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Frieze Frame
Dear Author,
Another day, another kick in the ass by that stupid horse. You would think that after all these thousands of years I'd be okay with imprint of a horseshoe on my backside but I have to tell you it's getting old. If I had it to do over, I think I might reconsider telling my king's mage she was so grotesque she could freeze a man (and apparently a horse and chariot) in stone.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Read the story here or find it in Love Is Always Write: Volume 3.
Another day, another kick in the ass by that stupid horse. You would think that after all these thousands of years I'd be okay with imprint of a horseshoe on my backside but I have to tell you it's getting old. If I had it to do over, I think I might reconsider telling my king's mage she was so grotesque she could freeze a man (and apparently a horse and chariot) in stone.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Read the story here or find it in Love Is Always Write: Volume 3.
31 pages, ebook
First published July 21, 2012
1 person is currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Cari Z.
136 books541 followersCari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she's put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 26, 2020
The story starts in ancient Greece: Thanos, warrior of Stageira, enrages Ligia, a soothsayer and sorceress. Ligia is a gorgon and in her rage she turns Thanos into stone.
Somehow Thanos remains alive inside the statue. He observes everything around him, but he is not able to move, and though he can speak, nobody hears him.
After a hundred lonely years, a little boy finally is able to hear him and talk to him. This boy is Eryx, , and he vows to free Thanos from the curse, from the stone. They have become friends, later develop romantic feelings for each other. Eryx grows into a spectacular young man and a powerful sorcerer. Still, no matter how many times and how many different ways he tries, his spells don’t work.
But Eryx never gives up. He is almost too late, but thousands of years later he finally finds the solution.
The story is narrated by Thanos, in first person. His voice is very enticing and amusing. I loved his positive attitude and humor, and Eryx’s perseverance was admirable.
Frieze Frame is such an extraordinary and wonderfully surprising story: it spans over millennia, one of the main characters is a stone statue most of the time, almost nothing happens, but the story remains consistent and exciting. Sadly, it ends abruptly - I’d love to read more about Thanos and Eryx, and their life together.
Highly recommended!
My favorite quotes.
My cover.
Somehow Thanos remains alive inside the statue. He observes everything around him, but he is not able to move, and though he can speak, nobody hears him.
After a hundred lonely years, a little boy finally is able to hear him and talk to him. This boy is Eryx, , and he vows to free Thanos from the curse, from the stone. They have become friends, later develop romantic feelings for each other. Eryx grows into a spectacular young man and a powerful sorcerer. Still, no matter how many times and how many different ways he tries, his spells don’t work.
And so it went for centuries, for over a thousand years. Eryx came, he tried to free me, he failed. We spoke of alchemy and black magic, of new gods and new crimes. He brought me modern inventions to marvel at, things he found in distant lands or objects that he himself had created. When he told me the world was actually round, I laughed and called him senile. When he proved it to me with an astrolabe, delighting in the science that he had always craved, the smug look on his face made me laugh all over again.
But Eryx never gives up. He is almost too late, but thousands of years later he finally finds the solution.
The story is narrated by Thanos, in first person. His voice is very enticing and amusing. I loved his positive attitude and humor, and Eryx’s perseverance was admirable.
Frieze Frame is such an extraordinary and wonderfully surprising story: it spans over millennia, one of the main characters is a stone statue most of the time, almost nothing happens, but the story remains consistent and exciting. Sadly, it ends abruptly - I’d love to read more about Thanos and Eryx, and their life together.
Highly recommended!
My favorite quotes.
My cover.
December 31, 2021
3 Stars
Basically, this is the story of Thanos who pissed off a gorgon and was subsequently trapped in stone. For years.
Many many many many many many many years.
As he befriends the gorgon's son, they form a bond over the centuries as Eryx valiantly tries to free Thanos from his prison before his life essence is gone forever.
Check this out if you need a quick and free shorty!
Basically, this is the story of Thanos who pissed off a gorgon and was subsequently trapped in stone. For years.
Many many many many many many many years.
As he befriends the gorgon's son, they form a bond over the centuries as Eryx valiantly tries to free Thanos from his prison before his life essence is gone forever.
Check this out if you need a quick and free shorty!
July 26, 2012
Rating: 3.9* of five, rounded up cause what the hell
The Story Description: Another day, another kick in the ass by that stupid horse. You would think that after all these thousands of years I'd be okay with imprint of a horseshoe on my backside but I have to tell you it's getting old. If I had it to do over, I think I might reconsider telling my king's mage she was so grotesque she could freeze a man (and apparently a horse and chariot) in stone.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's 'Love is Always Write' event.
My Review: Three thousand years is a long damn time to wait for your first fuck with the man you're in love with. I've felt like it took three thousand years for some of the more skittish ones to say yes, but in boring reality not so much.
I have a whole new appreciation for statuary. In fact, I'd like to apologize to the David for the loudly lascivious thoughts I had for three days spent staring at his perfect marble ass in Florence. Dude...if you can hear me...I meant every word, but I'd've said it nicer if I'd known.
And isn't that what a good story does? It reorients your awareness a little. In these 8,700 words, Cari reoriented me a little, and did it in a smiling, teasing, jocular way. It was fun, and I don't often get to say that about a read. Take a risk! Read the story, it's free here on Goodreads, and it's worth stepping out of your comfort zone. Give it a whirl.
The Story Description: Another day, another kick in the ass by that stupid horse. You would think that after all these thousands of years I'd be okay with imprint of a horseshoe on my backside but I have to tell you it's getting old. If I had it to do over, I think I might reconsider telling my king's mage she was so grotesque she could freeze a man (and apparently a horse and chariot) in stone.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's 'Love is Always Write' event.
My Review: Three thousand years is a long damn time to wait for your first fuck with the man you're in love with. I've felt like it took three thousand years for some of the more skittish ones to say yes, but in boring reality not so much.
I have a whole new appreciation for statuary. In fact, I'd like to apologize to the David for the loudly lascivious thoughts I had for three days spent staring at his perfect marble ass in Florence. Dude...if you can hear me...I meant every word, but I'd've said it nicer if I'd known.
And isn't that what a good story does? It reorients your awareness a little. In these 8,700 words, Cari reoriented me a little, and did it in a smiling, teasing, jocular way. It was fun, and I don't often get to say that about a read. Take a risk! Read the story, it's free here on Goodreads, and it's worth stepping out of your comfort zone. Give it a whirl.
July 21, 2012
Brilliant. This just might be my favorite LiAW story released so far. Few people could write a story from the point of view of a man trapped in stone and make it so engrossing. I have really enjoyed both of Cari LiAW stories, so I think it's time I read some of her longer works.
October 24, 2014
Offered FREE from the M/M Romance Group, Love is Always Write event. Love Is Always Write: Volume Three.
Wow, this was amazing. The blurb was funny and creative, but she didn't take it word-for-word and insert that into the story. Instead she created an entire world, life, whatever around a guy getting frozen into a frieze by a sorceress (and re-created the scene in the pic perfectly I might add.) So clever. It was funny right off the bat, and had me laughing out loud. Then it caught me off guard again by making me cry. Then at the end I was laughing again. I felt a huge connection with both of these guys, and really understood where they were both coming from. Loved it.
August 20, 2012
Very original and clever story.
Thanos is turned to stone by an evil sorceress and cursed to watch the world around him for thousands of years.
His only friend is the sorceress son, a child who promises to free him from his curse.
This one was fun, I liked the MC's voice quite a bit and I would love to have a more permanent HEA for them.
Thanos is turned to stone by an evil sorceress and cursed to watch the world around him for thousands of years.
His only friend is the sorceress son, a child who promises to free him from his curse.
This one was fun, I liked the MC's voice quite a bit and I would love to have a more permanent HEA for them.
October 3, 2015
This was quite different and I really liked that. It started off a little slow, but as soon as the young boy comes into the picture it picks up and I couldn't put it down. It's funny and interesting, although I'm not going to explain why. Let's just say that we learn a couple of things about history.
The characters were great. The one thing I didn't like was one thing that made it really good, too. The ending .
Good read. 4.5 stars rounded down because of the slow start.
The characters were great. The one thing I didn't like was one thing that made it really good, too. The ending .
Good read. 4.5 stars rounded down because of the slow start.
September 22, 2015
Lovely. Love can truly outlive everything. Just wished for their 'together' time in flesh and bone to be longer after so much waiting.
August 21, 2012
A fun quriky little short.
Listening to Thanos thinking was amusing, and talking to Eryx was entertaining and I was rooting for their HEA
Nicely done. Great as a pick me up read.
Thanks for pointing this one out Mandy.
Listening to Thanos thinking was amusing, and talking to Eryx was entertaining and I was rooting for their HEA
Nicely done. Great as a pick me up read.
Thanks for pointing this one out Mandy.
August 22, 2012
Wow, what an inspired and original story. Striking and so lovely, you cant miss the feeling of dark desperation as time closes in. Thanos and Eryx rapport while they chat is amusing and riveting. Loved it a great freebie.
November 10, 2013
Really enjoyed this. I had a vague ideas as to what I expected from this story. But it turned out even better than that.
It's a relationship that spans centuries. It encompasses an array of emotions. It shows the development of Eryx from a pouty child to a full grown man, trying to bring together science and magic. I liked how Thanos first approached the child in hopes of having the curse lifted and slowly came to love Eryx.
I was a bit surprised to go from ancient Greek and all that entailed... to mentions of The Avengers and the Kardashians. Funny but weird. And I was curious how Thanos would survive the new world despite his contact with it. Perhaps there will be a sequel to tell us if he'll be immortal like Eryx and how they will spend the rest of their lives.
It's a relationship that spans centuries. It encompasses an array of emotions. It shows the development of Eryx from a pouty child to a full grown man, trying to bring together science and magic. I liked how Thanos first approached the child in hopes of having the curse lifted and slowly came to love Eryx.
I was a bit surprised to go from ancient Greek and all that entailed... to mentions of The Avengers and the Kardashians. Funny but weird. And I was curious how Thanos would survive the new world despite his contact with it. Perhaps there will be a sequel to tell us if he'll be immortal like Eryx and how they will spend the rest of their lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2012
I guess true love really does know no boundaries! Thank you, Cari :)
January 15, 2014
4.5 hilarious and sweet all in 30 some pages.
August 24, 2016
This story was my absolute favorite in Love Is Always Write Volume 3.
September 2, 2017
Great little story! Fantastic amount of detail packed into a small space -- both MCs are complete characters, not just charicatures, not an easy thing in something this short!
December 17, 2015
I'm having the craziest days! Can't believe it took me two days (!) to write a review for this short but fab novella. Honestly from reading the synopsis I was a bit confused.. but as I read it, it became clearer even though it's still kinda strange :)
Thanos is locked in stone by a witch. The place in which he stays becomes a sort of temple, one that is frequent by the witch and others. Through them he learns of the the time that passes by, always lonely and unable to communicate with others. Alive and yet frozen.
One day Eryx arrives and he seems to be able to hear Thanos "thoughts". They start to communicate this way and Eryx, then a little boy, vows to free Thanos from his stony prison. Eryx, being the witch's son lives a long life like she (and Thanos) does and so he visits him through the centuries, trying to find a way to break Thanos free, especially as they grow closer.
I loved the way the story played, and the fact that it came full circle to our times. Though there isn't really a "love story" here, it's more about friendship and promises, I liked the general feel of the story and how Thanos was a part of the world and yet he wasn't and also that though it took centuries, and though Eryx didn't came to see Thanos that often (as he grew up) it was still a commitment he was not going to forget or break.
Short, sweet, strange read. Takes less than an hour and leaves you with a funny sort of a smile.
More Reviews HERE
Thanos is locked in stone by a witch. The place in which he stays becomes a sort of temple, one that is frequent by the witch and others. Through them he learns of the the time that passes by, always lonely and unable to communicate with others. Alive and yet frozen.
One day Eryx arrives and he seems to be able to hear Thanos "thoughts". They start to communicate this way and Eryx, then a little boy, vows to free Thanos from his stony prison. Eryx, being the witch's son lives a long life like she (and Thanos) does and so he visits him through the centuries, trying to find a way to break Thanos free, especially as they grow closer.
I loved the way the story played, and the fact that it came full circle to our times. Though there isn't really a "love story" here, it's more about friendship and promises, I liked the general feel of the story and how Thanos was a part of the world and yet he wasn't and also that though it took centuries, and though Eryx didn't came to see Thanos that often (as he grew up) it was still a commitment he was not going to forget or break.
Short, sweet, strange read. Takes less than an hour and leaves you with a funny sort of a smile.
More Reviews HERE
January 9, 2013
Thanos was turned to stone, mid-battle, by a Gorgon. He spends the next couple thousand years hanging out on a temple wall as a frieze visited only by the Gorgon's son who vows to free him.
This gentle romance between a snarky Greek soldier-turned-wall decoration and an immortal sorcerer is fun without discounting the fact that life can be harsh. Thanos' ability to live the life he is given is endearing.
This is a fun short read and I enjoyed it very much.
This gentle romance between a snarky Greek soldier-turned-wall decoration and an immortal sorcerer is fun without discounting the fact that life can be harsh. Thanos' ability to live the life he is given is endearing.
This is a fun short read and I enjoyed it very much.
June 7, 2015
Thanos has been frozen in time by a curse. But he continues to live and watch and learn. He also has a small hope of freedom and yet just when he seems ready to give up things seem to be getting better. Bittersweet with a dose of hope.
September 30, 2014
I liked this, from its clever title to its HEA just in time!
April 18, 2015
Loved it. What a great fun story. Thank you Cari Z., for donating your story, time and talent.
August 5, 2012
Great story, could be develop into full length novel.
July 30, 2012
Cute. But I'd love more of the romance. Since it's in the 1st POV we didn't know much about Eryx. what he did in all his time on earth, what his feeling towards our MC...
November 26, 2012
This was very different but cute a nice quick read.
November 13, 2017
3.75
Esta es cortita pero está muy bien. Me hubiera molado más si hubiera sido algo más larga, pero lo importante está bien desarrollado y escrito. La historia se centra en Thanos y en cómo su vida literalmente se "congela" en medio de una batalla cuando le toca la moral a quien no debe y es convertido en piedra. A partir de ahí, es su vivencia a lo largo de los años (y siglos) y su relación con el hijo (Eryx) de la persona a quien hizo enfadar, a quien conoce cuando este no es más que un crío de 6 años. Y, aunque en un principio, solo lo quiere "usar" para que revierta el ¿maleficio?, al final acaba cogiéndole cariño y siendo testigo de cómo el crío se convierte en adolescente y luego en adulto y de cómo sigue perseverando para revertir la maldición y cómo su propio cariño se convierte en amor. Se me hizo interesante todo lo del maleficio y cómo Thanos, en comparación al resto de compañeros de armas que sucumben al hechizo y se pierden para siempre, consigue retener su humanidad y su espíritu y se aferra a la poca vida que tiene. O cómo puede comunicarse con Eryx o cómo desarrolla hasta tal punto esa forma de comunicación para sugestionar a la gente para conseguir cosas a pensar de ser de piedra LOL Fue una lectura interesante.
Esta es cortita pero está muy bien. Me hubiera molado más si hubiera sido algo más larga, pero lo importante está bien desarrollado y escrito. La historia se centra en Thanos y en cómo su vida literalmente se "congela" en medio de una batalla cuando le toca la moral a quien no debe y es convertido en piedra. A partir de ahí, es su vivencia a lo largo de los años (y siglos) y su relación con el hijo (Eryx) de la persona a quien hizo enfadar, a quien conoce cuando este no es más que un crío de 6 años. Y, aunque en un principio, solo lo quiere "usar" para que revierta el ¿maleficio?, al final acaba cogiéndole cariño y siendo testigo de cómo el crío se convierte en adolescente y luego en adulto y de cómo sigue perseverando para revertir la maldición y cómo su propio cariño se convierte en amor. Se me hizo interesante todo lo del maleficio y cómo Thanos, en comparación al resto de compañeros de armas que sucumben al hechizo y se pierden para siempre, consigue retener su humanidad y su espíritu y se aferra a la poca vida que tiene. O cómo puede comunicarse con Eryx o cómo desarrolla hasta tal punto esa forma de comunicación para sugestionar a la gente para conseguir cosas a pensar de ser de piedra LOL Fue una lectura interesante.
July 8, 2018
I liked the setting with the greek mythology and the passing of time. However, I did not like the writing style very much, in my opinion it lacked of emotions. Also some passages had something weirdly pedophile. For the Gods' sake Thanos has known Eryx since he was a child!
to-read-ebook
March 30, 2016Love is Always Write - Volume 3
February 15, 2013
A cute and very unique little story about a Grecian trapped in a stone frieze until a magician sets him free. Nice idea. The romance element was just okay.
November 23, 2013
This one just wasn't for me. Thank you so much though!!
Read
January 2, 2014Previously read but don't remember enough to review.
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