The Song of Orpheus by Selena Kitt

The Song of Orpheus by Selena Kitt
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (121 pgs)
Other: M/F, Mild Bondage
Rating: 3.5 Cherries
Review by Phlox

Orpheus returns from war to discover Eurydice has been faithful to him, only to lose her again to tragedy. Determined to get her back, he ventures to the Underworld armed with nothing but his famous lyre.

Eurydice has a choice: brief and perfect love, destined to end in tragedy, or warm companionship which may last for centuries. Throw in a friend who would be hurt by the one choice and gods who could be angered by the other, and the emotional stew is ready to simmer.

This is a sweet, character-driven take on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. I’m fond of reworked fairy tales and myths, always intrigued to see what direction an author might take and what gaps he or she chooses to fill in. Viewing the tale from Eurydice’s point of view is an excellent choice since she gets rather short shrift in the myth (as in: Orpheus loved Eurydice, she died) and I enjoyed this Eurydice as a character. She is strong enough to stand up to powerful gods, though in a polite way, and determined enough to have what she most desires no matter how many people try to warn her off. Her approach to sex is perfect for her character as well, no passive, ‘take me now’ scenes for her, making for some wonderfully imaginative, steamy love scenes. Watch that scarf, folks, it’s instrumental in one of my favorite parts.

Unfortunately, the choice to tell the story exclusively from Eurydice’s point of view leaves the reader with the feeling of a story half-told. Orpheus is difficult to truly feel attached to since his struggles are only seen through her eyes and some of the most important dramatic elements in the story occur in her absence. No wandering the world in mourning, no journey to the Underworld, no crazed Maenads at the end. It dilates the inner tissues and nerves caused due to excessive self stimulation. tadalafil cialis generika Generally tadalafil online cheap people link this problem with their erection. By ordering vigrx plus online order viagra online, you may also get special discounts. In addition, sexual commander cialis weakness or sexual disorders in men younger than 40 years. Consequently, the end felt a bit too rushed and a bit too sweet, lacking the wrenching drama of the original story and the bittersweet note that should come at the end. Orpheus’ final solution is, in fact, a departure so far from the story that it left me feeling a bit flat.

The other distraction this story held for me was the difficulty in feeling transported. While there are centaurs, nymphs and gods galore running around, I did not get a feeling of being in a different time period. The fair at the beginning could have been in any century, most likely post 14th, with the stage and the way performers were presented. The dialogue, while well-written, is on occasion far too modern as well.

All things considered, this is a sweet love story, full of emotion and tenderness. Ms. Kitt shines in the sensual portions of this piece and the sex scenes alone are worth the read for their imaginative heat. The Song of Orpheus is a fast, engaging read for a summer afternoon, suited to the season.