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Ginecean Chronicles #1
The Priest
Mauricio is a slave. Like any man born on Ginecea, he is but a number for the pure breed women who rule over him with cruel hands. Imprisoned inside the Temple since birth, Mauricio has never been outside, never felt the warmth of the sun on his skin. He lives a life devoid of hopes and desires. Then one day, he hears Rosie sing. He risks everything for one look at her and his life is changed, forever. An impossible friendship blossoms into affection deemed sinful and perverted in a society where the only rightful union is between women. Love is born where only hate has roots and leads Mauricio to uncover a truth that could destroy Ginecea.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2012
17 people are currently reading
699 people want to read
About the author
Monica La Porta
87 books196 followersMonica La Porta landed in Seattle several years ago. Despite popular feelings about the Northwest weather, she finds the mist and the rain the perfect conditions to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 22, 2012
I received a free copy of this book for review.
This book was amazing! One of the best that I have read in quite some time.
Mauricio lives in a world where men are slaves and women rule. The women are divided into two classes: those that give birth to women and those that give birth two men (these are fathered women who are little better than slaves). The religion of this world has brainwashed everyone into believing that men are not required for procreation when in reality it is all done in the labratories with certain male slaves as sperm donors. Rosie is the President's daughter and she has come to the temple to get pregnant and while she is there she meets and falls in love with Mauricio. This, of course, is not acceptable.
This book covers so many topics. Slavery of any race or sex is horrible in whatever form it takes. We see the brutality of this as this story is told thru Maurice's eyes. To never be given a kind word or treated as little more than an animal is so emotionally painful. The topic of same sex marriage is also dealt with as we see the other extreme in this society. Marriage between a man and a woman is not acceptable at all here and is seen as perverse. Women are only allowed to marry and men have no rights at all. Even when the City of Men is established this societal norm wasn't easy to change.
The characters of Mauricio and Rosie are so vivid. It was heartbreaking to see them part and how Maurice never got over her. The story is told from Mauricio's point of view. We really come to understand how the emotional abuse and the isolation affects him so much more than the physical abuse he suffers. How he longs for a kind word or some form of positive human contact. Its very heartwrenching to know what he goes thru.
I loved this book and it definitely goes on my list to re-read in the future and I hope that there are other books set in this world. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good dystopia but definitely not for kids as it has some very adult themes altho not because of sex or language.
This book was amazing! One of the best that I have read in quite some time.
Mauricio lives in a world where men are slaves and women rule. The women are divided into two classes: those that give birth to women and those that give birth two men (these are fathered women who are little better than slaves). The religion of this world has brainwashed everyone into believing that men are not required for procreation when in reality it is all done in the labratories with certain male slaves as sperm donors. Rosie is the President's daughter and she has come to the temple to get pregnant and while she is there she meets and falls in love with Mauricio. This, of course, is not acceptable.
This book covers so many topics. Slavery of any race or sex is horrible in whatever form it takes. We see the brutality of this as this story is told thru Maurice's eyes. To never be given a kind word or treated as little more than an animal is so emotionally painful. The topic of same sex marriage is also dealt with as we see the other extreme in this society. Marriage between a man and a woman is not acceptable at all here and is seen as perverse. Women are only allowed to marry and men have no rights at all. Even when the City of Men is established this societal norm wasn't easy to change.
The characters of Mauricio and Rosie are so vivid. It was heartbreaking to see them part and how Maurice never got over her. The story is told from Mauricio's point of view. We really come to understand how the emotional abuse and the isolation affects him so much more than the physical abuse he suffers. How he longs for a kind word or some form of positive human contact. Its very heartwrenching to know what he goes thru.
I loved this book and it definitely goes on my list to re-read in the future and I hope that there are other books set in this world. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good dystopia but definitely not for kids as it has some very adult themes altho not because of sex or language.
May 21, 2012
This is, hands down, one of the best books I've ever read. Mauricio's plight as a slave, brutally abused and treated no better than a somewhat useful animal, made me realize just how much I take my freedom for granted. Seeing life through his eyes made me run outside at times, just to dispel the feelings evoked on the page. Monica La Porta does an incredible job of putting the reader right in Mauricio's mind, where you're subjected to an emotional journey that will leave you in tatters because of its beautiful poignancy. When everything is taken from you, when you face pain or death over the most minor offense, what is there to live for?
Enter the President's daughter, who despite enjoying a privileged life knows herself to be a slave to a legion of expectations imposed upon her. Their story is one of triumph of the one thing no one can take away from us, love. Despite the stark setting, the emotions are palpable. You feel for these two wonderful characters. You will be overwhelmed by outrage at times, you will laugh at the levity that's a testament to the spirit of these people, and you will shed tears born of different emotional extremes.
The temptation to share some of the powerful lines from THE PRIEST is great, but I cannot in good conscience give away such gems. Any reader will feel the wind knocked out of them upon encountering these aforementioned lines. THE PRIEST is a story that will stay with you long after closing that final page. Yours truly will never look at a blade of grass the same way, and I'll never again take the song of birds for an annoyance. Monica La Porta has instilled in me a new perspective on life, and you'd be robbing yourself of an incredible experience if you don't get this book in your hands. It was an honor and a privilege to read Monica's work, and I'm looking forward to her next novel.
Enter the President's daughter, who despite enjoying a privileged life knows herself to be a slave to a legion of expectations imposed upon her. Their story is one of triumph of the one thing no one can take away from us, love. Despite the stark setting, the emotions are palpable. You feel for these two wonderful characters. You will be overwhelmed by outrage at times, you will laugh at the levity that's a testament to the spirit of these people, and you will shed tears born of different emotional extremes.
The temptation to share some of the powerful lines from THE PRIEST is great, but I cannot in good conscience give away such gems. Any reader will feel the wind knocked out of them upon encountering these aforementioned lines. THE PRIEST is a story that will stay with you long after closing that final page. Yours truly will never look at a blade of grass the same way, and I'll never again take the song of birds for an annoyance. Monica La Porta has instilled in me a new perspective on life, and you'd be robbing yourself of an incredible experience if you don't get this book in your hands. It was an honor and a privilege to read Monica's work, and I'm looking forward to her next novel.
October 13, 2013
This book had one of the most unique and promising premises in dystopian.
Unfortunately, the plot got lost in a horrible execution.
So, let me give you the basic run down.
This is a 'planet' that we are told nothing about, where it is located in relation to Earth. That has deemed marriage between male and female as a perversion. At this point I was totally with the author. I wanted to see an outstanding, epic story, of two people that said 'f--k you!' to the law and started to make a change.
Did this happen?
