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The Lost and Founds #1
King Perry
In a trendy San Francisco art gallery, out-of-towner Vin Vanbly witnesses an act of compassion that compels him to make investment banker Perry Mangin a mysterious offer: in exchange for a weekend of complete submission, Vin will restore Perry's "kingship" and transform him into the man he was always meant to be.
Despite intense reservations, Perry agrees, setting in motion a chain of events that will test the limits of his body, seduce his senses, and fray his every nerve, (perhaps occasionally breaking the law) while Vin guides him toward his destiny as "the one true king." Even as Perry rediscovers old grief and new joys within himself, Vin and his shadowy motivations remain enigmas: who is this offbeat stranger guiding them from danger to hilarity to danger?
To emerge triumphant, Perry must overcome the greatest challenge alone: embracing his devastating past. But can he succeed by Sunday's sunrise deadline? How can he possibly evolve from an ordinary man into King Perry?
Despite intense reservations, Perry agrees, setting in motion a chain of events that will test the limits of his body, seduce his senses, and fray his every nerve, (perhaps occasionally breaking the law) while Vin guides him toward his destiny as "the one true king." Even as Perry rediscovers old grief and new joys within himself, Vin and his shadowy motivations remain enigmas: who is this offbeat stranger guiding them from danger to hilarity to danger?
To emerge triumphant, Perry must overcome the greatest challenge alone: embracing his devastating past. But can he succeed by Sunday's sunrise deadline? How can he possibly evolve from an ordinary man into King Perry?
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2012
14 people are currently reading
1079 people want to read
About the author
Edmond Manning
15 books166 followersEdmond Manning has always been fascinated by fiction: how ordinary words could be sculpted into heartfelt emotions, how heartfelt emotions could leave an imprint inside you stronger than the real world. Mr. Manning never felt worthy to seek publication until recently, when he accidentally stumbled into his own writer’s voice that fit perfectly, like his favorite skull-print, fuzzy jammies. He finally realized that he didn’t have to write like Charles Dickens or Armistead Maupin, two author heroes, and that perhaps his own fiction was juuuuuuust right, because it was his true voice, so he looked around the scrappy word kingdom that he created for himself and shouted, “I’M HOME!” He is now a writer.
In addition to fiction, Edmond enjoys writing non-fiction on his blog, www.edmondmanning.com. When not writing, he can be found either picking raspberries in the back yard or eating panang curry in an overstuffed chair upstairs, reading comic books.
In addition to fiction, Edmond enjoys writing non-fiction on his blog, www.edmondmanning.com. When not writing, he can be found either picking raspberries in the back yard or eating panang curry in an overstuffed chair upstairs, reading comic books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
March 17, 2014
don't be afraid.
a man stands before you with an arm outstretched, offering you his hand.
he promises you an adventure.
he answers no questions. he gives no assurances.
he simply holds out his hand, and asks you to trust him.
don't be afraid.
he's offering you his hand.
reach out, and take it.
***
someone at dreamspinner was afraid when they put this story in a box with a label that read 'bittersweet dreams.'
they were afraid.
and they wronged you.
no span of joy this pure can ever be bittersweet, no matter that it always ends.
no matter that it can't exist without the twisting of grief, the thrusting of anger, the swelling of pain, or the thrumming of an ache too vast to have a single name.
there is no yes without no.
there is no joy without sorrow.
don't be afraid.
this story is in the wrong box. with the wrong label.
but the love in it is too big for a box at all.
***
there are missteps. i counted two.
only two.
one made me very angry.
it was a single false note in what has been one of the most transporting literary experiences in my recent memory.
...there's more than one way to look at things. and it's not easy to ignore the other side of the coin.
no matter.
don't be afraid.
i read—i consumed—this novel with a greed i haven't felt in a very long time.
every word. every line, sucked of its sweet marrow and crunched with delight until there was nothing left but the savory echo of pleasure.
delicious words. wonderful words. magnificent words—
—sublime. sublime words.
i loved these words.
i was not afraid.
because they loved me back.
***
sarah black once told me that stories are our gifts to a world that doesn't see us.
i believe this with all my heart.
i don't know this author personally, but i've read his words.
i can see him, in my mind's eye, crafting this book with skill, and bravery, and generosity.
filling it with his love and his grief and his joy.
a story which he then sends to people who live very far away.
for them to give us his gift. on his behalf.
in this faraway place filled with faraway people, a mistake is made.
someone... someone reads this novel, and feels all the things i feel—but also fear.
whereupon this book is placed in the wrong box, with the wrong label on it.
to this author i do not know—this figment of my imagination i choose to call mr. edmond manning—i whisper in the dark:
forgive them.
forgive, as your story reminded me to forgive.
because i can see you, now.
i can see you just fine.
a man stands before you with an arm outstretched, offering you his hand.
he promises you an adventure.
he answers no questions. he gives no assurances.
he simply holds out his hand, and asks you to trust him.
don't be afraid.
he's offering you his hand.
reach out, and take it.
***
someone at dreamspinner was afraid when they put this story in a box with a label that read 'bittersweet dreams.'
they were afraid.
and they wronged you.
no span of joy this pure can ever be bittersweet, no matter that it always ends.
no matter that it can't exist without the twisting of grief, the thrusting of anger, the swelling of pain, or the thrumming of an ache too vast to have a single name.
there is no yes without no.
there is no joy without sorrow.
don't be afraid.
this story is in the wrong box. with the wrong label.
but the love in it is too big for a box at all.
***
there are missteps. i counted two.
only two.
one made me very angry.
it was a single false note in what has been one of the most transporting literary experiences in my recent memory.
...there's more than one way to look at things. and it's not easy to ignore the other side of the coin.
no matter.
don't be afraid.
i read—i consumed—this novel with a greed i haven't felt in a very long time.
every word. every line, sucked of its sweet marrow and crunched with delight until there was nothing left but the savory echo of pleasure.
delicious words. wonderful words. magnificent words—
—sublime. sublime words.
i loved these words.
i was not afraid.
because they loved me back.
***
sarah black once told me that stories are our gifts to a world that doesn't see us.
i believe this with all my heart.
i don't know this author personally, but i've read his words.
i can see him, in my mind's eye, crafting this book with skill, and bravery, and generosity.
filling it with his love and his grief and his joy.
a story which he then sends to people who live very far away.
for them to give us his gift. on his behalf.
in this faraway place filled with faraway people, a mistake is made.
someone... someone reads this novel, and feels all the things i feel—but also fear.
whereupon this book is placed in the wrong box, with the wrong label on it.
to this author i do not know—this figment of my imagination i choose to call mr. edmond manning—i whisper in the dark:
forgive them.
forgive, as your story reminded me to forgive.
because i can see you, now.
i can see you just fine.
November 20, 2016
*Get this book for FREE right now here (11/20/16): https://www.instafreebie.com/free/jYfSd*
This book is one strange, crazy, lovely read. I had no idea what was going to happen for 99% of the story. I was totally, completely clueless, just like Perry. Throw away your rulebooks, ladies and gentlemen, and go along for the ride.
I honestly have no idea what to make of this book. If I had to describe this incredibly indescribable book I would say that it is a journey-type story. This is not a traditional romance novel. This book belongs in a similar category as Woke Up in a Strange Place but I liked this book eons more. The story follows two men, Perry and Vin, and their adventures over the course of a weekend. I can't decide if Vin is psychopathic or a divine genius. He is certainly not what I would consider normal.
This book was confusing, funny, heart-breaking, romantic, and bittersweet. It was everything rolled up into one incredibly well-written package. At times I found Vin to be bizarre and un-relatable and I struggled as to whether or not this story was for me. I often found myself wanting to put it down and start something more accessible. However, then Vin would say something hilariously funny and witty or do something erotic and I would say, "Okay, I'll give it another chapter." And so on and so on... then the book was over and it was 1:30 am. It sort of ensnared me. I give this author a lot of credit for trying something so completely different in the M/M genre.
"King Perry" was a fabulously strange read. I left this book with 1,000 questions (I hope I get some answers!), and I'm so curious as to what the next book has in store for me.
**Find this review and others like it at myfictionnook.com**
This book is one strange, crazy, lovely read. I had no idea what was going to happen for 99% of the story. I was totally, completely clueless, just like Perry. Throw away your rulebooks, ladies and gentlemen, and go along for the ride.
I honestly have no idea what to make of this book. If I had to describe this incredibly indescribable book I would say that it is a journey-type story. This is not a traditional romance novel. This book belongs in a similar category as Woke Up in a Strange Place but I liked this book eons more. The story follows two men, Perry and Vin, and their adventures over the course of a weekend. I can't decide if Vin is psychopathic or a divine genius. He is certainly not what I would consider normal.
This book was confusing, funny, heart-breaking, romantic, and bittersweet. It was everything rolled up into one incredibly well-written package. At times I found Vin to be bizarre and un-relatable and I struggled as to whether or not this story was for me. I often found myself wanting to put it down and start something more accessible. However, then Vin would say something hilariously funny and witty or do something erotic and I would say, "Okay, I'll give it another chapter." And so on and so on... then the book was over and it was 1:30 am. It sort of ensnared me. I give this author a lot of credit for trying something so completely different in the M/M genre.
"King Perry" was a fabulously strange read. I left this book with 1,000 questions (I hope I get some answers!), and I'm so curious as to what the next book has in store for me.
**Find this review and others like it at myfictionnook.com**
July 24, 2015
Cross-posted at Outlaw Reviews and at Shelf Inflicted
This story frustrated me initially, as I had no idea where it was going and I expect a certain kind of predictability in romance stories. I was afraid it was going to be a feel-good story, the kind that is anathema to my cynical heart. Though I was tempted to set it aside a few times, my curiosity got the better of me and I pressed on. Grudgingly, I opened my mind and my heart and embarked on an unforgettable journey that begins in a San Francisco art gallery.
Perry Mangin is an investment banker who lives relatively well in one of the most expensive cities on earth. Vin Vanbly, an auto mechanic from Minnesota, knows quite a bit about art and takes an interest in Perry. Though Perry seems not to want for anything, he has issues that prevent him from getting close to others.
