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The Bureau #1
Corruption
Once a proud demon of the night sky who carried nightmares to humans, Tenrael has spent decades in captivity as the star attraction of a traveling carnival. He exists in miserable servitude to men who plunk down ten dollars to fulfill their dark desires.
Charles Grimes is half human, half… something else. For fifteen years he’s worked for the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs, ridding the country of dangerous monsters. When his boss sends him to Kansas to chase a rumor about a captive demon, Charles figures it’s just another assignment. Until he meets Tenrael.
Charles Grimes is half human, half… something else. For fifteen years he’s worked for the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs, ridding the country of dangerous monsters. When his boss sends him to Kansas to chase a rumor about a captive demon, Charles figures it’s just another assignment. Until he meets Tenrael.
46 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2017
About the author
Kim Fielding
159 books1,273 followersKim Fielding lives in Oregon and travels as often as she can manage. A professor by day, at night she rushes into a phone booth to change into her author costume (which involves comfy clothes instead of Spandex and is, sadly, lacking a cape). Her superpowers include the ability to write nearly anywhere, often while simultaneously doling out assistance to her family. Her favorite word to describe herself is "eclectic" and she finally got that seventh tattoo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
October 8, 2017
All proceeds from the sale of this story go to Doctors Without Borders, so rest assured your reading addiction can now be classified as philanthropic!
Can I just say how much I LOVE THIS COVER!?!?? That cover plus the blurb rendered me speechless. Wings FTW!
"Corruption" is darkish. It's Fieldingesque in its darkness meaning darkness with a heart. Fielding is in a class all her own when it comes to AU and this series centers around a world that has a retro feel with a noir flair.
Charles Grimes is an agent with the Federal Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs and is called upon to track down a captured demon in Kansas. He specializes in this sort of job which is why he's being called out of his California region.
Within the confines of a story this length it's difficult to get a bead on Charles. He's cunning, intelligent and not completely human. He tracks down the carnival that boasts a being "STRAIGHT FROM THE PITS OF HELL !" with relative ease.
Tenrael is a demon but not a malevolent one. He actually seems sweet and wholly undeserving of the treatment he's subjected to night after night. He's beaten and tortured nightly on stage then sold at an hourly rate for... whatever. It's not pleasant but the details aren't delved into, more implied, however this story is certainly not for everyone.
I like dark stories and I know Fielding is going to deliver the romance. Charles is bewitched by Tenrael immediately; there is some sort of connection between them that defies explanation. What transpires between them in that squalid trailer in such a short amount of time was very powerful and affecting.
The ending was strong and I believe it to be an HEA. I bought into their cosmic connection hook, line and sinker, but I suppose it's open to interpretation.
It would be disingenuous of me if I didn't admit that I wish it were longer. I also wouldn't have minded a few more details of that last scene. Because someone seems to be a sadist.
#GoTeamPainGo
Regardless, this story flows beautifully in that classic Fielding way where she can take darkness and infuse it with a coziness that's heartwarming and infinitely readable.
Recommended to darkish romance fans.
A review copy was provided.
Can I just say how much I LOVE THIS COVER!?!?? That cover plus the blurb rendered me speechless. Wings FTW!
"Corruption" is darkish. It's Fieldingesque in its darkness meaning darkness with a heart. Fielding is in a class all her own when it comes to AU and this series centers around a world that has a retro feel with a noir flair.
Charles Grimes is an agent with the Federal Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs and is called upon to track down a captured demon in Kansas. He specializes in this sort of job which is why he's being called out of his California region.
Within the confines of a story this length it's difficult to get a bead on Charles. He's cunning, intelligent and not completely human. He tracks down the carnival that boasts a being "STRAIGHT FROM THE PITS OF HELL !" with relative ease.
Tenrael is a demon but not a malevolent one. He actually seems sweet and wholly undeserving of the treatment he's subjected to night after night. He's beaten and tortured nightly on stage then sold at an hourly rate for... whatever. It's not pleasant but the details aren't delved into, more implied, however this story is certainly not for everyone.
I like dark stories and I know Fielding is going to deliver the romance. Charles is bewitched by Tenrael immediately; there is some sort of connection between them that defies explanation. What transpires between them in that squalid trailer in such a short amount of time was very powerful and affecting.
The ending was strong and I believe it to be an HEA. I bought into their cosmic connection hook, line and sinker, but I suppose it's open to interpretation.
It would be disingenuous of me if I didn't admit that I wish it were longer. I also wouldn't have minded a few more details of that last scene. Because someone seems to be a sadist.
"If I had you, I'd want to mark you. I'd want to make you cry out."
#GoTeamPainGo
Regardless, this story flows beautifully in that classic Fielding way where she can take darkness and infuse it with a coziness that's heartwarming and infinitely readable.
Recommended to darkish romance fans.
A review copy was provided.
April 22, 2019
This totally blew me away!
I absolutely LOVE angels in m/m romance (or any winged creatures, actually).
This short also strongly reminded me of one of my favorite horror movies: ‘Mermaid Chronicles Part 1: She Creature’ (don’t laugh, LOL).
Tenrael is a demon. He’s a black-winged bringer of nightmares and as such isn’t one of the gruesome killer demons that men fear, but a rather harmless creature that used to live on seaside clifftops – and not in the depths of hell.
One day, a clever human managed to bind him and turn him into a slave. Changing owners over the years, Tanrael is currently an attraction at a wandering circus, where his owner displays him to a paying audience, making some extra bucks by letting the men beat and rape Tanrael night after night, to punish the beast from hell that allegedly caused the deaths of thousands and ate children for breakfast.
Word of mouth about a demon being sighted at a circus reaches the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs and Agent Charles Grimes is sent to Kansas to destroy the demon. Grimes has some secrets of his own and some scars on his back that constantly remind him of what he’s left behind.
Finding the abused and hurting demon turns out differently than Charles thought and ending the creature is the hardest job Charles ever encountered, especially when Tenrael’s gaze falls on him, begging him to end his suffering.
It’s such a beautiful and well-rounded story. I’m not saying I wouldn’t have preferred a wider setting to allow for more character development, but as a short story, I found it to be absolutely breath-taking!
Plus, this one has one of the best covers I've ever seen. I think I never clicked on the 'buy now' button so quickly.
5 stars and you got a new fan, Ms Fielding!
June 15, 2017
~3.5~
Brutal and beautiful, Corruption paints a picture of a bleak alternate reality where 15 bucks a week is a living wage. The setting has a dark Dust Bowl feel, what with traveling freak shows and good ol' boys getting their kicks by beating and raping demons.
Fielding's world building is exceptional, and in but a few pages we glimpse demons, angels, Bureau agents who kills "monsters," and cruel owners who get off on blood and abuse.
The ending is rather tentative, although there is a promise of a full Bureau book to come.
I have no doubt I would have loved this story had it been longer. Much longer.
Brutal and beautiful, Corruption paints a picture of a bleak alternate reality where 15 bucks a week is a living wage. The setting has a dark Dust Bowl feel, what with traveling freak shows and good ol' boys getting their kicks by beating and raping demons.
Fielding's world building is exceptional, and in but a few pages we glimpse demons, angels, Bureau agents who kills "monsters," and cruel owners who get off on blood and abuse.
The ending is rather tentative, although there is a promise of a full Bureau book to come.
I have no doubt I would have loved this story had it been longer. Much longer.
August 15, 2021
3.5 Stars
This is a dark supernatural historical, seeped in the seedier and sinister side of human nature, telling the sad tale of captured demon Tenrael, and how he lives his endless days of torture under a cruel master.
Bureau agent Charles is sent to kill the demon rumored to be on display at a carnival. He’s about to do the deed, but something just doesn’t sit right.
Short but no less impactful, this was an intriguing start to this loosely connected series of paranormal agents who are tasked with the difficult jobs of destroying (but I’m gonna guess, mostly saving and ultimately loving) those beings that go bump in the night.
This is a dark supernatural historical, seeped in the seedier and sinister side of human nature, telling the sad tale of captured demon Tenrael, and how he lives his endless days of torture under a cruel master.
Bureau agent Charles is sent to kill the demon rumored to be on display at a carnival. He’s about to do the deed, but something just doesn’t sit right.
Short but no less impactful, this was an intriguing start to this loosely connected series of paranormal agents who are tasked with the difficult jobs of destroying (but I’m gonna guess, mostly saving and ultimately loving) those beings that go bump in the night.
October 26, 2017
**** 4.5 Stars ****
Loved this one.
Short but powerful.
Such a compelling writing!
Loved this one.
Short but powerful.
Such a compelling writing!
September 28, 2017
Not for the meek! Trigger warnings: rape, physical and mental abuse.
I am currently reading the second book in the series Clay White and Tenrael and Charles' story continues (but they are not the main characters). Because this book was so short and the HFN was unsatisfying, I can't recommend this as a stand-alone. But I can recommend it with book 2. In fact, when I write my review for the second book, I am going to suggest reading Corruption first.
Confused yet? My review for Clay White will be up shortly.
