Divisions by Kyell Gold

Divisions Reviews

• 
  Cole Riann

  Review posted at
  The Armchair Reader.
  
  4.5 stars
  
  Back when I was reviewing at Jessewave's in early 2011, this is the series that brought Kyell Gold and anthropomorphic fiction to my attention. I fell in love with Lee, the fox who dressed up as a vixen to seduce a straight jock and Dev, the tiger who ended up falling for him. Their lives and relationship continued on in tumultuous fashion after graduation when Dev was drafted into professional football and Lee sacrificed his gay activism for his love of football and became a professional scout. The visibility in the sport forced him back into the closet and their relationship suffered. They endured, however, only to be publicly outed by Lee's ex best friend and have since tried to make the best of their relationship and Dev's career as a professional gay athlete. Dealing with homophobic teammates, homophobic fans, and family troubles have made their relationship stronger as Divisions opens, and we reconnect with the two in a much more stable relationship than in the past.
  
  Though their relationship is stronger in this third installment to the series, they still have problems going on in their own lives and just like in the past much of the story is seen from their different perspectives while apart. Lee is dealing with a crisis of career. Now that their relationship is public, he has to be careful working in the same sport that his boyfriend plays in. And should he even still be working towards a career as a scout? What happened to his days of activism, when he wanted to make a difference? At the same time, his family has fallen apart around him. He's close to his father once again and they're working to make their relationship stronger, but it has really only happened because of his parent's new separation. And the direction his mother has taken is even more upsetting when he learns that the organization that spreads hate he's been considering taking up activism to work against has their own hooks in her, turning her into an even more intolerant mother than she previously was.
  
  Dev has his own problems. Now out of the closet and past his problems with his own team, their newfound camaraderie has made them a winning team that is headed towards the Division Championships. All of that is jeopardized by a new member brought to the Firebirds who seems determined to make his life difficult. Dev just wants to play football and he doesn't want to be made into a gay role model, something that his teammate and Lee with his reemerging activism can't seem to let go.
  
  I've been excited to read this book for two years now, ever since I read the first two and I wasn't disappointed. The difficulty with an ongoing series is how so many different strands of a story become interwoven and then are left dangling when each book ends, and Kyell Gold did an excellent job taking up those strands and weaving them into the continuation of the complex relationship that I love. What I love so much about Lee and Devlin is that they have their own lives. It's so much more of a real life relationship that what we're usually given with romance plots, where a couple disappears into one another. They're given their own lives that at times perfectly mesh with one another and are at times completely at odds. Lee and Dev have to reconcile those things and always work on their relationship, or at least actively work so that it isn't destroyed among all the people that are trying to drive a wedge between them. Many of those people are back, some malicious (like Lee's past activism friend Brian) and some whose intentions are unknown, like Dev's new teammate.
  
  The influences that surround them, especially in the wake of Dev's coming out press conference, serve to make Lee realize what an opportunity they have to help gay youth, especially other young athletes. The modern day epidemic of gay suicide and bullying take stage in this book as Lee learns that one of the young men who wrote to thank Dev after coming out on national television is reported to have committed suicide. This affects Lee deeply, having corresponded with the youth and now understanding the full impact of their actions, or in Lee's fears, their inaction. This is further compounded by the knowledge that the "family values" community his mother has apparently taken up with may have had a direct impact on the young football player and his reasons for taking his own life. Though only one part of the whole story, this subplot took front and center stage of this novel. It is indicative of the one central issue that stands between Lee and Dev and that is how they react differently to such issues. Dev, of course, just wants to play football. And with good reason, he's naturally one that almost tries not to be affected by such issues, on top of which if he does consent to putting more time into his public image and philanthropy, it could kill his career. This, of course, drives Lee insane. He's naturally a crusader and feels some guilt for letting his relationship and his love of football to dictate his life and career away from activism. Could he have been helping all along? What could he do now? Could he dismantle this organization meant to spread hate and lies and manipulation with the power his lover now has in the spotlight? Is it worth it to possibly sacrifice his relationship with Dev to save young lives? Their fundamental differences are continually pitting them against one another. In a sense, they deal with it well, but in many ways they're prolonging the issues -- I assume until the next (final?) book, which is only one of the reasons that I'm even more eager to read it.
  
  When I find a book I love, I feel like a salesman. That's really not my personality, but when you love something you want to share it. I want to get all of you to read a certain book. In many ways, I felt that way with the first two books I reviewed in 2011. I hadn't heard of Kyell Gold at that time and I wasn't really sure that many people in the m/m romance community had at that point, though I know Kyell had popularity in other communities. I feel like Kyell Gold is a widespread name now in our genre, something I'm very happy about, and I no longer really need to sell this series to all of you reading my reviews. If you're reading this, chances are you've already heard of Out of Position and may have even read it. If you have, I know you'll want to read this new book, because I can't imagine anyone reading about Dev and Lee and not getting as hooked as I am.
• 
  Elisa Rolle

  Divisions is another little step into the life of tiger Dev and fox Lee. They are now a couple, together in front of their respective families and the public. Dev’s football team is backing him, new friends are helping them settle into the life of a committed couple and some old friends are creating troubles. This new installment in a series that I loved since book 1 is confirming my idea that this is a very ordinary love story, a nice romance, with that just touch of sexy to make it good, about anthropomorphic characters, but that is like saying the guy had black hair and blue eyes, or the girl had long hair and brown eyes, only that here you have a guy with long stripes and big paws or the other guy with a fluffy tail…
  
  It’s also about football, and for me who is not an expert, the feeling is that Kyell Gold knows about the stuff, and so, if you are a fan of that sport, I suppose this is definitely a book you wanted to read; from my external point of view, I suppose there are more men fan of the sport than women, so I would say this is quite a manly romance, but hands up, I’m pretty sure there are also women who love the sport (and the players!).
  
  Other than football the main theme is Lee’s struggle with his mother, who has joined an ultra-conservative group that is supposedly helping the families remained united when a kid comes out. Unfortunately the group is moistly trying to “pray out” the gayness from the kid, often with tragic outcomes. Even if in an anthropomorphic setting, unfortunately this side of the story rang very true, and it’s saddening to think that this is really happening somewhere, especially in small town where the abused kid (because this is abusing) has no one else helping him out of that trap.
  
  Kyell Gold started the book advising the readers that, once he finished the first draft of the story, it was too long to fit only 1 book, and so he split it into two separate novels. So you will reach the end knowing that not everything will be wrapped up here, but also with the good news that soon enough you will have the chance to spend another pleasant day reading about Dev and Lee.
  
  
  http://www.amazon.com/dp/1936689278/?...
• 
  Jerry

  I read the first two books In June of 2011 and gave them both 5 stars. I went back to see if the series was finished and it was and also in Audible. So I got the whole series and listened straight thru. I loved it. The narrator was a little dry, but I soon started to like his style. At times I wished he had created different pitches for Lee and Dev, because some of the dialog is written for reading and listening sometimes doesn't naturally let you know who is speaking at all times. For some reason, and maybe because I did the whole thing straight thru, I really think I understand football now. Not that I avidly watch on TV, but I can actually discuss with fans about the game...not the players....but if Michael Sam was playing I certainly would.
  This book is about the frustrations of how they are really a couple, but in the back of Lee's mind he thinks he will screw it up. Dev is afraid Lee might screw it up. And thus the conflict is set for the rest of the series.
  I love the interesting way Kyell makes the various animals become human (and therefore Furry). There is always a twist on everyday life because they are animals with human functions. Somehow this allows for all the prejudice of human races to be explored in a different way. And the sex is interesting as well. I personally would love to be ravaged by a football playing tiger, wow.
  For me this was so compelling, I just went from the end of each book to the next.
  I really wish this story could have been real for Michael Sam. We need the NFL to come out!
• 
  Cy

  Finished it. It's as solid an entry into the Dev and Lee story as I predicted it was going to be, but suffers quite a bit from "middle-book syndrome". Many (most) plotlines from the first two books have been wrapped up and much time is spent laying out new ones. The author himself admits that there will be another book in the series, so this one, perhaps, won't look quite so...unfinished when its sequel is published (hopefully soon).
  
  I'll keep the comments I left below as I think they are applicable.
  
