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Dim Sum Asylum
Welcome to Dim Sum a San Francisco where it’s a ho-hum kind of case when a cop has to chase down an enchanted two-foot-tall shrine god statue with an impressive Fu Manchu mustache that's running around Chinatown, trolling sex magic and chaos in its wake.
Senior Inspector Roku MacCormick of the Chinatown Arcane Crimes Division faces a pile of challenges far beyond his human-faerie heritage, snarling dragons guarding C-Town’s multiple gates, and exploding noodle factories. After a case goes sideways, Roku is saddled with Trent Leonard, a new partner he can’t trust, to add to the crime syndicate family he doesn’t want and a spell-casting serial killer he desperately needs to find.
While Roku would rather stay home with Bob the Cat and whiskey himself to sleep, he puts on his badge and gun every day, determined to serve and protect the city he loves. When Chinatown’s dark mystical underworld makes his life hell and the case turns deadly, Trent guards Roku’s back and, if Trent can be believed, his heart... even if from what Roku can see, Trent is as dangerous as the monsters and criminals they’re sworn to bring down.
Senior Inspector Roku MacCormick of the Chinatown Arcane Crimes Division faces a pile of challenges far beyond his human-faerie heritage, snarling dragons guarding C-Town’s multiple gates, and exploding noodle factories. After a case goes sideways, Roku is saddled with Trent Leonard, a new partner he can’t trust, to add to the crime syndicate family he doesn’t want and a spell-casting serial killer he desperately needs to find.
While Roku would rather stay home with Bob the Cat and whiskey himself to sleep, he puts on his badge and gun every day, determined to serve and protect the city he loves. When Chinatown’s dark mystical underworld makes his life hell and the case turns deadly, Trent guards Roku’s back and, if Trent can be believed, his heart... even if from what Roku can see, Trent is as dangerous as the monsters and criminals they’re sworn to bring down.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2017
90 people are currently reading
761 people want to read
About the author
Rhys Ford
77 books1,884 followersRhys Ford is an award-winning author with several long-running LGBT+ mystery, thriller, paranormal, and urban fantasy series and is a two-time LAMBDA finalist and a multiple Gold and Silver Medalist by the Florida Authors and Publishers President’s Book Awards. She is published by Dreamspinner Press, DSP Publications and Rogue Firebird Press.
She shares the house with Harley, a gray tuxedo with a flower on her face, Badger, a disgruntled former alley cat, and Gojira, a mercurial Tabico as well as a ginger cairn terrorist named Gus. Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep of a 1979 Pontiac Firebird named Tengu and enjoys murdering make-believe people.
She shares the house with Harley, a gray tuxedo with a flower on her face, Badger, a disgruntled former alley cat, and Gojira, a mercurial Tabico as well as a ginger cairn terrorist named Gus. Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep of a 1979 Pontiac Firebird named Tengu and enjoys murdering make-believe people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
July 4, 2018
4 Stars!
You know what? The only thing I’m disappointed in regarding this story is that it’s not a series. Why is that Ms. Ford????
What’s not to like? This focuses on Roku, a half human/half fae cop who works the Arcane division dealing with magical crimes. Like all Ford protagonists, he’s been dealt a shit deal and through his grief and guilt, this guy strives to mete out justice the only way he knows how. Roku of course, doesn’t want any attachments, let alone romantic ones, but that’s a moot point when he’s assigned a new partner, a guy he’s insanely attracted to and who has his own agenda and secrets. While Roku struggles with such, he’s also trying to solve several murders and not get dead himself.
I only hope Ford changes her mind at some point about writing a sequel. This was rich in world building where humans and fae live side by side, where spells and practitioners abound and two cultures clash and intermix with all sorts of trouble and consequences. It doesn’t hurt that Roku is also from a crime family where his grandfather would just love for him to fall in line and take his place at some point. That’s highly unlikely, but imagine what an upstanding cop could and would do in such a setting??
Sexy, full of action, surprisingly purple prose lite but no less interesting regarding this well visualized AU. I quite enjoyed myself with this brightly descriptive story that never lets Roku, or the reader, take a breather for very long.
Whew! More please!
You know what? The only thing I’m disappointed in regarding this story is that it’s not a series. Why is that Ms. Ford????
What’s not to like? This focuses on Roku, a half human/half fae cop who works the Arcane division dealing with magical crimes. Like all Ford protagonists, he’s been dealt a shit deal and through his grief and guilt, this guy strives to mete out justice the only way he knows how. Roku of course, doesn’t want any attachments, let alone romantic ones, but that’s a moot point when he’s assigned a new partner, a guy he’s insanely attracted to and who has his own agenda and secrets. While Roku struggles with such, he’s also trying to solve several murders and not get dead himself.
I only hope Ford changes her mind at some point about writing a sequel. This was rich in world building where humans and fae live side by side, where spells and practitioners abound and two cultures clash and intermix with all sorts of trouble and consequences. It doesn’t hurt that Roku is also from a crime family where his grandfather would just love for him to fall in line and take his place at some point. That’s highly unlikely, but imagine what an upstanding cop could and would do in such a setting??
Sexy, full of action, surprisingly purple prose lite but no less interesting regarding this well visualized AU. I quite enjoyed myself with this brightly descriptive story that never lets Roku, or the reader, take a breather for very long.
Whew! More please!
January 6, 2019
Audio - 5 stars
Story - 2 stars
What I liked:
-Bob the “cat” (if you read this book, you’ll understand the reason for the quotation marks.)
-The way the mystery unfolded. I thought it was well paced, and there were some very interesting revelations.
-The world building and the whole paranormal aspect of story
What I didn’t like was:
-The entire story takes place in less than a week.
-The romance…what romance?
-Roku's repetitive thoughts of his dead lover, their two dead daughters, his dead mother and how hot his new partner is.
This definitely felt like book 1 of a series with an hfn ending. I’m really not interested in a book 2 though.
Story - 2 stars
What I liked:
-Bob the “cat” (if you read this book, you’ll understand the reason for the quotation marks.)
-The way the mystery unfolded. I thought it was well paced, and there were some very interesting revelations.
-The world building and the whole paranormal aspect of story
What I didn’t like was:
-The entire story takes place in less than a week.
-The romance…what romance?
-Roku's repetitive thoughts of his dead lover, their two dead daughters, his dead mother and how hot his new partner is.
This definitely felt like book 1 of a series with an hfn ending. I’m really not interested in a book 2 though.
June 11, 2017
Hmmmmmmmmm.... Okay there is no doubt in my mind that this was Rhys Ford, but I feel like I didn't connect with the story, which is why my rating is around 3.5 and since Bob the cat was cute, I will leave the rating at 4 for now.
This book tasted like Murder and Mayhem with a fantasy-twist, and I LOVED that story, but here I was left with a lot of: "What does that mean? *googling* Okay, that's a made-up-word... 2 pages later: What does that mean? *googling* Okay that's old Scottish, and not relevant for this sentence, so... Okay, forget about it, moving on."
I had the same issues with this one, that I had with Dirty Kiss, when I tried reading that the first few times... It is damn hard to immerge in the story, when the need to google an expression or speculate on the meaning of a sentence takes up a lot of the 'reading-time'.
Also the flowery language seldom works for me, and it was used a lot in this one, which means we got all the metaphors for all the rain and the fog and the slush.
I do not regret pre-ordering this book, and I do not regret my anticipation for the book, but I just didn't connect to it properly.
I think... Okay, I JUST finished this book and I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the MC, that is how disconnected I feel. (After googling the name:) ROKU (that was his name) I think Roku would make an excellent series-MC where we get to see more of his development; he has the feel of a great character.
But yeah, this book was pure Rhys Ford, and I will love her work for a long time to come, she is exceptionally gifted at weaving tales with snarky (damaged) MCs and fun side characters.
This book tasted like Murder and Mayhem with a fantasy-twist, and I LOVED that story, but here I was left with a lot of: "What does that mean? *googling* Okay, that's a made-up-word... 2 pages later: What does that mean? *googling* Okay that's old Scottish, and not relevant for this sentence, so... Okay, forget about it, moving on."
I had the same issues with this one, that I had with Dirty Kiss, when I tried reading that the first few times... It is damn hard to immerge in the story, when the need to google an expression or speculate on the meaning of a sentence takes up a lot of the 'reading-time'.
Also the flowery language seldom works for me, and it was used a lot in this one, which means we got all the metaphors for all the rain and the fog and the slush.
I do not regret pre-ordering this book, and I do not regret my anticipation for the book, but I just didn't connect to it properly.
I think... Okay, I JUST finished this book and I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the MC, that is how disconnected I feel. (After googling the name:) ROKU (that was his name) I think Roku would make an excellent series-MC where we get to see more of his development; he has the feel of a great character.
But yeah, this book was pure Rhys Ford, and I will love her work for a long time to come, she is exceptionally gifted at weaving tales with snarky (damaged) MCs and fun side characters.
June 22, 2017
3.5 stars for this - there was just so much going on that I started to lose track ! I loved the MCs but we only got a sniff of them together ... so much potential there !!! Guess I wanted more of that chemistry & connection. I understand this was a paranormal mystery but for me I was a bit confused !
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February 15, 2018Dim Sum Asylum started out as a novella in my Charmed and Dangerous anthology, and it was then expanded into a long novel. As a novella, the worldbuilding felt lush and the characters won my heart. As a novel, what a treat! And as an audiobook? An absolute delight.
The characterization and worldbuilding were already there in the novella, but in the novel, I got to revel in it so much more deeply. I particularly dug seeing more of Roku’s new partner, Trent. I loved the all the reveals and plot twists. Everything happens for a reason—maybe one you’d never expect, but in hindsight, it all fits together like a giant Rube Goldberg machine.
Greg Tremblay and Rhys Ford are a Dream Team. Greg’s narration was captivating, the perfect fit for Rhys’ prose, which is elegant yet accessible. His voices and accents were distinct enough that I never had to wonder who was talking, but harmonious enough to keep me anchored right there in the story, awaiting the next glorious bit of magic.
