Scan barcode
A review by jamiebeecreations
Running Close to the Wind by Alexandra Rowland
5.0
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This is my honest review.
An unhinged pirate Captian, a mostly retired spy, and a previously slutty-turned pious monk sail into a deadly sea of giant turtles and toothy glowing serpents. It sounds like the most ridiculous set up to a joke and, honestly, it is!
I don't know that I have ever read a funnier book than Running Close to the Wind, filled with specifically queer niche humor from backroom Tumblr posts and feverishly shared AO3 fics. Will this book be for everyone? No. But there are a few things about it that really make it uniquely special - and needed - in the current LGBTQIA+ community.
There is a lot of raunchy humor, especially from our Main POV, Avra. The majority of my queer reader friends, regardless of their prefences, Ace or otherwise, have laughed at and with the terribly horny friend. Avra is that friend. He is insatiable in his raunchiness, which could be a little annoying for some, but I find weirdly endearing? He says outrageous things, he annoys for the sake of attention - negative or positive - he doesn't think he deserves real love, and he is like so many beloved queer gremlins I call my dearest friends that I can't help but adore him.
Tev, the Pirate Captian, is jaded and broody. They have seen some real shit, have escaped oppressive living conditions, all the while flipping off the government on their way out. They are the ultimate "stick it to the man" type of queer, get rich and finally be respected and welcomed. They are loyal and protective, with a hot anger that stews for a bit before boiling over. Deep below that hardened exterior is such a beautiful soul.
Julian is the gorgeous - infuriating celibate - monk that joined the crew while Avra was away. He is the pretty boy that is also quite brilliant, maybe has a little too much going for him (what is wrong with him?!?!) but can also read people really well. He's pationate about those in his care, also wants to take down the corporate governments, and won't get off his soap box once he starts!
I've only read one other book from Alexandra Rowland - A Taste of Gold and Iron - which is, previously to this one, my favorite book I've ever read. Now I'd say it is my favorite Romance, where RCttW is there for favorite comedy. This book does touch on past books of Alex's but not so much that you won't understand whats going on if you start with this one. If you love books that don't have a heavy plot, but do focus deeply on characters this is for you. It is fast paced while also taking time for the silly things. It made me laugh out loud numerous times while also cry from how deeply it touched on certain topics.
It highlights a story that I've not seen told elsewhere - one where the main character is not particularly pretty, talented, powerful, or even well liked, save for just being Cursed (or Blessed?) with extremely luck - of which he will argue the validity.
As for the audio - I read both the earc and the audio arc - it is fantastic. I am deeply in love with Casey Jones' characters, inflection, and overall magic of pronunciation. I would read ANYTHING narrated by them. They didn't fall short with Running Close to the Wind, instead I feel it gained extra life. I can still hear Avra screeching, "CAPTAINNNN!" and smile everytime I think of it.
An unhinged pirate Captian, a mostly retired spy, and a previously slutty-turned pious monk sail into a deadly sea of giant turtles and toothy glowing serpents. It sounds like the most ridiculous set up to a joke and, honestly, it is!
I don't know that I have ever read a funnier book than Running Close to the Wind, filled with specifically queer niche humor from backroom Tumblr posts and feverishly shared AO3 fics. Will this book be for everyone? No. But there are a few things about it that really make it uniquely special - and needed - in the current LGBTQIA+ community.
There is a lot of raunchy humor, especially from our Main POV, Avra. The majority of my queer reader friends, regardless of their prefences, Ace or otherwise, have laughed at and with the terribly horny friend. Avra is that friend. He is insatiable in his raunchiness, which could be a little annoying for some, but I find weirdly endearing? He says outrageous things, he annoys for the sake of attention - negative or positive - he doesn't think he deserves real love, and he is like so many beloved queer gremlins I call my dearest friends that I can't help but adore him.
Tev, the Pirate Captian, is jaded and broody. They have seen some real shit, have escaped oppressive living conditions, all the while flipping off the government on their way out. They are the ultimate "stick it to the man" type of queer, get rich and finally be respected and welcomed. They are loyal and protective, with a hot anger that stews for a bit before boiling over. Deep below that hardened exterior is such a beautiful soul.
Julian is the gorgeous - infuriating celibate - monk that joined the crew while Avra was away. He is the pretty boy that is also quite brilliant, maybe has a little too much going for him (what is wrong with him?!?!) but can also read people really well. He's pationate about those in his care, also wants to take down the corporate governments, and won't get off his soap box once he starts!
I've only read one other book from Alexandra Rowland - A Taste of Gold and Iron - which is, previously to this one, my favorite book I've ever read. Now I'd say it is my favorite Romance, where RCttW is there for favorite comedy. This book does touch on past books of Alex's but not so much that you won't understand whats going on if you start with this one. If you love books that don't have a heavy plot, but do focus deeply on characters this is for you. It is fast paced while also taking time for the silly things. It made me laugh out loud numerous times while also cry from how deeply it touched on certain topics.
It highlights a story that I've not seen told elsewhere - one where the main character is not particularly pretty, talented, powerful, or even well liked, save for just being Cursed (or Blessed?) with extremely luck - of which he will argue the validity.
As for the audio - I read both the earc and the audio arc - it is fantastic. I am deeply in love with Casey Jones' characters, inflection, and overall magic of pronunciation. I would read ANYTHING narrated by them. They didn't fall short with Running Close to the Wind, instead I feel it gained extra life. I can still hear Avra screeching, "CAPTAINNNN!" and smile everytime I think of it.