This is not your average boy-meets-boy story, and Vin is not your average car mechanic. His job is to “King” Perry, get him to open up his heart, explore long-buried grief, shed tears, learn forgiveness, and ultimately find love.
I was on vacation in Montreal while reading this story and was only able to get through bits and pieces at a time. Though I wanted to devour it in one sitting, this way allowed me to integrate Perry’s experiences with my own, observing people more closely, finding common connections, and feeling a part of the fabric of the city rather than a mere explorer. Well, except for the cute duck and the wild sex, of course.
Vin’s mysterious nature, while bothersome at first, grew on me, as I realized that every single action he took, no matter how bizarre, was for Perry’s own good. His sexy charm, his humor, his way with words, and the way he seemingly knew more about Perry than Perry knew of himself endeared me to him.
King Perry is definitely not a romance in the traditional sense, but it is a story about love of the deepest kind. It made me laugh and made me cry, sometimes at the same time. It warmed my heart, dredged up some father issues and brought buried feelings to the surface. I was happy for Perry, but sad for Vin, who could not forgive.
Maybe one of these days I will forgive my own father, maybe not.
This story frustrated me initially, as I had no idea where it was going and I expect a certain kind of predictability in romance stories. I was afraid it was going to be a feel-good story, the kind that is anathema to my cynical heart. Though I was tempted to set it aside a few times, my curiosity got the better of me and I pressed on. Grudgingly, I opened my mind and my heart and embarked on an unforgettable journey that begins in a San Francisco art gallery.
Perry Mangin is an investment banker who lives relatively well in one of the most expensive cities on earth. Vin Vanbly, an auto mechanic from Minnesota, knows quite a bit about art and takes an interest in Perry. Though Perry seems not to want for anything, he has issues that prevent him from getting close to others.
This is not your average boy-meets-boy story, and Vin is not your average car mechanic. His job is to “King” Perry, get him to open up his heart, explore long-buried grief, shed tears, learn forgiveness, and ultimately find love.
I was on vacation in Montreal while reading this story and was only able to get through bits and pieces at a time. Though I wanted to devour it in one sitting, this way allowed me to integrate Perry’s experiences with my own, observing people more closely, finding common connections, and feeling a part of the fabric of the city rather than a mere explorer. Well, except for the cute duck and the wild sex, of course.
Vin’s mysterious nature, while bothersome at first, grew on me, as I realized that every single action he took, no matter how bizarre, was for Perry’s own good. His sexy charm, his humor, his way with words, and the way he seemingly knew more about Perry than Perry knew of himself endeared me to him.
King Perry is definitely not a romance in the traditional sense, but it is a story about love of the deepest kind. It made me laugh and made me cry, sometimes at the same time. It warmed my heart, dredged up some father issues and brought buried feelings to the surface. I was happy for Perry, but sad for Vin, who could not forgive.
Maybe one of these days I will forgive my own father, maybe not.
October 27, 2014
1 star for creativity. DNF @40%. Review posted October 27, 2014
Rating clarification
I'd like to remove that single star again because, while the idea of the story is original, it's also extremely unrealistic.
I apologize in advance for my weird review. While reading the story, I added quotes and remarks to my review. I was actually reviewing and reading the book simultaneously. Thus, my comments are all over the place.
************************************
Ok, seems to me that I have figured out the concept of this series when I was 25 % done. I've had my theory confirmed by a lovely friend. I told her that
*fist pump* Baba's mind is fast.
************************************
Here are my thoughts and comments while reading King Perry:
"In this tribe, all brothers were rightful owners of the kingdom. You might come across King Ryan the Protector or King Galen the Courier, on your way to visit The Sculptor King. Blah blah blah…"
Seriously. I couldn't care less and this is how I felt in the beginning of King Perry:
"The words cannot possibly be comforting, only further confirmation that I am delusional. But he does relax somehow, takes another deeper breath, and maybe he's winding up to argue more, but all that fresh ocean air has the impact of swallowing a whole box of Tic-Tacs, and he gasps for another breath, and this one is even deeper.
Baba takes a deep breath too. WTF?
"The Butterfly King fluttered near his favorite Manhattan bakery, his face pointed skyward, breathing the warm scent of night-baked sourdough, catching occasional wafts of sweet, sugary frosting. He grows a butterfly army in New York, powerful, savvy men taking back their city, street by street. Such is their love for each other and the Butterfly King…"
He sags.
Baba is not sagging at all. Unfortunately the meditation à la Vin Vanbly doesn't do anything for her. She doesn't feel relaxed.
I kiss Perry again, this time with more sexual intensity, because while this might be scary, we really are attracted to each other, and during our seated rocking, his fear shifted so that more of his personality is present.
Yeah, right. I can practically hear the crackling chemistry between these two guys. NOT. If I keep on reading I'm sure I will even smell and inhale it.
I think I can sum this up as surreal. Vin is an oddball.
**********************
At 20 %: I'm really wondering now…
Was Vin Stories about kings? Did the stories
He says:
"They left the kingdom, one after another. They weren't in hiding, these kings, or worried about protecting their borders. They were never in danger of attack because the tribe could only be found by other kings. Their very natures meant exploring was inevitable. Of course they left the kingdom. This was not the problem."
Or this…
….Once in a while a king might return with a newly found brother; arms around each other's shoulders, they passed through the eastern gates, grinning fantastically under those ancient marble arches. But many never came back. (…)
(…)
As the dawn re-painted the black grass to spring green and the gold metal leaves began to shine, two questions were always asked of the departing brother. The first was this: 'What would you risk to find a lost king?' Each king answered with what he was willing to sacrifice, and it was always worth more than anyone knew."
What did Vin sacrifice?
Why do I sense sadness? It's sad, sometimes, when friends leave to go somewhere exciting, to see them ride out to embrace their destiny and yet yours seems elusive.
I suppose other
I suck him differently now, using long, powerful strokes as I infuse my love. I love this man. I worship this man.
(…)
I see powerful sparks, orange and pink, traveling from my mouth to his cock. If he's anything like men I have loved, his cock acts as a megaphone to the rest of his body, so I yell my love through it, pink and orange love, sparking through him, reminding him, enticing him, increasing his ability to handle more, to give more, to want more. I take him so deep and with such fervor that our bodies merge into silky black liquid, working in mostly silent harmony toward an invisible explosion.
Here comes the moment where I wish I'd be colorblind. Jesus. Christ. On. A. Crutch.
I can only shake my head; it's so out there, so unbelievable, not tangible.
Everything goes out his cock: sound, light, intention, everything. I'm no longer worried about Perry making noise; I don't think he's capable at this moment. The only proof of his release is a wet splat that wouldn't normally be heard, but right now, I swear it echoes as it hits the floor.
*insert double eye-roll*
"Suck my cock. Suck down the story at the same time. Find the rhythm."
Sucking cock and some story talk about kings don't resonate well with me. It's totally unerotic as well as uninteresting. AWFUL sex, no sexual tension, no chemistry whatsoever. Ugh. Fuck me sideways, you can really talk a sex scene to death. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Would you please stop talking now?
In a nutshell
Investment banker Perry Mangin meets mechanic Vin Vanbly in an art gallery in San Francisco. Vin makes a strange offer and, after acting rather reserved, Perry agrees to Vin's terms and off they go to Alcatraz.
These stories of romance do not offer a traditional happy ending, but the strong and enduring love will still touch your heart and maybe move you to tears.
From the very beginning this book was a mixed bag for me. Few odd moments of beauty alternated with plenty of confusing moments. To be very straightforward, King Perry was one big ass WTFuckery at first. Then the author started to sow a couple clues. I could practically hear the warning bells when Vin was talking about at 20 %. And then at 25 % I had figured out where this was heading (read my intro at the beginning of my review). Meaning, all the tension was gone, and the more I read the more everything fizzled out. Thus, the story couldn't hold my interest. Fact is, the concept of experiencing love over a weekend is too unrealistic for my liking and the execution of the plot itself is highly unbelievable as well, and I'd go so far and say it comes off as ridiculous. This is NOT romance, it's not a real love story either. Due to its surrealism, I'd call it a fairy tale or a fantasy. To make matters worse, I neither liked the crazy oddball Vin nor the boring and pale Perry and when I don't care about the main protagonists then the story is destined to end up as a bust. The lack of sizzling chemistry and sexual tension didn't help either. Another issue of mine was the gullibility of Perry. Sure, when they met at the gallery for the first time he was somewhat reserved but he came around way too fast. Whatever Vin cajoled into his ear, Perry trusted him, followed him, did his bidding. He should have felt put off by the mysterious Vin, however, who knew so much about him. I mean the way Vin acted was downright creepy. Anyway, it seemed to me that Perry preferred to shut down his brain cells.
The L-word…
I suck him differently now, using long, powerful strokes as I infuse my love. I love this man. I worship this man.
"That's too bad. I felt lucky to fall asleep inside such an amazing man. The experience was completely beautiful and full of love."
…really bothered me. Two guys meet, have a weekend filled with sex and odd conversations and tales of kings and Vin is talking about infusing his love upon Perry. He loves this man. He worships Perry. Come on, that happens most certainly in fairy tales and then the same concept will
The men in my book are deeply in love with each other for a full weekend. Their love is real.
I have a problem with love and feelings that are turned on and off so conveniently. Yep, love is a fluid thing and it's not the same for every person. Yet the author wasn't able to sell me that wacky concept because it was too out there. I will give him this at least: he can write but unfortunately it didn't resonate with me at all.
Since I'm definitely in the minority, I think you should check out the glowing reviews before you make up your mind. King Perry might have been another of those cases…
Rating clarification
I'd like to remove that single star again because, while the idea of the story is original, it's also extremely unrealistic.
I apologize in advance for my weird review. While reading the story, I added quotes and remarks to my review. I was actually reviewing and reading the book simultaneously. Thus, my comments are all over the place.
************************************
Ok, seems to me that I have figured out the concept of this series when I was 25 % done. I've had my theory confirmed by a lovely friend. I told her that
*fist pump* Baba's mind is fast.
