I had started this book right after I read one of Michael's other book called "A Private Hunger." In contrast to his other work, "Where Flows the Water" seems to have a better sense of character and a bit more impact as far as plot.
In this story, we are introduced to the character Quan, who has the ability to call water to him (making an instant well or spring) and thus earning the title of "ba'ichi." Quan has been on a quest to find his "hi'icha" which is essentially his soul mate destined to him by the Winds. Unfortunately for the young ba'ich, when he finally does find his destined, a man named Jael, his beloved's response is pure denial. All Jael wants is a loving wife with kids, but Quan is having none of that!
As I often try to point out, it really depends on what you are looking for. The book itself reads okay, but there are times if I saw another "oh..." I'd toss the book over my shoulder. The characters of Quan and Jael do seem to have defining personality. Quan comes across as a well mannered neat freak (borderline germaphobic) and Jael is very much the kind protector who doesn't know his own worth. The interaction between them was fairly entertaining during the first part of the book and provided a good basis for the plot. However there isn't any remarkable character development.
Once the two finally manage to connect to one another, the plot of the story becomes somewhat more basic and less enthralling. It soon becomes very easy to start skimming the numerous sex scenes which seem to become the whole focus of the later half of the book, and start trying to find something interesting to hold your attention. It would have been wonderful if there was a bit more back story on Quan's own culture, or at least a better understanding of the world in which the story takes place. Alas you are left to just wonder and make your own assumptions.
All in all, the book was an OK read, but nothing as far as NEED to own. There is plenty of lovey-dovey if that's all you are interested in, but for me I prefer a good combination of story and romance. This is probably a good lounging book if you want something light and simple, but honestly there isn't that much to really dive into. Not a bad effort Michaels, keep trying.
In this story, we are introduced to the character Quan, who has the ability to call water to him (making an instant well or spring) and thus earning the title of "ba'ichi." Quan has been on a quest to find his "hi'icha" which is essentially his soul mate destined to him by the Winds. Unfortunately for the young ba'ich, when he finally does find his destined, a man named Jael, his beloved's response is pure denial. All Jael wants is a loving wife with kids, but Quan is having none of that!
As I often try to point out, it really depends on what you are looking for. The book itself reads okay, but there are times if I saw another "oh..." I'd toss the book over my shoulder. The characters of Quan and Jael do seem to have defining personality. Quan comes across as a well mannered neat freak (borderline germaphobic) and Jael is very much the kind protector who doesn't know his own worth. The interaction between them was fairly entertaining during the first part of the book and provided a good basis for the plot. However there isn't any remarkable character development.
Once the two finally manage to connect to one another, the plot of the story becomes somewhat more basic and less enthralling. It soon becomes very easy to start skimming the numerous sex scenes which seem to become the whole focus of the later half of the book, and start trying to find something interesting to hold your attention. It would have been wonderful if there was a bit more back story on Quan's own culture, or at least a better understanding of the world in which the story takes place. Alas you are left to just wonder and make your own assumptions.
All in all, the book was an OK read, but nothing as far as NEED to own. There is plenty of lovey-dovey if that's all you are interested in, but for me I prefer a good combination of story and romance. This is probably a good lounging book if you want something light and simple, but honestly there isn't that much to really dive into. Not a bad effort Michaels, keep trying.
