What do you think?
Rate this book
The Pindone Files AU #1
Walk A Lonesome Road
Dek lives in the isolated frozen north, nursing his PTSD and a bum leg. When Ren, a desperate, sick stranger crashes into his life, in dire need of help, Dek resents the imposition and Ren's secretive nature. But he agrees to help, and despite Ren's life-threatening condition, and a civil war raging around them, together they undertake a dangerous journey to safety and liberation. A "Cold Front" remix - no previous knowledge needed. Part of the Periter Universe.
ebook
First published June 16, 2011
3 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Ann Somerville
52 books280 followersAnn Somerville grew up in one of Australia’s prettiest small cities. In 1989, she left Australia with a BA and a burning ambition to see more of the world and its people, and to discover this ‘culture’ thing people kept telling her about. In 2006, she returned home to Southeast Queensland with two more degrees (this time in science and IT), an English husband and a staggering case of homesickness, vowing never to leave Australia again.
Her long, plot-driven fiction featuring gay and bisexual characters has been published by Samhain Publishing and elsewhere.
Her long, plot-driven fiction featuring gay and bisexual characters has been published by Samhain Publishing and elsewhere.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 25, 2014
Rating: 3.5 stars
This is the first time I've read an AU fanfiction of an author's original work, written by said author. Walk A Lonesome Road is an alternative universe-remix of Ann Somerville's Cold Front, featuring Dek and Ren (plus other familiar casts of characters). There are also a mix of original characters and exploration into the parts of the world that was left uncharted or briefly mentioned in Cold Front.
The story is told in third-person POV from Dek's perspective. Dek is a thirty-five year old veteran/war hero who was discharged after an unfortunate accident left him crippled both physically (a bum leg) and mentally (with PTSD). This, on top of the horrific death of his wife, has left him to become a hermit in the far and isolated northern regions of Pindone. And it's on one of his hunting trips that Dek makes a decision upon meeting Ren that will be the start of one of the coldest winters Dek will have to trek through.
The world of Peritor is one similar to our very own – a modern, perhaps slightly futuristic twist in which certain people are born with paranormal talents. The world building, while not as immersible as Cold Front, is still better than average. Peritor has its own breed of animals, drinks, religion, and customs that's reminiscent of fantasy. Yet there's also technology, like solar panels, advance medical treatments, airships and such that makes one think of science fiction. Ann Somerville doesn't go much into explaining what each individual element unique to Peritor is, but lets readers know or form his/her own opinion through Dek's interaction with said items (e.g. she never explains exactly what the drink khevai is, but one gets the impression that it's similar to coffee).
Dek and Ren as characters were a treat for me to revisit. For readers unfamiliar with Cold Front, be ready to hurt. Ann Somerville's writing is poignant and fitting for the cold that settles in the northern regions of Pindone. Such a fitting setting for the person that Dek has become.
Walk A Lonesome Road isn't a romantic book in the conventional sense. The relationship between Dek and Ren is a slow progression that is paced well, but takes the whole length of the book to conclude.
I don't know if it's due to the fact that the story is told from Dek's perspective, but I didn't feel like I connected with Ren very much. There's a lot of mentioning of Ren's own psychological and physical problems, but they didn't feel real enough to elicit very strong emotions from me. At the same time, I felt myself connecting more with Dek and feeling the visceral pain (or in this case, the tingling numb) from a life that has dealt very little happiness in his thirty-five years. While Cold Front dealt a lot with the paranormal aspect of Peritor (and Ren), Walk A Lonesome Road seemed to gloss over this portion very quickly. I was hoping that Ren's paranormal talents would play a bigger part in the story, and was left unsatisfied. The religious aspect of Peritor (such as the different sects, which were heavily emphasized in Cold Front) were very briefly mentioned as well, even though it kind of important towards the end.
Despite all this, I really enjoyed the adventure aspect of this story, including the relationship between Dek and Ren. Such a fantastic world to experience!
I should also mention that there is male pregnancy involved. But I can't say much into the specifics without spoiling, so I will say this: this isn't an mpreg story in the conventional sense of M/M fiction. Don't read this if you want to read a sexy mpreg story or love kid-fics related to mpreg.
