Roy is a former High School teacher; Minister; Counselor and Commercial Photographer who now lives in Palm Springs, California where he has worked in the hospitality industry for the past fifteen years. He is a very avid reader. He remains a great fan of and has everything that Gordon Merrick ever published in book form, in all their versions. Several years ago he picked up a copy of The Soccer Field Is Empty by Mark Roeder from a sale bin and was, by reference, introduced to the works of Ron Donaghe, Mark Kendrick, and other modern Gay writers. This added breadth to an always-expanding field of reading interest. For him, writing reviews are a means of sharing and recommending some of these experiences. He can be contacted at tullyroad@netscape.com
Twilight of the Gods: Cinátis (Book One Complete)by Ronald L. Donaghe
Two Brothers Press 2004
paper, 584 pages, $21.95
ISBN 1-59457-619-X
On occasion, a tale spinner with exceptional talent comes along. Ron Donaghe has proven to be of this rare breed. Cinátis begins the third trilogy set by this author in recent years. His work is aimed at a Gay tolerant audience, but will be of special interest to Fantasy buffs everywhere. Mr. Donaghe accomplishes, in Cinátis, what many have tried and few have been able to pull together: the creation of a completely different world and the ability to keep it consistent and believable. In Cinátis, a world of magic and special abilities is created without the term ‘magic’ ever being used. A world where what you wear, or don’t or who you chose to love is a matter of choice, not social dictation. A world is created where the need for a central government or ruling body is unnecessary. A place where witches are a good thing and the ability of some to come in touch with the natural forces around them is common. This might be desirable in itself, but unrealistic. To a reader whose mind is already filled with fantasy epics, Cinátis is a breath of fresh air! In an over crowded and often, poorly done attempt by the literary world to provide an alternate universe for the reader, Mr. Donaghe has done the near impossible. A great deal of the best story telling involves a journey. If the journey combines the physical with the spiritual and the necessary, it does much more than any good story is required to do. In Cinátis, Mr. Donaghe brings out the concept that in every generation a small few come along whose destiny is not their own to choose. They may make their own decisions, but must accept, eventually, that the responsibility to the greater good is really no choice at all. Jeru, our reluctant hero, with the support of his lover and soul mate, Eríl, take such a journey. Conflict and war is coming to their world. With the help of friends and an extended family, they are lead into a real position of influence and leadership. It is finally up to them to rally and save their world. They not only find the truth about a strange plague, but also discover treachery that threatens their very existence. Cinátis is much more than a journey taken by Jeru and Eríl. It is the story of a society that has lived in peace for generations and is now facing the possible loss of a whole way of life to the forces that are working from multiple fronts. Jeru learns that he is the one that must make the difference. I can, with ease, compare this latest contribution by Mr. Donaghe to Robert Jordan’s ‘Wheel of Time’ series. This epic story can stand alone, complete in this one volume, but there is more to come! If you LOVE a good tale, you can’t do better than this new ‘Twilight of The Gods’ trilogy. Cinátis provides, with style, all the excitement and adventure one could possibly seek. This is completely different in scope and style from Mr. Donaghe’s earlier works. A well crafted tale, worth your time. Open your mind and jump right in!