The characterization and worldbuilding were already there in the novella, but in the novel, I got to revel in it so much more deeply. I particularly dug seeing more of Roku’s new partner, Trent. I loved the all the reveals and plot twists. Everything happens for a reason—maybe one you’d never expect, but in hindsight, it all fits together like a giant Rube Goldberg machine.
Greg Tremblay and Rhys Ford are a Dream Team. Greg’s narration was captivating, the perfect fit for Rhys’ prose, which is elegant yet accessible. His voices and accents were distinct enough that I never had to wonder who was talking, but harmonious enough to keep me anchored right there in the story, awaiting the next glorious bit of magic.
July 29, 2017
Wow! That was a LOT more action than I'm used to in my romance, but damn it was good. Dragons, Fae, and so much more! I really, really need more so that we can get to know Trent and Roku much better.
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4/16/2017
This comes out on my birthday! Happy birthday to me!
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4/16/2017
This comes out on my birthday! Happy birthday to me!
May 20, 2017
I never read the short story in the Charmed and Dangerous anthology that this book was expanded from. I do, however, love Rhys Ford's urban fantasy stories. I could read them all day. I love her mix of culture and mythology and her brand of storytelling.
Dim Sum Asylum is the name of the San Francisco Police division of Arcane Crimes and it's got to be an interesting place to work. Much less boring than cop shops that deal in the mundane guns and knives crime problems, for sure.
Roku MacCormick is a very cynical cop working in Arcane Crimes. He's got plenty of reason for his cynicism, though. His mother, who was Fae and also a cop, was assassinated and his human father's family is a Yakuza crime family. And if that wasn't enough, Roku's boyfriend and their two daughters were murdered. So if anyone has reason to be cynical and reluctant to get close to others, it's Roku. Roku has not had good luck with work partners, either. It's a wonder he doesn't feel like he's cursed.
Trent Leonard is Roku's new partner. There's plenty about Trent that is "off", but he really seems to want to do right by Roku. His past is as mysterious as his fashion sense and he almost seems like he's wearing a human suit, which I found quite endearing. Trent is a good foil for Roku, who needs serious grounding.
I enjoyed the story quite a lot. It was quirky and many things happened that I found unexpected. One thing I wish there had been more of, however, is steam and romance. It really took a backseat to the suspense plot. And while I am used to that with this author, more steam would not have been unwelcome. Loved the story, though, and would give it an overall 4 stars.
----------------------
ARC of Dim Sum Asylum was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Dim Sum Asylum is the name of the San Francisco Police division of Arcane Crimes and it's got to be an interesting place to work. Much less boring than cop shops that deal in the mundane guns and knives crime problems, for sure.
Roku MacCormick is a very cynical cop working in Arcane Crimes. He's got plenty of reason for his cynicism, though. His mother, who was Fae and also a cop, was assassinated and his human father's family is a Yakuza crime family. And if that wasn't enough, Roku's boyfriend and their two daughters were murdered. So if anyone has reason to be cynical and reluctant to get close to others, it's Roku. Roku has not had good luck with work partners, either. It's a wonder he doesn't feel like he's cursed.
Trent Leonard is Roku's new partner. There's plenty about Trent that is "off", but he really seems to want to do right by Roku. His past is as mysterious as his fashion sense and he almost seems like he's wearing a human suit, which I found quite endearing. Trent is a good foil for Roku, who needs serious grounding.
I enjoyed the story quite a lot. It was quirky and many things happened that I found unexpected. One thing I wish there had been more of, however, is steam and romance. It really took a backseat to the suspense plot. And while I am used to that with this author, more steam would not have been unwelcome. Loved the story, though, and would give it an overall 4 stars.
----------------------
ARC of Dim Sum Asylum was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
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June 12, 2017 5 Hearts
Tag Team review with Adam!
How in the hell do I review this and make any sense? Wow. My mind is full and totally blown from this world Rhys Ford created. I am not sure I will do this book justice but I’m going to try.
First, I never read the short in the Charmed and Dangerous anthology so I have no comparison between the two. I will say I am so damn happy I read this full length story first because with the want I have of more from this world, a short would have left me a total mess.
Okay…
We meet Senior Inspector Roku MacCormick as he is chasing down his current partner who has stolen dragon eggs. Not only is Roku chasing him through the incredible streets of fantastical Chinatown but a group of flying lizards as well who want their eggs back. Shit goes down, Roku saves the eggs but a life is lost in the process. The life is one that is fae, just like Roku is part fae. Why is that important? Because it’s the backbone of this story.
This world, where magical creatures and magic itself exist in today’s San Francisco as we know it was amazing. Ford gives you every detail of the scenes in cinematic storytelling that you are instantly transported to this new world and swear you can smell the wonton soup as you walk down the crowded streets full of mystical creatures. Oh and this world, these creatures? Roku is half fae, a naturally born half breed of faery and human that lives basically in a half state of… everything in his life. Roku is a good cop, he’s amazing at what he does though with a recent loss to his family, he’s become a bit of a lethal weapon, not caring what happens to him as long as the bad guys go down. But Roku carries the weight of this loss not only through stars on his wrist and clusters on his back but with the heaviest chip on his shoulder and guilt on his soul.
When Roku is assigned a new partner courtesy of Captain Gaines who is also his godfather, Roku’s life gets flipped, turned upside down to a place he never knew he could go or one he’s not sure he even wants to.
Let me get my love for Roku’s new partner Trent Leonard out of the way real quick because this man is everything and even more when the contacts come off. I know, that made no sense but it totally will when you read the book. Trust me. Trent is this mystery, this beautiful Nordic mystery of a large and gorgeous man who has secrets but is so damn sexy you forgive him anything. Not that the secrets are bad, they are a bit stalkerish but it’s Trent so it’s all justifiable. The way he sees Roku though? The way he feels about the man and all that he does makes Trent super swoony and then when we learn more about Trent and what’s behind those contacts and what he can do with his hands… gah! He’s just amazing.
But this story, this whole world of fae and magic just blew my mind and I honestly don’t know how to review the full story without spoiling it and I would hate to do that. I will say that nothing is as it seems and just when you think you have a firm grasp on what’s going on, it slithers away from you and shape shifts into something far darker and magical than you, or at least I could have imagined.
I adored this book, if you can’t tell from my rambling. As I said before, Ford has a way with storytelling that is truly cinematic and everything flies off the page in living color that it’s almost tangible. You can smell the food, you can see the wings of the good and the bad fae with their vivid colors, you can see the spelled… everything as it comes alive and you can feel every damn emotion as they bleed into your soul. Was that too much? *shrugs*
While I am still new to the genre of Urban Fantasy I have to say I am falling in love with it. At first it was hard because I am a true hopeless romantic and it’s what I live for but in a story like this, the romance being as it is, not the primary focus, just makes it that much more intense when you get it. Like, you get the moments between Roku and Trent from the beginning, the flirting and the obvious lust between them but once each barrier is broken down and then you get them – really get them – something as simple as going through a door together brings so much swoon you better hope you are sitting down because the emotion will sit you firmly on your ass.
Yeah, this book was sexy. And it was also so deeply entrenched with family dynamics, clan politics and magic that my fingers can’t keep up with my brain as I try to explain how amazing it was. Even Bob the Cat was not only hilarious but freaking great! The story was intense and magical and I hope this becomes a series because there is so much more Trent needs to learn and so much more I need between him and Roku and that end? More, I just need more. Kay?
You know how I can tell when I a book is really good? When I don’t need to even go over my highlights and notes to write a review. I know I have a ton because that’s the way I operate but I am not even going to touch them right now because I need to hide them and keep them safe before I share. Call me selfish, call me weird, call me whatever but right now, I don’t wanna share.
Dim Sum Asylum - the name of the Arcane division of the San Francisco Police Department – was an intriguing and sexy story of one half human, half fae Inspector who’s only half living his life until he meets his new partner and allows him to open him up in oh so many ways. It’s a story about living your full life, taking chances, not killing your elders and making sure the magic, stays where it belongs.
Tag Team review with Adam!
How in the hell do I review this and make any sense? Wow. My mind is full and totally blown from this world Rhys Ford created. I am not sure I will do this book justice but I’m going to try.
First, I never read the short in the Charmed and Dangerous anthology so I have no comparison between the two. I will say I am so damn happy I read this full length story first because with the want I have of more from this world, a short would have left me a total mess.
Okay…
We meet Senior Inspector Roku MacCormick as he is chasing down his current partner who has stolen dragon eggs. Not only is Roku chasing him through the incredible streets of fantastical Chinatown but a group of flying lizards as well who want their eggs back. Shit goes down, Roku saves the eggs but a life is lost in the process. The life is one that is fae, just like Roku is part fae. Why is that important? Because it’s the backbone of this story.
This world, where magical creatures and magic itself exist in today’s San Francisco as we know it was amazing. Ford gives you every detail of the scenes in cinematic storytelling that you are instantly transported to this new world and swear you can smell the wonton soup as you walk down the crowded streets full of mystical creatures. Oh and this world, these creatures? Roku is half fae, a naturally born half breed of faery and human that lives basically in a half state of… everything in his life. Roku is a good cop, he’s amazing at what he does though with a recent loss to his family, he’s become a bit of a lethal weapon, not caring what happens to him as long as the bad guys go down. But Roku carries the weight of this loss not only through stars on his wrist and clusters on his back but with the heaviest chip on his shoulder and guilt on his soul.
When Roku is assigned a new partner courtesy of Captain Gaines who is also his godfather, Roku’s life gets flipped, turned upside down to a place he never knew he could go or one he’s not sure he even wants to.
Let me get my love for Roku’s new partner Trent Leonard out of the way real quick because this man is everything and even more when the contacts come off. I know, that made no sense but it totally will when you read the book. Trust me. Trent is this mystery, this beautiful Nordic mystery of a large and gorgeous man who has secrets but is so damn sexy you forgive him anything. Not that the secrets are bad, they are a bit stalkerish but it’s Trent so it’s all justifiable. The way he sees Roku though? The way he feels about the man and all that he does makes Trent super swoony and then when we learn more about Trent and what’s behind those contacts and what he can do with his hands… gah! He’s just amazing.
