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The First Quarto #5
Thuggiana
Pics, or it didn’t happen.
Thuggiana is a collection of short stories connected to The First Quarto. It includes the following:
“The Slightest Folly”
This prequel provides a glimpse into Auggie’s and Theo’s lives in high school. It takes place before They Told Me I Was Everything.
“As School-Boys from Their Books”
A series of vignettes set shortly after the events of They Told Me I Was Everything.
“The Woodsong Fog”
A series of vignettes set shortly after the events of Yet a Stranger.
“We Fools of Nature”
Theo and Auggie go on a float trip. This story is set after The Fairest Show.
“Thuggiana”
Auggie takes the gang on a private, overnight ghost hunt in an abandoned prison. This story is set after A Fault against the Dead.
Please note that the first four stories were distributed previously in various formats.
“Thuggiana” is exclusively available in this collection.
Thuggiana is a collection of short stories connected to The First Quarto. It includes the following:
“The Slightest Folly”
This prequel provides a glimpse into Auggie’s and Theo’s lives in high school. It takes place before They Told Me I Was Everything.
“As School-Boys from Their Books”
A series of vignettes set shortly after the events of They Told Me I Was Everything.
“The Woodsong Fog”
A series of vignettes set shortly after the events of Yet a Stranger.
“We Fools of Nature”
Theo and Auggie go on a float trip. This story is set after The Fairest Show.
“Thuggiana”
Auggie takes the gang on a private, overnight ghost hunt in an abandoned prison. This story is set after A Fault against the Dead.
Please note that the first four stories were distributed previously in various formats.
“Thuggiana” is exclusively available in this collection.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2022
About the author
Gregory Ashe
118 books1,607 followersI'm a long-time Midwesterner. I've lived in Chicago, Bloomington (IN), and Saint Louis, my current home. Aside from reading and writing (which take up a lot of my time), I'm an educator.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 29, 2023
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ: 2023 Thuggie Rereadathon :･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
thank you to my favorite Wahredua Wildcat Wild Readers for embarking on a TFQ (Take 2) journey with me before The Girl in the Wind's release! our love for Thuggie is ✨infinite✨
————
the gates have opened; this collection is officially out now!! 🥳🙌🏼 don’t forget to come back later so we can scream about that ending together - you know, seek some comfort in the chaos 😉
when GA canonizes the couple name for Theo and Auggie you’ve been vouching for since day one 🥳 THUGGIE FANS BE WINNING.
you might recognize a few of the included shorts as ones previously distributed via his newsletter, but “Thuggiana” is an exclusive to this collection that you absolutely don’t want to miss.
why you might ask?
cue the featurette reminding us that one of Greg’s favorite pastimes is leaving us hanging on cliffs for our dear lives while he goes on his merry way to walk his totes adorbs doggo Watson.
the story is such good fun (Orlando is a big, endearing goof 🥹) with a flare—or more like a firestorm—of danger that GA’s couples tend to attract like magnets. i blame the high altitudes of where i’m currently vacationing for carelessly allowing myself to get caught up in the overnight abandoned prison ghost extravaganza, and subsequently, forgetting about the inevitable, eye-popping twist that drops right before the curtains close.
I NEED ANSWERS *desperately shakes GA by the shoulders*
*ahem* let me sign off with an out of context quote to whet your appetite for the official Nov. 4th release before i get too carried away: “I’m filing an official request for your seed.” 😏
Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review :)
thank you to my favorite Wahredua Wildcat Wild Readers for embarking on a TFQ (Take 2) journey with me before The Girl in the Wind's release! our love for Thuggie is ✨infinite✨
————
the gates have opened; this collection is officially out now!! 🥳🙌🏼 don’t forget to come back later so we can scream about that ending together - you know, seek some comfort in the chaos 😉
-ana: a Latin-origin suffix that is used in English to convert nouns—usually proper names—into mass nouns, most commonly in order to refer to a collection of things, facts, stories, memorabilia, and anything else, that relate to a specific place, period, person, etc.
when GA canonizes the couple name for Theo and Auggie you’ve been vouching for since day one 🥳 THUGGIE FANS BE WINNING.
you might recognize a few of the included shorts as ones previously distributed via his newsletter, but “Thuggiana” is an exclusive to this collection that you absolutely don’t want to miss.
why you might ask?
cue the featurette reminding us that one of Greg’s favorite pastimes is leaving us hanging on cliffs for our dear lives while he goes on his merry way to walk his totes adorbs doggo Watson.
the story is such good fun (Orlando is a big, endearing goof 🥹) with a flare—or more like a firestorm—of danger that GA’s couples tend to attract like magnets. i blame the high altitudes of where i’m currently vacationing for carelessly allowing myself to get caught up in the overnight abandoned prison ghost extravaganza, and subsequently, forgetting about the inevitable, eye-popping twist that drops right before the curtains close.