Erm... nope.
Ok, I'm jumping ahead. Let me start with the horrible world building on this planet we no nothing about other than it seems like its Earth in 2013. People have cell phones. People drive cars and beat up vans to transport 'slaves' Oh, did I mention men are treated like slaves and if you are a super pretty man you are made to be a sperm donor called a "semental" (see what the author did there?) Yes, so our lead character Mauricio spends his days in a cell until he is showered, fed, and then has to wank in a cup.
That I could jive with. I could even believe this--if the author showed me why? But she doesn't. We are told this is a planet, these are the rules, now believe it and let me tell you this story.
Riiiiiight....
So you want me to believe a totally unexplained dystopian universe that I have no clue why or how being a lesbian is the only proper way to live. You also expect me to believe that NO ONE is smart enough in this world to question any of this when a woman has a hole and a man has a stick?
Jumping ahead again sorry...
So this Priestess is like the supreme ruler of this planet. There are females that are 'fathered' (apparently this is what the sementals are for.) And there are females that are pure breed. Now. I had to laugh at this, first I had to actually have the author explain this to me because she did a piss poor job the first three times she tried then Mauricio broke it down for us at about the 90% mark.
Pure breed women are women that were born through the divine incognito--the incognito is when a woman wants to have a baby, she goes to the priestess, and the priestess, I don't like licks her belly says a chant on an alter and WHAM! You have a baby sent to you by the divine spirit (again I am guessing here because the author does not explain this process of magic birth AT ALL!) Now, I could almost believe an entire society of women is this stupid. ALMOST! But if anyone where to study the human body at all in this world. They would realize that although it is awesome to be so accepting of same sex marriage, even same sex couples need SEMEN TO HAVE A BABY! No one questions this until Rosie our lead too stupid to live heroine finds out after Mauricio who is supposed to be a 'beast like animal male and too stupid to even speak', explains it to her after he overheard them talking about it.
Apparently, this is some huge scandal and no one can find out.
My issues is, we are never told WHY this is happening. Why are we forcing every woman alive to be a lesbian? Why are we thinking 'long stick, round hole' isn't natural? Who made up this rule? Why is everyone so willing to accept said rule? Where is this planet? Is it really Earth like in Planet of the Apes?
I could almost rate this higher--but the writing isn't smooth the storytelling is choppy, and frankly I was depressed 99.9% of the time. I thought the hero and heroine would make this amazing stand (she's knocked up with his baby mind you)--alas that wasn't the case. Rosie succumbs to her mothers demands that they will save Mauricio if she goes with them and marries some woman and pretends he doesn't exist ever.
*blows out huge puff of air*
At this point I'm pretty fired up and ready to stop. However, I felt that there was no way the author would do this to me. No way would should kill it all for me. Oh, well, it wasn't finished. Now only do we jump ten years later, and then jump more. But pretty much every strong, likable character the author wrote she killed off. Mauricio becomes "The Priest" and makes a free town and starts to revolution all while living pathetically alone, while Rosie (who claimed this undying love for him) raises a child that is just as bad as her mothers and the priestess.
REALLY?
This is what I get for all my wasted hours??? An unhappy ending and Mauricio dying of old age sad, alone, and knowing Rosie really didn't give a crap about him?
I was so mad by the end of this book.
The only reason its not getting one star is because the author had it edited. That is pretty much it, and you see so many books unedited these days that it is nice to see that much effort put in. I have the other book in this series on my netgalley. I'm actually afraid to read it because I don't need every 'good' character killed off for me in that book either while all the bad people cackle in their castles on the hill and take over the world with there strange lesbian dystopian society.
*I received a copy of this book from Monica La Porta/Patchwork Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Unfortunately, the plot got lost in a horrible execution.
So, let me give you the basic run down.
This is a 'planet' that we are told nothing about, where it is located in relation to Earth. That has deemed marriage between male and female as a perversion. At this point I was totally with the author. I wanted to see an outstanding, epic story, of two people that said 'f--k you!' to the law and started to make a change.
Did this happen?
Erm... nope.
Ok, I'm jumping ahead. Let me start with the horrible world building on this planet we no nothing about other than it seems like its Earth in 2013. People have cell phones. People drive cars and beat up vans to transport 'slaves' Oh, did I mention men are treated like slaves and if you are a super pretty man you are made to be a sperm donor called a "semental" (see what the author did there?) Yes, so our lead character Mauricio spends his days in a cell until he is showered, fed, and then has to wank in a cup.
That I could jive with. I could even believe this--if the author showed me why? But she doesn't. We are told this is a planet, these are the rules, now believe it and let me tell you this story.
Riiiiiight....
So you want me to believe a totally unexplained dystopian universe that I have no clue why or how being a lesbian is the only proper way to live. You also expect me to believe that NO ONE is smart enough in this world to question any of this when a woman has a hole and a man has a stick?
Jumping ahead again sorry...
So this Priestess is like the supreme ruler of this planet. There are females that are 'fathered' (apparently this is what the sementals are for.) And there are females that are pure breed. Now. I had to laugh at this, first I had to actually have the author explain this to me because she did a piss poor job the first three times she tried then Mauricio broke it down for us at about the 90% mark.
Pure breed women are women that were born through the divine incognito--the incognito is when a woman wants to have a baby, she goes to the priestess, and the priestess, I don't like licks her belly says a chant on an alter and WHAM! You have a baby sent to you by the divine spirit (again I am guessing here because the author does not explain this process of magic birth AT ALL!) Now, I could almost believe an entire society of women is this stupid. ALMOST! But if anyone where to study the human body at all in this world. They would realize that although it is awesome to be so accepting of same sex marriage, even same sex couples need SEMEN TO HAVE A BABY! No one questions this until Rosie our lead too stupid to live heroine finds out after Mauricio who is supposed to be a 'beast like animal male and too stupid to even speak', explains it to her after he overheard them talking about it.
Apparently, this is some huge scandal and no one can find out.
My issues is, we are never told WHY this is happening. Why are we forcing every woman alive to be a lesbian? Why are we thinking 'long stick, round hole' isn't natural? Who made up this rule? Why is everyone so willing to accept said rule? Where is this planet? Is it really Earth like in Planet of the Apes?
I could almost rate this higher--but the writing isn't smooth the storytelling is choppy, and frankly I was depressed 99.9% of the time. I thought the hero and heroine would make this amazing stand (she's knocked up with his baby mind you)--alas that wasn't the case. Rosie succumbs to her mothers demands that they will save Mauricio if she goes with them and marries some woman and pretends he doesn't exist ever.
