A Conspiracy of Ravens: A One-hand Read

Rating:
Summary: BLAST FROM THE PAST!
Review: Has William Maltese gone all nostalgic for those early gay novels (short, fast-paced, and concentrating more on character interaction than on plot line)? Or, has the market-savvy author merely read the Tarot Cards and seen the "why" behind major publishers cutting back on their gay lines, some gay imprints (like GMP and Stonewall Inn) biting the dust because of decreased sales? In that, what Maltese delivers in A CONSPIRACY OF RAVENS: A ONE-HAND READ is just what the title advertises (and just what the "doctor" ordered). And he does it with the aplomb of someone who used to mass-produce just this kind of book for the likes of Greenleaf Classics, Frenchy's, and Hamilton House, back in the gay-novel heyday. And, I for one, am glad to have this format back on the stands and being written by such a proficient author. Myself a bit curious as to why this short and fast-paced format ever disappeared in the first place, what with readers (myself included), raised on fast foods, fast computer games, and fast-fix TV, having way too short intention spans to spend all of the time required to figure out some of the complex plot lines and three-hundred page gay tomes publishers have been serving up for the past few years. Not to insinuate that A CONPIRACY~ doesn't have a plot line, thereby written purely for prurient interests, because it certainly has all the plot it needs, and more than enough of it to keep us turning the pages. It's just that Maltese, with his usual expertise, has managed to take a real legend (that has the British Empire destined for its final fall if and when the Tower Ravens ever leave the infamous Tower of London grounds), and has placed it within a context that would have any gay guy welcome this book as his sole companion for any night initially scheduled to be spent home alone. Right (or should I say "Write"?) on, William! More, more, more!

Rating:
Summary: You won't be disappointed
Review: Make no mistake, William Maltese's book, "A Conspiracy of Ravens, A one-handed read," has been aptly titled. For those looking for excellent gay erotica, "A Conspiracy of Ravens," is a must. While Maltese's book does have a plot, this is a short, 78 page, sex-driven piece of work. The plot serves as a scaffold for the explicit and frequent sexual passages, and while the story line does indeed enhance the read, it doesn't in any way leave the reader confused as to its purpose, to support the sexual passages, which are done to perfection.
The plot, while seeming secondary to the true purpose of this book, is an absorbing story about American-born Patrick, who is sent to school in Ireland. While he's there, his Irish lover, Ian, is murdered during an anti-British political demonstration, leaving Patrick bereft and grief-stricken. We learn of an English legend concerning the ravens of the London Tower, and what will happen when the last one dies. When Patrick travels to London, his need to respond to Ian's senseless murder, the British he feels are responsible, and the fate of the London Tower ravens all come together.
For those looking for excellent gay erotica with an interesting story to support it and carry it along, Maltese's "Conspiracy of Ravens," is highly recommended and will deliver.