Title: His Own Devices
Author: Jessica Freely
Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera
Length: Novella (133pgs)
Publisher: Loose Id (20th November 2012)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Cam still has the scars from his time as a slave mining malleum, a metal as strong as steel and as pliable as human flesh. His talent for fixing machines was his ticket out of that hell, but when he’s ordered to repair a malfunctioning android and instead falls in love, Cam discovers it’s his own shattered spirit that needs mending.
Sunshine’s “flaw” is that he has a personality and free will, traits that interfere with his role as the perfect, obedient worker. They also make him smart, sweet, and sexy as hell. Sunshine is determined to pursue a relationship with Cam, no matter what it takes. No penis? No problem! He’s made of malleum, and he can modify his anatomy to meet Cam’s deepest desires. The hard part is getting Cam to admit what he really wants.
Meanwhile, Cam’s boss expects him to complete repairs on the new worker prototype. It’ll be the mines for Cam and the scrap heap for Sunshine unless they can outwit a corporation founded on slavery and prove that even in the most unexpected places, love flourishes, transforming not just one wounded man, but also a whole world.
Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/his-own-devices.html
Review: Cam is a slave who has been rescued from the mines only because of his mechanical acumen. He is now all alone on a moon where he fixes, invents and updates whatever his jailers send him. When he is sent a malfunctioning android, he makes a startling discovery and he begins to want something that scares him to death. Sunshine (SNSH1.9 android) doesn’t want to die again. He isn’t malfunctioning he is just fine. When he meets one of the Olbrans and begins to learn new things, he discovers that he will do anything for Cam.
This is a great science fiction story where a corporation has taken over the universe, enslaving entire planets for their own financial gain. Cam suffered for four years in the mines, before it was discovered that he would be more useful working as a technician and inventor. When Sunshine is sent to him for repair, Cam discovers that he wants to forget the fear and abuse and have something more. Sunshine just wants to live. Discovering Cam isn’t like any of the Hanovan, he begins to trust him, and it isn’t long before he discovers new feelings. Between Cam and Sunshine they have to work out a way to give the Hanumans what they want. But, when they do Sunshine finds out the truth, and it’s down to Sunshine and Cam to save an entire planet.
This is a story that gives the imagination food for thought. What happens when a greedy company decides to take over the Universe? What happens when you program an android, but the programming takes on a mind of its own? And what happens when a brilliant technician and an android falls in love? This is a great storyline. It has wonderful world building and a fantastic romance and while some of this book is quite funny. There is also a serious aspect with Cam’s mental and emotional recovery after years of abuse. The storyline of how Cam’s and other races were taken and forced into servitude is interesting and Cam and Sunshine’s solution is brilliant.
Sunshine is a sweet loveable character and watching him grow as a person as he learns more and discovers more about himself is a wonderful experience. Seeing how he is with Cam is beautiful. Cam is a great character who has a lot going for him. He has a lot of scars both on the outside and the inside, but with Sunshine’s love he begins to heal. The sex between them is hot, but watch out for the detachable penis *snigger* (no, I am not twelve, but it is funny). I really did enjoy this book, but I did feel like the end was over very quickly. It all happened so fast, but saying that nothing was missing… I just wanted it drawn out more.
I am recommending this to those who love science fiction and space opera’s, android loving, cute technician’s, hot sex, slavers getting what they deserve and a very happy ending.