*blows out huge puff of air*
At this point I'm pretty fired up and ready to stop. However, I felt that there was no way the author would do this to me. No way would should kill it all for me. Oh, well, it wasn't finished. Now only do we jump ten years later, and then jump more. But pretty much every strong, likable character the author wrote she killed off. Mauricio becomes "The Priest" and makes a free town and starts to revolution all while living pathetically alone, while Rosie (who claimed this undying love for him) raises a child that is just as bad as her mothers and the priestess.
REALLY?
This is what I get for all my wasted hours??? An unhappy ending and Mauricio dying of old age sad, alone, and knowing Rosie really didn't give a crap about him?
I was so mad by the end of this book.
The only reason its not getting one star is because the author had it edited. That is pretty much it, and you see so many books unedited these days that it is nice to see that much effort put in. I have the other book in this series on my netgalley. I'm actually afraid to read it because I don't need every 'good' character killed off for me in that book either while all the bad people cackle in their castles on the hill and take over the world with there strange lesbian dystopian society.
*I received a copy of this book from Monica La Porta/Patchwork Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
March 1, 2013
The Priest took me hostage for 24-hours. If I wasn't reading late into the night or stealing moments to read during the day, I was-- and still am-- thinking about this captivating tale.
Mauricio is a compassionate and intelligent young man who had been born a slave in a society ruled by women. His life is lonely and hopeless behind the walls of The Temple, the confines of which he hadn't been outside of his entire life. But he is resigned. He was born into slavery and would die in slavery-- unloved, insignificant, suppressed. Until, a Temple guard's mistake changes everything.
This is a story of forbidden love between a slave and a "pure breed" woman, who transcend prejudice and hatred to find a soul mate. It is brilliantly written, vivid, and elicits strong emotion. I was completely sucked into Mauricio's bleak existence, rooting for him, worried for him, wishing hell fire on his oppressors, drinking in his few moments of happiness, and concocting alternative storylines, all the while hanging onto the hope of a happy ending-- which I won't tell you if he had or not.
The other aspect I appreciate about this story is its innocence and the author's tact. The Priest is a true romance, and one I won't soon forget. Goes without saying, I look forward to reading Book 2 in The Ginecean Chronicles, Pax in the Land of Women. I fully anticipate sleep deprivation.
Mauricio is a compassionate and intelligent young man who had been born a slave in a society ruled by women. His life is lonely and hopeless behind the walls of The Temple, the confines of which he hadn't been outside of his entire life. But he is resigned. He was born into slavery and would die in slavery-- unloved, insignificant, suppressed. Until, a Temple guard's mistake changes everything.
This is a story of forbidden love between a slave and a "pure breed" woman, who transcend prejudice and hatred to find a soul mate. It is brilliantly written, vivid, and elicits strong emotion. I was completely sucked into Mauricio's bleak existence, rooting for him, worried for him, wishing hell fire on his oppressors, drinking in his few moments of happiness, and concocting alternative storylines, all the while hanging onto the hope of a happy ending-- which I won't tell you if he had or not.
The other aspect I appreciate about this story is its innocence and the author's tact. The Priest is a true romance, and one I won't soon forget. Goes without saying, I look forward to reading Book 2 in The Ginecean Chronicles, Pax in the Land of Women. I fully anticipate sleep deprivation.
July 12, 2012
Heather 2/5
The Priest takes place in a futuristic setting, where the union between a man and a women is considered perversion. The men are kept as slaves and are considered lower than dogs by the cruel women. Young Mauricio has been in captivity his entire life and is used as a semental (sperm donor) when he hears beautiful singing and becomes infatuated with Rosie, the presidents daughter.
The story has some pretty amazing potential, the plot is unique and imaginative. The synopsis intrigued me right away.
Personally though, I did not enjoy this read at all. I found Mauricio’s inner dialog to be cheesy and somewhat annoying, as well as with the other characters. I felt that the story wasn’t explained enough, and that it was somewhat rushed. Like I mentioned earlier, this story has potential, its a big idea, and I felt it was missing character development, and a background story.
All in all, I think the author had a phenomenal vision, unfortunately it just didn’t flow as nicely as it could have.
Christine 3/5
I have to agree with Heather on this one. The concept behind The Priest was very intriguing (what female wouldn’t want to read about a book where men are slaves to women, even hypothetically?) the basis was unique and all the plot points were there, it just lacked a certain something. I think the character and relational development could use some work, as well as the background story. How did men end up as slaves? What year did it happen? 2012 by chance?
The Priest had huge potential, but didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
The Priest takes place in a futuristic setting, where the union between a man and a women is considered perversion. The men are kept as slaves and are considered lower than dogs by the cruel women. Young Mauricio has been in captivity his entire life and is used as a semental (sperm donor) when he hears beautiful singing and becomes infatuated with Rosie, the presidents daughter.
The story has some pretty amazing potential, the plot is unique and imaginative. The synopsis intrigued me right away.
Personally though, I did not enjoy this read at all. I found Mauricio’s inner dialog to be cheesy and somewhat annoying, as well as with the other characters. I felt that the story wasn’t explained enough, and that it was somewhat rushed. Like I mentioned earlier, this story has potential, its a big idea, and I felt it was missing character development, and a background story.
All in all, I think the author had a phenomenal vision, unfortunately it just didn’t flow as nicely as it could have.
Christine 3/5
I have to agree with Heather on this one. The concept behind The Priest was very intriguing (what female wouldn’t want to read about a book where men are slaves to women, even hypothetically?) the basis was unique and all the plot points were there, it just lacked a certain something. I think the character and relational development could use some work, as well as the background story. How did men end up as slaves? What year did it happen? 2012 by chance?
The Priest had huge potential, but didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
April 23, 2012
Mauricio is a man, and therefore a slave. Rosie is the President’s daughter in a society where women do not befriend men. The Priest by Monica La Porta is the story of what happens when two people break social taboos and fight against the laws and norms that keep them apart.
What I loved: Original and beautifully written. Vivid descriptions but not heavy handed. Great world building. I felt completely immersed in the believable and highly unorthodox society of Rosie and Mauricio. Some of the scenes are incredibly poignant and heart rendering. One of my favourites was when Mauricio is put in a room with a window, and sees sunlight for the first time in his life.
What I didn’t like: This isn’t a major issue, but the last few chapters felt like they should have been another book in the series, more detailed and developed. There was just so much there – characters, new situations etc – that I wanted to know more about. Or at least there could have been another chapter linking the story to the end chapters.
Overall – this is going on my ‘highly recommended’ list!
