fantasy where the two main characters just happen to be queer. Folks who loved the Avengers movie and folks who love to game (as in board or D&D games) will easily relate to our non-traditional protagonist Sigmund, who is designing his own video game and is taken aback, but not too much, when he finds out that his huh-I-guess-I-like-guys boyfriend is actually the Norse god Loki.
For those who prefer their urban fantasy romance cis and white, you may be uncomfortable with LIESMITH. For those who want a good story, you'll enjoy it. The romance is not too overt, and it's well done when it's there. Sig and Lain (Loki) come off as any other couple, at least any other couple where one happens to be a god who has birthed babies and the other carries the soul of the god's dead wife...
The story can be convoluted, and some of the imagery is harsh. The author doesn't shy away from describing gory scenes that will probably make any reader squirm. But there is adventure here, and the plot, however twisted, makes sense in the end. I like how most of the plot points are tied up at the end, with the overarching storyline ready for another book.
There is plenty of humor among the horror bits, and it's satisfying to read a book where the protagonist is an unapologetic nerd. I may not be a D&Der but I love to play games and read fantasy, and that means that I can see myself in Sigmund. I'm really interested in this story and I'll be on the lookout for the next book.
Received as a free digital ARC via Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
For those who prefer their urban fantasy romance cis and white, you may be uncomfortable with LIESMITH. For those who want a good story, you'll enjoy it. The romance is not too overt, and it's well done when it's there. Sig and Lain (Loki) come off as any other couple, at least any other couple where one happens to be a god who has birthed babies and the other carries the soul of the god's dead wife...
The story can be convoluted, and some of the imagery is harsh. The author doesn't shy away from describing gory scenes that will probably make any reader squirm. But there is adventure here, and the plot, however twisted, makes sense in the end. I like how most of the plot points are tied up at the end, with the overarching storyline ready for another book.
There is plenty of humor among the horror bits, and it's satisfying to read a book where the protagonist is an unapologetic nerd. I may not be a D&Der but I love to play games and read fantasy, and that means that I can see myself in Sigmund. I'm really interested in this story and I'll be on the lookout for the next book.
Received as a free digital ARC via Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
nicolepants's review
5.0
What a perfect way to end my reading year! I absolutely loved this book - it's weird and fun and cute and honest, and I had no idea what I was getting when I picked it up, but man I'm glad I did.
The relationship between Lain and Sigmund is so sweet, and there are such lovely moments between Sig and his dad, and Sig and Em and Wayne's nerdy awesome friendship - just the best details, so intricate and layered and real. I'm not a fan of gender-bending just for the sake of it, but the masculine/feminine going on between Sigmund and Sigyn are really interesting.
Alis talks about how she just wanted to write about two men who fall in love, even with these fantastic events happening around them, and it is perfect. I also loved the nod to how a tried-and-true geek would just sort of go along with the shape-shifting and all the other worlds colliding, because well, what's the point of fantasy if you don't just let yourself get lost in it?
Everyone needs to read this! I got my kindle copy for like $1, so you have no excuse not to.
The relationship between Lain and Sigmund is so sweet, and there are such lovely moments between Sig and his dad, and Sig and Em and Wayne's nerdy awesome friendship - just the best details, so intricate and layered and real. I'm not a fan of gender-bending just for the sake of it, but the masculine/feminine going on between Sigmund and Sigyn are really interesting.
Alis talks about how she just wanted to write about two men who fall in love, even with these fantastic events happening around them, and it is perfect. I also loved the nod to how a tried-and-true geek would just sort of go along with the shape-shifting and all the other worlds colliding, because well, what's the point of fantasy if you don't just let yourself get lost in it?
Everyone needs to read this! I got my kindle copy for like $1, so you have no excuse not to.
see_sadie_read's review
4.0
I thought that this was quite clever. That alone would be enough for me. But paired with how darned CUTE Sigmund was, makes it's a real winner for me. I just wanted to grab all his über-geeky, low self-esteem (what he would call realistic self-appraisal), hipster envy, good boyness and hug it and love it and call it George. I adored him. Plus, he's a not a cookie-cutter, Ken-shaped, white main character. He's plump and dark. Maybe with some Maori ancestry, but that's never clarified. I loved it, even more since this was played all sorts of cool, as if it wasn't some rare gem to be treasured when found in a book.
The story itself is quite convoluted and, honestly, readers would be well served to have at least a basic understanding of Norse mythology. I'm not saying that it's not understandable if you don't, but I think it will be more enjoyable if you do. But beyond the story of the machinations of the gods there is a lot to enjoy here. The romance is slow and sweet. It never progresses beyond a kiss, but it's obvious the end goal is love not lust. *sigh* And there is just tons and tons of Gamer/Trekkie/Trekker/Ringer/comic book/Star Wars/DnD/etc nerddom to revel in. It's glorious in its own way, but not over-played. Plus, Sigmund is never disparaged for his interests. In fact, he's quite comfortable in who and what he is.
With the tangled plot, I did find it a little hard to keep up with on occasion, it seemed to slow down and drag for a while in the Helbleed, friends accepted the impossible with aplomb, and the ending is left a little 'we'll figure it out eventually' open. But for the most part I found this a really enjoyable read.
The story itself is quite convoluted and, honestly, readers would be well served to have at least a basic understanding of Norse mythology. I'm not saying that it's not understandable if you don't, but I think it will be more enjoyable if you do. But beyond the story of the machinations of the gods there is a lot to enjoy here. The romance is slow and sweet. It never progresses beyond a kiss, but it's obvious the end goal is love not lust. *sigh* And there is just tons and tons of Gamer/Trekkie/Trekker/Ringer/comic book/Star Wars/DnD/etc nerddom to revel in. It's glorious in its own way, but not over-played. Plus, Sigmund is never disparaged for his interests. In fact, he's quite comfortable in who and what he is.
With the tangled plot, I did find it a little hard to keep up with on occasion, it seemed to slow down and drag for a while in the Helbleed, friends accepted the impossible with aplomb, and the ending is left a little 'we'll figure it out eventually' open. But for the most part I found this a really enjoyable read.
loryndalar's review
3.0
Enjoyed it, though the end may have tried a bit hard to turn things around (the set-up was probably enough to draw us in, the end might have needlessly confused things (as well as returning to a status quo it was better to have disrupted)).
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