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jaycie_90's review against another edition
5.0
I'm likely to re-read it, so I give it five stars.
Favorite
"You delude yourself and see which you wish. You have the love and trouble of a madman. Perhaps if you had begged with reverence, I would be sane."
Striker/Sarah/Pete
Something is bugging me.
Favorite
"You delude yourself and see which you wish. You have the love and trouble of a madman. Perhaps if you had begged with reverence, I would be sane."
Striker/Sarah/Pete
Something is bugging me.
Spoiler
It's the whole Sarah, Striker, and Pete thing. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy it turned out, but Striker and Will asking Pete to accept Sarah is a dickish move. Will, at one point, compared his marriage to Strikers. Ok, but Pete wanted to avoid including any woman in their relationship and Striker went behind his back, so it's not the same! For heaven's sake, Guston urged Will to marry, but he didn't like it; in the end, Will's marriage only happened at Guestons request.andrea59's review
4.0
A las 266 páginas (de 609 en mi e-book), aquí acaba mi lectura del segundo libro de [b:Matelots|683174|Matelots (Raised By Wolves, #2)|W.A. Hoffman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1349076919s/683174.jpg|669562] y mi lectura total de la saga de Raised By Wolves. Dentro de lo que cabe, estoy bastante contenta con el final que he elegido para mí, puesto que termina de una forma relativamente feliz y todavía no he tenido que lidiar con ninguna de las cosas problemáticas de las que personas hablaban. Sin embargo, empezaba a ver indicaciones de cosas que podían llegar a disgustarme y, sabiendo esto, prefiero a retirarme a tiempo para poder quedarme con una imagen agradable de dos personajes a los que he llegado a apreciar de todo corazón y de su relación que, hasta el momento, me ha parecido tierna y positiva para ambos.
[b:Brethren|60814|Brethren (Raised by Wolves, #1)|W.A. Hoffman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1349075856s/60814.jpg|59153] fue una lectura que me enganchó desde el primer momento y con la que disfruté muchísimo de como Will y Gaston comenzaban su relación, revelándose los traumas de su pasado y aprendiendo a confiar en el otro. A esto se le sumaba lo interesantes que eran sus conversaciones y la cantidad de referencias filosóficas que ambos hacían (un poco de filosofía, si es del tipo interesante, siempre se agradece ^-^).
La parte de [b:Matelots|683174|Matelots (Raised By Wolves, #2)|W.A. Hoffman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1349076919s/683174.jpg|669562] que he leído ha podido traerme algún que otro disgusto (bueno, puede que fuera más que "algún" disgusto, pero prefiero fijarme en lo bueno xD), pero en general ha sido tierno poder ver como su relación evolucionaba y exploraban nuevos aspectos de esta.
Dicho esto, no tengo ninguna intención de leer el resto del libro en un futuro próximo, puesto que tengo mucho miedo de que las cosas que suceden a continuación arruinen todas las buenas experiencias que me han traído lo que he leído hasta ahora. Si alguna vez llego a conocer a alguien cuya opinión en literatura respete y cuyos gustos sean parecidos a los míos que haya leído este libro hasta su final y lo haya disfrutado, tal vez entonces le de una oportunidad. Hasta entonces, una humilde bucanera (xD) prefiere quedarse con las aventuras vividas hasta el momento y desearles un buen viaje a Will y Gaston. ¡Que los Dioses les garanticen aguas tranquilas y muchos momentos de sanidad mental!
[b:Brethren|60814|Brethren (Raised by Wolves, #1)|W.A. Hoffman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1349075856s/60814.jpg|59153] fue una lectura que me enganchó desde el primer momento y con la que disfruté muchísimo de como Will y Gaston comenzaban su relación, revelándose los traumas de su pasado y aprendiendo a confiar en el otro. A esto se le sumaba lo interesantes que eran sus conversaciones y la cantidad de referencias filosóficas que ambos hacían (un poco de filosofía, si es del tipo interesante, siempre se agradece ^-^).
La parte de [b:Matelots|683174|Matelots (Raised By Wolves, #2)|W.A. Hoffman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1349076919s/683174.jpg|669562] que he leído ha podido traerme algún que otro disgusto (bueno, puede que fuera más que "algún" disgusto, pero prefiero fijarme en lo bueno xD), pero en general ha sido tierno poder ver como su relación evolucionaba y exploraban nuevos aspectos de esta.
Dicho esto, no tengo ninguna intención de leer el resto del libro en un futuro próximo, puesto que tengo mucho miedo de que las cosas que suceden a continuación arruinen todas las buenas experiencias que me han traído lo que he leído hasta ahora. Si alguna vez llego a conocer a alguien cuya opinión en literatura respete y cuyos gustos sean parecidos a los míos que haya leído este libro hasta su final y lo haya disfrutado, tal vez entonces le de una oportunidad. Hasta entonces, una humilde bucanera (xD) prefiere quedarse con las aventuras vividas hasta el momento y desearles un buen viaje a Will y Gaston. ¡Que los Dioses les garanticen aguas tranquilas y muchos momentos de sanidad mental!
bethorne's review
3.0
I don't think these books are particularly great but I'm somehow invested in these gay pirates. I need to know.
claudiereads's review
5.0
I loved this book so much! More than the prequel, even. Then what’s my excuse for taking so long to finish it?
The thing is, I put Matelots on hold for more than a month. And I had a good reason for doing that (or so I thought…). It wasn’t anything serious, I just had an issue with the unexpected and unwanted and basically chickened out before it reached the neat and very satisfying solution; . Ugh. I hate giving out spoilers, but I don’t want people tossing it because of something that ultimately doesn’t even happen, so there you have it.
The relationship development in both Brethren and Matelots is insane (pun intended) and it keeps getting better. How’s that possible? I’ve no idea, but I’m enjoying it so much that I DON’T CARE! Will and Gaston’s relationship is unlike anything else I’ve ever encountered. They understand each other (and each other’s Problems) on a very deep, instinctive level. The amount of trust between them is just unbelievable, but conversely, so is their potential to hurt one another — however unwittingly that may occur.
Their love has been undeniable since the first book, but because of their personal Problems, the more physical aspects of their relationship were tricky for the longest time. But there was an epic breakthrough here! Epic, I tell you. The unexpected — I feel like everyone concerned was equally surprised — and somewhat low-key (for now…?) suits them so well. Considering their past, it makes a lot of sense, but it also complicates things for them…
I should also mention that I absolutely LOVE the way they actually TALK with each other. They’re the poster boys for open and honest communication. When it comes to that, they’re #RelationshipGoals, as far as I’m concerned. Even though it’s no walk in the park, those two centaurs keep pulling their chariot and don’t give up…
In my review I focused on the romance, because I’m still in awe of those two. But while this is definitely a relationship-driven series, it’s also action-packed and filled with vibrant supporting characters, who have their own problems (of much less epic proportions, hence the lowercase) and are every bit as crucial to the story as our MCs.
Let’s just say that I’ve fallen back in love with this awesome series! I also feel like I share Will’s brain, which is a strange and wonderful experience in and of itself. I love that guy.
The thing is, I put Matelots on hold for more than a month. And I had a good reason for doing that (or so I thought…). It wasn’t anything serious, I just had an issue with the unexpected and unwanted
Spoiler
‘finding a bride’ arcSpoiler
there’s NO cheating/sharing a partner! Well, there is, kind of, but not when it comes to Gaston and WillThe relationship development in both Brethren and Matelots is insane (pun intended) and it keeps getting better. How’s that possible? I’ve no idea, but I’m enjoying it so much that I DON’T CARE! Will and Gaston’s relationship is unlike anything else I’ve ever encountered. They understand each other (and each other’s Problems) on a very deep, instinctive level. The amount of trust between them is just unbelievable, but conversely, so is their potential to hurt one another — however unwittingly that may occur.
Their love has been undeniable since the first book, but because of their personal Problems, the more physical aspects of their relationship were tricky for the longest time. But there was an epic breakthrough here! Epic, I tell you. The unexpected — I feel like everyone concerned was equally surprised — and somewhat low-key (for now…?)
