Customer Reviews

Angel Lust : An Erotic Novel of Time Travel

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This book had more substance than either the title or the provocative cover photo implies and is quite an improvement over other gay erotica I've read. In fact, it should not even be classiified in this category for a number of reasons including the large quantity of research so obvious in its contents. Instead of a spiritual fantasy, this story reads more like an alternate history which, when juxtaposed with alternate sexuality, resulted in surprising dynamics that many books of either genre lack. The socio-political issues raised by the author yielded tension and gave credibility to the plotline which connected settings and characterizations through time-skipping a la Kurt Vonnegut. Though its continuity seemed occasionally disjointed (my only major criticism), I was never bored. The author's tendency to transform people and places into archetypes was somewhat derivative of, say, Clive Barker's approach, but it provided a heady alternative to your average work of erotica. I could readily identify with the impulsive nature of the protagonist and the quirkiness of the book's supporting cast of misfits and heroes; these qualities helped to flesh out (so to speak) their characters, angelic or otherwise. The liberal use of sexually explicit scenes was not necessarily gratuitous since they operated as a plot device: orgasm as the catalyst for time travel. Implausible as this notion may seem, I revelled in its escapism. Though no one can be defined solely by their sexual orientation, the concept of Eros as the equivalent of pure spirituality (the connecting thread) intrigued me. It's reassuring to know that we have more than referential non-fiction to depict the diversity of gay culture and its indispensibility to history.

Filth and trash right from the first few pages in which the "angel's" pick up kisses his three year old son's penis and encourages the "angel" to do the same and the angel does so, with enthusiasm. Shocked, I skimmed ahead a few pages only to find a scene in which the pick up turns into a three year old and sex STILL continues. This is pedophilia masquerading as erotic gay time travel. I am disgusted by the content as well as by any gay author providing ammunition to anti-gay hysteria that equates homosexuality with pedophilia. I am returning this book to Amazon and although I stopped as soon as it became clear that I was reading a fantasy written by NAMBLA, I only wish I could wipe my mind clean of this story. If I could give it negative 1 million stars, I would.

The prose is convoluted and the paedophilia dressed up as greek tradition is disturbing and unacceptable. Obviously I couldn't finish this trash and I regret not having read the other critical comments before shelling out for it.

Eleventh century Britain, sixteen year old Thomas Jebson, the son of a pig farmer, dreams of being a Knight's groom and wearing green hose. His dream comes true when he meets Sir Bertrand from the Land at the End of the Mountain, who is equally enchanted with Thomas, takes Thomas with him and swears to share his soul and to guard him with is life through all eternity; and wasting no time they are soon enjoying each others favours to the full. But Sir Bertrand is no ordinary knight, and Thomas no ordinary serf, they are angels, while not angels with wings and often behaving far from angelically they do have powers, and although they must abide by the angelic rules such as what they save they cannot have, and while their bodies are mortal, they live on in new incarnations throughout the centuries.

Their current incarnation is, for Thomas as Tommy Angelo, an unregistered "massage therapist" with a sting of "satisfied" clients, and for Bertrand now Bert Knight, a minority gay magazine editor. They are still devote to each other, but they enjoy an open relationship and the insatiable Tommy is again in love with Niko, the handsome Greek he first encountered nearly a thousand years ago, but it troubles Bert not, they are secure.

When they first met they were united in there hatred for their nemesis the ruthless Baron Odred de Campe, today he takes the form of Alan Hubris, in cahoots with the Mayor of New York buying up all the gay haunts and "cleaning" them up, a process which does not exclude murder when the need arises. Bert and Tommy find themselves once again battling the evil Hubris, will they finally be able to dispose of him?

Angel Lust is an original and fascinating story, set in both the present and the eleventh century, Tommy and Bert find themselves moving between the two reliving events of their first time together. The cleverly constructed parallels of events, characters and relationships rather than hold up progress keep the story moving forward. It combines an interesting plot, several adorable characters, humour, and a great deal of eroticism. Tommy who narrates the story is beautiful and boyish, Bert a few years older is strong, protective and daddyish, Niko handsome and lovable. Along they way we meet gay robber barons and gay Robin Hood like forest men, and encounter eleventh century naked drunken orgies; in the present we visit night clubs where anything goes, meet de Xanadu boys, go-go dancers who follow up their public performance with private entertainment; and throughout there are enough erotic encounters to satisfy the most demanding. The eroticism while explicit is yet beautifully written and subtle, essential to the story, and very varied. Angel Lust is an unusual, arousing, and most entertaining story.

Note:
Since writing this review I notice there are a few very critical comments from some reviewers concerning the propriety of some aspects of the book. I do feel that these comments are misguided, the context makes plain that the actions are innocent; and in fact it is nothing worse that James Joyce described in Ulysses.

"Angel Lust" gives life to Tommy and Bert, who are Perry Brass' two most wonderful and well-written characters. Their love and their story span the centuries and the reader "rides" the ages with them. Filled with sex, lust and true caring man-to-man love, this may be Brass' best novel yet. I do hope the story will continue...

--David Swisher

An amazing story of two angels who have travelled down through the ages together. I loved that they were so kind, understanding and gentle with each other. Never harsh words. Only love and making love. Tommy Angelo is so innocent and pure even in his work as a [...]. People see and love Tommy. I loved this character. He gave his service and love unconditionally to Bertrand in the 11th Century,having never met him - and in return Bertrand promised that he would always protect Tommy. I loved that even though Tommy's innocence & purity of character got him into trouble, Bertrand (now Bert) was always there for him. Tommy's eternal protector. I loved that Niko came down through the ages and Tommy found him. The flashback scenes to the 11th Century were never boring and added flavour and substance to this erotic story. Very authentic. This was one of the most captivating and touching love stories that still combined a lot of eroticsm and graphic scenes. So beautiful, so erotic.

I felt the eroticism was trivial and dull. The storyline is scattered. Angels that are hustlers? Give me a break! Was it suppose to shock. How long did this book take to write? One night, maybe two. Was a template used? I couldn't even feel anything for the characters. This story doesn't acheive anything. Really! Not even a fair fantasy. I would even go so far as to say it is an over-the-hill reminesence of days-gone-by.

Angel lust might possibly be the worst book I have ever had the displeasure of reading. It is poorly written with flimsy, plasic characters that offer absolutely nothing and is little more than cheap tawdry porn. If you're looking for a novel don't bother, and if you are looking for erotica you could find better material in a bathroom stall.

After reading a lot of serious non-fiction this book was a great break from it all. I like the way Perry blows out the Judeo-Christian concept of angels and God being all goody-goody and making them real living beings. It's a fun, sexy, fantasy, adventure. I really enjoyed it. 4 stars because I didn't like the ending...

Angel Lust is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read.

But I didn't think so right away.

I've read a number of books by Perry Brass, so I stuck with it because I knew there was substance to be found within.

This is love story. It is about Angel and if you are like me you'll fall in love with him, too.

As the time of the story looped around like a Mobius strip, it transformed earthy sex into something ethereal for me.

I don't know how to explain this book. It's a painting, a poem, it's an aria. In other words, don't take the details too literally. They only create a setting in which the story can live. They point at truth and feelings rather than describe actions or events.

You have to release yourself, become unstuck in time and latch onto their feelings and float along with the characters rather than trying to decipher the details as conventional reality.

It's a meditation, it's a dream.

The love between them is finally confirmed on the last pages, and it's power is overwhelming.
It all became a transcendent experience in the end and everything along the way made sense..