************************************
Here are my thoughts and comments while reading King Perry:
"In this tribe, all brothers were rightful owners of the kingdom. You might come across King Ryan the Protector or King Galen the Courier, on your way to visit The Sculptor King. Blah blah blah…"
Seriously. I couldn't care less and this is how I felt in the beginning of King Perry:
"The words cannot possibly be comforting, only further confirmation that I am delusional. But he does relax somehow, takes another deeper breath, and maybe he's winding up to argue more, but all that fresh ocean air has the impact of swallowing a whole box of Tic-Tacs, and he gasps for another breath, and this one is even deeper.
Baba takes a deep breath too. WTF?
"The Butterfly King fluttered near his favorite Manhattan bakery, his face pointed skyward, breathing the warm scent of night-baked sourdough, catching occasional wafts of sweet, sugary frosting. He grows a butterfly army in New York, powerful, savvy men taking back their city, street by street. Such is their love for each other and the Butterfly King…"
He sags.
Baba is not sagging at all. Unfortunately the meditation à la Vin Vanbly doesn't do anything for her. She doesn't feel relaxed.
I kiss Perry again, this time with more sexual intensity, because while this might be scary, we really are attracted to each other, and during our seated rocking, his fear shifted so that more of his personality is present.
Yeah, right. I can practically hear the crackling chemistry between these two guys. NOT. If I keep on reading I'm sure I will even smell and inhale it.
I think I can sum this up as surreal. Vin is an oddball.
**********************
At 20 %: I'm really wondering now…
Was Vin Stories about kings? Did the stories
He says:
"They left the kingdom, one after another. They weren't in hiding, these kings, or worried about protecting their borders. They were never in danger of attack because the tribe could only be found by other kings. Their very natures meant exploring was inevitable. Of course they left the kingdom. This was not the problem."
Or this…
….Once in a while a king might return with a newly found brother; arms around each other's shoulders, they passed through the eastern gates, grinning fantastically under those ancient marble arches. But many never came back. (…)
(…)
As the dawn re-painted the black grass to spring green and the gold metal leaves began to shine, two questions were always asked of the departing brother. The first was this: 'What would you risk to find a lost king?' Each king answered with what he was willing to sacrifice, and it was always worth more than anyone knew."
What did Vin sacrifice?
Why do I sense sadness? It's sad, sometimes, when friends leave to go somewhere exciting, to see them ride out to embrace their destiny and yet yours seems elusive.
I suppose other
I suck him differently now, using long, powerful strokes as I infuse my love. I love this man. I worship this man.
(…)
I see powerful sparks, orange and pink, traveling from my mouth to his cock. If he's anything like men I have loved, his cock acts as a megaphone to the rest of his body, so I yell my love through it, pink and orange love, sparking through him, reminding him, enticing him, increasing his ability to handle more, to give more, to want more. I take him so deep and with such fervor that our bodies merge into silky black liquid, working in mostly silent harmony toward an invisible explosion.
Here comes the moment where I wish I'd be colorblind. Jesus. Christ. On. A. Crutch.
I can only shake my head; it's so out there, so unbelievable, not tangible.
Everything goes out his cock: sound, light, intention, everything. I'm no longer worried about Perry making noise; I don't think he's capable at this moment. The only proof of his release is a wet splat that wouldn't normally be heard, but right now, I swear it echoes as it hits the floor.
*insert double eye-roll*
"Suck my cock. Suck down the story at the same time. Find the rhythm."
Sucking cock and some story talk about kings don't resonate well with me. It's totally unerotic as well as uninteresting. AWFUL sex, no sexual tension, no chemistry whatsoever. Ugh. Fuck me sideways, you can really talk a sex scene to death. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Would you please stop talking now?
In a nutshell
Investment banker Perry Mangin meets mechanic Vin Vanbly in an art gallery in San Francisco. Vin makes a strange offer and, after acting rather reserved, Perry agrees to Vin's terms and off they go to Alcatraz.
These stories of romance do not offer a traditional happy ending, but the strong and enduring love will still touch your heart and maybe move you to tears.
From the very beginning this book was a mixed bag for me. Few odd moments of beauty alternated with plenty of confusing moments. To be very straightforward, King Perry was one big ass WTFuckery at first. Then the author started to sow a couple clues. I could practically hear the warning bells when Vin was talking about at 20 %. And then at 25 % I had figured out where this was heading (read my intro at the beginning of my review). Meaning, all the tension was gone, and the more I read the more everything fizzled out. Thus, the story couldn't hold my interest. Fact is, the concept of experiencing love over a weekend is too unrealistic for my liking and the execution of the plot itself is highly unbelievable as well, and I'd go so far and say it comes off as ridiculous. This is NOT romance, it's not a real love story either. Due to its surrealism, I'd call it a fairy tale or a fantasy. To make matters worse, I neither liked the crazy oddball Vin nor the boring and pale Perry and when I don't care about the main protagonists then the story is destined to end up as a bust. The lack of sizzling chemistry and sexual tension didn't help either. Another issue of mine was the gullibility of Perry. Sure, when they met at the gallery for the first time he was somewhat reserved but he came around way too fast. Whatever Vin cajoled into his ear, Perry trusted him, followed him, did his bidding. He should have felt put off by the mysterious Vin, however, who knew so much about him. I mean the way Vin acted was downright creepy. Anyway, it seemed to me that Perry preferred to shut down his brain cells.
The L-word…
I suck him differently now, using long, powerful strokes as I infuse my love. I love this man. I worship this man.
"That's too bad. I felt lucky to fall asleep inside such an amazing man. The experience was completely beautiful and full of love."
…really bothered me. Two guys meet, have a weekend filled with sex and odd conversations and tales of kings and Vin is talking about infusing his love upon Perry. He loves this man. He worships Perry. Come on, that happens most certainly in fairy tales and then the same concept will
The men in my book are deeply in love with each other for a full weekend. Their love is real.
I have a problem with love and feelings that are turned on and off so conveniently. Yep, love is a fluid thing and it's not the same for every person. Yet the author wasn't able to sell me that wacky concept because it was too out there. I will give him this at least: he can write but unfortunately it didn't resonate with me at all.
Since I'm definitely in the minority, I think you should check out the glowing reviews before you make up your mind. King Perry might have been another of those cases…
July 10, 2013
This book has done the seemingly impossible: it has rendered me speechless.
*crickets*
Ok, so that didn’t last long but really…WTF? I’m not quite sure what to say here.
King Perry is quite possibly one of the MOST ROMANTIC books I have ever read.
It is also hella weird…like, really, really weird.
This book had me crying time and time again with poignant, emotional moments.
I also was annoyed the rest of the time.
It is original and quirky and gorgeous.
It is confusing and outrageous.
I enjoyed it so many parts of this.
I had a hard time getting through the rest of it.
Contradictions abound. I think I have a love/hate relationship with this book. But the feelings...both good and bad...are strong.
I think this could have been a 5-star, “favorites” for me, but for this: despite all the romance and grand gestures and insanity, I really, really had a problem with Vin’s Messiah-complex and emotional manipulation. I do think that no matter how much you love someone, that’s a line that should not be crossed. It felt abusive to me a bit.
But, that’s the thing: I don’t think this book is meant to be a romance book, though wildly romantic. I read it more as a fairy tale/self-help manual on how to come to grips with loss and healing.
In any case, if you’re looking to read a book that’s a total head-trip, but that will embrace and fill your heart to the brim…I recommend you giving this a try.
Full review at: http://sidlove.wordpress.com/2013/07/...
March 12, 2013
I realized about three pages into this book that I should just give up expecting and predicting and go with it. But like Perry, I had to learn that lesson over and over. This isn't a romance. I'm not sure what it is, other than brilliant and surprising and imaginative and unexpected. There is poignancy mixed with a lot of humor, often the kind of humor that sneaks up on you and delivers a wet raspberry on the back of your neck - affectionate, startling, silly and with love at its foundation.
The narrator tugs at your heart and then slips elusively out of your reach. There is sex, but it is not the driving force. The ending felt right. Neither of these men is in the right place for a HEA and the balance of power between them is wrong. I hope someday the narrator finds a good man to hold him while he reaches back for his own pain, but the end was satisfying with only a hint of bitterness in the sweet. I'm not sure I believed all of this book, but I know I adored it and was submerged in it. I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next.
ETA: Great fun the second time around too, and so well written. I can't wait for the upcoming sequel.
The narrator tugs at your heart and then slips elusively out of your reach. There is sex, but it is not the driving force. The ending felt right. Neither of these men is in the right place for a HEA and the balance of power between them is wrong. I hope someday the narrator finds a good man to hold him while he reaches back for his own pain, but the end was satisfying with only a hint of bitterness in the sweet. I'm not sure I believed all of this book, but I know I adored it and was submerged in it. I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next.
ETA: Great fun the second time around too, and so well written. I can't wait for the upcoming sequel.
March 16, 2012
Don't read any further if you don't like personal information, potential spoilers or rambling musings.
On a quiet evening in 1999, investment banker Perry Mangin attends an art show in San Francisco. He's a nice looking man, not super hot but not a slouch.
Vin Vanbly is also at the event. He's a mechanic from Minnesota, in town on vacation. Vin's a bear - a stocky, hairy guy - and soon he and Perry notice each other. Vin waits, and soon Perry comes over where he's studying the paintings.
The two men flirt and converse about little things. Then Vin begins to talk about the artwork, specifically a few pieces by a local artist. His knowledge of the pieces is profound, his insights piercing to Perry. As a crowd forms and Vin draws everyone around him in to the story behind these works, Perry reacts. And leaves.
When he checks in with the gallery the next day, Perry is surprised to find a note left for him. The note invites him to meet Vin Friday evening on Pier 33 and spend the weekend with him, submitting. The note promises it is not a S&M thing, but will forever change his life. It invites him to remember who he was always meant to be. But most importantly, it invites him to "Remember the King".
Will Perry show? What does Vin have planned for him? And, what do the promises in the note mean for Perry?
A few words before I dive into this review. As I've posted in another place, this has been a rough few weeks for me and I've been tired and flirting with burn out. I review a lot, and have been stalled on that front, as well as in other areas. And, as usual, when I have a problem or issue, the Universe has a way of throwing the answer in my face in the most improbable ways.
Because this book - I'm rarely at a loss for words, but this book is an answered prayer.