I NEED ANSWERS *desperately shakes GA by the shoulders*
*ahem* let me sign off with an out of context quote to whet your appetite for the official Nov. 4th release before i get too carried away: “I’m filing an official request for your seed.” 😏
Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review :)
November 20, 2022
Who, me? I did not scream at that ending. No, sir. You must be hearing things.
November 4, 2022
Obviously I loved this because how could I not? It's Theo and Auggie, so duh. These short stories were like those deliciously soft after dinner mints (not those hard starlight mints, blah) - something sweet to take the edge off a meal cooked with a ton of garlic that will surely give you indigestion later. I loved seeing Theo and Auggie as teens and comparing the differences in their experiences. The vignettes were funny, sweet and adorable, as usual. The camping trip made me smile so hard I had to take an Advil afterwards. And then there was Thuggiana, where we were reminded that these guys can find trouble absolutely anywhere. I don't know what was scarier - what went down in the haunted prison or the time spent with Orlando's partners. Eeeesh, they were A LOT. But, of course, the piece de resistance was ANOTHER BOMB DROP! This one didn't rock me to my foundation the way the end of Off Duty #2 did, but holy crap I didn't see it coming. What does it mean? What will happen next? Is this a good thing or a really, really bad thing? And how long will we have to wait to find out? I have a feeling it might be awhile, but I also know it will be worth it. Until then, I guess I'll have to get my GA fix by tearing through his entire back catalog. Woe is me. 🤓🤣
May 16, 2023
“Sometimes you do these incredibly badass things,” Auggie said, staring up at the rectangle of blue sky. “And then you open your mouth, and I remember that you’re secretly a million years old, and you peaked in the Jacobean period.”
“Elizabethan, you son of a bitch.”
For some reason, that made Auggie laugh incredibly hard.
He was beautiful, and not just beautiful the way so many young people are. Rarely, truly beautiful. Head tilted back, throat rippling with laughter, one hand over his eyes as though he couldn’t stand to look at Theo after that comment, he was so perfect that Theo didn’t know what to do.
i'm obsessed with this man's obsession to put his characters through humanity's most hellish horrors only to write a story between each book where they do stuff like walk around town and show each other their favorite spots or go on ghost hunting with their friends. that's the balance of life.
but also, that ending! i surely need The Second Quarto now
January 9, 2024
Me: I want more Thuggie! Please, can I have more?
Gregory Ashe: Sure, here you go!
Me reading the first 4 short stories: Yes. This is exactly what I needed. Thank you. 😌
Me reading the last short story: OH GOD WHHHHHYYYYY??? HOW LONG MUST I SUFFER???? 🫠
Gregory Ashe: Sure, here you go!
Me reading the first 4 short stories: Yes. This is exactly what I needed. Thank you. 😌
Me reading the last short story: OH GOD WHHHHHYYYYY??? HOW LONG MUST I SUFFER???? 🫠
July 10, 2023
Don't miss this one!
Funny, poignant short stories that capture slices of life with Theo and Auggie. The last short story has a definite cliff hanger ending to it.
I want more!
Funny, poignant short stories that capture slices of life with Theo and Auggie. The last short story has a definite cliff hanger ending to it.
I want more!
September 1, 2023
4.00 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
That ending 🤨 So…more books must be coming right??
That ending 🤨 So…more books must be coming right??
October 30, 2022
I'm not going to talk about the *thing* except to say that it got me screaming and jumping in excitement for a good 10 minutes. I was so caught up in the last short story that the *thing* completely blindsided me and let me tell you I CANNOT wait to read more
Anyway this is me done not talking about the *thing* but if I were you I'd totally want to know what the *thing* is so I could join in and speculate on what's coming.
As usual these short stories are meant to be read in between the main books. They usually bring much needed relief after some of the traumatic events our heroes go through. But they also offer invaluable insight on their relationship and how they grow both as individuals and as a couple.
