Review by Cheeks
Aug 8, 2024"When you have sought freedom all your life, you recognize it in those who stand before you."
Cleric of Desire is a phenomenal story that, at its core, explores the journey of self-discovery, finding your place in the world, and embracing who you truly are. The narrative intertwines the lives of Jeffrey, a tour guide who dresses as Mad Madame Mattie, a notorious brothel owner from the past, and Odai, the djinn/incubus he inadvertently sets free. While Odai is eager to grant Jeffrey's every wish, Jeffrey is uncertain of what he truly wants, apart from saving Madame Mattie's from being shut down.
Jeffrey's connection to the brothel-turned-museum goes beyond his love for his colleagues, his residence upstairs, his fondness for the neighborhood (despite the meddlesome Karens), or the fact that his best friend found her girlfriend there. It’s because when he steps into the role of Madame Mattie, he feels more authentically himself than ever before, though he can't quite understand why.
"Only we can really know who we are, and sometimes it takes a while to figure that out."
This unique, fun, and beautiful story captivated me. The characters were well-developed, and although the plot was somewhat predictable, it held my interest throughout. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a demiboy MC, an incubus love interest, meddling neighbors, a radiant demigirl, a grumpy best friend, wishes upon wishes, and plenty of spice.
4.75/5 Stars
On a personal note:
It took me some time to write this review. Although I devoured the book in a single day—I genuinely couldn't put it down—finding the right words to express my thoughts has been challenging. This difficulty isn't a negative reflection on the book itself, but rather a testament to how profoundly it impacted me. Before reading it, I thought I had a clear understanding of myself as a cisgender bisexual woman. However, Jeffrey's journey of self-discovery and his struggles with his identity as a demigender man revealed a connection I hadn't realized I was seeking. I've always felt out of sync with traditional notions of womanhood. Growing up, I was labeled a tomboy and was told I'd "grow out of it." Reader, I did not. Jeffrey's story resonated with me on a deep level, and through his experiences, I've gained a clearer understanding of myself.
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review.
"When you have sought freedom all your life, you recognize it in those who stand before you."
Cleric of Desire is a phenomenal story that, at its core, explores the journey of self-discovery, finding your place in the world, and embracing who you truly are. The narrative intertwines the lives of Jeffrey, a tour guide who dresses as Mad Madame Mattie, a notorious brothel owner from the past, and Odai, the djinn/incubus he inadvertently sets free. While Odai is eager to grant Jeffrey's every wish, Jeffrey is uncertain of what he truly wants, apart from saving Madame Mattie's from being shut down.
Jeffrey's connection to the brothel-turned-museum goes beyond his love for his colleagues, his residence upstairs, his fondness for the neighborhood (despite the meddlesome Karens), or the fact that his best friend found her girlfriend there. It’s because when he steps into the role of Madame Mattie, he feels more authentically himself than ever before, though he can't quite understand why.
"Only we can really know who we are, and sometimes it takes a while to figure that out."
This unique, fun, and beautiful story captivated me. The characters were well-developed, and although the plot was somewhat predictable, it held my interest throughout. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a demiboy MC, an incubus love interest, meddling neighbors, a radiant demigirl, a grumpy best friend, wishes upon wishes, and plenty of spice.
4.75/5 Stars
On a personal note:
It took me some time to write this review. Although I devoured the book in a single day—I genuinely couldn't put it down—finding the right words to express my thoughts has been challenging. This difficulty isn't a negative reflection on the book itself, but rather a testament to how profoundly it impacted me. Before reading it, I thought I had a clear understanding of myself as a cisgender bisexual woman. However, Jeffrey's journey of self-discovery and his struggles with his identity as a demigender man revealed a connection I hadn't realized I was seeking. I've always felt out of sync with traditional notions of womanhood. Growing up, I was labeled a tomboy and was told I'd "grow out of it." Reader, I did not. Jeffrey's story resonated with me on a deep level, and through his experiences, I've gained a clearer understanding of myself.
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review.
