This story got a 3 star rating instead of 4 from me because of entirely personal reasons and most people would probably enjoy it more than I did.

I think I would have liked this book more if I wasn't trying to make a connection between the setting of the book (15th century Bosnia) and what I've been taught in school about that part of Balkans history. It's not that the writer did something wrong, it's just that I grew up with a certain image about that period, and I couldn't quite reconcile it with what I've read in the book.

I also had a problem with the endearment "dusha" - it's a word that means literally "my soul" but the only place I've heard it used that way are folk songs. Today it's used rarely, and then usually in a condescending way, the way the words "honey" or "sweetheart" can be used in a negative context ("Don't worry your pretty little head honey"). If a person I was in a relationship with used it on me, I would think he/she was sickeningly cheesy and ask him/her to please stop.
It was used very often in the book and it was glaringly out of place. It made me cringe so much I had to put the book down for several hours. I'm not sure everyone from this speaking area would feel as I did though.
On a bright note - it was put in the correct grammatical case in different situations, something most English speaking fiction writers that tried to use Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian language in the past (at least that I've seen) had disregarded, so hooraaah for that.

Unfortunately, all this was enough to distract me from what is an excellent story with wonderful main and side characters and all around an engaging read. ( )

Faris, a former thief, is the healer in a small town in 15th century Bosnia. A slave, Boro, was tied to a pillar in the middle of the town and lashed nearly to death. Faris saves his life, and as Boro recovers, the two men fall in love with one another. But Boro's former master is not willing to let Boro go so easily.

This is probably the first novella that I have read that didn't feel like a novella at all; according to Goodreads, the page count is 144 pages, but it felt like a completely developed story with two completely developed main characters. The relationship between Boro and Faris never felt particularly rushed, and it was easy to see why they would fall for one another.

Honestly, the book felt a bit like a fairy tale, which wasn't a bad thing.

It also was fairly realistic to the times, I believe, in regards to homosexuality. The law forbade two unrelated men from living together in the same house, so in order for Boro and Faris to remain together, they had to be discreet. Faris also had to "collar" Boro, ie. make him his slave. It was sad, but like I said, felt historically accurate, although I must admit that I know practically nothing about 15th century Europe, much less 15th century Bosnia.

Also, Boro's treatment at the hands of his master, unfortunately, seemed also realistic. He was repeatedly raped by Boro's men, as well as being beaten and generally abused. Boro never really felt sorry for himself, which I liked. I mean, I'm an angst whore, don't get me wrong, but I don't need all of the weeping all of the time. ( )

So every once in a while you come across a book that from the first sentence you find yourself totally captivated.

Church bells and Muezzins called the faithful to evening prayers, but Faris was not faithful.
So yes, I was drawn into this beautifully depicted world and into the hearts and souls of our two broken but strong MC's. The love explored and developed between these two was mesmerizing. This is a must read...little angst, a HEA and yes writing that just leaves you breathless in more ways than one.

***
And it was a strange thing. It was as if the pain from those lash marks had lingered all these years, wearing into Faris, body and soul. Yet each kiss eased a little more of the pain away, like a soothing poultice on battered skin.
***

At that moment Faris had almost stopped feeling like an orphan and a thief and had almost felt like a man of worth.
***
“Soldier, slave, thief, healer. Just words.” He reached across the table and pressed their entwined hands to Faris’s chest. “None of them tell us what’s in here—who a man truly is. And you, truly, are no thief.

***

He’d always been ashamed of his scars. They were like brands, visible and tangible reminders of what he was. But as he gazed at Boro, he realized that scars might also be badges of honor. Scars might say to the world, Look what was done to me. And yet I am strong—I survived.
***

A man who’d recently grown to love another so deeply, so well, that just a small smile could send him into transports of joy and make him feel as if his soul had left his body and made a new home in his lover’s chest.



What more is there to say? Beautiful writing is beautiful and Ms Fielding does it magnificently.

Just a fabulous BR with the crazy crew below.
BR with Marco...

Marco on left, Julie on right. :)

and Elsbeth...


and ole Giggles...Momo


and our latest "super" addition...
Marte



oh and our cheerleaders...Travis (Nathan) and Marcie


Sunday, March 1 " ( )