At First Belonging

You might like this book if you: -Have already read or are planning to read Of Late Belonging -Are into bdsm, pet play, or slave play -Are interested in reading about the experiences of sex workers -Want something short and sweet that doesn't compromise on meaning and character. -Like being fed grapes

At First Belonging is a prequel novella to Rob Macwolf 's Of Late Belonging, an excellent novel I've already written a glowing review for and have been singing the praises of. I read this novella before reading the main novel, but I personally believe the two can be read in either order. Regardless of which you read first, you'll get some wonderful insights on how Graham and Josh met and how they helped each other become the sexually liberated, hyper capable, and confident men we see in Of Late Belonging.

The story follows Josh, a raccoon and male sex worker who prides himself on his skill and professionalism. One day, he's hired by Graham, a lonely and miserable puma who wants Josh to treat him like a slave for the night. But some peculiar details about how Graham wants to be treated catch Josh's attention and spark his curiosity. As the two spend more nights together, Josh begins to discover the logic behind his client's unique desires, and he struggles to mind his own business and remain professional as feelings for the puma start to take hold.

The story is tightly structured and easy to follow, split into sections that each cover one night as Graham repeatedly hires Josh. Each night advances the story and contains revelations that tease out the intricacies of these characters and slowly mold their dynamic. It also serves as a great stand-alone story, so if you prefer something short and sweet, and you don't want to commit to a full novel, this is a good novella to grab.

People who have read Of Late Belonging will be especially shocked that this Graham is the same as the one in the novel. One of the observations I made in my review of the novel was that Graham didn't really have a character arc. Well, turns out he's already gone through one, and it's in this prequel. I dare say Graham is nearly an whole different character here. So if you were disappointed by Graham's lack of character arc in the novel, then you'll be happy to see that fulfilled in this novella.

Graham's character growth also adds extra meaning to the novel. Grant may seem the peak of dom perfection in the book, but it's only because he's experienced, having already endured and learned from the pains of loneliness and self-hate that Roy now experiences. It was smart to write and release this novella to fill in that blank, as it's an aspect of age difference I thought Of Late Belonging could have ruminated on more.

Josh, meanwhile, is a far more frustrated and unhappy character than the one we see in the novel. He still maintains his persistent, flirtatious, and wise-cracking personality, but it has a sharp edge to it here. We also get a deeper glimpse at Josh's inner workings, which make for an entertaining third person narrative voice as he navigates a storm of frustration.

It's interesting that Graham seems like a different character, whereas Josh acts like the same character but in an unhappy state. It goes to show how change is different for everyone--some people become nearly unrecognizable from who they once were, and some need only shift in circumstances to reach a more ideal state of mind. 

So, whether you're planning on reading Of Late Belonging, have already done so, or are just looking for a short and sweet read, give this one a look. I think it's a fantastic story on its own, but also an essential supplement to the main novel that really helps round it out.

The only criticism I have is that the novella doesn't come in print. I mean, c'mon Fenris, I want this one on my bookshelf too.