Edmond Manning, bless him, has written a book of rare depth, beauty and importance. This work is all about the pains of the heart, finding ones true self and connecting with the mysteries of life. It is funny yet serious, deep yet easy, and heart breaking yet heart warming.
If read with an open heart, this gem of a book has the power of healing, the serenity of grace, and the security of a father's hug. It's about being powerful and connected and alive.
I really don't want to give away too much of the plot and substance of this novel, but some points are important.
Perry has been unable to really develop a lasting connection with another human being, and is stuck. In some ways, he's sliding under the waves. When the invitation to join Vin for the weekend comes, some part of him - the part longing for connection and openness - recognizes what might happen.
Vin is an enigma. He's a mechanic, a visitor to the city on vacation. But he knows things about Perry he shouldn't, thinks around corners, and acts like a madman. He has a plan and an agenda, and he fascinates the whole way through this story.
I don't know if this tale resonates so loudly with me because I'm a man, and the author is male also. At the risk of sounding sexist, this story is written by a man, about a man. But the truths and issues are so universal, they transcend gender.
When I finished this book, I felt...alive again. Sad, powerful, energized, loved, open. And with the need to call my Dad.
I felt 'kinged'. I am Tom, the Bear King.
Buy this book, carve out a quiet few hours, and open your heart to it. Let me know what King or Queen you are.
King Tom
On a quiet evening in 1999, investment banker Perry Mangin attends an art show in San Francisco. He's a nice looking man, not super hot but not a slouch.
Vin Vanbly is also at the event. He's a mechanic from Minnesota, in town on vacation. Vin's a bear - a stocky, hairy guy - and soon he and Perry notice each other. Vin waits, and soon Perry comes over where he's studying the paintings.
The two men flirt and converse about little things. Then Vin begins to talk about the artwork, specifically a few pieces by a local artist. His knowledge of the pieces is profound, his insights piercing to Perry. As a crowd forms and Vin draws everyone around him in to the story behind these works, Perry reacts. And leaves.
When he checks in with the gallery the next day, Perry is surprised to find a note left for him. The note invites him to meet Vin Friday evening on Pier 33 and spend the weekend with him, submitting. The note promises it is not a S&M thing, but will forever change his life. It invites him to remember who he was always meant to be. But most importantly, it invites him to "Remember the King".
Will Perry show? What does Vin have planned for him? And, what do the promises in the note mean for Perry?
A few words before I dive into this review. As I've posted in another place, this has been a rough few weeks for me and I've been tired and flirting with burn out. I review a lot, and have been stalled on that front, as well as in other areas. And, as usual, when I have a problem or issue, the Universe has a way of throwing the answer in my face in the most improbable ways.
Because this book - I'm rarely at a loss for words, but this book is an answered prayer.
Edmond Manning, bless him, has written a book of rare depth, beauty and importance. This work is all about the pains of the heart, finding ones true self and connecting with the mysteries of life. It is funny yet serious, deep yet easy, and heart breaking yet heart warming.
If read with an open heart, this gem of a book has the power of healing, the serenity of grace, and the security of a father's hug. It's about being powerful and connected and alive.
I really don't want to give away too much of the plot and substance of this novel, but some points are important.
Perry has been unable to really develop a lasting connection with another human being, and is stuck. In some ways, he's sliding under the waves. When the invitation to join Vin for the weekend comes, some part of him - the part longing for connection and openness - recognizes what might happen.
Vin is an enigma. He's a mechanic, a visitor to the city on vacation. But he knows things about Perry he shouldn't, thinks around corners, and acts like a madman. He has a plan and an agenda, and he fascinates the whole way through this story.
I don't know if this tale resonates so loudly with me because I'm a man, and the author is male also. At the risk of sounding sexist, this story is written by a man, about a man. But the truths and issues are so universal, they transcend gender.
When I finished this book, I felt...alive again. Sad, powerful, energized, loved, open. And with the need to call my Dad.
I felt 'kinged'. I am Tom, the Bear King.
Buy this book, carve out a quiet few hours, and open your heart to it. Let me know what King or Queen you are.
King Tom
November 12, 2014
I do not envy the person who had to try to write the blurb for this book. I thought about trying to describe this to a friend, and nothing I could think of did it any sort of justice. Weird, wonderful, sublime, transcendent, and ridiculous; this has to be one of the most interesting, and original books I've read in ages. Loved it.
Read
May 5, 2019
DNF 21%
This is too bizarre for my taste.
The MC is a quirky guy who thinks too fast and says random things that make sense to him only.
Certain things he comes up with is so surreal that it borders to fantasy. It’s not, but his eccentricity reads as such to me, and fantasy doesn’t push my buttons at all.
There is a parallel story of Kings rolling on which reinforces my feelings about this one-sided trip in the MC’s head, something I am not following.
I’m sure at some point if I persisted it would have made sense to me, but I don’t feel engaged enough to carry on.
It’s very clever, but let me be honest, I am not enjoying it.
I am stopping at their weekend in Alcatraz because sadly, I haven’t been kinged.
May 2, 2012
Excellent gay fiction about taking chances, forgiving, and finding the self you lost along the way. I started reading feeling a bit resistant, because, well, it sounded kinda hokey to me from the blurb. Oh, how very wrong I was - and how very glad that I read this story. While it has romantic moments and is filled with love, it is not a romance per se, so you need to let go of your expectations about how the story will end. But rest assured that this is not like some of the other stories I've read in Dreamspinner's BitterSweet line, which left me heartsick or upset about even having read the book. Highly recommended.
October 2, 2023
2/10/2923: Decade later re-read. Even better than I remember. Still amazing!
—————————————-
Original 2013 review.
I see a review on my updates for a book called King Perry by a new author to me called Edmond Manning. I like the cover, the review is intriguing and it’s got umpteen, glowing, five star reviews. So I take the plunge and buy it. I know from the reviews this book has deeply affected its readers and I'm curious to find out why. Billed as bittersweet I have to admit that I’m wary as I don't mind seeing my MC's go through a fair bit of angst, but I do like a HEA or at least a HFN. For once though, because its so highly admired, I decide to put uncertainty to one side and give it a go.
The first couple of chapters in I’m beginning to feel a bit worried. There’s no doubt Mr Manning is a great wordsmith but it’s not really grabbing me as I hoped it would. This Vin Vanbly bloke is a tad strange and I'm not really sure if I'm getting it, as this is nothing like any of the mm romances I’ve been reading and for a split second wonder if I've made a mistake buying it. However I decide I’m probably being a bit previous as I'm not that far in, so I push on and suddenly I'm at the part when Perry agrees to Vins mysterious invitation to stay with him for a ' King Weekend.’ He’s told If he follows Vins every command his life will change in surprising ways and he'll meet his true joy. Vin also tells him to " wear some sexy underwear, you have a great ass" haha, and it’s these flashes of humour that keep me reading because even though I can't really work him out, Vin is a witty guy and I love this type of banter. But even at this point I'm still not particularly seeing what the big fuss about King Perry is. Then they arrive on Alcatraz and the seduction really starts.
From this point on, the story, and Vin and Perry themselves, begin to worm their way into my heart, in ways hard to describe. I don't think I've read anything like this in my life. Vin Vanbly is an enigmatic Tour De Force; mysterious, devious, manipulative and as complex as the the man he's trying to help, but he's also hilarious, sweet, loving and sort of goofy. He tells rambling stories whilst they're making love of Lost and Found kings, and he loves words. And I mean LOVES words.... VIGOUR being a particular favourite. Another amusing Vin Vanbly quirk! Watching him break down Perry's tightly wound emotions, until Perry allows himself to forgive, is an experience I'll never forget. This enigmatic man played with my emotions in ways they never have before. I've laughed and cried in books lots of times, but for the first time ever, at one particular scene, I ended up doing both at exactly the same time!
One minute I'm laughing out loud at the picture of two men pretending to be growly bears at a homeless shelter breakfast gathering, then in seconds, mid giggle, I'm weeping and don't really know why! It’s a funny scene but poignant too and it’s all down to the force that is Vin. First impressions are of a man who doesn't care if he's making a fool of himself. He’s not self conscious, far from introverted and is larger than life; but theres a gut wrenching backstory we gradually become privy to, that even though he feels this odd need to help others learn the meaning of forgiveness, isn’t able to forgive himself and this is why he can never fully give himself to the men he "Kings" and grows to love, while helping them gain the enlightenment they need. This is the bittersweet side of the story that is heartbreaking but also funny, joyous and full of hope.
The ending is just perfect. I spent the last 20% shocked and in tears because of what Vin puts Perry through but it’s also one of the most uplifting moments of any story I've read. I can honestly say I ended the book feeling emotionally drained but at the same time strangely euphoric. King Perry is nothing like anything you'll have read before so my advice is don’t try to make it work within the peramiters of general mm romance. Just go with flow, let it work its unique magic and you’ll go on an amazing journey; full of mad WTF moments, gloriously written passages and funny quotes that will stay with you for a long long time.
Vin Vanbly ( or should I say say Mr Edmond Manning because all of this stems from your wonderful voice ) you blew me away, stole my heart, and in the words of King Aabee, if you were ever to ask for help then I'd hope to be be there saying " I will go. Send Me. "
Truly Awesome! I can't reccomend this highly enough, another book that deserves a much higher rating than its allowed.
—————————————-
Original 2013 review.
I see a review on my updates for a book called King Perry by a new author to me called Edmond Manning. I like the cover, the review is intriguing and it’s got umpteen, glowing, five star reviews. So I take the plunge and buy it. I know from the reviews this book has deeply affected its readers and I'm curious to find out why. Billed as bittersweet I have to admit that I’m wary as I don't mind seeing my MC's go through a fair bit of angst, but I do like a HEA or at least a HFN. For once though, because its so highly admired, I decide to put uncertainty to one side and give it a go.