  ~~~
  
  I'm about halfway through the book and while I like the overall story and still love Dev and Lee as characters, I can't help but shake the fact that the book (and potentially the series as a whole, having read all three of them in quick succession this past week) seems to rely too much on formula:
  
  - Dev plays a game of football where he has to remind himself to focus on the game.
  - Lee does something behind Dev's back he knows his boyfriend won't approve of, but does it anyway.
  - Dev hears about it and gets angry. They have an small argument that ends in angry sex.
  - Lee promises to keep Dev in the loop.
  - Cycle repeats
  
  Don't get me wrong: I think the characters, the world, and the dialogue are so well written that I can look past the formula. I'm enjoying the overall plot, and formula's not necessarily bad. I'm just noticing something.
• 
  Kristopher

  Although every sequel in the series has picked up right where the previous installment left off, there is definitely a feeling of tension by the end of "Divisions."
  
  The previous books have presented the conflict and a resolution, while this one lets the characters evolve while the over-arching problems still exist and need to be resolved. It is definitely just like the end of the third season when the writers begin a two-part episode and make you wait an entire summer for the conclusion.
  
  While I know this wasn't the author's intent when he first began writing this installment, I believe it adds to the suspense and tension that we are facing as we travel with Dev and Lee. I both hate and love that suspense. I do hope we can all experience a great catharsis by the end of the fourth book, whenever that comes.
  
  Again, I am impressed by Gold's story-telling and character development. He's like the Joss Whedon of writers and truly understands how people think, and how different people think. These people feel so real and I love that.
• 
  Penny

  3.75 stars
  A warning: This is not a stand alone book (Third in series) and there is at least one more addition to come. If you haven't realized this a gay furry fiction tale.
  
  The continuing saga of Lee(Fox) and Dev(Tiger) as they move in together, struggle, and work on building a life that satisfies both their needs.
  So a quick summary:
  
  Dev is playing better than ever, much to do with his partner Lee. Football season is coming to an end and getting close to the playoffs. His stasis as the first and only openly gay player has settle down. He's focused on two things: Football and Lee.
  
  Lee continues to struggle with finding purpose with his life. He knows he wants to make a difference. Then he learns his parents are getting a divorce and his relationship with his mother becomes even more strained.
  
  I've become very attached to these characters. Overall, I enjoyed the story.
  
  Issues: Some of the scenes seemed to drag a bit and becomes slightly repetitive.
  
  Not a perfect book, but a good addition to the series.
  
  
• 
  John Lewis

  Witty, emotional, and filled with enough sports talk to appease even the most illiterate in football, Divisions is another great work by Kyell Gold. Focusing more on the eccentric Wiley Farrel and his family's appreciation or malice of his homosexual lifestyle, readers dive deeper into the character and how his past and future shapes his present relationship with Dev. Rivals and new, tension building characters return to the award-winning series, only progressing the story and making it an enjoyable addition to any furry or romance fan's library.
  
  Whether a football fan, member of the furry fandom, or someone who appreciates a well-grounded relationship story, Divisions is a non-stop read that will have you grinning, blushing, and thinking until the end.
  
• 
  David

  I'm a total fanboy for the Out Of Position series, especially since over the course of the books I have been able to see Dev and Lee deal with a lot of the same issues (intra- and interpersonal) that I have in my life, and we are remarkably in sync. I think everyone who is or knows an LGBT person should read this series (and skip over the naughty bits, if one must).
  
  Divisions gets 4 stars instead of 5 because, being the first half of what was originally one book now split into two, it ends off on this sort of "I guess we'll just have to wait and see how things turn out" note which is an unsatisfying way to end a novel. That being said, I can't wait to see what will happen in the next volume!
• 
  Robin

  It's less FURRY PORN HERP than the previous novels (though what's here is really hot, if you aren't the type to say "wait, 'his engorged knot', what?", i.e., aren't a totally normal person), and it's good.
  
  The characters are the characters that you've come to expect by this point in the series, and there aren't really a ton of surprises, so the conflict feels a bit manufactured at times. Also, Kyell seemingly has a strong problem with religion, as every single religious character in this book is an unbelievable level of gigantic card-carrying asshole. Other than those minor grumps, this is exactly what you expect going in, and it works.
• 
  Jenn (not Lily)

  I love these two so much! I have no idea why I keep waiting so long between books, but it's probably the length -- I obviously need to get over my big book phobia. And it's perfect timing reading this while the NFL season is ramping up. Honestly, I'd rather read these than watch boring human football players! Hopefully, I can fit Dev's playoff games into the 2022 playoffs, but we'll see...
