Title: Seeking Hearts
Author: A. Catherine Noon and Rachel Wilder
Genre: Science Fiction / Alternate World
Length: Short Story (28 pages)
Publisher: Torquere Press (September 18th 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb: On the harsh desert world of Persis, most of the inhabitants flee to the cliff cities during the searing heat of Daymonth. A young hosteller and his grandparents choose to remain in their waystation as caretakers. This proves to be a wise decision, as a Truth Seeker is stranded there with them. Isolated, the Seeker and the hosteller begin to develop feelings for each other, but the discovery that they are not alone could threaten more than their relationship.
Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_111&products_id=3991
Review: When I get a short story and the genre is sci-fi I get a bit wary. They are so tricky to accomplish, what with creating a new world and keeping up with your story in such short amount of space. However, this one quite made it and provided me with a most enjoyable read.
The World: Persis, this planet is quite peculiar. Two suns shine in a mostly desert land, aka sand everywhere. There are also periods of times when both suns shine all day and night, hence a Daymonth, and when neither sun shines at all, hence Nightmonth. There are three Cities in this world and the rest of it appears to be desert land with the occasional Oasis in it. These Oases have hostels for the travelers to rest and move on to their destination, which bring us to the core of this story.
Now as a world, I loved this one, so much so that I wouldn’t mind one bit a proper novel set on Persis. The language/voice used from the characters reminds me something akin to fantasy tales, with kings and knights. I liked it, it gave the read a different air, and it took it away completely from any resemblance with Earth.
The Romance: Rik is the grandson of a hosteller and he’s helping his opa for the Daymonth – a period of time when both suns’ shine so bright that makes it impossible to stand under their rays. Stranded there is something Rik doesn’t mind at all, but when Seeker Marc gets stranded, there with him this relatively boring month seems quite exciting suddenly.
And this was lovely. I liked Marc, he is mysterious and dangerous, while quite sensual and protective as well. This character made pay attention and wish for more of him. Rik was nice as well but he didn’t capture my “eye” same way Marc did. Both of them as a pair somehow didn’t quite work for me. I don’t know, another character might have suited Marc better.
The Action: So there was also a bit of suspense here as well. This fact nearly scared me on this books behalf. I mean it’s such a short one, do you really need to add suspense? It worked though, probably because it’s light and in the end when all reveals itself you get that “duh” face about you. It gave the story some spice, made it a bit more fun and funnier.
In the end all I have to say is: I love sci-fi and I loved this one. Do you?
P.S. Dear Author, write a novel about Marc pretty please. He is delicious!