Great world-building, compelling characters but too short to be satisfying. And heed the trigger warnings. Tenrael is terribly mistreated. Until he meets his knight-in-shining-armor, Charles. :)
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
I am currently reading the second book in the series Clay White and Tenrael and Charles' story continues (but they are not the main characters). Because this book was so short and the HFN was unsatisfying, I can't recommend this as a stand-alone. But I can recommend it with book 2. In fact, when I write my review for the second book, I am going to suggest reading Corruption first.
Confused yet? My review for Clay White will be up shortly.
Great world-building, compelling characters but too short to be satisfying. And heed the trigger warnings. Tenrael is terribly mistreated. Until he meets his knight-in-shining-armor, Charles. :)
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
July 27, 2021
this was pretty good, but it left me a little disappointed, because i feel like this had a lot of potential to be WAY better. if only it was a little bit longer.
not enough character & relationship development or build up between the mcs. i just wanted MORE 🙄
not enough character & relationship development or build up between the mcs. i just wanted MORE 🙄
January 21, 2022
The Bureau.
It sounds so straightforward, doesn’t it? I can assure you it’s anything but. There are a few things you should know before falling into the belly of this beast.
First of all, this story is more like a tasty snack. It’s short but impressive. As the series grows, the size of the books increases as well.
Second, the timeframe is around a century ago but jumps decades as the series continues.
Third, I highly suggest you snag the entire series for an optimal reading experience. I was saving this series for a vacation next month, but somehow I find myself halfway through and struggling to stop reading.
Lastly, this isn’t fluffy or smutty. If you’re looking for an easy feel-good ride, this is not it.
Fielding weaves an extraordinary world with ambiguity and dark shadows in every corner. Yet, each story has a brilliance of some sort; a sparkling star, sliver of sunshine, or clear moon. It’s mysterious and horrific, but strangely enough, I wouldn’t categorize it as mystery or horror. There is pain and worry. And times I held my breath as butterflies rattled my chest, but these only made the comfort and tenderness that much sweeter.
The Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs is sort of the FBI for non-humans. They handle paranormal creatures that are misbehaving. Charles Grimes is a seasoned Lieutenant sent on assignment in Kansas. He is tasked with apprehending a demon. Shouldn’t be too difficult. A monster of the human variety is showcasing this creature in carnival freakshows. He must follow the trail and then kill the demon. But when he meets Tenrael, everything changes. And that’s where I’m going to tell you…if you wanna know what happens, you’ll have to discover for yourself. Ha. #sorrynotsorry
Next comes Clay White and I’ll be back to share more soon!
Beware of: A prisoner held captive will pull on your heartstrings. Abuse of the flesh and mind. And a match made in the closest thing to heaven they’ll ever see.
This book is for: If you enjoy unraveling a harsh world with unlikely mates, this first link in a magnificent series is calling your name. AND if you need another incentive, all proceeds from the sale of this story go to Doctors Without Borders. How amazing is that??
Book UNfunk
It sounds so straightforward, doesn’t it? I can assure you it’s anything but. There are a few things you should know before falling into the belly of this beast.
First of all, this story is more like a tasty snack. It’s short but impressive. As the series grows, the size of the books increases as well.
Second, the timeframe is around a century ago but jumps decades as the series continues.
Third, I highly suggest you snag the entire series for an optimal reading experience. I was saving this series for a vacation next month, but somehow I find myself halfway through and struggling to stop reading.
Lastly, this isn’t fluffy or smutty. If you’re looking for an easy feel-good ride, this is not it.
Fielding weaves an extraordinary world with ambiguity and dark shadows in every corner. Yet, each story has a brilliance of some sort; a sparkling star, sliver of sunshine, or clear moon. It’s mysterious and horrific, but strangely enough, I wouldn’t categorize it as mystery or horror. There is pain and worry. And times I held my breath as butterflies rattled my chest, but these only made the comfort and tenderness that much sweeter.
The Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs is sort of the FBI for non-humans. They handle paranormal creatures that are misbehaving. Charles Grimes is a seasoned Lieutenant sent on assignment in Kansas. He is tasked with apprehending a demon. Shouldn’t be too difficult. A monster of the human variety is showcasing this creature in carnival freakshows. He must follow the trail and then kill the demon. But when he meets Tenrael, everything changes. And that’s where I’m going to tell you…if you wanna know what happens, you’ll have to discover for yourself. Ha. #sorrynotsorry
Next comes Clay White and I’ll be back to share more soon!
Beware of: A prisoner held captive will pull on your heartstrings. Abuse of the flesh and mind. And a match made in the closest thing to heaven they’ll ever see.
This book is for: If you enjoy unraveling a harsh world with unlikely mates, this first link in a magnificent series is calling your name. AND if you need another incentive, all proceeds from the sale of this story go to Doctors Without Borders. How amazing is that??
Book UNfunk
November 2, 2019
Reread November 2019
Tenrael Still broke my heart. And I still wish this was longer.
