Elaine White's Life in Books
The Author
Elaine White is the author of multi-genre MM romance, celebrating 'love is love' and offering diversity in both genre and character within her stories.
Growing up in a small town and fighting cancer in her early teens taught her that life is short and dreams should be pursued. She lives vicariously through her independent, and often hellion characters, exploring all possibilities within the romantic universe.
The Winner of two Watty Awards – Collector's Dream (An Unpredictable Life) and Hidden Gem (Faithfully) – and an Honourable Mention in 2016's Rainbow Awards (A Royal Craving) Elaine is a self-professed geek, reading addict, and a romantic at heart.
The Reviewer
I’m an author and reader, who just can’t get away from books. I discovered the MM genre a few years ago and became addicted.
Top #50 UK reviewer on Goodreads
#1 reviewer on Divine Magazine
Ge-Mi: Part One
Book – Ge-Mi (Ge-Mi #1)Author – Mell Eight
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 97
Cover – Great!
POV – 3rd person, one character
Would I read it again – Yes
Genre – LGBT, Fantasy, Shifter/Creature
** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
At first, I wasn't sure what to make of the story. I found Nevada interesting, but the Prologue was a little confusing, introducing all of these strange terms and ideas that weren't fully explained. Then it skipped to Chapter 1 and took four pages to tell us what time difference sat between the two chapters, which really didn't help with orientating my mind in the story. However, once I reached Chapter 2 everything fell into place.
The world building was nicely done (apart from the brief blip between the prologue/chapter 1) giving us enough detail about the world and how it functioned that I didn't feel confused or have too many questions about it. Mostly, the world was similar to our own, with some Minority Report tech added for the fantasy element (laser guns, hover cars etc) and the obvious addition of some Puss in Boots kind of creature/human hybrids. Yet, it still managed to be original and a great take on the ideas of both.
Nevada is half-snow leopard – part of the half human/animal species of Ge-Mi – and I liked that the story briefly explored his home life in the Prologue, telling us how and why he came to this new place and letting us see him giving his 'bribe' to the Lord in Kensey, Lord Reyes. It gave us an idea of how the world worked, while showing us just enough of Nevada's personality to make me care about him.
When Taylor was introduced to the story, I just knew things were going to get far more interesting, because he was such a gruff, roguish character with a softer side that only Nevada brought out.
Overall, it was a great fantasy story with great characters. The writing style was perfect, for me, giving me just what I wanted and leaving enough clues to the 'mystery' aspect that I could follow along. I liked all the characters, who were evenly explored as background characters, and loved the chemistry between Nevada and Taylor. I'd happily go buy part two right now, if it was available, but I'll be eagerly awaiting the release so that I can find out what happens next.
