Product Description

College freshman Brian Lucas treads the academic waters well, enjoying Deans List candidacy despite having slept or daydreamed through the majority of his classes, until the beguiling beauty of a curiously out-of-touch mystery man sends him spiraling downward in a maelstrom of cat-and-mouse courtship as he attempts seduction of a lover more manipulative than moral. A first novel. Original.

Long-Form Description
Nathaniel was not so much a man as he was a muse. From happenstance introduction to romantic intrigue, our relationship blossomed almost as quickly as my infatuation, I was awed by his articulate tongue, inspired by his indefatigable spirit, seduced by his sexual finesse. Yet despite my being completely and wholly enamored, there persisted a nagging fear that something was awry. Occasionally, I could see it in his eyes, hear it in his words, feel it in his embrace--a darkness. There resided within a sickness for which, as I soon came to discover, no cure existed. In retrospect, I should have gotten away when I had the chance, I should have withdrawn, retreated, disengaged. Instead, I cherished, fantasized, and idealized. I was foolish, I allowed him to break me.

What I'm about to reveal is as much erotic as it is endearing, as ruinous as it is reassuring, it's the tale of a me I so dearly miss, an account of tender torture, stifled sadism, graceful guile, it's my memory of the boy with black eyes.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #253169 in Books
• Published on: 2008-04-08
• Released on: 2008-04-08
• Binding: Paperback
• 120 pages

Review
'The Boy with Black Eyes' has been lauded by advance readers as a 'succinct and succulent read' as well as a 'wondrously cold coming-of-age tale.' --Test Audience Members

About the Author
Brian Lucas is currently furthering his formal education at an accredited institution near his hometown; though he has written many scholarly essays, treatises, and exploratory editions, this is his first full-length novel. He resides in Cleveland, Ohio.

Customer Reviews

A no hold barred tale of romance and pain
The one - their presence can do so much more for someone than that of a lover. "The Boy with Black Eyes" is a story of Brian, a gay college freshman who begins a relationship with a twenty-something young man known as Nathaniel. The result is an emotional hurricane that leaves Brian confused and conflicted. A no hold barred tale of romance and pain, "The Boy with Black Eyes" is a top pick for gay fiction enthusiasts and for community library collections catering to gay literature.

Thought it was a practical joke
I was pleased to order a book online for an upcoming flight. One great misfortune is that it was the only book I had from Portland to Frankfurt.

'The Boy..' failed to interest me, but through impetus and lack of alternate literature, I was finished the book.

The storyline has plot holes large enough to drive Mac trucks through, and the language is reminiscent of a play written by a high schooler during study hall. At first I was confused by the four-star ratings of the story, but confirmed by the if-you-bought-this you-might-like suggestion of 'Daddy's Little Boy'. Yeah...

I had great hopes, however, for a young author that was interested in writing, but a quick search of the author's name found a profile acclaiming the story as a 'bestseller'. I'm afraid no amount of falsity or faux-hawks can force sales of a novel.

However - the young author has gone far beyond what many of us have done, and spent his no-doubt hard earned money to get a foot in a difficult door to open - I wish him the very best of luck.

Dark Refreshment
The Boy with Black Eyes, above all, speaks to man's desperate desire for companionship and connection, and how that craving often leads to self-destructive behavior. Lucas' world in which he allows himself to be drawn in by little more than adventure, clever words, and a pretty face holds a mirror to the reader and reminds us how easily and frequently the same happened to us in our youth - and may still poses challenges today. For the gay audience, Lucas' book resonates on various levels, whether it be similarities in remembrance of the coming out process, or the sad realization that so many in the gay community bear a striking resemblance to the villainous Nathaniel.

Not all is dark in the novel, however. My favorite section was the appearance of Steren, who provides a welcomed comic relief to the story. While she is depicted as a grotesque individual, it is the unexpected and gentle advice she gives Brian which brings light and dignity to even the most bizarre people.

In all, The Boy with Black Eyes is a wonderful and richly written piece. The maturity and sophistication of the writing defies the author's youthfulness and demonstrates that there are those out there who truly create art when they put pen to paper.