Originally read July 2018
This was way too short. There was so much potential. The writing is phenomenal and grabbed me from page one that's what makes it so disappointing. There were so many things that needed to be expounded on especially with the relationship. I needed to know more....more of everything really.
I think I cried the first 50%. Tenrael broke my heart. At one point I was very angry at Charles. I know he had to do what he had to in order to get to Tenrael but it made it no less easier for me to swallow what felt like betrayal by turning his back.
As I said, I think this would have been amazing and totally 5 stars from me if it were just longer.
Tenrael Still broke my heart. And I still wish this was longer.
Originally read July 2018
This was way too short. There was so much potential. The writing is phenomenal and grabbed me from page one that's what makes it so disappointing. There were so many things that needed to be expounded on especially with the relationship. I needed to know more....more of everything really.
I think I cried the first 50%. Tenrael broke my heart. At one point I was very angry at Charles. I know he had to do what he had to in order to get to Tenrael but it made it no less easier for me to swallow what felt like betrayal by turning his back.
As I said, I think this would have been amazing and totally 5 stars from me if it were just longer.
June 19, 2021
AUDIOBOOK, June 2021: This is still one of my favorite short stories! Love the dark, love the pain, love the freedom. Joel Leslie delivers an incomparable performance in this bit of paranormal devilry!
Original EBOOK, Jan 2018:
Dark & Delicious! Demon and Angel....
4.5 Stars. This was so good! Within a few paragraphs I was already invested in my MC. This woman can write!
Demon Tenrael has been in human captivity for years, used and abused. Half angel Charles Grimes works for the Bureau in ridding the earth of monsters.
His encounter with Tenrael leaves him wondering who are really the monsters.
I LOVED how there was a tangible dark side to our angel and a heartbreaking longing for touch in our demon. The two make an explosive match and I wanted more than 46 pages.
Original EBOOK, Jan 2018:
Dark & Delicious! Demon and Angel....
4.5 Stars. This was so good! Within a few paragraphs I was already invested in my MC. This woman can write!
Demon Tenrael has been in human captivity for years, used and abused. Half angel Charles Grimes works for the Bureau in ridding the earth of monsters.
His encounter with Tenrael leaves him wondering who are really the monsters.
I LOVED how there was a tangible dark side to our angel and a heartbreaking longing for touch in our demon. The two make an explosive match and I wanted more than 46 pages.
November 2, 2020
4 Stars
Kim Fielding knows how to create entire worlds and fully formed characters in a very limited number of pages. She’s a truly masterful writer and this 46-page nugget of (semi-dark) fantasy romance showcased her talents perfectly.
Introducing an alt-universe where monsters and demons roam the earth and are kept in check by the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs, Corruption tells the disconcerting story of a long-suffering demon and the disillusioned special agent who becomes his saviour and reason to live.
This story was pretty dark in terms of what demon Tenrael experiences as an abused slave at the hands of cruel men, but not so much so that it was too disturbing to read. It was moody but it was enthralling—I couldn’t put it down.
The connection between Tenreal and agent Charles Grimes, his would-be-hunter-turned-saviour-and-lover, was a powerful one, too. I loved their scenes together and can only lament that their story wasn’t longer.
I enjoyed this impeccably written little story very much and I can’t wait to read more as this larger series unfolds.
Kim Fielding knows how to create entire worlds and fully formed characters in a very limited number of pages. She’s a truly masterful writer and this 46-page nugget of (semi-dark) fantasy romance showcased her talents perfectly.
Introducing an alt-universe where monsters and demons roam the earth and are kept in check by the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs, Corruption tells the disconcerting story of a long-suffering demon and the disillusioned special agent who becomes his saviour and reason to live.
This story was pretty dark in terms of what demon Tenrael experiences as an abused slave at the hands of cruel men, but not so much so that it was too disturbing to read. It was moody but it was enthralling—I couldn’t put it down.
The connection between Tenreal and agent Charles Grimes, his would-be-hunter-turned-saviour-and-lover, was a powerful one, too. I loved their scenes together and can only lament that their story wasn’t longer.
I enjoyed this impeccably written little story very much and I can’t wait to read more as this larger series unfolds.
September 28, 2020
3.5 stars
I really liked the atmosphere of this book. You get the gist that this is set somewhere in the past, where 15 dollars is a week’s pay, but it is never actually mentioned what year it is. Supernatural beings are no secret and the Bureau hunts those creatures. That’s all the world building we get, but somehow it was enough.
Charles works for the Bureau and is sent out to track down a demon, who is supposed to be at a freakshow carnival. Charles is fully prepared to kill the demon and leave again, but when he arrives at the carnival he sees the demon being abused by anyone willing to pay. Charles has always been taught all demons are evil, but he can’t ignore Tenrael’s agonizing screams…
This was short and not fully developed, but for some reason I didn’t care. This was intriguing and I was hooked from the first page. This world felt mysterious and dark, but not without some light at the end of the tunnel.
The romance kind of started at the end and the sex scene was not detailed. But it fit the story, and it felt natural.
I really liked the atmosphere of this book. You get the gist that this is set somewhere in the past, where 15 dollars is a week’s pay, but it is never actually mentioned what year it is. Supernatural beings are no secret and the Bureau hunts those creatures. That’s all the world building we get, but somehow it was enough.
Charles works for the Bureau and is sent out to track down a demon, who is supposed to be at a freakshow carnival. Charles is fully prepared to kill the demon and leave again, but when he arrives at the carnival he sees the demon being abused by anyone willing to pay. Charles has always been taught all demons are evil, but he can’t ignore Tenrael’s agonizing screams…
This was short and not fully developed, but for some reason I didn’t care. This was intriguing and I was hooked from the first page. This world felt mysterious and dark, but not without some light at the end of the tunnel.
The romance kind of started at the end and the sex scene was not detailed. But it fit the story, and it felt natural.
September 17, 2020
RE-READ Sep 2020:
Beautiful, simply beautiful. Who would've thought it about a demon story? ;)
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
A great short! Kim Fielding at her best!
Smooth, flowing writing. Just so much world-building and plot that we can easily understand the MCs. Deliciously dark and quite sexy despite its short length. I love abused MCs. If it's a demon - even better ;)
Recommended to my kinky GR friends! :)
Beautiful, simply beautiful. Who would've thought it about a demon story? ;)
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
A great short! Kim Fielding at her best!
Smooth, flowing writing. Just so much world-building and plot that we can easily understand the MCs. Deliciously dark and quite sexy despite its short length. I love abused MCs. If it's a demon - even better ;)
Recommended to my kinky GR friends! :)
November 25, 2020
3.5 stars
I loved the set up, the characters, and the hints of world building, and I really wish I could give this 4 stars because there are good bones to this story. What was missing was a little more development, a few more pages to make transitions from one scene to another smoother and the relationship development less abrupt and choppy. Two events in particular would’ve benefitted from a little bit more room to unfold.
Even so, I’ve enjoyed this first taste of a new universe and I’m looking forward to the other stories, especially since a new one with these two characters has just been released.
I loved the set up, the characters, and the hints of world building, and I really wish I could give this 4 stars because there are good bones to this story. What was missing was a little more development, a few more pages to make transitions from one scene to another smoother and the relationship development less abrupt and choppy. Two events in particular would’ve benefitted from a little bit more room to unfold.
Even so, I’ve enjoyed this first taste of a new universe and I’m looking forward to the other stories, especially since a new one with these two characters has just been released.
December 23, 2023
3/5
the stars are mostly for the interesting atmosphere/world fielding created in a short amount of pages. it was pretty vague, but enough details were included to give the reader a good idea of what's happening without adding too much to the point that it becomes info-dumpy. i breezed through this novella.
even if it was a quicky and easy read, though, not everything worked for me. i didn't necessarily dislike this story, but i didn't love it either.
it was a little off-putting how eager tenrael was to have sex with charles after he'd spent the entire night being horrifically r*ped and abused. also, he spent all that time forced to be the slave of another man, yearning for nothing else but to be free once more... and yet, in an impossible turn of events when he's finally given back control of himself, he begs the person who freed him to be his new master.
i'd hesitate to call this a romance; i never picked up on any feelings of love between the MCs. i think i would've enjoyed it a lot more had it been longer, which would've allowed more time for tenrael and charles' connection to be fleshed out. it was insta-love, insta-lust, and insta-trust all at once (which, even on their own, aren't my favorite), and the mixture felt especially inappropriate in this context considering the sheer extent of the abuse tenrael endured.
the ending also felt rushed. like i said, if this novella had been drawn out more to give things time to unfold, it could've been a much better story overall.
the stars are mostly for the interesting atmosphere/world fielding created in a short amount of pages. it was pretty vague, but enough details were included to give the reader a good idea of what's happening without adding too much to the point that it becomes info-dumpy. i breezed through this novella.
even if it was a quicky and easy read, though, not everything worked for me. i didn't necessarily dislike this story, but i didn't love it either.
it was a little off-putting how eager tenrael was to have sex with charles after he'd spent the entire night being horrifically r*ped and abused. also, he spent all that time forced to be the slave of another man, yearning for nothing else but to be free once more... and yet, in an impossible turn of events when he's finally given back control of himself, he begs the person who freed him to be his new master.
i'd hesitate to call this a romance; i never picked up on any feelings of love between the MCs. i think i would've enjoyed it a lot more had it been longer, which would've allowed more time for tenrael and charles' connection to be fleshed out. it was insta-love, insta-lust, and insta-trust all at once (which, even on their own, aren't my favorite), and the mixture felt especially inappropriate in this context considering the sheer extent of the abuse tenrael endured.
the ending also felt rushed. like i said, if this novella had been drawn out more to give things time to unfold, it could've been a much better story overall.
June 22, 2023
Reread/Relisten: June 2023
in honor of the 4th volume coming out on audio, i am rereading all of "The Bureau" books. and I love these two, yes this book is short, but i know that they pop up every now and then in future books.
now i can't wait to start the reread of the series and be back in this universe!!
3.5 stars: December 2022
For such a short book I enjoyed it a lot, and I also was hooked from page one. I think this Bureau series will be what I have been searching for to keep me away from going in to a slump hahaa
I do wish this was longer, but for what it was i felt the chemistry from the characters and I liked both MC’s!
Joel Leslie did a great job with his narrations!
Now on to book two!
in honor of the 4th volume coming out on audio, i am rereading all of "The Bureau" books. and I love these two, yes this book is short, but i know that they pop up every now and then in future books.
now i can't wait to start the reread of the series and be back in this universe!!
3.5 stars: December 2022
For such a short book I enjoyed it a lot, and I also was hooked from page one. I think this Bureau series will be what I have been searching for to keep me away from going in to a slump hahaa
I do wish this was longer, but for what it was i felt the chemistry from the characters and I liked both MC’s!
Joel Leslie did a great job with his narrations!
Now on to book two!
November 1, 2019
Disappointed. Kim Fielding is a wonderful author, there's absolutely NO doubt about that. BUT, this was so ... short. Short to the point where the story itself suffered immensely ... at least in MY opinion, and it had nothing to do with the actual page count. It felt like this novella was speed-written. Seriously!
This started off well and I was immediately engaged, but all of a sudden, it's like we were fast-forwarding to the end where, surprise, nothing actually happens. Here, I'll speed through the premise: The MCs meet, immediately forge a connection, one MC releases the other from any sort of forced obligation, the MCs meet together at the end - where the Flash-quick sexy time was pretty much fade-to-black, and then the novella was - BAM - over! Ummm what???
The ending was a very unsatisfying HFN and it felt like Fielding was too much in a rush to get to her next novella. If you're going to invest in introducing invested backstory to your characters, even going so far as to explain how tortured and abused one of the MCs is [making a point to tell the reader that an MC is being repeatedly and continuously brutally raped], I'd expect you to give the reader a worthy and substantial ending. I don't get why authors invest in the beginning and rush through the end ... I sincerely don't get it!!
No one can say it's because this is a novella ... I've read a few novellas that read like full-length novels ... so it's definitely not that. Either way, this was very "meh" for me, which is unfortunate, because I was really prepared to like this book all over the place!! Oh well.
I'm rounding things up to 2 stars JUST because of Kim Fielding's awesome imagination.
This started off well and I was immediately engaged, but all of a sudden, it's like we were fast-forwarding to the end where, surprise, nothing actually happens. Here, I'll speed through the premise: The MCs meet, immediately forge a connection, one MC releases the other from any sort of forced obligation, the MCs meet together at the end - where the Flash-quick sexy time was pretty much fade-to-black, and then the novella was - BAM - over! Ummm what???
The ending was a very unsatisfying HFN and it felt like Fielding was too much in a rush to get to her next novella. If you're going to invest in introducing invested backstory to your characters, even going so far as to explain how tortured and abused one of the MCs is [making a point to tell the reader that an MC is being repeatedly and continuously brutally raped], I'd expect you to give the reader a worthy and substantial ending. I don't get why authors invest in the beginning and rush through the end ... I sincerely don't get it!!
No one can say it's because this is a novella ... I've read a few novellas that read like full-length novels ... so it's definitely not that. Either way, this was very "meh" for me, which is unfortunate, because I was really prepared to like this book all over the place!! Oh well.
I'm rounding things up to 2 stars JUST because of Kim Fielding's awesome imagination.
October 30, 2019
Ms Fielding is a new to me author, so I was a bit nervous about this one. I shouldn't have. The story packed an emotional wallop. If anybody asks, it was dust in my eye! I felt for Tenrael! So many feels were running through me - anger, sadness and compassion to name a few. With one word he just broke my heart.
Charles Grimes was a bit cocky at the beginning. I almost disliked a bit at the beginning but what he did for Tenrael made him golden in my book. The way he went about it was a bit unorthodox but I was surprised by his compassion.