What I loved: Original and beautifully written. Vivid descriptions but not heavy handed. Great world building. I felt completely immersed in the believable and highly unorthodox society of Rosie and Mauricio. Some of the scenes are incredibly poignant and heart rendering. One of my favourites was when Mauricio is put in a room with a window, and sees sunlight for the first time in his life.
What I didn’t like: This isn’t a major issue, but the last few chapters felt like they should have been another book in the series, more detailed and developed. There was just so much there – characters, new situations etc – that I wanted to know more about. Or at least there could have been another chapter linking the story to the end chapters.
Overall – this is going on my ‘highly recommended’ list!
April 27, 2012
i loved it!,
June 23, 2012
Love and freedom, these are the feelings that keep Mauricio and Rosie fighting for a chance in life, Monica La Porta, thank you for writing it, I enjoyed this book.
September 25, 2018
The Priest is a dystopian book that based the slavery on gender, written by Monica La Porta. The book is overall not poorly written, Editorial there are no errors that I really noticed and overall it had a decent flow. What was never really explained is how the women came to rule, because let's face it physically they are still the weaker sex so they have to use weapons and tools to get the upper hand for the most part. The story line was a tad simplistic and one dimensional lacking depth especially in regards to the puppy love between Mauricio and Rosie. There were quite a few spots where the story seemed to drag out to me at least.
Mauricio was a weird character. On one hand he defied the women by searching for "his love" and stopped pretty much at nothing to just look at her, yet on the other hand he had no back bone whatsoever for the longest time until the very end, and no I don't do spoilers.
Rosie on the other hand was a strong woman, and yes that is what this book seems to be about a superior "race" (not sure how women are a race all the sudden) of women, but in the end she fell somewhat short in my eyes and caved to the system.
I admit this book is not for me and based on what I read what the others are about I will not continue this series, I just don't think I am interested on what it has to offer and find my time is better suited reading something else.
Mauricio was a weird character. On one hand he defied the women by searching for "his love" and stopped pretty much at nothing to just look at her, yet on the other hand he had no back bone whatsoever for the longest time until the very end, and no I don't do spoilers.
Rosie on the other hand was a strong woman, and yes that is what this book seems to be about a superior "race" (not sure how women are a race all the sudden) of women, but in the end she fell somewhat short in my eyes and caved to the system.
I admit this book is not for me and based on what I read what the others are about I will not continue this series, I just don't think I am interested on what it has to offer and find my time is better suited reading something else.
May 12, 2021
4.0 stars normally I do not limit my feelings to number because I am confuse always. In this book I knew it its above 4.
This is a book about a dystopian society of women supremacy. The MC he is just a slave used as a sperm Donner slave. He was in a temple never seen day light very less things to live on in middle of such dark theme a love story develops.
Things took turn and a beautifully crafted romance that made me cry. Either your romance touches heart or it does not in this book it nailed it. Writer knows what she was doing.
It touches me always secure a place in my heart.
This is a book about a dystopian society of women supremacy. The MC he is just a slave used as a sperm Donner slave. He was in a temple never seen day light very less things to live on in middle of such dark theme a love story develops.
Things took turn and a beautifully crafted romance that made me cry. Either your romance touches heart or it does not in this book it nailed it. Writer knows what she was doing.
It touches me always secure a place in my heart.
August 16, 2017
If your a HEA only reader, pass this by. It's a good story with interesting characters in a possible apocalyptic world (they don't go into it really). While it's a complete story it just left me feeling empty and I'm not a fan of that. I'm hoping that if one were to continue the chronicles the feeling would change.
February 20, 2020
How to put this. For the most part, it had little to do with a Priest! It was a dark future novel for the best part of the book. Best part being relative. I did enjoy it for what it was. Some twists on a typical "hero" form, not in the way you expect either. Not a bad read for a week or so of time passing.
August 27, 2022
This was very different that what I normally read and this was okay. I thought it would be better if more things happen as it was slow, especially near the beginning. The writing told you the story, but didn't really pull me in.
July 30, 2015
Rating: 3,5/5
Recensione completa: http://petrichorabookblog.tumblr.com/...
Mauricio, come gli altri uomini che vivono a Ginecea, è uno schiavo. In un mondo governato dalle donne agli uomini non rimane che servirle con il duro lavoro o donazioni di sperma per aumentare la popolazione. Mauricio svolge questo secondo ruolo, il più semplice, all'interno delle mura del Tempio dove viene sorvegliato da vere e proprie aguzzine. Un giorno, però, la routine è diversa dal solito e nel momento in cui sente il canto di una donna provenire dalla stanza vicina alla sua capisce che vuole conoscerla.
Rosie è una donna di stirpe pura, ma è completamente diversa dalle altre donne che Mauricio ha conosciuto. I suoi desideri si scontrano contro i progetti delle sue due madri e il loro ruolo all'interno di Ginecea. Andare nel Tempio per avere una figlia è tutto ciò che desidera e per riuscirci è disposta ad andare contro tutto.
Nel Tempio Mauricio e Rosie si incontreranno e si conosceranno fino a trasformare una tenera amicizia in un amore impossibile. Eppure quel luogo misterioso nasconde molti segreti e presto la loro stessa vita sarà in pericolo.
In The Priest è la voce di Mauricio a guidarci nella sua storia di prigionia e attesa della libertà. Nonostante la sua vita possa essere considerata dagli altri uomini fortunata per via del lavoro semplice che svolge, sa che tutto potrebbe cambiare da un momento all'altro e che presto potrebbe essere mandato via. Desidera la libertà e vedere ciò che c'è fuori da quelle quattro mura che lo hanno imprigionato per tutta la sua vita. È Rosie a fargli scoprire che lì fuori c'è anche felicità e pace. Il suo canto e il suo sorriso lo spingono a volerla conoscere anche se questo potrebbe causargli la morte.
Mi è piaciuto come personaggio, però i numerosi salti temporali e la brevità del libro non mi hanno fatta convincere del tutto sulla sua caratterizzazione. Decisamente mancava qualcosa, magari un percorso più lineare mi avrebbe convinta di più.
Anche l'amicizia, e poi l'amore, con Rosie mi sono sembrati affrettati. Non so se si può considerare insta-love il loro, però il percorso è sicuramente breve e veloce. Subito Mauricio rimane colpito dalla sua voce e poi dalla sua persona, mentre lo stesso sembra accadere alla giovane.
