A Matter of Disagreement (Mechanical Universe #1) in Read with Pride Northwest

Oct 03, 2015 Mtsnow13 rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, historical, romance, series-read, professor-teacher, less-than-100-pages, steampunk, transgender, own-read, audiobook

Makes me think outside my tidy little world. A very nice surprise! Michael Stellman's narration makes this story even better. I love the description of the delicate little messenger bird, made to look realistic, made of silver and wood, yet internally intricate with movement gears. The 'battle' between spellcraft and mechanical animation is a fascinating subject, and the mix of Edwardian or Victorian with the magic and mechanical arts makes this a very interesting read.

As to the basis of the st ...more

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Dec 13, 2018 Rachel rated it really liked it

Shelves: enemies-to-lovers, m-m-fantasy-scifi-pnr-romance, own-to-read, promotional, trans-representation, lgbtqiap-plus

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Author E.E. Ottoman identifies as a disabled, queer, trans man, (he/him/his) and his stories featuring trans* characters are imbued with insight, sensitivity and understanding. Ottoman writes representation with a deftness and skill that is clearly modeled and instilled into the characters’ identities, but does not overshadow or overtake who these characters are. This is, at heart, a love story between two scientific colleagues. Andrea esteems and accepts Gregory as an academic equal and as an a Author E.E. Ottoman identifies as a disabled, queer, trans man, (he/him/his) and his stories featuring trans* characters are imbued with insight, sensitivity and understanding. Ottoman writes representation with a deftness and skill that is clearly modeled and instilled into the characters’ identities, but does not overshadow or overtake who these characters are. This is, at heart, a love story between two scientific colleagues. Andrea esteems and accepts Gregory as an academic equal and as an admired love interest. Gregory is more than the sum of his parts in Andrea’s eyes.

Since this is a Steampunk fantasy romance, the author is able to make a few adjustments as to how society views gender identity, and there is an aspect of inheritance law which is particularly affirming. In this world, law requires people to be legally and socially recognized as the gender in which they are currently living.

There is also discussion of using spell craft, medicine, and pharmaceutical treatments “to make individuals who have certain aspects of their body which do not fit with their gender more compatible.” This provides for an interesting correlation to today’s modern gender transition process. Gregory is a designated female at birth trans man (DFAB), and he discusses past experiences of transphobia that were aimed at him as a child by his father, and his experiences of gender dysphoria when he was made to present as a female.

Ottoman is a master at writing characters that defy gender stereotypes. Unlike some romances stories which overemphasize athletic, young, muscular “manly” bodies, Ottoman writes about characters of all body types. Andrea self-describes as “husky,” and explains that “I am small, and my body is not exactly made for more physical or gentlemanly endeavors.” This inclusion of differing body types helps to break the long standing Romancelandia assertion that the most attractive way to be male is to be tall, muscular, young, and athletic. It is a refreshing change.

This is a beautiful story, and a sweet and sensual romance. The entire "Mechanical Universe" set of stories are some of my favorites. Highly recommend!!

[m/m; historical fantasy; disabled, queer, trans man author; Rep: gay male fat MC, trans man MC]
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Sep 28, 2015 Mtsnow13 rated it it was amazing

Shelves: m-m, historical, fantasy, romance, series-read, less-than-100-pages, steampunk, transgender, own-read, audiobook

A very nice surprise! Michael Stellman’s narration makes this story even better. I love the description of the delicate little messenger bird, made to look realistic, created of silver and wood, yet internally intricate with movement gears. The ‘battle’ between spellcraft and mechanical animation is a fascinating subject, and the mix of Edwardian or Victorian era with the magic and mechanical arts makes this a very interesting read.

As to the basis of the story, the polar opposites they seem to ...more

2 likes · Like · see review