Walk A Lonesome Road is a derelict path layered with the cold of northern Pindone. Where you feel the chill of an unrelenting winter settle in the tired and numb bodies of two men who met under strange circumstances. And perhaps at the end of this journey, they may find something in each other that will end the eternal winter of their own hearts.
This is the first time I've read an AU fanfiction of an author's original work, written by said author. Walk A Lonesome Road is an alternative universe-remix of Ann Somerville's Cold Front, featuring Dek and Ren (plus other familiar casts of characters). There are also a mix of original characters and exploration into the parts of the world that was left uncharted or briefly mentioned in Cold Front.
The story is told in third-person POV from Dek's perspective. Dek is a thirty-five year old veteran/war hero who was discharged after an unfortunate accident left him crippled both physically (a bum leg) and mentally (with PTSD). This, on top of the horrific death of his wife, has left him to become a hermit in the far and isolated northern regions of Pindone. And it's on one of his hunting trips that Dek makes a decision upon meeting Ren that will be the start of one of the coldest winters Dek will have to trek through.
The world of Peritor is one similar to our very own – a modern, perhaps slightly futuristic twist in which certain people are born with paranormal talents. The world building, while not as immersible as Cold Front, is still better than average. Peritor has its own breed of animals, drinks, religion, and customs that's reminiscent of fantasy. Yet there's also technology, like solar panels, advance medical treatments, airships and such that makes one think of science fiction. Ann Somerville doesn't go much into explaining what each individual element unique to Peritor is, but lets readers know or form his/her own opinion through Dek's interaction with said items (e.g. she never explains exactly what the drink khevai is, but one gets the impression that it's similar to coffee).
Dek and Ren as characters were a treat for me to revisit. For readers unfamiliar with Cold Front, be ready to hurt. Ann Somerville's writing is poignant and fitting for the cold that settles in the northern regions of Pindone. Such a fitting setting for the person that Dek has become.
Walk A Lonesome Road isn't a romantic book in the conventional sense. The relationship between Dek and Ren is a slow progression that is paced well, but takes the whole length of the book to conclude.
I don't know if it's due to the fact that the story is told from Dek's perspective, but I didn't feel like I connected with Ren very much. There's a lot of mentioning of Ren's own psychological and physical problems, but they didn't feel real enough to elicit very strong emotions from me. At the same time, I felt myself connecting more with Dek and feeling the visceral pain (or in this case, the tingling numb) from a life that has dealt very little happiness in his thirty-five years. While Cold Front dealt a lot with the paranormal aspect of Peritor (and Ren), Walk A Lonesome Road seemed to gloss over this portion very quickly. I was hoping that Ren's paranormal talents would play a bigger part in the story, and was left unsatisfied. The religious aspect of Peritor (such as the different sects, which were heavily emphasized in Cold Front) were very briefly mentioned as well, even though it kind of important towards the end.
Despite all this, I really enjoyed the adventure aspect of this story, including the relationship between Dek and Ren. Such a fantastic world to experience!
I should also mention that there is male pregnancy involved. But I can't say much into the specifics without spoiling, so I will say this: this isn't an mpreg story in the conventional sense of M/M fiction. Don't read this if you want to read a sexy mpreg story or love kid-fics related to mpreg.
Walk A Lonesome Road is a derelict path layered with the cold of northern Pindone. Where you feel the chill of an unrelenting winter settle in the tired and numb bodies of two men who met under strange circumstances. And perhaps at the end of this journey, they may find something in each other that will end the eternal winter of their own hearts.
April 29, 2012
Beautiful AU for Ren and Dek from the Pindone Files.
Somerville is at her best describing cold and snowy settings and this is a classic example. Dek's lonely existance is poignantly described, and Ren's intrusion on it seems completely believable to me, and that's saying something, because this is an MPreg novel (not my favourite genre, and I didn't realise the theme when I started), and that is one hard trope to make reasonable.
I did think the middle of the book could have been considerably tightened. A journey should fulfill a purpose for the characterisation. Once it has done this, yet the journey continues, it can become tiresome. However the conclusion to the book was excellent. No quick wrap-up here, and it made it all the more enjoyable. Nor is there a definite HEA: it's a HFN but I have faith in Dek and Ren to make it work.
Somerville is at her best describing cold and snowy settings and this is a classic example. Dek's lonely existance is poignantly described, and Ren's intrusion on it seems completely believable to me, and that's saying something, because this is an MPreg novel (not my favourite genre, and I didn't realise the theme when I started), and that is one hard trope to make reasonable.
