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WORK TITLE: Tartarus
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: https://ericandrewskatz.com/
CITY: Seattle
STATE: WA
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
https://www.boldstrokesbooks.com/authors/eric-andrews-katz-38 * https://www.boldstrokesbooks.com/books/tartarus-by-eric-andrews-katz-1920-b
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born in NY; married, 2003; spouse’s name Alan.
EDUCATION:Attended University of South Florida and Florida School of Massage.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Massage Guy (licensed massage business), Seattle, WA, founder and massage therapist, 1994—.
WRITINGS
Editor, with Vincent Kovar, and contributor to Gay City, Volume 4: At Second Glance, 2011. Work represented in anthologies, including Charmed Lives: Gay Spirit in Storytelling, 2006; The Best Date Ever: True Stories That Celebrate Gay Relationships, 2007; So Fey: Queer Fairy Fiction, 2008; Zombiality: A Queer Bent on the Undead, 2010; and Best Gay Fiction, 2015. Contributor to periodicals, including Advocate, Chelsea Station Journal, Flying House Productions, and Seattle Gay News.
SIDELIGHTS
Eric Andrews-Katz is known in the Seattle area as “the massage guy.” That is the name of the licensed massage therapy center that he opened there in 1994. Ten years later he established a second career as a journalist, contributing frequently to the Seattle Gay News and other periodicals. Armed with what critics have described as a talent for parody and a quirky sense of humor, he was also experimenting with creative writing. Andrews-Katz’s short stories found homes in several anthologies while he contemplated something new and different: a novel that would combine two genres rarely found together.
The Jesus Injection
At his self-titled Web site, Gregory L. Norris introduced The Jesus Injection as an “engaging novel … in which a hunky gay spy faces off against a host of threats … personal, political, and potentially world shattering.” Agent Buck 98 is no typical super-agent. This flamboyant caricature of a gay fashion disaster with an over-inflated sense of his own sex appeal barely escapes his own assassination while on vacation. Nonetheless, a blogger at Rainbow Gold Reviews declared: “I … actually find myself liking this guy, even if he’s as obnoxious as anyone I’ve ever met!” Still on vacation, Buck then receives a cryptic message from a dying drag queen that plunges him headlong into a new and even more dangerous adventure.
Buck is assigned to investigate the mysterious death of Dr. Timothy Shoulwater, who may have discovered a cure for AIDS. The case leads him to the Sisters of the Southern Cross and their leader, Dr. Raven Evangelista. The Sisters are a group of anti-gay religious fanatics who believe that Shoulwater’s missing research notes may point toward a “Jesus injection” with the power to “cure” even more than AIDS, and Evangelista happens to be the good doctor’s widow. Although Buck is hormonally distracted by Evangelista’s event caterer, Chef Richard, his prickly partner, rival agent Miss Noxia von Tussell, is able to keep the investigation moving ahead.
All of the characters are hiding personal secrets, including Buck himself, but reviewers declined to elaborate on them. They wanted readers to be as charmed and surprised by The Jesus Injection as they had been. The author of Reviews by Amos Lassen observed: “The prose is clear and easy to read even with the twists and turns.” While Buck’s sexual escapades are foremost in his mind, they are not the focus of this adventure. A contributor to the Sinfully book review Web site called The Jesus Injection “a gay spy thriller with tongue in cheek humour” and “a thoroughly entertaining, enthralling read with a twist.”
Balls & Chain
The oddly likable Agent Buck 98 returns in Balls & Chain. The openly gay governor of Florida, Miguel Reyes, has a chance to sign a groundbreaking same-sex marriage proposition into law if Referendum 65 succeeds. He faces opposition from multiple sources, including his own aide, the formidable Phynilla, a fundamentalist Christian minister and community activist. Suddenly Reyes’s teenage son Alejandro disappears, coincidentally along with his statuesque tutor, the mysterious Mrs. Truque, and the governor faces a tough choice: kill the bill or the boy will die. Agent Buck has only one week to find Alejandro, but there are many distractions in his way, including the intriguing countess Margarita and her canine entourage and a handsome security guard. Clearly, observed blogger Amos Lassen, “this book is … going to be a bit twisted and comedic.”
Buck is in an awkward position, though. The issue of marriage equality is a serious one, and the need to mind his manners around young people is critical—if he can manage it. “All sex is off page,” reported a reviewer at Rainbow Gold Reviews, “but there is plenty of teasing, innuendo, and double entendre.” “Andrews-Katz keeps the action speeding merrily along,” noted Keith Glaeske at Chelsea Station. The action is amplified, according to John Mack Freeman at GLBT Reviews, by “crazy relatives, a shadowy tail car, and Buck’s own inability to keep his mouth shut.” Freeman found Phynilla to be a bit too stereotypically angry, black, and female for his taste, but offered no such reservations about the exaggerated depiction of the oversexed gay secret agent Buck 98.
Tartarus
Tartarus represents a change of direction and focus as Andrews-Katz offers a more conventional gay romance within an urban fantasy setting. In days of old, the ancient gods of Titan were driven nearly to extinction by the upstart Olympians. Echidna, the Titan Mother of Monsters, survives, imprisoned in the undersea realm of Tartarus. She escapes into the modern world, determined to exact revenge upon every living descendant of her Olympian conquerors.
Meanwhile, in present-day Seattle, gay twins Annelise and Adrian Petrakis pursue careers in the arts, she as a gallery owner, he as an artist struggling to find his muse. They approach their fifties oblivious of the unseen forces about to uproot their lives. Then Adrian meets Zack, a mysterious artist nearing retirement age, at an exhibition that Annelise is hosting for him. Zack immediately senses a dormant power in Adrian, Adrian begins to have vivid, erotic dreams that energize his art, and the two men succumb to their mutual desires.