• 
  Kristy Maitz

  I don't know what to say. I am a bit annoyed with the story plot or rather the story development. What I don't like is how slow everything is moving. Also I don't like Lee's characters.
• 
  Kashii

  I liked the more serious undertones
• 
  Lucas Kelso

  yep you guessed it, it's the furry erotica for me. In this book the football team goes to the big thing and it's super huge, honestly i just read it for the cuddling or whatever i think it's cute
• 
  Jose

  This is the less enjoyable of the hole serie but still good.
• 
  ✿-Anna-✿

  I'm so going to miss this couple when the series ends... each book I read makes me love them more and never want to stop reading about them.
  
  Is Divisions... Lee seems a little lost.... he is conflicted between getting another job in sports as a scout that will again take him away from Dev, but not in a way that they are not use too and can not work around... OR not work and devote his time to being a activist for gay rights, that might conflict with his relationship with Dev because it's not something Dev is interested in doing but will feel obligated to do because of his fame as a first openly gay football player.
  
  Dev seems supportive in either choice that Lee takes and I think he'll try real hard to support Lee in the activist stuff if he chooses but he will not do anything that will take him away from giving football is primary attention... because of that I think deep down Dev hopes Lee decides to take the job though I think the idea of Lee not living with him is devastating.
  
  DAMN decisions decisions decisions... I'm glad I don't have to make this one.
  
  I love how the love these two guys have for each other is very evident... like how they tell each other everything... how they always seem to know when something is wrong... how they really listen to each other... I even love they call each other ALL the time and yet don't seem to be suffocating. Even when they argue is cute and shows the love and respect they have for each other... it just seems real and deep that if they were real people why'd definitely the love they have for each other... with that in mind I know they will over come this and become stronger... I can't wait to read about it in the next book.
• 
  Jess Candela

  I loved spending more time with Dev and Lee, seeing the development of their relationship and how they navigate a life together. It was new material but felt a little repetitive in that in seemed to follow basically the same structure as the first two books, so much so that I kept waiting to see how Brian was going to screw things up for them and how they'd then pick up the pieces and make it better.
  
  While Brian definitely had an impact on their lives, it turned out not to be quite as dramatic as in the first two books. That was a relief, and I hope we won't see him again in the fourth book.
  
  At times this book seemed a little long to me, and although I was enjoying it, I was surprised I wasn't anywhere near the end. Then, when the end came, it caught me by surprise. I turned the page, and that was it. I flipped back a few pages and realized it actually made for a perfectly good stopping place. I think it's just that by then I'd thought the book would never end. I don't mean that in a bad way, because I really did enjoy it. But I think it could've been a bit shorter and possibly been even better.
• 
  Remy G

  A Good Threepeat
  
  Like its predecessors, the third installment of author Kyell Gold's Out of Position series opens with useful notes about football, with the twist of which species tend to play whichever positions. The story itself opens with the introduction of a new viewpoint character, a swift fox journalist name Hal, although the remaining chapters alternate between the viewpoints of Dev the tiger and The vulpine Lee. The third entry provides instant gratification with the first chapter, with continued tension between the two protagonists and their families in their continued crusade for acceptance of their sexuality. The themes of the novel are definitely relatable, accounting for a good yarn, although again it can be easy to forget the species of specific named characters.
• 
  Lady Lauren Explorer

  Still continuing
  
  I am feeling like Lee is kind of getting on my nerves, especially in the middle. I’m glad that it seems like it’s been resolved. I’m also happy that the ending of a friendship has, hopefully, finally ended for sure! Onto the next book!!!
• 
  Johnny Moniz

  A very good read. Gets stressful near the end, and you really start to get a better understanding of Lee and his passion for staying active in the Gay Rights movement. Wonderful continuation to a great saga, and I can't wait for book 4 to release.
• 
  Colleen

  I thought this story is good. Dev is in the Big Leagues and Lee is having trouble with his mom joining a group known for "rehabing" gay kids. This story has real-life truth on what Gay people go through and how they deal with homophobic family members.
• 
  Louis A

  For a person who can't give a damn about North American football, I love this series. It did not take that long to get used to its furry creatures & I absolutely love Devlin and Lee. I can't wait for the next book.
• 
  Kate Aaron

  Aagh!! Now I need the next one. IMMEDIATELY!
• 
  Gwendolyn

  Not as spectacular as the first two books but still very good. When is part 2?
• 
  Radosław

  Comparing to the rest of the series, Divisions proved to be a little chaotic with its plot set-up. Still good furry book worth reading.