Phantom World

Rating:
Summary: An okay book
Review: The introduction to the book says that this is a a departure from his previous books, and that is very correct. Throughout the beggining of the novel I forgot there was not a relevant gay character, it seems the author concentrated on the straight boys in the story, while thats not bad, it is different from his previous books in the gay chronicles. Perhaps the intent is to show every shade in the field of growing up and dating, but it seem to loose a bit of the charm from the gay characters in the previous novels.

The book itself reads in the same way as the rest chronicles, from the style to the change of point of views, it is an enjoyable read, but definetly not the best. If you are starting out the chronicle Id recommend startin in order from the soccer field is empty.

Rating:
Summary: Another great book from a gifted writer of Gay stories!
Review: This was an excellent book! A new book in what hopefully will be a new series from a gifted author that created `The Gay Chronicles'.

Phantom World is a very easy read and begins a new story line of gay love, discovery, and hate in Indiana. Those familiar with Marks books will recognize Indiana from his other stories. Phantom World although a new story, does bring back in several of characters from `The Gay Chronicles' . However, even if you have not read any of Mark's other books, this one can definitely stand on its own.

This story is about 3 primary characters. The description below is taken from Mark Roeder's website markroeder.com. It describes the book the best.

Three potential boyfriends, a whirlwind of confusion, and perilous danger await Toby as he searches for love and excitement in Phantom World.

Toby Riester is sixteen, gay, and searching for his first boyfriend. He discovers many potential candidates--Orlando, a cute sixteen year old boy of Latin ancestry who works with Toby at the Phantom World amusement park--C.T., a blond, seventeen year old who is obviously gay--and Spike, a well-built sixteen year old from the internet. Each boy has his own seductive qualities and each is more than his seems. One of them, however, is far more dangerous than Toby ever guessed. Orlando finds himself a girlfriend at Phantom World, but that's only the beginning of his story. When he meets his girlfriend's twin brother, Kerry, his world is turned upside down. Mackenzie Riester is the athletic younger brother of Toby. He has little respect for his queer big brother and joins with his new found friend, Billy, in playing an elaborate practical joke on Toby that becomes more perilous than he ever dreamed. Phantom World is the story of three very different boys--their triumphs, heartaches, and their search for love and acceptance (...)

I fully enjoyed this book as I have with all the other many books Mark has written. I cannot wait for his new book Masked Destiny.

Keep up the great work Mark! This one was another Great one!

Mike Heine (`winterstone')

Rating:
Summary: Another great book from a gifted writer of Gay stories!
Review: This was an excellent book! A new book in what hopefully will be a new series from a gifted author that created 'The Gay Chronicles'.

Phantom World is a very easy read and begins a new story line of gay love, discovery, and hate in Indiana. Those familiar with Marks books will recognize Indiana from his other stories. Phantom World although a new story, does bring back in several of characters from 'The Gay Chronicles' . However, even if you have not read any of Mark's other books, this one can definitely stand on its own.

This story is about 3 primary characters. The description below is taken from Mark Roeder's website markroeder.com. It describes the book the best.

Three potential boyfriends, a whirlwind of confusion, and perilous danger await Toby as he searches for love and excitement in Phantom World.

Toby Riester is sixteen, gay, and searching for his first boyfriend. He discovers many potential candidates--Orlando, a cute sixteen year old boy of Latin ancestry who works with Toby at the Phantom World amusement park--C.T., a blond, seventeen year old who is obviously gay--and Spike, a well-built sixteen year old from the internet. Each boy has his own seductive qualities and each is more than his seems. One of them, however, is far more dangerous than Toby ever guessed. Orlando finds himself a girlfriend at Phantom World, but that's only the beginning of his story. When he meets his girlfriend's twin brother, Kerry, his world is turned upside down. Mackenzie Riester is the athletic younger brother of Toby. He has little respect for his queer big brother and joins with his new found friend, Billy, in playing an elaborate practical joke on Toby that becomes more perilous than he ever dreamed. Phantom World is the story of three very different boys--their triumphs, heartaches, and their search for love and acceptance (...)

I fully enjoyed this book as I have with all the other many books Mark has written. I cannot wait for his new book Masked Destiny.

Keep up the great work Mark! This one was another Great one!

Mike Heine ('winterstone')