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Under the Rushes
Ten years after Dorjan trusted a boy’s word over his superior officer’s, he and his best friend, Areau, are still living the aftermath—and trying to stop the man responsible. Locked in a careful dance to bring down a corrupt government, Dorjan struggles to balance his grief with Areau’s anger. Just when Dorjan reaches the end of his rope, he sees a familiar face in the shadows, and the boy he trusted a decade before offers him unexpected kindness.
Taern remembers the soldier who found him under the rushes and listened to his pleas to save his family. When Dorjan reappears in his life, Taern is both captured by his commitment to justice and terrified by the risks he takes. All Taern wants to do is fix him, but the oncoming destruction has been ten years in the making, and Dorjan doesn’t want his help. Not if it puts Taern at risk.
Powers clash and a world's fate dangles between Areau's madness and Dorjan's nobility. While Dorjan fights to save the world, Taern joins the battle simply to save Dorjan, knowing everything hinges on the heart of a man in armor and the strength of the man who loves him.
Winner in the 2013 Rainbow Awards.
First (tie): Best Gay Sci-Fi / Futuristic
Fifth (tie): Best Gay Novel
Taern remembers the soldier who found him under the rushes and listened to his pleas to save his family. When Dorjan reappears in his life, Taern is both captured by his commitment to justice and terrified by the risks he takes. All Taern wants to do is fix him, but the oncoming destruction has been ten years in the making, and Dorjan doesn’t want his help. Not if it puts Taern at risk.
Powers clash and a world's fate dangles between Areau's madness and Dorjan's nobility. While Dorjan fights to save the world, Taern joins the battle simply to save Dorjan, knowing everything hinges on the heart of a man in armor and the strength of the man who loves him.
Winner in the 2013 Rainbow Awards.
First (tie): Best Gay Sci-Fi / Futuristic
Fifth (tie): Best Gay Novel
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2012
23 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
203 books3,487 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
July 26, 2016
Entertaining, funny, and possessed of a comprehensive fecundity that makes me slightly ill with envy.
More great ideas in 50 pages than some authors have in 50 books, and yet still poignant, and human, and terribly, terribly romantic.
As it turns out, that's more of a problem than a selling point.
Still; it's fun.
Waiting for Ms. Lane's bonus steampunk nanobot insect cybernaut vampire symbiont orgy holiday short will fucking kill me.
More great ideas in 50 pages than some authors have in 50 books, and yet still poignant, and human, and terribly, terribly romantic.
As it turns out, that's more of a problem than a selling point.
Still; it's fun.
Waiting for Ms. Lane's bonus steampunk nanobot insect cybernaut vampire symbiont orgy holiday short will fucking kill me.
Read
January 13, 2013I'm not going to be finishing this one or giving it a rating. Sometimes I love, love, love Amy Lane's books and other times I find them harsh reading with the angst levels ramped up way to high. That's what happened for me with this one, I just couldn't read anymore about Dorjan's constant sacrifice and most especially Areau's never-ending need for sexual pain. I got to about page 50 and skimmed the rest of it.
Fascinating steampunk work-building but the characterizations were just too over the top for me to settle down and enjoy it.
Fascinating steampunk work-building but the characterizations were just too over the top for me to settle down and enjoy it.
January 22, 2013
I know others have liked this novel less than some of Amy's other novels, but honestly, I loved it.
This is a tale of man, Dorjan, who was raised from birth to accept the responsibility of his family's Keep and all those within it, as well as the family's mining business and the niskets that enable any mining to be done at all. So when his life implodes, and all that he has loved is either dead or changed, it is no surprise that he feels compelled to do what is right, no matter the personal cost, to help those around him. And the cost is enormous. It is not until a chance encounter leads him to the young boy, now a young man, who was the original trigger for all his losses, that he begins to heal the wounds that he has suffered in the years since they first met. And yet, that too, is not with cost and loss.
The world-building in this story is fascinating (and it is one of Amy's strengths that is not always utilized to its fullest in her other novels) and her characters, with all their flaws, are strong and consistent, as they struggle to find their way through the harsh times. In all of Ms Lane's novels, there is one message (well, other than some angst, lol) that consistently comes through loud and clear; that love is the most important thing in life, and it may be found in unexpected places, in all guises. It is true for this novel too.
This is a tale of man, Dorjan, who was raised from birth to accept the responsibility of his family's Keep and all those within it, as well as the family's mining business and the niskets that enable any mining to be done at all. So when his life implodes, and all that he has loved is either dead or changed, it is no surprise that he feels compelled to do what is right, no matter the personal cost, to help those around him. And the cost is enormous. It is not until a chance encounter leads him to the young boy, now a young man, who was the original trigger for all his losses, that he begins to heal the wounds that he has suffered in the years since they first met. And yet, that too, is not with cost and loss.
The world-building in this story is fascinating (and it is one of Amy's strengths that is not always utilized to its fullest in her other novels) and her characters, with all their flaws, are strong and consistent, as they struggle to find their way through the harsh times. In all of Ms Lane's novels, there is one message (well, other than some angst, lol) that consistently comes through loud and clear; that love is the most important thing in life, and it may be found in unexpected places, in all guises. It is true for this novel too.
January 5, 2013
Why did this take me so long to get around to reading it? It's been on my kindle for a while, but I just kind of ignored it. Well, today I was home sick so I decided to stay in bed and read. You know, just a chapter...famous last words for me.
The world building here is phenomenal. So many wonderful, intricate details of a world that in many ways in familiar, but is also wondrous, and magical, and imaginative. I don't know what I expected when I read the blurb -- but it wasn't steampunk superheroes, scheming politicians and a world on the brink of social revolution.
And what a fantastic read this was! I love Dorjan and Taern. Dorjan had the whole lonely superhero thing going on, and Taern was just wonderful -- full of pathos in his own way, but also full of humour and mischievousness.
My favourite character, though, was Areau -- Dorjan's ... well, best friend doesn't seem adequate to describe him. He was Dorjan's best friend, before Dorjan's first act of heroism condemned him to be broken by the government. Now he's Dorjans best friend as well as maybe his worst enemy. He's certainly his own worst enemy. Redeemable? Maybe. I had to keep reading to find out.
There were things in this book I didn't love. Sometimes Dorjan was a little preachy. For a guy keeping his head down in politics by pretending to be an idiot, his speech against homophobia felt a little reckless, and forced. As did the constant taking in endangered kids. I know he's a hero and a good guy, seriously, stop hitting me over the head with it. These were minor quibbles though. I just like my heroes a bit darker, maybe.
But definitely read this book. It's fantastic. And the action at the end is breathtaking.
The world building here is phenomenal. So many wonderful, intricate details of a world that in many ways in familiar, but is also wondrous, and magical, and imaginative. I don't know what I expected when I read the blurb -- but it wasn't steampunk superheroes, scheming politicians and a world on the brink of social revolution.
And what a fantastic read this was! I love Dorjan and Taern. Dorjan had the whole lonely superhero thing going on, and Taern was just wonderful -- full of pathos in his own way, but also full of humour and mischievousness.
My favourite character, though, was Areau -- Dorjan's ... well, best friend doesn't seem adequate to describe him. He was Dorjan's best friend, before Dorjan's first act of heroism condemned him to be broken by the government. Now he's Dorjans best friend as well as maybe his worst enemy. He's certainly his own worst enemy. Redeemable? Maybe. I had to keep reading to find out.
There were things in this book I didn't love. Sometimes Dorjan was a little preachy. For a guy keeping his head down in politics by pretending to be an idiot, his speech against homophobia felt a little reckless, and forced. As did the constant taking in endangered kids. I know he's a hero and a good guy, seriously, stop hitting me over the head with it. These were minor quibbles though. I just like my heroes a bit darker, maybe.
But definitely read this book. It's fantastic. And the action at the end is breathtaking.
March 10, 2013
4.5 stars. This book begins with a concatenation of cruelty, loss and tragedy that made me set it aside until I was in the right place for it. But in truth, the rest of the book, although it has dark moments, is never again as harsh as that beginning. Once more Amy Lane has given me some very appealing men to care about and root for, and follow though a dramatic adventure. The steam-punk fantasy elements were well woven into the story, and not so prominent that they had to be picked apart or fully comprehended mechanically to just enjoy the drama. The mechanations of the powerful, who are willing to risk destroying the planet for short-term financial and political goals, rang a bit too painfully true. This is a story of a broken man healed and a hero where he was needed. I fell for Dorjan hard, and will no doubt reread his story again.
January 7, 2013
Dorjan is a man on a mission. He is going to fix everything. He has his best friend Areau to help him, but because his relationship with him has turned into a twisted mess, along with the world, he’s going to shoulder Areau’s demons as well. It is a tall order for one man.
The way that Dorjan decides to save the world is by becoming two people. Like Batman, who is the Dark Night and Bruce Wayne, Dorjan is a mild-mannered forum master by day and at night he is the Nyx. He does this so well that even at the end when the powers that be close in on him, they come thinking he is weak instead of the embodiment of justice that has single-handedly been fighting against them. The story is dark and tortured but into all of that comes Taern, a blast of sunshine who lights up Dorjan’s whole world. Not that Dorjan lets himself be easily loved, but Taern is a force of nature and Dorjan is no match for his desire.
Dorjan’s journey from a man tortured by his own choices and his losses to a man who can love and be loved, is phenomenal. This book should not be missed.
