Miles and the Magic Flute by Heidi Cullinan is a homoerotic fantasy story.

Miles's life was progressing as had had planned until he lost everything when he was laid off. He lost not only his job, but his boyfriend and everything he held dear. Even his friends walked away. He was left to return home to live with an old friend, working at her pawn shop, bemoaning what could have been. The only thing that he loves is that he is near the forest. Miles vowed that he would do anything to change his life. You know the old saying "be careful what you wish for"? Well in Miles's case this is very true. When Miles was young he felt a call in the forest, even saw strange things, and odd things began to happen. Now, Miles began to hear a voice saying to go to the woods, spring flowers began growing in the fall, a ghost-like form appeared, then a beautiful flute appeared at the pawn shop. It was when Miles went on line to find the worth of the Flute when things began to spin out of control. Miles clicked onto a link called "Terris's Faerie Realm" the scene went blank and he was seemingly transported to some place cold, dank but in an instant he returned home. Miles is sent to pick up supplies when the path changes to a forest area where he is being hunted by a wild beast until he is saved by a beautiful being called Terris. What is going on? Who exactly is Terris? What was following him in the woods? Is Miles going crazy or is there something more sinister involved?

Ms. Cullinan has created a story that intertwines the real world and the fascinating realm of the faeries that a delightful and fast paced. Miles is like anyone today who lost their job, angry about the changes that in their lives. Miles's wish is not unique, but what happens and how he reacts to it is remarkable. His ability to accept what he sees and believe that it is real allows the reader to see new possibilities in what life has to offer. Being angry about life's obstacles is understandable, but how you respond to it is what changes the course of your life. I was captivated and intrigued by Terris, his beauty that is inhuman, but mostly by his cryptic comments to Miles. Who is Terris and does his presence spell foreboding for Miles? Thanks go to Ms. Cullinan for an incredible story.

Reviewed by: Teresa