Spoiler
power exchange dynamicI should also mention that I absolutely LOVE the way they actually TALK with each other. They’re the poster boys for open and honest communication. When it comes to that, they’re #RelationshipGoals, as far as I’m concerned. Even though it’s no walk in the park, those two centaurs keep pulling their chariot and don’t give up…
In my review I focused on the romance, because I’m still in awe of those two. But while this is definitely a relationship-driven series, it’s also action-packed and filled with vibrant supporting characters, who have their own problems (of much less epic proportions, hence the lowercase) and are every bit as crucial to the story as our MCs.
Let’s just say that I’ve fallen back in love with this awesome series! I also feel like I share Will’s brain, which is a strange and wonderful experience in and of itself. I love that guy.
ladyspooksjc's review against another edition
5.0
I'm likely to re-read, so 5 stars.
Favorite
"You delude yourself and see which you wish. You have the love and trouble of a madman. Perhaps if you had begged with reverence I would be sane"
Striker/Sarah/Pete
Something is bugging me.
Favorite
"You delude yourself and see which you wish. You have the love and trouble of a madman. Perhaps if you had begged with reverence I would be sane"
Striker/Sarah/Pete
Something is bugging me.
Spoiler
It's the whole Sarah, Striker, and Pete thing. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy how it turned out, but Striker and Will asking Pete to accept Sarah is kind of a dickish move. Will at one point compared his marriage to Strikers. Ok, but Pete didn't want to include a woman in their relationship. Striker went behind his back so it's not the same! For heaven's sake, Guston urged Will to marry, he didn't like it but at the end of the day, the marriage only happened at Guestons request.pam_h's review against another edition
3.0
This book broke me. BROKE me.
My love for realism in historical fiction took a big hit with this one, but objectively I have to acknowledge the commitment to accurately portraying the buccaneers, flaws and all, without pandering to my delicate Romance Reader sensibilities. Doesn't mean I have to like it, though!!!
But I don't think I would have hesitated to keep going with the series if this book had a good editor. My biggest issue was the constant, repetitive philosophical metaphors. I love, love, love that these guys are thinkers. I love how they connect with each at this level, and the way they use these conversations/metaphors as communication shortcuts in the midst of battles and other life-threatening situations. (The life of a buccaneer is pretty brutal.)
But there was a balance in the first book, where this one seemed to lose the plot. Literally. The action/adventures are the plot drivers of this series, and they got way too muddled down with the metaphors in Book 2.
There's a lot of rambling, and those sections really needed someone to clean them up and pare them down a little. It's a 600-page book. It can take it.
That got more and more frustrating -- and pretty much every review for the next book said it's even worse -- and I was already debating if I really wanted to put up with another book like that when Will lost his shit (rightfully), and then he and Gaston both completely lost my respect in the aftermath of that incident. I'm not sure I like them anymore as individuals. (They still work great as a pairing. They are clearly two of a kind.)
But I'm pretty sure I would have jumped right to Book 3 with the assumption that it was going to redeem them if the incessant rambling hadn't led me to trolling the reviews. Apparently ALL my issues -- the writing, the suddenly unlikable MCs, and the goddamn historically accurate matelotage -- are about to IMPLODE.
So here's what I wish I could tell my past self before starting this series, because I *would* still read it: Read that spoiler so you can pad your heart and be prepared, think of this as a duology and not a four-book series, and do NOT, whatever you do, read the reviews/spoilers for Book 3 or 4. This ending wasn't perfect, but it's satisfying enough to make this tale of 17th century pirate philosophers worth it. Also, not a "Romance Novel". Matelots were rarely true love matches, and Hoffman would like to prove it to you :)
Spoiler
Striker and PeteMy love for realism in historical fiction took a big hit with this one, but objectively I have to acknowledge the commitment to accurately portraying the buccaneers, flaws and all, without pandering to my delicate Romance Reader sensibilities. Doesn't mean I have to like it, though!!!
But I don't think I would have hesitated to keep going with the series if this book had a good editor. My biggest issue was the constant, repetitive philosophical metaphors. I love, love, love that these guys are thinkers. I love how they connect with each at this level, and the way they use these conversations/metaphors as communication shortcuts in the midst of battles and other life-threatening situations. (The life of a buccaneer is pretty brutal.)
But there was a balance in the first book, where this one seemed to lose the plot. Literally. The action/adventures are the plot drivers of this series, and they got way too muddled down with the metaphors in Book 2.
There's a lot of rambling, and those sections really needed someone to clean them up and pare them down a little. It's a 600-page book. It can take it.
That got more and more frustrating -- and pretty much every review for the next book said it's even worse -- and I was already debating if I really wanted to put up with another book like that when Will lost his shit (rightfully), and then he and Gaston both completely lost my respect in the aftermath of that incident. I'm not sure I like them anymore as individuals. (They still work great as a pairing. They are clearly two of a kind.)
But I'm pretty sure I would have jumped right to Book 3 with the assumption that it was going to redeem them if the incessant rambling hadn't led me to trolling the reviews. Apparently ALL my issues -- the writing, the suddenly unlikable MCs, and the goddamn historically accurate matelotage -- are about to IMPLODE.
So here's what I wish I could tell my past self before starting this series, because I *would* still read it: Read that spoiler so you can pad your heart and be prepared, think of this as a duology and not a four-book series, and do NOT, whatever you do, read the reviews/spoilers for Book 3 or 4. This ending wasn't perfect, but it's satisfying enough to make this tale of 17th century pirate philosophers worth it. Also, not a "Romance Novel". Matelots were rarely true love matches, and Hoffman would like to prove it to you :)
kaje_harper's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars. This is the second book in a series that is really one extended novel (even the chapter numbers just continue to climb.) It will make no sense without the first.
The relationship between Will and Gaston progresses in this novel, particularly on the physical front. But for every step forward, there is one backward and one sideways. Gaston's madness has more triggers and facets than any six men should carry, and it becomes clear that this is not just PTSD from one traumatic event, but in fact a lifelong problem. He was undoubtedly very sensitive and reactive as a child, and the way he was raised, by being shipped off to schools and forced into competitive social settings with his uncivilized peers, brought out the worst in him. He has learned, to the point of ingrained reflex, that the only answer to a threat is full-blown insensate attack, and that reflex sometimes takes over, even toward Will.
Will on the other hand, is finding that his long-time self-control and insouciant intellectual approach is papered over some dark waters of his own. Even love, deep and abiding, is not enough to keep him from occasionally going in over his own head. And he also is capable of hurting Gaston at those times.
These men are both philosophers at heart. They address their situations with endless words and metaphors, trying to build a world-view that encompasses both love and madness, and the paths between. As a fellow wordsmith and analyst, I mostly appreciated this, although occasionally felt they were retracing worn paths of discussion. Their love is the thing that keeps them afloat, and they express it continuously. This seems usually appropriate, because it provides the only light in their darkness, and is the only true love either has known. That same obsessive intensity also sometimes fuels their reactivity, and that also seems plausible.
In this book, they still live mainly in the world where matelots are recognized as partners in sex, love, and life. But this is the 1660s, where a nobleman and only son, even in exile, is someone for whom a child and heir is a thing of life-and-death weight, and having a title provides huge advantages in influence and security. Even for commoner pairs, like Pete and Striker, children are the biggest sticking point for same-sex couples. If one man is bi or prefers women for sex, if one man really wants children, this is something his loving matelot cannot do for him. And in this book, the desire for children, both symbolically to gain advantages, and as loved family in fact, is a wedge that drives more than one pair apart.
There continue to be unexpected plot twists, and the secondary characters are not just there supporting the main couple's story thrust. Their needs, desires and actions, have significant impacts on the plot. Sometimes I stumbled over what felt like an inconsistency in attitude or action, but for the most part I was happily sucked along through the book, mesmerized by the love and train wreck that is the relationship between Will and Gaston, and the maelstrom created by all of their enemies, friends and families.
There are also signs that things are shifting. The Brethren are not what they once were. The values of the outside world, which are universal in their condemnation of sodomy, hover around them. You can feel the stormclouds brewing even as these two men settle into a relationship fit to sustain them life-long. If only the outside world would let them be. But it won't.
The relationship between Will and Gaston progresses in this novel, particularly on the physical front. But for every step forward, there is one backward and one sideways. Gaston's madness has more triggers and facets than any six men should carry, and it becomes clear that this is not just PTSD from one traumatic event, but in fact a lifelong problem. He was undoubtedly very sensitive and reactive as a child, and the way he was raised, by being shipped off to schools and forced into competitive social settings with his uncivilized peers, brought out the worst in him. He has learned, to the point of ingrained reflex, that the only answer to a threat is full-blown insensate attack, and that reflex sometimes takes over, even toward Will.
Will on the other hand, is finding that his long-time self-control and insouciant intellectual approach is papered over some dark waters of his own. Even love, deep and abiding, is not enough to keep him from occasionally going in over his own head. And he also is capable of hurting Gaston at those times.
These men are both philosophers at heart. They address their situations with endless words and metaphors, trying to build a world-view that encompasses both love and madness, and the paths between. As a fellow wordsmith and analyst, I mostly appreciated this, although occasionally felt they were retracing worn paths of discussion. Their love is the thing that keeps them afloat, and they express it continuously. This seems usually appropriate, because it provides the only light in their darkness, and is the only true love either has known. That same obsessive intensity also sometimes fuels their reactivity, and that also seems plausible.
In this book, they still live mainly in the world where matelots are recognized as partners in sex, love, and life. But this is the 1660s, where a nobleman and only son, even in exile, is someone for whom a child and heir is a thing of life-and-death weight, and having a title provides huge advantages in influence and security. Even for commoner pairs, like Pete and Striker, children are the biggest sticking point for same-sex couples. If one man is bi or prefers women for sex, if one man really wants children, this is something his loving matelot cannot do for him. And in this book, the desire for children, both symbolically to gain advantages, and as loved family in fact, is a wedge that drives more than one pair apart.
There continue to be unexpected plot twists, and the secondary characters are not just there supporting the main couple's story thrust. Their needs, desires and actions, have significant impacts on the plot. Sometimes I stumbled over what felt like an inconsistency in attitude or action, but for the most part I was happily sucked along through the book, mesmerized by the love and train wreck that is the relationship between Will and Gaston, and the maelstrom created by all of their enemies, friends and families.
There are also signs that things are shifting. The Brethren are not what they once were. The values of the outside world, which are universal in their condemnation of sodomy, hover around them. You can feel the stormclouds brewing even as these two men settle into a relationship fit to sustain them life-long. If only the outside world would let them be. But it won't.
poultrymunitions's review against another edition
avast! another 275,000 words of Philosophical Faggotry on the High Seas.
I amso weak. simply finished with all the goddamned yak-yak-yak-please-ignore-my-flaccid-penis-for-I-have-been-abused-matey.
and one more wolf metaphor would simply incinerate my fucking eyeballs.
DNF at 30 percent.
I am
and one more wolf metaphor would simply incinerate my fucking eyeballs.
DNF at 30 percent.
wilt's review against another edition
1.0
DNF - I was a fool for thinking the end of the first book was the climax of Will and Gaston's issues. I believed the natural progression from rock bottom would be up, but Hoffman took me by surprise by bringing out a pickax and tunneling so much deeper that I couldn't stomach reading any more. The first rule of minecraft is to never dig directly down. Within the first 100 pages of Matelots I found myself swimming in lava.
I'll admit I overlooked a few of the sketchy topics in the first book because I really wanted to like it, but Hoffman completely retracted any tact or grace or dignity she pretended to have in the first book and all the ugliness jumps out in this one. The perversion really shines with her decision to write Will and Gaston (both 27 year old men) getting hard from the thought of having sex with a 15 year old girl. In that very same chapter Will admits to Gaston he wants to be r*ped by him, and Gaston only gets sexually aroused by the thought of having sex with Will if it's r*pe. And this is supposed to be tragic? or acceptable because they're both traumatized? Fuck off. Fuck right off. It takes a lot for me to not finish a book but this is reprehensible.
I'll admit I overlooked a few of the sketchy topics in the first book because I really wanted to like it, but Hoffman completely retracted any tact or grace or dignity she pretended to have in the first book and all the ugliness jumps out in this one. The perversion really shines with her decision to write Will and Gaston (both 27 year old men) getting hard from the thought of having sex with a 15 year old girl. In that very same chapter Will admits to Gaston he wants to be r*ped by him, and Gaston only gets sexually aroused by the thought of having sex with Will if it's r*pe. And this is supposed to be tragic? or acceptable because they're both traumatized? Fuck off. Fuck right off. It takes a lot for me to not finish a book but this is reprehensible.
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