The way that Dorjan decides to save the world is by becoming two people. Like Batman, who is the Dark Night and Bruce Wayne, Dorjan is a mild-mannered forum master by day and at night he is the Nyx. He does this so well that even at the end when the powers that be close in on him, they come thinking he is weak instead of the embodiment of justice that has single-handedly been fighting against them. The story is dark and tortured but into all of that comes Taern, a blast of sunshine who lights up Dorjan’s whole world. Not that Dorjan lets himself be easily loved, but Taern is a force of nature and Dorjan is no match for his desire.
Dorjan’s journey from a man tortured by his own choices and his losses to a man who can love and be loved, is phenomenal. This book should not be missed.
September 14, 2013
Update -- I never did get a good cogent review written, so I'm starting a reread to see if I can get this thing put together so it sounds more logical.
----------
I'm working on the review now, leaving my notes here til I get it finished -- in the meantime, count this as 4-4.5 stars over all --
Intriguing beginning. Perhaps a bit heavy on throwing in a billion unfamiliar terms all at once.
Hmmmm.....quite a time gap. It takes 10 years between the betrayal (I won't spoil it here) and the decision to take vengeance?? But after the decision, apparently only 4 months to get ready for it??
-- no, wait, some of that is flashback. It's unclear how long it actually took to decide on vengeance. But long enough for "law and order" to descend into near anarchy, in any case.
-- we need a better explanation for the 10 year gap. I know that we "need" the gap to allow Taern time to grow up, but IMHO Dorjan doesn't have sufficient justification for waiting that long before really getting busy with the political stuff.
I love the sequences surrounding Taern's first meetings with Dorjan. Love Taern's attitude. OTOH, at this point I'm not sure whether he's actually helping Dorjan or merely adding even more to his stress levels.
I keep thinking of a steampunk Zorro, or perhaps steampunk Batman and Robin. ;-)
Nice little details about the world. Random example: "with the tenacity of a bog leech burrowing through a man’s foot". Gross, but nice detail.
I'm not convinced of the logic of the fractured gravity bit, or the harnessing of the asteroids. Could use more rationalization on that stuff. But nicely worked into various aspects of the story, both with Taern's abilities and the steam armor and such.
Areau is beautifully twisted. OTOH his conversion, once begun, happens too rapidly for really good suspension of disbelief.
Oddly enough, the narrative voice reminds me more of the Knitting series than something like Chase. There is a surprising amount of sweetness and humor.
This is steampunk only in the same sense that the Regelence books are Regency. Rather than being an alt-history version of Earth, this is a colonized planet currently functioning at a very vaguely steam-powered level of technology. There is clearly a lot more than steam going on, as well -- and there is little of Victorian culture in it (or Wild West culture either, to include those steampunk novels that deal with the West).
Niskets! We hear plenty about niskets and their healing powers near the front of the book, but none at all. Why?
“I stabbed him with a lower-class accent,” -- LOL! Maybe you have to be there to appreciate the line, but that's pretty darned funny.
IMHO logic fail --
Overall -- very enjoyable book. Dark in the sense of The Dark Knight Batman version, not in the sense of The Flesh Cartel. Some angst, some of it even heartwrenching, but not nearly Chase in Shadow levels.
Real organized review coming later!
----------
I'm working on the review now, leaving my notes here til I get it finished -- in the meantime, count this as 4-4.5 stars over all --
Intriguing beginning. Perhaps a bit heavy on throwing in a billion unfamiliar terms all at once.
Hmmmm.....quite a time gap. It takes 10 years between the betrayal (I won't spoil it here) and the decision to take vengeance?? But after the decision, apparently only 4 months to get ready for it??
-- no, wait, some of that is flashback. It's unclear how long it actually took to decide on vengeance. But long enough for "law and order" to descend into near anarchy, in any case.
-- we need a better explanation for the 10 year gap. I know that we "need" the gap to allow Taern time to grow up, but IMHO Dorjan doesn't have sufficient justification for waiting that long before really getting busy with the political stuff.
I love the sequences surrounding Taern's first meetings with Dorjan. Love Taern's attitude. OTOH, at this point I'm not sure whether he's actually helping Dorjan or merely adding even more to his stress levels.
I keep thinking of a steampunk Zorro, or perhaps steampunk Batman and Robin. ;-)
Nice little details about the world. Random example: "with the tenacity of a bog leech burrowing through a man’s foot". Gross, but nice detail.
I'm not convinced of the logic of the fractured gravity bit, or the harnessing of the asteroids. Could use more rationalization on that stuff. But nicely worked into various aspects of the story, both with Taern's abilities and the steam armor and such.
Areau is beautifully twisted. OTOH his conversion, once begun, happens too rapidly for really good suspension of disbelief.
Oddly enough, the narrative voice reminds me more of the Knitting series than something like Chase. There is a surprising amount of sweetness and humor.
This is steampunk only in the same sense that the Regelence books are Regency. Rather than being an alt-history version of Earth, this is a colonized planet currently functioning at a very vaguely steam-powered level of technology. There is clearly a lot more than steam going on, as well -- and there is little of Victorian culture in it (or Wild West culture either, to include those steampunk novels that deal with the West).
Niskets! We hear plenty about niskets and their healing powers near the front of the book, but none at all. Why?
“I stabbed him with a lower-class accent,” -- LOL! Maybe you have to be there to appreciate the line, but that's pretty darned funny.
IMHO logic fail --
Overall -- very enjoyable book. Dark in the sense of The Dark Knight Batman version, not in the sense of The Flesh Cartel. Some angst, some of it even heartwrenching, but not nearly Chase in Shadow levels.
Real organized review coming later!
August 29, 2013
An enjoyable (and very creative) sci-fi/steampunk/historical adventure romance about Dorjan, who was kicked out of the military for standing up against corruption, and who continues to battle that corruption, whether through his work in the government during the day, or running the streets like a vigilante at night. While he’s being noble (and lonesome) in his solo mission to save everyone else, in walks a barnacle of a prostitute who won’t let go because he sees the very human, suffering man behind the stoic mask.
This is my first book by Amy Lane, and I enjoyed it. It’s very fantastical which was fun, and I liked the mix of sci-fi and steampunk. (It took me awhile to realize the book is set on another planet, so that explains the connections to space and asteroids, but also that their culture is a mix of historical and steampunk, with its mix of machines, trains, and cravats.)
I liked the MCs. Dorjan is very suffering-martyr, but I liked the spice that Taern added to his life, and their scenes together, especially their banter, were some of my favorites. The romance is a pretty slow burn, which made sense with Dorjan’s past traumas and skittishness to get close to someone (or that he deserved to get close to someone.) Thank goodness Taern is so tenacious! That kid could wear down granite until it was smooth and shiny.
The side characters were interesting. I especially liked Taern’s fellow prostitute-in-arms Krissa. I was less into the subplot of Dorjan and his childhood friend Areau, but that’s just me.
It is a *long* book though--GR says 340 pages, but ARe says it’s 129,000+ words, and I definitely felt that length at times. There was some exposition that I skimmed as some things were being told to me, either about history, or actions or whatnot.
I do kinda wish there was a glossary at the end. Lane makes up a lot of neat words for her world, and I wouldn’t have minded a reference to check back and see what things were.
But in the end, I thought it was a good read, very imaginative and interesting, and with sympathetic characters and a nice romance. Because it is pretty sci-fi/steampunk, I recommend it especially for m/m fans who like those genres (and who don’t mind the dashes of historical there too.) If you don’t like fantastical/speculative stories, I don’t know if this will work with you.
I was impressed with all the ideas in the story though. I’ll definitely check out more fantasy/sci-fi from Lane in the future.
This is my first book by Amy Lane, and I enjoyed it. It’s very fantastical which was fun, and I liked the mix of sci-fi and steampunk. (It took me awhile to realize the book is set on another planet, so that explains the connections to space and asteroids, but also that their culture is a mix of historical and steampunk, with its mix of machines, trains, and cravats.)
I liked the MCs. Dorjan is very suffering-martyr, but I liked the spice that Taern added to his life, and their scenes together, especially their banter, were some of my favorites. The romance is a pretty slow burn, which made sense with Dorjan’s past traumas and skittishness to get close to someone (or that he deserved to get close to someone.) Thank goodness Taern is so tenacious! That kid could wear down granite until it was smooth and shiny.
The side characters were interesting. I especially liked Taern’s fellow prostitute-in-arms Krissa. I was less into the subplot of Dorjan and his childhood friend Areau, but that’s just me.
It is a *long* book though--GR says 340 pages, but ARe says it’s 129,000+ words, and I definitely felt that length at times. There was some exposition that I skimmed as some things were being told to me, either about history, or actions or whatnot.
I do kinda wish there was a glossary at the end. Lane makes up a lot of neat words for her world, and I wouldn’t have minded a reference to check back and see what things were.
But in the end, I thought it was a good read, very imaginative and interesting, and with sympathetic characters and a nice romance. Because it is pretty sci-fi/steampunk, I recommend it especially for m/m fans who like those genres (and who don’t mind the dashes of historical there too.) If you don’t like fantastical/speculative stories, I don’t know if this will work with you.
I was impressed with all the ideas in the story though. I’ll definitely check out more fantasy/sci-fi from Lane in the future.
