Sometimes overlapping, one explaining the other.
The darkened path is as illuminated as the lightened,
Only the fear of the dark keeps us from seeing our way."
About the Book
Secrets, seduction, and sorcery--two Hollywood actors co-starring in a movie, encounter a bewitching apparition--the Mistress. Promising fulfillment of their desires if they undertake physical and philosophical risks, both men agree to accept the provocative dare, but is the prize worth the cost? David LaCoix, the wildly talented, slightly tarnished older star, thrives on the tension, challenge, and puzzle, attempting to alter his notorious lifestyle by rebuilding his family and supporting his co-star in crisis. Theodore Barrett, the young innocent, but frightfully unstable Christian Fundamentalist, battles to retain his beliefs, much to the Mistress' consternation, while hiding his needs and innate mental powers from both David and the mysterious Fey. After a long seduction, guided by divine intervention of sorts, the two men become lovers. With emotions coursing below the surface and in the boudoir, an unearthly game of impossibilities and improbabilities unfolds--a game with no rules--who is who, who is manipulating whom, who is seducing whom, and to what end, played against a backdrop of the phantasmagoric and the questioning of the god-force. Who holds the gift to win?
Preview
Chapter 22
Pages 196-197
"Everyone calls me something uniquely meaningful to them, and I rather enjoy the ambiguity, along with the ethereal value of each name that springs to mind. Titles I abhor, but for the official ones bestowed upon me. My nicknames, however, I treasure deeply. Give Theo a gentle push out of his self-imposed incarceration, and liberate his Spirit for the remainder of the day. He feels as defeated and empty as Jay. It appears the movie has become a metaphor of Mr. Barrett and yourself."
"Whoa, is that a mind blowing thought, as if I still had one left to pull the pin." David reeled back, remembering his own thoughts on the matter. The film and the two actors' lives did mesh in startling ways.
"I must get back to my other manchild; the one behind the door is all yours. The car will be ready for you at the wrought iron gate leading to the studio. Good luck, David." The Mistress slowly raised herself from the chair, like a swan lifting its wings to take flight. Once on her feet, an elegant finger, with a large sparkling emerald of inconceivable value, pointed toward the adjoining door. It magically released the bolt on the other side without a sound. "Do not startle him."
"Thanks. Sometimes your 'mind over matter' trick comes in handy."
"That was simple electrical energy." She returned his wickedest smile, and fluttered one eye with a wink that nearly knocked him over. He remembered a similar one that changed his life. Was it happening again?
"Oh brother, that's all I needed to hear. You're an electrically charged conduit as well." The actor hid his surprise and laughed.
"You're getting closer, LaCoix." Tossing her hair back, the teasing glow dissipated, replaced by intense worry, etching lines in her pale face.
David walked her to the door, wishing her luck for something he knew nothing about, but only felt. With even more trepidation, than his abominable long wait at the cabin door, he turned the knob, and entered Ted's bedroom, quietly and covertly.
It was dark, the shutters closed tightly, making the room insufferably hot. A small candle flickered, a tattered bible lay open, and a crucifix looked saintly over a statue of the Virgin Mary. The little shrine had been ritualistically laid out on the small table next to the bed, and the young man piously knelt before it, head bowed, hands placed palm to palm, and prayers mumbled in whispers. A slow rocking movement appeared to maintain his pious countenance, while he begged for forgiveness. David's heart bled open wounds for hurting his friend in the worst possible way. A chosen path had been desecrated by the sexual act of the drama, and it ripped away Ted's Soul. The blond actor thought his intrusion necessary, however, to stop the self-loathing presented before him. This would not be the man's future if invited into David's world. Another stunning thought, not considered an eventuality, nearly toppled him over, and he took a step forward to regain his equilibrium, bringing him close enough to tower over the sacred little scene. With his hands secure on his hips, he let go of one wild thought to contemplate his next move. It did not take long.
"Go away."
"Nope. You said you loved me, and I want an explanation."
"A mistake--a big one--ranted as an improv of the dialogue. You know how long it takes me to get out of character."
"I've had it with you, Barrett. If a mistake on your part, why are you spilling your guts to God, Christ, Satan, or whomever you feel you owe an apology to, or to blame your feelings and actions on? They had nothing to do with it. This involves you and me. The devil with your handful of deities. Stop letting them mess up your life. I know when I'm giving someone pleasure, and you enjoyed every second of it." David's anger overruled his plans 'A' through 'Z'. He reached down and harshly grabbed a handful of brown silk, and pulled Ted up with the angry power of one hand. A yelp was heard first, then a wail when David swept the table clean of symbols with his other arm, and snuffed out the candle with the heel of an angry black boot. LaCoix had had enough.
