2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Fantasy Novel
And the Rainbow Award goes to:
1) Out of Position by Kyell Gold, The Sofawolf Press
"The story not only deals with the very contemporary problem concerning legal recognition of gay relationships but also takes a long, hard look at bigotry between the species of animals. It is also a “coming out” novel in which a very physical and intimidating linebacker who had spent his life believing he was heterosexual even though he always felt that there was something missing a life where, night after night, he “banged” what ever cheerleader or coed he could entice to his bed. Since he is an incredibly gorgeous, muscular, alpha male tiger, he has no problem populating his bed. Because of the length of this novel, the writer was able to establish characters along with emotional growth for all of them." Bobby Michaels
"I've just finished the absolutely terrific OUT OF POSITION and I'm giving that one a perfect 30. I can find no flaws with it whatsoever." Jay Hartman
"Probably the setting is the best thing about it. Very creative with the animal characters acting like humans and mingling together in a human-type setting in contradiction to the usual prey-predator relationships in nature. I wouldn't have thought a writer could make me believe this, but this author managed to convince me. I did get a clear sense of both characters' personality and they were appealing and believable as young "college student" types (even though they're furry animals as well). The writing style is very clear, plain, and minimal, which is how it should be. This author knows how to set down a good story and get out of his own way so as not to distract the readers from the experience. He's a good writer who know the rules of grammar, and his story had a decent, believable plot." Judge X
Dev is a football player at Forester University, a small liberal arts college where he and his teammates get to strut around and have their pick of the girls on Friday nights. That's as good as it gets-until he meets Lee, a fox with a quick wit and an attractive body. Problem is, Lee's not a girl. He's a gay fox, an activist who never dreamed he'd fall for a football player. As their attraction deepens into romance, it's hard enough for them to handle each other, let alone their inquisitive friends, family, and co-workers. And if school is bad, the hyper- masculine world of professional sports that awaits Dev after graduation will be a hundred times worse. Going it alone would make everything easier. If only they could stop fighting long enough to break up.
2) The Pauper’s Prize by Mark Alders, eXtasy Books
The ruling family of Corrus needs an heir and the Viscount-s son, Wilhelm, must provide it. He is to be wed to Catherine within the week to ensure the family name continues. He, however, doesn-t love her. He can-t love her, for she cannot give him what he really desires. Wilhelm needs a man to satisfy him. That man is the most unlikely person in the whole town, a pauper named Pavel. Will Wilhelm give up everything, his title, his wealth, and all his family inheritance just for the chance to be with Pavel? Or will Catherine make sure he marries her so she can solidify her place as a ruler of Corrus?
3) Northern Love by Nica Berry, Loose Id
Jerek had long dreamed of finding the mythical citadel of ice with his strong, handsome lover, Emmanuel. Their search led them to years of enslavement aboard a steamship with only each other for comfort until Emmanuel committed a terrible betrayal and left Jerek to follow his dream alone. Now, three years after escaping the ship, Jerek has found the citadel and a northern lover: mute, shape-shifting Piaktok, who teaches Jerek a new language of love and lust. They're content until desperate, snow-blind Emmanuel finds his way to the citadel and reignites Jerek's desire. Despite their mutual attraction, Jerek cannot forgive or forget the past and unleashes his anger on Emmanuel. Piaktok, in turn, treats Emmanuel with tenderness, sparking love between them. Emmanuel tries to tell Jerek the truth about his "betrayal," but Jerek refuses to listen. One last fit of rage sends Emmanuel and a gravely injured Piaktok fleeing from the man they love. Too late, Jerek realizes his errors. If he can find a way to melt the ice around his heart, the three of them will have a sexual and spiritual bond unlike any other. If he can't, Piaktok will die, and he'll lose Emmanuel forever.
Honorable Mention:
4) In This Land: The Purple Book by Matthew Haldeman-Time, Lulu Press
5) The Sheikh and the Servant by Sonja Spencer, Dreamspinner Press
6) Many Roads Home by Ann Somerville, Samhain Publishing
7) Dark Heart by Thom Lane, Loose Id
8) The Fifth House by L.E. Bryce, Phaze Books