Genre: Fantasy, Holiday, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: MM Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Miles Thorsen’s adopted family is… unusual. But that’s not why he fled after graduating from college. Now, after ten years of restless wandering, he returns home for the winter holiday celebration. The solstice is a time of change, and perhaps it’s time for Miles to face who he is, who he loves… and who he’ll become.
The Review
Kim Fielding creates a delightful holiday story with lots of heartfelt moments and a magical place named the Castle.
Miles Thorsen left his home in Kemken and made choices that left him facing a difficult time. He got caught up in the party life but realized it had to stop. Now, at thirty-two, Miles has been clean and sober for over a year. But Miles’ life is still unhappy, and changing makes him realize that he and his boyfriend had nothing in common, leaving them to go their separate ways.
Miles is barely making it in New Orleans, selling his art on the streets for two years. He and his friend Deedee share a spot where they sell their goods. One day, Miles tells her he’s going to visit home, a place that he’s been away from for ten years.
Miles is uncomfortable returning to the Castle, but it was once a place that was magical for him as he was growing up. His adopted family has many secrets that have been guarded for generations, and Miles would never reveal them to anyone. He also had good reason for leaving, and is reluctant about returning.
Remy has never left the Castle. Where else could he go and be safe? He’s not sure what to do about Miles’ return, except making himself scarce. Their past is very fragile and they still are at an impasse. Will anything be able to help Miles and Remy heal their hearts and souls?
Fielding does amazing world- and character-building with this magical tale. She melds intriguing holiday traditions, fantasy, folklore and myth, with very vivid descriptions of the Castle and its surrounding forest.
There’s tales of Remy and Miles, their parents and how they came to be part of the Thorsen’s. We also learn about Niels Thorsen, who came to Kemken in 1872, and how he bought a very special swath of land and continued to see it prosper and grow, along with the people. And of course, family: Mom, Dad, especially Grandma and a host of relatives, along with their friends.
I highly recommend, “The Solstice Kings” for anyone who loves a story that will transport them to another place and leave them with a feeling of joy!
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
