MAS-Zine

MAS-Zine reviews

http://www.aestheticism.com
(note: The Yaoi-con Fiction Anthology mentioned is a non-profit work of editor Anne Blue of MAS-Zine. It was published in 2003 by San Francisco's Yaoi-Con. A new anthology for 2004 followed. The new anthology for Yaoi-Con 2005 is in the works.
http://www.yaoicon.com

Lady Cyrrh: The Annex Reviews, May 2003
|...| The strongest stories are as fine as anything you'd see in mainstream published fantasy like a Terri Windling anthology, but with the addition of slashy sex.|...|

http://amothea.slashcity.com
|...| even during my finals when I should have been studying I found myself going back and peeking at my favorite parts and then when I had more time rereading the stories. |...|

Jamwired
|...| I don't just mean I read it and thought, "Huh, that was pretty good." I read it and loved it. It's a conglomeration of really excellent writers and artists. After finishing each story, I wanted to start on the next right away. |...|

http://www.bluefood.cc/reviews.html / http://www.bluefood.cc/maszine3.html
|...| Here for the first time is a readily available product which upstages paperback versions of the written word, by offering a compact, easy to use alternative that also appeals to that younger generation of computer-fed literates. |...|

A review for MAS-Zine issue #1 and#2
by Pam Hollier

MAS-Zine ISSUE 1-The Darker Side -- Summer 2002
I read MAS-Zine ISSUE 1-The Darker Side because of the author, Juxian Tang. I had been reading Juxian's fiction since I first discovered slash. I love her work and this zine did not disappoint me once. It is two completed pieces, one is a sci-fi fantasy and the other is yaoi historical fiction.

The first story is Space Opera, a novel of about 175 pages. It is an engrossing sci-fi tale of a young slave, Kai, who has the misfortune to become a captive of an alien conquering race after his master has been put to death by the invaders. He finds salvation in the arms of Officer Radek . . . or does he? You will have to read this one to find out.

Then, in the historical novella Lover of Death, (about 50 pages) a favorite concubine of the Shogun is sent, as punishment to a local seedy brothel where he is to be taught a lesson of obedience. There, The Favorite encounters Tomo and the angst begins. This hauntingly, erotic fantasy is both a tragic love story and a fascinating tale of two people.

Neither story failed to meet my expectations as a fine example of this genre. This fiction is a reflection of the darker side of our desires. Juxian Tang has written stories that are moving, eloquent and richly textured. I highly recommend this zine.

MAS-Zine ISSUE 2-Bishonen In Peril -- Autumn 2002

After being so satisfied with the first edition of MAS-Zine it was a no-brainer that I was going to purchase issue two. And that is just what I did! This time it consisted of a whole assortment of authors; Amanda02, Becca Abbott, Heather Elizabeth Peterson, Remy, MadamHydra and Francesca Bathory. Each and every author in this zine is gifted, talented and an exceptional writer of quality fiction.

MAS-Zine ISSUE 2 is an anthology of various short fiction including yaoi fanfiction (Ai no Kusabi), fantasy, original yaoi and vampire fiction. The quality of work in Bishonen In Peril is remarkable, and most significantly, each story is conceptually unique.

Wasteland by Becca Abbott is yaoi fanfiction based on Ai no Kusabi. I am not familiar with the novel or the animated film. I know only what I have read about it on the internet, but this did not interfere with my enjoyment of the story. I fell hook, line and sinker for this one. The central character of Wasteland is Guy and the action begins when Iason gives the young mongrel, Guy to Raoul. Then their task is to save the world. It is wonderful.

Excerpt ---
"Turn around." Guy straightened and did so, facing the Blondie, chin lifting. He saw amusement flash in those blue eyes. Then Raoul gave him a hard push and sent Guy sprawling backward across the mattress. Strong hands seized his shackled wrists, pulling them up and fastening them to a short length of chain attached to the headboard. Fear roared through Guy in a storm of hideous memories. He made a small sound of pure terror, scrabbling desperately to sit up, backing across the bed until he was pressed against the head of it. "Please," he whispered. "Please don't." But he knew, of course, that the Blondie would do precisely as the Blondie wished.

Debt Price by Heather Elizabeth Peterson is an original novella, a beautiful, erotic tale of the master/slave relationship. Ms. Peterson is a writer with vision and scope. What more can I say, you just have to read this for yourself.

Excerpt---
The cell door swung open with a moan; he kept his eyes lowered, trying to steady his suddenly rapid breath. Already he could feel the shivers passing through his body, entering the place where his pride had once burned fierce, but which had been nothing more than dead ashes for many months now.

The boots made their way steadily across the floor as the door moaned shut again, the shadow-shrouded body blending with the dark, rough stones of the walls and the dirt-smeared floor. Then the visitor passed into the dim light that fell from the crack of a window high above, and the youth could see the calfskin boots, the gold-studded belt, the tight breeches, and, most clearly of all, the flash of crystal wound about the man's ring-finger.

A lord. It did not surprise him; most of the men who had visited him here had been lords or lord-kin. That was why he was here, after all. He kept his gaze cast below the belt; in the chill cell, sweat was beginning to form now on his neck, running down his back and between his bound wrists.

"Lord," he said softly, "I would be glad to pay to you my debt in any way I can."

The third story in the zine is Expulsion by Remy, an original novella.

The story is of Joran, an aristocratic second son, whose mother was never freed from slavery. When Joran's beloved father dies, his brother comes to power. Joran's life is turned into chaos as he realizes his status has changed from pampered, beloved son to slave. Now, not only is he no longer a free man but a slave, but he is the slave to his brother, Aerne. The excitment of this series will be continued in ISSUE 3 of MAS-Zine, needless to say the anticipation for the next installment is high.

Excerpt---
"I think," said Halvar, "that you have not fully realized your position here. You're still rebelling against what's become of you. You think that someone will swoop in and save you, and that things will return to normal." Joran wanted to protest, but Halvar continued inexorably. "They will not. You will not be leaving this place, not until you die or are sold. You are at the bottom of the chain here, and you will by God act accordingly. Is that clearly understood?"

Yes, sir," Joran answered. What else could he say?

"Your superiors," Halvar indicated the other three, "are going to make sure you understand." He turned to them. "No bones broken."

"Yes, sir," Egon answered as Halvar left them. Joran felt trapped. Halvar hadn't said he would be sold, so he was slightly reassured, but the feeling was rapidly dissipating as the three moved closer to him. Rurik spoke for them. "Strip." There was no humor in his voice now, no hidden joke. Just a hardness that scared Joran out of any attempt to speak. He pulled off his clothes rapidly, trying to project a meek attitude. See, I'm obeying. I'm good. Don't hurt me.

Rurik pointed to the floor. "Down."

Francesca Bathory is the author of Lynn.

Lynn is a pleasure slave in need of the perfect master. Francesca has a tremendous talent for packing a story with wild, edgy, erotic action. The pace of this story is terrific and a fine example of the author's ability.

The fifth story selection is a novelette, Predator and Prey written by Amanda 02. This is a vampire story about Calen and Parrish. With this story the question is WHO is the predator and WHO is the prey. I have always enjoyed reading all of Amanda's fiction and this one is no exception.

Lastly, but definitely not the least of Bishonen In Peril is the wonderful original novelette, Black Feathers by MadamHydra.

Black Feathers tells the tale of Prince Kaylin and his prize, the winged male Skya. Prince Kaylin returns with Skya, his reward from the recent military campaign.

Hopefully, this series will be continued in the fourth zine. I love this one. There is something so erotic about this pair. This story is a lush, exotic narrative that is charged with adventure, intrigue and romance.

Excerpt---
"I see you've brought back a very pretty souvenir from your little trip!"

Kaylin smiled politely, flicked his shoulder length ponytail back over his shoulder, and said, "I suppose one could view it that way."

Amid a murmur of agreement, an elderly, heavily perfumed noblewoman lifted her eyeglass and squinted through it at the winged newcomer. Finally, she drawled, "Charming. Tell me, is it any good in bed?" Kaylin sighed, swept the older woman an elegant bow and said, "It's not like that, my esteemed grand aunt. And HIS name is Skya."

"Whatever. And you haven't answered my question," she retorted in waspish tones.

Prince Salazar, casually dressed in his usual riding leathers and his skin warmly tanned from innumerable days of hunting, carelessly elbowed several people out of his way and said with a chuckle, "Don't try to tell me you picked him up in an alley somewhere. A stray puppy, he's not."

"Well, no. It's all rather complicated?" Kaylin turned to the winged man and held out his hand. The newcomer hesitated before gracefully dismounting his horse. The steed huffed and tossed its head as Skya's wings nearly brushed its head, but that was its only reaction ñ it had been trained to carry much odder things than people with wings.

As Skya moved to stand by Kaylin's side, Salazar held a brief whispered conversation with a newly arrived servant. The older prince then turned to Kaylin and said briskly, "You can tell me all the gory details later. I've got to run. But just to make matters clear for everyone, do you claim him as your property?"

Kaylin flicked a quick glance at Skya, who stared at him for an intense instant before glancing away. With an odd little smile, the prince shrugged and said, "Yes, he's mine."

MAS-Zine ISSUE 2, Bishonen In Peril is a well-detailed, elaborate, and fully original zine. Again, I highly recommend this quality fiction zine.

Now, let's move from the discussion of the excellent fiction work of this zine to the beautiful, enthralling artwork. It alone is another reason to purchase the issues of MAS-Zine.

Each issue is beautifully and professional illustrated. Jessica, Tang, Slay and Blue help to make issue #1 extaordinary The illustrations, the cover art and the layout are beautiful.
Issue #2 is illustrated by the gorgesous artwork of Black Rose, Helm and Francesca. Each a talented artist.
Finally, issue #3 will have the wonderful work of Pam Nunally, Dori Belmont, Helm, Marta, and Agnes. With artist of this caliber, I am waiting with baited breath for it's publication.

I love reading original slash fiction. It can be difficult to find quality original slash, but that is not the case with MAS-Zine. I know that when I make a purchase of MAS-Zine, I am reassured that I am purchasing top quality work. I can always expect the best with their publication. I can also see that it is quickly becoming a professional quality zine. The product is becoming more refined with each issue.

Each and every tale is set in the sensuous and surprising landscape of the imagination. These are erotic fantasies of the most powerful kind, stories in which the power of sexual love transforms and renews. In the vision of each talented author and artist, all things are possible. I highly recommend MAS-Zine and will continue to purchase each issue as it becomes available. I hope that you will take the opportunity to do so yourself.

Pam Hollier
May 2003