Book Reviews

Book Blurb

During his youth, orphaned thief Faris was flogged at the pillar in the town square and left to die. But a kind old man saved him, gave him a home, and taught him a profession. Now Faris is the herbalist for the town of Zidar, taking care of the injured and ill. He remains lonely, haunted by his past, and insecure about how his community views him. One night, despite his reluctance, he saves a dying slave from the pillar.

A former soldier, Boro has spent the last decade as a brutalized slave. Herbs and ointment can heal his physical wounds, but both men carry scars that run deep. Bound by the constraints of law and social class, Faris and Boro must overcome enemies to protect the fragile happiness they've found.

 

 

First edition published at Dreamspinner Press, August 2014.

 

Book Review

“Sometimes you can't see yourself clearly until you see yourself through the eyes of others.” ~ Ellen Degeneres

Faris, of 'The Pillar' by Kim Fielding, has a self-esteem problem. He's gracious and humble and very resourceful, but instead of seeing himself as he is now, he still thinks of himself as a thief, therefore unworthy of forgiveness and respect. Faris discounts all of the good he's done since his dark times in the past. He needs to learn to see himself as others see him in order to realize how very special he is.

Faris takes his responsibility of being the town herbalist very seriously. He makes his daily rounds checking to see if anyone needs his help; done without any thought of payment. When his master died, Faris continued the important work for which he has been trained. It is something Faris does out of respect and appreciation for taking him in. He still considers the house, the equipment, notes, and drawings as belonging to his master, not himself. Faris is oblivious to the fact that the townspeople hold him in high regard, see him as an invaluable asset to the community. Faris is eternally grateful for the simple but comfortable life he is living. He has a modest home and, in exchange for his services, is given whatever he needs to live. Mother Nature provides everything else he needs in the way of herbs and such for his remedies. Along with the many feelings he tries to deny, is the fact that Faris favors men, which, of course, is unacceptable at that time. Faris's occasional trips to larger towns, satisfy his physical needs, but do nothing to quell his heart's burning desire for companionship.  Like so many other things, Faris isn't sure he deserves such happiness and quickly dismisses this as a possibility.

In a twist of fate, things begin to change when Faris rescues a slave who has been punished by being chained to the dreaded pillar and beaten almost to death. Reluctantly, Faris goes to help him. The slave, Boro, is grateful but confused. He's been treated so badly for so long that he hardly remembers how it is to have some one take care of him, especially for no reason. As he begins to improve, they share their life stories, and soon share Faris's bed. Sex is not new to either of them, but the passion, the comfort, and safety that comes with it is and it's overwhelming for both of them. Faris thinks it is too good to be true, that surely something will happen to change their circumstances, but in the meantime, for the first time, Faris and his lover are happy, both living in the moment and trying not to think about the past or what might happen. The townspeople graciously ignore their budding relationship and focus on the fact that Faris, maybe for the first time in his life, is feeling joyful. When Faris is wrongly accused of stealing, he's sent to court. Faris, still clinging to his defeatist attitude, prepares for the worst; but he has seriously underestimated himself and his effect on others.

This is a poignant fairy tale-like love story told in the poetic prose for which Kim is well-known and manages so beautifully. It's a lovely story of two lonely men, bruised and beaten by life, who discover, in each other, the key to healing and happiness. It's also a reminder for us that being chained to the past and not giving ourselves enough credit for growth and achievement since then, seriously harm our chances for happiness in the future. I recommend this unique, amazing story to everyone, especially to those who have a romantic heart like mine and are always wishing for a happy ending. Thanks, Kim, for the touching reading experience.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novella, 127 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	05-April-2025
Price	$2.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F3VG25M8