December 29, 2012
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Ever wonder what heroes are made of? No? I had this question hammering my head while I was reading this book and every page, every paragraph answered that for me. Pain, Agony, Betrayal, Disappointment, Frustration, Anger, Unworthiness, Guilt, Loneliness, Hatred, Kindness, Unselfishness, Love… And this is how Nyx is born.
Yes, you got it right, this is the story of a hero; a story that will break your heart and then elate you, and then break it some more before finally giving you a very realistic end in a very fiction story.
Dorjan is raised by wonderful notions, too good, too trusting, too full in his ideal beliefs. All those come crushing down on him when his bubble shatters after being betrayed by his own country. Suddenly he stands eyes wide open and sees the ugly truth for what it really is. They are being played, like pawns, for the convenience of one man who craves more…
Ten years later Dorjan and his best friend, Areau, are still suffering the scars, inward and outward, created by that awful day when they chose to trust a little boy over their idol, their superior officer. Guilt and desperation are Dorjan’s constant companions while he tries to bring some semblance of justice in Thenis, their capital, hidden in the shadows, becoming the unlawful hero that people will come to call Nyx.
This story reminded me of Batman, yet it can stand on its own due to the wonderful world Lane created. Like Bruce Wayne, Dorjan has a heritage to defend, being a Forum Master by day battling the politicians and a shadowy figure by night defending the helpless, and striking down the criminals and the corrupted. Unlike batman though, our Nyx does not go back into a welcoming mansion, he doesn’t go back into a shelter to rest and recharge. Dojan returns every night to the biggest battle of his life, a battle against and for his best friend. In the end Dorjan’s worse enemy resides in his cold, dusty house. Ten years of the most impossible torture he could stand, and when Dorjan truly believes it’s the end of his path a person emerges for the shadows. A simple act of kindness when all are dark and ugly, two amazingly beautiful midnight blue eyes reaching down in the depths of his soul and a reason to live again.
Yes, Taern remembers. He remembers the soldier stepping out of formation to talk to him. He remembers him leaping in action in a futile attempt to save his home. He remembers he failed. At first there was anger, but the stories reached him. He heared how that soldier tried and failed to save his people. He heard how he was punished for taking the word of a strange boy over that of his officer. He hear how he prayed his price. Taern also learned about the new masked hero emerging in the night to save the poor and helpless. The second rate citizens. People like him. And when he came face to face with that hero all he wanted was to give something back. Oh and how much that lonely soul needed something. But when Taern sees that his long lost soldier and this lonely punisher of the shadows is the very same person, he is shattered to the core by how much Dorjan is sacrificing for his people. It becomes Taern’s need to see that Dorjan gets something back. The only thing Taern can give him and he will not take no for an answer.
Between battling Areau’s darkness and addiction, and his own inner demons, Dorjan has to come face to face with the corruption of his former idol. The war that for ten years was ripping their neighbors apart turns its ugly face toward Dorjan’s own Keep and the consequences would be terrifying if that was to happen. Despair hangs in the air as world as they know it is in danger of utter destruction and Dorjan is going to need all the strength, intelligence and love of his family in order to succeed.
I think I fell in love with this story; can’t help my poor heart when it comes down to gorgeous, noble, suffering men. And this story had it all. An incredible storyline that unraveled itself slowly, marking each layer with intense emotions in its path. A solid plot, no matter how you see it, no questions were left unanswered. Amazing characters, with looks, strength and depth that leave you no other way but to bond with them, love them and adore them. Even the bad guys, and for me this was very important, were incredible. The emotions emanating from their actions were the best and the worse and made for actually living the story to its core, living the life they lived and diving in this world with no chance of resurfacing before hitting “the end” line.
I could keep on going about the beauty of the author’s writing style, I could keep on going about the sensuality of the characters lovemaking hidden in the cruel facts of their lives, I could keep on going about the addictive feeling that this novel leaves you with and the many wishes I went that this is going to have a follow up, a sequel, because this world was just too good, I could keep on going…
Instead I’ll only say that for me this book earned each and every of the five hearts I gave it and frankly I wish I had more.
Ever wonder what heroes are made of? No? I had this question hammering my head while I was reading this book and every page, every paragraph answered that for me. Pain, Agony, Betrayal, Disappointment, Frustration, Anger, Unworthiness, Guilt, Loneliness, Hatred, Kindness, Unselfishness, Love… And this is how Nyx is born.
Yes, you got it right, this is the story of a hero; a story that will break your heart and then elate you, and then break it some more before finally giving you a very realistic end in a very fiction story.
Dorjan is raised by wonderful notions, too good, too trusting, too full in his ideal beliefs. All those come crushing down on him when his bubble shatters after being betrayed by his own country. Suddenly he stands eyes wide open and sees the ugly truth for what it really is. They are being played, like pawns, for the convenience of one man who craves more…
Ten years later Dorjan and his best friend, Areau, are still suffering the scars, inward and outward, created by that awful day when they chose to trust a little boy over their idol, their superior officer. Guilt and desperation are Dorjan’s constant companions while he tries to bring some semblance of justice in Thenis, their capital, hidden in the shadows, becoming the unlawful hero that people will come to call Nyx.
This story reminded me of Batman, yet it can stand on its own due to the wonderful world Lane created. Like Bruce Wayne, Dorjan has a heritage to defend, being a Forum Master by day battling the politicians and a shadowy figure by night defending the helpless, and striking down the criminals and the corrupted. Unlike batman though, our Nyx does not go back into a welcoming mansion, he doesn’t go back into a shelter to rest and recharge. Dojan returns every night to the biggest battle of his life, a battle against and for his best friend. In the end Dorjan’s worse enemy resides in his cold, dusty house. Ten years of the most impossible torture he could stand, and when Dorjan truly believes it’s the end of his path a person emerges for the shadows. A simple act of kindness when all are dark and ugly, two amazingly beautiful midnight blue eyes reaching down in the depths of his soul and a reason to live again.
Yes, Taern remembers. He remembers the soldier stepping out of formation to talk to him. He remembers him leaping in action in a futile attempt to save his home. He remembers he failed. At first there was anger, but the stories reached him. He heared how that soldier tried and failed to save his people. He heard how he was punished for taking the word of a strange boy over that of his officer. He hear how he prayed his price. Taern also learned about the new masked hero emerging in the night to save the poor and helpless. The second rate citizens. People like him. And when he came face to face with that hero all he wanted was to give something back. Oh and how much that lonely soul needed something. But when Taern sees that his long lost soldier and this lonely punisher of the shadows is the very same person, he is shattered to the core by how much Dorjan is sacrificing for his people. It becomes Taern’s need to see that Dorjan gets something back. The only thing Taern can give him and he will not take no for an answer.
Between battling Areau’s darkness and addiction, and his own inner demons, Dorjan has to come face to face with the corruption of his former idol. The war that for ten years was ripping their neighbors apart turns its ugly face toward Dorjan’s own Keep and the consequences would be terrifying if that was to happen. Despair hangs in the air as world as they know it is in danger of utter destruction and Dorjan is going to need all the strength, intelligence and love of his family in order to succeed.
I think I fell in love with this story; can’t help my poor heart when it comes down to gorgeous, noble, suffering men. And this story had it all. An incredible storyline that unraveled itself slowly, marking each layer with intense emotions in its path. A solid plot, no matter how you see it, no questions were left unanswered. Amazing characters, with looks, strength and depth that leave you no other way but to bond with them, love them and adore them. Even the bad guys, and for me this was very important, were incredible. The emotions emanating from their actions were the best and the worse and made for actually living the story to its core, living the life they lived and diving in this world with no chance of resurfacing before hitting “the end” line.
I could keep on going about the beauty of the author’s writing style, I could keep on going about the sensuality of the characters lovemaking hidden in the cruel facts of their lives, I could keep on going about the addictive feeling that this novel leaves you with and the many wishes I went that this is going to have a follow up, a sequel, because this world was just too good, I could keep on going…
Instead I’ll only say that for me this book earned each and every of the five hearts I gave it and frankly I wish I had more.
May 29, 2014
I never read an actual true steampunk novel before so I wasn’t really sure what I was getting myself into. Man, that was dark! But not dark in a bad way at all. While the beginning may have been a little hard to swallow knowing just how tortured both souls were and how depraved things got once things really got going it was just plain enthralling. I enjoyed the concepts that made this really steampunk and the unique qualities of the world that Ms. Lane created. Fascinating book and well worth the read!
Dorjan has always known his place within his family and what that meant to his world. He has always felt the responsibility for the welfare of the planet knowing how badly things can go wrong if the mines his family is responsible for are exploited. Dorjan wanted to do more though and joining the military as a youth was his initial plan. That was until Dorjan realized how corrupt the head of the military was and how determined he was to start a war stooping so low as to attacking an unarmed civilian castle in the name of an arms deposit. That attack and Dorjan’s attempts to stop it changed the tenor of the next ten years of his life. Ten years of pain and misery, not the least of which as the hands of his best friend Areau who stood by him and believed him on the day of the attack, have changed Dorjan and his secret life is now the driving force of his days.
That night ten years before changed Taern’s life as well. Having his family’s keep destroyed for one man’s ambition sent Taern running into a life on the streets. He lucked out and landed on his feet at one of the best brothels in the capital, but he’s never forgotten the soldier who believed him that fateful day and attempted to stop the massacre. When Taern runs into the masked avenger whose been stalking the streets for years one night he finds himself drawn to the man and desperate to do anything to help him. Finding out that Nyx and the soldier who listened are one and the same clinches the future Taern wants for himself. There is no one he’s looked to more than that one man.