I did think the middle of the book could have been considerably tightened. A journey should fulfill a purpose for the characterisation. Once it has done this, yet the journey continues, it can become tiresome. However the conclusion to the book was excellent. No quick wrap-up here, and it made it all the more enjoyable. Nor is there a definite HEA: it's a HFN but I have faith in Dek and Ren to make it work.
September 12, 2011
What I would say, if someone ask me what was my feelings reading this story? If I recommend it?
First I would start saying it's a standalone, but it's part of a complex world. Before I read it I did a little research to know something about the "paranormals".
Click here, to know the basic info http://logophilos.net/free-original-f...
Click here, to see a map http://logophilos.net/free-original-f...
So, I knew a little, almost nothing, about the background.
Second and in my view most important it's not a romance... But it's a heartbreaking love story. Yeah, I know it's confusing, but it's true. Dek is completely and absurdly insane... Yep, cruel but true. His past is pain, suffering, and the way his mind choose to deal with it was: be away from everyone and everything. Ren is not far from that point. Used in horrendous scientific experiments and also traumatized.
So, the main characters are really insane? Yep, very... Ren need medical help, Dek is the only one that can help him, because no one, but a crazy man, would try to save a fugitive.
Third and last comment would be a warning. It's a very long story, and full of sadness and hope. Ren can survive such long and desperate trip? Dek can keep his mind away, from his personal demons, keeping Ren safe? The story didn't lost the appealing, but I must admit after a while I was tired of so much angst. I'm used to tormented heroes, I LOVE tormented heroes and I think It was that fact that made me read all this book. It's long... So if you think you can't deal with so much pain better search a more "happy" story... But, I must also say you can lost a opportunity to know two of the best male characters I even found in a fantasy book.
So do I recommend it? Simple way to answer: yes and no. I loved it, I can't give less than 5 stars, but I also know it's my big love for fantasy and tormented heroes that help me finish it... So, yes, I do and don't recommend it... Everything depends on your mood. If you want a happy and funny story avoid this book. If you want two true and in pain men, fighting against powerful enemies, and fighting against their personal demons read it... Because it will be perfect for you, as it was for me.
5 stars
First I would start saying it's a standalone, but it's part of a complex world. Before I read it I did a little research to know something about the "paranormals".
Click here, to know the basic info http://logophilos.net/free-original-f...
Click here, to see a map http://logophilos.net/free-original-f...
So, I knew a little, almost nothing, about the background.
Second and in my view most important it's not a romance... But it's a heartbreaking love story. Yeah, I know it's confusing, but it's true. Dek is completely and absurdly insane... Yep, cruel but true. His past is pain, suffering, and the way his mind choose to deal with it was: be away from everyone and everything. Ren is not far from that point. Used in horrendous scientific experiments and also traumatized.
So, the main characters are really insane? Yep, very... Ren need medical help, Dek is the only one that can help him, because no one, but a crazy man, would try to save a fugitive.
Third and last comment would be a warning. It's a very long story, and full of sadness and hope. Ren can survive such long and desperate trip? Dek can keep his mind away, from his personal demons, keeping Ren safe? The story didn't lost the appealing, but I must admit after a while I was tired of so much angst. I'm used to tormented heroes, I LOVE tormented heroes and I think It was that fact that made me read all this book. It's long... So if you think you can't deal with so much pain better search a more "happy" story... But, I must also say you can lost a opportunity to know two of the best male characters I even found in a fantasy book.
So do I recommend it? Simple way to answer: yes and no. I loved it, I can't give less than 5 stars, but I also know it's my big love for fantasy and tormented heroes that help me finish it... So, yes, I do and don't recommend it... Everything depends on your mood. If you want a happy and funny story avoid this book. If you want two true and in pain men, fighting against powerful enemies, and fighting against their personal demons read it... Because it will be perfect for you, as it was for me.
