Review: Arden Aoide does not disappoint.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 3, 2014
This is not Tame.  This is not Ancient Hunger.  It is something completely different.Set in 2250, Texas has seceded from the United States, and is a country of its own.  Women have been pushed back to their role from the very early years of our country; discouraged from learning and reading.  They are controlled.  And those who live in Texas are told that the United States and those who reside there are sinners of the worst kind.This is the story of Shula, just turned 18 years old.  Shula, whose hand was promised to Jared in marriage when they were children.  When Jared rebels against his father James, his father decides that he will take his son’s place as Shula’s betrothed.  Shula has been quiet long enough, and has decided that she will fight the impeding nuptials.This is also the story of Jared, who wants to make his own life outside of his father’s expectations.This is the story of James.  James is powerful in Texas, though for selfish reasons.  James has been through a few wives, and wants Shula simply for her blonde, light features as well as the fact that he plans to control her in an abusive way – the power to abuse women is his “high.”This isn’t a typical romance story.  I hesitate to put it in the fantasy genre either.  The author states in the introduction that it is for those who wanted darker; and it is not for the faint at heart.  If explicit talk of gratifying one’s self or scenes of male on male sex will disturb you, then this is not the book for you.I think we are seeing a series of novellas that will tell us the story of Shula and Jared, who seem to be falling in love in a society that does not want women to have free will.  That wants to dictate to their children how they shall live.  Further, it is complicated by our villain, James – who is Jared’s father.  I haven’t wanted to reach through a book and pummel someone in some time like I do this sick puppy.I found it interesting and was able to read it fairly quickly, without wanting to put it down.  I’m anxious to see what secrets James holds.  What secrets there are about Shula’s mother, and Jared’s younger brother, Jude.