Unlike the twins, Zack is aware of his divinity, and he knows that Echidna is about to unleash a fierce magical war. Between loving interludes with Adrian, he begins to teach the twins about their Olympian heritage and train them for the ferocious onslaught of the Titans. It begins when Echidna kidnaps Annelise and carries her to the underworld, where the final bloody confrontation takes place.
Multiple critics appreciated the love story. The reviewer at Sinfully explained: “There is a certain eroticism from using mature characters that you don’t get from younger ones.” The fantasy setting was also new to some. Amos Lassen admitted that he rarely reads fantasy novels but enjoyed this one, saying: “Eric Andrews-Katz is a fine writer with a great imagination.” The Sinfully commentator summarized: “This book is pure entertainment from beginning to end,” and on Rainbow Gold Reviews, a critic found intriguing potential in Tartarus, writing: “I could see it becoming the start of a series.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Publishers Weekly, November 7, 2016, review of Tartarus, p. 46.
ONLINE
Chelsea Station, http://www.chelseastationmagazine.com/ (March 31, 2015), Keith Glaeske, review of Balls & Chain.
Eric Andrews-Katz Home Page, https://ericandrewskatz.com (July 11, 2017).
GLBT Reviews, http://www.glbtrt.ala.org/ (November 1, 2014), John Mack Freeman, review of Balls & Chain.
Gregory L. Norris Web site, http://gregorylnorris.blogspot.com/ (March 20, 2013), author interview.
Rainbow Gold Reviews, https://rainbowgoldreviews.wordpress.com/ (November 18, 2014), review of Balls & Chain; (December 25, 2016), review of Tartarus.
Reviews by Amos Lassen, http://reviewsbyamoslassen.com/ (June 21, 2017), reviews of The Jesus Injection, Balls & Chain, and Tartarus.
Sinfully, http://sinfullymmbookreviews.blogspot.com/ (February 15, 2015), review of The Jesus Injection; (December 13, 2016), review of Tartarus.*
Eric Andrews-Katz has been called many things: Massage Therapist, Journalist, Editor, and author, but very rarely subtle. He's contributed to several anthologies, is a contributing writer for the Seattle Gay News, Chelsea Station Journal, and lives in Washington state.
Eric Andrews-Katz was born in New York. When he was twelve, his family moved to Florida without asking. Eventually, he studied creative writing at USF before attending the Florida School of Massage. Eric moved to Seattle in 1994 and started a successful business (The Massage Guy™), and lives with his partner, Alan.
Eric’s work can be found in these anthologies: So Fey: Queer Fairy Fiction, The Best Date Ever, Charmed Lives: Gay Spirit in Storytelling, Gay City: Vols 2, 3, & 4 (which he also co-edited), Zombiality: A Queer Bent on the Undead, and Best Gay Fiction 2015. Eric has been a finalist in the Saints & Sinners: New Fiction from the Festival anthologies (2014, 2015) and writes interviews/reviews for the Seattle Gay News. His novels include the Agent Buck 98 series (The Jesus Injection, Balls & Chain) and Tartarus, published by Bold Strokes Books.
Eric Andrews-Katz was born in New York. When he was twelve, his family moved to Florida without asking. Eventually, he studied creative writing at USF before attending the Florida School of Massage. After moving to Seattle in 1994, Eric started a successful Licensed Massage business (The Massage Guy™) and lives with his partner, Alan. Eric’s work can be found in these anthologies: So Fey: Queer Fairy Fiction, The Best Date Ever, Charmed Lives: Gay Spirit in Storytelling (a Lambda Literary Award finalist), Gay City: Vols 2, 3, & 4 (which he also co-edited) and Zombiality: A Queer Bent on the Undead. Eric is also a contributing writer for the Seattle Gay News. The Jesus Injection is the first of the “Buck 98 Adventures”.
About
Eric Andrews-Katz has been writing since he could hold a pen. Originally from New York, Eric was 12 when his family moved to Florida without consulting him. After studying creative writing and journalism at University of South Florida, he attended the Florida School of Massage. He has a successful Licensed Massage Practice (The Massage Guy™) and currently, with his partner Alan, calls Seattle home. In 2003 they were married.
Eric started to work with the Seattle Gay News in December 2007, when asked to write a review of the musical, Jesus Christ Superstar. Not only did he write the review, but he also interviewed the star of the stage show and film, Ted Neeley. Eric was the first person to interview the late Ms. Eartha Kitt in over 10 years, which turned out to be the second-to-last interview she ever gave. He continues to work with the paper writing reviews, interviews, travel pieces, and other articles of interest.
Eric’s first short story, Mr. Grimm’s Faery Tale, was published in So Fey: Queer Fairy Fiction. The anthology was nominated in 2008 for the Lambda Literary Award, and the short story was nominated for the 2008 Spectrum Award for Best Short Fiction. Other anthologies include: The Best Date Ever: True Stories That Celebrate Gay Relationships, Charmed Lives: Gay Spirit in Storytelling (nominated for the 2007 Lambda Literary Award), Gay City: Vols 2 & 3 (nominated for 2010 Lambda Literary Award), and Zombiality: A Queer Bent on the Undead (nominated for the 2010 Lambda Literary Award). He co-edited the anthology Gay City vol 4: At Second Glance, and also wrote the introduction and a contributing story.
His first novel The Jesus Injection was released November 2012 from Bold Strokes Books
Eric’s writing has also appeared in Flying House Productions, the official magazine of the Seattle Men’s/Women’s Chorus, The Advocate, and Chelsea Station Journal. Eric was featured in The Advocate (ADV1067_iAdvocate) – June/July 2013.
Read the Goodreads interview with Eric for the Gay Romance Northwest Meet-Up – 09/14/2013
Listen to the PodCast interview of “People You Should Know” (S3E11 – November 07, 2014): Guests include: Felice Picano, Eric Andrews-Katz, Sheri Lewis Wohl, and Diane-Jacob Anderson-Minshall
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
From the Bookshelf: The Jesus Injection by Eric Andrews-Katz
One of my happiest acceptances in late 2011 (and contributor copy arrivals in early 2012) was for a short, dark steampunk tale submitted to the brilliant editing team of Eric Andrews-Katz and Vince Kovar -- the latter, the driving force behind the Gay City series of speculative anthologies, the former a respected journalist and new novelist, both fiercely talented powerhouse scribes in their own rights. The fourth Gay City volume, containing my short story "The End of an Era", posited alternate histories (the latest, presently reading, will be chock full of creature features and things that go bump in the night). In notching the acceptance, my experience was further heightened by my introduction to their writing. I've gotten to know both through our wonderful interactions following the book's release and via their work. It is my pleasure to welcome back Eric Andrews-Katz, author of the<< engaging novel>>, The Jesus Injection, <
Eric, The Jesus Injection is bold writing! Please share its genesis with us.
I wanted to write a parody of something meshing two genres that would normally not be mixed -- Buffy the Vampire Slayer was already written, and so I settled on a story about a secret agent that was gay. My partner and I were feeling very giddy and started coming up with names of characters. 'Agent Buck 98' was first, and then came Noxia von Tussell, and eventually Dr. Raven Evangelista. Everything snowballed from there.
The funniest thing is the title itself -- The Jesus Injection. I’ve gotten quite the uproar because people have assumed that somehow it’s going to be sacrilegious material. One person accused me of taking [his] ‘Lord’s name in vain just to sell my book’. He knew nothing about it except the title. I was hoping that having “A Buck 98 Adventure” on the book’s cover would discourage such thoughts. It’s truly a case of NOT judging a book by its title. Personally, I think Bold Strokes Books did an incredibly wonderful job with the cover!
Take us into your writing lair -- tell us what your creative space is like.
We have a loft outside of the master bedroom in our townhouse, and that’s where I do my writing. I have my desk set up with my computer and printers etc., bookshelves behind me, and inspirational pictures around. It’s an open space so I feel very relaxed there and have a plethora of resources at my fingertips.
How did you come to the Muse? Did you write stories when you were growing up?
I started writing as soon as I could hold a pen. I remember writing my first piece in second grade and it got published in the school paper. As for my Muse (aside from my husband), it’s the Great God Pan! I started having dreams of Pan when I was three. They continued up until I was seven. Then he appeared and said, ‘you’re going to follow me the rest of your life’. I agreed in a heartbeat and he’s been an important part of my life ever since. I’m very particular about my Pan artwork, but I have many pieces and several of them are displayed in my work space.
Do you write longhand or compose on the computer. How many drafts? In other words, please share some insight into your creative process.
I almost always write on the computer. My brain goes too fast (I’m a Gemini) for my hands to keep up with if I write longhand. I taught myself to type when I was ten, and so can do that much faster. I never have a set number of drafts that I want to complete. For me, a story is complete when I’m satisfied with it. I’ll get an idea and mull it over in my mind for a while. When I’m ready, I’ll sit down and start writing. I usually don’t storyboard because I’m used to writing short stories. When I started my novel, I found it helpful to make outlines of what I wanted to happen and where in the story they were to occur.
If you could cast Buck in the movie version, he'd be played by...
Now this I’ve often thought about as its one of the fun parts of writing. I think someone like Ewen McGregor could play Buck. He’s metrosexual enough to pull off both masculine and feminine aspects of being a gay man. He’s already proven that he has a decent singing voice, and since he’s already done [what are considered] gay films, I don’t think it’ll be an issue. His movies usually include a nude scene, so that won’t be bad, either!
Posted by Gregory L. Norris at 5:20 AM
Tartarus
263.45 (Nov. 7, 2016): p46.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2016 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Tartarus
Eric Andrews-Katz. Bold Strokes, $18.95 trade paper (236p) ISBN 978-1-62639-746-0
Andrews-Katz (Balls and Chain) packs his first full-length fantasy solidly with Greek mythology, but it causes a little stylistic whiplash as he jumps from grandiose but bland reimaginings of ancient myth to snarky dating drama to hackneyed mentoring of magic powers while on a dangerous but highly structured quest. Overzealous oil drilling releases Echidna, Mother of Monsters, from her undersea 1 prison into the Pacific Northwest. Her desire for revenge on the Olympians who imprisoned her leads her to target gallery owner Annelise Petrakis and her artistic twin, Adrian, who are unaware of being of the lineage of Apollo and Artemis until a series of erotic dreams and a connection to older artist Zack Wilson help Adrian come into his own as a healer in order to save his sister. Andrews-Katz's experience writing gay romance comes through in hot scenes between Zack and Adrian, and in the flow of the friendships in his sympathetic depictions of both teasing and support in the queer community. But too much time is spent on Echidna's backstory before she's downgraded to a generic monster in the long and uninspired fight scenes of the climax. (Dec.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Tartarus." Publishers Weekly, 7 Nov. 2016, p. 46. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA469757497&it=r&asid=6cf9f528013e0adbebcfd58b0572c3b6. Accessed 21 June 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A469757497
“The Jesus Injection” by Eric Andrews-Katz— A Mystery Thriller
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Andrews-Katz, Eric. “The Jesus Injection”, Bold Strokes Books, 2012.