5 stars
August 31, 2011
I love Dec and Ren from Cold front and Unsettled conditions. These two are firmly amongst my top five favorite couples and they are not moving from this position no matter how many books (some of them very good) I am reading. I was however very hesitant to read about these reincarnations of Dec and Ren in the AU universe for one simple reason, I despise male pregnancy trope with passion. After years of reading fanfiction, I remember one story that impressed me in a sense that writer IMO managed to portray a pregnant *man*. In every other story I wondered why author set up to do it in the first place and decided that maybe this trope is some weird "revenge" on the men, who at least in the stories would have to go through what woman has to go through during pregnancy and childbirth. Why did I come to this conclusion? Well, because IMO in those stories none of those men acted as men do, even men with hormonal changes. They remain the men in name only, otherwise they were women IMO. So basically usually I run away screaming when I see the male pregnancy warning and have not read a *single* original story with this trope and not planning to. But hey, I am a huge fan of this author. Not fan as in a sense I have to defend every one of her books, but her writing just clicks with me probably in 95% of her works, if not more. It just touches my heart. And have I mentioned that I *really* love Dec and Ren? :) I was still hesitant, till Ann offered the story as a gift and I just caved in. Now in all honesty, I have no problem writing negative reviews about any book written by any author, no matter how much I loved her other works, however if I am given a gift, I usually am unable to write a bad review. I will not lie however and if I hated the book I was given as a gift, I am likely to keep my silence.
Trust me guys, I really really loved this work. One of the reasons why I love this writer's works so much is because I think she excels at writing slowly developing relationships, especially if characters start with somewhat adversarial positions. These Dec and Ren do not exactly start as enemies, but they definitely do not start as friends. The connection between them which develops so slowly and believably for me was an absolute delight to read about. I loved that such connection developed despite what both guys went through. I cheered every time when Dec allowed himself to come out of his shell and allow himself feel, I wanted for Ren to heal and get the human contact he so craved and needed. I thought Ren was most definitely a guy, pregnant or not and I was the most happy camper. Him referring to the fetus as "parasite" was sadly amusing, but also made total sense considering what he had been forced to go through. Oh and many special thanks to the author for coming with a creative and believable way to put the baby in Ren's body. I still cannot scratch the awful picture from my mind about creating a vagina in the guy's body from one fan fiction story which I have read several years ago. Thank you for not doing that.
Trust me guys, I really really loved this work. One of the reasons why I love this writer's works so much is because I think she excels at writing slowly developing relationships, especially if characters start with somewhat adversarial positions. These Dec and Ren do not exactly start as enemies, but they definitely do not start as friends. The connection between them which develops so slowly and believably for me was an absolute delight to read about. I loved that such connection developed despite what both guys went through. I cheered every time when Dec allowed himself to come out of his shell and allow himself feel, I wanted for Ren to heal and get the human contact he so craved and needed. I thought Ren was most definitely a guy, pregnant or not and I was the most happy camper. Him referring to the fetus as "parasite" was sadly amusing, but also made total sense considering what he had been forced to go through. Oh and many special thanks to the author for coming with a creative and believable way to put the baby in Ren's body. I still cannot scratch the awful picture from my mind about creating a vagina in the guy's body from one fan fiction story which I have read several years ago. Thank you for not doing that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2021
Gadzooks! I'm way behind on my reviews. It's been a while since I read this book. Let's see if I can remember why I gave it only 3 stars.
First of all, it's written in present tense. Normally I don't like that, but Ann Somerville is such a good writer, I don't mind.
It's an alternate universe to the one detailed in the Pindone Files. It still takes place in Pindone, but the characters' backgrounds are somewhat different. Dek rescues Ren, who's nearly frozen to death in the winter, and brings him back to his home. Ren heals, but needs to leave Pindone to escape some nefarious people. So the two set off on a trek across the mountains in winter to get Ren to safety.
The story is mostly a series of adventures Dek and Ren have on their trip. Along the way, they grow closer. Dek, who resents Ren at first, comes to appreciate his competence and determination.
A few characters from the PIndone Files make an appearance, albeit off-screen, but they are significant to the story.
The main reason I didn't like the book more has to do with a theme I don't care for. Nonetheless, the ending is quite satisfying, even if it's significantly different from that of the Pindone Files.
I'll leave you with a couple of memorable lines:
First of all, it's written in present tense. Normally I don't like that, but Ann Somerville is such a good writer, I don't mind.
It's an alternate universe to the one detailed in the Pindone Files. It still takes place in Pindone, but the characters' backgrounds are somewhat different. Dek rescues Ren, who's nearly frozen to death in the winter, and brings him back to his home. Ren heals, but needs to leave Pindone to escape some nefarious people. So the two set off on a trek across the mountains in winter to get Ren to safety.
