Review: Quality novella that stands alone
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 20, 2014
Aldric is a former soldier. His Alliance compatriots destroyed the Earth with nuclear weaponry and then departed to spaceships to wait while the radioactivity dissipates. Left behind to wait out the recovery--tantamount to a death sentence--are millions of people who didn't make the cut. Orphans, Anarchist soldiers, the old, infirm, infertile...and people like Aldric. Because he's fertile but unlikely to procreate--being a homosexual.Aldric has roamed the land for five years now. He enters a populated area and encounters Daniel, a historian. It's Daniel's mission to record the memories of Earth's forgotten to upload it for the colonists to view when they return in a century. He's also a target of the Forest Boys--marauders who will kill to obtain what supplies the desire.Daniel recognizes Aldric's strength and hires him to be a bodyguard, which is great--except Aldric strives to keep his past secret, and it's hard to do when he's in close quarters. See, Aldric's got some replacement parts courtesy of the military following a mortar attack. Daniel discovers this after Aldric is injured saving him from an ambush. Oddly, Daniel isn't repulsed, and doesn't send Aldric away.In fact, things seem to get good between them, on account of Daniel also being into men. This is short-lived however. And Aldric's back on the road. At least, until Daniel's ex attacks.This story is both somber and uplifting. Throughout all, there is this pervasive inevitability of death. People know they aren't going to survive, yet they attempt to live the best they can. This fatalistic approach allows for people to not only do heinous things (the Forest Boys) it also allows for people strive for better, and to build lasting bonds (Aldric and Daniel). I really enjoyed the story and felt the world building was excellent. The complex relationship between Aldric and Daniel felt so real. I wanted very much for them to find some peace in their desolate world, and that hope was met.This novella is a prequel to a two book series, but stands alone quite nicely. I received a free review copy of this book through the Don't Buy My Love program.