Stevie Woods

Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/

Audin and Tener were roommates, best friends and almost lovers until a political argument tore them apart. Tener had always been outspoken against the authoritarian government while Audin was in denial due to his father's involvement. Audin is now working for the same government when he is injured at work and sent to a healer. The healer turns out to be Tener who is now working full time for the Partizans opposing the government. Old memories and desires surface but the two men work for opposing sides. This short story did not work for me at all. Neither Audin or Tener were very developed characters and I just could not form any kind of bond with them. All of the characters in the story were very one dimensional and mechanical. Their speech was stilted and even their sex was robotic. There were no plot twists that would have kept the story interesting instead of being simple and straightforward. For what should have been a political thriller, the story just lacked the fire to pull it off. I suggest skipping this one.… (meer)

I read this book first as it's the prequel and wasn't let down. I've always liked the swashbuckling pirate movies and this story had it all. The rape and torture that Malik went through at the hands of Shuaid was incredible. The humiliation at being cast aside by Shuaib was tough but he gained the respect of Nasir who took him on as a crew member when he got his own ship. The characters are beautifully fleshed out and Malik's emotions jumped off the pages. This is a savage romance so if rape and torture bother you, pass up this book.… (meer)