Il World Building mi è piaciuto molto. Di distopie in cui la società è governata esclusivamente da donne ne conosco davvero poche e questa è decisamente interessante. Essendo il primo volume di una serie viene dato uno sguardo generale a ciò che accade all'interno di Ginecea, ma vengono anche poste domande importanti e misteri che potrebbero cambiare tutto. Le donne governano, eppure non possono fare a meno degli uomini, necessari non solo per la riproduzione, ma anche per i lavori manuali più difficili e pesanti. Il mistero del Tempio e della nascita di sole bambine da parte delle donne di stirpe pura sembra essere cruciale per la sopravvivenza di Ginecea e presto i nostri protagonisti dovranno fare i conti con questo segreto.
Trovo molto importante il bellissimo messaggio che trasmette in fondo questo libro. La libertà di amare una qualsiasi persona non in base alla convenzioni sociali, ma solo in base a ciò che dice il nostro cuore, è un diritto che tutti dovremmo difendere.
Forse ciò che meno mi ha convinto è proprio la brevità e la velocità della narrazione. I salti temporali tra un capitolo e l'altro a volte sono stati spiazzanti e al tempo stesso il fatto che sia molto breve non mi ha convinta del tutto. Inoltre soprattutto verso la parte finale avrei voluto saperne di più.
“The Priest” è una buona premessa per una saga distopica inusuale e molto interessante.
Recensione completa: http://petrichorabookblog.tumblr.com/...
Mauricio, come gli altri uomini che vivono a Ginecea, è uno schiavo. In un mondo governato dalle donne agli uomini non rimane che servirle con il duro lavoro o donazioni di sperma per aumentare la popolazione. Mauricio svolge questo secondo ruolo, il più semplice, all'interno delle mura del Tempio dove viene sorvegliato da vere e proprie aguzzine. Un giorno, però, la routine è diversa dal solito e nel momento in cui sente il canto di una donna provenire dalla stanza vicina alla sua capisce che vuole conoscerla.
Rosie è una donna di stirpe pura, ma è completamente diversa dalle altre donne che Mauricio ha conosciuto. I suoi desideri si scontrano contro i progetti delle sue due madri e il loro ruolo all'interno di Ginecea. Andare nel Tempio per avere una figlia è tutto ciò che desidera e per riuscirci è disposta ad andare contro tutto.
Nel Tempio Mauricio e Rosie si incontreranno e si conosceranno fino a trasformare una tenera amicizia in un amore impossibile. Eppure quel luogo misterioso nasconde molti segreti e presto la loro stessa vita sarà in pericolo.
In The Priest è la voce di Mauricio a guidarci nella sua storia di prigionia e attesa della libertà. Nonostante la sua vita possa essere considerata dagli altri uomini fortunata per via del lavoro semplice che svolge, sa che tutto potrebbe cambiare da un momento all'altro e che presto potrebbe essere mandato via. Desidera la libertà e vedere ciò che c'è fuori da quelle quattro mura che lo hanno imprigionato per tutta la sua vita. È Rosie a fargli scoprire che lì fuori c'è anche felicità e pace. Il suo canto e il suo sorriso lo spingono a volerla conoscere anche se questo potrebbe causargli la morte.
Mi è piaciuto come personaggio, però i numerosi salti temporali e la brevità del libro non mi hanno fatta convincere del tutto sulla sua caratterizzazione. Decisamente mancava qualcosa, magari un percorso più lineare mi avrebbe convinta di più.
Anche l'amicizia, e poi l'amore, con Rosie mi sono sembrati affrettati. Non so se si può considerare insta-love il loro, però il percorso è sicuramente breve e veloce. Subito Mauricio rimane colpito dalla sua voce e poi dalla sua persona, mentre lo stesso sembra accadere alla giovane.
Il World Building mi è piaciuto molto. Di distopie in cui la società è governata esclusivamente da donne ne conosco davvero poche e questa è decisamente interessante. Essendo il primo volume di una serie viene dato uno sguardo generale a ciò che accade all'interno di Ginecea, ma vengono anche poste domande importanti e misteri che potrebbero cambiare tutto. Le donne governano, eppure non possono fare a meno degli uomini, necessari non solo per la riproduzione, ma anche per i lavori manuali più difficili e pesanti. Il mistero del Tempio e della nascita di sole bambine da parte delle donne di stirpe pura sembra essere cruciale per la sopravvivenza di Ginecea e presto i nostri protagonisti dovranno fare i conti con questo segreto.
Trovo molto importante il bellissimo messaggio che trasmette in fondo questo libro. La libertà di amare una qualsiasi persona non in base alla convenzioni sociali, ma solo in base a ciò che dice il nostro cuore, è un diritto che tutti dovremmo difendere.
Forse ciò che meno mi ha convinto è proprio la brevità e la velocità della narrazione. I salti temporali tra un capitolo e l'altro a volte sono stati spiazzanti e al tempo stesso il fatto che sia molto breve non mi ha convinta del tutto. Inoltre soprattutto verso la parte finale avrei voluto saperne di più.
“The Priest” è una buona premessa per una saga distopica inusuale e molto interessante.
June 20, 2012
The Priest - Monica La Porta
Mauricio has been a slave all his life. Living in a world where women rule the world, his only role is one of as a 'semental' - a sperm donor. In comparison to the other slaves who toil the land, his life is marginally better. Although he doesn't think so as he has never left the confines of his cell.
Desperate to be released from his duty he mourns his loss of freedom when one day he hears Rosie - a pure breed. Her dulcet tones makes him believe that there is a life - a beautiful one - beyond the walls of his prison cell.
By chance he meets Rosie who he discovers is the Presidents daughter. Yet instead of treating him with disdain and contempt - like all the men in Ginecea are treated - Rosie is kind and respectful. Their chance meeting begins a journey of love, hope and redemption.
The Priest is essentially a love story. One that is fueled by such a deep longing to be free to love the person that they don't care traditions are broken. The author has chosen to set this in a matriarchal world which is certainly a good perspective although the women are portrayed as quite heinous. The men are subdued and fearful of the prison guards and it was a little odd to read that the norm is to marry a woman and have a pure breed child.
Overall the characters met are well rounded and even though I couldn't imagine a women led world where all the women are vicious and have such disdain for men, but it certainly made the story engaging. And perhaps that's the authors intent to show that women, with literally only one or two being nice, can be just as aggressive and cruel as men?
I liked this story especially Mauricio who has a gently soul. His experiences at the hand of the Priestess and other guards is disturbing but shows his strength all the more to protect Rosie. A recommended read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not expected to give a positive review.
Mauricio has been a slave all his life. Living in a world where women rule the world, his only role is one of as a 'semental' - a sperm donor. In comparison to the other slaves who toil the land, his life is marginally better. Although he doesn't think so as he has never left the confines of his cell.
Desperate to be released from his duty he mourns his loss of freedom when one day he hears Rosie - a pure breed. Her dulcet tones makes him believe that there is a life - a beautiful one - beyond the walls of his prison cell.
By chance he meets Rosie who he discovers is the Presidents daughter. Yet instead of treating him with disdain and contempt - like all the men in Ginecea are treated - Rosie is kind and respectful. Their chance meeting begins a journey of love, hope and redemption.
The Priest is essentially a love story. One that is fueled by such a deep longing to be free to love the person that they don't care traditions are broken. The author has chosen to set this in a matriarchal world which is certainly a good perspective although the women are portrayed as quite heinous. The men are subdued and fearful of the prison guards and it was a little odd to read that the norm is to marry a woman and have a pure breed child.
Overall the characters met are well rounded and even though I couldn't imagine a women led world where all the women are vicious and have such disdain for men, but it certainly made the story engaging. And perhaps that's the authors intent to show that women, with literally only one or two being nice, can be just as aggressive and cruel as men?
I liked this story especially Mauricio who has a gently soul. His experiences at the hand of the Priestess and other guards is disturbing but shows his strength all the more to protect Rosie. A recommended read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not expected to give a positive review.
October 26, 2013
Lying in the a cell with three other men, Mauricio's dreams are small: enough space to stretch out and enough food to fill him. Neither is likely to happen at the same time, for space only comes with solitary confinement, and solitary confinement means no food. What crime did Mauricio commit to condemn him to such a lowly state?
He was born a man.
Thus begins The Ginecean Chronicles by Monica La Porta, an entertaining and thought-provoking tale of a society where Pure Breeds (women born only of women and a "spirit") are served by the subclass of Fathered Women and the non-class of Men -- slaves, who live and die at the whims of their female owners and handlers. This is the way things have always been on Ginecea.
I enjoyed this story -- a tale of struggle against overwhelming odds, but always on a personal level. This is no grand fight like the tripe that Hollywood perpetrates, but a personal story of struggle, and, ultimately, a redemption of sorts... things are gained, but also lost, leading the reader to ponder if the gains were worth the costs.
This is not a perfect book. Some of the situations stretched credibility -- coincidence and serendipity can only be pulled so hard before they snap -- and the central premise that men are slaves of women is a difficult one to conceptualize given the overwhelming evidence against its possibility in our human experience and my bias as a man. Those points aside though, I allowed the poignant story to flow, and the strong, well-defined characters to speak to me. This is a romance in the purest form, and a thoroughly enjoyable story. I appreciate the subtlety with which Ms. La Porta introduces biases that counter those of our own society, such as the disgust felt by the women and men of Ginacea for heterosexual unions. It is a thought-provoking story, and I recommend it for readers who enjoy an out of the ordinary romantic fantasy.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Pax in the Land of Women.
He was born a man.
Thus begins The Ginecean Chronicles by Monica La Porta, an entertaining and thought-provoking tale of a society where Pure Breeds (women born only of women and a "spirit") are served by the subclass of Fathered Women and the non-class of Men -- slaves, who live and die at the whims of their female owners and handlers. This is the way things have always been on Ginecea.
I enjoyed this story -- a tale of struggle against overwhelming odds, but always on a personal level. This is no grand fight like the tripe that Hollywood perpetrates, but a personal story of struggle, and, ultimately, a redemption of sorts... things are gained, but also lost, leading the reader to ponder if the gains were worth the costs.
This is not a perfect book. Some of the situations stretched credibility -- coincidence and serendipity can only be pulled so hard before they snap -- and the central premise that men are slaves of women is a difficult one to conceptualize given the overwhelming evidence against its possibility in our human experience and my bias as a man. Those points aside though, I allowed the poignant story to flow, and the strong, well-defined characters to speak to me. This is a romance in the purest form, and a thoroughly enjoyable story. I appreciate the subtlety with which Ms. La Porta introduces biases that counter those of our own society, such as the disgust felt by the women and men of Ginacea for heterosexual unions. It is a thought-provoking story, and I recommend it for readers who enjoy an out of the ordinary romantic fantasy.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Pax in the Land of Women.
June 9, 2012
Mauricio is a slave. He is a man, and all men on Ginecea are slaves. Women rule the world. Mauricio has been a slave his entire life. He knows nothing more than the four walls around him and the chain on his neck. He is semental, kept just as a sperm donor, because women cannot get pregnant by themselves. And one day he hears Rosie sings. Her voice is a hope for him. He doesn't know her, but listening her voice gives him hope that life is beautiful, that there is more out there for him. Rosie talks to him. She treats him with respect, not like a slave. She is the first person being nice to him. And love sparks are in the air.
No, this isn't ordinary love story. It is much more than that. This is a story for slavery, love and hope. The suffering of the slaves is so well and vividly described. It's like being there suffering with them. I liked the characters of Mauricio and Rosie. He is a slave, and she is the President's daughter. Forbidden love. Two great personalities. Maybe they needed a little bit more courage, to take the things in their own hands, but that was it.
I liked the narration of the author. Vivid descriptions, well done characters, interesting subject chosen for the book. Not just love story like Romeo and Juliet, but a story that is digging deep into human personalities, showing the best and the worst of human nature. Women rule the Ginecean world, and they can be abusive just as men. And men can be kind and romantic as women. The moment when Mauricio saw the sunset for the very first time was very touching.
But somehow, the last few chapters didn't fit in the rest of the story. Maybe it is just my opinion. I hooked on the story and I was expecting different ending. The last few chapters can be a beginning of another book, part two. But overall, I liked the book.
No, this isn't ordinary love story. It is much more than that. This is a story for slavery, love and hope. The suffering of the slaves is so well and vividly described. It's like being there suffering with them. I liked the characters of Mauricio and Rosie. He is a slave, and she is the President's daughter. Forbidden love. Two great personalities. Maybe they needed a little bit more courage, to take the things in their own hands, but that was it.
I liked the narration of the author. Vivid descriptions, well done characters, interesting subject chosen for the book. Not just love story like Romeo and Juliet, but a story that is digging deep into human personalities, showing the best and the worst of human nature. Women rule the Ginecean world, and they can be abusive just as men. And men can be kind and romantic as women. The moment when Mauricio saw the sunset for the very first time was very touching.
But somehow, the last few chapters didn't fit in the rest of the story. Maybe it is just my opinion. I hooked on the story and I was expecting different ending. The last few chapters can be a beginning of another book, part two. But overall, I liked the book.
May 20, 2012
Priest was an excellent tale, about a young male slave Mauricio living in violent matriarchal culture. When he is a young man, he is selected to become a semen donor which gives him a better place to live and better food, but keeps him isolated form other men. As the years pass, he is eventually selected to father a child by the president's daughter. The two fall in love, but when the president finds out, he is scheduled to be put to death.