The first couple of chapters in I’m beginning to feel a bit worried. There’s no doubt Mr Manning is a great wordsmith but it’s not really grabbing me as I hoped it would. This Vin Vanbly bloke is a tad strange and I'm not really sure if I'm getting it, as this is nothing like any of the mm romances I’ve been reading and for a split second wonder if I've made a mistake buying it. However I decide I’m probably being a bit previous as I'm not that far in, so I push on and suddenly I'm at the part when Perry agrees to Vins mysterious invitation to stay with him for a ' King Weekend.’ He’s told If he follows Vins every command his life will change in surprising ways and he'll meet his true joy. Vin also tells him to " wear some sexy underwear, you have a great ass" haha, and it’s these flashes of humour that keep me reading because even though I can't really work him out, Vin is a witty guy and I love this type of banter. But even at this point I'm still not particularly seeing what the big fuss about King Perry is. Then they arrive on Alcatraz and the seduction really starts.
From this point on, the story, and Vin and Perry themselves, begin to worm their way into my heart, in ways hard to describe. I don't think I've read anything like this in my life. Vin Vanbly is an enigmatic Tour De Force; mysterious, devious, manipulative and as complex as the the man he's trying to help, but he's also hilarious, sweet, loving and sort of goofy. He tells rambling stories whilst they're making love of Lost and Found kings, and he loves words. And I mean LOVES words.... VIGOUR being a particular favourite. Another amusing Vin Vanbly quirk! Watching him break down Perry's tightly wound emotions, until Perry allows himself to forgive, is an experience I'll never forget. This enigmatic man played with my emotions in ways they never have before. I've laughed and cried in books lots of times, but for the first time ever, at one particular scene, I ended up doing both at exactly the same time!
One minute I'm laughing out loud at the picture of two men pretending to be growly bears at a homeless shelter breakfast gathering, then in seconds, mid giggle, I'm weeping and don't really know why! It’s a funny scene but poignant too and it’s all down to the force that is Vin. First impressions are of a man who doesn't care if he's making a fool of himself. He’s not self conscious, far from introverted and is larger than life; but theres a gut wrenching backstory we gradually become privy to, that even though he feels this odd need to help others learn the meaning of forgiveness, isn’t able to forgive himself and this is why he can never fully give himself to the men he "Kings" and grows to love, while helping them gain the enlightenment they need. This is the bittersweet side of the story that is heartbreaking but also funny, joyous and full of hope.
The ending is just perfect. I spent the last 20% shocked and in tears because of what Vin puts Perry through but it’s also one of the most uplifting moments of any story I've read. I can honestly say I ended the book feeling emotionally drained but at the same time strangely euphoric. King Perry is nothing like anything you'll have read before so my advice is don’t try to make it work within the peramiters of general mm romance. Just go with flow, let it work its unique magic and you’ll go on an amazing journey; full of mad WTF moments, gloriously written passages and funny quotes that will stay with you for a long long time.
Vin Vanbly ( or should I say say Mr Edmond Manning because all of this stems from your wonderful voice ) you blew me away, stole my heart, and in the words of King Aabee, if you were ever to ask for help then I'd hope to be be there saying " I will go. Send Me. "
Truly Awesome! I can't reccomend this highly enough, another book that deserves a much higher rating than its allowed.
January 29, 2015
**** One hour after finishing the book ****
I don't know if I'll be able to review this book at all.
I don't know if I'll find the right words to review it someday, but for sure not right now.
Right now I AM SPEECHLESS.
I don't know if there are the right words to express all my emotions I lived through reading it.
In few words:
THIS BOOK IS BRILLIANT, AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL AND TOTALLY CRAZY!!!
It's hard to find words, to strum the soul, to let out what is almost always ineffable.
If you have not read it yet,
DO. IT.
PUT EVERYTHING ASIDE AND READ IT.
**** Update of my thoughts ****
It is not a full review. My first decision, not to review it because I'm not sure that one can find the right words that can do justice to this book, were not totally false.
I've added some more thoughts to it.
And let it stay this way.
My GR friends who are acquainted with my reviews know that I don't describe a book in my reviews. So...If you want to know a plot, read a blurb or other reviews. But if you want to know how a book affects somebody like me, it is the right place for you.
I started to read this book without having any idea what it is about. The cover reminded me a bit of Life of Pi, and the title sounded to me like a Disney fairy tale. In the meantime I know that the cover is perfect for the story!
It is exactly how I would recommend it to everybody.
Do not read reviews and a blurb, do not make a lot of thoughts about it.
JUST DO IT.
Switch off your mobile, TV, radio, kids, husbands, partners.
Find a secure place, take this book and dive into the amazingly beautiful mind of a brilliant story teller Edmond Manning, let him take you into the unique crazy and unforgettable world of Vin Vanbly, stay with Vin and Perry for a while and let yourself getting lost in this wonderful prose!
You will laugh, you will cry you'll go crazy and...you'll remain speechless at the end.
And AFTER you can ask yourself whether this adventure was worth all your emotions and money.
My only warnings:
IT IS NOT A TYPICAL ROMANCE. It is much better.You have to BE ABLE TO READ BETWEEN THE LINES.You won't get answers on all your questions. Most likely, you'll have more questions at the end. I just have to say it again:
THIS BOOK IS BRILLIANT, AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL AND TOTALLY CRAZY!!!
It's good to be a king, lost or found.
Highly highly highly recommended. Enjoy!!!!!!!!
April 20, 2016
Wow.
It seems quite pointless to review this story other than to say that it is a journey. A hero's journey. Perry's journey as told through his guide's eyes. It's like a gilded mosaic with so many pieces crammed together incredibly close. Clever and faceted, entertaining and epiphanous, and simply more than you'd expect. A gift.
This book makes you feel like a puppy gamboling along, stepping on its ear every so often and smashing its nose into the ground. But, like the puppy you stumble back up and keep exploring, or least we use to until we stopped. The book won't let you stop; it's the unexpected amusement park ride that at first seemed so innocuous, but suddenly when faced with the truth you realize that you can't get away, that you're committed.
Little voice inside whispers, "I don't think I can do this."
Big voice chuckles, "I don't think you have a choice."
Playful and heartbreaking. Language is a toy that gets batted around like a ball of string, ridiculous and wonderful you can't help but smile--unless you don't get it and then it probably seems like nonsensical rambling.
There's so much heart squished inside that you wonder how it's possible. Like Mary Poppins' bag, you realize that the possibilities are limitless. We are only bound by our fears and we pace the cage we've built ourselves.
Overall, amazing, joyous and celebratory.
Favorite quote:
It seems quite pointless to review this story other than to say that it is a journey. A hero's journey. Perry's journey as told through his guide's eyes. It's like a gilded mosaic with so many pieces crammed together incredibly close. Clever and faceted, entertaining and epiphanous, and simply more than you'd expect. A gift.
This book makes you feel like a puppy gamboling along, stepping on its ear every so often and smashing its nose into the ground. But, like the puppy you stumble back up and keep exploring, or least we use to until we stopped. The book won't let you stop; it's the unexpected amusement park ride that at first seemed so innocuous, but suddenly when faced with the truth you realize that you can't get away, that you're committed.
Little voice inside whispers, "I don't think I can do this."
Big voice chuckles, "I don't think you have a choice."
Playful and heartbreaking. Language is a toy that gets batted around like a ball of string, ridiculous and wonderful you can't help but smile--unless you don't get it and then it probably seems like nonsensical rambling.
There's so much heart squished inside that you wonder how it's possible. Like Mary Poppins' bag, you realize that the possibilities are limitless. We are only bound by our fears and we pace the cage we've built ourselves.
Overall, amazing, joyous and celebratory.
Favorite quote:
“When you forgive, you give your heart to wonder and love after it has already been broken."
March 13, 2014
An inspirational, unique and quirky read. King Perry teaches us to let go of our fears, find our true selves and LIVE life to the fullest!!
To boast wonder takes great courage. Being left speechless with joy is not for the weak. We forget to be surprised by everyday miracles, like toast springing up, the mesmerizing blue in the sky, or even simple friendships. To touch and remember this delicate sense of wonder, we travel. We deliberately let ourselves become tourists to welcome in this unique delight.
Lovely buddy read with my cute babes, Bev, Ingela and Andrea!
To boast wonder takes great courage. Being left speechless with joy is not for the weak. We forget to be surprised by everyday miracles, like toast springing up, the mesmerizing blue in the sky, or even simple friendships. To touch and remember this delicate sense of wonder, we travel. We deliberately let ourselves become tourists to welcome in this unique delight.
Lovely buddy read with my cute babes, Bev, Ingela and Andrea!
May 18, 2012
A miraculous, healing story to hold close to your heart!
I've heard many, many wonderful things about this book over the last month or so. Josephine Myles wrote a wonderful review that caught my interest after Chris directed me there, and became my personal cheerleader -- saying, "read it now! read it now!". I found myself very lucky then, to be one of the recipients of the GoodReads giveaway and received my paperback copy from Edmond in the mail last week, along with a beautiful note and a yummy, gooey, finger-licking, savorlicious nut roll, that I promply ate on the way back from the mail-box. I mean, hey, I got a free book! But I also got free candy! Well, not candy ;)
So I found myself with a beautiful copy of a book that has probably gotten more 5 star reviews than I've seen before, memory full of sweet and salty goodness, and a personal cheerleader goading me on. How could I refuse?
This is a unique book to review, and I won't re-hash the blurb for you, because there's really no point. There's so much to say about it, yet the beauty of it is in the mystery. I constantly found myself with my pen marking favorite passages to enjoy later (I love marking up books! real books! it's been so long!), but unable to share them, because like an inside joke, no one but fellow Found King and Queen readers would understand them. Point 1 for Edmond Manning -- by reading, I've become complicit in the events of the book.
Because the real story is in the mystery of figuring out the story for yourself and your own personal journey with the characters, the story is a bit hard to describe to those who haven't yet read the book. I was talking to a friend who is also reading this book right now and the only way I could find to describe the story was this: "its... light-hearted on the surface but profound underneath, but it's like a great adventure. It... reminds me, at it's heart... of Max, in Where the Wild Things Are... It's like a great children's adventure for adults." There's a sense of wonder in the adventure, which sounds a bit hokey in summary, but through the character of San Francisco in the novel is laid out in a way that entices the senses.
