Circulatim - Book Three: The Circle Cubed

The changes in Alex's life continue in the conclusion of the Circulatim Trilogy.Now everyone knows Alex is gay. He has come to deal with the loss of Toby, and has accepted that there is more after this life than simple death. And music has returned to Alex's life, bringing both the pain of loss and the joy of playing, as well as bringing new friends and a measure of fame - not to mention the alluring and fascinating David. He is dealing with the changes between himself and Jeff, and has hopes they will remain the best of friends. The band guys are now part of the growing Circle, as is the wonderful David. But now he has to deal with the return of Trey, and all the things that his return brings with him. If only he can make things right with him.Things have grown even more complicated, and now he has no hope of remaining in the shadows, ignored and safe at school. Threats develop there that put him at risk. Things grow even more complicated when another specter from his past pops up in his life, possibly fulfilling Toby's prophecy of 'the one'. Now he has two living ghosts from his past to deal with at the same time, all the while avoiding the new dangers his openness about his sexuality and his fame brings at school and in the band.Will he be able to handle it all?"This is a difficult review to write as I don't want to leave any spoilers. This whole series of amazing books is possibly the most engaging I have ever read. Every character is so well defined and utterly believable. Name any one of them and I can picture them and know their back story. Without naming any, some of the interactions between them are so powerful and deeply poignant.This last book cost me a whole Saturday. I sat down after lunch to continue reading from about two thirds through. There I stayed until Saturday evening when I finished. I was emotionally drained by the end and actually feeling a real sense of loss at having no more to read. I laughed often and shed tears often. Without wishing to sound completely wet, there were a coupe of times I actually broke down and wept openly. I can't talk about the last scene other than it is breathtaking and beautifully sublime. And for me makes absolute sense, (you'll understand that when you read it).I can't thank Ray Smith enough for such a wonderful series and a cast of characters without equal. I cannot recommend these books highly enough.My one criticism and it's a big one, is I want more. Three books is nowhere near enough, please, please write more.""5-Stars for Ray Smith's Circulatim. If I were to try to fit this series into a genre, it would have to be a coming of age story. Alex's life is full of ups, downs and a whole lot of interesting twists. If you are patient enough to experience his story from his point of view, you will be well entertained. You will also gain an appreciation for those like Alex who are always deep in thought.Ray has combined parts of his past as well as the personalities of significant people in his life to create Alex's captivating story. Taunted by his obsessive thoughts, Alex is often driven to distraction, lost in guilt, inspired by genius and wants to make the world a better place. Alex is humble and doesn't realize just how much of a role he plays in the lives of his friends and what he inspires in them. Inspiration is not always for the good. Alex finds that sometimes, you can just care too much.Just as are the incessant thoughts of an obsessive thinker, the story captures the internal dialogue within Alex's head. This is Alex's reality. He is driven, haunted and often plunges into darkness. Alex's life is full, too full and he finds it nearly impossible to fit it all into one life. This story allows the reader to grasp a glimpse of what it is like to be an Alex.""The 3 book series was a delight to read, from start to finish it was a fantastic insight to a teen coming to terms with friends, his and their sexuality." Read more