Rochelle Weber

*** I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. ***

When I started Rock Bound, I initially thought the story was a dystopia, which is fine because I do enjoy them, but I was expecting Science Fiction Romance. Well, I can happily report that there is a distinctly dystopian theme for the scenes set on Earth, but the Science Fiction elements soon take over when the action starts on the Moon. And the romance? Very gradual and very sweet, which suited the story perfectly.

The United States has become a dangerous and stifling place, with the abolition of the Constitution and a ruthlessly unmerciful dictatorship. Dissent is dealt with swiftly and permanently by way of shooting or arrest and incarceration in prison on the Moon. Annie and Paul Peterson experience both and are separated forever. But this leads to hints of new relationships, which Rochelle Weber deftly weaves into this fast page-turner story. Annie and Jake's relationship is beautifully built and the experiences of secondary characters are equally well drawn and engrossing. It was nice to actually like and relate to most of the characters, which doesn't often happen.

Other reviewers have already covered the bones of Rock Bound, so I'll just share what I loved about it. Although the story in opening chapters appeared on the surface to go slowly, I really liked the gradual but steady build-up of the highly descriptive exposition of life and love on the Moon. Given the brutality of the dictatorship on Earth, I was expecting equally unpleasant conditions in the prison, but it wasn't so, except for similar swift justice but only for people who had actually done something bad. This was a welcome surprise compared to the long drawn-out judicial process we're all accustomed to.

What I loved most was that the author has painted a picture of human interaction that, although not perfect, just proves that people, both with and without positions of authority, can really get along in a mostly harmonious and co-operative way and pull together when times are tough. What a breath of fresh air!

The author has gone to great lengths to vividly describe how a group of people adapt to a harsh environment and grow to respect and love one another. My only small concern would be that one or two situations occurred perhaps a bit too predictably and conveniently, but I'm certainly not complaining because the happy ending was well-deserved by all the characters, and I'd be the first to cheer them on.

I can't recommend Rock Bound highly enough to anyone who likes a bit of idealism coming to fruition (for a change) and who loves genuine romances built from the ground...or rock...up by people you'd love to have as friends, in a science fiction setting. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the Moon Rock series, Rock Crazy.… (meer)

The first book in the Moon Rock series is an intriguing futuristic drama romance that keeps the reader turning page after page.

At a protest in Washington US troops open fire into the crowd and the survivors are arrested as traitors and sentenced to slavery on the moon. Annie Peterson who lost her husband in the protest is sentenced as a doxy to service the men. Jake Johnsrud who protected Annie during the shooting is sentenced to mine. Along with the other inmates, they must fights to survive on the “rock” that is their lunar prison. Can Annie and Jake find happiness while handling the hardships of life in exile?

This steady paced story grabs the reader’s attention and doesn’t let go until the very end. The author brings this enticing story to life with vivid images and details that capture the imagination and strong compelling characters that are easily related and have the reader wanting to know more.

This dramatic tale is more drama with romance that just a romance because it portrays the hardships and the steps that this group of political prisoners and guards must go through to make a life on the moon with the romance entwined into the story not only of Annie and Jake’s romance, but others as well. The author does a great job of conveying the emotions and difficulties that the characters would have to go through during such a horrifying ordeal and in the acceptance and making of their new life, ensuring that the reader can feel as well picture what happens as it occurs.

To be completely honest I was thinking of the book as more romance and was a little disappointed at first as it started off kind of slow, but only because there was so much that the author had to convey for the reader to get totally caught up in the story. So while it seemed a little slow and maybe a little too much detail, it was still very engrossing and I am not sure how she could change it because it turned out to be a very riveting and enjoyable read.… (meer)