I have a particular fondness for the first story The Slightest Folly. It tells us of a time before Auggie and Theo knew each other, a peek into their lives as teenagers. The bittersweet tone on the story just hits me straight in the guts. There's so much love in writing these characters, you can't help but want to get to know more. It's the perfect introduction to these characters and Gregory's world in general.
The last story Thuggiana is exclusive to the book and was the perfect Halloween read. Theo and Thuggie meet up with Orlando and Co for a spooky adventure in an abandoned prison. Things take a turn for the downright scary for our Scooby gang. It's funny, creepy and nail-biting, a full roller-coaster ride.
It's my first time reading one of these collection of short stories as a book in its own right (I usually read the stories in between the books) and I'm in awe of Theo and Auggie's journey. It's beautiful to see them fight their own demons and build a strong, sweet relationship. Greg does character growth better than anyone and it shows again here. Another must read series.
Thank you to the author for providing this ARC, this is my honest opinion.
Anyway this is me done not talking about the *thing* but if I were you I'd totally want to know what the *thing* is so I could join in and speculate on what's coming.
As usual these short stories are meant to be read in between the main books. They usually bring much needed relief after some of the traumatic events our heroes go through. But they also offer invaluable insight on their relationship and how they grow both as individuals and as a couple.
I have a particular fondness for the first story The Slightest Folly. It tells us of a time before Auggie and Theo knew each other, a peek into their lives as teenagers. The bittersweet tone on the story just hits me straight in the guts. There's so much love in writing these characters, you can't help but want to get to know more. It's the perfect introduction to these characters and Gregory's world in general.
The last story Thuggiana is exclusive to the book and was the perfect Halloween read. Theo and Thuggie meet up with Orlando and Co for a spooky adventure in an abandoned prison. Things take a turn for the downright scary for our Scooby gang. It's funny, creepy and nail-biting, a full roller-coaster ride.
It's my first time reading one of these collection of short stories as a book in its own right (I usually read the stories in between the books) and I'm in awe of Theo and Auggie's journey. It's beautiful to see them fight their own demons and build a strong, sweet relationship. Greg does character growth better than anyone and it shows again here. Another must read series.
Thank you to the author for providing this ARC, this is my honest opinion.
November 7, 2022
This collection contains five short stories, four of which were previously distributed for free via Gregory Ashe's newsletter. The fifth one is exclusive to this book and is set after the events of A Fault against the Dead.
I always tell people that Ashe's short stories are required reading, and this collection is no different. While the stories are sweet interludes that take place in between the events of the books, they are pivotal in providing a deeper look into Theo and Auggie's characters and relationship, and allow us insight into their lives when they are not caught up in the middle of a murder mystery.
The last short story leaves us on a cliffhanger (not as huge as the one in Hazard and Somerset: Off Duty 2, but still quite a shocking moment), and now I have a ton of questions about what this means and the impact it will have on potential future TFQ books, as well as upcoming Hazardverse books in which Theo and Auggie appear. It's a must-read for Theo & Auggie fans!
I always tell people that Ashe's short stories are required reading, and this collection is no different. While the stories are sweet interludes that take place in between the events of the books, they are pivotal in providing a deeper look into Theo and Auggie's characters and relationship, and allow us insight into their lives when they are not caught up in the middle of a murder mystery.
The last short story leaves us on a cliffhanger (not as huge as the one in Hazard and Somerset: Off Duty 2, but still quite a shocking moment), and now I have a ton of questions about what this means and the impact it will have on potential future TFQ books, as well as upcoming Hazardverse books in which Theo and Auggie appear. It's a must-read for Theo & Auggie fans!
October 29, 2022
Omg, Theo please stop saying Penis…
Aww I love these short stories. It’s such a fun way to break up all the angst and heaviness that accompanies this series.
I really don’t know how Greg manages to find time to writes these little in between snippets but it’s clear that he still gives them 110% and I love them just as much as his full length novels 😍
Without spoiling anything for the ending of this one…what the hell Greg? Why must you insist on unsettling us like this every damn time !
Aww I love these short stories. It’s such a fun way to break up all the angst and heaviness that accompanies this series.
I really don’t know how Greg manages to find time to writes these little in between snippets but it’s clear that he still gives them 110% and I love them just as much as his full length novels 😍
Without spoiling anything for the ending of this one…what the hell Greg? Why must you insist on unsettling us like this every damn time !
September 26, 2024
Short stories som utspelade sig mellan varje bok. Det var väl sådär. Den bästa var dock när Theo var ung!!! Det var kul att läsa om❤️
June 8, 2023
“I’m going to stay standing, to keep my knee from stiffening up.”
“Sometimes you do these incredibly badass things,” Auggie said, staring up at the rectangle of blue sky. “And then you open your mouth, and I remember that you’re secretly a million years old, and you peaked in the Jacobean period.”
“Elizabethan, you son of a bitch.”
For some reason, that made Auggie laugh incredibly hard.
——————
He frowned. “Oh no. That’s not going to work.”
“You were so strong.”
“Oh Lord.”
“And you acted so decisively.”
“Would you please park the truck up there?…”
“I feel like it’s important you know, um, the effect your stalwartness had on me.”
——————
(Context: Auggie taking Theo to his favorite places in Missouri, and Auggie takes Theo to Theo’s home as his favorite place)
Theo stood at the sink, taking his time as he rinsed the bowls, thinking about first place. He loaded the dishwasher.
He thought about the nights after the accident, coming home to an empty house, the sound of its emptiness crashing over him like the surf.
He thought about muddy sneakers by the door, Doritos crumbs behind the couch cushions, legs and feet that were always kicking him and knocking his papers over and finding their way into his lap. He turned on the water, elbows on the lip of the sink, afraid he would make a sound.
——————
June 2023. Bonus set of short stories in the mystery/suspense series about an unlikely partnership (and eventually a relationship) between a gay undergrad student and gay grad student who are studying Shakespeare and find themselves pulled into a mystery each year at the university.
Heartfelt and funny, lacking the murders and danger of the main stories and giving us peeks into the interactions of our boys outside the timeframes of the cases, in the summers.
Absolutely loved, a fantastic addition worth reading if you enjoyed the main series. Bought on Kindle.
“Thuggiana” by Gregory Ashe. Set of short stories about the characters from The First Quarto.
“Sometimes you do these incredibly badass things,” Auggie said, staring up at the rectangle of blue sky. “And then you open your mouth, and I remember that you’re secretly a million years old, and you peaked in the Jacobean period.”
“Elizabethan, you son of a bitch.”
For some reason, that made Auggie laugh incredibly hard.
——————
He frowned. “Oh no. That’s not going to work.”
“You were so strong.”
“Oh Lord.”
“And you acted so decisively.”
“Would you please park the truck up there?…”
“I feel like it’s important you know, um, the effect your stalwartness had on me.”
——————
(Context: Auggie taking Theo to his favorite places in Missouri, and Auggie takes Theo to Theo’s home as his favorite place)
Theo stood at the sink, taking his time as he rinsed the bowls, thinking about first place. He loaded the dishwasher.
He thought about the nights after the accident, coming home to an empty house, the sound of its emptiness crashing over him like the surf.
He thought about muddy sneakers by the door, Doritos crumbs behind the couch cushions, legs and feet that were always kicking him and knocking his papers over and finding their way into his lap. He turned on the water, elbows on the lip of the sink, afraid he would make a sound.
——————
June 2023. Bonus set of short stories in the mystery/suspense series about an unlikely partnership (and eventually a relationship) between a gay undergrad student and gay grad student who are studying Shakespeare and find themselves pulled into a mystery each year at the university.
Heartfelt and funny, lacking the murders and danger of the main stories and giving us peeks into the interactions of our boys outside the timeframes of the cases, in the summers.
Absolutely loved, a fantastic addition worth reading if you enjoyed the main series. Bought on Kindle.
“Thuggiana” by Gregory Ashe. Set of short stories about the characters from The First Quarto.
October 29, 2022
The best part of being on Greg's newsletter is you get the opportunity to read short stories that go along with the main ARC series. But it's even better when they are all packaged up in a single book to read through. These stories range from before They Told I Was Everything all the way to a story post A Fault against the Dead. Each story provides a great insight into Theo and Auggie and how they have grown over time. Love that the Thuggiana has its own quick mystery. These stories will leave you craving for MORE.
November 1, 2022
Aaaaaaaargh! The end of the last story killed me!!! I want to know what's going on, Mr Ashe. ASAP! *looks sternly to somewhere in the north*
That said, I utterly enjoyed these short stories, most of them fun and lovely snapshots of different moments in Theo and Auggie's lives.
The last one, though, is a short mystery, perfect for Halloween with Orlando and his boyfriend and girlfriend playing their part to increase madness :P
If you enjoyed the other books in the series you sure will enjoy this one :D
That said, I utterly enjoyed these short stories, most of them fun and lovely snapshots of different moments in Theo and Auggie's lives.
The last one, though, is a short mystery, perfect for Halloween with Orlando and his boyfriend and girlfriend playing their part to increase madness :P
If you enjoyed the other books in the series you sure will enjoy this one :D
November 14, 2022
I love Auggie and Theo, and this short stories book is such a wonderful summary of their journey together throughout The First Quarto series. Every story reminded me a different stage of their friendship/relationship, and most of the time it was very moving and nostalgic.
I especially loved the second story, "As School-boys from Their Books", where Auggie shows Theo all the things he actually likes at Wahredua - at the end of his freshman year, where he still wasn't sure he's actually coming back - and Theo finally admits he'll miss him. That phase was very unstable for both of them - they were barely even friends, mostly still student/teacher, and Auggie was just coming out, so there was no relationship between them then (and thank god for that). Which makes the admission that they do like each other and want to come back and meet again very sweet and touching.
I also loved the story "The Woodsong Fog", which takes place after Auggie had a major abusive relationship trauma, and it shows how unstable he is at that time and how sweet and understanding Theo was. This is another beautiful step at their relationship, though in the shadow of a traumatic experience.
Mainly the stories focus on Theo's and Auggie's relationship, and shows cute and warm domestic moments, trips together etc. I loved it even more then some of the books themselves, because FINALLY this sweet and good-natured couple doesn't gat threatened, beaten and shot all the time. I keep thinking they just don't deserve that, and there is SO MUCH to tell about their lives and relationship without the scary mystery-action plots. This book shows it beautifully.
My only problem was with the last story, Thuggiana, which (a) shows so much from Orlando and his partners and they all just SO annoying, and (b) has another (mini-) mystery-action plot. Which was interesting and fun on it's own way, but I really think Auggie and Theo deserve some real rest. I would LOVE to read an emotional family drama from them, and not another mystery that adds endless new traumas to both of them, and has no connection whatsoever to their real lives (unlike Hazard and Somers, North and Shaw, etc.).
But all in all I loved this book, and the series in general. I think Auggie and Theo are two of Ashe's best characters, and definitely two of my personal favorites. I particularly adore Auggie from the sheer beginning, and loved to watch his development from a reckless teen to a very sweet and stable young man. I do hope to see more of them in the future.
I especially loved the second story, "As School-boys from Their Books", where Auggie shows Theo all the things he actually likes at Wahredua - at the end of his freshman year, where he still wasn't sure he's actually coming back - and Theo finally admits he'll miss him. That phase was very unstable for both of them - they were barely even friends, mostly still student/teacher, and Auggie was just coming out, so there was no relationship between them then (and thank god for that). Which makes the admission that they do like each other and want to come back and meet again very sweet and touching.
I also loved the story "The Woodsong Fog", which takes place after Auggie had a major abusive relationship trauma, and it shows how unstable he is at that time and how sweet and understanding Theo was. This is another beautiful step at their relationship, though in the shadow of a traumatic experience.
Mainly the stories focus on Theo's and Auggie's relationship, and shows cute and warm domestic moments, trips together etc. I loved it even more then some of the books themselves, because FINALLY this sweet and good-natured couple doesn't gat threatened, beaten and shot all the time. I keep thinking they just don't deserve that, and there is SO MUCH to tell about their lives and relationship without the scary mystery-action plots. This book shows it beautifully.
My only problem was with the last story, Thuggiana, which (a) shows so much from Orlando and his partners and they all just SO annoying, and (b) has another (mini-) mystery-action plot. Which was interesting and fun on it's own way, but I really think Auggie and Theo deserve some real rest. I would LOVE to read an emotional family drama from them, and not another mystery that adds endless new traumas to both of them, and has no connection whatsoever to their real lives (unlike Hazard and Somers, North and Shaw, etc.).
But all in all I loved this book, and the series in general. I think Auggie and Theo are two of Ashe's best characters, and definitely two of my personal favorites. I particularly adore Auggie from the sheer beginning, and loved to watch his development from a reckless teen to a very sweet and stable young man. I do hope to see more of them in the future.
October 31, 2022
Everything about this is collection is love, LOVE, I tell you! I adore Greg’s short story collections. They are little bits of joy that feel like they’re made just for you. And the best part? Half the angst and twice the humour of his novels – lol!
This volume contains five shorts, four of which we have seen in Ashe’s newsletters and one that is new for this book. They span approximately 20 years which means we get to see thug!Theo back in his high school days. I adored this glimpse into Theo before he smoothed out his rough edges (on the surface anyway). I also liked seeing the juxtaposition of Theo’s story and Auggie’s story as they each try to navigate their sexuality in the thorny wilds of high school. Auggie killed me in this one though. I mean, Auggie always kills me, little tender baby.
All of the stories have the great banter and humour that Ashe does so well and so many little moments of Theo and Auggie just being Theo and Auggie. From Auggie eating Doritos and putting his feet all over Theo’s lap to Theo striking fear into Orlando’s heart, these stories just make you sink to a happy place. You get to see them working through the barriers to become closer and more solid with each story. You get to see Auggie growing in confidence in who he is and Theo facing his fears of loving someone again. Ashe does character growth like no one’s business and these shorts serve as little snapshots of the guys along the way. Love love love!
But in case you think it’s all laughs and rainbows, The Woodsong Fog will disabuse you of that notion. Oh sure, parts of it are sweet and funny and sexy, but then BAM! Auggie getting humiliated by his asshole ex and BAM! Sexual trauma rearing its head. Also, btw, some wonderfully evocative writing. It takes place during a summer heat wave and even though we’ve had temperatures hovering near zero here at night, I swear I could almost feel sweat dripping down my spine just reading it.
Anyway, loved this volume of shorts. Lots of great dialogue, wonderful mini-adventures with our favourite guys, enough angsty moments to keep it real, and enough humour and romance to make your heart super happy.
And, because it’s Ashe, a cliffy at the end of the last story that will have you screaming for the next installment. I shake my fist at you, Greg!! You better not be mean to my sweet Auggie!!
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
This volume contains five shorts, four of which we have seen in Ashe’s newsletters and one that is new for this book. They span approximately 20 years which means we get to see thug!Theo back in his high school days. I adored this glimpse into Theo before he smoothed out his rough edges (on the surface anyway). I also liked seeing the juxtaposition of Theo’s story and Auggie’s story as they each try to navigate their sexuality in the thorny wilds of high school. Auggie killed me in this one though. I mean, Auggie always kills me, little tender baby.
All of the stories have the great banter and humour that Ashe does so well and so many little moments of Theo and Auggie just being Theo and Auggie. From Auggie eating Doritos and putting his feet all over Theo’s lap to Theo striking fear into Orlando’s heart, these stories just make you sink to a happy place. You get to see them working through the barriers to become closer and more solid with each story. You get to see Auggie growing in confidence in who he is and Theo facing his fears of loving someone again. Ashe does character growth like no one’s business and these shorts serve as little snapshots of the guys along the way. Love love love!
But in case you think it’s all laughs and rainbows, The Woodsong Fog will disabuse you of that notion. Oh sure, parts of it are sweet and funny and sexy, but then BAM! Auggie getting humiliated by his asshole ex and BAM! Sexual trauma rearing its head. Also, btw, some wonderfully evocative writing. It takes place during a summer heat wave and even though we’ve had temperatures hovering near zero here at night, I swear I could almost feel sweat dripping down my spine just reading it.
Anyway, loved this volume of shorts. Lots of great dialogue, wonderful mini-adventures with our favourite guys, enough angsty moments to keep it real, and enough humour and romance to make your heart super happy.
And, because it’s Ashe, a cliffy at the end of the last story that will have you screaming for the next installment. I shake my fist at you, Greg!! You better not be mean to my sweet Auggie!!
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Read
October 3, 2024Thuggiana is a set of short stories that takes place throughout The First Quarto series. It starts when Theo and Auggie are teens with their respective sexual awakenings, all the way to a look into their not so low-key post-series happily ever after.