I liked all aspects of this book except two:
I do think the abusive and cruel female stereotype got a bit much. I think not every woman would be abusive and cruel towards men no matter how endoctrinated.
I also felt Mauricio pining for Rosie for his entire life felt a bit much to me. I'm not a fan of characters wasting their lives waiting for one true love. I think moving on was more in the priest's nature and would've set a better example for his people. Rosie was a nice woman, but I just don't think they were together long enough to justify the endless pining for centuries he went through, nor did they have much in common, really. Perhaps it just was me, but I didn't like it and it felt a bit off.
Overall, this was a good book. I liked the main character, but would've probably toned down the violent evil women in prison stuff to just one or two abusive guards. It would've been nice to see the positive side of this society, and not just the grim underbelly. It is difficult to envision how the society functions since all we saw was the evilness of the society. I prefer a more balanced approach to world building.
I liked all aspects of this book except two:
I do think the abusive and cruel female stereotype got a bit much. I think not every woman would be abusive and cruel towards men no matter how endoctrinated.
I also felt Mauricio pining for Rosie for his entire life felt a bit much to me. I'm not a fan of characters wasting their lives waiting for one true love. I think moving on was more in the priest's nature and would've set a better example for his people. Rosie was a nice woman, but I just don't think they were together long enough to justify the endless pining for centuries he went through, nor did they have much in common, really. Perhaps it just was me, but I didn't like it and it felt a bit off.
Overall, this was a good book. I liked the main character, but would've probably toned down the violent evil women in prison stuff to just one or two abusive guards. It would've been nice to see the positive side of this society, and not just the grim underbelly. It is difficult to envision how the society functions since all we saw was the evilness of the society. I prefer a more balanced approach to world building.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2013
Monica La Porta is an author that I consider to be quite gutsy. In ‘The Priest,’ she has cleverly crafted a story that is unique in its delivery of diverse points of view. Gender distinction in marriage has become an increasingly passionate topic in our world, especially in the U.S. where it has reached the Supreme Court level. The author takes on this hot topic and turns it upside down in story form.
Throughout my read, I found myself caught up in the intricacies of the storyline itself yet, concurrently, marveling at the psychological insight that Ms. La Porta displayed in developing her characters. Mauricio, Guen, The Priestess and other characters are compelling and powerful in their own right. Their encounters with each other are vividly scripted, entertaining and exciting. Throughout the story, there was a spirited undertone that engaged me, intellectually and emotionally. When Rosie showed up, however, the quality of the undertone became vibrant; the story became infused with heart.
There were times that I found myself wanting the author to write more intensity into the scenes that highlighted prejudice, hatred, betrayal and fear. However, after a discussion with another reader, I became respectful of Ms. La Porta’s wise choice to write more objectively as relates to these themes; for, in reality, the debate over gender distinction in marriage is a fierce one.
November 4, 2013
I was deeply intrigued when I started this book. It has everything I could want in a story: a ruling class, a mistreated slave, a high-born girl who is only looking for love, and hope for those brave enough to rebel against society in order to make their lives happier. I was also disappointed in this book.
There is huge potential here. Set in a future dystopian society where women rule everything, the only sanctioned marriages are between women, and men who are only good as slave labor, La Porta has given us a window into something spectacular. However, the characters fall flat, there's almost no development in the plot, and the narration and conversations are formal and stilted.
Mauricio's child-like glee at experiencing anything new, such as the outside world, quickly becomes tedious with the same terms and descriptions used again and again. And again and again. And again and again. (Get where I'm going with this?) His encounters with Rosie also become repetitive and seem to go nowhere. While they eventually share a "date" and she tells Mauricio a bit of her childhood, there is no basis for a love connection, making this story more awkward.
I read the author's note, telling us that Rosie and Mauricio were characters that came to life during the writing of another novel that was almost finished. To me, this made more sense as to why it fell short of my expectations.
There is huge potential here. Set in a future dystopian society where women rule everything, the only sanctioned marriages are between women, and men who are only good as slave labor, La Porta has given us a window into something spectacular. However, the characters fall flat, there's almost no development in the plot, and the narration and conversations are formal and stilted.
Mauricio's child-like glee at experiencing anything new, such as the outside world, quickly becomes tedious with the same terms and descriptions used again and again. And again and again. And again and again. (Get where I'm going with this?) His encounters with Rosie also become repetitive and seem to go nowhere. While they eventually share a "date" and she tells Mauricio a bit of her childhood, there is no basis for a love connection, making this story more awkward.
I read the author's note, telling us that Rosie and Mauricio were characters that came to life during the writing of another novel that was almost finished. To me, this made more sense as to why it fell short of my expectations.
October 11, 2013
This was an interesting opening for Monica La Porta's Ginecean Chronicles....
On the planet Ginecea, women rule with an iron fist, and the men are all enslaved. While most of the men are used for field labor, a certain selection of them that pass the grade are used for breeding purposes, although only for more men and "fathered women", who are considered a lesser class that the "pure breeds" who go to the priestess to be impregnated via a mysterious ritual.
Mauricio is one of the slaves that makes the cut and is used for breeding. He longs to be among the other men working in the fields, and his lonely existence is pretty miserable... until Rosie, the pure bred daughter of the president, comes to the temple to become pregnant. Mauricio's curiosity leads to an unlikely and dangerous friendship, but it also leads him to a startling truth about the pure breeds that hold themselves so much higher than the rest of society.
This novel definitely had a Brave New World feel to it. It was tender and heartbreaking in places, but also thrilling and exciting at times. I'm usually into more humorous reads, but even as a more sober, thought-provoking novel, I really enjoyed this!
On the planet Ginecea, women rule with an iron fist, and the men are all enslaved. While most of the men are used for field labor, a certain selection of them that pass the grade are used for breeding purposes, although only for more men and "fathered women", who are considered a lesser class that the "pure breeds" who go to the priestess to be impregnated via a mysterious ritual.
Mauricio is one of the slaves that makes the cut and is used for breeding. He longs to be among the other men working in the fields, and his lonely existence is pretty miserable... until Rosie, the pure bred daughter of the president, comes to the temple to become pregnant. Mauricio's curiosity leads to an unlikely and dangerous friendship, but it also leads him to a startling truth about the pure breeds that hold themselves so much higher than the rest of society.
This novel definitely had a Brave New World feel to it. It was tender and heartbreaking in places, but also thrilling and exciting at times. I'm usually into more humorous reads, but even as a more sober, thought-provoking novel, I really enjoyed this!
