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The Three
Alone in rural Indiana with only the clothes on her back, 25 year old Anna is almost ready to give up on trying to live in a world that has seen the recent slaughter of her childhood tribe and the murder, only a year later, of her best friend and only surviving tribe mate. When Anna interrupts an attack on a beautiful woman lounging by a lake, she is subsequently drawn into the relationship of two other survivors of the young, idealistic Elin, who welcomes Anna into their makeshift family with open arms, and her lover, the older, more jaded Kael, whose dark and brooding nature initially keeps Anna at bay. While Anna and Elin fall into affectionate interaction that quickly turns romantic - with Kael's permission - Anna and Kael have a more difficult time learning to live with one another. Their mutual love for Elin sees them through a rough start, and soon they develop a tentative, but genuine, friendship. The threesome is journeying south for the winter season when an unexpected accident leaves Elin severely injured and unable to defend herself from the constant threat of attack that is a part of their everyday lives. Making the decision to nurse Elin back to health in the relative safety of a city, Kael and Anna soon find that tensions rise as their relationship is strained by their concern over Elin's condition and Kael's resulting emotional distance from Anna. When Elin is threatened yet again, this time by a group of religious fanatics who believe that a woman's duty in the post-apocalyptic world is to bear children and work towards repopulating the earth, Kael and Anna's fragile bond will be tested once again as they find the need to work together to save the woman they both love.
292 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
48 people are currently reading
799 people want to read
About the author
Meghan O'Brien
44 books1,144 followersBorn in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, Meghan O’Brien relocated to Northern California in 2005. As a transplant, she enjoys the moderate weather and gorgeous scenery of the Bay Area. Meghan lives with her wife, their son, three cats, three dogs, two snakes and several tarantulas. Yes, it can be just as chaotic as it sounds.
Meghan’s day job is as a software developer, but her real passion is writing. From her humble beginnings creating numerous “books” out of construction paper and crayons as soon as she learned to write, to her several published novels and various anthology contributions, writing is what makes her feel most complete. (from the author's website)
Meghan’s day job is as a software developer, but her real passion is writing. From her humble beginnings creating numerous “books” out of construction paper and crayons as soon as she learned to write, to her several published novels and various anthology contributions, writing is what makes her feel most complete. (from the author's website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
March 22, 2018
Well… damn, I was not expecting that. Quite honestly, this is the one book of Meghan O’Brien’s that I’ve avoided because it sounded like something that I wasn’t that into. But fellow reviewer, Mel urged me to give it a go and I owe her big time!
This book isn’t your normal Lesbian Romantic Fiction novel. It’s set in a post apocalyptic world and it’s about a relationship between three people. This book is all about finding love in the most obscure places.
The Three is a story like no other. In a post apocalyptic world, Anna is broken and pretty banged up. She is wandering through the world just hoping not to get killed when she stumbles on a beautiful woman having a confrontation with two male intruders. She tries to help but she also gets caught up in the brawl until the woman’s partner comes and saves them both.
Anna is quite taken by the beautiful woman named Elin but she is unsure of her partner, Kael. She falls quickly for Elin and as Kael’s walls come down, so does Anna’s defenses and she begins to fall for Kael also. When Elin is captured by a cult that threatens to use her as a procreation vessel to repopulate the earth, Anna and Kael are fraught with fear and have to work together to bring her back home to them.
The book is written solely from Anna’s perspective and I think there was no other way to convey this story but through her. From the moment I started the story I was transported into Anna’s life. She feels so much but gives away so little to her new companions. That is until Elin begins to understand her without her having to give anything away. For me, Elin was the centre and the rock for both Kael and Anna. She seems the most fragile but I actually think she’s the strongest and most perceptive. She makes both Anna and Kael feel loved and desired without making either jealous of her affections for the other. She’s caring and understanding of their feelings and emotional bruises so when she’s captured its understandable the world feels like it has been tipped on its axis for both Kael and Anna. Kael is written like she’s the warrior and protector of Anna and Elin. She’s strong, butch (often mistaken for a man) and an incredibly accomplished fighter but internally she’s probably the most sensitive and at times broken but boy, do I have a thing for a sensitive butch.
My favourite moments were when The Three were together and spending intimate moments. But second to that would be the moments that Kael and Anna began to fall in love. It was beautiful to read. When Anna falls for Elin it’s instantaneous and with Elin being so open and loving it couldn’t be any other way, but with Kael it was a slower process and it really meant something when the barriers came down and their love was solidified. The sex scenes were fantastic and truly blew my mind, especially when they are all together. Just wow!
5 stars
This book isn’t your normal Lesbian Romantic Fiction novel. It’s set in a post apocalyptic world and it’s about a relationship between three people. This book is all about finding love in the most obscure places.
The Three is a story like no other. In a post apocalyptic world, Anna is broken and pretty banged up. She is wandering through the world just hoping not to get killed when she stumbles on a beautiful woman having a confrontation with two male intruders. She tries to help but she also gets caught up in the brawl until the woman’s partner comes and saves them both.
Anna is quite taken by the beautiful woman named Elin but she is unsure of her partner, Kael. She falls quickly for Elin and as Kael’s walls come down, so does Anna’s defenses and she begins to fall for Kael also. When Elin is captured by a cult that threatens to use her as a procreation vessel to repopulate the earth, Anna and Kael are fraught with fear and have to work together to bring her back home to them.
The book is written solely from Anna’s perspective and I think there was no other way to convey this story but through her. From the moment I started the story I was transported into Anna’s life. She feels so much but gives away so little to her new companions. That is until Elin begins to understand her without her having to give anything away. For me, Elin was the centre and the rock for both Kael and Anna. She seems the most fragile but I actually think she’s the strongest and most perceptive. She makes both Anna and Kael feel loved and desired without making either jealous of her affections for the other. She’s caring and understanding of their feelings and emotional bruises so when she’s captured its understandable the world feels like it has been tipped on its axis for both Kael and Anna. Kael is written like she’s the warrior and protector of Anna and Elin. She’s strong, butch (often mistaken for a man) and an incredibly accomplished fighter but internally she’s probably the most sensitive and at times broken but boy, do I have a thing for a sensitive butch.