There are so many classic Theo and Auggie moments, from little slice of life excerpts to more serious events. The main theme in all of them is just that Auggie and Theo are very much in love, no matter how annoying the other person can be at times because they love that part too. They are willing to step outside their comfort zone to spend time together, but also know when to give space. It highlights just how well they know each other and why they work so well.
Another character who gets some time to shine in these shorts is Orlando. He has had great character development throughout the series. I really thought he could easily slide into being a villain, but he's actually just a big old teddy bear with a crappy family. He's a good friend, and has found more love than he knows what to do with. I loved seeing him and Auggie still being friends and getting up to no good in the last short, but then you get hit with the cliffhanger! I know for sure that we will see more of Auggie and Theo, because Gregory Ashe just can't leave us hanging like that.
Unlike the last series and set of shorts, I read all of these in order as I read the series. I liked both ways of reading them! It added a little lightness when you're reading them throughout, but are also entertaining when you've finished and just want more. I'm really excited to continue on with the Hazardverse and make it to the crossover books!
Read if you like:
• novella/short stories
• opposites attract
• mystery/suspense
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There are so many classic Theo and Auggie moments, from little slice of life excerpts to more serious events. The main theme in all of them is just that Auggie and Theo are very much in love, no matter how annoying the other person can be at times because they love that part too. They are willing to step outside their comfort zone to spend time together, but also know when to give space. It highlights just how well they know each other and why they work so well.
Another character who gets some time to shine in these shorts is Orlando. He has had great character development throughout the series. I really thought he could easily slide into being a villain, but he's actually just a big old teddy bear with a crappy family. He's a good friend, and has found more love than he knows what to do with. I loved seeing him and Auggie still being friends and getting up to no good in the last short, but then you get hit with the cliffhanger! I know for sure that we will see more of Auggie and Theo, because Gregory Ashe just can't leave us hanging like that.
Unlike the last series and set of shorts, I read all of these in order as I read the series. I liked both ways of reading them! It added a little lightness when you're reading them throughout, but are also entertaining when you've finished and just want more. I'm really excited to continue on with the Hazardverse and make it to the crossover books!
Read if you like:
• novella/short stories
• opposites attract
• mystery/suspense
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October 31, 2022
So this was a little surprise of a book. Thuggiana is a collection of short stories about Theo and Auggie. The earliest story is set around the early 2000s (more early 2000 in Theo's case at least) while they're both still in high school. Other stories span their relationship while they both study at Wroxhall College and the last story is set just after The Fault of the Dead takes place. I think the die-hard Asheian (Ashe-y???) fans will recognise the majority of these stories, having been made available previously. Thuggiana (which is a title I still don't quite understand even after having read the story) will be new to readers. I liked Thuggiana mainly, as I have requested many times, it contains at least 110% more Orlando. I love Orlando so much, he's so earnest and loyal, it just makes him (I hate this phrase but I will use it) 'totes adorbs'. I think fans of Theo and Auggie will really appreciate this series of stories, and like other short story volumes from the Hazardverse, there is a cliff-hanger that will knock your socks off. Thank you as always to Gregory Ashe for an ARC of this book.
October 28, 2023
So… here I was, ecstatic to realise I had found an author with multiple completed series’ that I could enjoy with no loose ends or cliffhangers…
GODDAMNIT.
At least I guess this means there will be another Theo and Auggie series? I haven’t read Iron on Iron yet, but that’s years in the future, isn’t it? Because if the First Wuarto started 5 years before the first hazard and Somers book, then this cliffhanger was uhh. I need a timeline.
Anyway, frustration at not having all of the story immediately available aside, I absolutely loved the First Quarto and this finished it out nicely.
Gimme more.
GODDAMNIT.
At least I guess this means there will be another Theo and Auggie series? I haven’t read Iron on Iron yet, but that’s years in the future, isn’t it? Because if the First Wuarto started 5 years before the first hazard and Somers book, then this cliffhanger was uhh. I need a timeline.
Anyway, frustration at not having all of the story immediately available aside, I absolutely loved the First Quarto and this finished it out nicely.
Gimme more.
November 4, 2022
Omg, these two... I adore them. They're so dang cute.
All of the short stories are great, but Thuggiana is the new one exclusive to this story collection, and it's a doozy.
Not only do we get a fun little mystery, but we also get to see Theo and Auggie post A Fault Against the Dead, when they're at their happiest and most comfortable with each other and their relationship.
And that cliffhanger...aah. Greg, you're going to kill us all. BUT...that's good because it means the door is open for possible future stories.
