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A review by joelteon
The Sword in the Street by C.M. Caplan
5.0
The Sword in the Street by CM (Connor) Caplan is a wonderful treat. I recently spoke to Connor and found out that they wrote this debut novel when they were just 23! That’s ludicrous. This book is just as good, if not better, than a veteran of the industry’s work. It’s certainly a shining example of how good an indie can be.
Featuring the relationship between John Chronicle and Edwin Gaunt, this gay romp was swishy swashy fun. I didn’t know that I needed a gay romance about two men struggling to change the world, but I did. Edwin kept on battling to change the rules for his indentured boyfriend, John, and the people like him. While John continued to do what he did best: fight and never back down. Both characters are so real and vivid that they practically leap off of the page. Their relationship was hard work and so real that it just… wow. Even Aubrey was perfect, I loved her almost as much as I loved Edwin and that’s saying something.
I loved every moment of this dual POV book. The social class conflict, the voice, the characterizations and especially the plot. I was sitting on the edge of my seat, burning through the pages like I was on fire. Nothing more needs to be said because I want you to experience this book for yourself.
‘“I’m going to tell you something. And I think it’s the most powerful thing we can tell each other in times like this.”
“And what’s that?”
“I understand how you feel.”’
I would fail in my review by not talking about the most important aspect of the world. The duels, my God, the duels. They took centre stage and even having zero sword fighting knowledge I ate them up. Ripostes, counters, lunges, but never twirls. It was so much fun to read about John finding his way to win. Or lose. Whether it was to first blood, to pain, or to the death. John was a competent duelist and witnessing him try to outclass and outmanoeuvre his opponents was exhilarating.
‘“Your feelings exist, sitting inside you, whether you want them to be there or not. All you can do is choose how you react to them.”’
This was no simple debut, this was a young talent finding their stride and not being afraid to go at it all guns blazing. I had a riotous time with The Sword in the Street and look forward to reading whatever comes next. That’s likely to be either a Jewish gangster science-fantasy or the sequel to Connor’s fantastic, The Fall is All There Is. Sign me up right now.
Rating: 4.5/5
Featuring the relationship between John Chronicle and Edwin Gaunt, this gay romp was swishy swashy fun. I didn’t know that I needed a gay romance about two men struggling to change the world, but I did. Edwin kept on battling to change the rules for his indentured boyfriend, John, and the people like him. While John continued to do what he did best: fight and never back down. Both characters are so real and vivid that they practically leap off of the page. Their relationship was hard work and so real that it just… wow. Even Aubrey was perfect, I loved her almost as much as I loved Edwin and that’s saying something.
I loved every moment of this dual POV book. The social class conflict, the voice, the characterizations and especially the plot. I was sitting on the edge of my seat, burning through the pages like I was on fire. Nothing more needs to be said because I want you to experience this book for yourself.
‘“I’m going to tell you something. And I think it’s the most powerful thing we can tell each other in times like this.”
“And what’s that?”
“I understand how you feel.”’
I would fail in my review by not talking about the most important aspect of the world. The duels, my God, the duels. They took centre stage and even having zero sword fighting knowledge I ate them up. Ripostes, counters, lunges, but never twirls. It was so much fun to read about John finding his way to win. Or lose. Whether it was to first blood, to pain, or to the death. John was a competent duelist and witnessing him try to outclass and outmanoeuvre his opponents was exhilarating.
‘“Your feelings exist, sitting inside you, whether you want them to be there or not. All you can do is choose how you react to them.”’
This was no simple debut, this was a young talent finding their stride and not being afraid to go at it all guns blazing. I had a riotous time with The Sword in the Street and look forward to reading whatever comes next. That’s likely to be either a Jewish gangster science-fantasy or the sequel to Connor’s fantastic, The Fall is All There Is. Sign me up right now.
Rating: 4.5/5