This book is a teensy bit of a struggle to get into due to the strange new and different associated with a steampunk novel, it’s made even more difficult with how dark the beginning is. I really felt Dorjan’s desperation to try to save the keep from the destruction unknowingly headed it’s way. My heart broke for how that one act destroyed both his life and the one man strong enough to help him. Areau’s story and path is heartrending. He may not be the main character in this story but I hurt for him all the same. I hated seeing such a friendship twisted by the pain Areau was dealing with and the things his captivity made him crave.
So as hard as the first quarter of this book is to read it was entirely worth it to give the power necessary to the rest of the story. I was hooked and just wanted to see some hope and happiness injected into both Areau and Dorjan’s lives. The life and vitality that Taern and Krissy brought into their lives was so refreshing even as they were struggling against such terrible odds to turn the destructive path their country was on. The fantasy elements were woven into the story beautifully and the political clime was scarily easy to identify with. Even if this is Dorjan’s story this is really two men who’ve been crushed by the world they live in and almost destroy each other finding something better and managing to resurrect their friendship in the midst of travesty.
Ok so I can’t help but make the Batman and Robin comparison for Dorjan and Taern if the dynamic duo was gay. I mean really they’re just too awesome! All their gadgets and gizmos paired with their suiting up to go into the darkened, dangerous streets…yep just too fitting. Heck even the age gap and Dorjan’s position in society fits…wow the more I think about it it’s totally Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson…I mean Taern’s an orphan too! Comparisons aside I love these two together and the caring that Taern gives to Dorjan, that soft touch that he’s never known, it was so beautiful. Taern’s energy was just awesome! I loved his spunk and his inability to take no for an answer when he knows he’s right. The self sacrifice inherent in Dorjan makes him so lovely and even Areau redeems himself in the end.
I loved this story and was drawn into the wonderful dark twisted world that Ms. Lane created. I didn’t really know what to expect going into this story and yet it was still nothing like I could have imagined. Love, love, loved this story. Very pleasantly surprised and I just might have to check out more steampunk novels in the future.
Dorjan has always known his place within his family and what that meant to his world. He has always felt the responsibility for the welfare of the planet knowing how badly things can go wrong if the mines his family is responsible for are exploited. Dorjan wanted to do more though and joining the military as a youth was his initial plan. That was until Dorjan realized how corrupt the head of the military was and how determined he was to start a war stooping so low as to attacking an unarmed civilian castle in the name of an arms deposit. That attack and Dorjan’s attempts to stop it changed the tenor of the next ten years of his life. Ten years of pain and misery, not the least of which as the hands of his best friend Areau who stood by him and believed him on the day of the attack, have changed Dorjan and his secret life is now the driving force of his days.
That night ten years before changed Taern’s life as well. Having his family’s keep destroyed for one man’s ambition sent Taern running into a life on the streets. He lucked out and landed on his feet at one of the best brothels in the capital, but he’s never forgotten the soldier who believed him that fateful day and attempted to stop the massacre. When Taern runs into the masked avenger whose been stalking the streets for years one night he finds himself drawn to the man and desperate to do anything to help him. Finding out that Nyx and the soldier who listened are one and the same clinches the future Taern wants for himself. There is no one he’s looked to more than that one man.
This book is a teensy bit of a struggle to get into due to the strange new and different associated with a steampunk novel, it’s made even more difficult with how dark the beginning is. I really felt Dorjan’s desperation to try to save the keep from the destruction unknowingly headed it’s way. My heart broke for how that one act destroyed both his life and the one man strong enough to help him. Areau’s story and path is heartrending. He may not be the main character in this story but I hurt for him all the same. I hated seeing such a friendship twisted by the pain Areau was dealing with and the things his captivity made him crave.
So as hard as the first quarter of this book is to read it was entirely worth it to give the power necessary to the rest of the story. I was hooked and just wanted to see some hope and happiness injected into both Areau and Dorjan’s lives. The life and vitality that Taern and Krissy brought into their lives was so refreshing even as they were struggling against such terrible odds to turn the destructive path their country was on. The fantasy elements were woven into the story beautifully and the political clime was scarily easy to identify with. Even if this is Dorjan’s story this is really two men who’ve been crushed by the world they live in and almost destroy each other finding something better and managing to resurrect their friendship in the midst of travesty.
Ok so I can’t help but make the Batman and Robin comparison for Dorjan and Taern if the dynamic duo was gay. I mean really they’re just too awesome! All their gadgets and gizmos paired with their suiting up to go into the darkened, dangerous streets…yep just too fitting. Heck even the age gap and Dorjan’s position in society fits…wow the more I think about it it’s totally Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson…I mean Taern’s an orphan too! Comparisons aside I love these two together and the caring that Taern gives to Dorjan, that soft touch that he’s never known, it was so beautiful. Taern’s energy was just awesome! I loved his spunk and his inability to take no for an answer when he knows he’s right. The self sacrifice inherent in Dorjan makes him so lovely and even Areau redeems himself in the end.
I loved this story and was drawn into the wonderful dark twisted world that Ms. Lane created. I didn’t really know what to expect going into this story and yet it was still nothing like I could have imagined. Love, love, loved this story. Very pleasantly surprised and I just might have to check out more steampunk novels in the future.
January 3, 2013
Ok. *cracks knuckles* So I read this. Then I read something light and fluffy to clear my head then read this one again.
We all know I'm an Amy Lane #fangirl. No ifs, ands or buts about it. So this was definitely the hardest 4.5 stars she's earned from me. It wasn't the effortless love that I usually have for her stories or her characters. In fact... I HATED Taern. Like, with a gutwrenching, fiery passion did I hate that pushy brat. Even to the end of the story, just never liked the fucker. Which still gives credit to the writing, because I definitely had an emotional response to him and everything in this story, but Taern is where that 1/2 star got shot to pieces.
I adored Dori. Like truly loved him and his tortured soul. And Ari. Oh Ari. I couldn't hate him, even tho I'm sure I was supposed to. They were just such good guys down in their cores, regardless of what happened in those 10 years.
As usual, Amy had great secondaries, but I have to say Madame M was one of my favorite secondary characters in the history of secondary characters just because of her strength and her total unusualness and it took some balls of Amy Lane proportion to write someone like. Kudos.
I just hated Taern so much. Like to the point that I wasnt in it for the HEA. I was truly amazed with the writing, the story and the world building that wasn't in-your-face. Truly an amazing writer. I had no doubt this would be amazeBALLS.
We all know I'm an Amy Lane #fangirl. No ifs, ands or buts about it. So this was definitely the hardest 4.5 stars she's earned from me. It wasn't the effortless love that I usually have for her stories or her characters. In fact... I HATED Taern. Like, with a gutwrenching, fiery passion did I hate that pushy brat. Even to the end of the story, just never liked the fucker. Which still gives credit to the writing, because I definitely had an emotional response to him and everything in this story, but Taern is where that 1/2 star got shot to pieces.
I adored Dori. Like truly loved him and his tortured soul. And Ari. Oh Ari. I couldn't hate him, even tho I'm sure I was supposed to. They were just such good guys down in their cores, regardless of what happened in those 10 years.
As usual, Amy had great secondaries, but I have to say Madame M was one of my favorite secondary characters in the history of secondary characters just because of her strength and her total unusualness and it took some balls of Amy Lane proportion to write someone like. Kudos.
I just hated Taern so much. Like to the point that I wasnt in it for the HEA. I was truly amazed with the writing, the story and the world building that wasn't in-your-face. Truly an amazing writer. I had no doubt this would be amazeBALLS.
November 3, 2016
Wonderful, rich world. I felt for all Dorjan went through and applauded how well he kept his integrity even when he felt he hadn't. It was awful what Areau went through and what he put Dorjan through but thought he redeemed himself in the end. I liked that the women were strong and respected supporting characters. And I loved Taern. Strong, fierce and sweet.
Dorjan to Taern:
"You need to know - I mean, I can't think of words to tell you, but I think I should before we go out there. Every good thing in my heart right now, every joy, every hope, for the future, every pleasant memory of a very dismal past - I owe those to you. You're their keeper. You're the one who makes them real..."
Made me cry!
Dorjan to Taern:
"You need to know - I mean, I can't think of words to tell you, but I think I should before we go out there. Every good thing in my heart right now, every joy, every hope, for the future, every pleasant memory of a very dismal past - I owe those to you. You're their keeper. You're the one who makes them real..."
Made me cry!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2020
A British setting, Sci-Fi, M/M, Paranormal,
Steampunk set-up with smooth and gripping transitions of events.
Amy Lane explains this harsh setting, and we get a feel for this vivid arena we are learning about, the deep characters and their challenges and strife.
On a damaging quest, Dorjan is with the army,
when he finds a young boy under the rushes.
The boy, Taern, wants the burning stopped, because his family is ahead and it's a working farm, not the enemy hold. Dorjan goes to the leader, Septra, to stop their path, and wins that stoppage, but discovers his leader may not be honorable as he has thought.
So, Dorjan and friend Araeu, save the family, but Araeu is sent to an asylum, where severe damage has been dealt. This leads to screwed up times for Araeu and Dorjan, for the ten years that follow, after they get him out and hide him.
Now, ten years later, Dorjan has an alter ego, Nyx, a hero, crime fighter, assasin, and more. Araeu, in secret has fashioned his armor. On one night he sees sassy and bold Taern again,
but now he's a whore in the stews, so Dorjan/Nyx saves him, takes him and a women, Krissa, home, but there is so much more, more depth, a lot of events to learn, and then the relationship for the two men.