April 15, 2013
With so many stories that attempt to make true love seem complicated, it's refreshing to read something that proves that it is one of the most simple things a human will ever experience - and almost certainly the most powerful.
In 'The Priest (The Ginecean Chronicles #1)', Monica La Porta does a fantastic job of creating a society that seems to be the opposite of reality and then proving that it's a lot more like the world we live in than we'd like to admit.
The characters are vivid and believable. They will take you to the extremes of love and hate, but will never tell you until you arrive... and maybe not for a little while after.
We see the world we live in. We see the good, the evil and the complacent. But we see it only from the tiny spot where we stand. Monica La Porta proves this in 'The Priest' and presents us with an invitation to take a closer look at some of the social, ethical and moral decisions we make and why.
I absolutely loved 'The Priest' and I'm looking forward to the rest of the The Ginecean Chronicles.
In 'The Priest (The Ginecean Chronicles #1)', Monica La Porta does a fantastic job of creating a society that seems to be the opposite of reality and then proving that it's a lot more like the world we live in than we'd like to admit.
The characters are vivid and believable. They will take you to the extremes of love and hate, but will never tell you until you arrive... and maybe not for a little while after.
We see the world we live in. We see the good, the evil and the complacent. But we see it only from the tiny spot where we stand. Monica La Porta proves this in 'The Priest' and presents us with an invitation to take a closer look at some of the social, ethical and moral decisions we make and why.
I absolutely loved 'The Priest' and I'm looking forward to the rest of the The Ginecean Chronicles.
October 28, 2013
3.5
Men, you can't live with them, and you can't live without them. Moncia La Porta explores this notion a step further in her distopian novel where men are slaves and used for sperm donations for a women only world. Mauricio is a different man, who wants to question his surroundings, he wants something more for not only himself, but future generations.
The Priest will have readers thinking, and I'm curious on what a man's opinion would be of this story. It is well written, flows so the readers are not bored. Even the characters will have you sympathetic to their causes. She helps the readers understand the world that they are not part of. She had a real original idea.
Men, you can't live with them, and you can't live without them. Moncia La Porta explores this notion a step further in her distopian novel where men are slaves and used for sperm donations for a women only world. Mauricio is a different man, who wants to question his surroundings, he wants something more for not only himself, but future generations.
The Priest will have readers thinking, and I'm curious on what a man's opinion would be of this story. It is well written, flows so the readers are not bored. Even the characters will have you sympathetic to their causes. She helps the readers understand the world that they are not part of. She had a real original idea.
July 9, 2012
This is a relatively quick read, but my little boy kept me reading it SLOWLY! Ok, so it's set in a dystopian androgynist society where men are slaves and women all-powerful. The writing is very good though I think the build-up to his love of Rosie is a little slow and in fact the book is strangely most compelling at the end when there are a few big time-shifts and a lot is told in the past tense. It would be cheating in any other book but works here. Mauricio is a likeable, love-struck character, but I wish he'd had a little more aggression in him and gone on a rampage at some point (particularly since he hints at a future war with the female overlords of Ginacea)!! However it's really a love story at its heart.
All told, this is very readable and enjoyable book and would recommend it!
All told, this is very readable and enjoyable book and would recommend it!
September 20, 2013
Certainly a topic far from the norm or popular sort; credit is due for a novel nearly void of grammar mistakes and other typographical errors. The plot is interesting and holds plenty of potential, but overall it feels dispassionate. The characters lack fleshing out making them difficult to connect with and the choices they make are often a bit hard to swallow as natural to who they are. There is no passion, no gripping emotions to draw the reader in and keep them turning pages. While the world around the characters is presented in detail, there are several inconsistencies and an overall feeling of being a first draft instead of a finished novel. It was more out of mild curiosity that I finished the book.
December 7, 2012
While it could use a bit more description in a place or two, Monica's depiction of a male slave in the "system" of a hard-core matriarchy from the slave's point of view is solid gold. She's stripped away the sexual fantasy and showed it with the ring of gritty reality. This alone is easily worth the price of the book. Her vivid tale of love in a time of oppression is a compelling story for both its fascinating reversal of dominance between men and women and its two wonderfully drawn main characters. It's a timeless reminder of how important and how dangerous it can be to follow our hearts, and how, in the end, there really is no other choice.
September 5, 2016
Can love conquer all?
I was captivated almost from the first paragraph. To take a world so intriguing as a this one where men are slaves and women are the dominant culture and to make it work so well, totally intrigued me. I have seen it done in various ways but never so skillfully weaved together. The story of the slave used solely for his sperm and the beautiful and powerful daughter of the highest ranking woman in the world coming into contact, falling in love and ultimately becoming the catalyst for change is beautifully told. Buy the boxed set because you will want to read all of this series and it is a great deal.
I was captivated almost from the first paragraph. To take a world so intriguing as a this one where men are slaves and women are the dominant culture and to make it work so well, totally intrigued me. I have seen it done in various ways but never so skillfully weaved together. The story of the slave used solely for his sperm and the beautiful and powerful daughter of the highest ranking woman in the world coming into contact, falling in love and ultimately becoming the catalyst for change is beautifully told. Buy the boxed set because you will want to read all of this series and it is a great deal.
December 30, 2014
The first 11 chapters of the book were satisfying, but suddenly ten years passed without even a "ten years later". The main character had a new name, a completely new setting, and no compelling narrative as to how he got there, only summary.
Just as suddenly another five years passed and two of the characters unceremoniously died in the meantime.
The broken narrative was very unsatisfying and explained by the afterword: the novel was written for NaNoWriMo and the author didn't go back to write in the gaps. The story has potential, but it isn't finished.
Just as suddenly another five years passed and two of the characters unceremoniously died in the meantime.
The broken narrative was very unsatisfying and explained by the afterword: the novel was written for NaNoWriMo and the author didn't go back to write in the gaps. The story has potential, but it isn't finished.
February 9, 2013
I love mostly mysteries, historical fiction, and travel novels, so I was nervous about this book. But I was also very curious, because my friend wrote it. I was pleasantly surprised about it: I loved the story, the characters, and the thinking it got me into. We can really be horrible to our fellow humans, if we think they are different. I was impressed by how well the book is written and I loved recognizing my friend's soul in her writing.
March 1, 2013
The Priest by Monica La Porta is a great book. The best elements of story are there - language, character, dialogue, and emotion. The tale is riveting - the character of the slave Mauricio nabs the reader on page 1 and doesn't let go until the last page. I left this book wanting to know more about what happens. I immediately went and bought another book in the series, and I will go read The Priest again. This is great work by a great author.
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