A Mystery Thriller
Amos Lassen
Agent Buck 98 survived an assassination attempt while on vacation and just as he realizes that something strange is going on, he receives a note from a dying drag queen. It simply says “3-1-4” which are the dates of the death of a Dr. Timothy Shoulwater, the man who is believed to have found a cure for AIDS. However his notes have disappeared mysteriously. Buck’s former best friend. Agent 49, Noxia von Tussell who is now his rival is teamed up with him and together they are to investigate the dead doctor’s ex-wife, Dr. Raven Evangelista, a religious fanatic and political advocate. Evangelista now has some very personal and devious ambitions that make this case that much more difficult.
Buck is also lusting after Richard, a good looking man he has just met and this adds a little more to stir in this cauldron of intrigue. It might seem difficult to keep all of this balanced yet Andrews-Katz does so with style. I am usually not a reader of thrillers and/or mysteries because I need to usually think too much as I read, but in this case everything falls into place. That does not mean that this is an easy case to figure out—it rather means that <
“Balls & Chain” by Eric Andrews-Katz— A Crisis
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balls and chain
Andrews-Katz, Eric. “Balls & Chain”, Bold Strokes Books, 2014.
A Crisis
Amos Lassen
The governor of Florida, Miguel Reyes, is openly gay and he is the man behind Referendum 65 that if passed would make Florida the first Southern state where there would be marriage equality. However, as we can well imagine, not all Floridians think like the governor and he faces opposition. However, that opposition really hit home when, Alejandro, his teenage son is kidnapped and the ransom is for Reyes to kill the bill or his son will be killed. Agent Buck 98 comes into the case but he only has a short period of time, one week, to rescue the boy, and we find ourselves racing against time.
Alejandro’s tutor has suddenly disappeared and Phynilla, an African-American fundamentalist christian minister (small “c” intentional) verbally protests the governor and leads others to do the same. (She also happens to be an important aide of the governor). There is also the presence of a “countess”, Margareta, with three dogs and a weapon and there is also a very handsome security guard. If you have read Andrews-Katz’s other book about Agent Buck you have a general idea that <
Once again we have quite a colorful cast of characters and aside from those already mentioned, we meet Muffin (Agent 69), Buck’s superior officer who seems to be romantically interested in Buck. There is also the tutor, Mrs. Truque who is only spoken of and does not really appear in the story. It is interesting that she and Alejandro went missing at the same time.
This is a fun read—one of those books that you will probably forget after you read it but one that gives you a good reading experience. The writing is smooth and polished, the plot is cute and there are many interesting personalities.
‘Balls & Chain’ by Eric Andrews-Katz #LGBT #Review
mtsnow13 / November 18, 2014
MtSnow reviews Balls & Chain (An Agent Buck 98 Adventure) by Eric Andrews-Katz, published by Bold Stroke Books on November 17th, 2014, 244 pgs
BSB-BallsChain
Why I read the book: Since I had already read and reviewed the first in this series, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see what next adventure Buck 98 had going on. I was given the opportunity to read the first in this series after a conversation and meeting with the author at GRNW in Seattle this year. I loved the premise of a spy adventure with the main character being a ‘Gay James Bond’.
The Blurb:
Miguel Reyes is not only the first openly gay governor of Florida, he’s also the man behind Referendum 65. If passed, Florida will be the first Southern state in the U.S. to include marriage equality. When the governor’s fourteen-year-old son, Alejandro, is kidnapped, the message is clear: Kill the bill or we kill the boy!
Agent Buck 98 is given only one week to find and rescue Alejandro. It’s a race against time, and his opposition includes: the boy’s tutor who has suddenly fled the scene, an anti-gay reverend leading protests against the governor, a countess with a rifle and three annoying dogs, and then there’s the romantic pitfalls with a very handsome security guard.
Buck is back on another case, and the alligators aren’t the only things snapping at his heels!
The Review:
Just like in the first book, the story opens to Buck in the middle of a major crisis. This one was definitely twisted, and a bit humorous, and after reading the comedy of errors later on in the story, it puts a bit of a different light on Buck’s responses in emergency situations, and how he might interact with children. And guess what, his next case deals with a child. <> can <
Overall my impression of this story was good, and it was written in a refreshingly somewhat snarky and humorous style, where it was fairly hard for me to take the main character seriously. I think I was expecting a bit more serious and debonair ‘Gay 007’ character, but the actuality does not take away from the enjoyment of reading about Buck and his adventures.
Buck 98, above all else, is an opportunist, not exactly suave or debonair like I think of the ‘straight’ James Bond. Who actually wears turquoise pants with an orange shirt? There are many lovely quips about fashion and Broadway and various other gay ‘stereo-types’ that make this story very tongue-in-cheek, but that doesn’t take away from the underlying mystery that is to be solved in this caper.
<
For the cast of characters in this book we are introduced to Phynilla, the African-American woman who is the right hand ‘man’ for the first openly gay Southern governor, Miguel Reyes. Oh. And she also happens to be a pastor at the church run by the zealots against Referendum 65.
Next we meet ‘The Countess’ Margareta, who stands guard with a rifle and her dogs Jenny, Earle, and Marquise. To add to this, she actually puts them in costumes, and the noisy pups act as an alarm system. Buck receives an outstanding welcome from this crew to his new assignment at the Mayor’s homestead.
We are teased with discussion about, but not actually seeing, the character of Mrs. Truque, the missing ‘tutor’ for Alejandro. She just so happens to be a 6-ft tall blond woman, and the references to her tend to tease something in the back of your mind each time she is mentioned. Why isn’t she the obvious choice as the kidnapper, since she seems to be missing along with the boy?
As in the previous story, we get to see Muffin (Agent 69), Buck’s superior officer, who is always quick with the comebacks. He is very droll, able to make jokes without cracking a smile.. I get the impression he actually has affection for Buck.
Where, might we ask, is Noxia (Agent 46) this go round? Especially since, in the first adventure, we received the impression she and Buck tended to get paired up quite often. Hmmmm.
Well, you’ll just have to get your hands on this book and find out for yourself. It was a very enjoyable, and to me, light-hearted read, with a bit of mystery, unforeseen catastrophes, creative use of a straw and nails, and some unexpected reveals. Oh, and this one does have a little bit more romance than the first in the series *only a smidge though*.
03/31/2015
Balls & Chain by Eric Andrews-Katz
Review by Keith Glaeske
B&C
BSB-BallsChain
Balls & Chain
by Eric Andrews-Katz
Bold Strokes Books
978-1-62639-218-2
225 pages, paperback, $18
Imagine, if you will, a world where Miguel Reyes—the first Latino and openly gay governor of Florida—is poised to enact Referendum 65, a statewide referendum that will make Florida the first Southern state to have full marriage equality. However, when Alejandro Reyes (Miguel's fourteen-year-old son) is kidnapped, his abductors deliver the following ultimatum: either Miguel kills R65, or they will kill Alejandro. Simultaneously, and suspiciously, Alejandro's tutor disappears, and an anti-gay minister begins leading protests against the governor. Into this fray enters Agent Buck 98 from an undisclosed government agency: snarky, irreverent, and very queer, Agent Buck has only a week to locate and rescue Alejandro, and bring his kidnappers to justice.
Such is the premise behind Balls & Chain by Eric Andrews-Katz, the second Buck 98 Adventure, and sequel to The Jesus Injection. Agent Buck is joined by his agency rival Agent 46 (the equally snarky Noxia von Tüssëll), their superior Agent Muffin 69, and a host of eccentric new characters: Phynilla Jackson, the governor's executive assistant, with a tongue as sharp as Agent Buck's; the rifle-wielding Countess Margareta and her three yapping dogs; and the handsome security guard Benjamin Dover. Readers are not required to have earlier knowledge of the first Buck 98 Adventure in order to enjoy Balls & Chain; nevertheless, readers of both will appreciate the character development, especially in some interesting revelations concerning Agent 46's backstory.
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It is rare for a novel to be nearly upstaged by current events, but that is indeed the case with Balls & Chain: this novel anticipates the striking down of Florida's 2008 marriage amendment by a federal judge this past August, which has nearly made its premise obsolete; not that Andrews-Katz had any way of knowing that the momentum of the marriage equality movement would do so (and potentially could do very quickly) while he was writing his novel, or while it was in production.
One might be tempted to write off this Buck 98 Adventure as pure escapist fluff (again, in the very best tradition of James Bond), but occasionally Agent Buck reveals that he is more than an Oscar Wilde wannabe: for example, when he questions Benjamin about why he remains closeted, even though he works for an out governor. So never mind that any secret agent who acted like Agent Buck 98 (especially to his supervisor) would be drummed out of whatever unnamed governmental intelligence agency he works at for insubordination: readers should not let this or other “lapses” impede their enjoyment of the novel; just as Agent Buck 98 takes nothing seriously, neither should they.
Book review: Balls and Chain, by Eric Andrews-Katz
Andrews-Katz Balls ChainAndrews-Katz, Eric (November 1, 2014). Balls and Chain. 225 pages. Bold Strokes Books. $18.95. ISBN: 978-1-62639-218-2. Paperback.
Miguel Reyes is the first openly gay governor of Florida. When the legislature passes a bill to legalize same sex marriage, a shadowy group invades his home to kidnap his son. They’re holding him hostage and say that he will be murdered unless the governor vetoes the bill. Agent Buck 98 is sent in to find the boy, rescue him, bring the kidnappers to justice, and save the day. But with the disappearance of household staff, <
This is the second Buck 98 book from Eric Andrews-Katz after 2012’s The Jesus Injection. The story is an enjoyable detective thriller as Buck tries to infiltrate the group that has kidnapped the governor’s son. Is it the conservative pastor with the shadowy past protesting the bill? An old acquaintance the governor sent to jail? A disappeared tutor that was a trusted member of the household staff? Each has to be investigated in turn with a biting comment and sarcastic sense of humor. The story is fast-paced and ties up everything in a car chase where the good end happily and the bad unhappily (to paraphrase Oscar Wilde).
Perhaps the most problematic part of this book is the treatment of the governor’s African-American assistant, Phynilla Jackson. She takes an immediate dislike to Buck and his glib manner and reacts extremely negatively towards him. While this sort of comedy is common in this style of book, at times, the character veers uncomfortably towards the “angry black woman” stereotype. While she eventually does have a moment or two with depth and no anger, the cutting, adversarial tone returns quickly and seems jarring and out of place in the world of the book. She’s a governor’s assistant in a purple state: I’m sure she has to deal with people she hates all the time. If she were this volatile, she would have been fired ages ago.
This book is recommended for people who enjoy thrillers and libraries that collect popular literature. Be sure to have the first in the series as many characters from the first book show up in this title and have relationships that are not immediately apparent without that prior knowledge.
John Mack Freeman
“Tartarus” by Eric Andrews-Katz— A Centuries Old War
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Andrews-Katz, Eric. “Tartarus”, Bold strokes Books, 2017.
A Centuries Old War
Amos Lassen
I, by and large, do not read fantasy novels; they are just not among my favorite things. In order to get through a fantasy novel, something has to pull me in early on and Eric Andrews-Katz managed to do just that with his new novel, “Tartarus”. He takes us back to a time when the gods of Olympus nearly destroyed the Titans, a race that had come to their world before they did. It was then that Echidna, Mother of Monsters, was captured and imprisoned in Tartarus. It took her hundreds of years but she finally managed too escape and come into a world that is modern and unlike where she had been before. The old gods are gone, and now she promises to destroy every descendant of the Olympians.
Moving to the modern period and the contemporary world, we meet Adrian and Annelise, twins who live in the contemporary Pacific Northwest and Having no idea that they are Olympians. When Adrian meets Zack, the two find themselves totally into each other and the more they get to know one another, the more they fall in love. During a rather rough attack arranged by Echidna, Zack reveals his divinity and he understands now that we must teach the twins about their own heritage, and how to best use their powers in the oncoming last battle between Titans and Olympians in which there will be no weapons, only magic.
Aside from an interesting read about the Olympians and Titans, we get a taste of mythology, magic and monsters. This is a wonderful study of how the heritage of the Greeks survives though contemporary time as it comes down via the DNA that is centuries old.
Annelise owns an art gallery and one of her recent exhibitions was by a local artist, Zack. Through this Zack meets Adrian, Annelise’s twin brother and the two man are attracted to each other. I should add here that the twins are 48 years old and Zack is close to 60-years-old. He sense something in Adrian, a kind of latent power, and he helps Adrian learn about and accept it as his own. At first, we have no idea who this Zack is and he remains mysterious for a while.
Everything here happens quickly because of the war that is coming and Adrian has two issues— he has to accept Zack and his otherworldly powers and he has to do the same for himself. They must also be prepared to face Echidna who, centuries after being imprisoned, has returned to see revenge on those that imprisoned her.
It is very easy to get wrapped up in this story and there is a lot that I have not summarized— I want you to have the same pleasures that I had when reading this. <
‘Tartarus’ by Eric Andrews-Katz #LGBT #Review #NewRelease
mtsnow13 / December 25, 2016
MtSnow reviews ‘Tartarus’ by Eric Andrews-Katz, paperback released December 13, 2016. Ebook/Kindle editions released December 20th, 2016. Published by Bold Stroke Books, 277 pages.
Why MtSnow Read this Story – I have read the author’s tongue-in-cheek gay 007 series – Agent Buck 98 Adventures. At first I thought it was a continuation of that series. But, after the first few pages, I realized Tartarus is a completely different universe. More of an urban fantasy. Saying that, it helps that I have always had a fascination for Greek mythology, and this gave me an excuse to immerse myself in something a bit different.
Note: a copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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BLURB:
Long ago, the Olympian Gods conquered and nearly destroyed an earlier race known as the Titans. Echidna, Mother of Monsters, was imprisoned in Tartarus. Centuries later, she has escaped. Entering the modern world, Echidna finds the old Gods are gone, and vows to destroy every descendant of the Olympians.
In the contemporary Pacific Northwest, Adrian and Annelise have lived comfortably—unaware of their Olympian birthright and its significance. When Adrian is introduced to Zack, sparks fly and their initial contact slowly turns to romance.
Echidna unleashes a brutal attack and Zack reveals his Divine lineage. Now he must teach the twins about their own heritage, and how to wield their unique powers for the battle to come. The final battle between Titans and Olympians will be held in the Underworld. Modern weapons have no place and only magic can prevail.
Buy links:| Amazon | Add to Goodreads
Review
The first impression I got of this story was that it was a fantasy, because it begins with a vivid passage of mythology right from the start. But then, after that, I found myself introduced to our main character Adrian in modern-day Seattle. And engrossed in his squabbling with his slightly jaded sister Annelise. Neither of them seems to have found ‘the one’ (nor are they really looking), but they are really good at throwing insults at each other, as siblings do *grins*. So, basically, they are just making their way through life. As I read, I began to realize Adrian is actually an uninspired artist whose inspiration returned after some homoerotic dreams.
After meeting the wood carving artist Zack, the story becomes even more interesting, and the reader is given a glimpse that this person is going to be a pivotal character, but not quite sure what role he is supposed to play, as he at first seems quite a bit older than Adrian. It was surprising to me that Adrian and his twin are 48 and Zach is 60, because many characters in the books I read are much younger. This might not appeal to every reader, but it was actually refreshing to me. And 12 years really isn’t that much age difference!
Annelise, Adrian’s twin sister, happens to own a successful art gallery, and Adrian tends to fool around with art, until out of the blue he seems to get inspired by some visions and dreams full of Greek mythology, which vividly describe the war between the Olympians and the Titans. (I did wonder as to whether much of his inspiration came from toking on his marijuana vape as often as he does. Lol)
Adrian and Annelise are both interesting characters. Adrian more so, as Annelise doesn’t seem to be chosen to get in touch with her Greek roots as much as Adrian.
I also liked the friendship shown with the supporting characters throughout the story, as it helped move events along believably without it dragging out and seeming like it was all about Adrian.
There is a bIt of blood and gore in the story, but it all ties in with the events rather well. The location of Seattle as well as the Island of Bainbridge make for a good dark, dreary, gloomy and wet atmosphere that only adds to the story
The author must at the very least have the heart of an artist, that is, if he isn’t actually one, because, as an artist myself, much of his description vividly inspired me, and became so real I could see the various drawings and paintings in my mind’s eye very easily.
This story is well paced, seems to be well researched and features a more mature couple than typical in most of today’s gay romance. This story, to me, was not exactly a romance, but more of an adventure/quest for our hero of the hour, Adrian. <> very easily, as it’s not your typical HEA, but more of an HFN for the characters.
Great story! I definitely recommend the book for those that enjoy urban fantasy, want something a bit different, and especially if interested in Greek mythology.
8/10 pots of gold = 80% recommended and converts to 4 of 5 stars
December 13, 2016
Release Day Review: Tartarus by Eric Andrews-Katz
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Title: Tartarus
Author: Eric Andrews-Katz
Release: 13th December 2016
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Genre: M/M (fantasy)
Rating:
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Synopsis
Long ago, the Olympian Gods conquered and nearly destroyed an earlier race known as the Titans. Echidna, Mother of Monsters, was imprisoned in Tartarus. Centuries later, she has escaped. Entering the modern world, Echidna finds the old Gods are gone, and vows to destroy every descendant of the Olympians.
In the contemporary Pacific Northwest, Adrian and Annelise have lived comfortably--unaware of their Olympian birthright and its significance. When Adrian is introduced to Zack, sparks fly and their initial contact slowly turns to romance.
Echidna unleashes a brutal attack and Zack reveals his Divine lineage. Now he must teach the twins about their own heritage, and how to wield their unique powers for the battle to come. The final battle between Titans and Olympians will be held in the Underworld. Modern weapons have no place and only magic can prevail.
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Mark’s Review
Now this book was really a surprise for me. Why? Well, I usually don’t read anything on a fantasy basis, however as I like my historical stories then I couldn’t resist the premise of Greek gods, Titans, Olympians and all the myth and magic surrounding this. So yes, historical in the sense we have a super take on the Greek gods, monsters and legends; fantastical in the respect of myth, magic and underworlds.
The imagery the author creates in the first few pages is breath-taking. I was already swept away on my mythical Greek trip but it doesn’t take long before we are pulled back to the present day. This gave the story for me a whole new facet when we think that the DNA of the Greek gods have been passed down through mortals for generations but those who possess the gifts of magic are totally oblivious too it at first.
We meet Adrian and Annelise, two twins and both gay, the other fascinating thing I found that was worked into this book is the empathy that twins share. They almost have a sixth sense for what each other is feeling even when they are apart. Even today it is well reported that twins almost share a kind of empathy or telepathy with each other. Annelise has an art gallery and one of her recent exhibitions was for a local artist, Zack. Zack sees or recognises the latent power in Adrian and becomes integral in introducing him to and getting him to accept his powers. I loved the slow build up to all of this, you just know there is so much more to the eye than you think when you first meet Zack but what or who exactly is he and what does he see in Adrian? So from the offset we have the mysterious Zack but my goodness for a mature man he is certainly hot. This was something else that was very refreshing to read. We have mature gay characters, Adrian and Annelise are both 48 and Zack somewhat older with almost sixty. I love this as I don’t always have to read about buff 25 year olds and <
Anyway, Zack and Adrian are attracted to each other especially considering both have had a bit of a dry spell on the sex front. But whether this all goes well is up to how Adrian can accept who is when it is revealed to him by Zack and also accept who Zack really is. They don’t have a lot of time for romantic fuss because the Mother of Monsters, Echidna, has escaped from her prison, Tartarus and is now out to wreak havoc among the mortals. Again I loved how all this was juxtaposed, how the author brought Echidna back from the underworld to the present day. How the plot develops until the point is reached where Annelise is abducted by Echidna is brilliantly done. All the way I was left holding my breath about what comes next. Now it’s up to Zack and Adrian to enter the underworld to get her back. Again this is the type of fantasy that I can really get to grips with where past magic and myth is connected with the present day. How this is done I found pure genius and loved the whole idea of it. Then the fight begins in the underworld with all the imagery that the author conjures up makes it a joy to read.
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Purchase Links
BOLD STROKES BOOKS | AMAZON GLOBAL LINK
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Meet Eric Andrews-Katz
385060_10151303291393516_720408827_nEric Andrews-Katz has been writing since he could hold a pen. Originally from New York, Eric was 12 when his family moved to Florida without consulting him. After studying creative writing and journalism at University of South Florida, he attended the Florida School of Massage. He has a successful Licensed Massage Practice (The Massage Guy™) and currently, with his partner Alan, calls Seattle home. In 2003 they were married.
Eric started to work with the Seattle Gay Newsin December 2007, when asked to write a review of the musical, Jesus Christ Superstar.Not only did he write the review, but he also interviewed the star of the stage show and film, Ted Neeley. Eric was the first person to interview the late Ms. Eartha Kitt in over 10 years, which turned out to be the second-to-last interview she ever gave. He continues to work with the paper writing reviews, interviews, travel pieces, and other articles of interest.
Eric’s first short story, Mr. Grimm’s Faery Tale, was published in So Fey: Queer Fairy Fiction. The anthology was nominated in 2008 for the Lambda Literary Award, and the short story was nominated for the 2008 Spectrum Award for Best Short Fiction. Other anthologies include: The Best Date Ever: True Stories That Celebrate Gay Relationships, Charmed Lives: Gay Spirit in Storytelling (nominated for the 2007 Lambda Literary Award), Gay City: Vols 2 & 3 (nominated for 2010 Lambda Literary Award), and Zombiality: A Queer Bent on the Undead (nominated for the 2010 Lambda Literary Award). He co-edited the anthology Gay City vol 4: At Second Glance, and also wrote the introduction and a contributing story.