My favourite moments were when The Three were together and spending intimate moments. But second to that would be the moments that Kael and Anna began to fall in love. It was beautiful to read. When Anna falls for Elin it’s instantaneous and with Elin being so open and loving it couldn’t be any other way, but with Kael it was a slower process and it really meant something when the barriers came down and their love was solidified. The sex scenes were fantastic and truly blew my mind, especially when they are all together. Just wow!
5 stars
June 25, 2012
Favourite of her books that I have read so far. Interesting plot, hot sex scenes, believable characters (ok,ok this is post apocalyptic fiction, not Proust) and a tension and payoff at the end. Would like there to be sequel or series to see where these characters could go. Please, pretty please with a cherry on top?
May 29, 2017
I absolutely loved this book, I have no idea why I didn't read it sooner! I think it was the post- apocalypse that kinda turned me off. But I was wrong, it's a true Meghan O'Brien book that had me hot and bothered at times ;)
June 8, 2021
Cute book but the cover is atrocious
October 26, 2020
This book was recommended to me in a lesfic FB group and I'm so glad I took the plunge! I'd never read a novel that included a polyamorous relationship and have never really thought it could work with lesbians. I mean - we are quite an emotionally territorial lot, are we not? But this completely worked. And don't let that aspect of it scare you away from reading it either. I can't say too much about this book without giving something significant away, but this post-apocalyptic adventure is exciting, at times frightening yet also moving and very romantic. And because it's Meghan O'Brien, sexy as all hell. I read it all in one sitting. An unexpected surprise!
July 20, 2021
Brilliant, hot, and unique dystopian novel. When Anna escapes from a savage attack on her tribe, she comes across Elin and Kael. Elin is a sweet wonder of the world, and Kael is butch, strong, and an amazing fighter. When all three fall in love, but then one of their party is captured by a vile group of men, the rescue mission is in full swing! I love Meghan O'Briens work, and this one was quite magical. Beautifully written, sexy as hell, and with amazing characters that you fall in love with! All three were fantastic, but Kael was my favourite. Excellent read!
June 1, 2020
This was a really hot, really exciting, really well-written slice of f/f post-apocalyptic fiction. Or, as evidenced by the title, f/f/f.
In fffact, I'd call it fffucking fffantastic!
(I crack myselfff up.)
In fffact, I'd call it fffucking fffantastic!
(I crack myselfff up.)
March 31, 2021
So recently I realized that I know more people happily in triad or poly relationships in real life than I've read in books, and as someone that reads a lot of romance novels, that was an interesting observation to me. So even though I joke with those friends that I personally am "boringly monogamous" I decided to go looking for some books with these dynamics, and started here!
The Three is a post-apocalyptic world of people existing 20+ years since a disease devastated the world and dropped the population to a tiny fraction of what it was. We see this world through the eyes of Anna as she comes across the pair of Elin and Kael and they try to survive together.
What makes this novel memorable is definitely the characters. Particularly Kael.
This book was published in 2006, so it was really surprising to me to have a character outside the gender binary represented, and represented pretty well. The book wasn't advertised as such so it was a pleasant surprise. Kael's identity is never specifically named, but it is discussed a few times. Especially 18% through the book stating:
Having a character like this really brought me into the world and I could see Kael and how he represented himself.
Elin was also a joy to see and I loved how Anna and Kael did everything they could to preserve her positive outlook on life despite living in a very hard and barren world. I loved how she sensed Anna was like them and brought her right into the initial pair of Elin and Kael.
Anna was also an interesting character, though I have to say I did get more out of Elin and Kael's dynamic. But seeing Anna as a bridge between the two characters, with traits similar to both was nice and probably illustrates how the triad between them functioned. Everybody brings different elements to the relationship.
The world O'Brien built was interesting as well. We don't hear details of the disease that ravaged the world, except that it moved so quickly and was devastating. That's something I often wonder about in post-apocalyptical novels, how so many resources from the old world remain years and years after main events. But if the population is 1% of what it used to be like represented here, that makes sense to me.
I also feel like I should mention, this is my first book by Meghan O'Brien and from what I understand she has a reputation for particularly steamy sex scenes. I've read many sex scenes in lesbian fiction at this point, and while they are fun, they're not the main reason I read this genre. But the sex scenes in this novel did definitely grab my attention. I'll leave it at that, but it was worth mentioning in the review if anyone else is going to read this.
I really enjoyed this book. The world was interesting, but the characters are what really brought me in. 4/5
cw: multiple rape mentions off page, abduction, murder
The Three is a post-apocalyptic world of people existing 20+ years since a disease devastated the world and dropped the population to a tiny fraction of what it was. We see this world through the eyes of Anna as she comes across the pair of Elin and Kael and they try to survive together.
What makes this novel memorable is definitely the characters. Particularly Kael.
This book was published in 2006, so it was really surprising to me to have a character outside the gender binary represented, and represented pretty well. The book wasn't advertised as such so it was a pleasant surprise. Kael's identity is never specifically named, but it is discussed a few times. Especially 18% through the book stating:
“Um, does Kael prefer to be called ‘he’?” She kept her hands moving, trying not to concentrate on the fact that she was baring her body. “Kael…can go either way. If it’s just the three of us, it’s okay to acknowledge that Kael is a woman. He doesn’t mind. But in general, I use male pronouns. He likes it, and it’s less confusing that way. It’s also safer if we’re in a situation where there’s any chance we could be overheard... That’s part of it. Mostly, though, it’s just who Kael is. He’s not really a woman, and he’s not really a man. He’s just Kael.”
Having a character like this really brought me into the world and I could see Kael and how he represented himself.
Elin was also a joy to see and I loved how Anna and Kael did everything they could to preserve her positive outlook on life despite living in a very hard and barren world. I loved how she sensed Anna was like them and brought her right into the initial pair of Elin and Kael.
Anna was also an interesting character, though I have to say I did get more out of Elin and Kael's dynamic. But seeing Anna as a bridge between the two characters, with traits similar to both was nice and probably illustrates how the triad between them functioned. Everybody brings different elements to the relationship.
The world O'Brien built was interesting as well. We don't hear details of the disease that ravaged the world, except that it moved so quickly and was devastating. That's something I often wonder about in post-apocalyptical novels, how so many resources from the old world remain years and years after main events. But if the population is 1% of what it used to be like represented here, that makes sense to me.
I also feel like I should mention, this is my first book by Meghan O'Brien and from what I understand she has a reputation for particularly steamy sex scenes. I've read many sex scenes in lesbian fiction at this point, and while they are fun, they're not the main reason I read this genre. But the sex scenes in this novel did definitely grab my attention. I'll leave it at that, but it was worth mentioning in the review if anyone else is going to read this.
I really enjoyed this book. The world was interesting, but the characters are what really brought me in. 4/5
cw: multiple rape mentions off page, abduction, murder
February 6, 2021
This one had a little bit of everything in a post pandemic setting-how fitting I just read it. There are some intense abuse undertones in this one, so beware if that's a trigger for you. Otherwise there is action and plenty of heat, true to an O'Brien book.
October 26, 2008
I read it because I absolutely enjoyed Infinite Loop, but have the same issues with both books. They hindered the reading of Loop less than they did that of The Three.
To summarize, The Three is a story of 3 women involved in a romantic relationship in a post-apocalyptic US, in which only very few people survived a disease. It doesn't quite draw a picture of the entire country, we only get to know what these three women experienced before meeting each other, but those reflect what one would expect from a situation like this.
I'm not always into sci-fi, fantasy, but I do the genres if something in the portrayed world clicks with me. I have a little trekkie inside of me, and enjoyed spending a lot of time in Zimmer Bradley's Darkover world as a teenager.
One of the things that bugged me was that once Anna meets Elin it's love at first sight, and the relationship between Anna and Kael, Elin's partner progresses only slightly slower. I'm not sure if such a post-apocalyptic world would make you trust those sudden feelings faster or maybe not, at any rate, I found it somewhat unbelievable. The threesome itself is very believable and you can see what it is that attracts the women to each other.
I also would have enjoyed more plot and less sex. If you take the sex out (which is well written and hot), there's really not much left, and I think a setting like this would allow for a lot more to tell. The plot itself is also rather weak and predictable.
One of the women, Kael, presents as a man, and Anna, too, in the beginning thinks she is one. Kael likes her masculine identity, and the other women both at times use male pronouns, not just in public but in private as well. This aspect as well could have been better developed and used/explored for more than the sex scenes. Oh, that's unfair of me. To me, Kael is the most interesting characters of them all, and her masculinity and role in their relationship is explored in dialog and fights they have while they try to find their place in the threesome, I just wish there was more of it that doesn't relate to sex scenes. Although those were good.
Another thing that bugged me was the portrayal of masculinity/femininity in the book. While the three women are each at different points of the scale, their masculinity/femininity is portrayed along the lines of behavior etc. that matches the gender binary I so want to get rid of today. I wish the gender bending would have included breaking stereotypes of gender that still dominate a lot of people's thoughts today, e.g., feminine as weak and needs to be protected, cooks etc., while Kael hunts, scouts places for safety etc. Now, I realize that it also has to to with physical ability and personal strengths and weaknesses, but that doesn't explain the strict adherence to stereotypical views of gender.
I did enjoy reading it, but I wish there would have been a bit more meat to the story and that some aspects were developed more fully.
To summarize, The Three is a story of 3 women involved in a romantic relationship in a post-apocalyptic US, in which only very few people survived a disease. It doesn't quite draw a picture of the entire country, we only get to know what these three women experienced before meeting each other, but those reflect what one would expect from a situation like this.
I'm not always into sci-fi, fantasy, but I do the genres if something in the portrayed world clicks with me. I have a little trekkie inside of me, and enjoyed spending a lot of time in Zimmer Bradley's Darkover world as a teenager.
One of the things that bugged me was that once Anna meets Elin it's love at first sight, and the relationship between Anna and Kael, Elin's partner progresses only slightly slower. I'm not sure if such a post-apocalyptic world would make you trust those sudden feelings faster or maybe not, at any rate, I found it somewhat unbelievable. The threesome itself is very believable and you can see what it is that attracts the women to each other.
I also would have enjoyed more plot and less sex. If you take the sex out (which is well written and hot), there's really not much left, and I think a setting like this would allow for a lot more to tell. The plot itself is also rather weak and predictable.
One of the women, Kael, presents as a man, and Anna, too, in the beginning thinks she is one. Kael likes her masculine identity, and the other women both at times use male pronouns, not just in public but in private as well. This aspect as well could have been better developed and used/explored for more than the sex scenes. Oh, that's unfair of me. To me, Kael is the most interesting characters of them all, and her masculinity and role in their relationship is explored in dialog and fights they have while they try to find their place in the threesome, I just wish there was more of it that doesn't relate to sex scenes. Although those were good.
Another thing that bugged me was the portrayal of masculinity/femininity in the book. While the three women are each at different points of the scale, their masculinity/femininity is portrayed along the lines of behavior etc. that matches the gender binary I so want to get rid of today. I wish the gender bending would have included breaking stereotypes of gender that still dominate a lot of people's thoughts today, e.g., feminine as weak and needs to be protected, cooks etc., while Kael hunts, scouts places for safety etc. Now, I realize that it also has to to with physical ability and personal strengths and weaknesses, but that doesn't explain the strict adherence to stereotypical views of gender.
I did enjoy reading it, but I wish there would have been a bit more meat to the story and that some aspects were developed more fully.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2020
Who knew I'd get hot n bothered reading a story set in a post-apocalyptic world. Geeze, O'Brien, every story I've read of yours has left me in an erotic tizzy.
This story takes us on a journey through a world that had collapsed with people in it who believed women were put on this earth for one purpose and one purpose only; procreate. UGH. Thank the stars people like Kael, Elin, and Anna still existed, as well as some others along the way who did not feel the same way. We learned throughout the story about each individual and how they came to be. I fell for Kael instantly, and I would describe them as a non-binary warrior with a heart of gold who loved their girls ferociously. Anna was a fighter, too, but she was also stubborn. Elin at first, thought to be tough, but soon after getting to know her and Kael, she was simply a sweetheart with an innocent soul. I soon understood why Kael was so protective towards Elin.
I really enjoyed this apocalyptic tale with action, angst, lust, love, tears, and I can't forget the three-some with a strap-on. Very hot.
This story takes us on a journey through a world that had collapsed with people in it who believed women were put on this earth for one purpose and one purpose only; procreate. UGH. Thank the stars people like Kael, Elin, and Anna still existed, as well as some others along the way who did not feel the same way. We learned throughout the story about each individual and how they came to be. I fell for Kael instantly, and I would describe them as a non-binary warrior with a heart of gold who loved their girls ferociously. Anna was a fighter, too, but she was also stubborn. Elin at first, thought to be tough, but soon after getting to know her and Kael, she was simply a sweetheart with an innocent soul. I soon understood why Kael was so protective towards Elin.
I really enjoyed this apocalyptic tale with action, angst, lust, love, tears, and I can't forget the three-some with a strap-on. Very hot.
June 19, 2019
I was reading some reviews where people thought the sex carried too much weight on the plot of this book, and that the love connection was rushed. I actually had the same opinion when I first started reading, but as I thought about it...this is a story set in a post apocalyptic world. Throughout Anna’s entire life, she has only known evil, rape, and violence. These three characters are desperate for safely, love, pleasure, and human intimacy. They team together to find it in each other, which I found very believable.
I do agree that the book could’ve used more descriptions about the apocalypse, but I think this story is more character driven.
Plus, lets face it. This is erotica with an interesting twist. If I was looking for a book about post apocalyptic USA, I wouldn’t be searching through the lesbian erotica aisle.
The sex scenes were hot as all hell. I actually considered going to confession after reading them. Haha. But yeah. They were HOT
I do agree that the book could’ve used more descriptions about the apocalypse, but I think this story is more character driven.
Plus, lets face it. This is erotica with an interesting twist. If I was looking for a book about post apocalyptic USA, I wouldn’t be searching through the lesbian erotica aisle.
The sex scenes were hot as all hell. I actually considered going to confession after reading them. Haha. But yeah. They were HOT
July 17, 2014
Ok, yes, this is basically a story built around a threesome/pleural relationship, whatever you want to call it. The b or c story only really picks up in the last third of the book and that's unfortunate. That is a far more interesting plot line, with tinges of The Handmaid's Tale. Basically, in a post apocalyptic future, a cult religious group called the Procreationists are kidnapping women for the purposes of repopulating the species. However, this setup is never really exploited to its fullest, instead the repetitive sex scenes are given more weight. It's too bad. But let's talk about that for a moment. The third character felt wholly unnecessary. She's the only perspective the reader has but she's rather dull, unremarkable and very similar to the other "tough" character. I'm highly suspicious she's a Mary Sue, as this book is very obviously a carryover of Xena uber fan fiction. All in all, a very disappointing read.
October 18, 2021
The three
I have to admit I wasn't sure about this one...but I had faith that one of my favourite authors wouldn't let me down and I was totally correct in that assumption.
Loved the way this was developed and put into context with this post war environment, a very compelling read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I have to admit I wasn't sure about this one...but I had faith that one of my favourite authors wouldn't let me down and I was totally correct in that assumption.
Loved the way this was developed and put into context with this post war environment, a very compelling read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
January 20, 2020
Really good threesome romance with a convincing non binary character, a mostly believable postap world
June 2, 2024
I am a believer now. AMAZING. And sad. The emotions, so fucking raw. And Kael… Such a man. I loved him.
May 22, 2017
Maybe I should start reading the synopsis again because sometimes you wind up with a wholly different book than you were expecting.
March 27, 2022
The Three by Meghan O’Brian I can start with the word wow. This is the journey of Anna, Elin, and Kael. Their journey is in a dystopian future. Their lives are a struggle and always a danger. The one good thing they have is love. The plot takes us through their stages of growth and personal discovery. Their histories are detailed, which gives us a growing foundation to watch them flourish. The side characters add so much to the story. The good ones and the villains allow us to see these three work out their lives. It is a great read. It goes right back on my TBR pile. This book for me is five stars I loved all aspects.
June 5, 2018
Having read and very much enjoyed a couple of novels by Meghan O'Brien some time ago I figured it was way past time to dip into her works again. I'm glad I did and extremely glad I chose The Three. (Actually, it was an amazon recommendation and sometimes they're kind of hit or miss.) As it turns out, The Three was a dead center bullseye.
O'Brien's Wild and Infinite Loop featured engaging, even fun characters who also earn your respect and admiration, intriguing stories with perfect pacing as well as flawless execution in the mechanical aspects of writing. The Three definitely lives up to those high standards. Moreover, here we have, as the title suggests, a third main character to enjoy; this is more than lagniappe, though: all three characters, Anna, Elin and Kael, are absolutely essential to the story. It takes some time for the reader to warm to Kael, just as it does Anna, who has just met the other two; this, I assume, is by design, and adds another element of conflict for the characters to overcome. Elin, however, is adorable from the git-go. Her joie de vivre helps dispel the doom and gloom that characterizes much dystopian fiction. Despite her innocence in some areas, Elin is every bit as strong as her two companions. And, folks, in a world where a candidate for POTUS can brag about sexual assault with complete impunity, we need all the stories about strong women we can get.
I began reading science-fiction when I was about ten, so I’ve read my share of post-apocalyptic stories. What makes The Three different is that the disease-ravaged world merely provides the setting whereas, in most other such novels, the disaster which has befallen our world is the entire raison d’être of the work. Almost all dystopian novels are cautionary tales; The Three, on the other hand, is an intensive character study in triplicate. It takes a special writer to make such story quite entertaining as well, and O'Brien is more than up to the task.
A couple of online reviewers said they wanted more details about what caused the illness which devastated the Earth. If this were the typical post-apocalyptic tale, I might agree, but here, despite the fact that the adventure-filled plot holds your interest and is often riveting, it's the characters that matter. The plot is certainly compelling enough to keep you turning pages but extraneous scientific detail would make this an entirely different novel. What backstory there is occurs in the dialog, avoiding the common info-dumps which plague many science-fiction stories.
As for the mechanical aspects of the work, the nuts and bolts, if you will, of a writer's craft, we're also on very solid footing. Yeah, it's a Bold Strokes offering and I can't imagine Radclyffe and Stacia Seaman putting out anything but highly polished books, but something about O'Brien's writing makes me think her work doesn't need a lot of tightening up. In any case, there are none of those gaffes of grammar, etc. that can seriously interrupt the narrative flow and leave you scratching your head.
Finally, of course, there's the sex. And, yes, there's lots of it but it never feels like too much. Each such scene is certainly erotic but, though graphic, it never feels gratuitous or "porn-y." Every lovemaking event is there for a purpose. I'm reminded of Katherine V. Forrest's remark that you can show things about character in a sex scene that can't be depicted any other way. The Three perfectly illustrates that.
One of the important things about O'Brien's writing, in my opinion, is that she understands that people are people irrespective of orientation, gender, race or any other descriptive. While a character's response to the events of a story is inevitably colored by experiences based on any or all of the above, what O'Brien's characters always display is basic human emotion and that makes it easy for any reader to relate to them.
In summary, then, Meghan O'Brien's The Three is an extremely well-written, logically plotted, entertaining novel with terrific characters whom you come to root for because they're admirable and have become very real. If the overall tone is more serious than Infinite Loop or even Wild, that merely serves to underscore O'Brien's versatility as a writer. I highly recommend The Three, as I do the other novels mentioned.
O'Brien's Wild and Infinite Loop featured engaging, even fun characters who also earn your respect and admiration, intriguing stories with perfect pacing as well as flawless execution in the mechanical aspects of writing. The Three definitely lives up to those high standards. Moreover, here we have, as the title suggests, a third main character to enjoy; this is more than lagniappe, though: all three characters, Anna, Elin and Kael, are absolutely essential to the story. It takes some time for the reader to warm to Kael, just as it does Anna, who has just met the other two; this, I assume, is by design, and adds another element of conflict for the characters to overcome. Elin, however, is adorable from the git-go. Her joie de vivre helps dispel the doom and gloom that characterizes much dystopian fiction. Despite her innocence in some areas, Elin is every bit as strong as her two companions. And, folks, in a world where a candidate for POTUS can brag about sexual assault with complete impunity, we need all the stories about strong women we can get.
I began reading science-fiction when I was about ten, so I’ve read my share of post-apocalyptic stories. What makes The Three different is that the disease-ravaged world merely provides the setting whereas, in most other such novels, the disaster which has befallen our world is the entire raison d’être of the work. Almost all dystopian novels are cautionary tales; The Three, on the other hand, is an intensive character study in triplicate. It takes a special writer to make such story quite entertaining as well, and O'Brien is more than up to the task.
A couple of online reviewers said they wanted more details about what caused the illness which devastated the Earth. If this were the typical post-apocalyptic tale, I might agree, but here, despite the fact that the adventure-filled plot holds your interest and is often riveting, it's the characters that matter. The plot is certainly compelling enough to keep you turning pages but extraneous scientific detail would make this an entirely different novel. What backstory there is occurs in the dialog, avoiding the common info-dumps which plague many science-fiction stories.
As for the mechanical aspects of the work, the nuts and bolts, if you will, of a writer's craft, we're also on very solid footing. Yeah, it's a Bold Strokes offering and I can't imagine Radclyffe and Stacia Seaman putting out anything but highly polished books, but something about O'Brien's writing makes me think her work doesn't need a lot of tightening up. In any case, there are none of those gaffes of grammar, etc. that can seriously interrupt the narrative flow and leave you scratching your head.
Finally, of course, there's the sex. And, yes, there's lots of it but it never feels like too much. Each such scene is certainly erotic but, though graphic, it never feels gratuitous or "porn-y." Every lovemaking event is there for a purpose. I'm reminded of Katherine V. Forrest's remark that you can show things about character in a sex scene that can't be depicted any other way. The Three perfectly illustrates that.
One of the important things about O'Brien's writing, in my opinion, is that she understands that people are people irrespective of orientation, gender, race or any other descriptive. While a character's response to the events of a story is inevitably colored by experiences based on any or all of the above, what O'Brien's characters always display is basic human emotion and that makes it easy for any reader to relate to them.
In summary, then, Meghan O'Brien's The Three is an extremely well-written, logically plotted, entertaining novel with terrific characters whom you come to root for because they're admirable and have become very real. If the overall tone is more serious than Infinite Loop or even Wild, that merely serves to underscore O'Brien's versatility as a writer. I highly recommend The Three, as I do the other novels mentioned.
November 14, 2023
➬➱➫➩➪【4.25 Stars】
I have reread this book a few times. It is such a unique take on the dystopian world O’Brien paints. A polyamorous relationship is depicted between three women and, although it felt very insta-lovey, there were so many romantic scenes between all three women that it felt okay. I loved seeing the soft side of each main character and how this helped progress their relationship.
I wish the world was not as dark as it was, but it created a suspenseful, action-packed plot. When I first read it, I was really scared during certain scenes and am happy to report the TW is somewhat tamer than what I expected while reading.
TW: Mention and threat of sexual assault.
I wish O’Brien would write more books like this. It showcases her writing talent very well. Solid read and recommended.
➢Happy reading!
I have reread this book a few times. It is such a unique take on the dystopian world O’Brien paints. A polyamorous relationship is depicted between three women and, although it felt very insta-lovey, there were so many romantic scenes between all three women that it felt okay. I loved seeing the soft side of each main character and how this helped progress their relationship.
I wish the world was not as dark as it was, but it created a suspenseful, action-packed plot. When I first read it, I was really scared during certain scenes and am happy to report the TW is somewhat tamer than what I expected while reading.
TW: Mention and threat of sexual assault.
I wish O’Brien would write more books like this. It showcases her writing talent very well. Solid read and recommended.
➢Happy reading!
February 13, 2020
This book had it all, love, devotion, lies, trauma, survival, heart break, loss, rage, hate, fear, and righteous fury!
But seriously, really great read with 3 main characters you will fall in love with, though you'll only see and experience everything from Anna's point of view, which I was worried would be limiting for the story telling of 3 mains, but it flowed beautifully from just her point, and through her eyes alone, you fall in love with these 2 other people she at first admires but quickly grows to love. But it's not all roses, the way the book starts off is right after Anna has lost--basically everything. She's almost ready to give up, and that's where we find her, at a very low point in her life before she stumbles upon our angel, and viciously soft hearted barbarian. (That's how I've nick named Elin and Kael)
Now the book starts off fantastic, because it jumps right into the action, and then tempers down to a low smolder, as we get to know every character in this group, before they start hitting their next few pot holes in life. Plus the action scenes are separated out so nicely that you never get bored reading when "nothing" is happening, and that's hard to do. Plus, all the supposed "info dumping" never really raised it's ugly head, it's integrated so well that you don't ever start rolling your eyes or groaning in frustration and have to put the book down. But you will have to put the book down every now and again because it does in fact deal with some serious triggers.
***WARNING TRIGGERS AHEAD***
-sexual assault
-rape
-implied rape threats
-straight men being evil (what's new)
-forced procreation
-murder (but most of it you will seriously be ok with happening)
***
With the triggers above, it does at times make it hard to read through certain parts or listen to a character describe what they experienced...just be prepared people. It's written well and handled well, but I was so upset by it all and had to remind myself that this was just a fictional book, which let's be real, does that phrase ever help anyone?
No.
All that aside, this is Meghan O'Brien, who does everything well from start to finish, and I have yet to find anything wrong with her writing, characters, or the worlds she builds. Though I will admit that I would like a book from Elin and Kael's point of views as well. Doesn't have to be during the same time as this one or it could be, idc, I'd love either one.
In conclusion, the real question everyone wants to know: does this story, which sounds good but very dark, have a HEA? The answer is yes.
But seriously, really great read with 3 main characters you will fall in love with, though you'll only see and experience everything from Anna's point of view, which I was worried would be limiting for the story telling of 3 mains, but it flowed beautifully from just her point, and through her eyes alone, you fall in love with these 2 other people she at first admires but quickly grows to love. But it's not all roses, the way the book starts off is right after Anna has lost--basically everything. She's almost ready to give up, and that's where we find her, at a very low point in her life before she stumbles upon our angel, and viciously soft hearted barbarian. (That's how I've nick named Elin and Kael)
Now the book starts off fantastic, because it jumps right into the action, and then tempers down to a low smolder, as we get to know every character in this group, before they start hitting their next few pot holes in life. Plus the action scenes are separated out so nicely that you never get bored reading when "nothing" is happening, and that's hard to do. Plus, all the supposed "info dumping" never really raised it's ugly head, it's integrated so well that you don't ever start rolling your eyes or groaning in frustration and have to put the book down. But you will have to put the book down every now and again because it does in fact deal with some serious triggers.
***WARNING TRIGGERS AHEAD***
-sexual assault
-rape
-implied rape threats
-straight men being evil (what's new)
-forced procreation
-murder (but most of it you will seriously be ok with happening)
***
With the triggers above, it does at times make it hard to read through certain parts or listen to a character describe what they experienced...just be prepared people. It's written well and handled well, but I was so upset by it all and had to remind myself that this was just a fictional book, which let's be real, does that phrase ever help anyone?
No.
All that aside, this is Meghan O'Brien, who does everything well from start to finish, and I have yet to find anything wrong with her writing, characters, or the worlds she builds. Though I will admit that I would like a book from Elin and Kael's point of views as well. Doesn't have to be during the same time as this one or it could be, idc, I'd love either one.
In conclusion, the real question everyone wants to know: does this story, which sounds good but very dark, have a HEA? The answer is yes.
July 16, 2015
This book is so, so very underrated. There is not a lesbian book out there that I have read more than this one. It is just that incredible. I get that some might not be able to handle a relationship between three woman, but really there's a deeper context to these characters, and they all bring something to the relationship. If one can go into it with an open-mind, look past their desire for the typical lesfic type story, and just enjoy it for what it is, it is so enjoyable. One does not have to practice polyamory to be able to relate to these characters.
And, yes, there's a lot of erotica, but there's even a deeper meaning behind it than just being sex scenes. Plus... I have yet to find a writer that can write a better erotic scene than O'Brien. While some of it can be a little over the top in terms of masculinity for me, it's f-ing hot.
And bonus... it's post-apocalyptic. I seriously don't understand why this book is not her bestseller. It's literally the only lesfic book I have ever bought a hard copy of, and it's just a shame I can't get an audible version as well.
And, yes, there's a lot of erotica, but there's even a deeper meaning behind it than just being sex scenes. Plus... I have yet to find a writer that can write a better erotic scene than O'Brien. While some of it can be a little over the top in terms of masculinity for me, it's f-ing hot.
And bonus... it's post-apocalyptic. I seriously don't understand why this book is not her bestseller. It's literally the only lesfic book I have ever bought a hard copy of, and it's just a shame I can't get an audible version as well.
January 2, 2016
I tried, i really tried to read a threesome relationship an fff romance but i just can't. I give up!
Latest update
I tried again and it was suprisingly nice but I don't think i will be reading an fff romance again. And now I am trying to find the courage to read an mmm romance
Latest update
I tried again and it was suprisingly nice but I don't think i will be reading an fff romance again. And now I am trying to find the courage to read an mmm romance
January 1, 2016
Liked the premise of gay women in a post-apocalyptic world, but I didn't realize it would be nothing more than your run-of-the-mill erotica. If that's what you're looking for, you'll probably enjoy it much more than I did.
December 31, 2015
I was surprised by how much I loved this book since I tend not to enjoy post-apocalyptic fiction, but it's like The Road meets The Handmaid's Tale, plus an intense fff erotic romance.
April 6, 2014
Amazing
it's 3am and I'm shaking. I love this book I will treasure it always. steamy, loving, heartwarming... I can't even describe what a treat this was
it's 3am and I'm shaking. I love this book I will treasure it always. steamy, loving, heartwarming... I can't even describe what a treat this was
March 30, 2024
first time leaving a review here in good reads and i gotta say that this story really deserves a fullll 5 star. however, i’m giving it 4.8 stars since:
initially, i love the fact that this story is f-f-f. i actually seek these kinds of pairings in all the sapphic media i consume (this trope is painfully underrated i cry) and so far, this story instantly became one of my top fives in this category because it’s really just my perfect mix of cute, sexy, wholesomeness, cliche, travel, action, and alllll the things that i love. though remembering from the start that i almost dropped this book becuase i thought kael was really a cis straight man (like girl what’s a man doing here) but turns out, kael will be my most favorite character in the story (i’m a sucker for mascs). i think kael was a great representation for nonbi people, although her identity was not stated clearly in the story, it’s just so good to have this subtle representation and see more diverse identities in lgbtq books and not just the usual cisgenders trope.
also, just to point out, i really love how the characters established their bounderies, especially kael’s. i like how the author didn’t changed his preferences to things even until the end and i love how kael’s partners responded to that, no distespect and just love <3
only negative i can say (it’s also the reason why it was 4.8 stars for me) is that the writing for the angst was a little lacking. i don’t know how to explain it but the traumas were there and it’s really devastating, however, i was expecting that the delivery of the scenarios will be more gut wrenching type of sadness, but perhaps the overall vibe of the story won’t allow such since for me it’s just really a vv much wholesome story about three women navigating their lives and traumas. also that, i was hoping too that there’s more angst-like-complications within the three characters relationship like more arguments, petty fights, misundestandings, cryings and all that messy stuff that can happen in a relationship. however, i guess since they were too in love it wasn’t just possible.
the story was great. other people complain about the world building and how does the whole world work through the post apocalyptic situation since it wasn’t really explained further in the book, but not me. i love how meghan focused on our three character’s lives, traumas, and blooming relationship, i love how meghan left us to imagine the other aspects of the story’s world– it was just right, and i super love it.
overall, i’m sure that i’ll be re-reading this book in the future because of how it made me feel while reading it, hoping that i’ll have amnesia so i’m able to read it again for the first time lol. anyway, it was a really really really great story with a great representation of the minorities in the lgbtq community. with just the f-f-f pairing and the nonbi representation alone, it was enough for me to embed this in my heart and recommend it to my fellow sapphic book lovers. thank you meghan for bringing this story to life and letting people enter the world you’ve built, for letting us experience it. just know that you’re now one of my favourite writers in the world and i’m looking forward to reading your other books.
initially, i love the fact that this story is f-f-f. i actually seek these kinds of pairings in all the sapphic media i consume (this trope is painfully underrated i cry) and so far, this story instantly became one of my top fives in this category because it’s really just my perfect mix of cute, sexy, wholesomeness, cliche, travel, action, and alllll the things that i love. though remembering from the start that i almost dropped this book becuase i thought kael was really a cis straight man (like girl what’s a man doing here) but turns out, kael will be my most favorite character in the story (i’m a sucker for mascs). i think kael was a great representation for nonbi people, although her identity was not stated clearly in the story, it’s just so good to have this subtle representation and see more diverse identities in lgbtq books and not just the usual cisgenders trope.
also, just to point out, i really love how the characters established their bounderies, especially kael’s. i like how the author didn’t changed his preferences to things even until the end and i love how kael’s partners responded to that, no distespect and just love <3
only negative i can say (it’s also the reason why it was 4.8 stars for me) is that the writing for the angst was a little lacking. i don’t know how to explain it but the traumas were there and it’s really devastating, however, i was expecting that the delivery of the scenarios will be more gut wrenching type of sadness, but perhaps the overall vibe of the story won’t allow such since for me it’s just really a vv much wholesome story about three women navigating their lives and traumas. also that, i was hoping too that there’s more angst-like-complications within the three characters relationship like more arguments, petty fights, misundestandings, cryings and all that messy stuff that can happen in a relationship. however, i guess since they were too in love it wasn’t just possible.
the story was great. other people complain about the world building and how does the whole world work through the post apocalyptic situation since it wasn’t really explained further in the book, but not me. i love how meghan focused on our three character’s lives, traumas, and blooming relationship, i love how meghan left us to imagine the other aspects of the story’s world– it was just right, and i super love it.
overall, i’m sure that i’ll be re-reading this book in the future because of how it made me feel while reading it, hoping that i’ll have amnesia so i’m able to read it again for the first time lol. anyway, it was a really really really great story with a great representation of the minorities in the lgbtq community. with just the f-f-f pairing and the nonbi representation alone, it was enough for me to embed this in my heart and recommend it to my fellow sapphic book lovers. thank you meghan for bringing this story to life and letting people enter the world you’ve built, for letting us experience it. just know that you’re now one of my favourite writers in the world and i’m looking forward to reading your other books.
July 6, 2022
I know I kinda say this all the time, but this for me is one of the best books I've read this, probably because it turned out to be everything I *didn't* expect it to be.