Both men had good chemistry between them but I just needed more time with them. It felt like I just really sunk my teeth into the story, and it was already over. Plus there was no indication of what year when the events were happening. I could take a guess what with the descriptions and all, but this is one of my pet peeves when there is no clear time frame mentioned. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this author's writing and turn of phrase, so I will definitely read more of their work.
Charles Grimes was a bit cocky at the beginning. I almost disliked a bit at the beginning but what he did for Tenrael made him golden in my book. The way he went about it was a bit unorthodox but I was surprised by his compassion.
Both men had good chemistry between them but I just needed more time with them. It felt like I just really sunk my teeth into the story, and it was already over. Plus there was no indication of what year when the events were happening. I could take a guess what with the descriptions and all, but this is one of my pet peeves when there is no clear time frame mentioned. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this author's writing and turn of phrase, so I will definitely read more of their work.
December 5, 2017
A dark but redemptive story set in an alternate universe where we have a Federal Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs, and where demons are a known risk. Charles Grimes is an agent who is used to tracking down creatures dangerous to humans. When he finds the demon Tenrael, captive and abused both physically and sexually, owned for his value in letting human spectators unleash their darkness on him, Charles's sympathies are entirely with the demon. Charles is not entirely human either, and he and Tenrael have much in common. There is also darkness inside both of the MCs, but of the kind that is welcome and shared.
This is a very short story, intense and emotional, opening a small window into a fascinating world. I look forward to more.
This is a very short story, intense and emotional, opening a small window into a fascinating world. I look forward to more.
February 3, 2021
I somehow forgot to review these last year but I am almost finished with them, I thought I would rate them.
This was super short but extremely memorable. I think of all of the stories it sticks out in my mind the most. It was very poignant for me. The abuse that was inflicted was abhorrent. His rescue and what followed was perfect.
The fact that the couple sort of pops up here and there and we get a peek into their relationship throughout the series is nice. They have a very abnormal relationship that works for them and they don't really care what the others think about it.
Definitely my favorite.
This was super short but extremely memorable. I think of all of the stories it sticks out in my mind the most. It was very poignant for me. The abuse that was inflicted was abhorrent. His rescue and what followed was perfect.
The fact that the couple sort of pops up here and there and we get a peek into their relationship throughout the series is nice. They have a very abnormal relationship that works for them and they don't really care what the others think about it.
Definitely my favorite.
May 7, 2020
A surprisingly well-crafted read for such a short book. Tanrael - a nightmare demon - was bound years ago and passed along to many different owners since then. Used and abused, sold each night for beatings from strangers or worse, he's barely living at all.
Charles - an angel who cut off his own "useless" wings - works for an FBI style agency that deals with rogue supernaturals. He's sent to "deal" with Tanrael, but finds the demon to be utterly compelling.
There are a lot of elements here that could be expanded on (I don't know if they are in later works). It all gallops along at a breathless pace, leaving tons of questions about the world. I wish it were longer and took more time to explore these fascinating characters.
A great read with some stunning stand-out lines that manage to pack an emotional punch despite being so short.
You know when you're at a party, and they're serving canapés, but you're bloody starving hungry and could eat the whole plate? This book is one of those pretty canapés - gone in one bite, leaving you desperate for more.
Charles - an angel who cut off his own "useless" wings - works for an FBI style agency that deals with rogue supernaturals. He's sent to "deal" with Tanrael, but finds the demon to be utterly compelling.
There are a lot of elements here that could be expanded on (I don't know if they are in later works). It all gallops along at a breathless pace, leaving tons of questions about the world. I wish it were longer and took more time to explore these fascinating characters.
A great read with some stunning stand-out lines that manage to pack an emotional punch despite being so short.
You know when you're at a party, and they're serving canapés, but you're bloody starving hungry and could eat the whole plate? This book is one of those pretty canapés - gone in one bite, leaving you desperate for more.
January 27, 2020
Just...mediocre.
EDIT: I felt like I should say more, but the problem with this story is that it's too damned short to say anything important. Wonderful premise, but I was so unsatisfied due to it brevity.
MORE EDIT 6/19/18: Ok. Now that I've read all three of these, this is the standout, my favorite. Why did I say "just mediocre" a year ago? Because a brilliant idea was cut down to a 46-page glimpse at what could have been a stellar novel. This story had so much potential that was never developed into a story one could sink one's teeth into. That was frustrating...thus the 3 stars. I'm going to bump it up to 4 stars because of its potential and because it's my favorite. Cuz I can.
AND EVEN MORE EDIT 11/01/19: After reading the fifth in the series, this one is still my favorite!