The story is amazing, thrilling, full of action, humor and risk, We get sexy time for Taern/Cricket and Dorjan/Nyx, first times, and the characters are lively and likable.
They crusade side by side. There is so much I can't give away.
There is a fierce battle in the culmination, when Septra wants to steal Dorjan's home lands, with a self-sacrifice, but then a new life is given for everyone's HEA. Hope.
Amy Lane is a unique and talented writer.
I highly recommend this book.
ENJOY !
======
Steampunk set-up with smooth and gripping transitions of events.
Amy Lane explains this harsh setting, and we get a feel for this vivid arena we are learning about, the deep characters and their challenges and strife.
On a damaging quest, Dorjan is with the army,
when he finds a young boy under the rushes.
The boy, Taern, wants the burning stopped, because his family is ahead and it's a working farm, not the enemy hold. Dorjan goes to the leader, Septra, to stop their path, and wins that stoppage, but discovers his leader may not be honorable as he has thought.
So, Dorjan and friend Araeu, save the family, but Araeu is sent to an asylum, where severe damage has been dealt. This leads to screwed up times for Araeu and Dorjan, for the ten years that follow, after they get him out and hide him.
Now, ten years later, Dorjan has an alter ego, Nyx, a hero, crime fighter, assasin, and more. Araeu, in secret has fashioned his armor. On one night he sees sassy and bold Taern again,
but now he's a whore in the stews, so Dorjan/Nyx saves him, takes him and a women, Krissa, home, but there is so much more, more depth, a lot of events to learn, and then the relationship for the two men.
The story is amazing, thrilling, full of action, humor and risk, We get sexy time for Taern/Cricket and Dorjan/Nyx, first times, and the characters are lively and likable.
They crusade side by side. There is so much I can't give away.
There is a fierce battle in the culmination, when Septra wants to steal Dorjan's home lands, with a self-sacrifice, but then a new life is given for everyone's HEA. Hope.
Amy Lane is a unique and talented writer.
I highly recommend this book.
ENJOY !
======
December 26, 2012
Fantastical, dark, and imaginative. This was a truly fascinating reading experience, full of intrigue and surprisingly sweet romance. Let's face it, Amy Lane can write anything and make me love it.
What kept it from a full five stars is the feeling of disorientation that never fully went away, but that's solely because of my own personal contemporary-loving preference, not any fault of the writing.
What kept it from a full five stars is the feeling of disorientation that never fully went away, but that's solely because of my own personal contemporary-loving preference, not any fault of the writing.
April 6, 2016
For so long I was scared to try this book, because it was steampunk. My first in this genre and outside my comfort zone. But come on, this is Amy Lane. Not my favorite author by chance. When the audiobook came I had to try it. It was AMAZING!Dark, complex, heart-breaking, beautiful. <3
February 4, 2018
4.3 Stars
I liked this a whole lot more than I thought I would...
RTC, after I sleep!
I liked this a whole lot more than I thought I would...
RTC, after I sleep!
February 17, 2013
“Sometimes it is necessary to do the wrong things for the right reasons. The important thing is to be sure that our reasons are right, and that we admit the wrong.that we do and not lie to ourselves, and convince ourselves that what we do is right." Khader Kahn – Shantaran
As with many things in life, it's the intent of our actions, not the actions themselves that matter. Dorjan makes a decision when he is only nineteen years old which changes the course of his life forever. Even at that early age, he realizes that his views and those of others are infinitely different. Dorjan plots a long, painful course in his determination to make things right again, one that almost destroys him.
Dorjan (Dori) has been raised by a loving, supportive family who have taught him to be fair and just and to value life in all forms. But when faced with a situation which is clearly immoral, his belief system is challenged, he becomes severely disillusioned, and his world is turned upside down. In the process, his best friend, Areau (Ari), is all but mentally and physically destroyed and Dorjan becomes his caregiver. It's not an easy task considering Ari is filled with bitterness, hate, and pain. He pulls Dori into his perversion and creates a miserable scenario for both of them. Dori, in his infinite patience and desire to help his friend, puts aside his feelings and tries to accommodate Ari. All Dori wants is for his friend to be well and happy, regardless of the havoc trying to get him there wreaks on his own psyche.
On top of that, after his father is assassinated, his friend Ari turns him into an almost unstoppable fighting machine so Dori can avenge his father's murder. He inadvertently becomes an protector of the weak which further corrodes his soul. It's a catch 22 situation, one which doesn't appear to have a resolution, that is, until Dori runs into Taern, the young boy, now grown, he believed over his superior officers ten years before. Taern shows him so much kindness and consideration that Dori begins to slowly put things in perspective. When Taern realizes what's actually happening, his goal becomes helping Dori see that he's lovable and capable of loving. Taern becomes his sidekick in defending the innocent and saves his life literally and figuratively.
I felt sorry for Ari, for all his genius, he was lost in a world of pain and self deprecation. His entire world was shattered by being tortured and broken by the men who were supposed to be on his side. He and Dori have been friends since childhood and at times that part of him peeks out from under the madness, but mostly, he's a twisted mess of negative confusion and he takes it out on Dorjan. He loves and hates his best friend and in his haze of pain, he wants him to suffer right along with him. He demands unspeakable things of him, knowing that Dori loves him and that it will break his heart, but also knowing that, because of Dori's loyalty and guilt for getting him in this situation, he will do whatever he asks. The problem is, Dori is not his solution, not his path to getting better. Hope comes to him from an unusual source, Kristen, a prostitute who is also a dominatrix, someone who can help him sort out his addiction to pain and gain control of himself, if only he allows it.
This is an amazing tale of conflicting emotions, where each person searches for his or her own form of redemption. It's a love story, sometimes in its rarest form, beautiful, painful, forgiving, understanding, and honest. I normally shy away from Steampunk stories, because I generally don't understand them, but in this case, I did. Amy introduces the character and background information as it's needed; she doesn't overwhelm us with too many details at once. The world building in this story is marvelous. Its clarity provides us with the opportunity to comprehend their environment, people, customs, and language, which leads to further insight into their motives and actions. Needless to say, I was enthralled by this tale. I'd recommend it to everyone with a spirit of adventure who enjoys Steampunk, fantasy, hard-earned respect and love, told in a realistic manner in which the characters all find their own variety of peace. Amy, my hat goes off to you; thanks for this marvelous, intricate, complicated tale.
As with many things in life, it's the intent of our actions, not the actions themselves that matter. Dorjan makes a decision when he is only nineteen years old which changes the course of his life forever. Even at that early age, he realizes that his views and those of others are infinitely different. Dorjan plots a long, painful course in his determination to make things right again, one that almost destroys him.
Dorjan (Dori) has been raised by a loving, supportive family who have taught him to be fair and just and to value life in all forms. But when faced with a situation which is clearly immoral, his belief system is challenged, he becomes severely disillusioned, and his world is turned upside down. In the process, his best friend, Areau (Ari), is all but mentally and physically destroyed and Dorjan becomes his caregiver. It's not an easy task considering Ari is filled with bitterness, hate, and pain. He pulls Dori into his perversion and creates a miserable scenario for both of them. Dori, in his infinite patience and desire to help his friend, puts aside his feelings and tries to accommodate Ari. All Dori wants is for his friend to be well and happy, regardless of the havoc trying to get him there wreaks on his own psyche.
On top of that, after his father is assassinated, his friend Ari turns him into an almost unstoppable fighting machine so Dori can avenge his father's murder. He inadvertently becomes an protector of the weak which further corrodes his soul. It's a catch 22 situation, one which doesn't appear to have a resolution, that is, until Dori runs into Taern, the young boy, now grown, he believed over his superior officers ten years before. Taern shows him so much kindness and consideration that Dori begins to slowly put things in perspective. When Taern realizes what's actually happening, his goal becomes helping Dori see that he's lovable and capable of loving. Taern becomes his sidekick in defending the innocent and saves his life literally and figuratively.
I felt sorry for Ari, for all his genius, he was lost in a world of pain and self deprecation. His entire world was shattered by being tortured and broken by the men who were supposed to be on his side. He and Dori have been friends since childhood and at times that part of him peeks out from under the madness, but mostly, he's a twisted mess of negative confusion and he takes it out on Dorjan. He loves and hates his best friend and in his haze of pain, he wants him to suffer right along with him. He demands unspeakable things of him, knowing that Dori loves him and that it will break his heart, but also knowing that, because of Dori's loyalty and guilt for getting him in this situation, he will do whatever he asks. The problem is, Dori is not his solution, not his path to getting better. Hope comes to him from an unusual source, Kristen, a prostitute who is also a dominatrix, someone who can help him sort out his addiction to pain and gain control of himself, if only he allows it.
This is an amazing tale of conflicting emotions, where each person searches for his or her own form of redemption. It's a love story, sometimes in its rarest form, beautiful, painful, forgiving, understanding, and honest. I normally shy away from Steampunk stories, because I generally don't understand them, but in this case, I did. Amy introduces the character and background information as it's needed; she doesn't overwhelm us with too many details at once. The world building in this story is marvelous. Its clarity provides us with the opportunity to comprehend their environment, people, customs, and language, which leads to further insight into their motives and actions. Needless to say, I was enthralled by this tale. I'd recommend it to everyone with a spirit of adventure who enjoys Steampunk, fantasy, hard-earned respect and love, told in a realistic manner in which the characters all find their own variety of peace. Amy, my hat goes off to you; thanks for this marvelous, intricate, complicated tale.