All of the short stories are great, but Thuggiana is the new one exclusive to this story collection, and it's a doozy.
Not only do we get a fun little mystery, but we also get to see Theo and Auggie post A Fault Against the Dead, when they're at their happiest and most comfortable with each other and their relationship.
And that cliffhanger...aah. Greg, you're going to kill us all. BUT...that's good because it means the door is open for possible future stories.
November 4, 2022
I love the short stories in Thuggiana. It's wonderful getting in between books check ins with these guys.
This volume contains five shorts, four of which we have seen in Ashe’s newsletters and one that is new for this book.
There is amazing dialogue, wonderful mini-adventures with our favourite guys, enough angsty moments to keep it real, and enough humour and romance to make your heart super happy.
I know that fans of Theo and Auggie will love this series of stories, and like other short story volumes from the Gregory Ashe there is a cliff-hanger that will knock your socks off.
This volume contains five shorts, four of which we have seen in Ashe’s newsletters and one that is new for this book.
There is amazing dialogue, wonderful mini-adventures with our favourite guys, enough angsty moments to keep it real, and enough humour and romance to make your heart super happy.
I know that fans of Theo and Auggie will love this series of stories, and like other short story volumes from the Gregory Ashe there is a cliff-hanger that will knock your socks off.
September 15, 2023
A gorgeous complement to The First Quarto series. I loved the first prequel chapter that showed Theo and Auggie in high school, before they met that foreshadowed their future lives and choices. The stories that fit in between the main books were lovely revealing glimpses of their developing relationship. And Thuggiana, taking place after the end of the series, was a splendidly Scooby-Doo-style adventure (you've got to love Orlando!) with one of those surprise endings that Gregory Ashe delivers do perfectly. I just need more!
November 6, 2022
I just adore it when authors put out little vignettes like this book. The little snippets into the lives of Theo and Auggie make the characters even "more" real in my head. Gobble this one up now while it's only $0.99--I admire the characters and dialogue that Gregory Ashe creates while keeping us motivated to read more. I really like the "float" story-having done a tube float myself and could really visualize the action! Thanks, Greg keep up the great work!
November 7, 2022
I had mixed reactions to this set of short stories. The prequel/early relationship scenes were at times almost too painful to enjoy. And, much as I love Auggie, I sometimes want to smack him (and not in the good way). Nonetheless, it's always nice to see snapshots of characters and get different angles of insight into them and their relationship. And then that cliffhanger! Sheesh, Greg!
My thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book.
My thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book.
August 12, 2023
I’m sorry to say it but Auggie and Theo are officially my least favourite couple written by Gregory Ashe and sadly they have no competition. Once again really well written vignette style shorts, but me not really liking A&T made these a lil less enjoyable. However, it’s safe to say I’ve officially caught up on this GA universe that I’m now ready for the Iron on Iron crossover series.
July 22, 2024
I am not a big fan of epilogues and bonus content.
It has to be like super short like the flash fiction Gregory puts on his Facebook page.
I liked the last one in the collection the most. It felt more complete.
I was TOTALLY confused who Daniel was in the first story until about 1/2 through when I processed the date. I drove that Theo’s first name is legally Daniel.
It has to be like super short like the flash fiction Gregory puts on his Facebook page.
I liked the last one in the collection the most. It felt more complete.
I was TOTALLY confused who Daniel was in the first story until about 1/2 through when I processed the date. I drove that Theo’s first name is legally Daniel.
September 8, 2024
I usually like these little snippets written between stories but not this one so much. My favorite was Thuggiana which is set in the haunted house with Orlando, his gf and bf. Orlanda is quite the character. My second favorite was the The Float Trip where Auggie just isn't sure of fun in mother nature.
September 28, 2024
Great, awesome etc...
I like the characters. They are very likeable but flawed. The flawed characteristics make them seem more real to me. However I have to know from the way this ended will there be more?
I like the characters. They are very likeable but flawed. The flawed characteristics make them seem more real to me. However I have to know from the way this ended will there be more?
November 11, 2022
Great Bonus Stories!
I just love these bonus stories!! All them are so good! The last one left me really needing more Auggie and Theo now!!
I just love these bonus stories!! All them are so good! The last one left me really needing more Auggie and Theo now!!
August 30, 2023
3.5 stars
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