( Note: Strong language in the last paragraph has been altered as per specifications of my webhost. )
What People are Saying:
"When David and Ted meet the Mistress they embark on a whirling adventure through spiritual realms and earthly lusts that transforms them both and enthrals the reader. Between Here & There, by Raven Davies is a sweeping, glorious gay love story like no other you've ever encountered. By turns comic and heart warming, Between Here & There is a story to engage the heart, mind and soul. Be warned: Once you begin it, you won't be able to put it down." Wayves Magazine
"This new Canadian author is emerging as one of the most unique, independent, adventurous, thought provoking storytellers today." NightLight Books
"Raven Davies is one of the most original literary artists working today. Davies is successfully bridging the gulf between traditional fiction, and the new and exciting world of Internet 'Slash' writing. With tremendous assurance and with great panache, Davies is giving readers an entirely fresh and fascinating reading experience. At this time of crossover literary technologies, Davies is emerging as a singular creative voice. This breathless, altogether remarkable storytelling makes for compelling reading." Joseph Dispenza: "The Way of the Traveler" and "The House of Alarcon"
"As a proofreader, it isn't often I am swept into a book, my mind too analytical to allow the story to interfere with my work. Resist as I may, Davies' Between Here and There, with its wonderfully wild adventures, cross-over realities, and multi-faceted characters, carried me away into the thought-provoking world of David and Ted. Be prepared to fall headfirst into a riveting tale." Luba
"Raven Davies brings unusual and exhilarating life to a unique work with a poetic style, imagination, and a keen eye for what lies beneath the surface of the human condition." Warren Redman: "Achieving Personal Success", "Listening Power", "Portfolios for Development", "Counseling Your Staff", "Facilitation Skills for Team Development", "Working Towards Independence", "Finding Your Own Support", and "Creative Training"
Between Here and There,
March 14, 2004.... 5 stars on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
"Between Here
and There is a well-crafted novel, combining romance, mystery,
mysticism, and adventure. The writer takes us inside the character's
emotions, showing an intensely complex range of fear, anger,
love, need, desire, human curiosity, and so much more. The power
of male love, shown through sex and intrigue, is blended together
not only in the world as we know it, but the spirit realm as
well. This makes for a thought provoking and interesting tale,
which still has me reeling and thinking. The story is exciting,
mature, and erotic, with a climax as surprising as any you will
find. Truly an engaging, wildly imaginative story, I recommend
this book highly." Reviewer: A reader from Tennessee,
USA
A Definite Page Turner,
March 30, 2004... 5 stars on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
"Sexy and well
written, a thought provoking novel. Constructed to make a coherent,
powerful, and unusual statement. Found it intellectually stimulating,
spiritually provocative, and entertaining to read." Reviewer:
A reader from San Miguel de Allende, Gto, Mexico
Mystical Role Playing",
June 6, 2004... 4 stars on Amazon.co.uk
"This book is
a multi-stranded novel about a group of actors who find themselves
involved in the adventure of a lifetime. Transported into another
mystical dimension they become involved with mysterious beings
of great power. Using their acting skills to perform in the games
of these beings while exploring the inner landscapes of their
own natures. A fascinating mix of mysticism, sensuality and role
play." Reviewer:
A reader from Glasgow, United Kingdom
Author Biography
Raven Davies attended university in the faculties of Fine Arts and Interior Design, unfortunately ending up in the corporate world. With the well paying job, the money gave this author the means to travel much of the world and to live in other countries. When a 9 to 5 job became too distressing for an artist's mind, Davies discarded the security and started an in-house business, designing and hand-painting ceramic tile, as well as becoming a spiritual guide for seekers of ancient wisdom. Albeit rewarding artistically, spiritually, and mentally, the monetary challenges grew too great, and Davies started writing epic tales to ease the strain. A storyteller by nature, Raven creates character-driven fiction to challenge a reader's thoughts, whether it be spiritually, politically, or socially. On a rash decision, and having had overwhelming success as a Slash fanfiction writer of five novels, this Canadian renegade packed up a small U-haul, purchased a broken down jeep, and left all behind. While residing in Mexico, Davies wrote two gay novels (the first self-published, the second waiting on publication) and contributed to two anthologies.
Other Publishing Credits
Contributor to: "Bi Men: Coming Out Every Which Way" (anthology... Editors - Ron Suresha and Pete Chvany) for Haworth Press.
Contributor to: "Bi Guys" (fiction anthology for Bisexual Men and Their Admirers... Editor - Ron Suresha. New York: Harrington Park Press, 2005
Review by David Van Leer in the Journal editon of BI MEN, now in print. BI GUYS is scheduled for Summer 2006.
"...The literary tone and styles vary. There are polished pieces by famous writers like Felice Picano and Pat Califia, grittier accounts by relative newcomers, and even a short play.... Attraction is of course very personal, and individual readers will have differences on their own personal inclinations. Myself, a traditionalist, I most enjoyed Larry Lawton's prison story, Simon Sheppard's encounter between two college boys, Raven Davies's depiction of two closeted actors , and Felice Picano's variation on a perennial favorite ... These stimulating stories will satisfy the erotic needs of pretty much all readers. As Ron Suresha explains... the stories are meant to instruct as well as excite. First and foremost, the collection wants to overcome shame - that many bisexuals feel showing characters fully comfortable with their sexuality. The very existence of the volume asserts the importance of bisexuals in society: not only for straight people who are largely ignorant of their presence; but for those gays who think bisexuality dishonest... Whatever the specifics, all stories insist that bisexuality is an authentic human experience, to be pursued without shame.
We can all then be grateful to editor Ron Suresha and his writers for this collection. Their stories are not only entertaining and stimulating, they introduce to a wide readership a range of bisexual issues and emotions not normally treated in literature, straight or gay. And they deal with these issues positively - with the seriousness and clarity they deserve... "
Both anthologies are vailable online at http://www.haworthpress.com/web/JB © 2005 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved. They also appear in The Haworth Journal of Bisxuality, vol. 5, nos. 2-3, December 2005
Ordering Information
| Author: Raven Davies | Publication: 2004 | ISBN: 1932560041 | Pages: 528 |
| Subject: Gay Fiction//Metaphysical | Format: Trade Paperback | Price: $26.95 | Size: 7.5" x 9.25" |
Available from Llumina Press, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Ingram, and Baker & Taylor. The book is returnable for booksellers through Ingram. Fastest way to purchase is through Llumina Press. For review copies, agent and film interests, please contact the author directly at: standingstones@yahoo.com
Toll Free Orders Line: 1-866-229-9244
Online: http://www.llumina.com/store/between.htm
Email Orders: orders@llumina.com
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