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Outcast Mine
There is nothing Aleron Pitre can't steal, nobody he can't con and no situation he can't slip out of--until he's sent to the prison planet Tantoret, where every sentence is death. If the prisoners don't kill each other, they'll die slowly from mining the poisonous drug chojal. Yet Aleron still hopes that he can escape.
Only thirty Athaki guards keep the chaos of Tantoret in check, a race of aliens stronger and faster than their human charges. Most intimidating of all is the head guard, Jasak, who has his own reasons for being sent to Tantoret.
Amidst the darkness and desperation, Aleron and Jasak share an unexpected attraction. An attraction neither can resist when Jasak claims Aleron as his mate to protect him. Then they discover that both guards and inmates are planning a coup, while a traitor from an enemy nation threatens the whole planet. Suddenly escape from Tantoret isn't just Aleron's dream--it's a matter of survival for them both.
84,400 words
Only thirty Athaki guards keep the chaos of Tantoret in check, a race of aliens stronger and faster than their human charges. Most intimidating of all is the head guard, Jasak, who has his own reasons for being sent to Tantoret.
Amidst the darkness and desperation, Aleron and Jasak share an unexpected attraction. An attraction neither can resist when Jasak claims Aleron as his mate to protect him. Then they discover that both guards and inmates are planning a coup, while a traitor from an enemy nation threatens the whole planet. Suddenly escape from Tantoret isn't just Aleron's dream--it's a matter of survival for them both.
84,400 words
393 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2011
28 people are currently reading
1205 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Craig
113 books173 followersJamie Craig is actually a pen name for the collaboration of authors
Vivien Dean http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/... and
Pepper Espinoza http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
ABOUT JAMIE CRAIG
Vivien Dean and Pepper Espinoza have been writing and publishing together as Jamie Craig since 2006. They have published with Juno Books, Samhain Publishing, Liquid Silver Books, and multiple titles with Amber Quill Press.
Pepper Espinoza has been writing and publishing erotic romance since 2005. She grew up in Utah and lives there now, where the landscape and history provide a great deal of inspiration for her work. Besides writing, she enjoys playing video games, watching movies, and going to concerts.
Vivien Dean returned to writing in 2005, and has published with Liquid Silver Books, Samhain Publishing, and Amber Quill Press. She currently resides in northern California with her husband and two children.
Vivien Dean http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/... and
Pepper Espinoza http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
ABOUT JAMIE CRAIG
Vivien Dean and Pepper Espinoza have been writing and publishing together as Jamie Craig since 2006. They have published with Juno Books, Samhain Publishing, Liquid Silver Books, and multiple titles with Amber Quill Press.
Pepper Espinoza has been writing and publishing erotic romance since 2005. She grew up in Utah and lives there now, where the landscape and history provide a great deal of inspiration for her work. Besides writing, she enjoys playing video games, watching movies, and going to concerts.
Vivien Dean returned to writing in 2005, and has published with Liquid Silver Books, Samhain Publishing, and Amber Quill Press. She currently resides in northern California with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
December 6, 2014
Alas! No.
The writing is good, but the structure is not.
...is so-not as to be comical, actually.
As when random new POVs enter the story at the 40 percent mark.
Or when our two heroes pause directly after a deadly catastrophe to discuss their feelings and then make interminable cocksex for an hour.
Obviously.
Or—worst of all—after a completely different catastrophe, hero number two—bones broken and flesh beribboned by claw and by blade, blood in his teeth—turns to hero number one—a motherfucking hulk of an alien with a cock "thicker than a clenched fist"—to ask, sweetly, as the entire planet is near to blowing the fuck up around them:
"Do you still think I'm pretty?"
The writing is good, but the structure is not.
...is so-not as to be comical, actually.
As when random new POVs enter the story at the 40 percent mark.
Or when our two heroes pause directly after a deadly catastrophe to discuss their feelings and then make interminable cocksex for an hour.
Obviously.
Or—worst of all—after a completely different catastrophe, hero number two—bones broken and flesh beribboned by claw and by blade, blood in his teeth—turns to hero number one—a motherfucking hulk of an alien with a cock "thicker than a clenched fist"—to ask, sweetly, as the entire planet is near to blowing the fuck up around them:
"Do you still think I'm pretty?"
July 22, 2018
2.5 stars meh..rounding up to 3 because Mr. LeFleur's excellent narration kept me from DNFing.
With so many other things happening outside of the MCs' relationship development and too many other povs, I had a hard time feeling the chemistry between the MCs.
With so many other things happening outside of the MCs' relationship development and too many other povs, I had a hard time feeling the chemistry between the MCs.
January 31, 2017
What a gorgeous story! The science fiction stuff was fantastic, it was really well paced and the scenes were crazy exciting. The best part is the way the relationship between Jasak and Aleron develops - just amazing characters and, wow, that first scene in Jasak's room (I'll just say it was intense and you can fill in the blanks).
I listened to the audio book and Jack LeFleur was excellent . He was brilliant.
I listened to the audio book and Jack LeFleur was excellent . He was brilliant.
April 17, 2011
Incandescent.
A macabre, masterful space opera that ranks with the best of M/M sci-fi writing. I LOVED these characetrs and the plotting is top-notch. Oh, the lush worldbuilding! Oh, the dextrous use of POV and voice! COmplex and satisfying in the extreme.
SOrry to be so brief here; Jessewave invited me to guest review and I've posted my full Outcast Mine review over there.
Check it out!
A macabre, masterful space opera that ranks with the best of M/M sci-fi writing. I LOVED these characetrs and the plotting is top-notch. Oh, the lush worldbuilding! Oh, the dextrous use of POV and voice! COmplex and satisfying in the extreme.
SOrry to be so brief here; Jessewave invited me to guest review and I've posted my full Outcast Mine review over there.
Check it out!
January 28, 2011
I was sooooo scared reading this book!
and I LOVED IT!
Tantoret is a prison planet from the Athess system
Convicted don't go there to stay behind bars and think about their sins, but to mining a very potent narcotic/drug/venon called Chojal. So, we are talking about a banned potent drug being extracted by the worst possible criminals. Why do they it? First because they are trapped in the underground, second because it's what their "guards" made they do, and no one question the "guards".
The "guards"
Athaki are a perfect race to get that role: they are strong, can't be affect by the drug is extracted there, and most of all, every living being fear their blood lust and violent nature.
Yes "guards" not guards because their are also trapped in that planet, and their superior force is what give those "guards" the power to rule.
Imagine now the background of this book: a prison without bars or chains, where guards took turns patrolling the chasms. Inmates without choice, mining what is slowing killing them. Athakis, also them prisoners, of a very violent race, following one leader orders. Yes!!!!!! There is a very delicate equilibrium that keep Tantoret operative... a equilibrium that will be threatened by two potent empires in war!
Amazing suspense, explosive romance between two enemies, a rebellion, a claustrophobic and fascinating place, a compelling plot... I can't pick which aspect I liked most!!!
Aleron Pietre is a human and a thief arriving at the worst possible moment in that prison... Jasak is the leader of the Athakis that is keeping that pitch hell called Tantoret operative... amazing... just that... amazing story, perfect characters, remarkable book...
I loved this book!
May 26, 2015
Just finished this one on Audible and it made me figure out why I didn't love it as much as I wanted too. The world building was good, the premise was interesting, etc. It was just a little too wordy on the feelings. You could probably cut out 1/3 of the descriptions on the feelings and bump it up a star. Once I've been told about how a character feels (and told well) it's fine to stop there. I don't need another paragraph about it.
A good one to listen to on Audible if the switch between male and female voices bugs. There is only one female character that shows up briefly at the end so you never get that awkward moment of 'wow, that grown man sounds nothing like a small girl child and now that's all I can think about and I have no idea what just happened in the story'.
A good one to listen to on Audible if the switch between male and female voices bugs. There is only one female character that shows up briefly at the end so you never get that awkward moment of 'wow, that grown man sounds nothing like a small girl child and now that's all I can think about and I have no idea what just happened in the story'.
March 14, 2018
***4.25***
As I walked down with Aloran into the dark, wet, cold, grub filled passageway that was his entrance to his prison on Tantoret, I wondered if I entered one on Dante’s Circles of Hell. Tantoret may as well be hell since no one ever left the underground prison alive. I could just feel the insects and grubs on my skin as they fell off the slick walls and onto our condemned thief.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this. Was I in the mood to read a dark, alien prison book? Nay, romance? I guess I was, because I couldn’t stop listening to the ghastly conditions underground.
The writing was great, the descriptions highly evocative and visual....no problem here. There were multiple POVs, although the main ones belonged to our beautiful human thief, Aloran, and the leader of the prison, an Athaki guard named Jasak.
So. Life sentence. Underground. Worst of the worst criminals were the inmates. Oh, the Athaki guards were sentenced there, too. How about that? What’s the point of all this? Money. Lots of it. You see, the planet of Tantoret is saturated with chojal, a highly lucrative drug. This money goes to fund a never ending war between two other species. Mining chojal is dangerous because it’s highly toxic. But who cares if criminals die, right? And die they do. Except the Athaki guards, they are immune.
Another fun fact, the Athaki have a blood lust. They are not vampires, but hunters, and the iron rich blood of humans smells like their preferred prey back on their home planet. Sometimes accidents happen. Like humans becoming lunch. But, it’s mostly under control.
Let’s get back to our MCs, Aloran and Jasak. All Aloran has on his mind is “escape.” He has one futile attempt which harms a guard, forces Jasak to claim him for his mate in order to protect him. Why he does so, Jasak doesn’t really even know...just go with it.
OK, mates. So that’s a good upgrade for Aloran with includes sex with Jasak. Have I mentioned that Jasak is a fine, fine alien humanoid specimen with retractable claws and fangs? Who has tattoos which “live” under his skin? Who is considerably larger than a human? Who has a.....wait for it....A SELF LUBRICATING COCK? God, I just love those things!
So, enough of plot stuff. This book was full of schemes every turn you took. Some were obvious, others not. The one thing that did become apparent over the course of the book was that the previously heartless thief falls in love, and that the heartbroken and honorable Athaki does the same.
There is a point where is seems as if an HEA or HFN is impossible. But, remember “romance.” That’s right, people.....HEFA for our sexy lovers!
While dark (prison, underground, lack of actual light, dying prisoners, fights, gruesome killings), it’s not angst ridden nor dark in a torture type of way....just in the setting, if that makes sense.
So after all this disjointed rambling, what did I think? I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK! If you’ve been on the fence about it, know that it moves and that the characters are interesting, as is the world-building.
I listened to this and the narration ROCKED....so maybe that’s the way you want to hit this one. Either way, I think it’s totally worth the read!
As I walked down with Aloran into the dark, wet, cold, grub filled passageway that was his entrance to his prison on Tantoret, I wondered if I entered one on Dante’s Circles of Hell. Tantoret may as well be hell since no one ever left the underground prison alive. I could just feel the insects and grubs on my skin as they fell off the slick walls and onto our condemned thief.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this. Was I in the mood to read a dark, alien prison book? Nay, romance? I guess I was, because I couldn’t stop listening to the ghastly conditions underground.
The writing was great, the descriptions highly evocative and visual....no problem here. There were multiple POVs, although the main ones belonged to our beautiful human thief, Aloran, and the leader of the prison, an Athaki guard named Jasak.
So. Life sentence. Underground. Worst of the worst criminals were the inmates. Oh, the Athaki guards were sentenced there, too. How about that? What’s the point of all this? Money. Lots of it. You see, the planet of Tantoret is saturated with chojal, a highly lucrative drug. This money goes to fund a never ending war between two other species. Mining chojal is dangerous because it’s highly toxic. But who cares if criminals die, right? And die they do. Except the Athaki guards, they are immune.
Another fun fact, the Athaki have a blood lust. They are not vampires, but hunters, and the iron rich blood of humans smells like their preferred prey back on their home planet. Sometimes accidents happen. Like humans becoming lunch. But, it’s mostly under control.
Let’s get back to our MCs, Aloran and Jasak. All Aloran has on his mind is “escape.” He has one futile attempt which harms a guard, forces Jasak to claim him for his mate in order to protect him. Why he does so, Jasak doesn’t really even know...just go with it.
OK, mates. So that’s a good upgrade for Aloran with includes sex with Jasak. Have I mentioned that Jasak is a fine, fine alien humanoid specimen with retractable claws and fangs? Who has tattoos which “live” under his skin? Who is considerably larger than a human? Who has a.....wait for it....A SELF LUBRICATING COCK? God, I just love those things!
So, enough of plot stuff. This book was full of schemes every turn you took. Some were obvious, others not. The one thing that did become apparent over the course of the book was that the previously heartless thief falls in love, and that the heartbroken and honorable Athaki does the same.
There is a point where is seems as if an HEA or HFN is impossible. But, remember “romance.” That’s right, people.....HEFA for our sexy lovers!
While dark (prison, underground, lack of actual light, dying prisoners, fights, gruesome killings), it’s not angst ridden nor dark in a torture type of way....just in the setting, if that makes sense.
So after all this disjointed rambling, what did I think? I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK! If you’ve been on the fence about it, know that it moves and that the characters are interesting, as is the world-building.
I listened to this and the narration ROCKED....so maybe that’s the way you want to hit this one. Either way, I think it’s totally worth the read!
June 13, 2011
5+++ stars!!
I'm not usually one for futuristic, outerspace drama. I have to say though that I've never read anything quite like this book.
I could rehash the plot but that's already been done in a number of reviews.
I will say a couple of things I loved.
1.) Usually when a book is set in outerspace, the vastness of the universe is a key plot point. Jamie Craig did the exact opposite. This was one of the most calustrophobic settings I've read in a long time. What was especially brilliant about it was that Tantoret is a prison planet with no doors and no bars. At least if there were doors or bars you would get a slight feeling of being "out" when in the general population. No such luck in this book. That feeling of being penned in is constant.
This team of authors played with the concept of freedom and space and they did it successfully.
2.) The overall theme of survival was a great one. The love story was there and was done beautifully but what struck me the most was the fight to survive. It's what almost everyone's focus is when they're in prison. Even power struggles trace back to the survival instinct.
3.) Aleron was a character that I knew I would love. Right from the beginning his sense of honor was apparent. Some might say it was wrapped up in selfishness but I don't think so. He was a clever character who could have found a million dishonorable ways to stay alive on Tantoret. The path he chose was one that hurt the least amount of people and helped more than one person.
4.) Jasak. I'm actually on the fence about whether I think Jasak was a little too noble. Even his vengeful actions are bordering on perfectly noble. The fact that they are only bordering on noble is what saves him in my eyes from being entirely too perfect. Also, Jamie Craig explains Jasak's character by telling the reader about his culture and how he was raised. Jasak isn't noble for no reason. It's deeply ingrained.
5.) Scheme upon scheme. There was so much scheming going on that it made me giddy. I was never bored reading this book.
Reasons one and two were the reasons I most loved this novel. The setting and theme were characters in their own right and they were my favorite characters. I'd recommend this book to anyone. Anyone at all.
I'm not usually one for futuristic, outerspace drama. I have to say though that I've never read anything quite like this book.
I could rehash the plot but that's already been done in a number of reviews.
I will say a couple of things I loved.
1.) Usually when a book is set in outerspace, the vastness of the universe is a key plot point. Jamie Craig did the exact opposite. This was one of the most calustrophobic settings I've read in a long time. What was especially brilliant about it was that Tantoret is a prison planet with no doors and no bars. At least if there were doors or bars you would get a slight feeling of being "out" when in the general population. No such luck in this book. That feeling of being penned in is constant.
This team of authors played with the concept of freedom and space and they did it successfully.
2.) The overall theme of survival was a great one. The love story was there and was done beautifully but what struck me the most was the fight to survive. It's what almost everyone's focus is when they're in prison. Even power struggles trace back to the survival instinct.
3.) Aleron was a character that I knew I would love. Right from the beginning his sense of honor was apparent. Some might say it was wrapped up in selfishness but I don't think so. He was a clever character who could have found a million dishonorable ways to stay alive on Tantoret. The path he chose was one that hurt the least amount of people and helped more than one person.
4.) Jasak. I'm actually on the fence about whether I think Jasak was a little too noble. Even his vengeful actions are bordering on perfectly noble. The fact that they are only bordering on noble is what saves him in my eyes from being entirely too perfect. Also, Jamie Craig explains Jasak's character by telling the reader about his culture and how he was raised. Jasak isn't noble for no reason. It's deeply ingrained.
5.) Scheme upon scheme. There was so much scheming going on that it made me giddy. I was never bored reading this book.
Reasons one and two were the reasons I most loved this novel. The setting and theme were characters in their own right and they were my favorite characters. I'd recommend this book to anyone. Anyone at all.
April 25, 2011
4.5 stars
It's taken me a while to actually write this review because I wanted to figure out my feelings for this book first and also because I had a hard time deciding what to write.
I want more than anything to give this book five stars because it's really an extraordinary story with an abundance of suspense, world-building and intriguing characters. Unfortunately, I can't because, while it was fascinating to read and kept me captivated, I was still left with a bunch of questions.
To say I didn't love these characters is like saying I hate reading. Aleron and Jasak each had their own qualities and faults that made them both entertaining and quite lovable. Aleron is, from the start, a stubborn, determined, ruthless man. He's a smartass who considers himself a genius in all things thievery and escape. He thinks he can get out of Tantoret and will do it by any means necessary even if that means getting close to Jasak and using that to his advantage. Unfortunately, he's never had any proper, or real, emotional ties to another being so when he starts to for Jasak, it takes him by surprise and changes all his plans. Jasak is the head of the guards. Like the prisoners, he's been put on Tantoret because of a crime he committed. He's intelligent and acts indifferent but he's honorable and caring, to a fault, but has a bunch of misplaced guilt that causes him to be harder on himself than anyone else. He does what he can to make the lives of the sick prisoners as comfortable as possible, which is about the best he can do without compromising the delicate loyalty the other guards hold for him. As soon as Aleron is dumped on Tantoret, Jasak's life is turned upside down and havoc starts to reign in the prison.
The sci-fi aspect of the story is intriguing. All of the different species introduced and the wars mentioned were fascinating. I enjoyed the overall conflict and violence that occurred in Tantoret prison and how it gave an entertaining plot while at the same time giving us a sweet romance.
Like I said earlier, though, while I loved the book, it left me with more questions than I was comfortable with. So while I enjoyed the story and appreciated and respected the world that was built, because after all it was extremely fascinating, I would have liked to learn more about the other cultures presented in the book since we never get a clear picture on any of them besides the humans. Which is kind of self-explanatory.
Overall, this is a fascinating story. The suspense starts off right from the bat and rarely lets up. While it's not as detailed as some of us may like it to be, I think those who love sci-fis will take some enjoyment out of this one because it's really a good book once you emerge yourself in it. Definitely recommended.
It's taken me a while to actually write this review because I wanted to figure out my feelings for this book first and also because I had a hard time deciding what to write.
I want more than anything to give this book five stars because it's really an extraordinary story with an abundance of suspense, world-building and intriguing characters. Unfortunately, I can't because, while it was fascinating to read and kept me captivated, I was still left with a bunch of questions.
To say I didn't love these characters is like saying I hate reading. Aleron and Jasak each had their own qualities and faults that made them both entertaining and quite lovable. Aleron is, from the start, a stubborn, determined, ruthless man. He's a smartass who considers himself a genius in all things thievery and escape. He thinks he can get out of Tantoret and will do it by any means necessary even if that means getting close to Jasak and using that to his advantage. Unfortunately, he's never had any proper, or real, emotional ties to another being so when he starts to for Jasak, it takes him by surprise and changes all his plans. Jasak is the head of the guards. Like the prisoners, he's been put on Tantoret because of a crime he committed. He's intelligent and acts indifferent but he's honorable and caring, to a fault, but has a bunch of misplaced guilt that causes him to be harder on himself than anyone else. He does what he can to make the lives of the sick prisoners as comfortable as possible, which is about the best he can do without compromising the delicate loyalty the other guards hold for him. As soon as Aleron is dumped on Tantoret, Jasak's life is turned upside down and havoc starts to reign in the prison.
The sci-fi aspect of the story is intriguing. All of the different species introduced and the wars mentioned were fascinating. I enjoyed the overall conflict and violence that occurred in Tantoret prison and how it gave an entertaining plot while at the same time giving us a sweet romance.
Like I said earlier, though, while I loved the book, it left me with more questions than I was comfortable with. So while I enjoyed the story and appreciated and respected the world that was built, because after all it was extremely fascinating, I would have liked to learn more about the other cultures presented in the book since we never get a clear picture on any of them besides the humans. Which is kind of self-explanatory.
Overall, this is a fascinating story. The suspense starts off right from the bat and rarely lets up. While it's not as detailed as some of us may like it to be, I think those who love sci-fis will take some enjoyment out of this one because it's really a good book once you emerge yourself in it. Definitely recommended.
March 26, 2013
An interesting alien/human MM which I think I would have enjoyed much more but I found it suffered in comparison to another alien story that I read a few weeks ago. Still, I enjoyed the world-building and the characterization was strong but I didn't get a really distinct alien mindset feel to it.
July 6, 2014
This book is an imaginative SciFi, set in the dim recesses of Tantoret, a prison planet mine, where guards and prisoners alike are locked forever in a harsh society with a delicate balance. There were some effective elements, with the guards shown as fierce carnivores, forever on edge because the human inmates seem like prey.
Aleron is a human inmate, a long-time thief who was sent to Tantoret after escaping twice from lesser prisons. He has little hope for escape now, but he can't give up entirely. To ever have a chance to get out, though, first he has to figure out how to survive the mines.
Jasak is the head guard, an Athaki, sent to serve for the rest of his life as punishment for his own crimes. He tries, within the limits of his abilities, to keep the peace between guards and prisoners, to keep the mine running, and to meet the demands of the jailers, so that they don't just decide to write the whole place off. But dealing with unrest from both sides is difficult, and not made easier when he realizes he desires one of the prisoners as more than just a meal.
I enjoyed the tone, the world-building, Jasak's backstory and the progression of the story. The weakest part in some ways was the romance, particularly the sex. Believable sex between a human and an alien character is always tricky, and in this case it felt too easy. There is no reason why evolution should produce two worlds with male reproductive systems that function the same way, and so when the story turns to the bedroom, it slipped a bit. Some of it was still excellent, with taste and smell used to evoke an alien sense. But then the actual sex fell into an illogical over-familiar pattern. (Look at Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts for sex-with-an-alien that really, truly feels plausible.) There was also an instance of sex-while-injured that topped my belief limits.
But this book kept me interested, pulled me along past some quibbles about plausibility and plot, and entertained me in one long read. For those who enjoy both space-opera style Sci Fi and M/M, this is worth a look.
Aleron is a human inmate, a long-time thief who was sent to Tantoret after escaping twice from lesser prisons. He has little hope for escape now, but he can't give up entirely. To ever have a chance to get out, though, first he has to figure out how to survive the mines.
Jasak is the head guard, an Athaki, sent to serve for the rest of his life as punishment for his own crimes. He tries, within the limits of his abilities, to keep the peace between guards and prisoners, to keep the mine running, and to meet the demands of the jailers, so that they don't just decide to write the whole place off. But dealing with unrest from both sides is difficult, and not made easier when he realizes he desires one of the prisoners as more than just a meal.
I enjoyed the tone, the world-building, Jasak's backstory and the progression of the story. The weakest part in some ways was the romance, particularly the sex. Believable sex between a human and an alien character is always tricky, and in this case it felt too easy. There is no reason why evolution should produce two worlds with male reproductive systems that function the same way, and so when the story turns to the bedroom, it slipped a bit. Some of it was still excellent, with taste and smell used to evoke an alien sense. But then the actual sex fell into an illogical over-familiar pattern. (Look at Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts for sex-with-an-alien that really, truly feels plausible.) There was also an instance of sex-while-injured that topped my belief limits.
But this book kept me interested, pulled me along past some quibbles about plausibility and plot, and entertained me in one long read. For those who enjoy both space-opera style Sci Fi and M/M, this is worth a look.
May 7, 2011
Mmm… “lickable” has taken on a whole new level of erotic in this book! I never thought I could/would get so turned on reading about sweat and licking, but I’m now a believer:)
This book is a sci-fi masterpiece blended with an m/m romance element you can hardly believe would be possible under the circumstances. The world building is incredible and the story is one of the most unique I’ve ever read. I’m in awe of the writing skill it takes to spin a tale about a desperate situation lacking any hope into a gripping and heartfelt story – amazing! I mean, imagine an entire planet that’s a prison in and of itself – a life sentence with no possibility for parole. Imagine no need for cells or bars or shackles because you are stranded in the underbelly of a remote planet where if you make one wrong move or lash out or don’t do the mining work you are sentenced to, then either another inmate will take advantage or one of the guards (who can barely contain their bloodlust) will hurt you or you die a slow and agonizing death from chojal poisoning. Yeah, pick your poison – literally!
It’s even harder to imagine that out of this desperate world, a prisoner and his guard could find any comfort or passion or reason to think beyond today. But it happens! I love Aleron and Jasak. In a world of convicts and thugs, these two somehow manage to bring a level of honor and respect where none should exist. They forge an unlikely bond that begins from mutual admiration and eventually progresses to their coming together as mates.
This wasn’t an easy read at times due to the fact that there’s violence and you constantly wonder how such a dismal situation can possibly have anything close to even a HFN ending. But, there’s always a flicker of light at the end of the deepest, darkest tunnel. Sometimes, it may take seemingly extraordinary circumstances to find that flicker, but it’s possible. Without going into spoilers, let’s just say this book had a surprising and satisfying ending. However, I would still love to see a sequel with more of Aleron and Jasak – to know the choices they make towards the next phase of their relationship.
If you like to escape in a great story, something that’s unique and interesting, and something that will challenge you on different levels – this may be just the book for you. Phenomenal!
This book is a sci-fi masterpiece blended with an m/m romance element you can hardly believe would be possible under the circumstances. The world building is incredible and the story is one of the most unique I’ve ever read. I’m in awe of the writing skill it takes to spin a tale about a desperate situation lacking any hope into a gripping and heartfelt story – amazing! I mean, imagine an entire planet that’s a prison in and of itself – a life sentence with no possibility for parole. Imagine no need for cells or bars or shackles because you are stranded in the underbelly of a remote planet where if you make one wrong move or lash out or don’t do the mining work you are sentenced to, then either another inmate will take advantage or one of the guards (who can barely contain their bloodlust) will hurt you or you die a slow and agonizing death from chojal poisoning. Yeah, pick your poison – literally!
It’s even harder to imagine that out of this desperate world, a prisoner and his guard could find any comfort or passion or reason to think beyond today. But it happens! I love Aleron and Jasak. In a world of convicts and thugs, these two somehow manage to bring a level of honor and respect where none should exist. They forge an unlikely bond that begins from mutual admiration and eventually progresses to their coming together as mates.
This wasn’t an easy read at times due to the fact that there’s violence and you constantly wonder how such a dismal situation can possibly have anything close to even a HFN ending. But, there’s always a flicker of light at the end of the deepest, darkest tunnel. Sometimes, it may take seemingly extraordinary circumstances to find that flicker, but it’s possible. Without going into spoilers, let’s just say this book had a surprising and satisfying ending. However, I would still love to see a sequel with more of Aleron and Jasak – to know the choices they make towards the next phase of their relationship.
If you like to escape in a great story, something that’s unique and interesting, and something that will challenge you on different levels – this may be just the book for you. Phenomenal!
April 18, 2017
4.3 Stars
Yeah, that was a wild ride and quite a story - another one that I can see adapted to visual media exceptionally well. At times I could feel the chill of the underground passages, smell the stink of those mines and I think that made the sex & other emotionally laden scenes emphasizing their connection to each other all the more visceral.
Not sure anything would come of it, but I wouldn't mind a sequel or two where Aleron & Jasak decide to help out the resistance...if nothing else I'd like to know how the destruction of Tantoret affected the war. How did both sides deal with the loss of that revenue stream? And did I miss it: What happened to the other guards and prisoners? Did they get all the way out of the tunnels before Jasak blew up the Core? Were they able to survive on the surface? Did the rebels rescue them or did the embattled races catch/execute/imprison them elsewhere?
Were all of that addressed in this book I'd have given it 5 stars.
(Also, massive props for the title's dual meaning. It's a mine full of outcasts...and both of the MCs are outcasts that belong to each other.)
Yeah, that was a wild ride and quite a story - another one that I can see adapted to visual media exceptionally well. At times I could feel the chill of the underground passages, smell the stink of those mines and I think that made the sex & other emotionally laden scenes emphasizing their connection to each other all the more visceral.
Not sure anything would come of it, but I wouldn't mind a sequel or two where Aleron & Jasak decide to help out the resistance...if nothing else I'd like to know how the destruction of Tantoret affected the war. How did both sides deal with the loss of that revenue stream? And did I miss it: What happened to the other guards and prisoners? Did they get all the way out of the tunnels before Jasak blew up the Core? Were they able to survive on the surface? Did the rebels rescue them or did the embattled races catch/execute/imprison them elsewhere?
Were all of that addressed in this book I'd have given it 5 stars.
(Also, massive props for the title's dual meaning. It's a mine full of outcasts...and both of the MCs are outcasts that belong to each other.)
February 14, 2024
The world building was so good in this novel, and the MCs were both a little dark, which I enjoy. Good stuff.
April 3, 2018
The strangest thing happened to me with this book.
I had trouble connecting with the characters and the romance for most of the book, not least because Jasak
There are at least 4 other POVs from (very) secondary characters, aside from the MCs. Very brief scenes, but they still felt superfluous.
There's a sex scene right after one of the MCs is seriously injured, which should have been a big no. And yet, I couldn't help but reading it more as comfort than misplaced lust, so it didn't seem completely implausible.
I'm sure I could go on, but despite all this and everything else that shouldn't have worked with this book, it seems that it managed to grow on me without me even noticing.
I finished reading the last page and I found myself wishing Jasak and Aleron all the best. I want them to be happy and safe together for many years to come and that's not a reaction I would have expected to have while I was reading their story.
I was almost tempted to go back to the first page and start reading all over again.
I still haven't figure out how or why this happened, but there you have it, the reason for the most lukewarm review in the history of reviews paired with a 4-stars rating.
Don't ask me to explain.
I had trouble connecting with the characters and the romance for most of the book, not least because Jasak
There are at least 4 other POVs from (very) secondary characters, aside from the MCs. Very brief scenes, but they still felt superfluous.
There's a sex scene right after one of the MCs is seriously injured, which should have been a big no. And yet, I couldn't help but reading it more as comfort than misplaced lust, so it didn't seem completely implausible.
I'm sure I could go on, but despite all this and everything else that shouldn't have worked with this book, it seems that it managed to grow on me without me even noticing.
I finished reading the last page and I found myself wishing Jasak and Aleron all the best. I want them to be happy and safe together for many years to come and that's not a reaction I would have expected to have while I was reading their story.
I was almost tempted to go back to the first page and start reading all over again.
I still haven't figure out how or why this happened, but there you have it, the reason for the most lukewarm review in the history of reviews paired with a 4-stars rating.
Don't ask me to explain.
April 2, 2011
Dear Outcast Mine,
It’s not you, it’s me – really, that’s the only reason you earned an average grade. Totally, totally me. Because the truth is, you did everything right. The writing was beautiful. The plot was compelling. More than that, it was interesting. When I read it, I thought: people will love this book and give it a four or a five easy.
I also would like to say, the setting was amazing. Dark and creepy. I can't believe you made an underground prison work to the point where it felt like another character.
For me, though, the book as a whole didn’t work on the level I wanted it to. It’s not easy to answer why it didn’t work for me. Because I can't point to specific things and say, "See here! These things!"
It simply comes down to the type of books that sing to me. I’m not opposed to a complex plot. I rather like it, actually. I just don't particularly like books that spend too much time on plot when it's set up to be a romance. Because I start to read it thinking: this is going to be a romance with hot, sexy sex! And what I got was a good book, with some romance and a weird sex scene. It left me cold.
The romance didn't work for me at all. It was fine. It was good. It just wasn't great. I didn't want to spend all day with these characters long after the book was over. And looking back, I don't think I bought in to the relationship. I think that, right there, is the whole of the issue.
When I read m/m romance, I'm in it for the angst. I fully admit that. I LOVE angst. It's what makes the difference between and okay book and a book I want to lick. There wasn't much angst between the characters. Or at least I didn't feel it. I didn't feel at any point like their odds were so insurmountable that they wouldn't be together.
This is a good book. My issues are my issues, and it could totally work for someone else. I would buy this author again. I'm willing to go on another whirl.
www.theanonymousmouse.com
It’s not you, it’s me – really, that’s the only reason you earned an average grade. Totally, totally me. Because the truth is, you did everything right. The writing was beautiful. The plot was compelling. More than that, it was interesting. When I read it, I thought: people will love this book and give it a four or a five easy.
I also would like to say, the setting was amazing. Dark and creepy. I can't believe you made an underground prison work to the point where it felt like another character.
For me, though, the book as a whole didn’t work on the level I wanted it to. It’s not easy to answer why it didn’t work for me. Because I can't point to specific things and say, "See here! These things!"
It simply comes down to the type of books that sing to me. I’m not opposed to a complex plot. I rather like it, actually. I just don't particularly like books that spend too much time on plot when it's set up to be a romance. Because I start to read it thinking: this is going to be a romance with hot, sexy sex! And what I got was a good book, with some romance and a weird sex scene. It left me cold.
The romance didn't work for me at all. It was fine. It was good. It just wasn't great. I didn't want to spend all day with these characters long after the book was over. And looking back, I don't think I bought in to the relationship. I think that, right there, is the whole of the issue.
When I read m/m romance, I'm in it for the angst. I fully admit that. I LOVE angst. It's what makes the difference between and okay book and a book I want to lick. There wasn't much angst between the characters. Or at least I didn't feel it. I didn't feel at any point like their odds were so insurmountable that they wouldn't be together.
This is a good book. My issues are my issues, and it could totally work for someone else. I would buy this author again. I'm willing to go on another whirl.
www.theanonymousmouse.com
January 5, 2012
Dark and sometimes creepy, I didn't initially peg this book as a contender for the best-of list. But the rich world, complex characters, and suspenseful story quickly changed all that.
I have this book on my mental list to re-read, but I think I'm still pondering the story, to be honest. It's not weighty, but it resonates well, this prison mine world. And I love the complicated relationship between the prisoner and his jailer, but I also love the whole prison system. The intrigue never stopped but also never became overwhelming, not to me. At the end it all tied together quite neatly and in a way that was both believable and pleasing.
The sex was hot, yes, but this one I loved most for the characters and for the way it made me think.
I have this book on my mental list to re-read, but I think I'm still pondering the story, to be honest. It's not weighty, but it resonates well, this prison mine world. And I love the complicated relationship between the prisoner and his jailer, but I also love the whole prison system. The intrigue never stopped but also never became overwhelming, not to me. At the end it all tied together quite neatly and in a way that was both believable and pleasing.
The sex was hot, yes, but this one I loved most for the characters and for the way it made me think.
April 26, 2015
I started a challenge on Facebook. Pick a book on the first page of your 'to read' list here on Goodreads. Outcast Mine was the book I picked and I have no idea what the hell I was waiting for. This book was fantastic. Excellent plot and great characters! The sex was very good too!
October 31, 2019
I listened to this story on audio awhile back... I remember it was quite exciting with an original plot. Dark atmosphere, hot sex, interesting supporting characters. Highly recommended!
July 1, 2017
Great sci-fi story and an excellent audio, narrated by Jack LeFleur!
March 31, 2020
I really loved this book. The story was complex with many little side plots that all eventually came together. I loved both main characters and how they slowly grew to love each other.
January 30, 2011
Aleron is a thief from Old Earth and he's been sentenced to prison in Tantoret, a planet where the only richness is a mineral that can be made into a drug. The prisoners have to mine the drug, which has terrible effects on their bodies, and live underground in a dark and violent environment. Their guards are of the Athaki race and they are immune to the effects of the drug, that's why they were chosen for that role. The guards themselves are prisoners of the prison they have to guard, as they were sent there because they committed crimes.
No one is innocent. No one is above judgment. In this forsaken place Aleron meets the head of the guards, Jasak. Jasak follows his own rules and his own code of honor. Even if his own race thrives on blood, he does everything he can to keep his control and keep his guards in check so that the prison doesn't transform into a continuous blood bath. But Jasak is losing control on his fellow guards, who are starting to question his authority, and he is also losing control on the prisoners, who are beginning to plot against him as a way to get to rule the prison themselves.
The arrival of Aleron, with his unquenchable thirst for life, makes Jasak's position even more precarious, because Aleron put himself in danger to alert Jasak of a plot against him, even if he does so out of selfishness to save his own life, and the guard has to claim him as his mate so that no one can touch him. Aleron gets close to Jasak first of all because he wants to exploit the information he can gather from him in order to escape, but also because he is attracted to the guard. The two characters have to help each other to fend off treasons and attacks as their bond gets deeper.
Aleron changes during the book and I liked the way he did that, because he was almost taken by surprise. It takes a while for Aleron to abandon his plans of escaping to stay with Jasak. At first Aleron asks a lot of questions and he offers himself to Jasak, who is so honorable that he doesn't take a thing from the other man unless it's freely given, but in the attempt of stealing Jasak's secrets to use them to his own advantage, he loses the selfish part of his personality, until he bargains his self-interest with Jasak's needs.
Jasak, on the other hand, shows his noble soul many times and takes difficult and unpopular decisions to obey his own code of honor. Even if Aleron is a prisoner and he could abuse him because of his role and his greater physical strength, he treats Aleron as an equal and he shows an incredible tender side. Their love-making is slow and full of respect and sweetness, so while the world is dark and there's danger coming from every side, when they are together, they are able to keep everything else out of their bed and they abandon themselves to their senses as they lower all their emotional defenses.
The secondary character are well-developed and they are all given enough motivation and background to guarantee that each of them can stand out of their own. Even when they don't stay very long in the story, each one is important to the plot.
The setting is very interesting. The claustrophobic mine is depicted vividly and the dynamics in the circle of prisoners and the circle of guards is believable and it adds to the insecurity of the whole place. There are a few details which stuck in my mind and are brilliant, like for example the fact that the ground seems alive with creatures and seems to take nourishment from the blood spilled on it.
It's the first book I read by these authors and I must say that it exceeded my expectations. There's a very nice balance of both action and romance.
Galley received via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.
No one is innocent. No one is above judgment. In this forsaken place Aleron meets the head of the guards, Jasak. Jasak follows his own rules and his own code of honor. Even if his own race thrives on blood, he does everything he can to keep his control and keep his guards in check so that the prison doesn't transform into a continuous blood bath. But Jasak is losing control on his fellow guards, who are starting to question his authority, and he is also losing control on the prisoners, who are beginning to plot against him as a way to get to rule the prison themselves.
The arrival of Aleron, with his unquenchable thirst for life, makes Jasak's position even more precarious, because Aleron put himself in danger to alert Jasak of a plot against him, even if he does so out of selfishness to save his own life, and the guard has to claim him as his mate so that no one can touch him. Aleron gets close to Jasak first of all because he wants to exploit the information he can gather from him in order to escape, but also because he is attracted to the guard. The two characters have to help each other to fend off treasons and attacks as their bond gets deeper.
Aleron changes during the book and I liked the way he did that, because he was almost taken by surprise. It takes a while for Aleron to abandon his plans of escaping to stay with Jasak. At first Aleron asks a lot of questions and he offers himself to Jasak, who is so honorable that he doesn't take a thing from the other man unless it's freely given, but in the attempt of stealing Jasak's secrets to use them to his own advantage, he loses the selfish part of his personality, until he bargains his self-interest with Jasak's needs.
Jasak, on the other hand, shows his noble soul many times and takes difficult and unpopular decisions to obey his own code of honor. Even if Aleron is a prisoner and he could abuse him because of his role and his greater physical strength, he treats Aleron as an equal and he shows an incredible tender side. Their love-making is slow and full of respect and sweetness, so while the world is dark and there's danger coming from every side, when they are together, they are able to keep everything else out of their bed and they abandon themselves to their senses as they lower all their emotional defenses.
The secondary character are well-developed and they are all given enough motivation and background to guarantee that each of them can stand out of their own. Even when they don't stay very long in the story, each one is important to the plot.
The setting is very interesting. The claustrophobic mine is depicted vividly and the dynamics in the circle of prisoners and the circle of guards is believable and it adds to the insecurity of the whole place. There are a few details which stuck in my mind and are brilliant, like for example the fact that the ground seems alive with creatures and seems to take nourishment from the blood spilled on it.
It's the first book I read by these authors and I must say that it exceeded my expectations. There's a very nice balance of both action and romance.
Galley received via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.
d-n-f
January 12, 2015Did Not Finish @ 64%
Urgh, I hate not finishing books. I just couldn't bring myself to pick this one back up. It wasn't a bad story I don't think...I was just never fully engaged in it. I like the premise but I never really liked either of the MCs and for me, the characters are what make a story.
I read the mention of mates in the blurb, but as this is a sci-fi I assumed we were talking about alien mates, but this is really just an alien werewolf romance set in space! That was a bit surprising when I realised what was going on, but I think I would have been ok with this development - the major sticking point was just that I couldn't bring myself to care much about the characters.
I waited for a week or so to see if I would want to carry on, but nothing is really pulling me back to it...so time to admit defeat on this one.
Urgh, I hate not finishing books. I just couldn't bring myself to pick this one back up. It wasn't a bad story I don't think...I was just never fully engaged in it. I like the premise but I never really liked either of the MCs and for me, the characters are what make a story.
I read the mention of mates in the blurb, but as this is a sci-fi I assumed we were talking about alien mates, but this is really just an alien werewolf romance set in space! That was a bit surprising when I realised what was going on, but I think I would have been ok with this development - the major sticking point was just that I couldn't bring myself to care much about the characters.
I waited for a week or so to see if I would want to carry on, but nothing is really pulling me back to it...so time to admit defeat on this one.
April 10, 2015
Audible
Performed by my favourite narrator, Jack LeFleur, this was quite entertaining. He had pictured the dark underground world of Tantoret perfectly, making me feel the suffocating dampness of the planet's core, the desperation of the prisoners to escape this toxic place and of course, the sweet self-sacrificing romance between the human prisoner Aleron and the alien head guard Jasak.
I'm not sure I would've enjoyed an e-book as much, but as an audiobook at was a pleasant break from my latest heavy reads.
***3 stars***
Performed by my favourite narrator, Jack LeFleur, this was quite entertaining. He had pictured the dark underground world of Tantoret perfectly, making me feel the suffocating dampness of the planet's core, the desperation of the prisoners to escape this toxic place and of course, the sweet self-sacrificing romance between the human prisoner Aleron and the alien head guard Jasak.
I'm not sure I would've enjoyed an e-book as much, but as an audiobook at was a pleasant break from my latest heavy reads.
***3 stars***
July 9, 2016
Loved the descriptions, you could almost feel the tunnels on Tantoret. The characters were realistic. Jasak's honor and how he grieved for his lost life. Aleron's cocky attitude and realistic outlook on life. The two get paired up early but the relationship develops more slowly. Both are drawn to each other. Loved the read and enjoyed watching the relationship grow through the entire book.
***Read May 2011 originally***
***Read May 2011 originally***
March 21, 2013
Good plot and characters in this sci-fi offering. Loved the flaws, and how they worked around them.
May 4, 2018
I just realized today that I'd never added a "Sci-fi" category to my book tags, even though I adore the genre and always have. However did that happen? I've corrected the neglect for Outcast Mine by Jamie Craig, an extremely talented and new-to-me author.
One of my favorite things in books is being introduced to characters that are less then perfect at first--criminals, in this case--and learning to love them as the author unfolds their lives and motivations. Though vastly different in their sizes, background, ideology, race, and power, our two protags, Aleron and Jasak, were still evenly matched, and made a good team.
After dreaming of escaping the universe's worst prison, when Aleron finally gets exactly what he wants, he turns it down, having changed his mind on what meant the most to him. What tremendous character growth for him.
Jasak endeared me with his strong sense of honor, reflected even in his "crime." I listened to this story on audiobook, so have no idea how the spell the doctor's name, but I found him to be intriguing and a strong secondary character. And even though they might not have had the best of intentions, my heart broke for the other couple who didn't have so happy an ending.
What a believable world Jamie Craig created, pulling us down into the chasms of Tantoret to a brutal world where a life sentence meant just that--and a short life at that. A world where political greed was more important than human, and alien, life.
In the stifling mines where not even sunlight lifted the gloom, a bond formed, for reasons that changed over time, and grew into so much more. I must admit that at times I was doubtful of this story ending on a happy note, but common ground led to a HEA that left me cheering.
Is there a sequel?
One of my favorite things in books is being introduced to characters that are less then perfect at first--criminals, in this case--and learning to love them as the author unfolds their lives and motivations. Though vastly different in their sizes, background, ideology, race, and power, our two protags, Aleron and Jasak, were still evenly matched, and made a good team.
After dreaming of escaping the universe's worst prison, when Aleron finally gets exactly what he wants, he turns it down, having changed his mind on what meant the most to him. What tremendous character growth for him.
Jasak endeared me with his strong sense of honor, reflected even in his "crime." I listened to this story on audiobook, so have no idea how the spell the doctor's name, but I found him to be intriguing and a strong secondary character. And even though they might not have had the best of intentions, my heart broke for the other couple who didn't have so happy an ending.
What a believable world Jamie Craig created, pulling us down into the chasms of Tantoret to a brutal world where a life sentence meant just that--and a short life at that. A world where political greed was more important than human, and alien, life.
In the stifling mines where not even sunlight lifted the gloom, a bond formed, for reasons that changed over time, and grew into so much more. I must admit that at times I was doubtful of this story ending on a happy note, but common ground led to a HEA that left me cheering.
Is there a sequel?
March 3, 2011
Aleron Pitre is a thief who has escaped from two prisons. Betrayed, he is captured for a third time and is sent to Tantoret – a place that no one escapes and no one leaves alive. If the mining doesn’t kill him then an inmate or guard is going to kill him.
Head guard Jasak tries to keep a balance. A balance that the mere presence of Aleron has disrupted. Jasak knows what he should do. It’s simple. He can get rid of Aleron and the balance would be restored and his position with the other Athki guards reaffirmed.
I really enjoyed all the side plots and strangely enough the confined, prison environment and all the dangers that it entailed. Loved watching Jasak and Aleron evolve and grow. I liked all of the intricate weaving of the secondary characters. Even the ones that I disliked I came to grudgingly understand. Loved this world that Jamie created and I was sorry when the story was over.
Head guard Jasak tries to keep a balance. A balance that the mere presence of Aleron has disrupted. Jasak knows what he should do. It’s simple. He can get rid of Aleron and the balance would be restored and his position with the other Athki guards reaffirmed.
I really enjoyed all the side plots and strangely enough the confined, prison environment and all the dangers that it entailed. Loved watching Jasak and Aleron evolve and grow. I liked all of the intricate weaving of the secondary characters. Even the ones that I disliked I came to grudgingly understand. Loved this world that Jamie created and I was sorry when the story was over.
May 24, 2011
I listened to the audiobook. It was good - nice and long and had a good reader. The reader was a bit over-serious and portentous, but that actually matched well with Jasak, who is also over-serious and portentous, so it worked.
Please see the rest of this review at http://charming2020.booklikes.com/pos....
Please see the rest of this review at http://charming2020.booklikes.com/pos....
July 28, 2014
Calling this book a page-turner doesn't give it justice. Maybe because it was an
outstanding
page-turner. I just couldn't put it down... Thoroughly engaging! The only problem is that it's a book that you'll finish too quickly...
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