I do want to talk to potential readers here, because I might not have picked this story up if not for Chris, my personal cheerleader, telling me not to be afraid of the Bittersweet label on this book. The only similarity this book as to Bittersweet books is the fact that there's no HEA. I don't think that's too much of a spoiler to give away as it is pretty well known. However, while this book is wildly romantic, it is also not technically a "romance." I'd rather think of it as gay fiction. It is a beautiful story that left me with a huge smile on my face and warmth in my heart, and no matter how hokey it sounds I'll growl it out like a wild bear :)
All I can say is that I think everyone should read this book, and I'm so happy that I have my very own paperback copy to read whenever I want. I imagine that this book will stay with me for a long time, and having it there to comfort me on a bad day, or remind me of all the good and wonder in the world when I really need it.
I've heard many, many wonderful things about this book over the last month or so. Josephine Myles wrote a wonderful review that caught my interest after Chris directed me there, and became my personal cheerleader -- saying, "read it now! read it now!". I found myself very lucky then, to be one of the recipients of the GoodReads giveaway and received my paperback copy from Edmond in the mail last week, along with a beautiful note and a yummy, gooey, finger-licking, savorlicious nut roll, that I promply ate on the way back from the mail-box. I mean, hey, I got a free book! But I also got free candy! Well, not candy ;)
So I found myself with a beautiful copy of a book that has probably gotten more 5 star reviews than I've seen before, memory full of sweet and salty goodness, and a personal cheerleader goading me on. How could I refuse?
This is a unique book to review, and I won't re-hash the blurb for you, because there's really no point. There's so much to say about it, yet the beauty of it is in the mystery. I constantly found myself with my pen marking favorite passages to enjoy later (I love marking up books! real books! it's been so long!), but unable to share them, because like an inside joke, no one but fellow Found King and Queen readers would understand them. Point 1 for Edmond Manning -- by reading, I've become complicit in the events of the book.
Because the real story is in the mystery of figuring out the story for yourself and your own personal journey with the characters, the story is a bit hard to describe to those who haven't yet read the book. I was talking to a friend who is also reading this book right now and the only way I could find to describe the story was this: "its... light-hearted on the surface but profound underneath, but it's like a great adventure. It... reminds me, at it's heart... of Max, in Where the Wild Things Are... It's like a great children's adventure for adults." There's a sense of wonder in the adventure, which sounds a bit hokey in summary, but through the character of San Francisco in the novel is laid out in a way that entices the senses.
I do want to talk to potential readers here, because I might not have picked this story up if not for Chris, my personal cheerleader, telling me not to be afraid of the Bittersweet label on this book. The only similarity this book as to Bittersweet books is the fact that there's no HEA. I don't think that's too much of a spoiler to give away as it is pretty well known. However, while this book is wildly romantic, it is also not technically a "romance." I'd rather think of it as gay fiction. It is a beautiful story that left me with a huge smile on my face and warmth in my heart, and no matter how hokey it sounds I'll growl it out like a wild bear :)
All I can say is that I think everyone should read this book, and I'm so happy that I have my very own paperback copy to read whenever I want. I imagine that this book will stay with me for a long time, and having it there to comfort me on a bad day, or remind me of all the good and wonder in the world when I really need it.
April 12, 2014
I have to confess and admit that I am not usually speechless around books. With this one I was, maybe because something in it touched a sore point with me. This left me wanting a ‘Vin’ in my life, someone to help me get a hold of myself and get over things instead of standing there, wallowing in them. Forgiveness is not an easy thing to preach, write about or to try. It leaves you vulnerable and strong at the same time. Both the reaching out and the accepting are so so hard but leave us reborn, strong and supple at the same time. Such courage is rewarded, we are left much richer. Thankyou Mr Manning for having the gumption to write this.
I loved Manning’s style, his quirky observations, his sense of humour, the camaderie. I love the feeling conveyed of not taking things, including ourselves, so so seriously, to see the silly in everything, to smile, laugh and enjoy. The story is surreal but the writing is so real, so full of craziness of daily life. Information trickled in slowly while I got to know the characters and I was allowed to piece everything together piece by piece. Most of the time, I was confused, was I reading some fairy tale or something real. Is Manning trying to trick me? Is Vin delusional, what is he doing, who is he? My heart aches for him, so confident, tough, quiXotic and so vulnerable.
The story did not end with me having all the answers, because I don’t, I’ve got tonnes of questions which I look forward to resolving as I continue to read the next book.
I loved Manning’s style, his quirky observations, his sense of humour, the camaderie. I love the feeling conveyed of not taking things, including ourselves, so so seriously, to see the silly in everything, to smile, laugh and enjoy. The story is surreal but the writing is so real, so full of craziness of daily life. Information trickled in slowly while I got to know the characters and I was allowed to piece everything together piece by piece. Most of the time, I was confused, was I reading some fairy tale or something real. Is Manning trying to trick me? Is Vin delusional, what is he doing, who is he? My heart aches for him, so confident, tough, quiXotic and so vulnerable.
The story did not end with me having all the answers, because I don’t, I’ve got tonnes of questions which I look forward to resolving as I continue to read the next book.
February 10, 2012
I've had the privilege to read through the final draft of King Perry and it's an amazing story with so much heart. I can't recall the last time I was so delighted and uplifted by a book that doesn't have the traditional romance ending.
This is coming out under Dreamspinner's Bittersweet line because of that ending - but believe me, there's nothing bitter about it. I was left with a huge smile on my face and joy in my heart.
Prepare yourself for a journey to strange new places and the depths of the human heart. There is audacious sex, yes, but there is also bear walking... Vin Vanbly is one of my all time favourite fictional characters on the strength of this one book. May he return for many more!
This is coming out under Dreamspinner's Bittersweet line because of that ending - but believe me, there's nothing bitter about it. I was left with a huge smile on my face and joy in my heart.
Prepare yourself for a journey to strange new places and the depths of the human heart. There is audacious sex, yes, but there is also bear walking... Vin Vanbly is one of my all time favourite fictional characters on the strength of this one book. May he return for many more!
March 9, 2012
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
I could read Mr. Manning's exquisite style of writing for hours on end and never tire of it. He reminds me very much of Andrew Holleran with his soothing, almost lyrical way they both put thoughts into words. I don't know why this book was classified as a bittersweet because the ending was a very happy one in my opinion.
Vin Vanbly is a quirky visitor to San Francisco when he meets Perry Mangin in an art gallery. Perry is an investment banker who has slipped off the road of life and isn't quite able to find his way back to happiness. Vin strikes up conversation with Perry and both fascinates and scares the crud out of Perry. The enigmatic Vin loves to play with words but Vin is also a King Maker who is set on making Perry the King he once was. Perry accepts an offer from Vin to spend the weekend with him and being completely submissive to Vin. A night spent together on Alcatraz has Vin weaving his words sometimes to the point where Perry wants to pummel the man and I was totally confused as to where Vin was going. Vin flitted from one subject to another and his little games at first seemed frivolous. Mr. Manning masterfully used Vin's words, actions, sex and gentle dominance to slowly peel away the hardened layers of Perry's soul to finally make Perry into the Forgiver King yet sadly Vin himself is a lost king. The scene with Zhong and Jian was wonderful and the picture taking was fun as Vin not only soothed Perry for his transformation but made other people feel good. Vin truly is the mechanic of the universe. What also touched me was that Vin did not use his Dominance and sexuality to get off but instead used it to pull back Perry's walls so that he could face his anguish and heal. Every man is a King if he keeps love in his heart. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun adventure through the human spirit in a feel good story.
I could read Mr. Manning's exquisite style of writing for hours on end and never tire of it. He reminds me very much of Andrew Holleran with his soothing, almost lyrical way they both put thoughts into words. I don't know why this book was classified as a bittersweet because the ending was a very happy one in my opinion.
Vin Vanbly is a quirky visitor to San Francisco when he meets Perry Mangin in an art gallery. Perry is an investment banker who has slipped off the road of life and isn't quite able to find his way back to happiness. Vin strikes up conversation with Perry and both fascinates and scares the crud out of Perry. The enigmatic Vin loves to play with words but Vin is also a King Maker who is set on making Perry the King he once was. Perry accepts an offer from Vin to spend the weekend with him and being completely submissive to Vin. A night spent together on Alcatraz has Vin weaving his words sometimes to the point where Perry wants to pummel the man and I was totally confused as to where Vin was going. Vin flitted from one subject to another and his little games at first seemed frivolous. Mr. Manning masterfully used Vin's words, actions, sex and gentle dominance to slowly peel away the hardened layers of Perry's soul to finally make Perry into the Forgiver King yet sadly Vin himself is a lost king. The scene with Zhong and Jian was wonderful and the picture taking was fun as Vin not only soothed Perry for his transformation but made other people feel good. Vin truly is the mechanic of the universe. What also touched me was that Vin did not use his Dominance and sexuality to get off but instead used it to pull back Perry's walls so that he could face his anguish and heal. Every man is a King if he keeps love in his heart. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun adventure through the human spirit in a feel good story.
May 4, 2012
This is my first five-star rating. I almost wish I could give it more.
I can't begin to figure out how to review this book, except to say it took me by surprise. Full of unexpected humor and insight, overflowing with emotion of every kind... I couldn't put it down. By the time I reached the last quarter of the book, I found myself reading more slowly, because I didn't want to reach the end, and that end... gaaaaahhhhh. It killed me.
This book should be #1 on the NY Times bestseller list. It's that good. Edmond Manning is the kind of writer other writers (like me) are inspired by. He makes me want to tell a better story. He makes me want to stand on top of a mountain wearing (only) a purple-spangled shirt, arms raised, shrieking into the sunrise, "I love you!"
Kudos to you, Mr Manning. I feel like I've received the best gift ever.
I can't begin to figure out how to review this book, except to say it took me by surprise. Full of unexpected humor and insight, overflowing with emotion of every kind... I couldn't put it down. By the time I reached the last quarter of the book, I found myself reading more slowly, because I didn't want to reach the end, and that end... gaaaaahhhhh. It killed me.
This book should be #1 on the NY Times bestseller list. It's that good. Edmond Manning is the kind of writer other writers (like me) are inspired by. He makes me want to tell a better story. He makes me want to stand on top of a mountain wearing (only) a purple-spangled shirt, arms raised, shrieking into the sunrise, "I love you!"
Kudos to you, Mr Manning. I feel like I've received the best gift ever.
May 21, 2014
I love it and I hate it with equal vigour. Yet why 4 Stars?
After finishing this book I felt like I have just visited San Fransisco and wanting to physically visit San Fransisco. The book could give the best San Fransisco tourist guide book a run for the money.
I wish for a crazy guide like Vin to take me around but I don't want to be in his head though. His wandering mind annoys me mighty since he is the narrator and the sole POV throughout the story. I know he says the most brilliant thing from time to time but his ever loud mind is a big disturbance to the flow of the story. His out of focus ramblings was highly distracting!
Enigmatic, eccentric Vin is baffling, surprising, cryptic, charming, brilliant, annoying and a total asshole. He has been a dick to Perry, then a tender lover, then back to number one asshole, then the sweetest most romantic guy ever and back to controlling freak! Only, you can't hate him for all those shits he laid on Perry because it is all for the return of "the one true king."
The story goes like this -- Perry met the White Rabbit in the city. While chasing it he fell into the rabbit hole ala Alice minus the voluminous petticoat and full skirt. I am not exactly sure if Vin is that hurrying waistcoated rabbit or if he is the Mad Hatter himself. Cheshire cat is another potential candidate for Vin's true identity. Along the adventure Perry met some Lost Kings and Queens then found himself in front of the Mirror of Forgiveness.
Truthfully I have a love-hate feeling towards this book. They are brilliant parts, unfortunately it was also marred by absolutely draggy and naggy parts. I nearly died of undue frustrations and impatience while wishing for the pace to pick up and the confounding fog to lift before I give up on it. The story did quite a number of twists, twirls and turns which latched onto my curiosity and in turn keeping me interested. I did dozed off a couple of times during the Vin ramblings. Vin, Vin is the most manipulative character I've ever known YET I could fall for a guy like him despite only knowing him for like two full days. I have a thing for the eccentric types as they are a work of art -- they are very much like surrealism art. Nonconformity is exciting to me.
King Perry is not an easy book to devour you have got to have mountainous patience and of course enough sleep to stay alert for better 'read between the lines' processing. There are times when I actually though I am reading a piece of poetry instead of a M/M fiction with enough hot sex to satisfy any horny readers. You have to read it to believe it. I am not pulling anyone's leg here.
This has to be the TALLEST tale I have ever read and I mean it in a good way. A daring and adventurous self-discovery journey to unlock a man's heart to trust and love again. To return a Lost King to the land of the Found Kings is a journey for the brave ones because forgiveness is an act of supreme braveness.
By the way, I adore the ending. Yes it was bittersweet but sweeter than it was bitter really. Fits the story well like a comforting glove, a warm hand guiding your heart to the right place. I can't say this isn't romance for there are certainly quality of excitement and mystery associated with love. Besides that, Vin was truly courting Perry and gave him all the love he could. So you tell me, what is romance?
I am giving this book a 4 stars as I have greatly enjoyed the tour of beautiful San Franscisco and the tour of two vulnerable men's heart.
*SIDE NOTE: I read this book for the LGBT Fantasy Fiction - May 2014 Pick-it-for-me Challenge. Someone picked it for me but don't ask me why I am reading this book for a fantasy fiction group for I have no idea on that as well. It did screw up my expectation a little since I really thought the story has fantasy elements in it.
BOOK DETAILS:
Title: King Perry
Author: Edmond Manning
Publication Date: February 27th, 2012
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance Fiction
Type: Novel, approximately 106,158 words
Main Characters: Vin Vanbly & Perry Mangin
Location/Setting: California, San Fransisco, Sausalito
Tags/Keywords:
Description:
In a trendy San Francisco art gallery, out-of-towner Vin Vanbly witnesses an act of compassion that compels him to make investment banker Perry Mangin a mysterious offer: in exchange for a weekend of complete submission, Vin will restore Perry's "kingship" and transform him into the man he was always meant to be.
Despite intense reservations, Perry agrees, setting in motion a chain of events that will test the limits of his body, seduce his senses, and fray his every nerve, (perhaps occasionally breaking the law) while Vin guides him toward his destiny as "the one true king."
Even as Perry rediscovers old grief and new joys within himself, Vin and his shadowy motivations remain enigmas: who is this offbeat stranger guiding them from danger to hilarity to danger? To emerge triumphant, Perry must overcome the greatest challenge alone: embracing his devastating past. But can he succeed by Sunday's sunrise deadline? How can he possibly evolve from an ordinary man into King Perry?
A Bittersweet Dreams title: It's an unfortunate truth: love doesn't always conquer all. Regardless of its strength, sometimes fate intervenes, tragedy strikes, or forces conspire against it. These stories of romance do not offer a traditional happy ending, but the strong and enduring love will still touch your heart and maybe move you to tears.
This review has also been cross-posted on my blogs:
WHERE TO PURCHASE:
★|| DREAMSPINNER PRESS ||★|| KOBOBOOKS ||★|| AMAZON ||★
* Reviewed on May 16th, 2014
*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*
September 9, 2017
Not so much a book as an experience. Much like Perry himself, I half-reluctantly committed myself to this journey, only to be dragged not-quite-kicking and not-quite-screaming into unexpectedly deep inner places.
I've read approximately 2000 novels, and this is one of a kind. To all the people who didn't like this, or who DNF'd, I want to say: I get it. This book isn't going to be for everyone, and probably at a different time in my life it wouldn't have been for me either.
I'm not going to be able to write a proper review. The story took me on such a personal journey that anything I say will just be about me rather than about the book. I have to admit that I'm a little leery now of the sequels -- because how could they not be a letdown? Yet if they're just as good -- am I ready for that? No, I am not! I need some recovery time first. So I plan to wait a bit before I (inevitably) pick up the next one.
I've read approximately 2000 novels, and this is one of a kind. To all the people who didn't like this, or who DNF'd, I want to say: I get it. This book isn't going to be for everyone, and probably at a different time in my life it wouldn't have been for me either.
I'm not going to be able to write a proper review. The story took me on such a personal journey that anything I say will just be about me rather than about the book. I have to admit that I'm a little leery now of the sequels -- because how could they not be a letdown? Yet if they're just as good -- am I ready for that? No, I am not! I need some recovery time first. So I plan to wait a bit before I (inevitably) pick up the next one.
Read
November 2, 2013This novel grabbed me by the brain and didn’t let go. But although it was stunningly smart, it wasn’t a dry, cerebral read by any stretch. It grabbed me by the heart and the funnybone, too. I had to actually ration out the novel, because it seemed disrespectful to gulp it all down in a few nights. I cared so much about the characters that it transcended fiction and became a part of my subjective reality. Edmond Manning had me crying over a freaking dessert at one point. *shakes fist* Damn you, Manning!
And I’ll probably cry over it again on the re-read.
And I’ll probably cry over it again on the re-read.
May 3, 2012
“…have you ever done anything so significantly outrageous, so beautiful and insane, that on days when your life feels dull, these shining moments leap out? Do you have an answer to the question ‘Did I live? Did I touch the world?’” –Vin Vanbly
If my life had a soundtrack, there would have been a great crescendo of strings and woodwinds when I hit the 'buy it with one click' button on this book's Amazon page.
This book starts with Vin Vanbly, a man with a crack sense of humor, a love of the skeleton of words--particularly words with the letter x, but not so much k--and a deep appreciation for life. Here's the thing about Vin. He's a King, but not in the sense that he owns a kingdom or has loyal subjects and a jester to juggle for him. It's more about the energy of a king, an ability to recognize that same energy in others, even when they don't recognize it themselves.
That's what King Perry is about. Perry Mangin, a man who is a Lost King, and Vin Vanbly, who brings him back to the land of Found Kings by kinging him.
What is kinging, you ask?
I cannot even begin to tell you. But I can say that it’s an adventure, from the solitary confinement cells in Alcatraz to a mountain-top outside Sausalito after a brief stop in secret Bolinas to rescue starfish… it’s all an adventure, and along the way, one man finds himself, while the other man guides him–and maybe learns a little something, too. Plus, there’s a duck, pumpkin carving, and cello music.
From the lyrical prose that at first is just this side of too purple–though you get used to it and come to love it–to the outrageous plot, the spellbinding story within the story that the main character Vin Vanbly tells to his boyfriend-for-the-weekend Perry Mangin, this book was impossible to put down. I wanted to crawl inside it, stretch my limbs against its boundaries and get some of that beautiful mess of language rubbed on my shirt. It would have been a stain to cherish.
Vin is an insufferably cheerful bear of a man, who plans this elaborate weekend to spend with Perry, a man he met on Tuesday, and in the process, he’s on a mission to help Perry become a Found King. Their journey, both physical and emotional, is a thing of beauty, and the tendrils of story woven throughout are described in such a way that it literally stole my breath a few times. Things like:
“A thousand leaves in the enormous tree above us participate in my deception, rubbing their veiny little hands against their neighbors.”
Like every other tourist, we gawk and photograph the most magnificent alien creature ever witnessed, the Pacific Ocean. Instead of a body of water, I behold a twitching leviathan, slumbering on its side. This all-encompassing monster, Ocean, defies explanation. How can a thing hold all the colors at once? Every shade of midnight blue and saffron teal bob away, gradations of black and green in combinations I have never experienced. How can glittering orange and yellow crest each wave’s tips before cheerfully drowning? Ocean lies motionless on its side while every surface inch shivers with the ecstasy of life.
See what I mean? I could fall headlong in the images Manning evokes with just a few well placed descriptions.
This book is $6.99. I feel like I got a steal. I would have happily paid $10 or $15 for this. It’s a decent length story for the money, but more than that, it’s an experience, one I immediately began to repeat as soon as I finished it the first time. More than entertainment, it made me feel things few books/movies accomplish. It brought not only the characters’ lives into sharp focus, but begged me to question if I’m getting the most out of my own life. That? Is the mark of a great story.
If my life had a soundtrack, there would have been a great crescendo of strings and woodwinds when I hit the 'buy it with one click' button on this book's Amazon page.
This book starts with Vin Vanbly, a man with a crack sense of humor, a love of the skeleton of words--particularly words with the letter x, but not so much k--and a deep appreciation for life. Here's the thing about Vin. He's a King, but not in the sense that he owns a kingdom or has loyal subjects and a jester to juggle for him. It's more about the energy of a king, an ability to recognize that same energy in others, even when they don't recognize it themselves.
That's what King Perry is about. Perry Mangin, a man who is a Lost King, and Vin Vanbly, who brings him back to the land of Found Kings by kinging him.
What is kinging, you ask?
I cannot even begin to tell you. But I can say that it’s an adventure, from the solitary confinement cells in Alcatraz to a mountain-top outside Sausalito after a brief stop in secret Bolinas to rescue starfish… it’s all an adventure, and along the way, one man finds himself, while the other man guides him–and maybe learns a little something, too. Plus, there’s a duck, pumpkin carving, and cello music.
From the lyrical prose that at first is just this side of too purple–though you get used to it and come to love it–to the outrageous plot, the spellbinding story within the story that the main character Vin Vanbly tells to his boyfriend-for-the-weekend Perry Mangin, this book was impossible to put down. I wanted to crawl inside it, stretch my limbs against its boundaries and get some of that beautiful mess of language rubbed on my shirt. It would have been a stain to cherish.
Vin is an insufferably cheerful bear of a man, who plans this elaborate weekend to spend with Perry, a man he met on Tuesday, and in the process, he’s on a mission to help Perry become a Found King. Their journey, both physical and emotional, is a thing of beauty, and the tendrils of story woven throughout are described in such a way that it literally stole my breath a few times. Things like:
“A thousand leaves in the enormous tree above us participate in my deception, rubbing their veiny little hands against their neighbors.”
Like every other tourist, we gawk and photograph the most magnificent alien creature ever witnessed, the Pacific Ocean. Instead of a body of water, I behold a twitching leviathan, slumbering on its side. This all-encompassing monster, Ocean, defies explanation. How can a thing hold all the colors at once? Every shade of midnight blue and saffron teal bob away, gradations of black and green in combinations I have never experienced. How can glittering orange and yellow crest each wave’s tips before cheerfully drowning? Ocean lies motionless on its side while every surface inch shivers with the ecstasy of life.
See what I mean? I could fall headlong in the images Manning evokes with just a few well placed descriptions.
This book is $6.99. I feel like I got a steal. I would have happily paid $10 or $15 for this. It’s a decent length story for the money, but more than that, it’s an experience, one I immediately began to repeat as soon as I finished it the first time. More than entertainment, it made me feel things few books/movies accomplish. It brought not only the characters’ lives into sharp focus, but begged me to question if I’m getting the most out of my own life. That? Is the mark of a great story.
March 25, 2012
Once in a blue moon you come across a book that just blows you away. For the better part of this story I had no idea what was going on but despite that I couldn't stop reading. The story flowed from the pages and made me laugh and then cry (literally cry, which doesn't happen very often). Vin is an enigma, even having finished the book you are unsure who he really is or what his motivations are but you love him all the same. Watching Perry struggle to journey from lost to found it is hard to believe that the entire book takes place over the span of a single weekend. This book is packed with emotion, beauty, fantasy, realism and love. If I recommended one book to my friends this year it would be this one and I would hope it would touch them as deeply as it touched me.
dnf
April 7, 2022dnf @ 44% (the Duck Parade)
I'm sorry — I tried. I really, really tried, but this book is just too fucking weird for me (!!). If I feel this exhausted after not even making it halfway through? I’d probably keel over before ever finishing it. 😵
I’m definitely too stupid for this book.
I'm sorry — I tried. I really, really tried, but this book is just too fucking weird for me (!!). If I feel this exhausted after not even making it halfway through? I’d probably keel over before ever finishing it. 😵
I’m definitely too stupid for this book.
September 10, 2015
King Perry (The Lost and Founds Book 1)
Totally love-hate this book! Brilliant but so damn frustrating.
A madman's ramblings of logistics and nonsensical riddles, with lots of your favorite words beautifully thrown in;
carbonara, marachino, cherry crepes, lapis lazuli, resplendent.
Here's some insane nonsense back at ya:
Ping is the name of a famous duck, not referenced here.
I was screaming at my Kindle, "Ping should be the duck's name!"
"Piiiiiiing!"
How can you reference Will and Holly from Land of the Lost and not name the duck Ping?
KING PING!
Perry (and the reader) are kept on edge, disoriented and confused for most of the story.
The relationship progresses from awkward to fond to deep.
The riddles are somewhat answered.
There's lots of crying and bizarre hot sex.
I think I understood this story and felt the beauty. Loved the humor, the colors, the words. My perspective has been altered. Some furniture rearranged.
But under it all,
I hate that. I hate the lack of reciprocity. Where's the bow tied round the box? I guess I'm spoiled expecting such things, even if the blurb didn't promise them.
It's all just a little sad, and I hugged my dad hard today, a big bear hug.
Wonder is always difficult until you forgive who destroyed your love of surprises.
Seriously, touch my tarp scrotum.
April 28, 2014
Great book: I couldn’t put it down, it left me with a lot of unanswered questions and made me ponder about personal issues I didn’t acknowledge having.
Ps: Now I have a compelling desire to visit San Francisco.
January 26, 2015
“For reasons I have never understood, believing in yourself sometimes hurts as much as being abandoned.”
King Perry took me on a journey I have never been before. I figured early on that I had to read it slowly, savour it, appreciate every moment of laughter and take time to recover from the hard punches.
Like Perry’s, my brain and heart fought the battle of logic against belief. But it was a short fight and my heart won – this book got all my love.
I stopped trying to guess what happens next after the first night Perry and Vin spent together because I wanted to follow their journey with open mind and just let myself be led by "this delicate sense of wonder". If Perry could trust Vin so could I.
“Do you have those sparkling days? Do you have Diamond Days, Perry?”
I did not find this story to be bittersweet as it is labeled. I cried more than once while reading, but not at the end. I was happy that Vin found Perry, saw him and led him on this wild adventure. With all his love. And he received the same in return. I was happy for what Perry managed to do, for what Vin gave Perry and for what they shared. Because after the weekend they spent together I have no doubt that Perry will have Diamond Days.
Thank you, Edmond Manning for giving me this story. I can’t wait to read about the other Kings and what happens to Vin next. I hope he gets found too.
One last note: There’s a post by Edmond Manning followed by an interesting discussion over at Queer Romance Month about HEA, HFN and M/M romance. I’m glad I read it while I was in the beginning of King Perry. Love is love.
March 28, 2012
When I first read the blurb for King Perry, I though it was the weirdest blurb ever but since a couple of people whose opinion I value said great things about it, I decided to give it a try. In the middle of the book I felt the deepest sympathy for the poor person who had to write a blurb for this book and at the end I knew that this is a book that shouldn't have a blurb at all.
If you were to say that this book is about Perry, a investment banker with a hurt that never healed and who spends a weekend with Vin, a slightly crazy mechanic from Minnesota, where they have sex and talk a lot but don't get a HEA, you wouldn't do this book justice at all.
This book is more about the author taking us on a journey that has the potential of enriching our lives if we are patient and don't demand instant answers - or to use the language of the book, making us kings.
Instead of seeing our lives as a huge and vivid picture that covers the walls, the ceiling, the floor and even our neighbor's attic, we divide it into little parts, stick big, ugly labels on these parts and then put them into tiny and dark boxes.
King Perry is like a golden river that soaks of all the labels, puts candles into the boxes and then carries them away on a journey to a place where this river meets the ocean. I'm fairly sure that this place has dolphins, raspberry pies and little toddlers who play on the beach all day long.
This is easily one of the best books I've ever read.
If you were to say that this book is about Perry, a investment banker with a hurt that never healed and who spends a weekend with Vin, a slightly crazy mechanic from Minnesota, where they have sex and talk a lot but don't get a HEA, you wouldn't do this book justice at all.
This book is more about the author taking us on a journey that has the potential of enriching our lives if we are patient and don't demand instant answers - or to use the language of the book, making us kings.
Instead of seeing our lives as a huge and vivid picture that covers the walls, the ceiling, the floor and even our neighbor's attic, we divide it into little parts, stick big, ugly labels on these parts and then put them into tiny and dark boxes.
King Perry is like a golden river that soaks of all the labels, puts candles into the boxes and then carries them away on a journey to a place where this river meets the ocean. I'm fairly sure that this place has dolphins, raspberry pies and little toddlers who play on the beach all day long.
This is easily one of the best books I've ever read.
April 29, 2016
I found this terrifically seductive. Who doesn't want to be kinged? Who doesn't want to be loved and adored, even if it's for a weekend? It's a fantastic idea and certainly innovative (? is that the right word ?) for mm. I loved Vin. I loved how Vin loved. It was a long weekend, yet satisfying. And that scene with the cello, hubba hubba!
But yet, there were things niggling at me. Sometimes I wish I could let go and not worry about the niggles. I had the same problem reading the Falls Chance Ranch series. Falls Chance Ranch (BTW, WHY DON'T I EVER SEE ANYONE READING FCR ANYMORE?). I loved the the open and accepting loving found on the ranch, even if it came with very strict rules. Still, I couldn't help but call bullshit on the whole setup, especially on Flynn and his phony psychobabble credentials. With Vin and his kinging process, I just can buy that a weekend of challenge and fun will 'fix' someone one in any meaningful way.
So, I will take this for the fun and feel goods and check my worries at the door as I go on to the next kinging experience.
But yet, there were things niggling at me. Sometimes I wish I could let go and not worry about the niggles. I had the same problem reading the Falls Chance Ranch series. Falls Chance Ranch (BTW, WHY DON'T I EVER SEE ANYONE READING FCR ANYMORE?). I loved the the open and accepting loving found on the ranch, even if it came with very strict rules. Still, I couldn't help but call bullshit on the whole setup, especially on Flynn and his phony psychobabble credentials. With Vin and his kinging process, I just can buy that a weekend of challenge and fun will 'fix' someone one in any meaningful way.
So, I will take this for the fun and feel goods and check my worries at the door as I go on to the next kinging experience.
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