Isolation Play

 

Although this is officially a continuation of the story in Out of Position, author Kyell Gold notes that the story is self-contained and enjoyable on its own in a foreword. As in the prior book in the Dev and Lee series, there’s explanation about the sport of American football, with Gold explaining it in an animalian perspective, with certain species specializing in certain roles. Also like in the book’s predecessor, there’s a map of the United States showing where the fictitious cities of the “Forester Universe” would be in the United States, although as in Out of Position, rare references to American politics and religion somewhat break the story’s fantastical nature.

Despite that, the book actually isn’t half-bad, and picks up where the first left off (though this somewhat mars its being a “standalone” story), with tiger football player Dev having come out on national television as homosexual. His vulpine boyfriend Lee consequentially ponders coming out at work, and Dev receives assurance that if he continues playing on the level he has been, he’ll be welcome on his team, the Firebirds. Dev wants to introduce Lee to his parents, although his father believes the fox has no place in his family, even threatening to disown his own son.

Certain events result in Lee’s brief hospitalization, and while Dev sometimes receives teasing from his teammates, they seem more accepting of his sexuality than his father, and even invite the couple to watch a football game with them. Dev continues to try to convince his father to accept him, although they have another fallout, which just strengthens the bond between the football player and his boyfriend. Lee tries to reach back out to Dev’s father, whilst tabloids hinder the relationship between the gay couple. Lee actually thinks about going back to college, and attempts one final reaching out.

Several reversals terminate the sequel, with the hook for future books that Dev and Lee’s relationship is just beginning. Overall, this was an enjoyable follow-up to Out of Position, and despite the aforementioned real-life references sometimes marring the escapist disposition that one would expect from a book of its caliber, it’s probably an improvement, with good moral themes. Furries in particular will probably appreciate this book the most, and it’s definitely for adults only, given the maturity of some of the illustration, sexual content, and language, and those who enjoyed the first will most likely enjoy the first sequel.