December 25, 2012
This is a different type of a book than what author, Amy Lane, usually writes. Under the Rushes takes you to a steampunk Victorian era with a whole new language. She created a very fascinating world with strange steam engines and clothing of olden eras, with a ruling political body (the Forum) that reminds you of the Roman Republic with Senators.
You are introduced to Dorjan (Dori), a young military professional on a training exercise. It is made clear that this military is, essentially, peacekeeping and that Dori's world and it's provinces have been in a state of peace for a long time. Dori stumbles into a betrayal by his commanding officer, a man who is out for power. In an attempt to stop the damage, Dori and his best friend, Areau (Ari), are injured and captured as traitors. So, he is thrown out of the military and Ari is left scarred and damaged from repeated abuse and torture. Dori rescues his friend and discovers that the leaders of his land have joined with the dishonest military commander and are going to start a war.
Dori takes up the flag of revenge and justice for the murder of his father and the trashing of their province from peace to war. With the help of Ari, Dori becomes, basically, a superhero, fighting against the crime and injustice from the shadows while fooling the ruling body into believing he is somewhat dimwitted. Dori manages the political machinations with an ease that will leave you in awe.
It is after Dori's first revenge against the assassin who killed his father that he learns the full scope of the damage done to Ari under his torturers. They tortured him and made him like the pain, crave it and need the release the extreme pain brings him. Ari can not receive pleasure without pain and it is to his best friend that he turns even though Ari is not a lover of men. Dorjan, in trying to give Areau what he so desperately needs, the pain, the humiliation, the degradation,begins to lose a piece of his own soul each encounter.
Jump ahead 10 years. Dori continues serving vengeance and justice on the streets as Nyx while coming home to an Ari forcing him to beat him for sexual release. Something is going to have to give because Dorjan can not continue this way, not and keep his soul. Enter Taern a whore who meets Dorjan when Nyx kills the man slaying the young female prostitutes. This leads to Dorjan finding a girl (a prostitute) to come live with them and take care of Areau's needs. So, Dorjan buys the contract for Krissa and for Taern, bringing them home to his world.
It is here where we begin to get to the true heart of this novel and its people.
Dorjan, so broken by all he's endured. He is a good man. In the best and noblest sense of the word, but he does not see himself that way. The vulnerability of Dori thinking no one knows he's Nyx, when the ones closest to him have always known.
Taern, so determined to fix Dori and bring him the gentleness and caring that has been missing in his life for all of these years. The hope Taern brings to Dorjan.
The changes Krissa brings about to Areau. Ari slowly coming back to life and back to the person he was and the friend he was before his capture and torture.
Mrs. Wrinkles, the housekeeper, and her love for these boys as she's seen them through from boys to men.
The way Amy Lane builds the story is a gift. Inserting a backstory at just the right moment. Introducing a character just when needed the most. Very inspiring to read. The intricateness of the writing is deeply beautiful and hauntingly sad at the same time. The angst and the pain is intense and poignant.
Under the Rushes is an incredible tale of loss, love, the trials of friendship and the hope of redemption. I can not recommend it enough.
You are introduced to Dorjan (Dori), a young military professional on a training exercise. It is made clear that this military is, essentially, peacekeeping and that Dori's world and it's provinces have been in a state of peace for a long time. Dori stumbles into a betrayal by his commanding officer, a man who is out for power. In an attempt to stop the damage, Dori and his best friend, Areau (Ari), are injured and captured as traitors. So, he is thrown out of the military and Ari is left scarred and damaged from repeated abuse and torture. Dori rescues his friend and discovers that the leaders of his land have joined with the dishonest military commander and are going to start a war.
Dori takes up the flag of revenge and justice for the murder of his father and the trashing of their province from peace to war. With the help of Ari, Dori becomes, basically, a superhero, fighting against the crime and injustice from the shadows while fooling the ruling body into believing he is somewhat dimwitted. Dori manages the political machinations with an ease that will leave you in awe.
It is after Dori's first revenge against the assassin who killed his father that he learns the full scope of the damage done to Ari under his torturers. They tortured him and made him like the pain, crave it and need the release the extreme pain brings him. Ari can not receive pleasure without pain and it is to his best friend that he turns even though Ari is not a lover of men. Dorjan, in trying to give Areau what he so desperately needs, the pain, the humiliation, the degradation,begins to lose a piece of his own soul each encounter.
Jump ahead 10 years. Dori continues serving vengeance and justice on the streets as Nyx while coming home to an Ari forcing him to beat him for sexual release. Something is going to have to give because Dorjan can not continue this way, not and keep his soul. Enter Taern a whore who meets Dorjan when Nyx kills the man slaying the young female prostitutes. This leads to Dorjan finding a girl (a prostitute) to come live with them and take care of Areau's needs. So, Dorjan buys the contract for Krissa and for Taern, bringing them home to his world.
It is here where we begin to get to the true heart of this novel and its people.
Dorjan, so broken by all he's endured. He is a good man. In the best and noblest sense of the word, but he does not see himself that way. The vulnerability of Dori thinking no one knows he's Nyx, when the ones closest to him have always known.
Taern, so determined to fix Dori and bring him the gentleness and caring that has been missing in his life for all of these years. The hope Taern brings to Dorjan.
The changes Krissa brings about to Areau. Ari slowly coming back to life and back to the person he was and the friend he was before his capture and torture.
Mrs. Wrinkles, the housekeeper, and her love for these boys as she's seen them through from boys to men.
The way Amy Lane builds the story is a gift. Inserting a backstory at just the right moment. Introducing a character just when needed the most. Very inspiring to read. The intricateness of the writing is deeply beautiful and hauntingly sad at the same time. The angst and the pain is intense and poignant.
Under the Rushes is an incredible tale of loss, love, the trials of friendship and the hope of redemption. I can not recommend it enough.
September 29, 2013
This book surprised me. I saw it mentioned as a fantasy and that genre is my favorite, not to mention I always enjoy Amy Lane's writing, though I associate her more with sweet angsty stories. But an Amy Lane fantasy sounded intriguing. Turns out this book is not a fantasy, though in many ways it reads like one. It's science fiction in steampunk clothes and it could not be more delightful. And better than that, it's an incisive portrayal of society at war and the lies leaders tell their soldiers, their people and, just as often, themselves.
The first part of the book is some of the best science fantasy writing I've encountered. Quirky technology, vivid conflict, and one heck of a portrayal of a battle that's horribly, unnecessarily wrong. Main character Dorjan is young, a soldier, and he believes in his cause. And then he meets a boy... As a result, Dorjan's life unravels. His actions have consequences both noble and disastrous, for himself and also for others. I loved this character; by the end of the novel, however, I loved Areau more. I don't think I've ever met another character quite like him. His suffering (this is an Amy Lane novel and the suffering is vast and beautiful) has terrible origins, and the character unfolds as the novel does, in convoluted search of relief, not just for Areau but for Dorjan, who is right there in hell with him.
The novel examines heroes and villains, how we define them and how we define ourselves and each other. That we find love at all is a miracle, and it really does take work. Not only are Dorjan and Areau sympathetic, soulful characters, but I loved some of the secondary characters, in particular Kyon and M. And the world building is brilliant. From the moment Dorjan mounted a cricket, I was hooked. I recommend this book for readers who love science fiction that's not too hard, steampunk, fantasy with a political bent, villains you want to wipe with a dog's ass, heroes who suffer terribly, hard-won love, and Batman and Robin type pairings. And magic, because this world is wonderfully magical, too.
The first part of the book is some of the best science fantasy writing I've encountered. Quirky technology, vivid conflict, and one heck of a portrayal of a battle that's horribly, unnecessarily wrong. Main character Dorjan is young, a soldier, and he believes in his cause. And then he meets a boy... As a result, Dorjan's life unravels. His actions have consequences both noble and disastrous, for himself and also for others. I loved this character; by the end of the novel, however, I loved Areau more. I don't think I've ever met another character quite like him. His suffering (this is an Amy Lane novel and the suffering is vast and beautiful) has terrible origins, and the character unfolds as the novel does, in convoluted search of relief, not just for Areau but for Dorjan, who is right there in hell with him.
The novel examines heroes and villains, how we define them and how we define ourselves and each other. That we find love at all is a miracle, and it really does take work. Not only are Dorjan and Areau sympathetic, soulful characters, but I loved some of the secondary characters, in particular Kyon and M. And the world building is brilliant. From the moment Dorjan mounted a cricket, I was hooked. I recommend this book for readers who love science fiction that's not too hard, steampunk, fantasy with a political bent, villains you want to wipe with a dog's ass, heroes who suffer terribly, hard-won love, and Batman and Robin type pairings. And magic, because this world is wonderfully magical, too.
August 22, 2013
Main Characters: Dorjan of Kyon's Gate, Taern of Klamath Keep & Arneau Coreau
Key Themes: Dark, War, Superhero, In the Closet, Addiction, Self Abuse
Location: Some Planet in Outer Space
Mesmerizing and sometimes harrowing steampunk MM romance.
About 10% of the way into the book, I was convinced I was not going to finish it! It was too dark, too violent, I was repulsed by Arneau's addiction, and it seemed all the bad guys were winning. So early in the story and yet there was already so much death, pain, and destruction.
I REALLY wanted to stop reading the story…..I. Just. Could. Not. Stop. Myself! I desperately needed to know what was going to happen next… so I kept reading...
Thankfully, about a quarter of the way into the story, the beautiful but stubborn adult Taern appeared (Taern appears earlier in the story, as a young boy), and I finally got some relief! Taern brought with him some much needed lightness and humor.
Before Taern's appearance, the main story line was the intense and deeply flawed relationship between Dorjan (a 29 year old ex-soldier, turned bitter politician by day, and superhero/vigilante/assassin by night) and Arneau (Dorjan's best friend and tormentor, and the mad scientist behind Dorjan's steam-enhanced armor and weaponry).
Sadly, the ending was a bit of a let down. Dorjan's and Taern's reconciliation in the city was glossed over, and whilst Dorjan's lengthy declaration of love to Taern was lovely, to me, it was way overshadowed by earlier events.
Key Themes: Dark, War, Superhero, In the Closet, Addiction, Self Abuse
Location: Some Planet in Outer Space
Mesmerizing and sometimes harrowing steampunk MM romance.
About 10% of the way into the book, I was convinced I was not going to finish it! It was too dark, too violent, I was repulsed by Arneau's addiction, and it seemed all the bad guys were winning. So early in the story and yet there was already so much death, pain, and destruction.
I REALLY wanted to stop reading the story…..I. Just. Could. Not. Stop. Myself! I desperately needed to know what was going to happen next… so I kept reading...
Thankfully, about a quarter of the way into the story, the beautiful but stubborn adult Taern appeared (Taern appears earlier in the story, as a young boy), and I finally got some relief! Taern brought with him some much needed lightness and humor.
Before Taern's appearance, the main story line was the intense and deeply flawed relationship between Dorjan (a 29 year old ex-soldier, turned bitter politician by day, and superhero/vigilante/assassin by night) and Arneau (Dorjan's best friend and tormentor, and the mad scientist behind Dorjan's steam-enhanced armor and weaponry).
Sadly, the ending was a bit of a let down. Dorjan's and Taern's reconciliation in the city was glossed over, and whilst Dorjan's lengthy declaration of love to Taern was lovely, to me, it was way overshadowed by earlier events.
March 17, 2014
Until I reached the half-way point of this novel, I was mentally writing a reflection on this book as being the one that not only *finally* taught me what steampunk is but, along with Ginn Hale's Rifter made a true fantasy/AU/world-building fanatic out of me.
UNTIL I hit the half-way point, that is. I'm going to have to re-read this what-should-have-been-a-series in order to figure out made me shift from page-turning, and burning the midnight oil, to feeling like I could pick it up and finish it, sometime. Initially, I thought it was a shift from a first-person POV to a *meh-ish* third-person POV, but it's all in the third person. It will literally take a fresh look at Under the Rushes to figure out why that crucial 25%, from midpoint to three-quarters through, lost all momentum and, crucially, my interest.
Please don't get me wrong, I am definitely recommending this to fans of Ms. Lane. Actually, I would like to know whether others have the same reaction as I; especially since the last quarter of the book is riveting. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I really, really wish this had been a series rather than a one-off. It's that good.
The main characters, from tormented Bruce Wayne-like superhero-by-night, Dorjan, to Taern, arguably the sexiest, pushiest, most delightful and bossiest bottom ever, are there to be enjoyed. Secondary characters, as tends to be true with Amy Lane, are aces: from Madame M, likely the butchest madame of a whorehouse in any universe, to Dorjan's best friend, and tormentor, Areau. Oh, and the bad guy, Alum Septra, is an oily, Mitt Romney-like dictator of an alt-Victorian world with a Senate as incompetent as our own.
UNTIL I hit the half-way point, that is. I'm going to have to re-read this what-should-have-been-a-series in order to figure out made me shift from page-turning, and burning the midnight oil, to feeling like I could pick it up and finish it, sometime. Initially, I thought it was a shift from a first-person POV to a *meh-ish* third-person POV, but it's all in the third person. It will literally take a fresh look at Under the Rushes to figure out why that crucial 25%, from midpoint to three-quarters through, lost all momentum and, crucially, my interest.
Please don't get me wrong, I am definitely recommending this to fans of Ms. Lane. Actually, I would like to know whether others have the same reaction as I; especially since the last quarter of the book is riveting. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I really, really wish this had been a series rather than a one-off. It's that good.
The main characters, from tormented Bruce Wayne-like superhero-by-night, Dorjan, to Taern, arguably the sexiest, pushiest, most delightful and bossiest bottom ever, are there to be enjoyed. Secondary characters, as tends to be true with Amy Lane, are aces: from Madame M, likely the butchest madame of a whorehouse in any universe, to Dorjan's best friend, and tormentor, Areau. Oh, and the bad guy, Alum Septra, is an oily, Mitt Romney-like dictator of an alt-Victorian world with a Senate as incompetent as our own.
January 1, 2013
I had a bit of a hard time getting over the first 5%. Why?
Steampunk is not my genre, I've read a few books and liked them but for me it's sometimes complicated to understand what is meant. For example..Dorjan's father has a rabbit ready when he comes home? Well, I thought it would be a meal...it was some kind of transportation. This is my personal hang-up, probably because English is not my native language. So..yeah...steampunk...but it's written by Amy Lane and yes, I read all her books, autobuy and so far I was never dissapointed.
That happened with this book, too. After I got into the strange world...I liked it. I liked the MCs and I loved how sweet and insightful Taern is. He was the best character for me. He carried the book in large parts. I liked Dorjan but I have to admit that I never loved him as much as Taern. I wanted to know what happened with Areau, I thought I knew what would happen - and I was right which was no consolation at all because at that point I thought it wouldn't happen and there had been a better way out of ....well, read the book. I'm not going to tell you what happens.
The book has some great secondary characters and funny and intelligent lines.
I found some parts a bit illogical or not clearly explained - especially with the niskets (can they heal Dorjan when he is at the keep?) but still...
Yes, I liked it but I have to admit...it's not going to make it to my toplist. Still, it is a book worth the read and I give 4 stars.
Steampunk is not my genre, I've read a few books and liked them but for me it's sometimes complicated to understand what is meant. For example..Dorjan's father has a rabbit ready when he comes home? Well, I thought it would be a meal...it was some kind of transportation. This is my personal hang-up, probably because English is not my native language. So..yeah...steampunk...but it's written by Amy Lane and yes, I read all her books, autobuy and so far I was never dissapointed.
That happened with this book, too. After I got into the strange world...I liked it. I liked the MCs and I loved how sweet and insightful Taern is. He was the best character for me. He carried the book in large parts. I liked Dorjan but I have to admit that I never loved him as much as Taern. I wanted to know what happened with Areau, I thought I knew what would happen - and I was right which was no consolation at all because at that point I thought it wouldn't happen and there had been a better way out of ....well, read the book. I'm not going to tell you what happens.
The book has some great secondary characters and funny and intelligent lines.
I found some parts a bit illogical or not clearly explained - especially with the niskets (can they heal Dorjan when he is at the keep?) but still...
Yes, I liked it but I have to admit...it's not going to make it to my toplist. Still, it is a book worth the read and I give 4 stars.
October 28, 2014
STEAMPUNK MEETS SUPERHERO
Amy Lane, yet again you have produced a great read!
Think film 'League of Extraordinary Gentleman - Sean Connery' mashed with a Batman film of your choice.
By day, Dorjan (Dori) is a mild-mannered but deliberately dim-witted politician (to deflect unwelcome attention). By night he becomes Nyx, the people's hero. Noble, brave, selfless and self-deprecating, he is SO much more that his demeanour suggests. Vigilante does not do him justice.
In the world that this book is set, he has had to become a dark, shadowy figure to help those that would otherwise have no help. So much has gone wrong for him and his best friend Ari that he feels a desperate need to right wrongs, mainly dealt to him by Alum Septra, the evil man that has blackmailed and killed his way into the highest position of power. Yes, the story is very familiar, but given a really great twist by the setting. You know that a sidekick (and potential life partner) will come into the story, you know that many things will go wrong before they start to go right and you will be absolutely positive that the 'baddies' will get their comeuppance. As with most Amy Lane stories, you also know that there will be a lot of love, some loss, but hopefully a happy ending.
This book had all of that and more, I really enjoyed it.
Amy Lane, yet again you have produced a great read!
Think film 'League of Extraordinary Gentleman - Sean Connery' mashed with a Batman film of your choice.
By day, Dorjan (Dori) is a mild-mannered but deliberately dim-witted politician (to deflect unwelcome attention). By night he becomes Nyx, the people's hero. Noble, brave, selfless and self-deprecating, he is SO much more that his demeanour suggests. Vigilante does not do him justice.
In the world that this book is set, he has had to become a dark, shadowy figure to help those that would otherwise have no help. So much has gone wrong for him and his best friend Ari that he feels a desperate need to right wrongs, mainly dealt to him by Alum Septra, the evil man that has blackmailed and killed his way into the highest position of power. Yes, the story is very familiar, but given a really great twist by the setting. You know that a sidekick (and potential life partner) will come into the story, you know that many things will go wrong before they start to go right and you will be absolutely positive that the 'baddies' will get their comeuppance. As with most Amy Lane stories, you also know that there will be a lot of love, some loss, but hopefully a happy ending.
This book had all of that and more, I really enjoyed it.
December 22, 2012
So - Amy Lane even pulls off steampunk (I'd love to see her tackle epic fantasy!)
I liked her setting: fleshed out and original, but not drowning in heaps of worldbuilding.
I fell in love with each of the three heroes - please can I get a Taern for christmas??
And this book didn't feature just one strong and likeable female but three!
I was glued to the pages and finished the book in record time.
And still: I don't think I will reread it in the foreseeable future. The abundance of darkness, angst, violence and tragedy simply was a little too much for me this time. (Yes, sorry, I'm a sissy)
I liked her setting: fleshed out and original, but not drowning in heaps of worldbuilding.
I fell in love with each of the three heroes - please can I get a Taern for christmas??
And this book didn't feature just one strong and likeable female but three!
I was glued to the pages and finished the book in record time.
And still: I don't think I will reread it in the foreseeable future. The abundance of darkness, angst, violence and tragedy simply was a little too much for me this time. (Yes, sorry, I'm a sissy)
February 4, 2013
This book was difficult for me to rate. I love Amy Lane's writing. However, I got distracted by all the steam punk elements. The world building didn't really come together for me. Early on I became confused by the action, and I had a hard time visualizing the world and it's trappings.
The romantic elements were spot on though. The way she shows two characters connecting is beautiful. I always walk away from one of her books knowing that the two main characters are perfect for each other. In the end I'd say this was a 3.5.
The romantic elements were spot on though. The way she shows two characters connecting is beautiful. I always walk away from one of her books knowing that the two main characters are perfect for each other. In the end I'd say this was a 3.5.
July 31, 2013
I have never been a fan of alt-universe or steampunk, but this book was simply awesome, and I'm so glad I read it. Amy Lane built a fantastic world for this adventure which showcases Dorjan, a strong, solid, ethics-driven hero, and Taern, equally courageous, forthright, and solidly in love with Dorjan.
January 1, 2013
4.5 stars
January 14, 2013
My favorite Amy Lane book ever! 4.5 stars but there is no way I can round down.
August 4, 2013
I must admit that I have never read steampunk as a genre before taking on Under the Rushes by Amy Lane. There is a vast amount of world building that had to be done in this novel and to the author’s credit, a solid foundation for this world was laid within the first five or six percent of this novel…but then, we were left scrabbling for footing in a vast array of new terminology and layers upon layers of technology that sometimes left me scratching my head in confusion. But, let’s recap the story first, before I get into why this novel did not quite make the five star status I think it could have had.
Under the Rushes spans more than a decade in the life of Dorjan, heir to Kyon’s Keep—a place that is the main producer of a mineral vital to the welfare of the army and apparently so volatile that if over-mined it could lead to the destruction of the planet. His best friend, Areau (whom Dori also loves as more than a friend) is a scientific genius whose ingenious machinery and armor could make the army invincible to all foes.
We join these two friends in their younger years as recruits in a group that was meant to be on their way to destroy a munitions hold of the enemy. Along the way, Dorjan happens upon a nine-year-old Taern hiding in the rushes after having lost his kite. The boy informs him that the army is not marching upon a munitions dump, but rather Taern’s home. Dorjan rushes ahead with Areau to stop the order and meets his future nemesis, Alum Septra, who ignores him and fires upon the keep. Utter devastation along with near fatal injuries fell both Areau and Dorjan.
Fast-forward a bit and we find Dorjan being blamed for mutiny and his cries against Septra’s barbarism falling on deaf ears. He is ceremoniously discharged from the army and he and his father Kyon must now rush to save Adreau who has been tortured and kept in an asylum under lock and key for the last month. Upon rescuing his friend, Dorjan watches his father being assassinated and rushes home with Areau to heal and plot his revenge on Septra who was responsible for sending the murderer.
Now we leap ten years and the twisted and harsh relationship that Dorjan and Areau have adopted that is based on guilt and anger and pain is revealed. We also find out that the boy Taern has survived by selling himself on the streets—the very streets that Doran now patrols by night ridding them of evil and the very drug that infected Areau ten years before. In a happy twist of fate, Dorjan ends up buying Taern’s contract and that of a girl for Areau—someone who can provide both the discipline and pain that Areau now craves—the very things that are slowly killing Dorjan with guilt and despair.
This pair of prostitutes, Taern and Krissa, become the means of salvation for both Areau and Dorjan and give Dorjan the much needed support to bring about change in the Forum and possibly take on Septra and bring him down.
That in a very small and inadequate nutshell is the basic plot of Under the Rushes. It is by no means an indicator of the multi-leveled story line and endless cast of supporting characters. Amy Lane is a master at angst and she gives us heaping doses in this story. In all, it is really a brilliant idea, and the story supports it well for the most part. However, this was neither fully steampunk nor fully a romance—it was dribs and drabs of both and I think this is what ultimately weakened the story overall. The novel began committed to developing this fantastical world and did a really good job of it. But as soon as other key characters were introduced, the world was left fallow and we saw it in bits and pieces, confusing bits and pieces that left me wondering where we were and how we had gotten there.
At the same time, the author really began to expose her true brilliance in the form of side-by-side love stories. Both Dorjan and Areau are dramatically changed by their lovers and the sweet romance that results, the healing and the succor given, was truly beautiful. However, this too, lost its full impact for we were forced back into the more technical aspects of new armors and weapons and the machinations of the Forum and political maneuvering. At one point I was sure we were hearing the author’s views on military expansion and war. At another time I felt we were privy to her thoughts about drug addiction. And yet another time I felt we were being given an intimate look at how the author viewed redemption from personal demons.
All at once this was not one story but three or four and I was not always certain where we were going to be swept to next. To say that this is a four-star read indicates the brilliance of author Amy Lane even when her trajectory is not at its best. Under the Rushes was a valiant attempt at a steampunk driven action/adventure that at its core was a sweet and hard won romance and many aspects of it succeeded. However, at times the sacrifices made to further a different story line left holes that made for a confusing read overall.
Under the Rushes spans more than a decade in the life of Dorjan, heir to Kyon’s Keep—a place that is the main producer of a mineral vital to the welfare of the army and apparently so volatile that if over-mined it could lead to the destruction of the planet. His best friend, Areau (whom Dori also loves as more than a friend) is a scientific genius whose ingenious machinery and armor could make the army invincible to all foes.
We join these two friends in their younger years as recruits in a group that was meant to be on their way to destroy a munitions hold of the enemy. Along the way, Dorjan happens upon a nine-year-old Taern hiding in the rushes after having lost his kite. The boy informs him that the army is not marching upon a munitions dump, but rather Taern’s home. Dorjan rushes ahead with Areau to stop the order and meets his future nemesis, Alum Septra, who ignores him and fires upon the keep. Utter devastation along with near fatal injuries fell both Areau and Dorjan.
Fast-forward a bit and we find Dorjan being blamed for mutiny and his cries against Septra’s barbarism falling on deaf ears. He is ceremoniously discharged from the army and he and his father Kyon must now rush to save Adreau who has been tortured and kept in an asylum under lock and key for the last month. Upon rescuing his friend, Dorjan watches his father being assassinated and rushes home with Areau to heal and plot his revenge on Septra who was responsible for sending the murderer.
Now we leap ten years and the twisted and harsh relationship that Dorjan and Areau have adopted that is based on guilt and anger and pain is revealed. We also find out that the boy Taern has survived by selling himself on the streets—the very streets that Doran now patrols by night ridding them of evil and the very drug that infected Areau ten years before. In a happy twist of fate, Dorjan ends up buying Taern’s contract and that of a girl for Areau—someone who can provide both the discipline and pain that Areau now craves—the very things that are slowly killing Dorjan with guilt and despair.
This pair of prostitutes, Taern and Krissa, become the means of salvation for both Areau and Dorjan and give Dorjan the much needed support to bring about change in the Forum and possibly take on Septra and bring him down.
That in a very small and inadequate nutshell is the basic plot of Under the Rushes. It is by no means an indicator of the multi-leveled story line and endless cast of supporting characters. Amy Lane is a master at angst and she gives us heaping doses in this story. In all, it is really a brilliant idea, and the story supports it well for the most part. However, this was neither fully steampunk nor fully a romance—it was dribs and drabs of both and I think this is what ultimately weakened the story overall. The novel began committed to developing this fantastical world and did a really good job of it. But as soon as other key characters were introduced, the world was left fallow and we saw it in bits and pieces, confusing bits and pieces that left me wondering where we were and how we had gotten there.
At the same time, the author really began to expose her true brilliance in the form of side-by-side love stories. Both Dorjan and Areau are dramatically changed by their lovers and the sweet romance that results, the healing and the succor given, was truly beautiful. However, this too, lost its full impact for we were forced back into the more technical aspects of new armors and weapons and the machinations of the Forum and political maneuvering. At one point I was sure we were hearing the author’s views on military expansion and war. At another time I felt we were privy to her thoughts about drug addiction. And yet another time I felt we were being given an intimate look at how the author viewed redemption from personal demons.
All at once this was not one story but three or four and I was not always certain where we were going to be swept to next. To say that this is a four-star read indicates the brilliance of author Amy Lane even when her trajectory is not at its best. Under the Rushes was a valiant attempt at a steampunk driven action/adventure that at its core was a sweet and hard won romance and many aspects of it succeeded. However, at times the sacrifices made to further a different story line left holes that made for a confusing read overall.
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