But this story, this whole world of fae and magic just blew my mind and I honestly don’t know how to review the full story without spoiling it and I would hate to do that. I will say that nothing is as it seems and just when you think you have a firm grasp on what’s going on, it slithers away from you and shape shifts into something far darker and magical than you, or at least I could have imagined.
I adored this book, if you can’t tell from my rambling. As I said before, Ford has a way with storytelling that is truly cinematic and everything flies off the page in living color that it’s almost tangible. You can smell the food, you can see the wings of the good and the bad fae with their vivid colors, you can see the spelled… everything as it comes alive and you can feel every damn emotion as they bleed into your soul. Was that too much? *shrugs*
While I am still new to the genre of Urban Fantasy I have to say I am falling in love with it. At first it was hard because I am a true hopeless romantic and it’s what I live for but in a story like this, the romance being as it is, not the primary focus, just makes it that much more intense when you get it. Like, you get the moments between Roku and Trent from the beginning, the flirting and the obvious lust between them but once each barrier is broken down and then you get them – really get them – something as simple as going through a door together brings so much swoon you better hope you are sitting down because the emotion will sit you firmly on your ass.
Yeah, this book was sexy. And it was also so deeply entrenched with family dynamics, clan politics and magic that my fingers can’t keep up with my brain as I try to explain how amazing it was. Even Bob the Cat was not only hilarious but freaking great! The story was intense and magical and I hope this becomes a series because there is so much more Trent needs to learn and so much more I need between him and Roku and that end? More, I just need more. Kay?
You know how I can tell when I a book is really good? When I don’t need to even go over my highlights and notes to write a review. I know I have a ton because that’s the way I operate but I am not even going to touch them right now because I need to hide them and keep them safe before I share. Call me selfish, call me weird, call me whatever but right now, I don’t wanna share.
Dim Sum Asylum - the name of the Arcane division of the San Francisco Police Department – was an intriguing and sexy story of one half human, half fae Inspector who’s only half living his life until he meets his new partner and allows him to open him up in oh so many ways. It’s a story about living your full life, taking chances, not killing your elders and making sure the magic, stays where it belongs.
June 9, 2017
Rhys Ford does Unban Fantasy and there be...
DRAGONS!!!! I lurve dragons...but I'm sure you already knew that or at least you should I mention it often enough. Granted the dragons are more background dressing than an actual part of the story...well except in the very beginning they do play a rather important role in the books opening scene. But I admit just having dragons in the story in some capacity never fails to make me happy.
Roku MacCormick is a senior inspector for Chinatowns Arcane Crimes Division otherwise known as Dim Sum Asylum...admit it you love the nickname. I do it makes me smile. Roku's more than a bit cynical and he works really hard to keep the world at arms length...he doesn't do attachment or relationships, not any more not since he lost his mother and his family...the man he loved and their two little girls. There's only so much pain that a heart can take add to it the fact that every time a someone dies on one of his cases whether it's a victim or an innocent bystander he feels responsible for their death as well and the fact that his family gives dysfunctional a whole new meaning...one that could get your killed and truthfully I can't say I blame him for keeping the world at arms length which is easier said than done once Roku gets a look at his new partner, Trent Leonard.
Trent Leonard is Roku's new partner and it's a good thing that he doesn't scare easily because partnering with Roku is like being on the world's craziest roller coaster without a seat belt or safety bars and if that's not enough Trent's got more than a little of his own batsh*t crazy baggage to deal with. He's worked hard for the chance to join Chinatown's Arcane Crimes Division and specifically for the chance to be Roku's partner, so he'll be damned if he's going to let a little thing like the rumors and the fact that Roku's family is one of the most powerful Yakuza's in the city. He's Roku's partner and he's got his back end of story as far as Trent's concerned...well, except for the tiny fact that he also wants Roku on his back or anyway way he can get him.
'Dim Sum Asylum' does not take place in the San Francisco of our world. This San Francisco is filled with humans, fae, dragons and a whole plethora of otherkin or mystical creatures, there are dragons guarding the gates to the city, magic is everywhere and for those who know how to use it...it can be a dangerous weapon.
This one's a fast paced story filled with twist, turns and surprises. The relationship development between Roku and Trent is slow but given everything that's going on if it had been any other way I'm not sure it would have worked as well. These two not only have a personal relationship to build but a professional one to establish as well and while neither man really seems to be big on talking, both men realize that talking is exactly what needs to happen if they're going to learn to trust each other both on and off the clock.
'Dim Sum Asylum' was originally a story in the anthology 'Charmed and Dangerous' so if you enjoyed the original story I can't imagine that this expanded to book version won't be as good or better. Basically I loved everything about this story I loved that it was fast paced and the last time that I enjoyed urban fantasy this much it was Jim Butcher's Dresden Files, not to say that there's a similarity between the two because there isn't other than how much I enjoyed them, I loved the characters in this story both the MCs and a number of the secondary characters, Ms Ford did an amazing job of showing me San Francisco, but not the one that is...no this was the San Francisco of Roku's world and we were shown a San Francisco that while comfortable and familiar, it was also very different from the one that exist today.
I'm sure I could go on and on about this book much I loved it but then I'd probably start telling you the story and really the best way for that to happen is if you read the book...so, read the book...come on there are dragons and a there's a cat. Her names Bob...it's short for Kate...don't ask that's what Roku said and I'm not sure that his logic isn't flawed...but you'll like Bob, she's really special...ok, let's just say Bob's a little surprising and leave it at that ;)
********************
An ARC of 'Dim Sum Asylum was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
DRAGONS!!!! I lurve dragons...but I'm sure you already knew that or at least you should I mention it often enough. Granted the dragons are more background dressing than an actual part of the story...well except in the very beginning they do play a rather important role in the books opening scene. But I admit just having dragons in the story in some capacity never fails to make me happy.
Roku MacCormick is a senior inspector for Chinatowns Arcane Crimes Division otherwise known as Dim Sum Asylum...admit it you love the nickname. I do it makes me smile. Roku's more than a bit cynical and he works really hard to keep the world at arms length...he doesn't do attachment or relationships, not any more not since he lost his mother and his family...the man he loved and their two little girls. There's only so much pain that a heart can take add to it the fact that every time a someone dies on one of his cases whether it's a victim or an innocent bystander he feels responsible for their death as well and the fact that his family gives dysfunctional a whole new meaning...one that could get your killed and truthfully I can't say I blame him for keeping the world at arms length which is easier said than done once Roku gets a look at his new partner, Trent Leonard.
Trent Leonard is Roku's new partner and it's a good thing that he doesn't scare easily because partnering with Roku is like being on the world's craziest roller coaster without a seat belt or safety bars and if that's not enough Trent's got more than a little of his own batsh*t crazy baggage to deal with. He's worked hard for the chance to join Chinatown's Arcane Crimes Division and specifically for the chance to be Roku's partner, so he'll be damned if he's going to let a little thing like the rumors and the fact that Roku's family is one of the most powerful Yakuza's in the city. He's Roku's partner and he's got his back end of story as far as Trent's concerned...well, except for the tiny fact that he also wants Roku on his back or anyway way he can get him.
'Dim Sum Asylum' does not take place in the San Francisco of our world. This San Francisco is filled with humans, fae, dragons and a whole plethora of otherkin or mystical creatures, there are dragons guarding the gates to the city, magic is everywhere and for those who know how to use it...it can be a dangerous weapon.
This one's a fast paced story filled with twist, turns and surprises. The relationship development between Roku and Trent is slow but given everything that's going on if it had been any other way I'm not sure it would have worked as well. These two not only have a personal relationship to build but a professional one to establish as well and while neither man really seems to be big on talking, both men realize that talking is exactly what needs to happen if they're going to learn to trust each other both on and off the clock.
'Dim Sum Asylum' was originally a story in the anthology 'Charmed and Dangerous' so if you enjoyed the original story I can't imagine that this expanded to book version won't be as good or better. Basically I loved everything about this story I loved that it was fast paced and the last time that I enjoyed urban fantasy this much it was Jim Butcher's Dresden Files, not to say that there's a similarity between the two because there isn't other than how much I enjoyed them, I loved the characters in this story both the MCs and a number of the secondary characters, Ms Ford did an amazing job of showing me San Francisco, but not the one that is...no this was the San Francisco of Roku's world and we were shown a San Francisco that while comfortable and familiar, it was also very different from the one that exist today.
I'm sure I could go on and on about this book much I loved it but then I'd probably start telling you the story and really the best way for that to happen is if you read the book...so, read the book...come on there are dragons and a there's a cat. Her names Bob...it's short for Kate...don't ask that's what Roku said and I'm not sure that his logic isn't flawed...but you'll like Bob, she's really special...ok, let's just say Bob's a little surprising and leave it at that ;)
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An ARC of 'Dim Sum Asylum was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2017
4.5 stars!
Note: Dim Sum Asylum was originally a short story Rhys Ford had in a Dreamspinner anthology that has been developed into a full length novel.
Set in San Francisco's Chinatown where dragons and Faerie are real and magic is prevalent, Dim Sum Asylum is told from the first person, single POV of Roku MacCormick, a half-Fae, Senior Inspector of the Chinatown Arcane Crimes Division.
As far as I remember, much of the original short story is included but has been completely fleshed out - especially the relationship between Roku and his new partner Trent.
I am in love with Greg Tremblay's narration for Dim Sum Asylum!
I loved the pacing of the story and narration - Tremblay brilliantly conveys the action and whirlwind events that occur keeping the listener engrossed from the first few moments until the very last surprise.
There really isn't a pause in the breakneck pace of the story, which could have felt too much, but is expertly progressed through the narration. I really feel like this is some of Rhys Ford's and Greg Tremblay's best work.
Tremblay does such an awesome job with character voices, timing, emotion...it's all so well done I know this will make its way into my auto-rotation for relistening.
All the loose ends are neatly tied up in the end but there is definitely enough to warrant more stories featuring Roku set in this world.
