Author: Aleksandr Voinov
Publisher: Riptide Publishing, 2011
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This volume of the series consists of two short stories that progress the two main story arcs presented in volume one. In Dark Whisper, Silvio engages in a bit of telephonic play with his former lover and patron, Gianbattista. Although this is a vignette rather than anything else, it clearly illustrates the relationship between the two men, and the mixture of conflicted love. In Dark Night, Stefano’s troubles with the Russians take a more serious turn, and it’s time for him to take serious steps to protect his holdings when he is given the first taste of a very real threat.
I can’t begin to say how much I absolutely adore Voinov’s writing, and in these two stories he continues to explore the dynamics between sex, power and danger, and often how these complement each other within the complex relationships between people.
Nothing is straightforward, and the bonds of obligation tie characters to their past as much as they affect their relationships in the future. As much as Silvio is attracted to Stefano, it is clear that he still feels for Gianbattista, and that chemistry still exists between the two. Stefano might find Silvio more than just a little bit beguiling, but he still loves his wife.
Voinov continues to take readers along a path that leads into the dark underbelly of the Italian mafia, as I’ve never considered it before. Looking forward to the next installment. Check out volume one here
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