Title: Desert World Allegiances
Author: Lyn Gala
Genre: Science Fiction
Length: Novel (240pgs)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (5th September 2011)
Heat Level: Cool
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 1/2Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Warning this title contains references to sexual and physical abuse.
Blurb: Being condemned to slavery is a common enough occurrence on the desert planet of Livre, but this time, priest Shan Polli is determined to prevent the corrupt, soul-eating system from destroying one more life. Temar Grazer was sentenced for what amounted to a criminal prank—but Shan soon finds that the dangers extend far beyond Temar’s crime.
Caught between guilt and hope, Shan must find his true path in either the priesthood or in a man whose strength and survival defies the odds. Can the two men unravel a plot that threatens the entire world before Temar is broken by a system of slavery that has twisted out of control?
Review: This is not your typical M/M Romance. It is more Science Fiction which, I must admit, the M/M genre is sadly lacking in at the moment.
Temar Grazer is a landowner but that doesn’t stop his sister from telling him what to do. As a result he and his sister Cyla are sentenced to slavery after her plan to prove a neighbor is stealing their precious water went disastrously wrong. In the process Temar finds out the truth as to who stole the water, and that’s when his troubles really begin. Shan Polli is a priest who is a council member and even though he fought against it, is one of those responsible for Temar’s sentence. When he goes to check on Temar it leads him and eventually Temar to a race to save their own lives and that of the entire planet.
This is a great story that has a lot of meat to it. Shan has always felt a faint attraction to Temar but as a priest it’s off-limits for him to have a relationship. Temar always wanted to be a glass maker but has had to work the land; these two are forced together by circumstance and must rely on each other. Some parts in this book may offend people as there is evidence of physical and sexual abuse and references to child abuse.
The emotions in this story are incredible, the descriptions brilliant and the story is rock solid. As I said, this is more Science Fiction than romance. The romance is near the end when Shan and Temar decide they will try to make a go of it. There are no sex scenes for our main characters or even kisses, this is a bond that has been forged through danger and Temar needs that more than sex.
So I recommend this to any sci-fi fans who love the m/m aspect and a brilliant story line.
Wow… Thank you so much. This really is science fiction, which is why I adore Dreamspinner for giving me a cover that makes that clear. However, the sequel is written and at the publisher now, and while it is still science fiction, the relationship forged in that fire has a chance to do a little blooming.
It was my pleasure to read this book. As I said the m/m genre are missing out on true science fiction with romance thrown in, I am truly looking forward to the next book.
Pixie
I agree, the story is rock-solid. It truly is science-fiction first, romance second, but the emotion and quality is lacking in neither. I loved that the characters took their time, that there was no rush into a relationship that neither man was sure would even be possible, long term. It was a terrific read, and I especially liked that I could become emotionally invested in the story and the characters. I
It is nice to hear people agree with me, and I do like to hear other peoples opinion’s, so thank you for your input Raven and I hope you are looking forward to the next book as much as I am.
Pixie
Happy reading.