I'll first have to start by saying I'd only ever read 3 polyamory stories, and three because each character had a separate book of its own, but it was all just part of a series, and it involved only men. This...this was just so different. Different first of all because I've read a lot O'Brien's books, and this is such a standout. Whereas in her most recent books, her main focus is on the erotic aspect of it and the emotional part is the logical consequence, this was the total opposite. Each MC got their chance at getting to know each other before getting into their relationship. It wasn't the hurried intense sex sessions we're now accustomed to, but something so much deeper, and there's no way I couldn't appreciate something so huge.
There's also the fact this is the first post-apocalyptic book I've ever read, so the reviews kinda halted me, kinda pushed me to read. I'm so glad I didn't follow my apprehension into this hole. This is a world where everyone has to fight to survive, kill or be killed. And how beautiful it is that in a such a chaotic world, three people, three women, who barely have anything in common, who've lost almost everything, can find themselves and find love along the way. The romantic in me can only melt at the almost impossible scenario.
But that's what it's all about though. Not giving up when everything seems to go wrong, believing that even in darkness, there's always a bright spot just waiting to give people hope, to protect and to love.
I don't think I've read a book that has touched me on such an emotional level this year like this one has, and I'm glad I gave it a chance.
I'll first have to start by saying I'd only ever read 3 polyamory stories, and three because each character had a separate book of its own, but it was all just part of a series, and it involved only men. This...this was just so different. Different first of all because I've read a lot O'Brien's books, and this is such a standout. Whereas in her most recent books, her main focus is on the erotic aspect of it and the emotional part is the logical consequence, this was the total opposite. Each MC got their chance at getting to know each other before getting into their relationship. It wasn't the hurried intense sex sessions we're now accustomed to, but something so much deeper, and there's no way I couldn't appreciate something so huge.
There's also the fact this is the first post-apocalyptic book I've ever read, so the reviews kinda halted me, kinda pushed me to read. I'm so glad I didn't follow my apprehension into this hole. This is a world where everyone has to fight to survive, kill or be killed. And how beautiful it is that in a such a chaotic world, three people, three women, who barely have anything in common, who've lost almost everything, can find themselves and find love along the way. The romantic in me can only melt at the almost impossible scenario.
But that's what it's all about though. Not giving up when everything seems to go wrong, believing that even in darkness, there's always a bright spot just waiting to give people hope, to protect and to love.
I don't think I've read a book that has touched me on such an emotional level this year like this one has, and I'm glad I gave it a chance.
October 18, 2018
"Did you ever really need somebody
And really need 'em bad
Did you ever really want somebody
The best love you ever had
Do you ever remember me, baby
Did it feel so good
'Cause it was just the first time
And you knew you would" - Led Zeppelin, Ten Years Gone.
This song is like a soundtrack to the book which suits it perfectly. It also happened to be one of my favourite songs, played by my favourite band! Great music and books were always my big pleasures, but being combined is something truly incredible!
What a rollercoaster!
Why it took me so long to read "The Three" by Meghan O'Brien?? Since I didn't bother to read the blurb I was really surprised by what I found in the book...
It is not at all your usual lesfic romance between two ladies, here we have love between three women.. yeah, I could've guessed it seeing the title.
I don't want to spoil your read, I'll just say that the story is well-written, has amazing characters and is also dark at times, some moments made me shiver.. others left me hot and wanting more. The book in general can be seen like a video game, where you are roaming around in the post-apocalyptic world and trying to survive.
Meghan O'Brien is a great author, I love all her books and I'm looking forward for more!
And really need 'em bad
Did you ever really want somebody
The best love you ever had
Do you ever remember me, baby
Did it feel so good
'Cause it was just the first time
And you knew you would" - Led Zeppelin, Ten Years Gone.
This song is like a soundtrack to the book which suits it perfectly. It also happened to be one of my favourite songs, played by my favourite band! Great music and books were always my big pleasures, but being combined is something truly incredible!
What a rollercoaster!
Why it took me so long to read "The Three" by Meghan O'Brien?? Since I didn't bother to read the blurb I was really surprised by what I found in the book...
It is not at all your usual lesfic romance between two ladies, here we have love between three women.. yeah, I could've guessed it seeing the title.
I don't want to spoil your read, I'll just say that the story is well-written, has amazing characters and is also dark at times, some moments made me shiver.. others left me hot and wanting more. The book in general can be seen like a video game, where you are roaming around in the post-apocalyptic world and trying to survive.
Meghan O'Brien is a great author, I love all her books and I'm looking forward for more!
January 2, 2023
3.5 - In a post-apocalyptic world Anna is stranded alone and desperate. She meets Elin & Kael and helps them fight off some attackers. There is a rather instant attraction on all sides and the three big words are uttered pretty fast. Then there's another attack, a big fight - end.
The Three reads like it should be a story of epic proportions, but got stuck somewhere. The romance between the three main characters is in sweet dialogue after they are paired up, but there is no history to justify it. They barely know each other, share some traumatic memories, but don't really work through them. In total contrast: the sex scenes are rather lengthy, detailed and thought out. And just to be honest, the villain could've been left out completely. A post-apocalyptic world is filled with hardship and a love triangle with very traumatized people would be enough to fill hundreds of pages with their adventures.
I feel like this book would like to be double in size and it would be very good for Anna, Elin und Kael. I like it, but I want to like it more.
And yeah, this should come with a bunch of trigger warnings. Tread careful.
The Three reads like it should be a story of epic proportions, but got stuck somewhere. The romance between the three main characters is in sweet dialogue after they are paired up, but there is no history to justify it. They barely know each other, share some traumatic memories, but don't really work through them. In total contrast: the sex scenes are rather lengthy, detailed and thought out. And just to be honest, the villain could've been left out completely. A post-apocalyptic world is filled with hardship and a love triangle with very traumatized people would be enough to fill hundreds of pages with their adventures.
I feel like this book would like to be double in size and it would be very good for Anna, Elin und Kael. I like it, but I want to like it more.
And yeah, this should come with a bunch of trigger warnings. Tread careful.
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