An incredibly well-written book from cover to cover. The story was interesting, with plenty of reversals and twists to keep the reader motivated to continue. The characters were all well-drawn and interesting. Stefan is the queer character that can truly be listed as one of the most tragic characters ever created in the history of gay literature and Saffleur is truly one of the most overtly evil characters ever to grace a queer novel (although, in context to his Mage Tradition, Euthanatos, I suppose he is simply doing what, for him, is natural...and that makes him ever more frightening!). Kate is an interesting character, a Technomancer fighting her 'faith,' but Aaron (an Ecstasy Cult Mage) and Stefan remain the heart and soul of this novel.
My only gripe is that Aaron's over-reaction to Stefan at several points makes him less sympathetic overall, even when you find out just why he IS over-reacting. That twist wasn't a shock (especially if you subscribe to the psychological theory that people who overreact to something are usually responding out of a desire to deflect attention to the possibility that they would react favorably to it) and thus, wasn't as powerful. It did NOT detract from the book, though...and that in itself says something about the author. Even moreso, this was Mr. Bassingthwaite's FIRST novel. I, for one, have decided to seek out all his others. If they are even half as good as this and his Werewolf novel, Breathe Deeply, then this is a writer to keep on your shelf!