The story is mostly a series of adventures Dek and Ren have on their trip. Along the way, they grow closer. Dek, who resents Ren at first, comes to appreciate his competence and determination.
A few characters from the PIndone Files make an appearance, albeit off-screen, but they are significant to the story.
The main reason I didn't like the book more has to do with a theme I don't care for. Nonetheless, the ending is quite satisfying, even if it's significantly different from that of the Pindone Files.
I'll leave you with a couple of memorable lines:
In good health, he’d be a good looking man. Spectacular looking man. Women probably wouldn’t care if he couldn’t tie his shoe laces.
The only direction where there isn’t fighting is straight up and unfortunately Dek’s left his wings in his other pants.
July 30, 2016
My biggest beef with this story is that the characters were the same as the ones in "Cold Front" and "Unsetled Conditions", yet it's not a sequel or a prequel. Or if it is, there are too many discrepancies to make it work for me. It's described as an Alternate Universe. (The AU after the series title).
There are some similarities in backstory and in the secondary characters, but the story could have just as easily (and less distractingly) be about two totally different characters. But set in the same Universe.
As it was I found myself comparing bits and pieces.
The bits of the story that differed from the backstory of the other books grated. Age, relationships, professions, Dek's sons. Why not simply have two totally different characters?
It would be interesting knowing why the decision was made to do it like that. Was it a Sliding Doors scenario about two people who were fated to be together no matter what? It might even have worked in the original Universe if Dek's memory had been changed. But the lack of the BDSM element and a few other anomalies meant I didn't really feel I had the same two characters anyway.
Shame, because if I hadn't read the other two books, I would have enjoyed this one a lot more.
As it was, I kept asking myself why?
There are some similarities in backstory and in the secondary characters, but the story could have just as easily (and less distractingly) be about two totally different characters. But set in the same Universe.
As it was I found myself comparing bits and pieces.
The bits of the story that differed from the backstory of the other books grated. Age, relationships, professions, Dek's sons. Why not simply have two totally different characters?
It would be interesting knowing why the decision was made to do it like that. Was it a Sliding Doors scenario about two people who were fated to be together no matter what? It might even have worked in the original Universe if Dek's memory had been changed. But the lack of the BDSM element and a few other anomalies meant I didn't really feel I had the same two characters anyway.
Shame, because if I hadn't read the other two books, I would have enjoyed this one a lot more.
As it was, I kept asking myself why?
February 28, 2012
What a surprise to find out what Ren's life-threatening condition was. And I love surprises... as much as I do this story. Dek is so broken that even he calls himself insane. And then he finds Ren's and maybe begins to see that though he had it tough, others might have had it tougher.
Against his nature, Dek decides to help Ren get to safety and the journey is more than just physically perilous. Dek finds that he is growing used to Ren's company and even his constant talking.
I'm happy to know that this is not the only book based in this universe and I plan to do some exploring in the Periter Universe very soon.
Highly recommended.
Against his nature, Dek decides to help Ren get to safety and the journey is more than just physically perilous. Dek finds that he is growing used to Ren's company and even his constant talking.
I'm happy to know that this is not the only book based in this universe and I plan to do some exploring in the Periter Universe very soon.
Highly recommended.
July 23, 2015
I generally love reading Authors' experiments, but this book had a couple of major issues. First, I didn't recognize Dek or Ren at all. They were completely different characters. It seems that using the characters in a "what if..." scenario would only he interesting if, for all that different lives made them different people, there was a common thread. Worse, this is an mpreg story. I like m/m because I enjoy reading about relationships without the gender roles/stereotypes so prevalent in het romance. I will never understand why authors persist in trying to force people into those roles anyway (and in this story, Ren takes on many stereotypically female traits and roles).
October 11, 2011
Very well crafted and a different take on Dek and Ren; two of my favorite guys. Reading Cold Front prior to WALR is not necessary, but I'd recommend reading it at some point - for the excellent writing and contrast, if nothing else.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
January 4, 2012
If I could give it more than 5 stars... Totally loved Dek and Ren...
May 11, 2015
I enjoyed this book a lot, but I couldn't get over the male pregnancy thing. I'm happy nobody told me about that or I probably wouldn't have read it.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews