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Jacinto's Voyage
Official Description: Dane Stiger is a man on the run, but running is expensive when you're the Captain of a small cargo ship. To make ends meet, Dane and his crew take up mercenary jobs. Yet wherever they go, trouble never seems to be far behind.
On what should have been a routine cargo delivery, the ship is forced to make an unexpected pit-stop on the barren wastelands of Earth. There Dane meets a young man with no name or past, whose only companion is a leopard by the name of Spot. Feeling a connection to him, Dane takes the duo onto his ship, unaware of the trouble he has invited in.
When the young man's memories begin to surface, Dane leads his crew across space in search of a hidden past, to a backwater planet where something is very amiss.
Original Prompt:
Dear Author,
He was wrong, that's why his family left him on Earth. It was for his own good. The Elders would have taken him away, tried to 'fix' him. It wasn't safe for him on his home world, ever.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
On what should have been a routine cargo delivery, the ship is forced to make an unexpected pit-stop on the barren wastelands of Earth. There Dane meets a young man with no name or past, whose only companion is a leopard by the name of Spot. Feeling a connection to him, Dane takes the duo onto his ship, unaware of the trouble he has invited in.
When the young man's memories begin to surface, Dane leads his crew across space in search of a hidden past, to a backwater planet where something is very amiss.
Original Prompt:
Dear Author,
He was wrong, that's why his family left him on Earth. It was for his own good. The Elders would have taken him away, tried to 'fix' him. It wasn't safe for him on his home world, ever.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
82 pages, ebook
First published June 19, 2012
24 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Daniel A. Kaine
9 books127 followersDaniel Alexander Kaine is a writer of gay fiction, who is proud of his British-ness and correct spelling of doughnuts.
Born and raised in the northeast of England, Daniel found himself struggling for work after graduating university with a degree in Applied Biology. It was at this time he stumbled upon fan-fiction, and decided to try his hand at writing one of his own.
Since then, Daniel has gone on to write original fiction, preferring the hard, gritty nature of serial killers, vampires, and dystopian realities.
When not writing, Daniel enjoys a variety of activities, including reading, running, music, going to the gym, and playing video games.
Daniel lives with his four loveable furballs - Mik, Ash, Spidey, and Flash - and one very greedy leopard gecko named Harry.
Born and raised in the northeast of England, Daniel found himself struggling for work after graduating university with a degree in Applied Biology. It was at this time he stumbled upon fan-fiction, and decided to try his hand at writing one of his own.
Since then, Daniel has gone on to write original fiction, preferring the hard, gritty nature of serial killers, vampires, and dystopian realities.
When not writing, Daniel enjoys a variety of activities, including reading, running, music, going to the gym, and playing video games.
Daniel lives with his four loveable furballs - Mik, Ash, Spidey, and Flash - and one very greedy leopard gecko named Harry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 22, 2012
Jacinto's Voyage is a remarkably well crafted short story. Set in what could be a post apocalyptic earth, a crew of mercenaries are in desperate need of some spare parts for their aging ship, the Alessa. Once there they must barter with a ragtag group of gun-toting humans who, after initially wanting to blow their heads off, come up with the makings of a deal that will ensure Captain Dane and his crew the very part they need.
Unfortunately the deal includes hunting down and killing an alien being who has been using the same ragtag group for target practice, along with their livestock. Dane and his crew go on the offensive and encounter something totally unexpected. There is a creature--but this is no alien. Instead we meet a very human young man whose best friend, a leopard named Spot, is perhaps one of the most fascinating secondary characters I have stumbled upon in a very long time. Discovering that the man has no memory of his past, name, or exactly why he was sent to earth, Dane sets about helping him, by first naming him after the very valley he found him in, Jacinto. Jace, for short. Thus begins a voyage that will bring Dane and Jace to the brink of death, and lead them both on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Not one to leave you wanting, Mr, Kaine graciously throws in some hot sex and a sweet romance, as well!
This is what Mr. Kaine does best; invents believable worlds with such attention to detail that you feel as though you have been transported there--are walking the very soil his creations do. Then he develops living, breathing characters who make you laugh, cry, and wish that they truly existed in this time and place. Now, couple that with fast-paced action, and a story arc that is never predictable or dull and you have the little gem called Jacinto's Voyage. It IS a 5 star read! Highly recommended!
Unfortunately the deal includes hunting down and killing an alien being who has been using the same ragtag group for target practice, along with their livestock. Dane and his crew go on the offensive and encounter something totally unexpected. There is a creature--but this is no alien. Instead we meet a very human young man whose best friend, a leopard named Spot, is perhaps one of the most fascinating secondary characters I have stumbled upon in a very long time. Discovering that the man has no memory of his past, name, or exactly why he was sent to earth, Dane sets about helping him, by first naming him after the very valley he found him in, Jacinto. Jace, for short. Thus begins a voyage that will bring Dane and Jace to the brink of death, and lead them both on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Not one to leave you wanting, Mr, Kaine graciously throws in some hot sex and a sweet romance, as well!
This is what Mr. Kaine does best; invents believable worlds with such attention to detail that you feel as though you have been transported there--are walking the very soil his creations do. Then he develops living, breathing characters who make you laugh, cry, and wish that they truly existed in this time and place. Now, couple that with fast-paced action, and a story arc that is never predictable or dull and you have the little gem called Jacinto's Voyage. It IS a 5 star read! Highly recommended!
July 19, 2012
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Offered FREE from the M/M Romance Group, Love is Always Write event.
2.5 stars I love me a good sci-fi romance, and while this was OK, I feel like it had the makings to be so much greater. This exact story but lengthened to allow for more of a connection between Dane and Jace would have really sucked me in. So while I liked the plot, I was left feeling a little flat.
Most of the time Dane just talked about wanting Jace, although he does comment that he sees his younger self in the man. But I found Dane was a little too forward/quick to advance on Jace and that massage felt borderline manipulative to me. When they finally have sex, it's just cut to after the final conflict without any lead in, so it felt like a bit of afterthought. I actually skimmed it because to me, it was just sex, I didn't feel that emotional connection I needed. Though based on their previous actions I knew the characters cared about each other, it didn't come through in the sex. And prep or not, a virgin and he slams home in one thrust? Owie. Not very nice.
Just a few discrepancies that are bothering me:
Offered FREE from the M/M Romance Group, Love is Always Write event.
2.5 stars I love me a good sci-fi romance, and while this was OK, I feel like it had the makings to be so much greater. This exact story but lengthened to allow for more of a connection between Dane and Jace would have really sucked me in. So while I liked the plot, I was left feeling a little flat.
Most of the time Dane just talked about wanting Jace, although he does comment that he sees his younger self in the man. But I found Dane was a little too forward/quick to advance on Jace and that massage felt borderline manipulative to me. When they finally have sex, it's just cut to after the final conflict without any lead in, so it felt like a bit of afterthought. I actually skimmed it because to me, it was just sex, I didn't feel that emotional connection I needed. Though based on their previous actions I knew the characters cared about each other, it didn't come through in the sex. And prep or not, a virgin and he slams home in one thrust? Owie. Not very nice.
Just a few discrepancies that are bothering me:
July 16, 2012
3.5 stars
Dane Stiger is a deserter and he's on the run, becoming merc along the way. Jacinto (or Jace) is a human he meets in one of the voyage -- he cannot remember his prior life (including his name). Then a visit to one of the backwater planets brings Jace's memory back to the surface.
I'm not big on sci-fi stories ... so I'm not hurrying to read this. However, I remember liking Daniel Kaine's other book, Dawn of Darkness, so decided to give this a try (plus, it's free :p)
This one is pretty good. So I am not as excited to read about star-ships or aliens, but there is enough balance of action and lovely romance. It also has pet leopard, Spot, that is pretty awesome by himself.
Dane Stiger is a deserter and he's on the run, becoming merc along the way. Jacinto (or Jace) is a human he meets in one of the voyage -- he cannot remember his prior life (including his name). Then a visit to one of the backwater planets brings Jace's memory back to the surface.
I'm not big on sci-fi stories ... so I'm not hurrying to read this. However, I remember liking Daniel Kaine's other book, Dawn of Darkness, so decided to give this a try (plus, it's free :p)
This one is pretty good. So I am not as excited to read about star-ships or aliens, but there is enough balance of action and lovely romance. It also has pet leopard, Spot, that is pretty awesome by himself.
July 21, 2012
Really enjoyed this - some really sweet moments. And some really funny lines, as I expect from Daniel - it is a talent to thread a bit of humour through your story and not to be out of place - he does this brilliantly ! I know, having read and loved his Daeva book that his world building is excellent - his descriptive writing has such great balance, clear and concise - never too wordy, just enough to transport the reader right into that space. Im not normally a Scifi fan but this genre is growing on me - great story, great characters and a BIG cat? Gotta love that :-)
May 6, 2012
Great short story. Had some nice tension and mystery, a dash of romance and can't go wrong w/ a leopard for a pet.
March 4, 2020
This is a pretty good story. Really well written. The characters are interesting and quite well developed for such a short story. The plotline is fine, although it has the potential to be something more.
I doubt that I would remember this story after some time, but I needed it for one of my reading challenges and I'm not disappointed.
I doubt that I would remember this story after some time, but I needed it for one of my reading challenges and I'm not disappointed.
July 30, 2012
This is a beautiful action-packed, angst-filled story. All characters, including the secondary ones, were likable and (in their own way) unique, as much as the usual members of a spacecraft crew can be individually unique.
I only have two comments, or more like things I would have loved to see handled in a different manner.
Foremost, that first time on all fours, seems a little detached for the kind of attraction I perceived between Jace and Dane. I'm all for doggie style (don't get me wrong), but not for what ought to be a memorable experience. Then again, that's just me.
My other thing is the message from Jace's parents . In my mental epilogue, they found a way to fix the device and let Jace have the complete transmission, which (in my opinion) is a message of support and love and not one of abandonment and loathing.
With that out of the way, I just have to say this is one hot number for an equally hot summer!
I only have two comments, or more like things I would have loved to see handled in a different manner.
Foremost, that first time on all fours, seems a little detached for the kind of attraction I perceived between Jace and Dane. I'm all for doggie style (don't get me wrong), but not for what ought to be a memorable experience. Then again, that's just me.
My other thing is the message from Jace's parents . In my mental epilogue, they found a way to fix the device and let Jace have the complete transmission, which (in my opinion) is a message of support and love and not one of abandonment and loathing.
With that out of the way, I just have to say this is one hot number for an equally hot summer!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2013
Intriguing idea but not handled with enough depth and character developement. Would love more of this story and setting written with more detail and heart. Also spell check does not correct for the wrong word used but spelled correctly.
July 19, 2012
4.25 stars
September 30, 2014
I have a soft spot for anti-heroes - those bad boys that live by their own morality code but have a warm, kind heart!
July 5, 2012
More please! You can't give us these characters and Spot just to stop at this! They have to have more adventures and take on the Coalition. Find the other missing boys?
April 18, 2015
Great sci-fi story, with tension, action and romance. Thank you Daniel A. Kaine, for donating your story, time and talent.
July 22, 2014
3.5
Futuristic, other worldly setting. A slow building sexual tension between the two male mc's This was written pretty well and it had a decent storyline going on, being that it was a shorty.
Futuristic, other worldly setting. A slow building sexual tension between the two male mc's This was written pretty well and it had a decent storyline going on, being that it was a shorty.
January 12, 2019
I thought that the book set up expectations that ended up being unmet
While I thought that Jace's story was interesting, I felt that this story simply stopped, and not even at a satisfying point. I realize that it was a short story, but there were all sorts of questions raised during the course of the narrative that just weren't resolved.
Additionally, everything that happened on the one world they visited was a recap of the movies Alien and Aliens. Both of which were excellent movies, but not really what you want in an original short story.
While I thought that Jace's story was interesting, I felt that this story simply stopped, and not even at a satisfying point. I realize that it was a short story, but there were all sorts of questions raised during the course of the narrative that just weren't resolved.
Additionally, everything that happened on the one world they visited was a recap of the movies Alien and Aliens. Both of which were excellent movies, but not really what you want in an original short story.
December 29, 2021
This was OK; would have been significantly better if it had been longer and allowed to develop more. My main issue was that Dane was so obsessed with bedding Jace (from the moment they met), and thought about it or tried so many times, in so many questionable ways and situations, that he felt predatory to me. I sense that wasn't how Kaine meant him to come across, but it was. So, in the end, when he finally did get Jace in his bed, it didn't feel like the culmination of a romance, so much as a groomer finally getting his victim. Ick.
March 23, 2017
I really loved this story right up until it ended so abruptly. I had downloaded it as a freebie but didn't realize until the note at the end that it was written for the used-to-be-annual Don't Read in the Closet event where pieces are usually short story length. I was left wanting to know more about Jacinto's history, to see more of the ship's voyages, to see conflict and growth in Jace and Dane's relationship--just more. I would really love it if the author took this and developed it into a full length novel. While an enjoyable read as is, it has the potential to be really great as a full book!
November 10, 2023
Enjoyed this short story by Daniel A Kaine. I am a bit of a fan due to his novel Dawn of Darkness (Daeva, #1). Read it. Love this story and its 2nd book Origin of Darkness.
Daniel if you're out there, as you've gone MIA, please keep writing I need a book three of the Daeva series.
Daniel if you're out there, as you've gone MIA, please keep writing I need a book three of the Daeva series.
November 30, 2025
3.5 rating This short story is about a young man found hiding on a decimated earth. The captain decides to take him and they go to the planet he was from only to find out he was deliberately left by his parents for his own good.
July 18, 2024
Great weekend read, a short and sweet scifi story that is a great way to get lost in a day or over the weekend depending on how fast you read.
Would recommend to people who like sci-fi romances.
Would recommend to people who like sci-fi romances.
July 18, 2017
Genre M/M Dystopian/Sci-fi
MC1 Dane Stiger
MC2 Jacinto
Storyline
Dane is a mercenary on the run who meets Jacinto when his ship is grounded & the natives blackmail the crew into hunting what's killing their livestock in return for the parts needed to repair the ship. When the natives renege on the deal, Dane takes Jacinto & his pet leopard Spot with them when they depart.
Conflict
See above. Also, when Jace begins to remember his past, Dane accepts a job to take him to his home planet in search of answers about who he really is. When they get there, they find some nasty creatures.
My Thoughts
This was written for a "Love is Always Write" event, so kudos to the author. I have no idea what the prompt was or how well this story fit the prompt. It was a quick, ok read that I picked for a challenge.
MC1 Dane Stiger
MC2 Jacinto
Storyline
Dane is a mercenary on the run who meets Jacinto when his ship is grounded & the natives blackmail the crew into hunting what's killing their livestock in return for the parts needed to repair the ship. When the natives renege on the deal, Dane takes Jacinto & his pet leopard Spot with them when they depart.
Conflict
See above. Also, when Jace begins to remember his past, Dane accepts a job to take him to his home planet in search of answers about who he really is. When they get there, they find some nasty creatures.
My Thoughts
This was written for a "Love is Always Write" event, so kudos to the author. I have no idea what the prompt was or how well this story fit the prompt. It was a quick, ok read that I picked for a challenge.
October 24, 2015
Maybe I should have known better. Unfortunately this long short story came off as a poor imitation of serenity and aliens with an added gay soft core love story. The writing itself was pretty decent so really a 2.5 star book. I do think that perhaps I would have liked it more if it had been three or four times longer to allow more time to get to know the characters and therefore have the gratuitous final chapter earned rather than just dropped there.
October 16, 2012
This was a fun, cute little read. I loved the sci-fi, futuristic element, which went along well with the photo. I liked Dane a lot. He's not your typical hero (heck, he's more like an anti-hero), but he's a bad guy with a good side. I loved Jacinto and Spot as well, and I'd love to see future books with these characters.
June 3, 2017
Some plot holes which could have done with being resolved don't spoil a short and interesting encounter with the two main characters, gay in a universe organised against them. Intriguing nasties as opponents.
September 11, 2013
This SF M/M short story is enjoyable enough but feels underdeveloped. I needed more pages to get to know and like its characters.
Despite a couple of typos, writing is good.
P.S. Leopards have yellow/greenish eyes, not black.
Despite a couple of typos, writing is good.
P.S. Leopards have yellow/greenish eyes, not black.
October 7, 2014
An interesting bit of sexy space science fiction.
April 16, 2013
Very enjoyable story.
July 28, 2012
Wonderful story. Is there a sequel?
Want to read
July 24, 2012kindle freebie 7.24.12
September 21, 2012
I really liked this story. It had a great sense of place along with some really memorable characters. I honestly can't wait to read other stories by this author.
October 3, 2012
2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews