The Steel Remains by Richard K. Morgan

[Greg_phpbb3_import1]

So, do you like graphic depictions of male gay sex in your books? For me the answer is no.

That being said, I continued to read this book despite the first sexventure in the first twenty pages. Morgan writes very well. The story was engrossing. Basically, it's after the big battle and the hero of Gallow's gap have gone on with their lives. Ringil, the hero is hiding out in a dump of a town until his mother comes and tells him it's time to come and rescue his cousin who has been sold into slavery to pay debts. It's Ringil's job to rescue her.

Their's a lot of depth to all the characters. The story of gallow's gap is never told except that's it referred to as something great the central character once did. The battle sequences are excellently described and exciting, especially the last one.

I'm glad I made it through the book, but I would probably have cut out all the sex.

[Dr. Ivor Yeti]

Yeah, I have to admit that I have put this one off cuz of that very thing. Too much man-kissing, etc.. I know, it is funny considering where I live, but I do have an automatic revulsion to that sort of intimacy within the male gender. I think guys holding hands is cute, but I really don't want to see/read anything beyond that.

[Greg_phpbb3_import1]

Whew. I thought it was just me. I don't have to get my homophobe tag afterall.

[Drunk Monk]

In China, men holding hands is common, which was a big adjustment at Shaolin. That takes a little getting used to. Matt Polly addressed that in American Shaolin. But homosexuality is very oppressed. They still send gays to gulags. Anyway, I read so much crap for work that I don't read much for pleasure anymore and the notion of reading graphic man on man action turns me off of this work. Add dm to that homophobe tag list. Remember the rules of DOOM: no poofters (except LB because he's soooo cute ).

[Dr. Ivor Yeti]

I remember one time when I was living not here and a fellow coach from Tunisia wanted me to meet one of his compatriots so he took me by the hand and led me across the gym. I'm glad I had read about different cultures and knew that this was normal and that "personal space" is relative. Jarring nonetheless. Americans have a larger "personal space" than many other cultures.

[Greg_phpbb3_import1]

It's the middle book of the trilogy and boy does it feel like it. Nothing ever gets going. It might have helped if I had re-read 'The Steel Remains' before I read this so I couldn't have remembered the themes a little better.

It also didn't seem to be leading towards anything until near the end. I was thinking there should be a big battle they all needed to go compete in or something. Instead, we had a minor-adventure that hints at big things to come and has echoes from 'The Steel Remains' but it is all wrapped handily in two chapters. Which leaves you waiting for a sequel and conclusion.

It reminds me a lot of Joe Abercombie's work, which is good. There were plenty of swordfights. Yay. There was more gay sex. Not say Yay. There was regular sex. Yay. And torture and marching and corrupt Emperors and Drug addicted aliens and talking robots and ghosts.

It was good read that really didn't go anywhere.

[Dr. Ivor Yeti]

Morgan is truly a fine writer and likes to push his boundaries -- I just wish he wouldn't push mine at the same time. That said, since Altered Carbon, one of the best first novels I have read, I have almost always enjoyed my time in Mr. Morgan's head. I'll pick this one up used.

Ambercrombie, however, I bought new, in trade-format. Ambercrombie is frickin' amazing.