October 1, 2021
4.5 stars
“I’m nothing now. An empty shell. But all these weeks, I’ve still tasted your kisses and felt your hands on my body. I’ve dreamed of you—and demons never dream. I want to serve you. I want you to fill me. Be my heart and soul, Charles, and I will be your wings.”
I want to admit something: although almost all my GR friends love Kim Fielding's books, I've never felt that love myself; they fell more in the 'okay' category for me. So, I was reluctant to pick this up despite its engaging blurb, but then I realized how short it was and decided to give it a try. And I LOVED IT.
It's heart-wrenching, it's dark, it's disturbing, it's instalove, it's poetic and somehow, all these facts merge beautifully into a very poignant book, about the difference between men and monsters, which is sometimes not as big as you'd think...
“I’m nothing now. An empty shell. But all these weeks, I’ve still tasted your kisses and felt your hands on my body. I’ve dreamed of you—and demons never dream. I want to serve you. I want you to fill me. Be my heart and soul, Charles, and I will be your wings.”
I want to admit something: although almost all my GR friends love Kim Fielding's books, I've never felt that love myself; they fell more in the 'okay' category for me. So, I was reluctant to pick this up despite its engaging blurb, but then I realized how short it was and decided to give it a try. And I LOVED IT.
It's heart-wrenching, it's dark, it's disturbing, it's instalove, it's poetic and somehow, all these facts merge beautifully into a very poignant book, about the difference between men and monsters, which is sometimes not as big as you'd think...
January 4, 2021
I really enjoyed this one! It was short, but it left a lasting impression. Recently, I’ve been a bit of a wuss when it comes to any kind of abuse in my books so some parts made me squirm, but thankfully, most of it happened off-page. Fielding’s writing was great — it’s amazing how many details can be packed into one 40-page story.
My thanks to Elena for giving me that little nudge, otherwise the Bureau series would’ve gotten lost in my ever-growing tbr pile! 😘
My thanks to Elena for giving me that little nudge, otherwise the Bureau series would’ve gotten lost in my ever-growing tbr pile! 😘
June 13, 2017
3.5 stars
A heartbreaking start but in overall way too short!! I want to know more about Charles' work at Federal Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs. I want more interaction, more relationship building, more of this world ... just MORE.
The end of the book said "Coming Soon: Clay White ~ A Bureau Story". I hope this means I will get a longer one because this could be a series I'd like to follow.
A heartbreaking start but in overall way too short!! I want to know more about Charles' work at Federal Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs. I want more interaction, more relationship building, more of this world ... just MORE.
The end of the book said "Coming Soon: Clay White ~ A Bureau Story". I hope this means I will get a longer one because this could be a series I'd like to follow.
December 14, 2022
Well that was a good start for this series. It was exactly as I expected. Their love was pretty insta and insta lust hahah but surprisingly it was well done that I enjoyed it. Although I do notice from the last book I’ve read, this series doesn’t focus on the depth of the storyline. I still liked how it was executed. I can’t wait to read the next ones.
January 11, 2021
He was as accustomed to shame and degradation as he was to his shackles and cage . What hurt most were the memories of flying , fierce and proud and free .
Wow , this is a hell of a story . Way too short but I liked it a lot . My heart broke for Tenrael , the black winged demon , hold in captivity for decades and being humiliated and tortured . Sometimes the story was very gritty and uncomfortable but I got sucked in from the beginning . What an impressive world-building in such a dark and bleak world of demons and humans . Can‘t wait to start with the next one !
Wow , this is a hell of a story . Way too short but I liked it a lot . My heart broke for Tenrael , the black winged demon , hold in captivity for decades and being humiliated and tortured . Sometimes the story was very gritty and uncomfortable but I got sucked in from the beginning . What an impressive world-building in such a dark and bleak world of demons and humans . Can‘t wait to start with the next one !
November 5, 2019
This was pretty good. I'd put it off for a long time because I knew it was going to be a little dark. I enjoyed it though and will continue on with the rest of the series.
Trigger Warning for off page rape and physical abuse both off and on page.
Trigger Warning for off page rape and physical abuse both off and on page.
July 1, 2023
Short, grimdark, historical paranormal situation. Interesting characters and world-building, but a little short, particularly given some of the disturbing themes.
October 8, 2017
4.3 Stars
OMG this is so good. Dark and edgy and I want more of it! I've been reading some graphic novels lately and what a visual this would make if there were images to go with the story...the scenes are already do gritty, so visceral.
Definitely going to read the next one in the series!
OMG this is so good. Dark and edgy and I want more of it! I've been reading some graphic novels lately and what a visual this would make if there were images to go with the story...the scenes are already do gritty, so visceral.
Definitely going to read the next one in the series!
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