Amaranth always wondered about his teachings at the temple. Born a vasai, a person with both male and female characteristics, Amaranth found it hard to believe that chel were soulless members of society. When Amaranth feels a soul's agony calling out he's shocked to discover its owner is a chel. He wastes no time reaching out to help Ash, and finds something he wasn't looking for in the process. Amaranth finds love and a healing he didn't know his own soul needed.

But this is no simple love story, and the two will have to fight for love and find their way back into each other's arms before they can gain true happiness.

Two men, one soul deep love, and an opportunity to watch a society find a new way of life is what awaits you in Jessica Freely's latest release Amaranth & Ash. I haven't read many stories where a character has two gender characteristics. Ms. Freely has developed not only two outstanding characters, but an entire world for our reading pleasure. The story discusses racism, hopes for equality, embracing change and acceptance. There are delicate subject matters that are hinted at enough to get a grasp of what has been done without giving too much detail and overshadowing the important topics of the story. While they are needed to introduce the two characters, I appreciated the tact used to portray what was done. Those looking for a fascinating story with a brilliantly written plot need look no further. Pick up a copy of Amaranth & Ash.

Reviewed by: NeNe