His first novel The Jesus Injection was released November 2012 from Bold Strokes Books
Eric’s writing has also appeared in Flying House Productions, the official magazine of the Seattle Men’s/Women’s Chorus, The Advocate, and Chelsea Station Journal. Eric was featured in The Advocate (ADV1067_iAdvocate) – June/July 2013.
February 15, 2015
The Jesus Injection by Eric Andrews-Katz ~ Video Guest Post, Review and Giveaway.
The Jesus Injection - Banner
As you all know Mark is a bit of a rebel sometimes and likes to wander off the pure romance path every so often for something a little different. This time he has been side-tracked by The Jesus Injection by Eric Andrews-Katz <>. Read his review to find out what he thought about this one.
Eric is also at Sinfully HQ today with a personal video guest post. Check it out to meet Eric and hear what he has to say.
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THE JESUS INJECTION by Eric Andrews-Katz
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Title: The Jesus Injection
Author: Eric Andrews-Katz
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Release: 1st November 2012
Genre: M/M (mystery)
Rating:
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Synopsis
After an assassination attempt ruins his vacation, Agent Buck 98 is given a cryptic message by a dying drag queen: 3-1-4. The numbers match the date of Dr. Timothy Shoulwater's death, the noted scientist rumored to have discovered a potential cure for the AIDS virus before his notes mysteriously disappeared. Buck is paired with his former best friend turned rival Agent 49, the lovely Miss Noxia von Tüssëll, to investigate Dr. Shoulwater's ex-wife, the religious zealot and growing political advocate Dr. Raven Evangelista, who sponsors a heavily conservative political platform while secretly pursuing more personal and devious ambitions.
But it's neither an anti-gay political bomber nor the romantic pursuit of Richard, the handsome caterer he just met, that challenges Buck the most. It's that before the end of the mission, Buck must keep Noxia from discovering his own darkest fear.
Mark’s Review
As you all know Mark likes to take a side-step every so often and read something different and now for something very different. I found this story to be very entertaining and all round fun. For me personally it was like reading a gay James Bond / special agent spoof. I don't know if it was intended that way, but the character names I found hilarious and gave it that sort of feel. The gay take on 007.
Agent Buck 98 is sent on a mission with his rival, agent 46 code name Noxia von Tüssëll which is supposedly a German name. The small problem I had here was that the character ë doesn't exist in German and the letter X is used very rarely in German orthology and especially not in names. However once I managed to gloss over this, it didn't detract from the wonderful dynamic these two MCs have going on. Their relationship is based on one of rivalry but behind the snark and witty dialogues they worked really well as a team and would never let each other down. It was the perfect pairing and made for some extremely humorous moments that had me laughing on numerous occasions. Agent Buck is obnoxious and fancies himself as God’s gift to spies, but I couldn’t help liking him somehow. With all his arrogance there was just something quite sexy about it. Obviously it drives his partner mad.
We also have Agent 69 who is called Muffin and is the boss of Buck and Noxia like a kind of M and Q rolled into one. This is the nickname that Buck has for Agent 69 which shows a close working relationship between them. Agent 69 doesn’t like it but tolerates it as Buck being one of his best spies. Agent Buck is openly gay and is a bit of a man-whore to say the least. Although there are a few M/M escapades on the way as in most James Bond films where he always gets the girl agent Buck ends up with Richard the chef and catering manager for all of Dr Raven Evangelista's events. But does he turn out to be the love of Buck’s life? Is Richard all that he seems to be? Well, you’ll have to read the book to find that one out for yourself.
We have another great name for the bad guy, Dr Evangelista. She is head of the organisation Sisters of The Southern Cross with some seriously radical ideas. This was obviously a dig at many extreme religious / political right groups that exist and who think you can just pray the gay away. She is involved in some very shady deals and Buck with Noxia has to get to the bottom of this. Dr Evangelista also has some personal secrets of her own that she also doesn’t want being public knowledge as it would be very bad for her reputation. So better to hush it up and sweep it under the carpet or even better try to eradicate it all together. I liked the way this character baddy is portrayed and developed. Upper-class, cool as an iceberg on the outside, but you know that something dark and evil is hiding underneath the surface. I always like female baddies as I always feel you can make them so much more evil and Eric does this very well.
I guess that it takes all sorts and everyone has the right to their opinion never mind how extreme they may be. As I said it portrays the extreme Christian right, almost Sarah Palin style. I guess if anyone is inclined that way the book may have the potential to offend, but then I guess they wouldn't or shouldn't be reading books like this anyway. However, if you take the extreme presented here light heartedly then it is quite funny in its own right to use this as a form of "bad guy" like a female version of Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Quite satirical in essence. This organisation has an hidden agenda which Noxia and Buck have to discover. They both stumble across a file called The Jesus Injection. The hunt is now on to discover what this exactly is and it would be the kind of radical thing that such a villain as Dr Evangelista would want to research and develop.
There are lots of exciting moments and action as any spy thriller should have which kept me thoroughly entertained. I don't feel as if there is any gay political agenda hidden within the book, but as in any good spy movie it uses extremes between good and bad to make for an entertaining read. The plot is well thought out, well paced and didn't leave me disconnected at any point as to what was happening or where the story was going as everything gradually comes together and all is revealed at the end. A spy story focusing around a gay theme and gay a gay MC. Where the focus is not about Buck’s “gayness” and relationships but about him being a spy and all the adventure that goes with it. Was it enough to make me read the second book in the series Balls and Chain? Well, I have it on my TBR list for sure and no doubt will get to it as soon as I can. All in all <>.