I for one hope Rhys Ford turns this into a new series and that Greg narrates it!
Recommended!
Audio copy of Dim Sum Asylum provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Note: Dim Sum Asylum was originally a short story Rhys Ford had in a Dreamspinner anthology that has been developed into a full length novel.
Set in San Francisco's Chinatown where dragons and Faerie are real and magic is prevalent, Dim Sum Asylum is told from the first person, single POV of Roku MacCormick, a half-Fae, Senior Inspector of the Chinatown Arcane Crimes Division.
As far as I remember, much of the original short story is included but has been completely fleshed out - especially the relationship between Roku and his new partner Trent.
I am in love with Greg Tremblay's narration for Dim Sum Asylum!
I loved the pacing of the story and narration - Tremblay brilliantly conveys the action and whirlwind events that occur keeping the listener engrossed from the first few moments until the very last surprise.
There really isn't a pause in the breakneck pace of the story, which could have felt too much, but is expertly progressed through the narration. I really feel like this is some of Rhys Ford's and Greg Tremblay's best work.
Tremblay does such an awesome job with character voices, timing, emotion...it's all so well done I know this will make its way into my auto-rotation for relistening.
All the loose ends are neatly tied up in the end but there is definitely enough to warrant more stories featuring Roku set in this world.
I for one hope Rhys Ford turns this into a new series and that Greg narrates it!
Recommended!
Audio copy of Dim Sum Asylum provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
September 30, 2017
Loved this. It has a fast pace reminiscent of the Kai series but though Roku has the reckless edge he's a very different character. The setting is a bustling China Town full of magic and I really liked how it came alive, I got a real sense of the bustling streets with their mix of fairie and human occupants without it ever feeling like an info-dump. It's a culture rich setting and there were quite a few dialect words, a few I marked to look-up, but all are understandable in context. Good luck to Greg with pronouncations for the audio though. Also it has DRAGONS. Dragons.
This is an Urban Fantasy/Cop story before a romance. While there is a romantic interest, very intriguing in his own right, the book is lead more by the plot. Still plenty of chemistry though. These guys are both shaped by difficult histories and there's some heart-break there, things that shape who they are now. How they approach the world.
As always with a Ford there's several interesting side-characters who help bring colour to the pages. And a cat. An awesome cat named Bob....short for Katie apparently! Bob gets stars of her own, for being..Bob.
Best of all, there is plenty here to feed a series :D the ending is great, the ending is perfect - but I'm definitely left wanting more; more of this world and more of these characters.
This is an Urban Fantasy/Cop story before a romance. While there is a romantic interest, very intriguing in his own right, the book is lead more by the plot. Still plenty of chemistry though. These guys are both shaped by difficult histories and there's some heart-break there, things that shape who they are now. How they approach the world.
As always with a Ford there's several interesting side-characters who help bring colour to the pages. And a cat. An awesome cat named Bob....short for Katie apparently! Bob gets stars of her own, for being..Bob.
Best of all, there is plenty here to feed a series :D the ending is great, the ending is perfect - but I'm definitely left wanting more; more of this world and more of these characters.
September 27, 2018
*3.5 stars*
Hot Asian men, cats, and a mystery-romance? We got a Rhys Ford book, baby!
I really enjoy Rhys Ford's books, especially when Greg Tremblay narrates for her, and though I liked Dim Sum Asylum, I felt a bit disconnected from the story.
Before I begin, can we all agree that Greg Tremblay just slays it every time? I happen to be a Greg superfan, and he is just a professional and a master. I think he always treats his books with respect and care, and we did a very nice job again here with this one.
What I found interesting is that, though I liked the story, it took me forever to get through. I can speed-listen to an audiobook in a day or two if I'm really into it, but this book took me over a month to finish. A MONTH. I liked the world and the plot, but I simply wasn't compelling to keep listening. It was strange.
I felt like the romance was a complete afterthought, and I almost would have preferred no romance at all, or just a hint of romance with a promise of more. I was too lost in trying to keep track of the world that Rhys Ford created to be that invested in a romance that, frankly, barely got any page-time. The romance felt insta-lovey, which is a pet peeve of mine, and it decreased my enjoyment a fair bit.
I would read more if the author expands this to a series because I found the world so fascinating, and, of course, I'll listen to anything Greg narrates. However, though I'd recommend this story, Dim Sum Asylum was just short of really good for me.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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August 6, 2018
~ 3.5 stars ~
Huh... I'm not sure what happened here. From the blurb, this book has everything that I like and so this should have been a sure 5 star read, right? Turns out it wasn't. I often got lost while listening to the audiobook. I loved the concept of the story and the world building was great but there was too much going on and too many names/expressions I couldn't tell apart. Maybe I should have read the book (first) or maybe I just wasn't able to concentrate enough (I'm blaming the current heat wave in Europe!)
Also, we get only the beginning of the MCs budding relationship and I would have liked a bit more romance. Maybe if this were a series with the same MCs in the next book, what we got in the first book would have been okay.
I will give this one another chance at one time but for now, I have to settle for 3.5 stars.
Huh... I'm not sure what happened here. From the blurb, this book has everything that I like and so this should have been a sure 5 star read, right? Turns out it wasn't. I often got lost while listening to the audiobook. I loved the concept of the story and the world building was great but there was too much going on and too many names/expressions I couldn't tell apart. Maybe I should have read the book (first) or maybe I just wasn't able to concentrate enough (I'm blaming the current heat wave in Europe!)
Also, we get only the beginning of the MCs budding relationship and I would have liked a bit more romance. Maybe if this were a series with the same MCs in the next book, what we got in the first book would have been okay.
I will give this one another chance at one time but for now, I have to settle for 3.5 stars.
August 6, 2019
4.5 dragon stars rounded up to 5 dragon stars because still no 1/2 stars...dragon or otherwise here on GR.
Well that was interesting...yeah, let's go with interesting...
I read 'Dim Sum Asylum' back in June when the e-book was first release...what can I say it's Rhys Ford so I'm all over that stuff. Plus...hello? Dragons. Needless to say I was not disappointed and I loved it 5 dragon stars worth. So when the audio book became available and it was narrated by Greg Tremblay...who was I to turn the opportunity down...my momma didn't raise no fools...ok, maybe one or two of them but trust me I'm not on that list.
So not to re-invent the wheel or anything but here's the link to my first review...Dim Sum Asylum Book Review
Now that we've got that out of the way lets talk about the audio book. As I said it's narrated by Greg Tremblay so what makes this interesting is that this is the first time I've listened to an audio book from this narrator that hasn't quite worked for me and honestly that's not even how I want to phrase this because overall he did an awesome job and I loved his character voices...all except one and that was Roku. Don't get me wrong here, the voice that Greg Tremblay used for Roku wasn't a bad or annoying voice by any means. It just didn't quite work for me and by didn't quite work...I mean it changed my rating from 5 dragon stars to 4.5 dragon stars.
So really not a huge impact...I still loved this book and I still think Greg Tremblay is fantastic when it comes to narrating. I think this is more a case of subjective opinions and mine was a little bit different. Was Mr. Tremblay wrong...no, was I wrong...again no. We just viewed the character's voice differently.
Once I settled in to the narrator's interpretation of Roku's voice I also settled in to enjoying this story all over again. I don't tend to do a lot of re-reads because honestly...I get bored but that doesn't mean I don't like to enjoy a story more than once so what I've discovered is that for me audio books are a wonderful solution to being able to enjoy a well liked story and it also allows me to enjoy other past times such as my quilting, cross-stitch, unpacking boxes...because this is a thing in my live right now and whether it's something I want to do or something I have to do, enjoying an audio book really makes it a much more enjoyable experience. for me, especially if it's a book by a favorite author being read by a favorite narrator.
If you enjoyed reading 'Dim Sum Asylum' than check out the audio book it's so worth going back to Chinatown to be able to spend time with Roku and Trent.
********************
An audio book of 'Dim Sum Asylum' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Well that was interesting...yeah, let's go with interesting...
I read 'Dim Sum Asylum' back in June when the e-book was first release...what can I say it's Rhys Ford so I'm all over that stuff. Plus...hello? Dragons. Needless to say I was not disappointed and I loved it 5 dragon stars worth. So when the audio book became available and it was narrated by Greg Tremblay...who was I to turn the opportunity down...my momma didn't raise no fools...ok, maybe one or two of them but trust me I'm not on that list.
So not to re-invent the wheel or anything but here's the link to my first review...Dim Sum Asylum Book Review
Now that we've got that out of the way lets talk about the audio book. As I said it's narrated by Greg Tremblay so what makes this interesting is that this is the first time I've listened to an audio book from this narrator that hasn't quite worked for me and honestly that's not even how I want to phrase this because overall he did an awesome job and I loved his character voices...all except one and that was Roku. Don't get me wrong here, the voice that Greg Tremblay used for Roku wasn't a bad or annoying voice by any means. It just didn't quite work for me and by didn't quite work...I mean it changed my rating from 5 dragon stars to 4.5 dragon stars.
So really not a huge impact...I still loved this book and I still think Greg Tremblay is fantastic when it comes to narrating. I think this is more a case of subjective opinions and mine was a little bit different. Was Mr. Tremblay wrong...no, was I wrong...again no. We just viewed the character's voice differently.
Once I settled in to the narrator's interpretation of Roku's voice I also settled in to enjoying this story all over again. I don't tend to do a lot of re-reads because honestly...I get bored but that doesn't mean I don't like to enjoy a story more than once so what I've discovered is that for me audio books are a wonderful solution to being able to enjoy a well liked story and it also allows me to enjoy other past times such as my quilting, cross-stitch, unpacking boxes...because this is a thing in my live right now and whether it's something I want to do or something I have to do, enjoying an audio book really makes it a much more enjoyable experience. for me, especially if it's a book by a favorite author being read by a favorite narrator.
If you enjoyed reading 'Dim Sum Asylum' than check out the audio book it's so worth going back to Chinatown to be able to spend time with Roku and Trent.
********************
An audio book of 'Dim Sum Asylum' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2017
I’ve read lots of Rhys Ford’s books. They can be exhausting: very high energy, lots of relentless action and emotional turmoil. Dim Sum Asylum is no exception, and I think it’s one of the best things she’s written.
The genesis of this book was in a short story by the same name published in the m/m paranormal anthology, Charmed and Dangerous. I loved it then, and I really loved seeing that frenzied short story turned into an equally frenzied full-length cop drama with intense paranormal coloration.
The novel is set in present-day San Francisco; but it’s a city very different from the one I know and love. This is a world where magic infuses the air and dragons are as commonplace as cable cars and pigeons. It is a city in which humans and faeries live together in benign tension, and where both human and fae bloodlines are complicated by the normal ethnic cross-pollination of modern America. Roku MacCormick is half Scottish faerie and half Japanese human. His mother was a policeman and his father the son of a local crime lord. He is a rare hybrid, and is regarded with suspicion by both sides of the equation.
This all should give you a sense of the rich stew that Ford unleashes on the unsuspecting reader. When Roku finds himself in need of a new partner, he is assigned Trent Leonard, whose Nordic bulk and mysterious past pique Roku’s curiosity and libido in equal measure. Roku carries a lot of pain, as the constellation of black star-shaped tattoos on his body attest. What he doesn’t understand is why Leonard would want to partner with him. The answer to that question is one of the constant themes in this action-driven plot.
The rain is almost its own character in this story. Now, San Fran can be foggy and cold, but I’ve never experienced it the way Ford presents it—a gray, overcast sky with rain that builds in intensity until the clamoring crescendo of the finale. Not only does the rain complicate everything that Roku and Trent try to do as policemen, it also represents the emotional tumult in both men as they try to figure out how to work as a team, and how to deal with their undeniable attraction to each other.
Ford is really a wonderfully visual—cinematic—writer. The description of sights, sounds and smells in this shimmering paranormal San Francisco are not always appealing, but the language is always beautiful and as well-crafted as the sinister netsuke that play such a significant role in the narrative.
In other reviews, I have knocked off a star from Rhys Ford’s books because all the violence and tsuris just seemed a bit much for me. But somehow, in Dim Sum Asylum, it all falls into place and works like a well-oiled fantastic machine. Oh, how I’d love to see this made into a film. It would make Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon look like Sesame Street.
The genesis of this book was in a short story by the same name published in the m/m paranormal anthology, Charmed and Dangerous. I loved it then, and I really loved seeing that frenzied short story turned into an equally frenzied full-length cop drama with intense paranormal coloration.
The novel is set in present-day San Francisco; but it’s a city very different from the one I know and love. This is a world where magic infuses the air and dragons are as commonplace as cable cars and pigeons. It is a city in which humans and faeries live together in benign tension, and where both human and fae bloodlines are complicated by the normal ethnic cross-pollination of modern America. Roku MacCormick is half Scottish faerie and half Japanese human. His mother was a policeman and his father the son of a local crime lord. He is a rare hybrid, and is regarded with suspicion by both sides of the equation.
This all should give you a sense of the rich stew that Ford unleashes on the unsuspecting reader. When Roku finds himself in need of a new partner, he is assigned Trent Leonard, whose Nordic bulk and mysterious past pique Roku’s curiosity and libido in equal measure. Roku carries a lot of pain, as the constellation of black star-shaped tattoos on his body attest. What he doesn’t understand is why Leonard would want to partner with him. The answer to that question is one of the constant themes in this action-driven plot.
The rain is almost its own character in this story. Now, San Fran can be foggy and cold, but I’ve never experienced it the way Ford presents it—a gray, overcast sky with rain that builds in intensity until the clamoring crescendo of the finale. Not only does the rain complicate everything that Roku and Trent try to do as policemen, it also represents the emotional tumult in both men as they try to figure out how to work as a team, and how to deal with their undeniable attraction to each other.
Ford is really a wonderfully visual—cinematic—writer. The description of sights, sounds and smells in this shimmering paranormal San Francisco are not always appealing, but the language is always beautiful and as well-crafted as the sinister netsuke that play such a significant role in the narrative.
In other reviews, I have knocked off a star from Rhys Ford’s books because all the violence and tsuris just seemed a bit much for me. But somehow, in Dim Sum Asylum, it all falls into place and works like a well-oiled fantastic machine. Oh, how I’d love to see this made into a film. It would make Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon look like Sesame Street.
April 19, 2018
4.5 Stars
Damn. Is there any better combination than Rhys Ford and Greg Tremblay? If so, I've yet to find it.
I really liked the short story version of this - and loved the expanded one. Magic, Fairies, Dragon Flies, Chinatown, SFPD, Yakuza...and a bunch of interesting characters...both the MC's AND all the side characters. God, Roku's story broke my heart; and if there is ever a sequel I think that somehow working Trent's origin story into the case would be a brilliant move...because, yes, why would someone pay an exorbitant sum to create a "splice" baby and then abandon it? Something about that smells fishy.
Also, I know she's described a bit differently, but for some reason I kept imagining Bob the Cat as Bill the Cat. And I kinda loved her.
Damn. Is there any better combination than Rhys Ford and Greg Tremblay? If so, I've yet to find it.
I really liked the short story version of this - and loved the expanded one. Magic, Fairies, Dragon Flies, Chinatown, SFPD, Yakuza...and a bunch of interesting characters...both the MC's AND all the side characters. God, Roku's story broke my heart; and if there is ever a sequel I think that somehow working Trent's origin story into the case would be a brilliant move...because, yes, why would someone pay an exorbitant sum to create a "splice" baby and then abandon it? Something about that smells fishy.
Also, I know she's described a bit differently, but for some reason I kept imagining Bob the Cat as Bill the Cat. And I kinda loved her.
July 7, 2018
** 4.55 stars **
Well, this book was certainly something... I just don't know what. I definitely say it was very fast paced, sometimes even too fast and if you asked me to name all the creatures that inhabited San Fransisco I would probably do an impersonation of a fish out of water. Sometimes it felt like there was stuff piled on top of stuff and all that covered with magic! A little difficult to process if attempted to think of all at once. But individually I really liked most of it. It's that kind of story you either love or hate. So I lean towards love on this one with slight flecks of hate.
I loved the humor, especially Roku's brand of sarcasm that made for very entertaining reading time. His palpable feeling of grief and his relationship with his Godfather made him look like less of an a$$hole. Trent on the other hand was a little difficult to figure out but it all became clear in the middle of the story. He was likeable mostly considering the life he led. I enjoyed flashbacks of both MCs past and it made me think better of them. The emotional connection between them was tenuous at best. It felt as if Roku used Trent for convenience and sexual release. But the intimate moment between them was well written and very beautiful.
When the murderer was revealed I felt cheated because there was no connection mentioned anywhere in the book between them and the victims. I really thought it would be someone else. I even tasted my secret knowledge that I was right about who the killer was and did the happy dance and everything! And the fell flat on my face! At least it all made sense in the epilogue. But how can a person try to figure out a puzzle when not all the necessary information is disclosed?
The rest of it was fabulous. The descriptions and details, the magic and spells, the action, the feelings and all the new information about yakuza families and their dynamics - awesome! I learned a lot of new stuff and enjoyed looking it up! So, I think it was a very good first introduction into urban fantasy lovers club for me! I think I will read in this genre again and I will know what to expect! I highly recommend it!
P.S. The idea to have this turn into series is brilliant. I think these two could be great together given the chance.
Well, this book was certainly something... I just don't know what. I definitely say it was very fast paced, sometimes even too fast and if you asked me to name all the creatures that inhabited San Fransisco I would probably do an impersonation of a fish out of water. Sometimes it felt like there was stuff piled on top of stuff and all that covered with magic! A little difficult to process if attempted to think of all at once. But individually I really liked most of it. It's that kind of story you either love or hate. So I lean towards love on this one with slight flecks of hate.
I loved the humor, especially Roku's brand of sarcasm that made for very entertaining reading time. His palpable feeling of grief and his relationship with his Godfather made him look like less of an a$$hole. Trent on the other hand was a little difficult to figure out but it all became clear in the middle of the story. He was likeable mostly considering the life he led. I enjoyed flashbacks of both MCs past and it made me think better of them. The emotional connection between them was tenuous at best. It felt as if Roku used Trent for convenience and sexual release. But the intimate moment between them was well written and very beautiful.
When the murderer was revealed I felt cheated because there was no connection mentioned anywhere in the book between them and the victims. I really thought it would be someone else. I even tasted my secret knowledge that I was right about who the killer was and did the happy dance and everything! And the fell flat on my face! At least it all made sense in the epilogue. But how can a person try to figure out a puzzle when not all the necessary information is disclosed?
The rest of it was fabulous. The descriptions and details, the magic and spells, the action, the feelings and all the new information about yakuza families and their dynamics - awesome! I learned a lot of new stuff and enjoyed looking it up! So, I think it was a very good first introduction into urban fantasy lovers club for me! I think I will read in this genre again and I will know what to expect! I highly recommend it!
P.S. The idea to have this turn into series is brilliant. I think these two could be great together given the chance.
June 9, 2017
~ 4.5 Stars ~
I will freely admit that Rhys Ford is one of my go to authors. Her stories are rich in descriptive prose, and her characters more tightly wound than seems possible. But even though they may be work when it comes to loving them, or establishing a relationship, her men are also well worth pursuing for they are so often loyal to a fault and fully invest themselves in whomever finally manages to pin them down and capture their hearts. And so it is with Roku MacCormick, the half human, half fae detective of the Arcane Crimes Division. Having recently lost his family, husband and two daughters, to a violent end, Roku is barely hanging on to his sanity–not to mention his bleeding heart. After shooting his corrupt partner on a job that was meant to go smoothly, Roku receives a new partner, Trent Leonard, who ends up having a few secrets of his own.
The two are pursuing a murder spree brought on by what appears to be animated religious relics. In a place where such things are rather commonplace, and creatures of every size and sort mingle with the human race, the relics are hardly out of place until a pattern emerges and Roku realizes that the target is not some random person but he, himself. Mix in his affiliation with a grandfather who runs the Chinese mafia, and an extended family who wish him dead, and Roku is obviously having a decidedly bad day.
A Rhys Ford paranormal novel is never a standard issue, run of the mill story. Her characters are often unique, either in their genetic makeup or their circumstances. Roku is no different. However, this novel’s setting was a bit daunting even for a diehard fan such as me. With multiple characters introduced in a fairly rapid onset, as well as names, descriptions and certain phrases used being in a language that was not immediately recognizable to this reviewer, I found myself getting mired down in understanding what Roku was talking about some of the time. I know that this novel was an expansion of a previously published short story, and perhaps I should have read that first; however, despite being occasionally mystified as to what was being discussed, I still happily lost myself in the raucous action and well crafted mystery elements of this incredible novel.
Roku was essentially emotionally bleeding out from the beginning to end of this book. He wears the deaths of those he feels responsible for on his very body via tattoos that remind him of each and every loss he has experienced. Being half fae but wingless and not quite as typical when it comes to fae-like qualities, he is also somewhat of an anomaly in his own community, such as it is. He is driven at work because it keeps the past at bay—when you are exhausted it is easy not to dwell on what you have lost—and believe me, Roku has lost much and it is heartbreaking. Still, you get the sense that others in his department in the Dim Sum Asylum respect him and like him, and that, in a quirky way, gives the reader some sense of relief that someone is looking out after our hero.
While I felt Trent was a bit shallow in terms of character development, I still got enough of a sense of who he was and what he was missing in his life that the connection he sought with Roku, romantically, made sense. If you go looking for some sweet emotional moment between these two guys, look again, for theirs is more of a relationship forged in need—both physical and mental. You get a glimpse that the heart is sure to follow here, but it begins as more of a frantic, desperate coupling between these two men that is tenuous and yet insanely wanted by both, even though it scares the hell out of them.
Dim Sum Asylum by Rhys Ford is a full on action-thriller complete with a newly crafted paranormal world that never ceases to surprise the reader. A roller coaster ride best describes the feel to this novel, but it’s a ride well taken nonetheless.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
I will freely admit that Rhys Ford is one of my go to authors. Her stories are rich in descriptive prose, and her characters more tightly wound than seems possible. But even though they may be work when it comes to loving them, or establishing a relationship, her men are also well worth pursuing for they are so often loyal to a fault and fully invest themselves in whomever finally manages to pin them down and capture their hearts. And so it is with Roku MacCormick, the half human, half fae detective of the Arcane Crimes Division. Having recently lost his family, husband and two daughters, to a violent end, Roku is barely hanging on to his sanity–not to mention his bleeding heart. After shooting his corrupt partner on a job that was meant to go smoothly, Roku receives a new partner, Trent Leonard, who ends up having a few secrets of his own.
The two are pursuing a murder spree brought on by what appears to be animated religious relics. In a place where such things are rather commonplace, and creatures of every size and sort mingle with the human race, the relics are hardly out of place until a pattern emerges and Roku realizes that the target is not some random person but he, himself. Mix in his affiliation with a grandfather who runs the Chinese mafia, and an extended family who wish him dead, and Roku is obviously having a decidedly bad day.
A Rhys Ford paranormal novel is never a standard issue, run of the mill story. Her characters are often unique, either in their genetic makeup or their circumstances. Roku is no different. However, this novel’s setting was a bit daunting even for a diehard fan such as me. With multiple characters introduced in a fairly rapid onset, as well as names, descriptions and certain phrases used being in a language that was not immediately recognizable to this reviewer, I found myself getting mired down in understanding what Roku was talking about some of the time. I know that this novel was an expansion of a previously published short story, and perhaps I should have read that first; however, despite being occasionally mystified as to what was being discussed, I still happily lost myself in the raucous action and well crafted mystery elements of this incredible novel.
Roku was essentially emotionally bleeding out from the beginning to end of this book. He wears the deaths of those he feels responsible for on his very body via tattoos that remind him of each and every loss he has experienced. Being half fae but wingless and not quite as typical when it comes to fae-like qualities, he is also somewhat of an anomaly in his own community, such as it is. He is driven at work because it keeps the past at bay—when you are exhausted it is easy not to dwell on what you have lost—and believe me, Roku has lost much and it is heartbreaking. Still, you get the sense that others in his department in the Dim Sum Asylum respect him and like him, and that, in a quirky way, gives the reader some sense of relief that someone is looking out after our hero.
While I felt Trent was a bit shallow in terms of character development, I still got enough of a sense of who he was and what he was missing in his life that the connection he sought with Roku, romantically, made sense. If you go looking for some sweet emotional moment between these two guys, look again, for theirs is more of a relationship forged in need—both physical and mental. You get a glimpse that the heart is sure to follow here, but it begins as more of a frantic, desperate coupling between these two men that is tenuous and yet insanely wanted by both, even though it scares the hell out of them.
Dim Sum Asylum by Rhys Ford is a full on action-thriller complete with a newly crafted paranormal world that never ceases to surprise the reader. A roller coaster ride best describes the feel to this novel, but it’s a ride well taken nonetheless.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
June 20, 2017
2017-04-25 I LOVED this short story in the Charmed and Dangerous Anthology and was thrilled to see this expanded version of that story being released!! Yay! My reading heart is soooo full!
2017-06-11 So good that just a rating will not suffice. Actual words on how much I enjoyed this story to follow.
2017-06-11 Fantastic story!!! Thank you, TPTB, for expanding this short story from one of my favorite anthologies into an engaging, fast-paced story.
2017-06-20 After reading this captivating novel I really couldn't find anything else I felt like I wanted to get into amongst the hundreds of books currently cooling on my kindle and the over two thousand books on my TBR list so I reread this one. Yes. Just like that two reads in a row.
Some people are born storytellers and world builders giving us the gift of alternate worlds that we may visit or revisit at will. The imagery of this story really shifted me to another place full of colorful myths come true, fanciful creatures, rich culture, danger at every turn, duplicitous crime bosses, deadly magics, suspense, secrets worth killing for, family vendettas and in the middle of it all, two sexy, and unsurprisingly complicated, Arcane Investigators. Word is that this will be a series. My excitement upon learning that the short I enjoyed in the analogy was being released as a full novel pales by my elation that we will get to see more adventures of Roku and Trent in this mysterious world that only Rhys Ford could bring to life.
2017-06-11 So good that just a rating will not suffice. Actual words on how much I enjoyed this story to follow.
2017-06-11 Fantastic story!!! Thank you, TPTB, for expanding this short story from one of my favorite anthologies into an engaging, fast-paced story.
2017-06-20 After reading this captivating novel I really couldn't find anything else I felt like I wanted to get into amongst the hundreds of books currently cooling on my kindle and the over two thousand books on my TBR list so I reread this one. Yes. Just like that two reads in a row.
Some people are born storytellers and world builders giving us the gift of alternate worlds that we may visit or revisit at will. The imagery of this story really shifted me to another place full of colorful myths come true, fanciful creatures, rich culture, danger at every turn, duplicitous crime bosses, deadly magics, suspense, secrets worth killing for, family vendettas and in the middle of it all, two sexy, and unsurprisingly complicated, Arcane Investigators. Word is that this will be a series. My excitement upon learning that the short I enjoyed in the analogy was being released as a full novel pales by my elation that we will get to see more adventures of Roku and Trent in this mysterious world that only Rhys Ford could bring to life.
June 15, 2017
4.5 stars! I loved everything about this! The world building was amazing, the plot was fast paced and not just all about the investigation but was all tangled up with the personal, which I liked. The MCs were interesting and complicated and I loved them together. The secondaries were just as interesting, and pretty damned entertaining all on their own! From the way it ended, I'm keeping my fingers crossed there will be more coming from this world.
June 13, 2017
Tag team review with Sara
I read the original short story in the Charmed and Dangerous anthology and I liked it well enough. Like the short, this expanded version delivers on the worldbuilding and crime mystery, though it’s light on the romance.
The book is told through the POV of Roku MacCormick, an inspector with the Chinatown Arcane Crime Division. Though he comes off as sarcastic and distant, it’s a facade he uses to deal with his painful past. His tragic backstory is revealed in stages throughout the book.
Roku’s teamed with newcomer Trent Leonard. Trent is Roku’s complete opposite - polished, by-the-book, and wholly unfamiliar with the intricacies of Chinatown politics. The two clash from the beginning, but there’s also an undeniable attraction simmering between them.
As always with Rhys Ford, the mystery was complex and very entertaining. It’s a rollercoaster of arcane magic, murder, mobster politics, and decades-old family feuds.
At first, there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to the different dangerous scenarios that Trent and Roku find themselves in. However, as the story progresses, the web that Rhys Ford weaves begins making more sense.
The build-up is slow, but the big conclusion was explosive and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Where this book really shines is the worldbuilding. Rhys Ford creates an alternative universe San Francisco in which different mythical beings live alongside humans, and magic is a common part of life. I really enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the city and its inhabitants.
The romance between Roku and Trent plays second fiddle for most of the book. There’s an immediate attraction between them, but they’re too busy dealing with the investigation to explore it.
Even so, the relationship borders on insta-love. Within a couple of days, both Trent and Roku think they’d be good together in the long-haul. I’m not a fan of insta-love, but I could appreciate that Roku and Trent fit well together. Ultimately though, the romance was just lukewarm.
Also, I would have liked to read Trent’s POV. His backstory is even more complex than Roku’s, so I would have liked more insight on that.
Overall, I enjoyed ‘Dim Sum Asylum.’ The romance wasn’t stellar, but the worldbuilding and mystery kept me reading.
I read the original short story in the Charmed and Dangerous anthology and I liked it well enough. Like the short, this expanded version delivers on the worldbuilding and crime mystery, though it’s light on the romance.
The book is told through the POV of Roku MacCormick, an inspector with the Chinatown Arcane Crime Division. Though he comes off as sarcastic and distant, it’s a facade he uses to deal with his painful past. His tragic backstory is revealed in stages throughout the book.
Roku’s teamed with newcomer Trent Leonard. Trent is Roku’s complete opposite - polished, by-the-book, and wholly unfamiliar with the intricacies of Chinatown politics. The two clash from the beginning, but there’s also an undeniable attraction simmering between them.
As always with Rhys Ford, the mystery was complex and very entertaining. It’s a rollercoaster of arcane magic, murder, mobster politics, and decades-old family feuds.
At first, there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to the different dangerous scenarios that Trent and Roku find themselves in. However, as the story progresses, the web that Rhys Ford weaves begins making more sense.
The build-up is slow, but the big conclusion was explosive and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Where this book really shines is the worldbuilding. Rhys Ford creates an alternative universe San Francisco in which different mythical beings live alongside humans, and magic is a common part of life. I really enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the city and its inhabitants.
The romance between Roku and Trent plays second fiddle for most of the book. There’s an immediate attraction between them, but they’re too busy dealing with the investigation to explore it.
Even so, the relationship borders on insta-love. Within a couple of days, both Trent and Roku think they’d be good together in the long-haul. I’m not a fan of insta-love, but I could appreciate that Roku and Trent fit well together. Ultimately though, the romance was just lukewarm.
Also, I would have liked to read Trent’s POV. His backstory is even more complex than Roku’s, so I would have liked more insight on that.
Overall, I enjoyed ‘Dim Sum Asylum.’ The romance wasn’t stellar, but the worldbuilding and mystery kept me reading.
June 9, 2017
Fantasy and Paranormal are not genres I typically read, except when they're written by a favorite author like Rhys Ford. It also featured a cop, trying to solve a case and I do love a cop story! This is written with her singular style and skill and the world building is just superb. Fairies, dragons, spell casters and crime lords combine for an unusual case of murder. Roku is half human and half fairy, the fairy half from his mother, who was also a police officer. He's had a tragic past and immerses himself in his job. He works for the Arcane Crimes unit and after the not-so-unfortunate loss of his partner, he's paired with Trent, new to the unit, who has more questions for Roku, than answers about himself.
The action takes off right from the start, events unfolding at break-neck pace, as bodies fall and the new partners are faced with strange, unknown magic. Roku and Trent must learn to trust and depend on each other amidst the chaos. Written in first-person, from Roku’s POV, this author knows how to do it right. Secondary characters, as well as Trent, are fully fleshed out within the narrative. It was rather complex though and I admit to struggling with the numerous names for creatures and their functions, encountered along the way. Also the complicated relationships between Roku and his family and friends. I think someone more used to sinking into fantastical worlds might have an easier time of it.
The romance did take mostly a back seat seat to the investigation and action sequences. There was palpable sexual tension but it didn't really go anywhere until later in the book. I really wish just one more sexual encounter had occurred, but alas, it was not to be. It was still a great escapist read, with fascinating twists on the San Francisco landscape and Chinatown. If this pragmatic and analytical reader could unclench enough to enjoy it, it should appeal to almost any fantasy lover.
*An ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Hearts on Fire Reviews, in return for an honest review*
The action takes off right from the start, events unfolding at break-neck pace, as bodies fall and the new partners are faced with strange, unknown magic. Roku and Trent must learn to trust and depend on each other amidst the chaos. Written in first-person, from Roku’s POV, this author knows how to do it right. Secondary characters, as well as Trent, are fully fleshed out within the narrative. It was rather complex though and I admit to struggling with the numerous names for creatures and their functions, encountered along the way. Also the complicated relationships between Roku and his family and friends. I think someone more used to sinking into fantastical worlds might have an easier time of it.
The romance did take mostly a back seat seat to the investigation and action sequences. There was palpable sexual tension but it didn't really go anywhere until later in the book. I really wish just one more sexual encounter had occurred, but alas, it was not to be. It was still a great escapist read, with fascinating twists on the San Francisco landscape and Chinatown. If this pragmatic and analytical reader could unclench enough to enjoy it, it should appeal to almost any fantasy lover.
*An ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Hearts on Fire Reviews, in return for an honest review*
November 2, 2017
Updated for audiobook review
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Dim Sum Asylum was originally released as a short story in the fabulous Charmed and Dangerous anthology. The anthology is wonderful with lots of great stories, many of which have either led into series, or been expanded to create full length stories like this one. I really enjoyed the original short and noted how much I would love to see more stories set in this world, so I was really thrilled to find Ford had expanded it into novel-length story.
What struck me most the first time, and again in this book, is the fabulous world building. Ford has created a San Francisco, and particularly a Chinatown, that are similar to our world, but filled with magic and supernatural creatures. There are fae (Roku himself is a rare naturally born human/fae hybrid), along with dragons and a host of other beings. Roku and Trent work for Arcane Crimes, a division focused on magic and supernatural crimes. The world is so creative and inventive, and almost shockingly detailed. Ford manages to infused every element of the story with a touch of the supernatural and I found myself totally drawn in.
The mystery itself is well developed as well. I love the way Ford has taken the short story and expanded it. There roots of the original story are still here, but it is now so much more. I really enjoyed seeing the guys investigate, especially as the case intersects with Roku’s family life and we get more insight into him. It is exciting and twisty and I never saw the ending coming.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Dim Sum Asylum was originally released as a short story in the fabulous Charmed and Dangerous anthology. The anthology is wonderful with lots of great stories, many of which have either led into series, or been expanded to create full length stories like this one. I really enjoyed the original short and noted how much I would love to see more stories set in this world, so I was really thrilled to find Ford had expanded it into novel-length story.
What struck me most the first time, and again in this book, is the fabulous world building. Ford has created a San Francisco, and particularly a Chinatown, that are similar to our world, but filled with magic and supernatural creatures. There are fae (Roku himself is a rare naturally born human/fae hybrid), along with dragons and a host of other beings. Roku and Trent work for Arcane Crimes, a division focused on magic and supernatural crimes. The world is so creative and inventive, and almost shockingly detailed. Ford manages to infused every element of the story with a touch of the supernatural and I found myself totally drawn in.
The mystery itself is well developed as well. I love the way Ford has taken the short story and expanded it. There roots of the original story are still here, but it is now so much more. I really enjoyed seeing the guys investigate, especially as the case intersects with Roku’s family life and we get more insight into him. It is exciting and twisty and I never saw the ending coming.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
June 9, 2017
I will admit that I am a total Rhys Ford fangirl. I've read and listened on audio most all of her books, numerous times. When she has a new book coming out it's like waiting on Christmas. I will also admit that I have never read any of her paranormal or urban fantasy books ... until now. Dim Sum Asylum was QUITE the introduction I must say, and I mean that in the best way. The world building, the characters, the entire feel and atmosphere of the book is totally Rhys Ford all the way and I was, as always, completely blown away by her masterful storytelling. She's unparalleled and it's easy to see why.
Dim Sum Asylum (which really, is that the BEST title or what?) is chock full of everything quintessential Rhys Ford. Quirky, sarcastic and oh so very flawed characters, murder and mayhem aplenty and then we have the food and the setting. Is there any other author out there who can write about food or convey a setting quite like Rhys? I think not. Roku MacCormick is a cop. One who's part fae, has just killed his partner, and has an extended family so complicated that it's a wonder the guy can even form sentences. He's cynical, lonely, and still grieving the horrific loss of his husband and two daughters. He works in Chinatown and is a Senior Inspector in the Arcane Crimes Division and he's tired. So very tired. After Internal Affairs clears Roku in the death of his former partner, he gets assigned a new one. Enter one Trent Leonard. Oh man, I loved Trent. He's exactly what Roku needed to bring him back to life. Or well, he would be if there weren't things exploding all around them, possessed stone scorpions trying to crawl down his throat, and golden statues trying to kill him.
This world Rhys has built is so crazy fascinating. I admit to getting confused a few times with all the different words and creatures, but was thoroughly engrossed nonetheless. Dragons and magic and faeries galore, the world of Dim Sum Asylum practically leaped off the page. I could see and smell everything (there were more than a few things I didn't WANT to see or taste or smell) but Rhys's writing is so vivid it was impossible not to. Roku just tugged on my heartstrings. He's so bone-deep weary that you can't help but want him to have some light and hope. And that's where Trent comes in. These two seem so different, but they're so good for one another. The romance in Dim Sum definitely takes a back seat to the action and investigation and drama with Roku's shady family, but that doesn't mean the few kisses and intimate scenes weren't full of emotion, because they were. I did so love being in Roku's head the whole time, he's such a fascinating character.
All in all Dim Sum Asylum was one hell of a fantastical ride. So many twists and turns and did I mention there are dragons? And magic? And faeries? Such a cool world and loved every minute of it. Rhys has definitely done it again and delivered a story that's fun, entertaining, and full of all the best things you'd expect from a Rhys Ford book. Don't wait to check this one out, guys. It's a hell of a ride.
*this review will also be posted on www.diversereader.blogspot.com*
Dim Sum Asylum (which really, is that the BEST title or what?) is chock full of everything quintessential Rhys Ford. Quirky, sarcastic and oh so very flawed characters, murder and mayhem aplenty and then we have the food and the setting. Is there any other author out there who can write about food or convey a setting quite like Rhys? I think not. Roku MacCormick is a cop. One who's part fae, has just killed his partner, and has an extended family so complicated that it's a wonder the guy can even form sentences. He's cynical, lonely, and still grieving the horrific loss of his husband and two daughters. He works in Chinatown and is a Senior Inspector in the Arcane Crimes Division and he's tired. So very tired. After Internal Affairs clears Roku in the death of his former partner, he gets assigned a new one. Enter one Trent Leonard. Oh man, I loved Trent. He's exactly what Roku needed to bring him back to life. Or well, he would be if there weren't things exploding all around them, possessed stone scorpions trying to crawl down his throat, and golden statues trying to kill him.
This world Rhys has built is so crazy fascinating. I admit to getting confused a few times with all the different words and creatures, but was thoroughly engrossed nonetheless. Dragons and magic and faeries galore, the world of Dim Sum Asylum practically leaped off the page. I could see and smell everything (there were more than a few things I didn't WANT to see or taste or smell) but Rhys's writing is so vivid it was impossible not to. Roku just tugged on my heartstrings. He's so bone-deep weary that you can't help but want him to have some light and hope. And that's where Trent comes in. These two seem so different, but they're so good for one another. The romance in Dim Sum definitely takes a back seat to the action and investigation and drama with Roku's shady family, but that doesn't mean the few kisses and intimate scenes weren't full of emotion, because they were. I did so love being in Roku's head the whole time, he's such a fascinating character.
All in all Dim Sum Asylum was one hell of a fantastical ride. So many twists and turns and did I mention there are dragons? And magic? And faeries? Such a cool world and loved every minute of it. Rhys has definitely done it again and delivered a story that's fun, entertaining, and full of all the best things you'd expect from a Rhys Ford book. Don't wait to check this one out, guys. It's a hell of a ride.
*this review will also be posted on www.diversereader.blogspot.com*
March 21, 2024
I'm just spoiled. Meaning Harlequin did only standalone books. When I wanted a quick read. I'd pick them. Fantasy and Science fiction had the Epic reads. Then there were the Trilogies. Three books sometimes a fourth. Telling of great loves and a good ending.
Here I curse to the heavens. For grandparents and father's that put their families into situations ruled by ego. Cause you can't help lust. While love takes a bit of foundation to build onto.
Besides I needed something that reminds me of Kai Butler's San Amaro Investigations Series. Fingers crossed for a book 8.
Here I curse to the heavens. For grandparents and father's that put their families into situations ruled by ego. Cause you can't help lust. While love takes a bit of foundation to build onto.
Besides I needed something that reminds me of Kai Butler's San Amaro Investigations Series. Fingers crossed for a book 8.
Want to read
June 2, 20186/2/18 99c Sale:
Dreamspinner: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/boo...
Amazon: http://a.co/aVRakTt
Dreamspinner: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/boo...
Amazon: http://a.co/aVRakTt
June 16, 2017
In my entire history of reading its never taken me so long to read a Rhys Ford book. Its partially my fault, and partially the books fault. I was busy, and summer read has taken a backseat to much needed enjoyment time with the ball & chain. It took me 9 days to completely finish the book. Some days I didn't get a chance to pick it up. While that seems bad, it was good for me because when I did get a chance to get back to it I had no problem with diving in. It was easy enough to follow far as plot wise goes. I gotta say this one was kinda insta-love something I didn't expect at all. I mean it was 2 maybe 3 days into Roku & Trent to become Rent!! <---- Ha, Ha, Ha. See what I did there?
The world building was astounding. Such vivid descriptions, and thorough world embodiment.I do think some times it escapes Ford with how much she does focus on the world building. In turn I would have liked just a teeny tiny bit cut off to focus on the plot. I feel like this has the potential to be a series, but as of now its a novel. Don't know how I feel about that.
I've said it once, and will say it again. I'm not really a Fae girl, but for some reason most of Rhys pnr/uf has focused on the fae. I always feel like its too much involving the fae. I constantly get lost on the good vs. bad fae, but nevertheless this book was easy enough to follow through. It doesn't help that Roku was a really good character. He is just dealt a bad hand with certain situations. Trent, grew to my liking. I liked how he wanted foundation and after everything he's been through that he feels like he's found some commonality in Roku. It could definitely work, seeing as they both of them have similar background and need someone in their life.
As usual I liked the writing. It always flows beautifully. I thought it was a well developed story and was really happy with the outcome. I enjoyed the short in the anthology story, and glad that Ford decided to develop this into a well thought novel. A recommend from me as usual!
The world building was astounding. Such vivid descriptions, and thorough world embodiment.I do think some times it escapes Ford with how much she does focus on the world building. In turn I would have liked just a teeny tiny bit cut off to focus on the plot. I feel like this has the potential to be a series, but as of now its a novel. Don't know how I feel about that.
I've said it once, and will say it again. I'm not really a Fae girl, but for some reason most of Rhys pnr/uf has focused on the fae. I always feel like its too much involving the fae. I constantly get lost on the good vs. bad fae, but nevertheless this book was easy enough to follow through. It doesn't help that Roku was a really good character. He is just dealt a bad hand with certain situations. Trent, grew to my liking. I liked how he wanted foundation and after everything he's been through that he feels like he's found some commonality in Roku. It could definitely work, seeing as they both of them have similar background and need someone in their life.
As usual I liked the writing. It always flows beautifully. I thought it was a well developed story and was really happy with the outcome. I enjoyed the short in the anthology story, and glad that Ford decided to develop this into a well thought novel. A recommend from me as usual!
May 8, 2017
The San Francisco that Rhys Ford has created is beyond fascinating. The human the fae and the splice/hybrids that fill this world don’t have an easy time sharing its space. The San Francisco police department has a special division just to handle all of the paranormal and magically enhanced crimes. The Arcane Crimes Division operates a little differently than other divisions. Officers and inspectors go in armed with tea leaves and salt because one never knows when statuary will come to life and cause wild street chases, mass chaos, and curb side orgies.
Nothing Trent Logan has read in his many books could have prepared him for his first day on the job with the San Francisco police department. None of his research could have prepared him for complications that come with Roku MacCormick as a partner. Roku’s faerie genetics give him a tiny bit of extra but not enough for the majority of the complications in his life. Oddly it’s his human half that gives him the most grief in the form of his grandfather, the leader of family criminal activities who is actively searching for his replacement in Roku.
I loved how we readers were just dropped into the action, bat crap crazy action. It reminded me of another Ford series that I thoroughly enjoyed. The action never stops, full throttle from the very beginning. The case that Roku and Trent have been assigned to gets more complex with each kill and attempted kill. The deeper involved they become the more unclear the motive and next target are. Dim Sum Asylum has an excellent blend of urban fantasy and romantic suspense.
I did not read this when it was pubbed in the Charmed and Dangerous anthology so I can’t give my opinion on the expansion. What I can tell you is that I want more of this world and more of this couple. So if I feel that way after a couple hundred pages I can only imagine what readers felt like with even less. Yes this world is so mesmerizing that I want to spend more time in it. I believe that Roku and Trent of course have more to give us readers. I do hope that this is something that Rhys has in her writing plans.
Nothing Trent Logan has read in his many books could have prepared him for his first day on the job with the San Francisco police department. None of his research could have prepared him for complications that come with Roku MacCormick as a partner. Roku’s faerie genetics give him a tiny bit of extra but not enough for the majority of the complications in his life. Oddly it’s his human half that gives him the most grief in the form of his grandfather, the leader of family criminal activities who is actively searching for his replacement in Roku.
I loved how we readers were just dropped into the action, bat crap crazy action. It reminded me of another Ford series that I thoroughly enjoyed. The action never stops, full throttle from the very beginning. The case that Roku and Trent have been assigned to gets more complex with each kill and attempted kill. The deeper involved they become the more unclear the motive and next target are. Dim Sum Asylum has an excellent blend of urban fantasy and romantic suspense.
I did not read this when it was pubbed in the Charmed and Dangerous anthology so I can’t give my opinion on the expansion. What I can tell you is that I want more of this world and more of this couple. So if I feel that way after a couple hundred pages I can only imagine what readers felt like with even less. Yes this world is so mesmerizing that I want to spend more time in it. I believe that Roku and Trent of course have more to give us readers. I do hope that this is something that Rhys has in her writing plans.
May 20, 2017
Dim Sum Asylum
by Rhys Ford
I never read the short story, I honestly didn’t even know what I was going into when I said I would read this for the publishers, I just seen that cover and was like YES sign me up, it doesn’t hurt that Rhys Ford is one truly epic, talented mm authors out there, I have been reading her work for years now and never has she disappointed me.
I really loved this world Rhys has created it was so easy to vision, I loved that. Another aspect I loved about this story was that it is UF and that there is magic. YES, I do love me some magically epic world creating. I got lost in the story from about 40% yes, I think it took me longer to get into this one, but once I did I was truly hooked. You know what I would love with this story, pictures! Seriously she has nailed the description of everything.
I loved Roku, but I effing loved Trent!
And that cat BOB! I want one, where do we get a Bob?
I highly recommend this story, I think Rhys crated a lovely story that everyone will enjoy, it isn’t over run with the romance, I think it has the perfect blend of action, drama and suspense along aside a buddy romance.
4 out of 5 stars, I am truly looking forward to more. I cannot wait if the author takes this duo on any more tasks, I want to see them grow as a couple more. I want to see where life and love takes them into the future.
by Rhys Ford
I never read the short story, I honestly didn’t even know what I was going into when I said I would read this for the publishers, I just seen that cover and was like YES sign me up, it doesn’t hurt that Rhys Ford is one truly epic, talented mm authors out there, I have been reading her work for years now and never has she disappointed me.
I really loved this world Rhys has created it was so easy to vision, I loved that. Another aspect I loved about this story was that it is UF and that there is magic. YES, I do love me some magically epic world creating. I got lost in the story from about 40% yes, I think it took me longer to get into this one, but once I did I was truly hooked. You know what I would love with this story, pictures! Seriously she has nailed the description of everything.
I loved Roku, but I effing loved Trent!
And that cat BOB! I want one, where do we get a Bob?
I highly recommend this story, I think Rhys crated a lovely story that everyone will enjoy, it isn’t over run with the romance, I think it has the perfect blend of action, drama and suspense along aside a buddy romance.
4 out of 5 stars, I am truly looking forward to more. I cannot wait if the author takes this duo on any more tasks, I want to see them grow as a couple more. I want to see where life and love takes them into the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2017
One of the things that Rhys Ford does extremely well is world building without it becoming boring. For someone who has struggled with this as a reader, it is very important. I enjoyed Roku and Trent's world very much. It is a fascinating mix of Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery and red hot Romance. Oh. Well. And Murder. You can never forget Murder with Rhys. This book does not disappoint in any way. This is definitely a must read.
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