Only Human by Glyn Soitino is part of the Everyday Spectres series at Torquere Press.

Seth can't believe that his life as a human is about to begin. His creator Zahir has given him everything that he will need memories of a past, knowledge to help him make his way, all the written papers he could need to make his way in the world, and a way to contact him in case he needs help. Seth knows he has to find a place to live, a job and learn to interact with people he contacts. Seth accomplishes most of these goals, and then by accident runs into Officer Mike who Zahir tells him to get to know. Seth enters a diner and his first human interaction not only nets him a place to live, but a job as well. Seth runs into Mike, and the sparks fly between them. The only thing keeping them apart is Mike's fear about what will happen if his town learns about his sexuality.

At the same time, Zahir is living a normal life with his lover Aidan. Zahir is determined to help Aidan get out more and will do anything towards this goal. Zahir's life has never been what you call normal. After living as a powerful magician and being imprisoned for years, Zahir is enjoying what life has to hold. Aidan agrees to go out and meet his friend Mike for a drink. Do Zahir and Seth have more in common than meets the eye? How will Mike respond when he learns that the man he loves is much more than average?

Ms. Soitino has continued her earlier series by writing about another character who she introduced in her earlier work Out of the Blue. Seth is a fascinating combination of child-like wonder that shows through at the most unusual times. His first meal reminds me of the first times with my children. His wonder of the taste of foods, going on a boat ride, or looking at a fire brings back all their wonder and beauty. I was intrigued by Seth's ability to retrieve any knowledge that Zahir placed in his mind at any time and use it immediately. When Mark and Seth first made love, Seth learned that some things are better learned from experience rather than from just immediately knowing it. Mark is a very interesting man who, in the face of the unbelievable, has difficulty understanding and accepting the improbable. Will Seth and Mark find a way past their differences or is it doomed to failure? Thanks go to Ms. Soitino for an interesting story.

Reviewed by: Teresa