Lord of the White Hell, Book One [Paperback]

Even though this book was published this year, I am a bit surprised that there are only three reviews to-date. This is a really good book, whether you are gay or not. There is very good, original plot and excellent character development. If you want constant explicit sex, this book is not for you. The sex is handled with great discretion and sensitivity. I have read a great many gay romantic novels, and at least half were not worth my time. This one compares favorably to Flewellings Nightrunner series. I have already read the sequel and will review it next. I hope Hale continues on and writes as well in subsequent novels. I shall certainly read them.

I began to wish for Ginn Hale's new book right after I have read her "Wicked gentlemen", which was I should say about three years ago. And no, couple of short stories were not nearly enough to satisfy my cravings for this writer's work. And finally we have the new novel and the novel in two volumes. I was so so happy to finally get them both in my greedy hands :)

To say that this book delivers would be an understatement, it just takes your breath away. This is a fantasy, a real epic fantasy, it does not just have fantasy dressings for gay romance. Both fantasy and romance are equally important here. The writer takes care to craft amazing, fully realized world with its history, science, art and some very ugly superstitutions and racism. This is the world where our heroes meet. Kiram, who is a seventeen year old genuis with machinery and first of the Haldiims to be accepted in teh prestigious Caledonian academy in many years and Javier, Caledonian noble and Duke who has a little problem of carrying a Hell inside of him. No, it is not really a spoiler, you really need to read the book to find out what exactly is this White Hell.

I really loved how Ginn Hale took a great care in developing our protagonists' relationships, made sure they got to know each other well and still did not forget that they are seventeen and eighteen year olds and that they also could be attracted to each other fast. It just rang true to me, every single interactions between them and even their quarrels ring true as well. No deliberate misunderstandings here and then spending half a book trying to correct that misunderstandings. Oh no, the problems between them mirror the problems that stand between their nations in a sense and in a sense their problems are due to their personalities.

Oh I love this book so much and now off to read book two.

There aren't many books I consider to be epic masterpieces. When an author writes a book that will be labeled as such, and knowing that have achieved a deep emotional response from a reader, that is where they deserve a major pat on the back. This is where a reader will finish reading the last page and finally release a deep breath they have been holding inside because they have been on the edge of their seat the entire time. And, they will most likely go back and re-read it all over again.

An author who has written such a book has truly accomplished something incredible.

That book is Lord of the White Hell: Book One by Ginn Hale.

Ginn has written a story of wonderment that has amazing world building and not to be forgotten characters. Lord of the White Hell will astound you. This is an adult read with a gay romance, but also has a feel of a fantasy young adult book. The main protagonist is seventeen-year-old Kiram, who is given the chance of the lifetime in attending the very affluent Cadeleonian Academy. Kiram is not a Cadeleonian, but is Haldim. Because Kiram is from a different race, he's looked down upon and is a victim of bigotry. Kiram is a very skilled as a machinist and his father is a well known candy maker. Kiram knows he won't fit in, but will try his best to excel, seeing as no full-blooded Haldim has ever been accepted into the school.

Kiram ends up being roommates with Javier Tornesal, duke of Rauma, who will be his mentor of sorts. Javier is well respected, admired and equally feared not only because of his station in life but because he has a deadly curse living inside of him. This curse is known as the white hell and through punishment by the hands of the school priest and deep physical and mental spiritual mediation, Javier can keep it under control.

Kiram doesn't believe all this hell nonsense because his religious beliefs are very different from the Caledonians. His is intrigued by Javier, more than he would like to admit. Javier is very handsome and gives off this vibe of entitlement and power. When the two men are first introduced, Javier does his best to seduce Kiram. Even though some of the students do have affairs at the school, it isn't acknowledged, but kept as a dirty secret. Kiram comes from a culture where men can be together out in the open, so this is a culture shock. He refuses to be one of Javier's playthings and used in such a demoralizing way.

Javier keeps his distance, but is always watching Kiram as they both maneuver around the school. Kiram is the subject of some scorn from his students and a few teachers, but he finds acceptance with Javier's simple cousin Fedeles and Nestor, who is very friendly and looks up to him. Kiram and Javier eventually become close, where Javier takes on the role as Kiram's protector and guide. And because Kiram's feelings for Javier have grown, he welcomes any interaction and attention Javier throws his way.

Soon Kiram joins Javier's cliché, known as the Hellions, who pal around together and end up at the local brothels. Kiram doesn't like this side of the Hellions and of Javier, who always goes along with them. He is very confused because Javier looks upon him with great desire and seems to be very jealous, especially when Kiram mentions an old lover back at home. No one else seems to be aware of the attraction these two have for each other and they can barely keep it in check.

Then Kiram's uncle comes for a visit during an annual tournament and brings warnings. He wants Kiram to leave the school and come back home for his protection. Kiram refuses because he wants to remain with Javier. After some investigation, they figure out that Javier's curse is not what it seems and perhaps someone wants to kill Javier and gain a great reward.

It's so hard to explain why Lord of the White Hell is a remarkable book. Compelling, well written, romantic and thrilling are just a few words to describe this latest by Ginn Hale. There is great balance in regards to the world Ginn has created, mainly with the relationship between Kiram and Javier. Their romance is written in such a way that those who may not be comfortable with a male/male attraction will not mind in the least. Ginn has a wonderful way of building up a connection between these two and you can't help but want them to be together.

The magical side of things is a downplayed and I really was expecting Javier's release of the white hell everyone keeps mentioning. The ending will have you anxious for the next book, which is played very well on Ginn's part.

There is so much more to recommend about Lord of the White Hell. Magical and remarkable is what Ginn Hale has accomplished here.

Katiebabs