Review: Stunning Short Story!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 22, 2012
Jacinto's Voyage is a remarkably well crafted short story. Set in what could be a post apocalyptic earth, a crew of mercenaries are in desperate need of some spare parts for their aging ship, the Alessa. Once there they must barter with a ragtag group of gun-toting humans who, after initially wanting to blow their heads off, come up with the makings of a deal that will ensure Captain Dane and his crew the very part they need.Unfortunately the deal includes hunting down and killing an alien being who has been using the same ragtag group for target practice, along with their livestock. Dane and his crew go on the offensive and encounter something totally unexpected. There is a creature--but this is no alien. Instead we meet a very human young man whose best friend, a leopard named Spot, is perhaps one of the most fascinating secondary characters I have stumbled upon in a very long time. Discovering that the man has no memory of his past, name, or exactly why he was sent to earth, Dane sets about helping him, by first naming him after the very valley he found him in, Jacinto. Jace, for short. Thus begins a voyage that will bring Dane and Jace to the brink of death, and lead them both on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Not one to leave you wanting, Mr, Kaine graciously throws in some hot sex and a sweet romance, as well!This is what Mr. Kaine does best; invents believable worlds with such attention to detail that you feel as though you have been transported there--are walking the very soil his creations do. Then he develops living, breathing characters who make you laugh, cry, and wish that they truly existed in this time and place. Now, couple that with fast-paced action, and a story arc that is never predictable or dull and you have the little gem called Jacinto's Voyage. It IS a 5 star read! Highly recommended!