Review: Great characters and a unique setting!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 25, 2014
From the blurb....This is a novel that is an expanded and re-edited combined version of the two novellas previously published as The Maker Jock and Tread Marks and Trademarks.What makes this story special is the contrast in the main characters.Firstly we have Alex - geeky and clever and easy to give his heart but fearful of not being wanted for himself. Then there is Christian, advertising high-flyer and astute business man with fabulous good looks but still dealing with the ramifications from a serious accident.Alex has invented a robot with technology that will revolutionise the world. He is dedicated and focused on his craft and an active participant of the Makers Movement. Until this book, I hadn't even heard of movement but a quick Google search later and I found out that Maker Movement is very much a real thing! Through his twin brother, Alex is introduced to Christian and a relationship blossoms.The story follows Alex's completion of his robot, preparation for a Maker Fair and ultimately his plans for the future. As Alex has success with his technology and receives offers, he and Christian are building their relationship. Alex has been hurt in the past, with people riding his coat tails and waiting for his big break. Interestingly he gives his heart to Christian fairly easily. They also need to deal with Christian's past as his previous relationship connects with his and Alex's business venture.I loved the characters and the story overall however it did take me a while to really get into it but by part 2 of the book I was hooked. I found the Maker Movement interesting but found there was a little too much corporate wheeling and dealing for my liking - I didn't fully understand all the business negotiation (I probably didn't really need to know what it meant to follow the story but I hate reading things I don't fully understand.)Bonus points for some big romantic gestures, lead characters who want to do good for the world and a nice happy ending!I loved Micah, Alex's identical twin - identical in looks but very different in personality - and I'm hoping the next book is his story! (Yes, Micah's gay too!)